The effect of urea-formaldehyde resin pre-cure on the internal bond of medium density fiberboard

The effect of elapsed time between resin blending and hot pressing stage on the degree of resin pre-cure is not known in the manufacture of medium density fiberboard (MDF). This phenomenon of resin pre-cure is a clear factor that should be taken into account in MDF manufacture. An experiment which used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to quantify resin pre-cure degree after resin blending, and the relationship between resin pre-cure degree and the internal bond strength (IB) of MDF has been conducted. The results indicated that the rate of pre-cure process after resin blending at room temperature (23°C) under constant humidity and temperature conditions included three stages. In the first stage, the rate of pre-cure reaction was close to that of at the third stage, but lower than that of the second stage. The decrease of corresponding IB strength for boards made with material having undergone such pre-cure was very sharp during the first 24 h. After 24 h, the IB decrease displayed a linear relationship with time. The IB displayed a linear relationship with the resin pre-cure degree, as evaluated by DSC.     

Description of Microstructural Changes in Wheat Flour and Flour Components during Hydration by using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy

The initial microstructures of two wheat flours (hard wheat flour and soft wheat flour) and flour components (starch, gluten, soluble pentosans and insoluble pentosans) were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the changes in microstructure during hydration were described using environmental SEM (ESEM). SEM images permitted observation of the classical microstructure of wheat flour particles and starch granules. The initial microstructure of the purified fractions of flour components (gluten, soluble pentosans and insoluble pentosans) seemed largely dependent on the purification techniques, and could not thus directly be used to describe their in situ behavior during flour processing. ESEM observations of wheat flours and flour components during hydration first demonstrated slight changes in surface of particles that we associated to apparent swelling effects. The formation of a continuous aqueous phase between particles was observed for long hydration times.     

Tracking the sources of nitrate in groundwater using coupled nitrogen and boron isotopes: a synthesis

Nitrate (NO3) is one of the world's major pollutants of drinking water resources. Although recent European Directives have reduced input from intensive agriculture, NO3 levels in groundwater are approaching the drinking water limit of 50 mg L(-1) almost everywhere. Determining the sources of groundwater contamination is an important first step toward improving its quality by emission control. It is with this aim that we review here the benefit of using a coupled isotopic approach (delta15N and delta11B), in addition to conventional hydrogeological analyses, to trace the origin of NO3 in water. The studied watersheds include both fractured bedrock and alluvial (subsurface and deep) hydrogeological contexts. The joint use of nitrogen and boron isotope systematics in each context deciphers the origin of NO3 in the groundwater and allows a semi-quantification of the contributions of the respective pollution sources (mineral fertilizers, wastewater, and animal manure).     

Mécanisme de l’évolution des champs électromagnétiques dans un simulateur de grandes dimensions. Projet d’un simulateur semi-rhombique

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate theoretically and experimentally the transient electric field in anemp simulator. Using a time domain analysis, the mechanism of the field deformation can be analysed and consequently modifications can be introduced in the conception of new simulators (for example: rhombic simulator).     

Multivariate analysis of the correlation between noctuidae subfamilies and the chemical structure of their sex pheromones or male attractants

Female-emitted pheromones and sex attractants of Noctuidae were investigated using a specific computer procedure to analyze data collected from the literature. Correspondence analysis was used to survey the structure-activity relationships of sex pheromones in seven subfamilies. Structural, stereochemical, and functional features of active molecules were related to taxonomy. This multidimensional analysis revealed that the prevalent chemical frame of noctuid moth pheromones was a monounsaturated acetate withZ stereochemistry and a double bond on the fifth carbon closest to the nonfunctional branch of the molecule. Possible phylogenetic relationships within Noctuidae and between Noctuidae and other families are discussed in light of the sex pheromone biochemistry. Female sex pheromones appeared to be an additional character to be considered in the classification of noctuid moths.     

Multiple factor design for reactive mixture selection for use in reactive walls in mine drainage treatment.

Sulfate-reducing reactive walls installed in situ in the path of acid mine drainage contaminated groundwater, present a promising passive treatment technology. However, a rigorous and methodical selection of the most appropriate reactive mixture composition still needs to be investigated. The aim of this study was the selection of the most reactive medium using a multiple factor design and the modeling of the sulfate-reduction rate. Reactivity of 17 mixtures was assessed in batch reactors (in duplicates) using a synthetic AMD. Results indicate that within 41 days, sulfate concentrations decreased from initial concentrations of 2,000-3,200 mg/l to final concentrations of <90 mg/l. Metal removal efficiencies ranged between 51-84% for Ni and 73-93% for Zn. Generated sulfate-reduction rate predictive models which had very satisfactory parameters (R2 = 0.86, F = 62.38 (p-level < 10(-13)) and R2 = 0.90. F = 62.30 (p-level < 10(-13))) identified poultry manure and two other carbon sources as the critical variables for sulfate-reduction rate.     

Tetragonal Tungsten Bronze Niobate, K0.2Sr0.4NbO3: A New Material for Capacitors with Flat Dielectric Curves

A new ceramic for capacitors, which exhibits flat dielectric curves with relative permittivity values (ɛ) as high as 3000 (Y7R or X7R class), has been synthesized. Use of a niobate, K_0.2Sr_0.4NbO₃ (KSN), with a tetragonal tungsten bronze structure (TTB), as a major phase for the fabrication of such ceramics is shown for the first time. Nevertheless, the addition of perovskites as minor agents—PbMg_1/3Nb_2/3O₃ (PMN)—is necessary to obtain stable temperature. Moreover, the use of lithium salts as sintering agents has been shown to be important for the fabrication of these ceramics.     

The concept of projection: A review.

Experimental studies concerned with the several interpretations of the meaning of projection are presented in detail. The concept of projection needs a precise definition; the writers suggest: "The manifestation of behavior by an individual which indicates some emotional value or need of the individual." 104-item bibliog. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)