bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Temperature and Pressure on Spray Properties of Tapioca Starch Adhesives
Authors: Naz Muhammad Yasin , Sulaiman Shaharin Anwar , Ari-Wahjoedi Bambang , Ku Shaari Ku Zilati
Published: November 2014

The use of starches as a material in urea granules coating industry is a recent development. The pure starches do not meet the standards set by many industrial processes due to slow tacking and to low viscosities, and require necessary modifications in their physical properties. The objective of the work was to synthesize and characterize the tapioca base biopolymers for future urea granules coating applications. For this purpose, three compositions of starch-urea-borate complex were prepared and their sprays were characterized using a bottom to top spraying system. The characterization of physical properties of the synthesized starch adhesives was carried out by determining the effect of temperature, shear rate and mass concentration of thickener/stabilizer on solution viscosity. A shear-thinning behavior followed by shear-thickening was observed for all solution compositions. This shear thinning to shear thickening transition becomes less prominent above 80°C of solution heating temperature. Using a high speed camera (Phantom v9.1), the jet breakup dynamics were also visualized as a function of the solution temperature and pumping pressure. . An increasing trend was noticed in spray cone angle with temperature upto 80°C and thereafter it became almost constant. Similarly, a linear increase in spray tip penetration was noticed with time from start of the injection which became steady after 70 ms of injection time.
Energy Saving through Modeling of Integrated Distillation Column (Side-Stripper) in Natural Gas Liquid Processing
Authors: Yusri Yasmin Syazwani , Mohd. Zin Rohani , Mohd Salleh Ruzitah
Published: November 2014

In Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) recovery, distillation process is the most common and widely used separation method. The productions of ethane, propane, butane and stabilized condensate are achieved through a series of conventional distillation columns which require massive amount of energy consumption, contributing more than 40% of the overall plant energy thus increasing the operating cost. This work focuses on energy saving in natural gas liquid processing by comparing the integrated side-stripper column with the conventional separation trains at steady state using a commercial simulator, Aspen Plus HYSYS. Energy analysis from the study shows that the integrated column arrangement which implement the side-stripper configuration achieved favourable result as it offers the highest percentage in energy reduction which is up to 68% (for reboiler) and 70% (for condenser). Consequently, this can be linked to the reduction of operating cost for hot and cool duties and trim down the overall production cost for existing NGL recovery plant.
Exergy Analysis on a Split-Type Conditioner Using Ejector as an Expansion Device
Authors: Sumeru K. , Markus Markus , Ani Farid Nasir , Nasution Henry
Published: November 2014

Air conditioning system consumes approximately 50% of the total energy consumption of buildings. Split-type air conditioner is the most widely used in residential and commercial buildings. As a result, enhancement on the performance of the air conditioners will yield a significant energy savings. The use of ejector as an expansion device on the split-type air conditioners is one method to increase the system performance. Exergy analysis on a split-type air conditioner uses an ejector as an expansion device at room and outdoor temperatures of 24 °C and 34 °C, respectively, yielded the percentage of exergy reduction up to 40.6%. Also, the exergy losses on in the compressor had the highest impact on the performance improvement of the split-type air conditioner.
Thickness Optimization of Kapok Fibre Insulation below Roof Pitch of Residential Buildings in Hot-Humid Climate with Mathematical Formulation
Authors: Farhan Syed Ahmad , Khamidi Mohd. Faris , Puad Nadzhratul Husna Ahmad
Published: November 2014

Kapok fibre possesses high thermal resistance and can retard the rate of heat flow into the building through the roof. Reduced heat flow into the building leads to reduction in the use of room air-conditioners that improves indoor thermal comfort, leading to lower electricity bills. Additionally, the cost of insulation increases with its thickness. Therefore, determining the optimum thickness of insulation is essential to maximize the cost savings over the service period of insulation. In this study, a house model design with a floor dimension of 3 m by 3 m, room height of 2.5 m and roof slope of 45° is employed to determine the optimum thickness of kapok fibre insulation for a placement below roof pitch of residential buildings under hot-humid climate and it is associated with cost savings. The findings suggested that a maximum cost savings of RM1148.84 can be obtained at the optimum thickness of 0.0604 m.
Experimental Study of Various Porosity of Fractal Flow Conditioner for Orifice Plate Flowmeters
Authors: Manshoor Bukhari , Othman Mohd Fahmi , Zaman Izzuddin , Ngali Zamani , Khalid Amir
Published: November 2014

The plant industry is required to measure flow rate more accurately to meet plant operation and cost accounting objectives. The opposing concern of improving flow meter accuracy is resolved by using flow conditioners. The distance of implementation of flow conditioner upstream of the orifice plate flowmeter is also need to be addressed. Hence, in present study, an analysis of the porosity of fractal flow conditioner towards orifice plate flowmeter’s accuracy and the best distance of fractal flow conditioner upstream of the orifice plate flowmeter was determined. In an experimental work, a different porosity of the fractal flow conditioners were installed with different distance upstream of the orifice plate in conjunction with the different disturbances to assess the effects of these devices on the measurement of the mass flow rate. Data gained for all the plates showed that there is increment of pressure drop and change in discharge coefficient of the orifice with lower β value of fractal flow conditioner. Good comparisons with the previous experimental work demonstrate the fractal flow conditioner can preserve the accuracy of metering up to the level required in the standards.
Synthesis and Adsorption Performance of Carbon Materials for the Removal of Iron (III) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abdullah Norli , Rinaldi Ali , Abd. Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: November 2014

