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Curricula related to instrumental analysis aim for competency-based education to promote the development of teaching strategies that encourage students to successfully tackle the problem-solving and tasks inherent to their profession. However, this endeavor is constrained by the complexity of equipment and the lack of time in laboratory classes. The objective of this work is to present an alternative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) practice that adapts the desired competencies to a shorter and more effective timeframe. It seeks more active participation from the student and contextualizes chromatographic analysis within a real-world problem that encompasses the entire analytical process, from sample to final result. In this scenario, the student receives a solid sample of spicy paprika from a supermarket and must report the level of spiciness in terms of the total amount of capsaicinoids. To achieve this, they must first apply different experimental conditions for extracting the analytes of interest (varying temperatures and solvents) and selecting the most optimal condition. This practice is designed for short sessions, specifically conducted in two 2.5 h laboratory sessions, and has been implemented in the subject "Advanced Techniques in Instrumental Analysis (ATIA)" in the fourth year of the Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Cadiz. The results obtained demonstrated a significant increase in student motivation and an improvement in the acquisition of skills; 100% of the students achieved a grade higher than seven in the final evaluation of their learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical speciation studies, i.e., the study of the distribution of an element or compound among its various species in a system of interest, are of fundamental importance. Chemical speciation investigations can be performed mainly by either the direct measurement of the chemical species by different analytical techniques, or by chemical modeling through equilibrium thermodynamic data, based on the use of stability constants (and other thermodynamic parameters) of the formed species. For these purposes, a series of techniques can be used. As soon as the complexity of the systems of interest increases, the need for more detailed information arises. As such, a multi-technique approach is essential to derive complementary data to define a chemical system. In this tutorial review we analyzed the most common instrumental techniques employed for chemical speciation studies and equilibrium data analysis. The main advantages and disadvantages of potentiometry, voltammetry, coulometry, UV–vis spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, NMR, EPR, ITC, HRMS and quantum mechanical calculations, together with brief mention to other less common techniques, are discussed together with a series of practical examples of their application. The main aim of this tutorial review is to provide a practical guide to all scientists interested in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific paper presents and highlights the musicality and virtuosity that Luigi Bassi perfected with the help of the variational principle, using themes of a unique expressiveness from the opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi. The work is addressed to clarinetists with a welldeveloped technique and a qualitative and homogeneous sonority throughout the clarinet's ambitus. In the present scientific and interpretive approach, we propose to decode and present elements of structure, diverse instrumental techniques, and ways of interpreting the themes and variations, that coincide with the composer's desire. We will highlight the instrumental technique problems, proposals to optimize (solve) them, and ways to highlight sound colors, depending on the message the performer conveys. We believe that this study can be of real use both to teaching staff and students in the didactic activity, but also to the valuable instrumentalists involved in the interpretative activity, bearing in mind that the work has a very high degree of difficulty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is widely consumed across the globe. The most sought out varieties are Arabica and Robusta which differ significantly in their aroma and taste. Furthermore, varieties cultivated in different regions are perceived to have distinct characteristics encouraging some producers to adopt the denomination of origin label. These differences arise from variations on metabolite content related to edaphoclimatic conditions and post-harvest management among other factors. Although sensory analysis is still standard for coffee brews, instrumental analysis of the roasted and green beans to assess the quality of the final product has been encouraged. Metabolomic profiling has risen as a promising approach not only for quality purposes but also for geographic origin assignment. Many techniques can be applied for sample analysis: chromatography, mass spectrometry, and NMR have been explored. The data collected is further sorted by multivariate analysis to identify similar characteristics among the samples, reduce dimensionality and/or even propose a model for predictive purposes.This review focuses on the evolution of metabolomic profiling for the geographic origin assessment of roasted and green coffee beans in the last 21 years, the techniques that are usually applied for sample analysis and also the most common approaches for the multivariate analysis of the collected data. The prospect of applying a wide range of analytical techniques is becoming an unbiased approach to determine the origin of different roasted and green coffee beans samples with great correlation. Predictive models worked accurately for the geographic assignment of unknown samples once the variety was known.

