This study is concerned with the compositional analysis of Roman and early post-Roman glass from both domestic assemblages and the remains derived from glass working and producing sites in Britain, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICPS). Samples analysed were from glassworking waste from Mancetter (midsecond century), Leicester (third century) and Worcester (first to third centuries), glass production debris, probably manufactured from the raw materials, in conjuncton with a domestic assemblage, from Coppergate (first to fourth centuries, or possibly later), and a domestic assemblage from Fishergate (spanning both the Roman and immediate post- Roman periods). All the glass analysed was shown to be of a typical and uniform soda-limesilica composition, except for a small number of vessel fragments from York which were higher in calcium. Any compositional differences between blue-green glasses typologically dated either to the Roman or Saxon periods, were found not to be consistent. Analysis of the colourless glass showed that the majority appeared to be actively decolorized using antimony, in conjunction with apparent differences In the compositions of the raw materials, when compared to glass of the same date in other 0 colours. Compositional differences between melted waste from Mancetter, Leicester and Worcester, were apparent, but not to an extent which allowed characterization to be successful. Analysis of glassmelting pots from Coppergate showed some high temperature glassworking (and possibly glassmaking) could have occurred. Other debris, thought to be indicative of glassmaking was also analysed and compared to the composition of the Roman domestic assemblage.

This study assessed the effect of cow milk (CM) and sheep milk (SM) consumption on the micro-structure, mechanical function, and mineral composition of rat femora in a male weanling rat model. Male weanling rats were fed a basal diet with a 50% reduction in calcium and phosphorus content (low Ca/P-diet) supplemented with either SM or CM. Rats were fed for 28 days, after which the femora were harvested and stored. The femora were analyzed by μ-CT, three-point bending, and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The addition of either milk to the low Ca/P-diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) trabecular bone volume, trabecular bone surface density, trabecular number, cortical bone volume, and maximum force, when compared to rats that consumed only the low Ca/P-diet. The consumption of either milk resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in trabecular pattern factor, and cortical bone surface to volume ratio when compared to rats that consumed only the low Ca/P-diet. The results were achieved with a lower consumption of SM compared to that of CM (p < 0.05). This work indicates that SM and CM can help overcome the effects on bone of a restriction in calcium and phosphorus intake.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Increased salinity in freshwater systems – also called the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS) – can have far-ranging implications for the natural and built environment, agriculture, and public health at large. Such risks are clearly on display in the Occoquan Reservoir – a drinking water source for roughly one million people in the northern Virginia/ National Capital Region. Sodium concentrations in the Occoquan Reservoir are approaching levels that can affect taste and health. The Reservoir is also noteworthy as a flagship example of indirect potable reuse, which further adds complexity to understanding the sources of rising levels of sodium and other types of salinity. To help understand the role residential discharges might play in salinization of the Occoquan Reservoir, a suite of laundry detergent products was identified based upon survey data collected in the northern Virginia region. The ionic compositions of these products were then characterized using ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to quantify select ionic and elemental analytes. Sodium, chloride, and sulfate were consistently found in appreciable amounts. To comparatively characterize the laundry detergents, principal component analysis was employed to identify clusters of similar products. The physical formulation of the products was identified as a marker for their content, with dry formulations (free-flowing and encapsulated powders) being more enriched in sodium and sulfate. This result was corroborated by comparing nonparametric bootstrap intervals for individual analytes. The study's findings suggest an opportunity wherein consumer choice can play a role in mediating residential salt inputs in receiving bodies such as the Occoquan Reservoir. / Master of Science / Many streams, rivers, and other freshwater systems have become increasingly salty in recent decades. A rise in salinity can be problematic, stressing aquatic life, corroding pipes, and even enhancing the release of more pollutants into the water. This phenomenon, called Freshwater Salinization Syndrome, can threaten such systems' ability to serve as sources of drinking water, as is the case for the Occoquan Reservoir in northern Virginia. Serving roughly one million people, the Reservoir is notable for being one of the first in the country to purposely incorporate highly treated wastewater upstream of a drinking water supply. Despite the Reservoir's prominence, the reasons behind its rising salt levels are not well understood. This study sought to understand the role that individual residences could play when household products travel down the drain and are ultimately discharged into the watershed. Laundry detergents are potentially high-salt products. A survey of northern Virginian's laundry habits was conducted to understand local tastes and preferences. Informed by the survey, a suite of laundry detergents was chemically characterized to measure salt and element concentrations. The detergents were found to have notable amounts of sodium, chloride, and sulfate in particular, with sodium being the most abundant analyte in every detergent. However, not all detergents were equally salty; statistical tools revealed that dry formulations (such as powdered and powder-filled pak detergents) contributed more sodium and sulfate, among other things. This study's findings suggest that laundry detergents could be contributing to Freshwater Salinization Syndrome in the Occoquan Reservoir, and that local consumers' choice of detergents could make a difference.

