bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Writing a Needs Analysis: Exploring the Details
Authors: Scroggs Karis , Simonson Shawn R.
Published: April 2021

The first step in preparing a comprehensive periodized strength and conditioning program is the needs analysis—that is a formal process for determining the general and specific needs of the athlete based on their sport or task. It involves many more pieces than most consider and is not simply about goal setting. Depth and specificity of event requirements and details are important because there will be variability in needs and program design due to the task and level of prior experience and participation. The specifics of the task and the particulars of the individual athlete may lead to the need for significant study and reading of evidence-based research. The benefit of a well-developed needs analysis is that it can lead to better program planning with greater opportunity for success.
Ethnoregionalist Parties in the EU: The European Free Alliance Phenomenon
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Oskolkov Petr
Published: April 2021

The article is focused on the structure and ideology of the European Free Alliance. The research aims at identifying resources and possibilities of the institutionalized transregional and supraregional cooperation of ethnoregionalist parties at the European level. The research was conducted predominantly in the paradigm of structural functionalism, while employing the methods of institutional analysis, QDA (exemplified by program documents and key actors’ rhetoric), network analysis (based on the data of the EU databases). The research resulted in the following conclusions. The EFA has not succeeded in becoming an entirely representative europarty for the respective party family, due to deep discrepancies between ethnoregionalist parties in the domain of ideology, goals, attitude towards European integration, and domestic political opportunities. The attempts to create an integrative ideological platform based on “creative eurofederalism” and “progressive nationalism” may hardly be called successful. Besides, big ethnoregionalist parties prefer to cooperate with bigger and more influential europarties and political groups of the European Parliament. However, in the EP-2019, “Greens-EFA” political group improved its position, even in spite of Brexit. This happened not because of the EFA achievements, but because of the growth in representation of the European Green Party. Though influence and capacities of the European Free Alliance are lower than those of other europarties, it has a significant symbolic meaning as a structure unifying different ethnoregionalist actors.
The Space of Eurasia and the Challenges of Time: Belorussian Case
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Mezhevich Nikolay
Published: April 2021

The article is focused on ideas, expressed in a new book the complex political and economic processes taking place in the Republic of Belarus require "a game of scaling".Whether counting the participants of protest rallies, or analyzing statements of the authorities and the opposition, or assessing inventory and exchange rate dynamics,Specialists aspire to provide a reliability of the analysis of current processes.However, the strategic analysis and a forecast within the framework of this approach is impossible. The border situation of Belarus cannot be considered exhaustively studied. The borderline changes its quality. Located between socialist Poland and the Soviet republics, Belarus did not move geographically, but the political and geographical changes were fundamental. Belarus found itself in the center of a mosaic space, the key characteristic of which is being located on the frontier. The question is where a new frontier of civilizations will be fixed ‒ near Brest or near Smolensk?The author of the book as well as the author of this article are confident that the informal civilizational border is located near Brest and Grodno.
Bruno Kreisky and the Soviet Union
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Schweitzer Vladimir
Published: April 2021

The article is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of B. Kreisky (1911 – 1990), a prominent statesman of post-war Austria, one of the leaders of international social democracy. From 1959 to 1966 he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria. In 1970 ‒ 1983 he was in charge of the Government of that State. In 1976 – 1989, he was Vice-President of the Socialist International. Soviet issues were not only an integral part of his political interests, but also a topic of constant dialogue within the European establishment, an important subject of meetings with the leaders of the USSR. Being a critic of many aspects of the USSR's foreign and domestic policy, not accepting the communist interpretation of Marxism, he did not consider ideological contradictions an obstacle to contacts with the Soviet leadership on a wide range of international issues. The dialogue with the USSR touched upon the topics of European and international detente, events in the Middle East and various situations in the countries of the "Third World".
Eurasian Company as a Tool of the EAEU Anti-crisis Strategy
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Sokolov Alexey
Published: April 2021

A new stage in the development of the integration process within the EAEU coincids with the deepening crisis in the global economy and actualizes the search for deepen economic and industrial cooperation. One of such mechanisms is Eurasian Company ‒ a special form of legal entities with the right to conduct financial and economic activities throughout the EAEU. The purpose of this study is to analyze the experience of creating supranational companies in existing integration organisations and to determine the basic approaches to the creation of Eurasian Companies. The article discusses in detail the regulatory framework and practice of Societas Europaea operating in the EU, including the regulatory framework and statistical data on the activities; Caribbean Community Enterprises; interstate financial and industrial groups in the CIS. The rules of foundation, operating conditions, the main goals of creating regional TNCs and the degree of their achievement in each of the integration associations are analyzed. The author outlines the prospects for the Eurasian Companies development provisions regarding the status of Eurasian Companies for those enterprises whose activities can provide the highest integration effect; development of a special tax regime; providing opportunities for preferential financing. The research results can be used in the draft regulations on Eurasian Companies.
Five Years of the EU Energy Union: Myth or Reality?
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yudina Olga
Published: April 2021

