Characterization and Properties of Water-Blown Rigid Polyurethane Foams Reinforced with Silane-Modified Nanosepiolites Functionalized with Graphite

In the present study, a promising flame retardant consisting of 80 wt% silane-modified nanosepiolites functionalized with 20 wt% graphite (SFG) is used to obtain a synergistic effect principally focussed on the thermal stability of water-blown rigid polyurethane (RPU) foams. Density, microcellular structure, thermal stability and thermal conductivity are examined for RPU foams reinforced with different contents of SFG (0, as reference material, 2, 4 and 6 wt%). The sample with 6 wt% SFG presents a slightly thermal stability improvement, although its cellular structure is deteriorated in comparison with the reference material. Furthermore, the influence of SFG particles on chemical reactions during the foaming process is studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The information obtained from the chemical reactions and from isocyanate consumption is used to optimize the formulation of the foam with 6 wt% SFG. Additionally, in order to determine the effects of functionalization on SFG, foams containing only silane-modified nanosepiolites, only graphite, or silane-modified nanosepiolites and graphite added separately are studied here as well. In conclusion, the inclusion of SFG in RPU foams allows the best performance to be achieved.

On the Shift of Parts of Speech in Prepositional Meaning in English-Vietnamese Translation

Exploring the shift in meanings of translating prepositions from English to Vietnamese, the study, besides analyzing the cases of the changes in meanings of prepositions, aims to discuss a general variety of meanings of English prepositions. The methods of analysis and synthesis of theories from the available data on prepositions as well as the methods of classifying and systematizing prepositions were applied to English-Vietnamese translation. From the collected data, this study has revealed 6 cases of the shift in meanings of prepositions and the characteristics of multiple meanings of prepositions. In the course of translation, contextual meanings are used in order to convey the meanings appropriately in the Vietnamese style. The research paper can make some contribution to the teaching of translation and make it a reference material for English learners.

Molecular super-gluing: a straightforward tool for antibody labelling and its application to mycotoxin biosensing

Mycotoxins are low molecular weight toxic compounds, which can cause severe health problems in animals and humans. Immunoassays allow rapid, simple and cost-effective screening of mycotoxins. Sandwich assays with a direct readout provide great improvement in terms of selectivity and sensitivity, compared to the widely used competitive assay formats, for the analysis of low molecular weight molecules. In this work, we report a non-competitive fluorescence anti-immune complex (IC) immunoassay, based on the specific recognition of HT-2 toxin with a pair of recombinant antibody fragments, namely antigen-binding fragment (Fab) (anti-HT-2 (10) Fab) and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) (anti-IC HT-2 (10) scFv). The SpyTag and SpyCatcher glue proteins were applied for the first time as a bioconjugation tool for the analysis of mycotoxins. To this aim, a SpyTag-mScarlet-I (fluorescent protein) and scFv-SpyCatcher fusion proteins were constructed, produced and fused in situ during the assay by spontaneous Tag-Catcher binding. The assay showed an excellent sensitivity with an EC50 of 4.8 ± 0.4 ng mL−1 and a dynamic range from 1.7 ± 0.3 to 13 ± 2 ng mL−1, an inter-day reproducibility of 8.5% and a high selectivity towards HT-2 toxin without cross-reactivity with other Fusarium toxins. The bioassay was applied to the analysis of the toxin in an oat reference material and in oat samples, with a LOD of 0.6 µg kg−1, and the results were validated by analysing a certificate reference material and by HPLC–MS/MS. Graphical abstract

PEMBERDAYAAN PEREMPUAN DAN PELESTARIAN ORANGUTAN DI DUSUN TEMBAK DESA GURUNG MALI KABUPATEN SINTANG

Tembak Hamlet is the first orangutan school area built by the Sintang Orangutan Center (SOC). One of the programs is empowering women to make orangutan dolls. Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the operational activities of the orangutan school. The SOC is aware that socio-cultural and economic aspects significantly influence the successful implementation of the orangutan school program. This study was analyzed using the empowerment ladder concept and Symbolic Interactionism Theory. This study aimed to analyze the empowerment of women in Tembak Hamlet and its socio-economic impacts. The research uses a qualitative method. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Respondents in this research consist of 6 purposively determined people. This analysis is expected to be a reference material for orangutan conservation organizations in other places to pay more attention to the socio-cultural and economic aspects of the community. The results showed that the process in the empowerment stage formed the meaning of orangutan conservation in the women of the orangutan doll-making group. Women use orangutan dolls as a symbol of women's contribution to protecting customary forests and orangutans.

Looking for Ephesian workshops: an integrated petrographic, geochemical, and chrono-typological approach to Late Hellenistic Ephesos lamps

In this pilot study, Late Hellenistic mold-made lamps from Ephesos are investigated by combining chrono-morphological and stylistic features with thin-section petrography and neutron activation analysis. Coeval wares of Ephesian production and clay samples collected around the site as well as published data from the Bonn database are considered local reference material. The results point to a network of local/regional workshops sharing facilities and/or a labor force dedicated to distinct tasks. The whole evidence is consistent with the very beginning of a nucleated workshop industry able to optimize the productivity of mold-made wares and fill the demand of an increased regional and supra-regional market. The typological and compositional variability of the latest phases could suggest a gradual transfer of potting activities towards areas providing better-suited clay sources.