Growth Zone Research Articles

Anticaries and Antigingivitis Properties of Cannabinoid-Containing Oral Health Products: A Review.

To evaluate the anticaries and antigingivitis properties of cannabinoid-containing oral health products. A systematic research strategy was employed. Specific search terms were used, including "Cannabinoids AND dental caries," "Cannabinoids AND oral health," "Cannabinoids AND dental plaque," "Cannabinoids AND gingivitis AND periodontitis," "Cannabinoids AND S. mutans," "Cannabidiol AND oral health," and "Cannabidiol AND oral biofilm." The search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO Host databases. The search yielded a total of 73 articles, out of which 15 articles (20.5%) were relevant to the scope of this systematic review. Among the relevant articles, only eight (10.9%) directly addressed the research question. The findings from these articles suggest that cannabinoids have the potential to reduce the metabolism of cariogenic bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans, and decrease the number of bacterial colonies in dental plaque. In vitro studies also demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect of cannabinoids on oral biofilms and create a considerable inhibitory zone of growth when investigated on oral biofilms in vitro. Furthermore, CBD exhibited antibacterial properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis, a primary pathogen associated with periodontal disease. The current review shows insufficient data to conclude on the anticaries and antigingivitis effects of cannabinoids. Despite extensive research on their systemic therapeutic benefits, their oral health impact remains underexplored, lacking clinical trials and primary research.

Public debt and economic growth in the West African monetary zone (WAMZ)

In this paper, we revisit the relationship between public debt and economic growth with a spotlight on the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ). In the re-examination, we pursue three undertakings using both panel data and time series modelling techniques. First, we examine the linear relationship using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model for time-series data and the fixed (or random) effect model for the panel data counterpart. Second, we assess the nonlinear relationship by incorporating the squared term of the debt variable as an additional explanatory variable in the models. Third, we identify the level of public debt/GDP ratio beyond which public debt becomes unsustainable using threshold regression techniques. The findings show a negative relationship across the linear models. We also establish that the debt-economic growth relationship is non-linear, and we obtain the points of inflection for the WAMZ countries. These levels are 71.9 % for Gambia, 55.8 % for Ghana, 91.5 % for Guinea, 83.7 % for Liberia, 38.45 % for Nigeria and 38.6 % for Sierra Leone. We make suggestions for the WAMZ countries to expand their economic bases by channelling funds to infrastructure development and the development of human capital in order to optimize the benefits of debt accumulation in the long run.

Detection and Attribution of Vegetation Dynamics in the Yellow River Basin Based on Long-Term Kernel NDVI Data

Detecting and attributing vegetation variations in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) is vital for adjusting ecological restoration strategies to address the possible threats posed by changing environments. On the basis of the kernel normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI) and key climate drivers (precipitation (PRE), temperature (TEM), solar radiation (SR), and potential evapotranspiration (PET)) in the basin during the period from 1982 to 2022, we utilized the multivariate statistical approach to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation dynamics, identified the key climate variables, and discerned the respective impacts of climate change (CC) and human activities (HA) on these variations. Our analysis revealed a widespread greening trend across 93.1% of the YRB, with 83.2% exhibiting significant increases in kNDVI (p < 0.05). Conversely, 6.9% of vegetated areas displayed a browning trend, particularly concentrated in the alpine and urban areas. With the Hurst index of kNDVI exceeding 0.5 in 97.5% of vegetated areas, the YRB tends to be extensively greened in the future. Climate variability emerges as a pivotal determinant shaping diverse spatial and temporal vegetation patterns, with PRE exerting dominance in 41.9% of vegetated areas, followed by TEM (35.4%), SR (13%), and PET (9.7%). Spatially, increased PRE significantly enhanced vegetation growth in arid zones, while TEM and SR controlled vegetation variations in alpine areas and non-water-limited areas such as irrigation zones. Vegetation dynamics in the YRB were driven by a combination of CC and HA, with relative contributions of 55.8% and 44.2%, respectively, suggesting that long-term CC is the dominant force. Specifically, climate change contributed to the vegetation greening seen in the alpine region and southeastern part of the basin, and human-induced factors benefited vegetation growth on the Loess Plateau (LP) while inhibiting growth in urban and alpine pastoral areas. These findings provide critical insights that inform the formulation and adaptation of ecological conservation strategies in the basin, thereby enhancing resilience to changing environmental conditions.

