Amphiphilic segmented polymer networks based on poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(methyl methacrylate)

Amphiphilic segmented polymer networks (SPNs) have been prepared by free radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with α,ω-bisacrylate terminated poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline). DSC and DMTA analysis demonstrated the influence of the copolymer composition, the molecular weight and nature of the poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)s and the polymerization conditions on the final phase morphology of the networks. A comparative phase morphology study of the polymer blends and SPNs revealed the more compatible phase morphology of the networks. The compatibility could be further increased by UV-induced network formation. The investigation of the solvent uptake in different solvents clearly demonstrated the amphiphilic nature of the SPNs.     

Single Nanoparticle Magnetic Spin Memristor

There is an increasing demand for the development of a simple Si‐based universal memory device at the nanoscale that operates at high frequencies. Spin‐electronics (spintronics) can, in principle, increase the efficiency of devices and allow them to operate at high frequencies. A primary challenge for reducing the dimensions of spintronic devices is the requirement for high spin currents. To overcome this problem, a new approach is presented that uses helical chiral molecules exhibiting spin‐selective electron transport, which is called the chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Using the CISS effect, the active memory device is miniaturized for the first time from the micrometer scale to 30 nm in size, and this device presents memristor‐like nonlinear logic operation at low voltages under ambient conditions and room temperature. A single nanoparticle, along with Au contacts and chiral molecules, is sufficient to function as a memory device. A single ferromagnetic nanoplatelet is used as a fixed hard magnet combined with Au contacts in which the gold contacts act as soft magnets due to the adsorbed chiral molecules.     

Fate of ivermectin residues in ewes' milk and derived products

The fate of ivermectin (IVM) residues was studied throughout the processing of daily bulk milk from 30 ewes (taken up to 33 d following subcutaneous administration of 0.2 mg IVM/kg b.w.) in the following milk products: yoghurt made from raw and pasteurized milk; cheese after pressing; 30- and 60-day ripened cheese; and whey, secondary whey and whey proteins obtained after cheese-making (albumin cheese). The concentration of the H2B1a component of IVM was analysed in these dairy products using an HPLC method with fluorescence detection. The mean recovery of the method was, depending on the matrix, between 87 and 100%. Limits of detection in the order of only 0.1 microg H2B1a/kg of product were achieved. Maximum concentrations of IVM were detected mostly at 2 d after drug administration to the ewes. The highest concentration of IVM was found on day 2 in 60-day ripened cheese (96 microg H2B1a/kg cheese). Secondary whey was the matrix with the lowest concentration of IVM (<0.6 microg H2B1a/ kg). Residue levels fell below the limits of detection between day 5 (for secondary whey) and day 25 (for all cheese samples). In the matrices investigated, linear correlations between daily concentrations of IVM, milk fat and solid content were evident. During yoghurt production, fermentation and thermal stability of IVM was observed. During cheese production, approximately 35% of the IVM, present in the raw (bulk) milk samples, was lost. From the results it was concluded that the processing of ewes' milk did not eliminate the drug residues under investigation. The consequences of IVM in the human diet were discussed. Milk from treated animals should be excluded from production of fat products like cheese for longer after treatment with IVM than for lower fat products.     

On several concepts for ɛ-efficiency

We introduce two new concepts for?-efficiency and investigate these and some known concepts under the following aspects: (1) What are the relationships between the efficient and the?-efficient point set? (2) If the sequence (v ^?) of?-efficient points converges forε → 0, is the limit efficient, or weakly efficient? (3) Can the distance between the?-efficient and the efficient point set be estimated in terms ofε?     

