Development of a sequential injection chromatography (SIC) method for determination of simazine, atrazine, and propazine

This paper describes the development of a sequential injection chromatography (SIC) procedure for separation and quantification of the herbicides simazine, atrazine, and propazine exploring the low backpressure of a 2.5 cm long monolithic C(18) column. The separation of the three compounds was achieved in less than 90 s with resolution > 1.5 using a mobile phase composed by ACN/1.25 mmol/L acetate buffer (pH 4.5) at the volumetric ratio of 35:65 and flow rate of 40 mu L/s. Detection was made at 223 nm using a flow cell with 40 mm of optical path length. The LOD was 10 mu g/L for the three triazines and the quantification limits were of 30 mu g/L for simazine and propazine and 40 mu g/L for atrazine. The sampling frequency is 27 samples per hour, consuming 1.1 mL of ACN per analysis. The proposed methodology was applied to spiked water samples and no statistically significant differences were observed in comparison to a conventional HPLC-UV method. The major metabolites of atrazine and other herbicides did not interfere in the analysis, being eluted from the column either together with the unretained peak, or at retention times well-resolved from the studied compounds.

Micellar properties of surface active ionic liquids: A comparison of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride with structurally related cationic surfactants

Ionic liquids, ILs, carrying long-chain alkyl groups are surface active, SAIIs. We investigated the micellar properties of the SAIL 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, C(16)MeImCl, and compared the data with 1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride, C(16)PYCl, and benzyl (3-hexadecanoylaminoethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, C(15)AEtBzMe(2)Cl. The properties compared include critical micelle concentration, cmc; thermodynamic parameters of micellization; empirical polarity and water concentrations in the interfacial regions. In the temperature range from 15 to 75 degrees C, the order of cmc in H(2)O and in D(2)O is C(16)PYCl > C(16)MeImCl > C(15)AEtBzMe(2)Cl. The enthalpies of micellization, Delta H(mic)(degrees), were calculated indirectly from by use of the van`t Hoff treatment; directly by isothermal titration calorimetry, ITC. Calculation of the degree of counter-ion dissociation, alpha(mic), from conductivity measurements, by use of Evans equation requires knowledge of the aggregation numbers, N(agg), at different temperatures. We have introduced a reliable method for carrying out this calculation, based on the volume and length of the monomer, and the dependence of N(agg) on temperature. The N(agg) calculated for C(16)PyCl and C(16)MeImCl were corroborated by light scattering measurements. Conductivity- and ITC-based Delta H(mic)(degrees) do not agree; reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Micelle formation is entropy driven: at all studied temperatures for C(16)MeImCl; only up to 65 degrees C for C(16)PyCl; and up to 55 degrees C for C(15)AEtBzMe(2)Cl. All these data can be rationalized by considering hydrogen-bonding between the head-ions of the monomers in the micellar aggregate. The empirical polarities and concentrations of interfacial water were found to be independent of the nature of the head-group. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a fast capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of propranolol-Total analysis time reduction strategies

The aim of this study was to develop a fast capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of propranolol in pharmaceutical preparations. In the method development the pH and constituents of the background electrolyte were selected using the effective mobility versus pH curves. Benzylamine was used as the internal standard. The background electrolyte was composed of 60 mmol L(-1) tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and 30 mmol L(-1) 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid,at pH 8.1. Separation was conducted in a fused-silica capillary (32 cm total length and 8.5 cm effective length, 50 mu m I.D.) with a short-end injection configuration and direct UV detection at 214 nm. The run time was only 14 s. Three different strategies were studied in order to develop a fast CE method with low total analysis time for propranolol analysis: low flush time (Lflush) 35 runs/h, without flush (Wflush) 52 runs/h, and Invert (switched polarity) 45 runs/h. Since the three strategies developed are statistically equivalent, Mush was selected due to the higher analytical frequency in comparison with the other methods. A few figures of merit of the proposed method include: good linearity (R(2) > 0.9999); limit of detection of 0.5 mg L(-1): inter-day precision better than 1.03% (n = 9) and recovery in the range of 95.1-104.5%. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of learning between Digital gallery and Hands-on Laboratory

This thesis has been done in ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) located in Toronto Canada. It focuses on learning in two parts of the museum. It tries to find out how much each part is effective in terms of learning. Studies have been done in the Digital gallery, which has been equipped with digital video projector and workstation that allows visitors to interact with the collections in 2 or 3 dimensional spaces while they are watching the presenting film. The rest of the study was in Hands-on laboratory, which allows students to examine artifacts and discuss their findings .The method was used in this research is Concept mapping .In Digital gallery, 24 schools surveys in the form of pre-post- test by help of the concept mapping method has been done. In Hands-on laboratory, 12 schools have been studied by using the combination of interviewing and written pre post-test of concept mapping.

