Existence and global asymptotic stability of positive periodic solution of delayed Cohen-Grossberg neural networks

In this paper, a class of periodic Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with discrete and distributed time-varying delays is considered. By an extension of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, a novel criterion for the existence and uniqueness and global asymptotic stability of positive periodic solution is derived in terms of M-matrix without any restriction on uniform positiveness of the amplification functions. Comparison and illustrative examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the existence and exponential attractivity of a unique positive almost periodic solution to an impulsive hematopoiesis model with delays

Abstract In this paper, a generalized model of hematopoiesis with delays and impulses isconsidered. By employing the contraction mapping principle and a novel type of impulsivedelay inequality, we prove the existence of a unique positive almost periodic solution of themodel. It is also proved that, under the proposed conditions in this paper, the unique positivealmost periodic solution is globally exponentially attractive. A numerical example is givento illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.

Solution-focused model for improving individual university teaching

Universities commonly use individual teaching development as one of a suite of strategies to improve teaching and learning outcomes. This paper outlines an individual teaching development programme based on the tenets of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). The programme was trialled with a senior lecturer of a large third-year subject in an Australian university. The approach resulted in evidence of positive changes in teaching. The potential and wider application of this approach is considered.

Aggregation of a dibenzo[b,def]chrysene based organic photovoltaic material in solution

Detailed electrochemical studies have been undertaken on molecular aggregation of the organic semiconductor 7,14-bis((triisopropylsilyl)-ethynyl) dibenzo[b,def]chrysene (TIPS-DBC), which is used as an electron donor material in organic solar cells. Intermolecular association of neutral TIPS-DBC molecules was established by using 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as by the pronounced dependence of the color of TIPS-DBC solutions on concentration. Diffusion limited current data provided by near steady-state voltammetry also reveal aggregation. Furthermore, variation of concentration produces large changes in shapes of transient DC and Fourier transformed AC (FTAC) voltammograms for oxidation of TIPS-DBC in dichloromethane. Subtle effects of molecular aggregation on the reduction of TIPS-DBC are also revealed by the highly sensitive FTAC voltammetric method. Simulations of FTAC voltammetric data provide estimates of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters associated with oxidation and reduction of TIPS-DBC. Significantly, aggregation of TIPS-DBC facilitates both one-electron oxidation and reduction by shifting the reversible potentials to less and more positive values, respectively. EPR spectroscopy is used to establish the identity of one-electron oxidized and reduced forms of TIPS-DBC. Implications of molecular aggregation on the HOMO energy level in solution are considered with respect to efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices utilizing TIPS-DBC as an electron donor material. © 2014 American Chemical Society.

Electrochemical and quantum chemical assessment of two organic compounds from pyridine derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in HCl solution under stagnant condition and hydrodynamic flow

 In this study, the inhibitive performance of two pyridine derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel was examined under stagnant condition and hydrodynamic flow in HCl solution at 25. °C. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were employed. To explore the inhibitors adsorption mechanism, Langmuir isotherm and quantum chemical studies were used. The results of electrochemical measurements show that the inhibitor concentration has a positive effect on its efficiency while for hydrodynamic condition, it is vice versa. Corrosion attack morphologies were observed at stagnant and hydrodynamic conditions to verify qualitatively the results obtained by electrochemical methods. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.