Renewable drops electrochemical sensor for sulfide ions detection

The design and characteristics of a novel electrochemical system, which uses a drop as a renewable electroanalytical sensor, are described. This article describes the performance of the electrochemical system, the coupling of the experimental arrangement with flow injection technique and a demonstration of its applicability for the measurement of sulfide. The method is based on renewable drops of ferricyanide ions, buffered by borate. The ferrocyanide ions, product of the reaction between ferricyanide and sulfide ions, are oxidized on a platinum microelectrode and the current measured is related to sulfide concentration. The measurements can be done in continuous or static flow mode. In continuous mode, the detection limit is 5.0 x 10(-5) mol L-1.

Voltammetric sensor for sodium nitroprusside determination in biological fluids using films of poly-L-lysine

Sodium nitroprusside (NP), a commercial vasodilator, can be pre-concentrated on vitreous carbon electrode modified by films of 97.5%: 2.5% Poly-L-lysine (PLL): glutaraldehyde (GA). This coating gives acceptable anion exchange properties whilst giving the required improvement of adhesion to the glassy carbon electrode surface. Linear response range and detection limit on nitroprusside in B-R buffer pH 4.0, were 1 x 10(-6) to 2 x 10-(5) mol L-1 and 1 x 10(-7) mol L-1, respectively. The repeatability of the proposed sensor, evaluated in term of relative standard deviation, was measured as 4.1% for 10 experiments. The voltammetric sensor was directly applied to determination of nitroprusside in human plasma and urine samples and the average recovery for these samples was around 95-97% without any pre treatment.

Relation between ambient humidity and ionic conductivity of poly(thionaphtheneindole): Behaviour as an amperometric humidity sensor

The electrical characteristics of oxidized poly(thionaphtheneindole) were investigated as a function of ambient relative humidity (r.h.). The current flowing through a pressed pellet of material between two massive gold electrodes plotted against voltage gives a wave-shaped curve with a halfwave potential at V = similar to 3 V. The current recorded at 4 V (plateau of the wave) is a sigmoidal function of r.h, with the inflexion point at similar to 60%. An interpretation of these findings is given, based on the influence of water on the dielectric constant of the material and on acid-base equilibrium between poly(thionaphtheneindole) and water, from which protons are produced. The behaviour of poly (thionaphtheneindole) as the active component of an amperometric humidity sensor is also reported.

Methodology for load compensation in four-wire electrical power systems based on instantaneous sampling

This work describes a methodology for power factor control and correction of the unbalanced currents in four-wire electric circuits. The methodology is based on the insertion of two compensation networks, one wye-grounded neutral and other in delta, in parallel to the load. The mathematical development has been proposed in previous work [3]. In this paper, however, the determination of the compensation susceptances is based on the instantaneous values of load currents. The results are obtained using the MatLab-Simulink enviroment

A strain gauge tactile sensor for finger-mounted applications

This paper describes a strain gauge-based sensor used for measuring finger force. The theory, design, and sensor construction details are presented. It was constructed using metallic strain gauges and a carefully designed structure which has a protection de-vice that impedes the sensor damage when forces higher than 100 N are applied. Its dimensions are suitable for measuring thumb force, but the same design can be used for constructing smaller sensors for other fingers. It is rugged, presents linear response, good repeatability, resolution of 0.3 N, low hysteresis, and sensitivity of 0.12 V/N. It can be useful in rehabilitation engineering, biomechanics, robotics, and medicine.

Determination of diclofenac in pharmaceutical preparations using a potentiometric sensor immobilized in a graphite matrix

The characteristics, performance, and application of an electrode, namely Pt| Hg|Hg-2(DCF)(2)|graphite, where DCF stands for diclofenac ion, are described. This electrode responds to diclofenac with sensitivity of (58.1 +/- 0.8) mV/decade over the range 5.0 x 10(-5) to 1.0 x 10(-2) Mol l(-1) at pH 6.5-9.0 and a detection limit of 3.2 x 10(-5) mol l(-1). The electrode is easily constructed at a relatively low cost with fast response time (within 10-30 s) and can be used for a period of 5 months without any considerable divergence in potentials. The proposed sensor displayed good selectivity for diclofenac in the presence of several substances, especially concerning carboxylate and inorganic anions. It was used to determine diclofenac in pharmaceutical preparations by means of the standard additions method. The analytical results obtained by using this electrode are in good agreement with those given by the United States Pharmacopeia procedures. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of mold temperature on castability of CPTi and Ti-6Al-4V castings into phosphate bonded investment materials

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the castability of CP titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy castings into Rematitan Plus investment at three different mold temperatures.Methods. A nylon mesh pattern (20 mm with 64 squares and wire of 0.7 mm in diameter) was used for the castability testing. Initially, an image of the wax pattern was obtained by means of a digital camera and the total extension of filaments (mm) was then measured, using the Leica Qwin image analysis system. The mesh sprued was placed in the Rematitan Plus investment material and the castings were made in a Discovery Plasma machine at three different mold temperatures: 430 degrees C (control group), 480 degrees C or 530'C. Ten castings were made for each temperature. The images of the castings were analyzed (Leica Qwin) and the castability index determined by the number of the completely cast segments as a percentage of the wax pattern. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test (a = 0.05) using materials and temperatures as discriminating variables.Results. The Ti-6Al-4V alloy (60.86%) presented a better castability index than CP Ti (48.44%) (p < 0.000001). For CP Ti, the temperature of 530 degrees C (23.96%) presented better castability than at other temperatures, 480 degrees C (14.66%) and 430 degrees C (12.54%), with no difference between them (p < 0.001). For Ti-6Al-4V alloy, there was a statistically significant difference among the three temperatures: 530 degrees C (28.36%) > 480 degrees C (19.66%) > 430 degrees C (15.97%) (p < 0.002).Significance. Within the limitations of this study, the increase in the mold temperature of the Rematitan Plus investment resulted in a better castability index for both materials, and Ti-6Al-4V presented a better castability index than CP Ti. (c) 2005 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Linear readout of dynamic phase modulation index in an optical voltage sensor using the new J(1) ... J(3) spectral method

