Texture Composition Research Articles

Calcined biomass-bentonite composites as eco-friendly adsorbents for the treatment of toxic anionic and cationic dye wastewater

Adsorption is a suitable technique for decontamination of organic dye wastewaters. Herein, we comparatively investigated the adsorption performance of bentonite (BEN) and its modification with groundnut shell (BGS) and palm kernel shell (BPS) for methylene blue (MB) and congo red (CR) dyes removal from aqueous solution. BGS and BPS were prepared by calcination at 300 °C for 6 h and were characterized using BET, SEM, EDS and FTIR to determine their textural properties, morphologies, elemental compositions, and functional groups. The BET surface examination revealed that the surface area of BEN was enhanced from 78 m2/g to 195 m2/g and 141 m2/g after modification with groundnut shell (BGS) and palm kernel shell (BPS), respectively. The adsorption process in a batch system was subjected to comprehensive experimentation to investigate the effect of adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, initial concentration, and pH. The adsorption was fitted to adsorption isotherm and kinetic models and the results revealed that the adsorption process of BEN, BGS, and BPS towards MB and CR adsorption can be best described by Temkin, Freundlich and pseudo-second order kinetic models. The adsorption capacities (qmax) for uptake of MB by BEN, BGS and BPS are 10.61, 10.85 and 10.93 mg, while CR exhibited 8.83, 6.87 and 5.86 mg/g, respectively. The thermodynamics study revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, feasible, endothermic in nature. The adsorption process is governed by electrostatic attraction with the involvement of physical and chemical adsorption. This study suggests that biomass-modified bentonite is a sustainable, cost-effective, non-toxic, and greener approach for eliminating MB and CR from aqueous solution. Furthermore, the modification method does not only achieve substantial removal of MB and CR dyes, but also offers considerable energy savings and operational cost reductions in real-time based on water quality data. This study does present a novel, sustainable approach to improve natural water treatment efficiency and compliance.

Soil morphological characteristics in the active volcanic toposequence zone at Tangkuban Parahu volcano, Indonesia

Soil formation in volcanic terrains presents a significant challenge due to the diverse physical and chemical properties imparted by volcanic activity, which are not yet fully understood. This study investigates the unique morphological characteristics of soil profiles within crater topography sequences at the Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, Indonesia. To address this gap, five representative sample profiles (I, II, III, IV, V) were analyzed. The Ratu Crater pathway topography was characterized by steep to very steep slopes. Detailed analysis identified three predominant soil layers, each with distinct features such as color, texture, porosity, and chemical composition, reflecting different stages of soil formation. At the highest elevation near the crater rim, Profile V was composed mainly of volcanic ash, with a loose structure, high porosity, and acidic pH, indicative of recent volcanic deposits. Profile III, at intermediate elevations, consisted of highly weathered soil with sandy loam textures and clear layer demarcations, suggesting prolonged soil development and consolidation. Profile I, at the lowest elevation, featured loamy sand with significant weathering and organic matter incorporation, indicating advanced soil development stages. The findings underscore the impact of volcanic activity on soil morphology, revealing distinct layers that correlate with various ages and developmental stages. Understanding these processes can inform agricultural practices.

Study on the Tribological Properties of Multilayer Concentric Hexagonal Laser Texturing on Rubber Surfaces of Screw Pumps.