Molybdenite Reference Materials for In SituLA‐ICP‐MS/MS Re‐Os Geochronology

Re‐Os isotope‐dilution geochronology has been widely used to date the timing of molybdenite, pyrite and chalcopyrite formation across a variety of geological settings. However, in situ methods have been impeded by the isobaric interference of 187Re on 187Os. In situ Re‐Os geochronology using LA‐ICP‐MS/MS has been shown to be a useful technique to chemically separate Os from Re, as Os reacts with CH4 to create higher‐mass reaction products, which can then be measured with minimised interference of 187Re. However, application of the method requires matrix‐matched primary reference materials, e.g., age‐homogenous molybdenite amenable to laser ablation. Here, we characterise and present two new molybdenite mineral reference materials for in situ Re‐Os geochronology by LA‐ICP‐MS/MS, verified by ID‐TIMS Re‐Os measurements. We also present case studies from molybdenite samples with varying Re mass fractions and Re‐Os age mapping. The method provides accurate and precise age data, with excellent precision for high Re samples. The benefits of the LA‐ICP‐MS/MS approach include: (1) simple sample preparation, (2) rapid data acquisition, (3) targeting of specific textural domains including growth zones and (4) the ability to simultaneously collect trace elements used to link the timing and conditions of ore‐formation.

Sensitivity of 3D Convective Urca Simulations to Changes in Urca Reactions

A proposed setting for thermonuclear (Type Ia) supernovae is a white dwarf that has gained mass from a companion to the point of carbon ignition in the core. There is a simmering phase in the early stages of burning that involves the formation and growth of a core convection zone. One aspect of this phase is the convective Urca process, a linking of weak nuclear reactions to convection that may alter the composition and structure of the white dwarf. Convective Urca is not well understood and requires 3D fluid simulations to realistically model. Additionally, the convection is relatively slow (Mach number less than 0.005) so a low-Mach method is needed to make simulating computationally feasible. Using the MAESTROeX low-Mach hydrodynamics code, we investigate recent changes to how the weak reactions are modeled in the convective Urca simulations. We present results that quantify the changes to the reaction rates and their impact on the evolution of the simulation.

Use of the biopore technique to improve soil quality and the growth of beach Casuarina plants on the reclaimed former tin mine land in Bangka Belitung Islands

The tin mining process removes soil layers so that the soil becomes dry and nutrient-poor. Reclamation of tin mining in Selingsing, Gantung Sub-district, Belitung Timur Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province has been carried out through revegetation using beach Casuarina plants, but plant growth is slow. On of the efforts that can be made to improve plant growth to restore land and forest conditions is using the biopore technique combined with organic litter and bioactivator solution. This study was therefore aimed to elucidate the effect of the biopore technique on soil quality and the growth of beach Casuarina on the reclaimed former tin mine land. Treatments tested were the use of bamboo biopores and without the use of bamboo biopores, with five replications in each treatment. The effect of variation was measured based on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lead contents in the root zone and plant growth (plant height and diameter). The results showed that compared to those without biopore treatment, the biopore treatment significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents by 0.67%, 2.12%, and 19%, respectively. The organic component of biopore treatment influenced the formation of metal bonds, as indicated by a decrease in lead content by 0.35%. The best plant height of 42 cm was observed in the treatment without biopore, and the best plant diameter of 2.9 cm was in the biopore treatment.

