Bent-core liquid crystals joining the ethylene-oxide/lithium ion tandem: Ionic conductivity and dielectric response towards new electrolytes for energy applications

We report the dielectric and conductivity response of three materials containing bent-core and tetra(ethylene-oxide) moieties, and their complexes doped with lithium triflate salts, as new potential nanostructured electrolytes. Whilst the pristine bent-core compounds do not show mesomorphism, the doped materials display smectic mesophases inside indium tin oxide cells assisted by the selective solvation of the lithium ions in the ethylene-oxide blocks. The dielectric response of the materials in the high-frequency range is controlled by the chemical composition of the bent-core structure, and the presence of lithium ions promotes direct current conductivity at low frequencies, in the σdc ∼ 10-5 S cm−1 range, which can be enhanced to σdc ∼ 10-4 S cm−1 via trans-to-cis photoisomerization of azobenzene groups. The dynamic and dual character of these materials (responding to low and high frequency electrical fields), the formation of ferroelectric crystals capable to store energy, and their interactions with light, will be applied to develop new energy devices

Ionically conducting and photoresponsive liquid crystalline terpolymers: Towards multifunctional polymer electrolytes

[EN] We have prepared a series of new ionically conducting polymer electrolytes consisting of side-chain liquid crystal terpolymers with mesogenic azobenzenes, sulfonic acid groups and methyl methacrylate. The poly[10-(4-methoxyazobenzene -4'-oxy)decyl methacrylate] -co-poly[2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid]-copoly [methyl methacrylate]s, 10-MeOAzB/AMPS/MMA terpolymers, were synthesised by a one-pot conventional radical polymerisation. All samples were characterised by NMR, GPC/SEC, FT-IR, POM, XRD, DSC, UV-visible spectrophotometry and EIS. The terpolymers have light responsive properties, and exhibit liquid crystallinity over a wide range of compositions. Above a certain threshold of AMPS content, the 10-MeOAzB/AMPS/MMA terpolymers exhibit ionic conductivities in the 10(-8)-10(-4)S.cm(-1) range, with signs of decoupling of ionic mobility from segmental motions of the polymer.ARG and AMF thank the financial support of the Generalitat Valenciana, through the Grisolia and Forteza programs, and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, through the Research Projects ENE2007-67584-C03 and UPOVCE-3E-013 and the awarding of two FPI and FPU pre-doctoral grants. AMF and NFKA would like to thank the Royal Academy of Engineering for the award of the Newton Research Collaboration Programme grant NRCP1516/4/61. AMF acknowledges the School of Engineering of the University of Aberdeen for financial support.Vanti, L.; Alauddin, SM.; Zaton, D.; Aripin, N.; Giaccinti-Baschetti, M.; Imrie, C.; Ribes-Greus, A.... (2018). Ionically conducting and photoresponsive liquid crystalline terpolymers: Towards multifunctional polymer electrolytes. European Polymer Journal. 109:124-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.08.033S12413210

Isolation and Characterization of a Molybdenum Reducing Enzyme in Enterobacter cloacae Strain 48

Molybdenum reducing enzyme was isolated from Enterobacter cloacae Strain 48 by ammonium sulphate fractionation, DE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. SDS-PAGE of the concentrated Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration eluates revealed the presence of 3 protein subunits of molecular weight 80, 90 and 100 kDa. The active concentrated fraction from the Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration step was then characterized for molybdenum reducing activity with 12-molybdophosphate (12-MoP) as a substrate. The optimum pH and temperature of the reaction was 5.0 and 28-33°C, respectively. ADH was a better reducing agent in the reaction than NADPH; the double reciprocal plot of activity against ADH and NADPH revealed apparent Km and V""", values of 1.65 mM, 6.28 nmole molybdenum blue produced/min/mg and 2.13 mM and 4.10 nmole molybdenum blue produced/min/mg, respectively. The double reciprocal plot of activity against 12-MoP and 20-molybdodiphosphate revealed apparent K m values of 0.3 mM and 0.4 mM, respectively. The apparent Vmax values are similar for both substrates at 6 nmole molybdenum blue produced/min. The assay method for molybdenum reducing activity using 12-MoP was found to be easier and more rapid than the present method of using molybdate as a substrat

The benefits and challenges of practicing work-life balance among women entrepreneurs

In Today’s Fast Paced Business World, The Ability To Achieve Work Life Balance (WLB) Is Becoming More And More Difficult As People Are Constantly Pushed To Work Faster To Cope With An Increasing Workload. This Paper Presents A Review Of The Challenges And Contribution (Benefit) Of Practice Work – Life Balance. Women Entrepreneurial Success In Their Life And Business Always Being Connected With The Excellent Management Of WLB. An Overview Of The Issues Surrounding Women Entrepreneur Development Draw To The Extension Of More Literature Reviews. Therefore, 34 Articles Have Been Selected And Analysed. There Was Found That Applying Of Work – Life Balance Was Increase Dual Earner For Family Economy And Improving Productivity In The Business. Meanwhile The Main Challenges Of WLB Implementation Among Woman Entrepreneurs Has Always Related To Time Management And Busy Schedule At Work Place. Based On The Issues Identified, Work – Life Balance Strategies Are Proposed To Increased Malaysian Woman Entrepreneurial Potential, Enhance Their Wellbeing In Life And Encourage Them To Part In Business

Improving transient performances of vehicle yaw rate response using composite nonlinear feedback

