Search

In the current circular economy, innovation is requisite for waste reuse into new efficient materials designed to minimize pollution and conserve non-renewable natural reserves. Water pollution is a global problem with health, quality of life and food security reverberations.In this study were prepared two newly low-cost engineered adsorbents from eggshells for nickel retention from aqueous solutions. SEM results showed that, in the first adsorbent (EZ), the zeolite nanoparticles were loaded in the eggshell pores. The preparation route for the second adsorbent led to the double functionalization of the eggshell with the nano-sized particles of zeolite and simultaneously eggshell pores and zeolite surface loading with FeOOH particles. The eggshell structural modification was confirmed by the BET analysis. These features enabled the proposed adsorbents to remove nickel with high performance and adsorption capacities of 321.11 mg/g and 287.9 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm data follow the Freundlich model (ΔG0) and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. These results indicate that nickel adsorption on adsorbents is a multi-molecular layer, spontaneous and endothermic process. Subsequently, the desorption results exhibit the higher reusability of both adsorbents. This study's outcomes conclude the use of waste to design new, low-cost, and highly efficient engineered adsorbents.

Viscum is one of the most famous and appreciated medicinal plants in Europe and beyond. The symbiotic relationship with the host tree and various endogenous and ecological aspects are the main factors on which the viscum metabolites' profiles depend. In addition, European traditional medicine mentions that only in two periods of the year (summer solstice and winter solstice) the therapeutic potential of the plant is at its maximum. Many studies have investigated the phytotherapeutic properties of viscum grown on different species of trees. However, studies on Romanian viscum are relatively few and refer mainly to the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of mistletoe grown on

The metabolites profile of a plant is greatly influenced by geographical factors and the ecological environment. Various studies focused on artemisinin and its derivates for their antiparasitic and antitumoral effects. However, after the isolation and purification stage, their pharmaceutical potential is limited due to their low bioavailability, permeability and lifetime. The antibacterial activity of essential oils has been another topic of interest for many studies on this plant. Nevertheless, only a few studies investigate other metabolites in Artemisia annua. Considering that secondary metabolites act synergistically in a plant, the existence of other metabolites with antitumor and high immunomodulating activity is even more important. Novel nano-carrier systems obtained by loading herbs into magnetic nanoparticles ensures the increase in the antitumor effect, but also, overcoming the barriers related to permeability, localization. This study reported the first complete metabolic profile from wild grown Romanian Artemisia annua. A total of 103 metabolites were identified under mass spectra (MS) positive mode from 13 secondary metabolite categories: amino acids, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, organic acids, fatty acids, phenolic acids, carbohydrates, glycosides, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, etc. In addition, the biological activity of each class of metabolites was discussed. We further developed a simple and inexpensive nano-carrier system with the intention to capitalize on the beneficial properties of both components. Evaluation of the nano-carrier system’s morpho-structural and magnetic properties was performed.

The aim of the present study was to prepare nanocomposites with different CoCr2O4 content (20%, 50%, and 80% CoCr2O4/SiO2 mass%) starting from Co(II) carboxylate and ammonium dichromate using a modified sol–gel method and to evaluate the final product (nature, size and shape) based on the different precursor amount. Thermal analysis was used in order to reveal the formation and decomposition of Co(II) carboxylate to CoO and (NH4)2Cr2O7 to Cr2O3+x, inside the silica gel pores. The oxide mixture interacts at temperatures of ~ 400 °C when Cr2O3+x turn to α-Cr2O3 which leads together with CoO to the formation of CoCr2O4 inside the SiO2 matrix. XRD and FTIR analyses revealed the formation of the single spinel structure in all synthesized samples. The results show that a higher cobalt chromite content inside the silica matrix leads to higher crystallinity. The particle sizes were in nanometer range, and the size variation was small from a sample to another, independent on the concentration (3.9–12.4 nm).