Given the friction and drag reduction effects observed in various biological hexagonal structures in nature, a new design was implemented on the rubber surface of the stator of a submersible screw pump. This design featured a multilayer concentric hexagonal groove structure. Furthermore, a composite multilayer hexagonal structure integrating grooves and pits was also developed and applied. This study investigated the influence of groove layer number, groove depth, pit depth, and multilayer hexagonal groove texture arrangement on the rubber surface flow characteristics. Additionally, the pressure field state, the degree of influence on the oil film-bearing capacity, and the biomimetic and hydrodynamic lubrication theories were tested using the finite element analysis method. Tribological experiments were conducted on nanosecond laser-processed rubber textures under simulated liquid lubrication conditions, reflecting actual shale oil well experiments. These experiments aimed to investigate the influence of multilayer hexagonal shape parameters on the tribological characteristics of the stator-rotor friction pair of a submersible screw pump. The results indicated that with a constant overall size, a multilayer hexagonal structure with ~0.1 mm groove depth enhanced the oil film-bearing capacity, providing significant friction and drag reduction. For composite textures, a deeper pit depth within the study area enhanced the oil film-bearing capacity. Furthermore, a gradient arrangement of groove textures featuring wider outer grooves and shallower depth exhibited superior performance in terms of bearing capacity.

Data-Mining Methodology to Improve the Scientific Production Quality in Turkey Meat and Carcass Characterization Studies.

The present research aims to describe how turkey meat and carcass quality traits define the interest of the scientific community through the quality standards of journals in which studies are published. To this end, an analysis of 92 research documents addressing the study of turkey carcass and meat quality over the last 57 years was performed. Meat and carcass quality attributes were dependent variables and included traits related to carcass dressing, muscle fiber, pH, colorimetry, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition. The independent variables comprised publication quality traits, including journal indexation, database, journal impact factor (JIF), quartile, publication area, and JIF percentage. For each dependent variable, a data-mining chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree was developed. Carcass or piece yield was the only variable that did not show an impact on the publication quality. Moreover, color and pH measurements taken at 72 h postmortem showed a negative impact on publication interest. On the other hand, variables including water-retaining attributes, colorimetry, pH, chemical composition, and shear force traits stood out among the quality-enhancing variables due to their low inclusion in papers, while high standards improved power.

Exploring electron backscatter diffraction analysis as a tool for understanding stromatolite: Quantitative description of Cretaceous lacustrine stromatolite reveals formative processes and high‐resolution climatic cycles

AbstractLacustrine stromatolites serve as important archives for recording environmental changes, and the detailed examination of their microfabrics is essential for understanding their formative processes and the environmental changes embedded within them. This study explored the application of Electron Backscatter Diffraction combined with Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy to investigate a well‐preserved middle Cretaceous lacustrine stromatolite from south‐eastern Korea, unveiling ultra‐high‐resolution sedimentary processes that are often challenging to observe using conventional methods. Two types of microsparitic layers and one type of crystalline layer are distinguished based on their texture, crystal morphology and elemental composition. Both microsparitic layers are micrometre‐thick and are characterized by poorly co‐oriented calcite grains, but differ in their composition. Type 1 is depleted in magnesium but enriched in detrital elements such as silicon and aluminium, likely originating from the trapping and binding of detrital sediments on microbial mats during rainy seasons. In contrast, type 2 is enriched in magnesium but devoid of detrital elements, interpreted to have formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate during dry seasons. The crystalline layers comprise fan‐shaped calcite crystals (ca 500 μm in length) with radiating internal structures, with their c‐axes oriented perpendicular to the stromatolite layers. These structures resemble those observed in some modern freshwater stromatolites, which are interpreted as imprints of cyanobacterial fascicules. While the cyclic occurrence of types 1 and 2 microsparitic layers might imply annual seasonal cycles, the less frequent crystalline layers are interpreted as a result of environmental changes occurring every 27 to 30 years. This is the first study to apply Electron Backscatter Diffraction to stromatolites, showcasing its potential in unravelling both the formative and diagenetic processes of ancient stromatolites.

