Photosensitization of multiwalled carbon nanotube scaffolds with ZnO quantum dots for photovoltaic applications

In this article, we have decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) scaffold with ZnO quantum dots (QDs, size in the range of 2.9–4.5 nm) and investigated their prospects for photovoltaic applications. ZnO QDs, in the present study, work as photosensitizer instead of electron transporting media as used in recent conventional strategic solar cells. ZnO QDs/MWCNTs composite shows an increased visible absorbance and quenching of the broad visible emission at around ~560 nm, while only ZnO QDs exhibit a strong visible emission. An efficient electron–hole separation facilitates an increase in the short-circuit current. These results show a possibility of developing a nontoxic, ZnO QDs sensitized MWCNTs composite-based photovoltaic solar cell.     

Bifurcation analysis of the Zhukovskii-Volterra system via bi-Hamiltonian approach

The main goal of this paper consists of bifurcation analysis of classical integrable Zhukovskii-Volterra system. We use the fact that the ZV system is bi-Hamiltonian and apply new techniques [1] for analysis of singularities of bi-Hamiltonian systems, which can be formulated as follows: the structure of singularities of a bi-Hamiltonian system is determined by that of the corresponding compatible Poisson brackets.     

Sharp oscillation and nonoscillation tests for delay dynamic equations

In this paper, we give new sufficient conditions for both oscillation and nonoscillation of the delay dynamic equation where and satisfy τ(t) ≤ σ(t) for all large t and . As an important corollary, we obtain the time scale invariant integral condition for nonoscillation: for all large t. Also, with some examples, we show that newly presented results are sharp.     

An equity approach to stream water quality management

A model for stream water quality management with particular emphasis on applicability in Turkey is developed via mathematical programming. A new criterion of equity is introduced and the model is formulated as a quadratic programming problem with two objectives, namely equity among dischargers and minimization of total cost. The model is also applied to a hypothetical stream and compared with other more common water quality management programs.     

Studies on poly(ethylene terephthalate)/cotton blends by differential scanning calorimetry

DSC curves of polyster/cotton blends indicate that the glass transition temperature,T _g, of cotton varies with the blend composition. Standard curves for quality control purposes are presented and are based on either the cotton or PET transition peak areas. Factors that contribute to the size of the peak areas were determined: a composition coefficient factor and a thermal coefficient factor.

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Zusammenfassung Die DSC-Kurven von Polyster/Baumwoll-Gemischen zeigen, dass die Glas-Übergangstemperatur (T _g der Baumwolle sich mit der Zusammensetzung des Gemisches ändert. Standardkurven für Qualitätskontrollen werden gezeigt, welche auf den Übergangspeakflächen der Baumwolle oder des PETs beruhen. Die zur Grösse der Peakfläche beitragenden Faktoren wurden bestimmt: ein Zusammensetzungskoeffizient und ein thermischer Koeffizient.

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Résumé Les courbes DSC des combinaisons polyester/coton indiquent que la température de transition vitreuseT _g du coton varie avec la composition. On présente des courbes types pour le contrôle de la qualité d'après les surfaces des pics de transition du coton ou du PET. On a déterminé les facteurs qui influencent la dimension des surfaces des pics: l'un est en rapport avec la composition et l'autre avec le coefficient thermique.

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IBX/Sc(OTf)3-promoted one-pot oxidative conjugate addition of allyltrimethylsilane to Baylis-Hillman adducts

Baylis-Hillman adducts undergo smooth one-pot oxidative Michael addition with allyltrimethylsilane in the presence of 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX)/Sc(OTf)₃ under mild conditions to afford homoallyl β-ketoesters in good yields with high 1,4-selectivity.     

Synthetically Tuning the 2‐Position of Halogenated Quinolines: Optimizing Antibacterial and Biofilm Eradication Activities via Alkylation and Reductive Amination Pathways

Agents capable of eradicating bacterial biofilms are of great importance to human health as biofilm‐associated infections are tolerant to our current antibiotic therapies. We have recently discovered that halogenated quinoline (HQ) small molecules are: 1) capable of eradicating methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) biofilms, and 2) synthetic tuning of the 2‐position of the HQ scaffold has a significant impact on antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Here, we report the chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of 39 HQ analogues that have a high degree of structural diversity at the 2‐position. We identified diverse analogues that are alkylated and aminated at the 2‐position of the HQ scaffold and demonstrate potent antibacterial (MIC≤0.39 μm ) and biofilm eradication (MBEC 1.0–93.8 μm ) activities against drug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecium strains while demonstrating <5 % haemolysis activity against human red blood cells (RBCs) at 200 μm . In addition, these HQs demonstrated low cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Halogenated quinolines are a promising class of antibiofilm agents against Gram‐positive pathogens that could lead to useful treatments against persistent bacterial infections.     

Telechelic Poly(disulfide)s and Related Block Copolymer

In this communication, a mild, efficient, and generalized polycondensation route is developed for poly(disulfide)s from commercially available monomers 2,2′‐dithiodipyridine and 1,6‐hexanedithiol. Using the stoichiometric imbalance between the two monomers, it is possible to produce telechelic poly(disulfide)s of predictable molecular weight with reactive pyridyl disulfide groups at both the terminals of the chain. The two terminal pyridyl disulfide groups can be quantitatively replaced by a functional thiol using selective thiol‐disulfide exchange and thus produces functional telechelic poly(disulfide)s, which can be used as a macroinitiator to initiate ring‐opening poly­merization of a cyclic lactide monomer generating an ABA‐type triblock copolymer with degradable B block.