A multidisciplinary approach for the physic-chemical characterization of peloids to new perspectives in the development for “hydrothermal Developing Countries” using partecipatory methodology

The Osservatorio Termale Permanente (OTP) operated from 1996 to 2014 in the Italian and international therapeutic thermalism field. The main aim of OTP was the development of a multidisciplinary approach for the characterization of the quality of peloids for cutaneous application and their maturation process using different qualitative and quantitative analytic techniques opening at the Integrated Analytical Approach in the field of therapeutic thermalism. The main innovation introduced by OTP were rheology and surface tensiometry applications on peloids. The introduction of surface tensiometry included the skin as a fundamental element for the development of mud therapy protocols based on the bioadhesive properties of peloids. The interfacial investigations between peloids and skin led to the characterization of the exchange activity occurring during pelotherapy on the cutaneous surface in a non-invasive and fast way. On these bases, our work linked each other the multidisciplinarity approach to the study of hydrothermal resources performed by OTP with the concept of the participative methodology commonly applied to the development of projects in the field of development cooperation. This combined approach led us to develop a scientific proposal for the development of therapeutic thermalism in countries not yet improved in this field and characterized by the presence of hydrothermal resources. Keywords: peloid, surface tensiometry, Rossi factor, rheology, Rheological Termal Mud, skin, integrated analytical approach, participative methodology, therapeutical thermal proposal, hydrothermal development countries

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Beyond Death: Forensic Investigations of pre-Columbian Mummies from the Tarapacá Valley, Chile, Using Variable Pressure SEM and Raman Spectroscopy

Microscopy Today ◽

10.1017/s1551929500061885 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 15 (6) ◽

pp. 6-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S.V. Prikhodko ◽

C. Fischer ◽

R. Boytner ◽

M. C. Lozada ◽

M. Uribe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Quantitative Information ◽

Mortuary Practices ◽

Variable Pressure ◽

Scientific Investigations ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Archaeological Materials ◽

Non Destructive

Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) coupled with other non-destructive analytical methods, such as energy dispersive (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers new capabilities for non-invasive imaging and chemical characterization of archaeological materials. This article underlines the application of VPSEM-EDS-RS on bioarchaeological specimens of pre-Columbian mummies from the Tarapacá Valley in northern Chile. The aim of the scientific investigations is to identify nonanatomical features and to provide qualitative and quantitative information at molecular levels, complementing the morphological record from studies in physical anthropology, in an effort to understand mortuary practices in the Tarapacá Valley and the effects of the burial environment in the preservation of mummified human remains.

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Photocatalytic Coatings - Promising Way to Improve a Quality of Urban Building Surfaces

Chemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology ◽

10.1515/cdem-2015-0012 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (1-2) ◽

pp. 113-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tereza Sázavská ◽

Jan Šubrt ◽

Michaela Jakubičková ◽

František Peterka

Keyword(s):

Methylene Blue Degradation ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Building Facades ◽

Building Surfaces ◽

Self Cleaning ◽

One Year ◽

Texture Characterization

Abstract With the increasing air pollutants particularly in the cities the deteriorating conditions of the buildings accelerate. One of the non-invasive and cheap promising ways how to prevent the buildings against the aged processes caused by biological pollutants or smog exhalation is the innovation of suitable photocatalytic coatings. This work focuses on the characterization of prepared photocatalytic nanocomposite TiO2-SiO2 system to be applied on the building objects in order to improve a quality of their surfaces. The structure and the texture characterization of prepared nanocomposite were determined by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM + EDS). The photocatalytic activity of the composite was determined considering the self-cleaning ability and the antibacterial activity. For self-cleaning characterization the methylene blue degradation was measured. These self-cleaning properties were tested on the various types of supports, which are commonly used in the building facades. To estimate antibacterial and biocidal activity the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus were used. Both methods were done according to standard ISO tests. Next to the laboratory testing the application of the composite under the real condition was implemented. There were treated parts of the concrete outside wall with the composite and after more than one year the colour changed analysis of the wall surface was characterized.

