Hierarchical assemblies of Si3N4 nanostructures

In the present work, for the first time, we report the growth of hierarchical assemblies of Si₃N₄ nanostructures via catalyst-assisted pyrolysis of a polymeric precursor on the Si substrates. The synthesized products were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the size of the catalytic droplet plays a critical role on the formation of hierarchical assemblies of Si₃N₄ nanostructures rather than common single nanowire. A mechanism based on the Vapor–Liquid–Solid (VLS) process was proposed for the assembly of hierarchical Si₃N₄ nanostructures.     

The fabrication of ReS2 flowers at controlled locations by chemical vapor deposition

Here we report a metal induced nucleation to realize the growth of ReS₂ flowers at controlled locations. The ordered arrays of ReS₂ flowers have been successfully prepared on SiO₂/Si substrate using Pt metal dots as nucleation sites and S, NH₄ReO₄ powders as precursors by a chemical vapor depostion method. The NH₄ReO₄ powders are used as the rhenium sources. The ReS₂ flowers are grown above the pre-patterned Pt dots, Raman and transmission electron microscopy measurements indicated that the prepared ReS₂ flowers have excellent crystalline quality.     

Equivalent Conditions for Local Error Bounds

In this paper we present two classes of equivalent conditions for local error bounds in finite dimensional spaces. We formulate conditions of the first class by using subderivatives, subdifferentials and strong slopes for nearby points outside the referenced set, and show that these conditions actually characterize a uniform version of the local error bound property. We demonstrate this uniformity for the max function of a finite collection of smooth functions, and as a consequence we show that quasinormality constraint qualifications guarantee the existence of local error bounds. We further present the second class of equivalent conditions for local error bounds by using the various limits defined on the boundary of the referenced set. In presenting these conditions, we exploit the variational geometry of the referenced set in a systematic way and unify some existing results in the literature.     

Adaptive linear generalized synchronization between two nonidentical networks

In this paper, the linear generalized synchronization between two nonidentical complex dynamical networks is investigated. Both non-delay and delay-coupled complex dynamical networks are studied. By designing effective adaptive controllers, the linear generalized synchronization between two networks with identical and nonidentical topological structures can realize. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is proved in theory and illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the theoretical results.     

A mathematical model for the admission process in intensive care units

A mathematical model is given for the admission process in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). It is shown that the model exhibits bistability for certain values of its parameters. In particular, it is observed that in a two-dimensional parameter space, two saddle-node bifurcation curves terminate at a single point of the cusp bifurcation, creating an enclosed region in which the model has one unstable and two stable states. It is shown that in the presence of bistability, variations in the value of parameters may lead to undesired outcomes in the admission process as the value of state variables abruptly changes. Using numerical simulations, it is also discussed how such outcomes can be avoided by appropriately adjusting the parameter values.     

A new epidemic model of computer viruses

This paper addresses the epidemiological modeling of computer viruses. By incorporating the effect of removable storage media, considering the possibility of connecting infected computers to the Internet, and removing the conservative restriction on the total number of computers connected to the Internet, a new epidemic model is proposed. Unlike most previous models, the proposed model has no virus-free equilibrium and has a unique endemic equilibrium. With the aid of the theory of asymptotically autonomous systems as well as the generalized Poincare–Bendixson theorem, the endemic equilibrium is shown to be globally asymptotically stable. By analyzing the influence of different system parameters on the steady number of infected computers, a collection of policies is recommended to prohibit the virus prevalence.     

Ultrathin two-dimensional MnO2 nanosheet as a stable coreactant of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine chromogenic substrate for visual and colorimetric detection of iron(II) ion

Microchimica Acta - The authors report on a chromogenic system based MnO2 nanosheet and the chomgenic substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). The MnO2 nanosheet can oxidize TMB...