Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
T. -Y Xia, W. -W Sun, S. Ebser, W. Jiang, G. -M Yang, H. -M Zhu, Yun-Chong Fu, F. Huang, G. -D Ming, T. Xia, Z. -T Lu
Summary: In this study, the atom-trap trace analysis method was used to measure Ca-41/Ca ratios at the level of 10(-16) and achieved a detection limit at the level of 10(-17). This method has the potential to explore the suitability of Ca-41 as a tracer.
Article
Thermodynamics
Ugur Ozveren, Furkan Kartal, Senem Sezer, Z. Sibel Ozdogan
Summary: Understanding the overall picture of steam gasification is crucial for the gasification process. Research shows that using ANN as a machine learning approach can provide a reliable estimation of the thermogravimetric behavior of steam gasification.
Article
Thermodynamics
Maxim V. Penzik, Alexander N. Kozlov, Shu Zhang, Vladislav V. Badenko, Ilya K. Sosnovsky, Vitaly A. Shamansky
Summary: The study aims to examine the physicochemical properties of biochar obtained at different temperatures during the pyrolysis of woody biomass. By using thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry, the study compares the characteristics of biochar obtained at different temperatures (200, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, and 500 ???C), as well as levoglucosan, cellulose, and lignin. The results show that the properties of biochar undergo significant changes at temperatures of 350 ???C and above, and the surface morphology of biochar has been studied using scanning electron microscopy.
THERMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Justyna Zygmuntowicz, Paulina Wiecinska, Marcin Wachowski, Marta Kurek, Waldemar Kaszuwara
Summary: This research aimed to investigate phenomena occurring in a mixture of Al2O3-Cu-Mo powders during thermal treatment above 1000 degrees C. TG and DTA measurements were used to observe changes during the thermal treatment process. The oxidation and decomposition processes of the specimens were observed by conducting DTA/TG measurements in argon and synthetic air. The research compared the results of Al2O3-Cu-Mo samples with two-component systems: Al2O3-Cu and Al2O3-Mo. The study revealed that oxidation reactions and the formation of new phases occur in Al2O3-Cu-Mo samples at temperatures above 430 degrees C.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Holly A. Nel, Andrew J. Chetwynd, Catherine A. Kelly, Christopher Stark, Eugenia Valsami-Jones, Stefan Krause, Iseult Lynch
Summary: The study utilized TGA-FTIR-GC-MS to create a library of 11 polymers and successfully identified plastic types in environmental samples, with PE being the most frequently detected polymer. Environmental variations may lead to polymer variations in South African samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Alessio Battistini, Daniele Capitanio, Paolo Bailo, Manuela Moriggi, Stefano Tambuzzi, Cecilia Gelfi, Andrea Piccinini
Summary: In this study, skeletal muscle tissue from pigs was degraded at different temperatures to identify proteins useful for postmortem interval estimation. PDLIM7, TPM1, and ATP2A2 were validated as potential markers for PMI assessment. The use of mass spectrometry analysis increased the number of identified protein species, expanding the panel for PMI evaluation.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Spectroscopy
Kenyon Evans-Nguyen, Ashley R. Stelmack, Phoebe C. Clowser, Jessica M. Holtz, Christopher C. Mulligan
Summary: Mass spectrometry is widely used in forensic chemistry laboratories, with efforts to develop ruggedized, fieldable instruments for on-site analysis. Testing samples in the field is of particular interest in forensic science, homeland security, and defense applications. Mass spectrometry is well suited for providing definitive answers with low false positive rates in homeland security and military applications.
MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Halemah AlSaeed, Mohamed O. Amin, Entesar Al-Hetlani
Summary: This study utilized SALDI-MS to analyze cosmetic products recovered from crime scenes, demonstrating its capability to accurately detect active pharmaceutical ingredients and other components. The findings suggest that SALDI-MS has practical applications at crime scenes with its fast and accurate analysis.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mysoon M. Al-Ansari, Shereen M. Aleidi, Afshan Masood, Eman A. Alnehmi, Mai Abdel Jabar, Maha Almogren, Mohammed Alshaker, Hicham Benabdelkamel, Anas M. Abdel Rahman
Summary: This study investigated sensitive and specific LBMD-associated protein biomarkers in patients diagnosed with ON and OP. The results identified distinctive proteomics profiles between the control, ON, and OP groups, as well as significant dysregulation in a panel of proteins common among the three groups. A comparison of proteins showed differences in their levels between ON and the control group, as well as between ON and OP. These findings provide potential protein biomarkers for further research on bone health and OP progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Heather E. McKiernan, Phillip B. Danielson, Catherine O. Brown, Masha Signaevsky, Christian G. Westring, Kevin M. Legg
Summary: The aim of this study was to validate a multiplex proteomic assay for the identification of high-specificity protein biomarkers by multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. The assay proved to be accurate and reliable in identifying bodily fluids commonly encountered in forensic context, offering significant advantages over existing serological methods.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. D. Nikitin, G. S. Nyashina, A. F. Ryzhkov, P. A. Strizhak
Summary: Composite fuels made of waste from coal, petroleum and wood processing industries have high potential for reducing hazardous gaseous anthropogenic emissions like SO2 and NO during combustion. Different techniques were used to study these emissions at different temperature ranges, with results showing the positive impact of water vapor on reducing emissions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Heitor S. D. Correa, Ivano Alessandri, Andrea Verzeletti
Summary: This research assessed the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in analyzing bones. The techniques were found to be useful in molecular taphonomy studies and forensic genetics.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sadjad Fakouri Baygi, Yashwant Kumar, Dinesh Kumar Barupal
Summary: The poor chemical annotation of high-resolution mass spectrometry data hinders the use of untargeted metabolomics datasets. To address this issue, we developed a new software called IDSL.CSA, which enables the chemical annotation of high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography peaks even without MS2 fragmentation spectra. Validation tests showed comparable annotation rates using IDSL.CSA libraries and MS/MS libraries for commonly detected endogenous metabolites in human blood samples. The IDSL.CSA package can be used for creating and searching composite spectra libraries from any untargeted metabolomics dataset generated using high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled to liquid or gas chromatography instruments.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Marie Gorka, Aurelien Thomas, Andy Becue
Summary: Fingermark patterns have long been used for biometric identification. Recent research has focused on the molecular composition of fingermark residue to gather information about the donor's profile. By analyzing fingermarks from thirteen donors using machine learning approaches, we demonstrate the potential of fingermark chemical composition to differentiate individuals with an accuracy ranging from 80% to 96%. While it is premature to apply these results to real cases, this study provides insights into the chemical variations of fingermark residue and helps clarify the notion of donorship.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
C. Bottinelli, R. Nicoli, F. Bevalot, N. Cartiser, C. Roger, K. Chikh, T. Kuuranne, L. Fanton, J. Guitton
Summary: The study aimed to develop the first validated method for analyzing human insulin and its synthetic analogues, primarily for plasma and post-mortem sera. Different extraction processes were evaluated for the lowest limit of detection for target analogues, and the limits of quantification were validated in plasma and post-mortem sera. Results showed that at the LOQ level, accuracy was between 70 and 130%, with precision lower than 30%.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Sharni Collins, Barbara Stuart, Maiken Ueland
Summary: This article reports on a study conducted at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER) that investigated the decomposition process of clothed human remains. The study found a clear difference in the absorption of human decomposition products in textiles located in the anterior and posterior regions of the body.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Yogesh Kumar Ramu, Paul Stephen Thomas, Vute Sirivivatnanon, Kirk Vessalas
Summary: This study identifies the critical cement parameters that cause expansive delayed ettringite formation (DEF) and compares them with Australian cement standards and specifications. The results show that general-purpose (GP) cements adhering to Standards Australia and specifications for low sulphate and alkali contents are not susceptible to expansive DEF. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting the low risk of Australian cements for expansive DEF.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Barbara Stuart, Sharon Wong, Rosemary Goodall, Alice Beale, Cancy Chu, Petronella Nel, Holly Amin-Jones, Paul Thomas
Summary: This study investigates the chemical changes that can occur in sealable polyethylene bags used for storing heritage items. It is found that polyethylene bags can undergo oxidation when exposed to certain storage conditions, which affects their long-term viability for storage. The study also highlights the potential interaction between additives used in the bags and other chemicals, which can lead to color changes or chemical reactions.
