Microscopy Investigations Research Articles

Scissors vibration and its collective rotation in a microscopic investigation

Scissors vibration and its collective rotation in a microscopic investigation

Decalcification-free technique on the analysis of dental pulp tissue: histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Histological techniques are essential for the microscopic study and investigation of the human dental pulp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of decalcification-free technique by examining dental pulp morphology by histological staining with haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry. The sample consisted of 30 healthy third molars extracted for orthodontic indication, the pulp tissue was obtained by removing the mineralized tissues, separating the enamel and dentine and by marking with a flexible diamond disc on the coronal surface and longitudinal axis of the root. These guides made it possible to separate the fragments and obtain the pulp tissue for fixation and staining with H&E and subsequent immunohistochemistry with CD34 and S-100 antibodies. The technique showed preservation of pulp morphology with adequate preservation of microscopic structures. No alterations in tissue viability were observed. The staining allowed an accurate assessment of vascular and nervous components by means of CD34 and S-100 markers, respectively. This technique allows preservation of pulp tissue, maintaining viable tissue for histological analysis and immunohistochemistry tests, as well as reducing sample processing time.

New interpretation model of the effect of short PE fibers in TRM on tensile behavior

An experimental investigation was conducted on the tensile behavior of textile reinforced mortar (TRM) composites containing different volumes of short polyethylene (PE) fibers in a cementitious matrix to improve the tensile strength and cracking mode of TRM. This investigation mainly aimed to study the action mechanism of short fibers and propose a reasonable textile-short fiber-matrix interface model. The short fiber content was varied, as was the matrix type and the number of grid layers. Ten groups of TRM tensile specimens subjected to the monotonic uniaxial tensile loading were fabricated and tested to examine their tensile characteristics. The results showed that the multiple-cracking behavior and failure mode of TRM were significantly improved by adding PE fibers into the matrix. The tensile strength was increased by 25.8–167.2 %. After the uniaxial tensile tests, the microscopic investigation of the interface between the textile and matrix was conducted on the tensile specimens using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The significant influence of the short PE fibers on the improvement of the interface bonding between the textile and matrix was confirmed. More importantly, based on the ESEM results, a novel interface model was proposed to promote understanding of the action mechanism of short fibers.

Raman Microscopic Investigation of Organic Solvent Concentration Profiles in Proton Exchange Membranes and Their Permeability

Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) suffer from severe problems related to the employed polymer electrolyte membranes, such as fuel crossover, resulting in low faradaic efficiency and performance of the fuel cell.1,2,3 We introduce a 3D-printed diffusion cell setup, which is capable of determining the interaction of membranes and organic solvents via confocal Raman microscopy.4 Thus, the suitability of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for usage in DAFCs can be evaluated. In this setup, the membrane is clamped between two flow channels, similar to the flow field plates of a fuel cell. The donor channel is filled with an organic solvent-water mixture, and the receptor channel is filled with water. Depth scans through the membrane and the two flow channels provide concentration profiles of the organic solvent within the membrane, which are used to calculate membrane properties such as permeability and sorption coefficient (see Fig. 1).In this study, the membrane-solvent interactions between standard unreinforced and composite PEMs and various organic solvent solutions, such as 2-propanol, acetone, and ethanol, are investigated. All membranes analyzed show a preference for organic solvent absorption from 1 M solutions, with sorption coefficients ranging from 2.5 to 3.0. In addition to the absorption, the organic solvents permeate through the membrane. The corresponding permeabilities range from 10-5 to 10-4 cm² s-1. However, the permeabilities of the membranes for different solvents do not scale with their sorption coefficients, in contrast to the membrane swelling.This diffusion cell setup is an accessible and fast pre-screening method, which can enhance the development and evaluation of new ion exchange membranes for use in DAFCs and related applications.