The aim of this study is to determine the content of toxic and essentials elements in samples of nuts and seeds produced by ecologic agriculture and to compare results with nuts and seeds from conventional agriculture production. These nuts and seeds can be bought in the Czech market (except bio pine nuts, bio pecan nuts and bio pistachios). The amount of elements was analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after previous digestion of samples using microwaves. This study summarizes the main physiological functions of toxic and essentials elements. Results were also compared with another studies. It does not results from all measured amounts of all essential elements, that bio nuts and seeds have higher amounts of these elements; however, all amounts of toxic elements in bio nuts and seeds are lower than in the no-bio ones. For more precise results it would be necessary to measure more samples.

The performance of commercial Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags is primarily limited by present techniques used for tag antenna design. Currently, industry techniques rely on identifying the RFID tag application (books, clothing, etc.) and then building antenna prototypes of different configurations in order to satisfy minimum read range requirements. However, these techniques inherently lack an electromagnetic basis and are unable to provide a low cost solution to the tag antenna design process. RFID tag performance characteristics (read-range, chip-antenna impedance matching, surrounding environment) can be very complex, and a thorough understanding of the RFID tag antenna design may be gained through an electromagnetic approach in order to reduce the tag antenna size and the overall cost of the RFID system. The research presented in this thesis addresses RFID tag antenna design process for passive RFID tags. With the growing number of applications (inventory, supply-chain, pharmaceuticals, etc), the proposed RFID antenna design process demonstrates procedures to design tag antennas for such applications. Electrical/geometrical properties of the antennas designed were investigated with the help of computer electromagnetic simulations in order to achieve optimal tag performance criteria such as read range, chip-impedance matching, antenna efficiency, etc. Experimental results were performed on the proposed antenna designs to compliment computer simulations and analytical modelling.

L’utilisation accrue des nanomatériaux manufacturés (NM) fait en sorte que les différents acteurs de réglementation se questionnent de plus en plus par rapport à leur destin et leurs impacts sur les écosystèmes et la santé humaine suite à leur rejet dans l’environnement. Le développement de techniques analytiques permettant de détecter et de caractériser les NM en matrice environnementale est impératif étant donné la nécessité d’évaluer le risque relié à ces polluants émergents. Une des approches de plus en plus favorisée est d’utiliser une technique chromatographique et un ou plusieurs détecteurs sensibles dans les buts de réduire les effets de matrice, d’identifier des nanoparticules (NP) selon leurs temps de rétention et de les quantifier à des concentrations représentatives de la réalité environnementale. Une technique analytique utilisant la chromatographie hydrodynamique (HDC) et des détecteurs en ligne ou hors ligne (détecteurs de diffusion statique ou dynamique de la lumière, spectromètre de masse par torche à plasma en mode particule unique (SP-ICPMS), l’ultracentrifugation analytique) a donc été développée. Le couplage de la colonne HDC avec ces détecteurs a permis de caractériser des NP standards et l’optimisation des conditions de séparation de ces nanoparticules de polystyrène, d’or et d’argent a permis de confirmer que les NP y sont bel et bien séparées seulement selon leur taille, tel que la théorie le prédit. De plus, l’utilisation de la colonne HDC couplée au SP-ICPMS a permis de séparer un mélange de nanoparticules d’argent (nAg) et de les détecter à des concentrations représentatives de celles rencontrées dans l’environnement, soit de l’ordre du μg L-1 au ng L-1. Par exemple, dans un échantillon