Sediment Transport Mechanism and Provenance of Unconsolidated Sediments in Opak River Channel, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

This study focuses on the Opak River, which crosses administratively through two regencies, Sleman and Bantul. This research aims to reveal the sedimentation mechanism and provenance of Opak River sediment based on textural and sedimentary composition. Sediment samples were collected from ten points along the river channel, spanning from upstream to downstream. Granulometric and grain morphology analysis were conducted which the followed by QFL analysis wherein the presence of light detrital minerals (quartz, feldspar, lithic) was observed. The sediment texture of Opak River Channel generally consists of coarse-grained sand, poorly sorted, with varying degrees of roundness and sphericity, which are angular to sub-rounded and intermediate to sub-equant, respectively. Opak River sediment predominantly comprises Feldspar (20-48%), Quartz (4-17,9%) and Lithic (13,5-19,6%) which implies arkose-lithic arkose type. The sedimentation process in Opak River is mainly driven by the traction process, which is indicated by a 48-79% traction fraction on the probability log curve. Based on QFL analysis, it is inferred that the Opak River sediment originated tectonically derived from a magmatic arc setting, specifically a transitional arc subtype. The primary sediment source could have been derived from Mount Merapi with a potentially strong influence by the Oyo River, especially in the downstream of Opak River.

Investigation on modified Linz-Donawitz slag for the treatment of Pb2+ ion-laden wastewater - A slag utilization sustainable approach

The present study investigated the adsorptive chemistry of Pb2+ ions eradication using modified Linz-Donawitz slag (LDS), a byproduct of steelmaking industries. The processing of LDS was carried out using a magnetic separation technique followed by planetary micro-crushing. The morphology of surface texture and elemental composition of LDS were examined using SEM and EDS techniques, respectively. XRD and FTIR analysis revealed that the divalent cation of Pb2+ was replaced by Ca2+ to form metal silicate (Pb2SiO4) and ferrite (Pb2Fe2O5) through ion exchange and finally precipitated. The experiment data best fitted Langmuir isotherm and showed excellent adsorption capacity of LDS for Pb2+ adsorption (479 mg/g). Thermodynamic parameters, Gibbs free energy (ΔGo), and enthalpy change (ΔHo) indicated the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. The leachability study done by the ICP-OES technique suggested the possibility of immobilizing Ca and Si due to the dissolution of CaO and SiO2. The study demonstrated the potential of LDS for treating Pb2+ ions as part of the waste utilization of the steel industry for a sustainable approach.

Effect of composite textured rough surfaces on the lubrication performance of cylindrical roller bearings

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the impact of different types of textures on the friction lubrication performance of cylindrical roller bearings.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, the composite texture hydrodynamic lubrication model that takes into account the effects of surface roughness is established, and the Reynolds equation for the oil film is numerically solved using the finite difference method. The study investigates the oil film carrying capacity and maximum pressure of bearings under two different arrangements of four composite textures and conducts a comparative analysis of the oil film characteristics under various texture parameters and surface roughness levels.FindingsWhen the roughness of the inner texture surface and the contact surface are equal, the bearing capacity of the composite texture is intermediate between the two textures. The impact trend of surface roughness on fluid dynamic pressure effects varies with the type of composite texture; the internal roughness of the texture affects the micro-hydrodynamic pressure action. Composite textures with different depths exhibit improved bearing capacities; elliptical cylindrical parallel and elliptical hemispherical parallel textures perform better when their area densities are similar, while other types of composite textures show enhanced bearing performance as the ratio of their area densities increases.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the theoretical investigations and analyses on designing the textured rolling bearings with high lubrication performance.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0050