The article analyzes the results of the EU Energy Union activities from 2015 to 2019 and its contribution to the shaping of the European Union common energy policy. The significance of the activities of the EU Energy Union in promoting a common energy policy is considered in three dimensions: external, internal and in the field of establishing a management system. The author notes a huge increase in the influence of the European Commission on the formation of EU common energy policy, the existence of contradictions between the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty and the actual powers of the European Commission in terms of energy, as well as the continuing dichotomy among the EU member states on the issue of energy communitarisation. It is indicated that the establishment of a clear and predictable management system for the EU Energy Union made a significant contribution to the strengthening of European Commission‟s energy authority. Concluding that the European Commission is doing its best in the formation of a common external energy policy, the author draws attention to the potential internal and external difficulties that the European Commission faces in pursuing a policy aimed at strengthening its powers in the energy field.
European Integration as a Determinant Factor of Macedonian National Identity
Authors:   MGIMO University, Salavatova Anastasia
Published: April 2021

The concept of the EU normative power implies transformation challenges which project norms on the national level of European periphery. The research aims to assess extent the EU requirements contradict the Macedonian national identity and determine changes that either are perceived as imposed or reflect implicit European norms. Depending on the level of the EU engagement europeanization of national identity takes different forms ranging from institutional changes with the European mediators’ assistance (conflict settlement, the name issue) to the search of alternative national legitimation models apart from socialist Yugoslavia. Conditionality of explicit requirements that refer to disputes with neighbouring countries is integrated into national narrative in the form of sacrifice, which still is perceived as external pressure. Implicit norms like decommunization are more difficult to identify but imply a long-term deconstruction of national identity. Such deconstruction could provide not just prospects for the future of the Macedonian nation and state but allows to select and describe implicit European norms that are disseminated into the periphery. The article outlines conditionality between European standards and requirements and transformations in basic principles of Macedonian national identity.
“Global Britain”: from Idea to Implementation
Authors:   National Research Tomsk State University, Khakhalkina Elena
Published: April 2021

The article explores a new British foreign policy agenda under the catchy slogan of “Global Britain”. Over time, the thesis of Global Britain has been viewed by the British leadership as a matrix for a new foreign policy. This slogan is still being filled with various conceptual elements and real political, trade and economic steps. The concept of Global Britain is analyzed through UK-US relations, the Commonwealth and cooperation with the EU in the period before and after Brexit. It is concluded that ideologically, Global Britain is not a set of fundamentally new ideas; rather, it is a reformatting with different accents of the previous foreign policy provisions (the well-known concept of the “Three Majestic Circles” by W. Churchill) and taking into account reducing its opportunities and leverage in the European Union and the European region as a whole and attempts to reorient the economy, trade and financial relations towards the dynamically developing countries of Asia and other regions. It is highlighted that the difficult and protracted negotiations on Britain‟s withdrawal from the EU and UK snap elections in 2019 slowed down the filling of the concept with real content. At present, the future of the British foreign policy largely depends on the course of the new US President, the UK-EU cooperation, and the impact of pandemic on British economy.
Poland and New Trends in Central European Regional Configuration
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Rusakova Maria
Published: April 2021

The article examines Warsaw's attempts to expand its influence in Central Europe by initiating various regional integration projects: cooperation with the Baltic sea countries participation in the development of the Carpathian region the newest format – the Lublin Triangle. The content of the Lublin Declaration signed on July 28, 2020 by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine is analyzed in detail. Having been convinced by the example of Ukraine that the Eastern Partnership policy does not allow for quick results, as well as in connection with the events in Belarus, Poland decided to create a regional initiative that can be considered as a continuation of the Eastern Partnership policy. The Lublin Declaration opens up a wide range of potential areas of cooperation, however it is still too early to say how successful this project will be. Initially it was planned that Belarus would also join the Lublin Initiative, but later Minsk refused to participate. This seriously limited the project, but does not exclude the possibility of future innovations in its format. The author concludes that the Lublin Triangle is one of the Warsaw's instruments to realize the idea of Intermarium
Western Balkan States in the Era of Transformations: European Choice and Russian Foreign Economic Interests
Authors:   MGIMO University, Vorotnikov Vladislav , Habarta Andrzej ,   MGIMO University
Published: April 2021

