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Search results for: BIO-BASED THERMOPLASTIC POLY(ETHER-URETHANE)S
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Water Footprint Assessment of Selected Polymers, Polymer Blends, Composites, and Biocomposites for Industrial Application
PublicationThis paper presents a water footprint assessment of polymers, polymer blends, composites, and biocomposites based on a standardized EUR-pallet case study. The water footprint analysis is based on life cycle assessment (LCA). The study investigates six variants of EUR-pallet production depending on the materials used. The system boundary included the production of each material and the injection molding to obtain a standardized...
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High-performance method of carbon nanotubes modification by microwave plasma for thin composite films preparation
PublicationIn this work we present a simple and efficient method of nitrogen plasma modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The process allows for treatment of the nanotubes in the form of powder with quite a high yield (65 mg of CNTs per hour). The modified carbon nanotubes contain approx. 3.8% of nitrogen, mostly in the pyridinic form. Plasma treated CNTs exhibit better dispersibility in water and higher electric capacitance than pristine...
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Enzyme Conjugation - A Promising Tool for Bio-catalytic and Biotransformation Applications – A Review
PublicationEnzymes have revolutionized conventional industrial catalysts as more efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable substitutes that can be used in different biotechnological processes, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Yet, the enzymes from nature are engineered to make them adapt and enhance their durability in the industrial environment. One promising approach involves the combined use of multiple enzymes that catalyze highly...
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Enhancing the Separation Performance of Chitosan Membranes Through the Blending with Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Pervaporation of Polar/Non-Polar Organic Mixtures
PublicationThis study explores the development of chitosan-based membranes blended with three distinct deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for the pervaporation separation of methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether. DESs were selected for their eco-friendly properties and their potential to enhance membrane performance. The chitosan (CS) membranes, both crosslinked and non-crosslinked, were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical composition,...
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Techno‐economic evaluation of a natural deep eutectic solvent‐based biorefinery: Exploring different design scenarios
PublicationThis paper presents a comprehensive techno‐economic evaluation of an integrated natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)‐based biorefinery – a 1 ton day−1 capacity design plant. The key parameters include payback period, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). These were compared with the parameters of conventional biorefineries. The ‘n th plant’ results clearly revealed that the single product‐based biorefinery...
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Chitosan/poly(4-vinylpyridine) coatings formed on AgNPs-decorated titanium
PublicationElectrophoretic deposition (EPD) of chitosan/poly(4-vinylpyridine) (chit/P4VP) coatings on titanium substrates previously decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed at different content of P4VP in the suspension and different voltage values. The results revealed that the composite coatings were formed, well-adjacent to the titanium substrate, of suitable roughness, hydrophilicity, and corrosion resistance. The voltage...
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Thermal decomposition kinetics of dynamically vulcanized polyamide 6-acrylonitrile butadiene rubber-halloysite nanotube nanocomposites
PublicationThermally stable thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites based on polyamide 6 (PA6), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were dynamically vulcanized, and their nonisothermal decomposition kinetics were examined. The Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Ozawa–Wall–Flynn (FWO), and modified Coats–Redfern (m‐CR) isoconversional models were used to obtain information about the kinetics of the thermal...
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Structural, mechanical and thermal behavior assessments of PCL/PHB blends reactively compatibilized with organic peroxides
PublicationThe efficiency of two commercially available organic peroxides, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and di-(2-tert-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)-benzene (BIB), during reactive processing of poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PCL/PHB) blends was investigated. The changes in chemical structure of PCL/PHB blends, as a function of organic peroxide type (DCP/BIB) and content (in range: 0–1.0 parts by weight - pbw), were characterized by Fourier...
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Influence of electropolymerization conditions on the morphological and electrical properties of PEDOT film
PublicationIn this work the effects of electropolymerization conditions on the morphological properties and conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film have been studied. PEDOT films were electrochemically synthesized in a one step process from acetonitrile solution containing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and lithium perchlorate. Based on atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and...
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The Influence of PEG on Morphology of Polyurethane Tissue Scaffold
PublicationIn this study, polyurethanes (PU) were synthesized from oligomeric dihydroxy(etylene-butylene adipate), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as chain extender and stannous octoate as catalyst. PEG due to its hydrophilic character influences physical and chemical properties of PU. For testing were used PU having the following weigh contents of PEG: 0%, 7%, and 14%. Porous scaffolds...
