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Abstract: Selecting an appropriate paper deacidification agent is very important for the deacidification of paper. The use of three deacidification agents (i.e., iso-butylamine, calcium propionate, and borax) is studied for the deacidification of paper using the immersion treatment by investigating the paper surface pH, alkaline residue, paper whiteness, strength, and other performance indicators. Results show the deacidification by borax solution not only results in the promotion of a proper pH range, high level of alkali reserves, and ignorable influence to paper appearance, but also to the enhancement of the mechanical intensities of paper even after artificial aging. Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2SCF), as a solvent system, is used in the deacidification of acidic papers using the borax solution of water and alcohol. CO2SCF improved the deacidification process by significantly improving the pH value and the base residual value. The borax in supercritical fluids can be better combined with cellulose hydroxyl to improve the mechanical properties of paper substantially. The treatment of borax in CO2SCF could be an alternative for acidic papers. Aside from improving the pH and depositing a sufficient alkaline residual, CO2SCF also strengthens the mechanical properties of treated papers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The demand for a safer alternative to bisphenol A (BPA) developer materials for thermal printing systems has recently grown considerably because of the many potential health effects of exposure to BPA. In this study, we tested the use of hyperbranched polymers as replacements for BPA, and determined the structural features of their polymer backbones that control the developing capability of thermal papers. For this purpose, a novel series of hyperbranched polyester copolymers with linear and terminal phenol groups were prepared via one-pot A 2 + B 3 reactions of phloroglucinol with various feed ratios of terephthaloyl chloride and adipoyl chloride. The variations with the proportion of alkyl chains in the backbones of the structural, thermal, and color-forming reaction properties of the resultant polymers were investigated. Moreover, the preparation of thermal papers with these polymers was carried out and their developing capabilities were compared to those of BPA–based thermal papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Copper–zinc oxide catalyst powders were supported on a microstructured matrix composed of ceramic fiber-network by a papermaking technique. As-prepared catalyst materials, called paper-structured catalyst, were applied to the autothermal reforming (ATR) of methanol to produce hydrogen for fuel cell applications. The paper-structured catalyst demonstrated higher methanol conversion and lower undesirable carbon monoxide concentration, as compared with commercial catalysts. Besides, excellent catalyst durability was exhibited by the suppression of Cu sintering during the ATR reaction. The paper-structured catalyst showed remarkable superiority in methanol conversion even in the case of using sintered catalysts. Such features were possibly induced by the unique fiber-network microstructure (average pore size: ca. 20μm and porosity: ca. 50%) of the paper composites, which may allow the effective transfer of heat and reactants to the catalyst surfaces. The porous paper-structured catalyst is expected as a promising catalytic material for improving the practical performances in the catalytic gas-reforming process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Copper–zinc oxide (Cu/ZnO) catalyst powders were impregnated into paper-structured composites (catalyst paper) using a papermaking process. The paper-structured catalyst was subjected to the methanol steam reforming (MSR) process and exhibited excellent performance compared with those achieved by pellet-type or powdered catalyst. The catalyst paper demonstrated a relatively stable gas flow as compared to catalyst pellets. Furthermore, the MSR process was simulated by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis, and the heat conductivity influence of the catalyst layer was investigated. Higher heat conductivity contributed to both higher methanol conversion and lower carbon monoxide concentration; localization of heat and chemical species such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide were improved, resulting in suppression of reverse water–gas shift reaction. The CFD analysis was applied to the design of a catalyst layer in which a suitable shape was suggested, where carbon monoxide formation was further suppressed without a decrease in the methanol conversion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the possibility of converting recycled paper sludge (RPS), an industrial residue stream with strong environmental impact, into valuable products. The approach used was based on the enzymatic conversion of major sludge components (cellulose and xylan) and the simultaneous (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation—SSF) or sequential (separate hydrolysis and fermentation—SHF) fermentation of the resulting sugars to ethanol. In the enzymatic hydrolysis step using Celluclast® 1.5L supplemented with Novozym® 188, a degree of saccharification of 100% was achieved. In relation to ethanol production using the yeast Pichia stipitis CBS 5773, SHF and SSF process efficiencies were compared. A slightly higher conversion yield was attained on SHF, corresponding to an ethanol concentration of 19.6gL−1, but 179h were needed. The SSF process was completed after 48h of incubation allowing the production of 18.6gL−1 of ethanol from 178.6gL−1 of dried RPS, corresponding to an overall conversion yield of 51% of the available carbohydrates on the initial substrate. These results demonstrate that the biological conversion of sludge to ethanol is efficient even with no pre-treatment or substrate supplementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The deinking of various types of newspapers has been necessitated by governmental regulations as well as increasing public interest in recycling paper taken from our natural environment. The increasing volume of newspaper makes it an important class of paper available for deinking. In this study, the effect of number of carbon atoms in alkyl chain of a simple deinking agent using different alcohols was developed. Four-step process involving pulping, washing, froth flotation, and another washing with a number of alcohols in pulping and flotation stages was employed. Conventional laboratory-scale flotation cell was used to study ink removal from pulp slurries obtained from water-based flexographic newsprint. Hydrodynamics conditions were constant and other chemicals dosages were chosen the same as optimum values cited in literatures. We report the brightness and intensity of ink spot of handsheets formed of deinked fibers as deinking efficiencies. Application of alcohols with any alkyl chain instead of hydrogen peroxide in flotation stage gives higher brightness. The highest brightness was achieved in the case of totally hydrogen peroxide free using alcohol in pulping and flotation stages. The brightness of final pulp increases with the number of carbon atoms in alkyl chain (C1–C7). Low concentration of deinking agent makes this combination of chemicals economical and environmental friendly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic that emerged in December 2019 has rapidly evolved in recent months to become a worldwide and ongoing pandemic. Shortage of medical masks remains an unresolved problem. This study aims to investigate the filtration efficiency (FE) of home-made masks that could be used as alternatives for community mitigation of COVID-19. Experimental observational analytic study. The FE of home-made masks and medical masks (as the control) were tested under laminar flow within a scaled air duct system using nebulised NaCl aerosols sized 6–220 nm. The size-resolved NaCl aerosol count was measured using a scanning mobility particle-sizer spectrometer. Home-made masks with an external plastic face shield also underwent a splash test. In addition, the fibre structures of medical masks were studied under an electron microscope after treatment with either 75% alcohol or soap and water at 60 °C. The FE of the home-made masks at 6–200 nm were non-inferior to that of medical masks (84.54% vs 86.94%, P = 0.102). Both types of masks achieved an FE of 90% at 6–89 nm. A significantly higher FE was achieved when one piece of tissue paper was added adjacent to the inner surface of the medical mask than medical mask alone (6–200 nm: 91.64% vs 86.94%, P < 0.0001; 6–89 nm: 94.27% vs 90.54%, P < 0.0001; 90–200 nm: 82.69% vs 73.81%, P < 0.0001). The plastic face shield prevented the home-made mask from fluid splash. The fibre structures of the external surface of medical masks were damaged after treatment with either 75% alcohol or soap and water at 60 °C. The home-made masks in this study, which were made of one piece of tissue paper and two pieces of kitchen towels, layered from face to external, had an FE at 6–200 