Fine Material Research Articles

Predictive genomic and transcriptomic analysis on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration materials from primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a prospective multicentre study

We apply endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy to cytopathologically diagnose and sample nucleic acids from primary tumours regardless of the disease stage. 397 patients with proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma were included and followed up in a multicentre prospective study. DNA and mRNA were extracted from materials of primary tumours obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy and analysed using targeted deep sequencing and RNAseq respectively. The variant allele frequency of the KRAS mutation was used to evaluate the tumour cellularity, ranging from 15 to 20% in all cells, regardless of the tumour stage. The molecular profile of metastatic primary tumours significantly differed from other types of tumours, more frequently having TP53 mutations (p=0.0002), less frequently having RNF43 mutations, and possessing more basal-like mRNA component (p=0.001). Molecular markers associated with improved overall survival were: mutations in homologous recombination deficiency genes in patients who received first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (p=0.025) and wild-type TP53 gene in patients with locally advanced tumours who received radio-chemotherapy (p=0.01). The GemPred transcriptomic profile was associated with a significantly better overall survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who received a gemcitabine-based first-line treatment (p=0.019). The combination of genomic and transcriptomic analyses of primary pancreatic tumours enables us to distinguish metastatic tumours from other tumour types. Our molecular strategy may assist in predicting overall survival outcomes for platinum or gemcitabine-based chemotherapies, as well as radio-chemotherapy. Institut National Du Cancer (BCB INCa_7294), CHU of Toulouse, Inserm and Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer (CIT program).

Exploring morphometry, hydrodynamics, and surface sediment composition in Khenifiss lagoon: Insights from a shallow coastal environment in Southern Morocco

Coastal lagoons are widely recognized as highly dynamic and intricate ecosystems within coastal environments, playing a crucial role in supporting both human communities and biodiversity. However, these coastal ecosystems are confronted with a multitude of challenges stemming from both natural phenomena and human activities. Hence, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of coastal lagoon dynamics is imperative for safeguarding and ensuring the sustainability of these ecosystems, relying on discerning the intricate interplay between hydrodynamic and sedimentological factors and processes. In Morocco, the Khenifiss lagoon is recognized as the largest lagoon and the most significant wetland along the Atlantic coast, designated as a protected area under the Ramsar Convention since 1980. However, the lagoon is confronted with the challenge of inlet and channel narrowing due to heightened sediment transport and accumulation toward its interior, along with dune advancement. This paper aims to establish correlations between morphometry, hydrodynamic conditions, and surface sediment composition to categorize the main channel of Khenifiss lagoon according to sedimentary environmental conditions. This categorization aims to delineate zones characterized by high, moderate, and low energy levels. Such classification will offer valuable insights into the dynamic interactions governing the lagoon’s ecosystem by identifying areas prone to resuspension and deposition. The study categorized the main channel of the Khenifiss lagoon into distinct zones based on hydrodynamic conditions. Areas with high energy levels, including the entrance zone and the narrowest central section, featured the highest current velocities, fostering conditions favoring the resuspension of fine materials. Zones with moderate energy levels, such as the downstream main channel and sinuous sections, exhibited moderate current velocities and a predominance of fine sand over medium sand fractions, along with observed reductions in current velocity. Areas characterized by low energy levels, encompassing the upstream main channel, are marked by slower current velocities and shallow depths, facilitating the deposition of fine and very fine sediment. Finally, areas with very low energy and calm conditions, well-protected from strong currents, prevent the reworking of sediments and facilitate their accumulation. This study highlights the importance of integrating sedimentological, hydrodynamic, and morphometric analyses as a valuable approach for monitoring coastal ecosystems and understanding the morphodynamics of coastal lagoons. This approach guides ecosystem management, such as targeted conservation efforts, erosion control, and habitat protection, while also supporting informed coastal development and adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability and protection of the Khenifiss lagoon.

