This research illustrates modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by ZrO2/Pb to construct nanocomposites (MWCNT/ZrO2/Pb-NCs) by simple precipitation technique and subsequently examine its ability for adsorption of Amido black (AB) and Eosin B (EB) dyes in binary system. The present nanocomposites investigation by FESEM, XRD, FTIR, and EDX analysis, reveal its as-synthesized crystalline nature with cubic morphology and average particle size 30–50 nm. The present nano-adsorbent represent high efficiency for AB and EB adsorption from aqueous solution, while dependency of variables including pH, initial concentration of dyes, contact time and MWCNT/ZrO2/Pb-NCs mass were analyzed by central composite design (CCD). The predicted maximum removal percentage was 95% removal for both dyes is consequence of adjustment of operational conditions at pH of 6.0; 0.05 g MWCNT/ZrO2/Pb-NCs; 15 min stirring at 15 mg L-1 for both dyes. The Langmuir as applicable for representation and description of reveal data of adsorption with adsorption capacity of 15.46 and 16.92 mg g-1 for AB and EB, respectively. Pseudo-first order model owing to its high correlation coefficient and closeness of experimental and theoretical data well represented behavior of corresponding adsorption system. Mechanism examination strongly proof high contribution of external mass transference as the main rate-controlling step. The successful regeneration of MWCNT/ZrO2/Pb-NCs suggested their usefulness in wastewater treatment and its ability of environmental management.

Recent technological advancements in produced water for the oil and gas industry have a long history that spreads over centuries and has roots with many mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and inventors. Working to understand the many ideas and questions has helped to bring the produced water technologies to where we are today. Fluid mechanics is an essential factor in the world of engineering because it comes with significant benefits when designing the necessary equipment to overcome the challenging endeavors of daily operations. Many of us believe certain ideas or products were developed within a specific year not fully understanding the idea or concept might be hundreds of years old. For example, when we think of fluid mechanics, we do not think of Archimedes' immersing King Hiero II crown in water. Archimedes did this to determine the displacement of the water as he knew gold was denser than silver. Archimedes was one of the pioneers who was part of the beginning of fluid mechanics. Another interesting fact is the first valve invented was in 1 AD by Heron of Alexandria. This valve can be described as the very first hydraulic valve. The evolution of technology over hundreds of years has made considerable innovations benefiting engineers all over the world. These innovations come in the form of PLCs, RTUs, PIDs, mathematical formulas, processing methods, and SCADA systems.

We have studied the inheritance of mitochondria in Pelargonium section Ciconium using interspecific crosses. We generated 36 different interspecific crosses. We designed KAPS markers targeting four individual mitochondrial markers, belonging to the four main crossing parents, that discriminate between an individual species and the other section Ciconium species. We found that maternal inheritance of mitochondria is most frequent, but we find occasional occurrences of paternal inheritance, while biparental inheritance is rare. For the P. multibracteatum crossing series we found ambiguous results. Our results confirm what was found before, namely that paternal inheritance of mitochondria can occur in P. sect Ciconium but that the instance is rare and much less common than is the case for chloroplasts.

We address Multi-Wall Carbon NanoTubes (MWCNTs) for structural health monitoring in adhesive bonds such as in building structures. MWCNT-loaded composites are employed to sense strain changes under tension load using an AC impedance measurement setup. Different weight percentages of 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 wt.% MWCNT are added to the base epoxy resin using different dispersion times, i.e. 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The equivalent parallel resistance of the specimens is measured by applying an alternating voltage at different frequencies. To determine the mechanical as well as sensory properties, the specimens are subjected to a tensile test with concurrent impedance measurement. Using alternating voltage, a higher sensitivity of the impedance reading can be achieved. Employing these sensors in buildings and combining the readings of a network of such devices can significantly improve the buildings’ safety. Additionally, networks of such sensors can be used to identify necessary maintenance actions and locations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic effects involved on pepper fruit post-harvest water loss, and correlated to morphology traits. Fruits of eight landraces of C. baccatum, and their 28 hybrids, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance, diallel analysis, phenotypic and genotypic correlation were performed to compare fruit water loss (WL), width (FW), length (FL), total soluble solids (TSS), dry matter content (DMC), pericarp thickness (PT), cuticle thickness (CT), and exocarp thickness (ET). WL varied from 14 to 68% during storage. Non-additive effects played more important role than additive, including CT, EP and TSS. Effective strategies to reduce WL should be achieved by repeated backcrosses followed by selection in segregating populations (SP). Therefore, the selection of hybrids should follow high specific combining ability traits. Selecting fruits with higher CT and lower TSS values are indirectly selecting fruits with lower WL. Varieties with low WL can be breed using landraces 04 and 58 as parents or by the hybrid 04 x 44 in open lines in SP. Brazilian C. baccatum landraces are a source of genetic variability, and the SP emerging from crossing lines with reduced WL should develop new ways for conventional breeding.

This investigation mainly focused on the microstructural analysis of Al based hybrid metal matrix composites. Aluminium as base metal and reinforced with 2% B4 C, ZrO2 (2%,4%,6%), SiC (4%,8%,12%). Specimens were manufactured by using conventional stir casting technique. Hybrid metal matrix composites were examined by using Scanning electron microscope. This research explained XRD, EDS and Fractography analysis. This investigation shows the reinforced material has given better results in all aspects than pure Al6061 alloy and homogeneous dispersion of particles inside the matrix. Porosity, delamination, cracks, particle distributions were observed through microstructural analysis. Additionally determined the crystal size of pure Aluminium 6061 alloy and hybrid composites.

In this review, we summarize recent progress in crystal growth and understanding the influence of crystal structure on the superconductivity in pure and Pb-doped Bi2Sr2CuOy (Bi-2201) materials belonging to the overdoped region of high temperature cuprate superconductors. The crystal growth of Bi-2201 superconductors faces challenges due to intricate materials chemistry and lack of knowledge of corresponding phase diagrams. Historically, a crucible-free floating zone method has emerged as the most promising growth approach for these materials, resulting in high-quality single crystals. This review outlines the described in the literature and the authors' synthesis endeavors, encompassing Pb-doped Bi-2201 crystals, detailed structural characterization of as-grown and post-growth annealed samples, and highlights optimal growth conditions that yield large-size, single-phase, and compositionally homogeneous Bi-2201 single crystals.

Abstract Plant fungal pathogens are frequently found as one of limiting factors for crop production. More than 10,000 species of fungi can cause disease in plants. To control the diseases, many farmers are still rely on the use of chemical fungicides, however most synthetic fungicides can cause acute toxicity, and some cause chronic toxicity as well. Thus, an appropriate technological improvement towards a more effective use of natural resources is required in agriculture to develop environmentally friendly sustainable farming system. This paper highlights the potential of extracts of tropical plants as antifungal agent to control plant fungal diseases. Information and data presented in this paper are mainly derived from selected and related references that previously published in the scientific journals. Many higher plants of tropical origin with fungicidal activities and their potential for fungal disease control of agricultural crops have been studied, however most of the studies have been done under in vitro condition. Some plant extracts showed strong antifungal activities on in vitro as well as in vivo tests, but some plant extracts showed significant antifungal activities on in vitro test, but did not obvious on in vivo tests. A great variation in antifungal activities were shown by plants extracts of different species and plant parts, in one hand, and on the other hand, variation was also observed on the responses of different fungal species to the same plant extract. Since the purpose of the use of plant extract is to control plant fungal diseases, the field trial is needed to ensure the stability of efficacy of certain plant extract. In addition, isolation and identification of active substances in the extracts is needed to assess possible mode of action and side effect of their use.

The Marun-Keu complex plays a significant role in understanding the geological evolution of the Ural orogen; however, it remains poorly understood. This study aims to provide insights into the complex's age, protolith composition, rock formation conditions, and its position in the region's history. The zircons from the host granitic gneisses are characterized by magmatic cores with an age of 470 Ma and metamorphic rims with an age of approximately 370 Ma. We suggest that the metamorphic rims were formed during eclogite metamorphism and that the metagranitoids hosting the eclogites experienced eclogite metamorphism simultaneously with the basic and ultrabasic rocks that are common in this area. Heterogeneous zircons were also isolated from the selvage of a pegmatite vein, in which four domains are distinguished, two to three of which can be identified within single grains, as follows: 1) igneous cores with an age of approximately 470 Ma and the geochemical characteristics of zircon crystallized in basic rocks; 2) zircons recrystallized during eclogite metamorphism with geochemical characteristics intermediate between those of the magmatic cores and true eclogitic zircon; 3) pegmatitic zircon, exhibiting the most sharply differentiated REE spectra of all four domains, characterized by a prominent positive Ce anomaly and a weakly expressed negative Eu anomaly; and 4) eclogitic zircon, observed in the form of veins and rims, superimposed in relation to the other three domains. The age of the latter three domains is within the error range and is estimated to be approximately 370 Ma. This indicates that the processes of eclogite metamorphism and the formation of pegmatites occurred at approximately the same time in the studied area.

In this paper we propose a simple procedure to obtain multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) decorated with TiO₂-Ag nanoparticles (MWCNT-TiO₂-Ag). MWCNT were decorated with TiO2-Ag via combined functionalisation with -OH and –COOH groups and polymer wrapping technique using poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). TiO₂ modified Ag nanoparticles were synthesized through Pechini method using mixture of acetylacetonate-modified titanium (IV) isopropoxide with silver nitrate (the Ag+/Ti4+ atomic ratio, is 0.5, 1,0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 %, respectively) and the L(+)-ascorbic acid, as reducing agents. XRD analysis revealed the formation of nanocomposite containing CNT, TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) and Ag. By SEM was evidenced the presence of the nanoparticles on MWCNT surface. The increases of the ratio between Ag⁺ and Ti⁴⁺ decrease the band gap energy of the samples. In Raman spectra the characteristic vibration of the TiO₂, Ag and C atoms of graphite are identified. The photocatalytic activity of the MWCNT-TiO₂-Ag nanocomposite was assessed by examining the degradation of Allura red (E129) aqueous solution under UV irradiation. The dye photodegradation process follows a pseudo – first – order kinetic with respect to the Langmuir – Hinshelwood reaction mechanism.

Models of subsurface structures are important for successful deposit exploration but are challenged by the need to integrate data from different geophysical methods. In the present study, we evaluated a method of joint inversion in which audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) and dual frequency induced polarization (DFIP) data sets are inverted simultaneously to produce a consistent 2D resistivity model to show a clear image of subsurface structures. To achieve the objectives, we conducted AMT and DFIP surveys first on the same survey line within the Dongjun lead-zinc deposit in inner Mongolia by developing 31 AMT survey sites with an interstation separation of 40 m on a 1440 m survey track and operated in fifty-three frequencies in the range 1–10,400 Hz to record the resistivity distribution of subsurface to depths exceeding 800 m. The same survey setup up was applied to the DFIP method by utilizing the SQ-3C model with a pole-dipole array configuration and conducted measurements at frequencies of 4 Hz and 4/13 Hz. We first separately inverted AMT and DFIP measurements. The two-dimensional (2D) model obtained from AMT data revealed distinct low resistivity anomalies in the middle of the 2D inversion model. In contrast, the DFIP inversion model showed a high resistive body in the same region. In response to the discrepancies observed in the separate 2D inversion models, we implemented a joint inversion for both the AMT and DFIP datasets. The joint inversion resistivity model shows surficial conducting bodies and a high conductive body along the profile with relatively high Percent Frequency Effect (PEF) indicating high chargeability. The final joint inversion resistivity model clearly images the large silica alteration zone and the Pb-Zn mineralization. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a joint inversion methodology and highlights the value of integrating geophysical methods through joint inversion for enhanced characterization and exploration of lead-zinc ores.

Thermal processing of Zr-loaded ion-exchangers is a facile route to synthetize (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. The chemical character of the functional groups in the cation exchanger is an essential factor in the composition and properties of the (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. In the present paper furnace and RF-thermal plasma processing of ZrOCl2 loaded thiourea-functionalized styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer was investigated that led to various composites containing ZrO2 and ZrC. Depending on the synthesis conditions, different ZrO2@C composites were formed between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h, whereas the composite containing ZrC was created at 1400 °C in 8 h. The ratio of ZrO2/ZrC, the prevailing ZrO2 modifications, and the crystallite sizes strongly depend on the synthesis conditions. The ZrC-containing composites formed only at 1400 °C in 8 hours and by the plasma treatment of the ZrO2@C sample prepared in the furnace, resulting in 8 and 16% ZrC content, with 44 and 41 nm ZrC crystallite sizes, respectively. The ZrO2-containing composites (tetragonal, monoclinic, and cubic modifications with 65–88 nm ZrO2 crystallite sizes and 15–43 m2/g BET surface areas, depending on the carbonization temperature) formed in a tube furnace between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h. The tube furnace–prepared sample formed at 1400 °C in 8 h contained ZrC, ZrO2 modifications, and amorphous carbon, whereas the plasma-treated sample contained ZrC, ZrO2 modifications, and graphite. All ZrO2@C composites had both amorphous carbon and graphite, and their ratio is temperature-dependent. The carbonaceous compounds of the prepared composites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, with analysis of the G and D band intensities. XPS studies showed the surface oxidation of ZrC.