This study reports the preparation and characterization of CuCr2O4/SiO2 and Cu2Cr2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites. In order to obtain 50 mass% CuCr2O4/SiO2 and Cu2Cr2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites, we have used a method based on the thermal decomposition of the precursors Cu(II) and Cr(III) carboxylate type complexes inside the SiO2 matrix. The precursors were formed inside the gels during the redox reaction between Cu(II) and Cr(III) metal nitrates and 1,3-propanediol (1,3PD). As a result of the gels heating, the precursors decomposed at ~ 300 °C leading to the amorphous metal oxides CuO and Cr2O3+x. Cr2O3+x turned to crystalline α-Cr2O3 (crystalline) at 400 °C which subsequently interacted with CuO. Well crystallized Cu2Cr2O4 was obtained at 1000 °C as a result of the interaction between CuCr2O4 and residual CuO formed at 800 °C. In both samples the oxides were homogenously distributed within the amorphous silica matrix. The nanocomposite samples CuCr2O4/SiO2 and Cu2Cr2O4/SiO2 obtained at different annealing temperatures were characterized by thermal analysis, FT-IR spectrometry and powder x-ray diffraction. The results showed that the silica matrix plays a crucial role for the preparation of the desired chromite nanoparticles.

Introduction: Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. While previous studies have shown outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy to be safe and cost-effective, there have been no randomized controlled trials to evaluate the utilization of continued outpatient IV furosemide diuretic maintenance treatment in patients with HF following hospitalization for ADHF. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that 30-day hospital readmission from ADHF would be lower with routine, standardized outpatient IV diuretic treatment along with a comprehensive HF care approach vs standard treatment. Methods: In a single center, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 100 patients were randomized to receive standard of care (Group 1), IV placebo infusion (Group 2), or IV furosemide infusion (Group 3) over 3 hours, biweekly for a one-month period following hospitalization for ADHF. Patients in Groups 2 and 3 also received a comprehensive HF care protocol including bi-weekly clinic visits for dose-adjusted IV-diuretics, medication adjustment, laboratory, weight, and blood pressure-monitoring, and education during infusion visits. Echocardiography, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and depression questionnaires were performed at baseline and 30-day follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-day re-hospitalization for ADHF. Results: Overall, a total of 94 patients were included in the study (mean age 64 years, 56% males, 69% African American, 70% HF reduced ejection fraction). There were a total of 14 (15%) readmissions for ADHF at 30 days, 6 (17.1%) in Group 1, 7 (22.6%) in Group 2, and 1 (3.7%) in Group 3 (overall p=0.11; p=0.037 comparing Group 2 and Group 3). Patients receiving IV furosemide infusion experienced significantly greater urine output and weight loss compared to those receiving placebo without any significant increase creatinine and no significant between group differences in echocardiography parameters, KCCQ or depression scores. Conclusions: The use of a standardized protocol of outpatient IV furosemide infusion for a one-month period following hospitalization for ADHF was found to be safe and efficacious in reducing 30-day re-hospitalization.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the influence of the solvent properties on the crystal characteristics of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) recrystallized from alcohol-water solvent mixtures, with possible applications for the preparation, purifying and complexation of β-CD. For the first time, structure-property relationships (QSPRs) between the hydrophobicity of alcohols or dielectric constant of solvents used for recrystallization of β-CD and its properties (such as crystallinity index, CI) have been obtained. Recrystallized β-CD from water and C1-C4 alcohol-water solutions provide β-CD with higher CI values of 99.4(±5.9)% for ethanol-water (1:4, v/v) as recrystallizing system. This property has a parabolic variation with the logP (octanol/water partition coefficient) of the alcohol (r2 = 0.998). Solvent parameters also influence the β-CD crystal characteristics, as was demonstrated by X-ray diffractometry refinement, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses.

Pollution is a major problem updated in every corner of the world. The sources of pollution are diverse, from the natural pollution to the anthropogenic pollution. Anthropogenic pollution has a significant impact. Industrial activity, with all its fields, represents one of the most important sources of anthropic pollution. Also, the mining activities can be a source of pollution worth considering. Even if the mining activity has been completed, the possibility of pollution exists. Mining activity is the major source of industrial waste. At present, the mining units can fall into three categories: active mining, where the activity continues; in conservation mining, where the closing and greening program has not yet been applied; closed mining, which are in the Closing and Greening Program. The most affected environmental factors can be the sources of water, soil, but also air.

