Human scent has been the focal point of diverse scientific interests and research initiatives for the past several years. The knowledge gained about its composition has favored the advancement of multiple disciplines, and promoted the development of a wide variety of applications. Among these applications is the use of human scent as a resource for Forensic investigations, where scent profiles are often used as evidence to associate individuals to the scene of a crime. The characteristic nature of individual human scent has enabled this type of evidence to be used as a biometric tool for the differentiation of subjects. Nevertheless, the present study discusses a new perspective towards human scent's role and application in Forensic investigations. The foundation of this new perspective consists of employing human scent’s biometric quality to classify individuals using common traits. In this research study, underarm and hand odor samples were collected from Caucasian, Hispanic and East Asian individuals, of both genders. Subjects were also organized into 3 different age groups: 18-30, 35-50 and 55+ years. Headspace Solid Phase Micro-extraction Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to create individual scent profiles for the evaluation of subject classification by age, gender and race/ethnicity. Individual classification was assessed through the identification of qualitative and quantitative patterns in the volatile organic compound (VOC) constituents that characterize human scent. Principal Component and Linear Discriminant analyses of the collected scent profiles, led to the identification and validation of characteristic VOC marker combinations for age, gender and race/ethnicity. Statistical analysis facilitated group classification and differentiation on the basis of these traits. Moreover, this study also evaluated the use of solvent extraction as a complementary technique to HS-SPME for human scent analysis. Findings from this assessment revealed that the simultaneous consideration of data from both extraction techniques favors an enhancement of the classification of subjects by means of human scent. The discoveries achieved in this study represent a significant step for human scent as a forensic tool. The outcome of this research has cleared a new path for further human scent investigation, and highlighted its further relevance to forensic applications.

La pollution des eaux est particulièrement problématique pour les pays industrialisés et les pays en développement. Des suivis environnementaux se sont alors avérés nécessaires afin de progresser dans la compréhension des origines et des conséquences de la présence de ces polluants. Parmi les polluants organiques les plus dangereux, les Hydrocarbures Aromatiques Polycycliques (HAP) et les pesticides qui peuvent se retrouver à l’état de traces dans les milieux aquatiques. Leur analyse nécessite des méthodes analytiques à la fois spécifiques et sensibles. L’Extraction sur Phase Solide (SPE) suivi d’une analyse par la Chromatographie Gazeuse couplée à la Spectrométrie de Masse (GC-MS) est la méthode la plus couramment employée. Les travaux de thèse s’inscrivent ainsi dans l’optique généralevisant à développer des nouvelles méthodes analytiques pour l’extraction et l’analyse de cesdeux familles de polluants organiques présents dans l’eau. Afin de pallier les contraintes classiques de la SPE, une nouvelle approche a été développée qui consiste à introduire latechnique de centrifugation dans certaines étapes de la procédure SPE. La nouvelle méthodeélaborée a permis de réduire considérablement le temps de préparation et d’économiserl’utilisation et le rejet des solvants organiques, en réduisant presque 10 fois les volumes nécessaires à l’obtention des rendements de récupération satisfaisants. Une méthoded’analyse par injection à température programmable (PTV) a été optimisée afin d’améliorerles seuils de détection des HAP. Cette étude a permis également d’avoir les informations surla qualité des eaux de pluie, eaux souterraines et eaux de surface au Liban quant au niveau deleur contamination pour les HAP et les pesticides. / Water pollution presents a very critical problem facing industrial and developping countries. The environmental monitoring of the contaminants seems necessary to understand their sources and impacts. Among a wide variety of organic pollutants present in water,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides are of particular importance as widespread, persistent, and toxic contaminants. They are usually present at trace levels in theacquatic surfaces; therefore their detection and control require selective and sensitiveanalytical procedures. The Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) followed by the Gas-Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) are the most commonly usedtechniques for their analysis in water. Thesis objectives are focused on the development of new analytical methods for the extraction and analysis of these two families of pollutants present in water. To overcone the contraints of the traditional SPE, a new approach was developed consisting on the introduction of the centrifugation in several steps of the procedure. The new method showed practical environmental and economical advantages interms of sample preparation time, simplicity, reduction in solvent use, and cost and isparticularly suitable for routine applications requiring a high sample throughput. Aprogrammed temeperature vaporizing (PTV) injection method was also optimized and validated in order to improve the detection limits for the GC-MS analysis of PAHs. The evaluation of the quality of different water systems in Lebanon including rainwater,groundwater, drinking water and surface water was accomplished in this study.

