RESUMEN
Nanoparticle (NP) characterization is critical in many fields due to the use of NPs in numerous applications. Traditional NP characterization techniques, however, are limited by low sample throughput, and few can measure the size and elemental composition. Furthermore, sample throughput limitations are compounded in elemental mapping (EM) techniques for obtaining NP spatial distribution. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) EM can provide large area maps directly and cost-effectively from solid samples within tens of seconds. Here, GDOES EM is demonstrated for the first time for NP characterization in terms of mass, elemental composition, and size/structure dimensions. The effects of GD pulsed power, pressure, and sample substrate were studied, and optimized conditions resulted in limits of detection at single pg levels. While this is not at the level of single nanoparticle sensitivity, size differentiation of Ag and Au nanoparticles was successfully demonstrated between 5 and 100 nm, while the internal dimensions of complex core-shell NPs were also identified through the optical emission changes as a function of time.
RESUMEN
The process of measuring the overall maturity of a disaster recovery programme can be accomplished by measuring the maturity of the individual processes that make up the programme, and then looking at the results in aggregate. For each process, two aspects require particular attention: the maturity of the process itself, and the extent to which the process is utilised through the organisation as a whole. This paper discusses the process of measuring process maturity, and outlines a practical methodology for applying that process to the appraisal of disaster recovery programmes. It discusses the importance of looking at how widespread different disaster recovery processes are in the business, and outlines a practical approach to conducting programme appraisals.