scholarly journals Innovative Strategy for Counterfeit Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. maapoc.0000013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klara Dégardin ◽  
Yves Roggo

Currently, counterfeit medicine is a significant issue for the pharmaceutical world, and it targets all types of therapeutic areas. The health consequences are appalling, since counterfeit medicines can contain impurities and the wrong chemical composition, and can be manufactured and/or stored in dreadful conditions. The provision of fast and reliable analytical tools can contribute to an efficient fight against this phenomenon. In this paper, an analytical strategy based on mobile and forensic laboratories is presented. The mobile equipment, composed of handheld x-ray fluorescence, Raman, infrared, and near-infrared spectrometers, and a handheld microscope, can be used as a first screening tool to detect counterfeits. The counterfeits can then be confirmed in a forensic-dedicated lab in which the chemical composition of the counterfeits is determined to evaluate the danger encountered by the patients. Relevant links with former counterfeit cases then can be revealed based on the analytical data, and can be interpreted from a forensic intelligence perspective in order to provide additional information for law enforcement.

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mou Pal ◽  
A. Martinez Ayala ◽  
N.R. Mathews ◽  
X. Mathew

SnS nanocrystals of sub-10 nm in size were synthesized by a room temperature, non-aqueous chemical route in the presence of different amounts of triethanolamine (TEA) used as a complexing agent. The crystallinity, size, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of the as-prepared SnS nanoparticles were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), micro Raman and optical absorption spectroscopy. The XRD analysis and HRTEM investigation of SnS nanoparticles confirmed the presence of crystalline orthorhombic SnS phase. Upon increasing the amount of TEA, the crystallite size of the samples decreased gradually showing evidence of quantum confinement. EDS analysis showed that SnS nanoparticles (NPs) grown in absence of TEA were highly stoichiometric whereas in TEA capped samples, the atomic concentration of S is slightly higher than that of Sn. As-synthesized SnS nanocrystals displayed strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions followed by a blue shift of their absorption edge on increasing the TEA concentration. These nanoparticles were used to prepare SnS paste which was deposited on conducting glass substrates to obtain thin films for photovoltaic applications. The crystallinity, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of annealed SnS films were investigated.


Secreta Artis ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 84-95
Author(s):  
Brian Baade ◽  
Kristin DeGhetaldi ◽  
Alyssa Rina

Changes in the formulation of pigments and paint binders and the presence of additives used in the history of painting can complicate the interpretation of analytical data and may influence the characterization of the materials used in artworks. The limitations of the common analytical tools used to identify potential paint components including metallic driers, pigments, and the inorganic substrates of lake colors may also make analysis more difficult. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a common non-destructive technique used to collect inorganic elemental information from artworks. Advancements in XRF technology now permit the gathering of data from multi-layered paint systems and scanning technology can help characterize pigments across the entire surface of an artwork. These tools require an even greater understanding of the potential materials in an artwork to avoid misinterpretation of the data. The authors tested XRF’s ability to characterize lead, manganese, and cobalt driers. The presence of metallic driers could have an impact on the interpretation of the inorganic components in paint films. Lake pigment substrates often contain aluminum, tin, and calcium salts. The detection of these ions was also studied. Finally, the XRF detection of aluminum in lapis lazuli samples was assessed. These three groups of materials were also mixed with driers and/or other pigments to determine whether the presence of additional metal ions inhibited the detection of the characteristic elements. The authors used a Bruker ArtTax Micro XRF and a handheld Bruker Tracer III-SD XRF unit with and without a vacuum or helium purge for these experiments.