Thermodynamic Analysis of Al-Ni, Al-Cu Alloys System Using Calphad Method

Abstract: The CALPHAD technique, in conjunction with the PBIN database, is employed to conduct a thorough thermodynamic analysis and assessment of the binary alloy systems Al-Cu and Al-Ni. This study explores the thermodynamic properties, including phase diagrams, Gibbs free energies, and thermodynamic molar activities across the entire compositional range. The temperature maintained for assessment is 2000-2050 K. The doping characteristic of the AL-Ni binary system is more epitaxial and useful for doping industries. The correspondence of Raoult’s law is more precise in the Al-Ni binary alloy system due to its better doping characteristics. The entropy and the enthalpy of both systems increase. The greater decrease in the Gibbs curve and activity predicted the more stability of the alloying system Al-Ni. Within the Al-Ni system, a composition range of 0.4-0.6 mole percent at a temperature of 2050 K is identified as the most stable, contrasting with the Al-Cu system, which exhibits the least stability. The lattice vibrations mode and Brillion zone growth during alloying contribute to highly epitaxial characteristics, with pure and sharp attractive interactions among alloying elements. Negative deviation from ideality in activity is observed in the Al-Ni system, further supporting its increased stability. This is attributed to the lower Gibbs energy and higher enthalpy accordance. Both Al-Cu and Al-Ni binary systems show the highest level of equilibrium and stability. The enthalpy values of both alloying systems gradually increase with temperature. In the solid era of both binary alloy systems, Al-Cu and Al-Ni, the ferrite phase is identified as the stable phase. The most stable ferrite phase, capable of withstanding the highest temperatures, holds promise for applications in industrial sectors and materials metallurgy. Keywords: Thermodynamic properties, CALPHAD method, Thermo-calc simulation package, Alloys.

Sedimentary protolith and high-P metamorphism of oxidized manganiferous quartzite from the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract. We investigated the mineral assemblage, mineral and bulk-rock chemistry, and zircon U–Pb age of a manganiferous quartzite layer in the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica. The mineral assemblage consists primarily of phengite and quartz, along with spessartine-rich garnet, Mn3+ and rare earth element–yttrium (REY)-zoned epidote-group minerals, and titanohematite. Mineral inclusions such as tephroite, rutile and pyrophanite are hosted in porphyroblasts of the latter three minerals and suggest prograde blueschist-facies to low-T eclogite-facies metamorphism (M1). Epidote-group minerals commonly exhibit multiple growth zones of piemontite and/or epidote (M1), REY-rich piemontite (M2), REY-rich epidote (M3), and epidote (M4) from core to rim. Pseudobinary fO2–X diagrams at constant P–T support the stability of an epidote-group mineral-bearing assemblage under highly oxidized conditions during prograde M2 to peak M3 metamorphism. In marked contrast, tephroite-bearing assemblages (M1) are limited to relatively reduced environments and Mn-rich, silica-deficient bulk-rock compositions. Mn nodules have such characteristics, and the contribution of this hydrogenous component is inferred from bulk-rock chemical features such as a strong positive Ce anomaly. The major-element composition of the manganiferous quartzite suggests a protolith primarily consisting of a mixture of chert and pelagic clay. The presence of rare detrital zircons supports terrigenous input from a craton and constrains the maximum time of deposition to be ca. 546 Ma. The lack of arc-derived detrital zircons in the quartzite and the predominance of siliciclastic metasedimentary rocks among the surrounding rocks suggest that the deep-sea protolith was most likely deposited in an arc/back-arc setting at a continental margin. High-P metamorphism associated with terrane accretion during the Ross orogeny took place in the middle Cambrian (ca. 506 Ma), broadly coeval with the metamorphic peak recorded in the associated high-P rocks such as mafic eclogites. Finally, it is noteworthy that the high-P manganiferous quartzite was amenable to exhumation because the paleo-position of the protolith was likely distal from the leading edge of the downgoing slab.

