Modern Instruments Research Articles

Navalism and Imperial Culture in Spain: The origins and celebration of the Chincha Islands War (1834–1868)

The article examines how the Chincha Islands War led to the consolidation and socialization of Spanish navalism, understood as a language of legitimacy that sought the regeneration of the monarchy through the identification of its citizens with the Real Armada and the consolidation of the latter as a modern instrument of imperial power and international prestige. In the first section we explain how, from 1834 to 1862, liberal intellectuals and politicians strove to promote the public cult of the navy. We will then illustrate how the development of the Spanish-South American conflict enabled a large cohort of state, civilian and ecclesiastical agents to spread among the population the maritime mythology elaborated during the previous decades.

MODERN TOOLS OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY IN THE US PUBLIC LIFE

Nowadays, in the era of multiple digital platforms for decision-making, the public and governmental interest towards direct democracy instruments is constantly growing. The goal of this article is to determine the spheres of social life where direct democracy is most effective. The study will contain the analysis of existing societies where direct democracy is already implemented, the US society in particular. The definition of the modern direct democracy instruments will be given, as well as the legislative base of such instruments in various states of the USA and the criteria for analyzing all precedents of direct democracy in the USA in 2011-2020, taking into consideration their legal status in different states. The conclusion of this article is the percentage ratio of direct democracy precedents in the USA in different spheres of social life.

Exogenous inorganic anions assisted the transformation and formation of cubic ZnIn2S4 with excellent photocatalytic properties

Inorganic anions have a significant impact on the crystal structure of ZnIn2S4 due to their electronegativity and polarity. Using ZnSO4 and In(NO3)3 as metal precursors, the transformation of ZnIn2S4 from hexagonal to cubic phase and the controllable growth of active crystal plane achieved under simple experimental operation. The crystal structure, surface functional groups, morphology and physicochemical properties of the as-prepared materials were analyzed using modern instrument characterization techniques. In addition, tetracycline hydrochloride (HTC) and Cr(VI) solution were used as target pollutants to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the materials, and the results showed that the higher relative content ratio of (311) crystal plane made the cubic ZnIn2S4 have better photocatalytic performance, that is, the photocatalytic activity of ZnIn2S4-pHH2SO4 was better, with the removal rates of HTC and Cr (VI) reaching 89.50 % and 98.21 %, respectively. Furthermore, EIS and Tafel curves indicated that ZnIn2S4-pHH2SO4 had a higher separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes, and free radical capture experiments and EPR spectra showed that ·O2- and h+ were the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation of HTC, which establishes the relationship between the structure and properties of the material. The intermediates and possible degradation pathways of HTC were analyzed by 3D-EEM and LC-MS, and the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of HTC by ZnIn2S4-pHH2SO4 was proposed.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children – а 25-years of experience

Introduction. Currently, the most successful option for treating benign hematological diseases of the spleen in children is splenectomy. Material and methods. In the article, the authors present their 25-year clinical experience in performing laparoscopic splenectomy in children with various diseases of the spleen. They discuss different techniques for surgical treatment of spleen diseases, features of preoperative preparation, current literature data. Results. The accumulated experience in laparoscopic surgeries for spleen removal, application of modern electrosurgical equipment and instruments for extracting tissues from the abdominal cavity have significantly reduced surgical time, improved cosmetic outcomes and quality of life of patients in the postoperative period. Somatostatin, prescribed right before the surgery and at the early postoperative period, prevents development of pancreatitis and erosive bleeding from the stump of the spleen pedicle in the vast majority of patients. Conclusion. The obtained catamnestic data demonstrate that laparoscopic surgery for spleen removal has its advantages. It is a safe, little-traumatic, effective and cosmetically good option for surgical spleen management in children.

