On Generalized Douglas–Weyl(α, β)-Metrics

In this paper, we study generalized Douglas–Weyl(α, β)-metrics. Suppose that a regular(α, β)-metric F is not of Randers type. We prove that F is a generalized Douglas–Weyl metric with vanishing S-curvature if and only if it is a Berwald metric. Moreover, by ignoring the regularity, if F is not a Berwald metric, then we find a family of almost regular Finsler metrics which is not Douglas nor Weyl. As its application, we show that generalized Douglas–Weyl square metric or Matsumoto metric with isotropic mean Berwald curvature are Berwald metrics.     

A simple,rapid and sensitive method based on modified multiwalled carbon nanotube for preconcentration and determination of lead ions in aqueous media in natural pHs

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was modified by the pyridine group using a silane agent and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and elemental analysis (CHN) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The application of this sorbent was investigated in determination of lead ions in aqueous samples, using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Through this study, different parameters such as pH and sample flow rate on adsorption process and eluent concentration, volume and flow rate were optimized. The limit of detection (LOD), the relative standard deviation and the recovery of the method were 2 ng mL^?1, 1.3% and 99.7%, respectively. Two standard reference materials (NIST 1571 and NIST 1572) were used to verify accuracy of this method. Finally, the sorbent was successfully applied for extraction and determination of low levels of Pb(II) ions in aqueous samples.     

Embedding of Dynamical Symmetry Groups U(1, 1) and U(2) of a Free Particle on AdS 2 and S 2 into Parasupersymmetry Algebra

Using two different types of the laddering equations realized simultaneously by the associated Gegenbauer functions, we show that all quantum states corresponding to the motion of a free particle on AdS ₂ and S ² are splitted into infinite direct sums of infinite-and finite-dimensional Hilbert subspaces which represent Lie algebras u(1, 1) and u(2) with infinite- and finite-fold degeneracies, respectively. In addition, it is shown that the representation bases of Lie algebras with rank 1, i.e., gl(2, C), realize the representation of nonunitary parasupersymmetry algebra of arbitrary order. The realization of the representation of parasupersymmetry algebra by the Hilbert subspaces which describe the motion of a free particle on AdS ₂ and S ² with the dynamical symmetry groups U(1, 1) and U(2) are concluded as well.     

Modified carrageenan. 5. Preparation,swelling behavior,salt‐ and pH‐sensitivity of partially hydrolyzed crosslinked carrageenan‐graft‐polymethacrylamide superabsorbent hydrogel

The polysaccharide, kappa‐carrageenan (κC) was chemically modified to achieve a novel superabsorbent hydrogel via graft copolymerization of methacrylamide (MAM) onto the substrate followed by alkaline hydrolysis. Ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) were used as a free‐radical initiator and a crosslinker, respectively. The saponification reaction was carried out using sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. Either κC‐g‐PMAM or hydrolyzed κC‐g‐PMAM (PMAM: polymethacrylamide) was characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The effect of grafting variables (i.e. concentration of MBA, MAM, and APS) and alkaline hydrolysis conditions (i.e. NaOH concentration, hydrolysis time and temperature) were systematically optimized to achieve a hydrogel with swelling capacity as high as possible. The swelling capacity of these hydrogels was also measured in various salt solutions. Results indicated that the swelling ratios decreased with an increase in the ionic strength of the salt solutions. This behavior can be attributed to charge screening effect for monovalent cations, as well as ionic crosslinking for multivalent cations. Absorbency of superabsorbing hydrogels was examined in buffer solutions with pH range 1–13. Also, the pH reversibility and on–off switching behavior, at pH values 3.0 and 8.0, makes the synthesized hydrogels good candidates for controlled delivery of bioactive agents. Finally, swelling kinetics in distilled water and various salt solutions was preliminary investigated. Results showed that the swelling in water was faster than in saline solutions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low-Field NMR Relaxation Analysis of High-Pressure Ethane Adsorption in Mesoporous Silicas

