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The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the residual infectious activity of the SARSCoV-2 virus on various types of surfaces, including banknotes and coins, in samples of drinking dechlorinated water and samples imitating seawater, with a concentration of sodium chloride salts of 0.9 and 3.5 % at a temperature of 24–28 ºC.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out using the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strain nCoV/Victoria/1/2020, from the collection of the SSC VB “Vector”, the initial titer being (6.0±0.2) lg TCD50/ml. We used a Vero E6 cell culture from the collection of the SSC VB “Vector” in the form of a 2-day monolayer with a confluence of 95–100 %, grown in 96-well culture plates.Results and conclusions. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is viable in both fresh and sea water, regardless of its salinity, for at least 48 hours, and the degree of preservation of the residual infectious activity of the virus depends on the water temperature: the lower it is, the better the virus is preserved. It was found that at a temperature of 24–28 C, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is able to maintain infectious activity on all types of test surfaces studied for at least 48 hours, while the degree of the residual infectious activity of the virus depends on the type of surface. The virus is best preserved on stainless steel, plastic and glass. It is demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 virus activity is retained on the surface of paper money and coins for longer than 24 hours. The conducted studies have confirmed the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to maintain its infectious activity in the environment under favorable conditions and, accordingly, to pose an epidemiological threat to the population.

Aim . To compare the kinetics of dissolution (in vitro) and some pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters of branded generic preparations of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in buffered form in cardioprotective doses [ASA 75 mg+Mg(OH) 2 15.2 mg], which differ in the composition of excipients, with a reference drug. Material and methods . Patients with cardiovascular diseases who had indications for ASA monotherapy (n=75) were included in a one-center open postregistration comparative non-randomized study. Patients were divided into 3 groups for treatment with one of the three studied drugs: Cardiomagnyl® (comparison drug; group 1; n=25), Trombital® (group 2; n=25) and Fazostabil® (group 3; n=25). A study of the kinetics of dissolution of the studied drugs in vitro under conditions of pH 1.2 has been performed. Also, platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid, the concentration of salicylic acid and the level of serum thromboxane B 2 were studied in the compared groups. Results . The average release profile of ASA by the 30th minute from Cardiomagnyl® was higher than for Trombital® and Fazostabil® (95.7%, 84.8%, 76.5% respectively). The similarity factor (f 2 ) of ASA release for Trombital® was 39.3, and for Fazostabil® - 34.2. An index of f 2

Application of magnetically treated water to seedlings production has shown beneficial results in several crops. The objective of study was to evaluate the effect of magnetically treated water on germination, growth and development of eggplant seedlings. Three experiments were conducted and the water was treated with 1000 G magnetic field during 24 h. In the first experiment, the treatments tested were applications of magnetically treated water and magnetically untreated water in trays filled with soil and commercial substrate. In the second experiment, the same water treatments were applied, but the trays were filled only with commercial substrate. In the third experiment, two factors were tested, the water treatments (magnetically treated water and untreated water) and two water replacement frequencies (daily and every two days), and the plastic cups were filled with only commercial substrate. In the first experiment, the magnetic treatment of the irrigation water contributed with the growth of the seedlings. However, in the second and third experiments that were conducted on substrate, there was growth reduction of eggplant seedlings with application of magnetically treated water. There were more occurrences decreasing than increasing of substrate water evaporation with the magnetically treated water. There were no significant differences for the seedling growth under different irrigation frequencies. Key words: Germination, magnetism, seeds, Solanum melongena L.

OBJECTIVE Calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values are believed to have a linear relationship in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and correlate with parathyroid gland size, with higher values predicting single-gland disease. In this modern series, these preoperative values were correlated with operative findings to determine their utility in predicting the gland involvement at parathyroid exploration. METHODS Two thousand consecutive patients who underwent initial surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed. All patients underwent a 4-gland exploration. Relationships between preoperative calcium and PTH values with the total gland volume of each patient were examined and stratified using the number of involved glands: single adenoma (SA), double adenoma (DA), and hyperplasia (H). RESULTS There were 1274 (64%) SA, 359 (18%) DA, and 367 (18%) H cases. There was a poor correlation between preoperative calcium and PTH values (R = 0.37) and both poorly correlated with the total gland volume (R < 0.40). Similarly, subgroup analysis using the number of involved glands showed poor correlation. The mean total gland volume was similar among all subgroups (SA = 1.28 cm3, DA = 1.43 cm3, and H = 1.27 cm3; P = .52), implying that individual glands were smaller in multigland disease. SA was found in 271 (53%) of patients with calcium levels of ≤10.5 mg/dL and 122 (78%) with levels of ≥12 mg/dL (P < .001). CONCLUSION This is the largest series correlating preoperative calcium and PTH values with operative findings of gland size and number of diseased glands. Although a lower calcium value predicts somewhat more multigland disease, the overall poor correlation should make the parathyroid surgeon aware that gland size and multigland disease cannot be predicted by preoperative laboratory testing.

The paper describes the propellant cooling system using liquid nitrogen and a combination of recuperative heat exchangers, including sections of the double pipe heat exchanger and a twisted heat exchanger located in a tank with antifreeze, cooled by nitrogen gas coming out of the sections of the double pipe heat exchanger. Mathematical models of cooling processes for two variants of movement of propellant and liquid nitrogen in the channels of the double pipe heat exchanger sections are considered. Their using makes it possible to analyze the efficiency of propellant cooling operations depending on its mass, design parameters of the system tanks and heat exchangers, consumption characteristics of nitrogen and propellant, as well as to predict the required mass of liquid nitrogen and the time of propellant cooling during the operation of launching complex propellant-feed systems. Calculated dependences and simulation results of propellant and antifreeze cooling in a tank with a twisted heat exchanger are presented. The influence of variants of arranging propellant cooling processes and liquid nitrogen consumption on the efficiency of the cooling system is analyzed. Comparing to the available systems the capability of reducing the cost of liquid nitrogen are identified as well as reducing time of the propellant cooling operations by means of equipping launch complexes.