Exploring Soil–Water Characteristic Curves in Transitional Oil Sands Tailings

Soil–water characteristics curves (SWCC) have proved useful in estimating parameters used in modeling unsaturated geotechnical properties of soils including permeability and strength. Either saturation, gravimetric, and instantaneous and initial volumetric water content designation can be used to develop SWCCs. Studies have shown that any of the designations will give good estimates for soils that do not undergo volume change with suction change whereas, for soils that undergo substantial volume change, only saturation and instantaneous volumetric water content designation obtained by incorporating shrinkage curves can give correct estimates. Transition oil sands tailings have fines content that cannot be categorized as sandy or fine materials, and research on volume change with suction change in these materials is limited. In this study, HyProps, Tempe cells, and a chilled-mirror water potential meter were used to measure suction and corresponding water contents for samples that were prepared by mixing coarse sand and Fluid Tailing by ratios that mimic transition zone tailings. Shrinkage tests were also performed to observe the extent of volume change with suction increase. Air Entry Values (AEV) estimated from SWCCs based on gravimetric water content were found to be lower than those estimated from saturation-based SWCCs due to substantial volume changes in these materials with suction increase. The use of saturation water content designation is recommended in estimating AEV for transitional oil sands tailings. This is useful information in predicting the long term unsaturated geotechnical behavior of these materials for environmental management and safety purposes.

Geomorphological and Sedimentological Rationale for Staged Sand Dam Construction

ABSTRACTStream sediment transport results from a convolution of climate, weather, geology, topography, biology, and human influence. In addition to providing water and food security for rural dryland communities, sand dams—small weirs designed to trap only the coarse fractions of transported sediments in seasonal and ephemeral streams—highlight many complexities of geomorphological dynamics. Sand dams store water in interstitial riverbed pores and the size of deposited sediment particles largely determines the recoverability of stored water: Fine materials limit transmission and provide lower volumetric yield. In this study, we seek to identify a practical method for evaluating the theoretical effect of staged sand dam crest construction on key sediment‐trapping processes for a proposed dam site. We argue that the Rouse number provides a useful criterion for identifying regimes where the target material grades are trapped. These ideas were tested using sediment data collected in Kenya and US Army Corps of Engineers River Analysis System numerical simulations to evaluate the sensitivity of sedimentation processes to crest height. We show that constructing sand dams in stages results in more targeted trapping of coarse material. Sedimentation is shown to be more sensitive to variation in crest height than the flood hydrograph, especially when a dam's crest height is small. By introducing a method to assess the necessity and inform design of staged crest construction based on local flow dynamics, this study offers a framework for optimising sand dam performance in data‐scarce environments. This approach provides a means to balance construction costs with expected benefits, enhancing the sustainability and functionality of sand dams in arid and semi‐arid regions.

The activity of silver nanoparticles produced by Aerococcus spp. against some Acinetobacter baumannii isolates

Nanoparticles are among the fine materials that have an important role in many medical and health sciences such as medicine, biology, physics, chemistry and others. The purpose of this study was to create silver nanoparticles from Aerococcus spp. then used it against isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. The method included growing Aerococcus spp in a culture medium. Silver nanoparticles were created when the color of medium changed to brown. Some structural properties of these materials were measured using TEM, FTIR, UV-Vis and XRD to characterize the AgNPs. The results showed the ability of Aerococcus spp to produce silver nanoparticles after adding alkaline silver nitrate solution to the culture medium and then the color change occurred. The biochemical tests showed the ability of bacteria; silver nanoparticles (NPs AgNO3) to absorb ultraviolet radiation at 200 nm. X-ray diffraction test showed that these nanoparticles formed radial peaks of 200, 202 and 311 at a wavelength of 25.94 nm depending on the crystalline state of the particles. The Scanning electron microscope test also showed these nanoparticles forming spherical nanoparticles at size of 32.78 nm. The Ag NPS antibacterial activity shows the ability of these nanoparticles at concentration 250μg/ml against inhibition of the growth of some A. baumannii isolates with an inhibition diameter of 30.32. Finally, the antibiofilm forming test showed the ability of Aerococcus spp. (NPs AgNO3) to reduce biofilm forming of A. baumannii at 100%.

Enhancing Recycled Concrete Performance by Using Chemical Activators

The need for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials and processes is rising significantly. In these circumstances, recycling of concrete can be a lifesaver. Although, various recycling techniques have already been introduced. But none of them can fulfill the term recycle refers to. They mostly focus on merely reusing coarse aggregates (CA) or fine aggregates (FA). To come out of this, this paper is focused not only on the reuse of both coarse and fine materials (RCA, RFA) but also on introducing a new process in which those materials can be used in their old form, as recycling refers to. In this experiment, we use all kinds of materials recollected from recycled concrete (fine, coarse, recycled cement particles). Those materials are vetted into two parts. One is for recycling coarse aggregates and one is for rebuilding concrete using recovered fine, coarse, and cement particles. First, we discuss the collection and treatment system procedure of recycled demolished concrete. The second part will consist of various standardized tests for reuse and evaluation. The third part will describe the treatment needed for the materials for chemical (Using Na2SiO3, NaOH, and Na2CO3) reactivation. Finally, we will test the recycled material’s performance as concrete and establish an authentic process of recycling and reusing concrete materials. With that, we obtain the most optimum usage of recycled concrete aggregate mixing ratio Cement: CA (coarse aggregate): RCA (recycled coarse aggregate): FA (fine aggregate): RFA (recycled fine aggregate) is 1: 2: 2: 0.8: 1.2: 0.8 (With molar solution of Na2SiO3 and NaOH + KOH) and other ration of mixing with their respected properties (Compressive Strength).