Evaluating the Susceptibility of Different Crops to Smoke Taint

The potential for grapes and wine to be tainted following vineyard exposure to wildfire smoke is well established, with recent studies suggesting hops and apples (and thus beer and cider) can be similarly affected. However, the susceptibility of other crops to ‘smoke taint’ has not yet been investigated. Smoke was applied to a selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as potted lavender plants, and their volatile phenol composition determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to evaluate their susceptibility to contamination by smoke. Volatile phenols were observed in control (unsmoked) capsicum, cherry, lavender, lemon, spinach and tomato samples, typically at ≤18 µg/kg, but 52 µg/kg of guaiacol and 83–416 µg/kg of o- and m-cresol and 4-methylsyringol were detected in tomato and lavender samples, respectively. However, significant increases in volatile phenol concentrations were observed as a consequence of smoke exposure; with the highest volatile phenol levels occurring in smoke-exposed strawberry and lavender samples. Variation in the uptake of volatile phenols by different crops was attributed to differences in their physical properties, i.e., their surface area, texture and/or cuticle composition, while the peel of banana, lemon, and to a lesser extent apple samples, mitigated the permeation of smoke-derived volatile phenols into pulp. Results provide valuable insight into the susceptibility of different crops to smoke contamination.

Upper‐flow‐regime deposits related to glacio‐volcanic interactions in Patagonia: Insights from the Pleistocene record in Southern Andes

AbstractSupercritical flows and their associated upper‐flow‐regime bedforms have been increasingly recognized in several contrasting depositional environments around the world, including volcano‐sedimentary settings. In recent years, there have been significant advances in flow modelling, architecture and depositional dynamics in upper‐flow‐regime bedforms related to glacio‐volcanic interaction, however most of these works come from specific volcanic landscapes. Examples of other regions with different tectonic and volcanic settings are needed in order to gain a more global perspective regarding the generation and preservation of upper‐flow‐regime glacio‐volcanic bedforms. This study presents a detailed analysis of Pleistocene volcaniclastic deposits accumulated in alluvial to lacustrine deltaic environments in the Southern Andes within the Southern Volcanic Zone. Six facies were defined and related to distinctive bedforms by examining sedimentary features, including textural characteristics, sedimentary structures, architecture and composition. Among these facies, five are distinguished by deposition from supercritical flows and upper‐flow‐regime bedforms, such as cyclic steps, chutes and pools, and antidunes. The stratigraphic succession reveals a predominance of repeated supercritical flows, which appear to be influenced by the availability of detritus for removal along with sudden water discharges. Compositional analyses indicate that explosive volcanism was the primary source of detritus, occurring synchronously with sedimentation. Additionally, the widespread occurrence of Pleistocene glacial conditions in this region suggests that volcanic‐induced melting ice or snow may have been an important source of water supply. Regarding the Southern Andes, the presence of local depressions, such as volcano‐tectonic calderas plays an essential role in the generation and preservation of the upper‐flow‐regime bedforms related to glacio‐volcanism. Furthermore, the importance of carrying out detailed and multidisciplinary studies seems to be critical for the recognition of these deposits in the record of the Andes.

Water retention curves of sandy soils obtained from direct measurements, particle size distribution, and infiltration experiments

AbstractAccurate information about soil water retention curves (SWRCs) of sands is essential for evaluating groundwater recharge and vulnerability to contamination in many shallow sandy aquifers which are widespread on post glacial areas in Northern Europe and North America. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) allow to estimate SWRC from basic physical characteristics of soils, such as textural composition. However, in the case of clean sands which are dominated by a single textural fraction, PTFs should be based on more detailed information given by the particle size distribution. In this study we evaluated three parametric PTFs, which estimate parameters of the van Genuchten SWRC based on empirical correlations to the parameters of soil particle size distribution, and five semi‐physical PTFs, which derive the pore size distribution from particle size distribution. PTFs were compared to SWRCs fitted to the results of drainage experiments on sandy soil samples from six locations in Gdańsk region (northern Poland). Although in all samples the content of silt and clay fractions was low (<3.5%), the differences in actual content of fines strongly influenced the shape of SWRC. In contrast, the amount of gravel fraction (varying from 1% to 35%) did not have significant effect on SWRC. Semi‐physical PTFs were found to be more accurate than parametric PTFs. The best overall performance was shown by the semi‐physical Chang and Cheng PTF. Among the parametric PTFs the best accuracy was obtained with the Schaap and Bouten method. However, all considered functions showed limited accuracy in higher suction range. Additionally, infiltration experiments were performed on four sites. SWRCs were obtained from ring infiltrometer tests using the Beerkan estimation of soil transfer parameters (BEST) method and from the tension infiltrometer (TI) tests using numerical solution of the inverse problem based on the Richards equation. In almost all cases the wetting SWRCs were characterized by higher values of the pressure scaling parameter α compared to SWRCs measured in drainage experiments, which is consistent with the well‐known phenomenon of hysteresis in soils. However, the BEST method resulted in significantly higher α and hydraulic conductivity Ks than TI, probably due to activation of the largest soil pores during ponded infiltration.