Fertilization is important for the optimization of plant growth and yield, which are necessary for agronomic activities. Soil fertilization should increase net earnings that depend on nutrient use efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of eggplant under different doses of potassium (K) and nitrogen (N). Four levels of K (0, 54, 108, and 216 kg ha-1) and four levels of N (0, 67, 134, and 268 kg ha-1) were applied weekly by fertigation. The highest plant and the largest stem diameter were found with 165–175 kg ha-1 of N. Leaf area was more influenced by N than by K. Isolated application of different K doses did not statistically influence height plant, stem diameter, or leaf dry matter. The agronomic efficiency of nitrogen is reduced with increasing levels of N and K. A adubação é importante para otimizar o crescimento e produtividade, sendo necessario para atividade agrícola. A adubação de solo deve aumentar o lucro liquido, que depende da eficiência de uso de nutrientes pela planta. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência agronômica em berinjela sob diferentes doses de potássio (K) e nitrogênio (N). Quatro níveis de K (0, 54, 108 e 216 kg de K ha-1) e quatro níveis de N (0, 67, 134 e 268 kg de N ha-1) foram aplicados semanalmente via fertirrigação. As plantas mais altas e com maior diâmetro de caule foram obtidas com 165-175 kg ha-1 de N. A área foliar foi mais influenciada pelo nitrogênio em comparação com o potássio. Aplicações isoladas de diferentes doses de K não influenciaram a altura de planta, diâmetro de caule e matéria seca da folha. A eficiência agronômica do nitrogênio é reduzida com o aumento da dose de N e K.

O pimentao e uma hortalica-fruto de grande importância economica no pais. Em seu processo de producao a cultura demanda agua, nutrientes e luz em quantidades adequadas. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar as trocas gasosas (fotossintese liquida, condutância estomatica, transpiracao, concentracao interna de carbono e eficiencia instantânea de carboxilacao) e o acumulo de massa seca das folhas e de raiz na cultura do pimentao fertirrigado com nitrogenio e potassio. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com esquema fatorial (4x4) com quatro repeticoes, totalizando 64 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos consistiram na combinacao de quatro doses de nitrogenio (0; 73,4; 146,8 e 293,6 kg ha-1 de N) com quatro doses de potassio (0; 53,3; 106,7 e 213,4 kg ha-1 de K). Um analisador de gas infravermelho (IRGA) com fonte de luz acoplada (irradiacao de 600 µmol m-2 s-1) foi utilizado para avaliar as trocas gasosas. Houve interacao na aplicacao de N e K para fotossintese liquida, massa seca das folhas e de raiz, sendo a massa seca de raiz a variavel que expressa melhor essa interacao. As alteracoes fisiologicas sao mais responsivas a adubacao nitrogenada quando comparada a adubacao potassica. Os valores mais expressivos de condutância estomatica, transpiracao, concentracao interna de carbono e eficiencia de carboxilacao foram obtidos com a aplicacao de doses de nitrogenio entre 147 e 294 kg ha-1.

Background: Deltamethrin is known all over the world as an effective preparation for the control of insects. In connection with this, its role as a chemical stressor increases. The aim of the study was to determine the features of the functioning and structure of AG after a single administration of synthetic pyrethroid deltamethrin in experimental animals at a dose of 17.4 mg/kg (1/5 LD50). Material and Methods: For the experiment, 88 male Wistar rats with a body weight of 240±10 g were divided into 8 groups of 10–12 animals each. Groups 1, 3, 5, and 7 were control groups, which were administered physiological solution intragastrically. The animals in Groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 received a single dose (17.4mg/kg) of deltamethrin, which corresponds to 1/5 LD50. In the serum of rats, the content of ACTH, progesterone, DHEA-sulfate, corticosterone and aldosterone was determined by EIA. Histological preparations of adrenal glands were stained with H&E, picrofuxin according to Van Gieson, and with Bismarck brown according to Shubich. On frozen sections, lipids were detected by Sudan Black B. Results: One day after intoxication, we identified an increase in adrenal mass, edema of the parenchyma and blood capillary overflow, and a large number of lipids in corticocytes. In the blood serum, the concentration of ACTH and corticosteroids increased, but their level decreased in the adrenal cortex. After 3 days, the concentration of corticosterone in the blood serum of the experimental animals remained above the control value, but the content of other hormones decreased. At the border of the cortex and the medulla of the adrenal glands, there were mast cells in a state of degranulation; the amount of lipids decreased with time. In the subsequent terms of the study, a decrease in the weight of AG with a decrease in the concentration of hormones in the blood serum and adrenal tissue was detected. Conclusion: The intoxication of rats with deltamethrin causes morphofunctional changes in AG that characterize the development of the stress response. The hormonal background is not restored within a month, which indicates the possibility of developing post-toxic complications.

