Texture Composition Research Articles

Формы взаимодействия народного песенного творчества и инструментальной музыки (на примере традиционного сольно-группового пения кавказских народов)

The article examines the interconnection of the vocal-choral and instrumental music in the traditional solo-and-group performance among the different peoples throughout the Caucasus (the Adyghians, Abkhazians, Osetians, Balkars and Karachays). The present problem range has not yet become a topic of special academic comprehension. In this connection,the aim of the article is to draw the attention of specialists towards studying it and defining the role of the instrumental strata within the standard texture of broadly disseminated song performance in the Caucasus region. The traditional regional type of texture of song composition includes two main strata: the solo declamatory presentment of the tune and the choral (i.e., ensemble) accompaniment existing in dialogic interaction with each other. Frequently, we can find a third stratum, as well — the instrumental, as a rule, existing in performance on a traditional bowed string instrument. As living folk music practice confirms, its participation in the solo-and-group singing is not a mandatory factor. The place and the role of the instrumental stratum in the examined folk musical material is determined in this article. The author highlights the main functions of all the textural strata, the parity of the first two lines of the song texture and the forms of their interaction, in which the traditional standard and self-sufficient structure of characteristic polyphonic singing of the peoples of the Northern Caucasus is reflected.

Texture and major element geochemistry of channel sediments in the Orsang and Hiren River Basins, Gujarat, India: Implications for provenance and weathering

Size, shape, degree of sorting, and composition of sediments in the river channels are controlled by climate, lithology, weathering, sorting, and medium of transportation. The present investigation is focused on the grain-size and geochemical analysis of the channel sediments of the Orsang and Hiren river basins. Major outcrops in the study area are Archaean granites, granitic gneisses, Upper Cretaceous to lower Eocene Deccan Volcanic Basalts (DVB), Quaternary sediments and minor proportion of Proterozoic low grade metamorphic rocks. The sediments are poorly to moderately sorted, very finely skewed, suggesting its derivation from heterogenous sources, while the kurtosis value indicates a high-energy depositional environment. The sediments are with gravelly sand texture and the mean grain size is varying from 581.9µm to 1284.2µm. The DVB provenance of the Hiren river basin and granitic provenance of the Orsang river basin is clearly reflected in the texture and geochemical composition of sediments. The TiO2 and Fe2O3 contents of sediments from the Hiren river basin are distinctly higher and are comparable to the basalts of the Saurashtra region of the Deccan Province. Sediments collected after Orsang and Hiren rivers confluence and from Narmada river show higher concentration of felsic sources, indicating that Orsang river's sediment supply significantly outweighs Hiren rivers. The arkosic-litharenite nature points towards less transportation and moderate chemical weathering for the Orsang river sediments. The low Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values (Avg. 48.45 and 56.99 for Orsang and Hiren rivers, respectively) and A-CN-K plot also suggest the supply of sediments from minimally weathered detritus under a semi-arid condition.

In English

Features of interfacial adsorbate/adsorbent phenomena depend on several factors: particulate morphology, texture, and structure of adsorbents, molecular weight, shape, and polarity of adsorbates; as well as prehistory of adsorbents pretreated under different conditions. All these factors could affect the efficiency of practical applications of not only adsorbents but also polymer fillers, carriers, catalysts, etc. Interactions of nonpolar nitrogen, hexane, benzene, weakly polar acetonitrile, and polar diethylamine, triethylamine, and water with individual (silica, alumina), binary (silica/alumina (SA)) and ternary (alumina/silica/titania, AST) nanooxides were studied using experimental and theoretical methods to elucidate the influence of the morphological and textural characteristics and surface composition of the materials on the adsorption phenomena. The specific surface area SX / ratio (X is an adsorbate) changes from 0.7 for hexane adsorbed onto amorphous silica/alumina SA8 with 8 wt. % Al2O3 (degassed at 200 °C) to 1.9 for acetonitrile adsorbed onto pure fumed alumina (treated at 900 °C). These changes are relatively large because of variations in orientation, lateral interactions, and adsorption compressing of organic molecules interacting with surfaces characterized by certain set and amounts of various active sites, as well as due to changes in the accessibility of pore surface for probe molecules of different sizes. Larger SX / > 1 values are observed for complex fumed oxides with larger primary nanoparticles, greater surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and Brønsted and Lewis acidity of a surface. Both polar and nonpolar adsorbates can change the morphology and texture of aggregates of oxide nanoparticles, e.g., swelling of structures, compacted during various pretreatments, upon the adsorption of liquids. The studied effects should be considered upon practical applications of adsorbents, especially “soft” fumed oxides.