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO₂), tetragonal (t-ZrO₂), and monoclinic (m-ZrO₂) phases of ZrO₂. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO₂. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO₂, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, and m-ZrO₂ are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y₂O₃ onto the m-ZrO₂ structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO₂ and an increase in its defectiveness. The doping-induced and concentration-dependent phase transition of zirconium dioxide under the influence of yttrium oxide was studied, after which the position of the Fermi level changes and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that, not only for pure systems but including those doped with Y₂O₃, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. The t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H₂O on unstabilized t-ZrO₂ (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of -0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The calculations showed that ab initio research methods are capable of describing the mechanism of phase transitions of materials under the influence of alloying. That is, by optimizing the parameters of DFT calculations, it is possible to observe the effects of doping on other physical and chemical properties of materials, which are still beyond the scope of quantum chemical modeling. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO₂.

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO₂), tetragonal (t-ZrO₂), and monoclinic (m-ZrO₂) phases of ZrO₂. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO₂. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO₂, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, and m-ZrO₂ are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y₂O₃ onto the m-ZrO₂ structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO₂ and an increase in its defectiveness. In this case, the position of the Fermi level changes abruptly, and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that, not only for pure systems but including those doped with Y₂O₃, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. The t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H₂O on unstabilized t-ZrO₂ (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of - 0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO₂.

Conditional Independence (CI) testing is fundamental in statistical analysis. For example, CI testing helps validate causal graphs or longitudinal data analysis with repeated measures in causal inference. CI testing is difficult, especially when testing involves categorical variables conditioned on a mixture of continuous and categorical variables. Current parametric and non-parametric testing methods designed for continuous variables and can quickly fall short in the categorical case. This paper presents a computational approach for CI testing for categorical data types, which we call computational conditional independence (CCI) testing. The test procedure is based on permutation and combines machine learning prediction algorithms and Monte Carlo Cross-Validation. We evaluated the approach through simulation studies and assessed the performance against alternative methods; the generalized covariance measure (GCM) test, the kernel conditional independence (KCI) test, and testing with multinomial regression. We find that the computational approach to testing has utility over the alternative methods, and we can achieve better control over type-I-error rates. We hope this work can expand the toolkit for CI testing for practitioners and researchers.

pH is the major factor that makes producers in aquaponics frustrated, since the main three organisms (aquatic animal, plant, and microbes) in the system with different preferences. Yet, amending the growing environment with additional C is a potential method to improve the growth of shrimp and plants as well as the establishment of microbe. A detailed study of the effects of pH and additional C on aquaponics under saline conditions has not been investigated. In this study, the effect of pH and additional C on the growth performance of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and five edible plants in marine aquaponic systems using the nutrient film technique (NFT) was evaluated. The results indicated that at both pH 6.5 treatments, plants grew better; nevertheless, the growth performance of plants in pH 7.5 with additional C was improved and showed a similar yield to lower pH treatments. On the other hand, shrimp growth was little affected by pH and additional C. A higher impact of imbalanced ionic composition on shrimp performance may have contributed to this trend. Hence, we suggest that only if the ionic composition is managed can make RO water a suitable source of water for shrimp-based aquaponic. In spite of this, more research is required.

This study introduces a novel computational approach for testing conditional independence (BB CI test) within causal Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs), leveraging Bayesian non-parametric bootstrap and machine learning techniques. Our method offers an alternative for validating the assumptions underpinning causal DAGs. Through simulation studies and an industrial case analysis, we demonstrate the test procedure in accurately assessing conditional independence, comparing it with the Generalized Covariance Measure (GCM) test. Our findings suggest that the BB CI test is advantageous in scenarios where existing methods may falter due to violations of model assumptions. This research contributes to the causal inference literature by providing a computational tool for researchers and practitioners to validate causal models.

The presented work offers a novel process scheme for valorizing historical Pb-Zn slag, which involves crushing, grinding, and then using separation techniques to concentrate valuable components (nonferrous metals). This methodology could have a significant impact on the global beneficiation of metallurgical slags since, in theory, it is significantly more simple, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective than standard pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical procedures. According to previous physicochemical and mineralogical studies, Pb-Zn slag from "Topilnica" Veles is a valuable secondary raw material. This inhomogeneous technogenic resource contains substantial amounts of nonferrous metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ag). However, laboratory tests have indicated that the Pb-Zn slag contains a very uneven valuable metals amounts, ranging from several g/ton to several tens of g/ton. The main issue is that traditional metallurgical procedures for releasing beneficial elements are not commercially viable since the valuable elements are "trapped" within amorphous aluminosilicates or intergrowths of alloy grains and glassy phases. Gravity concentration (Wilfley 13 shaking table) and magnetic separation (Davis separator and disk separator) were used to obtain the final concentrate following comminution and grindability testing. The gravity concentration proved more effective. This streamlined approach of valorizing Pb-Zn slag can reduce the need for hazardous chemicals used in hydrometallurgical refinement operations, as well as the extremely high temperatures required for pyrometallurgical processing. This is the first investigation into the feasibility of this novel approach, which includes direct investigations of the Pb-Zn slag feed using these alternative technologies. After extracting the valuable metals, the amorphous aluminosilicate part of the Pb-Zn slag can be reapplied as an alternative raw material in the building sector, adding to the circularity of the suggested approach..

Background: Plasma metabolites are associated with cognitive and physical function in the elderly. Because cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and neurodegeneration are common causes of cognitive and physical function decline, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the associations of six plasma metabolites (two plasma phosphatidylcholines [PCs]: PC aa C36:5 and PC aa 36:6 and four sphingomyelins [SMs]: SM C26:0, SM [OH] C22:1, SM [OH] C22:2, SM [OH] C24:1) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of cerebral SVD and neurodegeneration in older adults. Methods: This study included 238 older adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study at the fifth exam. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association of each metabolite (log-transformed) in separate models with MRI measures except lacunar infarcts, for which binary logistic regression was used. Results: Higher concentrations of plasma PC aa C36:5 had adverse associations with MRI features of cerebral SVD (odds ratio of 1.69 [95% confidence interval: 1.01, 2.83] with lacunar infarct, and beta of 0.16 log [cm³] [0.02, 0.30] with log [White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH) volume]) while higher concentrations of 3 plasma SM (OH)s were associated with higher total brain volume (beta of 12.0 cm³ [5.5, 18.6], 11.8 cm³ [5.0, 18.6], and 7.3 cm³ [1.2, 13.5] for SM [OH] C22:1, SM [OH] C22:2, and SM [OH] C24:1, respectively). Conclusions: This study identified associations between certain plasma metabolites and brain MRI measures of SVD and neurodegeneration in older adults, particularly higher SM (OH) concentrations with higher total brain volume.

The effects of the dielectric constant of the powder phase on lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/PZT sol-gel composite films were investigated to tailor their electrical properties. Three types of PZT powders were used to fabricate three different PZT/PZT sol-gel composite films. The PZT powders had the same electromechanical coupling coefficient but different relative dielectric constants. The PZT/PZT films were fabricated on a 3 mm-thick titanium substrate using an automatic spray coating system, and their properties were investigated. The relative dielectric constants of the PZT/PZT films were successfully controlled by tailoring the properties of the PZT powder phase. However, the piezoelectric constants showed a tendency different to those of the raw powders, because of the poor poling degree. This was overcome by conducting poling at a high temperature.

This study presents the first U-Pb (CA-ID-TIMS) radioisotopic dating of zircon grains extracted from tonsteins (altered volcanic ashfalls) within the uppermost Permian coal interval of the Minusinsk Coal Basin (Siberia, Russia). Petrographic, structural, and mineralogical analyses confirm the volcanic ash origin of the tonsteins. The parent pyroclastic material is identified as rhyolite-pantellerite for tonstein I-22 and dacite-rhyodacite for tonstein I-12. Morphological analysis of zircon crystals, along with cathodoluminescence and melt inclusion studies, confirms their volcanic origin and crystallisation temperatures of 700–900ºC. New radioisotopic dates of 261.4 ± 0.7 Ma and 261.3 ± 0.4 Ma clarify the age of the Izykh Formation, enabling its direct correlation with the Capitanian Stage of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. The results emphasise the possible discontinuity of the coal-bearing succession of southern Angaraland and highlight the potential for further stratigraphic refinement through continued radioisotopic dating of tonsteins.

The thermal conductivity of the products of the interaction of molten core with concrete was derived using number theory. A formula has been found that describes the thermal conductivity of ZrO₂, ZrSiO₄, (U,Zr)SiO₄ and UO₂ over a wide temperature range. Formula is expressed in terms of the atomic numbers of elements, their valencies, the crystal structure of substances, and the thermal conductivities of individual chemical elements of the corium.

As one of the typical deposits in Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn metallogenic province, the Daliangzi Pb-Zn deposit has a close genetic relation with the structural system of “black/fracture zone” formed under the action of NWW-approx. EW strike-slip structures in the metallogenic province, but the mechanism of rock and ore-controlling action of the structural system remains unclear. Based on detailed analysis of tectonite-mineralized alteration lithofacies of R1 “black/fracture zone”, the tectonite-mineralized alteration lithofacies zones can be divided into 4 types in succession outward from the Pb-Zn mineralization center, i.e., ① brecciated and stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralization-complex breccia facies zone, ② stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralization-simple breccia and cataclasite facies zone, ③ veined pyrite-sulfide-dolomitic cataclasite facies zone, and ④ fine-veined calcite-black carbonized dolomite facies zone; Cl- and SO42--rich high-temperature oxidizing ore-bearing fluid mixes with reducing fluid in Zone ① while migration and precipitation occur in Zone ④. With the evolution of ore-forming fluid, the homogenization temperature decreases from Zone ① to Zone ④, the salinity increases from Zone ① to Zone ② and then decreases to Zones ③ and ④, and the fluid density has little change on the whole; the contents of Zn, Pb, Cu, Ga, Ge, Cd, Ag, and other metallogenic elements, the Zn/Pb ratio, and the CaO/MgO mole ratio decrease gradually from Zone ① to Zone ④; and REE fractionation, calcilization, silicification, and pyritization enhance gradually from Zone ① to Zone ④. This series of changes are the product of diapirism (cryptoexplosion) of strike-slip structures and “black/fracture zone”, among which the second-order structures (F5, F100, and other faults) derived from NWW-approx. EW striking dextral shear-tension faults F1 and F15 control the brecciated and stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralized complex breccia facies zones and the stockwork-like Pb-Zn mineralized simple breccia and cataclasite facies zones. Therefore, this paper establishes the zoning mode of tectonite-mineralized alteration lithofacies of “black/fracture zone” and proposes that Zones ① and ② are important prospecting criteria. conclusions.

The dimensional effect of the accumulation of an electric charge with a density of up to 270 μF/g by the system of compacted zirconium dioxide nanoparticles during exposure in an electric field (5000 V/m) under normal physical conditions is determined. Based on a qualitative complex analysis of the forms of appearance of the effect, it is shown that the place of localization of different charge carriers is the surface of nanoparticles. The supposed mechanism of this effect is considered using the theory of dispersed systems, the band theory, and the theory of contact phenomena in semiconductors. It was concluded that this mechanism is due to the phenomenon of localization of electron-type charge nanoparticles in the near-surface zone of the material in contact with the adsorption ion atmosphere. This effect is relevant for modern nanoelectronics, microsystem technology, and printed electronics.

A simple model has been used to investigate the nature of chemical order in Na-Pb and Na-Hg liquid binary alloy at 700K and 673K respectively. The energy parameter obtained from the model was used to calculate the concentration dependent mixing properties such as Gibb’s free energy of mixing, Concentration fluctuations in the long wavelength limit and the Warren-Cowley chemical short range order parameter. Results obtained showed that both alloys are hetero-coordinated throughout the entire concentration and there is tendency for segregation and demixing to take place in the liquid alloys. We observed that Na-Hg liquid alloy is more strongly interacting binary alloy and chemically ordered than Na-Pb liquid alloy.

Samples of ZrO2 ceramics with different concentrations of impurity titanium ions were synthesized by mixing powders of zirconium and titanium oxides in various mass ratios. The phase composition and surface morphology of the studied ceramics were determined by X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that irradiation of samples with xenon ions (220 MeV) with fluences 1010 and 1012 ion/cm2 leads to a decrease in the intensity of the pulse cathodoluminescence band at 2.5 eV. It is shown that ion irradiation causes the appearance of a new peak of thermoluminescence at 450-650 K of a non-elementary form associated with radiation-induced traps of charge carriers. In contrast to electron irradiation, an increase in the fluence of ions leads to a decrease in the intensity of this peak. In contrast to electron irradiation, an increase in the fluence of ions leads to a decrease in the intensity of this peak. A complex nonmonotonic dependence of the cathode and thermoluminescence intensity on the dopant concentration was found, which may be due to the effects of concentration quenching and aggregation of defective centers.

The current paper is focused on the rapidly developing field of nano-/micro three-dimensional production of inorganic materials. The fabrication method includes laserlithography of hybrid organic-inorganic materials with subsequent heat treatment lead-ing to a variety of crystalline phases in 3D structures. In this work, it was examineda series of organometallic polymer precursors with different silicon (Si) and zirconium (Zr) molar ratios, ranging from 9:1 to 5:5, prepared via sol-gel method. All mixtureswere examined for perspective used in 3D laser by manufacturing by fabricating nano-and micro-feature sized structures. Their deformation and surface morphology wereevaluated depending on chemical composition and crystallographic phase. The appear-ance of a crystalline phase was proven using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis,which revealed a lower crystallization temperature for microstructures compared tobulk materials. Fabricated 3D objects retain a complex geometry without any distortion after heat treatment up to 1400^oC. Under the proper conditions, a zircon phase (ZrSiO₄ - a highly stable material) can be observed. In addition, the highest newrecord of achieved resolution below 60 nm has been reached. The proposed prepara-tion protocol can be used to manufacture micro/nano-devices with high precision andresistance to high temperature and aggressive environment.