Ypresian–Lutetian platform evolution in the Indus Basin, Southwestern Pakistan: An interplay between local and regional tectonic changes

The present investigation aims to analyze the depositional environment, sequence stratigraphy, and geochemistry of the Early–Middle Eocene succession in the Laki Range of the Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan. The sequence is subsequently correlated with other sections within the Southern Indus Basin, Central Indus Basin, Upper Indus Basin, and Hazara Basin in Pakistan. For this study, the Lakhra and Laki formations were sampled from four sections in the Laki Range. Based on detailed outcrop observations, eight lithofacies were identified including four clastic lithofacies (CLF-1 to 4) and four limestone lithofacies (LLF-1 to 4). Similarly, based on detailed petrographic examination, seven microfacies were identified in limestone units. Considering the biotic paleoecology, facies texture, and chemical composition, depositional environments were assigned to the microfacies and lithofacies. All the microfacies, and the shale and sandstone lithofacies (CLF-1 and CLF-4) represent shallow inner to deeper outer-shelf settings whereas the other two lithofacies (CLF-2 and CLF-3) represent deltaic and tidal flat settings, respectively. All the microfacies and lithofacies information was used to establish sequence stratigraphy for the studied strata. The top of the Lakhra Formation and the whole of the Laki Formation in the Bara Nala Section (BNS) represent two complete, and two partial, third-order sequences, further divided into fourth order and small-scale cycles. The sequence's development is primarily influenced by regional and local tectonics. The regional correlation of the Indus Basin and Hazara Basin indicates that the regional basin's bathymetry and resultant depositional sequence were significantly influenced by the Himalayan Orogeny. The regional depositional pattern indicates that subsequent to India–Asia collision, the closure of eastern Tethys took place in a temporal succession from northwestern to the southwestern parts of the Indus Basin. In the Central Indus Basin, marine environments persisted until the Priabonian Stage (SBZ20) compared to those of the Upper (SBZ11–12) and Southern (SBZ13–14) Indus basins. This study offers valuable insights into both the local and regional depositional frameworks and the influence of local and regional tectonics on a carbonate platform evolution.

Epifluorescence microscopy study of a quadruple node of triple junctions of grain boundaries in a Eu2+-decorated highly textured composite of (Cl, Br)(K, Rb) and I(K, Rb) solid solutions.

The structural nature and geometry, as well as the lattice-relative orientation, of an arrangement of crystal defects in a highly textured Eu2+-doped composite of two alkali-halide solid solutions was studied by epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) using the doping ion as a fluorochrome. A three-dimensional reconstruction and a skeleton type model, as built from a sequence of EFM images of different optical cross-sections of this arrangement, are presented. Structurally, this arrangement is a quadruple node (QN) of triple junctions of grain boundaries. The QN core geometry is that of a tetragonal tristetrahedron (TTTH), centred at the QN site, whose tetrahedron vertices and edges are on the QN triple junctions and grain boundaries, respectively, whereas the tristetrahedron tetragonal axis is nearly parallel to the lattice [001]-axis. The measured values of the angles between triple junctions and between the grain boundaries forming them are reported. The distinct chemical compositions of the composite solid solutions are discussed to be responsible, in last instance, for the tristetrahedron departure from a cubic configuration. Collaterally, certain families of translationally periodic almost-parallel (TPAP)-wall-like regions which consist of TPAP-columns of TPAP-spindle-like singularities, as well as certain zigzag arrays of columns of this like, existing into the QN grains, are reported to be observed. Three-dimensional reconstructions of typical individuals of these families and arrays as well as of their constituent parts are presented and geometrically analysed. These families and arrays are discussed to be families of tilt subboundaries, whose constituent dislocations are decorated by cylindrical second-phase europium di-halide precipitates, and regularly faceted tilt subboundaries, respectively. Crystal growing and sample preparation, composite structural characterisation by powder and single-slab X-ray diffraction (PXRD and SSXRD, respectively), microscopy and fluorescence-cube unit optics, image processing, electronic three-dimensional reconstruction and measuring methodologies, are all described in detail.

