Gold Alloy Research Articles

Mineral assemblages from chromitites of the Alapaevsk dunite-harzburgite massif (Middle Urals)

Research subject. Minerals and mineral assemblages of noble elements in chromitites of the Alapaevsk massif. Aim. A systematic mineralogical study of high-chromium (Cr) and alumina-rich (Al) chromitites with the development of a sequence scheme for mineral formation, including platinum-group minerals (PGMs) and gold alloys. Materials and Methods. Samples of high-Cr and Al chromitites from chromite deposits in various parts of the Alapaevsk massif. Scanning electron microscopy (Tescan VEGAII XMU and JSM-6390LV Jeol with EDX INCA Energy 450 X-Max 80 spectrometers) and electron microprobe analysis (Cameca SX 100 with five wave spectrometers) were used. Results. A diagram showing the sequence of mineral formation in chromitites was designed; primary and secondary mineral assemblages were distinguished, with the latter assemblage being divided into early and late mineral associations. Primary assemblages of high-Cr (Cr2O3 > 50 wt %) and Al (Cr2O3 < 50 wt %) ores are represented by similar minerals, including chromespinel, clinopyroxene, and olivine, with characteristically distinct compositions of these minerals in each type of ores. Minerals of the primary assemblage are synchronous with chrome-spinel and are represented by pentlandite, Cu-bearing pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, bornite, as well as PGMs (laurite RuS2, erlichmanite OsS2, native osmium) and Cu-rich gold. Minerals of the secondary early association occur in the form of polyphase inclusions within chrome-spinel. Polyphase inclusions are composed of Cr-bearing chlorite, amphibole, garnet, sulfides (millerite, heazlewoodite) and minerals of native elements, including (Ni, Cr)-bearing copper, nickel-bearing copper, (Cu, Fe, Cr)-bearing nickel, awaruite. Noble metal minerals from the secondary early association were found only in Al chromitites and are represented by laurite, Pt- and Pd arsenides and stibnides, Ru-bearing pentlandite, and high-grade native gold. The secondary late mineral association consists of native copper and awaruite, which are intergrown with serpentine in high-Cr ore. The temperature conditions for the formation of secondary assemblages were estimated using a chlorite geothermometer. The formation temperatures of the studied chlorites from chromitites fall within the range of 250–284°C. Conclusions. Noble metal minerals from secondary associations were formed at temperatures below 350°C together with garnet, amphibole, chlorite, and nickel sulfides. Grains of primary Os–Ir–Ru alloys during epigenetic processes underwent sulfurization with the formation of a fine-grained porous mixture of native and sulfide (sometimes with As) phases, and replacement by Ru-pentlandite. The presence of awaruite and native Cu and Ni in both primary and secondary assemblages of chromotites indicates the reducing conditions for the formation of noble metal minerals. The limited occurrence of high-Cr ores, along with the manifested processes of sulfurization for primary grains of Os–Ir–Ru alloys, led to the scarcity of detrital PGM in the area of the Alapaevsk massif.

Drought and heat stress on cotton genotypes suggested agro-physiological and biochemical features for climate resilience.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of individual drought, heat, and combined drought and heat stress on twelve cotton genotypes, including eight tolerant and four susceptible genotypes. A field experiment was carried out by employing a randomized complete block split-plot design, with treatments (control, drought, heat, drought + heat), and cotton genotypes assigned to the main plots and sub-plots respectively. The results showed that the combined stress had a more severe impact on the yield and fiber quality of cotton genotypes compared to individual stresses. Among the studied genotypes, FB-Shaheen, FH-207, MNH-886, and White Gold exhibited superior performance in regard to agronomic and fiber quality characters under combined stress environments. Physiological parameters, including transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, relative water contents, and photosynthetic rate, were significantly reduced under combined stress. However, specific genotypes, MNH-886, FH-207, White Gold, and FB-Shaheen, demonstrated better maintenance of these parameters, indicating their enhanced tolerance to the combined stress. Furthermore, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species was more pronounced under combined stress compared to individual stressors. Tolerant genotypes showed lower levels of H2O2 and MDA accumulation, while susceptible genotypes exhibited higher levels of oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, increased under combined stress, with tolerant genotypes displaying higher enzyme activities. Conversely, susceptible genotypes (AA-703, KZ 191, IR-6, and S-15) demonstrated lower increases in enzymatic activities under combined stress conditions. Biochemical traits, including proline, total phenolic content, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, exhibited higher levels in resistant genotypes under combined stress, while sensitive genotypes displayed decreased levels of these traits. Additionally, chlorophyll a & b, and carotenoid levels were notably decreased under combined stress, with tolerant genotypes experiencing a lesser decrease compared to susceptible genotypes.