Ameliorative effects of gallic acid on tebuconazole–induced adverse effects in the cerebellum of adult albino rats: histopathological and immunohistochemical evidence

ABSTRACT Tebuconazole (TEB) is a common triazole sterol demethylation inhibitor fungicide utilized to manage a variety of diseases in crops like cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of TEB on the structure of the cerebellum in adult albino rats and possible protective impact of co-administration of Gallic acid (GA). Four groups of forty adult male albino rats were randomly selected, and the rats in group I received corn oil through daily gavage for 4 weeks. Group II received GA dissolved in the normal saline at a dose of 100 mg/kg through daily gavage for 4 weeks, group III administered with TEB dissolved in corn oil at its acceptable daily intake dose (0.02 mg/kg body weight) through daily gavage for 4 weeks, group IV rats received both TEB and GA. For light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations, cerebellar specimens were prepared. TEB exposure led to neuronal damage in the form of degenerated Purkinje cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, areas of lost Purkinje cells, the basket cells appeared vacuolated with degenerated neuropil, the granule cells clumped with congested areas between them, dilated cerebellar islands, weak positive bcl2 immunoreactions in the Purkinje cells, and numerous GFAP-positive astrocytes. GA mitigated TEB-mediated histological changes in the cerebellar cortex. We concluded that TEB caused Purkinje neurons in the rat cerebellar cortex to degenerate and undergo apoptosis. GA had a neuroprotective benefit against TEB toxicity in the rat cerebellar cortex.

First microscopic, pathological, epidemiological, and molecular investigation of Leucocytozoon (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) parasites in Egyptian pigeons.

Leucocytozoon is an intracellular blood parasite that affects various bird species globally and is transmitted by blackfly vectors. This parasite is responsible for leucocytozoonosis, a disease that results in significant economic losses due to reduced meat and egg production. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiological pattern of leucocytozoonosis and its causative species in Egypt, particularly in pigeons. The current study involved the collection of 203 blood samples from domestic pigeons from various household breeders and local markets across Qena Province, Upper Egypt. Samples were initially examined for potential Leucocytozoon infection using blood smears, followed by an evaluation of associated risk factors. Molecular identification of the parasite in selected samples (n = 11), which had initially tested positive via blood smears, was further refined through nested PCR and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to ascertain the Leucocytozoon species present. Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and pancreas was conducted on animals that tested positive by blood smears. Interestingly, 26 out of 203 samples (12.08%) had confirmed Leucocytozoon infections based on microscopic analysis. Additionally, all 11 samples that initially tested positive via blood smears were confirmed positive through nested PCR analysis, and their sequencing revealed the presence of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi, marking the first report of this parasite in Egypt. The study into potential risk factors unveiled the prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. seems host gender-dependent, with males exhibiting a significantly higher infection rate (33.33%). Additionally, adult birds demonstrated a significantly higher infection prevalence than squabs, suggesting an age-dependent trend in prevalence. Seasonality played a significant role, with the highest occurrence observed during summer (37.25%). Histopathological examination revealed the presence of numerous megaloschizonts accompanied by lymphocytic infiltration and multiple focal areas of ischemic necrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to shed light on the epidemiological characteristics and molecular characterization of leucocytozoonosis in pigeons in Egypt. Further research endeavors are warranted to curb the resurgence of Leucocytozoon parasites in other avian species across Egypt, thereby refining the epidemiological understanding of the disease for more effective control and prevention measures.

Application of the EBSD Technique in the Study of Porosity and Permeability in Deformation Bands in Sandstone.

Deformation bands are common constituents of porous clastic fluid reservoirs. Various techniques have been used to study deformation band structure and the associated changes in porosity and permeability. However, the use of electron backscatter diffraction technique is limited. Thus, more information is needed regarding the crystallographic relationships between detrital crystals, which can significantly impact reservoir rock quality. We employ microscopic and microstructural investigation techniques to analyze the influence of cataclastic deformation bands on pore space. Porosity measurements of the Cretaceous Ilhas Group sandstone in NE Brazil, obtained through computerized microtomography, indicate that the undeformed domains exhibit a total porosity of up to 13%. In contrast, this porosity is slightly over 1% in the deformation bands. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed the presence of grain fragmentation and dissolution microstructures, along with cement-filling pre-existing pores. The electron backscatter diffraction analyses indicated extensive grain fragmentation and minimal contribution from intracrystalline plasticity as a deformation mechanism. However, the c axes of quartz crystals roughly align parallel to the orientation of the deformation band. In summary, we have confirmed and quantified the internal changes in a deformation band cluster, with grain size reduction and associated compaction as the main mechanism supported by quartz cementation.