Petrographic and chemical characterization and carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of cometary IDPs and their GEMS amorphous silicates

GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides) are the dominant carrier of amorphous silicates in anhydrous interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and one of the most suitable materials to study early solar system processes. Amorphous silicates in 105 GEMS from eight IDPs were analyzed regarding texture and chemical composition to reassess GEMS formation theories and genetic relationships to amorphous silicate material in meteorites. Petrography of bulk IDPs was investigated to understand GEMS’ relationships to other IDP components. Furthermore, carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions were measured. Nearly all GEMS are aggregates of several subgrains with variable amount of nanophase inclusions and different Mg- and Si-contents, while single GEMS are rare. The subgrains within aggregates are typically surrounded by one or more carbon rims with high density. The chemical compositions of GEMS amorphous silicates are subsolar for all major element/Si ratios but exhibit wide heterogeneity. This is not influenced by silicon oil from the capturing process of IDPs as assumed before, as a penetration of the silicon oil is excluded by high resolution EELS (electron energy loss spectroscopy) areal density maps of silicon. Furthermore, low Fe-content in GEMS amorphous silicates shows that these are not altered by aqueous activity on the parent body as it is the case for amorphous silicate material in primitive meteorites. The subsolar element/Si ratios and the wide chemical heterogeneity point to a non-equilibrium fractional condensation origin either in the early solar nebula or in a circumstellar environment and are not in agreement with homogenization via sputtering in the ISM. The close association with carbon around GEMS subgrains and as double-rims around GEMS aggregates argue for a multi-step aggregation after formation of the smallest GEMS subgrains in the ISM or the early solar nebula. Carbon acting as matrix material connecting GEMS and other IDP components has lower areal density as seen from carbon EELS areal density maps and isotopic anomalies varying at the nanometer scale, pointing to different origins and processing of materials to varying extent or at changing temperatures.To balance GEMS’ subsolar element/Si ratios, a supersolar component in IDPs was assumed to account for the overall chondritic composition of bulk IDPs. Nevertheless, our bulk IDP analyses revealed subsolar, but variable, element/Si ratios for complete particles as well, depending on type and amount of mineral phases in each particle. Pyroxenes in the investigated particles can occur as elongated euhedral crystals, but are overall rare. The dominant crystalline fraction in the investigated IDP samples are equilibrated aggregates (EAs) that show the same chemical compositions as GEMS, indicating that the EAs are recrystallized GEMS grains and formed after GEMS formation as secondary phases.

Metal remobilization at the Nibao gold deposit in Youjiang basin, SW China: Implications from mineral texture, trace element and sulfur isotope compositions of sulfides and TiO2 polymorphs