1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. IVARSON ◽  
P. K. HERINGA

Manganese pans, found in coarse-textured soil material underlying acid peat deposits in the humid regions of Newfoundland, were examined for the presence of microorganisms capable of oxidizing and precipitating manganese in agar media and from solution. Microorganisms of the genera Sphaerotilus (Leptothrix), Pedomicrobium, Metallogenium, Kusnezovia, Caulococcus, and Siderococcus, which are known manganese oxidizers, were not detected. Microorganisms resembling Hyphomicrobium, which have been found to take part in manganese oxidation, were present but showed no tendency to oxidize manganese in pure cultures. Commonly found was a fungus, a Cephalosporium sp., which grew at pH 4.5 and produced black deposits on agar medium containing only manganous sulfate. The X-ray pattern of these deposits showed variation in chemical composition. They were either identical with that of Mn3O4 (hausmannite) or similar to delta MnO2 (birnessite). The fungus lived heterotrophically; no signs of autotrophy were detected. After 22 mo of circulating large quantities of aerated peat leachate (pH 4.5) with added MnSO4 through simulated pipelines, black deposits containing hausmannite were observed. Cephalosporium spp. could be isolated from these deposits. An evaluation of the analytical data has led to the conclusion that further investigations are necessary before it can be established whether Cephalosporium is involved in the formation of the manganese pans.


Author(s):  
Eva-Maria Mandelkow ◽  
Eckhard Mandelkow ◽  
Joan Bordas

When a solution of microtubule protein is changed from non-polymerising to polymerising conditions (e.g. by temperature jump or mixing with GTP) there is a series of structural transitions preceding microtubule growth. These have been detected by time-resolved X-ray scattering using synchrotron radiation, and they may be classified into pre-nucleation and nucleation events. X-ray patterns are good indicators for the average behavior of the particles in solution, but they are difficult to interpret unless additional information on their structure is available. We therefore studied the assembly process by electron microscopy under conditions approaching those of the X-ray experiment. There are two difficulties in the EM approach: One is that the particles important for assembly are usually small and not very regular and therefore tend to be overlooked. Secondly EM specimens require low concentrations which favor disassembly of the particles one wants to observe since there is a dynamic equilibrium between polymers and subunits.


Author(s):  
H. M. Sagara ◽  
S. A. Schliebe ◽  
M. C. Kong

Particle analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x- ray analysis is one of the current methods used in crime laboratories to aid law enforcement in identifying individuals who have recently fired or handled a firearm. During the discharge of a firearm, the high pressure caused by the detonation of the cartridge materials forces a portion of the generated gases through leaks in the firing mechanism of the weapon. These gases contain residues of smokeless powder, primer mixture, and contributions from the projectile itself. The condensation of these hot gases form discrete, micrometer-sized particles, which can be collected, along with dry skin cells, salts, and other hand debris, from the hands of a shooter by a simple adhesive lift technique. The examination of the carbon-coated adhesive lifts consist of time consuming systematic searches for high contrast particles of spherical morphology with the characteristic elemental composition of antimony, barium and lead. A detailed list of the elemental compositions which match the criteria for gunshot residue are discussed in the Aerospace report.


Author(s):  
Deepak Goyal

Abstract Next generation assembly/package development challenges are primarily increased interconnect complexity and density with ever shorter development time. The results of this trend present some distinct challenges for the analytical tools/techniques to support this technical roadmap. The key challenge in the analytical tools/techniques is the development of non-destructive imaging for improved time to information. This paper will present the key drivers for the non-destructive imaging, results of literature search and evaluation of key analytical techniques currently available. Based on these studies requirements of a 3D imaging capability will be discussed. Critical breakthroughs required for development of such a capability are also summarized.


1987 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Vinš ◽  
Jan Šubrt ◽  
Vladimír Zapletal ◽  
František Hanousek

A method has been worked out for the reproducible preparation of Green Rust substances involving SO42-, Cl-, Br-, and I- anions. The chemical composition of the substances prepared has been followed in dependence on the synthesis conditions. The powder X-ray and electron diffraction patterns and infrared and Moessbauer spectra have been measured and discussed.


2012 ◽  
Vol 746 (1) ◽  
pp. L10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua C. Dolence ◽  
Charles F. Gammie ◽  
Hotaka Shiokawa ◽  
Scott C. Noble

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