Background: In orthodontic therapy, the enamel around brackets is very susceptible to bacterial-plaque retention, which represents a risk factor for dental tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methylene blue and a chlorophyllin–phycocyanin mixture, used with and without light activation, in contrast with a 2% chlorhexidine solution, on Streptococcus mutans colonies. Methods: Twenty caries-free human extracted teeth were randomized into five groups. A Streptococcus mutans suspension was inoculated on teeth in groups B, C, D, and E (A was the positive-control group). Bacterial colonies from groups C, D, and E (B was the negative-control group) were subjected to photosensitizers and 2% chlorhexidine solution. For groups C and D, a combined therapy consisting of photosensitizer and light activation was performed. The Streptococcus mutans colonies were counted, and smears were examined with an optical microscope. Two methods of statistical analysis, unidirectional analysis of variance and the Tukey–Kramer test, were used to evaluate the results. Results: A statistically significant reduction in bacterial colonies was detected after the combined therapy was applied for groups C and D, but the most marked bacterial reduction was observed for group D, where a laser-activated chlorophyll–phycocyanin mixture was used. Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy in combination with methylene blue or chlorophyllin–phycocyanin mixture sensitizers induces a statistically significant decrease in the number of bacterial colonies.

CuCr2O4 spinel powders were synthesized starting from different chromium sources, namely (i) chromium oxide (α-Cr2O3) and (ii) ammonium dichromate ((NH4)2Cr2O7). The copper source was a Cu(II) carboxylate-type complex. The Cu(II) carboxylate complex was obtained by the redox reaction between Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and 1,3-propanediol (1,3PG) at 130 °C. In the first case (i), we have started from a mixture of α-Cr2O3, Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and 1,3PG that upon heating formed the copper malonate complex, which decomposed around 220 °C forming an oxide mixture (CuO + α-Cr2O3). In the second case (ii), (NH4)2Cr2O7, Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and 1,3PG were homogenously mixed. Heating this mixture at 130 °C resulted, in situ, in the Cu(II) complex. On controlled temperature increase, the violent decomposition of (NH4)2Cr2O7 took place at 180 °C along with the decomposition of the Cu(II) complex, leading to an amorphous oxide mixture of Cr2O3+x and CuO. By annealing the samples in the temperature range 400–1000 °C, the spinel phase (CuCr2O4) was obtained in both cases: (i) at 800 °C and (ii) at 600 °C as a result of the interactions between the precursors used, when the oxide system was amorphous and highly reactive. The presence of CuCr2O4 was highlighted by XRD and FTIR analyses.

In this paper, zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) nanoparticles were obtained by a new synthesis method, thermal decomposition of Zn(II) and Al(III) carboxylates mixture. Complex combinations were obtained in the redox reaction between Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Al(NO3)3·9H2O, and 1,3-propanediol at ~130 °C. The mechanism of Zn(II) and Al(III) carboxylates formation and decomposition was observed by thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Zn(II) carboxylate, Al(III) carboxylate, and Zn(II) and Al(III) carboxylates mixture were annealed at different temperatures. Metal oxides synthesized from carboxylates precursors in single metal systems crystallized very well at 400 °C (ZnO) and weak at 800 °C (Al2O3), as shown by X-ray powder diffractometry. Homogenous mixture of Zn(II) and Al(III) carboxylates heated at 400 °C has led to a mixture of amorphous ZnO and Al2O3, which reacted forming at 600 °C well-crystallized ZnAl2O4, with mean crystallites size of 14.2 nm. The decomposition of carboxylates precursors is an appropriate method to obtain ZnAl2O4 spinel as well-crystallized single phase at low temperatures.

Manganese ferrite nanopowder was prepared by thermal decomposition at 400°C of the gel synthesized from manganese and iron nitrates and polyvinyl alcohol. X-ray diffractometry evidenced that manganese ferrite was formed as single crystalline phase at this temperature. Scanning electron microscope images evidenced the formation of very fine spherical particles (d

