Kanban policy improvement thanks to a (max,+)-algebra analysis

This article deals with a possible improvement of a Kanban policy due to a (max,+)-algebra analysis. We show that for a given Kanban system, it is possible to change the original feedback loop by a (max,+)-linear controller which keeps the same quality of service but reduces the work in process. This new control policy contains a (max,+)-linear dynamic behaviour for the recycling of Kanban cards

Vanadyl phthalocyanines on graphene/SiC(0001): toward a hybrid architecture for molecular spin qubits

Vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPc) contains a highly coherent spin S = ½, which is of interest for applications in quantum information. Preservation of long coherence times upon deposition on conductive materials is crucial for use of single-spin in devices. Here, we report a detailed investigation of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of a hybrid architecture constituted by a monolayer film of VOPc molecules deposited on graphene/SiC(0001). Graphene (Gr) is a two-dimensional conductor with exceptional chemical stability, a property which we exploited here to preserve the spin of VOPc. Low temperature-scanning tunneling microscopy supported by density functional theory (DFT) simulations revealed that VOPc molecules were adsorbed intact on the Gr/SiC(0001) surface in a planar geometry assuming a unique configuration in which the vanadyl group is projected out toward the vacuum, different to that found commonly on other conductive surfaces. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-photoelectron spectroscopy (flanked theoretically by DFT) showed that VOPc interact weakly with the Gr/SiC(0001) substrate to preserve its electronic configuration with the unpaired electron located on the V ion. These findings were confirmed by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, revealing that the S = ½ character of the VOPc assembly on Gr/SiC(0001) was preserved, in agreement with the theoretical prediction. Hence, molecules could be adsorbed and used as qubits on substrates of technological importance, such as graphene. This new hybrid architecture could be employed for local investigation of static and dynamic spin properties and as molecular qubits for spintronic applications

Crystal structure, optical properties, vibrational, thermal and biological study of a new polymeric Cd(II) hybrid material

International audienceThis paper describes a new polymeric one-dimensional chlorocadmate(II) compound synthesized with a slow evaporation method. The crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the Tetragonal system, P 4/n space group, with the following room temperature cell parameters: a = 15.9451(14) Å, c = 11.1726(10) Å with Z = 2 and V = 2840.6(6) Å3. The examination of the structure shows that the anionic part is formed of covalent polymeric chains of (CdCl5)n and isolated CdCl4 tetrahedrons. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to verify the contributions of the different intermolecular interactions. UV–Vis measurements were employed to figure out the optical behavior of the reported crystal. The vibrational properties were investigated through IR spectroscopy. TG-DSC thermal analysis revealed that the compound remains stable up to 130 °C. For the in vitro antibacterial activity test, results showed that there is no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between the inhibition zones caused by the compound and the amine. However, DPPH and ABTS tests showed that the free radical scavenging activity of the tested compound was higher than the amine

Nanophotonic Sensor based on Photonic Crystal Structure using Negative Refraction for Effective Light Coupling

In this paper, using the 2-D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD), we study a novel biosensor based on collimation effects in photonic crystals (PCs) with negative refractive index. Couplingk the collmated beam to a line of air holes (sensing region) filled with normal air, dry air, liquid and gas is thoroughly investigated. It is shown that by an appropriate selection of design paramters such as the air cylinder radii and coupling distance, it is possible to achieve ultracompact sensing platforms. The collimatin effect features channel allocation in nanosystems and high sensitivity for biomolecules sensing applications

Embryonic Growth Rate Thermal Reaction Norm of Mediterranean Caretta caretta Embryos from Two Different Thermal Habitats, Turkey and Libya

Ectothermic species are strongly affected by thermal changes. To assess the viability of these species under climate change constraints, we need to quantify the sensitivity of their life history traits to temperature. The loggerhead marine turtle (Caretta caretta) nests regularly in the Oriental Basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The different populations are separated because of time (<12,000 yrs) and very different thermal habitats; it is hotter on the southern coast (Libya) than on the northern ones (Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey). Patterns of embryo growth response to incubation temperatures have been searched for these 2 populations. We found that both populations have similar thermal reaction norms for embryonic growth rate. This highlights that 12,000 yrs is not enough time for this species to adapt to specific thermal habitats and raises the question of the persistence of these populations in the context of rapid climate change. © 2017 Chelonian Research Foundation

Changes in the antioxidative systems of Ocimum basilicum L. (cv. Fine) under different sodium salts

The effects of different sodium salts on some physiological parameters and antioxidant responses were investigated in a medicinal and aromatic plant, Ocimum basilicum L. (cultivar Fine). Plants were subjected to an equimolar concentration of Na2SO4 (25 mM) and NaCl (50 mM) for 15 and 30 days. Growth, oxidative stress parameters [electrolyte leakage, peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration], antioxidant enzyme activities [ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2), and peroxidases (POD, EC 1.11.1.7)], as well as antioxidant molecules [ascorbate and glutathione] were determined. The two salts affected leaf growth rates to the same extent, after 15 or 30 days of treatment, indicating a similar effect of Na2SO4 and NaCl salinity on growth, even if different (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) antioxidant mechanisms were involved in H2O2 detoxification. However, under both salts, the efficiency of the antioxidant metabolism seemed to be sufficient to avoid the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Indeed, both ion leakage and peroxidation did not change under either Na2SO4 or NaCl salinity. As a whole, these data suggest that a cooperative process between the antioxidant systems is important for the tolerance of Ocimum basilicum L., cv. Fine to Na2SO4 and NaCl salinity