Superior Degree Research Articles

Mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles containing superacid and click functionalities leading to cooperativity in biocidal coatings.

A superior degree of functionality in materials can be expected, if two or more operational entities are related in a cooperative form. It is obvious that, for this purpose, one is seeking materials with complex design comprising bi- or multiple functional groups complementing each other. In the current paper, it is demonstrated that periodically ordered mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) based on co-condensation of sol-gel precursors with bridging phenyl derivatives RF1,2C6H3[Si(O(iso)Pr)3]2 allow for rich opportunities in providing high-surface area materials with such a special chemical architecture. PMOs containing high density of thiol (≅ RF1) and sulfonic acid units (≅ RF2) were prepared as mesoporous nanoparticles via an aerosol-assisted gas-phase method and were tested for biocidal applications. Each of the mentioned organic groups fulfills several tasks at once. The selective functionalization of thiols located at the surface of the particles using click chemistry leads to durable grafting on different substrates like glass or stainless steel, and the intraparticle -SH groups are important regarding the uptake of metal ions like Ag(+) and for immobilization of Ag(0) nanoparticles inside the pores as an enduring reservoir for antibacterial force. The superacidic sulfonic acid groups exhibit a strong and instantaneous biocidal acitivity, and they are important for adjusting the Ag(+) release rate. Biological studies involving inhibitory investigation tests (MIC), fluorescence microscopy (life/dead staining), and bacterial adhesion tests with Pseudomonas aeruginosa show that the organobifunctional materials present much better performance against biofilm formation compared to materials containing only one of the above-mentioned groups.

The Application of Superiority Evaluation Method in Bid Evaluation of Architectural Engineering Construction

In order to solve the incompatible problems between each evaluation index when evaluated,the superiority evaluation method was applied in the process of Bid Evaluation of architectural engineering. Using the CRITIC method to determine the weight coefficient of each index , which take into account both the contrast intensity between the indexes and introduces the correlation between indicators to determine the weight coefficient, so that more objective. Calculating the bidders value of superiority degree and maximal is selected as the most suitable bidder, results show that the method is relatively objective evaluation, the calculation is simple and practical.

Complementary analytical liquid chromatography methods for the characterization of aqueous phase from pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses.

In this work, two analytical liquid chromatography methods were developed and compared for the characterization of aqueous phases from pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses. NanoLC electron ionization-mass spectrometry (EI-MS) represents a novel and useful tool for both separation and identification of semi/nonvolatile and thermolabile molecules. The use of nanoscale flow rates, the highly reproducibility, and high detailed information on EI spectra are the principal advantages of this technique. On the other hand, comprehensive 2D-LC, providing a two-dimensional separation, increases the overall peak capacity lowering the occurrence of peak coelutions. Despite the use of reversed phase modes in both dimensions, a satisfactory degree of orthogonality was achieved by the employment of a smart design of gradient elution strategies in the second dimension in combination with photodiode array detection (PDA) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS). Because of the absence of the preliminary extraction procedure, the fingerprint obtained for these samples results is independent of the extraction yield or contamination contrary to the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) approach where a liquid-liquid extraction of the water phase is necessary. The main classes of identified compounds were phenols, ketones, furans, and alcohols. The synergistic information on the two powerful analytical approaches, e.g., NanoLC EI-MS and LC × LC, in the identification of such complex samples has never been investigated and fully benefit on the one hand from the superior degree of mass spectral information from EI-MS and on the other hand from enhanced LC × LC compound separation.

Optimal Allocation of Water Resources Based on Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Algorithm and Information Entropy

Water allocation is a very complex problem, involving social, economic, environmental, and political factors. Consequently, it is a multi-objective decision-making problem. This paper presents a multi-objective model for the optimal allocation on multisource water for multiuser under sufficiently considering the harmonious development among economy, society and environment. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is employed to generate a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. At the same time, to facilitate easy implementation for the water allocation operator, information entropy theory is adopted to sort the decision results according to the magnitude of the superiority degrees. As a case study the proposed approach has been applied to the reasonable allocation of water supply and demand in the water-receiving areas of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in China, in which the maximal benefit of economy, society and environment was regarded as the multi-objectives. The results show that the proposed approach is able to offer the quantifiable benefits or costs among different objectives for the water managers, and is highly professional in making decisions for allocating water among use sectors and different areas.

