Search results for "methods"
showing 10 items of 4526 documents
Thermal analysis applied to the characterization of degradation in soil of polylactide: II. On the thermal stability and thermal decompositon kinetics
2010
[EN] The disposal stage of polylactide (PLA) was assessed by burying it in active soil following an international standard. Degradation in soil promotes physical and chemical changes in the polylactide properties. The characterization of the extent of degradation underwent by PLA was carried out by using Thermal Analysis techniques. In this paper, studies on the thermal stability and the thermal decomposition kinetics were performed in order to assess the degradation process of a commercial PLA submitted to an accelerated soil burial test by means of multi-linear-non-isothermal thermogravimetric analyses. Results have been correlated to changes in molecular weight, showing the same evolutio…
Comparison of Permeation Measurements and Hybrid Density Functional Calculations on Oxygen Vacancy Transport in Complex Perovskite Oxides
2014
The oxygen vacancy (VO••) formation enthalpy (ΔHF) was determined from the effective activation energies obtained in the permeation measurements on a series of solid solutions La0.98–xSrxCo0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (x = 0.125–0.8) and compared with the results of ab initio calculations at finite temperatures based on the hybrid (PBE0) and GGA+U calculations, as well as previous thermogravimetric experiments. The Mulliken atomic charges, magnetic moments, and the Fe-VO•• and Sr-VO•• distances are analyzed. The strong dependence of formation enthalpy of VO•• on the Fe oxidation state due to variation in Sr and VO•• concentrations is discussed.
A new eco-friendly chemical treatment of natural fibres: Effect of sodium bicarbonate on properties of sisal fibre and its epoxy composites
2016
Abstract Several researchers have shown how sisal fibres possess remarkable tensile properties that yield them good candidates as reinforcement in biocomposite materials. This work aims to evaluate the effect of an eco-friendly and cost effective surface treatment method based on the use of commercial sodium bicarbonate (i.e. baking soda) on properties of sisal fibre and its epoxy composites. In particular, raw sisal fibres were treated with a 10%w/w of sodium bicarbonate solution for different periods (24, 120 and 240 h), at room temperature. Changes occurring in sisal fibres were characterized through scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric…
Non-isothermal thermogravimetry as an accelerated tool for the shelf-life prediction of paracetamol formulations
2021
Abstract In this work, non-isothermal thermogravimetric studies have been carried out on several paracetamol formulations with the aim to predict their shelf-lives under variable storage conditions. Specifically, paracetamol tablets of different brands have been investigated allowing to estimate their pharmaceutical quality by considering the specific drug stability. The proposed protocol is based on the kinetic study of thermogravimetric data by the combination of isoconversional procedures (Friedman and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods) and “Master plot” analysis. Accordingly, the kinetics of the paracetamol degradation is totally explored in terms of activation energy, pre-exponent…
Assessment of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different olive processing wastewaters.
2017
Olive processing wastewaters (OPW), namely olive mill wastewater (OMW) and table-olive wastewaters (TOW) were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against five Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria using the standard disc diffusion and thin layer chromatography (TLC)-bioautography assays. Disc diffusion screening and bioautography of OMW were compared to the phenolic extracts of table-olive brines. Positive activity against S. aureus was demonstrated. The optimization of chromatographic separation revealed that hexane/acetone in the ratio of 4:6 was the most effective for phenolic compounds separation. A HPLC-MS analysis was performed showing that only two compounds, hydroxytyr…
A performative paradigm for post-qualitative inquiry
2021
In this article, the authors explore and contribute to producing a performative research paradigm where post-qualitative as well as artistic research might dwell and breathe. Entering a thread of discussion that started with Haseman’s A manifesto for performative research in 2006, and building on their own friction-led research processes at the edges of qualitative research, the authors plug in with performativity, non-representational theories and methodologies, post-qualitative inquiry and post approaches. A performative paradigm for post-qualitative inquiry is proposed, where knowledge is viewed as knowledge-in-becoming as the constant creation of difference through researcher entanglem…
Molecular orbital studies on brominated diphenyl ethers. Part II—reactivity and quantitative structure–activity (property) relationships
2005
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as flame retardants and are increasingly turning up in the environment. Their structural similarities to polychlorinated biphenyls and thyroid hormones suggest they may be a risk to human health. The present study examines the reactivity of brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) on the basis of the electronic structures as calculated by semiempirical AM1 self-consistent field molecular orbital (SCF-MO) method. Frontier orbital energies were used to elucidate the reactivity of BDEs in electrophilic, nucleophilic and photolytic reactions. From an examination of the frontier electron densities, the regioselectivity, or orientation, of metabolic…
Introduction to coronary imaging with 64-slice computed tomography
2005
The aim of this article is to illustrate the main technical improvements in the last generation of 64-row CT scanners and the possible applications in coronary angiography. In particular, we describe the new physical components (X-ray tube-detectors system) and the general scan and reconstruction parameters. We then define the scan protocols for coronary angiography with the new generation of 64-row CT scanners to enable radiologists to perform a CT study on the basis of the diagnostic possibilities.
A central nervous system-focused treatment approach for people with frozen shoulder: protocol for a randomized clinical trial
2019
Background: Frozen shoulder (FS) is a musculoskeletal condition of poorly understood etiology that results in shoulder pain and large mobility deficits. Despite some physical therapy interventions, such as joint mobilization and exercise, having shown therapeutic benefit, a definitive treatment does not currently exist. The aim of this study will be to compare the effectiveness of a central nervous system (CNS)-directed treatment program versus a standard medical and physical therapy care program on outcomes in participants with FS. Methods/design: The study is a two-group, randomized clinical trial with blinding of participants and assessors. Participants will be recruited via referrals fr…