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Hypericum perforatum: Synthesis of Active Principles during Flowering and Fruitification—Novel Aspects of Biological Potential

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2017/2865610 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nebojša Kladar ◽

Jasminka Mrđanović ◽

Goran Anačkov ◽

Slavica Šolajić ◽

Neda Gavarić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hypericum Perforatum ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Maximum Level ◽

Malignant Cell ◽

Antioxidant Potential ◽

Biological Potential ◽

Full Flowering ◽

Close Time

St. John’s wort is a widely used medicinal plant. The quality of herbal drug, which is in most of the cases collected from nature, varies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was detailed chemical characterization of Hypericum perforatum subsp. perforatum samples collected in close time intervals during flowering and fruitification with the purpose to state the phenological stage characterized by maximum levels of active principles. The antioxidant potential and potential to inhibit biologically important enzymes, as well as the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the sample collected during the full flowering period, were evaluated. Data showed that the optimal period for the achieving of maximum level of active principles is the phenophase between floral budding and flowering stage. Significant antioxidant potential and the ability to inhibit biologically important enzymes (especially α-glucosidase) were recorded. The extract exhibited no genotoxicity in subcytotoxic concentrations, while increased cytotoxicity recorded in cotreatment with bleomycin on malignant cell lines was especially significant.

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Antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of the bark decoction of cumaru stem

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20190785 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Jaiana Gomes Ferreira ◽

Patrícia Coelho do Nascimento Nogueira ◽

Flayanna Gouveia Braga Dias ◽

Larissa Morais Ribeiro da Silva ◽

Edilberto Rocha Silveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Salmonella Enteritidis ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Chemical Compounds ◽

Stem Bark ◽

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

1H And 13C Nmr ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria

ABSTRACT: The plant, Amburana cearensis A. C. Smith (Fabaceae), commonly called cumaru, is widespread in the Caatinga cearense, a less known ecosystem in Brazil. A. cearensis is rich in several compounds like protocatechuic acid, tannins, coumarin, flavonoids and phenolic heterosides, such as amburosides A and B, that have been isolated. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial potential and draw the chemical profile of the distinct characteristics of A. cearensis stem bark decoction, for its possible potential as a food conservation agent. The chemical compounds were characterized by one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR analyses and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). The compounds of coumarin, amburosides A and B, and glycosylated (Z)-o-coumaric acid. Using the plaque microdilution technique, the antimicrobial action was tested on Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The decoction demonstrated antimicrobial activity on Gram-positive bacteria. This was encouraging because natural antimicrobials are beneficial for food production, as they can inhibit the pathogenic microorganisms and boost the quality of hygiene and cleanliness.

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Chromatographic characterization of pyroligneous liquid obtained from carbonization of peach stone

Revista Ibero-Americana de Ciências Ambientais ◽

10.6008/cbpc2179-6858.2019.003.0018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 207-218

Author(s):

Lidiane Schmalfuss Valadão ◽

Caroline Dos Santos Duarte ◽

Pedro José Sanches Filho

Keyword(s):

Industrial Process ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Raw Material ◽

Added Value ◽

Process Conditions ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Color Density ◽

Agroindustrial Residue

The peach stone is considered an agroindustrial residue originating from the industrial process of peach in halves in syrup. It does not have an adequate destination, its final disposal is incorrect and may cause contamination in the environmental compartments. In this way, the burning of this raw material as biomass enables its reuse, besides adding value to the residue. Among the processes used for the application of this residue is the carbonization process, which allows to obtain co-products with higher added value, such as pyroligneous liquid, which represents a fraction of organic compounds condensed from the smoke emitted during carbonization. The quality of the liquid depends on the process conditions and the biomass used. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the sample of pyrolignous liquid obtained from the carbonization of the peach stone, on an industrial scale, qualitative and semi quantitative. Preliminary characterization (pH, conductivity, color, density and contents of tar, organic matter and acidity) and a chemical characterization by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were performed. The liquid presented satisfactory results for the physico-chemical evaluations. Regarding the qualitative determination, it was possible to identify 49 compounds. Highlighting the phenols, with 44.90% of the number of compounds, mainly methoxyphenols. These are compounds with significant added value and industrial importance, indicating their use as raw material in the production of polymer resins, among other purposes.

