The hetero-bimetallic mixed valence metal polycyanides (Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs)) with formula AxMII[M’III(CN)6]y (where A= alkali-metal cation and M, M’= transition-metal cations respectively) are archetypal examples of molecule-based magnets, exhibiting a wealth of exotic electronic and magnetic behaviours. Similar intriguing electronic and magnetic properties are anticipated in nanoscale structures employing the PBA molecular building block. Herein investigations of multifunctional molecular magnets based on the PBA building block, with varying dimensionalities, are reported. Synthesis and characterisation of a novel family of mixed ferri-ferromagnets, RbNizMn(1-z)[Fe(CN)6] (0<z<1), illustrates how relatively minor changes in chemical composition can induce significant changes in the magnetic properties. Selected members of this series show photo-induced electronic transitions and pressureinduced magnetic pole inversions. The rare phenomenon of a double magnetic pole inversion is observed when FeII is introduced as a third MII ion. PBAs incorporating the Cu2+ ion are studied with the aim of establishing the influence of Jahn-Teller distortions on the photo-induced electron transfer which has been observed in a number of PBAs. X-ray powder diffraction and absorption measurements of CsCu[Fe(CN)6] under laser illumination reveal an unusual and unexpected behaviour, with photo-irradiation initiating a simultaneous reduction of both transition metal centres, which is proposed to occur via a chemical reaction. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles based on the CuII-NC-CrIII and Mn-NC-CrIII moieties are prepared by polymer protected synthesis, a method based upon spatial confinement. Control over the particle size, and consequently magnetic properties, of the isolated polymer-capped nanoparticles is achieved by altering the polymer concentration. The relaxation dynamics of the polymer-capped nanoparticles are studied using AC susceptibility.

This dissertation provides an ethnographic account of contemporary Opavian Silesian identity (or identities) and its negotiations. In particular, it is concerned with the question of how Silesian identity is being negotiated by various social actors in and between the town of Opava and the neighbouring area of Hlučín, which together comprise the tourist region of Opavian Silesia. In focusing on Opava and the Hlučín area, inhabited by Opavians and Hlučíns respectively, I not only explore the internal constitution of a group and analyse its narrative accounts, but also pay special attention to the social organisation of the differences between these two groups. The aim of this project is not to address the question of whether Silesian identity exists objectively, which is taken for granted by the majority of scholars working on Silesian identity do, but rather to explore how various social actors negotiate and utilise the concept, including these scholars themselves. I start from the premise that identities are relational, situational, and instrumental, and throughout the dissertation I focus on the groups' external and internal contestations, exploring the ways in which various social actors try to overcome these differences. The present negotiations over Silesian identity have proved to be problematic in all their temporalities, as they relate to issues in the past, the present and possibly the future. I therefore investigate how certain versions of the past are being reconstructed and negotiated in the present, how these versions inform and reflect on the present, and the possible implications of this for the future. I consider competing representations of Silesian-ness and competing reconstructions of the past that are related to it through the theoretical framework of 'dominant v. demotic discourses' and 'difficult heritage', focusing on commemoration practices, tourism, the politics of display, and hierarchies of knowledge.

Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism of all living organisms. Compared to the conventional analytical methods available for estimation of G6P, the biosensors having relative simplicity, specificity, low-cost and fast response time are a promising alternative. We have reported a G6P biosensor based on screen-printed electrode utilizing Prussian Blue (PB) nanoparticles and enzymes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase. The PB nanoparticles acted as a mediator and thereby enhanced the rate of electron transfer in a bi-enzymatic reaction. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy study confirmed the formation of PB, whereas, the atomic forced microscopy revealed that PB nanoparticles were about 25-30 nm in diameter. Various optimization studies, such as pH, enzyme and cofactor loading, etc. were conducted to obtain maximum amperometric responses for G6P measurement. The developed G6P biosensor showed a broad linear response in the range of 0.01-1.25 mM with a detection limit of 2.3 mM and sensitivity of ­63.3 mA/mM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 within 15 s at an applied working potential of -100 mV. The proposed G6P biosensor also exhibited good stability, excellent anti-interference ability and worked well for serum samples.

Proefschrift-Utrecht. / "Stellingen": [3] p. laid in. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--Philipps-Universität Marburg. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 365-415).

Thesis (doctorat)--Université de Nantes, 2005. / Cover title. Includes bibliographical references (p. 558-586).

Proefschrift-Utrecht. / "Stellingen": [3] p. laid in. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctorat)--Université de Nantes, 2005. / Cover title. Includes bibliographical references (p. 558-586).

Thesis--Philipps-Universität Marburg. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 365-415).