Wood flour / ceramic reinforced Polylactic Acid based 3D - printed functionally grade structural material for integrated engineering applications: A numerical and experimental characteristic investigation

Recently, efforts have been done to capitalize on the potential of multidisciplinary research in order to produce unique features in polymer technology. To improve its physical and chemical properties for any intended use, the most promising Polylactic acid (PLA) has recently been copolymerized using other polymeric or non-polymeric components. This investigation aims to employ the material extrusion (MEX) process to develop a new functionally grade structural material (FGSM) by alternate layer deposition of wood flour reinforced PLA (WPLA) and ceramic reinforced PLA (CPLA). The mechanical properties of the printed laminates are examined using tensile, compression and three point bend tests. The microscopic investigation is used to assess fracture morphologies. A numerical simulation is also performed using ABAQUS under standardized parametric settings to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the laminates. The experimental and numerical results are consistent, with a deviation about ∼1 %. The tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of the newly developed FGSM are 61.39, 95.4, and 107.8 % higher than those of WPLA printed laminates. Furthermore, the acquired mechanical behaviour results are merely comparable to those of CPLA printed laminates. DSC thermograms demonstrate that FGSM has a better glass transition temperature (66oC) and a cold crystalline temperature (87.63oC), which contributes to its thermal stability. Overall, the newly developed FGSM might be considered a viable alternative, mechanically strong, and less expensive polymer composite material for structural built applications in any engineering and related fields.

Atomic force microscopic investigations of transient early-stage bacterial adhesion and antibacterial activity of silver and ceria modified bioactive glass

Bioactive glass 58S (BG58S) is widely recognised for its bioactivity and antibacterial properties, making it a promising material for orthopaedic implant applications. This study investigates the effects of incorporating silver (BG58S-2.5Ag) and cerium oxide (BG58S-5C) into BG58S on early-stage bacterial adhesion and subsequent bacterial growth inhibition. Using a high-intensity ball milling approach, BG58S was modified with 5% cerium oxide (CeO2) and 2.5% silver (Ag) nanoparticles to create homogeneous BG58S-2.5Ag and BG58S-5C nanocomposites. Custom-made biomineral probes were employed to measure the bacterial adhesion within one second of contact with Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results demonstrated that BG58S-2.5Ag showed significantly stronger transient adhesion to bacteria compared to BG58S, leading to a more effective long-term antibacterial response. Additionally, it was observed that the antibacterial effect of Ag commenced within one second of contact. These findings indicate a potential correlation between the rate of bond strengthening and cell wall penetration. This study highlights the potential for enhancing the effectiveness of antibacterial implant surfaces for various biomaterial applications.Graphical abstract

Effect of CSET processing on a commercial purity polycrystalline Al sample and numerical simulation of induced plastic deformation

A commercial purity Al sample was processed using complex shearing of the extruded tube (CSET) technique, which enables the preparation of tubes from bulk samples in one step by combining extrusion and two Equal Chanel Angular Pressing - like passes. In the present paper, the CSET process was simulated and analysed using Finite Element Method. The results of the simulations were compared with the experimental findings. Both modelling and experiment revealed a gradual increase in plastic deformation in the material during CSET processing. Simultaneously, microscopic investigations confirmed concurrent grain refinement. Moreover, a slight gradient of plastic deformation predicted by FEM in the main deformation zone was confirmed by microhardness measurements. In the resulting tube wall, electron backscattered diffraction experiments revealed the presence of fine grains and a partially recovered microstructure. The Vickers microhardness was found to be doubled by the CSET processing.

Effect of iron bearing minerals on iron ore processing

In the current study, elemental analysis and microscopic investigations were conducted to characterize the minerals present in an iron ore sample. The iron content was below 24%, with the dominant iron-bearing minerals being hematite and magnetite. Consequently, gravity and magnetic separation methods were employed to enhance the iron content. However, the processing results less than what was expecting due to incomplete sample characterization. The sample was further analyzed using quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis. This more comprehensive examination revealed additional iron-bearing minerals as goethite, ankerite, and limonite. The behavior of these minerals likely contributed to the unsuccessful separation process which was thoroughly explored in this article. Understanding the mineralogical composition of iron ores is paramount for optimizing processing operations and achieving successful outcomes.

