Results Of Measurements Research Articles

Subjective Well-Being in the Context of Quality of Life (Based on the Results of Sociological Measurements)

Subjective Well-Being in the Context of Quality of Life (Based on the Results of Sociological Measurements)

Optimization and preparation for the start-up of the plasma ICR heating system at the KTM tokamak

The paper presents and discusses the results of the research on the preparation of the HF plasma heating system of the KTM tokamak for the start-up. The calculations have been performed to determine the parameters at which the most effective absorption of the HF radiation by the plasma of the KTM tokamak was expected, the results of measurements of the frequency response of the antenna-feeder device of the HF heating system generator of the KTM tokamak plasma have been presented. The result of the carried out work have shown that more efficient plasma heating on a KTM tokamak can be obtained at a frequency of 14 MHz.

Method for monitoring background concentration of methane over large areas using solar radiation

The results of measurements of the background concentration of methane in the atmosphere using the Sun as a radiation source are presented. It was found that, along with random errors, it is necessary to take into account the systematic error caused by the influence of extraneous factors on measurements of the methane background concentration when sounding at small angles to the horizon, when the length of the path increases noticeably. It is assumed that a possible influence on the magnitude of the systematic error is the scattering of light by aerosols and other impurity particles present in the atmosphere. The proposed method for monitoring the methane background makes it possible to carry out measurements over long periods of time over large areas with a relative accuracy of a few percent.

The Critical Role of Community Pharmacists in Blood Pressure Monitoring.

Arterial hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In some countries, pharmacists' patient-centered approach has become a common practice, and their role in supporting the management of cardiovascular disease has been successfully developed for years. In particular, recent findings have confirmed benefits of pharmacist-provided hypertension care. Current guidelines emphasize the need for regular BP measurements in subjects age 40 years and older, who are at increased risk of hypertension. A panel of experts in cardiology, hypertensiology, family medicine, and pharmacy presented a narrative review of implementing community pharmacy blood pressure (CPBP) measurements into Polish pharmacy practice to assist pharmacists in CPBP readings. The paper focuses on basic aspects of management of untreated patients with elevated blood pressure levels, as well as management of individuals diagnosed with hypertension, who should follow their primary care physicians' recommendations for anti-hypertensive therapy. The article also includes a few important aspects related to CPBP measurement, such as equipment and techniques. Development of ready-made schemes of procedures for patients with different results of blood pressure measurement could ensure a uniform standard of services provided by pharmacists. This gives an opportunity to provide such patients with medical care and initiate treatment, and facilitates effective maintenance of BP in hypertensive subjects. This article reviews the role of pharmacists in Poland in screening for hypertension by taking blood pressure measurements.

Microfluidic Rheology: An Innovative Method for Viscosity Measurement of Gels and Various Pharmaceuticals.

Measuring the viscosity of pharmaceutical dosage forms is a crucial process. Viscosity provides information about the stability of the composition, the release rate of the drug, bioavailability, and, in the case of injectable drug formulations, even the force required for injection. However, measuring viscosity is a complex task with numerous challenges, especially for non-Newtonian materials, which include most pharmaceutical formulations, such as gels. Selecting the appropriate shear rate is critical. Since viscosity in many systems is highly temperature-dependent, stable temperature control is necessary during the measurement. Using microfluidics technology, it is now possible to perform rheological characterization and conduct fast and accurate measurements. Small sample volumes (even below 500 µL) are required, and viscosity determination can be carried out over a wide range of shear rates. Nevertheless, the pharmaceutical application of viscometers operating on the principle of microfluidics is not yet widespread. In our work, we compare the results of measurements taken with a microfluidic chip-based viscometer on different pharmaceutical forms (gels, solution) with those obtained using a traditional rotational viscometer, evaluating the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. The microfluidics-based method enables time- and sample-efficient viscosity analysis of the examined pharmaceutical forms.

Dielectric Properties of a Ferroelectric Nematic Material: Quantitative Test of the Polarization-Capacitance Goldstone Mode.

