Radical Solution Research Articles

Procedure of a Modified Standard–Background Method in the X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Complex Multicomponent Samples

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is one of the most widespread methods of the determination of the elemental composition of various materials. However, its application is complicated by pronounced matrix effects. These effects can be taken into account in a limited range of variation of analyte concentrations with different efficiencies using different methods. In this work, we use a modified standard–background method for the radical solution of the problem of the account of matrix effects in XRF analysis.

The Utilization of Abandoned Petroleum Wells in Geothermal Energy Sector. Worldwide Trends and Experience

Since the oil crises in the 1970s, geothermal resources have received much attention and researches aimed at its recognition have been conducted all around the globe. Nevertheless, the investment cost associated mainly with drilling works is a crucial limitation for the successful implementation of new geothermal projects. The radical solution affecting the cost effectiveness of any geothermal investments might be an adaptation of existing un-exploited boreholes of the oil and gas sector for geothermal purposes. Moreover, a few studies on heat and/or energy recovery from oil and gas provinces have indicated that a tremendous amount of geothermal energy co-exists with petroleum fields. Thereby, the article centres on global concepts related to the adaptation of boreholes after the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits or negative exploratory wells in order to exploit geothermal energy resources. Selected concepts focused on possible electricity production and the space heating sector are discussed. Other potential technologies based on utilization of geothermal energy attained by borehole heat exchangers are also indicated.

Water Sorption Behaviors of Novel Biohybrid Hydrogels as Effective Sorbents in Water-Solvent Binary Mixtures

Novel sorbent hydrogels containing acrylamide/sodium vinylsulfonate, carboxymethyl cellulose and zeolite were synthesized with free radical solution polymerization by using ammonium persulfate/N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylethyle-nediamine as redox initiating pair in presence of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as crosslinker. It was to investigate the water uptake properties of series of the novel hydrogels, the semi IPNs and the hybrid/biohybrid composite hydrogel sorbents synthesized in this study. Water uptake studies were performed in water and in water-solvent (acetone, methanol and tetrahydrofuran) binary mixtures at 25°C, gravimetrically. Some swelling and diffusion parameters were calculated and discussed. It has been seen that the lower equilibrium swelling factor values in all solvent compositions in comparison with the equilibrium swelling factor values in water.

Aqueous-based electrospun P(NIPAAm-co-AAc)/RSF medicated fibrous mats for dual temperature- and pH-responsive drug controlled release.

This paper presents a green method for fabricating dual temperature- and pH-responsive electrospun fibrous mats from an aqueous-based blend poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (P(NIPAAm-co-AAc)) and regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) by employing electrospinning technique. P(NIPAAm-co-AAc) was synthesized by free radical solution polymerization and its low critical solution temperature (LCST) was in the physiological range (38.8 °C). The P(NIPAAm-co-AAc)/RSF fibers were prepared by electrospinning technology in the presence of the crosslinking agents (EDC·HCl and NHS) with water as solvent. After in situ crosslinking and water-annealing process, the water-stable composite fibrous mats were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the crosslinking process. Temperature and pH dual stimuli-responsive swelling-shrinking behavior of the fibrous mats were observed when the temperature was below and above the LCST of the copolymer at different pHs. In addition, rhodamine B-loaded the fibrous mats also showed dual temperature and pH controlled release behavior, demonstrating the potential use of the fibrous mats for “smart” controlled drug delivery applications.

Revolution or Ecocide

This article addresses the place of situationist ideas in the current drive to make meaningful social and political change to avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change. After a brief review of some key situationist concepts, the article shows how situationist thinkers post-1968 saw the prospect of environmental degradation as one of the key consequences of the social apathy induced by the spectacle and the grim prospects for the prevailing liberal assemblage of power to address the problem. The article concludes by briefly discussing the place of a situationist-inspired environmentalism in the larger debates about radical solutions to climate change.