Mechanical properties and durability analysis of CS-CG stabilized soil: Towards sustainable subgrade soil enhancement

In this study, carbide slag (CS) and coal gangue (CG) powder were utilized to enhance the properties of the subgrade soil. CS-CG stabilized soil underwent lab experiments to assess its mechanical properties and durability. Tests included unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compressive resilient modulus (CRM), and California bearing ratio (CBR) at stabilizer dosages of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 %. Additional tests, such as dry-wet cycling, salt solution immersion, permeability, leaching, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), were conducted specifically for the 10 % dosage. The mechanical properties and durability were comprehensively analyzed, with a microscopic investigation into pore size. Furthermore, the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) of CS-CG stabilized soil is derived through MIP, providing insights into its impact on the material's strength. Results showcased favorable bearing capacity and durability of CS-CG stabilized soil. The optimal mixing dosage is 10 %, with the best ratio being CS: CG= 70: 30. After 6 dry-wet cycles, UCS loss rate was 18.6 %, comparable to 4 % Portland cement (PC) stabilized soil. Dry-wet cycle characteristics surpassed PC and Lime stabilized soils. Immersion in a 5 % NaCl solution for 30 days yielded a UCS of 3.8 MPa at 28-day age, while exposure to 5 % Na2SO4 solution led to an 11.6 % strength decrease compared to NaCl. Permeability coefficient indicated low permeability akin to PC and Lime stabilized soils. Heavy metal content met standards, with minimal increase during cycles. Hydration products mainly comprised C-S-H gel, Ca(OH)2 crystals, and carbonate modification. Analysis suggested capillary and transition pores predominantly, with minimal macropores presence. Dry-wet cycles induced a marginal increase in pore size, with negligible overall impact. SWCC predicted water content (θs) ranged from 30 % to 32 %, with a slight increase in matrix suction during dry-wet cycles. CS-CG stabilized soil shows favorable mechanical properties, durability, and environmental sustainability, indicating its potential as a substitute for traditional cement and lime treatments in subgrade soil reinforcement.

Co-administration of either curcumin or resveratrol with cisplatin treatment decreases hepatotoxicity in rats via anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-apoptotic pathways.

Cisplatin (CIS) is a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, with cytotoxic effects on either malignant or normal cells. We aimed to evaluate the hepatotoxicity in rats caused by CIS and its amelioration by the co-administration of either curcumin or resveratrol. Forty adult male rats divided into four equal groups: (control group): rats were given a saline solution (0.9%) once intraperitoneally, daily for the next 28 days; (cisplatin group): rats were given a daily oral dose of saline solution (0.9%) for 28 days after receiving a single dose of cisplatin (3.3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for three successive days; (CIS plus curcumin/resveratrol groups): rats received the same previous dose of cisplatin (3.3 mg/kg) daily for three successive days followed by oral administration of either curcumin/resveratrol solution at a dose of (20 mg/kg) or (10 mg/kg) consequently daily for 28 days. Different laboratory tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, oxidative stress markers) and light microscopic investigations were done. Administration of CIS resulted in hepatotoxicity in the form of increased liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers; degenerative and apoptotic changes, the co-administration of CIS with either curcumin or resveratrol improved hepatotoxicity through improved microscopic structural changes, reduction in liver enzymes activity, decreased oxidative stress markers, improved degenerative, and apoptotic changes in liver tissues. Co-administration of either curcumin or resveratrol with cisplatin treatment could ameliorate hepatotoxicity caused by cisplatin in rats via anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-apoptotic pathways.

Molecular dynamics simulation of wax micro-structure characteristics in the oil-water emulsion

As a key issue in the flow assurance of wax-containing crude oils, the microscopic mechanism of wax deposition in multiphase pipelines is still unclear. Based on macroscopic experimental data, two forms of crystallized wax have been found under an oil-water emulsion, including adsorbed wax on the interface of water droplets and suspended wax in the bulk oil phase, which are the important factors influencing wax deposition. However, the micro-formation mechanism of the adsorbed & suspended wax is not elucidated. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the micro-structure characteristics of the adsorbed & suspended wax in the oil-water emulsion containing surfactant Span60. A method is proposed to quantitatively calculate the distributions of the adsorbed & suspended wax and the percentage of wax adsorption area at the oil-water interface. The results indicate that surfactant with the hydrophilic end will insert into the water phase and the trailing hydrophobic end stretching will point to the oil phase during co-crystallizing with wax molecules. Meanwhile, the interface tension is further reduced by tilting the adsorbed wax tail chain to enhance the adsorption stability. Based on the complicated influence of surfactants on wax adsorption, the quantitative distribution characteristics of the adsorbed & suspended wax in the oil-water emulsion are complex under different wax carbon numbers and surfactant/wax contents. This microscopic investigation of wax distribution in oil-water emulsion can support the establishment of better strategies for solving the wax deposition problem in multiphase flow.