Preparation and characterization of alkylphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers on titanium alloy by chemisorption and electrochemical deposition.

Ti-6Al-4V alloy is the most commonly used alloy for dental and orthopedic implants. In order to improve osseointegration, different surface modification methods are usually employed, including self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). This study presents an investigation of both active (electroassisted) and passive (adsorption) approaches for the modification of Ti-6Al-4V using alkylphosphonic acid. The monolayers were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, double-layer capacitance, contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, polarization modulation infrared reflection adsorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and corrosion potentiodynamic polarization measurements. It is shown that the electrochemically assisted monolayers, which are assembled faster, exhibit better control over surface properties, a superior degree of order, and a somewhat higher packing density. The electrosorbed SAMs also exhibit better blockage of electron transfer across the interface and thus have better corrosion resistance.

Binary and ternary nanocomposites based on PVDF, PMMA, and PVDF/PMMA blends: polymorphism, thermal, and rheological properties

Binary and ternary nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and PVDF/PMMA blends were successfully prepared through a melt-mixing process, using a commercial organoclay (15A) as the nanofiller. The 15A was more finely dispersed (intercalated/partially exfoliated) within the PVDF matrix compared with the PMMA matrix. A higher PVDF content in the ternary composite essentially led to a superior degree of 15A dispersion. The 15A addition induced the polar β-form PVDF crystals, whereas the presence of PMMA in ternary composites reduced the efficiency in promoting β-form formation by 15A. Adding 15A also enhanced the nucleation of PVDF, but the enhancement was inferior while PMMA was present. Conversely, the crystal growth of PVDF was retarded with the existence of 15A, and the PVDF/15A binary composite exhibited the greatest retardation. The equilibrium melting temperature (Tm°) of PVDF in the neat state and in the blends increased after 15A addition. The PVDF/15A binary composite possessed an evidently higher β-form Tm° than the α-form Tm° of neat PVDF (~20.1 °C rise). Similar effects on the individual components, 15A declined the thermal stability of PVDF but increased that of PMMA in the ternary composites. Rheological property measurements revealed that the ternary composites performed in-between that of individual PVDF/15A and PMMA/15A binary composites. A percolation of 15A (pseudo)network structure was developed in the composites, and a more elastic behavior was observed with increasing PVDF content in the composites.

Witnessness: Beckett, Dante, Levi, and the Foundations of Responsibility

Witnessness: Beckett, Dante, Levi, and the Foundations of Responsibility

Extension VIKOR for Priority Orders Based on Three Parameters Interval Fuzzy Number

In this study, an improved VIKOR method was presented to deal with multi-attribute decision-making based on three parameters interval fuzzy number. The attribute weights were unknown but alternative priority of object preference was given. A new non-linear rewards and punishment method in positive interval was proposed to make the attributes normal, information covered reliability and relative superiority degree two methods were used to compare and sort the Three Parameters Interval Fuzzy Number (TPIFN) and a quadratic programming based on contribution was constructed to get attribute weights, then defined the information entropy distance between TPIFN and the optimum object orders was obtained by VIKOR. The numerical example was provided to demonstrate the feasibility and validity.

Preparation of high-aspect-ratio TiO2 nanotube arrays for the photocatalytic reduction of NO in air streams

The aim of this study is to fabricate TiO2 nanotubes arrays (TNTs) with smooth homogenous morphology by the anodization of titanium foil in fluorine-contained electrolytes. A series of materials analysis techniques, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, potentiostat/galvanostat and X-ray diffractometer, are used to characterize the surface morphology, phase formation, lattice parameters and the induced photocurrent intensity of TNTs. As the experimental results, the tube dimension of TNTs is found to be determined by the migration and diffusion of ions in the electrolyte corresponding to the concentration profiles of oxygen-containing anionic species and hydrogen ions within the TiO2 nanotubes. High-aspect-ratio TNTs with a superior degree of regularity and homogeneity are favored to be formed in the fluoride-contained ethylene glycol solutions due to the suppression of pH bursts and local ions concentration fluctuations during anodization in the highly viscous electrolytes. To compare the NO reduction by photo-SCR using spherical TiO2 (P25) and tubular TiO2, the performance of NO reduction by photo-SCR is significantly affected by the available surface area (active sites) of TiO2 rather than the crystal composition of TiO2.

