Asymptotic properties of constrained Markov Decision Processes

We present in this paper several asymptotic properties of constrained Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) with a countable state space. We treat both the discounted and the expected average cost, with unbounded cost. We are interested in (1) the convergence of finite horizon MDPs to the infinite horizon MDP, (2) convergence of MDPs with a truncated state space to the problem with infinite state space, (3) convergence of MDPs as the discount factor goes to a limit. In all these cases we establish the convergence of optimal values and policies. Moreover, based on the optimal policy for the limiting problem, we construct policies which are almost optimal for the other (approximating) problems. Based on the convergence of MDPs with a truncated state space to the problem with infinite state space, we show that an optimal stationary policy exists such that the number of randomisations it uses is less or equal to the number of constraints plus one. We finally apply the results to a dynamic scheduling problem.This work was partially supported by the Chateaubriand fellowship from the French embassy in Israel and by the European Grant BRA-QMIPS of CEC DG XIII     

INFLUENCE OF COMPOSITIONAL HETEROGENEITY ON MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTIES OF SEGMENTED COPOLYMERS

Polyethylene terephthalate(PET)/polycaprolactone(PCL) segmented copolymers with different hard segment contents and a blend of two of them were studied by using DSC, WAXS, TEM and IR techniques and dynamic mechanical, stress-strain and isothermal crystallization measurements. Emphasis was laid on the studies of influence of compositional heterogeneity on the morphology and properties of these segmented copolymers. It was found that the solution cast specimens of the more heterogeneous sample exhibit better segregation of segments, high crystallinity and melting temperature. They have higher thermal stability of mechanical properties at small deformations. However, they are less stable against large deformations and may become softer than the more homogeneous ones.     

NBR/ORGANOMODIFIED BENTONITE INTERCALATED HYBRIDS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE TOUGHNESS OF PVC

Hybrids of intercalative nitrile-butadiene rubber/organomodified bentonite (NBR/OMB) were prepared by thelatex intercalation technique. Investigation of their mechanical properties and the microstructore of NBR/OMB showed thatthe organomodified bentonite is an effective toughener for NBR. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and X-rnydiffraction (XRD) tests showed that the NBR macromolecule could be intercalated into the galleries of bentonite.Incorporation of NBR/OMB hybrids as tougheners into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) results in a substantial increase in theimpact strength of PVC, but little decrease in its tensile strength and flexural strength, compared to the unmodified PVC.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a new one-dimensional system with end-to-end single dicyanamide bridges between nickel(II) centres

The complex [Ni(tn)₂{N(CN)₂}]ClO₄ (tn=trimethylenediamine) has been synthesized and the structure has been determined. The complex forms a one-dimensional chain structure via the bidentate bridging ligand dicyanamide. A two-dimensional networks is formed via interchain hydrogen bond interactions.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of novel polymeric complexes containing bithiazole rings

A novel linear polymer (PFABT) containing bithiazole rings was synthesized by polycondensation of 2,2′‐diamino‐4,4′‐bithiazole (DABT) and formaldehyde. The complexes of PFABT with two transition metal ions (Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺) were prepared for the first time. The polymer was determined through FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR and elemental analysis (EA), and the complexes were characterized by FT‐IR. The magnetic behaviors of these complexes were measured as a function of magnetic field strength (0–50 kOe) at 4 K and as a function of temperature (4–300 K) under an applied magnetic field of 30 kOe. The results show that PFABT‐Cu²⁺ is a ferromagnet while PFABT‐Fe²⁺ is an anti‐ferromagnet. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

溶液pH值对聚邻甲苯胺电化学性质的影响

本文报道了溶液pH值对聚邻甲本胺电化学性质的影响。研究结果表明,电化学合成的聚邻甲苯胺的循环伏安曲线、氧化电位、膜的颜色、充放电容量、紫外可见光谱以及氧化还原活性都受到溶液pH的影响。在低pH值的溶液中,随着扫描电位的变化,聚邻甲苯胺膜的颜色可逆地变化,而在pH4.13的溶液中进行扫描时,膜的颜色不变化,电化学活性也消失。     

聚2,6-二甲基苯醚树脂分子量分布及其与冲击强度关系的研究

本工作建立了室温下用凝胶色谱法(GPC)测定聚2,6-二甲基苯醚(PPO)树脂分子量、分子量分布的方法。淋洗剂不采用文献申报道的毒性较大者,也不在较高柱温下进行,而采用甲苯(或氯仿)在室温下测定。对样品在甲苯中溶解温度、浓度和稳定性等都进行了系统研究,找到了最优化条件。GPC数据结合改性PPO(MPPO)产品性能测定结果,经仔细分析找到了影响MPPO产品质量的一个重要因素是PPO树脂中低分子量部分含量。它与产品冲击强度有明显的依赖关系。提出了一个从CPC谱图确定低分子量部分含量的方法。     

Donor-acceptor properties, catalytic activity, and negative charge exoemission from the alumina surface modified with lithium cations

Donor-acceptor properties of alumina modified with lithium cations were studied by ESR of paramagnetic complexes of adsorbed anthraquinone. The results were compared with the data on negative ion emission (exoemission) accompanying the decomposition of isopropyl alcohol in the adsorption layer. The data on the activity measured by the pulse microcatalytic technique in isopropyl alcohol decomposition are discussed. Small additives of lithium were found to promote catalytic activity of the samples. The role of acid and basic sites in isopropyl alcohol decomposition was discussed. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 616–621, April, 2006.     

Properties of ITO films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were deposited by mid frequency pulsed dual magnetron sputtering using a metallic alloy target with 10 wt.% tin in an atmosphere of argon and oxygen. The aim of the work was to study the interdependence of structural, electrical and optical properties of ITO films deposited in the reactive and transition target mode, respectively. The deposition rate in the transition mode exceeds the deposition rate in the reactive mode by a factor of six, a maximum value of 100 nm·m min⁻¹ could be achieved. This corresponds to a static deposition rate of 200 nm min⁻¹. The lowest electrical resistivity of 1.1·10⁻³ Ω cm was measured at samples deposited in the high oxygen flow range in the transition mode. The samples show a good transparency in the visible range corresponding to extinction coefficients being below 10⁻². X-ray diffraction was used to characterise crystalline structure as well as film stress. ITO films prepared in the transition mode show a slightly preferred orientation in (211) direction, whereas films deposited in the reactive mode are strongly (222) oriented. Compared to undoped In₂O₃ all samples have an enlarged lattice. The lattice strain perpendicular to the surface is about 0.8% and 2.0% for films grown in the transition and the reactive mode, respectively. Deposition in the transition mode introduces a biaxial film stress in the range of −300 MPa, while stress in reactive mode samples is −1500 MPa.