Quasi-orthomodular Posets and Weak BCK-algebras

A quasi-orthomodular poset is defined to be a poset with 0 equipped with an orthogonality relation satisfying certain axioms. The goal of the paper is to compare such posets (also semilattices, nearlattices and lattices) with several other kinds of posets having an appropriate structure and already known in the literature: generalized orthomodular posets and lattices, generalized orthoalgebras, sectionally orthocomplemented, sectionally orthomodular and relatively orthocomplemented posets and meet semilattices, semi-orthomodular lattices, weak BCK-algebras.     

Freeoids: a semi-abstract view on endomorphism monoids of relatively free algebras

A freeoid over a (normally, infinite) set of variables X is defined to be a pair (W, E), where W is a superset of X, and E is a submonoid of W ^W containing just one extension of every mapping X → W. For instance, if W is a relatively free algebra over a set of free generators X, then the pair F(W) := (W, End(W)) is a freeoid. In the paper, the kernel equivalence and the range of the transformation F are characterized. Freeoids form a category; it is shown that the transformation F gives rise to a functor from the category of relatively free algebras to the category of freeoids which yields a concrete equivalence of the first category to a full subcategory of the second one. Also, the concept of a model of a freeoid is introduced; the variety generated by a free algebra W is shown to be concretely equivalent to the category of models of F(W). The sets X, W, and the algebras W may generally be many-sorted.     

Comparative characterization of oligomeric precursors intended for injectable implants

The use of injectable materials is a simple approach for drug delivery and tissue repair, in, e.g. minimally invasive surgery applications. If these materials are used past their glass transition temperature and have a low viscosity, they will be able to flow while delivered in situ. Whether these materials are to be used as low viscosity drug carriers or further crosslinked for tissue repair, there is a need for a better understanding of their handling properties. In this study, oligo(trimethylene carbonate) (oTMC) and oligo[D,L‐lactide‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)] (oDLLA‐co‐CL) of various molecular weights within a relevant injectability range were synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization. The materials were comparatively characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and rheological measurements. After comparing the viscosities and molecular weights of the materials, it was concluded that oDLLA‐co‐CLs were, generally, better suited as an injectable in situ crosslinking network, whereas oTMCs were found to be better candidates as injectable drug carriers. This study provides useful data and guidelines on the use of these and other similar oligomers intended for injectable implants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three-dimensional solid particle positions in a flow via multiangle off-axis digital holography

We present a new development of digital off-axis (OA) holography for determining the instantaneous solid particle positions in a flow. This holographic imaging method uses a CCD camera for the simultaneous digital recording of two views of digital Fresnel OA holograms on the same support. The reconstruction is obtained numerically. The method provides two orthogonal views of the same flow area of interest at the same instant. It helps to overcome the depth of focus problem existing for the particle image reconstructions and that is inherent to the method. This method has the advantage of being simpler than the methods presently available, and it does not suffer from the flaws of in-line holographic configuration. Furthermore it is completely digital and thus avoids the cumbersome analysis following hologram recording. Digital holograms and digital reconstructions are obtained for solid particles of 200 mum moving into a stirred flow cell of 5 cm(3).     

From electrochromic phenomena to energy harvesting and storage—an overview of solid state ionics research at the Institute of Solid State Physics,University of Latvia

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Solid state ionics is one of the key research topics of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia since its establishment. The research...