COMPUTATIONAL CHALLENGES IN CONDENSED MATTER APPLICATIONS
Our paper focuses on computer simulation of the transport processes in nanoporous systems. This systems are considerably more complex than diffusion in homogeneous phases or in macroporous systems. The pathways in nanoporous systems are, by design, similar to the dimensions of the diffusing species. Adsorbate-adsorbate and adsorbate-adsorbent interactions are enhanced. The energetic of transport differs from molecular theory often to reflect activated processes with apparent activation energies. Entropic factors also play an increasing role in the transport. Dissolution as well as diffusion between chains must be considered in polymers. Adsorbent flexibility is a factor of varying significance in both inorganic and organic solids. Simple extensions of homogeneous theories are inadequate, as these specific interactions need to be included. This paper deals with an empirical algorithm, which analyses the physical parameters over the copolymer network properties as a relation between the molecular ratios of copolymer sequences. We also present the performance of the proposed method in relation to the fitness function and the local twist.
Amphyphylic copolymers as water delivery systems
Abstract Various polydimethylsiloxane-co-poly(methacrylic acid) networks were prepared by initiating the radical polymerization of methacrylic acid in presence of azoester containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and of ethyleneglicole dimethacrilate as crosslinking agent. The chemical structure and the thermal behavior of these hydrophobic–hydrophilic gels were established by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Also, the water delivery tests were performed and the possibility to use amphyphilic copolymers as systems to mention humidity in soil is discussed. According to the experimental results a mechanism of water delivery were proposed where the hydrophilic (poly(methacrylic acid)) and hydrophobic (PDMS) sequences have different rolls in this mechanism.
Taphonomy of Isisfordia duncani specimens from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) portion of the Winton Formation, Isisford, central-west Queensland
Taphonomic analysis of fossil material can benefit from including the results of actualistic decay experiments. This is crucial in determining the autochthony or allochthony of fossils of juvenile and adult Isisfordia duncani, a basal eusuchian from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) distal-fluvial-deltaic lower Winton Formation near Isisford. The taphonomic characteristics of the I. duncani fossils were documented using a combination of traditional taphonomic analysis alongside already published actualistic decay data from juvenile Crocodylus porosus carcasses. We found that the I. duncani holotype, paratypes and referred specimens show little signs of weathering and no signs of abrasion. Disarticulated skeletal elements are often found in close proximity to the rest of the otherwise articulated skeleton. The isolated and disarticulated skeletal elements identified, commonly cranial, maxillary and mandibular elements, are typical of lag deposits. The holotype QM F36211 and paratype QM F34642 were classified as autochthonous, and the remaining I. duncani paratypes and referred specimens are parautochthonous. We propose that I. duncani inhabited upper and lower delta plains near the Eromanga Sea in life. Their carcasses were buried in sediment-laden floodwaters in delta plain overbank and distributary channel deposits. Future studies should refer to I. duncani as a brackish water tolerant species.