[en] A general simple theory for the interspecific allometric scaling is developed in the d + 1-dimensional space (d biological lengths and a physiological time) of metabolic states of organisms. It is assumed that natural selection shaped the metabolic states in such a way that the mass and energy d + 1-densities are size-invariant quantities (independent of body mass). The different metabolic states (basal and maximum) are described by considering that the biological lengths and the physiological time are related by different transport processes of energy and mass. In the basal metabolism, transportation occurs by ballistic and diffusion processes. In d = 3, the 3/4 law occurs if the ballistic movement is the dominant process, while the 2/3 law appears when both transport processes are equivalent. Accelerated movement during the biological time is related to the maximum aerobic sustained metabolism, which is characterized by the scaling exponent 2d/(2d + 1) (6/7 in d = 3). The results are in good agreement with empirical data and a verifiable empirical prediction about the aorta blood velocity in maximum metabolic rate conditions is made. (fast track communication)

[en] The availability of a detector such as an RPC (resistive plate counter) opens new possibility on the future experiments for accelerator and non-accelerator physics. The main advantage consists on the possibility to obtain accurate tracking and timing with a low-cost detector and electronics. We report results on time resolution, signal transmission on long strips, efficiency and maintenance. A possible front-end electronics able to give tracking and timing information on each input channel operating in free-running mode will be illustrated together to the preliminary tests performed. (orig.)

[en] Paper-based electrochemical analytical devices (ePADs) have gained significant interest as promising analytical units in recent years because they can be fabricated in simple ways, are low-cost, portable, and disposable platforms that can be applied in various fields. In this sense, paper-based electrochemical biosensors are attractive analytical devices since they can promote diagnose several diseases and potentially allow decentralized analysis. Electrochemical biosensors are versatile, as the measured signal can be improved by using mainly molecular technologies and nanomaterials to attach biomolecules, resulting in an increase in their sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, they can be implemented in microfluidic devices that drive and control the flow without external pumping and store reagents, and improve the mass transport of analytes, increasing sensor sensitivity. In this review, we focus on the recent developments in electrochemical paper-based devices for viruses’ detection, including COVID-19, Dengue, Zika, Hepatitis, Ebola, AIDS, and Influenza, among others, which have caused impacts on people’s health, especially in places with scarce resources. Also, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the main electrode’s fabrication methods, device designs, and biomolecule immobilization strategies. Finally, the perspectives and challenges that need to be overcome to further advance paper-based electrochemical biosensors’ applications are critically presented. Graphical

[en] Highlights: • A miniaturized electrochemical device was fabricated with alternative materials. • Gas extraction of sulfite and its voltammetric detection in a single step. • Gas extraction can be studied in real-time with a high temporal resolution. • Integrated sample pretreatment and detection improves selectivity and detectability. • Analytical performance was competitive with more sophisticated and complex devices. Voltammetry and amperometry are inexpensive and high-performance analytical techniques. However, their lack of selectivity limits their use in complex matrices such as biological, environmental, and food samples. Therefore, voltammetric and amperometric analyses of these samples usually require time-consuming and laborious sample pretreatments. In this study, we present a simple and cost-effective approach to fabricate a miniaturized electrochemical cell that can be easily coupled to a head space-like gas extraction procedure in such a way the sample pretreatment and voltammetric detection are performed in a single step. As a proof of concept, we have used the proposed system to quantify sulfite in beverage samples after its conversion to SO_2(g). Despite the simplicity and low cost of the proposed system, it provided good analytical performance and a limit of detection of 4.0 μmol L⁻¹ was achieved after only 10 min of extraction. The proposed system is quite versatile since it can be applied to quantify any volatile electroactive species. Also, the proposed system provides a unique way to assess real-time extraction curves, which are essential to study and optimize new gas extraction procedures. Therefore, the approach described in this study could contribute to both applied and fundamental Analytical Chemistry.

