Development of a new method to prepare nano-/microparticles loaded with extracts of azadirachta indica, their characterization and use in controlling plutella xylostella

Biodegradable nanoparticles have been widely explored as carriers for controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules; however, studies describing the development of nanoparticles as carriers for biopesticide products are few. In this work, a new method to prepare nanoparticles loaded with neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts is presented. In this study, nanoparticles were formulated as colloidal suspension and (spray-dried) powder and characterized by evaluating pH, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, absolute recovery, and entrapment efficiency. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used for nanoparticle characterization. The best formulations presented absolute recovery and entrapment efficiencies of approximately 100% and a release profile based on swelling and relaxation of the polymer or polymer erosion. The biological data of the formulated products against Plutella xylostella showed 100% larval mortality. The nanoparticle information improved the stability of neem products against ultraviolet radiation and increased their dispersion in the aqueous phase. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Synthesis, structural characterization and photophysical properties of highly photoluminescent crystals of Eu(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III) with 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate

Lanthanide compounds of general formula [Ln2(2,5-tdc) 3(dmf)2(H2O)2] ·2dmf·H2O (Ln = Eu(III) (1), Tb(III) (2), Gd(III) (3) and Dy(III) (4), dmf = N,N′-dimethylformamide and 2,5-tdc2- = 2,5-thiophedicarboxylate anion) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Phosphorescence data of Gd(III) complex showed that the triplet states (T1) of 2,5-tdc2- ligand have higher energy than the main emitting states of Eu(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III), indicating that 2,5-tdc2- ligand can act as intramolecular energy donor for these metal ions. An energy level diagram was used to establish the most relevant channels involved in the ligand-to-metal energy transfer. The high value of experimental intensity parameter Ω2 for the Eu(III) complex indicate that the europium ion is in a highly polarizable chemical environment. The emission quantum efficiency (η) of the 5D0 emitting level of Eu(III) was also determined. The complexes act as possible light conversion molecular devices (LCMDs). © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structure, characterization and near-infrared emission of a novel 6-connected uninodal 3D network of Nd(III) containing 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate anion

The novel coordination polymer with the formula {[Nd2(2,5-tdc)3(dmf)2(H2O)2].dmf.H2O}n (2,5-tdc2-=2,5-thiophedicarboxylate anion and dmf=dimethylformamide) has been synthesized and characterized by thermal analysis (TG/DTA), vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR) and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Structure analysis reveals that Nd(III) ions show dicapped trigonal prism coordination geometry. The 2,5-tdc2- ligands connect four Nd(III) centers, adopting (κ1 - κ1) - (κ1 - κ1) - μ4 coordination mode, generating an interesting 6-connected uninodal 3D network. Photophysical properties were studied using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DR) and excitation/emission spectra. The photoluminescence data show the near infrared emission (NIR) with the characteristic 4F3/2→4IJ (J=9/2, 11/2 and 13/2) transitions of Nd(III) ion, indicating that 2,5-tdc2- is able to act as a sensitizer for emission in NIR region. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Soft-chemical synthesis, characterization and humidity sensing behavior of WO3/TiO2 nanopowders

Tungsten oxide/titania (WO3/TiO2) nanopowders were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method which varied the WO3 content between 0 and 10 mol%. The powders were thermally treated in a conventional furnace and their structural, microstructural and electric properties were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometry, N 2 physisorption, NH3 chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) in situ XANES and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and Raman spectrometry confirmed the homogeneous distribution of an amorphous WO3 phase in the TiO 2 matrix which stabilized the anatase phase through the generation of [TiO5·V0] or [TiO5·V 0] complex sites. Conventional TPR-H2 (temperature programmed reduction) along with XANES TPR-H2 and XANES TPR-EtOH showed that WO3/TiO2 sample reduction occurs through the formation of these complex clusters. Moreover, the addition of WO3 promoted an increase in the surface acidity of doped samples as revealed by NH3 chemisorption. The WO3/TiO2 bulk-ceramic samples were further used to estimate their potential application in a humidity sensor in the range of 15-85% relative humidity. Probable reasons that lead to the different humidity sensor responses of samples were given based on the structural and surface characterizations. Correlation between the sensing performance of the sensor and its structural features are also discussed. Although all samples responded as a humidity sensor, the W2T sample (2 mol% added WO3) excelled for sensitivity due to the increase in acid sites, optimum mean pore size and pore size distribution. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Plan regional de acción en materia de fuentes de energía nuevas y renovables = Regional plan of action on new and renewable sources of energy

