Increasing the working calibration range by means of artificial neural networks for the determination of cadmium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

Feed-forward artificial neural networks (ANNs), trained with the generalized delta rule, were evaluated for modeling the non-linear behavior of calibration curves and increasing the working range for the determination of cadmium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Selection of this analyte was made on the basis of its short linear range (up to 4.0mugl(-1)).

Determination of cadmium in urine specimens by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using a fast atomization program.

A simple, fast, and reliable method was developed for the determination of cadmium in urine specimens by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The method involved dilution (1:1) of the specimens with a 4.0% HNO(3), direct injection of a 10mul aliquot of the corresponding solution into a hot transversely-heated graphite atomizer (110 degrees C), and application of a fast atomization program (42s) in which the conventional dry-pyrolysis sequence was substituted by a high-temperature (300 degrees C) drying step.

Classification of Venezuelan spirituous beverages by means of discriminant analysis and artificial neural networks based on their Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations.

Copper, zinc and iron concentrations were determined in "aguardiente de Cocuy de Penca" (Cocuy de Penca firewater), a spirituous beverage very popular in the North-Western region of Venezuela, by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). These elements were selected for their presence can be traced to the (illegal) manufacturing process of the aforementioned beverages. Linear and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained with the backpropagation algorithm were employed for estimating if such beverages can be distinguished based on the concentrations of these elements in the final product, and whether it is possible to assess the geographic location of the manufacturers (Lara or Falcón states) and the presence or absence of sugar in the end product.

Determination of manganese in brain samples by slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A simple procedure for the determination of manganese in different sections of human brain samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry has been developed. Brain sections included cerebellum, hypothalamus, frontal cortex, vermix and encephalic trunk. Two sample preparation procedures were evaluated, namely, slurry sampling and microwave-assisted acid digestion.

Discrimination of Venezuelan spirituous beverages by a trace element-radial basis neural network approach.

Radial basis neural networks (RBNNs) were developed and evaluated for discrimination of specimens of 'aguardiente de Cocuy', a spirituous beverage produced in the northwestern region of Venezuela. The beverage is distilled from the must of Agave cocui Trelease in an artisanship fashion with little quality control. Forty specimens, with known concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc, were used in this study.

Evaluation of a generalized regression artificial neural network for extending cadmium's working calibration range in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A generalized regression artificial neural network (GRANN) was developed and evaluated for modeling cadmium's nonlinear calibration curve in order to extend its upper concentration limit from 4.0 microg L-1 up to 22.0 microg L-1.