The article addresses the process of European integration of 5 Western Balkan states: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. After the demise of the socialism system and the collapse of Yugoslavia, all countries in the region began to more or less associate their future with the participation in the European integration project. The philosophy of "Yugoslavism" was replaced by the idea of European integration. However, achieving this goal was not easy. The region is a complex (from the perspective of ethno-confessional and territorial conflicts) space where the political and economic interests of large non-regional players intersect. These factors predetermined the varying degree of success of the Western Balkan states on their way to the EU. The article analyzes the political and economic factors affecting this process. The subject of the analysis is the evolution of the socio-economic models of the Western Balkan states, their foreign economic ties, participation in the international movement of capital, labor, as well as economic ties with Russia.
Measuring the Creative Capital and its Development in the Regions of France
Authors:   National Research University - Higher School of Economics, Rastvortseva Svetlana , Korbankova Alexandra ,   National Research University - Higher School of Economics
Published: April 2021

Since the publication of the highly cited book of Richard Florida (“The Rise of the Creative Class. And How it's Transforming Work, Leisure and Everyday Life”), creativity has been considered as a new paradigm for economic development of cities and regions. In this context, evaluating the creative class and the creative capital has become an increasingly important concern. At the same time, measuring creative capital, in European countries in particular, remains underinvestigated. This paper is aimed at redressing this gap by evaluating the creative capital index for several regions of France. A multi-method research design was based on the Creative Capital Index project by PwC Russia. It was used to analyze both primary and secondary data on five main variables – “Regional development”, “Population”, “Business environment”, “Government” and “Brands” – from several French regions (Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bretagne, Occitanie and Pays de la Loire) obtained from European, national and regional open databases, official websites of governmental and non-governmental organizations and other online resources. The analysis of the results of creative capital index estimation and the investigation of creative projects, strategies and programs that were implemented in the regions under study has shown that each region has its competitive advantage in terms of specific aspects of creative capital. The results of the study may be of use to economists and policymakers by enabling them to recognize the key factors of creativity in their regions.
Regional Aspect: Commodity Structure of Germany’s Exports
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gracheva Maria
Published: April 2021

The article examines the specificity of commodities exports of Germany’s eastern and western lands. The indicators of sectoral export specialization are determined by comparing sectoral export quotas of the federal lands and the East/West with the general German sectoral export quotas. Calculations are based on data from the country's Federal Statistical Office for 2008 and 2019. As a result of the analysis of the indicators obtained, the general characteristics of the export specifics in relation to industrial branches and federal lands in two parts of the country are formulated, changes among the main specialized branches are explored, the roles of individual lands in the creation of export profiles of East and West Germany and the degree of correspondence between export profiles of the East/West and their lands are determined. The author outlines the convergence of new and old lands in various dimensions of specialization, the success of the East in the competition for specialization in the cars export and the preservation of significant Western advantages in the mechanical engineering’s export specialization and in the formation of new sectoral export focuses, and highlights the federal lands that have achieved high efficiency in the given field (Saxony in the East and Baden-Württemberg in the West).
Adaptive algorithm for reducing pulse noise level in images from CCTV cameras
Authors: Sadchenko А. V. , Kushnirenko O. A. , Troyanskiy A. V. , Savchuk Yu. A.
Published: April 2021

An optical signal is usually converted into an electrical one by using photosensitive matrices with a large number of discrete elements based on charge-coupled device (CCD) technology or CMOS technology.
One of the disadvantages of CCD and CMOS technologies is the impulse conversion noise that appears on digitized images, impairing visual perception and significantly reducing the likelihood of correct identification in pattern recognition tasks. Traditionally, impulse noise is removed from images using median filters with a fixed aperture within each iteration of full-format processing. However, such filters reduce the sharpness of the reconstructed image at high noise levels or insufficiently suppress the interference under the same noise conditions. These setbacks call for a need to develop an adaptive median filtering algorithm, which would produce a reconstructed image as a joint result of processing with median filters with different apertures.
The essence of this algorithm is to select image areas with different noise levels and process these areas with filters with different apertures. As an objective criterion for assessing the efficiency of the proposed filtering algorithm, the authors used the criterion of the maximum correlation coefficient between noise-free and non-noisy images at various values of the noise variance. The mathematical modeling performed in this study allowed finding that with an increase in the impulse noise variance, the gain of the adaptive median filtering algorithm increases exponentially, in comparison with the algorithms using the filters with a fixed aperture value.
The proposed algorithm can be used for pre-preprocessing images intended for recognition by machine vision systems, scanning text, and improving subjective image characteristics, such as sharpness and contrast.
Stabilization of bonding force during ultrasonic wire and ribbon bonding
Authors: Petuhov I. B.
Published: April 2021

