Multisensor hyperspectral imaging approach for the microchemical analysis of ultramarine blue pigments

This work presents a multisensor hyperspectral approach for the characterization of ultramarine blue, a valuable historical pigment, at the microscopic scale combining the information of four analytical techniques at the elemental and molecular levels. The hyperspectral images collected were combined in a single hypercube, where the pixels of the various spectral components are aligned on top of each other. Selected spectral descriptors have been defined to reduce data dimensionality before applying unsupervised chemometric data analysis approaches. Lazurite, responsible for the blue color of the pigment, was detected as the major mineral phase present in synthetic and good quality pigments. Impurities like pyrite were detected in lower quality samples, although the clear identification of other mineral phases with silicate basis was more difficult. There is no correlation between the spatial distribution of the bands arising in the Raman spectra of natural samples in the region 1200–1850 cm−1 and any of the transition metals or rare earth elements (REE). With this information, the previous hypothesis (based on bulk analysis) attributing these bands to luminescence emissions due to impurities of these elements must be revised. We propose the consideration of CO2 molecules trapped in the cages of the aluminosilicate structure of sodalite-type. Additionally, correlation between certain Raman features and the combined presence of Ca, P, and REE, in particular Nd, was detected for the lowest quality pigment. Our results highlight the usefulness of fusing chemical images obtained via different imaging techniques to obtain relevant information on chemical structure and properties.

Givetian trilete spores of Geminospora from the Volyn–Podillya (Western Ukraine)

Givetian sediments are widely distributed within the Volyn-Podillia margin of the East-European platform (VPO EEP). These are terrigenous-carbonate cyclically constructed formations with a thickness of 102 to 165 m, the stratification of which is complicated due to the facial variability of rocks. Therefore, when studying this stratum, palynology and the implementation of palynostratigraphic delimitation are of great importance. The initial stage of palynological research of Devonian VPO EEP deposits is clear identification of miospores and their monographic study, the main components of which are morphological and morphometric research, taxonomic determination of genera and species by morphological-comparative method, elucidation of their stratigraphic and geographical distribution. The object of research is dispersed miospores. During their taxonomic study, M. V. Oshurkova’s artificial, or formal, taxonomy was used, which modernized the morphological classification of R. Potonier and G. Kremp, clarified palynological terminology, detailed diagnostics of taxa, and gave unified diagnoses of genus forms. For the first time, a monographic description of five species is given according to this classification. They are Geminospora extensa (Naumova) Gao (from 36 to 51 %); up to 10 %: G. decora (Naumova) Archangelskaja, G. tuberculata (Kedo) Allen, G. micromanifesta (Naumova) Archangelskaja, G. notata (Naumova) Obukhovskaja. belonging to the genus Geminospora (Balme) Owens of infraturma Pseudosacciti, subturma Zonocavatitriletes, suprasubturma Cavatitriletes turma Triletes. These are trilete radial zonate cavate hilate spores with ornamented exine. They are main indicators, key and characteristic species of palyzone E of the Givetian of the Middle Devonian.

Elucidating the germanium distribution in ITQ-13 zeolites by density functional theory

ITQ-13 is a medium-pore zeolite that can be prepared in all-silica form and as silicogermanate with Si/Ge ratios as low as 3. Usually synthesised in the presence of fluoride, ITQ-13 is among the very few systems containing fluoride anions in two distinct cage types, cube-like d4r units and [4·5^6] cages. Here, dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the energetically most favourable Ge distributions for Si/Ge ratios between 55 and 6. The calculations show Ge atoms are incorporated at both the corners of d4r cages and at the basal plane of the [4·5^6] cages, in accordance with 19F-NMR spectroscopy. Two Ge atoms at adjacent corners of [4·5^6] cages are stable at the highest Ge content. Such a local environment has not yet been considered in the experimental literature. A calculation of the corresponding 19F-NMR resonance points to overlap with other resonances, which might preclude its clear identification. Additional calculations investigate the variation of the dynamic behaviour of the fluoride anions as a function of the local environment as well as the selective defluorination of the [4·5^6] cages.

Abstract 10327: Protected Mock Codes Using In-situ Simulation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Our hospital faced an uphill battle with increasing clinical emergencies, a surge of patients, and compliance with the new regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thereby, the code blue team developed a protected code blue protocol to minimize the infectious risk of the code team members and provide efficient management of emergencies during a lifesaving situation. Objectives: This project aimed to help the core team members to practice the new protected code blue protocol using in-situ simulation. The drills might improve the self-confidence of the code team members in performing their role, clear identification of themselves, effective communication skills, and teamwork. Methods: The mock code team developed different scenarios and ran the drills in 17 departments in different shifts within 8 weeks. A convenience sample of 269 staff participated in the drills. Participants included physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, and other disciplinary staff. A debriefing was conducted to identify areas of improvement. Participants completed an evaluation form during the debriefing. The form included questions using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) to rate the variables. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to test the hypotheses. Results: Out of the 269 participants, 125 staff completed and returned the evaluation form. The mean overall rating of the protected mock codes was 4.184 at a scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (excellent) with a standard deviation of .827. The Pearson correlation coefficient ( r ) between the overall rating of the training and the amount of self-confidence in performing their role was .697 ( p =.000); clear identification of themselves was .329 ( p = .000); effective communication skills was .500 ( p = .000); and teamwork was .526 ( p = .000). Limitations: The project was conducted in a teaching hospital. The results might not apply to different care delivery settings. Conclusions: The findings of this project demonstrated that in-situ simulation improved the self-confidence of the code team members, communication skills, and teamwork in performing the protected code blue protocol for a COVID-19 suspected or confirmed patient with cardiac arrest.