d’eau usée (effluent), un mélange de nAg de 80 et de 40 nm a été séparé et les nAg ont été détectées à l’aide du SP-ICPMS connecté à la colonne HDC (temps de rétention de 25.2 et 25.6 minutes et diamètres déterminés de 71.4 nm et 52.0 nm). Finalement, pour plusieurs échantillons environnementaux auxquels aucun ajout de nanoparticules n’a été fait, les analyses HDC-SP-ICPMS effectuées ont permis de déterminer qu’ils ne contenaient initialement pas de nAg. / Due to the widespread use of engineered nanoparticles (ENP), regulatory agencies are very concerned about their fate and their impacts on the environment and on human health. The development of analytical techniques, which will allow the detection, characterization and quantification of ENP in environmental matrices, is therefore critical in order to properly evaluate the exposure associated with these emerging pollutants. One promising approach to detect and quantify the nanoparticles is to couple a chromatographic technique to a sensitive detector in order to: (i) reduce matrix effects; (ii) identify nanoparticles from their retention times and (iii) quantify the ENP at environmentally relevant concentrations. Consequently, the coupling of hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) was performed with both on-line and off-line detectors (light scattering detectors, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer in its single particle mode (SP-ICPMS) and an analytical ultracentrifuge). HDC was first used for the characterization of ENP standards. Separation conditions were optimized for standard nanoparticle suspensions of polystyrene, gold and silver, which allowed us to confirm that the separation was occurring, based on hydrodynamic size, as predicted by theory. By coupling the HDC column to the ICPMS detector in its ‘‘single particle’’ mode, it was possible to separate an ENP mixture and to detect the nanoparticles at environmental concentrations, i.e., in the μg L-1 to ng L-1 range. For example, in a wastewater sample (effluent wastewater), a mixture of two silver nanoparticles (nAg) of 40 and 80 nm were separated and the nAg were detected by SP-ICPMS at retention times of 25.2 and 25.6 minutes. Diameters of 71.4 nm and 52.0 nm were found. HDC-SP-ICPMS analysis carried out on different non-spiked wastewater samples allowed us to conclude that nAg was below the detection limit of 0.1 µg L-1.

[pt] Neste trabalho, métodos baseados em diferentes abordagens em eletroforese capilar (CE) foram propostos. No caso da determinação de compostos organoestanhos ou OTs (difenilestanho e monofenilestanho) em fluidos biológicos, foi usada abordagem de eletroforese capilar por zona (CZE) hifenada com a espectrometria de massas (do tipo quadrupolo) com fonte de plasma indutivamente acoplado (CE-ICP-MS). As condições de análise foram estudadas no modo univariado visando otimizar a composição da solução eletrolítica (tampão acetato 5,0 mmol L(-1), pH 2,8) e obter os parâmetros instrumentais (45 graus Celsius, mais 30 kV e 30 s de tempo de introdução hidrodinâmica de amostra). A solução de complementação foi uma solução aquosa 5,0 mmol L(-1) de NH4NO3 contendo 10 por cento metanol em volume e 1,0 Mg L(-1) de Cspositivo, com pH ajustado para 2,8 com tampão acetato. A vazão dessa solução foi mantida em 40 ML min(-1). Os OTs foram diluídos em solução de metanol:tampão acetato de sódio 50:50 por cento v/v ou apenas em tampão acetato de sódio pH 2,8. As condições de detecção do ICP-MS foram ajustadas em 1200 W, 15 L min(-1) de vazão de argônio para formação do plasma, 1 L min(-1) de vazão de argônio auxiliar. A vazão de argônio do nebulizador foi ajustada diariamente. Os isótopos de estanho 120Sn e 118Sn foram monitorados, assim como o 133Cspositivo para controlar a eficiência e estabilidade do processo de nebulização. A resposta linear do método ficou entre 0,050 a 2,0 mg L(-1) de Sn (0,42 a 17 Mmol L-(1)). Os limites de detecção (LOD) e de quantificação (LOQ) em termos de Sn foram de 15 Mg L(-1) (0,13 Mmol L(-1)) e 50 Mg L-1 (0,42 Mmol L(-1)), calculados utilizando a menor concentração dos picos dos analitos que podem ser diferenciados do sinal de fundo. A