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO₂), tetragonal (t-ZrO₂), and monoclinic (m-ZrO₂) phases of ZrO₂. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO₂. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO₂, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, and m-ZrO₂ are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y₂O₃ onto the m-ZrO₂ structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO₂ and an increase in its defectiveness. A doping-induced and concentration-dependent phase transition in ZrO₂ under the influence of Y₂O₃ was discovered, due to which the position of the Fermi level changes and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that, not only for pure systems but including those doped with Y₂O₃, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. The t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H₂O on unstabilized t-ZrO₂ (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of - 0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The results show that ab initio approaches are able to describe the mechanism of doping-induced phase transitions in (ZrO₂+Y₂O₃)-like systems, based on which it can be assumed that DFT calculations can also flawlessly evaluate other physical and chemical properties of YSZ, which have not yet been studied quantum chemical research. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO₂.

The Sanhetun tellurium-gold (Te-Au) deposit, located in the Duobaoshan polymetallic metallogenic belt (DPMB) within the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is a newly discovered small scale gold deposit. The mineralization, with resource of ≥ 4t Au, is mainly hosted in 3 NNE-trending alteration zones between granitic mylonite and volcanogenic-sedimentary formations. It’s the genesis and timing of formation of this deposit are poorly constrained. Here, we report the results of petrographic studies, TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA), major and trace element concentrations, and in situ S isotope of pyrite and U-Pb ages of calcite. The results show that there are five species of telluride, including native tellurium, tetradymite, tsumoite, hessite and petzite and four types of pyrite, including coarse-grained euhedral Py1, fine-grained quartz-Py2 vein crosscutting Py1 and anhedral aggregated Py3 and Py4. The pre-ore Py1, containing negligible Au, Te and other trace elements, have a relatively narrow range of δ34S values ranging from -1.20 to -0.57‰. The Py2 have slightly high concentrations of Au and Te and distinctly high concentrations of Mo, Sb, Zn and Mn with markedly positive δ34S values of 4.67 to 14.43‰. The main ore stage Py3 contains high Au and Te concentrations and shows narrow δ34S values ranging from -5.69 to 0.19‰. The post-ore stage Py4 contains low Au concentrations with the δ34S values ranging from 2.66 to 3.86‰. Calcite from ore stage yield a U-Pb age of 135 ± 22 Ma, interpreted as the age of Te-Au mineralization. Our geochemical and geochronological data indicate that the Te was derived from partial melting of mantle metasomatized by the Te-rich fluids that originated from oceanic sediments. We correlate the tectonic setting with the subduction of Paleo Pacific plate in Early Cretaceous.

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) possesses numerous advantages such as high mechanical strength, low friction coefficient, excellent optical properties, and extended lifespan. Consequently, ZrO2 has a broad research foundation and practical significance in functional films and wear-resistant coatings. However, it suffers from brittleness and low ductility when used as a bio-coating material. In this study, a Ta/ZrO2 film was fabricated on Si (100) and titanium alloy substrates using a magnetron sputtering system, with tantalum (Ta) serving solely as a transition layer. Subsequently, Zr and Nb ions were implanted into the film at varying doses but with consistent energy levels. The analysis focused on the film's microstructure, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and corrosion resistance. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance of the ZrO2 film following the implantation of Zr and Nb ions. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) principles indicated that, with increasing doping concentrations of Zr and Nb in the ZrO2 model, the stability of the model increased gradually, thereby enhancing its corrosion resistance.

The sepiolite/ZrO2 composites were prepared by sepiolite (Sep) modification with zirconium propoxide in toluene, at room temperature for 24 h (Sep –ZrI) or 95 °C for 4h (sample Sep –ZrII). The efficiency of the obtained adsorbents for the removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions at initial pH = 4 and pH = 8, was investigated. Characterization of the samples showed that higher temperature of synthesis for shorter time provided slightly higher content of amorphous Zr-phase, which was deposited on sepiolite fibers as a thin layer and agglomerated nanoparticles. Compared to Sep, the composites had lower point of zero charge and higher specific surface area and pore volume. The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo second-order model. The adsorption capacities of the composites were approximately the same at both initial pH and higher at initial pH = 4 than at pH = 8. The XPS and ATR-FTIR of Sep-ZrI before and after adsorption identified the formation of inner-sphere complexes as the mechanism of phosphate adsorption. The slow release during desorption with NaOH solution confirmed strong bonds of phosphates with the surface of the composites.

Anthropogenic lead pollution is an environmental problem that threatens the quality of soils and waters and endangers living organisms in numerous surface and subsurface habitats. Lead coprecipitation on mineral surfaces through dissolution-recrystallization processes has long term effects on lead bioavailability. Gypsum and calcite are among the most abundant and reactive rock forming minerals present in numerous geological settings. In this work, we study the interaction of slightly acidic (pHi = 5.5) Pb-bearing aqueous solutions ([Pb]i = 1 mM and 10 mM) with crystals of gypsum and /or calcite under atmospheric conditions. This interaction results in a reduction of the concentration of lead in the liquid phase due to the precipitation of newly formed Pb-bearing solid phases. The extent of this Pb removal mainly depends on the nature of the primary mineral phase involved in the interaction. Thus, when gypsum is the only solid phase initially present in the system the Pb-bearing liquid-gypsum interaction results in Pb removals in the 98-99.8 % range, regardless of [Pb]i. In contrast, when the interaction takes place with calcite, Pb removal strongly depends on [Pb]i. It reaches 99% when [Pb]i = 1 mM while it is much more modest (⁓13%) when [Pb]i = 10 mM. Interestingly, Pb-removal is maximized for both [Pb]i (99.9 % for solutions with [Pb]i = 10 mM and 99.7% for solutions with [Pb]i = 1 mM) when Pb-polluted solutions simultaneously interact with gypsum and calcite crystals. Despite the large Pb removals found in most of the cases studied, the final Pb concentration ([Pb]f) in the liquid phase always is well above the maximum permitted in drinking water (0.1 ppm), with the minimum ([Pb]f = 0.7 ppm) being obtained for solutions with [Pb]i =1 mM after their interaction with mixtures of gypsum and calcite crystals. This result suggests that integrating the use of mixtures of gypsum-calcite crystals might help to develop more efficient strategies for in-situ decontaminating Pb-polluted waters through mineral coprecipitation processes.

The present study was aimed at revealing the influence of the mechanical stress induced by water molecules adsorption on the composition of crystalline phases in the ZrO2–3mol%Y2O3-nanoparticles. Three basic methods have been used to determine the phase transition: neutron diffraction, Raman microspectroscopic scanning, and X-ray diffraction. The fact of phase-structural β → α transformation and the simultaneous presence of two polymorphic structural modifications (β is the phase of the tetragonal syngony and α of monoclinic syngony in nanosized particles (9nm)) under normal physical conditions was established by these methods. Satisfactory consistency was achieved between the results obtained using different techniques.

Levels of trace element pollution in surface soil can be estimated using soil analyses and leaching tests. These methods may reveal different results due to the effect of soil properties, such as grain size and mineral composition, on elemental availability. Therefore, this study advocates an alternative method for monitoring and assessment of trace element pollution in surface soil using terricolous fruticose lichens. Lichens growing at abandoned mine sites and unpolluted areas in southwest Japan and their substrata were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to clarify the relationships between Cu, Zn, As, and Pb concentrations in lichens and soils, including their absorption properties. Concentrations of these elements in the lichens were positively correlated with those in the soils regardless of lichen species, location, habitat, or conditions of soils. The analyzed lichens had neither competitive nor antagonistic properties in their elemental absorption, which made them good biomonitors of trace element pollution in surface soil. The distribution maps of average Cu, Zn, As, and Pb concentrations at each sampling region detected almost all of the Cu, Zn, and As pollution of the soils. Therefore, lichens could be used in practical applications to monitor Cu, Zn, and As pollution in surface soils.

Transverse momentum spectra of +, p, Λ, Ξ or ¯Ξ+, Ω or ¯Ω+ and deuteron (d) in different centrality intervals in Gold-Gold (Au-Au) and Lead-Lead (Pb-Pb) collisions at 62.4 GeV and 2.76 TeV respectively, are analyzed by the blast wave model with Boltzmann Gibbs statistics. We extracted Kinetic freeze out temperature,transverse flow velocity and kinetic freezeout volume from the transverse momentum spectra of the particles. It is observed that the non-strange and strange (multi-strange) particles freezeout separately due to different reaction cross-sections. While the freezeout volume and transverse flow velocity are mass dependent which decrease with the rest mass of the particles. The present work reveals the scenario of double kinetic freezeout in collisions at STAR and ALICE Collaborations. Furthermore, the kinetic freezeout temperature and freezeout volume are larger in central collisions than the peripheral collisions and they decrease from central to periphery. However the transverse flow velocity remains almost unchanged from central to peripheral collisions.

In this work, unmodified screen-printed electrode (bare SPE) and Sb-film modified SPE (SbFSPE) sensors were employed for the analysis of trace amounts of Pb(II) in non-deaerated water solutions. The modified electrode was performed in situ in 0.5 mg/L Sb(III) and 0.01 M HCl. The methodology was validated for an accumulation potential of –1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl and an accumulation time of 60 s. A comparative analysis of bare SPE and SbFSPE showed that the detection and quantification limits decrease for the bare SPE. The method with the bare SPE showed a linear response in the 69.8–368.4 µg/L concentration range, whereas linearity for the SbFSPE was in the 24.0–319.1 µg/L concentration range. This work also reports the reason why the multiple standard addition method instead of a linear calibration curve for Pb(II) analysis should be employed. Furthermore, the analytical method employing SbFSPE was found to be more accurate and precise compared to the use of bare SPE when sensors were employed for the first time, however this performance changed significantly when these sensors were reused in the same manner. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used for the first time to analyse the electrochemical response of sensors after being used for multiple successive analyses. Surface characterisation before and after multiple successive uses of bare SPE and SbFSPE sensors, with atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, showed sensor degradation. The interference effect of Cd(II), Zn(II), As(III), Fe(II), Na(I), K(I), Ca(II), Mg(II), NO₃^– Bi(III), Cu(II), Sn(II), and Hg(II) on the Pb(II) stripping signal was also studied. Finally, the application of SbFSPE was tested on a real water sample (from a local river), which showed high precision (RSD = 8.1%, n = 5) and accurate results.

The Dongtangzi large Zn-Pb deposit is located in the southwest of the Fengxian-Taibai (abbr. Fengtai) ore cluster in the west Qinling orogen, whose origin has been controversial, positing diverse genesis mechanisms such as sedimentary-exhalative (SEDEX), sedimentary-reformed, and epigenetic hydrothermal type. In this work, based on detailed observation and systematic study on ore geology, the results of high-precision Rb-Sr isotopic dating on sulfides of the main orebody and Sm–Nd isotopic dating on associated carbonates have been carried out, which yield isochron ages of 211.6 ± 2.6 Ma and 211 ± 4 Ma, respectively. In-situ S-Pb isotopic studies show that the ore related sulfides display a narrow range of δ³⁴S values from 1.1 ‰ to 10.2 ‰, with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.07 to 18.27, 15.64 to 15.66, and 38.22 to 38.76, respectively. While the pyrite of sedimentary period and the granite porphyry dike have δ³⁴S values vary from 15.8 to 21.4‰, and from 2.1 to 4.3‰ (with ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.09 to 18.10, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.59 to 15.61, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.17 to 38.24) respectively. Combining the regional geology, we propose that the Dongtangzi Zn-Pb deposit is the product of multi-stage epigenetic hydrothermal fluid processes, driven by late Triassic regional tectono-magmatic activities in regional extensional regime, with metallic materials originate from a mixture of Triassic magmatic processes and metamorphic basement.

The BIOTON® biochar, produced by a wood biomass pyrolysis process, usually applied as a soil amendment, was investigated for a novel application, i.e. the adsorption of lead from contaminated solutions. The experimental activity firstly included the physical-chemical characterization of BIOTON®; SEM images were also obtained to highlight its internal structure. The adsorption process was investigated through batch and column experiments. Adsorption kinetics showed a very rapid achievement of the equilibrium conditions, i.e. at 2h and 4h for 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L initial Pb concentration, respectively. Complete removal also occurred within the same time. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller model better fitted the equilibrium data for both Pb concentrations, whereas the kinetics were best represented by the pseudo second order model. The column tests showed that the addition of biochar as adsorbent media within the bed significantly extended the time of breakthrough and exhaustion, with respect to the column filled with soil only. The adsorption capacities of BIOTON® versus lead solutions was found to be comparable to that reported for commercial adsorbents. Therefore, BIOTON® can be considered a valid option, with the additional benefit to reduce the environmental impact since allows to recover a residue which alternately would need to be disposed of.

China is a large agricultural country that produces a large amount of crop straw every year. Thus, the development of cost-effective and economic application of invasive plants is warranted. Biochars derived from crop straw has been proven to be promising for adsorbent materials. However, less studies have focused on biochar derived from different types of crop straw as adsorbent under the same conditions to compare their adsorption performance. Here, we characterized the five biochars in the same system (600 ℃). In results, GBC has higher ash content, pH, CEC, specific surface area, mineral composition and oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption kinetics can be explained adequately by pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption behavior of the biochar is both physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, the adsorption process includes complexation reaction, cationic π bond, ion precipitation and electrostatic adsorption. In conclusion, GBC exhibited higher metal equilibrium adsorption capacities (125 mg·g-1 for Pb2+, 29 mg·g-1 for Cd2+). The solution pH, biochar dosing, pyrolysis temperature and the properties of these heavy metals were responsible for adsorption capacity, thus showing stronger affinity and better adsorption effect. Our results are important for the selection and utilization of plant-based biochar for different heavy metals.