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Recent Progress on Hydrogen Storage and Production Using Chemical Hydrogen Carriers
PublicationDepleting fossil fuel resources and anthropogenic climate changes are the reasons for the intensive development of new, sustainable technologies based on renewable energy sources. One of the most promising strategies is the utilization of hydrogen as an energy vector. However, the limiting issue for large-scale commercialization of hydrogen technologies is a safe, efficient, and economical method of gas storage. In industrial practice,...
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Trends in the new generation of green solvents in extraction processes
PublicationAnalytical chemistry, like other scientific fields, has undergone a number of changes to make it more consistent with the concept of sustainable development. Among the various steps of chemical analysis, without a doubt, sample preparation is the bottleneck in regard to following a green protocol, especially in terms of solvent consumption. Therefore, many attempts have been made to improve the environmental friendliness of this...
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The SARS‐CoV ‐2 specific IgG antibodies biophotonic sensor
PublicationIn this paper, we present the design and the principle of operation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) biophotonic sensor, which is based on the single-mode telecommunication fiber. We fabricated the sensor head at the face of the single mode fiber-28. Due to the process of bio-functionalization, our sensor has the ability to selectively detect the SARS-CoV-2 specific...
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New-fangled sources of cellulose extraction: comparative study of the effectiveness of Cissus latifolia and Ficus benghalensis cellulose as a filler
PublicationRecycled polymers and biopolymers are receiving a great deal of attention these days. If these two can be combined, it will lead to an environment-friendly green material with a great deal of applications. Here the present work is about incorporating bio-based fillers in a recycled polyurethane matrix. Two unusual and extremely novel sources of cellulose have been proposed. The celluloses obtained from Cissus latifolia and Ficus...
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Advances in olfaction-inspired biomaterials applied to bioelectronic noses
PublicationAmong all the senses, olfactory system of mammals is the least characterised as far as the mechanisms of odour identification are concerned. The results of recent investigations allow better understanding of the operation mechanism of the sense of smell. Progress in this field is crucial for the development of sensor technology based on olfaction-inspired biomaterials, which simulate the olfactory system of the biological counterparts....
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Design of a Shape-Memory-Alloy-Based Carangiform Robotic Fishtail with Improved Forward Thrust
PublicationShape memory alloys (SMAs) have become the most common choice for the development of mini- and micro-type soft bio-inspired robots due to their high power-to-weight ratio, ability to be installed and operated in limited space, silent and vibration-free operation, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance properties. Moreover, SMA spring-type actuators are used for developing different continuum robots, exhibiting high degrees...
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The Taste of Waste: The Edge of Eggshell Over Calcium Carbonate in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber
PublicationRubber technology experiences a new age by the use of biowaste or natural fillers. In this regard, taking properties of reinforcing agents from biowaste fillers remains as the challenging matter. Chicken eggshell (ES) biowaste has recently been introduced to substitute calcium carbonate (CaCO3) duo to its superior properties and low price. In this work, composites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) reinforced with ES...
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Electrical Interface Parameters of PEDOT: PSS: Effect of Electrodeposition Charge Evaluated Under Body Conditions for Neural Electrode Applications
PublicationThis study explores the influence of the deposition charge of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) on its electrical interface parameters. For this purpose, PEDOT:PSS was fabricated by electrodeposition on commercial platinum electrodes with the time limited by different charges (1, 3, 6, 9 mC). Further, the electrodes were characterized regarding their electrical interface such as interfacial...
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Virtual engineering process (VEP): a knowledge representation approach for building bio-inspired distributed manufacturing DNA
PublicationThe objective of this research is to provide a user-friendly and effective way of representing engineering processes for distributed manufacturing systems so that they can develop, accumulate and share knowledge. The basic defini-tion and principle of the approach is introduced first and then the prototype version of the system is developed and demonstrated with case studies, which verify the feasibility of the proposed approach....
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Functionalization of Parylene During Its Chemical Vapor Deposition
PublicationTwo possible mechanisms for the reaction of four halogenated (metha)acrylate-based molecules with Parylene [poly (paraxylylene)] during its chemical vapor deposition were proposed. The chemical reactivity of acrylate double bond with the paraxylylene biradical was calculated for all four (metha)acrylate-based molecules. These calculations allowed the evaluation of the energetically favorable mechanism and indeed a direct correlation...
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Photovoltaic bulk heterojunctions with interpenetrating network based on semiconducting polymers
PublicationPhotovoltaic cells are supposed to be the most common generators of useful electricity in the nearest future as they utilize inexhaustible carriers of renewable energy called photons. Despite the fact that 95% of worldwide applied photovoltaic devices are based on inorganic semiconductors the area of organic photovoltaics grows successively due to possibility of considerable reduction of manufacturing costs. Since the Heeger's...