The influence of vegetation on the microstructure and erosivity of precipitation

The process of precipitation interception, in which vegetation retains precipitation, has a major influence on natural processes such as soil erosion. Assessing this influence requires measurements of the microstructure of precipitation using modern instruments that allow measurements of the velocity, size, and number of raindrops. The precipitation microstructure data were obtained using 1-minute measurements from three optical disdrometers placed under the birch canopy, under the black pine canopy and above the canopies. In the period under consideration between 12 July 2022 and 16 February 2023, 48 rainfall events were recorded, for which the duration, the amount of precipitation, the average intensity of precipitation, and the characteristics of the raindrops (size, velocity, and number of drops) were calculated. Additionally, the kinetic energy (KE), the maximum 30-minute intensity (max I30), and the rainfall erosivity factor (R) were calculated. All these variables were calculated for measurements above and below the tree canopies. The results show that the proportion of intercepted precipitation decreases with the duration of the events for both birch and pine. Droplets increased on average during the leafed period, as they passed through the tree canopy, and decreased during the leafless period. During the entire period, the diameter of the droplets increased on average by 46% under birch and by 26% under black pine. The droplet velocity decreased on average by 38% under the pine, while it increased minimally under the birch by 1%, which is the result of an increase in the average velocity under the birch during the leafless period by 7%. The analysis of the results shows that the rainfall interception has a large impact on soil erosion, as, for example, the rainfall erosivity factor (R) under birch decreased by 43% and under pine by 90%.

Exploring the Characteristic Aroma Components of Traditional Fermented Koumiss of Kazakh Ethnicity in Different Regions of Xinjiang by Combining Modern Instrumental Detection Technology with Multivariate Statistical Analysis Methods for Odor Activity Value and Sensory Analysis.

To investigate the characteristic aromatic compounds, present in the traditional fermented koumiss of the Kazakh ethnic group in different regions of Xinjiang, GC-IMS, and GC-MS were used to analyze the volatile compounds in koumiss from four regions. A total of 87 volatile substances were detected, and esters, acids, and alcohols were found to be the main aroma compounds in koumiss. While the types of aroma compounds in koumiss were similar across different regions, the differences in their concentrations were significant and displayed clear regional characteristics. The fingerprint spectrum of GC-IMS, combined with PLS-DA analysis, indicates that eight distinctive volatile compounds, including ethyl butyrate, can be utilized to distinguish between different origins. Additionally, we analyzed the OVA value and sensory quantification of koumiss in different regions. We found that aroma components such as ethyl caprylate and ethyl caprate, which exhibit buttery and milky characteristics, were prominent in the YL and TC regions. In contrast, aroma components such as phenylethanol, which feature a floral fragrance, were more prominent in the ALTe region. The aroma profiles of koumiss from the four regions were defined. These studies provide theoretical guidance for the industrial production of Kazakh koumiss products.

Inconsistency and correction of manually observed ground surface temperatures over snow-covered regions

Ground surface temperature (Ts) was manually measured using mercury thermometers in the early stage, and the snow surface temperature was substituted for Ts in areas with thick seasonal snow covers due to measurement difficulty. However, this practice produced Ts data that were inconsistent with more recent automatic measurements that determine Ts in the soil beneath the snow cover using modern instrumentation. In this study, we used observations from northeastern China to explore and correct this Ts inconsistency. Our results showed that the inconsistency varies from a few degrees to tens of degrees depending on the snow conditions and time periods considered. This inconsistency between earlier and modern measurements can lead to the overestimation of soil temperature warming rates in recent decades. We remove the Ts inconsistency using a numerical model that considers the effect of snow insulation on ground surface temperatures. This approach provides a means to improve Ts records that have similarly switched from manual to automatic measurements, which is critical for soil and climate investigations.

DIRECTIONS OF APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN GEODESIC MONITORING OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The study determined the necessity of using artificial intelligence in solving the tasks of geodetic monitoring of buildings and structures. According to the results of the research, examples of the world experience of involving artificial intelligence in solving various issues of geodetic monitoring were found. The issues of using modern instrument equipment in conducting geodetic monitoring with the use of artificial intelligence are investigated. Therefore, the application of artificial intelligence in geodetic monitoring of buildings and structures can significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of data collection and analysis, reduce risks and increase the safety of workers and the public, as well as reduce costs and increase the productivity of processes. There are various examples of the application of artificial intelligence in geodetic monitoring of buildings and structures, such as the use of machine learning to predict landslides, the use of autonomous drones to collect data, and automatic image processing systems to detect defects and damage to buildings. The use of artificial intelligence in geodetic monitoring of buildings and structures has great potential for improving the safety, efficiency and productivity of construction processes. In addition, the development of artificial intelligence and its application in geodesy can help solve complex tasks, such as predicting floods, earthquakes and other dangerous phenomena related to geodesy and construction. The application of artificial intelligence can also increase the accuracy and reliability of surveying and mapping, which can be useful for solving many different problems related to surveying and construction. In this regard, it can be argued that artificial intelligence has already found its application in geodesy and construction, and its capabilities are still being explored and developed. This opens up many opportunities to improve the efficiency and accuracy of construction processes, reduce risks and increase the safety of workers and the public, as well as to create new innovations and achievements in the field of surveying and construction. Keywords: artificial intelligence, geodetic monitoring, geoinformation system, automation, camera works, monitoring principles, building and construction monitoring data, geospatial analysis, construction objects.

