Dynamic Nonlinear Modelization of Operational Supply Chain Systems

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an important activity in all producing facilities and in many organizations to enable vendors, manufacturers and suppliers to interact gainfully and plan optimally their flow of goods and services. To realize this, a dynamic modelling approach for characterizing supply chain activities is opportune, so as to plan efficiently the set of activities over a distributed network in a formal and scientific way. The dynamical system will result so complex that it is not generally possible to specify the functional forms and the parameters of interest, relating outputs to inputs, states and stochastic terms by experiential specification methods. Thus the algorithm that will presented is Data Driven, determining simultaneously the functional forms, the parameters and the optimal control policy from the data available for the supply chain. The aim of this paper is to present this methodology, by considering dynamical aspects of the system, the presence of nonlinear relationships and unbiased estimation procedures to quantify these relations, leading to a nonlinear and stochastic dynamical system representation of the SCM problem. Moreover, the convergence of the algorithm will be proved and the satisfaction of the required statistical conditions demonstrated. Thus SCM problems may be formulated as formal scientific procedures, with well defined algorithms and a precise calculation sequence to determine the best alternative to enact. A “Certainty equivalent principle” will be indicated to ensure that the effects of the inevitable uncertainties will not lead to indeterminate results, allowing the formulation of demonstrably asymptotically optimal management plans.     

DRIFTS study of surface reactivity to NO2 by zinc nanoparticle aggregates and zinc hollow nanofibers

Zinc nanostructures synthesized with different morphologies from the same evaporation/condensation technique are studied with concern to surface reactivity to NO₂ by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transformed Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Synthesis of nanopowders is obtained, according to previous work, by gas flow thermal evaporation at 540 °C of bulk Zn grains. Two types of Zn powders are obtained and studied in experiments. The first one is collected on the cold walls of the reactor as a deposit produced by thermophoretic effect. It is constituted by grains (∼10 μm) originated by the stratification of smaller aggregates (∼200 nm) and isolated primary particles (∼50 nm) born in the gas flow. The second type of powder is grown from the condensation of Zn chemical vapors within the expansion orifice of the quartz reactor after relatively long time (∼1 h) deposition process. It is constituted mainly by hollow Zn nanofibers with external and internal diameter about 100 and 60 nm. Preliminary characterization of the two types of powders is made by SEM, TEM, XRD. Thereafter, the two types of samples are studied by DRIFTS at variable temperature (VT). Comparison is made between the home-synthesized nanopowders with respect to commercial Zn standard dust. The Zn hollow nanofibers when exposed to NO₂ are found to exhibit dramatic reactivity, which is not observed at all either in the case of clustered aggregate zinc or of commercial Zn dust powders. Results indicate that, at increasing temperature from RT to 300 °C, the hollow nanofibers surface reacts distinctively with adsorbant gas NO₂, with contemporary formation of a progressively growing narrow absorption band at 2500 cm⁻¹ and contemporary depression of a doublet (∼1600-1628 cm⁻¹) band. In order to justify this striking spectral feature, we propose the occurring of a possible polymerization process at nanofibers surface where most probably as a consequence of pre-treatment and exposure to gas NO₂ a very thin film of ZnO is formed. The possible role of huge specific surface of hollow nanofibers as inferred by preliminary SEM, TEM, XRD studies is discussed.     

Mimicking catalase and catecholase enzymes by copper(II)-containing complexes

An imidazolate-bridged copper(II)-zinc(II) complex (Cu(II)-diethylenetriamino-μ-imidazolato-Zn(II)-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine perchlorate (denoted as “Cu,Zn complex”) and a simple copper(II) complex (Cu(II)-tris(2-aminoethyl) amine chloride (“Cu-tren”) were prepared and immobilised on silica gel (by hydrogen or covalent bonds) and montmorillonite (by ion exchange). The immobilised substances were characterised by FT-IR spectroscopy and their thermal characteristics were also studied. The obtained materials were tested in two probe reactions: catalytic oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol (DTBC) (catecholase activity) and the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (catalase activity). It was found that the catecholase activity of the Cu,Zn complex increased considerably upon immobilization on silica gel via hydrogen bonds and intercalation by ion exchange among the layers of montmorillonite. The imidazolate-bridged copper(II)-zinc(II) complex and its immobilised versions were inactive in hydrogen peroxide decomposition. The Cu(II)-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine chloride complex displayed good catalase activity; however, immobilisation could not improve it.     

The simulation of molecular and organic devices: a critical review and look at future developments

Molecular devices have lately attracted increased attention due to some appealing features such as their low production cost, flexibility in the substrate choice, possibility of large area deployment, and possibly higher integration capabilities. Starting from a series of results obtained from our groups, we critically review the state-of-the-art in the field of simulation of organic and molecular systems, by analyzing and comparing existing approaches, and looking at the open problems and possible solutions and future developments. PACS 72.80.Le     

Banana-shaped molecules peculiarly oriented in a magnetic field: (2)H NMR spectroscopy and quantum mechanical calculations.