Production of Metallic Alloy Nanowires and Particles Templated Using Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV).

We demonstrate a simple, low-energy method whereby tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) particles can be used to template the production of nanowires and particles consisting of alloys of gold (Au), platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) in various combinations. Selective nanowire growth within the inner channel of the particles was achieved using the polymeric capping agent polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPK30) and the reducing agent ascorbic acid. The reaction conditions also resulted in the deposition of alloy nanoparticles on the external surface of the rods in addition to the nanowire structures within the internal cavity. The resulting materials were characterized using a variety of electron microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, which revealed both the structural and chemical composition of the alloys within the nanomaterials.

Rapid and reversible humidity-dependent colour change by water film formation in a scaled springtail.

Colour is often not a static trait but can change over time either through biotic or abiotic factors. Humidity-dependent colour change can occur through either morphological change (e.g. to feather barbules in birds) or by the replacement of air by water causing a shift in refractive index, as seen in arthropod multi-layer cuticles or scales. The scaled springtail Lepidocyrtus cyaneus has scales that produce colour largely via thin film interference from their lamina. We observed a marked colour change from golden to violet/purple coloration in humid conditions. Light microscopy, micro-spectrophotometry, contact angle goniometry and optical modelling indicate that the formation of a thin film of water on top of the hydrophilic scales increases their laminar thin film thickness, causing a shift towards violet/purple colour. Evaporation of the water film causes the metallic golden colour to return. This constitutes a remarkably rapid colour change (in the order of seconds), only limited by the speed of water film condensation and evaporation, that may serve as inspiration for new dynamically coloured materials and sensors.

Przedstawienia i symbolika roślin w poezji Pindara

The extensive use of plant motifs is at the heart of Pindar’s poetic images and metaphors. In his epinicions, the poet uses the symbolism of plants associated with Olympian and Pythian games to praise the victor and to show the importance of his achievement. The olive and laurel wreaths with which the victorious athletes are crowned become symbols of excellence and of the immortal fame accompanying human achievements, which is guaranteed by the poet’s song. Spring flowers such as roses and violets have a specific ritual meaning in Pindar’s cult songs, especially in his dithyrambs, where they symbolize vitality and rebirth. Aside from the plants typical of Greek flora, the Theban poet mentions those with miraculous properties, distinguished by their golden colour, which are associated with the divine and characteristic of sacred places and mythical landscape with paradisical connotations. Therefore, the symbolic meaning of floral imagery in Pindar’s Laments and in some passages from his victory songs cannot be recognized without taking into account its eschatological context.

