University of Almería

About: University of Almería is a education organization based out in Almería, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 4674 authors who have published 10905 publications receiving 233036 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Almeria & Universidad de Almería.

Determination of volatile organic compounds in drinking and environmental waters

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of prime concern due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. We focus on sample-preparation methods, instruments used and concentrations reported in the determination of VOCs in aquatic matrices (e.g., seawater, river water, groundwater and drinking water). We pay special attention to sample-enrichment methods and mention the application of different detectors with respective sensitivities. We note that, among the sample-pre-concentration methods, purge-and-trap and solid-phase microextraction were the most chosen methods, which enabled excellent recoveries for a wide range of VOCs. Among the detectors, the mass-selective detector was unchallenged, due to the remarkable sensitivity and detection based on mass. Tandem mass spectrometry is still emerging for determining VOCs, since not many papers have been published on it. The compounds detected most were the halogenated volatiles [e.g., dichloroethane, trichloroethane, bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane (DBCM)], followed by benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX). Trihalomethanes have also been reported as a result of water-disinfection byproducts. Finally, the VOC levels detected most were the trihalo-alkanes (trichloromethane: 1900 ng/L in estuary surface water; tribromomethane: 147–762 ng/L in drinking water; and, DBCM: 92–399 ng/L in drinking water), and among BTEX were benzene (3.9–141.7 ng/L in seawater) and xylene (4.3–332 ng/L in seawater). We also note the need for quality assurance and mention the European Union Directive regarding VOCs.

Spiro β-Lactams as β-Turn Mimetics. Design, Synthesis, and NMR Conformational Analysis

Abstract: Molecular modeling calculations using high-level ab initio methods (MP2/6-31+G*) of a new type of spiro β-lactams predict that these systems could adopt a β-turn secondary structure in solution. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds stabilize the β-turn conformation with a geometry that is very close to the ideal type II β-turns. The synthesis of the spiro β-lactams is achieved by Staudinger reaction of a cyclic ketene derived from N-bencyloxycarbonyl-l-proline acid chloride with an imine. This reaction allows the formation of the spiranic backbone in a single-step with high diastereoselectivity and good yields. The new spiro β-lactams obtained are the core for the preparation of different types of peptidomimetics using well-established peptide chemistry. The NMR conformational analysis shows that these compounds adopt β-turn conformation as predicted by the theoretical studies.

E-Government and Public Financial Reporting The Case of Spanish Regional Governments

Abstract: Technology has changed the way public organizations relate to the public. Government's use of the Internet and other associated technologies, known as e-government, could become the instrument that makes regular timely information on public finances more forthcoming. New technologies can improve government responsiveness and empower individual citizens. By making government financial information available, the public could continuously assess a government agency through everyday interaction. The financial accountability of government and its response to public demands for information and services are thus a contribution to government openness. It is therefore relevant to determine whether public organizations are also becoming more aware of the importance of placing financial information on their Web sites to help in decision-making processes. This article focuses on the e-democracy process, specifically the transparency of government information, by analyzing governmental financial disclosures on the Web as a tool for the public to assess its financial accountability. To this end, an empirical study was carried out on regional governments in Spain.