To improve the quality of ultrasonic wire and ribbon bonding, the author propose a methodology for stabilizing the bonding force by compensating the rigidity of ultrasonic transducer (UST) mount in the ultrasonic / thermosonic bonding cycle. The author analyze the construction of ultrasonic technological systems and factors affecting the stability of the bonding process. The bonding force is controlled by an electromagnetic unit based on a coil in the field of a constant magnet, the force being directly proportional to the flowing current in the coil. The rigidity of ultrasonic transducer mount was compensated by the data obtained during the preliminary calibration of the change in the mount force over the entire UST overrun range. The calibration in this case is performed with no current flowing through the coil. The force value can be picked up from a digital force sensor. The force values are simultaneously compared with the digitized signal of the deformation sensor. The obtained data is stored in the memory of the wire bonder.
In the bonding cycle, after the moment of contact is determined, the drive unit moves the bonding head vertically by the value of a predetermined distance of approximately one diameter of the bonding wire. This causes the movable part of the UST mount to rise and the force to increase. This increase is compensated by the automatic reduction of the current in the electromagnetic coil, which allows maintaining the preset force at the specified level. The bonding force during bonding is compensated in the same way, with the difference that the vector of force compensation changes – the force should increase with an increase in the deformation of the bonding wire. The implementation of the proposed algorithm made it possible to improve the bonding force stabilization to 20% when bonding thick wire, as well as to improve bonding quality. The proposed solution is also applicable in other technological ultrasound bonding systems, including bonding wire with the diameter of <100 microns.
Literacy Skills as an Effort to Maintain Quality Culture in Muhammadiyah Elementary Schools in Malang City During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Poerwanti Endang , Suwandayani Beti Istanti , Sombuling Agnis
Published: April 2021

This research has been conducted based on the declining condition of literacy in Indonesia since 2017. Since quality culture is crucial during this time, a research on literacy skills in elementary schools needs to be done. This is a qualitative descriptive research. It aims to analyze the literacy skills in maintaining the quality culture in Muhammadiyah elementary schools in Malang City during the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the instruments used in this research are interviews and documentation. The research subjects comprise teachers, headmasters, and students of Muhammadiyah elementary schools in Malang City. The results show that during the pandemic, the subjects have applied digital and informational literacy skills in the learning process through several platforms. Moreover, using these skills, the teachers have co-written a compilation of best practic-es registered on ISBN. Supporting factors in literacy skills as a quality culture in Muhammadiyah elementary schools include the intensity to access more information, optimization of teacher skills through various workshops and peer tutors, and improvement of existing infrastructure in schools. While the hindering factor is the understanding of educators and education on the school literacy movement is school literacy.
Learning Society in Accelerating the Increase of English Understanding and Communicating at Mahesa Putri English Camp
Authors: Yulianingsih Wiwin , Lestari Gunarti Dwi , Dewi Utari , Rahma Rezka Arina
Published: April 2021

Camp is one form of non-formal education that is used as a place to live while undergoing language courses. This study is generally aimed at determining the learning society in accelerating the improvement of understanding skills and communication skills in a camp-based English course for students in Mahesa Putri Camp in English Village. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of camp as an enhancer of understanding ability, and the role of camp as an acceleration of communication patterns. The research method used is descriptive qualitative which describes something objectively, based on data analysis conducted at the time of data collection and after data collection. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews and documentation. In this study, the subjects of the study were managers, tutors and students at Mahesa Putri Camp English Village Pare, Kediri. From the results of the study, it was found that the students experienced an increase in understanding of learning and motivation from activities in the campThe importance of this research to provide and understanding of the existence of camp provides an acceleration in learning english.
Influence of Organizational Climate Towards Polyglot Indonesia Members Intercultural Communication Skill Mediated by Self Motivation
Authors: Putra Nararia Hutama , Sutarto Joko , Yusuf Amin
Published: April 2021

Polyglot Indonesia is a form of nonformal learning organization that concerns on developing the intercultural communication skill of its members. This study shows how the organization element (organizational climate) helps to develop intercultural communication skill of the members. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of organizational climate mediated by self motivation towards intercultural communication skill of Polyglot Indonesia members. This study is categorized as ex-postfacto study with quantitative approach. The population of this study are 152 members of Polyglot Indonesia who have been joining the whatsapp group of Polyglot Indonesia All chapters and the sample that used in this study are 110 respondents. The data were collected through online questionnaire. The data analysis was using SPSS 21.0 Software. The results and conclusion of this study are, (1) t value regression of X variable towards Y is 2,122 and significance level is 0,036, which means there is a significant direct influence on organizational climate towards intercultural communication skill of Polyglot Indonesia members; (2) t value regression of X variable towards Z is 2,957 and significance level is 0,004, which means there is significant direct influence on organizational climate towards self motivation of Polyglot Indonesia members; (3) t value regression of X variable towards Y mediated by Z is 2,333 and significance level is 0,05, which means there is a significant indirect influence on organizational climate mediated by self motivation towards intercultural communication skill of Polyglot. Indonesia members. This study new finding shows that self motivation strengthened the impact of organization element in achieving organization goal as nonformal learning organization. The study benefit for the science development is to show a form of nonformal learning through learning organization and enhance the knowledge of the core value of nonformal learning itself.
Community Learning Center Efforts to Improve Information Literacy in the Community for Cyber Crime Prevention during a Pandemic
Authors: Nurhayati Sri , Musa Safuri , Boriboon Gumpanat , Nuraeni Rina , Putri Shindriani
Published: April 2021