Tracing fluid exsolution and hydrothermal alteration signature of the Mufushan Nb–Ta–(Li–Be–Cs) deposit, South China: an apatite perspective

The appearance of hydrous magmas and the following separation of volatile-rich fluids through hydrothermal alteration are intricately linked to the formation of granitic rare-metal deposits, the principal source of worldwide Li, Be, Nb, Ta and Cs production. The lack of mineralogical information from the developing magmatic–hydrothermal system has, however, prevented a thorough comprehension of these processes. Apatite occurs as an accessory mineral in the metasedimentary (schist)–magmatic (muscovite monzogranite)–pegmatite (ore-free or ore-bearing pegmatite) rocks in the Mufushan Complex (MFSC) rare-metal ore field of northeastern Hunan, South China, potentially providing insights into Nb–Ta–(Li–Be–Cs) mineralization. To demonstrate that apatite can potentially record the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution of metasedimentary–magmatic–pegmatite systems, this study presents a combined textural and geochemical study of apatite from the MFSC granitic pegmatite-type rare-metal mineralization. The MFSC apatite textures and compositions have changed since it first crystallized (i.e. post-crystallization alteration). Apatite from the schist shows a homogeneous rim or homogeneous textures with cracks or inclusions (S-ap1) and a patchy core (S-ap2), indicative of a magmatic–hydrothermal origin. Apatite from the muscovite monzogranite (G-ap) displays altered and distinctive core–rim textures, with visible voids, mineral inclusions and cracks, suggestive of overprinting of early magmatism texture by hydrothermal fluid. However, compared with S-ap1, S-ap2 and G-ap, the pegmatite apatite shows more complicated textures; that is, P-ap1 (homogeneous bright and dark areas) and P-ap2 (replacement texture involving alteration rim, growth zonation, patchy and complex zoning patterns). P-ap1 underwent early magmatism and weaker post-hydrothermal overprinting, and P-ap2 reflects a magmatic–hydrothermal product. S-ap1 and S-ap2 yield lower intercept ages of 130.6 ± 1.8 and 128.4 ± 3.8 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with the transitional age of the magmatic–hydrothermal metallogenic environment in northeastern Hunan. G-ap and P-ap1 yield older ages of 136.3 ± 2.8 and 141.3 ± 6.7 Ma, respectively, which correspond to the age of magmatic early stage (Nb–Ta)-mineralization within uncertainty in northeastern Hunan. The Sr isotopic composition of apatite provides evidence for the provenance of the MFSC batholith in the rare-metal metallogenesis of the Lengjiaxi Group. Therefore, we hypothesize that apatite in granitic rare-metal deposits within metasedimentary–magmatic–pegmatite systems might be employed as a viable proxy to explore the textures and geochemical fingerprints of fluid exsolution and hydrothermal alteration. Supplementary material: Analytical techniques and the results for apatite grains in this investigation are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7038699

Phosphate bio-solubilization and cadmium tolerance interplay in the root-microbe interface and consequences on root P absorption in wheat