In order to understand the effect of Pb-CuI co-doping on the thermoelectric performance of Bi₂Te₃, n-type Bi₂Te₃ co-doped with x at% CuI and 1/2x at% Pb (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.10) were prepared via high temperature solid state reaction and consolidated using spark plasma sintering. Electron and thermal transport properties, i.e., electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, Hall mobility, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, of CuI-Pb co-doped Bi₂Te₃ were measured in the temperature range from 300 K to 523 K and compared to corresponding x% of CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ and undoped Bi₂Te₃. The addition of a small amount of Pb significantly decreased the carrier concentration, which could be attributed to the holes from Pb atoms, thus the CuI-Pb co-doped samples show a lower electrical conductivity and a higher Seebeck coefficient compared to CuI-doped samples with similar x values. The incorporation of Pb into CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ rarely changed the power factor because of the trade-off relationship between the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. The total thermal conductivity(κ_tot) of co-doped samples (κ_tot ~1.4 W/m∙K at 300 K) is slightly lower than that of 1% CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ (κ_tot~1.5 W/m∙K at 300 K) and undoped Bi₂Te₃ (κ_tot ~1.6 W/m∙K at 300 K) due to the alloy scattering. The 1% CuI-Pb co-doped Bi₂Te₃ sample shows the highest ZT value of 0.96 at 370 K. All data on electrical and thermal transport properties suggest that the thermoelectric properties of Bi₂Te₃ and its operating temperature can be controlled by co-doping.

Changes in the atomic and electronic structure of silicon carbide 3C-SiC (β-SiC), resulting from lead adsorption, have been studied within the density functional theory. The tests were conducted for three representative surfaces with varying degrees of lead coverage. Results indicate that chemisorption occurs, with the strongest binding, found on the hexagonal surface (111) in interaction with three dangling bonds. The adsorption energy rises with increasing coverage, especially as the surface approaches saturation. Analysis of the data was focused on parameters important for corrosion processes such as bond distances, binding energies, Bader charges and charge density difference.

Double-walled carbon nanotube-yttria-stabilized ZrO2 nanocomposites are prepared by a mixing route followed by Spark Plasma Sintering. Incorporation of carbon at contents higher than 2 wt.% results in significantly lower friction coefficients, both against alumina and steel balls. Double-walled carbon nanotubes improve wear resistance and reduce friction without severe damage, contrary to multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

The phenotypic manifestation of lead toxicity includes cognitive, learning, and memory decline which is associated with neuronal injuries and death and been a major challenge in public health especially in developing countries. Thus, we explore the prophylactic potentials of luteolin in prefrontal Pb intoxication. Thirty-six (36) male Wistar Rats were used for this research and di-vided into six (6) groups of six animals each and were treated orally as follows: Group 1-Normal saline (0.5ml daily for 14 days); Group 2- PbCl3 (50mg/kg of PbCl3 daily for 14 days); Group 3- luteolin (100mg/kg of LUT daily for 14 days); Group 4- luteolin and PbCl3 (50mg/kg PbCl3 and 100mg/kg LUT daily for 14 days); Group 5- PbCl3 then luteolin (50mg/kg of PbCl3 daily for 14 days followed by 100mg/kg of LUT daily for 14 days); Group 6- luteolin then PbCl3 (100mg/kg of LUT daily for 14days followed by 50mg/kg of PbCl3 daily for 14 days). We measured cerebral oxidative redox parameters, G6PDH, IL-6, acetylcholinesterase levels, and total protein profiles using ELISA and biochemical assay kits. We also examined cerebral morphology and the Nissl profile with H&E and toluidine blue staining techniques, as well as astrocytic morphology and synaptic integrity with anti-GFAP and anti-synaptophysin antibodies. As a result of Pb perturba-tion, luteolin treatment inhibits MDA, IL-6, and AChE expression while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx) and G6PDH. Furthermore, luteolin has significant prophylactic po-tential against Pb-induced neuronal injuries and modulates astrocyte actions, preserving synap-tic integrity and thus improving cognition, learning, and memory. Taken together, our findings indicate that luteolin may be a promising candidate for managing and treating Pb neural intoxi-cation.

The improvement of the methane combustion activity was observed in cyclic temperature-programmed and isothermal reactions over Pd/ZrO2 catalysts by simple reduction/re-oxidation treatment. The catalytic activity increased during the initial stages of isothermal reaction, and the light-off temperature was lowered as the number of cycles increased in the cyclic temperature-programmed reaction. To reveal the origin of activation, variations in the reduction properties after the activation period were carefully investigated through CH4 temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) measurements. From the CH4-TPR results, it was confirmed that the reduction temperature decreased significantly after activation. The observation of the CH4-TPR peak at relatively low temperatures is directly proportional to the catalytic activity of CH4 combustion. It was therefore concluded that repeated reduction/re-oxidation occurred in the reactant stream, and this phenomenon allowed the combustion reaction to proceed more easily at lower temperatures.

This article uses strategy metaphors consisting of a plan, a home and a game to study government programme formation in Finland. The strategy approach both contradicts and complements the traditional political science approach to government formation. The government programme has been strategic in the sense of separating the formulation and implementation parts of the strategy. The most important function of the metaphor of plan is to hold coalition parties together. The adopted austerity policy provides a meagre contribution to the expansion of services and the increase in government spending. Consequently, the home metaphor in the government programme appears in the distant future and in combating external threats. The game metaphor is apparent in the goal of making contracts with social partners. The vocabulary change from politics to strategy alters the government programme’s position in terms of catering to the needs of civil servants, citizens and stakeholders. The strategy perspective might be instrumental in shifting open democratic debates to closed and secretive policy formations.

Graphene oxide (GO) is considered as one of the promising adsorbents for the removal of various heavy metal contaminants in aquatic environment, due to its beneficial structural, chemical and electronic properties. Using the density functional theory (DFT) approach, we investigate the reactivity of a model GO nanoparticule (C30H14O15) toward neutral and charged lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) atoms. We found the model metal-free GO to have a high chemical reactivity. To study the adsorption of the metal atoms on the GO nanoparticle, we have used a single and doubly-adsorbed neutral (Pb0 and Cd0) and charged (Pb2+, Cd2+) atoms. After identified possible adsorption sites on the GO, we found that a single charged metal ion binds more strongly than a neutral atom of the same type. To determine the possibility of multiple adsorptions of GO nanoparticle, two metal atoms of the same species are co-adsorbed on its surface. Our calculations reveals a site-dependent adsorption energy such that when two atoms of the same specie are adsorbed at sites Si and Sj , the binding energy per atom depends on the whether one of the two atoms is adsorbed firstly on the Si or Sj sites. It is also found that the binding energy per atom for two co-adsorbed atoms of the same specie is less than the binding energy of a singly-adsorbed atom which suggests that atoms may become less likely to be adsorbed on the GO nanoparticle when their concentrations increase. This applies to both neutral and charged atoms. We adduce the origin of this observation to be interplay between metal-metal interaction on the one hand and GO-metal on the other, with the former resulting in a less binding for the charged adsorbed metals in particular, due to repulsive interaction between two positively charged ions. The frontier molecular orbitals analysis and the calculated global reactivity descriptors of the respective GO- metal complexes revealed that all the GO-metal complexes have a smaller HOMO-LUMO gap (HLG) relative to that of pristine metal-free GO nanoparticle. This suggests that although the GO-metal complexes are stable, they are less stable compared to metal-free GO nanoparticles. The negative values of the chemical potentials obtained for all the GO-metal complexes further confirms their stability. Our work calculates parameters that will be crucial to rational design of GO nanoparticles for Pb abd Cd ions contaminants removal, and may find application in water purification for example.

The Ptarmigan and Tom mesothermal gold deposits are located 10 km to the northeast of the city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in northern Canada. Both gold deposits comprise a series of en echelon veins that are hosted within upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies ~2630 Ma (peak) rocks. Supracrustal units across the craton are intruded by the ca. 2610–2605-Ma granodiorite, tonalite, monzodiorite, quartz diorite, and affiliated rocks of the Concession Suite. Hydrothermal apatite is a common accessory mineral in both mineralized and non-mineralized quartz veins in the metasedimentary host rocks that constitute the Ptarmigan and Tom deposits. This study characterizes and compares turbidite-hosted hydrothermal apatite from the Ptarmigan and Tom deposits, non-mineralized veins adjacent to the ore body, and magmatic apatite from proximal LCT-pegmatites. Using electron probe microanalyses (EPMA), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), micro-XRF, and cathodoluminescence (CL), the major, minor, and trace element abundances have been quantified and mapped. In addition to utilizing this data to determine if the chemistry of apatite can be used to constrain the source of hydrothermal fluids, the apparent age of the apatite is also evaluated utilizing in situ U-Pb dating. The distribution and abundance of major, minor, and trace elements from in situ recovered apatite were studied to characterize the nature of mineralizing fluids. Most apatite from mineralized and non-mineralized veins show different Mn, Sr, and Pb contents, as well as chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) and Y abundance patterns. REEs display five unique chondrite-normalized patterns: (1) negative sloped pattern with slight negative Eu anomaly, (2) a flat pattern with a positive Eu anomaly, (3) a positive slope with a negative Eu anomaly, (iv) light rare earth element (LREE) depleted pattern with positive Eu anomaly, and (v) bell-shaped pattern with a negative Eu anomaly. The REE patterns reflect both the source of the auriferous hydrothermal fluids and, perhaps, co-precipitating mineral phases. Apatite from the Ptarmigan vein occurs with both: (1) a flat pattern with a positive Eu anomaly and (2) bell-shaped pattern with a negative Eu anomaly. The bell-shaped and flat patterns typify orogenic gold deposits. Vein-hosted apatite commonly displays compositional zoning with a characteristic yellow cathodoluminescence (CL) emission spectra with darker cores and brighter rims. The cores have lower REE, whereas the rims are notably higher in REE. It is thought that the darker cores in CL images reflect a transition from an early low REE hydrothermal fluid to one enriched in REE. The hydrothermal apatite age of 2585 ± 15 Ma is consistent with the intrusions of the 2605 and 2590 Ma two-mica granites of the Prosperous Suite and associated LCT pegmatites.

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a positive strand RNA virus. The SARS-CoV-2 genome and its association to SAR-CoV-1 vary from ca. 66% to 96% depending on the type of betacoronavirdeae family members. With several drugs, viz. chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, artemisinin, remdesivir, azithromycin considered for clinical trials, there has been an inherent need to find distinctive antiviral mechanisms of these drugs. Curcumin, a natural bioactive molecule has been shown to have a therapeutic potential for various diseases, but its effect on COVID-19 has not been explored. In this study, we show the binding potential of curcumin targeted to a variety of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, viz. spike glycoproteins (PDB ID: 6VYB), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (PDB ID: 6VYO), membrane glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6M17) along with nsp10 (PDB ID: 6W4H) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (PDB ID: 6M71) structures. Our results indicate that curcumin has high binding affinity towards nucleocapsid and nsp 10 proteins with potential antiviral activity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder. One of the important therapeutic approaches of AD is the inhibition of β‐site APP cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1). This enzyme plays a central role in the synthesis of the pathogenic β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease. A group of potent BACE1 inhibitors with known x-ray structures (PDB ID 5i3X, 5i3Y, 5iE1, 5i3V, 5i3W, 4LC7, 3TPP) were studied by molecular dynamics simulation and binding energy calculation employing MM_GB(PB)SA. The calculated binding energies gave Kd values 0.139 µM, 1.39 nM, 4.39 mM, 24.3 nM, 1.39 mM, 29.13 mM and 193.07 nM, respectively. These inhibitors showed potent inhibitory activities in enzymatic and cell assays. The Kd values were compared with experimental values, the structures were discussed in view of the energy contributions to binding. Drug likeness of these inhibitors is also discussed. Accommodation of ligands in the catalytic site of BACE1 is discussed depending on the type of fragment involved in each structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and energy studies were used to explore the recognition of the selected BACE1 inhibitors by Asp 32, Asp228 and the hydrophobic flap. The results show that selective BACE1 inhibition may be due to the formation of strong electrostatic interactions with Asp32 and Asp228 and a large number of hydrogen bonds, π-π and Van der Waals interactions with the amino acid residues located inside the catalytic cavity. Interactions with the ligands show a similar binding mode with BACE1. These results help to rationalize the design of selective BACE1 inhibitors.

Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and have a high toxicity effect to living things which makes their presence in the environment extremely dangerous. The method of handling heavy metals waste by photocatalysis techniques using TiO2/SiO2 composite showed a good performance in reducing harmful pollutants. In this study, SiO2 from Bengkulu beach sand was used as a support material for TiO2 photocatalyst to reduce Cr(VI) and Pb(II) concentrations. SiO2 was obtained through leaching techniques using NaOH as a solvent. The TiO2/SiO2 composite photocatalyst were synthesized using a solvothermal method at 130 °C and then characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM and PSA. Based on the XRD diffractogram, the synthesized TiO2 showed the anatase structure while the SiO2 showed the amorphous structure. Ti-O-Si bond is defined in the IR spectra, which indicates that the relationship between TiO2 and SiO2 is a chemical interaction. The results of SEM and PSA characterizations show agglomerated spherical (round) particles with a mean particle size of 616.9 nm. The TiO2/SiO2 composite of 7:1 ratio showed the highest photocatalytic activity after 180 minutes of UV irradiation, with a concentration-decrease percentage of 93.77% and 93.55% for for Cr(VI) and Pb(II), respectively.

