ABSTRACT The present study demonstrates that the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of written characters on a sheet of paper (a model calligraphy) can identify the fountain pen. That is to say, the XRF analysis has the potential to prove the innocence of a person who served 31 years in prison (Sayama Incidence). He had maintained his innocence until his death. The XRF spectra in the present report were submitted to court before his death. A fountain pen was found in his house, and the pen was the evidence of murder committed by him. This is because the victim had the same kind of fountain pen. She wrote a calligraphy in a high school class and submitted it to the teacher, but she went missing late afternoon of that very day. The evidence has been kept in the Public Prosecutors Office. The defense attorney team has been permitted to examine the evidence, but the forensic analysis should be inside the Prosecutors Office. A handheld X‐ray fluorescence (HH‐XRF) spectrometer is selected. The calligraphy on a paper is mostly transparent for X‐rays, and several blank tests, as well as the backing of the calligraphy, are important in the present analysis. The calligraphy was sealed in a plastic bag when the XRF spectra were measured from outside of the plastic bag. The HH‐XRF can accomplish the necessary analyses non‐destructively within 1h including a control and several blank samples with a sufficient sensitivity of detection and sufficient accuracy of the quantification.

Lab-in-syringe automated supramolecular solvent-based electrolyte-assisted microextraction coupled on-line to liquid chromatography for capsaicinoids determination in chili spices.

In coal slime flotation, non-selective aggregation between fine gangue minerals and coal particles is a critical factor leading to the deterioration of coal floatability and a reduction in clean coal recovery. This study investigated the influence of three minerals commonly found in coal, quartz, kaolinite, and muscovite, on apparent viscosity and coal floatability. The results demonstrate that as the amount of gangue minerals increased, the apparent viscosity of the pulp increased to varying extents. Quartz exhibited the least impact on apparent viscosity, followed by kaolinite, while muscovite had the most significant effect. The addition of quartz, kaolinite, and muscovite decreased the flotation recovery from 79.46% to 74.09%, 62.50%, and 54.96%, respectively. The projected area of coal particles attached to bubbles decreased by 10.03%, 19.16%, and 30.14% compared to the blank test. These findings are consistent with the apparent viscosity results. Extended DLVO theoretical analysis revealed that the electrical double-layer repulsive forces between coal and quartz/kaolinite overcame the attractive van der Waals and hydrophobic forces, resulting in net repulsive interactions. In contrast, the net interaction force between coal and muscovite remained attractive under the experimental conditions, facilitating their aggregation and thereby impairing coal floatability. This observation aligns with the flotation and bubble-particle adhesion test outcomes. The study provides a theoretical foundation for regulating apparent viscosity in coal slime flotation and achieving efficient separation between coal and gangue minerals.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?Finite element analysis indicated sufficient stiffness of the optical payload, while vibration testing identified key modal frequencies within the 300–1340 Hz range, predominantly in the secondary mirror bracket and electronics unit.Discrepancies between simulation and test results highlighted the heterogeneous nature of damping, necessitating the incorporation of localized damping coefficients for improved model accuracy and reliable structural predictions.What is the implication of the main finding?The identified modal frequencies and the heterogeneous damping characteristics necessitate a refined approach to structural modeling, moving beyond uniform damping assumptions.Accurate representation of these parameters in future designs is crucial for predicting payload response to launch loads and ensuring long-term operational reliability.This paper presents the results of numerical modeling and vibration testing of a nanosatellite’s optical payload, aimed at assessing its mechanical stability under the mechanical impacts of launch. The purpose of the study is to compare finite element modeling (FEM) data with experimental testing to refine the computational model and improve the reliability of mechanical stability predictions. The methodology included an FEM analysis with an average damping coefficient, an adapter blank test, a resonance study with a low-level sinusoidal run, random vibration tests, and a sinusoidal pulse test. The FEM results showed an average yield margin of safety MoS = 2.5 with a minimum MoS = 1.8 in the primary mirror mount area. The adapter blank test confirmed the absence of natural resonances in the operating range. The resonance study revealed modes in the 300–1340 Hz range, with the most pronounced peaks in the secondary mirror bracket (520–600 Hz) and the electronics unit (1030–1100 Hz). A comparison of the root mean square (RMS) acceleration values between calculations and tests revealed discrepancies due to the heterogeneous nature of the damping. The values of ζ determined by the half-power method varied from 0.9% to 4.8%, which confirms the dependence of the damping properties on the frequency and localization of the modes. The obtained results confirmed the structural integrity of the payload, allowed for the localization of structural elements, and substantiated the need to consider actual damping coefficients in FEM models. The presented data can be used to optimize the design and improve mechanical stability during payload integration into the satellite platform.