Backup surgical solutions in recurrent chronic dacryocystitis

Introduction. The functional purpose of the lacrimal ex­cre­tory system is to drain tears from the eyes into the na­sal cavity. The stagnation of tears in the lacrimal sac in the conditions of a stenotic drainage system leads to the ap­pearance of acute and chronic dacryocystitis. Chronic da­cryo­cystitis, with frequent episodes of exacerbation, is ex­tremely torturous for the patient and, after 1-2 years of evolution, it requires a definitive radical solution. Thus, oph­thal­mo­logists and ENT surgeons must find solutions for patients with multiple interventional procedures in the lacrimal nasal passages. Materials and method. We conducted a retrospective clinical study on 27 pa­tients (29 eyes) hospitalized in the ENT Department of the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital between 2014 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were: chronic da­cryo­cystitis with nasolacrimal stenosis, with at least one failed conservative therapeutic procedure. The exclusion criteria were: presacal stenosis of the tear ducts, patients without conservative therapeutic procedures (stent/en­do­sco­pic dacryocystorhinostomy – DCRS). The clinical pro­to­col consisted of ophthalmological examination, ENT examination, contrastography, nasal endoscopy, cranio­cerebral CT, and surgery in a mixed ophthalmologist-ENT team. Post-therapeutic monitoring was performed at 1, 2 and 6 months. Results. The therapeutic procedures consisted of stents under nasal endoscopic control in 38% of cases, external DCRS in 21% of cases, and dacryocystectomy in 41% of cases. In stented cases (11 cases) there were two failures (which were resolved one by DCRS, and the other by dacryocystectomy). In cases where external DCRS was performed (6 cases), we had no failure, and in cases with dacryocystectomy, there was one case with failure that required two reinterventions. Conclusions. External DCRS may be a therapeutic option for patients with sacal and postsacal lacrimal stenosis who have a history of curative procedure. Dacryocystectomy is the backup sur­ge­ry for recurrent chronic dacryocystitis. We consider that this intervention has minor consequences on the pa­tient’s quality of life and should be taken into account when compared to iterative conservative interventions.

A zwitterionic polymer containing a hydrophobic group: enhanced rheological properties

A zwitterionic polymer containing a hydrophobic long chain, named MANPS, was independently developed by free radical solution polymerization.

Influence of n-butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride copolymer on the structure and properties of phenolic resin

P(BA-co-MA), the copolymer of n-butyl acrylate (BA) and maleic anhydride (MA) monomers, was synthesized by radical solution polymerization, and its structure was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR. Then this prepared P(BA-co-MA) was used to modify the phenolic resin (PF). The chemical structure, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the modified PFs were investigated. The results showed the existence of an esterification reaction between the anhydride groups of P(BA-co-MA) and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of PF during the curing process, which occurred at about 90 °C. In addition, the amount of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in each modified PF was decreased, which obviously increase the thermal stabilities of the modified PFs. The study found that the P(BA-co-MA) was micro spherically distributed in the PF matrix, and P(BA-co-MA) microspheres were tightly bound to the matrix due to the esterification reaction. The results of the research also indicated that all the P(BA-co-MA) modified PFs were all improved in toughness and strength.

Is Human Enhancement in Space a Moral Duty? Missions to Mars, Advanced AI and Genome Editing in Space.

Any space program involving long-term human missions will have to cope with serious risks to human health and life. Because currently available countermeasures are insufficient in the long term, there is a need for new, more radical solutions. One possibility is a program of human enhancement for future deep space mission astronauts. This paper discusses the challenges for long-term human missions of a space environment, opening the possibility of serious consideration of human enhancement and a fully automated space exploration, based on highly advanced AI. The author argues that for such projects, there are strong reasons to consider human enhancement, including gene editing of germ line and somatic cells, as a moral duty.

¿Es necesario transitar a un nuevo paradigma civilizatorio y de derechos humanos?