The goal of the present study was the evaluation of the fatty acid (FA) profile of lipid fraction from dry common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (CBO) harvested from North-East (NE) and South-West (SW) of Romania and to protect against thermal and oxidative degradation of the contained omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) glycerides by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanoencapsulation, using kneading method. The most abundant FAs in the CBO samples were PUFAs, according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Linoleic acid (methyl ester) was the main constituent, having relative concentrations of 43.4 (±1.95) % and 35.23 (±0.68) % for the lipid fractions separated from the common beans harvested from the NE and SW of Romania, respectively. Higher relative concentrations were obtained for the omega-3 α-linolenic acid methyl ester at values of 13.13 (±0.59) % and 15.72 (±0.30) % for NE and SW Romanian samples, respectively. The omega-3/omega-6 ratio consistently exceeds the lower limit value of 0.2, from where the PUFA glyceride mixture is valuable for the human health. This value was 0.32 (±0.02) for the NE samples and significantly higher for the CBO-SW samples, 0.51 (±0.01). These highly hydrophobic mixtures especially consisting of PUFA triglycerides provide β-CD complexes having higher thermal and oxidative stability. Kneading method allowed obtaining β-CD/CBO powder-like complexes with higher recovery yields of >70%. Thermal analyses of complexes revealed a lower content of hydration water (3.3–5.8% up to 110°C in thermogravimetry (TG) analysis and 154–347 J/g endothermal effect in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis) in comparison with the β-CD hydrate (12.1% and 479.5–480 J/g, respectively). These findings support the molecular inclusion process of FA moieties into the β-CD cavity. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis reveals the formation of the β-CD/CBO inclusion complexes by restricting the vibration and bending of some bonds from the host and guest molecules. Moreover, powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD) analysis confirm the formation of the host-guest complexes by modifying the diffractograms for β-CD/CBO complexes in comparison with the β-CD and β-CD + CBO physical mixtures. A significant reduction of the level of crystallinity from 93.3 (±5.3) % for β-CD to 60–60.9% for the corresponding β-CD/CBO complexes have been determined. The encapsulation efficiency (EE), the profile of FAs, as well as the controlled release of the encapsulated oil have also been evaluated. The EE was >40% in all cases, the highest value being obtained for β-CD/CBO-SW complex. The SFA content increased, while the unsaturated FA glycerides had lower relative concentrations in the encapsulated CBO samples. It can be emphasized that the main omega-3 FA (namely α-linolenic acid glycerides) had close concentrations in the encapsulated and raw CBOs (13.13 (±0.59) % and 14.04 (±1.54) % for non-encapsulated and encapsulated CBO-NE samples, 15.72 (±0.30) % and 12.41 (±1.95) % for the corresponding CBO-SW samples, respectively). The overall unsaturated FA content significantly decreased after complexation (from 19.03–19.16% for the raw CBOs to 17.3–17.7% for encapsulated oils in the case of MUFAs, and from 55.7–58.8% to 35.13–43.36% for PUFAs). On the other hand, the omega-3/omega-6 ratio increased by β-CD nanoencapsulation to 0.51 (±0.07) and 0.76 (0.26) for β-CD/CBO-NE and β-CD/CBO-SW complexes, respectively. As a conclusion, the lipid fractions of the Romanian common beans are good candidates for β-CD complexation and they can be protected against thermal and oxidative degradation in common beans based food products such as functional foods or food supplements using natural CDs.

β-Cyclodextrin- and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/Danube common nase (Chondrostoma nasus L.) oil complexes (β-CD- and HP-β-CD/CNO) have been obtained for the first time. The fatty acid (FA) profile of the CNO indicates an important content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the most important being eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 6.3%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 1.6%), both ω-3 FAs. The complexes have been obtained by kneading method. The moisture content and successful of molecular encapsulation have been evaluated by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry analyses reveals that the moisture content of CD/CNO complexes significantly decreased, compared to starting CDs. On the other hand, the crystallinity index was for the first time determined for such type of complexes, the β-CD/CNO complex having values of 43.9(±18.3)%, according to X-ray diffractometry. FA profile and CD/CNO characteristics sustain the use of these ω-3 based complexes for food supplements or functional food products, but further studies are needed.

Background Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of outpatient furosemide intravenous (IV) infusion following hospitalization for ADHF. Methods In a single center, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 100 patients were randomized to receive standard of care (Group 1), IV placebo infusion (Group 2), or IV furosemide infusion (Group 3) over 3h, biweekly for a one-month period following ADHF hospitalization. Patients in Groups 2/3 also received a comprehensive HF-care protocol including bi-weekly clinic visits for dose-adjusted IV-diuretics, medication adjustment and education. Echocardiography, quality of life and depression questionnaires were performed at baseline and 30-day follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-day re-hospitalization for ADHF. Results Overall, a total of 94 patients were included in the study (mean age 64 years, 56% males, 69% African American). There were a total of 14 (15%) hospitalizations for ADHF at 30 days, 6 (17.1%) in Group 1, 7 (22.6%) in Group 2, and 1 (3.7%) in Group 3 (overall p = 0.11; p = 0.037 comparing Groups 2 and 3). Patients receiving IV furosemide infusion experienced significantly greater urine output and weight loss compared to those receiving placebo without any significant increase creatinine and no significant between group differences in echocardiography parameters, KCCQ or depression scores. Conclusion The use of a standardized protocol of outpatient IV furosemide infusion for a one-month period following hospitalization for ADHF was found to be safe and efficacious in reducing 30-day re-hospitalization.