Effect of doping of organo-soluble carbon dots on ionic relaxation and conductivity of planar anchored cyanobiphenyl based nematic liquid crystal

We demonstrate here the striking effect of organo-soluble carbon dots (CDs, diameter ∼7- 8 nm) on the tunability of ionic relaxation and conductivity of the host, planar anchored thermotropic nematic liquid crystal (5CB, 4-Cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl). The optical texture, frequency, temperature, and concentration dependent dielectric studies of pristine 5CB and CDs-5CB composites have been performed using the polarising optical microscope and high-resolution dielectric spectroscopy, respectively. The doping of 0.5 wt% CDs into planar anchored 5CB is resulted into the vertical alignment confirmed through the cross-polarised optical microscope. The doping of CDs in 5CB liquid crystal is resulted into an unprecedented faster ionic relaxation with an abatement of the ionic amplitude at room temperature. The shift in the relaxation frequency for 0.5 wt% CDs-5CB composite (induced vertical alignment) as compared to pristine 5CB (planar aligned) at 28 °C (nematic) is found to be ∼13 folds which is further increased to ∼18 folds at 38 °C (isotropic). A similar trend in the conductivity curve is also observed which further confirms the significant enhancement in conductivity value with increase in temperature and concentration of dopant CDs. The observation of enhanced ionic conductivity and faster ionic relaxation in CDs-5CB composites as compared to pristine 5CB are attributed to the complete change of planar to vertical alignment by doping of CDs on planar anchored liquid crystal sample cells. It appears that the plausible strong interaction between hydrocarbon chains of CDs and 5CB molecules through anchored substrate surfaces with increasing concentration of CDs and decrease in rotational viscosity of host 5CB with increasing temperature certainly plays a pivotal role in the tuning of ionic relaxation and conductivity in the liquid crystal sample cells. We certainly believe that our results would catalyze the cognizance of the ionic relaxation and conductivity in CDs-5CB composites and other related systems. Moreover, such composites with tunable ionic relaxation/conductivity would be certainly helpful in the fabrication of various tuneable devices such as wave front corrector, low frequency oscillation generators, dynamic light scattering, and so on.

Spectroscopy, a Tool for the Non-Destructive Sensory Analysis of Plant-Based Foods and Beverages: A Comprehensive Review

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of plant-based products due to various reasons, such as ethical concerns, environmental sustainability, and health benefits. Sensory analysis is a powerful tool for evaluating the human appreciation of food and drink products. To link the sensory evaluation to the chemical and textural compositions, further quantitative analyses are required. Unfortunately, due to the destructive nature of sensory analysis techniques, quantitative evaluation can only be performed on samples that are different from those ingested. The quantitative knowledge of the analytical parameters of the exact sample ingested would be far more informative. Coupling non-destructive techniques, such as near-infrared (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) spectroscopy, to sensory evaluation presents several advantages. The intact sample can be analyzed before ingestion, providing in a short amount of time matrices of quantitative data of several parameters at once. In this review, NIR and imaging-based techniques coupled with chemometrics based on artificial intelligence and machine learning for sensory evaluation are documented. To date, no review article covering the application of these non-destructive techniques to sensory analysis following a reproducible protocol has been published. This paper provides an objective and comprehensive overview of the current applications of spectroscopic and sensory analyses based on the state-of-the-art literature from 2000 to 2023.

Epinephrine Stimulates Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth and Biofilm Formation.

The human stress hormones catecholamines play a critical role in communication between human microbiota and their hosts and influence the outcomes of bacterial infections. However, it is unclear how M. tuberculosis senses and responds to certain types of human stress hormones. In this study, we screened several human catecholamine stress hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) for their effects on Mycobacterium growth. Our results showed that epinephrine significantly stimulated the growth of M. tuberculosis in the serum-based medium as well as macrophages. In silico analysis and molecular docking suggested that the extra-cytoplasmic domain of the MprB might be the putative adrenergic sensor. Furthermore, we showed that epinephrine significantly enhances M. tuberculosis biofilm formation, which has distinct texture composition, antibiotic resistance, and stress tolerance. Together, our data revealed the effect and mechanism of epinephrine on the growth and biofilm formation of M. tuberculosis, which contributes to the understanding of the environmental perception and antibiotic resistance of M. tuberculosis and provides important clues for the understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and the development of novel antibacterial therapeutics.