Abstract This review summarizes (i) compositions and types of improvised explosive devices; (ii) the process of collection, extraction and analysis of explosive evidence encountered in explosive and related cases; (iii) inter-comparison of analytical techniques; (iv) the challenges and prospects of explosive detection technology. The highlights of this study include extensive information regarding the National & International standards specified by USEPA, ASTM, and so on, for explosives detection. The holistic development of analytical tools for explosive analysis ranging from conventional methods to advanced analytical tools is also covered in this article. The most important aspect of this review is to make forensic scientists familiar with the challenges during explosive analysis and the steps to avoid them. The problems during analysis can be analyte-based, that is, interferences due to matrix or added molding/stabilizing agents, trace amount of parent explosives in post-blast samples and many more. Others are techniques-based challenges viz. specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity of the technique. Thus, it has become a primary concern to adopt rapid, field deployable, and highly sensitive techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic environments are important sources of healthy and nutritious foods; however, clams, mussels, and oysters (the bivalves most consumed by humans) can pose considerable health risks to consumers if contaminated by heavy metals in polluted areas. These organisms can accumulate dangerously high concentrations of heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Hg, Pb) in their soft tissues that can then be transferred to humans following ingestion. Monitoring contaminants in clams, mussels and oysters and their environments is critically important for global human health and food security, which requires reliable measurement of heavy-metal concentrations in the soft tissues. The aim of our present paper is to provide a review of how heavy metals are quantified in clams, mussels, and oysters. We do this by evaluating sample-preparation methods (i.e., tissue digestion / extraction and analyte preconcentration) and instrumental techniques (i.e., atomic, fluorescence and mass spectrometric methods, chromatography, neutron activation analysis and electrochemical sensors) that have been applied for this purpose to date. Application of these methods, their advantages, limitations, challenges and expected future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curricula related to instrumental analysis aim for competency-based education to promote the development of teaching strategies that encourage students to successfully tackle the problem-solving and tasks inherent to their profession. However, this endeavor is constrained by the complexity of equipment and the lack of time in laboratory classes. The objective of this work is to present an alternative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) practice that adapts the desired competencies to a shorter and more effective timeframe. It seeks more active participation from the student and contextualizes chromatographic analysis within a real-world problem that encompasses the entire analytical process, from sample to final result. In this scenario, the student receives a solid sample of spicy paprika from a supermarket and must report the level of spiciness in terms of the total amount of capsaicinoids. To achieve this, they must first apply different experimental conditions for extracting the analytes of interest (varying temperatures and solvents) and selecting the most optimal condition. This practice is designed for short sessions, specifically conducted in two 2.5 h laboratory sessions, and has been implemented in the subject “Advanced Techniques in Instrumental Analysis (ATIA)” in the fourth year of the Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Cadiz. The results obtained demonstrated a significant increase in student motivation and an improvement in the acquisition of skills; 100% of the students achieved a grade higher than seven in the final evaluation of their learning process.

This paper aimed to review the publications on mycotoxins' presence in cereals and foodstuffs originated from the Serbian market covering the period from 2005 to 2022. The review covers all the important steps in mycotoxins analysis including sampling, sample preparation, instrumental analysis, and concentration ranges in which the mycotoxins were found. Also, the results were interpreted from the European Union regulation point of view. The review emphasizes the importance of multi-mycotoxins analysis for determining the simultaneous presence of mycotoxins that can negatively affect the Serbian human population. The most frequently used instrumental technique in the mycotoxin analysis of Serbian products was the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay followed by the Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Most of the studies undertaken in Serbia until now investigated a few groups of matrices such as wheat, maize, milk, and dairy products. Only a few studies involved specific matrices such as nuts, dried fruits, biscuits, cookies, and spices. The review showed that contamination of milk and dairy products with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), occurred at the very beginning of 2013, was the major health issue related to the population health. The contamination of milk and dairy products with the AFM1 was a consequence of maize contamination with aflatoxins which occurred in the year 2012, characterized by drought conditions. The studies dealing with the analysis of masked and emerging mycotoxins are rare and more attention should be paid to monitoring the presence of these types of mycotoxins in foodstuffs from Serbia.

