Radiochemical Studies on the Separation of Cesium, Cobalt, and Europium from Aqueous Solutions Using Zirconium Selenomolybdate Sorbent

A procedure for removal and separation of Cs, Eu and activation product of Co using zirconium selenomolybdate was developed. Interactions of 134Cs(I), 152,154Eu(III), and 60Co(II) ions from HNO3 acid solutions with zirconium selenomolybdate matrix, dried at 50°C, have been individually investigated by the batch equilibration method. The sorption behavior of the three ions showed a selectivity sequence in the following order: Cs(I) > Eu(III) > Co(II). The breakthrough capacities of zirconium selenomolybdate for Cs(I), Eu(III) and Co(II) were found to be 0.82, 0.45, and 0.18 mmol/g of the sorbent, respectively. A mixture of the three radionuclides (1×10−2 M each) in 140 mL of 1×10−2 M HNO3 solution was passed through 1 g zirconium selenomolybdate chromatographic column. Thereafter, quantitative elution of the retained Co(II) was achieved with 14 mL of 1×10−1 M HNO3 acid solution leaving Eu(III) and Cs(I) strongly retained onto the column. Quantitative elution of Eu(III) was achieved by passing 22 mL 2.5×10−1 M HNO3. About 89% of the retained Cs(I) was eluted with 32 mL of 2 M NH4Cl solution at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

Institutional reform and entry mode by foreign firms: The case of Jordan

This paper investigates the links between institutional systems and the entry mode of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in developing and transition countries (DTCs). An assessment is made of the reasons for the continuing use of international joint ventures (IJVs) in countries that have undergone reforms intended to lead to the development of wholly owned subsidiaries. The paper argues that formal and informal institutional constraints in DTCs lead to high transaction and uncertainty costs for MNCs, and that the use of IJVs is a rational response to attempt to lower these high costs. The paper follows the literature suggesting that IJVs are normally a `second best¿ entry mode in terms of the potential for foreign direct investment (FDI) to contribute to the development of DTCs. The reform process in Jordan is used to illustrate how institutional systems, especially informal institutional constraints, lead to high transaction and uncertainty costs. In the case of Jordan, this occurred despite a series of four reform packages seeking to reduce the institutional barriers to effective business activities. Interviews of 28 foreign companies provide the basis for an empirical assessment of the importance of both formal and informal institutional constraints and infrastructure problems. The paper includes an outline of a future research agenda that seeks to generalise and develop the results from Jordan to other DTCs

Cloud Computing Solution for Monitoring Arid Rangeland Dynamics: Case of Moroccan Highlands and Southern Acacia Ecosystems

The wide availability of free satellite imagery, the recent development of cloud platforms dedicated to big spatial data (Big Data) that integrates both image archives from different providers, processing algorithms, distributed processing capabilities as well as an application programming interface (API) that facilitate scripting and automation process opened new perspectives for the use of vegetation observation time series over long timestamps and over large spatial scales (almost planetary). This work aims at harnessing these technologies and building up an automated solution to monitor rangeland rehabilitation dynamics in arid lands and to assess the effectiveness of stakeholder’s management strategies. Such solution is based on graphical user interface that facilitate the process and on the use of analysis functions relaying on analysing temporal trajectories (time series) of different spectral indices derived from satellite images (Landsat or Sentinel) at the required spatial analysis scale. The solution is implemented using java script as scripting language using the functions offered by GEE API. The graphical user interface of the first prototype is exploitable by the means of a standard web browser and it is accessible even to people without any background in regard to programming languages or to remote sensing skills. The process was tested for two arid sites on Morocco: acacia ecosystems on the southern part of Morocco and the highlands on Moroccan eastern parts mainly on sites recently rehabilitated. It has been qualified is promising solution

Synthesis and characterization of some new ruthenium (II) complexes as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells

New ruthenium (II) complexes, [Ru(DHZ)2(bpy)], [Ru(SCN)2(bpy)(DMSO)2], [Ru(SCN)2(dmbpy)(DMSO)2] and [RuCl2(salen)]-2, where bpy = 2,2'- bipyridine, DHZ = 1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2' bipyridine and salen = 2,2'- ethylenebis(nitrilomethylidene)diphenol were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and thermal analysis. From data of these investigations the structural formula and the mode of bonding were obtained. These complexes were successfully applied to sensitization of nano-crystalline TiO2 based solar cells (DSSCs). The photovoltaic efficiencies of the studied DSSCs increase in the following order [Ru(DHZ)2(bpy)]< [Ru(SCN)2(bpy)(DMSO)2]< [Ru(SCN)2(dmbpy)(DMSO)2]< [RuCl2(salen)]-2. This increase is in agreement with the light harvesting of these complexes as indicated from their absorption spectra. Ferrioxalate complex enhanced the performance of some investigated cells. Therefore, a mechanism of this improvement has been postulated. Polyaniline as well as iodine doped polyaniline modified FTO electrode has been tested as promising counter electrodes. The efficiencies of the cells using iodine doped polyaniline is higher than that of polyaniline, which is assignable to the high conductivity of iodine

Preparation and In Vitro/In Vivo Characterization of Porous Sublingual Tablets Containing Ternary Kneaded Solid System of Vinpocetine with β-Cyclodextrin and Hydroxy Acid

The demand for sublingual tablets has been growing during the previous decades especially for drugs with extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism. Vinpocetine, a widely used neurotropic agent, has low oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility and marked first-pass metabolism. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to develop tablets for the sublingual delivery of vinpocetine. Initially, the feasibility of improving vinpocetine’s poor aqueous solubility by preparing kneaded solid systems of the drug with β-Cyclodextrin and hydroxy acids (citric acid and tartaric acid) was assessed. The solid system with improved solubility and dissolution properties was incorporated into porous tablets that rapidly disintegrate permitting fast release of vinpocetine into the sublingual cavity. The pores were induced into these tablets by directly compressing the tablets’ excipients with a sublimable material, either camphor or menthol, which was eventually sublimated leaving pores. The obtained results demonstrated that the tablets prepared using camphor attained sufficient mechanical strength for practical use together with rapid disintegration and dissolution. In vivo absorption study performed in rabbits indicated that the sublingual administration of the proposed porous tablets containing vinpocetine solid system with β-Cyclodextrin and tartaric acid could be useful for therapeutic application

Cambios en el flavor debidos al efecto de diferentes materiales de envases en almacenamiento de aceite de semilla de algodón, aceite hidrogenado y margarina.

Bleached cottonseed oil, partially hydrogenated palm oil and margarine were packed in metal cans and white plastic bottles and stored for seven months at room temperature on side bench. Assessment of the stability of the oils towards flavour deterioration was reported. The deterioration of flavour developed from bleached cottonseed oil, partially hydrogenated palm oil and margarine was observed due to increase amount of aldehydes and ketones which play an important role in deterioration of the oils. From the results we found metal can offered suitable and better protection against deterioration than plastic package for cottonseed oil, partially hydrogenated palm oil. While plastic container was better for storing margarine and this is due to the presence of water and salt in margarine where they compose about 16% and 2% respectively.Aceite de semilla de algodón decolorado, aceite de palma parcialmente hidrogenado y margarina fueron envasados en latas metálicas y botellas de plástico blancas y almacenados durante siete meses a temperatura ambiente en estantes. Se relacionó la evaluación de la estabilidad de los aceites con la deterioración del flavor. La deterioración del flavor producida en aceite de semilla de algodón decolorado, aceite de palma parcialmente hidrogenado y margarina fue observada debido al aumento en la cantidad de aldehídos y cotonas que juegan un importante papel en la deterioración de los aceites. A partir de los resultados obtenidos se encontró que las latas metálicas ofrecieron una adecuada y mejor protección frente a la deterioración que los envases de plásticos para aceite de semilla de algodón y aceite de palma parcialmente hidrogenado. Por otra parte, los recipientes de plástico fueron mejores para el almacenamiento de margarina y esto es debido a la presencia de agua y sales en ella en una proporción del 16% y 2% respectivamente