Microcapsule by In Situ Polymerization: An Experiment Integrating Polymer Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis

Reported herein is a chemistry experiment integrating polymer chemistry and instrumental analysis for the juniors majoring in chemistry. This experiment has a different scheduling framework than traditional experiments with a fixed lab period and schedule. The students arrange their experiment flexibly and individually. Styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) was used to stabilize hexadecanol emulsion, followed by microencapsulation through in situ polymerization of formaldehyde-melamine. The obtained microcapsules are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and gas chromatography (GC). This experiment enables the students to understand the concepts of polymeric surfactant, condensation reaction, and in situ polymerization. Furthermore, this experiment is beneficial to cultivate their practical ability of handling modern instruments. The flexibility and versatility significantly enhance the applicability of this experiment and the likelihood of widespread adaptation.

КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННОЕ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ЭНАЛАПРИЛА МАЛЕАТА В СУБСТАНЦИИ И ТАБЛЕТКАХ МЕТОДОМ ГАЛЬВАНОСТАТИЧЕСКОЙ КУЛОНОМЕТРИИ

Enalapril, belonging to the class of ACE inhibitors, is one of the leading drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and is used to treat essential hypertension of any severity, renovascular hypertension, heart failure and its prevention, as well as the prevention of coronary ischemia in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Increasing requirements for the quality of pharmaceutical substances and pharmaceutical dosage forms create conditions for improving existing and creating new analytical developments performed using modern instrumentation. A promising method for quality control of pharmaceutical substances is the method of galvanostatic coulometry, in particular, coulometric titration with electrogenerated hydroxide ions, in which the main controlled parameters are time and current flowing through the electrochemical cell. Electrogenerated hydroxide ions are formed during the electrolysis of water. As an electron carrier, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and other salts are usually used. Currently, devices are being produced that allow you to measure these parameters automatically with high accuracy. Galvanostatic coulometry is distinguished by the simplicity of the experiment, rapidity, and accuracy. Does not require expensive equipment, preliminary standardization of the titrant, the use of standard samples (except for the determination of water by the Karl Fischer method). Electrogenerated hydroxide ions interact with enalapril maleate quickly and quantitatively in a ratio of 3:1. Unified methods have been developed for the quantitative determination of enalapril maleate in the substance and tablets by coulometric titration with electrogenerated hydroxide ions. The auxiliary components of the tablet mass do not interfere with the determination of the active ingredient. The relative standard deviation does not exceed 0.6%, the relative error of the mean does not exceed 0.8%. Methods can be used in the practice of control and analytical laboratories to assess the parameter "Assay" in the substance and tablets.

Simultaneous Measurement of Fluid Level and Flow in Gravity Tanks using Ultrasonic Sensors

Modern instruments for level measurement are becoming more sophisticated making them too expensive to some simpler applications. In order for the procurement of these instruments become more cost effective, we need to utilize their added features to other possible applications. This study presents the results of an experimental investigation involving the use of an existing ultrasonic level sensor for simultaneous level and flow measurements in gravity tanks. The experiment utilizes the data logging feature of the ultrasonic level sensor to log the instantaneous tank level and a sample discharge fitting as the variable head flow meter. The results showed that the values of coefficient of discharge (Cd) corresponding to the sample discharge fitting used can be determined accurately using an open tank draining model as proven by Torricelli’s Law. Instantaneous values of coefficient of discharge (Cd) are then used to determine the discharge of the tank.

A New Interpretation of Chopin’s Piano Music Through Performance of the Second Piano Sonata on Pleyel and Erard Fortepianos and on a Modern Piano

I explored different approaches to performing Chopin’s Second Piano Sonata using my experience of playing on two period instruments: an original Pleyel 1848 grand fortepiano (known to have been played by Chopin) and an original Erard 1845 grand fortepiano. I considered how my experience of these instruments generated new knowledge which then informed my approach to performing the piece on a modern piano. This article is not intended to encourage pianists to imitate or copy my performance on historical instruments, but to re-discover period instruments in a new context and develop the ideas and perception gained from them to transform approaches to interpretation on modern pianos.I first examined the differences between the Pleyel and Erard instruments, and how the characteristics of the two fortepianos are affected by their different mechanical features. I explain why these differences occur and how they affect performers, and this is connected to the famous statement by Chopin comparing Pleyel and Erard fortepianos.Examining the Pleyel and Erard fortepianos and comparing historical and modern instruments from the perspective of being a concert pianist myself, this research revealed how pianists can bring out a singing quality in performance on percussive keyboard instruments. Experimenting with the Pleyel and Erard fortepianos has expanded my view of how to listen to the sound, with consequences for the management of specific dimensions and for my approach to modern pianos.