LESOTHO’S WHITE GOLD: A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR VIRTUAL WATER TRADE

In literature, the significance of virtual water trade takes many different shapes. In order to increase regional water use efficiency and attain water security in water-scarce regions and/or countries of the world, virtual water trade among nations and even continents could be utilised as a tool. The economy, diplomacy, and internal and international food security are all benefited by Lesotho’s water resources. One of Lesotho’s most precious resources, water, makes a significant contribution to the country’s prospects for long-term, sustainable economic development. In a setting with significant natural climatic volatility, the World Bank determined that improving water security will be crucial to meeting future demand. Water is widely considered as “white gold” in Lesotho. Water is abundant in Lesotho, a blessed nation. Given its plenty of water and low present water consumption, Lesotho is unlikely to develop either water stress or scarcity in the foreseeable future. Thus, there is still opportunity for expanding water use as a source of income, including virtual water trading. Lesotho needs to take into account the water and food shortages in the waterscarce Gulf region and the idea of virtual water trade, which has significant social, economic, and political advantages. The aim of this paper is to assert the importance of Lesotho’s abundant water resource to the global political and economic landscape, and the discourse of virtual water trade. While countries are minimising their direct or indirect water use of producing strategic agricultural and industrial goods, Lesotho can make use of this situation in order to maximise revenue.

SEM-FEG-EDS, GC-MS, EPR and Vibrational Spectroscopy Analysis of Materials in Baroque-Style Sculpture “Our Lady of Sorrows” from Garopaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Materials belonging to the polychromy and gilding of the sculpture ‘Our Lady of Sorrows, which belongs to the collection of a church in Garopaba, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, were analyzed by multiple techniques. The analysis by μ-Raman and FTIR indicated the use of the ultramarine blue pigment, confirmed by EDS, with calcium carbonate observed in the base of preparation. The results show the use of gold leaf based on a gold and silver alloy, and the use of Armenian bole with clay and traces of manganese, as the base for fixing the gold leaf was characterized. GC-MS analysis suggested the use of plant oil in the painting process. Finally, the EPR analysis showed the presence of Fe3+, Mn2+ and organic radicals from the degradation of the binder, suggesting the formation of complexes with the degradation products, this being one of the first reports in this type of painting.

A deep learning model for cotton disease prediction using fine-tuning with smart web application in agriculture

Cotton is known as ‘white gold’ in the agricultural industry. Agriculture is the primary source of economic income in Bangladesh and the country's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. The soil and water resources of our country are fertile and the climate is moderate. But numerous diseases affect crop production and cause enormous crop losses, endangering the lives of helpless farmers. A previous report showed that about 70–80% of cotton diseases were leaf diseases and 30–20% were pest diseases. Experts typically use bare eyes to find and identify such plant diseases and pests which may result from lower accuracy of the identification. As a result, early detection of cotton disease using AI-based systems may help to increase the production of cotton by detecting the leaf disease significantly. In this research, we proposed a DL-based cotton leaf disease detection approach using fine-tuning Transfer Learning (TL) algorithms by tuning the layers and parameters of the existing TL algorithms. We also investigated the performance of several fine-tuning TL models such as VGG-16, VGG-19, Inception-V3 and Xception on the publicly available cotton dataset for cotton disease prediction. The investigations found that the Xception model provides the highest accuracy rate of 98.70% and was selected to develop a web-based smart application for real-life cotton disease prediction in farming to increase cotton production. Hence, our model can accurately diagnose cotton leaf diseases and will provide a new window for the automatic leaf disease diagnosis of other plants.

Biodeterioration effects of three Aspergillus species on stucco supported on a wooden panel modeled from Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay Mausoleum, Egypt