Adequate crop fertilization is one of the challenges for agriculture. Measuring gas exchange and biomass accumulation may be used to adjust crop management. The effect of fertigation with potassium (0 kg ha-1, 54 kg ha-1, 108 kg ha-1 and 216 kg ha-1) and nitrogen (0 kg ha-1, 67 kg ha-1, 134 kg ha-1 and 268 kg ha-1) on gas exchange and biomass accumulation in eggplant was assessed under greenhouse conditions. The net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, water-use efficiency and total dry weight were evaluated. With the exception of K for water-use efficiency and N for internal CO2 concentration, all the other gas exchange parameters were significantly affected by the K and N doses. There was an interaction between N and K doses for net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency. The highest values for net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, carboxylation instantaneous efficiency and total dry weight were found in the range of 125-185 kg ha-1 of K and 215-268 kg ha-1 of N. RESUMO A fertilização adequada das culturas é um dos desafios na agricultura. Medir as trocas gasosas e o acúmulo de biomassa é indicado para encontrar condições mais favoráveis para as plantas. Avaliou-se o efeito da fertirrigação com potássio (0 kg ha-1, 54 kg ha-1, 108 kg ha-1 e 216 kg ha-1) e nitrogênio (0 kg ha-1, 67 kg ha-1, 134 kg ha-1 e 268 kg ha-1) nas trocas gasosas e acúmulo de biomassa em berinjela, em estufa. A fotossíntese líquida, condutância estomática, transpiração, concentração interna de CO2, eficiência de carboxilação instantânea, eficiência do uso da água e matéria seca total foram avaliadas. Com exceção do K para a eficiência do uso da água e N para a concentração interna de CO2, todos os outros parâmetros de trocas gasosas apresentaram diferenças significativas para as doses de K e N. Houve interação entre as doses de N e K para fotossíntese, condutância estomática, transpiração e eficiência instantânea de carboxilação. Os maiores valores para fotossíntese líquida, condutância estomática, transpiração, eficiência de carboxilação instantânea e matéria seca total foram encontrados na faixa de 125-185 kg ha-1 de K e 215-268 kg ha-1 de N.

Natural cellulose fibres are proposed as promising components for bioderived photoanodes and polymer electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In particular, TiO2-laden paper foils, prepared by simple papermaking, can be applied to several substrates (conductive glass or plastics) instead of the high-temperature sintered traditional commercial pastes. In addition, nanoscale microfibrillated cellulose is used as reinforcing filler in acrylate/methacrylate-based thermo-set polymer electrolyte membranes prepared by means of fast, low-cost and green UV-induced free-radical photopolymerization. The laboratory-scale quasi-solid state paper-DSSCs assembled with cellulose-based electrodes and electrolytes guarantee sunlight conversion efficiencies as high as 3.55 and 5.20% at simulated light intensities of 1 and 0.2 sun, respectively, along with an excellent efficiency retention of 96% after 1000 h of accelerated aging test. The simple, low cost and green approach here specifically developed opens up intriguing prospects in the design of bio-inspired energy conversion devices showing high performance, outstanding durability and truly sustainable characteristics.

Objetivou-se, no presente estudo, avaliar a resposta da cultura da berinjela, cultivar Cica, com relacao a produtividade, numero de frutos e massa seca (raiz e caule), quando cultivada em ambiente protegido e conduzida sob fertirrigacao com nitrogenio e potassio. O experimento foi conduzido no Centro Tecnico de Irrigacao da Universidade Estadual de Maringa, entre os meses de fevereiro e agosto de 2015. Foram testadas quatro doses de nitrogenio (0,0; 6,43; 12,86 e 25,72 g de N planta-1) e quatro doses de potassio (0,0; 5,18; 10,36 e 20,73 g de K planta-1), perfazendo 16 tratamentos em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repeticoes, em Latossolo vermelho distrofico, de textura arenosa. O maior numero de frutos por planta e produtividade foi obtido na dose entre 14-17 g de N planta-1 (145-177 kg ha-1). Doses isoladas de potassio nao influenciaram estatisticamente a produtividade nem a massa seca de raiz.

Four pairs of isostructural europium and terbium ortho-, meta, and para-aminobenzoates ([Ln(2-ABenz)3(H2O)], [Ln(3-ABenz)3(H2O)3], [Ln(3-ABenz)3(H2O)3]·3H2O, [Ln(4-ABenz)3(H2O)], (Ln = Eu, Tb; ABenz – aminobenzoate anion)) were investigated using X-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy (luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra, as well as vibrational IR and Raman spectra). The crystal structures of [Tb(2-ABenz)3(H2O)], [Eu(3-ABenz)3(H2O)3], [Eu(3-ABenz)3(H2O)3]·3H2O, and [Eu(4-ABenz)3(H2O)] were determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The [Eu(3-ABenz)3(H2O)3] structure constitutes a new type of lanthanide m-aminobenzoate in the R3 space group. The Ln3+ coordination polyhedron formed by three bidentate chelate carboxylic groups and three terminal water molecules in both structures of m-aminobenzoate can be described as a distorted three-capped trigonal prism. The influence of the incorporation of three solvate outer-sphere H2O molecules in the crystal lattice of m-aminobenzoate on the Eu3+ luminescence center was analyzed. Restructuring of the LnO9 coordination polyhedron results in a decrease in the distortions of the crystal field that appears as a loss of extra splitting of the Ln3+ electronic levels in [Ln(3-ABenz)3(H2O)3]·3H2O. The effect of the electron-donating NH2 group located in different positions on the benzene ring on process of the excitation energy transfer to Ln3+ ion is examined. The hypsochromic shift of an intense interligand charge transfer (ILCT) band in the Tb3+ excitation spectra of the sequence of o-, m-, and p-NH2-substituted compounds is observed. This shift is the consequence of the different electron density distribution depending on the NH2 position in the ligands. The predominant role of low-energy ligand–metal charge transfer (LMCT) states in the quenching of the luminescence of the europium o- and p-aminobenzoates in contrast with the europium m-aminobenzoates is discussed. Compounds including a supplementary Cl substituent on the benzene ring [Ln(2-A-5-Cl-Benz)3(H2O)n] (Ln = Eu, Tb) and [Eu(4-A-2-Cl-Benz)3(H2O)n] are also under consideration.