En el presente trabajo se analiza el funcionamiento y la lógica que subyace al paradigma civilizatorio moderno, mediante el análisis sistémico propuesto por Wallerstein y cómo ello configura el Derecho. Afirmamos que el capitalismo, y la producción y reproducción de la vida de los pueblos y del Sistema-Tierra, es incompatible. Ya que el primero requiere de la destrucción del segundo para poder existir. En ese sentido, nos preguntamos si a partir de la lógica del capital, la cual configura también a los derechos humanos, es posible imaginar una verdadera solución radical al problema de la crisis ecológica y humanitaria. Esto con el objetivo de que, como personas investigadoras y defensoras de los derechos humanos, empecemos a replantearnos las teorías hegemónicas del Derecho, y formular praxis creativas frente a la inminente amenaza que representa el sistema capitalista.Recibido: 04 agosto 2019Aceptado: 30 octubre 2019Publicación en línea: 20 diciembre 2019

Modification of nano-hybrid silicon acrylic resin with anticorrosion and hydrophobic properties

Silicone-acrylic resin (SAR) was prepared from acrylic monomers and silicone prepolymer by the free radical solution polymerization, and then mixed TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles modified by KH570 were added to prepare nanocomposite coating. Thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements showed that the acrylic resin modified by silicone prepolymer exhibited an improved thermostability and a better hydrophobicity compared with the unmodified sample. The adding of nanoparticles further increased the hydrophobicity. The contact angle of modified silicone-acrylic resin with mixed TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles of 3 wt% is the highest, 108.4°. The UV resistance and weather resistance of the modified silicone-acrylic resin are significantly improved. It was also found through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy that the corrosion resistance was significantly improved by the addition of mixed TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles. Modified silicone-acrylic resin with mixed TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles of 3 wt% and 5 wt% coating system maintains an excellent anticorrosion performance (coating resistance Rc of more than 109 Ω cm2) even at 3.5% NaCl electrolyte medium till to 1800 h.

A facile one-pot synthesis of poly(acrylic acid)-functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for suppressing reactive oxygen species generation and adsorption of biocatalyst

Functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have unique physical and chemical properties, which make them potential candidates for biomedical applications. In this study, a facile one-pot method is reported for the preparation of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) functionalized IONPsthrough in situ free radical solution polymerization of AA and subsequent coprecipitation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions. The FTIR spectroscopic and TGA results indicated the successful formation and surface functionalization of IONPs with PAA. Electron micrographs showed that the prepared particles were of nano-sized and their shape is dependent on the concentration of PAA. pH-dependent variation of average hydrodynamic diameter confirmed the pH-responsivity of PAA-functionalized IONPs. Magnetic measurement suggested that the PAA functionalized IONPs were strongly paramagnetic (53.0 emug−1). Fenton-like catalytic generation is carried out to measure toxicity associated with the nanoparticles. The suppression ability for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation associated with PAA-functionalized IONPs was studied via methylene blue degradation assay to address their toxicity profile. PAA-functionalized IONPs exhibited better suppression ability than that of the bare IONPs. The adsorption behavior of trypsin was also studied at different pH levels and a maximum adsorption is occurred on PAA-functionalized IONPs at pH 5.0. Catalytic behavior study confirmed higher activity of trypsin immobilized on PAA-functionalized IONPs than that of the reference IONPs. Therefore, the functionalized IONPs can be of high interest for magnetically recyclable biocatalyst carrier.