Gagates in Crimean middle jurassic sediments (Sudak): coal petrography, paleobotany, formation conditions

Background. The coal-bearing deposits of the Kopsel formation of the Bathonian-Callovian age of the Middle Jurassic near the city of Sudak (Crimea) are studied. The conducted lithological and mineralogical analysis of rocks, mainly sandstones and siltstones, with shell detritus, plant residues and coal lenses (gagates), made it possible to determine the coastal-marine and lagoon sedimentation conditions. The studied gagates are represented by structural vitrinite and belong to the humus group. Secondary minerals in coal seams and host rocks indicate the stage of early catagenesis. The botanical analysis revealed the coal-forming plants, belonging to a group of conifers of the araucaria family.Aim. To identify the facies-climatic and landscape conditions for the formation of gagates of the Kopsel formation, along with their composition, structure, and secondary changes. To demonstrate that the material composition of coals is the wood of gymnosperms, mainly conifers, rather than algal thalli.Materials and methods. The natural outcrops of the coal-bearing deposits of the Middle Jurassic of the Bathonian-Callovian stage of the Kopsel formation in the valley of the Kopsel River near the city of Sudak (Crimea) were studied. The lenses and interlayers of brown coal — gagate — present in these deposits were of particular interest. Gagate samples were studied both macroscopically (forms and occurrence conditions in the section) and microscopically (by coal petrography methods). To this end, double-sided polished sections were examined using a polarizing microscope and a Vega3 Tescan scanning microscope. The microanalysis of chemical elements was performed using an ULTM Max (GIN) microscope attachment. Paleobotanical studies of carbonified plant residues were carried out. The structure, texture and mineral composition of the rocks were studied in thin sections using a microscope. A mineralogical analysis was carried out using a D8 Advace X-ray diffractometer (gross composition in a powder diffractogram and composition of clays in a fraction of <0.001 mm) and a Vega3 Tescan (GIN) scanning microscope.Results. The comprehensive studies conducted in the new, unique location of coals in the Kopsel Formation of the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian-Callovian stage) in the valley of the Kopsel River determined the paleobotanical composition of coal-forming plants (with the predominance of conifers of the Araucariaceae type), the climatic and paleolandscape conditions for the formation of these coals on the northern outskirts of Tethys. The lithological and mineralogical features of rocks, mainly sandstones and siltstones, with shell detritus, plant residues and lenses of coals (gagates), make it possible to determine the facies conditions of sedimentation as coastal-marine and lagoonal, with fragments of avantdelta and proluvial, landslide deposits. The established secondary changes in the host rocks and the coals indicate the stage of early catagenesis, to which the stratum was subjected at the next stages of geological history.Conclusion. Peat accumulation and subsequent coal formation most likely occurred in shallow lagoons. The type of peat accumulation is paralytic, paragenetically related to the studied sediments. Post-sedimentation transformations of the rocks correspond to early catagenesis. These transformations were established by the presence of secondary calcite (by rock cracks and in the form of nodule formations), the abundance of authigenic gypsum, and the widespread replacement of pyrite framboids with iron oxide minerals. The interlayers of gagates have also undergone changes. In those places where organic matter is impregnated with carbonate solutions, the coal substance is exposed to heat, thus becoming optically opaque.

Effect of steam explosion on the morphological, textural, and compositional characteristics of betel nut.