Understanding the behaviour of short-chain hydrocarbons confined to porous solids informs the targeted extraction of natural resources from geological features, and underpins rational developments in separation, storage and catalytic conversion processes. Herein, we report the application of low-field (12.7 MHz) ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements to characterise ethane dynamics within mesoporous silica materials exhibiting mean pore diameters between 6 and 50 nm. Our measurements provide NMR-based adsorption isotherms within the range 25–50 bar and at ambient temperature, incorporating the ethane condensation point (40.7 bar at our experimental temperature of 23.6 °C). The quantitative nature of the acquired data is validated via a direct comparison of NMR-derived excess adsorption capacities with ex situ gravimetric ethane adsorption measurements, which are demonstrated to agree to within 0.2 mmol g⁻¹ of the observed ethane capacity. NMR relaxation time distributions are further demonstrated as a means to decouple interparticle and mesopore dominated adsorption phenomena, with unexpectedly rapid relaxation rates associated with interparticle ethane gas confirmed via a direct comparison with NMR self-diffusion analysis.     

Thermal stability and degradation mechanisms of poly(acrylic acid) and its salts: Part 3—Magnesium and calcium salts

The magnesium and calcium salts of acrylic acid have been polymerised in aqueous solution using ammonium persulphate as initiator. Both polymers were also prepared by the neutralisation of poly(acrylic acid) with metal oxide in the same medium.

The thermal degradation behaviour of magnesium and calcium polyacrylate was studied using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermal volatilisation analysis (TVA). Degradation products were investigated by IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and GC-MS techniques, the volatile product fraction having first been separated by subambient TVA.

The decompositions of these materials show some similarities to the behaviour of the alkali metal salts of poly(acrylic acid) and to that of the alkaline earth metal salts of poly(methacrylic acid), but there are also important differences. Acetone and carbon dioxide are the most important volatile products and, in addition, there are various other carbonyl containing products. More carbon dioxide, resulting from side group scission, is evolved from magnesium polyacrylate than from calcium polyacrylate, because of the lower thermal stability of magnesium carbonate.     

Investigation on solidification conditions in functionally Si-gradient Al alloys using simulation and cooling curve analysis methods

During recent years, functionally graded alloys have been widely produced by melt processing routes to achieve advanced material properties. In this paper, the new cast-decant-cast (CDC) method has been used to produce the gradient in concentration of Si particles in cross section of final Al–Si castings. For this purpose, the hypereutectic LM28 and hypoeutectic LM25 alloys were selected for each step casting into the steel mold. Cooling curve thermal analysis and simulation methods were applied to investigate the cooling behavior of first poured LM28 alloy and improve the accuracy of CDC process by determining the curves of solid fraction and temperature profiles. The final products were studied through optical microscopy, image analysis, and Brinell hardness measurement. The results showed that the silicon concentration decreased along transition zone between two alloys by increasing the decanting time in the order of 25, 40, and 50 s. This can be due to the lower temperature of exterior LM28 alloy in semi-solid state and shorter solidification time of interior LM25 alloy. This can lead a to reduction of the diffusion rate of elemental silicon along the transition zone. The microscopic scale of transition zone between two alloys developed the maximum thickness of 438 μm and hardness value of 83 HB comparing with the hardness of 88 and 62 HB for external and internal alloys, respectively. The microscopic observations and hardness evaluations confirmed the creation of functionally Si-gradient products.     

The knockout reaction of <Superscript>15</Superscript>C on a <Superscript>9</Superscript>Be target at intermediate energies

In this work, neutron knockout reactions of ¹⁵C on a ⁹Be target at energy 103 and 250 MeV/nucleon are studied. Using the Eikonal approximation of the Glauber model, total neutron removal cross sections, the stripping and diffractive cross sections as well as ¹⁴C longitudinal momentum distributions are determined in both ¹⁵C ground state and exited states of the wave function. We compared the results of our calculations with the available experimental data obtained recently. The calculated cross sections of ¹⁵C and ¹⁴C reactions, as well as the momentum distribution are in relatively good agreement with available data.