Study of biodegradability of the vegetable oil modified epoxy coatings

АBSTRACT
 Introduction. For solving environment protection problems and reducing the volume of ‘polymer waste’, the study of biodegradability of polymer materials by means of their modification without impairing main performance is of practical importance. This is achievable by application of biodegradable natural additives. The radical solution is the development of polymer materials that are capable of retaining their performance throughout their service life only.
 Materials and methods. To modify compositions, APh-2 aminoalkylphenol-cured ED-20 epoxy diane resin was used. Liquid fraction of rubber tree oil (RTO) and Vietnam-produced soybean oil (SO) were used as the modifiers. Biodegradability of the materials was evaluated by Sturm’s method checking respirometric activity of soil in their presence. Resistance of the epoxy materials to microbiological putrefaction in soil was investigated by mass loss value. Thermal stability of the epoxy coatings was tested by simultaneous thermal analysis on Netzch-Gerätebau GmbH apparatus at the heating rate 10 °C/min when the temperature varying within the range of 25 °C to 600 °C. Water absorption was evaluated as per GOST 4650-2014 standard. Sol-gel analysis was implemented in boiling acetone in the Soxhlet apparatus. Abrasion hardness of epoxy materials was carried out on the IZV-1 vertical optical caliper. Hardness was checked by Barcol impressor. Frictional factor was determined by means of the CSM Instruments Tribometer automated friction machine.
 Results. Applying vegetable oils governs a significant growth of the abrasion resistance and enhancement of antifriction characteristics of epoxy materials. The vegetable oils exercise a plasticizing effect on epoxy compositions, accelerate processes of epoxy material biodegradation in soil and reduce their resistance to micromyces. Epoxy resin is characterized with high funginertness and its modification by the RTO results in enhancement of biodegradability when exposed to mouldy fungi.
 Conclusions. Applying the RTO as a modifier of the epoxy materials accelerates processes of their biodegradation in soil and decreases their resistance to micromyces. The higher biodegradation of vegetable oil-modified epoxy films takes place at complex exposure to bacteria and mycelian fungi as a part of soil microbiocenosis.

Epistemic Reasonableness and Respect for Persons

Recent discussions by Martha Nussbaum and Steven Wall shed new light on the concept of reasonableness in political liberalism and whether the inclusion of epistemic elements in the concept necessarily makes political liberalism lose its antiperfectionist appeal. This article argues that Nussbaum’s radical solution to eliminate the epistemic component of reasonableness is neither helpful nor necessary. Instead, adopting a revised understanding of epistemic reasonableness in terms of a weak view of rationality that is procedural, external and second-order rather than a strong view that is substantial, internal and first-order can help political liberalism maintain an epistemic dimension in the idea of reasonableness without becoming perfectionist. In addition, political liberalism can defend a stronger account of respect for persons against liberal perfectionism on the basis of the revised understanding of epistemic reasonableness. Both arguments serve to demonstrate the strength of the political liberal project.

Clostridium perfringens type A Causing Necrotic Enteritis Outbreaks among Chickens in Egypt

Undoubtedly, necrotic enteritis is identified as one of the most threatening diseases which face poultry industry in Egypt and need radical solution to avoid huge economic losses. The present work was designed for typing Clostridium perfringens isolated from diseased chickens suspected to have necrotic enteritis from different outbreaks in six Governorates in Egypt (Gharbia, Dakhalia, Sharkia, Ismailia, North Sinai and Kafr El Sheikh) during the period from August to December 2018. Intestine and liver samples were obtained from eighty six diseased broiler chickens representing 60 flocks. C. perfringens was isolated and toxigenicity of the recovered isolates was determined by Nagler's and dermonecrotic reactions. Furthermore, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting alpha, beta, epsilon and iota toxins' genes was performed for result confirmation and typing of the toxigenic isolates. Sixty-six C.perfringens isolates (38.37%) were recovered from 172 intestine and liver samples and twenty isolates (30.3%) were toxigenic and typed as C. perfringens type A producing alpha toxin only. These findings established the fact that alpha toxin is the only main toxin of C. perfringens type A which is basically responsible for its pathogenicity and virulence. In addition, most of the positively toxigenic isolates were isolated from hepatic lesions (15 isolates) rather than intestinal lesion (5 isolates). In conclusion, alpha toxin is a major toxin for NE development in chickens. Genotyping of Clostridium perfringens by multiplex PCR is a useful adjunct to diagnosis of necrotic enteritis in chickens.

Facile Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Surface from Fluorinated POSS Acrylate Copolymer via One-Step Breath Figure Method and Its Anti-Corrosion Property.