A novel, unique, truly-solid Li-ion cell structural design, based on LiFePO4/graphite electrodes and profoundly ionic conducting polymer electrolyte, is fabricated by exploiting, for the first time, carbonised cellulose nanofibrils as both the conductive binder and the current collector substrate. Moreover, cellulose nanofibrils are used as reinforcing additive for the preparation of the unconventional composite polymer electrolyte separator. The resulting solid polymeric lab-scale Li-ion cell, assembled in a “pouch cell” envelop, shows remarkably stable characteristics upon prolonged cycling at ambient temperature even at high current regimes. By the way, a simple procedure, easily scalable, is optimized for the spray coating and water-based papermaking. As a result, all components can be fully recovered at the end of the cell operational life by taking advantage of a simple water-based paper recycling technique, opening new horizons for the manufacture of sustainable electrochemical energy storage devices.

Despite the high number of research articles regarding the development of new high performance electrolytes for Li-ion batteries, relatively little work has been carried out for the investigation of green, mechanically robust, safe and commercially applicable paper separators. In this work, newly elaborated paper separators made of natural cellulose fibres are prepared by filtration dewatering. Paper separators show high porosity, wettability and mechanical robustness along with remarkable ion transport characteristics. This unravels the possibility of implementing the newly elaborated paper separators in safe, green and cost effective energy storage devices especially as they are obtained by rapid, low-cost and eco-friendly water-based paper-making techniques. In the second part of the Chapter a polymer separator reinforced with MFC is examined. It offers several advantages over liquid electrolyte by substituting conventional flammable and volatile solvents with a polymer electrolyte; moreover, the addition of MFC improves battery safety and mechanical strength, increasing design flexibility.

A new spray coating water-based process is here proposed for the rapid and reliable large-scale production of self-standing Li-ion battery electrodes with truly natural microfibrillated cellulose as binder and a cellulose sheet as support. In such a process, the slurry comprising the active materials (i.e., GP or LiFePO4), the carbon black (CB) conductivity enhancer and the microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) binder is spray coated on a wet paper substrate which, after being pressed and dried on a conventional pilot paper machine, leads to the formation of a bilayered electrode. The newly elaborated electrode demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and cycling performances in Li metal cell configuration comparable to those of electrodes with standard composition. In the course of this chapter, the well-established industrial papermaking techniques and materials will be demonstrated to be adaptable to the elaboration of well-performing electrodes, thus paving the way for the transfer the Li-ion battery industrial area of high-throughput paper production technologies.

A new carbonization process is here proposed for the production of highly conductive, self-standing Li-ion battery electrodes. In such a procedure, the paper electrodes obtained as shown in Chap. 6 (i.e., with truly natural microfibrillated cellulose as binder and a cellulose sheet as support) are treated at 600 °C in a furnace under nitrogen flux. In this way, both the MFC fibres and the FB sheet get carbonized; the resulting electrodes, despite decreased mechanical characteristics which nevertheless do not fully jeopardize their hand ability, demonstrate significantly higher electronic conductivity, since the binding network composed by insulating MFCs turns into conductive carbonaceous fibres upon annealing. Moreover, the cellulose handsheet support gets converted into a conductive carbon-paper sheet which can serve as embedded current collector to rapidly transfer the electrons to the external circuit. In the course of this chapter the carbonization procedure will be described and the effective prospects of this method will be demonstrated in increasing the performance of paper electrodes, as a result of the highly increased electrochemical performances and, in particular, the power output which allows to use this carbonised paper electrodes in more power demanding applications.

This chapter concerns the state of art of the use of cellulose for electrochemical devices. Cellulose constitutes the most abundant, renewable polymer source available worldwide today. Moreover, cellulose fibers have low cost, excellent mechanical proprieties and easy processability. The Chapter starts with a description of this polymer and of the treatments needed to obtain cellulose derivatives, in exemplum microfibrillated cellulose. At the end, the electrochemical devices that exploited paper either as electrodic binder or as separator before this research work was performed are briefly examined.

Bell pepper is among the ten most economically important vegetables in the country. The proper management of water and fertilizers coupled with protected environment allows to obtain a quality agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate the response of nitrogen and potassium doses applied through fertigation on the growth and yield of bell pepper crop, Magali R hybrid. A completely randomized design was used, with 16 treatments in a factorial scheme 4×4, with four replications. The treatments resulted from the combination of four doses of nitrogen (0; 73.4; 146.8 and 293.6 kg ha-1) and potassium (0, 53.3; 106.7 and 213.4 kg ha-1). The experimental plot consisted of a 25 L pot with a bell pepper plant. Seven harvests were made throughout the experiment, and fresh fruit number and mass were evaluated. Leaf area (LA) and total matter accumulation were evaluated as growth components. Regardless of the applied potassium doses, the variables LA and total dry matter showed higher results for N ranging from 155 to 194 kg ha-1. The maximum fresh fruit matter (FFM) (1882 g plant-1) occurred at the dose of 155 kg N ha-1 and 106.7 kg K ha-1 and the maximum number of fruits (NF) (16.3 fruits plant-1) was obtained at the dose of 147 kg N ha-1 and 106.7 kg K ha-1.