This study focuses on the magnificent decoration of a painted and gilded wooden panel with signs of fungal biodeterioration caused by Aspergillus species in the Mausoleum of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay, Cairo, Egypt. Numerous spectroscopic analyses and investigation techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscope Equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) have been used to study the materials that comprise this painted and gilded wooden panel composition. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and A. terreus were recognized as isolated fungi, and their accession numbers are OQ820164, OQ820163, and OQ820160, respectively. The findings showed that the wooden support is of pinewood (Pinus halepensis), the white priming layer on top of the wooden support was identified as gypsum, the blue paint layer has been proposed to be Azurite, Au (gold) was the primary composition of the gilding layer, while Pb (lead) was detected in some spots, suggesting the use an alloy of gold with lead, and finally, animal glue was the bonding medium. Based on these findings, mimic samples with identical substrates and structural components have been designed, and the biodeterioration signs by the growing of the three Aspergillus species—A. niger, A. flavus and A. terreus were evaluated via SEM and color change. However, A. niger was discovered with density growth on surfaces of pinewood, gypsum, and Azurite and with less growth on the gilding layer after 6-month incubation. This contrasts with A. terreus and A. flavus, which had greater density growth on Azurite and stucco than on pinewood and less growth on the gilding layer. The used analytical methods with detailed analyses revealed the novelty and significant future aspects of the conservation of the painted and gilded wooden panel. Particularly given that this location is used for prayer and is crowded with people five times a day, which increases the accumulation of fungi and negatively affects both the historic Mosque and the worshippers' health.

Facile green synthesis of highly stable, water dispersible carbohydrate conjugated Ag, Au and Ag-Au biocompatible nanoparticles: Catalytic and antimicrobial activity

Highly stable carbohydrate conjugated silver, gold and bimetallic silver-gold alloy biocompatible and nearly monodisperse nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized through bio-reduction of aqueous solution of corresponding metal salt precursors mediated by aqueous extracts of a high altitude lichen, Lobaria retigera. The biomolecule accountable for the reduction, stabilization and capping of the metal nanoparticles is identified to be carbohydrates. The as-synthesized carbohydrate conjugated nanoparticles have excellent dispersibilty in water, phosphate, phosphate-buffered saline, and serum media. The resulting nanoparticles were completely stable for several months in water. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, FT-IR, powder XRD, DLS and CV study. Though mostly spherical in shapes, occasionally truncated triangular and rod shapes were also noted. The average particle sizes of Ag, Au and Ag-Au alloy nanoparticles as determined from TEM analysis are 14.5 nm, 11.7 nm and 16.3 nm, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry pointed to a relatively high electrode potential barrier for the synthesized nanomaterials. The prepared Ag, Au and Ag-Au alloy nanoparticles served as efficient catalysts for the degradation of hazardous pollutant dye, methyl orange (MO) with rate constat of 0.1496 min−1, 0.1049 min−1, and 0.1882 min−1. The bimetallic Ag-Au nanoparticles exhibited the most accelerated reduction with 90.6% degradation efficiency. The reduction kinetics for the reactions followed a pseudo-first order, kAu < kAg< kAu-Ag. The Ag and Ag-Au alloy NPs showed pronounced antimicrobial activity towards selected bacterial strains while AuNPs lacked any such activity.

Transposon insertion into pmel-17 reduced melanin pigmentation, and growth, but increased locomotion of Mozambique tilapia

One fundamental goal in biology is to understand genotype–environment–phenotype relationships. Transposable elements play important roles in phenotypic variations, particularly in species with recent expansions of these elements, by acting on their flanking genes via different mechanisms. Previous studies showed that in Mozambique tilapia, pmel-17 determines the golden and black color, and the insertion of a 133–148 bp fragment in the 3’ UTR of this gene was the causal variant for the golden colors. However, how this gene determines skin color remains elusive. Here, using long-read sequencing technology, we found that a ∼ 3.7 kb African cichlid-specific transposon, DRMTP (DNA repeat from the Mozambique tilapia pmel locus), was inserted into the 3’ UTR of pmel-17 of Mozambique tilapia. This insertion led to loss of melanin pigmentation, reduced growth performance, and increased locomotion. Methylation and reporter gene assays show that DRMTP suppresses pmel-17 expression by both epigenetic silencing and DNA secondary structure induced by the transposon per se. Our data provide novel insights into how a single gene is regulated by a transposon and affects multiple phenotypes. A single gene can determine multiple phenotypes, among which some might not be preferred for aquaculture. Therefore, the overall effects of the changes in a single or a few major-effect genes for a trait, on other economic traits and environment, should be evaluated before they are used in selective breeding programs.