The present paper approaches a part of the vast creation of a musician of certain value, to whom generations of players have a moral duty. The analyses of Wilhelm Berger’s sonatas for viola come to the help of those set on the road of an interpretative effort projected over these opuses. The purpose of this brief research is to investigate several elements of the metamorphosis of the compositional phenomenon in two of Wilhelm Georg Berger’s works: The Sonata for viola and piano op. 3 (1957) and the Sonata for solo viola op. 35 (1968). The particular way of processing the musical material originates from his analytical and philosophical thinking. Berger’s compositional technique preserves the principles of the sonata genre structure in both works, using a totally different musical language in the Sonata Solo, 11 years later. The ethos of the music changes, therefore a series of instrumental techniques corresponding to musical expressions encountered in the text are proposed for a better understanding and performing Berger’s music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) and electromembrane extraction (EME) are miniaturized extraction techniques, and have been coupled with various analytical instruments for trace analysis of heavy metals, drugs and other organic compounds, in recent years. HF-LPME and EME provide high selectivity, efficient sample cleanup and enrichment, and reduce the consumption of organic solvents to a few micro-liters per sample. HF-LPME and EME are compatible with different analytical instruments for chromatography, electrophoresis, atomic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical detection. HF-LPME and EME have gained significant popularity during the recent years. This review focuses on hollow fiber based techniques (especially HF-LPME and EME) of heavy metals and pharmaceuticals (published 2017 to May 2019), and their combinations with atomic spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and voltammetry. Image 1 • Review article focused on hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction and electromembrane extraction. • Focus on heavy metal and pharmaceutical applications. • Covers research articles published in 2017–2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Forensic science is an emerging field driven by a number of factors, and the development of different methods of analyses, instruments, and techniques is of great help to experts in the field. Sampling and sample preparation in forensic cases are of utmost importance, and therefore, the methods for processing (or not) the samples are critical for acquiring accurate results. Some alternatives for attaining the minimalist concept, i.e. little or no sample treatment, are discussed in this review. For elemental analysis, analytical techniques, such as X-ray spectrometry, laser-ablation mass spectrometry, laser-induced breakdown spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry, and Mössbauer spectrometry are overviewed. Molecular analysis, such as Raman spectroscopy, and ambient ionization mass spectrometry are discussed. Some representative examples are presented that involve in situ analysis, counterfeit bank notes and documents, post-mortem and bone analyses, and forensic analysis of drugs, glass, fingerprints, biological fluids and explosives. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Sample preparation for forensic applications is focused. • Minimalist concepts are presented. • Inorganic, organic and biomolecules are exemplified. • Classical and up-to-date techniques are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ecstasy is a synthetic drug whose main ingredient is 3,4-methylenedioxy- N -methylamphetamine (MDMA), as well as other sympathomimetic amines, including amphetamine (AP) and methamphetamine (MA). This drug is widespread and increasingly popular among young people worldwide and has become a very serious public health problem. The users become more sociable and communicative but also experience psychological disorders, such as changes in visual perception and euphoria. Ecstasy components have been determined in formulations and biological materials through various instrumental techniques, including (but not limited to) spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection and/or tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography (GC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Usually, these methodologies involve elaborate sample preparation, with solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) being the most commonly employed. This overview includes the most relevant analytical methodologies (sample preparation and instrumental techniques) used to determine the ecstasy components in complex matrices. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Ecstasy has been one of the most consumed drugs by young people. • Several analytical methodologies in different biological matrices have been revised. • Comparisons of analytical techniques used in ecstasy determination in biological matrices have been provided. • The challenges in the development of the analytical techniques applied in biological matrices have been presented. • It is important the development of new sample preparation methodologies, mainly using miniaturized techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demands of milk and milk products necessitated the use of various kinds of chemicals including antibiotics, urea, and hormones. Although they are essential in the bulk production of milk, they can pose serious health issues not only to animals but also to consumers. To identify and quantify various contaminants (e.g., antibiotics, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in milk and its related products, it is desirable to establish reliable means for instrumental detection. This review was organized to summarize the analytical techniques currently available for the identification and quantification of contaminants in milk and dairy products. To this end, this review emphasizes the compositional diversity of various contaminants in milk and its products. This study thus aims to provide valuable insights into the essential protocols for the quantification of dairy-related contaminants while helping make the fast and firm decisions needed for the legislation, regulations, and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perchlorate anion (CIO4-) has been found in environmental and biological systems such as ground water, surface water, soil, fruit, dairy milk, breast milk, plant tissues, beverages, urine and blood etc. High amount of perchlorate leads to toxicity by inhibiting the iodide uptake in sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) protein system; therefore thyroid hormones can't be synthesized. The permissible limit of perchlorate in drinking water is 15 ng/mL proposed