Incluye Bibliografía

Ejecución del Plan de Acción de Río de Janeiro para la Cooperación entre Países en Vías de Desarrollo en el Campo de las Fuentes de Energía Nuevas y Renovables" = Implementation of the "Rio de Janeiro Plan of Action for the Co-operation among Developing Countries in the Field of New and Renewable Sources of Energy""

Señala algunas actividades concretas que podrían iniciar los países en desarrollo para la cooperación en el campo de las fuentes de energía nuevas y renovables. Dichas actividades consisten en una serie de programas que, según su naturaleza, se clasifican en: a) programa de planificación energética, b) programa de desarrollo científico y tecnológico, y c) programas de apoyo comunes.

Report on the Consultative Meeting for the Promotion of Latin American and Caribbean Projects in the Area of New and Renewable Sources of Energy = Informe sobre la Reunión Consultiva para la Promoción de Proyectos de América Latina y el Caribe en la Esfera de las Fuentes de Energía Nuevas y Renovables

Informe de la reunion consultiva sobre promocion de proyectos de America Latina y el Caribe en el area de fuentes de energia nuevas y renovables. Contiene el resumen de los debates y conclusiones acerca del conjunto de proyectos presentados por OLADE y CARICOM.

United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy: information note

Informa acerca de las actividades efectuadas por el Comité Preparatorio de la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Fuentes de Energía Nuevas y Renovables.

An assessment of fiscal and regulatory barriers to deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Guyana

Includes bibliography.

An assessment of fiscal and regulatory barriers to deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Belize

Belize is currently faced with several critical challenges associated with the production, distribution and use of energy. Despite an abundance of renewable energy resources, the country remains disproportionately dependent on imported fossil fuels, which exposes it to volatile and rising oil prices, limits economic development, and retards its ability to make the investments that are necessary for adapting to climate change, which pose a particularly acute threat to the small island states and low-lying coastal nations of the Caribbean. This transition from energy consumption and supply patterns that are based on imported fossil fuels and electricity towards a more sustainable energy economy that is based on environmentally benign, indigenous renewable energy technologies and more efficient use of energy requires concerted action as the country is already challenged by limited fiscal space which reduces its ability to provide some fiscal incentives, which have been proven to be effective tools for the promotion of sustainable energy markets in a number of countries. This report identifies the fiscal and regulatory barriers to implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies in Belize. Data and information were derived from stakeholder consultations conducted within the country. The major result of the assessment is that the transition of policies and plans into tangible action needs to be increased. In this regard, it is necessary to articulate sub-policies of the National Energy Policy to amend the Public Utilities Commission Act, to develop a grid interconnection policy, to establish minimum energy performance standards for buildings and equipment and to develop a public procurement policy. Finally, decisions on renewable energy and energy efficiency-related incentives from the Government formally requires decision-makers to solve what may be extremely complex optimization problems in order to obtain the lowest-cost provision of energy services to society, thereby weighing the cost of revenue losses with the benefits of fuel and infrastructure expansion savings. The establishment of a management system that is efficient, flexible, and transparent, which will facilitate the implementation of the strategic objectives and outputs in the time available, with the financial resources allocated is recommended. Support is required for additional institutional and capacity strengthening.

Training manual: innovative fiscal and regulatory incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives

This course will be designed for the officers within government departments who have responsibilty for guiding the country’s energy policy and energy management framework. Other stakeholders also will include private sector representatives who have interest in providing energy efficiency equipment and renewable energy solutions to the market towards advancing improvements in both energy efficiency and meeting renewable energy targets. The course will provide insight into all aspects of energy management with specific emphasis on energy efficiency as well as renewable energy. Emphasis will be placed on highlighting issues and challenges that countries face in pursuing energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies. International and regional best practices will be highlighted as a means of showcasing how various countries have overcome the barriers to advancing renewable energy targets and increasing energy efficiencies towards meeting national energy goals. The curriculum is divided into five modules and is designed to be covered over a 3-day period. The course will be designed to ensure practical application of the learning. The course also is designed to enable the Caribbean to demonstrate leadership in energy efficiency practices and the adoption of renewable energy strategies, serving as a model for other small island developing states.