Multistage mineralization overprinting is important for the formation of giant hydrothermal gold deposits. The Youjiang basin in SW China has undergone at least three major deformation phases in the Mesozoic, but their relationship with the large-scale gold accumulation in the region remains enigmatic. Here, we study the large Nibao gold deposit (reserve > 70 t Au) in the northern part of the basin, which has both fault-controlled and stratabound orebodies. We identified a pre-ore stage and syn-ore stage including four tectono-hydrothermal (T-H) substages (i.e., T-H stage 1, 2, 3 and 4) for the local mineralization at Nibao. The pre-ore stage is dominated by coarse-grained pyrite coexisting with TiO2 polymorphs in the Middle-Late Permian basaltic rocks. The T-H substage 1 is characterized in that the sedimentary pyrites are brecciated in bedding-parallel faults. Fluorination and silicification occur in the T-H substage 2, which is re-brecciated at the T-H substage 3 forming the highest gold grade ore in high-angle thrust fault. The T-H substage 4 presents as fault reactivation within minor calcite and pyrite deposition. Mineralogy and in-situ trace element analyses reveal that mineral dissolution and reprecipitation (incl. dolomite, auriferous pyrite and TiO2 polymorphs) is ubiquitous during the multistage tectono-hydrothermal process, and the continuous alteration overprinting may have promoted gold accumulation. This replacement process of different generations of auriferous pyrite is also recorded by their inherited sulfur isotopes, giving a narrow δ34S (−3.1 to + 2.1 ‰) range. Anatase is the main accessory phase of TiO2 polymorphs, as identified with LA-ICP-MS trace element and laser Raman spectroscopic analyses. Moreover, the anatase can been divided into two types (type-I and II) based on their texture, alteration and chemistry. The type-I anatase commonly occurring in the stratabound ore is characterized by higher Zr (mean 1,730 ppm), V (mean 1,412 ppm), and Cr (mean 110 ppm) contents than type-II that coexists with zoned pyrite in the fault-controlled ore (mean 26 ppm, 187 ppm, and 38 ppm, respectively). Additionally, W (mean 636 ppm) and Mg (10,021 ppm) in type-II are much higher than type-I ones (mean 135 ppm W and 476 Mg). These features show that the sedimentary-stage Zr-V-Cr-rich type-I anatase was dissolved via fluid metasomatism, and reprecipitated as the hydrothermal-stage W-Mg-rich and Zr-poor anatase, with gold gradually enriched. Besides, the anatase phase of TiO2 polymorphs also indicates that the Nibao gold deposit was formed under low pressure–temperature condition. Overall, we propose that the Nibao is a Carlin-type gold deposit, dominated by multistage tectono-hydrothermal events.

High Mechanical Property and Texture Degree of Hot-Extruded Bi0.905Sb0.095

Bi1−xSbx crystal is one of the best n-type thermoelectric materials below 200 K, but its weak mechanical strength hinders practical applications for deep refrigeration. Herein, we adopted the mechanical enhancement method of hot extrusion to investigate the comprehensive mechanical and thermoelectric properties of Bi0.905Sb0.095. It revealed that reducing the grain size of the matrix and increasing the extrusion ratio can improve the gain size uniformity and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the thermoelectric performance depends on the texture, grain size, and local composition. The extruded sample prepared by ingot with the high extrusion ratio of 9:1 generated uniform small grains, which resulted in the high bending strength of Bi1−xSbx~130 Mpa and a high power factor of ~68 μW·cm−1·K−2@173 K, as well as the relatively high figure of merit of 0.25@173K. This work highlights the importance of the uniform distribution of the grain size and the compositions for Bi1−xSbx, as well as the required universal key parameter for the hot extrusion method.

Synergistic lubrication and fracture mechanisms of composite surface textures

The synergistic interaction of fibres implanted in grooves can enhance tribological behaviour of a contact interface. By comparing the tribological performance characteristics of structures with smooth surfaces (SSs) and grooved surfaces (GSs) and two composite textures with different flocking densities (FS1 and FS2), the friction mechanism of the sliding interface is revealed. The results indicate a 27.51 % reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF) of FS2 sample compared to that of SS sample. Due to its buffering and lubricating effects, the synergistic interaction between the grooves and fibres effectively reduces the fluctuations in friction behaviour and improves surface morphology. Importantly, FS2 enhances the bearing capacity and barrier effect of the surface, thereby inhibiting the fracture behaviour. These results clarify the lubrication and fracture mechanisms of this composite surface textures.

