bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The state of soil microbiotes during sunflower growing with an herbicide of imidazolinone group
Authors: Kostyuchenko Natalia , Lyakh Viktor , Soroka Anatoliy
Published: April 2021

The effects of various concentrations of herbicide Euro-Lightning Plus on the state of microbiota in the root zone of sunflower have been studied. Soil of plant rhizosphere and interrow soil after treatment with the herbicide at the doses of 1.2 and 2.5 l/ha were taken for the analysis at the end of sunflower growing season. Rhizosphere soil without herbicide application was used as a control. The herbicide was applied at the stage of 2–4 true leaves. The total number of bacteria in the rhizosphere of control plants was 12.82 million CFU/g of soil while in the rhizosphere and in the interrow soil after herbicide treatment with a dose of 2.5 l/ha it decreased by 1.4–1.5 times. A general trend of decline in number of the basic ecological and trophic groups of bacterial microorganisms with the increase in a dose of herbicide was established. Microbiological coefficients that reflect the functional activity of the microflora indicate changes in its biological activity under the influence of the herbicide Euro-Lightning Plus, which leads to deterioration in the agroecological state of the studied soils. It was also found that herbicide application resulted in a rearrangement of micromycete complexes in the root zone of sunflower which led to a two-fold reduction, compared to the control, of mycobiota species diversity and the formation of a specific species composition of mycocenoses. A greater genus and species diversity of fungi of the microflora in the rhizosphere of control plants, in comparison with the herbicide-treated soil, was revealed. A reduction in species diversity of the genus Penicillium from six species in the control to 1–2 species in the rhizosphere of experimental sunflower plants as well as the absence of rare saprophytic fungi species from the genera Acremonium, Verticillium, Trichoderma and Paecilomyces were noted.
Fertilisers in the Long 19th Century and Beyond: Usage, Commercialisation and Production (c 1800–1939)
Authors: Strotmann Christine , Herment Laurent , Page Arnaud
Published: April 2021

The introduction to the volume provides an overview of processes in the industrialization of agriculture in the 19th and 20th centuries with regard to fertilisation. It explains the interplay between the intensification of fertiliser usage and agricultural output which enabled immense population growth. It shows how chemical discoveries surrounding nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (NPK) eventually led to a diversification of markets and the formation of big fertiliser businesses. Indeed, every specific fertiliser chain was linked to a wide set of markets and institutions, as to stakeholders with various and potentially conflicting interests. This issue aims to shed light on this aspect within several regions across Europe and beyond.
Synthesis, structural characterization, and properties of three Ag(I) complexes with oxazoline-containing chiral ligands
Authors: Kuai Hai-Wei , Cheng Xiao-Chun , Zhu Xiao-Hong
Published: April 2021

The two enantiopure chiral organic ligands 2-[(S)-4-isopropyl-2-oxazolyl]quinoline (L1) and 2-[(S)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolyl]quinoline (L2) react with different silver salts to give rise to three new silver complexes [Ag(L1)2](SbF6) (1), [Ag(L1)(CH3CN)](ClO4) (2), and [Ag(L2)(NO3)] (3), which have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Complexes 1–3 all display discrete mononuclear structures. The nonlinear optical properties of 1–3 were investigated.
Periodized Resistance Training With and Without Functional Training Improves Functional Capacity, Balance, and Strength in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Strand Keri L. , Cherup Nicholas P. , Totillo Matthew C. , Castillo Diana C. , Gabor Noah J. , Signorile Joseph F.
Published: April 2021

Strand, KL, Cherup, NP, Totillo, MC, Castillo, DC, Gabor, NJ, and Signorile, JF. Periodized resistance training with and without functional training improves functional capacity, balance, and strength in Parkinson's disease. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1611–1619, 2021—Periodized progressive resistance training (PRT) is a common method used to improve strength in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). Many researchers advocate the addition of functional training to optimize translation to activities of daily living; however, machine-based PRT, using both force and velocity training components, may elicit similar benefits. Thirty-five persons with PD (Hoehn and Yahr I–III) were randomized into a strength, power, and hypertrophy (SPH; n = 17) or strength, power, and functional (SP + Func; n = 18) group, training 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. Both groups performed machine-based strength and power training on days 1 and 2 each week, respectively; whereas, on day 3, SPH group performed machine-based hypertrophy training and SP + Func group performed functional training. Functional performance was tested using the timed up and go, 30-second sit-to-stand (30-s STS), gallon-jug shelf-transfer, and seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) tests. Balance (Mini-BESTest), strength, motor symptoms (UPDRS-III), quality of life, and freezing of gait (FOG) were also assessed. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a main effect for time (p ≤ 0.05) with significant improvements for the sample in the 30-s STS (p = 0.002), SMBT (p = 0.003), Mini-BESTest (p < 0.001), upper-body strength (p = 0.002) and lower-body strength (p < 0.001). A significant group × time interaction was seen for FOG, with SP + Func alone showing improvement (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the SPH group produced a clinically important difference for the UPDRS-III (mean difference = 4.39, p = 0.18). We conclude that both exercise strategies can be equally effective at improving functional capacity, balance, and muscular strength in individuals with PD. In addition, FOG and motor symptoms may be targeted through SP + Func and SPH, respectively. The results provide options for individualized exercise prescriptions.
Evaluation of Performance Characteristics and Internal and External Training Loads in Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Players
Authors: Bozzini Brittany N. , McFadden Bridget A. , Scruggs Steven Keith , Arent Shawn M.
Published: April 2021