To reduce the adverse physical effects on the oral mucosa caused by excessive hardness of betel nut fibers, steam explosion was used to soften betel nuts. The effect of three operating parameters (pressure holding time, explosion pressure, and initial moisture content) on the morphology, texture, and chemical composition of the betel nuts was investigated. The fiber hardness and Shore hardness decreased by 56.17%-89.28% and 7.03%-34.29%, respectively, and the transverse tensile strength and fiber tensile strength also decreased by up to 60.72% and 24.62%, respectively. Moreover, the coefficient of static friction and moisture content increased. After steam explosion, the betel nut increased in transverse diameter, became darker and more yellow-red in color, and showed a damaged microstructure. The contents of free phenol and alkaloids decreased after steam explosion treatment, with free phenols and total alkaloids decreasing from 34.32 mg(GAE)/g and 7.84 mg/g to 21.58 mg(GAE)/g and 6.50 mg/g, respectively, after the A-50 s treatment condition. The steam explosion increased the quantity of phenols, alkaloids, and soluble solids released from the betel nut under the same simulated release conditions of the texture analyzer. The research also showed that increased pressure holding time and explosion pressure enhanced the explosion efficiency, while the initial moisture content was reduced the explosion efficiency. Therefore, steam explosion is an effective pretreatment approach to soften betel nut and facilitate healthy development of the betel nut industry.

Casein hydrolysate's effects on the fermentation properties, texture, and chemical characteristics and the bacterial microbiota of fermented glutinous rice dough

To investigate how casein hydrolysate affected the physicochemical properties and microbiological diversity of the glutinous rice dough (natural fermentation and yeast fermentation), we analyzed its fermentation properties, carbohydrate, protein degradation, texture, and bacterial composition. According to the findings, casein hydrolysate increased the total LAB number, as well as organic acid content, in naturally fermented and yeast fermented glutinous rice dough by 3.59 and 8.19%, respectively, and reduced the fermentation time by at least 2 h. Meanwhile, casein hydrolysate enhanced the content of reducing sugars by 4.46 and 13.53% and increased protease activity by 29.9 and 27.7%. In addition, casein hydrolysate accelerated protein breakdown and regulated the hardness of the dough to improve the texture. Casein hydrolysate enriched the bacterial richness and diversity of dough. After adding casein hydrolysate, it promoted the growth of Pediococcus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus. According to the Spearman correlation analysis, environmental factors (pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, reducing sugar content, and protease activity) exhibited the major driver for the abundance of bacterial species (Spearman correlation coefficient: −0.71 to 0.78). As a potential food additive, casein hydrolysate can improve the fermentation and quality of glutinous rice dough, increase consumer acceptance of cereal foods, and give consumers healthier options.

Microfluidic generation of bioinspired core–shell structured microfibers for cultured meat

The simulation of traditional meat characteristics is critical to cultured meat production. We propose bioinspired microfibers with solidified alginate shells and porcine muscle stem cell (PMSC) loaded hydrogel cores. The core–shell structure not only provide a spatially confined environment for directional cell alignment, but also enable the design of a soft hydrogel core to facilitate cell migration and mutual fusion. The myogenic differentiation and muscle protein synthesis of PMSCs in microfibers are thus significantly promoted, which even lead to the spontaneous contraction of cellular microfibers. Microfibers are assembled into bulk cultured meat tissues by integrating the microfluidics and 3D printing technologies. Benefiting from the efficient cell myogenesis, the appearance, texture, and protein composition of the constructed cultured meat are similar to those of native pork. By combining multiple microfluidic devices into the printing system, the simultaneous printing of multiple pieces of cultured meat can be realized as well. These features show the broad prospect of the proposed microfibers in efficient and large-scale production of cultured meat with traditional meat characteristics.

Garnet U-Pb dating and magnetite geochemistry: Constraints on the origin of Fe mineralization in the Huogeqi polymetallic deposit, Northern China