Potentialities of increasing the reliability of crystal field parameters (CFPs) obtained from an analysis of Stark splitting of J -states of spin–orbital multiplets 2S+1 L J of the Ln 3+ ions in cubic crystal field with rhombic distortions via a reduction of the region of their final fitting are examined. Suggested method of lowering the uncertainty of the CFP consists in determination of the relation of general cubic CFP of the fourth and sixth ranks ( B 4 and B 6 ) by comparison of a fragment of the experimental Ln 3+ spectrum with well known picture of dependences of Stark splitting of J -states on the relation mentioned. These dependences were calculated many years ago and published as a set of diagrams by K. Lea, M. Leask, W. Wolf, J. Phys. Chem. Solids, 23 (1962) 1381. Cubic parameters derived from the relation determined can be used for a narrowing of the fitting region for the rest of CFP. The method described is applied to the luminescence spectra of dimeric europium carboxylates with heterocyclic diimines. To justify application of this method to the spectra of Eu 3+ ions in crystal field of cubic symmetry with rhombic distortions it was shown that the influence of the second rank components of the crystal field on the relative Stark splitting of J -states of europium ions is minimal for J = 3, 4. In some cases, this peculiarity provides an approach of Stark splitting of the levels with J = 4 in spectra of compounds with rhombic distortions of cubic crystal field to the image of the splitting at an effective field of cubic symmetry. It was demonstrated that for europium complexes under consideration the relation of the general CFP B 4 / B 6 > 119. Consequently, the CFPs of the sixth rank are very small and the region of fitting of the rest of CFP can be appreciably reduced.

A systematic comparison of the spectroscopic and structural data for series of related dimeric lanthanide carboxylates with 1,10-phenanthroline Ln(RCOO)3·Phen (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb): 1-naphthylcarboxylates, benzoates, 2-furancarboxylates, phenoxyacetates, caproates, acetates, propionates, 3-nitropropionates was undertaken in search for methods of regulation of quantum yield of the Ln3+ luminescence and for paths of the control of excitation energy transfer. The crystal structures of europium propionate and europium and terbium 3-nitropropionates were solved by X-ray diffraction methods. Effect of stepwise distortions of Ln coordination polyhedron derived from X-ray data of the succession of compounds, which determine details of the charge distribution in the surroundings of the Ln3+ ion, on luminescence spectra, on lifetimes of Ln3+ states, and on efficiency of Ln3+ luminescence was investigated. Polyhedron distortions are to a great extent caused by the range of the Ln–O bond lengths related to bridging-cyclic carboxylic group that is conditioned by the type and the size of carboxylate anion. Relative contributions of the rates of radiative and various nonradiative processes to the lifetimes of europium 5D0 and terbium 5D4 metastable states were estimated. Multiphonon relaxation is the main nonradiative process in europium compounds at temperatures from 77 to 295 K and in terbium compounds at low temperatures, but the radiative processes are appreciably prevailing. Dependence of the lifetimes due to radiative processes determined from the integral intensity of europium 5D0–7FJ transitions related to the intensity of magnetic-dipole 5D0–7F1 transition on distortions of Eu polyhedron in the sequence of compounds is in agreement with the same dependence obtained from the measured lifetimes, if nonradiative processes are taken into account. A back energy transfer from 5D4 state of Tb3+ ions to the lowest triplet state related to Phen molecule in most of compounds studied is another nonradiative process contributing to quenching in terbium compounds at high temperatures. An influence of this process on luminescence intrinsic quantum yield can be predominant. It leads to abrupt lowering the luminescence intensity of some terbium carboxylates, for example, benzoate at increasing the temperature. It was found, that lifetime of 5D4 state and luminescence efficiency of terbium compounds at high temperatures depend on the bonding strength of Phen ligand with Tb3+ ion. A range of the lowest triplet state energies of Phen ligand, from 20,850 to 21,750 cm−1, was revealed in lanthanide carboxylates under investigation. Closeness of the natural lifetimes of 5D0 and 5D4 states of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, respectively, in the same charge surroundings was demonstrated.

Methods of optical spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography data were used to examine the effect of architecture of carboxylate anions on structure of the Eu3+ coordination centre in europium carboxylates with 1,10-phenanthroline Eu(RCOO)3·Phen. Luminescence spectra of europium acetate, nitropropionate, benzoate, naphthylcarboxylates, phenylacetates, phenoxyacetate, triphenylpropionate were investigated. A few of europium carboxylates with 2,2′-bipyridine Eu(RCOO)3·Bpy and europium salts Eu(RCOO)3·nH2O were also studied. Vibrational IR and Raman spectra of phenylacetate family were analyzed. The crystal structure of nitropropionate Eu(NO2C2H4COO)3·Phen was solved by X-ray diffraction method. The predominant influence of steric hindrances on Eu3+ coordination centre was observed at increase of the size of aromatic fragment of carboxylate anions. It was demonstrated, that introduction of the methylene bridges between the carboxylic group and aromatic rings of ligand weakens the effect of steric factor.

The influence of modification of the aromatic ligands on the excitation energy transfer to Ln 3+ ions in europium and terbium carboxylates and nitrates was examined. The luminescence excitation spectra of three groups of the europium and terbium compounds: phenyl-, diphenyl-, triphenylacetates, phenoxyacetates and triphenylpropionates; 1- and 2-naphthylcarboxylates and 2-naphthoxyacetates; lanthanide nitrates with diarylsulfoxides (diphenyl- and dibenzylsulfoxides) and dialkylsulfoxides were investigated. The spectra of adducts of terbium phenylcarboxylates with 1,10-phenanthroline were also analyzed. The effect of the aliphatic bridges, which decouple the π–π- or p–π-conjugation in the ligand, on the energy transfer to Ln 3+ ions (so-called blocking effect) was investigated. It was shown, that this decoupling leads to significant lowering of the energy of “ligand–metal ion” charge transfer states (LM CTS) in the europium carboxylate salts, just down to ∼27,800 cm −1 in europium 2-naphthoxyacetate. As a consequence, the probability of the LM CTS participation in the excitation energy dissipation processes increases. A channel of the excitation energy dissipation in the region of ∼31,750 cm −1 related to ligand electronic transitions was found in the europium and terbium nitrates with sulfoxides. It was demonstrated that a part of the energy absorbed by the aromatic ligand having aliphatic bridge can be emitted as the ligand fluorescence.

