Optimal switching for systems governed by nonlinear evolution equations

Optimal switching for a nonlinear evolution equation is considered. A type of approximating problems with value functions {u_u0<u<u₀} is studied. We prove that each u_u is the unique viscositY solution of corresponding Hami1ton-Jacoby system, u_u convergesto the value function u of the original problem as µ goes to 0, and an optimal control is determined.     

DNA binding and antitumor activities of zinc(II) complexes with some S-alkenyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid

Transition Metal Chemistry - Two zinc(II) complexes with S-alkenyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid as ligands have been synthesized and characterized by microanalysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR...     

Experimental Investigation of the Biofunctional Properties of Nickel–Titanium Alloys Depending on the Type of Production

Nickel–titanium alloys used in dentistry have a variety of mechanical, chemical, and biofunctional properties that are dependent on the manufacturing process. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and biofunctional performances of a nickel–titanium alloy produced by the continuous casting method (NiTi-2) with commercial nitinol (NiTi-1) manufactured by the classical process, i.e., from remelting in a vacuum furnace with electro-resistive heating and final casting into ingots. The chemical composition of the tested samples was analyzed using an energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) quantitative microstructural analysis was performed to determine phase distribution in the samples. As part of the mechanical properties, the hardness on the surface of samples was measured with the static Vickers method. The release of metal ions (Ni, Ti) in artificial saliva (pH 6.5) and lactic acid (pH 2.3) was measured using a static immersion test. Finally, the resulting corrosion layer was revealed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which allows the detection and direct measurement of the formatted oxide layer thickness. To assess the biocompatibility of the tested nickel–titanium alloy samples, an MTT test of fibroblast cellular proliferation on direct contact with the samples was performed. The obtained data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics v22 software. EDX and XRF analyses showed a higher presence of Ni in the NiTi-2 sample. The EBSD analysis detected an additional NiTi₂-cubic phase in the NiTi-2 microstructure. Additionally, in the NiTi-2 higher hardness was measured. An immersion test performed in artificial saliva after 7 days did not induce significant ion release in either group of samples (NiTi-1 and NiTi-2). The acidic environment significantly increased the release of toxic ions in both types of samples. However, Ni ion release was two times lower, and Ti ion release was three times lower from NiTi-2 than from NiTi-1. Comparison of the cells’ mitochondrial activity between the NiTi-1 and NiTi-2 groups did not show a statistically significant difference. In conclusion, we obtained an alloy of small diameter with an appropriate microstructure and better response compared to classic NiTi material. Thus, it appears from the present study that the continuous cast technology offers new possibilities for the production of NiTi material for usage in dentistry.     

Mechanistic Insights into Cu-Catalyzed Asymmetric Aldol Reactions: Chemical and Spectroscopic Evidence for a Metalloenolate Intermediate

In situ IR spectroscopy and transmetalation experiments confirm a postulated catalytic cycle. The metalloenolate 1 describes the active intermediate in the aldol reaction catalyzed by [CuF₂{(S)-tol-binap}] (see reaction scheme). (S)-tol-binap=(S)-(−)-2,2′-bis(di-p-tolylphosphanyl)-1,1′-binaphthyl.     

Estimation of Parameters for the Multi-peaked AEF Current Functions

An examination of how the analytically extended function (AEF) can be used to approximate multi-peaked lightning current waveforms, is presented in the paper. A general framework for estimating the parameters of the AEF using the Marquardt least-squares method (MLSM) for a waveform with an arbitrary (finite) number of peaks is presented. This framework is used to find parameters for some common waveforms with a single peak, such as Standard IEC 62305 lightning currents. Illustration of fitting a p-peak AEF to recorded lightning current data is also presented.     

Seawater zinc/polypyrrole-air cell possessing multifunctional charge-discharge characteristics

An environmentally friendly cell using polypyrrole-air regenerative cathode and zinc as anode is investigated in the 3% sodium chloride solution. The cell can operate in different charge and discharge mode. Polypyrrole can be reoxidized (doped) with chloride anions either by using dissolved oxygen or by an external power supply, e.g., small photovoltaic cell. In that way, after discharge, capacity retaining can be achieved by using seawater as the electrolyte. During low discharge rate, the delicate balance between solid state diffusion-controlled dedoping and chemical oxidation of polypyrrole produced by hydrogen peroxide is achieved, generating stable voltage plateau. The cell is proposed to operate as a power supply for different sensor devices in two modes. In the low discharge mode (10–20 mA g^?1), it can be used for data acquisition, and at the fast discharge mode (up to 2 A g^?1) for collecting data transmission.

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Graphical abstract Charge-discharge curves for different curent densities of Zn|3.5% NaCl(aq)|PPy. Inset: Continuous discharge of the cell under external load of 1 kΩ and constant air supply, during 1-h discharge and 1-h reoxidation charge

     

Using xanthated Lagenaria vulgaris shell biosorbent for removal of Pb(II) ions from wastewater

Chemically modified Lagenaria vulgaris shell was applied as a new sorbent for the removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solution in a batch process mode. The influence of contact time, initial concentration of lead (II) ions, initial pH value, biosorbent dosage, particle size and stirring speed on the removal efficiency was evaluated. Biosorbent characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Four kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich model and Intraparticle diffusion model) were used to determine the kinetic parameters. The experimental results were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin models of isotherm. Pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model best fitted the experimental data. Sorption process is obtained to be fast and equilibrium was attained within 40 min of contact time. The maximum sorption capacity was 33.21 mg g^?1. Biosorption was highly pH-dependent where optimum pH was found to be 5. The results of FTIR and SEM analysis showed the presence of new sulfur functional groups. This study indicated that xanthated Lagenaria vulgaris shell could be used as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for the removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solution.