To explore the protective effect of knock-down the expression of B lymphocyte induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) gene on early liver injury in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice were intraderitoneal injected with 5% CCl4 olive oil solution to create mouse model of hepatic fibrosis. The expression of Blimp1 gene in the mice was reduced by intraderitoneal injection of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) adeno-associated virus (AAV). The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: blank test group (n=10), CCl4+AAV-shRNA-NC group (n=10) and CCl4+AAV-shRNA-Blimp1 group (n=10). After 27 days of preparation of the CCl4 mouse model, animal materials were carried out. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the levels of Blimp1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (COL1A1), collagen type Ⅲ alpha 1 (COL3A1), and their mRNA expression levels of liver tissue in each group. The serum of each group was separated to measure aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) by automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes of liver tissue and the degree of liver fibrosis in the mice were detected by pathological staining including hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson, and Sirius red. The expression levels of Blimp1 protein in the liver of CCl4+AAV-shRNA-NC group (2.036±0.244, t=3.690, P=0.002) were significantly increased than that of the blank test group. In the CCl4+AAV-shRNA-Blimp1 group, the expression of Blimp1 protein decreased to the basal level (0.783±0.249, t=6.223, P=0.003). Compared with the serum levels of ALT [(1 957.8±633.6) U/L] and AST [(1 808.8±260.1) U/L] in the CCl4+AAV-shRNA-NC group, the serum levels of ALT [(894.0±360.1) U/L, t=3.998, P=0.003] and AST [(820.0±100.6) U/L, t=6.141, P=0.004] in the CCl4+AAV-shRNA-Blimp1 group were significantly decreased. The pathological results of the CCl4+AAV-shRNA-Blimp1 group showed that compared with the CCl4+AAV-shRNA-NC group, the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue was reduced and the degree of fibrosis was alleviated. The level of α-SMA (0.676±0.064, t=7.930, P=0.001), COL1A1 (1.426±0.143, t=6.364, P=0.003) and COL3A1 (1.124±0.198, t=3.440, P=0.026) of liver in the CCl4+AAV-shRNA-Blimp1 group were significantly decreased than that of CCl4+AAV-shRNA-NC group, and the mRNA expression levels were altered as well as their protein levels. Blimp1 plays an important role in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, and knock-down the expression of Blimp1 gene is beneficial to protect early liver injury in mice.

Selective regulation of syngas from biomass pyrolysis using LaFe1-xCoxO3 catalysts supported on calcined dolomite

Deep eutectic solvent based on primary amine and terpenoid for smartphone-based colorimetric determination of polyDADMAC in water samples.

