Derivative-free methods for mixed-integer nonsmooth constrained optimization

Computational Optimization and Applications - In this paper, mixed-integer nonsmooth constrained optimization problems are considered, where objective/constraint functions are available only as the...     

The XXXV International IUPAC Symposium on macromolecular chemistry (MACROACRON-94)

Information Congresses, Conferences, Symposia, Workshops, and Seminars in the Field of Chemical Sciences held with Participation of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The XXXV International IUPAC Symposium on macromolecular chemistry (MACROACRON-94)     

On improved regularity of weak solutions of some degenerate,Anisotropic elliptic systems

Summary We consider a (possibly) vector-valued function u: R^N, Rⁿ, minimizing the integral , 2-2/(n*1)<p<2, whereD _i u=u/x _i or some more general functional retaining the same behaviour, we prove higher integrability for Du: D₁ u,..., D_n–1 u L^p/(p-1) and D_nu L²; this result allows us to get existence of second weak derivatives: D(D₁ u),...,D(D_n–1u)L² and D(D_n u) L _p.This work has been supported by MURST and GNAFA-CNR.     

Optimization of hydrolase efficiency in organic solvents

The application of hydrolases in organic solvents for synthetic purposes is a procedure routinely adopted in organic chemistry, especially for the preparation of chiral building blocks. Numerous studies have shed light on several aspects of the mechanism of hydrolase action in low-water environments. Procedures suitable to improve the catalytic efficiency of enzymes and productivity of the synthetic processes have been reported. These fundamental and applied investigations have made hydrolase-catalyzed reactions in organic solvents of industrial interest. In this article we describe and discuss various approaches adopted to optimize the performance of hydrolases in organic media, with special emphasis on the formulation of the biocatalysts which, under proper conditions, can display an activity equal to that displayed in aqueous buffers.     

Photodegradation of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins in Liquid Samples by Near UV Light Irradiation

Photodegradation of 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,2,3,4-TCDD) in hexane solution was studied under controlled near-UV light exposure in the spectral region from 325 to 269 nm. GC-MS was used to detect the amount of unreacted dioxin and to characterize the relevant degradation products. Irradiation experiments carried out at a constant light energy (700 mJ) showed that the percentage of 1,2,3,4-TCDD left in the solution after irradiation changed from about 55 to 75%, with a minimum of 55% at 310 nm. Further irradiation experiments carried out at two wavelengths, namely 310 and 269 nm, and light energy ranging from 0 to 4000 mJ, showed that the photodegradation reaction of the TCDD always followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic, with a rate constant of 8 × 10⁻⁴and 5 × 10⁻⁴mJ⁻¹, respectively. These experiments also showed that trichloro- and dichloro-dibenzo-p-dioxins were produced with less than 15% of the initial quantity of TCDD, leading to the conclusion that the dechlorination process is a minor photolysis pathway.     

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for the determination of elements and elemental species in food: a review

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has definitely emerged as a powerful technique for total element determination and as a sensitive and selective detector in hyphenated methods for speciation analyses of elements in foods. In this review, the analytical challenges of elemental analysis of food and agricultural matrixes are discussed and several applications are examined. Selected examples illustrate the analytical approaches being used so far to address specific issues in various areas of food and nutrition research. The applications discussed include studies on dietary intake, element metabolism in man, transfer of elements through the food chain, effects of food processing and domestic preparation, and authenticity and origin assessment. The use of ICP-MS in the field of analytical quality assurance, food control, evaluation of food contact materials, and radionuclide contamination is also examined. Finally, the hyphenated techniques with ICP-MS detection used for elemental speciation in food are reviewed, and an overview of the main applications currently in the literature is presented. Throughout, recent trends and analytical developments likely to have a major impact on food-related areas are highlighted.     

Electro-initiated cationic polymerizations-VI: Anodic electrochemical behaviour and direct electropolymerization of anethole in 1,2-dichloroethane

A study has been made of the cationic electropolymerization of trans-anethole initiated by a direct electron transfer mechanism at a Pt anode in 1,2-dichloroethane solution with tetrabutylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte. The electrochemical behaviour of the system has been preliminarily investigated by voltammetry at rotating and stationary Pt electrode and also by chronoamperometry. The results are consistent with an ECE oxidation process of anethole with formation first of a radical cation and finally of a dication. Polymerization experiments by electrolysis at the oxidation potential of the monomer have been also carried out both under continuous electrolysis and with short initial pulses of current. The results have been analysed and some kinetic parameters of the system have been evaluated.