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Effect of dendrimer-based interlayers for enzyme immobilization on a model electrochemical sensing system for glutamate
PublicationIn this paper, we discuss dendrimer usage in enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors, particularly with respect to biomolecule loading on the sensing surface. A novel approach to design bioactive layers with immobilized enzymes for electrochemical biosensors using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method in combination with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was presented. The gold surface was modified with linear linkers...
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A solvent selection guide based on chemometrics and multicriteria decision analysis
PublicationThe selection of suitable solvents is a crucially important subject in a wide range of chemical processes. This study presents a solvent selection guide where 151 solvents were assessed, including a significant number of recently reported bio-based solvents. The assessment procedure involves grouping of solvents according to their physicochemical parameters and ranking within clusters according to their toxicological and hazard...
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Biopolyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin: structure, rheological, physical and thermal properties
PublicationThe present study examined the application of polyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin in the production of rigid polyurethane foam. Lignin was liquefed in crude glycerol and 1,4-butanediol at diferent temperatures (130–170 °C), without a catalyst and using various biomass concentrations (15 and 30 wt%). The physicochemical properties, process yield, and FTIR-based identifcation of the obtained polyols were...
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Theoretical and Economic Evaluation of Low-Cost Deep Eutectic Solvents for Effective Biogas Upgrading to Bio-Methane
PublicationThis paper presents the theoretical screening of 23 low-cost deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as absorbents for effective removal of the main impurities from biogas streams using a conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS). Based on thermodynamic parameters, i.e., the activity coefficient, excess enthalpy, and Henry’s constant, two DESs composed of choline chloride: urea in a 1:2 molar ratio (ChCl:U 1:2), and choline...
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Perspectives on the replacement of harmful organic solvents in analytical methodologies: a framework toward the implementation of a generation of eco-friendly alternatives
PublicationVolatile organic solvents derived from non-renewable fossil feedstocks are commonplace in analytical laboratories. In spite of their convenient performance in countless unit operations, their environmental, health and safety issues represent a major area of concern. The progressive replacement of organic solvents obtained from fossil resources by eco-friendly alternatives would involve remarkable advances within the framework of...
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Potential applications of crude glycerol in polymer technology–Current state and perspectives
PublicationThe increasing use of bio-based fuels and fuel additives, among them biodiesel, causes significant surplus of crude glycerol on the market which creates new challenges in terms of its sustainable utilization. A lot of ways for the incorporation of this by-product into different branches of industry requires purification by expensive and complicated processes. Therefore, researchers are seeking for applications of untreated crude...
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Design and Preparation of Magnetically-Oriented Poly(styr-co-MMA)-3MPS Capped Fe(ZnO) Hybrid Microspheres for Ion Exchange Removal of Toxic Pollutants from Wastewater
PublicationIn this work, polymeric microspheres derived from polystyrene-co-methyl methacrylate embedded with magnetic ZnO nanoparticles (poly(styrene-co-MMA)-3MPS-Fe (ZnO)) were synthesized using the suspension polymerization method. The surfaces of polymeric Fe(ZnO) microspheres were improved by functionalization with amino and sulphonate groups. The physicochemical analysis indicated a large number of positively charged (anion exchange)...
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Self-Organization of Graft Copolymers and Retortable iPP-Based Nanoporous Films Thereof
PublicationPolyolefins might become inexpensive alternatives to the existing membranes based on polyethersulfone. Here we disclose the production of retortable, well-defined PP-based nanoporous membranes derived from amphiphilic graft copolymer precursors. The graft copolymers, containing a polypropylene backbone and polyester grafts, were obtained by grafting lactones, specifically δ-valerolactone and ε-caprolactone, from well-defined randomly...
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Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(zwitterionic) Structures for Energy Conversion and Storage
PublicationZwitterions are unique class of molecules that possess two functional groups bearing electric charges, one positive and second negative. This setup results in peculiar properties such as high water retention and anti-fouling capability. Therefore, zwitterionic coatings and gels are commonly applied in e.g. biosensing and bioelectronic devices. Despite those applications, there are other perspectives for zwitterionic materials....