A cost-effectiveand eco-compatible 1CaO–1.5MgO binary metaloxide (BMO-1) served as an efficient solid-base catalyst in the Knoevenagelcondensation (KC) reaction of a range of aldehydes with active methylenereagents (i) malononitrile and (ii) ethyl cyanoacetate in water atroom temperature (RT) to produce α,β-unsaturated compoundsin purity with a good E-factor. We also report theketone–malononitrile KC reaction and salicylaldehyde–malononitriletandem KC–Michael addition effectively catalyzed by BMO-1.We report the synthesis of 31 α,β-unsaturated compoundsthat include 9 entirely new compounds under optimized conditions.We compared all catalyzed reactions with the “blank test”due to the high reactivity of active methylene reagents and emphasizedthe implication of the catalyzed aqueous KC reaction. We deduced thestructure–activity relationship (SAR) between the catalystand substrates, the plausible reaction mechanism, and the turnoverfrequency (TOF) data of the BMO-1 catalyst. For evaluation, we comparedthe efficiency of CaO, MgO, and 1.5CaO–1MgO (BMO-2), 1CaO–2MgO(BMO-3), and 1CaO–1MgO (BMO-4) catalysts in a model KC reaction.We prepared the MgO, CaO, BMO-1, and BMO-2 materials via an ultradilutedcoprecipitation process and characterized the catalysts by X-ray diffraction(XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), CO2 temperature-programmeddesorption (CO2-TPD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersiveX-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)techniques. The superior catalytic activity of BMO-1 is due to itshigh specific surface area of 97.6 m2/g, surface basicityof 152.4 μmol/g, and smaller particle size of 16.9 nm comparedto the other three materials. Catalyst recycling experiments indicatethat BMO-1 was stable for up to five cycles for the KC reaction. TheBMO-1 spent catalyst analysis indicated the fundamental reason forits deactivation. We also report the optimized conditions for a selectedKC reaction for upscaling (100 mmol).

Abstract. This study aims to describe the career interests of students at SMAN Kapan using the Rothwell Miller Interest Blank (RMIB) Test approach. Interest is a stable tendency to focus and be attracted to certain activities without coercion. This research employed a descriptive quantitative approach with purposive sampling involving 62 twelfth-grade students. The data collection instrument was the RMIB Test, which includes 12 categories of interest. The results showed that the highest interest among male students was in the Mechanical category (26%), while female students were most interested in the Aesthetic category (20%). The lowest interest was found in the Social Service category (3.2%). These findings highlight the importance of psychological tools, such as the RMIB test, in identifying students' interests as a foundation for appropriate career decision-making. This research is expected to assist students, schools, and parents in developing more targeted and potential-based career planning. Keywords: interest, career choice, RMIB test, high school students, educational psychology

The article proposes a new comprehensive method for assessing the problematic behavior of companion dogs. The aim of the study is to develop a system for the comprehensive analysis of dog behavior using behavioral markers, blank tests, wearable devices and neural networks. The method involves the sequential execution of a series of test samples and blank tests. To test and implement the method in accordance with the "Open Field Test" paradigm, a landfill has been prepared, within which, using two analog video cameras and a wearable accelerometer, the free behavior of a dog at the landfill is recorded as part of a series of experimental tests. The tests included familiarization with the training ground, typical behavior for this dog when interacting with the owner and a stranger, being alone, reactions to loud and quiet sounds, and ECG recording. Putting on an accelerometer and the dog's reaction to a thermal imaging camera were used as separate small tests. The owners separately filled out questionnaire blank tests to analyze the anamnesis of life and behavior of dogs outside the landfill. During the recording, minor behavioral signs of anxiety behavior were analyzed using a developed checklist. The analysis of the obtained data was carried out both manually (blank questionnaires, small behavioral signs) and in semi-automated mode (accelerometry, video recordings and thermography). During the testing process, the advantages and limitations of each of the methods used in the context of the approach were identified, and the effectiveness of its use – in whole or in separate samples – for evaluating the behavior of companion dogs, working and service dogs was shown. The results are applicable for monitoring the behavior of companion dogs, working and service dogs, analyzing possible correlates of anxious and aggressive behavior, in zoopsychologic and ethological studies.

The article is devoted to the experimental verification of the pedagogical model of conditioning second language identity qualities of a future economistprofessional. The study is relevant in the context of modern requirements for economists, the mastery of a foreign language and key professional competences contribute to successful career development and expansion of the range of opportunities in professional activity. The aim of the study is to test the pedagogical model of conditioning second language identity qualities consisting of conceptual, content, procedural and result blocks. The experiment is conducted on the basis of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University from 2020 to 2025, including 25 first-year students of the experimental group and 25 second-year students of the control group of economic directions. The methods of analyzing normative and scientific literature, survey, testing, statistical data processing are used. The following methods are used to assess the formation of second language identity qualities: V.N. Kunitsyn’s questionnaire of communicative and organizational aptitudes, Epstein’s Rational Experiential Inventory, A.I. Krupnov’s blank test of initiativity, Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire, Life Style Index, V.D. Mendelevich’s test of anticipation. Statistical analysis reveals significant differences between the experimental and control groups over two years. The methodological measurement shows that the application of the psycholinguistic approach, methods relevant to the professional activity of an economist in foreign language training within the framework of the pedagogical model, has a positive impact on the level of conditioning the specialist’s personality qualities. These studies can be useful in the development of educational programmes, methodological materials aimed at conditioning second language identity qualities of the economist-professional.