repetibilidade para o tempo de migração e área dos picos ficou próximo a 5 por cento. O método foi aplicado na análise de urina, sangue total e plasma fortificados com os OTs. Recuperações entre 75 e 95 por cento foram obtidas. No caso da determinação de sete pesticidas da classe das estrobilurinas (azoxistrobina, 9 dimoxistrobina, fluoxastrobina, picoxistrobina, piraclostrobina, trifloxistrobina e kresoxim-metil) em sopas infantis, foi usada a cromatografia eletrocinética capilar micelar (MEKC) com detecção fotométrica (no UV) com capilar de caminho óptico estendido. Um estudo multivariado, usando um planejamento 33 Box Behnken, indicou que a melhor separação para os pesticidas foi com solução aquosa de eletrólito composto por tampão tetraborato de sódio (5,1 mmol L(-1), pH 9,0) contendo 51 mmol L(-1) de dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) e 24 por cento acetonitrila (ACN) em volume. As condições instrumentais foram 25 C e mais 30 kV de diferença de potencial aplicada, 45 s de tempo de introdução hidrodinâmica de amostra e detecção em 210 nm. Para aumentar o poder de detecção, foi usada a concentração dos analitos no capilar. Para tal, as soluções de padrões e amostras foram dissolvidas em solução tampão tetraborato de sódio 45 mmol L(-1): acetonitrila 80:20 por cento v/v. As curvas analíticas apresentaram comportamento linear e os valores de LOD ficaram entre 7,0 Mg L(-1) ou 18 nmol L(-1) (piraclostrobina) a 15 Mg L-1 ou 33 nmol L(-1) (fluoxastrobina). Os valores de LOQ ficaram entre 21 Mg L(-1) ou 54 nmol L(-1) (piraclostrobina) a 45 Mg L(-1) ou 98 nmol L(-1) (fluoxastrobina). A repetibilidade ficou entre 1,7 a 7,9 por cento para a área de pico e entre 0,25 a 0,71 por cento para o tempo de migração. A precisão intermediária, avaliada com análises realizadas em diferentes dias, apresentou valores entre 1,3 a 5,3 por cento para a área de pico e entre 0,06 a 0,90 por cento para o tempo de migração. O método foi aplicado na análise de sopas prontas infantis fortificadas com as estrobilurinas. Os pesticidas foram extraídos aplicando o método QuEChERS com ajuste de pH com tampão acetato e limpeza com extração em fase sólida dispersiva. Os resultados das análises obtidos com um método cromatográfico adaptado da literatura foram estatisticamente iguais aos alcançados com o método proposto. A CZE foi o modo de separação escolhido para mostrar o potencial da determinação indireta de aminoglicosídeos com medição de fluorescência de pontos quânticos (excitação com laser de diodo em 410 nm) amplificada na presença dos analitos. A fotoluminescência dos pontos quânticos (nanopartículas de CdTe modificados com ácido tioglicólico monodispersas em solução) foi mais intensa em solução tampão (pH 8,0) contendo entre 5 e 10 mmol L(-1) de tetraborato de sódio. A interação no capilar entre aminoglicosídeos (neomicina e canamicina) e os pontos quânticos provocou aumento de fotoluminescência dependente do pH do meio (indício de interação de natureza 10 eletrostática). Alguns parâmetros de mérito foram avaliados com uma faixa linear curta (0,1 a 1,0 mol L(-1) para canamicina e 0,03 a 0,5 mol L(-1) para neomicina). Os valores mínimos detectados de 0,1 Mmol L(-1) ou 58 Mg L(-1) (canamicina) e 0,03 Mmol L(-1) ou 27 Mg L(-1) (neomicina) mostram que essa é uma abordagem interessante para a determinação sensível de aminoglicosídeos. / [en] In this work, analytical methods based on different approaches using capillary electrophoresis (CE) have been proposed. For the determination of organotins or OTs (diphenyltin and monophenyltin) in biological fluids, the separation using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was applied using tandem with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS). The conditions for the analysis were optimized in an unvaried way aiming to find the conditions for the electrolyte solution (acetate buffer, 5.0 mmol L (-1), pH 2.8) and the employed instrumental parameters (45C, 30 kV and 30 s of the time for hydrodynamic introduction of the sample). A complementary solution was composed by NH4NO3 5.0 mmol L(-1), 10 por cento v/v of methanol and 1.0 g L(-1) of Cspositive in acetate buffer with pH