Design Parameters Affecting Rill Swell Events for Block Caving Applications

Rill swell (RS) events are outflows of dry, fine-grained material mainly observed at drawpoints in cave mining. These events can negatively affect production and have fatal consequences. Unfortunately, comprehensive studies analyzing these events are lacking. This paper uses the discrete element method to study RS events. With this method, a numerical model was constructed and calibrated based on an RS event recorded in Ridgeway Deeps Block Cave. Drawpoint geometries, material properties, and the initial mass of the fine material were then analyzed. The results show that both the brow beam height and drawpoint width had a noticeable influence on the RS magnitude, mainly on the tonnage of the flow and the distance reached by coarse particles dragged into the extraction drift. While the mass of fine material is crucial to the magnitude of RS events, results suggest that narrowing drawpoint width and/or increasing brow beam height can mitigate the impact of RS events.

Cascading Landslide: Kinematic and Finite Element Method Analysis through Remote Sensing Techniques

Cascading landslides are specific multi-hazard events in which a primary movement triggers successive landslide processes. Areas with dynamic and quickly changing environments are more prone to this type of phenomena. Both the kind and the evolution velocity of a landslide depends on the materials involved. Indeed, rockfalls are generated when rocks fall from a very steep slope, while debris flow and/or mudslides are generated by fine materials like silt and clay after strong water imbibition. These events can amplify the damage caused by the initial trigger and propagate instability along a slope, often resulting in significant environmental and societal impacts. The Morino-Rendinara cascading landslide, situated in the Ernici Mountains along the border of the Abruzzo and Lazio regions (Italy), serves as a notable example of the complexities and devastating consequences associated with such events. In March 2021, a substantial debris flow event obstructed the Liri River, marking the latest step in a series of landslide events. Conventional techniques such as geomorphological observations and geological surveys may not provide exhaustive information to explain the landslide phenomena in progress. For this reason, UAV image acquisition, InSAR interferometry, and pixel offset analysis can be used to improve the knowledge of the mechanism and kinematics of landslide events. In this work, the interferometric data ranged from 3 January 2020 to 24 March 2023, while the pixel offset data covered the period from 2016 to 2022. The choice of such an extensive data window provided comprehensive insight into the investigated events, including the possibility of identifying other unrecorded events and aiding in the development of more effective mitigation strategies. Furthermore, to supplement the analysis, a specific finite element method for slope stability analysis was used to reconstruct the deep geometry of the system, emphasizing the effect of groundwater-level flow on slope stability. All of the findings indicate that major landslide activities were concentrated during the heavy rainfall season, with movements ranging from several centimeters per year. These results were consistent with numerical analyses, which showed that the potential slip surface became significantly more unstable when the water table was elevated.

Simulating the near-field dynamic plume behavior of disposed fine sediments

Projections of the effects of fine sediment disposals, relevant for managed estuaries and tidally influenced coastal areas, are typically based on numerical far-field models. For an accurate consideration of the disposal itself, near-field models are often needed. The open source near-field model, PROVER-M, simulates the relevant processes of the physics based, dynamic behavior of disposed fine sediments in coastal waters and is applied in this study. First, new small scale laboratory experiments of instantaneous disposals are presented, documenting the dynamic behavior of fine material disposed in shallow waters. Second, results of the PROVER-M model are shown for disposals in three different settings: (1) a field-scaled study complementary to the laboratory set-up, (2) a parametric study of sequentially varied model input and (3) a far-field model coupling for estimation of the PROVER-M impact. By comparing results of the laboratory experiments to the PROVER-M model, the physical behavior of PROVER-M is successfully validated. The impact of the ambient setting and dredged material parameters is evaluated by the PROVER-M simulations, where the results show non-linear, complex interdependencies of the input parameters on disposal properties in dependence of ambient site conditions and material composition. In this context, limits of the model application are assessed and critically discussed. Finally, an exemplary coupling to a far-field model based on a real set of disposals in the tidally influenced Weser estuary (Germany) illustrates the potential impact of PROVER-M for assessing far-field suspended sediment concentration (SSC), with increased maximum SSC values of up to 10%.