Smelting used to be less efficient in the past; therefore, wastes obtained from historical processing at smelter plants usually contain certain quantities of valuable metals. Upon the extraction of useful metal elements, metallurgical slag can be repurposed as an alternative mineral raw material in the building sector. A case study was conducted, which included an investigation of the physico-chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural properties of Pb-Zn slag found at the historic landfill near the Topilnica Veles smelter in North Macedonia. The slag was sampled using drill holes. The mineralogical and microstructural analysis revealed that the Pb-Zn slag is a very complex and inhomogeneous alternative raw material with utilizable levels of metals, specifically Pb (2.3 wt%), Zn (7.1 wt%), and Ag (27.5 ppm). Crystalline mineral phases wurtzite, sphalerite, galena, cerussite, akermanite, wüstite, monticellite, franklinite, and zincite were identified in the analyzed samples. The slag’s matrix consisted of alumino-silicates, amorphous silicates, and mixtures of spinel and silicates. Because the extraction of Pb, Zn, and Ag has economic potential, the first reutilization stage will be to convert metal concentrates into their collective concentrate, from which the maximum amount of these valuable elements may be taken out. This will include combination of gravity concentration and separation techniques. The next step is to assess the Pb-Zn slag’s potential applications in civil engineering based on its mineralogical and physico-mechanical properties. Alumino-silicates, amorphous silicates, and mixtures of spinel and silicates present in Pb-Zn slag, which contain high concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and Fe2O3, are suitable for use in cementitious building composites. The goal of this research is to suggest a solution for closing the circle of slag's reutilization in terms of Zero Waste principles, so it is critical to thoroughly investigate the material and establish methods and preparation processes, as well as ways of concentrating useful components into commercial products.

Smelting used to be less efficient in the past, so wastes obtained from historical processing at smelter plants usually contain certain quantities of valuable metals. A case study was conducted, which included an investigation of the physicochemical, mineralogical, and microstructural properties of raw material found at the historic slag pond near the Topilnica Veles smelter in North Macedonia. The Pb-Zn slag was sampled using traditional geophysical methods such as drill holes and pitholes. The mineralogical and microstructural analysis revealed that the Pb-Zn slag is a very complex and inhomogeneous alternative raw material with utilizable levels of metals, specifically Pb (2.24 wt%), Zn (7.10 wt%), and Ag (27.53 ppm). Amorphous phase, lead alloys, zinc alloys, wurtzite, sphalerite, galena, cerussite, elemental silver, elemental copper, elemental iron, magnetite, spinel, rutile, hematite, and troilite were also identified through qualitative mineralogical analysis. The glassy matrix composed of spinel, silicates, and mixed spinel-silicate is the most abundant constituent in slag composition. The various potential applications of the slag are possible based on its mineralogical and geochemical properties. Because the extraction of Pb, Zn, and Ag has certain economic potential, the next step, which will include gravity concentration and magnetic separation procedures, will be to form metal concentrates into their collective concentrate, from which the maximum amount of silver can be extracted. Slag's amorphous spinel, silicate, and mixed spinel-silicate phases, which contain high concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and Fe2O3, are suitable for use in building materials such as cement clinker, filler, or aggregate for concrete or mortar. The goal of this research is to close the circle of slag's reutilization potential in terms of Net Zero and Zero Waste principles, so it is critical to thoroughly investigate the material and establish methods and preparation processes, as well as ways of concentrating useful components into commercial products.

Seawater contamination is a global challenge due to its hazardous effects on marine organisms and human health. Twenty-three surface seawater samples were collected from Al Lith intertidal area along the Saudi Red Sea coast to evaluate the ecological risks and document the potential sources of Cr, Cd, Fe, Zn, and Pb. Contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cd), water quality index (WQI), and heavy metal pollution index (HPI), as well as multivariate tools were applied. The averages of HMs (μg/L) had the following order: Zn (6.616) > Pb (0.284) > Cd and Cr (0.268) > Fe (0.197). Results of CF showed moderate contamination of seawater with Cd and low contamination for Cr, Fe, Zn, and Pb. However, 26.09% of the samples showed considerable contamination for Cd. Average Cd values revealed low contamination for HMs, while 17.39% of the samples showed moderate contamination. HPI average values indicated medium pollution for Al Lith seawater, meanwhile 13 samples reported high pollution. The higher HPI values were reported in samples characterized by higher concentration of HMs, particularly Cd and Zn. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis suggested anthropogenic sources for Pb and Zn, mostly from industrial and agricultural effluents, landfilling and domestic wastewaters, apart from their natural sources.

Clean water is now very rare due to the increased water pollution causing many diseases. Heavy metals mainly lead from industrial waste i.e. batteries, cable sheaths, machinery manufacturing, shipbuilding, lead oxide and radiation protection is accountable & largely contributed lead in river and canal waters. Presence of lead in water is hazardous to life due to many reasons. It can cause cancer, weakness, anemia, kidneys, high blood pressure and nerve diseases. Inorganic lead is reported to me more dangerous than organic one. Industries including batteries, cable sheaths, machinery manufacturing etc. drains water that has soluble lead ranging from 200 – 500 mg/L. The safe limit of lead in water is about 0.015 mg/L. Pakistan is a country rich in minerals. It has about 3.5 MT of Kaolin (Clay) deposits situated at Nagar Parker region of Sindh, Pakistan. This indigenous material is being used to produce ceramic products and in paper making. Now we use this mineral source to remove lead from water by adsorption. Kaolin clay can be used as an adsorbent due to its unique structure. XRF technique is employed for clay characterization. Resultants will be analyzed by UV – Vis Spectrophotometry.

The methanation of CO2 is of great interest in power-to-gas systems and contributes to the mitigation of climate change through carbon dioxide capture and the subsequent production of high value-added products. This study investigated CO2 methanation with three Ni catalysts supported on Al2O3 and ZrO2, which were simulated using a mathematical model of a packed bed reactor designed based on their chemical kinetics reported in the literature. The simulated reactive system was fed with syngas obtained from residual coffee pulp, obtained after solvent phytochemical extraction process, under several gasification conditions. The results reflect a high incidence of catalyst support, preparation method, and syngas composition on CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity. For all the syngas compositions, Ni/ZrO2 catalysts show the best values for CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity for Ni/Al2O3 catalyst.

Heavy metal contamination is listed among the most alarming threats to the environment and human health. The detrimental effects of heavy metals in the natural environment span from a reduction of biodiversity to toxic effects on marine life - through microplastic born heavy metals -, to impairment of microbial activity in the soil, and to detrimental effects on animal reproduction. A host of different chemical and biological technologies have been proposed to alleviate environmental contamination by heavy metals. Relatively less attention has been paid to the microbial precipitation of heavy metals, as a side mechanism of the most general process of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). This process is currently receiving a great deal of interest from both a theoretical and practical standpoint, because of its possible practical applications in concrete healing and soil consolidation, and its importance in the more general framework of microbial induced mineral precipitation. In this study, we analyse the ability of the marine bacteria Vibrio harveyi in co-precipitating CaCO3 minerals, together with Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn added in form of nitrates, from solutions containing CaCl2. The precipitated carbonatic minerals were a function of the different heavy metals present in the solution. The process of co-precipitation appears to be rather effective and fast, as the concentrations of the 4 heavy metals were reduced in 2 days by 97.2%, on average, in the solutions.

The Danxia landform area of Jingbian Wave Valley is located in the central part of Ordos Basin. The near-red Danxia landform consisting of sandstone in this area is a new discovery in geological circles at home and abroad, and its depositional age and genesis remain a hot topic of discussion at present. As the material basis for its development, red sandstone is of great importance to the in-depth study on its formation date and origin. The paper explores the origin, tectonic significance and paleogeographic pattern of the red sandstone through field geological investigation and zircon U-Pb dating analysis of the red sandstone of the Luohe Formation. The results show that the original materials of the red sandstone was formed in three main age intervals, 252~456 Ma, 1657~2084 Ma, and 2129~2538 Ma, and regional tectonothermal events in the origin area during the three periods were recorded, among which the events in Mesoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic periods were the most active. The comparative analysis of zircon U-Pb age spectra shows that for the sediment of red sandstone, the early origin is near-origin and late origin is distant-origin. The main origin areas in the study area are the Xingmeng orogenic belt, the North China massif and the Alashan massif; the vertical section reflects that the origin area has the strongest erosion and transport in the upper deposition period, the smallest erosion and transport in the middle deposition period, and the moderate erosion and transport in the lower deposition period. With origins system dominated by the northern origins and the paleogeographic pattern of multi-period and cyclonic, the area mainly experienced four tectonic movement cycles, such as Wutai, Lvliang, Caledon and Haixi.

Plants endogenous hormones play an important role in resistance to soil lead (Pb) contamination. In order to explore the response of plant hormones to Pb stress, pot experiment was conducted to analysis the hormones contents, related gene expressions and Pb accumulation of Arabis alpina under Pb treatment and transporter (CAX(cation exchangers), HMA(heavy metal ATPase) and ABC(ATP-binding cassette transporter)) activities under foliage spraying auxin (IAA). The results showed that contents of total Pb and soluble components Pb (vacuoles) in roots and leaves of Arabis alpina increased with increase of Pb treatment concentrations. Compering to 100 mg·kg-1 Pb2+ treatment, Pb contents in soluble components of roots and leaves under 300 mg·kg-1 Pb2+ treatment increased by 896.3% and 238.8%, respectively. The contents of endogenous hormones in leaves and roots increased under Pb treatment concentrations. Comparing to control (0 mg·kg-1 Pb2+ treatment), contents of auxin in roots and leaves under 100 mg∙kg-1 Pb treatment increased by 176.19% and 585.29%, respectively. Auxin contents in xylem saps under 100 and 300 mg∙kg-1 Pb treatments increased by 283.14% and 100.30%, respectively. Gene expression related to auxin transport was up-adjusted. The expressions of three gene related to auxin-repressed 12.5 kDa protein and auxin-responsive GH3 family were down-adjusted. Under foliage spraying IAA, Pb contents in leaves increased by 29.81% and Pb content in symplast sap was higher than that with non spraying IAA treatment. The activities of CAX and HMA in roots of A. alpina increased by 9.62% and 8.79% with foliage spraying IAA treatment, while activity of ABC decreased by 21.94%. In general, contents of auxin and related genes expressions of A. alpina increased under Pb treatment, which enhanced activities of CAX and HMA resulting in Pb translocation through symplast pathway.

In this work, nanochitosan (NC) was prepared through ionic gelation using low-molecular-weight chitosan and maleic acid (MA). The synthesized NC was charac¬terized by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In the course of preparation, the particle size of the material was strongly depended on the parameters such as chitosan concentration and pH of the solution. By controlling the above parameters, NC with the size of smaller than 100 nm was prepared. The chitosan and prepared NC were used for the adsorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions in a batch system. Among the sorption parameters, pH showed the strongest effect on the sorption process and maximum Pb (II) removal was obtained at pH value of 6. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order were used to track the kinetics of adsorption process. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were subjected to sorption data to estimate the sorption capacity. NC proved to be an excellent adsorbent with remarkable capacity to remove Pb (II) ions from the aqueous solutions at various concentrations. The NC also showed incredible performance with a comparatively easier preparation process than other reported work.

Continuous ultrasonic in-situ monitoring for industrial applications is difficult owing to the high operating temperatures in industrial fields. It is expected that ultrasonic transducers consisting of CaBi4Ti4O15(CBT)/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT) sol-gel composite could be one solution for ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) above 500 C because no couplant is required and CBT has a high Curie temperature. To verify the high temperature durability, CBT/PZT sol-gel composite films were fabricated on titanium substrates by spray coating, and the CBT/PZT samples were tested in a furnace at various temperatures. Reflected echoes with a high signal-to-noise ratio were observed up to 600 C. A thermal cycle test was conducted from room temperature to 600 C, and no significant deterioration was found after the second thermal cycle. To investigate the long-term high-temperature durability, a CBT/PZT ultrasonic transducer was tested in the furnace at 600 °C for 36 h. Ultrasonic responses were recorded every 3 h, and the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio were stable throughout the experiment.

Toxic metal wastewater is a challenge for exposed terrestrial, aquatic environments and the recyclability of the water, prompting inputs for the development of promising treatment methods. Consequently, the rGO/ZnONP nanocomposite was synthesized at room temperature for four hours and was tested for adsorption of cadmium and lead in wastewater. The optimized nanocomposite had the lowest band gap energy (2.69 eV) and functional group interactions were at 516, 1220, 1732, 3009, and 3460 cm-1. The nanocomposite showed saturation of ZnO nanoparticles on rGO with a weight percentage of zinc (60.02 %), oxygen (22.96 %), and carbon (16.58 %), and the micrograph showed slight agglomeration on the sheet surface. The nanocomposite’s D and G band intensities were almost the same constituting the ZnO presence on rGO from the raman spectrum. The adsorption equilibrium time for cadmium and lead was reached within 10 and 90 minutes with efficiencies of ~ 100 %. Sips and Freundlich were best fitting the cadmium and lead adsorption data (R2 ~ 1), therefore the adsorption was a multilayer coverage for lead and a mixture of heterogenous and homogenous coverage for cadmium adsorption. Both adsorptions were best fitted by the pseudo first order model, suggesting the multilayer coverage dominance. The adsorbent was reused for three and seven times for cadmium and lead. The nanocomposite showed selectivity towards lead (95 %) and cadmium (100 %) in the interfering wastewater matrix. Conclusively, the nanocomposite may be embedded within upcoming lab-scale treatment plants which could lead to further upscaling and serving as industrial wastewater treatment material.