The recently discovered ferroelectric nematic (N_{F}) liquid crystals (LC) have been reported to show an extraordinarily large value of the real part of the dielectric constant (ϵ^{'}>10^{3}) at low frequencies. However, it was argued by Clark etal. in Phys. Rev. Res. 6, 013195 (2024)PPRHAI2643-156410.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.013195 that what was measured was the capacitance of the insulating layer at LC or electrode surface and not that of the liquid crystal. Here we describe the results of dielectric spectroscopy measurements of an N_{F} material in cells with variable thickness of the insulating layers. Our measurements quantitatively verify the model by Clark etal. Additionally, our measurements in cells with bare conducting indium tin oxide surface provide a crude estimate of ϵ_{⊥}∼10^{2} in the N_{F} phase.

Weibull distribution as a criterion of emergency levels

In the exploitation of machinery and equipment, one of the most important parameters is the dynamic state of the object. Observing residual processes is the most popular method of assessing the dynamic state. In particular, dynamic residual processes are a carrier of diagnostic information. Measuring the vibrations and noise of working mini-mining machines provides knowledge about the dynamics of the assessed machinery. Many years of knowledge and experience have allowed for the creation of diagnostic procedures. Within most machines used in the industry, the procedures considered standard allow for an effective diagnostic assessment and optimal management of mini-mining machine exploitation. The applicability of these standards is quite wide. However, there are machines with parameters that prevent the application of said standards. Mini-mining machines used in subterranean mining are one of these machines. In the case of diagnostic assessment of continuous miners, chain conveyors, as well as other machinery used in the technological chain, the usage of assessment brackets consistent with adopted standards is incorrect. In the diagnostic assessment of these types of mini-mining machines, an analysis of long-term trends is often used. The determination of acceptable vibration levels is obtained heuristically through observations of the damage up to the state of emergency. In the article, methods of mini mining machines state assessment using models of machine degradation, using Weibull distribution, are presented. The presented method has been used in real results of vibration measurement of underground machinery used in a coal mine. The analyses showed a large effectiveness of the presented method.

The European Environmental Noise Directive in Germany

With the Environmental Noise Directive, the member states of the European Union have a common approach to mapping and reducing environmental noise. Noise exposure is determined in agglomerations and around major transport infrastructures. Noise action plans specify measures to reduce noise. With the fourth round in 2022, the directive was significantly developed. For the first time, common European assessment methods were used for noise mapping of road, rail and air traffic, as well as industrial facilities. In addition, the effects of noise exposure were determined on the basis of WHO dose-response curves for noise annoyance, sleep disturbance and ischemic heart disease. The results of the noise exposure measurements are also to provide the basis for political decisions at the European level on the reduction of limit values or financial support programs. To allow better interpretation and comparison of the data, the technical requirements for data reporting by the Member States to the European Commission have been specified. The paper reports on the experience in Germany with Noise Mapping 2022 and describes challenges and further planning.

Role of Partial Flexibility on Flow Evolution and Aerodynamic Power Efficiency over a Turbine Blade Airfoil

In this study, the aerodynamic performance of a cambered wind turbine airfoil with a partially flexible membrane material on its suction surface was examined experimentally across various angles of attack and Reynolds numbers. It encompassed physical explanation at the pre/post-stall regions. The results of particle image velocimetry revealed that the laminar separation bubble was diminished or even suppressed when a local flexible membrane material was employed on the suction surface of the wind turbine blade close to the leading edge. The results of the deformation measurement indicated that the membrane had a range of flow modes. This showed that the distribution of aerodynamic fluctuations due to the presence of LSB-induced vortices was reduced. This also led to a narrower wake region occurring. Aerodynamic performance improved and aerodynamic vibration significantly lowered, particularly at the post-stall zone, according to the results of the aerodynamic force measurement. In addition to the lift force, the drag force was enormously reduced, corroborating and matching well with the results of PIV and deformation measurements. Consequently, significant benefits for a turbine blade were notably observed, including aerodynamic performance enhancement, increased aerodynamic power efficiency, and reduced aerodynamic vibration.

Digital Image Correlation and Ultrasonic Lamb Waves for the Detection and Prediction of Crack-Type Damage in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Laminates.