This study explores the community learning centers' effort in improving the community's information literacy to prevent cybercrime during the pandemic era through an empirical examination of the phenomenon of pandemic COVID 19 social impacts in the specific context of Indonesia. The study used a simple research design approach with the case study method. The subject of this study consisted of five Community Learning Center’s managers from Cimahi District (CLC Nurul Islam Al Husna), Garut District (CLC Ngejah), East Jakarta District (CLC Faradika), and Karawang District (CLC Ash Sholahiyah and CLC Sanggar Juang), and two community education experts from Indonesia. Data were analyzed using triangulation, including extensive interviews from five community learning center's managers, interviews with community education experts, as well as secondary data. The study found that community learning center's efforts consist of conducting virtual socialization and also mentoring the community on information literacy, revitalizing parenting education on guiding children during their screen time, activating community reading center to create a lively discussion, and fostering community's critical thinking and information assessment. The contribution of this study to the literature on community education consists of presenting empirical evidence on the real contribution of Community Learning Center in improving the community's information literacy level while preventing the wide spreading of cyber-crime during the pandemic COVID 19 era.
Applying Mind Map in Teaching History in Primary Schools – Case Study of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam
Authors: Le Thi Thuy An , Nguyen Thi Anh Mai , Bui Thi Tam , Luu Thi Diu , Dinh Thi Kieu Loan
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the role and meaning of the application mind map in teaching history in primary schools in Vietnam. In doing so, this paper studies requirements, designing process and then proposes satisfactory methods to apply mind map in teaching history suitably in Vietnamese education environment. By doing so, the research partly improves the quality and effectiveness of historical lessons in primary schools (class 4 and 5) in to obtain a higher aim of developing students’ abilities. In this paper, the author applies mixed researching methods including analyzing data, pedagogical viewing, surveying, and pedagogical experiment and then evaluating educational experience. The research’s results support previous studies about the role and effectiveness of using mind map in teaching in general and in teaching history in particular. The author also suggests that in to promote the success of mind map in education, teachers need to mix several teaching methods and technics.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: Endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders: impacts on sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine pathways
Authors: Patisaul Heather B
Published: April 2021

We are all living with hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals in our bodies every day, a situation that threatens the reproductive health of present and future generations. This review focuses on endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), both naturally occurring and man-made, and summarizes how they interfere with the neuroendocrine system to adversely impact pregnancy outcomes, semen quality, age at puberty, and other aspects of human reproductive health. While obvious malformations of the genitals and other reproductive organs are a clear sign of adverse reproductive health outcomes and injury to brain sexual differentiation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis can be much more difficult to discern, particularly in humans. It is well-established that, over the course of development, gonadal hormones shape the vertebrate brain such that sex-specific reproductive physiology and behaviors emerge. Decades of work in neuroendocrinology have elucidated many of the discrete and often very short developmental windows across pre- and postnatal development in which this occurs. This has allowed toxicologists to probe how EDC exposures in these critical windows can permanently alter the structure and function of the HPG axis. This review includes a discussion of key EDC principles including how latency between exposure and the emergence of consequential health effects can be long, along with a summary of the most common and less well-understood EDC modes of action. Extensive examples of how EDCs are impacting human reproductive health, and evidence that they have the potential for multi-generational physiological and behavioral effects are also provided.
Urocortins exhibit differential effects on PGE2 and PGF2α output via CRHR2 in human myometrium
Authors: You Xingji , Chen Zixi , Sun Qianqian , Yao Ruojin , Gu Hang , Ni Xin
Published: April 2021