nm non-inferior to that of medical mask materials, which had a certified FE of ≥95% at 3 μm. In the current COVID-19 pandemic with the shortage of medical masks, these home-made masks combined with an external plastic shield could be used as an alternative to medical masks for community mitigation. In addition, one piece of tissue paper could be placed adjacent to the inner surface of a medical mask to prolong effective lifespan of the medical mask. These demand reduction strategies could be used to reserve medical masks for use in healthcare and certain high-risk community settings, such as symptomatic persons, caregivers and attendees to healthcare institutions. • Our home-made masks have filtration efficiency comparable to medical masks. • They may be used as alternatives in low-risk community settings. • Plastic face shields may be used in situations when social distancing and/or face masks are not feasible. • Decontamination of medical masks with 75% alcohol or soap and water damages the fibres and is not recommended. • Community mitigation measures are an important part of the global efforts in combating COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capecitabine is a widely used anticancer prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, but up to the present time there is no solubility data reported other than in supercritical carbon dioxide. In this paper, by the polythermal method, the solubility data of capecitabine in fifteen pure lower alcohols and water with methanol mixture solvents were measured from 278.15 K to 323.15 K under atmospheric pressure. The results show that the solubility of capecitabine in linear lower alcohols are bigger than that in corresponding branch chain lower alcohols, and decrease with the increasing of carbons in alkyl of alcohols. Moreover, the solubility of capecitabine increases with the increasing of temperature and mole fraction of methanol in the binary solvent mixtures of water + methanol. To expand industrial application of experimental solubility data of capecitabine in recrystallization, the values measured in selected pure lower alcohols are correlated using the modified Apelblat equation, the Buchowski-Ksiazczak-pletrzyk equation, the van't Hoff equation, the Wilson model and the NRTL model; And for the binary solvent system, the modified Apelblat equation and Jouyban-Acree model are used to correlate the solubility data. By evaluating the deviations between experimental and correlated data, all the correlated data by six models used in this research show comparable precision to those attained by careful experimental measurement. Moreover, some apparent thermodynamic quantities (Δ S d o , Δ H d o , Δ G d o , % ζ H and % ζ TS ) of the dissolution processes of capecitabine in selected solvents and temperature range studied were calculated by the parametric van't Hoff equation. According to the calculation, the dissolution of capecitabine in lower alcohols and water with methanol mixture solvents is an endothermic and entropy-driven process. The solubility and apparent dissolution characteristics of capecitabine in this paper would provide basic support for industrial design and further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinidia Lindl. belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. Plants of this genus are popularly known as kiwifruits and are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments associated with digestive disorders, rheumatism, kidney problems, cardiovascular system, cancers, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, and diabetes among others. This review discusses the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and known pharmacological properties of Actinidia plants, to understand their connotations and provide the scientific basis for future studies. The data were obtained by surveying journal articles, books, and dissertations using various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Web of Science. The online databases; World Flora Online, Plants of the World Online, International Plant Names Index, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility were used to confirm the distribution and validate scientific names of Actinidia plants. The isolated metabolites from these species were illustrated using ChemBio Draw ultra-version 14.0 software. Ten (10) species of Actinidia genus have been reported as significant sources of traditional medicines utilized to remedy diverse illnesses. Our findings revealed that a total of 873 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, ketones, organic acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and steroids have been isolated from different species of Actinidia. These compounds were mainly related to the exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anticinoceptive, anti-tumor, and anticancer activities. This study assessed the information related to the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species, which indicate that they possess diverse bioactive metabolites with interesting bioactivities. Actinidia plants have great potential for applications in folklore medicines and pharmaceuticals due to their wide ethnomedicinal uses and biological activities. Traditional uses of several Actinidia species are supported by scientific evidences, qualifying them as possible modern remedies for various ailments. Nonetheless, the currently available data has several gaps in understanding the herbal utilization of most Actinidia species. Thus, further research into their toxicity, mechanisms of actions of the isolated bioactive metabolites, as well as scientific connotations between the traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties is required to unravel their efficacy in therapeutic potential for safe clinical application. [Display omitted] • This paper reviewed the botanical characterization, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species. • It also established correlation between the isolated secondary metabolites, pharmacological effects, and ethnomedicinal uses. • The present study demonstrates the ethnopharmacological evidence that can aid in development of new drugs for future clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aspiration of liveable cities, underpinned by the New Urban Agenda, is gaining popularity as a mechanism to enhance population health and wellbeing. However, less attention has been given to understanding how urban liveability may provide an opportunity to redress health inequities. Using an environmental justice lens, this paper investigates whether urban liveability poses an opportunity or threat to reducing health inequities and outlines a future research agenda. Selected urban liveability attributes, being: education; employment; food, alcohol, and tobacco; green space; housing; transport; and walkability, were investigated to understand how they can serve to widen or narrow inequities. Some domains showed consistent evidence, others suggested context-specific associations that made it difficult to draw general conclusions, and some showed a reverse patterning with the social gradient, but with poorer outcomes. This suggests urban liveability attributes have equigenic potential, but operate within a complex system. We conclude more disadvantaged neighbourhoods and their residents likely have additional policy and design considerations for optimising outcomes, especially as changes to the contextual environment may impact neighbourhood composition through displacement and/or pulling up effects. Future research needs to continue to explore downstream associations using longitudinal and natural experiments, and also seek to gain a deeper understanding of the urban liveability system, including interactions, feedback loops, and non-linear and linear responses. There is a need to monitor neighbourhood population changes over time to understand how liveability impacts the most vulnerable. Other areas worthy of further investigation include applying a life course approach and understanding liveability within the context of other adversities and contextual settings. • It is unclear how the urban liveability agenda could redress health inequities. • Urban liveability has equigenic potential, but operates in a complex system. • Contextual changes may impact composition by displacement or pulling up effects. • Need to monitor neighbourhoods to understand liveability impacts for the vulnerable. • Future research includes investigating other adverse and contextual settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Currently, the available antifungal agents have significant clinical incompetency in terms of their clinical efficacy, antifungal spectrum, unfavorable pharmacokinetic profiles, substantial side effects and drug-drug interactions. Thus, the optimization and improvement of existing drugs and identification of new antifungal agents are urgently needed. Fluconazole is the first triazole alcohol drug with good in vivo efficacy against yeasts and well-known targets in fungal cells. However, the wide use of fluconazole as a first-line antifungal therapy has led to the development of resistance in clinical isolates of Candida species including Candida albicans and the emerging non-albicans Candida spp. In the last years, extensive efforts inflected to design and discovery of triazole alcohols derived from fluconazole by replacing one triazole ring with the proper side chain. In this paper, we have reviewed the structural modification of fluconazole to pursuit potent triazole alcohols with improved anti- Candida activity, and have highlighted their in vitro activities and in silico studies. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Fluconazole, the first triazole alcohol has been recommended as first-line antifungal therapy. • Resistance to fluconazole was developed in Candida albicans and non- albicans Candida spp. • Extensive efforts have been performed to discovery of triazole alcohols derived from fluconazole. • The most used strategy was the replacement of one triazole ring with proper side chain. • These researches resulted in the introduction of compounds with higher potency against Candida spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we report an in-situ synthesis of silver supported on cobalt oxide (Ag/Co 3 O 4) nanoparticles (NPs) and studied the catalytic activity of this material as an eco-friendly, simple, recyclable and efficient catalyst for one-pot photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols. Ag nanoparticles with the sizes of 2–5 nm supported on spherical Co 3 O 4 with the radius between 40 and 60 nm were synthesized by homogeneous chemical precipitation followed by hydrothermal heating. The as-synthesized catalyst was thoroughly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherm (BET) analysis. It was observed that the catalysts with 1 wt% of silver loading shows high activity and selectivity toward the target aldehyde product. The effects of different reaction parameters such as reaction time, oxidant and solvent were investigated and studied in detail. The synergistic effect between the surface Ag NPs and Co 3 O 4 nanospheres plays a vital role toward very high catalytic activity. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of silver supported cobalt oxide. • 2–5 nm Ag-nanoparticles supported on 40–60 nm Co 3 O 4 nanosphere. • Room temperature photocatalytic oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde. • Alcohol conversion of 76% with 99% selectivity of aldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The HFRHSC target penetration resistance under multi-impact was assessed. • The poor consolidation conditions may deduce the penetration resistance. • The steel fiber attribute to the better penetration resistance. • The damage accumulated by second impact is less significant. Abstract In this paper, the penetration resistance potential of hybrid-fiber-reinforced high-strength concrete (HFRHSC) is investigated at fiber content of 2%. 12 batches of HFRHSC materials with various hybridizations were manufactured for comparative analyses of hybridization. The uniaxial compression tests were conducted to determine the 7-day and 28-day compressive strength indicating that the steel fiber outperforms the polypropylene fiber and polyvinyl alcohol fiber in improving compressive strength. The sequent multi-impact penetration tests for each mixture HFRHSC target were carried out with projectile impact locations in equilateral triangle shape whereas the penetration response was evaluated in terms of depth of penetration (DOP) and crater area. The experimental results indicate that the penetration resistance improvement potential of steel fiber reinforced concrete goes moderately ahead of that of the polypropylene or polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced concrete. Besides, the DOP caused by multi-impact implies the penetration resistance is remarkably decayed by the first impact while the second penetration poses much less deterioration. Moreover, cavity expansion analysis together with impact damage were applied to the DOP analytical model for HFRHSC multi-impact penetration whereby the target resistance term corresponding each impact was achieved via best fitting. The accumulated damage is also found to be dependent on the hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Monometallic Zn-complex of oxygen depleted N,O containing calixa[4]arene. • Acetylation of choline. • Acetylation of alcohol. • Polymerization of lactide. Abstract In this paper we have described the synthesis and coordination properties of monometallic Zinc complex of oxygen depleted bis(pyrazole)-p- tert -butylcalix[4]arene ligand. We also present the catalytic activity of the Zinc–bis(pyrazole) complex, in acetylation of alcohols and lactide polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, Cu/Al 2 O 3 catalysts with different metal loadings was applied for the direct ethanol conversion into linear α-alcohols in the supercritical regime. 5% Cu/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was found to provide ethanol conversion into 1-butanol, 1-hexanol and 1-octanol with 80.2% selectivity of 1-butanol or total selectivity of linear α-alcohols of 95.5 at 33.5% conversion of ethanol. The supercritical conditions allow to increase catalysts productivity in comparison with subcritical regime. Kinetic features of the reaction and the effect of water content in the feed mixture were investigated. Highlights • The selectivity of the formation of linear α-alcohols from ethanol was 98.4%. • Ethanol conversion and 1-butanol selectivity increased in supercritical regime. • Ethanol conversion decreases proportionately to water content in feeding mixture. • Kinetic parameters of the ethanol self condensation were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Erythritol and SAT are two of the most concerned materials for M-TES. • The shell-and-tube container is the most versatile type in an M-TES system. • The energy cost of an M-TES system is in a range of 0.02–0.08 € kW h−1. Abstract The transportation of thermal energy is essential for users who are located far away from heat sources. The networks connecting them achieve the goal in efficient heat delivery and reasonable cost, especially for the users with large heat demands. However, it is difficult to satisfy the heat supply of the detached or emergent users with the existing pipelines. Therefore, a promising alternative, called mobilized thermal energy storage (M-TES), was proposed to deliver the heat flexibly without the restriction of networks. In this paper, a review of studies on M-TES is conducted in terms of materials, containers and economic evaluation. The potential candidates of materials, such as sugar alcohols, hydrated salts, alkalies and zeolite are reviewed and compared based on their thermophysical properties, price, advantages and disadvantages. Various containers, including the shell-and-tube, encapsulated, direct-contact, detachable and sorptive types, are discussed from the aspects of configuration, performance and utilization. Furthermore, the studies on the economic evaluation of M-TES systems are summarized and discussed based on the analysis of the economic indicators, including initial cost, operating cost, revenue, subsidy and energy cost. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for developing M-TES are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have the potency to deliver cancer drugs assisted by the application of a magnetic field. In this paper, we present the design of magnesium ferrite nanoparticles of size suitable for drug delivery. A coating polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), tethered with a tapered cone-shaped cyclic oligosachcharide, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is synthesized and used to wrap and disperse the MNPs. The magnetic properties are explored using vibrating sample magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The ∑130 nm MNPs, shrouded with the PVA-CD conjugate allows a high amount of the cancer drug, camptothecin, to be loaded on the nanocarrier. Cytotoxicity studies reveal that the loaded drug retains its potency against HEK 293 cells and the cells are sensitive to the treatment by the drug-loaded nanocarrier. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Magnesium ferrite nanoparticles with high magnetization value are prepared. • β-Cyclodextrin-tethered PVA polymer is prepared and coated on the nanoparticles. • High percentage of drug loading is attained using the nanocarrier. • The anticancer activity of the drug loaded magnetic nanocarrier is studied on HCT-15 prostatic cancer cells. • The ferrite-modified PVA hybrid nanoparticles function well as camptothecin carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have suggested that direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs may discourage or encourage changes in lifestyle to improve health. The current paper informs this debate by examining associations between estimated exposure to DTCA for drugs focused on heart disease/cholesterol and diabetes and self-reported exercise and consumption of a variety of unhealthy foods (candy, sugary drinks, alcohol, and fast food). We estimated exposure to DTCA by combining data from Kantar Media Intelligence (Kantar) on televised pharmaceutical DTCA airings in the U.S. from January 2003 to August 2016 (n = 7,696,851 airings) with thirteen years of data from the Simmons National Consumer Survey (Simmons), a mailed survey on television viewing patterns. We estimated associations between exposure to advertising (both overall and for advertisements with specific content) and self-reported physical activity and dietary behavior using Simmons data from January 2004 to December 2016 (n = 288,483 respondents from n = 157,621 unique households in the U.S.). Our analysis controls for many potential confounders including respondent demographics, temporal trends, and program placement to account for purposeful ad targeting to higher-risk adults. Higher estimated exposure to DTCA for heart disease and diabetes drugs were not consistently associated with meaningful differences in the frequency of engaging in regular physical activity. Greater estimated exposure to DTCA for both diseases were, linked to small but consistently higher volume of consumption of candy, sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, and fast food. Specific DTCA message content about diet and exercise explained very little of the observed association between overall DTCA exposure volume and study outcomes. Many Americans were regularly exposed to pharmaceutical DTCA for heart disease and diabetes from 2003 to 2016. Widespread exposure to such DTCA is associated with higher levels (though small in magnitude) of consuming alcohol, fast food, candy, and sugar-sweetened beverages. • Exposure to DTCA was not consistently associated with levels of physical activity. • Exposure to DTCA was associated with higher consumption of unhealthy foods. • Specific DTCA message content explained very little of the observed associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The title paper discusses a mild strategy for an efficient C C and C S bond formation through ortho -quinone methide intermediate. A total of 29 examples (23 tetrasubstituted methanes with a quaternary carbon center and 6 triarylmethyl thioarenes) with diverse substitution patterns could be prepared in high yields (up to 82%). Use of indium triflate allowed the transformation to be carried out in an open flask without taking special care leaving water as the only by product. Control experiments revealed that the triflic acid generated in situ from indium triflate, probably through the coordination with substrate, acted as the actual catalyst for the transformation. Further this protocol can be utilized for the synthesis of promising bioactives such as CDRI-830 analogues, dihydrochromeno[2,3- b ]indoles and 9-(1 H -indol-3-yl)-9-phenyl-9 H -xanthen-1-ol. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the spray and combustion characterization of Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol mixture and alcohol fuels, blended with n-Dodecane at different volume ratio, as 20% Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE20), 20% Butanol (Bu20), 40% Butanol (Bu40), 20% Ethanol (Eth20), as well as 20% Butanol/20% Ethanol (Bu20Eth20) to evaluate the impact of the physical and chemical characteristics, especially fuel oxygen contents. The experiments were carried out in “New One Shot Engine” at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, established as Spray A condition, defined by Engine Combustion Network (ECN): 60 bar ambient pressure, 22.8 kg/m 3 ambient density and various ambient temperatures (800, 850, and 900 K). The liquid and vapor spray parameters were characterized by diffused-back illumination and Schlieren techniques in non-reactive condition (in pure nitrogen). In reactive conditions (with 15% oxygen), the lift-off length and absolute ignition delay were measured by OH ∗ chemiluminescence. First, as expected because of slight difference in fuel density, mass flow rates, vapor spray penetration, and spray angle are almost similar. But, due to the highest volatility, the liquid length of ABE20 is shorter compared to pure n-Dodecane and other blends. Also its ignition delay and lift-off length are shorter than those of alcohol blends due to difference in expected cetane number and latent heat of vaporization. The increase of butanol quantity or the addition of ethanol in blends increase the liquid length due to the cooling effect from the latent heat of vaporization, while the lift-off length and ignition delay increase with oxygen contents. Finally, ABE20 seems to be a good candidate for diesel-blended fuel due to the similar behavior as n-Dodecane itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, more than 1 million American children and youth experience homelessness ( Hammer, Finkelhor, & Sedlak, 2002 ; Office of Applied Studies, 2004 ). The transient nature of this population makes it difficult to study, but youth homelessness has been identified with a number of problematic outcomes as well as a pathway to chronic adult homelessness ( Baker Collins, 2013 ; Chamberlain & Johnson, 2011 ). Yet, few empirical studies evaluate the effectiveness of a common intervention for homeless youth—transitional housing. In this paper, we describe the outcomes of homeless youth who participated in a youth-only transitional housing program. We analyze administrative data on 174 youth who entered and exited the Daybreak Transitional Housing program (Daybreak TH) between 2011 and 2014. We find that the majority of Daybreak TH participants were employed at least 20 h a week at program exit. Youth exited Daybreak TH with higher wages on average, while nearly half achieved educational gains from program entry to exit. Youth who resided in Daybreak TH for 12 months or longer were more likely to achieve positive program outcomes than youth who entered and exited the program in fewer than 12 months. Finally, youth who used drugs and alcohol were less likely than their peers to achieve desired program outcomes, as were those who suffered from chronic illnesses or attention deficit, conduct, or disruptive behavior disorders. We conclude with a discussion of policy implications and areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental research reported in this paper evaluates the potential of blends consisting of different biomass derived alcohols and vegetable oils as possible drop-in components in fossil Diesel fuel to overcome the need for modifications in engine hardware or calibration settings. Two C 8 -alcohols ( n -octanol and its isomer 2-ethylhexanol) and two C 10 -alcohols ( n -decanol and its isomer 2-propylheptanol) were blended with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and fossil Diesel. The blends were prepared to mimic the properties of standard Diesel fuel, in particular the cetane number was held constant. The percentage of fossil Diesel in the blends was 0%, 10% or 20%. The impact of the fuel composition on performance and emissions in a Volvo D13 single cylinder heavy duty research engine operated with standard engine settings was analyzed. Experiments revealed that the engine performance with the different blend compositions resembled that with standard Diesel with regard to the indicated thermal efficiency. Owing to the lower heating value of the fuel blends, the specific fuel consumption of the blends was about 6% higher than that of Diesel. Emissions were found to be similar among all alcohol-HVO blends. Compared to Diesel emissions, a reduction of carbon monoxide was measured for the blends. The yields of HC and NOx did not vary significantly for the different fuel blends. Soot emissions were substantially lower compared to those obtained with neat Diesel fuel. The lowest soot emissions were achieved with the fully renewable fuel composition, which did not contain any aromatic structures. Evaluation of the particle size distribution showed that the number of particles in agglomeration mode was substantially higher for standard Diesel fuel than for the blends. Alcohol-HVO-blends particle sizes were mainly in the nucleation mode range. Overall, the obtained results indicate that blends mainly containing long-chain alcohols could be a potential replacement for fossil Diesel fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper includes the synthesis of 2-(1,3-dioxane-2-yl)ethyl substituted benzimidazole substituted N -heterocyclic carbenes precursors and their ruthenium complexes. Synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy. All complexes have been tested in the alkylation of pyrrolidine and morpholine with alcohols, showing an excellent activity in this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfer hydrogenation using inexpensive and safe hydrogen sources of alcohols and formic acid has been studied thoroughly over the decades. In particular, the asymmetric version offers the state-of-the-art methods to obtain optically active alcohols and amines, which are valuable synthetic intermediates in the field of pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry. This digest paper highlights the recent notable advances in homogeneous transfer hydrogenation using transition metal complexes, especially in direction to establish practical greener processes by upgrading the catalyst