adjusted to 2.8. The flow of this solution was set to 40 ML min(-1). The OTs were diluted either in a methanol: acetate buffer 50:50 por cento v/v solution or only in sodium acetate buffer pH 2.8. The conditions for detection by ICP-MS were set to 1200 W, 15 L min(-1) for the Ar plasma flow and 1,0 L min(-1) for the auxiliary Ar. The nebulizer Ar flow was adjusted daily. The monitored tin isotopes were 120Sn 118Sn. The isotope 133Cs was also monitored in order to control the efficiency and stability of the nebulization. The method presented a linear response between 0.05 and 2.0 mg L(-1) (0.42 a 17 Mmol L(-1)) for Sn. The value for the limits of detection (LOD) and for the limits of quantification (LOQ) for Sn were 15 Mg L(-1) (0.13 Mmol L-1) e 50 Mg L(-1) (0.42 Mmol L(-1)), calculated based on the lowest concentration of the analyte peaks that can be differentiated from the background signal. The repeatability for migration time and peak area was approximately 5 per cent. The method was applied in the analysis of organotin fortified blood and urine samples with recoveries between 75 and 95 per cent. In the case of the determination of seven strobilurin class pesticides (azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin and kresoxim-methyl) in baby food (vegetable and fruit soups), 12 the micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) was used using photometric detection (UV) in a capillary with extended optical path. A multivariate study, with 33 Box Behnken design, indicated the best composition for the electrolytic solution to separate the seven pesticides: a sodium tetraborate buffer (5.1 mmol L(-1), pH 9.0) solution containing 51 mmol L(-1) sodium dodecyl sulfate and acetonitrile (24 por cento in volume). The instrumental conditions were 25C, 30 kV of applied voltage, 45 s for hydrodynamic introduction of the sample and detection at 210 nm. To increase the detection power, the concentration of the analytes into the capillary was used by using the Normal Stacking Mode. For this purpose, the solutions of standards and samples were prepared in 45 mmol L(-1) sodium tetraborate buffer solution: acetonitrile 80:20 por cento v/v. The analytical curves presented a linear behavior and the LOD values were between 7.0 Mg L (-1) or 18 nmol L(-1) (pyraclostrobin) to 15 Mg L(-1) or 33 nmol L(-1) (fluoxastrobin). The LOQ values were between 21 Mg L(-1) or 54 nmol L(-1) (pyraclostrobin) a 45 Mg L(-1) ou 98 nmol L(-1) (fluoxastrobin). The repeatability was between 1.7 to 7.9 por cento for the peak area and between 0.25 to 0.71 por cento for the migration time. The intermediate precision, evaluated by the analysis performed in different days were between 1.3 to 5.3 por cento for the peak area and between 0.06 and 0.90 per cent for the migration time. The method was applied in the analysis of baby food spiked with strobilurin. Pesticides were extracted using the QuEChERS method with pH adjustment with acetate buffer and clean-up using the dispersive solid phase extraction. The analysis results were statistically identical to those obtained with a chromatographic method adapted from the literature. The CZE separation mode was chosen to evaluate the potential of the indirect determination of aminoglycosides through the amplified photoluminescence from quantum dots (excitation laser diode 410 nm) in the presence of the analytes. The photoluminescence from quantum dots (monodispersed CdTe nanoparticles modified with thioglycolic acid) was more intense in buffer solution (pH 8.0) containing between 5 and 10 mmol L(-1) sodium tetraborate. The interaction between aminoglycosides (kanamycin and neomycin) and quantum dots inside the capillary caused the increasing of fluorescence in a pH-dependent way (indicating the electrostatic nature for the interaction). A few figures of merit were evaluated with a short linear range (0.1) to 1.0 Mmol L(-1) for kanamycin and 0.03 to 0.5 Mmol L(-1) for neomycin). The 13 minimum values detected were 0.1 nmol L(-1) or 58 Mg L(-1) (kanamycin) and 0.03 nmol L(-1) or 27 Mg L(-1) (neomycin) showing that the proposed approach can be used to detect aminoglycosides in a relatively sensitive way.