Urocortins (UCNs), belonging to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, exert their function via CRH receptor type 1 (CRHR1) and 2 (CRHR2). Our previous studies have demonstrated that CRH acts on CRHR1 to potentiate prostaglandins (PGs) output induced by inflammatory stimuli in myometrial cells. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effects of UCNs on prostaglandin (PG) output via CRHR2 in cultured human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs) from pregnant women at term. We found that UCN and UCN 3 treatment promoted PGE2 and PGF2α secretion in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, UCN2 dose-dependently inhibited PGE2 and PGF2α secretion. Their effects were reversed by CRHR2 antagonist and CRHR2 siRNA. Mechanically, we showed that UCN and UCN3 suppressed cAMP production and led to Gi activation while UCN2 stimulated cAMP production and activated Gs signaling. Further, UCN and UCN3 but not UCN2 activated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways through Gi signaling. UCN and UCN3 stimulation of PGs secretion were dependent on Gi/adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP, NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. UCN2 suppression of PGs output was through Gs/AC/cAMP signaling pathways. Our data suggest that UCN, UCN2 and UCN3 can finely regulate PGs secretion via CRHR2, which facilitates the functional status of the uterus during pregnancy.
Stability analysis of fractional-order systems with randomly time-varying parameters
Authors: Wang Dehua , Ding Xiao-Li , Nieto Juan J.
Published: April 2021

This paper is concerned with the stability of fractional-order systems with randomly timevarying parameters. Two approaches are provided to check the stability of such systems in mean sense. The first approach is based on suitable Lyapunov functionals to assess the stability, which is of vital importance in the theory of stability. By an example one finds that the stability conditions obtained by the first approach can be tabulated for some special cases. For some complicated linear and nonlinear systems, the stability conditions present computational difficulties. The second alternative approach is based on integral inequalities and ingenious mathematical method. Finally, we also give two examples to demonstrate the feasibility and advantage of the second approach. Compared with the stability conditions obtained by the first approach, the stability conditions obtained by the second one are easily verified by simple computation rather than complicated functional construction. The derived criteria improve the existing related results.
Dose rates evaluation of some granitic rocks from the Paraná State
Authors: Ferreira Ademar de Oliveira , Pecequilo Brigitte Roxana Soreanu
Published: April 2021

Granitic rocks, widely used as building materials, are known to contain natural radionuclides and can be an important source of radiation for the population. Thirty-four samples of granite rocks from geological occurrences in Paraná state were measured with an HPGe detector for evaluation of226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations. The effective annual external dose was evaluated from these radionuclides activities using a dosimetric room model with dimensions 4 m x 5 m x 2.8 m in which all wallsare internally coated with granites of thickness 2 cm and considering an annual exposure time of 7000 h. This value was suggested by the European Commission on Radiological Protection for superficial coating materials. The internal exposure was evaluated from radon air concentration of the model room, simulated from an exhalation rate of 222Rn, determined with CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors using the sealed can technique, considering a ventilation rate of 0.5 h-1 and an annual exposure time of 7000 h. The results of this study showed that the increase in the annual effective dose ranged from 62 ± 3 μSv.a-1 to 138 ± 1 μSv.a-1 from external gamma rays and the increase in the annual effective dose ranged from 0.39 ± 0.04 μSv.a-1 to 70 ± 4 μSv.a-1 from radon inhalation. All results stayed below 1 mSv.a-1 recommended by the European Commission on Radiological Protection.
Direct determination of aluminum in low-enriched UAlx targets (UAlx-Al) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Guilhen Sabine Neusatz , Souza Alexandre Luiz de , Cotrim Marycel Elena Barboza , Pires Maria Aparecida Faustino
Published: April 2021

The production of molybdenum-99 (99Mo) using low-enriched uranium targets (< 20% 235U) dispersed in aluminum (UAlx) is a very promising strategy towards the independence in 99Mo local production. A thorough control must be performed to ensure that these targets meet the regulatory requirements to achieve the expected efficiency in the reactor. The determination of the targets’ composition is of high interest, because the distribution of Al in different phases may have an impact on the U concentration. Among the techniques used for this purpose, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) stands out because of its high sensitivity and precision, allowing for simultaneous determination of several elements in a variety of samples and matrices. However, because U exhibits a complex emission spectrum, spectral interferences are prone to affect the analysis of Al, calling for time consuming preparation steps to remove the U from the matrix. This study proposes a method of direct determination of Al in UAlx targets through the selection of specific emission lines enabled by the evaluation of the associated interferences on the recovery values.
A study on tree bark samples for atmospheric pollution monitoring
Authors: Santos Eliane Conceição dos , Maihara Vera Akiko , Genezine Frederico Antonio , Saiki Mitiko
Published: April 2021