The detection of toxic heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), is a global problem due to ongoing pollution incidents and continuous anthropogenic and industrial activities. Therefore, it is important to develop effective detection techniques to determine the levels of contamination from heavy metals in various media. Electrochemical techniques and more specifically, voltammetry, due to its properties, is a promising method for the simultaneous detection of heavy metals. This review examines current trends related to electrode formation and analysis techniques used. In addition, there is a reference to advanced detection methods based on nanoparticles developed so far, as well as formation with bismuth and the emerging technique of screen printed electrodes. Finally, the advantages of using these methods are highlighted, while a discussion is made on the benefits arising from nanotechnology, as it gives the researcher a new idea for integrating these technologies into devices that can be used anywhere and anytime.

Western Anatolia comprises a vast amount of various volcanic successions spanning from Eocene to Upper Miocene periods. These units mainly display southward younging in broad sense and display large amounts of chemical variation that spanned from basalt to rhyolite. The southward younging of magmatism and chemical variations have been largely attributed to the retreat and roll-back of the Hellenic slab and the western escape of the Anatolian microplate. However, there is still a lack of high precision data to pinpoint the exact nature of the magmatism and lithospheric tectonics. In this contribution we investigated a poorly known region along the Western Anatolia along Manisa district called Karakılıçlı volcanic field. We investigated two different volcanic sections (Kalpakkaya and Çamlık hill) that display the best volcano-sedimentary features in terms of geochronology and geochemistry. Samples acquired from the bottom, middle and upper portions of these sections display Early-Middle Miocene ages of 17.64±0.20, 17.22±0.15, 16.16±0.17 and 16.36±0.13, 15.79±0.71 and 13.61±0.20 Ma respectively. The results indicate that the volcanism in the region generated by the melting of the mantle and/or lithospheric mantle by slab retreat and roll-back of the Hellenic slab and evolved in the shallow magma chambers/mushes by fractional crystallization, magma mixing and crustal assimilation.

Porous asphalt (PA) pavement systems with and without a geotextile layer were investigated in laboratory experiments to determine the impacts of the geotextile layer on processes leading to lead ion (Pb2+) removal from stormwater runoff. Two types of geotextile membranes placed separately at upper and lower levels within the PA systems were tested in an artificial rainfall experiment using synthetic rainwater. The effect of storage capacity within the system on Pb2+ removal was also investigated. Results indicated that the use of a geotextile layer resulted in a longer delay to the onset of effluent. The non-woven geotextile membrane placed below the reservoir course improved the Pb2+ removal rate by 20% over removal efficiency of the system using a woven geotextile placed just below the surface but before the choker course. Pb2+ ions were reduced by over 98% in the effluent after being held for 24 hours in reservoir storage. Results suggest that temporary storage of stormwater in the reservoir course of a PA system is essential to improving Pb2+ ion removal capability.

The physicalchemistry properties and crystal structure of were nano-ZrO₂+3mol.%Y₂O₃ determined. The kinetics of the formation of H₂ as a result of the decomposition of H₂O on the surface of nano-ZrO₂+3mol.%Y₂O₃ was studied. Effects of adsorption and desorption process on ZrO₂+3 mol.%Y₂O₃ nanoparticles were studied at different (T=400÷1000⁰C) temperature. The study of H₂ in thermal processes at nano-ZrO₂+3 mol.%Y₂O₃ system increased. Such an increase in H₂ generation in comparison with a pure H₂O as thermal processes had formedactive centers for H₂O decomposition on the surface of the catalyst at the expense of δ-electrons emitted on the surface of nano-ZrO₂+3 mol.%Y₂O₃. This showed that the dimensions of the studied nanoscale particles systems are comparable to the free running distance of energy carriers generated by of nano-ZrO₂+3 mol.%Y₂O₃ as a result of thermal processes. These results are promising for hydrogen generation by waer spliting in near future.

The critical systems, which the failure and malfunction may result in human, environment and financial severe damages, are essential components in various sectors and particularly in energy domains. Although unwished, integration error problems in supervision of critical systems occurs, incurring significant expenses because of operator’s subjective analysis and on hardware topology failures. In this work, a malleable model design approach is proposed to formulate and solve the integration error problem in the critical systems supervision in terms of reliability. A real Hybrid Power Plant (HPP) case is considered as a requirement for a study case with simulated data. A method framework with informal approach (C4 diagram) and formal approach (Hierarchical Coloured Petri Nets) in radial spectrum is applied to the HPP supervision design. Using formal methods, a formulation and solution to this problem through structured, scalable and compact mathematical representations are possible. This malleable model intends to guarantee functional correctness and then reliability of the plant supervision system based on system software architecture. Outcomes suggest corroboration that the malleable model is appropriate for energy domain, and can be used for other types of critical systems, bringing all the benefits of this methodology to the context in which it will be applied.

Milling and mining metal ores are major sources of heavy metal contamination. The Spring River and its tributaries in southeast Kansas are contaminated with Pb, Zn, and Cd as a result of 120 years of mining activities. Trace metal transformations and cycling in mine waste materials greatly influence their mobility and toxicity and affect plant productivity and human health. It has been hypothesized that under reduced conditions in sulfate-rich environments, these metals can be transformed into their sulfide forms, thus limiting mobility and toxicity. We studied biogeochemical transformations of Pb, Zn and Cd in flooded subsurface mine waste materials, natural or treated with organic carbon (OC) and/or sulfur (S), by combining advanced microbiological and X-ray spectroscopic techniques to determine the effects of treatments on the microbial community structure and identify the dominant functional genes involved in the biogeochemical transformations, especially metal sulfide formation over time. Samples collected from medium-, and long-term submerged columns were used for microarray analysis via functional gene array (GeoChip 4.2). The total number of detected gene abundance decreased under long-term submergence, but major functional genes abundance was enhanced with OC plus S treatment. The microbial community exhibited a substantial change in structure in response to OC and S addition. Sulfur-reducing bacteria genes dsrA/B were identified as key players in metal sulfide formation via dissimilatory sulfate reduction. Uniqueness of this study is that microbial analyses presented here in details are in agreements with molecular-scale synchrotron-based X-ray data supporting that OC-plus-S treatment would be a promising strategy for reducing metal toxicity in mine waste materials.

The efficiency of a new composite material of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) of ZnMgAl and rice husk biochar (RHB) for the removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from synthetic wastewater was investigated in this study. The images of scanning electron microscope showed extremely fine crystalline LDH particles decorated on the rough surface of the RHB while the succesful formation of the composite adsorbent (LDH/RHB) was confirmed by the corresponding energy dispersive X-ray and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. An equilibrium contact time of 30 and 15 min for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively, was proposed for the optimum performance of the batch adsorption process. The dose of the LDH/RHB adsorbent was optimized at 0.4 g yielding maximum adsorption capacities of 117 and 124 mg g-1 for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively, with corresponding maximum removal efficiencies of nearly 94% and 99%. The initial meta concentrations was optimized at 50 or 60 mg L-1 corresponding to maximum removal efficiencies or adsorption capacities. For the changing initial metal’s concentration, the removal efficiencies remained unchanged for up to 50 mg L-1 and decreased by about 50% by increasing the initial concentrations from 50 to 100 mg L-1. The adsorption capacities observed a linear increasing trend by increasing the initial concentrations from 5 to 60 mg L-1 and remained unchanged afterward up to 100 mg L-1. A solution pH of 6.0 yielded optimum results with an increasing trend in adsorption capacities and percentage removal by changing the solution pH from 2.0 to 7.0. Based on the best-fit of the pseudo second-order kinetic model to the experimental data, the chemisorption was suggested to be the controlling mechanism of adsorption. The fitting of the Langmuir model suggested a monolayer sorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ in addition to a heterogeneous adsorption as supported by the fitting of the Temkin isotherm. The application of the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm proposed a physical adsorption (mean free energy of adsorption less than 8 kJ mol−1) of both heavy metal ions on the surface of the LDH/RHB adsorbent.

This paper describes the proposal and development of a proof of concept (PoC) for a data logger system designed for operation and fault detection in bench testing of combustion engines. The main objective was to develop a data logger system that collects data on vibration, sound, temperature, and CO2 levels to identify ignition and combustion faults, thereby contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The paper presents (i) the proposal and development and (ii) the open-source code: proof of concept for a data logger system focused on detecting faults and monitoring the operational condition of benchtop combustion engines. The results indicate the feasibility of the PoC for data acquisition and dataset creation for Research and Development purposes.

In this work we report recent theoretical calculations of a superconducting island in a strong vortex confinement regime. The obtained results reveal the evolution of superconducting condensate as a function of electron mean-free path (l) with the evolution of an applied magnetic field H0. The results of this study provide an insight about the emergent superconducting properties under such conditions, using the Ginzburg-Landau numerical simulations where spatial variation of thickness d on island, omnipresent in these kind of structures grown on Si (111), is taken into account. These results offer a new route to tailor superconducting circuits by using the controlled bombardment, in order to explore the impact on vortex distribution, phase of order parameter, number of vortices, free energy and the first H1 and second critical field H2.

Two monophyletic Daphnia species (Daphnia magna and D. similis) were exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of Pb (50 µg/L) for nine generations under two food regimes (usual and restricted) and analysed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, hatching delay and lifespan, and Net Reproductive Rate (R0) at subcellular, individual and population levels, respectively. At the sixth generation, Pb acclimated neonates were moved to a clean media for three more generations to check for recovery. D. magna showed no Pb effect on Net Reproductive Rate (R0). However, Pb stimulated reproduction, reduced lifespan and decreased AChE activity. Hatching delay and lifespan did not improve during the recovery process, indicating genetic adaptation. Food restriction reduced R0, lifespan, delayed hatching, and increased AChE activity; opposite outcomes were shown for D. similis. Full recovery shown by R0 suggests a physiological acclimation of D. similis. Under food restriction, the animals exhibited a reduction of R0 and lifespan, delayed hatching and increased AChE activity; however, with no Pb effect. The recovery process under food restriction showed that D. similis might not cope with Pb exposure, indicating failed recovery. Such outcomes indicate that a model species' sensitivity may not represent another's sensitivity.

The photocatalysis process over N-doped TiO2 under visible light is examined for Pb(II) oxidation to form the less toxic and handleable PbO2 suggesting a new method for Pb(II) remediation. The doping TiO2 with N element was conducted by simple hydrothermal technique and using urea as the N source with various concentrations. The doped photocatalysts were characterized by DRUVS, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX instruments. Photocatalysis of Pb(II) through batch experiment was performed for evaluation of the doped TiO2 activity under visible light, with applying various fractions of N doped, photocatalyst weigh, irradiation time, and solution pH. The research results attributed that N doping has been successfully performed, that shifted TiO2 absorption into visible region, allowing it to be active under visible irradiation. The photocatalytic removal of Pb(II) under visible ligth over N-TiO2 showed more effective than that of over the un-doped photocatalyst. The removal of Pb(II) has notably taken place through oxidation, that may form PbO2. The highest photocatalytic oxidation of Pb(II) 15 mg/L in 25 mL of the solution could be reached by using TiO2 doped with 10%w of N, 15 mg of N-TiO2 weight, 30 minutes of time, and at pH 8, suggesting a feseable method for Pb(II) remediation.

Using co-precipitation to synthesize (CeO2)0.95(Y2O3)0.05 (YDC) and solid reaction method to synthesize (CeO2)0.75(ZrO2)0.25 (ZDC), and the characterization for both crystal structure and micro-structure of the two materials was conducted with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods. Prepare the YDC and ZDC based limited current O2 sensor by employing platinum pasting bonding method. Sensing characteristics of the sensor were obtained at different conditions and study on the impact of temperature, O2 concentration as well as water vapor pressure on the sensing characteristics had been conducted. XRD results show that the phase structure of both YDC and ZDC is cubic phase. SEM results show that both YDC and ZDC layers are dense layers, which are then qualified to be the composition materials of the sensor. This limited current O2 sensor shows good sensing performance and conforms to the Knudsen model. Log(IL•T) depends linearly on 1000/T with R2 of 0.9904, IL depends linearly on x(O2) with R2 of 0.9726 and sensing characteristics are not affected by p(H2O).

Pollutants accumulate in aquatic habitats as a result of mining activities. Lemna gibba and Lemna minor were used in this study to examine the accumulation capacities of Mo+, Pb+, and Cu++ in the acid fluids of the copper mining. Duckweed family includes water plants like L. minor and L. gibba. These are tiny, delicate, free-floating aquatic plants. Two reactors were assigned to L. gibba and L. minor, respectively. Throughout the course of eight days, these plants and reactor water were gathered every day. The acid mine water's pH, temperature, and electric conductivity were also tested every day. The L. gibba and L. minor were cleaned, dehydrated, and burned in a drying oven for a whole day at 300 oC. ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy) was used to determine the Mo+, Pb+, and Cu++ content of the plant and water samples. The concentrations of Mo, Pb, and Cu in the acid mine fluids of the copper mining were 30±4, 260±12, and 15535±322 μg L−1, respectively.in that order. When it came to extracting Mo, Pb, and Cu from the acidic fluids of the copper mining, L. gibba and L. minor performed well and efficiently compared to control samples; they did so 29 and 177 times for Mo, 30 and 109 times for Pb, and 495 and 1150 times for Cu. Considering all these findings, it has been shown that L. gibba and L. minor have the ability to efficiently remove Mo, Pb and Cu in acid mine fluids and can be good rehabilitation plants for polluted waters.