Bozzini, BN, McFadden, BA, Scruggs, SK, and Arent, SM. Evaluation of performance characteristics and internal and external training loads in female collegiate beach volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1559–1567, 2021—Although women's beach volleyball is the fastest growing collegiate sport, the training demands and performance characteristics have yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate internal and external training loads throughout a competitive season and to quantify the performance characteristics of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's beach volleyball players. Female beach volleyball players (N = 20) were monitored throughout the 6-week competitive season (T1-T6) using integrative global positioning systems (GPS) and heart rate (HR)–monitoring technology, which was individualized based on preseason testing, for the determination of workload metrics. In addition to team data, all variables were analyzed between travel (n = 11, regular match participation) and non-travel (n = 7) squad athletes (p < 0.05). Team performance metrics demonstrated the explosive power emphasis of the sport, with travel squad players exhibiting significantly greater vertical jump and jump velocity abilities than their non-travel counterparts (p < 0.05). Although few time main effects from T1 to T6 were observed for team workload metrics, follow-ups revealed significant time × group interactions for training load (TL), exercise energy expenditure (EEE), total distance covered, and minutes spent in HR zones (HRZ1-Z5) over the season (p < 0.05). Finally, although average workloads were greater in practices than in matches, when accounting for pre-match warm-ups, competition load was greater than practice (p < 0.05). National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's beach volleyball is a demanding, explosive power sport characterized by overall large TL and EEE, particularly in-season when athletes compete in 4 matches per weekend. The workloads observed point to the need to assess and manage training loads and fueling requirements to optimize performance and decrease injury risk.
Rent for Germany or Why it Needs the EU
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Fyodorov Valentin
Published: April 2021

The analysis of interactions and mutual influence of Germany and the EU demonstrates a multidirectional causation of political and economical integration. Germany as the biggest European economy and the most influential political actor in EU plays a pivotal role in the Union defining the strategical and tactical approaches to political and economic matters. However, the robust German economy despite having a unique technical, scientifical and qualitative potential, is limited by a material resources base dependent on external partners. This factor determines relentless efforts of Germany to unite Europe which can be observed in chancellor A. Merkel’s foreign policy actions. It is especially true under conditions of inevitable turbulence, caused by Brexit and the pandemic of coronavirus. Only a cohesive European Union can guarantee economic prosperity and political stability of Germany. Stabilization and development of internal policy of Germany are seen as its actions to consolidate EU
The Nordic Countries and Russia: an Untouchable Reserve of Strength to Maintain Bilateral Relations
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences, Voronov Konstantin
Published: April 2021

The article explores the development of bilateral relations between the Northern countries and Russia due to the current trend of increasing role of Northern Europe and the Arctic in international relations. The author specifically considers the reasons, motives, objective preconditionsrequired to maintain a minimum level of contactsafter 2014. This set of political and economic factors, a kind of Strategic untouchable reserve, not only prevents the crisis, but also serves as an objective basis for maintaining the certain level of working ties, as well as their improvementin the future. The ruling circles support the policy of sanctions, the course of USA/NATO/EU aimed at strategic deterrence of Russia. However,the countries in the subregion are committed to the preservation of dialogue with Moscow and pragmatic cooperation. This positive attitude of the Nordic Five towards Russia is based on long-term goals: the need to keep and to develop trade and economic exchanges, the necessity to develop further economic cooperation in new and perspective spheres, such as the Far North and the Arctic, development of the Northern Sea Route, sea spaces and the shelf of the Arctic Ocean etc.
Rapidly Progressing Fatal Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm After Acute Myocardial Infarction - A Case Report of Delayed Diagnosis
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Zhu Wei , Huang Xinjie , Lin Yu
Published: April 2021

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). As pseudoaneurysm is contained by the pericardium alone without involvement of myocardial tissue, LVPA are more prone to rupture and hence necessitates surgical intervention. We report a case of a 60-year-old man with acute MI due to a three-way occlusion in the coronary arteries. An emergency transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) on the 11th day after the MI showed a small ventricular aneurysm, which was probably a late complication of the acute MI episode. A repeat TTE on the 26th day of the MI episode revealed a rapidly progressing LVPA. Emergency heart surgery was planned, but the patient died due to LVPA rupture. This case illustrates timely diagnosis and corrective surgery are key to saving patients from fatal LVPAs
Global Development of Children with Intellectual Disability: Intrinsic Factors versus Extrinsic Interventions
Authors: Wang Fuzhou
Published: April 2021

How to realize the global development of children with intellectual disability is a complicated social issue. When a child has intellectual disability or is on the verge of intellectual disability, the environment the child is in and the humanistic support the child obtains play a vital role in achieving the global development. Given the intrinsic factors cannot be changed, and then the extrinsic interventions subsequently become the only means for children with intellectual disability to achieve personal development. However, conventional education cannot meet the special needs of children with intellectual disabilities, so training special supporting teachers has become the best choice to achieve this goal.
Determination of the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and the concentration of 222Rn in soil samples of the Campos Gerais region (Paraná)
Authors: Rosa Givanildo , Ferreira Ademar de Oliveira , Rodriguez Duvan Gil , Bastos Rodrigo Oliveira
Published: April 2021