The Huogeqi Fe polymetallic deposit, which contains 48.17 Mt Fe, occurs in tremolite-diopside rocks of the Neoproterozoic Langshan Group in the north China. This study focuses on the magnetite mineralogy, texture and chemical composition, and U-Pb geochronology of garnet associated with magnetite and zircon from the granitoid related to mineralization in order to constrain the origin of Fe mineralization in Huogeqi deposit. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of magnetite-bearing garnets yields a lower intercept age of 277.5 ± 8.7 Ma, which is coeval with the emplacement age of the mineralized-related granitoid (275.3 ± 1.3 Ma). Three types of magnetite were formed in the Huogeqi deposit, including Mt-A (coarse-grained disseminated), Mt-B (stratiform and fine-grained dense disseminated), and Mt-C (massive). The Mt-A can be subdivided into high-Ti Mt-A1 and relatively low-Ti porous and fractured Mt-A2. The Mt-B can be subdivided into porous Mt-B1 with relatively high V and low Ti contents, dark porous Mt-B2 with a relatively low V contents, porous inclusion-rich Mt-B3 with low Fe and V contents, and high Si and Mg contents, and less-porous Mt-B4 with low Si and Mg contents. The Mt-C includes porous Mt-C1 with a low Ti contents and high Si, Al, Mn contents and less-porous Mt-C2 with low Si, Al, and Mn contents. The decreasing Ti and V contents in the subsequent magnetite types indicate progressive cooling of the mineralizing fluid, increasing oxygen fugacity, and more intense fluid-rock interaction. Dissolution and re-precipitation played an important role in the formation of different generations of magnetite of Mt-B and Mt-C. The magnetite from Huogeqi deposit has a high Ni/Cr mass ratio, a high Fe content, and a high (Ca + Al + Mn) value, and a low V content, a low Ni/(Cr + Mn) mass ratio, and a low (Ti + V) value. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the magnetite has a hydrothermal origin in a skarn-type deposit, which is related to Early Permian magmatism in the Langshan area in north China.

Thermal conductivity and fractal texture formation in β-Si3N4/polyvinylidene fluoride composites

Additive incorporation into polymers can enhance properties, such as the dielectric constant and thermal conductivity. The improved properties of polymer composites have largely been attributed to aggregate and network formation, but the influence of material texture requires clarification. Herein, the relationship between the texture of composite materials and thermal conductivity was investigated based on the fractal nature of composites consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with β-Si3N4 (SN) as a high-thermal-conductivity filler. The SN particle groups were found to contribute to the formation of thermal conduction paths in the composite material and, thus, improve the thermal conductivity. The characteristics of the particle group clusters involved in SN particle percolation were elucidated by analyzing the interactions between multiple particles as a function of the amount of each fractal dimension. In addition, based on the statistical relationships obtained from the multifractal analysis, the strengths of the interactions between particles during thermal conduction path formation were estimated. Overall, the texture of the SN/PVDF material was characterized by local particle group formation (self-assembly) and subsequent global particle group network construction (self-organization), depending on the amount of SN added. These results suggest that multifractal dimensions can be used as material design indices for the texture of polymer composites.

An investigation of the performance of polyamide membrane for the concentration of pomegranate and effect on the physical and sports health of patients with physical weakness: A novel study

The purpose of fruit juice concentration is not only to prevent microbiological spoilage and chemical changes but also to cater to health and sport-related considerations such as nutritional value and athletic performance. Concentrated fruit juice is commonly used as a source of natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals in sports beverages and recovery drinks. In this study, the use of reverse osmosis (RO) as a method for thickening peach juice offers advantages in terms of preserving the nutritional content of the juice. By avoiding chemical reactions and requiring less energy, RO helps to retain the beneficial compounds present in the fruit juice, which are essential for supporting overall health and providing hydration during physical activities. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles in the polymer membrane used for the RO system can have additional health benefits. Silica nanoparticles have been investigated for their potential in enhancing nutrient absorption and promoting cellular health. By utilizing these nanoparticles in the membrane, the concentration process not only achieves the desired thickness but also has the potential to enhance the bioavailability of the nutrients present in the peach juice. Furthermore, the optimization of the RO system using statistical methods and software contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the concentration process. This optimization ensures that the desired concentration and flux are achieved, which is crucial for maintaining the desired taste, texture, and nutritional composition of the final fruit juice product. The use of RO and the incorporation of silica nanoparticles in fruit juice concentration have implications for both health and sport, offering a means to preserve the nutritional value of the juice while catering to the needs of athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities. Fruit juice can provide hydration and carbohydrates for athletes, supporting their health and athletic performance.

Exploring the formation of a transparent fat portion in bacon after heating based on physicochemical characteristics and microstructure

Bacons, which possess a transparent fat tissue after heating, have high commercial value in China owing to their good sensory quality. This study was performed to explore the formation of transparent fat tissue by comparing the physicochemical characteristics and microstructures of transparent and non-transparent fat tissues. The physicochemical characteristics and microstructure of fat tissue were found to be significantly affected by drying, which increased the saturated fatty acid content and oxidation level, and decreased the moisture content and water activity (p < 0.05). Shrivelled adipocytes were observed in fat tissue after drying. Transparent and non-transparent fat tissues differed significantly in terms of moisture, fat content, texture, and fatty acid composition (p < 0.05). Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that low moisture content might be the major factor in the formation of transparent tissue, while the destruction of adipocytes also contributed to such formation.