Soarinho Alkaline Intrusion, southeastern Brazil, makes part of the Serra do Mar Igneous Province, and it is composed of alkali feldspar syenite, alkali feldspar trachyte, quartz syenite, and mon-zonite. Geochemical and geochronological analysis of the Soarinho were compared with data from its neighbors Rio Bonito and Tanguá. Zircon U-Pb Laser Ablation ages show that Soarinho is youngest than Rio Bonito and Tanguá. Ages obtained from the monzonite (60 ± 2 Ma), alkali feldspar syenite (58 ± 2 Ma), and quartz syenite (58 ± 2 Ma) are indistinguishable within error. Petrographic and geochemical data show a clear contrast among Soarinho, Rio Bonito, Tanguá, and Lu-Hf isotopic data for the three alkaline intrusions (all negative), point to some similarities in their sources. The data suggest an enriched mantle source for Soarinho; however, an older con-tinental crust contribution cannot be discarded.

A single paragraph of about 200 words maximum. For research articles, abstracts should give a pertinent overview of the work. We strongly encourage authors to use the following style of structured abstracts, but without headings: (1) Background: Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study; (2) Methods: briefly describe the main methods or treatments applied; (3) Results: summarize the article's main findings; (4) Conclusions: indicate the main conclusions or interpretations. The abstract should be an objective representation of the article and it must not contain results that are not presented and substantiated in the main text and should not exaggerate the main conclusions.

Heavy metal pollution in the aquatic water bodies via the discharge of various toxic heavy metals from industrial effluents has been a major concern in the present era. Various physical and chemical processes are available to solve this problem of heavy metal pollution. Biosorption is considered as a potential alternative for the removal of heavy metals from waste waters as compared to other conventional processes. In the present work, biosorption of Cu(II), Cr(VI), Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions was carried out by using peels of Citrus aurantifolia. The peels were found to be efficient in the biosorption of all four metal ions under study. The biosorption process was found to be influenced by factors like contact time, temperature, pH, turbidity as well as biosorbent dose. Further, the change in characteristics of Citrus aurantifolia after biosorption process was studied by using E-SEM, EDAX and FT-IR analysis. The adsorption isotherm studies revealed that Freundlich isotherm model showed better fir to experimental data as compared to Langmuir isotherm model. The results were found to be significant statistically. The regeneration of biosorbent was carried out by desorption study by using certain eluents.

Molecular modeling studies were carried out at the DFT level of the adsorption of propane and propene on Ag surfaces as a model of the interaction of light hydrocarbons with Ag/ZrO2 catalysts for the catalytic combustion reaction. It was found that the most stable mode of adsorption of propene through its π system on Ag atom has energies consistent with chemisorption and generates an elongation of the C1=C2 bond, which would explain the increase in the activity of the catalysts as function of its metallic charge. The results obtained from the DFT calculations explain the different types of interaction between propene and propane with the metallic surface. The propene is chemisorbed on the Ag surface, distorting its bonds and generating its activation. This would imply that a higher metallic charge in the catalyst would increase the number of active sites in which this activation occurs, generating a higher activity. Besides, with the addition of O, the binding energy between the propene and the metal surface increased. On the other hand, the presence of a metallic surface is not enough for the activation of the propane molecule. This would explain why by increasing the amount of metal in the catalyst, the activity for the combustion of propane is practically not affected

The PB Sudirman hydroelectric power plant, built in 1988, has fewer than 50 years of operational life. In contrast, the planned operating life for this dam is 50 years. This dam is experiencing intensive sedimentation, which results in siltation. Dredging efforts and catchment area management are conducted to extend the operational life of the dam. Therefore, technical and economic analysis of dredging activities and the potential benefits of dredged sediment is needed to determine the solution's effectiveness. We use the site survey method to conduct an environmental impact analysis and interviews with dam managers. The identification of the extent and distribution of erosion-sedimentation was carried out as part of the technical assessment. In the economic study, we calculate the dredging costs and profits from selling dredged sediments, mainly sand. The analysis results show that the dredging of deposits in the foreset slope area is not profitable. There are 17 areas of bank spoil that have economic benefits. This study concludes that the need for dredging costs on foreset slopes is higher than the profit from selling dredging sediments.

First of all the paper presents a solid solution of piezoelectric ceramic that was synthesized according to the general formula Pb(1-x)Srx(Ti0.48Zr0.52)(1-y)NbyO3 with x = 0.05 and y = 0.02, using wet ceramic processing technology and using an oxide mix as prime material. The effects of dopants (Sr2+ and Nb5+) on phase constitution, on microstructure and on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties were determinate. The Zr/Ti ratio was chosen near the morphotropic phase boundary of the PZT system in studied composition. The XRD data revealed that the PZT doped composition had tetragonal perovskite structure. Secondly the paper presents the design of the novel piezo-motor based on a surface wave which translates the linear extension of different piezoelectric segments of a piezoelectric cylinder into a rotational bending movement. This rotational bending of the piezoelectric cylinder is then transformed into a continuous rotation of the rotor through a calculated contact. The design of the motor takes advantage of the high piezoelectric constants of the developed material in an optimal way in order to increase the energetic efficiency. A brief mathematical model of electromechanical answer of piezoelectric materials is presented as it was used in the modeling of the material during the numerical simulations.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of strontium oxide addition on zirconium silicate recrystallization when adding strontium oxide to the glaze composition. Zirconia glazes (4 different contents) were prepared to which strontium oxide was added in amounts of 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 mass%. SrO. The characteristic temperatures of the raw glazes were measured, based on which the maximum firing temperatures were determined. The fired glazes were subjected to study of the phase composition and observation of the microstructure. Analysis of the characteristic temperatures showed a fluxing effect, but it was not as strong for all glazes. Differences in the amount of the crystalline phase of zirconium silicate obtained in fired glazes and the partial transition of zirconium silicate to the amorphous phase were observed. Observations of the microstructure clearly indicated an increase in the homogeneity of the distribution of zirconium silicate.

The petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of the early Paleozoic adakitic rocks in the east of Inner Mongolia remain topics of debate. In this study, petrology, zircon U–Pb age and Lu–Hf isotopic composition, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes from adakitic rocks. Zircon U–Pb dating results demonstrate that the formation age is 242.8±1.0Ma, 247Ma，which is the product of Early Triassic magmatism. Petrology and geochemical study have shown that the granodiorite have high SiO2 (66.93% ~69.40%), Al2O3(15.37% ~ 15.43%), MgO (1.35% ~1.55%), with LREE enrichment and HREE deficit，and they have high Sr, low Y. and high Sr/Y ratios, showing typical signatures of adakitic rocks. The εHf(t) values of zircon vary between +11.3 and +13.8, with a low whole-rock (87Sr/86Sr)i ( 0.703382 )and positive εNd(t) values, the average Mg# of the rock is 56.14, suggesting that adakite derived from partial melting of MORB, and magma interaction with the mantle. Comprehensive analysis suggests that during the Late Permian to Early Triassic, the subducted slab of the Paleo-Asian Ocean broke off, and the residual oceanic slab preserved in the mantle beneath the subduction zone underwent partial melting, generating adakitic magma.

We investigated the magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic (AFM) topological insulator MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ with partial substitution of Mn atoms by non-magnetic elements (A$_x^{IV}$ = Ge, Pb, Sn). Samples with various element concentrations (10-80%) were studied using SQUID magnetometry. The results demonstrate that, for all substitutes the type of magnetic ordering remains AFM, while the Nèel temperature (T$_N$) and spin-flop transition field (H$_{SF}$) decrease with increasing A$_x^{IV}$ = Ge, Pb, Sn concentration. The rate of decrease varies among the elements, being highest for Pb, followed by Sn and Ge. This behavior is attributed to combined effects of magnetic dilution and lattice parameter increase on magnetic properties, most prominent in (Mn$_{1−x}$Pb$_x$)Bi$_2$Te$_4$. Besides this, the linear approximation of experimental data of T$_N$ and H$_{SF}$ suggests higher magnetic parameters for pure MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ than observed experimentally, indicating the possibility of their non-monotonic variation at low concentrations and the potential for enhancing magnetic properties through doping MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ with small amounts of nonmagnetic impurities. Notably, the (Mn$_{1−x}$Pb$_x$)Bi$_2$Te$_4$ sample with 10% Pb substitution indeed exhibits increased magnetic parameters, which is also validated by local analyses using ARPES. Our findings shed light on tailoring the magnetic behavior of MnBi$_2$Te$_4$-based materials, offering insights for potential applications in device technologies.

Delayed cancer detection is one of the common causes of poor prognosis in case of many cancers including the cancers of the oral cavity. Despite improvement and development of new and efficient gene therapy treatments, very little has been done to algorithmically assess the impedance of these carcinomas. In this work, we attempt to annotate viable attributes in oral cancer gene datasets for identification of gingivobuccal cancer (GBC). We further apply supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods to the gene datasets revealing key candidate attributes for GBC prognosis. Our work highlights the importance of automated identification of key genes responsible for GBC that could perhaps be easily replicated to other forms of oral cancer detection.

Systems genetics is key for integrating a large number of variants associated with diseases. Vitamin K (VK) is one of the scarcely studied conditions in lieu of ascertaining either the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) or variants in an individual subpopulation of diseased phenotypes associated with VK, viz. myocardial infarction, renal failure, prostate cancer, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, coagulation related diseases to name a few. In this work, we have screened characteristic DEGs common to three VK-related diseases, viz. myocardial infarction, renal failure and prostate cancer and asked whether or not any DEGs in addition to pathogenic variants are common to these conditions. We attempt to bridge the gap in finding characteristic biomarkers and discuss the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biogenesis of VK deficiencies.

The results of an LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating and Hf isotope study of zircon crystals separated from small eclogite xenoliths found in Devonian kimberlites within the Prypyat horst, Ukraine, are reported. The studied area is located in the Central Belarusian Suture Zone, which represents a Paleoproterozoic belt extending along the boundary between the Sarmatian and Fennoscandian segments of the East European Platform. Four laser ablation sites on two zircon grains yielded Paleoproterozoic U-Pb ages between 1954 ± 24 Ma and 1735 ± 54 Ma. In contrast, three of four Hf sites revealed negative εHf values and Paleoarchean to Mesoarchean model ages, excluding the possibility that the eclogite xenoliths represent segments of a Paleoproterozoic subducted slab or younger mafic melts crystallized in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. A single laser ablation Hf spot yielded a positive εHf value (+3) and a Paleoproterozoic model age. Two models for eclogite origin can be proposed. The first foresees the extension of the Archean lower-crustal or lithospheric roots beneath the Central Belarus Suture Zone for over 200 km from the nearest known outcrop of Archean rocks. The second model is that the Central Belarus Suture Zone represents a rifted-out fragment of the Kola-Karelian craton that was accreted to Sarmatia before the actual collision of these two segments of Baltica.

Piezoelectric properties are of significant importance to medical ultrasound, actuators, sensor, and countless other device applications. The mechanism of piezoelectric properties can be deeply understood from structure evolutions. In this paper, we report a diagram of structure evolutions of the Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.91Ti0.09O3 (PZN-9PT) single crystal with excellent piezoelectric properties among the orthorhombic, tetragonal, and cubic phases with temperature increasing from room temperature to 220 C. Through fitting the temperature dependence XRD curves with Gauss and Lorenz functions, we obtained the evolutions of the content ratio of three kinds of phases (orthorhombic, tetragonal and cubic) and the lattice parameters of the PZN-9PT system with the changes of temperature. The XRD fitting results together with Raman and dielectric spectrums show that the phase transitions of PZN-9PT are a typical continuous evolution process, very similar to the phase transition of paraffin from solid to liquid. Additionally, resonance and anti-resonance spectrum show excellent piezoelectric properties of the crystals, which probably originate from the nano twin domains, as demonstrated by the TEM images. Of particular attention is that the thickness electromechanical coupling factor kt is up to 72%.

Pb found in rain water is not only caused by tin roof on houses but also caused by the pollution of industrial activities, vehicles and land clearing activity by fire. Pb pollutant dissolves and enters into rain water storages and it’s consumed as drinking. Pb can cause bad impact to human, for example disruption of enzyme, anemia and low intelligence. The purposes of this research are (1) to evaluate Pb, pH and turbidity level in rain water, (2) to analyze the effectiveness of mollusk sand filtration and the absorption of activity carbon to decrease Pb, turbidity and pH, and (3) to analyze the correlation of Pb, length of stay and smoking habit on public health. This research is an experimental by using pre and post test designs with control and observational by using cross sectional design. The research was conducted in urban and rural areas of Pontianak and Kubu Raya regency. The sampling was done in determining the number of samples of Pb, pH and turbidity in rain water. The analyzing the data by using computer program. The results show that: (1) the average of Pb, pH and turbidity level before treatment is considered high at 131.7 µg/L on Pb, turbidity at 20 NTU and low pH at 5.2. After the treatment was the Pb has decreased to 0.71 µg/L and turbidity has to 5.66 NTU, pH to 6.9 and (2) Rain water treatment is very effective to decrease Pb for 99.4% and turbidity for 72%, and (3) there is a correlation among Pb found in rain water, length of stay and smoking activity to public health. Recommends that: the residents of Pontianak and Kubu Raya to process rain water before consuming. The rain water treatment can be done by applying mollusk sand filtration and absorption of active carbon.

