Two questions in diophantine approximation

The first question is about a possible variation on Dirichlet's approximation theorem for linear forms x+y+z, wherex,y are restricted topositive integers. The second question, which turns out to be related to the first, is about approximation to elements in a power series fieldk((t ^–1)) by solutions of first order linear differential equationsx+y+z=0, wherex,y,z are polynomials int. Dedicated to Prof. Dr. E. Hlawka on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Magnesium nanoparticles with transition metal decoration for hydrogen storage

We report on the hydrogen storage behaviour of Mg nanoparticles (NPs) (size range 100 nm–1 μm) with metal-oxide core–shell morphology synthesized by inert gas condensation and decorated by transition metal (TM) (Pd or Ti) clusters via in situ vacuum deposition. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared and hydrogenated NPs is studied by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction including in situ experiments and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in order to investigate the relationships with the hydrogen storage kinetics measured by the volumetric Sieverts method. With both Pd and Ti, the decoration deeply improves the hydrogen sorption properties: previously inert NPs exhibit complete hydrogenation with fast transformation kinetics, good stability and reversible gravimetric capacity that can attain 6 wt%. In the case of Pd-decoration, the occurrence of Mg–Pd alloying is observed at high temperatures and in dependence of the hydrogen pressure conditions. These structural transformations modify both the kinetics and thermodynamics of hydride formation, while Ti-decoration has an effect only on the kinetics. The experimental results are discussed in relation with key issues such as the amount of decoration, the heat of mixing between TM and Mg and the binding energy between TM and hydrogen.     

Psychoacoustics of in-car switch buttons: From feelings to engineering parameters

The car interior is becoming quieter and other sounds are now exposed to user perception, such as the sound produced by interface buttons when actuated. So, the functional role of the button sound on interface operation and its aesthetic and emotional role on the user experience are now more important than before. However, little research and design effort has been paid to understand how to design buttons that produce a pleasant sound. Moreover, the button’s sound requirements received by interface manufacturers are ill-defined, insufficient or even inexistent, and consequently their conversion into specifications for manufacturing is problematic and leads to long and costly development processes. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to identify relevant acoustic parameters that explain the users sound preferences. Data on preference subjective judgments were collected and buttons acoustic signals were measured allowing the development of preference models based on partial least squares regression and neural networks methods. The former was successful in selecting the relevant parameters to describe the preference ratings of the buttons sound. The later, dealing with the non-linear nature of acoustic perception, was able to predict preferences based on the relevant parameters.     

Pore Structure Analysis of Porous Particles by Equivalent Model

Starting from Wheeler's composite theory, which takes both the multilayer adsorption and the capillary condensation into consideration, and assuming the equivalent cylindrical model, we have deduced a strict and relatively simpler formula for the calculation of pore size distribution by solving the integral equation directly. The formula is more convenient for application because of its recursion form. Following the same line of reasoning and using the mean value theorem of definite integrals under different conditions, we have unified the equations of Barrett-Joyner-Halenda, Dubinin, Cranston-Inkley, Dollimore-Heal and Roberts. A table of parameters which is required in the calculation is given. Besides the adsorption of nitrogen, the adsorption with water vapor as the adsorbate is investigated and the corresponding empirical equation of adsorption thickness is given.