In the Campos Gerais region of Paraná there are few literature that evaluate the concentrations of natural radioactivity. Thus, the aim of the present work was to determine activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 222Rn concentration in soil samples from Telêmaco Borba, Tibagi, Curiúva, Ventania, Lageado Bonito and Ortigueira. The soil samples, with about 2 kg, were collected on the surface at points near the river bed, making sure that the soil is not under the agriculture influence. Gamma-ray spectrometry analyzes were performed with a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector, with dimensions of 76 mm in diameter, 152 mm in height and 8 cm of lead shield. The 222Rn concentration determinations were performed by means of the sealed can technique, using as track detector a polycarbonate of domestic manufacture. The results obtained for the activity concentration varied from <4.2 ± 1.2 Bq.kg-1 to 290.2 ± 1.7 Bq.kg-1 for the 40K, of 23.3 ± 1.1 Bq. kg-1 to 36.5 ± 1.1 Bq.kg-1 for the 226Ra and from 52.6 ± 1.9 Bq.kg-1 to 70.5 ± 2 Bq.kg-1 for the 232Th. The results for the 222Rn concentration ranged from 4 ± 3 Bq.m-3 to 1147 ± 326 Bq.m-3. Two of the six soil samples presented radon concentrations above the threshold established by the European Commission for Radiological Protection of 200 Bq.m-3, for internal environments. The concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th are within the limits, showing the importance of future investigating the origin of this radon.
Optimization of methodology with solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD)
Authors: Silva Reginaldo Anderson , Ferreira Ademar de Oliveira
Published: April 2021

The present study aims to optimize the passive methodology with Solid state Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) called the sealed can technique in the physics laboratory of the Federal Institute of Paraná - Telêmaco Borba Campus. The work used a polycarbonate polymer as detector because it is a polycarbonate of national manufacture and of low cost. A factorial design was carried out with three variables, one with two levels, one with three levels and one with four levels, totaling 24 experiments. The factors evaluated were the volume of the sealed can (1000 ml, 300 ml and 200 ml), chemical attack time (1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h) and the chemical attack solution (solution A, PEW-40 and solution B, KOH- 70). In all 24 experiments the can was sealed with aliquots of the same geological sample for 38 days before chemical revelation and counting of the tracks. The results showed that solution B can be discarded due to the low concentration of tracks obtained in all 12 experiments performed with it. The results for solution A showed that the highest concentration of tracks is obtained for the chemical revelation time of 3 h, regardless of volume, and that the volume of 300 ml is the best result. Thus the conclusion of the study is that solution A in the volume of 300 ml and with chemical revelation time of 3 h is the optimal procedure for the development of the tracks.
Comparing Deep Learning Architectures On Gamma-Spectroscopy Analysis For Nuclear Waste Characterization
Authors: Gomes Lamas Otero André , Potiens Junior Ademar , Takehiro Marumo Júlio
Published: April 2021

Neural networks, particularly deep neural networks, are used nowadays with great success in several tasks, such as image classification, image segmentation, translation, text to speech, speech to text, achieving super-human performance. In this study, we explore the capabilities of deep learning on a new field: gamma-spectroscopy analysis, comparing the classification performance of different deep neural network architectures. We choose VGG-16, VGG-19, Xception, ResNet, InceptionV3, and MobileNet architectures, which are available through the Keras Deep Learning framework to identify several different radionuclides (Am-241, Ba133, Cd-109, Co-60, Cs-137, Eu-152, Mn-54, Na-24, and Pb-210). Using an HPGe detector to acquire several gamma spectra from different sealed sources to create a dataset used for the training and validation of the comparison of the neural network. This study demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of applying deep learning on gamma-spectroscopy analysis for nuclear waste characterization.
Hydrogels applied in cosmetology irradiated by ionizing radiation
Authors: BARBOSA ISABELLA TEREZA FERRO , SEO EMÍLIA SATOSHI MIYAMARU , SILVA LEONARDO GONDIM DE ANDRADE , MIRANDA LEILA FIGUEIREDO DE
Published: April 2021

Hydrogels are three-dimensionally crosslinked polymers that exhibit high capacity to absorb water or solvents, without compromising its structure, allowing its application in cosmetic products, because it presents easy scattering and vehicular active principles. The use of ionizing radiation to obtain the hydrogels provides the absence of chemical initiators; sterilization; reticulation and adjustment of physical-chemical properties. In this work different types of hydrogels containing 5 wt%, 7.5 wt% and 10 wt% PVP concentrations and different radiation 25 and 20 kGy doses were prepared, maintaining 3 wt% PEG concentrations and 1 wt%, agar based on literature studies. The samples were characterized by dehydration as a function of time, acidity, visual and sensorial analyzes and stability. The results obtained showed that all the compositions are stable, have a pH close to the skin and the compositions containing 5 wt% PVP, obtained with 20 and 25 kGy radiation dose undergo greater dehydration. In sensory research, the hydrogels containing 7.5 wt% PVP, obtained with 25 kGy radiation dose, presented the best results in terms of absorption, sliding, odor, while the composition containing 10 wt% PVP obtained with 25 kGy radiation dose, proved to be inadequate in the public perception. Therefore, the hydrogels obtained with 7.5 wt% PVP, with 25 kGy radiation dose were the most suitable for applications in cosmetic products.
Expanded uncertainty assessment in fish samples analyzed by INAA and AAS
Authors: Tappiz Bruno , Moreira Edson Gonçalves
Published: April 2021