Carbon nanofibers prepared from Ni catalyst supported on activated carbon and pre-treated activated carbons show the potential in removing borderline and soft metal Fe (III) ions in single solutions over a wide range of concentrations. The morphological and textural properties of the carbon material were studied using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Nitrogen adsorption isotherm method. Continuous column adsorptions were conducted to study the adsorption performance. The results showed that the percentage of Fe (III) removal starts to increase at the initial concentration of 10 mg/L. The percentage of Fe (III) removal continues to increase until it reaches the maximum removal at 60 mg/L. The value of correlation (R2) indicates that the data on carbon-based adsorption of Fe (III) may be concluded to perfectly fit the Langmuir isotherm model confirms the monolayer adsorption. Thus, this study is relatively useful in considering an appropriate technology for designing a suitable wastewater treatment plant.
Synthesis and Characterizations of Metal Oxide-Sulfonic Acid Functionalized ZSM-5 for Photocatalytic Degradation and Adsorption of Dimethylarsenic Acid
Authors: Mohd Yusof Alias , Sulaiman Nur Nadira , Nur Hadi
Published: November 2014

TiO2 and ZnO were incorporated into ZSM-5 using titanium tetrachloride and zinc nitrate as the precursors respectively. The functional group of ZSM-5 was further modified using mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS). This method was used to produce a two-in-one composite namely TiO2-ZSM5-SH and ZnO-ZSM5-SH which holds the abilities to degrade organic pollutants as well as to remove them from the environment. Determination of the composition and morphology of all synthesized catalyst complexes were characterized using Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). Results obtained indicated that the average diameters for TiO2-ZSM5-SH particles are 2.398 μm, slightly larger than the diameter of ZnO-ZSM5-SH particles with an average of 1.8067 μm. Both TiO2-ZSM5-SH and ZnO-ZSM5-SH appeared as sphere-like shape and amorphous since both metal oxides were incorporated into the ZSM-5 pores. The compositions of these complexes were proven by the presence of a strong silica absorption band showing the existence of Si-O stretching vibrations and SiO2 asymmetric vibrations in the synthesized complexes. For TiO2-ZSM5-SH, the Ti-O stretching vibration can be seen at 3467.29 cm-1 and at 1637.86 cm-1 while Zn-O absorption band appeared at 455.52 cm-1 in ZnO-ZSM5-SH. The symmetric and asymmetric vibrations of –CH2 and –CH3 indicate the existence of alkyl groups in the ZSM-5. The ability of catalyst complexes synthesized as photocatalyst were applied and tested on the photodegradation of dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) under ultra violet (UV) radiation which showed that these catalyst complexes are proven be able to degrade DMA into less toxic intermediates and are able to adsorb the remaining arsenic species from the aqueous solutions.
Photodegradation of Reactive Red 141 and Reactive Yellow 105 Dyes Using Prepared TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Amalraj Augustine , Anitha Pius P.
Published: November 2014

The photodegradation of Reactive Red 141 (RR-141) and Reactive Yellow 105 (RY-105) dyes using TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated under UV light irradiation. TiO2 was prepared by sol-gel process and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and FTIR. The effects of operational parameters such as illumination time, catalyst dose, initial concentration and pH of dye solutions on photodegradation by TiO2 have been analyzed. The degradation of the selected dyes followed pseudo-first order reaction according to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.
Determination of Fatigue Life with the Use of Spectral Method on the Basis of Fatigue Strain Characteristics
Authors: Böhm Michał , Niesłony Adam
Published: November 2014

The paper presents a new formula for fatigue life determination with the use of the spectral method for fatigue life assessment on the basis of fatigue strain characteristics. The spectral method is widely used together with the stress characteristics, but the literature does not contain a case where it is used together with strain characteristics. The paper shows the theoretical assumptions as well as the derived analytical formula for fatigue life determination. The presented formula is using constants gained from the Manson-Coffin-Basquin strain characteristic. Due to the popularity of strain characteristics, the formula may be widely used in the engineering practice.
Crack Growth Path in Specimens with Rectangular Section under Bending with Torsion
Authors: Faszynka Sebastian , Rozumek Dariusz , Lewandowski Janusz
Published: November 2014

The paper presents the results of tests on the fatigue crack growth rate for a constant moment amplitude under combined bending with torsion in the aluminium alloy AlCuMg1. The tests were performed under different values of the stress ratio R. Plane specimens with stress concentrators in form of the external one-sided sharp notch were tested. The results of experiments were described on graphs of the fatigue crack growth rate versus changes of the stress intensity factor range ΔK. A non-uniform fatigue cracks growth on both lateral surfaces of specimens was observed during experimental tests.
Multiaxial Fatigue Life Assessment Method Based on the Mean Value of Modified Second Invariant of the Deviatoric Stress
Authors: Pejkowski Łukasz , Skibicki Dariusz
Published: November 2014