Functional soil microbial communities, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), are known for their ability to enhance P availability along with additional properties such as the immobilization of trace elements like cadmium (Cd). Bacterial P solubilization and tolerance to Cd are important biological processes that might occur simultaneously with positive influence on plant growth, thus physiological mechanisms controlling both processes need to be deciphered. This interplay was investigated in three PSB isolates (Bacillus siamensis "B. Siam", Rahnella aceris "R. Acer" and Bacillus cereus "B. Cer") and their consortium (PSBCs) with contrasting P solubilizing capacities (high-medium-low), through bacterial culture-based and plant inoculation experiments under increasing Cd concentrations and low P availability conditions (Tri-calcium P "TCP" and Rock P "RP"). Results show that PSB, particularly R. Acer and PSBCs, significantly increased P bioavailability (from TCP) under increasing Cd2+ concentrations (33 ppm “Cd33”, 67 ppm “Cd67”, 134 ppm “Cd134” and 201 ppm “Cd201”). The enhanced bioavailable P strongly correlated (B. Siam and PSBCs) with Cd bioaccumulation capacity, phosphatase enzyme activity, and organic acids (OA) production. Co-application of RP and PSB inoculation under Cd2+ stress (Cd8 and Cd16) improved wheat seedling root growth, P acquisition, and root hairs density in the piliferous zone and root cap. Moreover, inoculation with B. Cer significantly improved root inorganic P (Pi) (384 and 752%) and root acid phosphatases (176 and 131%) under Cd8 and Cd16 compared to uninoculated Cd-stressed seedlings. Such a beneficial root adaptation mechanism could be explained by the significant correlations (mainly under Cd16) between Pi content and morphological traits of wheat roots. Findings from this study demonstrate that P solubilization and Cd tolerance are likely interconnected rhizosphere processes triggered by inoculation that presumably induced the elongation of root hairs and likely the rigidity of the root cell wall to reduce Cd entrance while increasing P acquisition.

Effective development and utilization of SILAR-assisted TiO2 and CsPb2Br5 nanocomposites for photochemical and biological cleaning of environment

Recently, cesium lead halide perovskites such as CsPb2Br5 and CsPbBr3 have drawn the attention of researchers because of their unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. To improve the photo and/or chemical performance of such CsPb2Br5 (termed as CPB hereafter), we have realized multiple facile routes for its combination with UV-active TiO2 nanoparticles. Resultantly developed binary nanocomposites of TiO2, CPB perovskites and TiO2/CPB-nanocomposite (TiO2/CPB-NC) offered a meaningful photochemical contrast between pseudo-successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (p-SILAR) and electrostatic self-assembly methods for targeting photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes under solar irradiation and resulted significant performance as reactant for oxygen evolution (OER) as revealed by extensive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In parallel to extensive material-based characterization using SEM, XRD, and UV Vis. etc, the study was further extended to the theoretical investigation of the structure of CsPb2Br5, and antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). RhB degradation of TiO2 increased from 13% to 58% by deposition of CPB, in parallel to 100% inhition zone growth.

The effect of multi-scale second-phases on the microstructure evolution of a Mg–Al–Sn–Ca alloy during friction-stir processing

In the present work, the type, morphology and size of secondary phase particles in a Mg–4Al–2Sn-0.5Ca (ATX420) alloy are tailored through sub-rapid solidification (SRS) and aging treatment before friction stir processing (FSP) to systematically investigate their impact on microstructures and mechanical properties of the FSP ATX420 Mg alloy. The smaller eutectic CaMgSn phase with micro-defects in the as-cast SRS alloy is more likely to be broken during FSP, compared to the as-cast conventional solidification (CS) alloy. Additionally, nano-sized CaMgSn and Mg17Al12 particles precipitate in as-aged SRS alloy due to a high supersaturation solubility of solutes in the as-cast SRS alloy. These densely-distributed nano-sized precipitates in the as-aged SRS alloy increase the processing temperature by 60 °C during FSP, which results in less nano-sized precipitates in the stirring zone and grain growth of the α-Mg matrix. This leads to a decrease in hardness in the FSP-aged-SRS alloy (∼10 HV). Besides, the grain structure evolutions in the stirring zone and transition zone are systematically investigated for understanding the microstructure evolution during FSP in Mg alloys with eutectic phase.