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Rapid Profiling of Soybean Aromatic Compounds Using Electronic Nose

Biosensors ◽

10.3390/bios9020066 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 66 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ramasamy Ravi ◽

Ali Taheri ◽

Durga Khandekar ◽

Reneth Millas

Keyword(s):

Volatile Compounds ◽

Electronic Nose ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Fast Gas Chromatography ◽

Off Flavors ◽

Glycine Max L ◽

Livestock Feeding ◽

Identification And Characterization

Soybean (Glycine max (L.)) is the world’s most important seed legume, which contributes to 25% of global edible oil, and about two-thirds of the world’s protein concentrate for livestock feeding. One of the factors that limit soybean’s utilization as a major source of protein for humans is its characteristic soy flavor. This off-flavor can be attributed to the presence of various chemicals such as phenols, aldehydes, ketones, furans, alcohols, and amines. In addition, these flavor compounds interact with protein and cause the formation of new off-flavors. Hence, studying the chemical profile of soybean seeds is an important step in understanding how different chemical classes interact and contribute to the overall flavor profile of the crop. In our study, we utilized the HERCALES Fast Gas Chromatography (GC) electronic nose for identification and characterization of different volatile compounds in five high-yielding soybean varieties, and studied their association with off-flavors. With aroma profiling and chemical characterization, we aim to determine the quantity and quality of volatile compounds in these soybean varieties and understand their effect on the flavor profiles. The study could help to understand soybean flavor characteristics, which in turn could increase soybean use and enhance profitability.

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Physical and chemical characterization of yacon tuberous roots at different altitudes and planting times

Horticultura Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0102-053620180209 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 199-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Diego MN Silva ◽

Raquel R Lima ◽

Fábio L Oliveira ◽

Luciano JQ Teixeira ◽

Leonard CA Machado

Keyword(s):

Reducing Sugars ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Tuberous Roots ◽

Compression Cycle ◽

Solids Content ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Different Altitudes

ABSTRACT The post-harvest quality of yacon tuberous roots produced at different altitudes and planting times were characterized in this study. The experiment was conducted in the South of Espírito Santo State in two locations, one at 837 m altitude and the other one at 113 m altitude. The experimental design, in each place, was randomized blocks with four replications, and the treatments consisted of three planting seasons: April (autumn), July (winter) and September (spring). After harvest of the tuberous roots, we evaluated pH, titratable total acidity, moisture content, soluble solids, reducing sugars, crude fiber and ash, as well as color, hardness (maximum force recorded in the first penetration or compression cycle) and chewiness index (energy required to chew food, given by gumminess x elasticity). Tuberous roots grown at 837 m altitude, independent of planting times, presented higher soluble solids content and lighter juice, conferring better quality. However, at 113 m altitude, from April to July, the roots showed better quality, since it presents lower hardness and lighter juice.

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CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE KEFIR DE LEITE QUANTO À COMPOSIÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA

Revista Funec Científica - Enfermagem para Unifunec Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas ◽

10.24980/ucsb.v4i7.5185 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (7) ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Géssica Fernanda da Silva FONTE ◽

Ianca Carolina Magalhães GENTIL ◽

Anelisa Doretto Freitas FURLAN

Keyword(s):

Functional Foods ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Field Research ◽