performance or by expanding the scope of reducible functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine fueled by n -butanol/gasoline blends is studied under the condition of wide-open throttle (WOT) in this paper. The effects of high n -butanol content (30% and 50% n -butanol by volume, i.e. Bu30 and Bu50) on the thermodynamic process and fuel efficiency of the GDI engine are discussed, as well as the engine emissions. Also, the results are compared with RON 93 gasoline and 10% ethanol/gasoline blended fuel (E10), which have been widely used in cars. The results show that high content of butanol addition can be realized in the GDI engine without any modification to its structure and control. Moreover, the maximum BMEP of the engine can increase to 1.99 MPa with Bu50. As compared with the gasoline and E10, high n -butanol/gasoline blends increase in-cylinder combustion pressure and pressure rise rate, promote ignition, and shorten burning duration. What is more, high n -butanol/gasoline blends improve combustion stability and decrease exhaust temperature, but they cannot deteriorate anti-knock quality. However, high n -butanol/gasoline blends increase Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), and they decrease combustion efficiency and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) at WOT. As for the engine emissions, high n -butanol/gasoline blends increase UHC and CO emissions but reduce NOx and CO 2 emissions. The study implies that 0–50% butanol/gasoline blends can directly replace the existing engines fueled with regular RON 93 gasoline or E10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Underage drinkers often use false identification to purchase alcohol or gain access into bars. In recent years, several states have introduced laws that provide incentives to retailers and bar owners who use electronic scanners to ensure that the customer is 21 years or older and uses a valid identification to purchase alcohol. This paper is the first to investigate the effects of these laws using confidential data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 Cohort (NLSY97). Using a difference-in-differences methodology, I find that the false ID laws with scanner provision significantly reduce underage drinking, including up to a 0.22 drink decrease in the average number of drinks consumed by underage youth per day. This effect is observed particularly in the short-run and more pronounced for non-college students and those who are relatively younger. These results are also robust under alternative model specifications. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of false ID laws in reducing alcohol consumption among underage youth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: We compare self-reported prevalence of drug use and indicators of data quality from two different response modes (with and without an independent answer sheet for recording responses) in a survey conducted in 2015 among secondary school students.Methods: Stratified cluster-randomized study conducted among students in grades 8-12 from public, private and subsidized schools in Chile (N=2317 students in 122 classes). Measurements included were: percentage reporting substance use (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy); number of inconsistent responses; number of item nonresponses; percentage of extreme reports of drug use; percentage reporting using the nonexistent drug, relevón; and completion times.Results: Compared with those who responded directly in the questionnaire booklet, students who used a separate answer sheet took 17.6 more minutes (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4-20.8) to complete the survey and had on average 1.5 more inconsistent responses (95%CI: 0.91-2.14). The prevalence and variance of drug use was higher among those who used an answer sheet for all substances except tobacco; the prevalence ratio (PR) of reported substance use for low-prevalence substances during the past year were: cocaine PR=2.5 (95%CI: 1.6-4.1); ecstasy PR=5.0 (95%CI: 2.4-10.5); relevón PR=4.8 (95%CI: 2.5-9.3).Conclusions: Using an answer sheet for a self-administered paper-and-pencil survey of drug use among students result in lower quality data and higher reports of drug use. International comparison of adolescent drug use from school-based surveys should be done with caution. The relative ranking of a country could be misleading if different mode of recording answers are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we show that magnesium and cobalt doped SnO 2 (Mg-SnO 2 and Co-SnO 2 ) nanostructures have profound influence on the discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) employing pure SnO 2 and zinc doped SnO 2 (Zn-SnO 2 ) as benchmark materials. The materials were synthesized via sol-gel technique. The structural, chemical and morphological characterization indicates that the Zn, Mg and Co dopants were effectively implanted into the SnO 2 lattice and that Co doping significantly reduced the grain growth. The electrochemical performances of the nanoparticles were investigated using galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The Co-SnO 2 electrode delivered a reversible capacity of around 575 mAh g −1 at the 50th cycle with capacity retention of ∼83% at 60 mA g −1 current rate. A capacity of ∼415 mAh g −1 when cycling at 10 3 mA g −1 and >60% improvement in coulombic efficiency compared to the pure compound clearly demonstrate the superiority of Co-SnO 2 electrodes. The improved electrochemical properties are attributed to the reduction in particle size of the material up to a few nanometers, which efficiently reduced the distance of lithium diffusion pathway and reduction in the volume change by alleviating the structural strain caused during the Li + intake/outtake process. The EIS analyses of the electrodes corroborated the difference in electrochemical performances of the electrodes: the Co-SnO 2 electrode showed the lowest resistance at different voltages during cycling among other electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique physicochemical nature of the fluorocarbon group makes fluorinated alcohols an interesting class of molecules which have diverse applications from the field of biology to chemical industries. In this paper, we have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, atoms in molecule analysis (AIM) as well as IR study on the two biologically important fluorinated alcohols, trifluoroethanol (TFE) and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) as well as compared them with ethanol (ETH) in order to understand the cluster formation as well as hydrogen bond network in their respective bulk media. The cluster size calculation shows that HFIP prefer to form smaller clusters than TFE and ETH. We have found the evidence of weak fluorous (F⋯F) interaction in TFE and HFIP by the radial distribution function (rdf) calculations and the extent of interaction is more significant in the case of HFIP which has also been confirmed by the AIM analysis. Significant amount of weak CH⋯F as well as C H⋯O interactions have been found to contribute in the cluster formation of the bulk HFIP, whereas, only CH⋯F interaction was evident in the case of bulk TFE. The rdf data shows that O H⋯O and O H⋯F hydrogen bonds are the main contributors in the hydrogen bond network of TFE and HFIP. However, the number as well as the strength of O H⋯O hydrogen bond is significantly less for HFIP compared to TFE and the strength of O H⋯F hydrogen bond is more for HFIP. Due to the presence of less as well as weak O H⋯O hydrogen bond in HFIP, its average hydrogen bond strength is less as compared to TFE and ETH which is also reflected by the experimental IR data of HFIP which is significantly blue shifted as compared to TFE. The MD simulation, AIM analysis and IR data clearly indicate that the organic fluorine plays significant role in the cluster formation and hydrogen bond network of TFE and HFIP through the formation of weak O H⋯F hydrogen bond along with the fluorous interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long chain amines are of great importance for industrial chemistry as they are precursors for surfactants like amine oxides or quaternary ammonia compounds. The atom efficient, homogeneously catalyzed hydroamination using 1,3-dienes offers linear linkage of the amine group to renewables like β‐farnesene, offering a C 15 skeletal structure, which is a desired size for surfactants, the so called laurics . The presented paper describes the development of a catalytic system for the hydroamination of the industrially available terpene β‐farnesene in good to excellent yields. The reaction works with a broad range of amines, aliphatic and aromatic ones. Furthermore, functionalities, like alcohol or ether groups, are tolerated, yielding functionalized farnesylamines. With two model nucleophiles, a scale-up to a 5000 mL reactor was accomplished; the obtained products were functionalized to surfactants and afterwards characterized by their surface activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) are the most common naturally occurring taste and odor compounds