[en] Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are powerful platforms for point-of-need testing since they are inexpensive devices fabricated in different shapes and miniaturized sizes, ensuring better portability. Additionally, the readout and detection systems can be accomplished with portable devices, allying with the features of both systems. These devices have been introduced as promising analytical platforms to meet critical demands involving rapid, reliable, and simple testing. They have been applied to monitor species related to environmental, health, and food issues. Herein, an outline of chronological events involving PADs is first reported. This work also introduces insights into fundamental parameters to engineer new analytical platforms, including the paper type and device operation. The discussions involve the main analytical techniques used as detection systems, such as colorimetry, fluorescence, and electrochemistry. It also showed recent advances involving PADs, especially combining optical and electrochemical detection into a single device. Dual/combined detection systems can overcome individual barriers of the analytical techniques, making possible simultaneous determinations, or enhancing the devices’ sensitivity and/or selectivity. In addition, this review reports on distance-based detection, which is also considered a trend in analytical chemistry. Distance-based detection offers instrument-free analyses and avoids user interpretation errors, which are outstanding features for analyses at the point of need, especially for resource-limited regions. Finally, this review provides a critical overview of the practical specifications of the recent analytical platforms involving PADs, demonstrating their challenges. Therefore, this work can be a highly useful reference for new research and innovation. Graphical

[en] The project of a large underground experiment, N^OE (Neutrino Oscillation Experiment), composed by modules of scintillating fiber calorimeter interleaved with TRD modules, total weight 6.7 ktons, is presented. This apparatus has been optimized for long baseline neutrino oscillation studies, in particular to be sensitive in the region of sin² 2θ and Δm² suggested by the atmospheric neutrino anomaly

[en] Highlights: • Fouling resistant thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) for tryptamine determination. • 50% carbon black and 50% polycaprolactone were used to prepare the electrodes. • TPE-μPAD can ensure fast analyses and generate less waste. • Possibility of reusing the electrodes by simply polishing them after several uses. • A simple strategy to eliminate ascorbic acid interference. This study reports a new electrochemical method for tryptamine determination using a paper-based microfluidic device and a thermoplastic electrode (TPE) as an amperometric detector. Tryptamine (Tryp) is a biogenic amine present in drinks and foods. Even though this compound has some beneficial effects on human health, the ingestion of foods with high concentrations of Tryp may be detrimental, which justifies the need for monitoring the Tryp levels. The TPEs were made from 50% carbon black and 50% polycaprolactone and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, demonstrating enhancement in the analytical response compared to other carbon composites. TPEs also showed a better antifouling effect for Tryp compared to conventional glassy carbon electrodes. Once characterized, the electrodes were incorporated into the microfluidic device to determine Tryp in water and cheese samples using amperometry. A linear range was achieved from 10 to 75 μmol L⁻¹ with limits of detection and quantification of 3.2 and 10.5 μmol L⁻¹, respectively. Therefore, this work shows promising findings of the electrochemical determination of Tryp, bringing valuable results regarding the electrochemical properties of thermoplastic composites.

[en] A new design for an electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeter using the scintillating fiber technology is presented. The proposed calorimeter has been optimized for applications in massive underground experiments devoted to neutrino oscillation studies. The layout is described in detail and first results on a prototype are presented. Finally, simulations showing the features of the whole calorimeter are discussed. (orig.)

[en] A new modular multichannel front-end time to digital electronics is described. The T and T (tracking and timing) electronics is characterised by a 2 ns time resolution with multihits recording capability, no ambiguity in event pulse reconstruction, low power consumption and daisy-chain interconnecting capability. The simple design and the low cost per channel make it preferable for use in cosmic rays and EAS as well as in accelerator experiments. A description of the environmental operation and tests of the T and T electronics is presented. This electronics is used in an EAS experiment in Leeds (UK) called COVER/PLASTEX. Results on the T and T electronic performances in this experiment are also presented. (orig.)

[en] The bakelite Resistive Plate Counters (RPC) for the COVER-PLASTEX experiment have been tested with special tracking and timing electronics developed by the T and T collaboration for use as a front-end electronics able to give position and arrival time for each particle in the EAS front crossing the detector. Results on single counting rate, efficiency, time resolution, signal shape and after pulse presence are given as a function of the high voltage and input signal threshold. (orig.)