Raman microspectroscopic chemical mapping and chemometric classification for the identification of gunshot residue on adhesive tape

A novel approach utilizing automated Raman microspectroscopic mapping for gunshot residue (GSR) detection was investigated. A well-established technique for GSR recovery (tape lifting) was utilized for GSR particle collection. Uncontaminated samples of the substrate (tape), organic GSR (OGSR), and inorganic GSR (IGSR) particles were characterized to generate three respective Raman spectroscopic training sets. Automated Raman mapping was used to rapidly collect spectra over areas of the tape substrate populated with GSR particles. Raman spectra collected from the maps were classified against the training sets via partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to determine if GSR was present. We report the application of Raman chemical mapping as a proof of concept for the positive detection of GSR particles of varying morphologies. The estimated size of GSR particles, which could be readily detected by this method, is about 3.4 μm. The efficiency of the classification was quantitated with rates of true positives and negatives. Validation studies scrutinizing the practicality of this approach as a viable tool for potential forensics investigations are currently in progress.

Enumeration of non-labile oxygen atoms in dissolved organic matter by use of 16O/18O exchange and Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

We report a simple approach for enumeration of non-labile oxygen atoms in individual molecules of dissolved organic matter (DOM), using acid-catalyzed ¹⁶O/¹⁸O exchange and ultrahigh-resolution Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron-resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). We found that by dissolving DOM in H₂ ¹⁸O at 95 °C for 20 days it is possible to replace all oxygen atoms of DOM molecules (excluding oxygen from ether groups) with ¹⁸O. The number of exchanges in each molecule can be determined using high-resolution FTICR. Using the proposed method we identified the number of non-labile oxygen atoms in 231 molecules composing DOM. Also, using a previously developed hydrogen–deuterium (H/D)-exchange approach we identified the number of labile hydrogen atoms in 450 individual molecular formulas. In addition, we observed that several backbone hydrogen atoms can be exchanged for deuterium under acidic conditions. The method can be used for structural and chemical characterization of individual DOM molecules, comparing different DOM samples, and investigation of biological pathways of DOM in the environment.     

Intrinsic symmetries in constitutive modeling of magneto–elastic materials

We consider a class of non-dissipative materials whose constitutive equations are derived from a suitably constructed thermodynamic potential function. The Gibbs energy relation is introduced as a function of stress, strain, magnetic field, magnetization, and temperature. By minimization with respect to the chosen subset of independent variables we derive the corresponding set of constitutive equations. The chosen form of the free energy function leads to the linear elastic and nonlinear ferromagnetic coupling where non-linearity emerges in terms associated with the strength of magnetization. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Multi-criteria optimisation of the vibro-isolation properties

The paper deals with a methodology of shaping the vibro-isolation properties of suspensions applied in automotive systems. The developed optimisation procedure allows to find the Pareto-optimal system configuration for the conflicted vibro-isolating criteria. The correctness of proposed methodology is evaluated using the semi active and active systems with optimal controller settings. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Turbulent boundary layer on a plate. Reynolds analogy and new formulations of the temperature defect law

A consistent asymptotic theory describing hydrodynamic and thermal turbulent boundary layers on a flat plate in zero pressure gradient is developed. The fact that the flow depends on a limited number of governing parameters allows us to formulate algebraic closure conditions that relate the turbulent shear stress and turbulent heat flux to mean velocity and temperature gradients. As a result of an exact asymptotic solution of the boundary-layer equations, the known laws of the wall for the velocity and temperature and the velocity and temperature defect laws as well as the expressions for the skin-friction coefficient, Stanton number, and Reynolds-analogy factor are obtained. The latter implies two new formulations for the temperature defect law one of which is completely similar to the velocity defect law and does not contain the Stanton number and the turbulent Prandtl number, and the other does not contain the skin-friction coefficient. A heat-transfer law is obtained that relates only thermal quantities. The theoretical conclusions agree well with experimental data. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Flexo printability of agro and invasive papers

Cellulose - Countries with scarce soft and hardwood resources have been utilizing the non-wood based lignocellulosic biomass (mainly straw or bagasse), besides for bioenergy also for paper...     

Heterogeneous Catalysis and Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization

Parahydrogen-induced polarization with heterogeneous catalysts (HET-PHIP) has been a subject of extensive research in the last decade since its first observation in 2007. While NMR signal enhancements obtained with such catalysts are currently below those achieved with transition metal complexes in homogeneous hydrogenations in solution, this relatively new field demonstrates major prospects for a broad range of advanced fundamental and practical applications, from providing catalyst-free hyperpolarized fluids for biomedical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to exploring mechanisms of industrially important heterogeneous catalytic processes. This review covers the evolution of the heterogeneous catalysts used for PHIP observation, from metal complexes immobilized on solid supports to bulk metals and single-atom catalysts and discusses the general visions for maximizing the obtained NMR signal enhancements using HET-PHIP. Various practical applications of HET-PHIP, both for catalytic studies and for potential production of hyperpolarized contrast agents for MRI, are described.