This paper presents a study on nanocomposites formation in ZnO-SiO 2 systems with different ZnO:SiO 2 molar ratios (1:4, 1:1, and 4:1), prepared employing a sol-gel method modified by an original procedure. The evolution of ZnO-SiO 2 systems depending on the composition and temperature was studied by thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. Zn(II) carboxylate was synthesized in situ in hybrid silica gels by redox reaction between zinc nitrate and 1,3-propanediol. Its thermal decomposition at low temperatures led to ZnO dispersed in the pores of silica matrix. Only for the 4:1 system, at 400 and 600 °C, ZnO nanocrystallites (average size ∼9 nm) embedded in the amorphous silica matrix were obtained, the other systems being amorphous. Whatever the mixture composition is, above 600 °C, ZnO reacts with SiO 2 to form zinc silicate. At 800 °C, for both 1:4 and 1:1 systems, poor crystallized β-Zn 2 SiO 4 and α-Zn 2 SiO 4 phases embedded in silica matrix were formed. Increasing the temperature, at 1000 °C, only for 1:1 system, β-Zn 2 SiO 4 phase turned into single phase α-Zn 2 SiO 4 (average crystallites size 28.3 nm). For 4:1 composition, at 800 and 1000 °C, systems consisting of ZnO and α-Zn 2 SiO 4 nanocrystallites dispersed in silica were obtained.

This paper presents the sorption properties of a new adsorbent material prepared by impregnating Amberlite XAD 7 polymer with sodium β-glycerophosphate. For impregnation, the pellicular vacuum solvent vaporization method was employed. The functionalization was evidenced by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The usefulness of this material and its performances were studied for the adsorption of the rare earth element La(III) in batch experiments. The influence of various parameters affecting the adsorption of lanthanum like contact time, initial concentration, pH value, and temperature was studied. The kinetic of the adsorption process was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. Sips isotherm was found to be the best fit of the equilibrium data. The maximum adsorption capacity of the functionalized material was of 33.8 mg La(III)/g. The values of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG o, ΔH o, ΔS o) showed that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. The results proved that Amberlite XAD 7 functionalized with sodium β-glycerophosphate is an efficient adsorbent for the removal of La(III) ions from aqueous solutions. Quantum chemistry was performed using Spartan software.

Patient: Female, 6 Final Diagnosis: Allgrove syndrome Symptoms: Achalasia • adrenal insufficiency • alacrima Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology Objective: Rare disease Background: Allgrove syndrome, or triple “A” syndrome (3A syndrome), is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome with variable phenotype, and an estimated prevalence of 1 per 1,000,000 individuals. Patients usually display the triad of achalasia, alacrima, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) insensitive adrenal insufficiency, though the presentation is inconsistent. Case Report: Here, the authors report a case of Allgrove syndrome in a pediatric patient with delayed diagnosis in order to raise awareness of this potentially fatal disease as a differential diagnosis of alacrima. Conclusions: The prevalence of Allgrove syndrome may be much higher as a result of underdiagnosis and missed diagnosis due to the variable presentation and sudden unexplained childhood death from adrenal crisis. The authors review the characteristic symptoms of Allgrove syndrome in relation to the case study in order to avoid missed or delayed diagnosis, potentially decreasing morbidity, and mortality in those affected by this disease.

Based on some inconveniences identified within a material master data application of theSAP MM module, the current paper proposes an alternative technical solution for designing thepopup layout screen of the material master data application with respect to language dependency.The application should present the text of all tabs, areas and fields in the desired language based onthe user logon preferences. Also it has been implemented a possibility to sort the data in the desiredorder, so the customer isn’t forced, as before, to search for a certain field, when updating certainmaterials. The proposed solution suggests the use of five database tables, combined within threemaintenance views, which build a view cluster. The advantage of the redesigned application consistsof easier maintainability of the data (fields, areas and tabs can be easily added, deleted, reorderedand renamed) and all the data within the view cluster can be translated into any language supportedby the system.