in water supplies. Conventional approaches for water treatment exhibit some benefits. However, those protocols are generally ineffective for the elimination of the two compounds. In this paper, an approach on removal of GSM and 2-MIB using K 2 FeO 4 was explored. Detailed methodology was developed. GG-MS was employed to identify the GSM and 2-MIB compounds. Further, the parameters influencing the effect of GSM and 2-MIB removal, such as pH and K 2 FeO 4 amount were evaluated. At pH of 9, GSM and 2-MIB received its maximum value (22.5%, 31.9%). When dealing with both substances simultaneously, K 2 FeO 4 exhibited obvious effects on MIB. More importantly, K 2 FeO 4 can control the production rate of MIB in algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel may be produced through transesterification reaction between triglycerides and light alcohols in presence of different catalysts. This paper presents a study of kinetics of soybean methanolysis using cement kiln dust (CKD) as a heterogeneous catalyst. All reactions took place at a constant methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1 and catalyst loading of 3.5%. The study consists of three phases; the first one is to consider the reaction following irreversible homogeneous kinetic models (1st and 2nd orders) due to using high excess of methanol. The second is to add the backward reaction term to the power law models. Finally, models for heterogeneous catalysts such as Eley–Rideal and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models are suggested to describe reaction kinetics. Least squares method, Runge–Kutta methods for ordinary differential equations and Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm for minimizing objective function were used to obtain the parameters of each suggested model in each phase. Calculation of determination coefficient (R 2 ) and minimization of squared error summation method were used to determine which model is the best one to fit the experimental data. Eley–Rideal kinetic model was the best model amongst the suggested models. Fisher and Chi-square criteria were used to check the reliability of generated rate equation. The rate differential equation was solved to obtain the main engineering factors controlling the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an experimental investigation on the two-phase pressure drop has been carried out in a novel class of extractors entitled "horizontal-vertical pulsed sieve-plate column". The liquid-liquid systems used in this work are toluene–water, n-butyl acetate–water and butanol-water. The effects of operating parameters including the dispersed and continuous phases flow rates and pulsation intensity on total pressure drop under and at the flooding points have been studied. It is achieved that the pressure drop is strongly affected by the continuous and dispersed flow rates as well as pulsation intensity. In fact, the column experiences higher pressure drop with an increase in the values of Af, Q  c and Q  d . The interfacial tension is a physical property which has significant impact on pressure drop. Two theoretical-experimental correlations for prediction of pressure drop under and at the flooding in the column, and one correlation for maximum throughput are proposed by using dimensional analysis method with Average Absolute Relative Error (AARE) values of 2.15%, 3.56 and 6.85% respectively. Moreover, a particular approach for preventing flooding in pulsed extraction columns is developed based on evaluation of pressure drop through the column length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a continuation to our investigations on thermodynamic properties of binary mixtures of alkoxy alkanols with alcohols, the present paper reports the experimental data for the densities, speeds of sound and viscosities for the binary mixtures of 2-isopropoxy ethanol with alcohols. Densities and speeds of sound of 2-isopropoxy ethanol (CH 3 ) 2 CH 2 OC 2 H 4 OH and alcohols namely1-hexanol C 6 H 14 O, 1-octanol C 8 H 18 O and 1-decanol C 10 H 22 O and their binary mixtures with 2-isopropoxy ethanol as a common component have been measured over the full range of composition at atmospheric pressure and at different temperatures 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15 K and viscosities have also been measured at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K over the full range composition. The experimental data were used to calculate the values of excess molar volumes V m E , deviations in isentropic compressibility Δ κ s , deviations in speed of sound Δ u , deviations in viscosity Δ η and excess Gibbs free energies Δ G ∗ E at all mole fractions of (CH 3 ) 2 CH 2 OC 2 H 4 OH. The observed variations of these parameters with composition and temperature are discussed in terms of the molecular interactions due to physical and chemical effects between the unlike molecules of the binary mixtures. Further, experimental densities were used to estimate partial molar volumes V ¯ m , 1 , excess partial molar volumes V ¯ m , 1 E and their limiting values at infinite dilution V ¯ m , i ∞ and V ¯ m , i E , ∞ , respectively. These parameters, especially excess functions are found to be quite sensitive towards the intermolecular interactions in liquid mixtures. The excess functions and deviations have also been correlated using Redlich-Kister type polynomial equation by the method of least-squares for the estimation of the binary coefficients and the standard errors. A study of above discussed parameters is used to throw light on the interactions existing between the constituents of the binary mixtures. FT-IR technique has been used to scrutinize the –OH interactions between the binary mixtures and is very valuable to spot the influence on the structural variation in the alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the experimental measurements of densities, ρ , viscosities, η and speeds of sound, u of (Diisopropylamine (DIIPA) + 1-Hexanol, + 1-Octanol, + 1-Decanol) over the entire composition range at (293.15 to 313.15) K and atmospheric pressure. We examined the influence of temperature and alcohol chain length upon the various studied properties. Negative values of excess molar volume V m E and excess molar isentropic compressibilities, K S , m E indicates the presence strong intermolecular interactions. The results of deviations in speeds of sound, u D , viscosity deviations, Δ η and Gibbs excess free energy of activation of viscous flow, Δ G ⁎ E also supports the conclusion drawn from V m E and K S , m E . The outcomes of V m E have been correlated to Prigogine –Flory –Patterson theory (PFP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a systematic study on the electrochemical oxidation of C3 saturated alcohols (propanetriol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol) on Co 3 O 4 in alkaline. Co 3 O 4 electrode was prepared by electrodeposition of Co(OH) 2 on graphite paper followed with a calcination step. The electro-oxidation of C3 saturated alcohols were investigated by a combination of cyclic voltammetry, multi-step chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques in KOH solution. The electro-oxidation studies at Co 3 O 4 electrode followed an activity trend in the following order: propanetriol (GLY) > 1,2-propanediol (1,2-P) > 1,3-propanediol (1,3-P) > 1-propanol (1-P) > 2-propanol (2-P). The NMR analysis of the oxidized products showed that C-C bond cleavage occurred faster in alcohols having adjacent hydroxyl groups. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy study showed that there was no significant difference in Co oxidation state in the absence and the presence of glycerol. It was also found that the KOH concentration influenced electro-oxidation of those alcohols bearing secondary hydroxyl group (GLY, 1,2-P, and 2-P) more dramatically than that of those primary alcohols (1.3-P and 1-P). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to characterize the elemental composition, chemical compounds, oxidative aging and the compatibility of bio-asphalt modified with bio-oil. A petroleum asphalt was modified with treated and untreated bio-oil at 2%, 5% and 10% by weight to prepare bio-asphalt, respectively. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to characterize the chemical compounds in the bio-oil. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to explore the influence of bio-oil on the aging performance of asphalt. The compatibility of bio-oil with petroleum asphalt was investigated using automated flocculation titrimetry (AFT) based on flocculation stability. The elemental composition analysis revealed a higher amount of oxygen in the bio-oil. The GC-MS results showed the presence of chemical compounds with low boiling temperatures, which have potential environmental impacts and health concerns if used in hot mix asphalt. The FTIR results indicated the presence of aromatic and nitrogenous compounds, alcohols, ethers, ketones, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, esters, acyls, alkanes, polymeric O H, NH 2 and water. The AFT results implied a stable and compatible mixture of 2% bio-asphalt. The study also suggested that with an increase in the fraction of bio-oil, the compatibility with petroleum asphalt would decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines how estimates of the price elasticity of demand for beer vary with the choice of alcohol price series examined. Our most important finding is that the commonly used ACCRA price data are unlikely to reliably indicate alcohol demand elasticities—estimates obtained from this source vary drastically and unpredictably. As an alternative, researchers often use beer taxes to proxy for alcohol prices. While the estimated beer taxes elasticities are more stable, there are several problems with using taxes, including difficulties in accounting for cross-price effects. We believe that the most useful estimates reported in this paper are obtained using annual Uniform Product Code (UPC) “barcode” scanner data on grocery store alcohol prices. These estimates suggest relatively low demand elasticity, probably around −0.3, with evidence that the elasticities are considerably overstated in models that control for beer but not wine or spirits prices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is the continuation of a previous study on the investigation of the separation of detergent range alkanes and alcohols with supercritical fluids. Specifically this paper presents results on the optimisation of the process parameters for the separation of n-tetradecane and 1-dodecanol with supercritical carbon dioxide and ethane. The optimum operating conditions were determined from the results of a study of the influence of the process parameters, as well as an investigation into the size of the operating range. The results showed that the optimum temperature is a balance between good separation at lower temperatures and better control at higher temperatures. The solvent-to-feed ratio should be kept low (within the range of vapour-continuous operation) as lower solvent-to-feed ratios result in improved separation, as well as lower energy requirements. The use of reflux is necessary for good separation when using carbon dioxide as solvent, but is not required with ethane as solvent. An analysis of the operating range showed that a process using ethane is easier to control. Ethane as solvent is technically superior to carbon dioxide yet, depending on the exact process and location, costs, safety and logistics may favour the use of carbon dioxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports the development and performance of a membrane bioreactor for biotransformations (MBB) using organic solvent nanofiltration membranes for the bioreduction of acetophenone to S-phenylethanol by whole cells of Rhodotorula glutinis. It follows a previous paper dealing with the kinetics of this reaction in aqueous media [R. Valadez-Blanco, A.G. Livingston, Enantioselective whole-cell biotransformation of acetophenone to S-phenylethanol by Rhodotorula glutinis. Part I. Product formation kinetics and feeding strategies in aqueous media, Biochem. Eng. J. 46 (2009) 44–53]. A number of organic solvents were tested, with dibutyl ether found to be the best solvent in terms of toxicity and organic/aqueous partition coefficients. Despite the fact that most of the MBBs were mass-transfer limited, their reaction rates were comparable to those of the aqueous systems, with prolonged biocatalytic activity due to in situ product extraction. The use of direct injection of substrate and glucose to the aqueous phase, together with high biomass concentrations, resulted in the highest overall product formation and acceptable reaction rates. This strategy also avoided the need for additional cumbersome downstream processing to recover the product from the aqueous phase. In contrast, direct-contact biphasic reactors proved to be unsuitable for this biotransformation due to poor product partition or high volatility of the solvents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The selective synthesis of p-cresol by gas-phase alkylation of phenol with methanol was studied on SiO2–Al2O3 and zeolites HBEA, HZSM5 and HMCM22. Cresols were formed from phenol alkylation of methanol via two parallel pathways: the direct C-alkylation of phenol and the conversion of anisole intermediate obtained by O-alkylation of phenol. Methylation of o- and p-cresol led to the formation of 2,6- and 2,4-xylenols while anisole produced methylanisoles either by alkylation with methanol or by disproportionation. Regarding the cresol isomers distribution, p- and o-cresol were the major products on all the samples while m-cresol formation remained always lower than 6%. SiO2–Al2O3, HBEA and HZSM5 exhibited similar initial p-cresol:o-cresol ratios, between 0.6 and 0.8. In contrast, p-cresol was the predominant product on HMCM22 because the narrow sinusoidal 10-membered ring channels of this zeolite were particularly suitable for improving by shape selectivity the formation of p-cresol. Thus, we report here that p-cresol yields of 55% and p-cresol:o-cresol ratios of 4 are obtained on HMCM22 by gas-phase alkylation of phenol with methanol at 473K, atmospheric pressure and contact time of 350gh/mol phenol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a recent paper, Urayama K, Ogasawara S, Takigawa T [Polymer 2006;47:6868–73.] found significant differences in the pure shear behavior of the poly(vinyl alcohol) gels with similar initial modulus but with different types of crosslinks, physical crosslinks formed by microcrystallites and chemical crosslinks made of covalent bonds. The non-Gaussian three-chain model was found to give but a limited explanation of the data. In this paper we show that the constitutive equation that we proposed and tested previously (Polymer 2006) for filler-reinforced rubber networks gives equally good description and reasonable interpretation of the stress–strain data on poly(vinyl alcohol) gels in different geometrical modes. The Arruda–Boyce eight-chain model combined with the Gaylord–Douglas theory of tube-like topological constraints describes well the stress–strain properties of chemical gels in pure shear and in uniaxial and equibiaxial extensions. The pure shear behavior of physical gels can be reasonably explained and described by taking into account the amplification of local strain in the presence of inextensible particles (crystalline domains). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing industrialization and motorization of the world has led to a steep rise for the demand of petroleum-based fuels. Petroleum-based fuels are obtained from limited reserves. These finite reserves are highly concentrated in certain regions of the world. Therefore, those countries not having these resources are facing energy/foreign exchange crisis, mainly due to the import of crude petroleum. Hence, it is necessary to look for alternative fuels which can be produced from resources available locally within the country such as alcohol, biodiesel, vegetable oils etc. This paper reviews the production, characterization and current statuses of vegetable oil and biodiesel as well as the experimental research work carried out in various countries. This paper touches upon well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions, well-to-wheel efficiencies, fuel versatility, infrastructure, availability, economics, engine performance and emissions, effect on wear, lubricating oil etc. Ethanol is also an attractive alternative fuel because it is a renewable bio-based resource and it is oxygenated, thereby providing the potential to reduce particulate emissions in compression-ignition engines. In this review, the properties and specifications of ethanol blended with diesel and gasoline fuel are also discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the factors critical to the potential commercial use of these blends. The effect of the fuel on engine performance and emissions (SI as well as compression ignition (CI) engines), and material compatibility is also considered. Biodiesel is methyl or ethyl ester of fatty acid made from virgin or used vegetable oils (both edible and non-edible) and animal fat. The main resources for biodiesel production can be non-edible oils obtained from plant species such as Jatropha curcas (Ratanjyot), Pongamia pinnata (Karanj), Calophyllum inophyllum (Nagchampa), Hevca brasiliensis (Rubber) etc. Biodiesel can be blended in any proportion with mineral diesel to create a biodiesel blend or can be used in its pure form. Just like petroleum diesel, biodiesel operates in compression ignition (diesel) engine, and essentially require very little or no engine modifications because biodiesel has properties similar to mineral diesel. It can be stored just like mineral diesel and hence does not require separate infrastructure. The use of biodiesel in conventional diesel engines result in substantial reduction in emission of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate. This review focuses on performance and emission of biodiesel in CI engines, combustion analysis, wear performance on long-term engine usage, and economic feasibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The versatility of non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) results