The effect of the kinematic factor on vibronic spectra of europium compounds and Eu3+-doped lanthanide compounds was examined experimentally. It was demonstrated that isotopic or quasi-isotopic substitution of the ions of the crystal lattice gives rise not only to the changes of the vibration frequencies but also to alteration of the value of electron–phonon interaction. The latter displays in changing the relative integral intensity of vibronic sidebands of electronic transitions of Eu3+ ion. Eu3+ vibronic spectra of a number of pairs of natural and isotopically or quasi-isotopically substituted compounds: nitrates, halides, formates, acetates, oxalates, β-diketonates, etc., were studied. In most cases the substitution of deuterium for hydrogen was applied. Decrease of the electron–phonon interaction with the increase of the isotopic mass depends on different structural characteristics. It was found that a factor of decreasing the relative intensity of the vibronic sideband of electronic transition of Eu3+ ion lies within the range ∼1.2 and ∼7 for pairs of compounds under investigation. The largest change of the intensity of vibronic sidebands was observed in a pair of formates Eu(HCOO)3 and Eu(DCOO)3 having the tridentate-bridging coordination of the formate anions and a three-dimensional frame structure. One should take into consideration both decreasing the vibration frequencies and diminishing the value of electron–phonon interaction at introduction of heavy isotope or quasi-isotope in the crystal lattice of lanthanide compounds to reduce the multiphonon quenching of luminescence.

The luminescence excitation, luminescence and vibrational spectra of europium and terbium pyridine- and pyrazine-2-carboxylates were investigated. A special attention was paid to spectroscopic characterization of tetrakis-compounds, MLn(Lig) 4 ·H 2 O, where M = NH 4 , Na; Ln = Eu, Tb; Lig = pyridine-2-carboxylate and pyrazine-2-carboxylate anions. The features of the spectra indicated a decrease of the interaction of carboxylic groups and an increase of the donor–acceptor interaction of coordinated nitrogen atoms with the lanthanide ions in different tetrakis-salts in comparison with the tris-salts. This is accompanied by clear manifestation of the 4f–5d electronic transitions in the excitation spectra of terbium salts.

The opportunity of luminance optimisation of europium aromatic carboxylates by modification of ligands is discussed. Luminescence, luminescence excitation spectra and luminescence efficiencies of europium phenyl-, naphthyl- and indolylcarboxylates and their adducts with 1,10-phenanthroline were investigated. Causes of variations of the luminescence efficiencies of the compounds under investigation within the range of 103 were analysed. Blocking effect of ligand spacer groups CH2 and acceptor NO2-groups on the excitation energy transfer to Eu3+ ions was examined.

Two families of lanthanide chlorides LnCl 3 L 2 (H 2 O) n and LnCl 3 L(H 2 O) m where L is 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2′-bipyridine were synthesized. Their luminescence properties were investigated in the solid state and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solution. The structural peculiarities of lanthanide chlorides were elucidated by joint analysis of the X-ray, vibrational and luminescence data including the lifetime measurements. As a result the analysis of efficiency of energy transfer processes was performed and the correlation between the structure and the luminescence intensity was demonstrated in the systems studied.

We discuss the possibility of optimizing the brightness of luminescence for phenylcarboxylates, naphthylcarboxylates, and indolylcarboxylates of europium and terbium and their adducts with 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine by modifying the ligands. We have studied the efficiency of luminescence and luminescence excitation. We consider the effect of blocking energy transfer from the ligands to the Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions by methylene (-CH2-) bridges dividing the π-electron system of the ligands into two parts and by the electronacceptor nitro group (-NO2). We have analyzed the pathways for transfer and degradation of the excitation energy at 77 K and 300 K. From the phosphorescence spectra of gadolinium salts, we have determined the energies of the lowest excited triplet states of the ligands. We consider the effect of the relative positions of the triplet levels of the ligands and the excited levels of the Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions on the luminescence efficiency. We found channels for dissipation of the excitation energy via the ππ* and nπ* states of the aromatic system of the carboxylate and the NO2 group.

A new luminescent europium derivative [H5O2][Eu(QCy)4] (1) (HQCy = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-cyclohexanecarbonylpyrazole-5-one), achievable in high yield, characterized by high thermal stability, ionic in acetone and ethanol solution, contains the Zundel cations H 5 O 2 + stabilized by strong hydrogen bonding with the N atoms of the anionic heterocyclic ligand (QCy).

The angular dependence of the tensor Ayy and vector Ay analyzing powers in the inelastic scattering of deuterons with a momentum of 9.0 GeV/c on hydrogen and carbon have been measured. The range of measurements corresponds to the baryonic resonance excitation with masses 2.2--2.6 GeV/c^2. The Ayy data being in good agreement with the previous results demonstrate an approximate $t$ scaling up to -1.5 (GeV/c)^2. The large values of A_y show a significant role of the spin-dependent part of the elementary amplitude of the NN->NN* reaction. The results of the experiment are compared with model predictions of the plane-wave impulse approximation.