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Compatibility of Sustainable Mater-Bi/poly(ε-caprolactone)/cellulose Biocomposites as a Function of Filler Modification
PublicationDespite their popularity and multiplicity of applications, wood–polymer composites (WPCs) still have to overcome particular issues related to their processing and properties. The main aspect is the compatibility with plant-based materials which affects the overall performance of the material. It can be enhanced by strengthening the interfacial adhesion resulting from physical and/or chemical interactions between the matrix and...
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Towards sustainable catalyst-free biomass-based polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC): From valorization and liquefaction to future generation of biocomposites
PublicationA substantial aspect of materials engineering lies in the responsible process of designing polymer-based materials. Due to environmental pollution, excessive consumption of natural resources, and increasing environmental awareness of society, there is a massive need for polyurethane (PU) materials with reduced environmental impact. To date, research on catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC) has demonstrated a huge potential...
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An investigation on the role of GMA grafting degree on the efficiency of PET/PP-g-GMA reactive blending: morphology and mechanical properties
PublicationGlycidyl methacrylate (GMA) has been grafted on polypropylene (PP) with the aid of styrene (St) comonomer, by changing dicumyl peroxide initiator content, GMA level, and St concentration. The performance of the resulting PP-g-GMA reactive material towards static and dynamic mechanical properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was monitored in terms of grafting reaction variables and compatibilizer content. Fourier transform...
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Porosity and swelling properties of novel polyurethane–ascorbic acid scaffolds prepared by different procedures for potential use in bone tissue engineering
PublicationIn this work, a novel polyurethane (PU) system based on poly(ethylene-butylene) adipate diol, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,4-butanediol, and ascorbic acid was used to prepare scaffolds with potential applications in bone tissue engineering. Two fabrication methods to obtain porous materials were chosen: phase separation (PS)/salt particle leaching (PL) and solvent casting (SC)/salt PL. The calculated porosity demonstrated...
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Therapeutic intervention by the simultaneous inhibition of DNA repair and type I or type II DNA topoisomerases: one strategy, many outcomes
PublicationMany anticancer drugs reduce the integrity of DNA, forming strand breaks. This can cause mutations and cancer or cell death if the lesions are not repaired. Interestingly, DNA repair-deficient cancer cells (e.g., those with BRCA1/2 mutations) have been shown to exhibit increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Based on this observation, a new therapeutic approach termed 'synthetic lethality' has been developed, in which radiation...
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Enhancing chain-elongating microbiomes: Sequential fungi-bacteria cooperation for efficient food waste upgrading using endogenous electron donors
PublicationThe upgrading of organic waste such as food waste (FW) into medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) is within a bio-based circular economy concept. An efficient chain elongation (CE) microbiome is difficult to obtain, which normally requires long-term acclimatization and an exogenous supplement of electron donor (ED, especially ethanol). In this study, the CE microbiome was rapidly shaped within 18 days and an efficient endogenous ethanol-based...
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Chitosan-based modalities with multifunctional attributes for adsorptive mitigation of hazardous metal contaminants from wastewater
PublicationThe increase in population and industrialization has intensified water scarcity and stress, and contaminated water bodies. Therefore, the development of advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies has gained global attention from esearchers. Adsorption, using natural materials (nano, polymer, and bio) is one of the most cost-effective, less challenging, and well-known technologies for wastewater treatment and mproving water...
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Multifunctional catalyst-assisted sustainable reformation of lignocellulosic biomass into environmentally friendly biofuel and value-added chemicals
PublicationRapid urbanization is increasing the world's energy demand, making it necessary to develop alternative energy sources. These growing energy needs can be met by the efficient energy conversion of biomass, which can be done by various means. The use of effective catalysts to transform different types of biomasses will be a paradigm change on the road to the worldwide goal of economic sustainability and environmental protection. The...
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Novel fast analytical method for indirect determination of MCPD fatty acid esters in edible oils and fats based on simultaneous extraction and derivatization
PublicationA novel method for indirect determination of MCPD esters levels in lipid samples has been developed. The method is based on combination of extraction and derivatisation in the same sample preparation step. It is achieved by the application of diethyl ether as extraction solvent for isolation of released from esterified forms analytes from water phase and dilution solvent for solid PBA – derivatisation agent. It is a noteworthy...
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Oxygen concentration regulated the efficient liquefaction of vulcanized natural rubber
PublicationOxidative liquefaction represents a promising avenue for the homogeneous and high-value utilization of waste tire rubber. Given that truck tires predominantly comprise natural rubber (NR), this study investigated the efficient liquefaction of vulcanized NR regulated by oxygen concentration. Remarkably, the liquefaction of vulcanized NR was realized with an oxygen concentration of 75 % at 200 °C within 3 min. FTIR spectroscopy showed...