Stress invariants approach to the multiaxial fatigue life estimation is generally based on the root mean square value of second invariant of the deviatoric stress amplitude and the value of hydrostatic stress. Such an approach omits a significant part of the information about multiaxial load history. It is particularly noticeable in case of non-proportional loadings, which lead to a reduction of fatigue life (i.e. [1–3]). In this work a new method based on the mean value of modified second invariant of the deviatoric stress has been presented.
Fatigue Characteristic of S355J2 Steel after Surface Frictional-Mechanical Treatment in Corrosive Environment
Authors: Kocańda Dorota , Górka Andrzej , Grzelak Krzysztof , Torzewski Janusz , Łunarska Ellina , Nykyforchyn Hryhoriy , Kyryliv Volodymyr
Published: November 2014

In the paper low (LCF) and high cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior of the S355J2 low alloyed steel after surface frictional-mechanical treatment in a corrosive environment (3.5 % NaCl ) has been presented. The treatment was used in order to improve mechanical and fatigue properties of the steel. Obtained experimental results indicate an insignificant improvement of mechanical and fatigue properties of the strengthened steel under the conditions of corrosion at constant amplitude cyclic loading. It is particularly noticeable in the range of low-cycle fatigue.
The Development of an Experimental Research Plan Based on Local Strain-Life Method for an Air Handling Unit Subjected to Seismic Loads
Authors: Burak Michał , Skibicki Dariusz , Stopel Michał
Published: November 2014

This paper presents procedures to be used for development of an experiment plan which is supposed to provide the tested structure with operating conditions most similar to those in real life. The research object is an air handling unit subjected to random loading such as earthquakes.
Analysis of the Local Phenomena during Riveting Process
Authors: Kaniowski Jerzy , Wronicz Wojciech , Pietrzak Krystyna
Published: November 2014

The riveting still remains the most popular and basic method of joining metal parts in airframes. At the same time, the rivets are critical from the fatigue point of view. The paper presents the selected investigations of local phenomena during the riveting process. At the beginning, some results from the literature, concerned on the riveting process influence on fatigue of the three-row lap joint were shown. The analysis of these results leads to the conclusion that the increase in fatigue life caused by higher riveting force is so high that the more beneficial residual stress cannot be the only explanation, but the new phenomena in riveting process occurs and it is a reason of huge increase in fatigue life. The working hypothesis has been assumed that during the riveting process adhesive joint (called cold welding) were formed between the rivet shank and the sheets. Several microstructure tests were conducted in order to verify this hypothesis. The tests include riveting the specimens for various configurations and analyses of the microsection of selected specimens with the use of optical and scanning electron microscope. In the case of several specimens the punctual and linear welding between rivet shank and sheets were observed. The paper presents the investigation and selected results. The authors are going to continue presented researches.
Nietzsche on Spiritual Illness and Its Promise
Authors: Neuhouser Frederick
Published: November 2014

This article reconstructs Nietzsche's conception of spiritual illness, especially as exhibited in various forms of the bad conscience, and asks what positive, ennobling potential Nietzsche finds in it. The relevant concept of spirit is arrived at by reconstructing Nietzsche's conception of life and then considering what reflexive life—life turned back against itself—would look like. It distinguishes four independent features of spiritual illness: the measureless drive to make oneself suffer, self-opacity (or mendaciousness), life denial, and a self-undermining dynamic in which life exhausts the sources of its own vitality. The article ends by considering various suggestions as to how these features of spiritual illness might also be preconditions of great spiritual health, including the preconditions for erecting new “ideals.”
Awareness and Attitudes of Tennessee Consumers Towards Agricultural Biotechnology: Survey Results
Authors: Bhavsar Hiren , Tegegne Fisseha , Ekanem Enefiok , Singh Surendra P.
Published: November 2014

The progress made in the field of biotechnology, also known as Genetic Engineering, over the years has made way for many new outcomes in different fields. However the immense potential of 2biotechnology has not convinced ordinary people to buy into Genetically Modified (GM) foods. A telephone survey conducted by a marketing firm, Advanced Strategic Research (ASR), was contracted to gather data from consumers in selected urban locations in Tennessee. The objective of this paper was to assess awareness and attitudes of Tennesseans towards agricultural biotechnology. The results showed that there is need for disseminating research based information to stakeholders as majority of those surveyed are not aware about agricultural biotechnology and do not have a favorable attitude towards it. Cooperative Extension programs in concert with others have major role to play in the education and information dissemination efforts.
Dissociação do polimorfismo do gene da enzima conversora de angiotensina com a força, volume e qualidade muscular em mulheres sedentárias
Authors: Tibana Ramires Alsamir , Nascimento Dahan Cunha , Bottaro Martim , Souza Vinícius Carolino de , Pereira Guilherme Borges , Prestes Jonato
Published: November 2014

Introdução: A força e a massa muscular refletem a interação entre fatores ambientais e elementos genéticos. Objetivo: Analisar a influência do genótipo da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) sobre a força, volume, qualidade e massa muscular total em mulheres brasileiras de meia idade sedentárias. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 32 mulheres, separadas em dois grupos em razão do polimorfismo I/D e submetidas à avaliação da força muscular, mensuração do volume muscular do quadríceps e bíceps por meio da ultrassonografia, qualidade muscular do bíceps e quadríceps e massa muscular total. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças na força muscular, no volume, na qualidade muscular do quadríceps e bíceps e na massa muscular total. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo não demonstraram um papel importante do polimorfismo no gene da ECA na determinação dos fenótipos da força, volume e qualidade muscular de mulheres sedentárias de meia idade.
Desinfecção do sistema de água de equipamentos odontológicos com clorexidina
Authors: Ferreira Dyna Mara Araújo Oliveira , Leal Noélia Maria De Sousa , Costa Charllyton Luís Sena da
Published: November 2014