The orientational properties of the banana-shaped liquid crystal 4-chloro-1,3-phenylenebis{4-[4'-(10-undecenyloxy)]benzoyloxy} benzoate (ClPbis11BB) are reported in the nematic phase under the effect of an external magnetic field. A new hypothesis, which states that the central ring of the aromatic core is oriented perpendicularly to the external magnetic field, is proposed. In support of this hypothesis, a series of studies based on (2)H NMR spectroscopy, both in the bulk and in solution, are discussed. (2)H NMR measurements on three selectively deuterium-labelled isotopomers are presented, together with DFT results from B3LYP/cc-pvDz calculations performed on the aromatic core. The rather flat shape of the investigated intramolecular energy surface allows for several different conformations to be populated, the computed magnetic susceptibilities of which are consistent with the proposed hypothesis of peculiar orientation of banana-shaped molecules. Moreover, the orientation of the magnetic susceptibility tensor is shown to be strongly dependent on the internal conformation of the banana-shaped molecules.     

Nachweis isomerer Phenole und Nitroaniline,von Naphthylamin und Anilin

Zusammenfassung Die mit diazotiertem p-Nitranilin hergestellten Tetrazoverbindungen von Phenolderivaten geben mit Magnesium in alkalischem Mediumfarbige Komplexe. Die Farbe des Komplexes ist verschieden bei substituierten und nicht substituierten bzw. verschieden substituierten Phenolen. Damit kann man Phenol-, Kresol- und Chlorphenol-Isomere bzw. 2,4- und 2,6-Dichlorphenol unterscheiden.Beim Diazotieren von Nitranilin und Kuppeln mit Anilin entstehen. Indikatorsäuren; p-Nitranilin bildet die stärkste Indikatorsäure, m-Nitranilin die schwächste. Auf dieser Grundlage können alle drei Isomeren nebeneinander nachgewiesen werden. Außerdem bilden die aus p- und o-Nitranilin entstandenen Indikatoren mit Magnesium verschieden gefärbte Nitronsäurekomplexe, während m-Nitranilin, das zur Nitronsäuretautomerie nicht befähigt ist, keinen Komplex bildet.Naphthylamine geben mit diazotiertem p-Nitranilin in wäßrigem. Medium eine Indikatorbase, Anilin eine Indikatorsäure. In alkoholischem Medium führt-Naphthylamin bei Kupplung von diazotiertem p-Nitranilin zu einem amphoteren Säure-Base-Indikator, aber-Naphthylamin und Anilin zu Indikatorsäuren. Damit kann man Naphthylamin und Anilin nebeneinander nachweisen. Kuppelt man Phenyldiazoniumchlorid mit Naphthylamin, so erhält man mit-Naphthylamin eine starke Indikatorbase, mit- Naphthylamin eine schwache Indikatorbase. Auf der Basis dieser Indikatorwirkung kann man-Naphthylamin neben- Naphthylamin nachweisen.

---

Summary The tetrazo compounds of phenol derivatives prepared with diazotizedp-nitraniline yield colored complexes with magnesium in alkaline surroundings. The color of the complexes differs with substituted and non-substituted or variously substituted phenols. It is possible in this way to differentiate phenol, cresol and chlorophenol isomers, and also 2,4- and 2,6-dichlorophenol.Indicator acids result from diazotized nitraniline coupled with aniline;p-nitraniline yields the strongest indicator acid,m-nitraniline the weakest. With this information as a basis, all three isomers can be detected in the presence of each other. In addition, the indicators produced fromp- ando-nitraniline give nitronic acid complexes with magnesium that differ in color, whilem-nitraniline, which is not capable of nitronic acid tautomerism, forms no complex.Naphthylamines gives an indicator base in aqueous medium with diazotizedp-nitraniline, whereas aniline yields an indicator acid. In alcoholic medium, 1-naphthylamine on coupling with diazotizedp-nitraniline produces an amphoteric acid-base indicator, but 2-naphthylamine and aniline yield indicator acids. Naphthylamine and aniline can be detected in this way in the presence of each other. If phenyldiazonium chloride is coupled with naphthylamine, a strong indicator base is obtained with 1-naphthylamine, a weak indicator base with 2-naphthylamine. This indicator action is the basis of the detection of 1-naphthylamine in the presence of 2-naphthylamine.