Parameters of Porosity and Compressive Strength-Based Optimization on Reinforced Aluminium from the Recycled Waste Automobile Frames

Automobile industries were ready to recycle the waste old parts as well as the damaged parts of the old vehicles as much as possible. This study mainly focused on the recycling of the waste and damaged aluminium frames of the automobile bodies. These aluminium-based frames only collected the metal matrix composite created by reinforcement of 3% silicon carbide (SiC) and 3% high carbon steel. The stir casting method is chosen to make the composites. Optimization is done by Taguchi ANOVA technique. Three input parameters such as stir speed, time of squeeze, and the temperature of the preheating were considered. The outputs such as compressive strength and porosity were experimentally measured with the combination of nine (L9) experimental trails. The measured experimental results were analyzed and optimized with the help of Taguchi technique with different plots for clear identification. The optimized parameters based on low porosity and high compressive strength were recommended for conclusion.

On Deserted Landscapes and Divine Iconography: Iconographic Perspectives on the Origins of YHWH

In light of three important trends and developments within recent research—first, the interpretation, the dating and the literary growth of the second commandment (Exod 20:4 ‖ Deut 5:8); second, the reevaluation of ancient Israel’s origins; and, third, the continuously increasing archaeological and iconographic record—the article surveys potential repre­senta­tions of YHWH from pre-exilic and post-exilic times in order to evaluate them against the background of YHWH’s origins. Without aiming at a clear identification of YHWH imagery, the study analyses a broad range of iconographic material: anthropomorphic and theriomorphic figurines, the motif of “the lord of the ostriches,” a cult stand from Taanach, the Bes-like figurines on the drawings from Kuntillet Ajrud, humanoid figures on a sherd from a strainer jar, the motif of an enthroned deity on a boat, the so-called horse and rider figurines and a famous Yehud coin depicting a deity on a winged wheel. Based on this evidence, it will be argued that the iconographic data can and should be included as a verifying or falsifying per­spec­tive into the discussion about YHWH’s origins. In order to fulfill this function, the iconographic evidence has to be studied without a specific religious-historical reconstruction in mind. Instead, the full range of possible interpretations and the polyvalent character of the imagery in particular should be taken into account.

Social work in the face of emerging technologies: A technological acceptance study in 13 countries

Significant technological advances have taken place in recent years, especially in ICT, which are rapidly transforming the different professions, including social work. We want to verify the degree of technological acceptance of social workers at the international level and how the relationship between professional practice and the use of new technological possibilities is established. For this purpose we applied a specialized questionnaire and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) scale, to 1144 social workers from 13 countries. A high degree of technological acceptance is detected; a clear identification between professional practice, the use of technological advances, and their connection with NASW standards.

Analysis and Model of River Basin Sustainable Management by SWOT and AHP Methods

The sustainable management of river basins is a comprehensive problem involving not only environmental quality but also socio-economic aspects. The primary objective of the study is to propose a sustainable management model of a river basin based on a clear identification of the good water quality in the river basin applicable for any river basin. The proposal is based on a monitoring of the quality of surface water in the basin, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of pollution, a questionnaire survey on the sewer systems and wastewater treatment in the basin and the diffuse sources of water pollution. For a better outline, a case study of Hornád river basin, Slovakia, was carried out. Two methodologies were applied: SWOT analysis for identification of indicators and the priorities and AHP analysis for a prioritization of the decisions. These analyses can be carried out for any activity based on identification of indicators and the priorities of the defined indicators to promote sustainable development. Based on the findings and the results of the analyses the model for managing the development of surface water quality in the basin was proposed. Generally applicable principles of sustainable development, accepting legislation in the field of water management, considering the quality of surface water in the basin, the impacts of wastewater discharges into the recipient, the identification and evaluation of positive and negative aspects of surface water quality, and the implementation of the proposed measures and post-implementation monitoring of qualitative development were covered in and by the proposed model.

Logic and Effectiveness of Urban Tree Preservation: A Comparative Case Study of Charlotte and San Antonio

While most U.S. cities have a tree protection policy, the subsequent impact on the reduction of canopy loss is unclear. To rectify this, I utilize a theoretically grounded framework of influence comprised of clear identification of the problem/public support, adequate resources, and sound policy logic. This is then tested in a comparative case study of Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas. While Charlotte benefits from public recognition of the problem and adequate resources, its regulations are weak, lacking a logical connection to aspirational outcomes. San Antonio's regulations are stronger, but combined with weaker problem identification and resources. Through quantitative and qualitative assessments, I find that San Antonio's strict regulations may have stabilized loss rates, while Charlotte's weaker rules have not. Results highlight the importance of policy logic over other commonly suggested determinants of natural resource protection.

DPTV-based analysis of the flow-structure/wall-shear interplay in open wet clutches

The trend to lower energy consumption in the automotive industry still offers potential in various fields of application. One powerful saving strategy is described by the idling behavior of wet clutches, where the speed difference between drive and output, and the cooling oil in combination with a sub-millimeter spacing leads to significant amounts of wall shear stress (WSS) and accordingly drag torque. Minimization of this adverse effect has been found to be possible by means of grooved clutch-disk geometries, which have been demonstrated to correlate with the drag torque (see e.g. Neupert et al., 2018). The main interplay between torque and fluid flow in open wet clutches has been analyzed by Leister et al. (2020) in a dimensionless way. Today, a detailed investigation of a clutch flow, however, is missing for a larger variety of groove patterns and the cause-effect relations remain yet to be fully understood. Especially, the clear identification of the so-called foot print of a particular groove geometry in the flow field and corresponding WSS – thus drag-torque predictions – still requires further research efforts.