mainly from the variety of physico-chemical properties of the different solvents. They provide solubility for a wide range of analytes, enable to control electrophoretic selectivity, but affect in some cases UV absorbance detection. The coupling of NACE to electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) allows to cope with the high UV cut-off of some CE relevant solvents (e.g., formamides). In this paper the pure organic solvents methanol, acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, formamide, N-methylformamide and N,N-dimethylformamide are evaluated against water for the preparation of ammonium acetate electrolytes to separate the basic model substances 2-aminobenzimidazole, procaine, propranolol and quinine with NACE–MS. MS coupling is assisted with the sheath liquid water–isopropanol (1:4, v/v) with 0.1% formic acid. The goal of the paper is to assess the influence of the solvent on selectivity, separation speed, and peak efficiency for a given set of model compounds on a simple empirical basis. It should give the user an idea how the separation quality is changed when nothing but the running solvent is altered. The obtained efficiency results were discussed with respect to physico-chemical models described in literature (assuming longitudinal diffusion as the only source of band broadening), but no satisfying correlations with solvent properties could be traced. The feasibility of all six organic solvents for MS coupling was demonstrated and the influence of the separation solvent on the MS detection performance was compared. In the seven different solvents, the shortest run time was obtained with acetonitrile, the best peak resolution with the amphiprotic solvents (especially methanol) best peak efficiency with methanol and formamide, and the most sensitive ESI-MS detection with acetonitrile and methanol, but with only slight advantage to water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the previous papers [Stengele, A., Rey, St., Leuenberger, H., 2001. A novel approach to the characterization of polar liquids. Part 1: pure liquids. Int. J. Pharm. 225, 123–134; Stengele, A., Rey, St., Leuenberger, H., 2002. A novel approach to the characterization of polar liquids. Part 2: binary mixtures. Int. J. Pharm. 241, 231–240], it was shown that the Clausius–Mossotti–Debye equation for the quasi-static dielectric constant (ɛ) can be extended to liquids if the parameter E i/E is introduced. E i corresponds to the local mean field due to close molecule–molecule interactions after the application of an external electric field E. In the present paper it is demonstrated that the E i/E parameter and the relaxation behavior of the dipole moment of the polar molecule in binary mixtures of water, respectively, methanol or benzylalcohol with 1,4-dioxane can be used for the detection of percolation phenomena. As 1,4-dioxane has no intrinsic dipole moment but can form hydrogen bonds and is completely miscible with water, respectively, methanol or benzylalcohol, percolation phenomena can be related to the relaxation behavior of the dipole moment of the polar co-solvent. The relaxation behavior of the binary mixtures can be modeled by applying the Debye equation, and the Cole–Davidson distribution function. Superpositions such as the Debye equation and the Cole–Davidson distribution function or a sum () of Debye equations are also considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the study of the methanolysis of Jojoba oil using CaO derived from mussel shells in a Parr reactor has been conducted through the use of two different mathematical tools: Surface Response Methodology and kinetic modeling. First of all, the factorial design of experiments allowed to determine the influence of the three chosen variables in the process. The three variables studied are the reaction temperature, the methanol:Jojoba oil ratio and the catalyst percent. The variables which have the higher positive effect on the methanolysis of Jojoba oil, in a pressurized environment, are the methanol:oil ratio and the temperature whereas the catalyst percent has a slight negative impact on the process, within the experimental limits. The reaction time was reduced from 10 to 5 h and the Jojoba oil conversion reached a maximum of 96.3% when the Parr reactor reaches 10 bars approximately; which supposes a great advance regarding other studies conducted at atmospheric pressure. Finally, a kinetic model, which includes the assumption for mass transfer limitations on the process, was obtained using the same variables as the design of experiments and it fits the experiments accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the viability of using waste glycerin (WG), industry lignin (IL) and cane molasses (CM) used as grinding aids in blended cement, performance of the blended cement with single and composite grinding aids were researched. The structure characterization of the grinding aids was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); the particle size distribution, Blaine specific surface area, setting times, water requirement of normal consistency, flexural and compressive strengths at 3 and 28 days of the blended cement were researched, the experiments results indicate that the addition of grinding aids results in an improvement of the fineness and strength of the blended cement. Compared with the cement mixture without grinding aids, waste glycerin has a better optimization effect on the particle size distribution, industry lignin and cane molasses perform a better retarding effect, and enhancement effect of cane molasses on the strength of blended cement is more significant. For the blended cement with composite grinding aids (0.0065% WG, 0.0095% IL, 0.024% CM), the compressive strength at 3 days and 28 days are 2.6 MPa and 10 MPa higher than those of the control cement respectively. The hydration products and microstructure of blended cement with composite grinding aids were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the research shows that for the blended cement, the addition of grinding aids can accelerate the hydration reaction degree and improve the compactness and uniformity of the products structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mineral flotation, frothers are used to produce fine bubbles, reduce bubble rise velocity, and stabilize the froth, three properties that enhance the flotation process. These properties depend on the frother structure and this paper is part of an investigation into the frother structure-property relationship. The property here is bubble rise velocity and the structural variation is alkyl chain length of two frother families, alcohols and polyglycols. Single bubble rise velocity profiles were determined in a 350 cm column. Velocity at 300 cm as a function of concentration is determined and as a measure of the impact of structure on reduction in bubble rise velocity the concentration at minimum velocity (CMV) is estimated. The effect of increasing alkyl chain length is to decrease CMV by about ca. 90% in alcohols and ca. 70% in polyglycols for every one carbon addition. Taking log CMV as a function of the number of carbons in the alkyl chain gives a series of self-similar linear plots. An argument relating bubble rise velocity to surfactant molecule packing on the bubble surface is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper the SiO x CuO y thin and thick films were deposited from the alcoholic solutions employing the sol-gel technique. Investigations of films structure and surface morphology are represented. The joint X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal presence both CuO and Cu 2 O phases and formation of CuSiO 3 phase with crystallites sizes of 35–50 nm. It is shown that surface roughness of the thin films increases in proportion to the increase of copper content in the precursor. Effective band gap energy estimated from the absorption spectra depends on the film thickness and phase composition. The gas sensitivity tests versus 1–25 ppm of NO 2 showed the dependence of gas sensing response on the film thickness. The operating temperature was 170 °C and 20 °C for thin and thick film sensors, respectively. Accelerated stability tests of the initial resistance and gas sensor response performed high stability and reproducibility of the thin film sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ABEEMσπ/MM method for fast calculation of molecular total energy is established by combining ABEEMσπ model with force field representation, where ABEEMσπ is the atom-bond electronegativity equalization model at the σπ level. The calibrated parameters are suitable and transferable. This paper demonstrates that the total molecular energies for series of alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and peptides calculated by ABEEMσπ/MM method are in fair agreement with those obtained from calculations of ab initio MP2/6-311++G(d, p) method with mean absolute deviation (MAD) being 1.45 kcal/mol and their linear correlation coefficients being 1.0000. Thus it opens good prospects for wide applications to chemical and biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]