by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It is measured in environmental and biological matrices by applying various techniques. This paper reviews the sources, toxicity, different techniques applied in estimation of perchlorate and its remediation. Different sources of perchlorate in environment and its toxicity has been discussed. For the removal of perchlorate many biological and chemical processes have been applied. This paper also highlights traditional and novel techniques employed for trace level determination of perchlorate in different matrices. The various merits and demerits of instrumental techniques employed have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of ore minerals is rapidly transforming due to an explosion of new microand nano-analytical technologies. These advanced microbeam techniques can expose the physical and chemical character of ore minerals at ever-better spatial resolution and analytical precision. The insights that can be obtained from ten of today's most important, or emerging, techniques and methodologies are reviewed: laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry; focussed ion beam-scanning electron microscopy; high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy; electron back-scatter diffraction; synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping; automated mineral analysis (Quantitative Evaluation of Mineralogy via Scanning Electron Microscopy and Mineral Liberation Analysis); nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry; atom probe tomography; radioisotope geochronology using ore minerals; and, non-traditional stable isotopes. Many of these technical advances cut across conceptual boundaries between mineralogy and geochemistry and require an in-depth knowledge of the material that is being analysed. These technological advances are accompanied by changing approaches to ore mineralogy: the increased focus on trace element distributions; the challenges offered by nanoscale characterisation; and the recognition of the critical petrogenetic information in gangue minerals, and, thus the need to for a holistic approach to the characterization of mineral assemblages. Using original examples, with an emphasis on iron oxide-copper-gold deposits, we show how increased analytical capabilities, particularly imaging and chemical mapping at the nanoscale, offer the potential to resolve outstanding questions in ore mineralogy. Broad regional or deposit-scale genetic models can be validated or refuted by careful analysis at the smallest scales of observation. As the volume of information at different scales of observation expands, the level of complexity that is revealed will increase, in turn generating additional research questions. Topics that are likely to be a focus of breakthrough research over the coming decades include, understanding atomic-scale distributions of metals and the role of nanoparticles, as well how minerals adapt, at the lattice-scale, to changing physicochemical conditions. Most importantly, the complementary use of advanced microbeam techniques allows for information of different types and levels of quantification on the same materials to be correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumental analysis of vermicompost with the help of modern technologies provides essential information on its maturity, before it can be used for agricultural application. Nowadays, vermicompost is considered as a promising organic alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture and horticulture. The objectives of this review are to summarize the sophisticated instrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy techniques, physico-chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, C:N ratio, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium) and biological indicator (germination index) to determine the maturity of vermicompost produced from organic wastes. These techniques are reliable, fast and are capable of tracking organic waste degradation during the bioconversion process and fertilizing ability of the final product. SEM analysis provides essential information on surface morphology of vermicompost samples. The SEM micrograph of final vermicompost reveals disaggregation. In contrast, the initial SEM micrograph reflects robust and relatively contiguous structures. FT-IR spectroscopy technique is used to confirm the decomposition of polypeptides, polysaccharides, aliphatic, aromatic, carboxylic, phenolic groups and lignin during vermicomposting of organic wastes. TG method is used to characterize organic waste mineralization where progressive reduction in the mass loss of vermicompost indicates net mineralization and degradation. UV-vis spectroscopy is used to assess the degree of humification. The sharp fall in humification index during vermicomposting process indicates high level of organic material humification. Changes in physico-chemical and biological parameters are also an indicative parameter for organic waste mineralization as well as vermicompost stability and maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical properties of Musa Acuminata cv. Berangan at different ripening stages (1, 2 and 3) were evaluated in the study. A visual attribute such as colour usually leads to misclassification as it can be subjected to different individual interpretation. Therefore, various measurements were conducted to determine the relationship between ripening stages and physicochemical properties of the fruit such as colour, pH, total soluble solids content (TSS) and firmness. Results showed that there were significant changes in physicochemical properties as ripening stages increased. Results also indicated that the correlations between ripening stages and firmness and pH values were statistically significant compared to other parameters. These relationships can be used to predict the related quality attributes of Berangan bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este artículo describe la historia de la ecocardiografía de contraste, las características físicas de las microburbujas de los agentes de contraste, las principales herramientas instrumentales (índice mecánico, foco y enfoque, número de imágenes por segundo) y las técnicas ecocardiográficas (segunda armónica, armónica de fusión, segunda armónica de pulso invertido, imagen intermitente, angio y densitometría acústica) actualmente disponibles para uso clínico.This article describes the history of contrast echocardiography, the physical characteristics of the contrast agents’ micro bubbles, the main instrumental tools (mechanical index, focus and focusing, frame rate), and the echocardiography techniques (second harmonic imaging, fusion harmonic, power pulse inversion imaging, triggered imaging, intermittent harmonic power Doppler, color power angio and acoustic densitometry), actually available for clinical use.