Introdução: A água utilizada em procedimentos odontológicos pode apresentar-se contaminada, sendo fonte de infecção para profissionais e pacientes. Objetivo: Comparar a efetividade da clorexidina 0,1% e do hipoclorito de sódio 1% na desinfecção do sistema de água de equipamentos odontológicos. Método: Três equipamentos odontológicos sofreram desinfecção com clorexidina; e três, com hipoclorito de sódio mediante acionamento da seringa tríplice durante dois minutos. Amostras de água coletadas antes, após a desinfecção e no final do dia foram analisadas microbiologicamente. Amostras do filtro de abastecimento também foram analisadas. Resultados: As amostras coletadas antes da desinfecção mostraram altos níveis de contaminação (>500 UFC/ml). Após emprego dos desinfetantes, estas apresentaram-se nos padrões recomendados pela American Dental Association – ADA (
Efeito do acompanhamento nutricional e treinamento físico em pessoas com síndrome metabólica
Authors: Vargas Liziane Da Silva de , Flôres Fábio Saraiva , Farinha Juliano Boufleur , Santos Daniela Lopes dos
Published: November 2014

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica é um transtorno que reúne um conjunto de fatores de risco cardiovasculares, acometendo boa parte da população acima de 40 anos. Alimentação inadequada e falta de exercícios físicos são consideradas precursores dessa síndrome. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos de duas intervenções distintas, programa de acompanhamento nutricional e programa de treinamento físico, em pessoas com síndrome metabólica. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 14 adultos, de ambos os sexos, com idade de 40 a 65 anos, divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 – acompanhamento nutricional e grupo 2 – programa de exercícios físicos. Realizaram-se coletas no início da pesquisa e após 16 semanas de intervenção. Resultados: Houve redução significativa de massa corporal, IMC, circunferência da cintura, HDL e colesterol total, nos componentes do grupo 1. No grupo 2, não houve diminuições significantes. Conclusões: O acompanhamento nutricional gerou resultados positivos no perfil antropométrico, pressão arterial e perfil lipídico dos sujeitos após 16 semanas de intervenção.
Avaliação da marcha em contexto clínico: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Cardoso Sérgio Correia da Fonseca , Silva Anabela G.
Published: November 2014

Introdução: Em ambiente clínico é necessário recorrer a instrumentos de avaliação de rápida utilização e baixo custo, válidos, fiáveis e fáceis de interpretar. Nesta revisão, pretende-se identificar e caracterizar, do ponto de vista psicométrico e de interpretação clínica, instrumentos de avaliação da marcha utilizáveis na prática clínica. Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada em cinco bases de dados utilizando combinações de várias palavras-chave. Elaborou-se uma lista dos instrumentos que cumpriam os critérios de inclusão, e fez-se nova pesquisa nas mesmas bases combinando o nome do instrumento com “validity”, “reliability”, “responsiveness” e “change score”. Resultados: Incluíram-se 15 instrumentos/testes de avaliação. A maioria destes apresenta adequada a excelente confiabilidade e validade. A interpretação clínica dos dados recolhidos com os instrumentos analisados tem sido pouco estudada. Conclusão: São necessários mais estudos que avaliem os aspectos de interpretação clínica dos instrumentos/testes de avaliação da marcha e que validem estas ferramentas para a língua portuguesa.
Ultrassom terapêutico na atividade mitocondrial e diferenciação de células musculares C2C12
Authors: Ribeiro Beatriz Guimarães , Victor Elis Cabral , Cardoso Vinicius Oliveira , Artilheiro Paola Pelegrineli , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Mesquita-Ferrari Raquel Agnelli
Published: November 2014

Introdução: O ultrassom terapêutico (US) é muito utilizado na prática clínica, mas há poucos estudos sobre seu efeito na regeneração muscular. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do US sobre a atividade mitocondrial e diferenciação de células musculares C2C12, quando aplicado concomitantemente à indução do processo de diferenciação. Métodos: As células musculares foram submetidas ao processo de diferenciação pela adição de meio de cultura DMEM, suplementado com 2% de soro de cavalo, e receberam simultaneamente tratamento com US (pulsado a 20%, 3 MHz, 0,2 e 0,5 W/cm2, 5 minutos). A atividade mitocondrial foi avaliada após 24h, 48h e 96h pelo método MTT, e a diferenciação celular após um e três dias pela atividade de creatina quinase (CK). Resultados: Não houve alteração da atividade mitocondrial e de CK nos grupos que receberam tratamento com US nos diferentes períodos avaliados. Conclusão: O US, nos parâmetros avaliados, não foi capaz de alterar a atividade mitocondrial e a diferenciação de células musculares C2C12.
Comparison of body balance in active elderly and young adults
Authors: Teixeira Clarissa Stefani , Rebelatto Cleber Fernando , Andrade Rubian Diego , Pereira Érico Felden , Lopes Luis Felipe Dias , Mota Carlos Bolli
Published: November 2014