The salinity impact on changes in some metabolites and some vital subcellular organelles in white maize

BackgroundThe great need to propagate new crop genotypes that are well adapted to the changing environmental conditions is urgently needed to support the high demand of food of the growing world population. In this work five white maize inbred lines (P4, P8, P12, P15, and P17) were studied for their salinity tolerance when exposed to: 0, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 10000 mg/L NaCl. The equilibrium balance between reactive oxygen species ROS and the detoxification cascades points to the plant’s performance under stress. The free amino acid and soluble sugar contents (non-enzymatic antioxidants) in addition to the superoxide dismutase & Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase SOD& PAL (enzymatic antioxidants) and some phenolic compounds contents were evaluated against hydrogen peroxide H2O2 as ROS product to classify plants to stress -tolerance or sensitive. Transmission electronic microscope (TEM) investigation is also, used to study the impact of the stress on the plant cells’ compartments after the direct treatment with saline water for 3 h as moderate soil holding time capacity to irrigation water.ResultsMaize line P8 followed by line P17 were the highest to cope with the irrigation of saline water in different ranges of concentrations of salt, accumulate the soluble sugars, free amino acids and antioxidants over control and other maize lines. These results are supported by the root ultrastructure observation with transmission electronic microscope.ConclusionMaize line P8 followed by the P17 line are highly recommended to be crossed and planted in the newly reclaimed lands irrigated with salty water.Graphical

Microscopic evaluation of spin and orbital moment in ferromagnetic resonance

Time-resolved X-ray magnetic circular dichroism under the effects of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), known as X-ray ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) measurements, enables direct detection of precession dynamics of magnetic moment. Here we demonstrated XFMR measurements and Bayesian analyses as a quantitative probe for the precession of spin and orbital magnetic moments under the FMR effect. Magnetization precessions in two different Pt/Ni-Fe thin film samples were directly detected. Furthermore, the ratio of dynamical spin and orbital magnetic moments was evaluated quantitatively by Bayesian analyses for XFMR energy spectra around the Ni L2,3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$L_{2,3}$$\\end{document} absorption edges. Our study paves the way for a microscopic investigation of the contribution of the orbital magnetic moment to magnetization dynamics.

Effects of process parameters on the surface characteristics of laser powder bed fusion printed parts: machine learning predictions with random forest and support vector regression

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) fuses metallic powder using a high-energy laser beam, forming parts layer by layer. This technique offers flexibility and design freedom in metal additive manufacturing (MAM). However, achieving the desired surface quality remains challenging and impacts functionality and reliability. L-PBF process parameters significantly influence surface roughness. Identifying the most critical factors among numerous parameters is essential for improving quality. This study examines the effects of key process parameters on the surface roughness of AlSi10Mg, a widely used aluminum alloy in high-tech industries, fabricated by L-PBF. Part orientation, laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness were identified as crucial parameters via cause-and-effect analysis. To systematically examine their effects, the Taguchi method was employed within the framework of the design of experiment (DoE). Experimental results and statistical analysis revealed that laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness significantly influence surface roughness parameters: arithmetic mean (Ra) and root mean square (Rq). Main effect plots and energy density analyses confirmed their impact on surface quality. Microscopic investigations identified surface flaws such as spattering, balling, and porosity contributing to poor quality. Given the complex interplay between parameters and surface quality, accurately predicting their effects is challenging. To address this, machine learning models, specifically random forest regression (RFR) and support vector regression (SVR), were used to predict the effects on surface roughness. The RFR model’s R2 values for predicting Ra and Rq are 97% and 85%, while the SVR model’s predictions are 85% and 66%, respectively. Evaluation metrics demonstrated that the RFR model outperformed SVR in predicting surface roughness.

Micro- and Macroscopic Analysis of Fatigue Wear of Gear Wheel Top Layer-An Impact Analysis of Thermochemical Treatment.

