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Lead isotopic ratio determination is significantly affected by the isobaric interference of mercury (204Hg), thus many studies lack 204Pb/206Pb values. Removal of 204Hg from sample is resource consuming, while mathematical correction can be employed if the Hg isotope ratio in the sample is known. Triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (TQ-ICP-MS) offers a mechanism for removing the 204Hg, by pressurizing the reaction cell with ammonia, that reacts with 204Hg positively charged ions rendering them neutral, thus filtering them out and removing them from the ion beam. The Pb isotope ratio determination can be used as "fingerprint" to identify the sources of contamination and environmental pollution. The method developed based on this mechanism was used for Pb isotopic ratio determination in cave sediment samples. Relative standard deviation of this method was between 0.36% - 0.59%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Addictive substances are those that, upon regular consumption, create a dependence, physical, psychological, or both. These substances alter the brain's chemical balance, leading to an irresistible urge to consume them despite adverse consequences. Prolonged use can result in tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of drug consumption among young adults and examine the social ramifications of drug use on their lives. Material and methods: Our ongoing prospective study utilizes a questionnaire comprising 26 anonymous questions. The questionnaire was disseminated online, via social media channels, resulting in 105 responses so far. Results: 65 males (68,25%) and 40 females (31,75%) completed the questionnaire, with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years old. 68(71,4%) subjects reported having consumed drugs at least once, while 37(28,6%) claimed never to have done so. Our study found that the most commonly used drugs were depressants and cannabis, with stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids being less prevalent. In terms of frequency, the majority of respondents (51%) reported occasional consumption, with most citing recreation or pleasure (43%) as the main reason for drug use.56% of participants reported experiencing negative consequences from drug use, including health, legal, and financial issues and 54% attempted to quit or reduce their drug consumption. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the complex interplay between addictive substances and young adults, highlighting the prevalence of drug consumption and its social impacts. Despite experiencing adverse consequences, a significant portion of respondents continue to engage in drug use, reflecting the need for targeted interventions. This study serves as a crucial step towards understanding and addressing the multifaceted issue of drug dependence among young adults, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures and support systems to mitigate its social and personal repercussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results obtained for methylene blue removal on a commercial natural activated plant-based carbon using a simple and fast method. The optimum adsorption conditions were 200 mg/L initial methylene blue concentration, pH 1 in the initial solution, 0.5 g quantity of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon, 300 min contact time, <0.5 mm particle size of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon, and 75 rpm stirring rate. Analysis of variance indicated that the most significant parameter for methylene blue removal was the quantity of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon. Also, the results showed that the quantity of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon was the most significant parameter for methylene blue removal (24% contribution), while contact time was the least significant parameter (6% contribution). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms suggested a favorable adsorption of methylene blue by commercial natural activated plant-based carbon, while the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm indicated a chemisorption process involved in methylene blue removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a slope stability assessment was done stability analysis, which aims to confirm existing slides, to specify how they are stabilized, the shear strength parameters confirm and quantify the effect of excavation and supporting stability the entire slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents some achievements of the project entitled "Teaching Programming Towards Early Development of Analytical, Structural, and Critical Minds" - cMinds, financed by European Commission. The recent developments and results obtained during elaboration of the user requirements report are presented, both at Romanian and European level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the employment of practice firm in the vocational and technical education at the "Transilvania" Economic College of Tîrgu Mureş. The practical implications, the European and national framework for practice firms are analysed. The development of a practice firm called Ultimate Driving Cars is presented, together with the company overview. The object of activity is trade of motor vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]