Introduction: The aging process generates changes in physiology and in the performance of daily living activities. Objective: To compare the postural control of active seniors and young adults with and without visual information, by means of a force platform. Method: A cross-sectional exploratory study was carried out with 66 subjects divided into two groups: G1, young adults with an average age of 20.33 (1.86) years; and G2, active elderly individuals with an average age of 67.42 (6.2) years. Results: The displacements observed with the use of vision were 0.84 cm (AP) and 0.63 cm (ML) in the younger group and 1.33 cm (AP) and 1.02 cm (MP) in the group of active seniors. Without the use of visual information: 0.95 cm (AP) and 0.68 cm (ML) in the young group and 1.46 cm (AP) and 1.21 cm (ML) in the elderly group. The average displacement exhibited significant differences (p
Os efeitos de diferentes intervalos de recuperação no teste de 10RM realizado no supino reto
Authors: Santos Luiz Gustavo Dias dos , Sarmento Igor De Jesus , Bentes Claudio Melibeu , Salles Belmiro Freitas de , Simão Roberto , Garay Laura Castro de
Published: November 2014

Objetivo: Verificar o efeito de três diferentes intervalos de recuperação (um, três e cinco minutos) no teste de dez repetições máximas (10RM) no supino reto. Método: Onze homens (24,1 ± 4,3 anos) com experiência mínima de um ano de treinamento de força realizaram cinco visitas ao laboratório. Nas visitas I e II, efetuaram-se o teste e o reteste de 10RM. Nas visitas III, IV e V, realizaram-se duas tentativas para que os sujeitos completassem 10RM no supino reto, apenas ocorrendo a manipulação do IR (um, três ou cinco minutos). Resultados: Verificou-se que um IR de um minuto não foi suficiente (p=0,001) para a manutenção do número de repetições na segunda tentativa. Com o IR de três e cinco minutos não ocorreram alterações significativas no número total de repetições estipulado. Conclusão: Apesar de um minuto ser suficiente para regenerar aproximadamente 75% do sistema ATP-CP, este parece não ser o período ideal, quando se trata este volume de repetições máximas.
Sea Sponge as a Low Cost Biosorbent for Solid Phase Extraction of Some Heavy Metal Ions and Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Karatepe Aslıhan , Soylak Mustafa
Published: November 2014

A new, easy, sensitive, and environmentally friendly separation and preconcentration method was developed to determine Cu(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), and Ni(II) at trace levels by use of a column filled with sea sponge without any complexing reagent, and atomic absorption spectrometry. The influences of analytical parameters, such as pH of the solutions, type of eluent, volume of sample, solution and eluent flow rates, and diverse ions, were examined for the quantitative recoveries of the analyte ions. The metal ions were eluted from the column by using 2 M HNO3. Accurate results were found for spiked samples after applying the preconcentration method. The LOD values were found to be between 1.5 and 5.6 μg/L based on three times the SD of the blanks. The method has been successfully applied to determine Cu(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), and Ni(II) ions in tap water samples, mineral water samples, and a certified reference material.
Ultrasensitive Determination of Diphacinone by Flow Injection Chemiluminescence: Application to Quantification in Biofluids and Photodegradation Monitoring in Water Samples
Authors: Tan Xijuan , Song Zhenghua , Chen Donghua , Lv Hairu
Published: November 2014

An ultrasensitive, quick, and simple approach for the determination of pg levels of diphacinone (DPN) by flow injection chemiluminescence (CL) analysis is proposed for the first time. It is based on the quenching effect of DPN on the CL intensity from a luminol–bovine serum albumin (BSA) CL system, for which the CL intensity decrease was linearly proportional to the logarithm of DPN concentration in the range of 5.0 to 5000 pg/mL. The LOD for DPN determination was as low as 2.0 pg/mL (3σ), and the RSD values were less than 5.0%. One determination cycle that included sampling and washing could be performed in 0.5 min with a sample throughput of 120/h under the optimum experimental conditions. This proposed method was successfully applied to determining DPN in human gastric juice and serum samples with recoveries from 91.8 to 114.3%, and to continuous monitoring of the degradation of DPN in water samples exposed to sunlight during 43 h with a variation ratio of 99.99%. The possible interaction behavior of BSA–DPN is briefly discussed.
Stability-Indicating Determination of Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride in the Presence of Two of its Related Substances Using a Direct GC/MS Method
Authors: Belal Tarek S , Awad Tamer , Clark C Randall
Published: November 2014

A novel, simple, direct, and selective stability-indicating GC/MS procedure was developed for the determination of the anti-ischemic drug trimetazidine dihydrochloride (TMZ) in the presence of two of its related substances (potential impurities), namely, 2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl alcohol (T1) and 2,3,4-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (T2). The method involved resolution of the underivatized compounds using a 100% dimethylpolysiloxane (Rtx-1) capillary column, and MS detection was carried out in the electron-impact mode. The peaks of the three compounds eluted at retention times 11.69, 11.92, and 15.47 min for T1, T2, and TMZ, respectively. Quantification of the parent drug TMZ was based on measuring its peak area. The reliability and analytical performance of the proposed method, including linearity, range, precision, accuracy, selectivity, detection, and quantification limits, were statistically validated. The calibration curve of TMZ was linear over the range 100–600 μg/mL. The proposed method was successfully applied to the assay of TMZ in several commercially available pharmaceutical formulations with recoveries not less than 96.2%.
Arsenic Content in Smokeless Tobacco Products Consumed by the Population of Pakistan: Related Health Risk
Authors: Arain Sadaf Sadia , Kazi Tasneem Gul , Afridi Hassan Imran , Brahman Kapil Dev , Naeemullah  , Shah Faheem , Mughal Moina Akhtar
Published: November 2014