Euglena gracilis is a photosynthetic flagellate able to grow in mixotrophic conditions. Its biomass can accumulate high-value molecules. Relevant concentrations of twenty amino acids, nine types of minerals, fourteen varieties of vitamins, fatty acids and chlorophyll can be found in Euglena biomass. Still, maybe the most important stored compound is paramylon, a linear β-glucan acting as immune support and cholesterol reducing agent, exclusive to Euglena species. In 2017, paramylon was approved as a novel food ingredient by the US Food and Drug Administration and the market value for β-glucans is estimated over 0.5 million USD per ton. The cost for Euglena production is very high, and is especially related to the cost of the required carbon source. The present research is being carried out to optimize at lab-scale (4 L photobioreactors, 1.5 L working volume) the cultivation of Euglena using as substrates industrial residues from a firm processing food commodities. Considering the needs of Euglena, the liquid fraction of the anaerobic digestion of residues was used and mixed, at different ratios, with a sugar-rich vinasse. Different working pH were tested. As the aim of Euglena production is to use its biomass in pet feed formulations, it was also important to check contamination, especially by eumycetes, which find favorable growth conditions in the presence of nutrients and sugars and at low pH. As the accumulation of paramylon reaches its maximum in a short time (24–72 hours), different cultivation times were also tested in batch (up to 216 hours) and compared with semicontinuous cultivation process (Hydraulic Retention Time = 10 days). All the results were compared with those from blank tests, carried out in the same conditions but using Cramer Myers synthetic growth medium. The best results were obtained in batch, at pH 5, using the liquid fraction of anaerobic digestate enriched with 2.5 % of vinasse: at 48 h the TSS growth rate was 160 mg/L/day (higher than in the blank test), the removal of total N and PO4-P were 48 % and 31 %, respectively, the algal count was 2.12*105/mL and TSS and VSS concentrations 0.81 and 0.71 g/L, respectively. Paramylon concentration in the biomass was 35 % and no contamination occurred. The experimentation is going on testing and comparing HCl and CO2 to control pH and performing analyses on pigments and fatty acids in the biomass. Based on the obtained results, the production rate of paramylon would be 56 mg/L/d, and this is promising for the use of Euglena biomass for pet food production. Further, the possibility of growing Euglena exclusively on the effluent from anaerobic digestion and on the vinasse from the factory is being confirmed, and this is very interesting from the economic point of view, involving a consistent saving on cultivation costs. In the end, the relevant uptake of nutrients is also important, as in case of disposal the effluent should be treated to meet the required quality for discharge. This kind of cultivation should thus be considered as an important element of circular economy.