Studies and Considerations on Forty-Three Gold and Silver Nose Ornaments from the Moche Tomb of the Lady of Cao

The authors studied forty-three beautiful nose ornaments from the Moche tomb of the Lady of Cao, located in the north of Peru, which has been dated to be around 300–400 d.C. Of these items, thirty-nine are composed of a sheet of gold alloy joined together in various manners to a silver alloy sheet, which provides a strong contrast at their interface. Two nose ornaments are on gold alloy and two on silver alloy. These nose ornaments were studied using the following methods: (i) Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF); (ii) Transmission of monoenergetic X-rays (XRT) and (iii) X-ray Radiography (RAD). The conclusion, deduced from all applied methods, was that two sheets of gold and silver alloys were joined together with various methods, including gluing, mechanically joining, soldering, smelting with the aid of heating or using mercury to create an amalgam. It cannot be excluded that a few areas, visibly appearing as silver, were obtained by depletion silvering from the base Au-Cu-Ag alloy. By analyzing a fragment from the silver area of a nose ornament and by studying a few other nose ornaments from the tomb of the Lady of Cao in situ, G. Ingo and co-workers concluded that a unique sheet of three-component alloy (Ag-Cu-Au), whichemployed and transformed the surface of the objects to appear to be gold and silver by depletion gilding and silvering.

Jumbo Brown and Golden Italian Japanese Quail: A Comparative Examination of Egg Quality, Egg Yolk Lipid Peroxidation and Fatty Acid Profiles

This study was conducted to compare two different Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) breed lines in terms of egg quality, egg yolk lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profiles. The research was carried out with Jumbo Brown (Jumbo Brown Coturnix japonica) and Golden Italian (Golden Italian Coturnix japonica) Japanese quail breed lines with dark brown and golden yellow plumage colors at an average body weight of 200±10 g and 10 weeks of age. The experimental groups consisted of Jumbo Brown Japanese quail breed and Golden Italian Japanese quail breed, each containing 80 Japanese quails fed a standard quail diet. Each group was divided into 20 subgroups, with 4 quails housed in each subgroup. The study lasted for 10 weeks (11–20 weeks) according to the randomized plot experimental design. The egg quality data were recorded over an overall period, divided into two periods of 5 weeks each: period 1 (11 to 15 weeks) and period 2 (16 to 20 weeks). Egg and eggshell weights of the Golden Italian breeds were higher in the overall period (P

Chains of White Gold: Tajikistan’s Cotton Monoculture across the Soviet Divide

Chains of White Gold: Tajikistan’s Cotton Monoculture across the Soviet Divide

The emission intensity enhancement and improved limit of detection of Cu, Ag, and Au using electric field assisted LIBS

Conventional LIBS suffers from several challenges including high detection limit and low sensitivity. The current approaches include electric field-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (EF-LIBS) to study the laser ablation process and characterize the effectiveness of this method on several parameters such as plasma temperature, electron number density, intensity enhancement, and limits of detection. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the improvement in the signal intensity and limits of detection of Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), and Gold (Au) using EF-LIBS. The laser plasma is generated by focusing a high-power laser beam on gold alloy samples. The intensities of Cu and Ag lines were normalized using the Au line to reduce the statistical errors. Calibration curves were drawn for each element to determine the limit of detection (LOD). The detection sensitivity was enhanced using an external electric field to the axial direction of plasma. The effect of the electric field on plasma parameters, limits of detection, and signal intensities has been studied. It was observed that LODs of Cu and Ag were improved from 14.3 ppm to 4.6 ppm–1.7 ppm and 2.06 ppm respectively with significant enhancement in the emission intensity. The present study demonstrates that EF-LIBS can be utilized for the better detection of precious elements in geological mineralogical and alloy samples. In addition, results showed that the single-shot EF-LIBS is a better choice for precious samples because of a smaller mass ablation against standard LIBS and it is a low-cost setup as compared to other analytical techniques.