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Antibacterial Porous Systems Based on Polylactide Loaded with Amikacin
PublicationThree porous matrices based on poly(lactic acid) are proposed herein for the controlled release of amikacin. The materials were fabricated by the method of spraying a surface liquid. Description is given as to the possibility of employing a modifier, such as a silica nanocarrier, for prolonging the release of amikacin, in addition to using chitosan to improve the properties of the materials, e.g., stability and sorption capacity....
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Mesophilic and thermophilic dark fermentation course analysis using sensor matrices and chromatographic techniques
PublicationProduction of biofuels from biomass is expected to benefit the society and the environment. At present, bio waste residues processing includes hydrolysis, dark fermentation, photofermentation, pyrolysis, gasification, and chemical synthesis. As the composition and the chemical structure of organic substances affect the efficiency of mentioned processes, it is believed that the glucose concentration is a crucial parameter for the...
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Hydrogen production from ethanol In nitrogen microwave plasma At atmospheric pressure
PublicationHydrogen seems to be one of the most promising alternative energy sources. It is a renewable fuel as it could be produced from e.g. waste or bio-ethanol. Furthermore hydrogen is compatible with fuel cells and is environmentally clean. In contrast to conventional methods of hydrogen production such as water electrolysis or coal gasification we propose a method based on atmospheric pressure microwave plasma. In this paper we present...
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Bio-inspired Decisional DNA in Machinas and other Man-made Systems: The Way Forward
PublicationArtificial bio-inspired intelligent techniques and systems supporting smart, knowledge-based solutions of real world problems which are currently researched very extensively by research teams around the world, have enormous potential to enhance automation of decision making and problem solving for a number of diverse areas including design, manufacturing, Information Technology (IT), social communities of practice, and economics...
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Bioactive and biodegradable cotton fabrics produced via synergic effect of plant extracts and essential oils in chitosan coating system
PublicationFunctional antibacterial textile materials are in great demand in the medical sector. In this paper, we propose a facile, eco-friendly approach to the design of antibacterial biodegradable cotton fabrics. Cotton fiber fabrics were enhanced with a chitosan coating loaded with plant extracts and essential oils. We employed Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, optical...
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Development and validation of an eco-compatible UV–Vis spectrophotometric method for the determination of Cu2+ in aqueous matrices
PublicationCu 2+ are ubiquitous ions in the ecosystem and are responsible of serious environmental pollution. Indeed, the development of sensitive methods for Cu 2+ detection is an urgent demand. In this work, we proposed a new spectrophotometric method for Cu 2+ determination in different water matrices (distilled water, drinking water, wastewater, and river water). The method employs a bio-based organic ligand namely tetrasodium iminodisuccinate...
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Ultra-rare ultra-care: The unique burden of ultra rare disease caregiving
PublicationBackground: We sought to assesses the impact of caring for children with ultra rare diseases (URDs) on familycarers and to analyse the way these experiences differ among the caregivers of children diagnosed throughprenatal or newborn screening, and those with symptom-based diagnosis.Methods: A total of 200 caregivers of 219 URDs children completed an on-line survey regarding the challengesand experiences...
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Monolithic capsule phase microextraction prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in environmental water samples
PublicationIn this study, a capsule phase microextraction (CPME) protocol followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is proposed for the accurate and sensitive monitoring of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in environmental water samples. Different monolithic sol–gel encapsulated sorbents were compared and monolithic sol–gel poly(ethylene glycol)-based sorbent incorporated into porous microextraction capsules resulted in the highest...
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Synthesis and characterization of novel renewable polyesters based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and 2,3-butanediol
PublicationNovel polyesters from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or 2,5-dimethyl-furandicarboxylate and 2,3-butanediol have been synthesized via bulk polycondensation catalyzed by titanium (IV) n-butoxide, tin (IV) ethylhexanoate, or zirconium (IV) butoxide. The polymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), matrix-assisted laser ionization-desorption...
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What should we know when choosing feather, blood, egg or preen oil as biological samples for contaminants detection? A non-lethal approach to bird sampling for PCBs, OCPs, PBDEs and PFASs
PublicationBirds are considered as good bio-monitors and they can provide highly valuable data about the level of contamination in their habitat. During the design of biomonitoring studies one of the first issues after choosing species is the choice of biological material. Non-lethally collected samples have recently been gaining greater attention as they offer several ethical and practical advantages. However, not all sample matrices are...