An alternative globalization strategy for unconstrained optimization

We propose a new globalization strategy that can be used in unconstrained optimization algorithms to support rapid convergence from remote starting points. Our approach is based on using multiple points at each iteration to build a sequence of representative models of the objective function. Using the new information gathered from those multiple points, a local step is gradually improved by updating its direction as well as its length. We give a global convergence result and also provide the parallel implementation details accompanied with a numerical study. Our numerical study shows that the proposed algorithm is a promising alternative as a globalization strategy.     

On the automorphisms of generalized algebraic geometry codes

Designs, Codes and Cryptography - We consider the class of generalized algebraic geometry codes (GAG codes) formed by two collections of places, with places of the same degree in each collection....     

Extending external rays throughout the Julia sets of rational maps

For polynomial maps in the complex plane, the notion of external rays plays an important role in determining the structure of and the dynamics on the Julia set. In this paper we consider an extension of these rays in the case of rational maps of the form Fλ(z) = z ⁿ + λ/z ⁿ where n > 1. As in the case of polynomials, there is an immediate basin of ∞, so we have similar external rays. We show how to extend these rays throughout the Julia set in three specific examples. Our extended rays are simple closed curves in the Riemann sphere that meet the Julia set in a Cantor set of points and also pass through countably many Fatou components. Unlike the external rays, these extended rays cross infinitely many other extended rays in a manner that helps determine the topology of the Julia set.     

Electron spectroscopic investigations of CdS and CdTe electrochemically coated on glass

The electrodeposition of CdS and CdTe is investigated to improve the stoichiometric properties of CdS/CdTe layers on ITO-glass substrates for solar cell applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is utilized for the characterization of the CdS and CdTe layers. The influence of the electrodeposition potential, the pH and the thiosulfate concentration on the stoichiometry of CdS and CdTe layers are discussed.     

Synergetic Effect of Sodium Borohydride Addition in Ammonia Borane Hydrolysis Reaction Mechanism and Kinetics

Synergetic effect of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) addition to ammonia borane (NH3BH3) hydrolysis reaction had been studied and iron-borate (FeB) was used to catalyze the reaction. Hydrogen generation performance of the hydrolysis reactions was compared for three different operating conditions: (1) in the presence of NaBH₄ with FeB catalyst, (2) with FeB without NaBH₄ addition and (3) in the presence of NaBH₄ without FeB. It was found that addition of NaBH₄ to the NH₃BH₃ hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by FeB resulted in the synergetic effect (synergetic factor (SF) > 0) and improved the hydrogen generation performance. Kinetic analysis showed that NaBH4 addition decreases the activation energy (E_a) from 52.11 ± 0.85 to 27.19 ± 0.44 kJ/mol. Simulation of hydrolysis kinetics curves indicated that addition of NaBH₄ (the mole fraction of NaBH₄ added to NH₃BH₃ is (1)) changed the three-dimensional diffusion mechanism to the one-dimensional one and brought on better hydrolysis properties in terms of higher hydrogen generation rate and lower induction time.     

The interactions of tooth colored dental restorative materials with aqueous lactic acid

In this study, the interaction of packable composite and ormocer with aqueous lactic acid solutions were determined and changes compared with those for a polyacid modified resin composite and a glass ionomer. For each material, namely Solitaire, Z‐100, Definite, Dyract AP and Vitremer, eight cylindrical specimens of 6 mm diameter and 12 mm height were prepared and weighed. They were stored individually in 20 cm³ 0.02 mol^?1 lactic acid solution for 1 week, then the pH was determined and the specimens reweighed. This was repeated at 1 week intervals until the specimens were 6 weeks old. The results of this study showed that; polyacid modified resin composites and resin‐modified glass‐ionomers were capable of increasing the pH of lactic acid solutions. The same groups showed an increase in mass during the first week. Composite resins and ormocer showed less increase in mass than the others. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of carotenoid and tocopherol content in maize flour and oil samples using near-infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

Secondary metabolites are important components in terms of nutrition and health. Carotenoids and tocopherols, two groups of the fat-soluble components, are also included in this category. There is an increasing interest in the detection of secondary metabolites with near-infrared spectroscopy. However, the number of scientific studies for the detection of these components, especially for tocopherols in corn flour or oil samples by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy is rather limited. This study was carried out to determine the amount of carotenoids and tocopherols in flour and oil samples of 250 different maize genotypes by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy using the partial least squares regression modeling method. Liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometry was used as a reference method in order to determine the contents of five carotenoids and four tocopherol subcomponents. The estimation models were created by using the spectral data collected from ground samples, and oil samples extracted from the same flour; along with the results of the reference analysis. The reliability of these models was tested by external validation (n?=?50). The prediction models generated by the spectra taken from corn flour yielded more successful results than the models created with the spectra taken from the oil samples. Among the models compared, the one developed with the spectra taken from flour samples for lutein was the most successful. It is seen that the estimation models generated from flour samples can be used for screening purposes, though different approaches are needed to increase the success of models.     

Characterization and modification of waste magnesium chip utilized as an Mg-rich intermetallic composite

In this study,the characterization and modification of waste magnesium chips（WMCs）,which were produced by plastic molding in a gold manufacturing factory and are used as Mg-rich intermetallic composites in storing hydrogen,were discussed in detail.WMCs were analyzed using X-ray diffraction（XRD）,X-ray fluorescence（XRF） spectroscopy,differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）,scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller（BET） analysis to characterize the materials’ structural properties.Mechanical milling,organic treatment,and inorganic salt addition were carried out to modify the WMCs’ surface to prepare Mg-rich intermetallic composites for storing hydrogen.The modified samples were analyzed using high-pressure volumetric analyses to calculate their hydrogen storage capacity.The authors conclude that modified WMC was promising as an Mg-rich intermetallic composite that was suitable for use in hydrogen storage with a 4.59 wt%capacity at 320 C under a hydrogen pressure of 60 bar.