Orientadores: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda, Fabio Augusto / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-14T14:05:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lopes_AlineSoriano_D.pdf: 1700718 bytes, checksum: f6955b16e49880b14a0e1ec26e824561 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: Este trabalho de Tese visa acoplar a fibra, empregada em microextração em fase sólida (SPME, do inglês solid phase microextraction), ao espectrômetro de absorção atômica com forno de grafite (GF AAS, do inglês graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer), visando reter espécies organometálicas volatilizadas nas etapas de secagem e pirólise do GF AAS. O elemento escolhido para avaliar o acoplamento SPME-GF AAS foi o Sn. Primeiramente, a concentração total de Sn foi determinada, utilizando a amostragem em suspensão como estratégia, uma vez que na avaliação da distribuição dos compostos organoestânicos por SPME-GF AAS, a concentração total de Sn seria efetuada a partir de uma suspensão. Para a otimização do método foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: solução de preparo da suspensão, e efeito da temperatura de pirólise e atomização. A mistura contendo HF 10 % (v/v) e HNO3 1 % (v/v) foi escolhida para preparar a suspensão, a composição Mg(NO3)2 + NH4H2PO4 apresentou resultados apropriados para ser utilizada como modificador químico convencional, e 1000 e 2200 °C foram as temperaturas ótimas para a pirólise e a atomização, respectivamente. Devido ao efeito de matriz, foi utilizada a técnica de adição de analito para a quantificação de Sn em suspensões de sedimento marinho e de rio, em que os limites de detecção e quantificação calculados foram de 1,5-2,6 e 4,5- 7,6 µg g, respectivamente. Para avaliar o acoplamento SPME-GF AAS, visando à retenção das espécies organoestânicas (butiltricloroestanho, dibutildicloroestanho e tributilcloroestanho) foi utilizada, primeiramente, uma suspensão de sedimento. A suspensão foi sonicada e, em seguida, uma alíquota foi injetada no forno de grafite do GF AAS juntamente com o reagente de derivação (tetraetilborato de sódio - NaBEt4). A programação do forno de grafite foi aplicada e a fibra de SPME foi introduzida no atomizador. Após a retenção das espécies de interesse na fibra, a mesma foi conduzida ao cromatógrafo a gás (CG) para a separação e detecção dos analitos. Os parâmetros instrumentais do CG foram previamente estudados, visando a melhor separação das espécies de interesse. Esses estudos foram realizados utilizando o modo de extração por headspace e SPME (HS-SPME, do inglês headspace-solid phase microextraction). Em relação aos estudos envolvendo suspensões de sedimento no acoplamento proposto SPME-GF AAS, alguns parâmetros foram avaliados frente à retenção das espécies de interesse; entre eles pode-se citar o tipo de fibra, a concentração do reagente de derivação e o pH da reação. Melhores resultados foram observados para a fibra PDMS/DVB, utilizando uma concentração de 0,2 % (m/v) de NaBEt4 para a etilação das espécies de interesse, sendo a reação realizada em pH 5,0. Entretanto, baixa eficiência de retenção (< 20 %) das espécies de interesse em suspensão de sedimento, foi obtida utilizando-se o acoplamento SPME-GF AAS, quando comparada à extração por HS-SPME. Dessa forma, foi realizada uma extração das espécies de interesse das amostras de sedimento, utilizando a energia ultrassônica, anteriormente à sua aplicação no acoplamento proposto SPME-GF AAS. Nesta etapa do trabalho, a temperatura do forno de grafite e o tempo de exposição da fibra de SPME no forno de grafite foram otimizados, visando à máxima eficiência de retenção das espécies de interesse no acoplamento SPME-GF AAS. Os melhores resultados foram observados para temperaturas do forno de grafite de 90 °C, com 986 s de tempo de exposição da fibra no atomizador. Por fim, foram realizados experimentos visando determinar a concentração total de Sn, e reter suas espécies organometálicas simultaneamente, na fibra de SPME, utilizando o acoplamento SPME-GF AAS. / Abstract: The goal of this Thesis was coupling the solid phase microextraction (SPME) to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GF AAS) for extracting the organometallic species volatilized in the drying and pyrolysis steps of the GF AAS. For evaluating the SPME-GF AAS coupling, Sn was then chosen. Firstly, the total Sn concentration using the slurry sampling strategy was determined, once in the evaluation of the organotin compounds by SPME-GF AAS, the total Sn concentration would be obtained from a slurry solution. Some parameters were evaluated, such as the nature of the solution to prepare the slurry, and pyrolysis and atomization temperatures effects. The mixture of 10 % (v/v) HF plus 1 % (v/v) HNO3 was chosen to prepare the sediment slurries, the Mg(NO3)2 plus NH4H2PO4 was appropriated as conventional