Starch analysis using hydrodynamic chromatography with a mixed-bed particle column

Columns packed with commercial glass beads 5 and 19 lm average size and a mixture of both (0.7 volume fraction of large particles) were used to analyse starch composition by hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC), applying water as mobile phase. To obviate retrogradation, experiments were carried out at column temperatures of 15 and 3 °C and several types of starch were assayed. In what concerns amylopectin and amylose separation, a better resolution and a lower pressure drop were obtained for the mixed binary packing when compared with the packing containing uniform 5 lm glass beads. A more efficient cooling of the mobile phase was also obtained with the mixed packing, which was determinant for improving resolution. For the Hylon VII starch the relative retention times (RRT) were 0.777 and 0.964 for amylopectin and amylose, respectively, while for the Tapioca starch the obtained RRTs were 0.799 and 0.923. Application of unbound glass beads as column packing not only might reduce equipment and running costs in preparative scale separations, but also proved to be useful as a fast and reliable method to monitor the amylose and amylopectin content of starch samples of different sources.FEDERThe authors wish to thank FCT for the grant provided to Dr. Alexander Yelshin (Yelshyn). This work was developed under the framework of the project POCI-EQU-58337/2004, partially funded by FEDER

Preparation and Application of Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization (CDI): a State-of-Art Review

As a promising desalination technology, capacitive deionization (CDI) have shown practicality and cost-effectiveness in brackish water treatment. Developing more efficient electrode materials is the key to improving salt removal performance. This work reviewed current progress on electrode fabrication in application of CDI. Fundamental principal (e.g. EDL theory and adsorption isotherms) and process factors (e.g. pore distribution, potential, salt type and concentration) of CDI performance were presented first. It was then followed by in-depth discussion and comparison on properties and fabrication technique of different electrodes, including carbon aerogel, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene and ordered mesoporous carbon. Finally, polyaniline as conductive polymer and its potential application as CDI electrode-enhancing materials were also discussed

EFFECT OF FABRICATION CONDITIONS ON PROPERTIES OF BI-2212 THIN FILMS

Abstract High-quality epitaxial c-axis oriented Bi-2212 thin films were deposited on single crystalline (100) MgO substrate using Pulsed Laser Deposition. The results show that these films are good quality with c-axis orientation and epitaxial growth, good electrical and magnetic properties. The critical current density J c was found to be strongly dependent on the temperature and magnetic field. The critical current density for the film growth with the best deposition conditions (Jc=6,3x10 6 A/cm 2 in 0.5T magnetic field at 5 K).The onset temperature for superconducting transition T c-onset = 95K and the temperature for zero resistivity T c-zero =80K

Introducing new open pollinated tomato cultivars in the Solomon Islands and Fiji for improved livelihoods and nutrition

The development of high value crops for domestic consumption and export is considered a priority for economic development and improved livelihoods for many Pacific Island countries. However, attempts to intensify production without adequate attention to research and development in areas such as identification of well-adapted cultivars may lead to gains being limited and short-lived. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research project “Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high value crop production” aims to build and sustain capacity to develop integrated crop management strategies for the sustainable intensification of high value crop production for export and domestic markets. Activities include the introduction and evaluation of performance of improved solanaceous cultivars in each target country, and the testing of integrated technologies for their efficacy to increase and extend vegetable production seasons. Tomato is a high-value crop in Fiji and the Solomon Islands. It is commonly grown by farmers for household consumption and the domestic market. Eleven improved open pollinated tomato cultivars sourced from the World Vegetable Center in Taiwan were evaluated over three cropping seasons. Three cultivars (‘CLN3150A-5’, ‘CLN2585D’ and ‘CLN2071D’) were selected and officially released in Fiji and the Solomon Islands. The released cultivars now locally known as ‘Melrose’ and ‘Rio Gold’ in Fiji, and ‘Rose’s Choice’ in the Solomon Islands, performed well under local growing conditions and are high yielding, producing well-shaped fruit with a taste preferred by local consumers. For farmers, these new open pollinated cultivars provide an opportunity to produce for the local market and also to save their own seeds for small-scale planting. This was a milestone achievement for project partners – local agriculture ministries, the Pacific Community, the University of Queensland, and the World Vegetable Center