Extensive investigation has shown that smokeless tobacco (SLT) may cause inflammation of the oral cavity. In this study, the concentration of arsenic (As) was determined in SLT products (gutkha, mainpuri, and dry and moist snuff). Scalp hair samples of males aged 20–30 years who consumed different types of SLT products available in Pakistan were analyzed for As contents. Total As in different SLT products and in scalp hair was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave-assisted extraction. The validity of the methodology was tested by simultaneously analyzing certified reference materials and spike recovery studies. The range of As concentrations in moist snuff, dry snuff, gutkha, and mainpuri were 0.574–1.53, 0.642–1.07, 0.246–0.622, and 0.419–0.874 μg/g, respectively. We estimated that a daily intake of 10 g of all SLT products could contribute 2.0–12.2% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake for As in adults. The As concentration in scalp hair of SLT consumers was higher than that of referents who had not consumed any type of tobacco products.
Chromium Speciation in Environmental Samples by Solid-Phase Extraction Using Lewatit Ionac SR-7 Resin and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Saçmaci Şerife , Kartal Şenol , Kumsuz Sevim
Published: November 2014

A new method for the speciation, preconcentration, and separation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species in different matrixes was developed using SPE combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The procedure is based on the exchange of Cr(VI) ions as CrO42– with Cl– ions on Lewatit Ionac SR-7 ion-exchange resin. After the oxidation of Cr(III) to CrO42– ions by concentrated H2O2 in basic medium, the procedure was applied to the determination of total Cr. Cr(III) was calculated as the difference between the total Cr and Cr(VI) contents. The influence of the analytical parameters including the pH of the solution, amount of resin, eluent type, sample volume, and flow rates of the sample and eluent solutions were investigated. No considerable interferences were observed from other anions and cations investigated in the Cr speciation. The preconcentration factor was found to be 500. The LOD for Cr(VI), corresponding to three times the SD of the blank, was 0.003 μg/L. The sorption capacity and binding equilibrium constant were calculated as 17.2 mg/g and 2.54 L/mg, respectively. The accuracy of the method was verified by analyzing certified reference materials. The proposed method was applied to the speciation of Cr species in real samples with satisfactory results.
Electrochemical Determination of Catechin, Protocatechuic Acid, and L-Lactic Acid Based on Voltammetric Response of Ferroceneboronic Acid
Authors: Shi Wenxiu , Wang Junxia , Zhu Lei , Cai Meizhi , Du Xiaoyan
Published: November 2014

An electrochemical technique for the determination of catechin, protocatechuic acid, and L-lactic acid has been developed using ferroceneboronic acid (FBA) as an electrochemical probe. The principle is based on the changes in voltammograms of FBA associated with selective binding of the analytes to FBA. A cyclic voltammogram and a differential pulse voltammogram (DPV) of FBA were recorded on a glassy carbon electrode in the presence of the analytes. The oxidation or reduction peak currents of FBA were decreased in the presence of the analytes, depending on their concentrations. The DPV measurements provided useful calibration graphs in the concentration range of 0.5–4.0 × 10–3 M catechin, 0.1–1.2 × 10–5 M protocatechuic acid, and 0.5–40 × 10–5 M L-lactic acid. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of catechin in abdominal pain water medicine.
Structural Elucidation of Potential Impurities in Azilsartan Bulk Drug by HPLC
Authors: Zhou Wentao , Zhou Yuxia , Sun Lili , Zou Qiaogen , Wei Ping , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: November 2014

During the synthesis of Azilsartan (AZS), it was speculated that 15 potential impurities would arise. This study investigated the possible mechanism for the formation of 14 of them, and their structures were characterized and confirmed by IR, NMR, and MS techniques. In addition, an efficient chromatographic method was developed to separate and quantify these impurities, using an Inertsil ODS-3 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) in gradient mode with a mixture of acetonitrile and the potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer (10 mM, pH adjusted to 3.0 with phosphoric acid). The HPLC method was validated for specificity, precision, accuracy, and sensitivity. LOQ of impurities were in the range of 1.04–2.20 ng. Correlation coefficient values of linearity were >0.9996 for AZS and its impurities. The mean recoveries of all impurities in AZS were between 93.0 and 109.7%. Thus, the validated HPLC method is suitable for the separation and quantification of all potential impurities in AZS.
Crystal Diagnostics MultiPath System™
Authors: Stumpf Curtis H , Zhao Weidong , Bullard Brian , Ammons Christine , Devlin Karl I , Niehaus Gary D
Published: November 2014