---

Résumé Les composés tétrazoïques des dérivés phénoliques qui se forment avec lap-nitraniline diazotée, donnent avec le magnésium, en milieu alcalin, des complexes colorés. La couleur du complexe diffère suivant que les phénols sont substitués, non substitués ou différemment substitués. On peut ainsi distinguer le phénol, les crésols et les chlorophénols isomères, ainsi que les dichloro-2,4 et -2,6 phénols.En diazotant la nitraniline et en copulant avec l'aniline, des acides indicateurs prennent naissance, lap-nitraniline donnant l'acide indicateur le plus fort, lam-nitraniline le plus faible. En s'appuyant sur ce fait, on peut rechercher les trois isomères en présence les uns des autres. En outre, les indicateurs qui prennent naissance à partir de lap- et de l'o-nitraniline forment avec le magnésium différents complexes colorés acinitrés, alors que lam-nitraniline, qui n'est pas susceptible d'une tautomérie de l'acide nitronique, ne donne pas de complexe.Les naphtylamines donnent avec lap-nitraniline diazotée, en milieu aqueux, une base indicateur et l'aniline, un acide indicateur. En milieu alcoolique, l'-naphtylamine conduit par copulation de lap-nitraniline diazotée à un indicateur acide-base amphotère mais la-naphtylamine et l'aniline à des acides indicateurs. On peut ainsi rechercher la naphtylamine et l'aniline en présence l'une de l'autre. Si l'on copule le chlorure de phenyldiazonium avec la naphtylamine, on obtient avec la forme une base indicateur forte et avec la forme une base indicateur faible. En se fondant sur cette action d'indicateur, on peut rechercher l'-naphtylamine en présence de-naphtylamine.

     

Magnetic resonance study on lamellar phases of ammonium perfluorooctanoate

The aggregation properties of ammonium perfluorooctanoate (NH₄-PFO) in concentrated aqueous phases have been investigated by magnetic resonance techniques and have been compared with the aggregation properties in dilute solutions. Magnetic resonance methods indicated that NH₄-PFO—water systems with surfactant concentrations below 45% (w/w) behaved as isotropic purely micellar solutions in the temperature range 285–340 K. For higher concentrations the system exhibited a rather complex structure, having both isotropic and anisotropic components. The nematic nature of the anisotropic fraction was demonstrated by ¹⁹F NMR studies. The ¹⁹F NMR and EPR of nitroxides (TempTMA⁺, 5- and 16-DXSA) inserted as paramagnetic probes into the concentrated NH₄-PFO—water systems allowed us to establish that the lamellar phase could be mechanically oriented between quartz slides. The EPR investigation also gave details concerning the dynamics of both the oriented and non-oriented structures.     

Nachweis von Oxoverbindungen. IV

Zusammenfassung Enolisierende Oxoverbindungen, die eine - CH₂-CO- oder eine- CO-NH-NH-Gruppe enthalten, geben mit Diazoniumsalz eine Farbreaktion. Formaldehyd, Benzaldehyd, Nitrobenzaldehyde, Benzoin, Benzophenon usw. reagieren dabei nicht. 1,3-Diketone geben mit diazotiertem p-Nitroanilin zweierlei Färbungen, bei geringer Diazoniumsalzkonzentration eine rote, bei großem Überschuß eine blaue oder grüne Färbung. Die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit ändert sich auch nach der Art des Diazoniumsalzes. Mit dieser Methode wurden selektive Nachweise für Oxoverbindungen ausgearbeitet. Acetonspuren können in Äthanol bzw. in Wasser oder in Methyläthylketon mit diazotiertem Anilin, 10^–3 % Acetessigsäureäthylester in Äthylacetat mit diazotiertem p-Phenetidin, 10^–5 % Acetylaceton in Aceton mit diazotiertem p-Nitroanilin, außerdem Acetaldehyd neben Formaldehyd, Acetylphenylhydrazin neben Acetanilid, mbzw. o- neben p-Nitroanilin nachgewiesen werden. Nach dem Absorptionsspektrum erwies sich das Reaktionsprodukt von Aceton mit diazotiertem p-Nitroanilin als eine Azoverbindung.

---

Detection of Oxocompounds. IV

Summary Enolizing oxo-compounds, that contain a -CH₂-CO- or a -CO-NH-NH-group, yield a color reaction with diazonium salt. Formaldehyde, benzaldehyde, nitrobenzaldehyde, benzoin, benzophenone etc. however do not show this reaction. 1,3-diketones yield two kinds of color reactions with diazotizedp-nitraniline; a slight diazonium salt concentration yields a red coloration, while a large excess gives a blue or green coloration. Selective detections for oxo-compounds were developed with this method. Traces of acetone may be detected in ethanol or water or in methylethyl ketone by means of diazotized aniline, 10^–3% of acetoacetic ester can be detected in ethyl acetate by means of diazotizedp-phenetidine, 10^–5% acetylacetone in aldehyde, acetylphenylhydrazine in the presence of acetanilide,m- oro- in the presence ofp-nitraniline. Judging from the absorption spectrum, the reaction product from acetone and diazotizedp-nitraniline is an azo compound.