Škáchaite, CaCo(CO3)2, a new member of the dolomite group, from the Brod deposit near Příbram, Czech Republic

Abstract Škáchaite (IMA2022–143) is a new mineral species discovered in samples from the hydrothermal vein B117, shaft No. 6 at the Brod deposit of the uranium and base-metal Příbram ore district, central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Škáchaite is a Co-dominant member of the dolomite group and forms anhedral grains up to 50 μm in size and as 20–100 μm thick growth zones in škáchaite–dolomite crystals as a part of carbonate (dolomite, calcite, siderite, spherocobaltite, ankerite, kutnohorite and minrecordite) gangue, associated with native silver, sulfides and arsenides. Škáchaite is pale to bright pink with vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is ca. 3½–4, similar to other members of the dolomite group. The calculated density is 3.140 g.cm–3. Škáchaite is optically uniaxial (–); the indices of refraction are ω = 1.741(3) and ɛ = 1.535(3). On the basis of electron-microprobe analyses, its empirical formula is Ca1.00(Co0.45Mg0.38Ca0.08Fe0.05Mn0.03Zn0.01)Σ1.00(CO3)2. The ideal formula is CaCo(CO3)2, which requires (in wt.%) CaO 25.60, CoO 34.21, CO2 40.19, a total of 100.00. Škáchaite is trigonal, R $\bar{3}$ , with unit-cell parameters a = 4.8177(18), c = 16.093(7) Å, V = 323.5(2) Å3 and Z = 3. The strongest reflections of the calculated powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å, (Irel, %) hkl] are: 3.704 (13) 10 $\bar{2}$ ; 2.896 (100) 104; 2.409 (15) 110; 2.019 (17) 202; 1.812 (19) 10 $\bar{8}$ ; and 1.792 (16) 11 $\bar{6}$ . According to the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (R1 = 0.0304 for 94 reflections with [I > 3σ(I)]), the crystal structure of škáchaite is isotypic with its Mg-analogue, dolomite. The Raman spectrum of škáchaite, as well as the tentative assignment of observed bands, are given in this paper. The mineral is named in honour of Pavel Škácha, a Czech mineralogist and curator of the mineralogical collection of the Mining Museum Příbram, Czech Republic.

Assessing the efficiency of the irrigation system in a horticulture field through time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography

AbstractThe characterization by means of geophysical techniques of agricultural soils subjected to continuous irrigation cycles makes it possible to study the heterogeneity of a soil and the preferential pathways of water flows without disturbing soil and plants. A better knowledge of soil heterogeneity enables optimal water resource management in terms of crop, yield, and sustainability. In this study, time-lapse monitoring using electrical resistivity tomographies (ERT) is proposed as a reliable and non-invasive technique to quantify the movement of water flows and thus the variation of soil water content during the irrigation process. ERT surveys have been conducted in melon-growing soils in southern Tuscany (Italy). Five survey campaigns have been carried out between June and August 2022, in which ERT data have been collected by taking measurements before (T0), during (T1), and after (T2) the irrigation phase. The interpretation of the ERT results provided information on the spatial and temporal distribution of water fluxes in the soil and root zone of melons during the irrigation phases. The investigation made it possible to identify the preferential pathways of infiltration of irrigation water, the points where water is absorbed by the roots, and the points where water follows a preferential pathway instead distributing itself entirely below the root growth zone. Thus, this research suggests that the ERT technique can be used to evaluate the efficiency of the irrigation system in order to achieve optimal management of the water resource, avoiding preferential flow paths that lead to less water availability for the plant.

Floating Zone Growth of Pure and Pb-Doped Bi-2201 Crystals

In this review, we summarize recent progress in crystal growth and understanding of the influence of crystal structure on 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 the lack of knowledge of corresponding phase diagrams. Historically, a crucible-free floating zone method emerged as the most promising growth approach for these materials, resulting in high-quality single crystals. This review outlines the described methods in the literature and the authors’ synthesis endeavors encompassing Pb-doped Bi-2201 crystals, provides a 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.

Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch–zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil

The production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm−2 d−1 kPa−1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry.

