Ultra-High Response Detection of Alcohols Based on CdS/MoS2 Composite

Hybrid CdS/MoS2 with branch and leaf shaped structures are successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. It is applied to detect volatile organic compounds, a basic source of indoor air pollution with deleterious effects on the human health. The sensor based on CdS/MoS2 displays an outstanding response to alcohols among numerous gases. Their response to 100 ppm ethanol and isopropanol reaches 56 and 94, respectively. Benefiting from the dendrite-like biomimetic structure and synergy effect of CdS and MoS2, the sensor exhibits higher response than traditional gas sensor. For multiple alcohols, the limit of detection reached ppb level. In addition, by comparing the response of ethanol, isopropanol, isoamyl alcohol and their mixtures with acetone and methanal, a strong resistance interference is observed. This work proved that the modified detector holds broad promise in the detection of alcohols.

Synergy Effect of Factors Characterising Village Transition Zones on Speed Reduction

There are various traffic calming measures that can be installed in village transition zones. So far, focus was placed on diversified use of pavement markings, amounts of horizontal deflection, shape of the installed chicanes or central islands, presence of gateway, etc., and their location along the transition zone. However, the combined effect of the different transition zone factors on speed reductions has been rarely studied so far. Authors put forward a hypothesis of there being some determinants, which in combination influence speed reduction. To corroborate the hypothesis on the combined impact of the transition zone features on speed reduction in the village transition zones and to validate the established relationships the authors conducted verification study in transition zones containing chicanes or central islands. To verify this hypothesis the authors studied twenty transition zones and managed to confirm the hypothesis at 95% confidence level. The authors used previously adopted binary methods, verified the previously defined factors and added a few new determinants. The contribution of this study is a further investigation of the synergy effect of various relevant factors and the findings can assist in planning new transition zones or suggest additional measures to achieve the desired speed reduction in existing transition zones.

Catalyzed-Mea conversion of Agro-biomass to paper-pulp: Influence of pulping additives and synergy effect on pulp screened yield

In this research work, the effect of three (3) pulping additives such as polysulfide, Anthraquinone and surfactant used in the monoethanolamine (MEA) pulping of agro-biomass, their possible interactions and synergy effect on pulp screened yield were investigated. The pulping conditions of the digester were adjusted so that the experimental design considered the following factors and levels: 75% MEA charge, 150oC cooking temperature, 90minutes cooking time, 4 to 1Liquor- Biomass ratio. Factor 1: 0, 0.25 and 0.5% Surfactant charge, Factor 2: 0, 2.0 and 4.0% polysulfide charge, Factor 3: 0, 0.25 and 0.5% anthraquinone charge. The Agro-biomass was evaluated in terms of pulp screened yield. Heating time ranged from 5 to 45minutes and maximum cooking time did not exceed 90minutes, liquor biomass ratio was 4 to 1 and Liquor charge was 75% MEA. The yield for MEA with 4% Polysulfide (PS) dosage without the inclusion of Surfactant and Anthraquinone was highest (59.08%) in all the twenty seven (27) experimental runs, but furnished the highest reject (12.26%) and an unimpressive screened yield of 46.82% standing amongst the least possible outcomes. The yield for MEA with 0.25% Anthraquinone (AQ) dosage without the inclusion of Surfactant and Polysulfide furnished a total yield of 50.32%, pulp screened yield of 50.03% with a minimal reject of 0.29 showing to be more efficient than the use of polysulfide. Monoethanolamine (MEA) pulping with 0.5% surfactant (Surf.) dosage without the inclusion of other additives i.e. AQ and PS achieved 51.12% total screened yield with a reject of only 0.33% furnishing the highest pulp screened yield (50.79%) thereby showing more efficiency amongst the three (3) pulping additives investigated in this research study base on single use. However, the result obtained from the combination of the three (3) pulping additives furnished the highest screened yield (52.43) with 4.23% reject in scenario E, experiment No. 15, involving the combination of 0.25% surfactant, 0.25% anthraquinone and 4% polysulfide charge showing the best synergistic effect. Although the highest screened yield (53.04% and the least reject (0.13%) indicating the best possible outcome amongst the entire twenty seven (27) experimental runs came from the combination of 0.25% surfactant and 2% polysulfide charge. If we have to consider the use of surfactant and polysulfide alone, the best possible outcome came from the combination of 0.25% surfactant and 2% polysulfide charge in experiment 20 of scenario G. Analyses of the overall experimental results show that there is considerable advantage and a positive synergy effect in the use of additives in pulping operation.

Methodology For Assessing The Effectiveness of Regional Infrastructure Facilities to Support Scientific, Technical and Innovation Activities In The Context of The Synergy Effect: Analysis, Formation and Study

The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of the regional infrastructure facilities to support scientific, technical and innovation activities, taking into account the synergy effect. The article analyses methods existing in Russia and other countries and identifies their benefits and drawbacks. Based on the analysis conducted, the authors have determined a list of indicators characterising this area, developed a system for calculating the integral indicator, identified a list of regions that provided for the most objective assessment and testing of the developed methodology, and drew conclusions based on the calculations results. As a result, the effectiveness and perspectiveness of the developed methodology have been indicated. Even though the composite index is in the stability zone, its individual components may be in the zone of catastrophic risk and contain potential threats to further innovative development of a region. At the same time, it has been determined that regulatory support, as well as closed nature of the innovation cycle (synergy effect) play an important role in the efficient functioning of the infrastructure for supporting scientific, technical, and innovation activities.