The relevance of this study is determined by the need to obtain additional data on the problem of patriotism as a personality trait, in particular the need to understand the specificity of the structure of patriotism and its manifestation among representatives of different ethnic groups. Against the background of active geopolitical processes, the issue of the patriotic orientation of personality is highly relevant. In this regard, the aim of this work is to identify and describe the characteristics of patriotism among Russian and Latvian students. The study of patriotism is carried out within the framework of A.I. Krupnov’s system-functional approach, which makes it possible to conceptualize this phenomenon as one of the personality traits. The article presents the results of a theoretical and empirical investigation of this trait, as a result of which individual-psychological features of patriotism were identified among Russian and Latvian students. The following instruments were used: the original blank test “Patriogram” (S.I. Kudinov, A.V. Potemkin), as well as its Latvian adaptation by M.V. Tsveks and M.A. Rushina; the “Five-Factor Questionnaire” (P.T. Costa, R.R. McCrae, in the Russian adaptation by M.V. Bodunov and S.D. Biryukov), as well as in the Latvian adaptation by A. Rošane. Firstly, two types of patriotism were distinguished (conditionally constructive and conditionally non-constructive). Secondly, conditionally constructive patriotism is similar in structure in both groups and is characterized by the influence of harmonious variables on its structure, i.e., a high readiness (vigor) to independently engage in patriotic activity (internality), accompanied by positive emotions (stenicity), orientation toward socially significant values, the dominance of socio-centric motives (socio-centrism), and the presence of general judgments about this phenomenon (awareness) along with a deeper understanding of it (consciousness). Thirdly, conditionally non-constructive patriotism differs in its structure between Russian and Latvian students. Among Russian students, this type is characterized by the influence of disharmonious variables of the dynamic, affective, regulatory, and motivational components of patriotism, as well as difficulties in manifesting this trait. Among Latvian students, conditionally non-constructive patriotism is still influenced by harmonious variables of the dynamic, affective, and regulatory components of patriotism, while ambivalence is observed in the motivational, value, and productive components, as well as the influence of personal difficulties on its structure.

ABSTRACT Quantification of phthalates and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in seawater is challenging due to matrix overlaps, self-absorbance and contamination from plastic laboratory materials that release PAEs. Plastic materials are ubiquitous in sampling devices, analytical instruments and the laboratory environment, thereby making it more difficult to reliably analyse trace concentrations of PAEs in collected seawater samples. In the current study a reliable protocol was established for OAE analysis in seawater including control of blank contamination and optimisation of experimental conditions. The mass of PAEs in blank tests of selected materials ranged from 3 ± 0.7 to 35 ± 6 ng for liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and from 5 ± 1.8 to 63 ± 15 ng for solid-phase extraction (SPE). Higher blank values were measured for dibutyl phthalate (DBP, 35 ± 6 ng, 12 ± 3 ng), and di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, 63 ± 12 ng, 23 ± 5 ng) in LLE and SPE, respectively. Recoveries of PAEs in LLE were 90–97%, and up to 86–90% for SPE. The method quantification limits (MQL) for PAEs were 10–20 ng L–1 for LLE and 10–35 ng L–1 for SPE. In coastal seawater samples from Sharm Obhur, PAE concentrations obtained using SPE ranged from 138–282 ng L–1 (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, BEP), 143–276 ng L–1 (diethyl phthalate, DEP) and 8.9–238 ng L–1 (DBP). The method shows lower MQL values for LLE and SPE than reported values of 10–100 ng L–1 and 30–100 ng L−1, respectively. The MQL values meet the requirements for PAEs analysis in seawater. The results suggest that LLE or SPE combined with GC-MS form efficient methods to quantify PAEs concentrations in seawater.

The study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of the aquatic macrophyte Salvinia spp. and quantify the removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the post-treatment of landfill leachate. The leachate was collected at the outlet of the facultative lagoon of the landfill in the municipality of Monte Carmelo (Brazil). The experiment was set up in a greenhouse, in triplicate, using 1.5 L plastic containers for the experimental units. For each experimental unit, 1 L of leachate and four arrangements of young and medium-sized aquatic macrophytes were added, which remained for twenty-one days in the greenhouse. The contact times evaluated were 0, 2, 7, 14 and 21 days. Dilutions of the leachate were evaluated (25%, 50% and 100%) and the “blank test” for control. The samples collected were analyzed to determine COD according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater methodology. The phytoremediation technique with Salvinia spp. proved to be a promising and efficient in the post-treatment of the leachate treated at the landfill, removing approximately 58% of the COD from the leachate from the 100% Experimental Unit.