Tree barks are considered a promising indicator of air pollution monitoring, because of its accumulation of aerosol particles, simplicity of species identification and wide geographical distribution. However, there are no established protocols for its sampling as well as there are no detailed studies on its usability as an alternative or complementary indicator of atmospheric pollution. In this study, barks from very common tree species, Sibipiruna (Poincianella pluviosa) and Tipuana (Tipuana tipu), were analyzed to define experimental conditions for their use as biomonitor of air pollution. Bark samples collected at the São Paulo city were cleaned and ground for analysis. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied for the determination of As, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Sb, Sc and Zn and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) for Cd and Pb. Results obtained in these analyses indicated that species of trees, bark surface layers taken for analysis as well as tree trunk diameter or tree age should be considered for use tree bark as a biomonitor. Analytical control of results carried out by analyzing certified reference materials demonstrated that INAA and GF AAS techniques can provide reliable data for element concentrations with standardized differences, |Enscore | < 1.
Preliminary chemical studies at the jericho archaeological site
Authors: Barros Joanna Ferreira , Munita Casimiro , Silva Rodrigo
Published: April 2021

This study measured the chemical composition of 45 ceramic samples from the Jericho archaeological site, Palestine, by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The mass fraction of Na, K, La, Sm, Yb, Lu, U, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Rb, Cs, Ce, Eu, Hf and Th was determined with the purpose to detect the presence of ceramic groupings based on their composition. The analytical method is appropriate for this type of study because it is a non-destructive technique with high sensitivity, accuracy and precision, and determines chemical elements in trace and ultra-trace levels. These characteristics are essential to study small concentration variations. Initially the mass fractions were normalized to compensate for the large difference in magnitude among elements determined in percentage and trace level. Subsequently, the dataset was interpreted through cluster and discriminant analysis. The results showed the existence of three different chemical groups.
Comparative evaluation of the performance of thin diodes used as on-line dosimeters in radiation processing applications
Authors: Gonçalves Josemary A. C. , Mangiarotti Alessio , Bueno Carmen C
Published: April 2021

In this work, we report a comparison between the performance of two samples of commercial PIN photodiodes (SFH206K from Osram and S2506-04 from Hamamatsu) mainly addressing the variation of their current sensitivities with accumulated dose ranging from 0-15 kGy. All the results so far obtained have revealed that the radiation induced currents are linearly dependent on dose rates from 3.65 to 55.64 Gy/h. The current sensitivity of both unirradiated diodes (0.178 nA.h/Gy.mm3) slightly decreases with accumulated dose, namely 0.32%/kGy (SFH206K) and 1.4%/kGy (S2506-04). Although the SFH206K device compares favorably with the S2506-04, both diodes can be considered as a low budge alternative, good enough for on-line dosimetry applications in the field of radiation processing.
Determination of toxic elements in fish of the genus Astyanax consumed by artisanal fishermen of the District of Riacho Grande, São Bernardo do Campo city, Brazil
Authors: Reis Daniele Prado , Moreira Edson Gonçalves
Published: April 2021

Elementos tóxicos em contato com o corpo humano causam inúmeros problemas de saúde. A contaminação ocorre principalmente pelo consumo de alimentos, como a ingestão de peixes contaminados com altas concentrações de As, Cd, Hg ou Pb, entre outros elementos. Muitos pescadores e seus familiares acabam se expondo a diferentes elementos tóxicos devido à dieta baseada em peixes como o principal nutriente protéico, porque desconhecem os riscos à saúde associados ao consumo de peixes de águas contaminadas. No presente estudo, quantificação dos elementos tóxicos ou potencialmente tóxicos As, Br, Cs, Cr, Co, Fe, K, Na, Sc, Se e Zn em amostras de peixes do gênero Astyanax (conhecido pelo nome comum de lambari) coletados no reservatório Billings por pescadores do distrito de Riacho Grande - (São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brasil). O peixe lambari teve grande relevância neste estudo, pois é consumido como lanche, no qual o sujeito se alimenta de todo o organismo do peixe, apresentando maior risco de contato direto com elementos tóxicos por ingestão. Os elementos foram determinados por Análise Instrumental de Ativação de Nêutrons (INAA). Este estudo é importante no estabelecimento de uma visão espaço-temporal atualizada da contaminação por vários elementos de interesse da região e contribui para a garantia da segurança alimentar, em relação aos contaminantes inorgânicos encaminhados pela Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar (ANVISA).
Analysis of painting Victor Meirelles’ “Passagem de Humaitá” by XRF
Authors: Pereira de Freitas Renato Pereira de Freitas , Felix Valter Souza , Pereira Marcelo Oliveira
Published: April 2021