Methods of parameter measurement in testing hydraulic resistance. Unification of measuring instruments

Purpose: The study of heating networks; methods and technical equipment are proposed for testing heating networks.Methodology: The analysis of actual tests carried out on in the Tyumen region for heat networks with different diameter and heat supply sources, whether CHP or stand-alone boilers.Research results: Existing methods of organising hydraulic loss tests are evaluated, and the results obtained in the course of this work are analyzed. The test organization procedure is proposed to improve the parameter accuracy of thermal network state. The selection of computing equipment and determination of the most suitable ones for each type of tests.Value: The relevance of the topic under consideration is due to the imperfection of the requirements of the current regulatory and technical legislation of the Russian Federation for testing on heat networks of resource-supplying organizations. Existing test methods for thermal and hydraulic losses do not take into account the possibility of using modern instrumentation.

The DIVING3D Survey – Deep IFS View of Nuclei of Galaxies – III. Analysis of the nuclear region of the early-type galaxies of the sample

ABSTRACT We analysed the nuclear region of all 56 early-type galaxies from the DIVING3D Project, which is a statistically complete sample of objects that contains all 170 galaxies in the Southern Hemisphere with B < 12.0 mag and galactic latitude |b| < 15°. Observations were performed with the Integral Field Unit of the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph. Emission lines were detected in the nucleus of 86 ± 5 per cent of the objects. Diagnostic diagrams were used to classify 52 ± 7 per cent of the objects as LINERs or Seyferts, while the other 34 ± 6 per cent galaxies without H β or [O iii] lines in their spectra were classified as weak emission line objects. Transition Objects are not seen in the sample, possibly because the seeing-limited data cubes of the objects allow one to isolate the nuclei of the galaxies from their circumnuclear regions, avoiding contamination from H ii regions. A broad line region is seen in 29 ± 6 per cent of the galaxies. Of the 48 galaxies with emission-line nuclei, 41 have signs of AGNs. Some objects also have indications of shocks in their nuclei. Lenticular galaxies are more likely to have emission lines than ellipticals. Also, more luminous objects have higher [N ii]/H α ratios, which may be associated with the mass-metalicity relation of galaxies. A direct comparison of our results with the Palomar Survey indicates that the detection rates of emission lines and also of type 1 AGNs are higher in the DIVING3D objects. This is a consequence of using a more modern instrument with a better spatial resolution than the Palomar Survey observations.

Development of UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Virtual Laboratory Media for Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Digital Practicum

<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The demands of 21st Century learning are now in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0 with 4C learning characters. Educators must develop their creativity to improve the quality of learning so that students can be more creative in learning. </span><em>Instrumental Analytical Chemistry</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is a course that studies modern instrumentation for chemical analysis. The instrumentation is unavailable in the laboratory because it is costly. This research aims to develop a virtual laboratory media UV-Vis Spectrophotometer that can be used in the digital practicum of the Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Course. The method used is development research (R & D) by adapting the multimedia model ID Hannafin & Peck, using Macromedia flash applications. This research shows that the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer virtual lab developed provides excellent feasibility results and is also effective for use in lectures and digital practicum of Instrumental Analytical Chemistry lectures. </span></p>

Silviculture in the function of sustainable development

Silviculture in the function of sustainable development

Analysis of maintenance outsourcing challenges for belt conveyors in the Industry 4.0 era