A novel, cysteine-containing fluorescent hexapeptide, N-acetyl-Tyr-Cys-Ser-Ser-Cys-Tyr– (YY), targeting Cd(II) ion sensing, was synthesized on various solid supports including two resins, as well a...

Studies regarding the recovery of palladium ions from aqueous solutions through adsorption onto ionic liquid functionalized Zn-Al layered double hydroxides and the subsequent use of the exhausted adsorbent as photocatalysts in the degradation process of methylene blue are presented. For this purpose, three materials were synthesized: unmodified Zn3Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), a layered double hydroxide modified with methyl tri-alkyl ammonium chloride ionic liquid (IL) by ultrasonic impregnation and by co-synthesis. After sample characterization using XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX techniques, the studied materials were employed as adsorbents in the Pd(II) ions recovery from aqueous solutions. It was proved that the presence of IL in the structure of the Zn3Al – LDH lead to an enhancing of the adsorption efficiency, especially when the co-synthesis method was used for the LDH functionalization. The resulted exhausted adsorbents were efficiently capitalized as photocatalysts in the degradation process of MB from aqueous solutions. The presence of ionic liquid in the structure of raw material Zn3Al and the presence of adsorbed Pd(II) ions onto the surface of the spent adsorbents, led to efficiencies of the photocatalytic methylene blue degradation above 90%.

The thermal decomposition in dynamic oxidative atmosphere of the new homopolynuclear coordination compound [Fe(C 2 O 4 )(OH)(OH 2 )] n ·0.3 n H 2 O was investigated by simultaneously using TG, DTG and DTA techniques. Solid-state decomposition products formed during heating at different temperatures (350 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C) were analyzed by physical-chemical methods, including electronic spectroscopy (diffuse reflectance technique), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD analysis data show that the final decomposition product, namely hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ), is relatively well crystallized, while SEM images reveal that the particles exhibit irregular forms, their size being widely distributed between 6 nm and 4 μm.

Magnesium silicate functionalized with tetrabutyl ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was developed as a new adsorbent for La(III) removal from aqueous solutions. The functionalized material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and determination of the specific surface area (194 m2·g–1). The influence of several experimental parameters (amount of adsorbent, contact time, temperature,and initial concentration of lanthanum ions) on the adsorption process was examined. The optimum dose of adsorbent was established as 4 g·L–1. The optimum contact time of 15 min ensured a ∼95% La(III) removal efficiency at 298.15 K. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the best fit of the experimental data. The positive value of activation energy (10.7 kJ·mol–1) suggested that the adsorption process was endothermic and the mechanism was chemisorption. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS°) showed that the adsorption process was endothermi...

Nanoparticles of cobalt–zinc ferrite Co 1− x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 with x varying from 0 to 1.0 were prepared by a new method, the thermal decomposition of carboxylates of Fe(III), Co(II) and Zn(II). The obtained carboxylate precursor was characterized by thermal analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The precursor was annealed at 350, 600 and 1000 °C. It was found that the spinel cobalt–zinc ferrite was formed starting at 350 °C, but in mixture with simple oxides γ-Fe 2 O 3 , Co 3 O 4 and ZnO. At 1000 °C Co 1− x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 was formed quantitatively as a single, well-crystallized phase. The saturation magnetization of the samples annealed at 1000 °C decreased significantly with increasing Zn 2+ content from 83.93 emu/g ( x =0) to 4.92 emu/g ( x =1.0). At 350 and 600 °C the saturation magnetization had the same trend, even if there were contributions of other magnetic phases. Obtaining of spinel ferrite was evidenced by X-ray diffractometry and FT-IR spectrometry. Powder morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic properties of the synthesized ferrites were investigated employing a conventional induction method.