A computational comparison of different algorithms for very large p-median problems

In this paper, we propose a new method for solving large scale p-median problem instances based on real data. We compare different approaches in terms of runtime, memory footprint and quality of solutions obtained. In order to test the different methods on real data, we introduce a new benchmark for the p-median problem based on real Swedish data. Because of the size of the problem addressed, up to 1938 candidate nodes, a number of algorithms, both exact and heuristic, are considered. We also propose an improved hybrid version of a genetic algorithm called impGA. Experiments show that impGA behaves as well as other methods for the standard set of medium-size problems taken from Beasley’s benchmark, but produces comparatively good results in terms of quality, runtime and memory footprint on our specific benchmark based on real Swedish data.

Comparison of two extraction methods for evaluation of volatile constituents patterns in commercial whiskeys: Elucidation of the main odour-active compounds

An analytical procedure based on manual dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method and the conventional extraction method by liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), were compared for their effectiveness in the extraction and quantification of volatile compounds from commercial whiskey samples. Seven extraction solvents covering a wide range of polarities and two SPME fibres coatings, has been evaluated. The highest amounts extracted, were achieved using dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) by LLE method (LLECH2Cl2)(LLECH2Cl2) and using a CAR/PDMS fibre (SPMECAR/PDMS) in HS-SPME. Each method was used to determine the responses of 25 analytes from whiskeys and calibration standards, in order to provide sensitivity comparisons between the two methods. Calibration curves were established in a synthetic whiskey and linear correlation coefficient (r ) were greater than 0.9929 for LLECH2Cl2LLECH2Cl2 and 0.9935 for SPMECAR/PDMS, for all target compounds. Recoveries greater than 80% were achieved. For most compounds, precision (expressed by relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) are very good, with R.S.D. values lower than 14.78% for HS-SPME method and than 19.42% for LLE method. The detection limits ranged from 0.13 to 19.03 μg L−1 for SPME procedure and from 0.50 to 12.48 μg L−1 for LLE. A tentative study to estimate the contribution of a specific compound to the aroma of a whiskey, on the basis of their odour activity values (OAV) was made. Ethyl octanoate followed by isoamyl acetate and isobutyl alcohol, were found the most potent odour-active compounds.

Sensory aspects of liquid smoking of giant river prawn: comparison with traditional smoking

P>The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of liquid smoke on the sensory characteristics of giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The sensorial profile was plotted using quantitative descriptive analysis and assessment of the acceptability of samples of beheaded and peeled and only beheaded freshwater prawns smoked using the traditional method or liquid smoke (LS). The prawns subjected to LS were characterised by their aroma, artificial flavour and bitter flavour. The beheaded, peeled prawns were found to be more acceptable, confirming that the presence of the shell is a limiting factor in the acceptability of smoked prawns.

Chromic oxide as a digestibility marker for dogs - A comparison of methods of analysis

The study reported compared coefficients of apparent digestibility (CAD) obtained by total collection (TC) and by chromic oxide (Cr2O3) determined by visible absorption spectrometry (VIS) and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). These quantification methods were also investigated to assess their precision. Nineteen adult dogs housed in individual digestibility cages were fed three commercial diets, each test including five or seven animals. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three among-subjects factors (foods) and three within-subject factors (methods), and the dogs were the experimental unit. Estimated CAD for all dietary components in the three diets by either chromium quantification methods did not differ and showed fair agreement with TC results (P > 0.05). Coefficients of chromic oxide recoveries in feces were 1.06 +/- 0.044 and 1.01 +/- 0.045 for VIS and FAAS, respectively, values significantly different (P < 0.05), indicating better recovery for FAAS. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the mean concentration of Cr2O3 for diets and feces (17 +/- 0.6 and 19 +/- 0.8g/kg for VIS and FAAS, respectively). Coefficient of variation for FAAS was 1.69% and 1.77% for VIS, which did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient (r=0.99; P < 0.01) indicated positive and significant association among the results for VIS and FASS, indicating reasonable precision and agreement of chromic oxide contents determined by these methods. Therefore, FAAS and VIS can be used successfully to determine Cr2O3 in dog foods and feces. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison between two methods for cardiac output measurement in propofol-anesthetized dogs: thermodilution and Doppler

ObjectiveTo compare cardiac output (CO) measured by Doppler echocardiography and thermodilution techniques in spontaneously breathing dogs during continuous infusion of propofol. To do so, CO was obtained using the thermodilution method (CO(TD)) and Doppler evaluation of pulmonary flow (CO(DP)) and aortic flow (CO(DA)).Study designProspective cohort study.AnimalsEight adult dogs weighing 8.3 +/- 2.0 kg.MethodsPropofol was used for induction (7.5 +/- 1.9 mg kg-1 IV) followed by a continuous rate infusion at 0.7 mg kg-1 minute-1. The animals were positioned in left lateral recumbency on an echocardiography table that allowed for positioning of the transducer at the 3rd and 5th intercostal spaces of the left hemithorax for Doppler evaluation of pulmonary and aortic valves, respectively. CO(DP) and CO(DA) were calculated from pulmonary and aortic velocity spectra, respectively. A pulmonary artery catheter was inserted via the jugular vein and positioned inside the lumen of the pulmonary artery in order to evaluate CO(TD). The first measurement of CO(TD), CO(DP) and CO(DA) was performed 30 minutes after beginning continuous infusion (T0) and then at 15-minute intervals (T15, T30, T45 and T60). Numeric data were submitted to two-way anova for repeated measurements, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland & Altman analysis. Data are presented as mean +/- SD.ResultsAt T0, CO(TD) was lower than CO(DA). CO(DA) was higher than CO(TD) and CO(DP) at T30, T45 and T60. The difference between the CO(TD) and CO(DP), when all data were included, was -0.04 +/- 0.22 L minute-1 and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was 0.86. The difference between the CO(TD) and CO(DA) was -0.87 +/- 0.54 L minute-1 and r = 0.69. For CO(TD) and CO(DP), the difference was -0.82 +/- 0.59 L minute-1 and r = 0.61.ConclusionDoppler evaluation of pulmonary flow was a clinically acceptable method for assessing the CO in propofol-anesthetized dogs.