chemical modifier, and the values of 1000 and 2000 °C was used as pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, respectively. The analyte addition was used in the Sn determination in sediment (marine and river) samples by slurry sampling due to matrix effects. The detection and quantification limits were calculated as 1.5-2.6 and 4.5-7.6 µg g, respectively. For evaluating the SPME-GF AAS coupling in the extraction of organotin species (butyltrichloride, dibutyldichloride, and tributylchloride), a sediment slurry was firstly used. For this task, the slurry was sonicated and an aliquot of this solution plus the derivatization reagent (sodium tetraethylborate ¿ NaBEt4) were introducted consecutively into the graphite furnace of the GF AAS. Then, the graphite furnace program was applied, and the SPME fiber was exposed into the furnace. After the extraction of organotin species by SPME-GF AAS, the analytes were separated and detected by gas chromatography (GC). Before this procedure, instrumental parameters of the GC were studied. For this task, it was used the conventional extraction by HSSPME (headspace-solid phase microextraction). Related to studies of SPME-GF AAS coupling, employing slurry sampling, some parameters, such as fiber coating, derivatization reagent concentration, pH of the reaction, among others, were evaluated. Satisfactory results were obtained using the PDMS/DVB fiber in the presence of 0.2 % (m/v) NaBEt4 and pH 5.0. However, low extraction efficiency (< 20 %) was obtained, using the SPME-GF AAS coupling for organotin species extraction from sediment slurries, when comparing to HS-SPME extractions. Then, the extraction of organotin species from sediment samples, using the ultrasonic energy was carried out, before the sample introduction into the SPME-GF AAS coupling. In this step, the graphite furnace temperature and the fiber exposure time in the atomizer were optimized. The better results were noted when 90 °C as the graphite furnace temperature was used, and 986 s was attributed as the fiber exposure time into the atomizer. Additionally, the determination of total Sn concentration, and the extraction of organotin species in the SPME fiber, using the SPME-GF AAS coupling, was simultaneously carried out. / Doutorado / Quimica Analitica / Doutor em Ciências

Current commercially available mimics contain varying amounts of either the actual explosive/drug or the chemical compound of suspected interest by biological detectors. As a result, there is significant interest in determining the dominant chemical odor signatures of the mimics, often referred to as pseudos, particularly when compared to the genuine contraband material. This dissertation discusses results obtained from the analysis of drug and explosive headspace related to the odor profiles as recognized by trained detection canines. Analysis was performed through the use of headspace solid phase microextraction in conjunction with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Upon determination of specific odors, field trials were held using a combination of the target odors with COMPS. Piperonal was shown to be a dominant odor compound in the headspace of some ecstasy samples and a recognizable odor mimic by trained detection canines. It was also shown that detection canines could be imprinted on piperonal COMPS and correctly identify ecstasy samples at a threshold level of approximately 100ng/s. Isosafrole and/or MDP-2-POH show potential as training aid mimics for non-piperonal based MDMA. Acetic acid was shown to be dominant in the headspace of heroin samples and verified as a dominant odor in commercial vinegar samples; however, no common, secondary compound was detected in the headspace of either. Because of the similarities detected within respective explosive classes, several compounds were chosen for explosive mimics. A single based smokeless powder with a detectable level of 2,4-dinitrotoluene, a double based smokeless powder with a detectable level of nitroglycerine, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, DMNB, ethyl centralite and diphenylamine were shown to be accurate mimics for TNT-based explosives, NG-based explosives, plastic explosives, tagged explosives, and smokeless powders, respectively. The combination of these six odors represents a comprehensive explosive odor kit with positive results for imprint on detection canines. As a proof of concept, the chemical compound PFTBA showed promise as a possible universal, non-target odor compound for comparison and calibration of detection canines and instrumentation. In a comparison study of shape versus vibration odor theory, the detection of d-methyl benzoate and methyl benzoate was explored using canine detectors. While results did not overwhelmingly substantiate either theory, shape odor theory provides a better explanation of the canine and human subject responses.