Purpose There is an increasing trend of outsourcing maintenance activities of heavy equipment, including belt conveyor installations. However, there are numerous challenges in maintenance outsourcing. This paper aims to identify and analyze various challenges of outsourcing maintenance activities associated with belt conveyor installations. Design/methodology/approach This paper identifies maintenance outsourcing challenges of belt conveyor installations through literature review, field visits and expert opinion. An integrated structural hierarchical framework of the identified challenges is developed through analytic hierarchy process and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory. Findings The paper has identified eight challenges, namely, attainment of organizational strength by contractors, legal and financial challenges for contractors, attainment of necessary technician skills by contractors, maintenance data acquisition and analysis challenges, facilitation with modern equipment, gadgets and instrumentation, service quality challenges, health, safety and environment-related challenges and spares supply chain management challenges. The segregation of driver and dependent challenges, including their hierarchical framework had been established in this work. Research limitations/implications A comprehensive list of challenges and their prioritization in maintenance outsourcing of belt conveyor installations had been established. This will help the organizations who own and operate these installations to make judicious decisions regarding outsourcing maintenance. Originality/value This paper significantly contributes to the literature on maintenance outsourcing of heavy machinery installations like a belt conveyor system based on the input of different stakeholders. This study will lead to the development of frameworks for maintenance contractor selection for such installations.

The yaq project: Standardized software enabling flexible instrumentation

Modern instrumentation development often involves the incorporation of many dissimilar hardware peripherals into a single unified instrument. The increasing availability of modular hardware has brought greater instrument complexity to small research groups. This complexity stretches the capability of traditional, monolithic orchestration software. In many cases, a lack of software flexibility leads creative researchers to feel frustrated, unable to perform experiments they envision. Herein, we describe Yet Another acQuisition (yaq), a software project defining a new standardized way of communicating with diverse hardware peripherals. yaq encourages a highly modular approach to experimental software development that is well suited to address the experimental flexibility needs of complex instruments. yaq is designed to overcome hardware communication barriers that challenge typical experimental software. A large number of hardware peripherals are already supported, with tooling available to expand support. The yaq standard enables collaboration among multiple research groups, increasing code quality while lowering development effort.

An ultrahigh-vacuum S-band photocathode radio-frequency electron gun

High gradient photocathode radio-frequency guns have enabled a broad range of modern accelerator-based scientific instruments. To further enhance the capabilities of these instruments by generating brighter beams, it is highly desirable to the synergies this type of electron sources with advanced photocathodes. However, various photocathodes with low intrinsic emittance and high quantum efficiency require ultrahigh vacuum condition which is far beyond available in existing high-gradient RF guns. Therefore, the physics, performance and feasibility of utilizing these advanced photocathodes under high gradient essentially remain unexplored. In this paper, we report on the concept and comprehensive physical design of a novel S-band photocathode gun that is compatible with advanced photocathodes. The new design features a more than ten-fold improvement in the vacuum level, supported by detailed vacuum modeling. This new gun will enable studies of advanced photocathodes under high acceleration gradient, and eventually be capable of delivering significantly brighter electron beams.

Increasing civil participation in public control at the municipal level

The subject of the research is public control, which is considered to be a modern instrument of citizens' participation in the cases of local self-government. It significantly complements the basic mechanisms of direct democracy at the municipal level, providing the population with the opportunity to evaluate the activities of local authorities.The purpose of the study is to consider public control from the perspective of its implementation at the municipal level. The key task is to find and justify additional subjects close to this level, revealing new opportunities for a more active response of residents to the short-comings of the local authorities. The most important in this series is the definition of citizens’ role and the public structures they create in the implementation of public control. Another significant task is to develop recommendations for improving the legal regulation of public control at the municipal level.The methodology. The solution of the set tasks is supposed to be carried out using a number of cognition methods with the analysis as the leading one. It has become determinant in the study of scientific sources and the empirical base. The doctrinal method was used to study the opinions of legal scholars on the issue under discussion. Working with legislation regulating public control was based on a formal and logical method. To formulate the research conclusions the authors used general scientific methods of synthesis and analogy, as well as general-to-specific method.The main results. The analysis showed that the public chambers (councils) of municipalities created by local governments to exercise public control are to a certain extent dependent on these bodies. We focused on more independent segments of the local community that are not included in the law, but show examples of social activity. The resource of society increases many times if three new subjects at the municipal level are given legislative access to public control: citizens, local public associations, and organized groups of citizens – territorial public self-governments that successfully operate in the local territories of municipalities. Conclusions. The recommendations presented in the study are the basis for improving domestic legislation on public control and local self-government. Filling in the legislative gaps should have a positive impact on law enforcement practice. The practical nature of the received conclusions and proposals is that they open up new opportunities for the representatives of the local community: (a) to protect their rights and legitimate interests with the help of the tools of public control; (b) to promptly correct mistakes and miscalculations of local authorities. The authors are convinced that the development of democracy on the scale of such a huge state as the Russian Federation should start with a small entity — its entrance hall, street, neighborhood, settlement, and city.