Novel fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) acrylic copolymers were synthesized by the radical solution polymerization. The superhydrophobic coating was prepared using a one-step breath figure method. Chemical constitution, morphology, hydrophobicity, and anticorrosion ability of as-prepared coatings were investigated by the corresponding equipment. The addition of proper fluorinated POSS can synchronously promote the formation of the micro-nano convex structure and the enrichment of fluorinated groups on the surface. Compared to commercial acrylic coating, the fluorinated POSS coating presented enhanced anticorrosion performance. The impedance was the highest and the corrosion current density was the lowest for superhydrophobic coating with 25 wt % fluorinated POSS.

Microbiological Sources and Nutritional Value of Single Cell Protein (SCP)

Working to achieve food security through the development of a food protein food renewable able to meet the daily dietary needs of protein and the production of food safe and healthy and healthy value added because of its production on the media (substrates) cheap and technological requirements available locally. It is a single-cell protein in addition to finding new and radical solutions to the problem of environmental pollution resulting from the dumping of large quantities of incidental substances, which cause a great deal of pollution and the destruction of useful microorganisms and useful and imbalance in the environmental balance, so it is possible to use microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi, algae) in the production of biomass It can be used to feed both humans and animals.

Microbiological Sources and Nutritional Value of Single Cell Protein (SCP)

Working to achieve food security through the development of a food protein food renewable able to meet the daily dietary needs of protein and the production of food safe and healthy and healthy value added because of its production on the media (substrates) cheap and technological requirements available locally. It is a single-cell protein in addition to finding new and radical solutions to the problem of environmental pollution resulting from the dumping of large quantities of incidental substances, which cause a great deal of pollution and the destruction of useful microorganisms and useful and imbalance in the environmental balance, so it is possible to use microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi, algae) in the production of biomass It can be used to feed both humans and animals.

Everyday antagonisms: Organising economic practices in Mercado Bonpland, Buenos Aires

In 2001, Argentina experienced a profound social political and economic crisis. In response, a broad and diverse social and economic movement was created, involving autonomous politics, horizontal organisation, autogestion, neighbourhood assemblies and state rupture. The creation of alternative economic systems played an important role in this challenge to capitalist hegemony, producing a different and more humanising kind of economics focused on the provision of opportunities for more stable, sustainable and dignified production. This paper uses an innovative theoretical approach, drawing on both Marxism and diverse economy literature, to explore data collected during empirical research between 2013 and 2016 into a solidarity retail market in Buenos Aires, the Mercado de Economía Solidaria Bonpland. It argues that such interventions in the interstices of capitalism offer a radical and alternative solution through a politics of everyday antagonism. By insisting on economic plurality in the present via a series of oppositions and compromises, the Mercado both drew attention to the failings of capitalism, and created a genuine and visible social and economic alternative.

Highly sensitive IRS based biosensor for the determination of cytochrome c as a cancer marker by using nanoporous anodic alumina modified with trypsin

The determination of cytochrome c in the human serum sample is a regular medical investigation performed to assess cancer diseases. Herein, we used interferometric reflectance spectroscopy (IRS) based biosensor for the determination of cytochrome c. For this purpose first, the nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) was fabricated. Then, the NAA pore walls were functionalized with 3-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane (NAA-NH2). Subsequently, the trypsin enzyme was immobilized on the NAA pore walls. The sensing principle of proposed IRS sensor to cytochrome c is based on a change in the intensity of the reflected light to a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector after digesting of cytochrome c by immobilized trypsin enzymes on NAA-NH2 into the heme-peptide fragment. The heme-peptide fragment then oxidized 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) to green color ABTS·− anion radical in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The generated green color ABTS·− anion radical solution adsorbed the white light and therefore the intensity of the reflected light from NAA to the CCD decreased. The decrease in the intensity of the white light had a logarithmic relationship with the concentration of the cytochrome c in the range of 1–100 nM. The limit of detections (LOD) for cytochrome c was 0.5 nM. The proposed biosensor exhibited high selectivity, sensitivity, and good stability.