Orientador: Fabio Augusto / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T10:01:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sampaio_BrunaReginadeToledo_M.pdf: 17858649 bytes, checksum: c23714f1f5bd4e3d6e831f6705306053 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Nesta dissertação é descrita duas novas abordagens para microextração em fase sólida. A primeira delas tem como objetivo aumentar a massa extraída já que a mesma é limitada pelo reduzido volume da fase extratora. Para isso, foi proposto o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo, no qual ocorre a compartimentalização do processo de dessorção dos analitos da matriz e a sorção dos mesmos pela fibra de SPME. Dessa forma é possível operar simultaneamente nas temperaturas ótimas de cada processo. O processo de extração ocorre no modo headspace dinâmico, no qual um gás de purga é percolado pela matriz, tornando-se saturado pelos analitos. Este gás transporta os analitos para o interior do dispositivo onde os mesmos serão extraídos pela fibra de SPME resfriada. Esse resfriamento é necessário pois a sorção do analitos pela fibra é um processo exotérmico. Já a segunda abordagem propõe a confecção de novas fibras sortivas baseadas em polímeros iônicos líquidos com o intuito de expandir a aplicabilidade da SPME pois comercialmente, a quantidade de fibras disponíveis é bastante limitada, principalmente no que se refere à extração de analitos polares. Nesta abordagem foi possível a criação de uma nova rota para confecção de fibras baseadas em polímeros iônicos líquidos empregando-se nitinol como suporte, o que promoveu maior resistência e durabilidade para a fibra. Estas novas fibras apresentaram precisões com valores de desvio padrão relativo em torno de 15% e robustez em condições severas de extração; tais fibras foram aplicadas, para prova de conceito, em um estudo de detecção e quantificação de adulteração em café / Abstract: This thesis describes two new approaches to solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The first aims to increase the extracted mass since, which is limited by the small volume of the extraction phase. In this context, it is proposed the development of a device that compartmentalizes the desorption of the analytes from the matrix to the headspace and their sorption by the SPME fiber. This setup allows the simultaneous operation of each process at their optimum temperatures. The extraction process takes place in the dynamic headspace where a inert purge gas is percolated through sample matrix, becoming saturated with the analytes. This gas, then, transports the analytes to the device where they will be sorbet by cold SPME fiber. This cooling is necessary since the sorption of analytes by the fiber is an exothermic process. The second approach proposes the development of new sorbent coatings based on polymeric ionic liquids. It was possible to create a new route for manufacturing nitinol-based SPME fibers coated with PIL providing greater strength and durability of the fiber. These new fibers showed precision with relative standard deviations below 15% and robustness in harsh conditions of extraction / Mestrado / Quimica Analitica / Mestre em Química

Plants are exposed to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses that hinder their growth and reduce crop productivity. In their adaptive response, plants use signaling molecules that are trafficked throughout the plant. This research focuses on the chemical synthesis and assessment of analogs of the plant signal phytosulfokine (PSK, a sulfated pentapeptide), its delivery to plants and its observation using a fiber-optic fluorescence microscope. PSK regulates growth, cell expansion, heat tolerance, and tissue longevity. Analogs of PSK were synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis. Pure PSK and TAMRA-labeled PSK were delivered into the wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 and a transgenic line expressing PSKR-GFP (PSK receptor – green fluorescent protein). PSKR-GFP could be detected in imaging experiments, but no internalization was observed upon treatment with PSK. Successful implementation of a microscopic approach suited for live plants opens a path to understanding how plants signal and adapt under different stress conditions.