Comparison of the quantification of caffeine in human plasma by gas chromatography and ELISA

In the present study we evaluated the precision of the ELISA method to quantify caffeine in human plasma and compared the results with those obtained by gas chromatography. A total of 58 samples were analyzed by gas chromatography using a nitrogen-phosphorus detector and routine techniques. For the ELISA test, the samples were diluted to obtain a concentration corresponding to 50% of the absorbance of the standard curve. To determine whether the proximity between the I50 of the standard curve and that of the sample would bring about a more precise result, the samples were divided into three blocks according to the criterion of difference, in modulus, of the I50 of the standard curve and of the I50 of the sample. The samples were classified into three groups. The first was composed of 20 samples with I50 up to 1.5 ng/ml, the second consisted of 21 samples with I50 ranging from 1.51 to 3 ng/ml, and the third of 17 samples with I50 ranging from 3.01 to 13 ng/ml. The determination coefficient (R² = 0.999) showed that the data obtained by gas chromatography represented a reliable basis. The results obtained by ELISA were also reliable, with an estimated Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82 between the two methods. This coefficient for the different groups (0.88, 0.79 and 0.49 for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) showed greater reliability for the test with dilutions closer to I50.

Distribution of Taenia saginata metacestodes: a comparison of routine meat inspection and carcase dissection results in experimentally infected calves

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Comparison of methodologies for degree-day estimation using numerical methods

O desenvolvimento de projetos relacionados ao desempenho de diversas culturas tem recebido aperfeiçoamento cada vez maior, incorporado a modelos matemáticos sendo indispensável à utilização de equações cada vez mais consistentes que possibilitem previsão e maior aproximação do comportamento real, diminuindo o erro na obtenção das estimativas. Entre as operações unitárias que demandam maior estudo estão aquelas relacionadas com o crescimento da cultura, caracterizadas pela temperatura ideal para o acréscimo de matéria seca. Pelo amplo uso dos métodos matemáticos na representação, análise e obtenção de estimativas de graus-dia, juntamente com a grande importância que a cultura da cana-de-açúcar tem para a economia brasileira, foi realizada uma avaliação dos modelos matemáticos comumente usados e dos métodos numéricos de integração na estimativa da disponibilidade de graus-dia para essa cultura, na região de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo. Os modelos de integração, com discretização de 6 em 6 h, apresentaram resultados satisfatórios na estimativa de graus-dia. As metodologias tradicionais apresentaram desempenhos satisfatórios quanto à estimativa de grausdia com base na curva de temperatura horária para cada dia e para os agrupamentos de três, sete, 15 e 30 dias. Pelo método numérico de integração, a região de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo, apresentou disponibilidade térmica anual média de 1.070,6 GD para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar.

The influence of preparation method of OC1OC6-PPV films on the photo-oxidation process

Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) derivatives are well known for their applications in polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs). PPV derivatives are highly susceptible to photo-oxidation though, which is mainly caused by the scission of the vinyl double bond on the polymer backbone. In this work, we show that Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films are less degraded than cast films of a PPV derivative (OC1OC6-PPV). Both films had similar thickness (similar to 50 nm) to allow for a more realistic comparison. Degradation was monitored with UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopies. The results indicated that cast films were completely degraded in ca. 400 min, while LB took longer time, i.e. about four times the values for the cast films. The differences can be attributed to the more compact morphology in the LB than in the cast films. With a compact morphology the diffusion of oxygen in the LB film is hampered and this causes a delay in the degradation process. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of resazurin microtiter assay performance and BACTEC MGIT 960 in the susceptibility testing of Brazilian clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to four first-line drugs

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Thermoeconomic analysis method for optimization of combined heat and power systems - part II

In this paper, a thermoeconomic functional analysis method based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics and applied to analyze four cogeneration systems is presented. The objective of the developed technique is to minimize the operating costs of the cogeneration plant, namely exergetic production cost (EPC), assuming fixed rates of electricity production and process steam in exergy base. In this study a comparison is made between the same four configurations of part I. The cogeneration system consisting of a gas turbine with a heat recovery steam generator, without supplementary firing, has the lowest EPC. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.