Zirconia-based coatings on mild steel fabricated by atmospheric-pressure plasma processing for corrosion protection

The subject of the study is the testing of the "Patriogram" test by S.I. Kudinov and A.V. Potemkin (2009) on a Latvian sample of subjects. This methodology is aimed at studying patriotism as a multi-component, systemic-functional property of personality, characterized by a holistic structure, stable interrelations among its elements, and irreplacability in the characterization of personality. A systematic analysis of scientific sources on patriotism issues allowed for a conceptual clarification of this construct. Based on the interpretation of the concept of "patriotism" proposed by A.V. Potemkin, we suggest the following refined definition: "Patriotism is a systemic-functional property of personality, represented by a set of value, dynamic, emotional, volitional, motivational, cognitive, and reflexive-evaluative components, as well as characteristics of difficulties that ensure the degree of readiness to engage in prosocial activities that contribute to the prosperity of one’s country and society and their protection." The research was conducted in three stages. Initially, a double translation of statements into Latvian was performed with the participation of 48 respondents. In the second stage, the structural validity of the first model of the test was checked on a sample of 200 Latvians. The significance of the second model of the methodology was confirmed in the third stage of the study, with a sample of 250 Latvian students. The results showed satisfactory correspondence to the original data. The tested version of the test included 92 statements from the original 112. The removed 20 statements with insignificant loadings on the factors are explained as irrelevant in relation to the patriotism of Latvians, revealing the specificity of this phenomenon. These statements characterize the weakness and instability of the expression of patriotism, as well as a lack of knowledge and skills regarding participation in patriotic activities. Statements related to experiencing feelings of confusion and awkwardness when expressing one's patriotism, and that such activity is thankless, also proved to be insignificant. This conclusion is supported by studies on patriotism in Latvia, which indicate a very high readiness among Latvian youth to express their patriotism and a good understanding of the tools to do so.

Abstract A fast method that combines inert gas fusion with infrared absorption spectrometry for determination of total oxygen in FeSiAl magnetic alloy has been established. The whole analyzing process was introduced, especially the selection of sample weight, analytical power, fluxes and calibration. The blank test, precision test and spiked recovery test were conducted to verify the suitability and accuracy of the proposed method. Limit of quantifications were in the range of 0.010% to 0.012%, while relative standard deviations were less 9.5%. The recovery rates of oxygen in potassium hydrogen phthalate were between 90% and 107%. The inert gas fusion-infrared method of testing a sample needs 4 min. It has shown that the new method is accurate and efficient.

The main problems and contradictions arising during liquid penetrant testing of granule disk blanks are covered. The repeatability of the number of indications during testing by various methods is studied. The mechanical characteristics and structure characterization of the disk material are determined. The causes of indications on granule disk blanks are established. It is revealed that the number and location of indications are different when using different methods and within the framework of one method. The number of indications during testing by the methods under study is not a direct characteristic indicating the quality level of the metal blanks.

Cognitive abilities in neurodegenerative diseases begin to alter much earlier than the main clinical pathomorphological core of the disease develops, while patients for many years do not demonstrate pronounced clinical manifestations amid active functioning compensatory mechanisms. Subsequently, the leading symptom complex formed against the background of decompensation becomes practically insensitive to modern drug treatment. In this regard, the search for early manifestations of cognitive and neurological changes that could serve as reliable markers of the development of the neurodegenerative process, is a relevant task of diagnosing these diseases. Currently, in practical work, psychiatrists and neurologists mostly use blank cognitive tests for screening diagnostics of cognitive disorders based on questionnaires with scaled results, sensitivity of which is high for the stages of advanced disease, but is not enough for the stages of prodrome cognitive impairment. Therefore, the creation of a tool for objective screening of early stages of cognitive impairments, combining efficiency and ease of use, is an important and modern direction of neuroscience. Suggested review aims to analyze and summarize available data on the change in reaction speed at the onset of neurological diseases. The need for modernization of neuropsychological diagnostics with the help of possible integration of sensorimotor tests with computer technology is revealed. It should improve the reliability and accessibility of the screening assessment. It is shown that, apart from simple reaction (SRT), such reaction indicators as reaction time variability (RTV), choice reaction time (RTT) and the dynamic of reaction time are the objective and independent markers of efficiency of information processing by the nervous system.