This paper deals with the synthesis of cobalt–zinc ferrite Co1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.5), by two different synthesis methods: thermal decomposition of carboxylate complex, and co-precipitation. The effect of temperature on the characteristics of the obtained powders was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. Thermal analysis was used to investigate metal carboxylate complex formation and their thermal stability. The mixture of Co(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) carboxylates (precursor) decomposed at 300 °C was annealed at 350, 500, and 1000 °C. The XRD patterns revealed that all powders consist of the spinel phase Co1−xZnxFe2O4. As the annealing temperature increased, the crystallite size, lattice parameter, and saturation magnetization were increased. Co-precipitation method was used to synthesize samples at different temperatures: 25, 40, 60, and 80 °C. X-ray diffractometry proved that cobalt–zinc ferrite was formed starting with 25 °C, while the ferritization process was almost completed at 80 °C. The precipitate obtained at 80 °C was annealed at 500 and 1000 °C. At 80 and 500 °C, the powders have similar crystallite size (~9 nm) and similar lattice parameter (a = 8.37 A) and show a super-paramagnetic behavior. Powders obtained by both methods, at 1000 °C, have close values for the saturation magnetization σ (~60 emu g−1) and tend to have super-paramagnetic behavior (coercive field H c = 0.08 kOe). The lattice parameter has also similar values, corresponding to the Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composition (a = 8.40 A). Thermal decomposition of carboxylate complexes is a new method for the obtaining of Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite. The results are comparable to those obtained by co-precipitation, starting from the same reagents (metal nitrates). The magnetic behavior makes this nanoferrite suitable for applications such as preparation of ferrofluids and hyperthermia for cancer treatment.

The aim of this paper was to produce a new composite material based on carbon and iron oxides, starting from soluble starch and ferric chloride. The composite material was synthesized by simple thermal decomposition of a reaction mass obtained from starch and iron chloride, in an inert atmosphere. Starch used as a carbon source also efficiently stabilizes the iron oxides particles obtained during the thermal decomposition. The reaction mass used for the thermal decomposition was obtained by simultaneously mixing the carbon and iron oxide precursors, without addition of any precipitation agent. The proper composite material can be obtained by rigorously adhering to the stirring time, temperature, and water quantity used during the preparation of the reaction mass, as well as the thermal regime and the controlled atmosphere used during the thermal decomposition. Synthesized materials were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR). The performances of the obtained material were highlighted by studying their adsorbent properties and by determining the maximum adsorption capacity for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions.

In the present work, two novel aminophosphinic acid ligands grafted on poly(styrene-1%divinylbenzene) (St-1%DVB) have been synthesized by reacting polymer precursors bearing primary amino groups with benzaldehyde (or propionaldehyde) and phenylphosphinic acid by the “one-pot” Kabatachnik-Fields reaction. The resins functionalized with aminophosphinic pendant groups were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Its adsorption capacity for divalent metal ions such as Cu(II) and Ni(II) were investigated. The adsorption procedure of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions on polymer-grafted aminophosphinic acid ligands was carried out by batch experiments. The result also shows that the adsorption process was best described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The best maximum adsorption capacity was obtained for resin with aminobenzylphosphinic acid groups [1.46 mg Cu(II)/g and 1.36 mg Ni(II)/g]. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Business intelligence is a concept that arose twenty years ago from decision support, which were designed for directors, managers and their supporting analysts. Since then, organizations have come to realize that decision-makers at all levels in all parts of the organization need access to timely, relevant and accurate information, whether in a call centre, sales office, shop floor, retail outlet or logistics department. The paper explores the concepts of BI, its components, emergence of BI, benefits of BI, factors influencing BI, technology requirements, and various BI techniques.

This paper presents the synthesis and thermal behavior of double copper and potassium pyrophosphate, which can be used as a PK fertilizer containing copper as micronutrient. In order to find the conditions for the synthesis of this compound from copper sulphate and potassium pyrophosphate, various Cu2+:P2O74− molar ratios (0:1–2:1), various molar concentrations of the solutions (0.075; 0.1; 0.15 and 0.2 mol L−1) and various temperatures (25, 50, 75 and 100 °C) have been used. The solid product synthesized in optimum conditions for the separation of micronutrient copper from the reaction mass (Cu2+:P2O74− molar ratio 1:1, concentration 0.1 mol L−1) was subjected to a complex study: chemical analysis, thermal analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. During heating up to 1000 °C, K2Cu3(P2O7)2·3H2O loses the crystallization water; several transformations of the phosphates also take place: the decomposition of pyrophosphates to ortho-phosphates; the transformation of ortho-phosphates; the polymerization of a fraction of ortho-phosphates to amorphous phosphates with longer chains; the reorganization of ortho-phosphates and poly-phosphates to pyrophosphates and their crystallization. The decomposition mechanism was confirmed when using the X-ray diffraction patterns of the compound, thermally treated at several temperatures.