The opportunities of optimisation of luminance of the lanthanide compounds by modification of ligands are discussed. Variations of the excitation and luminescence efficiencies at introduction of nitro- (NO 2 ), sulfo- (SO 3 − ), hydroxy- (OH), amino- (NH 2 ), and phenylamino- (NHC 6 H 5 ) groups in the aromatic ligands were studied. Investigation of luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra of europium and terbium compounds with 10 derivatives of benzoic acid, 2-furancarboxylic acid and their adducts with 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine was undertaken. Study of the spectra of lanthanide 8-oxyquinolinates was carried out also. Luminescence efficiencies were measured at 77 and 300 K. Paths of the energy transfer from the ligands to Ln 3+ ion were examined. Influence of radicals on the energies of the ligand triplet states and on the energies of the ligand–metal charge transfer states (LM CTS) of europium compounds was analysed. High luminescence efficiencies of europium and terbium benzoates, and terbium anthranylates and salicylates were obtained. Effect of increasing the luminescence efficiencies of europium salicylates and 8-oxyquinolinates at introduction of acceptor nitro-and sulfo-groups in the ligand was revealed. Channel of dissipation of the excitation energy through the ligand π * –n transition of europium and terbium nitro- and dinitrobenzoates was found. Influence of relative positions of the lowest triplet levels of two non-equivalent ligands of compound on the energy transfer to Eu 3+ and Tb 3+ ions was considered.

The tensor analyzing power A y y in inclusive breakup of 9.0 GeV/c deuterons on hydrogen and carbon has been measured at different emission angles of protons. The data are compared to calculations within the framework of light-front dynamics by using different deuteron wave functions. The results suggest that the relativistic deuteron structure may depend on more than one independent variable.

Processes are considered for conversion of high-phosphorus cast iron during steel smelting in 300-ton oxygen converters of AO Arselormittal Temirtau beneath magnesia slags of sensible composition. Technology is developed and assimilated, including application towards the end of blowing with oxygen of saturated magnesia slag (8 − 11% MgO) with basicity 3.0 − 3.4 and formation of a wear-resistant skull coating (with resistance of 1–2 melts) on the lining during slag blowing with high-pressure nitrogen with additions of magnesia alumina flux (MAF). Use of MAF flux provides an increase in slag MgO content (up to 9 − 10%) with maintenance of required metal dephosphorizing within the limits 97.1 − 98.1% with a phosphorus content in metal on average of 0.013 − 0.017%.

The complex compound Eu(NO3)3·Bpy3 (Bpy, 2,2′-bipyridine) was synthesised and analysed by methods of optical spectroscopy. The spectra and details of the structure were discussed and compared with ones of well-known compounds Eu(NO3)3·Bpy2 and Eu(NO3)3·Phen2 (Phen, 1,10-phenanthroline). The water admixed to the ethanol as solvent promotes Bpy building into the outer sphere of complex [Eu(NO3)3·Bpy2]·Bpy. Both kinds of Bpy molecules in Eu(NO3)3·Bpy3 compound are nearer to coplanar, than Bpy in Eu(NO3)3·Bpy2. The bonds Eu–N are stronger and the bonds Eu–O are weaker in Eu(NO3)3·Bpy3 in comparison with the ones in Eu(NO3)3·Bpy2. The outer-sphere Bpy molecule, effecting as a “steric” factor, changes the nearest surroundings of Eu3+ ion in [Eu(NO3)3·Bpy2]·Bpy, making it similar to one of Eu(NO3)3·Phen2.

The luminescence and PMR spectra of europium salts of six isomers of 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4-, and 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acids (PDA) had been studied. The distribution of the effective charge in the nearest surroundings of the Eu3+ ion in these salts was evaluated from Stark splittings of electronic transitions. The values of relative integral intensities of electronic transitions 5 D 0 – 7 F J (J=0–4) in the luminescence spectra were reported. Compounds investigated were divided into three subgroups taking into account the details of the structure of the ligands and details of the luminescence spectra. The ligand coordination manners as well as the strength of interaction between lanthanide ion and ligands were confirmed by data of the PMR and IR spectroscopy.

Luminescence, luminescence excitation, IR, and Raman spectra of europium and terbium isomeric pyridine-carboxylates: isonicotinates, nicotinates and picolinates were studied. The ways of the excitation energy transfer from the ligand to Ln3+ were analysed in dependence on the structure and the type of co-ordination of ligand. Intraligand charge transfer bands and Tb3+ f–d transition bands were identified in the luminescence excitation spectra of terbium and europium compounds. Co-ordination of nitrogen atom by terbium ion in picolinates (and dipicolinates) causes low-frequency shift of the f–d bands and promotes the excitation of luminescence through d-states of Tb3+.

A critical review of the recent works of author and his colleagues on spectroscopy of related series of europium and terbium pyridine-carboxylates and pyridine-dicarboxylates is undertaken. Luminescence, luminescence excitation, IR, Raman, and vibronic spectra of these compounds were discussed. Studies of spectra of the complex lanthanide nitrates with sulfoxides were reviewed also. Intraligand charge transfer (CT) bands in the luminescence excitation spectra were demonstrated by comparison of the spectra of europium and terbium salts. f–d transitions in spectra of some terbium salts were revealed also. A series of complex terbium salts with increasing donor–acceptor interaction of the metal cation and ligand’s nitrogen was forecasted. Comparison of the spectra of pyridine-carboxylate and pyridine-dicarboxylate shed light on the coordination function of the carboxylate groups and on the nature of the ligand-to-metal-ion charge transfer (LMCT) in the lanthanide pyridine-dicarboxylates. The influence of the introduction of spacers in the system of conjugated π-orbitals of the ligands on the rate of the energy transfer to the lanthanide cation was demonstrated also.