Analysis of historical artifacts, it's a multidisciplinary field of research known as archaeometry, has expanded greatly in recent years. One of the reasons for this expansion was the great effort of physicists and engineers, who focused on the development of portable instruments, that allow analyses in situ and non-destructive of these artifacts. The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is techniques of the most used in this field of study. In this work the XRF was used to analysis the artwork "Passagem de Humaitá", by the Brazilian painter Victor Meirelles, dated 1872. The painting, which has dimensions of 268 cm x 405 cm, is exposed at National Historical Museum located in Rio de Janeiro. The analyses were carried out in situ with portable XRF system model TRACER IV from Bruker, which has Rh anode and can operate with maximum voltage and current of 40 kV and 200 μA. Spectra of more than 80 points of the painting were obtained, with the tube operating at voltage of 40 kV and a current of 10 μA, and the spectra were collected during 60 seconds. The results allowed to conclude that the painter used pigments such as vermilion and/or cinnabar [HgS], calcite [CaCO3], zinc white [ZnO], lead white [(PbCO3)2·Pb(OH)2], red ocher [Fe2O3], brown umbra [Fe2O3.MnO2].
APPLE PORRIDGE SUBMITTED TO GAMMA RADIATION FOR SHELF-LIFE EXTENDED
Authors: Harder Marcia Nalesso Costa , Breviglieri Eric , Oliveira Bruna B. , Zamboni Karen , Carvalho Suziane , Neme-Oyan Fernanda Faganello , Harder Larissa Nalesso Costa , Oliveira Simone Raymundo , Arthur Valter
Published: April 2021

Among various apple products, apple porridge is a much consumed product, not only for babies, but also for adults. It is a practical, healthy and tasty product that can be consumed throughout the day. However, it is an extremely perishable product. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the shelf-life period of apple porridge after the application of gamma radiation as a conservation technology. After the formulation of apple porridge was developed, which was subjected to gamma radiation at the dose of 1kGy in a dose tax of 0.356kGy.hour-1 and compared this treatment with the control (0kGy). From the results presented, it can be concluded that the period of conservation of apple porridge submitted to gamma radiation is 30 days. From the 60th day, the samples showed microbial growth, not being accepted for consumption. In comparison to the control, the use of gamma radiation was promising, since the standard sample showed contamination before 30 days. By the results it can be concluded that the dose used was adequate for the conservation of this product for the period evaluated.
Evaluation of the spatial variability of the elements in tree barks used as biomonitors of atmospheric pollution
Authors: Ishimaru Gabriel , Santos Eliane Conceição dos , Saiki Mitiko
Published: April 2021

Tree barks have proven to be a valuable source of information on air quality. Nowadays, studies with this biomonitor are constantly being developed. However, data of several factors that affect the accumulation of the pollutants in the barks, such as bark porosity, duration of the deposition on the bark and dispersion or variability of pollutants in a defined area, are scarce in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of chemical elements concentrations accumulated on Sibipiruna (Cenostigna pluviosarum) barks in order to examine their aerial dispersion in two small urban areas of the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo. The neutron activation analysis (NAA) applied in the analyses consisted of irradiation the aliquots of the sample together the synthetic element standards at the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor. Concentrations of the As, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, V and Zn were determined in tree barks using short and long irradiations. Results obtained in the analyses of the tree bark samples indicated that the variability of element concentrations depends on the element, study area and numbers of trees. The variability of element concentrations in general was higher for elements presenting low concentrations. Quality control of the analytical results was evaluated by the analysis of INCT-MPH-2 Mixed Polish Herbs Certified Reference Material and these results presented good accuracy with values of standardized difference or |ζ score| ≤ 2, indicating that the procedure of NAA applied is suitable for the analyses.
Comparative analysis of quartz treated with gamma radiation originated from the hydrothermal geodes of the Paraná Basin, with quartz generated in the hydrothermal veins of Serra do Espinhaço.
Authors: Enokihara Cyro Teiti
Published: April 2021

In Brazil, hydrothermal quartz may be found in the geodes of the basaltic rocks of the Paraná Basin and in the vein systems of quartzites of the Serra do Espinhaço. The quartz of hydrothermal origin of the Paraná Basin contains a great amount of structurally bound water in the form of molecular water, silanol, hydroxyl and abundant growth defects that are responsible for the green color formed by irradiation. To register the influence of water in the formation of the green color in the quartz of the Paraná Basin, quartz samples from the following regions were analyzed: Artigas, located in the Paraná Basin, Curvelo and Brejinho located in Serra do Espinhaço. The quartz from Artigas, formed at low temperature, has high concentration of molecular water and silanol and a greater amount of Fe than Al. The quartz from Curvelo with Al, but, without water molecular and silanol was formed by intermediate temperature and the quartz from Brejinho has very little Al, Fe and a small silanol and molecular water content. To characterize these samples, ICP, NAA, and NIR-FTIR spectroscopic measurements have been taken together with water loss techniques. The analysis by FTIR spectrometry of Artigas quartz samples shows strong absorptions of H2O and Si-OH, respectively, near the regions of 5300 cm-1 and 4500 cm-1. This content of molecular water and silanol in hydrothermal quartz of Artigas is responsible for the formation of NBOHC defects that produce, by gamma radiation, the green color.