Elastic behaviour of orientation-correlated grains in multiphase aggregates.

Diffraction elastic constants (DEC) describe the elastic response of a sub-set of orientation correlated grains which share a common lattice vector. DEC reflect the elastic behaviour of the single crystal constituents through their dependence on grain orientation. DEC furthermore depend on the behaviour of the polycrystal aggregate both through the dependence on preferred orientation and through the average elastic interaction of the grains in the sub-set with their surroundings. The latter is also known as grain-matrix interaction which is grain shape dependent. Both dependencies can make the DEC uniquely sensitive to the elastic effects of the grain shape, texture, and phase composition. Several micro-mechanical models are explored with respect for use both in calculating diffraction elastic constants and overall elastic constants. Furthermore, it is shown how discrete data from electron backscatter diffraction on grain shape, grain orientations, and neighbouring grains can be used for DEC calculations. Lastly, the inverse problem of calculating single crystal elastic constants from DEC is discussed in detail. All calculations discussed in this work can be verified using the freely available computer program IsoDEC.

A Review of Plant-Based Drinks Addressing Nutrients, Flavor, and Processing Technologies.

Plant-based drinks have garnered significant attention as viable substitutes for traditional dairy milk, providing options for individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy proteins, and those who adhere to vegan or vegetarian diets. In recent years, demand for plant-based drinks has expanded rapidly. Each variety has unique characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional composition, offering consumers a diverse range of choices tailored to meet individual preferences and dietary needs. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of plant-based drinks and explore potential considerations including their nutritional compositions, health benefits, and processing technologies, as well as the challenges facing the plant-based drink processing industry. We delve into scientific evidence supporting the consumption of plant-based drinks, discuss their potential roles in meeting dietary requirements, and address current limitations and concerns regarding their use. We hope to illuminate the growing significance of plant-based drinks as sustainable and nutritious alternatives to dairy milk, and assist individuals in making informed choices regarding their dietary habits, expanding potential applications for plant-based drinks, and providing necessary theoretical and technical support for the development of a plant-based drink processing industry.

Influence of using different ratios of small ruminants (ovine and caprine) milk on compositional and proteolytic changes during ripening of raw milk lighvan cheese

Lighvan cheese was manufactured using different ratios of ovine and caprine milk (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) and ripened for 90 days. Chemical composition, proteolysis level, total and individual levels of free amino acids, texture and residual coagulant activity were analysed during ripening. Significant decreases in pH and moisture content and significant increases in texture parameters, residual coagulant activity, soluble nitrogen fractions, fat, and protein contents were determined in the cheese manufactured using higher ratios of ovine milk (P <0.05). Differences in gel electrophoresis and RP-HPLC peptide profiles of the cheeses were seen. Leu and Phe were detected as predominant free amino acids in the cheeses during ripening. In conclusion, besides the cheese manufactured using ovine milk alone, the lighvan cheeses made with ovine and caprine milk in the ratios of 75:25 and 50:50 can be introduced as the preferred cheeses because of having proper proteolysis indices and semi-hard texture.

Field and petrographic studies of Basement Complex rocks in Saigbe and Environs, North-Central, Nigeria

Geological mapping and petrographic studies of rocks provide useful information on texture and mineralogical composition of rocks which can be used in the exploration and exploitation of any associated mineralization. However, few regional studies have been conducted in Minna and environs. Here, preliminary field mapping and petrography of out crops in Saigbe environ were conducted to determine their identification, structural and mineralogical composition. Twenty-one rock samples were collected, eight of which were used for thin section analysis. Joint directions were measured and plotted on rose diagram. Results show that Saigbe is underlain by schist, amphibolite and granite with minor pegmatite intrusions. Joints, faults, fold and foliations constitute main structures. Joints in the schists trend NE-SW, while those in the granites trend NW-SE, suggesting different episodes of emplacement for both rocks. Petrography revealed that the schists comprised quartz, biotite, muscovite, plagioclase and opaque mineral, while the amphibolites are composed largely of quartz, hornblende, plagioclase feldspar and opaque minerals. The granites are composed of quartz, microcline, plagioclase feldspar, muscovite and opaque minerals. The pegmatite dykes in the granites comprised quartz, plagioclase feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, muscovite and gemstones, hence interpreted as product of residual melt. The pegmatites make interesting target for mineral exploration.