This paper studies and applied the composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) control technique for improving the transient performances of vehicle yaw rate response. In the active front steering control design and analysis, the linear bicycle model is used for controller design while the 7DOF nonlinear vehicle model is used as vehicle plant for simulation and controller evaluations. The vehicle handling test of the J-turn and single lane change maneuvers are implemented in computer simulations in order to evaluate the designed yaw rate tracking controller. The simulation results show that the CNF technique could improve the transient performances of yaw rate response and enhance the vehicle maneuverability

p-Methoxy Azobenzene Terpolymer as a Promising Energy-Storage Liquid Crystal System

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OKAZ, JH, and ARI would like to acknowledge the Sultan Qaboos University for its support through His Majesty’s Trust Fund for Strategic Research (SR/SCI/CHEM/18/01) and Internal Grant (IG/SCI/CHEM/21/03). SMA and NFKA would like to acknowledge Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education for the grant number 600-IRMI/FRGS 5/3 (374/2019). AMF would like to acknowledge the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, for the Research Incentive Grant RIG008586, the Royal Society and Specac Ltd., for the Research Grant GS\R1\201397, the Royal Society of Chemistry for the award of a mobility grant (M19-0000), and the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government, for the award of a SAPHIRE project.Peer reviewedPostprin

Effect of Steel Fibres And Wire Mesh Reinforcement on Flexural Strength and Strain Energy Steel-Epoxy-Aluminium Composite Laminates / W. N. M. Jamil ...[et al.]

This paper evaluates the effect of reinforcement materials on the flexural strength and strain energy in metal laminates under bending tests. Traditionally, high hardness monolithic steel has been utilised in lightweight armoured vehicles. In order to increase the performance of the armoured plates, their weight is reduced by incorporating adhesive bonding metal laminates technology. Simultaneously, the application of metallic fibres in construction is also being developed for the same purpose. Therefore the incorporation of metallic fibres in adhesive layer can reduce the weight and increase the strength of armoured panels. It is important to assess and predict the flexural strength and strain energy in the metal laminated armour. The effects of steel fibres and stainless steel mesh were investigated through flexural tests. The flexural strength was assessed by a three-point bending test using a universal testing machine. The strain energy was measured from the stress-strain curve using the data from the bending test. From the results, the steel fibre-reinforced and wire mesh-reinforced composite laminates exhibited higher flexural strength compared to non-reinforced composite laminate by 10% and 9%, respectively. Further, steel fibre-reinforced and wire mesh-reinforced composite laminates had higher strain energy at 23% and 31% compared to non-reinforced composite laminate, respectively. Cracks occurred at the back layer of the aluminium alloy and propagated vertically through the aluminium and adhesive layer and stopped at the steel layer. This is due to the higher strength and ductility of the steel in withstanding the load. Reinforcement with steel fibres and wire mesh enabled the metal laminate to bear higher load, while decreasing the damage and delamination due to its higher strength, strain energy and ductility compared to the non-reinforced composite laminate. The reinforcement materials have the potential to produce tough adhesive-bonded metal laminates for ballistic impact applications

Systematic review of safety in paediatric drug trials published in 2007

Background: There is now greater involvement of children in drug trials to ensure that paediatric medicines are supported by sound scientific evidence. The safety of the participating children is of paramount importance. Previous research shows that these children can suffer moderate and severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in clinical trials, yet very few of the trials designated a data safety monitoring board (DSMB) to oversee the trial. Methods: Safety data from a systematic review of paediatric drug randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2007 were analysed. All reported adverse events (AEs) were classified and assessed to determine whether an ADR had been experienced. ADRs were then categorised according to severity. Each trial report was examined as to whether an independent DSMB was in place. Results: Of the 582 paediatric drug RCTs analysed, 210 (36%) reported that a serious AE had occurred, and in 15% mortality was reported. ADRs were detected in more than half of the RCTs (305); 66 (11%) were severe, and 79 (14%) were moderate. Severe ADRs involved a wide range of organ systems and were frequently associated with cytotoxic drugs, antiparasitics, anticonvulsants and psychotropic drugs. Two RCTs reported significantly higher mortality rates in the treatment group. Only 69 (12%) of the RCTs stated there was a DSMB. DSMBs terminated five RCTs and changed the protocol in one. Conclusions: Children participating in drug RCTs experience a significant amount and a wide range of ADRs. DSMBs are needed to ensure the safety of paediatric participants in clinical drug trial

Hexavalent molybdenum reduction to molybdenum blue by S. marcescens Strain Dr. Y6

A molybdate-reducing bacterium has been locally isolated. The bacterium reduces molybdate or Mo(6+) to molybdenum blue (molybdate oxidation states of between 5+ and 6+). Different carbon sources such as acetate, formate, glycerol, citric acid, lactose, fructose, glucose, mannitol, tartarate, maltose, sucrose, and starch were used at an initial concentration of 0.2% (w/v) in low phosphate media to study their effect on the molybdate reduction efficiency of bacterium. All of the carbon sources supported cellular growth, but only sucrose, maltose, glucose, and glycerol (in decreasing order) supported molybdate reduction after 24 h of incubation. Optimum concentration of sucrose for molybdate reduction is 1.0% (w/v) after 24 h of static incubation. Ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, valine, OH-proline, glutamic acid, and alanine (in the order of decreasing efficiency) supported molybdate reduction with ammonium sulfate giving the highest amount of molybdenum blue after 24 h of incubation at 0.3% (w/v). The optimum molybdate concentration that supports molybdate reduction is between 15 and 25 mM. Molybdate reduction is optimum at 35 degrees C. Phosphate at concentrations higher than 5 mM strongly inhibits molybdate reduction. The molybdenum blue produced from cellular reduction exhibits a unique absorption spectrum with a maximum peak at 865 nm and a shoulder at 700 nm. The isolate was tentatively identified as Serratia marcescens Strain Dr.Y6 based on carbon utilization profiles using Biolog GN plates and partial 16s rDNA molecular phylogeny