Measurement uncertainty was estimated following the EURACHEM guide (Quantifying Uncertainty in Analytical Measurement) for the elements As, Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Se and Zn determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and for the elements Cd, Hg and Pb determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) in the fillet of the most consumed fish species at São Paulo city, Brazil. INAA expanded uncertainties ranged from 1.0 to 21% and the main contributions were due the counting statistics of sample and pipetted standards. For AAS, expanded uncertainties ranged from 6.5 to 13% and the main contributions were associated to the calibration curves. Uncertainty results were compared with the standard deviations of the mass fraction in the fishes (n = 10). Due to the wide variability in the mass fraction in the analyzed fish tissues, explained by factors such gender, age, fat content and fishing location of the specimens of each species, standard deviations were greater than expanded uncertainties, which means that the natural variability of the elements determined is greater than the data dispersion associated with the analytical techniques. Hence the used techniques were adequate for the fish fillet samples analyses.
Elemental determination of austenitic stainless steel alloy used as biomaterial by neutron activation analysis
Authors: Muriel Braguin Lilian Ninoska , Almeida Justino Caio , Costa Isolda , Saiki Mitiko
Published: April 2021

Austenitic stainless steel alloys, mainly those produced according to ISO 5832-1, have received much attention due to their promising characteristics to be used as biomaterials. The aim of this study was to establish the proper conditions of neutron activation analysis (NAA) in order to determine chemical elements in a sample of ISO 5832-1 stainless steel. These determinations are of great interest for further evaluation of its corrosion resistance and of cytotoxicity of corrosion products. For the analyses, chips of ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel were obtained. Aliquots of this material were weighed in polyethylene involucres and irradiated together with synthetic element standards at the IEA-R1 nuclear research reactor. Short and long irradiations were carried out using thermal neutron flux of about 4.5 x 1012 n cm-2 s-1. Quality control of the results was performed by analyzing two certified reference materials (CRMs). The elements concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo and Ni obtained in the ISO 5832-1 austenitic alloy are within the specification values of this material. Besides, the elements As, Co, V and W were determined in this alloy. The sensitivity of the technique was verified by the determination of detection and quantification limits. In the case of CRMs, their results presented precision and accuracy for most of elements with relative standard deviations and relative errors lower than 15 %. Results obtained in this study demonstrated the viability of applying NAA in the analysis of the ISO 5832-1 stainless steel alloy.
Irradiation protocol for cultural heritage conservation treatment
Authors: Nagai Maria Luiza Emi , Santos Paulo de Souza , Salvador Pablo Antonio Vasquez
Published: April 2021

Ionizing radiation supplied by cobalt-60 is an excellent alternative tool to the traditional process of decontamination of cultural and historical materials, mainly because of its biocidal action. Analyzing the occurrence of requests for treatment materials from cultural institutions with ionizing radiation for fungal decontamination in the Multipurpose Gamma Irradiation Facility of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute - CTR/IPEN, there was a need to establish a protocol for the care of institutions and individuals carrying cultural and historical collections. The study proposal was the establishment an efficient and reproducible model of an irradiation protocol for the treatment of cultural heritage materials in industrial irradiators, respecting the ethical principles of conservation and restoration activities. The objective of the protocol is to be a practical guide, from the detection of the problem to the final cleaning, so that conservator-restorers and professionals of the irradiation can act in a collaborative and objective way to reach the objective of the treatment.
A resorbable scaffold for bone replacement
Authors: Bustamante Paola Andrea , Anessi Maria Carolina
Published: April 2021

All tissue banking activities are depending on tissue donors. The donor rate is still low in Argentina, and the tissue demanding is still not fulfilled. For this reason, tissue engineering has become a necessary discipline to be investigated. Our project is conducted to obtain a 3D resorbable printed scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), to conduct real bone. We produced three polylactic acid (PLA) filaments with different loads of hydroxyapatite (HA): 3%, 5% and 10%. The mixtures were homogenous and the three filaments were suitable for 3D printing and were used to print 3D scaffolds samples. The scaffolds were irradiated with range doses of 15 kGy to 25 kGy for sterilization purposes and to evaluate if the degradation polymer rate is regulated with the irradiation dose. The elaborated filaments were optimally printable. In addition they turned out to be not cytotoxic (cell viability greater than 70%) and whit good cellular adherence. In this way, our biomaterial seems to be good for scaffolds for bone replacement.
Iodine determination in edible algae species using epithermal neutron activation analysis methodology
Authors: Albuquerque Caroline Rodrigues , Maihara Vera Akiko , Sila Paulo Sergio Cardoso
Published: April 2021

Iodine is one of the essential trace elements of much interest in nutritional research being responsible for the production of the thyroid hormones, which has great importance for human metabolism. Edible algae species accumulate iodine from seawater and are considered a good dietary source of this nutrient. The Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis (ENAA) was applied to determine the iodine concentration in edible algae species and derivatives. Twenty-one samples for 4 edible algae species Porphyra umbilicalis (common name: Nori), Hijikia fusiforme (Hijiki), Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) and Laminaria spp. (Kombu) and 3 samples of the derivative sample, ágar, were analyzed. The results pointed out a great variability of I concentration in these species. The highest I concentration obtained was 9324±113 mg/kg in Laminaria spp. (Kombu). Hijikia fulsiforme (Hijiki) also presented high values (1803±86 mg/kg). The lowest I content was obtained in agar samples (3.18±0.29 mg/kg). All analyzed algae samples exceed the recommended value (150 µg/day) and an ingestion of 1 g/day of Laminaria spp. (Kombu) exceed the maximum tolerable limit (1100 μg/day) and its consumption must be controlled to avoid possible health problems.
Radiological characterization of peloids obtained by maturation with Águas de Lindóia, Poços de Caldas and Peruíbe waters
Authors: Torrecilha Jefferson Koyaishi , Marrichi Jussara Marques Oliveira , Souza Eduardo Aparecido Pirani de , Gouvêa Paulo Flávio de Macedo , Alves Isis Campos , Santos Allan , Silva Paulo Sergio Cardoso da
Published: April 2021

One of the concerns about using mineral clay for therapy treatments is its radioactivity content due to natural radionuclides, normally, associated with the clays. This work proposes to characterize the natural radionuclides of the peloids obtained by the maturation process of mixing two different clays (gray and green) with different mineral medicinal waters from Águas de Lindóia (SP), Poços de Caldas (MG) and sea water from Peruíbe (SP). The gamma spectrometry showed that the gray and green bentonite peloids, all the activity concentration of radionuclides are higher in gray ones, except 40K. The activity concentration varied from 84 to 156 Bq kg−1 (228Ra), 25 to 156 Bq kg−1 (228Th), 9 to 161 Bq kg−1 (226Ra), 39 to 256 Bq kg−1 (210Pb) and 162 to 1070 Bq kg−1 (40K). However, by calculating the absorbed dose rate in the worst scenario, this may not be a problem for topical application. Although the waters from Águas de Lindóia and Poços de Caldas are considered radioactive they have not caused a significant increase in radionuclide concentrations absorbed dose rate.
Synthesis and characterization of the radiopharmaceutical [18F]fluoroestradiol
Authors: Bispo Ana Carolina de Araujo , Nascimento Leonardo Tafas Constantino do , Castro Ana Clara Ferreira , Lima Lorena Assis Resende , Ferreira Soraya Maria Zandim Maciel Dias , Silva Juliana Batista da , Mamede Marcelo
Published: April 2021

[18F]Fluoroestradiol ([18F]FES), an estrogen analog, may be used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for evaluation of the tumor cell receptor profile in a noninvasive way, which is an important factor for determining the therapy to be used, disease staging, prognosis and response to therapy in breast cancer. [18F]FES is a new radiopharmaceutical and does not have an official monograph in any pharmacopeia until now. Therefore, the objective of this work was the optimization of the [18F]FES automatic synthesis and the elaboration of an analytical protocol for final product analyses. Initially, the synthesis of [18F]FES was performed according to a modified commercial protocol, using a TracerLab MXFDG synthesis module specific for [18F]FES synthesis. New protocols for the physicochemical quality control assays of the radiopharmaceutical were developed, including pH, chemical purity, residual solvents, radiochemical identity and purity. Physicochemical and microbiological analysis were performed with the synthesized [18F]FES at different time points to evaluate its stability. The uncorrected synthesis yield was 18.37 ± 3.07 %. All Quality Control methodologies proved to be effective for the product. The physicochemical and microbiological results obtained in the stability study showed that [18F]FES is stable during 8 hours after its synthesis, even under stress conditions. At the end of the study, it was concluded that the [18F]FES complies with all specifications required for a radiopharmaceutical intended for diagnostic use.
Volume fractions calculation of a biphasic system on cylindrical tube using gamma ray and MCNP6 code
Authors: Salgado William Luna , Dam Roos Shopia de Freitas , Miranda Rian Oliveira , Salgado César Marques , Xavier Ademir da Silva
Published: April 2021

Be determined which is the volumetric fraction. This paper presents a methodology to calculate volumetric fractions on the stratified flow regime, considering a cylindrical tube. A mathematical model of a measurement system was developed using the MCNP6 code. The mathematical equation was developed to calculate the volume fractions using the pulse height distributions obtained by a radiation detector. The stratified flow regime model considers air-oil, air-gasoline and oil-gasoline biphasic flow, in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed equation in fluid combinations with different densities. A comparative study with equations developed for square-section tubes from literature was performed. The study considered geometry of a source of 137Cs, an acrylic tubing measuring 8.0 cm in diameter and a 1¼ × ¾" NaI(T1) detector placed at a position diametrically opposed to a radiation source to measure the transmitted beam. The dimensions and materials to perform the simulation of the detectors were based on information obtained from the gammagraphy technique and the detector was experimentally validated. The volume fractions of each of the fluids were 0 up to 100% with variations of 25%.
Characterization of amethyst applied to TL and OSL dosimetry
Authors: Silva Noemi Aguiar , Tatumi Sonia Hatsue , Soares Alvaro de Farias , Barbosa Renata Faria
Published: April 2021

RESUMOUma ametista é uma variedade geológica de quartzo (SiO2) e pode ser encontrada em abundância no Brasil. Sabe se o quartzo mostra uma luminescência intensa que é usada na remoção de sedimentos e é facilmente detectada na natureza, devido a essas características, foi escolhida para executar análises de termoluminescência (TL) e luminescência óptica estimulada (OSL) para avaliar suas personalizações. Uma caracterização morfológica foi realizada por meio da técnica de difração de raios X (DRX) e confirmou se uma amostra é um quartzo alfa puro.Os elementos totais e vestígios foram selecionados pela técnica de Fluorescência de Raios X de Reflexão Total (TXRF) e diversas impurezas foram encontradas como P (11148 mg / kg), S (27,1 mg / kg), K (10,35 mg / kg), Ca (47,84 mg / kg), Fe (13,69 mg / kg), Cu (2,383 mg / kg) e Zn (11,082 mg / kg), também algumas impurezas vestigiais, como Cr (0,746 mg / kg), O Mn (0,186 mg / kg) e o Ni (0,331 mg / kg) foram selecionados e podem ter papel importante na emissão luminescente. Uma amostra em pó foi irradiada com doses crescentes de beta beta, em um intervalo de 5 a 25 Gy e mostrou picos de TL a aproximadamente 110, 240 ° C. A resposta do OSL foi verificada com películas produzidas com ametista e teflon; como pelotas fornecer uma excelente resposta OSL.Os nossos resultados mostram que um ametista pode ser usado para osimetria OSL e TL.
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY FROM A MICROCT SYSTEM
Authors: Romberg Hugo , Santos Caio Márcio Sorrentino de Freitas , Teixeira Tâmara Porfírio , Araújo Olga Maria Oliveira , Oliveira Davi Ferreira , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu
Published: April 2021

X-ray production is of fundamental importance for several applications, among these is the Microcomputed tomography technique (microCT). It is used to conduct studies in different areas of research such as industry, dentistry, archaeology and biomedicine. In this study, X-ray spectra were acquired with different filtering configurations in order to better understand the energy behavior of a X-ray beam used in a microCT system. Unfiltered spectra were acquired for voltages of 20 up to 80 kV and filtered spectra for voltages from 40 up to 120 kV. As results, the mean energy values of each filtered and unfiltered beams from 40 to 120 kV were obtained. These values were calculated based on the spectra evaluation, as well as the value of attenuation that each filtering systems generated in the spectra of 60 and 70 kV. To compose the filtration systems metallic physical filters of aluminum and copper were used. Spectra acquisition was done using a semiconductor detector, model XR-100CdTe, manufactured by Amptek.
Dose-rate constant and air-kerma strength evaluation of a new 125I brachytherapy source using Monte Carlo
Authors: Primo Camila de Oliveira
Published: April 2021

Brachytherapy is a modality of radiotherapy which treats tumors using ionizing radiation with sources located close to the tumor. The sources can be produced from several radionuclides in various formats, such as Iodine‑125 seeds and Iridium‑192 wires. In order to produce a new Iodine‑125 seed in IPEN/CNEN and ensure its quality, it is essential to describe the dosimetry of the seed, so when applied in a treatment the lowest possible dose to neighboring healthy tissues can be reached. The report by the AAPM’s Task Group 43 U1 is a document that indicates the dosimetry procedures in brachytherapy based on physical and geometrical parameters. In this study, dose-rate constant and air-kerma strength parameters were simulated using the Monte Carlo method radiation transport code MCNP4C. The air-kerma strength is obtained from an ideal modeled seed, since its actual value should be measured for seeds individually in a specialized lab with a Wide-Angle Free-Air Chamber (WAFAC). Dose-rate constant and air-kerma strength are parameters that depends on intrinsic characteristics of the source, i.e. geometry, radionuclide, encapsulation, and together they define the dose-rate to the reference point, defined as the dose-rate to a point 1 cm away from the geometric center of the source, in its transverse plane. This study presents the values found for these parameters with associated statistical uncertainty, and is part of a larger project that aims the full dosimetry of this new seed model, including experimental measures.
Natural radionuclides in soil profiles and sediment cores from Jundiaí reservoir, state of Sao Paulo.
Authors: Gonçalves Pedro do Nascimento , Damatto Sandra Regina , Leonardo Lucio , Souza Joseilton Marques
Published: April 2021

The activity concentration of natural radionuclides in soils and sediments is dependent on many factors, such as the rock parental material, pedogenic and weathering processes, physical and chemical properties of the environment, anthropogenic sources, among other aspects. There are few studies about the levels of natural radionuclides in reservoirs in both, international and national, literature. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, 228Th and 40K by gamma spectrometry in two soil profiles and three sediment cores collected in the catchment area of Jundiai reservoir, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Principal component analysis was applied to verify the correlation of the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides with physical and chemical properties of soil and sediment samples.  The mean activity concentrations of the radionuclides in the soil profiles 1 and 2 were, respectively: 238U – 37(1) and 32(1) Bq.kg-1; 232Th – 91(1) and 60(1) Bq.kg-1; 226Ra – 66(1) and 51(1) Bq.kg-1; 210Pb – 35(1) and 37(1) Bq.kg-1; 228Ra – 34(1) and 27(1) Bq.kg-1; 228Th – 78(1) and 58(1) Bq.kg-1; 40K – 96(2) and 171(7) Bq.kg-1. For the three sediment cores analyzed, the average activities  concentrations of the radionuclides were, respectively: 238U – 64(0.5), 47(0.1) and 44(0.2) Bq.kg-1; 232Th – 122(2), 100(1) and 64(1) Bq.kg-1; 226Ra – 74(2), 71(1) and 45(1) Bq.kg-1; 210Pb – 70(3), 56(2) and 55(2) Bq.kg-1; 228Ra – 53(1), 41(1) and 33(1) Bq.kg-1; 228Th – 100(2), 92(1) and 63(2); 40K – 316(5), 237(1) and 136(2) Bq.kg-1.
Use of ionizing radiation for the inhibition and removal of cyanotoxins in water: A brief review
Authors: Silva Thalita Tieko , Borrely Sueli Ivone
Published: April 2021

Cyanobacteria are an ancient and diverse group of microorganisms, considered as important contributors to the formation of Earth's atmosphere and nitrogen fixation. However, the input of nutrients in water by anthropogenic activities frequently provides cyanobacteria blooms associated with toxic compounds. Secondary metabolites, also called cyanotoxins, are often harmful to wild and domestic life, including humans. The first part of this review focuses on cyanobacteria and their ability to produce a variety of toxins as well as describe the Brazilian guidelines on the evaluation and management of these toxins in water quality. Then, we present a review of recent literature on the use of ionizing radiation in terms of cyanobacteria cell removal, degree of degradation of cyanotoxins in water, and reaction kinetics. In view of the exposed results, the paper concludes that ionizing radiation is an efficient and economically viable alternative for the remediation of areas contaminated by cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins, especially in reservoirs intended for water treatment and supply. In addition, some suggestions are provided for further studies on the use of this technology in the treatment of drinking water.
Study of the petrology of the shale rock from the Parana basin
Authors: Bernardes Thiago Lynyker da Silva , Amadeu Rafael Aquino , Santos Rodrigo Sousa , Garcia Rafael H. L. , Velo Alexandre França , Cavallaro Francisco Assis , Mesquita Carlos Henrique , Hamada Margarida Mizue
Published: April 2021

In the present work, the characteristics of the shale rock, collected in the surrounds of Limeira, in the interior of São Paulo, were studied. Shales are mostly fine granules, susceptible to the mineralogical rearrangement, and their chemical composition is quite varied due to the geomorphology and the tectonism undergone by the sedimentary basins. They are impermeable structures, formed by the consolidation of layered clay with thin laminations. Because of these characteristics presented, together with the decline of petroleum production, a growing interest in a better understanding and knowledge of the physical-chemical properties of the shale rocks inner is observed.  In this work, the gamma-ray computed industrial tomography technique was established to be used in the characterization of the shale samples. The results were validated using those obtained by conventional methodologies, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffraction. Several characteristics have been studied, such as the analysis of the particle morphology, the contrasts and distributions of these particles in the internal structure of the rock, identification of the types of elements present (quantitative analysis), as well as establishing the proportion of each element present in the mineral through its crystalline structure, with images of the rock internal structure.
Source-detector effective solid angle calculation using MCNP6 code
Authors: Dam Roos Sophia de Freitas , Dos Santos Alessandra Galvão Menezes , Salgado William Luna , Salgado César Marques
Published: April 2021

Nuclear techniques based on the attenuation of gamma radiation are used in the industry to calculate flow rate, determine fluid density, predict inorganic scale in oil pipelines, evaluate industrial mixers, among other applications. In order to use these nuclear techniques is necessary to perform studies of important parameters of radioactive source and radiation detectors, which are part of the measurement geometry, such as detection efficiency and solid angle. The aim of this study is to calculate the solid angle and the effective solid angle subtended by a NaI(Tl) detector. The effective solid angle considers attenuation in the medium (between source and detector) and other effects of radiation interaction with matter. Mathematical models were developed using the MCNP6 code in order to evaluate the proposed measurement geometry. The source was placed in different positions to the detector to evaluate frontal and lateral solid angle contributions, which is an important parameter to obtain the intrinsic efficiency response function. The simulated model consists of a NaI(Tl) scintillator detector and two point isotropic sources (241Am and 137Cs). The results for the geometry used in this study showed that the difference between solid angle and effective solid angle reached 20.17% for 241Am and 2.58% for 137Cs, which means that it is highly recommended to consider the effective solid angle in the calculations.
Characterization of steel slag by SEM-EDS, XRD, and INAA
Authors: Moreira Diogo Teixeira , Menezes Maria Ângela de Barros Correia , Batista Adriana de Souza Medeiros
Published: April 2021