Genesis of submarine volcanic iron deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights from the texture and chemical composition of magnetite from the Langwashan iron deposit in the Beishan orogenic belt, NW China

Carboniferous submarine volcanic rocks hosting iron deposits are widely distributed in the Tianshan and Beishan orogenic belts. However, the genesis of these deposits remains unresolved, with contrasting magmatic and magmatic-hydrothermal models being proposed. The Langwashan iron deposit (83.18 Mt @ 37% Fe) is one of the largest iron deposits in the Beishan orogenic belt. In this paper, we present detailed textural and trace-elemental properties of magnetite from the Langwashan iron deposit to elucidate the genesis and evolution of iron mineralization hosted in Lower Carboniferous submarine volcanic rocks. The Langwashan iron deposit has various types of iron ore that are closely associated with skarn minerals, including garnet and epidote. Magnetite in these samples can be classified into two distinct types, early-stage mushketovite (Mag1) and late-stage granular magnetite (Mag2), both of which show oscillatory zoning, with low Ti (mean of 0.03–0.07 wt%) and V (mean of 0.03–0.04 wt%) contents, and variable Si contents (mean of 0.74–6.50 wt%). These textural and compositional data classify the Langwashan deposit as a typical Fe-skarn deposit. Results also reveal that iron oxides in the Langwashan deposit underwent a complex evolution comprising three episodes: (1) early-stage influx of low-oxygen-fugacity, calcium-rich hydrothermal fluids, causing the transformation of original hematite to mushketovite (Mag1-1) and the formation of scheelite inclusions; (2) subsequent dissolution–reprecipitation between high-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal fluids and Mag1-1, generating trace-element-rich mushketovite (Mag1-2) and the precipitation of trace-element-rich granular magnetite (Mag2-1) from magmatic-hydrothermal fluids; and (3) final multiple fluid metasomatism under the influence of trace-element-poor hydrothermal fluids, involving dissolution–reprecipitation that produced trace-element-deficient Mag1-3, Mag2-2, and Mag2-3. Results also highlight that the submarine volcanic iron deposits from both the Tianshan and the Beishan orogenic belts were probably formed in a similar geological setting, with similar timing of formation, mechanism of mineralization, and evolution, and they are likely Fe-skarn deposits.

Ultrasound-induced PMS activation for acrylonitrile degradation with series LTZ perovskite-like catalysts: Synergistic and mechanistic insight

The degradation of toxic and refractory pollutants requires an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective treatment process to address the current challenges associated with wastewater. Herein, we present a hybrid system (LaTixZn1−xO3/PMS/US) that utilizes ultrasound irradiation to activate PMS (peroxymonosulfate) for the degradation of acrylonitrile. The system incorporates a series of perovskite-like catalysts LaTixZn1−xO3 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) fabricated using citric sol-gel method. The texture properties, surface morphology and composition of synthesized catalysts were analyzed by TEM, FESEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD and XPS. Furthermore, influences of operation parameters such as catalyst dose, PMS dose, pH, and US power, co-existing anions were investigated along with PMS utilization efficacy and its consumption rate. Under the optimal conditions, catalyst 0.75LTZ exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for acrylonitrile degradation (98.7%), with synergistic index value (3.363). The trapping experiments and EPR analysis revealed that ROS (SO4•− and •OH) both played a pivotal role in acrylonitrile removal, accordingly a rational mechanism was elucidated. The co-existing ions species HCO3– showed a strong inhibitory effect on acrylonitrile degradation compared to other ionic species (NO3–, Cl–, and SO42–). Based on the GC-MS analysis and existing literature, four possible pathways for the degradation of acrylonitrile were suggested. The treatment process incurred a cost of around 0.081$ per liter of wastewater in the 0.75LTZ/PMS/US system.