Copyright of Dental Forum is the property of Dental Forum and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of (micro)layer structure in walls is a fundamental tool for expanding our knowledge of historical buildings and developing suitable proposals for intervention and restoration. In materials such as plasterwork, the (micro)layer sequence can be confusing, resulting in the need for a more detailed analysis in order to accurately determine the materials and interventions carried out on a given decorative element in the past. This work presents a methodological proposal based on optical microscopy, XRD, micro-XRD, SEM-EDAX, FTIR, and 14 C dating to accurately identify the structure and composition of the different types of microlayers comprising the plasterwork. The resulting data are of great use in decision-making for restoration and can be compared with historiographic information in order to confirm hypotheses or clarify gaps in chronological adscription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a review of the analytical methods developed in the last 15 years for the determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in human samples related with children, including placenta, cord blood, amniotic fluid, maternal blood, maternal urine and breast milk, is proposed. Children are highly vulnerable to toxic chemicals in the environment. Among these environmental contaminants to which children are at risk of exposure are EDCs —substances able to alter the normal hormone function of wildlife and humans—. The work focuses mainly on sample preparation and instrumental techniques used for the detection and quantification of the analytes. The sample preparation techniques include, not only liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE), but also modern microextraction techniques such as extraction with molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME), dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME), matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), which are becoming alternatives in the analysis of human samples. Most studies focus on minimizing the number of steps and using the lowest solvent amounts in the sample treatment. The usual instrumental techniques employed include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC) mainly coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Multiresidue methods are being developed for the determination of several families of EDCs with one extraction step and limited sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ore samples from underlying rocks (9 - 30 m beneath surface) of the Yale area (Upper East Region, Ghana) were analysed by instrumental techniques for the mineral contents. The three techniques applied in analysing the ores were Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Powder Xray Diffraction (XRD). The presence of Ca, Mn, Cr and Cu was confirmed in all the ore samples. The AAS data showed that Ca, Mn and Mg were the main elemental components of the ore samples. About 90.9 % of the ore samples contained more than 5000 mg/kg of Mn, 45% contained no less than 6000 mg/kg of Ca and same proportion contained no less than 2000 mg/kg of Mg. The INAA data also indicated a high concentration of Mn (3323 mg/kg) in the ore samples, as well as significant amount of Cr (average concentration of 291.27 mg/kg), and showed that Ti was the dominant elemental component in all the samples (average concentration of 6625.3 mg/kg). XRD analysis revealed the presence of oxides of Ca, Mn and of Cr in the ores, thus confirming the INAA and AAS data. The INAA data also showed that the Au content in all ores was between 0.67 - 2.67 mg/kg, which can be considered to be commercially significant. The findings updated the previous data on the mineral ore contents, and confirmed the mining prospects of the locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Restoring the spans of a historic bridge requires installing tensors to ensure the structural and mechanical stability of the rows of stones that form the resistant body of the bridge. Once the positions where the structure-crossing tensors should be installed have been determined, the entry and exit points of each drill hole must be marked on both sides of the bridge. However, the exit point of each drill hole is not visible from the entry point, making it impossible to drill precisely. Here, we present a method based on a calibrated system that combines precision topography with laser technology. Using this method, drill holes longer than 12m can be achieved with centimetric precision. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Curcuminoids refer to three main chemical substances, namely curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. These are used as natural coloring agents in some food products and have been reported to exhibit several biological activities in animal and human clinical studies. Due to its beneficial effects to human health, several analytical methods have been continuously proposed and developed by scientist to analyze them in plant sources, food, and in pharmaceutical products. This article highlights the application of several instrumental techniques for analysis of curcuminoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automobile catalysts are major anthropogenic sources of ultra-traces of platinum group elements (PGEs) in the environment. Nanoparticles of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, the active components of autocatalysts, are being spread into the environment during vehicle operation. Bioaccumulation of the metals can lead to their elevated levels in living organisms. The evaluation of the health risk from PGEs requires the investigation of a large variety of environmental and biological materials for their content. Plants, airborne particulate matters, soils, and sediments are most often examined for such purposes. The introduction of platinum and ruthenium complexes as anticancer agents into chemotherapy has stimulated growing interest in their determination in clinical materials (physiological fluids and tissues). Identification and determination of drug species formed under physiological conditions are fundamental for recognition of the mechanism of their biological activity. Analytical procedures applicable to the determination of PGEs in various environmental and clinical samples are reviewed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 50 years, archaeologists and physical scientists have