Hyper-enrichment of heavy rare earth element in highly evolved granites through multiple hydrothermal mobilization

Abstract Highly evolved granites can be important hosts of rare earth element (REE) resources, and more importantly, they commonly serve as the protolith for regolith-hosted REE deposits to form during weathering. Highly evolved granites in the Zudong pluton, South China are extremely rich in the HREE (up to 8,000 ppm total HREE) and display significant REE fractionation. Moreover, the HREE enrichment is positively correlated with the degree of REE fractionation, indicating a unique process in preferentially enriching the HREE during the evolution of the granites. Multiple stages of hydrothermal re-mobilization of the REE can account for the HREE mineralization and these are recorded in the texture and composition of the zircon. In these processes, fluctuations in the F activity of the fluid caused alternating dissolution-reprecipitation and continuous growth of the zircon. REE were repeatedly mobilized and enriched in the fluid to precipitate the major HREE mineral synchysite-(Y), and partially incorporated into the growth zone of zircon while other elements were largely lost to the fluid during extensive dissolution of the rock-forming minerals. LREE were also likely substantially mobilized in the late hydrothermal stage and lost through complexation with Cl, causing the significant LREE depletion and thus REE fractionation. This process continuously enriched host granites in the HREE to a potentially economic grade, making them favorable protoliths for subsequent supergene regolith-hosted HREE deposits.

Advances in high-pressure laser floating zone growth: The Laser Optical Kristallmacher II (LOKII).

The optical floating zone crystal growth technique is a well-established method for obtaining large, high-purity single crystals. While the floating zone method has been constantly evolving for over six decades, the development of high-pressure (up to 1000bar) growth systems has only recently been realized via the combination of laser-based heating sources with an all-metal chamber. While our inaugural high-pressure laser floating zone furnace design demonstrated the successful growth of new volatile and metastable phases, the furnace design faces several limitations with imaging quality, heating profile control, and chamber cooling power. Here, we present a second-generation design of the high-pressure laser floating zone furnace, "Laser Optical Kristallmacher II" (LOKII), and demonstrate that this redesign facilitates new advances in crystal growth by highlighting several exemplar materials: α-Fe2O3, β-Ga2O3, and La2CuO4+δ. Notably, for La2CuO4+δ, we demonstrate the feasibility and long-term stability of traveling solvent floating zone growth under a record pressure of 700bar.

Pemberdayaan dan Pendampingan Masyarakat Pesisir Peduli Mangrove di Kawasan Mangrove Bangko-Bangko, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Empowering and assisting coastal communities who care about mangroves is one solution in maintaining sustainable coastal ecosystems. One of them is the Bangko-Bangko mangrove area which is vegetation that supports coastal forests. This service method is carried out through a process of mentoring and community empowerment. The results of the service show that it is important to empower and assist coastal communities adjacent to the Bangko-Bangko mangrove ecosystem in Sekotong District to maintain sustainable mangrove conservation. Apart from that, assistance from people who care about mangroves in the mangrove rehabilitation process is very necessary to ensure that the type of mangrove planted is appropriate to its habitat and growth zone so that the planting program can be successful with a high probability.

Using Interactive Language Development Tools to Enhance Cognitive and Literacy Skills in K-12 Education

The incorporation of interactive language technologies, such as ChatGPT, into K-12 education has sparked interest as a way to improve language acquisition and cognitive development. This qualitative study investigates the perspectives and experiences of educators enrolled in the Advanced Teaching MEd program who have implemented ChatGPT in their language classes. The study investigates the influence of ChatGPT on language competence, cognitive skills, and literacy development using educator interviews, classroom observations, and a comprehensive literature analysis. The findings underscore ChatGPT's dynamic and interactive nature, which encourages active involvement, knowledge production, and tailored support in the zone of proximal growth. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how ChatGPT improves language proficiency by offering authentic language experiences, timely feedback, and exposure to a variety of linguistic structures. ChatGPT integration helps students become confident communicators and teachers construct dynamic classes that adapt to specific learning needs. Future research should look at the long-term impact of interactive language tools, the importance of teacher training, and the cultural and socioeconomic aspects that influence their use and efficacy. This work adds to the continuing efforts to improve language learning outcomes in K-12 education by increasing our understanding of how interactive language tools can boost cognitive development and language competency.