Fermented Milk ◽

Raw Material ◽

Physicochemical Composition ◽

Physical Chemical ◽

Probiotic Food

Com o passar dos anos, a busca por alimentos que melhorem a qualidade de vida tem sido aumentada, como por exemplo, os alimentos funcionais. O kefir é um tipo de leite fermentado produzido através da fermentação do leite usando os grãos, sendo estes, massas gelatinosas de cor branca ou amarelada que contêm leveduras e/ou bactérias. É um alimento probiótico, pois contém microrganismos presentes benéficos ao ser humano e, se consumido numa quantidade de, no mínimo, 106UFC/100 mL ou gramas do produto pode auxiliar na prevenção ou correção de alguns problemas de saúde, sendo eles diabetes, desnutrição, obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares e outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi cultivar 3 amostras de kefir à base de leite e realizar análises físico-químicas para quantificar e definir os elementos presentes neste alimento, como o teor de carboidratos, proteínas, umidade, cinzas e lipídeos. A metodologia aplicada para execução do trabalho ocorreu através de revisão bibliográfica utilizando como base artigos em periódicos científicos, livros, teses, dissertações e resumos de congresso, sendo selecionadas publicações entre 2015 e 2020, nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português e pesquisa de campo, realizando o cultivo e as análises bromatológicas. Os resultados obtidos através da caracterização físico-química dos grãos de kefir são semelhantes aos relatados na literatura, havendo algumas diferenças decorrentes do clima, matéria-prima utilizada e cuidados no cultivo. Conclui-se assim que o kefir é um alimento benéfico à saúde, porém são necessários certos cuidados no cultivo e manejo para garantir sua qualidade. CHARACTERIZATION OF MILK KEFIR REGARDING PHYSICOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION ABSTRACT Over the years, the search for foods that improve the quality of life has increased, such as functional foods. Kefir is a type of fermented milk produced by fermenting milk using grains, which are gelatinous masses of white or yellowish color that contain yeast and/or bacteria. It is a probiotic food, because it contains microorganisms present that are beneficial to humans and, if consumed in an amount of at least 106 CFU/100 mL or grams of the product, may help prevent or correct some health problems, including diabetes, malnutrition, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic non-transmissible diseases. This study aimed to cultivate 3 milk-based kefir samples and to conduct physicochemical analyses to quantify and define the elements found in this food, such as carbohydrate, protein, moisture, ash, and lipid content. The methodology used to carry out the study was a literature review based on articles in scientific journals, books, thesis, dissertations, and conference summaries, selecting publications between 2015 and 2020, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as field research, with cultivation and bromatological analysis. The results observed in the physical-chemical characterization of kefir grains are similar to those reported in the literature, with some differences resulting from climate, raw material used and cultivation care. It is thus concluded that kefir is a beneficial food to health, but it is necessary to take proper care in cultivation and management to ensure its health benefits. Descriptors: Functional foods. Probiotics. Cultured milk products.

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Morphological and chemical characterization of asbestos fibers in solid rocks: Towards an in-situ and combined analytical approach

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-13773 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Didier Lahondère ◽

Guillaume Wille ◽

Ute Schmidt ◽

Jérémie Silvent ◽

Jéromine Duron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Analytical Approach ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Large Set ◽

Acid Attack ◽

Initial State ◽

Test Portion ◽

Rock Samples ◽

Asbestos Fibers

Asbestos is a commercial term which refers to six minerals that crystallize as fibrous bundles made of very thin and easily separable fibrils. Asbestos fibers have been exploited for a long time and voluntary added in a very large set of manufactured products. In France, asbestos is prohibited since an official decree published in 1997 that prohibits the manufacture, processing, sale and import of asbestos. The asbestos ban has been the subject of an European directive published in 1999.&#160; Following this ban, a standard was defined in order to specify the sampling, preparation and identification methods for asbestos fibers in samples of commercial origin (ISO 22262-1). For natural materials, no specific analytical protocol is currently defined in France. Searching for asbestos in a rock sample, the commonly used protocols require the reduction of the sample, the grinding of a sub-sample (1 to 2 g) and its calcination in order to eliminate organic matter, then an acid attack to dissolve some constituents (calcite, gypsum). The final test portion (~ 20 mg) is mixed in water, stirred using ultrasound, filtered through a metallized membrane and covered with a new layer of carbon before it can be examined using a transmission electron microscope. The protocols currently used are long and complex and require the grinding of the sub-sample. This grinding operation is a critical step because it can lead, starting from non-asbestiform minerals, to the artificial formation of more or less fine and elongated fibriform particles (cleavage fragments), quite similar in some cases to asbestos fibers. Grinding is therefore an operation liable to affect the quality of the final diagnosis. The new protocol presented here was built with the aim of developing an analytical approach specific to coherent rock samples. This protocol does not involve the grinding of the sample and allows the in-situ morphological and chemical characterization of fibrous minerals. It is based on the use of combined analytical techniques (MOLP, EPMA, FESEM-EDS, FIB-SEM, and confocal RAMAN in SEM) from a single support corresponding to a polished thin section. This protocol allows to observe the natural morphologies of the fibers, to measure their dimensions, to characterize the relationships between fibers and the other mineralogical constituents while preserving the texture of the rock and to acquire precise chemical analyzes of the fibers. It also overcomes problems related to the grinding of the sample and the formation of cleavage fragments. This protocol has been tested through the study of several types of massive rock samples. It provides a representative and reliable in-situ diagnosis of the initial state of the fibers in solid rocks.

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