The studied Khanbogd pluton of peralkaline granite is located in southern Mongolia and occupies an area of ~1000 sq. km. Previously, two ring-shaped bodies were constructed in a flattened shape pluton. However, this shape was not used for the genesis of this pluton. A recent study of Landsat image showed a several elliptical intrusions in two bodies. Chemistry interpretation shows that each intrusion differs in ASI, CIPW norms, 87Sr/86Sri and δ18O isotopes. Elliptical intrusions, uplifted country rocks between them, and roof pendants suggest magma penetration along fractured country rocks. Furthermore, two adjacent intrusive bodies and undeformed host rocks at the front part of the pluton are consistent with underplating magmatic factors during duplex-type thrusting. This magma event is also supported by low of Sr, Ba, Eu and high of Th, U, Pb anomalies and a few amount of garnet crystals in the granites, implying vapor absent melt crystallization associated with underplating. Multiple melt sources, as well as from mantle and recycled sea floor rocks, are identified by ratio of 87Sr /86Sri and δ18O values. The low isotope values, the thrust nature and 295–286 Ma ages of the alkali granites, indicate an underplate magma evidenced during Permian rifting.

Hazardous toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium, and to a lesser extent aluminum, are extensively recognized as detrimental for health following ingestion within food and water, or following inhalation. Gut and food-derived microbes, by interacting with heavy metals, may actively or passively modulate their bioavailability inside the gut, either by adsorption or by sequestration. Such a bioremediation within the gut implies the selection of safe microbes, based on their specific capacities to immobilize metals. We investigated the metal removal ability of 225 bacteria toward the potential harmful trace elements lead, cadmium and aluminum in vitro, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry analysis. Interspecies and intraspecies comparisons were addressed and discussed among bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, which are mostly lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus spp, with some Lactococcus, Pediococcus and Carnobacterium representatives, Actinobacteria as well as Proteobacteria. The effect on mixture of lead and cadmium was also investigated. Although the purpose of such a screening is so far not to elucidate each of the various strain specific- and metal dependent- mechanisms of heavy metal removal, we identified potential bacteria which are able to alleviate Pb(II) and Cd(II) concerns in order to propose performing candidate probiotics for metal xenobiotic bioremediation.

A series of precise data consisting of zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope compositions from the Huhetaoergai granitic pluton was collected in this study and combined with data from the western Huhetaoergai, Zhuxiaogubuhe and Yagan granitic plutons to constrain the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of granitic plutons in the northern Ya-Gan fault zone, North Alxa, China. The Huhetaoergai pluton is composed of hornblende diorite, medium- to coarse-grained biotite adamellite and coarse-grained biotite adamellite with K-feldspar megacrysts. The U–Pb zircon ages of biotite adamellite are 220.5 ± 1.9 Ma and 226.5 ± 2.4 Ma. These granitoids are I-type granites with highly radiogenic initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of 0.708085–0.735470, negative eNd(t) average values of −2.98–3.23 and high eHf(t) of 9–11.05. These features indicate the granitoids were formed from magmas generated from juvenile crust. We speculate that the granitoids of the Huhetaoergai pluton were emplaced during an episode of intense intraplate orogenic movement evolution in an extrusional setting after a period of extensional postcollisional intraplate evolution.

The Kuznetsk Basin (Kuzbass) is one of the largest coal basins in Siberia and a reference area for the ancient Angaraland continent. The proximity of the Kuzbass and Siberian platform caused their biotic similarities in the Late Palaeozoic. However, due to biota endemism, the Kuzbass Upper Palaeozoic does not correlate directly with the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (ICC). This paper discusses radioisotopic (CA-ID-TIMS) dating of zircons from a volcanic tuff located in the Starokuznetsk Formation. This level matches the interval of the Balakhonka/Kolchugino (B/K) floral change in Kuzbass, i.e. the gradual replacement of cordaitoid-dominated wet forests (Balakhonka flora) by more arid fern-pteridosperm-cordaitoid assemblages (Kolchugino flora). New age (276.9 ± 0.4 Ma) directly correlates the Starokuznetsk Fm with the Upper Kungurian of the ICS. We compared the Kuzbass data with data of the Western Verkhoyanie, where Middle Permian ammonoids (Sverdrupites assemblage) occur in strata recording the B/K floral change. Available (ICC) and new datings indicate the lag between the B/K floral change in low (Kuzbass) and high (Verkhoyanie) latitudes of Angaraland. The B/K floral change in the Kuzbass began in the early Late Kungurian and was completed by the end of this age. In contrast, the B/K floral change in Verkhoyanie began at the end of the Late Kungurian and was completed in the Late Wordian. The delay in the floral changes at different latitudes of Angaraland suggests that existing interregional correlations need further improvement.

Zircon xenocrysts from alkali basalts in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia, represent a unique low-Hf zircon, within a 12,000 km long Indo-Pacific megacryst zone. Colourless, yellow, brown and red crystals ({100}, {101}, subordinate {211}, {1103}), with hopper growth and corrosion features, range up to 20 cm in size. Zircon chemistry implicates juvenile, Zr-saturated, mantle-derived alkaline melt (Hf 0.6–0.7 wt%, Y <0.2 wt%, U+Th+REE <600 ppm, Zr/Hf 66–92, Eu/Eu*_N ~ 1, positive Ce/Ce*_N, HREE enrichment). Incompatible element depletion with increasing Yb/Sm_N from core to rim at ~ constant Hf suggests single stage growth. Ti-in-zircon temperatures (~570–740 °C) are lower than predicted by crystal morphology (800–900 °C) and decrease from core to rim (D_T = 10–50 °C). The d¹⁸O values (4.88 to 5.01‰ VSMOW) are relatively low for xenocrysts from the zircon Indo-Pacific zone (ZIP). The ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf values (+ εHf 4.5–10.2) give T_{Depleted Mantle} model source ages of 260–462 Ma and T_Crustal ages of 391–754 Ma. The source magmas reflect variably depleted lithospheric mantle with little supracrustal input. Zircon U-Pb (0.88–1.56 Ma) and (U-Th)/He (0.86–1.02 Ma) ages are older than host basalt ages (~0.7 Ma), suggesting limited residence before transport. Zircon genesis suggests Zr-saturated, Al-undersaturated, carbonatitic-influenced, low-degree partial melting (<1%) of peridotitic mantle at ~60 km beneath the Indochina terrane.

Keywords: xylose reductase; cashew apple bagasse; bioprocesses; fluid dynamics; xylitol.

Heavy metals constitute pollutants particularly common in air, water, and soil. They are present in both urban and rural environments, on land and in marine ecosystems, causing serious environmental problems since they do not degrade easily, remain almost unchanged for long periods, and bioaccumulate. Detection, though especially quantification, is a systematic process as monitoring of their levels needs to be carried out at regular intervals since there is often seasonal variation. The need for rapid and low-cost determination of metals is therefore considerable. In the present study atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), using a flame or graphite furnace, and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV), using a bismuth thin film electrode, a sensitive voltammetric method is being compared and analytically validated. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) represents a well-established analytical technique while anodic stripping voltammetry is being criticized for its applicability in complicated sample matrices such as soil samples. This sample-handling challenge is being investigated in the present study. The results show that both methods AAS and ASV were satisfactorily correlated and showed that the concentration of metals is lower than the limit values, but with increasing trend. Therefore, continuous monitoring of metal levels in the urban complex of the city is necessary and a matter of great importance. Regarding Cd, the detection limits of Cd are lower compared to those of AAS when using the graphite furnace, while an overestimation was noted when using flame-AAS in comparison with those found with SWASV. The SWASV method has the advantage of being cheaper and faster, enabling the simultaneous determination of heavy elements across the range of concentrations that these elements can occur in Mediterranean soils. Additionally, we applied a dsDNA-modified electrode which can be used in the speciation analysis of Cu(I) and Cu(II). The changes in the characteristic peaks of guanine and adenine can be applied in the redox speciation analysis of copper in soil which represents an issue of great importance.

Green peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) is a fruit vegetable with great culinary versatility, and present important nutritional properties for human health. Water deficit negatively affects nutritional quality of green peppers fruits. This study aimed to investigate the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), associated with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), on the post-harvest quality nutritional of green peppers subjected to water deficit. In an open-field ex-periment, two irrigation levels (50 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration - Etc), four treatments composed by combination of ZnONPs, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and PGPB (T1 = ZnSO4, T2 = foliar ZnONPs, T3 = foliar ZnONPs + PGPB, T4 = ZnSO4 via soil + PGPB via soil) and a control treatment (Check) were tested. Water deficit or water deficit mitigation treatments did not interfere with the physical-chemical parameters (except vitamin C content) and physical color parameters (except L*) of green pepper. The water deficit reduced the levels of Ca, Mg, P, K, Mn, Fe, B, and Zn in the fruits. The foliar application of ZnONPs in association with PGPB provided better nutritional quality of green pepper in terms of vitamin C and mineral nutrients. Under water deficit, ZnONPs or ZnSO4 via foliar, associated or not with PGPB, increased the levels of Ca, P, Mg, and Fe in the fruits. Applying Zn via foliar as ZnONPs or ZnSO4 mitigated the negative effects of water deficit on the quality of pepper fruits that was enhanced by the Bacillus subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens inoculation.

Background: Early diagnosis of postoperative complications is an urgent task, allowing timely prescribing of appropriate therapy and reducing the cost of patient treatment. Prognostic models based on various data could help in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine whether an integrated approach based on clinical data along with metabolites and biomarkers had greater predictive value than the models built on less data. Methods: The study included patients (n=62) admitted for planned cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass), who were retrospectively divided into two groups depending on the presence (n=26) or absence (n=36) of postoperative complications of all types. Clinical and laboratory data on the first day after surgery were analyzed. Additionally, patients' blood samples were collected before and on the first day after surgery to determine biomarkers (interleukin-6, procalcitonin, NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity troponin T) and metabolites (8 aromatic and 2 dicarboxylic acids were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Results: Patients before surgery, compared with healthy donors, differed in the concentration of metabolites (p &lt; 0.05), and had concentrations of a number of biomarkers exceeding the corresponding reference values. Multivariate PLS-DA models, predicting the presence or absence of postoperative complications, were built using clinical data (ROC-AUC=0.71), concentrations of metabolites and biomarkers (ROC-AUC=0.60), and the entire data set (ROC-AUC=0.75). For comparison we built univariate models using the EuroScore2 (ROC-AUC=0.59) and SOFA (ROC-AUC=0.76) scales; concentrations of lactate (ROC-AUC=0.71), the dynamic changes of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (ROC-AUC=0.69), and the sum of three sepsis-associated metabolites (ROC-AUC=0.70). The proposed complex model using entire data set was comparable to the SOFA scale, which confirms the expediency of searching for new predictive models based on a variety of factors.

Milk serves as a crucial source of natural bioactive compounds essential for human nutrition and health. The gastrointestinal digestion of milk proteins releases various biologically active peptides that positively impact human health and enhance physiological performance. With the growing production of cheese, Greek yogurt, and other dairy products, the volume of unutilized acid whey is significantly increasing. Acid whey, containing almost all whey proteins and approximately one-quarter of casein, presents a valuable raw material for generating peptides with potential health benefits. These peptides exhibit properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, opioid, mineral-binding, and growth-stimulating activities, contributing to improved human immunity and the treatment of chronic diseases. Enzymatic hydrolysis of milk proteins has been developed as a method to produce these peptides, facilitating their use in food fortification. To incorporate whey into functional beverages, it undergoes fermentation by lactic acid bacteria with proteolytic activity. To specifically enrich these beverages with peptides exhibiting targeted bioactivities, it is essential to select lactic acid bacteria strains possessing the requisite protease profiles. Additionally, the sensory properties of the final product can be enhanced using starter cultures with diverse metabolic capabilities, even in the absence of added flavoring agents. Given the imperative to develop waste-free technologies and enhance the profitability of the dairy industry, there is a growing need to efficiently utilize and transform acid whey into a broad spectrum of valuable products and food additives. This approach is justified not only by the nutritional benefits of the bioactive components in whey but also by the commercial potential of safe and health-enhancing products.

The paper focuses on the application of a multilevel, integrative and territorial approach to the protection of cultural heritage through planning instruments in Serbia. It points out the problems of the sectoral approach and discusses international recommendations that can be integrated into the planning methodology. The case study is the area of Djerdap National Park, which has an already established international and national importance. The research suggests that the cultural heritage in the area, with the exception of the Roman limes, is still recognized at the level of individual localities. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning all levels of governance to safeguard the whole spatial entity rather than focusing solely on its particular areas. The interna-tional and national importance of the planning area contributes to the strengthening of awareness of heritage and its institutional protection. However, the vitality of the area, which is key to its sustainable development, comes from the local level. Planning documents contribute to the inte-gration of local values and local communities into development programs and projects.

In order to shorten the detection time and improve the average precision on embedded devices, A lightweight and high accuracy model is proposed for passion fruit in complex environments (backlight, occlusion, overlap, sunny, cloudy, rainy). Firstly, replacing the backbone network of YOLOv5 with a lightweight GhostNet model reduces the number of parameters and computation while improving detection speed. Secondly, a new feature branch is added to the GhostNet network, and the feature fusion layer in the neck network is reconstructed to effectively combine the lower-level and higher-level features, which not only improves the accuracy of the model but also maintains its lightweight. Finally, the knowledge distillation methods are used to transfer the knowledge from the more capable teacher model to the less capable student model, which significantly improving the detection accuracy. The improved model is denoted as G-YOLO-NK. The average accuracy of the G-YOLO-NK network is 96.00%, which is 1.00% higher than the original YOLOv5s model. Furthermore, the improved model size is 7.14MB, reduced to half of the original model, and the real-time detection frame rate is 11.25 FPS on the Jetson Nano. Compared to the state-of-the-art model, the proposed model outperforms them in terms of average precision and detection performance. The present work provides an effective model for real-time detection of passion fruits in complex orchard scenes, which can provide valuable technical support for the development of orchard picking robots and greatly improve the intelligence level of orchards.