Formation mechanisms of Fe-dominated versus Fe polymetallic deposits in the West Tianshan, NW China: A magnetite perspective

The West Tianshan in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is one of important Fe belts in China, where many submarine volcanogenic iron-oxide deposits constitute the Awulale metallogenic belt. The Dunde deposit is a Fe-Zn-Au deposit, whereas Chagangnuoer, Zhibo, and Beizhan are Fe-dominated deposits. To examine the factors controlling the formation of Fe polymetallic deposits, the texture and chemical composition of magnetite from the Dunde deposit were studied in detail and compared with those of other deposits in the same belt. The Dunde deposit magnetite can be divided into Mag-1, Mag-2, and Mag-3, which correspond to stages of retrograde, sulfide, and carbonate stages, respectively. They have experienced oxy-exsolution and coupled dissolution and reprecipitation (CDR), forming multiple generations of magnetite. The exsolution of gahnite in Mag-1 and 10 times higher Zr, Hf, Sc, Ta, Nb, Mn, and Zn contents in the all stages of magnetite than those of Fe-dominated deposits, indicating the Dunde magnetite was crystallized from high-temperature, high-salinity, Fe-Zn-rich fluids. The similar chalcophile element contents in host volcanic rocks between Dunde and other deposits indicate host volcanic rocks are not the reason for Zn enrichment in Dunde. The higher Mg + Mn and Si + Al contents in Dunde magnetite than magnetite of other deposits indicate stronger fluid-rock interaction. Extensive CDR texture in Mag-1 and Mag-2 and lower Zn in secondary magnetite indicate that Zn leached from Zn-rich magnetite may have also contributed to the formation of sphalerite in sulfide stage. Our study has demonstrated that high-temperature, high-salinity, Fe- and Zn-rich primary fluids, a higher degree of fluid-rock interaction, and repeated fluid infiltration are key factors controlling the formation of Fe-Zn polymetallic deposits, such as the Dunde deposit in West Tianshan.

Textural Precursor Compositions Harvested for Independent Signal Generators: Scaling Micron-Sized Flower-Like Metal-Organic Frameworks as Amplifying Units for Dual-Mode Glycoprotein Assay.

In this work, a micron-sized flower-like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based boronate-affinity sandwich-type immunoassay was fabricated for the dual-mode glycoprotein assay. For proof of concept, the flower-like MOFs were synthesized from transition Cu nodes and tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) ligands by spontaneous standing assembly. In addition, the specificity toward glycoprotein involved the antigen recognition as well as covalent bonding via the boronate-glycan affinity, and the immediate signal responses were initiated by textural decomposition of the flower-like MOFs. Intriguingly, Cu nodes, of which the valence state is dominant by CuI species, can endow the Fenton-like catalytic reaction of the fluorogenic substrate for generating fluorescence signals. For benefits, TCPP ligands, in which each TCPP molecule has four guest donors, can provide multiple valences for the assembly of cyclodextrin-capped gold nanoparticles via host-guest interaction for colorimetry output. Albeit important, the scaling micrometer patterns for the flower-like MOFs carrying numerous Cu nodes and TCPP ligands can also function as amplifying units, signifying the output signal. The detection limit of the dual-mode glycoprotein assay can reach 10.5 nM for the fluorescence mode and 18.7 nM for the colorimetry mode, respectively. Furthermore, the merits of harvesting different signal generators toward the multimodal readout patterns can allow the mutual verification and make the analytical results more reliable. Collectively, our proposed assay may offer a new idea in combining the inherent textural merits from MOFs for dual signal generators, which can also emphasize accurate detection capability for glycoprotein assay.

Effect of a Simultaneous Increase in Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients Contents on Late Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle.