Activation Analysis Method Research Articles

A novel, portable, and cost-effective turbidimetric sensor for sensitive alkaline phosphatase activity assay

The development of enzyme activity analysis methods is critical for precise and rapid assessments of enzyme activity levels within biological systems, facilitating a more profound comprehension of physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) participates in various physiological processes involving phosphate ester hydrolysis. Altered ALP activity levels are often indicative of different diseases, underscoring the necessity for accurate ALP activity determination in medical diagnostics. This study innovatively applies turbidity as a physical variable, proposing a turbidimetric sensor based on an enhanced ammonium molybdate reagent for phosphate analysis. By integrating this with the ALP substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate, a turbidimetric sensor was devised and employed for ALP activity analysis. The proposed turbidimetric sensor demonstrated high sensitivity both for phosphate (0.18 μmol/L) and ALP activity (0.03 mU/mL) assay. In practical applications, this turbidimetric sensor has been effectively employed to detect ALP activity in mouse feces, showcasing its potential for auxiliary diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Significantly, this novel turbidity-based approach offers not only swift and straightforward procedures but also remarkable portability and cost-efficiency. Requiring solely a handheld turbidimeter and eliminating the need for bulky instruments, this approach holds significant potential for point-of-care testing applications.

Development of arcuate faults and controls on hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tiantai slope, Xihu Depression, East China Sea basin

The strike-slip movement of NW-trending transfer zone in the Tiantai slope of the Xihu Depression governed the development of the Cenozoic arcuate faults. These faults significantly influenced trap formation, sand-bodies distribution, and hydrocarbon migration. Based on seismic, drilling data and fault activity analysis methods, this paper describes the origin and evolution of the arcuate faults and their impact on hydrocarbon accumulation. These arcuate faults exhibit a change from NE to NW strike orientation in plan view, and are distributed in the hanging wall of the NW-trending basement faults. The main arcuate faults penetrate the bottom of the Cenozoic strata and extend upward through the top of the lower member of the Huagang Formation, markedly affecting the depositional dynamics of the Pinghu Formation. The segments of the arcuate faults began to grow during the Middle Eocene, and experienced hard linkages in the Late Eocene. The activity of these arcuate faults diminished significantly and gradually stopped during the Middle and Late Oligocene. The segmentation and linkage growth processes of the arcuate faults controlled the formation and evolution of traps. Additionally, the activities of these faults influenced the distribution of sandbodies, with the segmentation points of the arcuate faults serving as important conduits for sediment input. Moreover, the arcuate faults served as effective pathways for vertical hydrocarbon migration. The area with the arcuate faults present favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tiantai slope of the Xihu Depression.

Major and trace elements determination in organic and conventional Moroccan vegetables using the k0-standardisation method of neutron activation analysis

The aim of the present work is the determination of different essential (minor and trace) elements found in five Moroccan vegetables collected from large commercial markets in Kenitra city, Morocco, and in some organic vegetables which were traditionally grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, in a plot located in the rural commune of Dar Laaslouji, 48 km from Kenitra city. The k0-standardisation method of the Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA) using the TRIGA Mark II research reactor of 2 MW at the National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN) and gamma-ray spectroscopy facility were employed. For quality control, the accuracy of measurements has been investigated using certified reference materials (IAEA-336 lichens, and NIST SRM 1547 peach leaves) which were analyzed simultaneously with the samples. Good agreement was found between certified and determined values. The primary results are presented and discussed for the concentration of minor and trace elements in some vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, cilantro and mint), that are widely used in Moroccan meals.

Новые маркёры отсроченной ишемии головного мозга, возникающей вследствие нетравматического субарахноидального кровоизлияния, в нижнем дельта-диапазоне электроэнцефалограмм

The paper analyzes electroencephalographic (EEG) data in 14 patients treated in the intensive care unit of the Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine for non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. During the treatment, delayed cerebral ischemia in the postoperative period was diagnosed in 4 patients. Delayed ischemia did not develop in 10 patients. Comparison of EEG data in these patients using the wave train electrical activity analysis method revealed differences in EEG of patients with delayed cerebral ischemia in the frequency range of 0.1-1.5 Hz in wavelet spectrograms. It was found that the EEG of patients with delayed ischemia contains wave trains in the lower delta range of wavelet spectrograms, which are not typical for patients without delayed ischemia (AUC=0.92). In addition, it was shown that wave trains in the lower delta range with certain parameters typical for patients without delayed ischemia are not characteristic of patients with delayed ischemia (AUC=0.11). Thus, two markers of delayed ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage were detected. A negative correlation was found between the number of wave trains characteristic of patients with delayed ischemia and the number of wave trains characteristic of patients without delayed ischemia (Spearman test, p-value < 0.0001).

Development and application of a comprehensive measurement equation for the direct comparator standardization method of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

A comprehensive model equation for the measurement of elemental mass fractions in solid materials using the direct standardization method of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was developed. The extensive modelling established for the single comparator standardization was revised and changed for the direct standardization to obtain a complete mathematical description of the measurand by physical and chemical quantities having dimensions in SI units. The model equation is presented both in case measurement and standard samples are measured in the same γ-counting position and in different γ-counting positions. The first was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of As mass fraction in a seafood matrix with a percent level relative uncertainty. The SI traceability of the result is established by a traceable standard via the measurement equation and the uncertainty budget compiled to highlight the input quantities that contribute most to the combined uncertainty.

Formative Assessment in Kurikulum Merdeka for Ornamental Drawing Lessons in Secondary School

This study aims to identify the form of formative assessment instruments used by teachers and to understand the implementation of formative assessment within Kurikulum Merdeka in ornamental drawing lessons at the secondary school level. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with activity analysis methods. Primary and secondary data were obtained through interviews and observations. The sample in this study consists of eight cultural arts teachers from secondary schools. The results indicate that the application of formative assessment in learning leads to students achieving good learning outcomes because teachers can identify students' strengths and weaknesses, thus facilitating the improvement of the learning process and focusing on indicators such as the process of cultural arts (decorative patterns) learning in class, the form of formative assessment instruments, the implementation of formative assessment, and examining the strengths and weaknesses of formative assessment implementation. Furthermore, the implementation of formative assessment has been well-executed in the learning process, as observed directly by the researchers during the learning activities and the teachers' evaluation methods. Formative assessment in ornamental drawing lessons at the secondary school level applies three assessment instruments within one sub-chapter or material, including knowledge, attitude, and skill assessments. Teachers conduct formative assessments for each sub-material, and the evaluations cover the three aspects in every session.

The Adjustment Analysis Method of the Active Surface Antenna Based on Convolutional Neural Network

Active surface technique is one of the key technologies to ensure the reflector accuracy of the millimeter/submillimeter wave large reflector antenna. The antenna is complex, large-scale, and high-precision equipment, and its active surfaces are affected by various factors that are difficult to comprehensively deal with. In this paper, based on the advantage of the deep learning method that can be improved through data learning, we propose the active adjustment value analysis method of large reflector antenna based on deep learning. This method constructs a neural network model for antenna active adjustment analysis in view of the fact that a large reflector antenna consists of multiple panels spliced together. Based on the constraint that a single actuator has to support multiple panels (usually 4), an autonomously learned neural network emphasis layer module is designed to enhance the adaptability of the active adjustment neural network model. The classical 8-meter antenna is used as a case study, the actuators have a mean adjustment error of 0.00252 mm, and the corresponding antenna surface error is 0.00523 mm. This active adjustment result shows the effectiveness of the method in this paper.

Development of a Neutron Activation Analysis Method for Studying the Elemental Composition of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Development of a Neutron Activation Analysis Method for Studying the Elemental Composition of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Polysaccharide sulfotransferases: the identification of putative sequences and respective functional characterisation.

The vast structural diversity of sulfated polysaccharides demands an equally diverse array of enzymes known as polysaccharide sulfotransferases (PSTs). PSTs are present across all kingdoms of life, including algae, fungi and archaea, and their sulfation pathways are relatively unexplored. Sulfated polysaccharides possess anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and anti-cancer properties and have great therapeutic potential. Current identification of PSTs using Pfam has been predominantly focused on the identification of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sulfotransferases because of their pivotal roles in cell communication, extracellular matrix formation and coagulation. As a result, our knowledge of non-GAG PSTs structure and function remains limited. The major sulfotransferase families, Sulfotransfer_1 and Sulfotransfer_2, display broad homology and should enable the capture of a wide assortment of sulfotransferases but are limited in non-GAG PST sequence annotation. In addition, sequence annotation is further restricted by the paucity of biochemical analyses of PSTs. There are now high-throughput and robust assays for sulfotransferases such as colorimetric PAPS (3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate) coupled assays, Europium-based fluorescent probes for ratiometric PAP (3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphate) detection, and NMR methods for activity and product analysis. These techniques provide real-time and direct measurements to enhance the functional annotation and subsequent analysis of sulfated polysaccharides across the tree of life to improve putative PST identification and characterisation of function. Improved annotation and biochemical analysis of PST sequences will enhance the utility of PSTs across biomedical and biotechnological sectors.

Reinventing a training program to support the professional development of inspectors and school principals: Overcoming difficulties and creating new actions through activity analysis

AbstractThis article presents an empirical study on a new training program for the professional development of school inspectors and principals. The international literature reviews show that training based on the learning of managerial skills has limits. Another approach to training based on professional difficulties experienced and on authentic practice is necessary for school inspectors and principals. The study explores the effects of the training program “NeopassCadres” on the professional development of inspectors and school principals. A qualitative research design elaborated from a practice perspective and based on self‐confrontation interviews with inspectors and school principals who participated in the program “NeopassCadres”. The results show the impact of the activity analysis on the professional development of inspectors and principals. The activity analysis is an opportunity to describe professional actions and difficulties, share experiences between peers, engage in professional debates on generic problems, identify progress in the practice, and assess the effectiveness of new actions. The study focuses on a case study in France. The number of participants is low; the results must therefore be supplemented by new studies on the impact of activity analysis on the professional development of inspectors and principals. The study contributes to the evolution of training for novice inspectors and novice school principals. The main contribution concerns the understanding of the process of professional development, linking it with individual and collective activity analysis. The other contribution relates to the evolution of the trainers' posture during viewing and analysis of videos. The study provides knowledge about training based on analyzing the “non‐visible” dimensions of actors' activity at work. The activity analysis method helps inspectors and school principals evoke difficulties, motives, intentions, and emotions.

Determination of strategic metals in graphitic formations by the methods of neutron activation analysis with a californium source

Determination of strategic metals in graphitic formations by the methods of neutron activation analysis with a californium source

Optimization and Applications of Instrumental and Preconcentration Neutron Activation Analysis Methods for Rapid Determination of Selected REE by Utilizing their Short‐Lived Activation Products**

AbstractDetermination of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) using spectroscopic methods is challenging. Conventional Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) method utilizing Pneumatic Carrier Facility (PCF) of Dhruva research reactor has been optimized with the short‐lived isotopes such as 161Gd, 165mDy and 153/155Sm for quantification of Gd, Dy and Sm respectively. Such isotopes are difficult to observe by conventional INAA with longer cooling periods owing to their very short half‐lives (1–3 mins). In this work, such isotopes are not only observed but also utilized as activation product for rapid determination of these REEs. The standardized method has been utilized for the first time in liquid samples involving nuclear fuel like U3O8 wherein TBP/n‐dodecane has been applied for chemical separation of Uranium prior to analysis. The INAA method has also been applied for validating the stoichiometry of Gd in Gd3+ co‐doped Zn2P2O7:Tb3+ green emitting solid‐state phosphors, which plays a very pivotal role in sensitizing the terbium ion in its performance for solid state lighting. We believe with huge current demand of REEs in research, science and technology; INAA can be a game changer wherever needed for quantification with high precision and accuracy and can also be extended to other REEs of interest.

Characterization of the neutron flux of a 4.3 Ci Am-Be irradiation site using the cadmium ratio k0 method

In order to utilize the capabilities of the neutron activation analysis (NAA) method, a specialized irradiation unit was installed and operated at Damghan University with a 4.3 Ci Am-Be source. In this study, for the mentioned unit, using the cadmium ratio technique from k0 standardization methods, the neutron flux parameters were determined. Gold (197Au) and Indium (115In) were used as monitors for the irradiations, and their activities were measured with a NaI detector. The obtained values for shape factor of the epithermal neutron spectrum α in paraffin and water moderators are α = 0.0181 ± 0.0050 and α = 0.0182 ± 0.0050, respectively. The thermal to epithermal flux ratio values show that the heating rate for fast neutrons in paraffin and water moderators reached 99.1 % and 98.7 %, respectively. The measured values and their precision indicate that both moderators are suitable for use in the current configuration.

Natural and Artificial Radionuclides Distribution in Surface Soil in Baghdad International Airport Region

This is the first time that radiological assessment achieved in the Baghdad International Airport (BIA) in Iraq. Twenty-three sites were sampled from upper 5 cm of the surface soil within the BIA to be analyzed for the radioactivity of natural radionuclides Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 and the artificial radionuclide, Cs-137 using gamma spectroscopy based on Hyper pure Germanium detector (HPGe). Ten samples out of the 23 samples were analyzed for U-238, U-235 using the Neutron Activation Analysis method. To determine the percentage of DU [DU (%)] which is calculated from the 235U/238U isotope ratio. The study showed that there is a possibility of slight contamination with depleted uranium in two sites out of the 23 sites that were examined. The average activities of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 in the study area are within the limits of world averages, while there are evidences that new feeding of Cs-137 in the region, reaches about 19 Bq/kg, from the new global fallout after Chernobyl accident. The measured and calculated absorbed doses in the study area were within international limits and no need for farther monitoring. Annual effective dose equivalent due to resuspension of Ra-226 is estimated to be 1.0E-10Sv, and this value is negligible compared with 1 mSv permissible value for public recommended by ICRP.

Application of internal mono standard neutron activation analysis method in elemental analysis of car glasses for forensic study

The use of nuclear techniques for elemental analysis has been successfully developed in many laboratories in the IAEA Member States, including Vietnam. Nuclear techniques have also been proven to be extremely powerful in provenancing samples relevant to forensics. In the framework of the CRP project on Enhancing Nuclear Analytical Techniques to Meet the Needs of Forensic Sciences (IAEA CRP F11021), a total of 19 elemental concentrations in 48 car glass samples has been determined by the internal monostandard neutron activation analysis (IM-NAA) method. In this work, obtained results from the statical analysis indicated that rare earth elements (La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb), transition (Sc, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn) and major (Al, Na, Fe, Ca) elements play a significant role in the group study of car glasses.

AMFGP: An active learning reliability analysis method based on multi-fidelity Gaussian process surrogate model

Multi-fidelity modeling is widely available in theoretical research and engineering practice. Although high-fidelity models often necessitate substantial computational resources, they yield more accurate and reliable results. Low-fidelity models are less computationally demanding, while their results may be inaccurate or unreliable. For the reliability analysis based on complex limit state functions, a method based on active learning multi-fidelity Gaussian process model, called AMFGP, is proposed by combining surrogate model with adaptive strategy, ensuring a balance between prediction accuracy and computational cost in terms of both surrogate modeling and active learning: A dependent Gaussian process surrogate model using complete statistical characteristics is developed under the multi-fidelity framework, and the surrogate performances of different single-fidelity and multi-fidelity models with different learning functions are investigated; based on the proposed model, an adaptive strategy considering the dependence between predictions, the model correlation, and the sample density is designed, and the adaptive performance of different learning functions in different models is explored. The proposed method is validated for effectiveness and adaptability in three mathematical examples with different dimensions and demonstrated for efficiency and practicality in an engineering application to aero engine gear.

Deciphering the Calcium Code: A Review of Calcium Activity Analysis Methods Employed to Identify Meaningful Activity in Early Neural Development.

