Observation of the neutron radiative decay

The aim of this work is the experimental observation of and research into a rare neutron mode, the radiative beta decay, where a new particle, the radiative gamma quantum, is formed along with the expected decay products: a beta electron, a recoil proton, and an antineutrino. The discovery of this rare neutron decay mode was conducted through identification of triple-coincidence events: simultaneous registration of a beta electron, a proton, and a radiative gamma quantum. The ordinary neutron decay was registered by double coincidences of a beta electron and a recoil proton. The statistics collected allow one to deduce the branching ratio (BR) BR = (3.2 ± 1.6) × 10⁻³ (90% C.L.) in the gamma energy region greater than 35 keV. This value of BR is consistent with standard electroweak theory. The text was submitted by the authors in English. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Biosorption of Chromium(III) by Biomass of Seaweed Sargassum sp. in a Fixed-Bed Column

This work aimed at modeling chromium biosorption using the biomass of seaweed Sargassum sp. in a fixed-bed column. The mathematical model used was obtained from the mass balance of the component in the liquid phase and in the biosorbent material. The effects of both axial dispersion in the column and the resistance to mass transfer in the solid were considered for the solution of the partial differential equations of the model, using the Galerkin method on finite elements. To represent the equilibrium data of the batch system the Langmuir isotherm were used. The chromium ion adsorption capacity of the seaweed Sargassum sp., at a temperature of 30°C and pH 3.5, was 2.61 mmol/g. The model performance was evaluated from experimental data obtained at 30°C for flow rates of 2, 6 and 8 mL/min. The parameters of the model, mass transfer and axial dispersion coefficients, were adjusted from these experimental data. The model proved adequate to describe chromium biosorption dynamics in fixed-bed columns.     

On a Modified Subgradient Algorithm for Dual Problems via Sharp Augmented Lagrangian*

We study convergence properties of a modified subgradient algorithm, applied to the dual problem defined by the sharp augmented Lagrangian. The primal problem we consider is nonconvex and nondifferentiable, with equality constraints. We obtain primal and dual convergence results, as well as a condition for existence of a dual solution. Using a practical selection of the step-size parameters, we demonstrate the algorithm and its advantages on test problems, including an integer programming and an optimal control problem. *Partially Supported by 2003 UniSA ITEE Small Research Grant Ero2. Supported by CAPES, Brazil, Grant No. 0664-02/2, during her visit to the School of Mathematics and Statistics, UniSA.     

Large Scale Linear Programs and Heuristics for the Design of Survivable Telecommunication Networks

We consider the problem of providing a minimum cost multi-service network subject to one link failure scenarios. We assume our network is fully meshed and demand is satisfied by using direct or two hop-paths. We provide a large scale linear programming formulation and propose and test two effective heuristics.     

Robust Adaptive Identification of Fuzzy Systems with Uncertain Data

This study presents a method of adaptive identification of parameters describing Sugeno fuzzy inference system in presence of bounded disturbances while maintaining the readability and interpretability of the fuzzy model during and after identification. This method do not require any a priori knowledge of a bound on the disturbance and noise and of a bound on the unknown parameters values. The method can be used for the robust and adaptive identification of slowly time varying nonlinear systems using fuzzy inference systems. The suggested method was used to build a fuzzy expert system that approximates the functional relationship between physical fitness and some of the measurable physiological parameters by their real measurements and opinion (human-experiences) of a medical expert.     

The Synthesis of Levyne-Type Zeolite Studied by Thermal Analysis of Methylquinuclidine Aluminosilicate Gels

DSC, TG and quadrupole mass spectrometer data concerning methylquinuclidinium iodide (MeQ1), dried precursor gel, and crystalline levyne-type zeolite are discussed together with the thermal degradation of MeQ1 mixed with single inorganic components of the gel. It is shown that MeQ⁺ions play a role in the organization of the gel structure. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis of 2-(p-R-benzoylmethylene)-3-(p-R-phenyl)-1H-quinoxalines

The reaction of 1,2-diaminobenzenes with substituted 1,2-dibenzoyl-1,2-dibromoethanes constitutes a convenient synthetic route to the hitherto 2-(p-R-benzoylmethylene)-3-(p-R-phenyl)-1H-quinoxalines. Structures of all products were elucidated by ir, ¹H and ¹³C-nmr, mass spectra data. X-Ray crystallography data confirm assigned structures.     

Neue Synthesewege für Organohalogenstibane

New Methods for Synthesis of Organohalogenostibanes Organohalogenostibanes RSbX₂ (R = CH₃, C₆H₅; X = Cl, Br) and R₂SbX (R = C₆H₅; X = Cl) are received in good yields by alkylation or arylation of the corresponding antimony halides with Pb(CH₃)₄, Sn(CH₃)₄, Sb(CH₃)₃, or Sb(C₆H₅)₃. These methods are better than those, described in the literature for preparation of the compounds.