Gold Electropolishing Using Cyanide-Free Electrolytes

Electropolishing or electrochemical polishing (EP), is an ultrafinishing process that improves the aesthetic, technical and functional properties of surfaces by reducing their roughness. This process is based on the anodic dissolution of the workpiece through an oxidation reaction. The polishing effect is due to the formation of a viscous layer that induces a preferential dissolution of the peaks of the surface profile at the expense of the valley. This results in the surface leveling and in brightness improvement. Compared to conventional mechanical finishing techniques, EP is a non-contact process that does not disturb the metallurgy of the surface layer. In addition, it allows the treatment of relatively complex geometries as well as the obtention of reproducible results.Regarding the electrolyte composition, it often includes oxidizing agents to activate the anodic dissolution (strong acids, hydrogen peroxide, ...) as well as depassivating agents to prevent the oxide film from becoming too stable (halides, alcohols, ...) and viscous layer promoting agents (glycerol, organic acids, ...). In the case of gold, the presence of a complexing agent lowers the oxidation potential and facilitates dissolution. However, most of the electrolytes used for EP of precious metals are toxic due to the presence of cyanides or thiourea. Furthermore, each alloy requires a specific electrolyte formulation and therefore suitable operating parameters. The complexity of the mechanisms involved and the associated environmental risks make it difficult to deploy this technique in the luxury and jewelry industry. Another concern is the lack of literature regarding the role of each component.A better understanding of the process could lead to an improvement of the electrolyte formulation and to the proposal of other options with a lower environmental impact. The aim of this work is to study the effect of various non-toxic and ecofriendly electrolytes on the electropolishing mechanisms of gold and gold alloys. Their efficiency will be evaluated in terms of the surface properties obtained after the treatment: roughness reduction (macro/micro) and gloss. Moreover, the effect of each component of the electrolytes is investigated using electrochemical measurements, in the perspective of describing EP mechanism and its consequences on surface properties. Figure 1

Application of New Important Materials

The results of research into new materials are increasingly pushing the boundaries of science and technology. For some of the materials, such as polymers, composites and nanomaterials, new knowledge is expected in the future. However, new knowledge is also being gained in the case of metal alloys, which were considered to have been fully investigated. Thus, in 2018, new knowledge emerged about materials that are believed to be able to significantly influence many areas of modern society. They include seven completely different materials such as polymers, nanocomposites, and metal alloys. The materials are Wood Sponge – the greener way to clean up oceans; the strongest bio-material – stronger than steel and its biodegradable; self-healing material – it does it without external stimulant; Platinum Gold Alloy – matching Diamond in wear resistance; Silicon X – better than the original; Indefinitely recyclable plastics – making a case for the future of plastics; and Glass coating that can block sunlight. In this paper, an overview of knowledge about them is given, and their application characteristics are highlighted.

To flat or not to flat? Exploring the impact of flat-side design on rotary instruments using a comprehensive multimethod investigation.