The possibility of using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique, along with Lamb wave analysis, was investigated in this study for damage detection and characterization of polymer carbon fiber (CFRP) composites with the help of numerical modeling. The finite element model (FEM) of the composite specimen with artificial damage was developed in ANSYS and validated by the results of full-field DIC strain measurements. A quantitative analysis of the damage detection capabilities of DIC structure surface strain measurements in the context of different defect sizes, depths, and orientation angles relative to the loading direction was conducted. For Lamb wave analysis, a 2D spatial-temporal spectrum analysis and FEM using ABAQUS software were conducted to investigate the interaction of Lamb waves with the different defects. It was demonstrated that the FEM updating procedure could be used to characterize damage shape and size from the composite structure surface strain field from DIC. DIC defect detection capabilities for different loadings are demonstrated for the CFRP composite. For the identification of any composite defect, its characterization, and possible further monitoring, a methodology based on initial Lamb wave analysis followed by DIC testing is proposed.

Demonstration of neutron time-of-flight diffraction with an event-mode imaging detector.

Neutron diffraction beamlines have traditionally relied on deploying large detector arrays of 3He tubes or neutron-sensitive scintillators coupled with photomultipliers to efficiently probe crystallographic and microstructure information of a given material. Given the large upfront cost of custom-made data acquisition systems and the recent scarcity of 3He, new diffraction beamlines or upgrades to existing ones demand innovative approaches. This paper introduces a novel Timepix3-based event-mode imaging neutron diffraction detector system as well as first results of a silicon powder diffraction measurement made at the HIPPO neutron powder diffractometer at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Notably, these initial measurements were conducted simultaneously with the 3He array on HIPPO, enabling direct comparison. Data reduction for this type of data was implemented in the MAUD code, enabling Rietveld analysis. Results from the Timepix3-based setup and HIPPO were benchmarked against McStas simulations, showing good agreement for peak resolution. With further development, systems such as the one presented here may substantially reduce the cost of detector systems for new neutron instrumentation as well as for upgrades of existing beamlines.

Перспективы использования баз спутниковых данных эмиссии парниковых газов при мониторинге объектов добывающей промышленности

Emissions of the greenhouse gases, particularly methane and carbon dioxide, by the mining, processing, and energy industries can significantly affect pollution in the bottom layer of the atmosphere, aerosols, and the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Continuous monitoring of emissions is the basis for developing effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Satellite missions are actively used for this purpose. The article provides an overview and description of the existing databases of greenhouse gas emissions obtained based on satellite measurements. The monitoring methodology involves satellite spectroscopy aimed at analyzing the spectral characteristics of light absorbed by the atmosphere. The results of measurements by satellite spectrometers show the total molar mass of substances throughout the atmospheric column. Global satellite monitoring allows identifying zones of anomalous concentration and identifying new sources of greenhouse gases, comparing them with the ground-based measurements of pollutants.

Assessment of the Dust in Underground Coal Mine

This paper considers extreme dusty conditions at workplaces in underground coal mine. These extreme conditions stem from various physical factors that affect employees’ performance. The extreme effect of the dust can significantly contribute to permanent health damage or even the death of employees. In this study, we present and discuss the results of measurements of airborne dust and respiratory dust taken during wall cutting in a coal mine and propose effective measures to reduce the burden on the life and health of employees and the environment.

Design and development of a first order reversal curve measurement enabled variable temperature vibrating sample magnetometer

In this paper we present the design, construction and calibration of a sensitive vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and temperature variable setup with a capability to measure magnetization of magnetic materials from 100 K to 400 K with First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) measurement facility. It uses a bipolar power supply to energize an electromagnet capable of attaining ±1 Tesla field, subwoofer speaker for vibrating the sample and the induced voltage in four coil setup is measured by a lock-in amplifier. All hardware is controlled by a customized LabView program. The cryostat is designed such that the temperature can be varied continuously from 100 K to 400 K using liquid nitrogen up to room temperature and forced nitrogen gas/air for high temperatures study. We report here the VSM sensitivity of up to 10−2 emu/gm and can measure much weaker signals. The FORC protocol in this system is implemented via a dedicated virtual instrument in LabView capable of magnetic field reversal and termination at appropriate point to study domain nucleation field. The detailed analysis of the data is done using the open-source resources. We present the FORC measurement for Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, a ferrimagnet. To establish the sensitivity of the instrument we present the results of magnetization measurement with temperature and phase transition study of La0.4Ca0.6MnO3 and La0.75Sr0.25MnO3.

TMAO Impairs Mouse Aortic Vasodilation by Inhibiting TRPV4 Channels in Endothelial Cells.

Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) is an intestinal flora metabolite associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable ion channel that is essential for vasodilation and endothelial function. Currently, there are few studies on the effect of TMAO on TRPV4 channels. In the present study, Ca2+ imaging of vascular tissue showed that TMAO inhibited TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx into aortic endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, a whole-cell patch clamp assay showed that TMAO blocked TRPV4-mediated cation currents. Notably, results of aortic vascular tension measurement showed that TMAO impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in mouse aortic vessels through the TRPV4-NO pathway. Our results indicated that TMAO inhibited Ca2+ entry in endothelial cells and impaired vasodilation through the TRPV4-NO pathway in mice. These results provide scientific evidence for novel pathogenic mechanisms underlying the role of TMAO in cardiovascular disease.

Measuring ERP System Readiness with COBIT 2019 at IT Vendor Industry

The application of information technology that supports company business activities in IT services can be assessed for its IT governance capabilities using the COBIT 2019 framework, including security aspects. This research aims to determine the company's IT governance capabilities in the Managed Risk (APO12), Managed Security (APO13), and Managed Configuration (BAI10) domains to overcome security risks and provide recommendations for achieving a higher level of capability. This qualitative research uses data obtained through interviews and literature studies. Based on the results of capability measurements, the company received a score at level 2 to target levels 3 and 4, which indicates a gap of 1 to 2 levels. Recommendations include improving risk understanding, security awareness, security controls, and configuration management. Additionally, recommendations for ERP modules such as risk management, information security management, project management, configuration management, and quality management are proposed to address the identified issues.

Efficient Sb(Ⅲ) removal from printing and dyeing wastewater using TiCl4 as a potential coagulant instead of polyferric sulfate

With increasing health concerns and the tightening of discharge standards, there is growing demand for more efficient Sb(Ⅲ) removal from printing and dyeing wastewater (PDW). Currently, the most common coagulant used in Sb removal in industry is polyferric sulfate (PFS). However, the residual Fe ions in the effluent cause colorimetric problems and irreversibly damage the membrane components during the subsequent reverse osmosis treatment process. Therefore, identifying novel coagulants to replace PFS in the removal of Sb(Ⅲ) is necessary. In this study, TiCl4 was employed for in-situ hydrolysis to produce flocs for Sb(Ⅲ) removal in simulated and real PDW. TiCl4 exhibited an excellent performance compared to PFS in terms of dosage, turbidity, application pH, and anti-interference properties. Sb(Ⅲ) removal of 97.3 % was realized at a dosage of 30 mg/L and a final pH of 5.0 in slightly contaminated PDW, whereas PFS required a higher dosage, resulting in higher disposal costs. Furthermore, the application of TiCl4 led to lower turbidity and reduced secondary contamination. An investigation of the co-existing ions revealed that TiCl4 was considerably more tolerant than PFS toward PO43–, humic acid, and silicate at a lower concentration. Simultaneously, Sb(Ⅲ) was partially oxidised to Sb(Ⅴ) during removal, but TiCl4 exhibited lower oxidative properties. The results of PDW treatment indicated that TiCl4 could realize 85.6 % Sb(Ⅲ) removal at a dosage of 30 mg/L, and the pre-reduction of Sb(Ⅴ) to Sb(Ⅲ) was a safe, effective treatment. The results of zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that Sb(Ⅲ) removal was mainly realised via chemical adsorption. Overall, this study provides a promising alternative material for use in practical Sb(Ⅲ) removal from PDW, particularly for reducing coagulation sludge, operational costs, and damage during the possible subsequent reverse osmosis process.

Penerapan Terapi Afirmasi Positif pada Pasien dengan Harga Diri Rendah di Rumah Sakit Jiwa Palembang

Low self-esteem is a persistent feeling of worthlessness and inferiority from negative self-evaluation of oneself. Complications for clients with low self-esteem include social isolation, hallucinations and violent behavior. The problem of low self-esteem requires appropriate intervention. One therapy that can be done by patients with low self-esteem is positive affirmation therapy. Positive affirmations are statements that strengthen positive beliefs within a person. This research aims to provide nursing care to mental patients with low self-esteem through positive affirmation therapy interventions at the Palembang mental hospital. The method used was a descriptive method with a nursing process approach on 3 patients with a One Group Pretest Posttest research design of positive affirmation therapy on patients with low self-esteem. The results of measurements via the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale were obtained by the patient Mrs. Y with a score of 4 (low self-esteem) to 7 (high self-esteem), the score for Mrs. N with a score of 3 (low self-esteem) becomes 7 (high self-esteem) and Mrs. A with a score of 3 (low self-esteem) becomes 5 (low self-esteem). Conclusion: There is a decrease in the number of patients' self-esteem level scores through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale measurement and a decrease in the number of symptoms that appear in patients with low self-esteem.