A Holistic Approach to Safety Assessment in the Life Cycle of Biodiesel Industry

A number of goals have been set in several countries to rapidly increase biofuels production and focus more on sustainable energy resources because of limited fossil fuel reserves versus renewable biofuels, global warming and climate change. Biodiesel considers very attractive environmentally friendly fuel because it is compatible with the existing diesel engines with little or no modification needed. The majority of the studies performed to improve the biofuel industry was done from economic, environmental or social point of view but failed to include the safety aspects in the whole analysis. In this thesis, a holistic approach is presented to conduct a life-cycle assessment of the risks associated with the supply, transportation, processing, storage, and production of biomass to biodiesel by assessing technologies and supply chains. Total risk calculations were done quantitatively and semi-quantitatively utilizing the historical record of the reported accidents/incidents from 2006 to 2013 in the United States. Based on the work done in this thesis, several key results were obtained. It was found that fire in biodiesel plants accounts for the most likely scenario for an accident (around 85% of total accidents). It was also found that the process area contributed the highest percentage of accidents (43%) followed by storage (33%). In the transportation phase, the overwhelming majority of events (98%) occurred as a result of spillage. In general, the thesis results demonstrate that assessing the risk utilizing the real accident scenarios to know the safety trend involved can be utilized afterwards to anticipate the upcoming loss from the capacity increase. The results also provide further evidence on the effectiveness of the use of overall risk calculations to get better understanding of the incident situations, facilitate more organized and successful emergency response, highlight the areas that need more attention and improvement, and more importantly act towards a life-cycle approach that is aimed at keeping overall risk within acceptable limits. The thesis analyzes reported data and discusses root causes and potential mitigation strategies

Study of the effect of HFE gene mutations on iron overload in Egyptian thalassemia patients

Background: HFE gene mutations have been shown to be responsible for hereditaryhemochromatosis. Their effect on iron load in β-thalassemia patients and carriers remains controversial.Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of HFE gene mutations (C282Y and H63D) in β-thalassemia patients and carriers and to investigate its effect on their serum ferritin levels.Patients and methods: A total of 100 β-thalassemia subjects; 75 patients and 25 carriers were screened for HFE gene mutations by PCR-RFLP. Serum ferritin measured by ELISA was evaluated in relation to HFE mutations.Results: Twenty-eight β-thalassemia patients (37.3%) were heterozygotes for H63D mutation (H/D), 8 (10.7%) were D/D and 39 (52%) were negative (H/H). Among carriers, 4 (16%) were D/D and 21 (84%) were H/H homozygotes. C282Y mutant allele was not detected in any of the subjects. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in β-thalassemia patients heterozygotes or homozygotes for H63D mutation compared to those without mutation (p= 0.000). Carriers homozygotes for H63D mutation showed significantly higher serum ferritin levels compared to those without mutation (p< 0.001).Conclusion: Homozygosity for H63D mutation tends to be associated with higher ferritin levels in beta-thalassemia patients and carriers suggesting its modulating effect on iron load in these cases

Chromohysteroscopy after failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Background: ICSI is the injection of a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of the oocyte (ICSI). The failure to achieve pregnancy after ICSI has been studied over many years to reach the possible and preventable causes to avoid another failure. The aim of this study was to assess the value of using Chromohysteroscopy as a part of the work up of cases with one or more failed ICSI. The Ultimate goal is to detect the possible endometrial abnormalities and /or endometritis.Methods: Prospective cohort study was carried out with total of 50 infertile women recruited from infertility clinic in Elshatby Maternity University Hospital, Alexandria University, Egypt. Cases were allocated in 2 groups with 25 cases in each group. The first group included cases that had a failed trial of ICSI. The second group included control cases who were seeking for fertility treatment with no previous history of ICSI or any uterine surgery or anatomical abnormalities. In the postmenstrual period, Chromohysteroscopy was done by the same surgeon and documentation of all findings in the cavity and presence of endometritis.Results: There was a significant increase in the incidence of endometritis among the study group 68% in comparison to 16% in the control group.Conclusions: In this study endometrial dying with methylene blue at hysteroscopy improve the detection of chronic endometritis