To assess the influence of a flat-side design on the geometry, metallurgy, mechanical performance and shaping ability of a novel nickel-titanium rotary instrument. Sixty-five new 25-mm flat-side rotary instruments (size 25, taper 0.04) and their nonflat-side prototypes (n = 65) were assessed for major deformations and examined regarding macroscopic and microscopic design, determination of nickel and titanium elements ratio, measurement of phase transformation temperature and evaluation of mechanical performance parameters including time/cycles to fracture, maximum torque, angle of rotation, maximum bending and buckling strengths and cutting ability. Additionally, unprepared canal areas, volume of hard tissue debris and percentage reduction of dentine thickness were calculated for each tested instrument after preparing mesial canals of mandibular molars (n = 12), using micro-CT imaging. Statistical analyses were performed using the U-Mann-Whitney test and independent Student t-test (α = 5%). The number of spirals (n = 8) and blade direction (clockwise) were similar between both flat and nonflat instruments, whilst the helical angles were equivalent (⁓25°). Flat-instruments showed inconsistencies in the homogeneity of the gold colour on the flat-side surface, blade discontinuity, and incomplete and variable S-shaped cross-sections. The titanium-to-nickel ratios were equivalent, but significant differences in the R-phase finish and austenitic start phase transformation temperatures were observed between the flat and nonflat-side instruments. The flat-side instruments demonstrated superior cutting ability compared to the nonflat instruments, as well as, significantly lower values for time to fracture, rotation to fracture and maximum torque to fracture (p < .001). No statistical difference was observed between tested instruments regarding angle of rotation (p = .437), maximum bending (p = .152) and buckling load (p = .411). Preparation protocols using flat and nonflat instruments did not show any statistically significant differences (p > .05). All flat-side instruments exhibited deformation after shaping procedures. The flat-side instrument showcased enhanced cutting ability compared to its nonflat counterpart. However, it exhibited inferior performance in terms of time, rotation and maximum torque to fracture, along with distinct phase transformation temperatures. No differences were observed in the titanium-to-nickel ratios, angle of rotation, maximum bending, buckling load, preparation time, percentage of untouched canal walls, volume of hard tissue debris and percentage reduction of dentine thickness.

Compositional Signatures of Gold from Different Deposit Types in British Columbia, Canada

A study of both in situ and detrital gold from different deposit types in British Columbia was undertaken to establish deposit-specific compositional characteristics in terms of alloy composition and suites of mineral inclusions. The study is based on 11,840 particles from 160 localities in which nine gold deposit types are represented, although there is a strong bias towards gold of orogenic, low-sulphidation epithermal, and alkalic porphyry origin. In general, Ag values in gold alloys are not a powerful discriminator for deposit type, but minor metals may prove useful where detectable, e.g., Cu in gold from ultramafic associations and Pd and Hg in gold from alkalic porphyry systems. The characterization of inclusion suites is far more illuminating, as they correlate strongly with the mineralogy of auriferous ores from different deposit types. This outcome has confirmed the validity of designing an indicator methodology based on inclusion suites and has permitted the prediction of inclusion suites for gold from other deposit types where data are more scarce. The compositional templates generated in the study were applied to identify the source deposit type(s) of gold from 41 localities (a total of 2916 detrital gold particles) where gold genesis was previously unknown.

VISUAL AND GRAPHIC TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE VALUES OF CHINA'S BELT AND ROAD INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE

Purpose: To study the role of branding and design elements in the effective communication of the values of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). &#x0D; Methodology: The methods of observation, comparison, synthesis and generalization have been used to analyze the existing branding and design elements within the initiative, as well as to review official documents. Methods of formal, stylistic, compositional, and coloristic analysis have been used to analyze visual designs used by companies and organizations associated with the BRI.&#x0D; Results: The article analyzes the latest research that helps to determine the methods of using images, typography and color to effectively represent the cooperation and inclusiveness associated with the BRI, to implement successful communication of BRI values and promote the goals of the initiative. The features of the use of maps and networks, compasses, flags, and landmarks of transport infrastructure for communication within the BRI values are considered. The key design features that are often used in the visual media of BRI branding are identified. These include objects of communication and cooperation (maps, roads, and railways), as well as objects that symbolize the values of the cultures of the participating countries (flags, landmarks). It has been found that blue and gold colors are often used to denote stability and success in branding elements.&#x0D; Scientific novelty: Previous studies have focused mainly on the economic and political implications of BRI. Instead, the present study is the first to analyze branding and design elements in terms of communication effectiveness and their use to effectively communicate BRI values to a global audience. In addition, the study provides ideas for developing branding components for international development projects.&#x0D; Practical significance. This study has a number of practical implications for organizations and governments involved in BRI initiatives. The results of the study can be used to develop more effective branding and communication strategies to communicate the value of BRI to a global audience.