Comparison of meat quality, muscle-fibre characteristics and the Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in different breeds of pigs

Context Muscle fibre characteristics are important internal factors that can directly affect pork quality. Especially muscle-fibre types can interconvert with the influence of certain factors. Aims The purpose of this experiment was to study the differences in meat quality among Songliao black pigs, Jilin Hua pigs and Dongliao black pigs, and the molecular mechanism of the differences. Methods First, the conventional meat-quality traits of each breed were determined. Second, the muscle-fibre characteristics of different muscles were analysed by the haematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Next, the activity of several key oxidative/glycolytic enzymes was detected with kits. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse the expression abundance of myosin heavy-chain (MyHC) genes and key genes related to muscle fibre-type transformation. Key results The results of meat-quality measurement showed that Songliao black pigs were superior to Jilin Hua pigs and Dongliao black pigs in water-holding capacity, tenderness and intra-muscular fat; and Jilin Hua pigs were superior to Dongliao black pigs in water-holding capacity. The diameter and area of muscle fibres were the smallest, the density was the largest, the proportion of oxidative muscle fibres, oxidative enzyme activity and expression abundance of oxidative genes were the highest in Songliao black pigs, followed by Jilin Hua pigs and Dongliao black pigs. The proportions of oxidative muscle fibres ranged from 10.37% to 33.6% in Songliao black pigs, from 6.96% to 26.42% in Jilin Hua pigs, and from 5.86% to 17.42% in Dongliao black pigs. The psoas major exhibited the smallest muscle-fibre diameter, the highest density, followed by triceps brachii, biceps femoris and longissimus thoracis. The oxidative muscle fibre proportions of the psoas major and triceps brachii were significantly greater than those of the biceps femoris and longissimus thoracis. The expression abundances of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) (Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1α) pathway and mitochondrial function-related genes were the highest in Songliao black pigs, followed by Jilin Hua pigs and Dongliao black pigs. Conclusions The results showed that Songliao black pigs had the best meat quality, followed by Jilin Hua pigs and Dongliao black pigs. The meat quality of psoas major and triceps brachii was significantly greater than that of biceps femoris and longissimus thoracis. This experiment suggests that transformation of oxidative muscle fibres can be promoted through the Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1α pathway. Implications By analysing the meat-quality traits and the molecular mechanism of meat-quality differences, it can provide data reference and direction for further meat-quality improvement of three breed pigs.

Characterization of Moroccan cactus juice toward its use as a green flocculant in wastewater treatment

ABSTRACT The present work is dedicated to the characterization of Moroccan cactus juice, which shows encouraging performance in wastewater treatment. Various techniques were used to highlight the chemical and physical properties of this natural product. Elemental analysis of cactus juice using inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy revealed the presence of numerous minerals. Fourier Transform Infrared, ultraviolet, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopies demonstrate the presence of many carbohydrate components. Identification of volatile compounds by gas chromatography reveals the presence of Gibb-3-ene-1,10-dicarboxylic acid, ethyl gallate, 3TMS derivative, ethyl ester and 1-(2-Isopropyl-phenyl)-3,6,6-trimethyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro–indazol. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates three peaks at 100, 200 and 600 °C, corresponding to the mass loss of water, polysaccharides, and organic matter, respectively. The rheological characterization of cactus juice suggests that this liquid exhibits shear-thinning behavior, which is governed by the Casson model. The results of the Zeta potential measurement demonstrate the anionic character of cactus juice as a flocculant, with −25 mV as a value of zeta potential. Its use as a flocculant in organic matter removal shows that the chemical Oxygen demand decreases significantly with the increase of the added cactus juice dose, confirming, therefore, its flocculating behavior.