Energy efficiency in the German residential sector: A bottom-up building-stock-model-based analysis in the context of energy-political targets

This paper assesses the practicability of meeting the German federal government's energy-political targets for the residential sector by analysing the potential future development of this sector in an aggregated bottom-up model. The domestic building stock is considered in terms of the likely developments in the housing market, as well as the energetic characteristics of current and future buildings. The employed method is based on deterministic projections of demand floor space and demolition/refurbishment rates. The key novelty lies in the focus on developments in this sector in Germany; existing studies have not had this focus and have therefore employed a more rudimentary methodology, for example with static refurbishment rates, shorter time horizons or no spatial differentiation. The total resulting final heating demand of domestic buildings of about 500 TWh lies above that of other studies in 2050, which is mainly due to the conservative assumptions regarding renovation activity and new build made in the present case. Hence in the reference scenario the target for 2020 is not met, suggesting that further political intervention is required. In another scenario, it is shown that a drastic increase of the renovation rate is required in order to meet the 2020 target, especially amongst existing single family buildings. The supply side is only indirectly considered due to the aggregated nature of the model, which could be improved for further work, but the presented method nevertheless represents a good compromise between using solely freely available data and obtaining superior degree of precision to previous studies.

Developing a light weight lithium ion battery – an effective material and electrode design for high performance conversion anodes

The process of lithium storage by conversion reaction is a subject of intense research in the field of lithium ion batteries as it opens up the possibility of storing more than one mole of lithium per formula unit, leading to very high storage capacities. For instance, lithium storage by conversion reaction in hematite (α-Fe2O3) results in high theoretical capacity of 1005 mAh g−1. Despite numerous attempts, the first cycle reversibility and cyclability achieved in this material have been disappointingly low. To overcome these limitations, we report here an effective “active material-electrode design” incorporating the following features: (i) well-connected active material particles; (ii) adequate active material surface area; (iii) strong particle-current collector adhesion and (iv) superior degree of electrode drying. Incorporating these features in α-Fe2O3 electrodes enhances its overall electrochemical performance. For the first time, a high first cycle reversibility of 90% is reported for lithium storage via conversion reaction in α-Fe2O3. The long term cyclability over 800 cycles demonstrated here is one of highest reported values for this material. Even at high current densities of 5.025 A g−1 (12 mins of charge/discharge), this tailored α-Fe2O3 delivers capacities (446 mAh g−1) in excess of graphite (372 mAh g−1). Most importantly, this anode material shows feasible operation in a full cell containing olivine LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4 cathode. It is believed that this simple design approach could also be extended to other material systems such as phosphides, sulphides, nitrides and fluorides that store lithium via conversion mechanism.

Wynagrodzenie w kontekście przepisów podatkowych. Analiza porównawcza Polska – Niemcy

Reward presents this economic largeness, which (who) wakes up huge argumentations obliged own in context of feature that, determinant eats forming, significant, as well as correct definition. It is not possible to ascertain directly, that countries are characterized about superior degree of economic development more restrictive, as well as in range of taxation of reward liberal politics fiscal. Range is determinant for formulating tax system about differentiated character having feature not only social stymulant but also economic ( fiscal ). Elaboration has appearance of difference on purpose and between system of taxation of reward in poland similarities and in Germany. Thesis, which will be verified in the present elaboration, there is following in development among -economic significant socially polish.

Decision-Making Model for Ranking Earthquake Emergency Events Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets

To ravel out the difficulty in the expression and measurement of Non-subjected Information in earthquake emergency decision-making under fuzzy environmental conditions, a ranking method was put forward for earthquake emergency events on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets. Via the explanation about the concept of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets, intuitionistic fuzzy matrix and its interval estimation was established for the set of the earthquake emergency events, and the positive and negative ideal intuitionistic fuzzy earthquake emergency was determined; Through defining the distance calculation about subjected, non-subjected and hesitated degree, and respectively comparing the distance from the emergency to the positive and negative ideal event, the superiority degree model was established for the earthquake emergency events, which further gained the sequence of the emergency event collection. Case showed that model effectively solved the ranking problem about earthquake emergency events, which provided one theory and method for scientific decision-making practice in shock resistance and disaster relief.