STUDIES IN CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Taoping Liu, Wentian Zhang, Jun Li, Maiken Ueland, Shari L. Forbes, Wei Xing Zheng, Steven Weidong Su
Summary: This article proposes a stable feature extraction algorithm for electronic noses using the impulse response as the feature and a multiscale wavelet kernel regularization matrix to combat noise. Numerical and field experiments demonstrate the performance and accuracy of this feature extraction method, showcasing its potential in the field of electronic noses.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SYSTEMS MAN CYBERNETICS-SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Barbara Stuart, Jennifer Guan, Sharni Collins, Paul Thomas, Maiken Ueland
Summary: This study conducted a preliminary investigation of household wipes, using infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis to identify polyester and/or viscose fibers as the main components, along with binders to differentiate source types. The different sensitivities of fiber types to biodeterioration underscore the importance of future environmental studies for accurately characterizing non-woven fabrics in evidence.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Sharni Collins, Barbara Stuart, Maiken Ueland
Summary: Determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) is crucial in complex death investigations involving human remains. It can greatly assist in reconstructing forensically relevant events surrounding the death. However, due to the complexities of decomposition, PMI determination can still be challenging in some cases. Therefore, identifying biomarkers of human decomposition is an emerging and essential area of research.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Amber O. Brown, Maiken Ueland, Barbara H. Stuart, Greta J. Frankham
Summary: This study designed and validated a forensic genetic toolkit for species identification and geographic origin of shingleback lizards, which can amplify shingleback DNA from various types of samples and differentiate genetic lineages.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL-GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Julie-Eleonore Maisonhaute, Shari L. Forbes
Summary: Forensic entomology has been applied globally in criminal investigations. However, there have been limited studies on human cadavers in humid climates. This research focused on documenting the diversity and succession of insects associated with decomposed human bodies in a humid, continental climate in Quebec, Canada. The study revealed that the decomposition process in Quebec is heterogeneous and complex, with precocious desiccation/mummification and the presence of superficial skin lesions accelerating the colonization of blow flies. The study also reported the first observation of Cochliomyia macellaria in Quebec, providing valuable information for medico-legal death investigations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Agathe Ribereau-Gayon, David O. Carter, Shari Forbes
Summary: This study addresses the lack of methods to evaluate decomposition patterns and estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) in humid, continental climates. The researchers conducted a 12-month study at a human taphonomy facility in Canada and developed a new scoring system to evaluate decomposition based on observed changes. The study provides new insights into the decomposition patterns in southern Quebec and similar climates.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marie Joshua Tapas, Paul Thomas, Kirk Vessalas, Elsie Nsiah-Baafi, Liam Martin, Vute Sirivivatnanon
Summary: This study compares the effectiveness of reactive aggregate powders and fly ash in mitigating alkali-silica reaction (ASR) using accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT). The results confirm that both reactive aggregate powders and fly ash can reduce ASR, with fly ash showing better results. Microstructural analysis reveals that cracking is reduced in mortars with reactive aggregate powders and fly ash compared to plain OPC mortar. Elemental analysis demonstrates that reactive aggregate powders can modify the composition of C-S-H to enhance ASR mitigation, although fly ash has a greater effect. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that reactive aggregate powders exhibit pozzolanic properties similar to fly ash, but do not contribute to the compressive strength of the mortars.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vute Sirivivatnanon, Paul Thomas, Marie Joshua Tapas, Thuc Nhu Nguyen
Summary: This paper examines the reliability of the Australian Standards accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) and concrete prism test (CPT) for assessing alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and its mitigation using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The study demonstrates that both AMBT and CPT have good correlation with long-term performance of concrete and can predict the effectiveness of SCMs. However, AMBT tends to be more conservative than CPT in classifying reactivity and requires higher SCM dosages for achieving non-reactive classification.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Boris Chauvire, Valentin Molle, Florine Guichard, Benjamin Rondeau, Paul Stephen Thomas, Emmanuel Fritsch
Summary: The susceptibility to cracking in gem opals is affected by the method of storage, with water-stored opals requiring lower temperatures to induce cracking compared to air-stored opals. Cracking in water-stored opals is attributed to drying shrinkage, while cracking in air-stored opals is attributed to super-heated water-induced decrepitation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amber O. Brown, Peter J. Green, Greta J. Frankham, Barbara H. Stuart, Maiken Ueland
Summary: Biological volatilome analysis is complex due to the large number of compounds and differences in peak areas within datasets. Traditional volatilome analysis relies on dimensionality reduction techniques, but these methods often assume statistical assumptions which are violated in biological data. This study explores the impact of different statistical models and log transformation on volatilome dimensionality reduction. The analysis of Shingleback lizard volatilomes demonstrates the importance of considering multiple explanatory variables and the effects of log transformation in downstream analyses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sharni Collins, Luca Maestrini, Francis K. C. Hui, Barbara Stuart, Maiken Ueland
Summary: Human remains often contain textile materials, making them a common source of evidence. The discovery of human remains in outdoor environments increases exposure to scavenging activity and decomposition. Traditional methods for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) can be challenging, but recent research has found success in using lipid analysis to detect and monitor changes over time. This study utilized generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to analyze 30 lipid outcomes in combination with accumulated-degree-days (ADD), and the results indicated oleic and palmitic acids as suitable biomarkers for future use in determining PMI. The study also addressed interspecies differences between humans and pigs.