been dating, determining the composition of and measuring stone tools, and reporting them in Archaeometry and many other journals. In Archaeometry specifically, the number of papers devoted to the analysis of lithic material has increased at least 30 times since 1958 and volume 1. This is a reflection not only of an increase in the number of scholars devoting their time to the archaeometry of stone, but also of increases in the quality and quantity of instrumental technology available to researchers in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the selection and optimization of dispersant dosage in colloidal processing of ceramic slurry by techniques such as particle charge detector (PCD), capillary suction time (CST), rheological measurement, and wet point and flow point techniques. In general, experimental results are found to be in good agreement with each other with some degree of variation. PCD, CST, and rheological techniques are related by a simple linear function. The experimental and calculated values are well matching within an error limit of 10%. Attempt has been made to develop formula for correlating results of optimization from one technique to those obtained from another technique. The region where the suspension is well dispersed, CST is linearly correlated with PCD. The advantages and limitations of each technique have been described and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Human Sport & Exercise is the property of Journal of Human Sport & Exercise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: In this review a new approach to the food aroma analysis using various instrumental techniques is described. In the last decade extensive studies have been performed concerning aroma profiles (called in this article ‘aromagrams’) of food products and beverages. Aromagram is characteristic or even individual fingerprint of the odour, obtained usually by chromatographic methods or electronic nose. Basing on the fact that each product has its own unique pattern of volatile components, it is possible to get desired information about organoleptic quality and health safety of the product by qualitative and quantitative comparison of aromagrams of different foodstuffs. Appearance of aromagrams and their usefulness depend on the assay method, particularly on the extraction step. The paper reviews the methods developed to analyse volatiles in food products basing upon their aroma profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Airway clearance techniques aim to eliminate excess of bronchopulmonary secretions. Common airway clearance methods involve manual techniques or the use of (oscillatory) positive expiratory pressure systems. In some clinical situations, these techniques may be ineffective, and the physiotherapist will require pneumatic instrumental support. Unfortunately, these devices are expensive and burdensome. Moreover, as their utilization requires specialized expertise, they are seldom used by practitioners. This article describes the pneumatic instrumental supports mainly used in France for airway clearance techniques currently available. We explain their key characteristics, how they function, and their basic settings according to different indications., (Copyright © 2022 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A new imaging technique for instrumentally quantifying changes in carpet appearance has been developed which relies on intensity profiles of an image and is aimed at a more direct characterization of tuft geometry. The concept of evenness of tuft spatial distribution is introduced. Changes in textural appearance of carpet as a result of wear can be characterized, effectively and reliably, by tuft size distribution and evenness of tuft spatial distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two B707-type research aircraft of the 452nd Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base were deployed to study the Leonid meteor storm of 1999 over the Mediterranean Sea on Nov. 18. The mission was sponsored by various science programs of NASA, and offered an international team of 35 researchers observing conditions free of clouds and low altitude extinction at a prime location for viewing the storm. This 1999 Leonid Multi-Instrument Aircraft Campaign followed a similar effort in 1998, improving upon mission strategy and scope. As before, spectroscopic and imaging experiments targeted meteors and persistent trains, but also airglow, aurora, elves and sprites. The research aimed to address outstanding questions in astrobiology, planetary science, astronomy, and upper atmospheric research. In addition, USAF co-sponsored the mission to provide near real-time flux measurements for space weather awareness. First results are presented in these issues of Earth, Moon, and Planets in preparation for future missions that will target the exceptional Leonid returns of 2001 and 2002. An early review of the scientific achievements in the context of campaign objectives is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are an attractive source to obtain compounds with bioactive properties, which can be useful for the manufacture of different products in the fields of cosmetics, pharmacy and food. Within these high-value compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and carotenoids have received greater attention. Several biological activities have been associated with these compounds, such as, anti-inflammatory capacity, antioxidant capacity and cholesterol reduction. Additionally, they prevent coronary heart diseases, platelet aggregation and atherosclerosis, among others. Improvements in extraction techniques and the use of environmentally friendly methods have allowed researchers to obtain these rich bioactive compounds that have been widely reported in recent years. However, there is lack of reports about the use of tools and analytical techniques for identifying and analyzing bioactive compounds from microalgae extracts in order to ensure their quality. This review is focused on the advances and limitations of instrumental and analytical techniques for characterizing of polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and carotenoids like astaxanthin, extracts from microalgae. • Determination methods of microalgal FAs, phytosterols and astaxanthin are described. • Advantages and limitations of the different methods are discussed. • Recent advances and applications of these methods are analyzed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]