Today, there are many diagnostic methods and advanced measurement techniques enabling the correct diagnosis and assessment of the type and degree of wear of cogwheels (gears, pumps, etc.). The present study presents an analysis of the surface defects of a cogwheel of an oil pump prototype (3PW-BPF-24). The test object operated for a certain number of hours under controlled operating and environmental parameters. The damage to the surface layer was caused by fatigue phenomena and previous thermo-chemical treatment. On the basis of the significant percentage share (~30%) of residual austenite in the volume of the diffusion layer, a hypothetical conclusion was drawn about the suboptimal parameters of the thermo-chemical treatment process (in relation to the chemical composition of the analyzed pinion). A large number of research studies indicate that the significant presence of residual austenite causes a decrease in tooth surface hardness, the initiation of brittle cracks, a sharp decrease in fatigue strength, an increase in brittleness and a tendency to develop surface layer cracks during operation. High-resolution 3D scans of randomly selected pitting defects were used in the detailed study of the present work. It was indicated that the analysis of the morphology of surface defects allowed some degree of verification of the quality of the heat/chemical treatment. The martensitic transformation of residual austenite under controlled (optimum) repeated heat treatment conditions could significantly improve the durability of the pinion (cogwheel). In the case analyzed, the preferred treatment was the low-temperature treatment. The paper concludes with detailed conclusions based on the microscopic and macroscopic investigations carried out.

Modification in electrical conductivity correlated with surface, structural & optical characteristics of graphite ions implanted CR-39

Ion implantation of laser induced graphite plasma has been performed for modifications in surface, optical, electrical and structural properties of CR-39. KrF Excimer laser (248 nm, 18 ns, 120 mJ), at an irradiance of 2.5 × 108 W cm−2 is utilized for the production of graphite plasma. The energy and fluence of graphite ions are estimated by Thomson parabola technique. The targets are implanted with energy of 710 KeV graphite ions for four fluences ranging from 26 × 1012 to 92 × 1015 ions/cm2, in presence of magnetic field of strength 90 mT. The digital optical analysis reveals well-arranged dendritic and island like structure formation on irradiated polymer surface. Confocal microscopic investigation illustrates the growth of nano/micro sized craters and hillocks for various ion fluences. Dissociation of bonds along with formation of new bonds is confirmed from Raman analysis. UV–Vis spectral analysis reveals that the optical transmittance values for visible regions of CR-39 are drastically reduced from 90 % to 68 % for maximum laser fluence of 92 × 1015 ions.cm−2. Significant improvement in electrical conductivity is achieved from 10−9 to 10−7 Scm−1 for lowest fluence value of graphite ions. SRIM software is utilized for the measurement of stopping power or Linear Energy Transfer (LTE) of 710 Kev graphite ions, is about, 55.53 eV/Ǻ, in the CR-39 targets.

Evaluation of garnet phenocrysts in volcanic rocks (Görece/İzmir – Western Türkiye) for their usability as a semi-precious gemstone by multi-analytical methods

Garnets are observed as phenocrysts in blocky rhyolites of Cumaovası Volcanites and are reddish-blackish in color, show vitreous luster, and have dodecahedron forms varying between 0.5 and 2.0 cm in size. In optical microscope investigations, they exhibit fractured structures and contain quartz, hematite, chlorite, and acicular rutile inclusions. Garnet phenocrysts are highly consistent with spessartine-type garnet end members in the Raman spectrum. This result is supported by the mineral chemistry results determined as spessartine (Sps)0.50–0.52 almandine (Alm)0.47–0.48 grossular (Grs)0.01–0.02. In the chondrite, primitive mantle, and Mid-Oceanic Ridge Basalt normalized multi element variation diagrams, garnet phenocrysts show enrichment in all elements (except Sr, K, P, and Ti). In contrast, in the upper continental crust normalized multi element variation diagram, garnet phenocrysts show depletion in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K, and Sr) relative to high field strength elements. They exhibit slight enrichment in light rare earth elements ((La/Sm)N = 0.11–1.07) relative to heavy rare earth elements ((Sm/Yb)N=0.78–0.97). Furthermore, garnet phenocrysts have significant negative europium (Eu) ((Eu/Eu*)N = 0.01–0.02) and mildly positive cerium ((Ce/Ce*)N = 2.43–13.77) anomalies indicating hot and reduced magma conditions. The Y/Ho ratios have ranged from 18.9 to 20.3 and are close to the chondrite value. The zircon saturation temperatures (TZr) of the garnet’s host rock was determined to be 756 °C. As a result of mineralogical, geochemical and gemological studies, it was concluded that Görece garnet phenocrysts have glassy luster and semi-transparent dodecahedral crystal shapes, so they can be classified as semi-precious gemstones. In addition, the rare earth element content of the garnet phenocrysts is similar to that of industrial garnet sands and it is thought that they may have potential.