Experimental Study on Concrete Strength Behavior Using Plastic Waste as a Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate

Waste from plastic materials is outstripped due to the growth of industrialization and urbanization. Plastic materials are non-biodegradable; decomposition is not possible all the time. The recycling of plastic materials by using them in concrete will be a great deal for plastic management. This research investigation aims to measure the optimum percentage of plastic in concrete without a reduction in concrete strength and shear behavior of reinforced concrete. Using the provision of Mix Design ACI 211.1-91, the M28 concrete grade was created. Plastic materials have been collected and passed through a No-4 sieve (4.76mm). The combination of fine aggregates and ground plastic materials (RPET, PP) in the weight fraction of fine aggregate mix (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) was used in the concrete. Concrete beams (750´150´150 mm) are reinforced with two 12 mm longitudinal steel bars in the tension zone, with proper clear cover for testing the shear capacity. In order to conduct the compressive and tensile splitting test, concrete specimens with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 200 mm were used. The experimental findings demonstrate guidelines for using plastic as a partial replacement within 2% to 4% of fine aggregate to produce the best outcomes.

CTAC Self-Assembled Alkylated β-Cyclodextrin Loaded onto Functionalized MWCNTs Electrochemical Sensor for NP Detection.

Nonylphenol (NP) is an important fine chemical raw material and intermediate that is widely utilized in industry and may be distributed in aquatic ecosystems. Following its entry into the food and water cycles, it can subsequently enter the human body and potentially harm the human reproductive system. For the purpose of monitoring NP in water, it is thus essential to build a straightforward, affordable, and robust electrochemical sensor. Based on a two-step chemical modification proceeding and an electrostatic self-assembly effect, a double-modified β-cyclodextrin functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube sensor (HE-β-CD-CTAC/F-MWCNTs) has been successfully constructed. It incorporates the excellent host-guest interaction ability of β-cyclodextrin and the high chemical activity of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), and the carbon nanotubes have an enormous particular surface area and strong electrical conductivity. The electrochemical oxidation reaction of NP with the sensor is controlled by a surface adsorption process of equal numbers of protons and electrons. In accordance with the optimized experimental parameters, the limit of detection (LOD) for the sensor is 0.13 μM, and it responds linearly to NP in the concentration range of 1-200 μM. Meanwhile, the sensor has excellent repeatability, stability, and immunity to interference. For the detection of NP in real water samples, the sensor also showed an excellent recovery rate (92.8%-98.5%) and relative standard deviation (1.16%-3.26%).

The Effective Vertical Anisotropy of Layered Aquifers.

Many sedimentary aquifers consist of small layers of coarser and finer material. When groundwater flow in these aquifers is modeled, the hydraulic conductivity may be simulated as homogeneous but anisotropic throughout the aquifer. In practice, the anisotropy factor, the ratio of the horizontal divided by the vertical hydraulic conductivity, is often set to 10. Here, numerical experiments are conducted to determine the effective anisotropy of an aquifer consisting of 400 horizontal layers of which the homogeneous and isotropic hydraulic conductivity varies over two orders of magnitude. Groundwater flow is simulated to a partially penetrating canal and a partially penetrating well. Numerical experiments are conducted for 1000 random realizations of the 400 layers, by varying the sequence of the layers, not their conductivity. It is demonstrated that the effective anisotropy of the homogeneous model is a model parameter that depends on the flow field. For example, the effective anisotropy for flow to a partially penetrating canal differs from the effective anisotropy for flow to a partially penetrating well in an aquifer consisting of the exact same 400 layers. The effective anisotropy also depends on the sequence of the layers. The effective anisotropy values of the 1000 realizations range from roughly 5 to 50 for the considered situations. A factor of 10 represents a median value (a reasonable value to start model calibration for the conductivity variations considered here). The median is similar to the equivalent anisotropy, defined as the arithmetic mean of the hydraulic conductivities divided by the harmonic mean.

Mineral abrasion experiments at Mars relevant temperatures

The aeolian transport of sand generates fine material through abrasion. On Mars this process occurs at lower temperatures than on Earth, however, there is minimal data on the effects of temperature on aeolian abrasion rates. Here, results are reported of laboratory experiments where a suite of single-phase, Mars relevant minerals (feldspar, olivine, pyroxene, quartz and opal) were exposed to conditions simulating aeolian abrasion at temperatures common to the Martian surface (193 to 293 K). Our results suggest that mineral specific differences in solid phase parameters result in non-similar changes in abrasion rates with temperature. We propose this will ultimately exert a control on the composition and reactivity of the Martian surface.