The J(1)...J(3) is a recent optical method for linear readout of dynamic phase modulation index in homodyne interferometers. In this work, the J(1)... J(3) method is applied to measure voltage in an optical voltage sensor. Based on the classical J(1)...J(4) method, the J(1)... J(3) technique shows to be more stable to phase drift and simpler for implementation than the original one. The sensor dynamic range is enhanced. The agreement between theoretical and experimental results, based on 1/f noise, is demonstrated.

A disposaable electrochemical sensor for the rapid determination of levodopa

Levodopa (L-dopa), the biological precursor of catecholamines, is the most widely prescribed drug in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The present work presents a proposal for the application of a gold screen-printed electrode an electrochemical sensor for monitoring L-dopa in stationary solution and a flow system. Using the electrooxidation of L-dopa at +0.63 V in acetate buffer pH 3.0 on a gold screen-printed electrode it is possible to obtain a linear calibration curve from 9.9 x 10(-5) to 1.2 x 10(-3) mol L-1 and a detection limit of 6.8 x 10(-5) mol L-1. Under amperometric conditions (E-app = 0.8 V; flow rate = 14.1 ml, min(-1); pH 3.0), an analytical calibration graph for L-dopa was obtained from 1.0 x 10(-6) mol L-1 6.6 x 10(-4) mol L-1 with a detection limit of 9.9 x 10(-7) mol L-1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of L-dopa in commercial dosage forms without any pre-treatment. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a voltammetric sensor for chromium(VI) determination in wastewater sample

Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with poly-L-histidine film can be successfully applied for chromium(VI) determination based on its pre-concentration. Optimum adherence and stability of the POIY-L-histidine film was obtained by direct addition of PH solution 1% (w/v) on the electrode surface, followed by heating at 80 degrees C during 5 min. Linear response range, sensitivity and limit of detection were 0. 1-150 [mu mol L-1, 4. 13 LA mu mol L` and 0.046 mu mol L-1. The repeatability of the proposed sensor, evaluated in terms of relative standard deviation, was measured as 3.2% for 10 experiments in 40 mu mol L-1 using the same electrode and 4.0% using screen-printed electrode as disposable sensor, respectively. The voltammetric sensor was applied to determination of Cr(VI) and indirect determination of Cr(III) in wastewater samples previously treated by a leather dyeing industry and the average recovery for these samples was around 97%. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new method to control particle size and particle size distribution of SnO2 nanoparticles for gas sensor applications

The controlled growth of SnO2 nanoparticles for gas sensor applications is reported by these authors. Nb2O5 additive is used to control nucleation and growth of the SnO2 (see Figure), which is synthesized by the polymeric precursor method. Preliminary gas sensing measurements are performed and it is demonstrated that the response time of the Nb2O5-doped SnO2 is faster than that of the undoped material.

Power flow in four-wire distribution networks - General approach

The neutral wire in most power flow software is usually merged into phase wires using Kron's reduction. Since the neutral wire and the ground are not explicitly represented, neutral wire and ground currents and voltages remain unknown. In some applications, like power quality and safety analyses, loss analysis, etc., knowing the neutral wire and ground currents and voltages could be of special interest. In this paper, a general power flow algorithm for three-phase four-wire radial distribution networks, considering neutral grounding, based on backward-forward technique, is proposed. In this novel use of the technique, both the neutral wire and ground are explicitly represented. A problem of three-phase distribution system with earth return, as a special case of a four-wire network, is also elucidated. Results obtained from several case studies using medium- and low-voltage test feeders with unbalanced load, are presented and discussed.

A New Sensor for Perchlorate Ion

A potentiometric sensor for perchlorate anion was developed by mixing a silica gel, chemically modified with 1,4-diazabicyclo (2.2.2)octane, with an epoxy polymer and carbon. The electode showed Nernstian response to the perchlorate ion in the concentration range of 10(-1) and 10(-4) mol L-1.

Fabrication of phytic acid sensor based on mixed phytase-lipid Langmuir-Blodgett films

This paper reports the surface activity of phytase at the air-water interface, its interaction with lipid monolayers, and the construction of a new phytic acid biosensor on the basis of the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. Phytase was inserted in the subphase solution of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) Langmuir monolayers, and its incorporation to the air-water interface was monitored with surface pressure measurements. Phytase was able to incorporate into DPPG monolayers even at high surface pressures, ca. 30 mN/m, under controlled ionic strength, pH, and temperature. Mixed Langmuir monolayers of phytase and DPPG were characterized by surface pressure-area and surface potential-area isotherms, and the presence of the enzyme provided an expansion in the monolayers ( when compared to the pure lipid at the interface). The enzyme incorporation also led to significant changes in the equilibrium surface compressibility (in-plane elasticity), especially in liquid-expanded and liquid-condensed regions. The dynamic surface elasticity for phytase-containing interfaces was investigated using harmonic oscillation and axisymmetric drop shape analysis. The insertion of the enzyme at DPPG monolayers caused an increase in the dynamic surface elasticity at 30 mN m(-1), indicating a strong interaction between the enzyme and lipid molecules at a high-surface packing. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films containing 35 layers of mixed phytase-DPPG were characterized by ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and crystal quartz microbalance nanogravimetry. The ability in detecting phytic acid was studied with voltammetric measurements.