Application of Contrary Degree and Identity Degree Optimization Model to Determine Reservoir Normal Storage Water Table

To solve the indexes incompatibility when optimizing the reservoir characteristic tables, this paper combined all the indexes for the evaluation of reservoir normal storage water table into one index called superiority degree to standard evaluation set. It was used to represent comprehensive superiority of different reservoir normal storage water tables. Taking the Aertashi Reservoir normal storage water table optimization as a case study, the contrary degree and identity degree optimization model was applied. The scheme with normal storage water table of 1810m was chosen. The result shows that the reservoir characteristic tables optimization by the contrary degree and identity degree optimization model is reasonable and feasible. In addition, the model has simple structure and easy calculation.

Integrating unascertained measurement and information entropy theory to assess blastability of rock mass

Due to the complex features of rock mass blastability assessment systems, an evaluation model of rock mass blastability was established on the basis of the unascertained measurement (UM) theory and the actual characteristics of the project. Considering a comprehensive range of intact rock properties and discontinuous structures of rock mass, twelve main factors influencing the evaluation blastability of rock mass were taken into account in the UM model, and the blastability evaluation index system of rock mass was constructed. The unascertained evaluation indices corresponding to the selected factors for the actual situation were solved both qualitatively and quantitatively. Then, the UM function of each evaluation index was obtained based on the initial data for the analysis of the blastability of six rock mass at a highway improvement cutting site in North Wales. The index weights of the factors were calculated by entropy theory, and credible degree identification (CDI) criteria were established according to the UM theory. The results of rock mass blastability evaluation were obtained by the CDI criteria. The results show that the UM model assessment results agree well with the actual records, and are consistent with those of the fuzzy sets evaluation method. Meanwhile, the unascertained superiority degree of rock mass blastability of samples S1–S6 which can be calculated by scoring criteria are 3.428 5, 3.453 3, 4.058 7, 3.675 9, 3.516 7 and 3.289 7, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed method can take into account large amount of uncertain information in blastability evaluation, which can provide an effective, credible and feasible way for estimating the blastability of rock mass. Engineering practices show that it can complete the blastability assessment systematically and scientifically without any assumption by the proposed model, which can be applied to practical engineering.

Guest Editorial: The case for practice-based evidence to support evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice is well established as an expected professional approach to intervention in our health services. In medicine, the primary source of evidence is from largesample double-blind studies using randomised assignment to control and experimental groups. This approach is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ for evidential acceptability. Often, data from a number of studies are combined through meta-analysis, meaning that reviews of extensive research studies and the effect sizes of interventions are made accessible to health professionals through sites such as the Cochrane Collaboration, enhancing the ease with which evidence-based medicine can be practised. tutes ‘evidence’ between the different disciplines within the field. Given that RCG studies are often held up as the ‘gold standard’, there is a degree of superiority expressed amongst those who identify as belonging to what they deem to be the most methodologically rigorous approach. While there are undeniable benefits from RCG studies in some respects, their problematic characteristics are often not topics of discussion, although, historically, there has been debate over the costs and benefits of heavy reliance on the methodology. For example, in psychology, the role of chance as a variable,1 the paucity of direct replication1,2 and the distortions in the published record that can follow from editorial exclusion

Characterization of diffusion and duration of action of a new botulinum toxin type A formulation

RT002, an injectable form of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA), comprised of a purified 150 kDa neurotoxin formulated in a novel formulation, is designed to limit the extent of diffusion and permit safe administration of longer acting doses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of diffusion of RT002 in comparison to another commercially available BoNTA product, Botox® Cosmetic (OnabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA), and establish the relative duration of effect for diffusion matched doses of the two BoNTA formulations using quantitative measurements in mice.Measurement of muscle paralysis by muscle force generation (MFG) in mice at the injected gastrocnemius muscles indicated that RT002 and Botox are equipotent. Measurements of MFG inhibition in an adjacent muscle, the tibialis anterior muscle, indicated significantly less diffusion for RT002 as compared to Botox. When RT002 and Botox were dosed using the established diffusion matched doses, RT002 treatment resulted in an extended duration of drug effect as compared to Botox by 58–100% as assessed by either partial or complete recovery endpoints. Use of a daily voluntary running activity model provided confirmation that the two BoNTA formulations are equipotent by daily running distance and further confirmed the diffusion matched dose ratio assessed by degree of drug effect on body weight gain. Using these diffusion matched doses, RT002 treatment resulted in an extended duration of drug effect as compared to Botox (100–126% increase in duration) as assessed by either partial or complete recovery endpoints. Use of this model provides further evidence that the RT002 formulation limits diffusion with equipotency and thereby may permit safe administration of higher and more efficacious doses. In summary, data from two murine models suggest that RT002 may represent a next generation of BoNTA drug formulation offering superior degree and duration of effect at the intended target while controlling the unwanted diffusion and accompanying adverse effects of BoNTA at neighboring muscles and distal systemic targets.