The Crystal Diagnostics MultiPath System™ provides rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157 in fresh raw ground beef, raw beef trim, and spinach. The Crystal Diagnostics system combines patented Liquid Crystal technology with antibody-coated paramagnetic microspheres to selectively capture and detect E. coli O157 in food matrixes. This is the only liquid crystal-based biosensor commercially available for the detection of pathogens. The Crystal Diagnostics system expeditiously provides the sensitivity and accuracy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual (FDA-BAM) methods for detecting as low as one CFU of E. coli O157 per 375 g of raw ground beef and raw beef trim, or 200 g of raw spinach. An internal inclusivity validation demonstrated detection of all 50 tested strains of E. coli O157. The internal and independent laboratory tests demonstrate that the method is rapid and sensitive for detecting of E. coli O157 in fresh raw ground beef, beef trim, and spinach.
Electrophoretic Separation of Alginic Sodium Diester and Sodium Hexametaphosphate in Chondroitin Sulfate that Interfere with the Cetylpyridinium Chloride Titration Assay
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Giancaspro Gabriel , Adams Kristie M , Neal-Kababick James , Hildreth Jana , Li Aishan , Roman Mark C , Betz Joseph M
Published: November 2014

The most commonly used chondroitin sulfate (CS) assay method is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) titration. Cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis (CAME) is the technique used for detection of impurities in the U.S. Pharmacopeia's CS monograph. Because CPC titration is a relatively nonspecific quantitative technique, the apparent amount of CS as determined by CPC titration alone may not reflect the true amount of CS due to possible interference with the CPC assay by impurities that contain CPC titratable functional groups. When CAME is used in conjunction with CPC titration, certain non-CS and adulterants can be visualized and estimated, and a true value for CS can be assigned once the presence of these non-CS impurities has been ruled out. This study examines conjunct application of CPC and CAME in ascertaining CS assay and purity in the presence of certain adulterants. These include propylene glycol alginate sulfate sodium, known in commerce as alginic sodium diester (ASD), and Zero One (Z1), a water-soluble agent newly reported in the CS marketplace and subsequently identified as sodium hexametaphosphate. ASD, Z1, and CS are similar in physical appearance and solubility in water and ethanol. They are also titratable anions and form ionic pairs with CPC, therefore interfering with the CPC titration assay for CS. CAME separates these adulterants from each other and from CS by differences in their electrophoretic mobility. CAME is able to detect these impurities in CS at levels as low as 0.66% by weight. Although it is recommended that a method for detecting impurities (e.g., CAME) be used in combination with relatively nonspecific assay methods such as CPC titration, this is seldom done in practice. Assay results for CS derived from CPC titration may, therefore, be misleading, leaving the CS supply chain vulnerable to adulteration. In this study, the authors investigated ASD and Z1 adulteration of CS and developed an electrophoretic separation of these adulterants in CS and procedures to isolate ASD from CS matrixes containing these adulterants. The authors describe in this paper utilization of an orthogonal approach to establish the identity of Z1 as sodium hexametaphosphate and to confirm the identity of ASD, including ethanol fractionation, FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and NMR spectroscopy. The authors suggest that CAME is a cost-effective and easy to use method for detecting certain impurities in CS raw ingredients and recommend that CPC and CAME be used in combination by QC laboratories as a means of effectively deterring the practice of adulterating CS raw materials with the known adulterants ASD and Z1 and/or other non-chondroitin substances that can be separated from CS by CAME and that exhibit CPC titration behavior similar to CS.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Percutaneous Renal Needle Core Biopsy and Its Potential Impact on the Clinical Management of Renal Cortical Neoplasms
Authors: Gellert Lan L. , Mehra Rohit , Chen Ying-Bei , Gopalan Anuradha , Fine Samson W. , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat , Reuter Victor E. , Tickoo Satish K.
Published: November 2014

Context

While biopsies are now increasingly being performed for the diagnosis of renal cortical neoplasms, the influence of the rendered pathological diagnoses on the clinical management is only rarely documented.

Objectives

To report our experience with consecutively performed renal biopsies and the potential impact of the diagnosis on subsequent clinical management.

Design

Material from needle biopsies performed consecutively at our institution between 2006 and 2011 was reviewed. The influence of the reported pathology results on the clinical management was determined from patient follow-up medical record review.

Results

In total, 218 percutaneous biopsies for renal masses were performed during this period. Among them, 181 (83%) yielded neoplastic tissue, including 81 clear cell renal cell carcinomas, 29 low-grade oncocytic neoplasms, 7 papillary renal cell carcinomas, 5 clear cell papillary renal cell carcinomas, 5 angiomyolipomas, and 14 urothelial carcinomas. Fourteen additional cases (6%) contained lesional material from clinically known nonneoplastic processes, for a total diagnostic yield of 89%. Twenty-three (11%) were nonrepresentative of lesional tissue. In 10 of these, repeat biopsies or resections established the diagnosis of renal tumors. Biopsy diagnosis was confirmed in 29 of 30 cases (97%) on subsequent nephrectomy. Following the biopsy diagnosis, there were significant differences in the clinical management; overall, 79% of clear cell renal cell carcinomas received therapeutic interventions, and 17% were put on active surveillance. In contrast, 77% of the benign or low-grade lesions were put on active surveillance.

Conclusions

Accurate and specific diagnosis can be rendered on renal core biopsy in most renal tumors, and the biopsy diagnosis can have a definitive role in their clinical management.
Comparison of Anti-Xa and Dilute Russell Viper Venom Time Assays in Quantifying Drug Levels in Patients on Therapeutic Doses of Rivaroxaban
Authors: Gosselin Robert C. , (Adcock) Funk Dorothy M. , Taylor J. Michael , Francart Suzanne J. , Hawes Emily M. , Friedman Kenneth D. , Moll Stephan
Published: November 2014

Context

Rivaroxaban is a new oral anticoagulant that functions as a direct anti-Xa inhibitor. Although routine monitoring is not required, measurement of plasma concentrations may be necessary in certain clinical situations. Routine coagulation assays, such as the prothrombin time and, to a lesser degree, activated partial thromboplastin time, correlate with drug concentration, but because of reagent variability, these methods are not reliable for determining rivaroxaban anticoagulation.