Steel slag is considered a by-product of the steel industry and its reuse is a strategy for environmental protection, since it consists of potential polluting materials. Its main applications involve the use of large quantities of the raw material, but the extraction of ores in smaller proportions can be attractive. For example, magnetite (Fe3O4) may be of great interest for its magnetic properties in the production of composites with different applications. On the other hand, rare earth elements (REE) production is vital for new technologies and since traces of the different REE are found in most iron ores, their extraction can be conducted together. However, previous characterization of the slag is necessary; since they vary in mineralogical composition conform to steelmaking operations. Classical characterization techniques of ores such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) may be limited to characterize small fractions of materials. Therefore, in this study, neutron activation analysis was used as the characterization technique to confirm the presence of iron and REE in the slag. The steel slag composite sample of the Linz-Donawitz (LD) process was collected in a steelwork localized in the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The steel slag sample was characterized by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), using the nuclear research reactor TRIGA MARK I IPR-R1. The results are compared with the characterizations made with XRD and SEM-EDS. Although XRD and EDS results indicated the presence of magnetite in a small proportion, INAA was decisive confirming the presence of REE in the mineralogical composition of the composite sample collected.
AuCu/TiO2 Catalysts prepared using electron beam irradiation for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in hydrogen-rich mixtures
Authors: Alencar Catarine Santos Lopes , Paiva Ana Rita Noborikawa , Somessari Elizabeth S. Ribeiro , Silva Leonardo Gondim de Andrade e , Vaz Jorge Moreira , Spinacé Estevam Vitorio
Published: April 2021

The major part of the world production of hydrogen (H2) is originated from a combination of methane steam reforming and water-gas shift reaction resulting in an H2-rich mixture known as reformate gas, which contains about 1% vol (10,000 ppm) of carbon monoxide (CO). The preferential oxidation reaction of CO in H2-rich mixtures (CO-PROX) has been considered a very promising process for H2 purification, reducing CO for values below 50 ppm allowing its use in PEMFC Fuel Cells. Au nanoparticles supported on TiO2 (Au/TiO2) catalysts have been shown good activity and selectivity for CO-PROX reaction in the temperature range between 20-80 ºC; however, the catalytic activity strongly depends on the preparation method. Also, the addition of Cu to the Au/TiO2 catalyst could increase the activity and selectivity for CO-PROX reaction. In this work, AuCu/TiO2 catalysts with composition 0.5%Au0.5%Cu/TiO2 were prepared in a single step using electron beam irradiation, where the Au3+ and Cu2+ ions were dissolved in water/2-propanol solution, the TiO2 support was dispersed and the obtained mixture was irradiated under stirring at room temperature using different dose rates (8 – 64 kGy s-1) and total doses (144 – 576 kGy). The catalysts were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction transmission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed reduction and tested for CO-PROX reaction.  The best result was obtained with a catalyst prepared with a dose rate of 64 kGy s-1 and a total dose of 576 kGy showed a CO conversion of 45% and a CO2 selectivity of 30% at 150 oC.
Study of the physical properties of aluminothermic slags for the recovery of uranium and thorium
Authors: MOURA VANDERLEI VILAÇA , Santos Talita Oliveira , Pereira Claubia
Published: April 2021

NORM minerals generate, after metallurgical processing, radioactive slags that can be controlled by CNEN. Thus, it is necessary to establish a reprocessing route to make the material exemption. The route necessarily passes through the characterization of the slag from its physical properties. In this paper the results of the variation of the concentrations of U and Th oxides with the electrical, and magnetic properties of the slag, with their granulometry and with their density are presented. It has been observed that the metallurgical processing produces as slag a slag with molecular connections between the oxides that constitute it. In this way, the separation of the oxides will only be possible with the leaching of the slag.
Study of cesium sorption by a Brazilian bentonite
Authors: Dos Santos Daisy Mary Marchezini , De Tello Clédola Cássia Oliveira
Published: April 2021

Engineered and natural barriers compose the disposal system of near surface repository to store low and intermediate level radioactive wastes. Waterproofing barriers are constituted of clays, such as the bentonite, in order to avoid or to limit the release of radionuclides to with consequences to the environment and humans. Characteristics such as high cation exchange capacity, high adsorption capacity and high sealing capacity, are taken into consideration for choosing this material. The migration of radionuclides through protection barriers can occur in a variety of ways, such as surface water infiltration, groundwater intrusion, among others. Diffusion is the process which governs the contaminant transport through soil barriers. Adsorption is one of the processes that could be considered in the diffusion mechanism, and sorption isotherms are obtained from values measured in the batch-adsorption experiments. Therefore, such experiments were carried out in order to estimate the cesium sorption by the bentonite. The quantitative analysis was performed using atomic absorption and the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. With the purpose to calculate the true value of cesium sorption, a mass-balance was made considering all the steps of the batch experiment, and it was found a 6% loss in the whole process. The quantity of cesium sorbed by the bentonite was 66.7 mg.g-1. At the moment, eight additional experiments are being performed, using solutions with different cesium concentrations, leading to all the necessary data for the isotherm.