Stability of citral in protein- and gum arabic-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions

Citral is a major flavor component of citrus oils that can undergo chemical degradation leading to loss of aroma and formation of off-flavors. Engineering the interface of emulsion droplets with emulsifiers that inhibit chemical reactions could provide a novel technique to stabilize citral. The objective of this study was to determine if citral was more stable in emulsions stabilized with whey protein isolate (WPI) than gum arabic (GA). Degradation of citral was equal to or less in GA- than WPI-stabilized emulsion at pH 3.0 and 7.0. However, formation of the citral oxidation product, p-cymene was greater in the GA- than WPI-stabilized emulsion at pH 3.0 and 7.0. Emulsions stabilized by WPI had a better creaming stability than those stabilized by GA because the protein emulsifier was able to produce smaller lipid droplets during homogenization. These data suggest that WPI was able to inhibit the oxidative deterioration of citral in oil-in-water emulsions. The ability of WPI to decrease oxidative reactions could be due to the formation of a cationic emulsion droplet interface at pH 3.0 which can repel prooxidative metals and/or the ability of amino acids in WPI to scavenge free radical and chelate prooxidative metals.     

Modified self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of nanosized La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

A modified solid-state combustion route was developed for the preparation of nanocrystalline manganite La_0.7Ca_0.3MnO₃ in a single-step process, using metal nitrates and glucose/KNO₃ redox mixture. The obtained sample was found to crystallize within O′ type of orthorhombic perovskite structure (space group Pnma), without the presence of other structural phases or impurities. Nanoparticles are found to have particle size in the range 12–35 nm, and to be highly crystalline without the presence of amorphous surface layer. Magnetic measurements show that nanoparticles display bulk-like magnetic properties, with ferromagnetic phase transition at 125 K and the absence of superparamagnetic or spin-glass behavior.     

Polyester-Based (Bio)degradable Polymers as Environmentally Friendly Materials for Sustainable Development

This review focuses on the polyesters such as polylactide and polyhydroxyalkonoates, as well as polyamides produced from renewable resources, which are currently among the most promising (bio)degradable polymers. Synthetic pathways, favourable properties and utilisation (most important applications) of these attractive polymer families are outlined. Environmental impact and in particular (bio)degradation of aliphatic polyesters, polyamides and related copolymer structures are described in view of the potential applications in various fields.     

A framework for efficient development of Slovenian written language resources used in speech processing applications

This paper presents a framework for the efficient development and representation of morphological and phonetic lexicons, to be used in speech technology applications. Solutions that would be the most appropriate for developing speech technologies for specific language have to be analyzed when developing the lexicons. In the paper issues such as the development of resources, good word coverage in general texts, efficient coding of lexicons, representation (regarding time and memory space) and the integration of lexicons in speech processing applications are addressed. The construction process within the proposed framework is based on the use of finite-state machines and heterogeneous relation-graphs structures, and significantly reduces the time and effort needed for the construction of large-scale lexica, minimizes any analysis errors, and efficiently represents the lexicons, regarding time and memory usage. The wordlist construction process presented in the paper also guarantees that by using the constructed lexicons high word coverage is achieved in general texts. SIlex lexicons are large-scale phonetic and morphology lexicons for the Slovenian language, constructed within the new framework and with a developed toolset, and represent valuable language resources for the development of various speech processing applications for the Slovenian language.     

Effect of phosphorus fertilization on Zn and Cd contents in soil and corn plants

The main purpose of the trial established in 1965/66 has been to monitor the effect the use of NPK fertilizers has on yields of cultivated plants and the maintenance of soil fertility. The trial which included 20 fertilization treatments, covers a total of 8 ha and is divided into four fields (2 ha each), where four crop species (wheat, corn, sugar beet, and sunflower) are grown in rotation. The effect of a continuous use of increasing P fertilizer rates on Zn and Cd contents in the soil and corn plants were monitored in 5 different fertilization treatments from the above trial on a chernozem soil. The application of increasing P rates did not decrease the content of available Zn in the soil. However, the uptake of Zn by corn plants (stalk and leaves) was significantly higher in the unfertilized check plot than plots fertilized with increasing P rates. Although P fertilizers are considered a major anthropogenic source of soil pollution with Cd, we found that during the 30-year trial there was no significant increase in the plots treated with 50, 100 and 150 kg P2O5 ha-1 in comparation to the unfertilized check plot.