The Effects of euro Adoption on the Slovak Economy

In this study we assess the effects of euro adoption from an economic perspective. The benefits and disadvantages of Slovak entry to the euro area were discussed already when the euro adoption strategy was adopted. This analysis utilizes the latest information, using the set euro adoption date and the chosen euro adoption scenario. We attempt to quantify the most important effects, so that the costs and benefits can be compared. The costs and risks related to the euro area entry will depend on economic conditions and policies. Therefore we analyze the economic policies, which should support euro adoption, the issues of optimal timing of euro area entry and the impacts of euro adoption on citizens, businesses and the state administration.

Historical lead seals and the influence of disinfectants on the lead corrosion rate

Abstract Lead used to be a common material for setting seal to historical documents. Lead seals formed parts of historical documents as a guarantee of their legal validity. Disinfectants are commonly used during the restoration of historical documents. They successfully remove mould, bacteria and microscopic fungi from the surface of parchment documents. However, some disinfectants could also be a source of corrosion damage to lead seals. This work was carried out to examine possible corrosion damage to lead seals caused by disinfectants [a solution of carbethopendecinium bromide, a solution of glutaraldehyde, butanol (vapours), a solution of 1-propanol, 2-propanol + ethanol called Bacillol AF], which are commonly used during restoration of historical documents. The lead corrosion rates were determined by using lead resistometric probes. The solutions of carbethopendecinium bromide and glutaraldehyde increase the lead corrosion rate and corrosion products based on carbonates, nitrates and organic lead salts are formed on the lead surface. The most appropriate disinfectants for the restoration of historical documents with lead seals are alcohol-based solutions, such as butanol (vapours) and a solution of 1-propanol, 2-propanol and ethanol called Bacillol AF

Phase transitions and pattern formation in chemo‐responsive gels and composites

Design of multifunctional materials often requires the chemical functionalization enabling the material to respond to a variety of stimuli. Herein, we focus on modeling of functionalized chemo‐responsive gels and composites; functionalization alters the volume phase transitions allowing system to undergo structural reconfiguration. For instance, we consider the volume phase transitions in photo‐sensitive hydrogels functionalized with two different types of chromophores that either alter the hydrophobicity of the illuminated sample or cause these samples to heat up. We then focus on gels that are driven by the oscillatory Belousov‐Zhabotinsky reaction and show that chemically mediated interactions among these gels drive them to self‐aggregate in a well‐defined manner. Finally, we focus on the self‐oscillating composite that does not contain oscillatory chemically reactions. In all these examples, effective control over the volume phase transitions is achieved through the combination of chemical functionalization and external stimuli, extending the potential utility of the host materials.by Yao Xiong, Pratyush Dayal , Anna C. Balazs and Olga Kukseno