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Paper spray - mass spectrometry (PS-MS) has been developed as a rapid and direct ionization method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex samples at trace levels. In this work, different sampling devices for PS-MS were investigated to improve the assay’s simplicity and sensitivity over traditional approaches. In particular, chapter two characterizes an alternate paper substrate to enhance drug detection on surfaces like asphalt, cloth, concrete, aluminum, and glass. Analysis occurs on a single spray ticket coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), also known as Post-it notes to detect and quantify drug residues. A PS-MS method utilizing PSA paper was developed to detect a mixture of ten drugs off of various surfaces to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of the aforementioned substrate. After the method development on a conventional linear ion trap mass spectrometer, the assay was translated for use on a portable mass spectrometer to evaluate the suitability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive paper substrate in the field in chapter three. Chapter four introduces a sampling device combined with a snap-in solid-phase extraction (SPE) column. The new cartridge design not only inherits the functions from the first iteration SPE cartridge, including extraction and preconcentration from complex samples, but also exhibits greater flexibility in volume control and ease of use for on-site sample collection.

Currently there is a spate of interest in the presence of pharmacologically active substances in the environment. These substances are excreted in active or metabolized form and with wastewater pass the wastewater treatment plant. Current treatment technologies do not always eliminate all pharmaceuticals effectively and therefore they enter the environment. One of these active groups is the group of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones belong to the group of endocrine disruptors and they are considered to be dangerous for the ecosystems. Due to the hydrophobic character of steroid hormones they undergo partial or total sorption from wastewater to sludge. Sewage sludge is the by product of wastewater treatment and contains heavy metals, organic contaminants and pathogenic bacteria. A part of produced sewage sludge is used as a fertilizer in the Czech Republic. This issue follows the regulation 347/2016 – conditions of agricultural use of sewage sludge. Waste policy of EU will alter the conditions of sludge disposal, so it is necessary to obtain data about the concentration levels, fate and behaviour of those pollutants. This thesis was focused on five natural female hormones and four synthetic, which are used as a part of contraceptive pills and substitutional hormonal therapy. Determination of hormones was performed in four steps including ultrasonic assisted extraction, clean up by solid phase extraction, derivatization and final analysis by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry on triple quadrupole in MS/MS mode.

This thesis is deals with the suitability of Ag-Sn-Sb alloy for extrusion and selection of suitable materiál for the extruder nozzle. The theoretical part of this thesis deals with the general possibilities of 3D metal printing, especially the metal printing in the semi-solid phase and with it‘s problems. The experimental part describes the development of semi-solid alloys testing device and the research od the alloy and its interactions with solid materials in mutual motion. Analyzis of mechanical and chemical influence between alloy and solid material were performed by visual investigation and analysis of elements by EDS detector. The results of these analyzes led to the choise of nozzle material suitable for extrusion of Ag-Sn-Sb alloy.

This work deals with the determination of L-carnitine in food supplements. L-carnitine is a substance naturally occurring in organism, essential for metabolism of fatty acids. In food supplements is used especially for reducing body weight as a "fat burner". L-carnitine is popular with athletes for improve athletic performance. While data are not available to support these positive effects of carnitine, the positive results of carnitine supplementation in the medicine were found, mainly on cardiovascular system. The literary part of this study describes the properties and the use of carnitine in the diet of human. Furthermore, a review of methods used for determination of L-carnitine in variety of samples is mentioned. In the experimental section the efficiency of SPE method for preparation matrix of real samples was investigated. A cation exchange solid phase extraction seems to be the most effective. The optimal conditions for isolation of L-carnitine by SPE extraction were not developed. L-carnitine was determined in six various food supplements by reverse phase chromatography with UV/VIS detection.