Individualized Guidelines: The Potential for Increasing Quality and Reducing Costs

Current guidelines focus on a particular risk factor and specify criteria for categorizing persons into a small number of treatment groups. To compare current guidelines with individualized guidelines (that use readily available characteristics from each person to calculate the risk reduction expected from treatment and to identify persons for treatment in ranked order of decreasing expected benefit), in the context of blood pressure management. Analysis of person-specific, longitudinal data. The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study. Persons aged 45 to 64 years without preexisting cardiovascular disease who currently do not receive antihypertensive treatment. Treatment according to the criteria of the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7 guidelines); individualized guidelines, or treatment in decreasing order of expected benefit; and random care, or treatment of persons selected at random. Number of myocardial infarctions (MIs) and strokes and medical costs. Compared with treating people according to random care, individualized guidelines could prevent the same number of MIs and strokes as JNC 7 guidelines at savings that are 67% greater than using JNC 7 guidelines, or it could prevent 43% more MIs and strokes for the same cost as treatment according to JNC 7 guidelines. The superiority of individualized guidelines was not sensitive to a wide range of assumptions about costs, treatment effectiveness, level of risk for cardiovascular disease in the population, or effects on workflow. The degree of superiority was sensitive to the accuracy of the method used to rank patients and to its span (the proportion of the population for whom all of the outcomes of interest can be calculated). Specific results apply to the effects of blood pressure management on MI and stroke in the ARIC Study population. The methods for calculating individual benefits require quantitative evidence about the relationships among risk factors, long-term outcomes, and treatment effects. Use of individualized guidelines can help to increase the quality and reduce the cost of care.

Comparison of Hearing Thresholds Obtained with Baha Preoperative Assessment Tools and those Obtained with the Osseointegrated Implant

We conducted a study of the Baha bone-anchored hearing aid system to quantify the difference between (1) hearing thresholds obtained through preoperative testing methods with the Baha sound processor attached to three different bone-conduction testing devices and (2) thresholds obtained postoperatively with the sound processor attached to a surgically placed osseointegrated titanium implant. Twenty-three patients underwent free-field testing in four situations: with the Baha sound processor attached to (1) the Baha Testband (transcutaneous transmission), (2) the Baha Softband (transcutaneous transmission), (3) a test rod (bone conduction via the teeth), and (4) the osseointegrated implant (percutaneous transmission). The main outcome measure was the result of a comparison of the thresholds obtained with the three preoperative test methods and those obtained with the osseointegrated implant. We found that aided thresholds obtained with the osseointegrated implant were significantly better (p < 0.05) than those obtained with the three preoperative test methods. The degree of superiority increased with higher frequencies. We conclude that thresholds of 1 to 18 dB better than those obtained by preoperative test methods can be expected postoperatively with the osseointegrated implant. The damping effect of sound transmission via the teeth or transcutaneously must be accounted for in making predictions of postoperative outcome.

The Optimum Selection of Instrument Flight Procedure Design Scheme Based on the Relative Superiority Degree

The optimum selection of instrument flight procedure design scheme is very important to the enhancement of capacity of terminal area, and to the work quality and efficiency of air traffic management and flight safety. However, in practice, the optimum selection is often made by experts based on their on their specialized knowledge and experience. This human-made selection in most cases could be biased or not optimum. To address this problem, we present an evaluation method based on the relative superiority degree technique. This method makes full use of evaluation information and makes unbiased optimum selection with very low human interference. We give details of using this method in this paper, including constructing evaluation indicator system, obtaining values of each indicator; building evaluation model based on relative superiority degree and finding solution of the model, etc. At the end of this paper, we present a numerical example to demonstrate the feasibility of this method.