The investigation of IR spectra of salts of six isomers of pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA): 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4- and 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acids, have demonstrated that properties of these salts are dependent on the bonding manner of carboxylate groups and on coordination of heterocyclic nitrogen atom. The most prominent differences in properties and spectra of 2,6- and 3,4-PDA salts are conditioned correspondingly by monodentate and bidentate coordination functions of the carboxylate groups in these compounds. The correlation of the breathing vibration frequency, reflecting the rigidity of the heterocyclic ring, with position of the carboxylate substituents, conditioning intramolecular charge transfer (CT), was postulated and proved by shifts of the breathing vibration frequency dependent on the structure of isomeric ligand.

Comparison of the luminescence spectra of europium and terbium compounds was suggested for direct evaluation of the influence of compression of the lanthanide wavefunctions in transition from europium to terbium—‘lanthanide compression’. It is possible because the types of symmetry of the states of the Stark components of europium 7FJ energy levels determined previously could be used for assignment of corresponding components of Tb3+ energy levels. This procedure can lower the ambiguity of calculations of the crystal field parameters for terbium compounds.

The parameters of the europium ion crystal field in dipic acid salts have been determined by their luminescence spectra. The sample preparation procedure and the luminescence-measuring technique using an original spectrometer based on an acousto-optical tunable filter have been described. It has been shown that the methods and equipment used permit reliable proximate analysis of the quality of compounds of this type.

Results of studies of the luminescence excitation spectra of europium compounds: β-diketonates, aromatic carboxylates, nitrates with sulfoxides are presented. The processes of transfer and degradation of the excitation energy are discussed. Alteration of the relative contribution of two inequivalent ligands to the luminescence excitation of europium β-diketonates with 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives upon modification of ligand radicals and variation of relative binding strength of ligands by metal ion was investigated. The participation of the ligand–metal charge transfer states both in degradation of the excitation energy and in enhancement of Eu3+ luminescence excitation was analyzed. Increase of intraligand charge transfer upon introduction of a ligand's acceptor substituent such as nitro-group, decreasing the ligand–metal charge transfer, was demonstrated. Blocking effect of methylene or oxymethylene bridges on the energy transfer from ligand to Eu3+ ion was observed. This phenomenon witnesses about the electron exchange mechanism of the interaction between the disjuncted parts of the ligand.

The invariant differential cross section, the tensor analyzing power A yy , and the vector analyzing power A y for the reaction 9Be(d, p)X are measured at an initial deuteron momentum of 4.5 GeV/c and a proton detection angle of about 80 mrad. The data obtained for the differential cross section are consistent with the results of measurements at 3.5 and 5.78 GeV/c and a proton emission angle of 2.5°. The values found for the tensor analyzing power A yy are compared with similar data obtained previously for the deuteron-fragmentation process occurring on a carbon target at various values of the initial deuteron momentum and leading to proton emission at zero angle. The data on the differential cross section for the reaction 9Be(d, p)X can be satisfactorily described within the relativistic impulse approximation by using standard deuteron wave functions; however, the approach based on this conceptual framework proves to be inadequate in dealing with data on the tensor analyzing power. These results indicate that it is necessary either to change the method for describing the relativistic deuteron or to take into account additional mechanisms.

The experimental electronic spectra of the Eu3+ ion in three groups of the Eu complexes (β-diketonates, acetates, and nitrates) with the 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives were used to calculate the crystal field parameters for the model of the nearest environment of this ion with the C2ν point group symmetry. It was shown that these parameters can be used for estimating the coordination number of the metal cation and establishing the structural peculiarities.

The tensor-analyzing power A yy in inclusive breakup of 4.5 GeV/c deuterons on beryllium has been measured at ∼ 80 mr of the detected proton angle. The analyzing power remains positive up to the highest measured momentum of the proton, that is in definitive contradiction with the predictions of the existing models based on the standard deuteron wave functions. The results suggest that the deuteron structure at short distances may depend on more than one independent variable.

A ligand-cation charge transfer band was observed in the region of 360–400 nm in the Eu3+ luminescence excitation spectrum of europium 3,4-pyridine-dicarboxylates, but was absent in the spectra of europium 2,6-and 2,3-pyridine-dicarboxylates. This band is due to noticeable energy transfer through a charge-transfer state formed owing to the high polarizability of the ligand in the former compound. Energy transfer through the excited ligand-lanthanide charge-transfer state can explain the well-known effect of luminescence quenching by redox-sensitive lanthanide ions.

Luminescence, excitation of luminescence, IR and Raman spectra of a variety of carboxylates Eu(RCOO) 3 .Phen (Phen–1,10-phenanthroline) consisting of acetate, propionate, lactate, capronate compounds, and Eu(CH 3 COO) 3 .Ph (Ph–six 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives) were examined. Crystal field parameters for model compounds were calculated. The crystal structure of the europium acetate Eu(CH 3 COO) 3 .Phen was solved by X-ray method. Dependence of the spectroscopic characteristics on variation of both types of ligands, indicating details of the structure of compounds, was examined. Reciprocal influence of inequivalent ligands in europium carboxylates was analysed. It was demonstrated that steric factors are as significant as the donor–acceptor properties of the ligands in creation of the structure of compounds under investigation.

The ligand–cation charge transfer band was observed in the region of 360–400 nm of the luminescence excitation spectrum of europium salt of 3,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid but was absent in the spectra of europium 2,6- and 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic salts. It was due to higher efficiency of the energy transfer through the charge transfer state conditioned by increased polarizability of the ligand of the former compound. Energy transfer through the excited ligand–lanthanide charge transfer state may explain the effect of the quenching of luminescence by the redox-sensitive lanthanide ions.