Hyperspectral Reflectance Assessment for Preliminary Identification of Degraded Soil Zones in Industrial Sites, India

The study explores the potential of next-generation satellite hyperspectral imaging systems for screening and predicting surface‐soil contamination and degradation by exploiting various spectral indices and signature‐matching techniques at a heavily industrialized area in India. The soil moisture content, desertification and salinity status, clay or fine material content, heavy metal content, vegetation health status, and stress levels were assessed from continuum-removed spectral reflectance values. Results indicated the presence of water in two tailings ponds, high salinity, and desertification values in most of the tailings ponds and dump sites, clay boundary liner along four ponds, high heavy metal indices along three ponds and all dump sites, highly stressed vegetation near all tailings ponds and coal dump sites, and pollutants in nearby water channels. The results suggest a strategy for the initial identification of priority areas for ground-based investigations and an alternative rapid methodology to monitor large industrial hubs in India.

Glass in fine art: Contemporary approaches in the 21st century in the Portuguese panorama

Art glass is a pioneering form of art that is open to investigations and distinct applications. The technological developments in science combined with novel esthetic concepts allow new artistic interpretations of this material that can be transparent, translucid, crystal, and opaque. Glass is an art material prevalent in Portugal territory, which has been historically connected particularly with glassblowing and stained glass. Many Portuguese artists are now integrating glass into the conception of their art pieces. This article aims to present the panorama of Portuguese contemporary glass and the importance of education programs that have emerged in the past years contributing to the increase of artists working with glass as a fine art material. Research conducted in universities, as well as numerous synergistic projects, also represents key factors leading to the increased convergence between art, science, and the production of original materials. This paper also presents works from young-generation artists, projects, and events.

Evaluation of rock cutting performance of conical cutting tool based on commonly measured rock properties

Efficiency of rock cutting process plays a critical role in performance of mechanical excavation units. The composition of cutting forces (normal and drag force acting on cutting tools) and the total force (FT), specific energy (SE), and percent of fine material (FM) produced in cutting process are important indicators of efficient cutting process. The other key factors in assessment of machine performance are tool wear, energy consumption, dust production, and machine maintenance, availability, and utilization. In this study, small scale linear cutting experiments were performed with a conical pick on thirteen sedimentary and metamorphic weak to medium strength rock samples at a range of 0.5 to 6 mm cutting depths in unrelieved cutting mode. FT was measured by using a 3D dynamometer and recorded by the data acquisition system, and FM was determined by sieve analysis. Finally, SE was calculated using both the cutting force signal and the volume of the cuttings for each test. Subsequently, an analysis of the effective cutting geometry was performed based on cutting depth, using the specific energy as an indicator of cutting efficiency. Statistical and regression analysis was used to correlate FT, SE, and FM with the rock properties and cutting geometry. The results revealed that the uniaxial compressive strength, Schmidt rebound number, and density are the main parameters that affect FT and SE, and the brittleness index is the main parameter that affects FM. A nonlinear predictive model is introduced that offers a reasonable estimate of FT, SE, and FM to assist engineers in determining the effective operational cutting geometry for a given rock type for unrelieved cuts.

Analisis Kualitas Beton Dengan Memperhatikan Pasir: Perbandingan Pasir Dicuci dan Pasir Tidak Dicuci Pada Kuat Tekan Beton

Concrete is a building material that is widely used in construction. Currently, various methods continue to be developed with the aim of increasing the strength of concrete. Concrete is obtained by mixing fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, directly adding cement paste and water. Sand is a fine aggregate material that is most widely used in the construction sector, from the bottom of the building to the top of the building, such as in making roads, embankments, buildings or as a mortar for concrete mixtures. Sand in concrete greatly influences one of the materials used, namely Mount Sugih sand which is located in Gunung Sugih sub-district, Central Lampung district, Lampung province, where sand from Mount Sugih is famous for its quality compared to sand in every area of Lampung. This research aims to determine the compressive strength using Mount Sugih sand to compare washed and unwashed sand. The test object used is a cylinder with a diameter of 15 mm and a height of 30 mm. The concrete tested was 3, 7 and 21 days old and converted 28 days from a total of 8 test objects. Examination of the mud content of unwashed sand was 7.93% and washed sand was 3.06%. From the results of the tests that have been carried out, the results from washed sand were 197,625 kg/cm2 for 3 days, 263,490 kg/cm2 for 7 days, 265,093 kg/cm2 for 7 days, 21 days 241,117 kg/cm2 for unwashed sand results for 3 days 194,947 kg/cm2, 7 days 210,809 kg/cm2, 7 days 187,140 kg/cm2, 21 days 190,240 kg/cm2 from the results obtained, the washed Sugih mountain sand experienced a very good increase and the unwashed Sugih mountain sand experienced a decrease.