The intracellular and intercellular flux of calcium ions represents an ancient and universal mode of signaling that regulates an extensive array of cellular processes. Evidence for the central role of calcium signaling includes various techniques that allow the visualization of calcium activity in living cells. While extensively investigated in mature cells, calcium activity is equally important in developing cells, particularly the embryonic nervous system where it has been implicated in a wide variety array of determinative events. However, unlike in mature cells, where the calcium dynamics display regular, predictable patterns, calcium activity in developing systems is far more sporadic, irregular, and diverse. This renders the ability to assess calcium activity in a consistent manner extremely challenging, challenges reflected in the diversity of methods employed to analyze calcium activity in neural development. Here we review the wide array of calcium detection and analysis methods used across studies, limiting the extent to which they can be comparatively analyzed. The goal is to provide investigators not only with an overview of calcium activity analysis techniques currently available, but also to offer suggestions for future work and standardization to enable informative comparative evaluations of this fundamental and important process in neural development.

Determination of Chromium Mineral in Foodstuffs in Indonesia using INAA Method

The concentration of the element chromium (Cr) was determined in 76 types of food ingredients from four provinces in Indonesia. The element Cr is one of the essential elements needed by the human body for physiological processes. Although the amount needed for Cr is relatively small, this mineral is very important for the insulin hormone to function properly. Chromium deficiency can result in decreased insulin sensitivity, glucose intolerance and an increased risk of diabetes. The Cr element was determined using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) method in the GA. Siwabessy Multipurpose Research Reactor. The reactor which is located in the Puspiptek area has a thermal neutron flux of around 5.47 x 1013 n.cm-2s-1 . Bombardment Cr-50 in foodstuffs samples by thermal neutrons will produce Cr-51 through the n, nuclear reaction. The radiosotope Cr-51. The radiosotope Cr-51 which is the result of thermal neutron activation has a half-life of 27.7 days. The single energy peak of the Cr- 51 gamma-ray can be observed at 320.08 keV. The results showed that cassava leaves, melinjo leaves, watercress, sweet potato leaves, papaya leaves, ipomoea aquatica, kenikir, pumpkin leaves, spinach and mushrooms are foodstuffs rich in Cr compared to other foodstuffs. Foodstuffs from Pandeglang Regency-Banten Province have relatively higher Cr concentrations than other three locations.The concentration of Cr in foodstuffs ranges from 0.039 to 5.244 µg/g.

Atmospheric air pollution of a mining town in the Kuzbass region by toxic metals

The paper analyses the results of active biomonitoring of atmospheric air pollution in the mining town of the Kuzbass region by the most toxic metals. The epiphytic moss Pylaisia polyantha (Hedw.) B. S. G. was used as a bioindicators; determination of metal content in moss samples was carried out using neutron activation analysis and atomic emission spectrometry methods. Based on the results of the study, spatial distributions for pollution levels of the most toxic metals were plotted and their sources were identified.

Manāhij Al-Buḥūṡ Al-‘Ilmiyyah fī Qismi Ta’līm Al-Lugah Al-‘Arabiyyah li Al-Marḥalah Al-Jāmi’iyyah bi Jāmi’ah Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta wa Jāmi’ah ‘Ulūm Al-Qur’an bi Wonosobo wa Jāmi’ah Semarang Al-Ḥukūmiyyah wa Jāmi’ah Muḥammadiyyah bi Yogyakarta

This study aims to describe and create a concept map the research methods of Arabic Language Education undergraduate programs at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, UNSIQ Wonosobo, UNNES and UMY. This research is descriptive qualitative and quantitative. Data collection using documentation techniques. Data were analyzed inductively with content analysis method. The qualitative data analysis technique uses an interactive analysis model, namely data reduction, data submission and conclusion drawing. Meanwhile, quantitative data analysis uses a frequency distribution. The validity of the findings was tested by using the triangulation technique of data sources. The results of the study show there are three research methods, namely experimental methods (38.3%), comparative methods (6.1%) and descriptive methods (55.6%). Descriptive method consists of case study method (17.8%), literature review method (15%), development method (12.2%), correlation method (7.8%), and activity analysis method (2.8%) and the map of research methods can be described globally or in detail with a focus on descriptive, experimental and comparative methods. The theoretical findings of this study indicate that the use of various methods in scientific research in Arabic language education that is adapted to research needs will have an effect on improving the quality of knowledge in Arabic language education.