Objective

To compare different methods and calibrators for measuring rivaroxaban, including the chromogenic anti-Xa assay, which, when calibrated with a rivaroxaban standard, may be more appropriate for determining anticoagulation.

Design

We compared measured rivaroxaban concentrations with the same anti-Xa kit but used different calibrators, with different anti-Xa kits but the same calibrators, with antithrombin-supplemented anti-Xa kit versus nonsupplemented kits, and with 2 methods based on rivaroxaban-calibrated, high-phospholipid, dilute Russell viper venom time. Regression and paired t test statistics were used to determine correlation and significant differences among methods and calibrator sources.

Results

Although there was strong correlation, statistically significant biases existed among methods that report rivaroxaban levels. A single-source calibrator did not alleviate those differences among methods. High-phospholipid Russell viper venom reagents correlated with rivaroxaban concentration but were not better than chromogenic anti-Xa methods.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban-calibrated, anti-Xa measurements correlate well, but the clinical significance of the variation with rivaroxaban measurements is uncertain. The antithrombin-supplemented, anti-Xa method should be avoided for measuring rivaroxaban.
Captación de recursos externos en bibliotecas: la práctica del Fundraising
Authors: Pérez Pulido Margarita , Gómez Pérez Teresa
Published: November 2014

Se presenta el fundraising como una técnica de marketing y comunicación que permite gestionar recursos externos en la biblioteca. La convergencia del plan de captación de fondos y el modelo conceptual de planificación permite demostrar la importancia del fundraising como herramienta de planificación. A partir del análisis de un estudio de caso, la Biblioteca Pública de Cáceres, se establecen propuestas de mejora para consolidar esta práctica como parte del ciclo planificador de la biblioteca.
Crítica a la bibliografía gimnástica de la educación física publicada en España (1801–1939).
Authors: Torrebadella Flix Xavier
Published: November 2014

En este trabajo se han tratado referencias historicistas que abordaron cuestiones en torno a la bibliografía gimnástica de la educación física española entre 1801 a 1939. El objeto de estudio se ha centrado principalmente en el análisis de las obras propias de la materia. Las noticias referenciales se exponen y se comentan en orden de aparición cronológica. Singularmente, las referencias y las opiniones que hemos localizado en estas obras, nos ayudan a interpretar mejor el estado de la cuestión y apreciar la importancia que tuvieron las pocas aportaciones literarias para el desarrollo social e institucional de la gimnástica y la educación física en el desierto bibliográfico que las propias disciplinas generaron.
O proceso de mediação da informação nas organizações a partir do contexto do regime de informação.
Authors: Brasileiro Fellipe Sá , Freire Gustavo
Published: November 2014

Analisa o processo de mediação da informação nas organizações de modo a evidenciar as etapas que condicionam a efetivação deste processo, as características das redes sociocomunicacionais intra-organizacionais formadas a partir das relações entre os atores sociais, os artefatos e os dispositivos de informação inerentes ao regime de informação e, sobretudo, a influência que estas relações exercem sobre o comportamento informacional dos usuários e suas estruturas de conhecimento. Por meio da revisão de literatura, aborda o conceito de regime de informação reportado para as esferas das organizações na perspectiva de tecer uma relação entre a dinâmica deste modo de produção informacional com o processo de mediação da informação e o comportamento informacional dos usuários resultante desta interação. Constata que o processo de mediação da informação nas organizações, composto pela mediação explícita e implícita, acontece a partir das relações com as redes sociocomunicacionais primárias e secundárias ora formadas no contexto do regime de informação e encontra no comportamento informacional dos usuários, emergido dessas relações, a base para as práticas das ações de informação que instituem as etapas de produção, organização e disseminação da informação.
The Snow-Capped Mountain and the Uranium Mine
Authors: Colwell Chip , Ferguson T. J.
Published: November 2014

Known in English as Mount Taylor, Dewankwin Kyaba:chu Yalanne (“in the east snow-capped mountain”) in northwestern New Mexico is a sacred landscape to the Zuni people. From an archaeological perspective, the mountain is dotted with hundreds of discrete archaeological sites that record 12,000 years of history. From a Zuni perspective, Mount Taylor is a rich cultural landscape—a tangible record of ancestral migrations, a living being, a pilgrimage site, a referent in religious prayers, a spiritual source of rain, and a collecting place for spring water, animals, minerals, and plants. For Zunis, all of these facets of the mountain combine to create a “total landscape” that is both a source and an instrument of Zuni culture. This article presents a case study of a compliance project to document the potential impacts of a proposed uranium mine at the base of Mount Taylor on Zuni traditional cultural properties. The project demonstrates how archaeologists can benefit from a landscape perspective that builds from the traditional knowledge of descendant communities. The Zuni standpoint further helps shape a CRM practice that is anthropologically informed and consistent with a developing federal mandate to use landscape-scale analysis in heritage management and mitigation practices.