Ultrastructural evaluation of the oocytes and spermatozoa of the scleractinian coral Mussismilia harttii

Global coverage of living coral has declined by half since 1950s. Reef-building species have been severely impacted in this climate crisis scenario, compromising the future of coral reefs. Despite their importance, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the reproductive biology of scleractinian corals. In the present study, we evaluated through electron microscopy approaches, the gametes of the endemic Southwestern Atlantic coral Mussismilia harttii. We observed spherical oocytes with microvilli throughout the outer membrane. Fine granular material dispersed in cytoplasm, lipid granules, numerous yolk bodies, and mitochondria were identified in the oocytes. In addition, small Symbiodinium-like cells were observed, suggesting a vertical transmission from parental coral to oocytes. The spherical-head sperm presents a 9.3 ± 2.1 μm flagellum. The nucleus is located centrally in the head, and the centrioles are positioned between the nuclear base and the flagellar insertion, which is connected to the axoneme. This axoneme has a microtubular arrangement (9+2). Vesicles, underlining the inner plasma membrane, presented the same electron-dense pattern as the Golgi complex, and mitochondria positioned surrounding the axoneme. The vesicles present in the sperm may have a role as an acrosome since the oocytes do not develop any cell specialization for fertilization.

Composition features of the Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian rocks of the Losinoostrov Fm. and the role of extrabasin sources in their formation (Subpolar Urals)

Research subject. The Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian rocks of the Losinoostrov Formation of the Belsk-Eletsk structural-formational zone, exposed on the left bank of the Kozhim river, near the mouth of the stream Northnichael of the western slope of the Subpolar Urals. Methods. Optical and electron microscopic methods (including cathodoluminescence), chemical silicate, carbonate and X-ray diffraction analyses. Results and conclusions. The studied rocks are assigned to three main groups: mixtolites (rocks of mixed composition), carbonatoliths, and silicytolites with varieties. Mixtoliths consist of three and four main components: carbonate, silty, argillaceous and siliceous. The variable ratio of rock-forming components of mixtolites was clearly reflected in the discriminative modular diagram. Here, fields of predominantly siliceous and silty mixolites (cluster I), predominantly argillaceous (cluster III), as well as transitional mixolites (cluster II) are identified. Relatively pure and silty-argillaceous-siliceous limestones were distinguished among carbonatoliths. According to the formed elements, pure limestones are divided into bioclastic and peloid-micritic. Silicytolites are represented by (1) radiolarites and radiolarian spongoliths; (2) silty-argillaceous silicytolites and (3) cherts (secondary siliceous formations). The established quantitative ratios of rock-forming components showed that more than half of the studied mixtoliths are composed mainly of the material of extrabasinal origin. Relatively high contents of extrabasinal fine material in carbonatoliths indicate a periodic decrement of the hydrodynamic regime during the accumulation of the upper part of the formation. The studied deposits were probably formed in distal and proximal ramp settings.

Fine material filtration using conventional pressure and steam pressure: a relationship between filter cake height to crack formation and residual moisture content

Crack formation is an undesired phenomenon encountered frequently during the filtration process, especially in fine particulate filter cakes. This phenomenon causes disadvantages related to the dewatering efficiency and washing efficiency. The filter cake height has not only an effect on crack formation but also meaning in the economic and operational of filtration. In this research, Limestone and Coal are the chosen fine powder materials to survey the effect of this factor during conventional pressure filtration (CPF) and steam pressure filtration (SPF). The permeability ratio is suggested to quantify cracking while the saturation and the residual moisture content indicate the water remaining. Test results show lower dewatering efficiency as well as an increasing trend of probability and degree of cracks when the filter cake becomes thicker. By visual observation, macro- and micro-cracking are described for shrinkage behavior on filter cake. The delamination was also mentioned and observed after filtration. Steam pressure filtration (SPF) is introduced as one of the methods to reduce the degree, even prevent the formation of cracks as well as improve the dewatering efficiency.