X-ray Fluorescence Elemental Analysis Research Articles

Using portable X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis to explore porous skeletal lesions: Interplay of sex, age at death, and cause of death.

Search for possible associations between bone elemental concentration and the presence of porous skeletal lesions (PSLs), considering the sex, age, and cause of death (COD) of the individuals. The sample comprised 107 non-adult individuals (56 females, 51 males) aged 0-20 (x̄ = 13.2, SD = 5.8) from the Coimbra and Lisbon Identified Skeletal Collections. Cribra cranii, orbitalia, humeralis, and femoralis were recorded as present/absent, and elemental concentrations were assessed by portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF). A multivariate statistical approach was applied. Well-preserved skeletons with minimal diagenesis showed no sex-related elemental variations or PSL associations. In contrast, age-at-death correlated with elevated Ca, P, Sr, and Pb levels. Cribra cranii increased with age while other cribra declined post-adolescence. Higher concentrations of Fe and lower of S were linked to cribra cranii. Respiratory infections as COD increased the odds of expressing cribra femoralis (OR = 5.25, CI = 1.25-15.14), cribra cranii (OR = 2.91, CI = 0.97-8.69), and cribra orbitalia (OR = 2.76, CI = 1.06-7.24). Feasible pXRF results and low cribra intraobserver error assure replicability. Elevated Ca, P, and Sr in older individuals may relate to skeletal growth, while increased Pb suggests bioaccumulation. Cribra's increase with age reflects different rates of marrow conversion and bone remodeling. Higher Fe and lower S in individuals with cribra cranii possibly reflects poor nutrition, early alcohol use, and sideroblastic anemia, aligning with 19th-20th-century Portugal's living conditions. Respiratory infections increased cribra expression, revealing intricate interplays among inflammation, anemia(s), marrow expansion, and diet. This research highlights a complex scenario and blazes a new path for cribra interpretation.

ADSORPTION OF CATION DYE USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GOLDEN SHOWERSEED POD ( C ASSIA FISTULA)

This study investigated the use of Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) as an adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye in a batch system. The raw material was Carbonized at 600 oC for one hour to obtain a purely carbonized material; then impregnated with NaOH of 0.1M and allowed to stay for 24 hours to obtain the desired GS-AC activated carbon. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) elemental composition analysis. The effects of adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption process were studied in a batch system. The results revealed that, there was good enhancements in pores of the adsorbent GS-AC due to the chemical impregnation. The FTIR spectra showed the presence C-H, NH 2, C-O, and S=O functional groups indicating a favourable surface for adsorption. Batch studies indicated that, the methylene blue uptake decreased with increase in the GS-AC dosage. The amount of Methylene blue adsorbed onto GS-AC increased with time and subsequently remained constant at some point in time with maximum uptake at 500 mg/l. Thus, adsorption capacity of methylene blue increased with longer contact time, indicating a stronger interaction between the adsorbent and the dye. Based on the findings, Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) impregnated with NaOH can be used as an alternative and suitable material for cationic dye removal from liquid phase.

Exploring pre-neolithic environmental dynamics: paleoecology around the Göbekli Tepe based on a multiproxy approach in southeastern Türkiye

Abstract Background and aims Paleoecological findings from soil samples recovered near the Göbekli Tepe indicate an environment that sustains a variety of multiproxy analyses, revealing prominent changes in ecological conditions. Methods Soil samples were collected in the vicinity of the pre-Neolithic site in the Göbekli Tepe. These sediment samples underwent comprehensive analysis utilizing a multiproxy approach, which included pollen analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) and total inorganic carbon (TOC) measurements, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis. Results Total organic carbon varied significantly in the SK-1 section, with lower levels at the bottom and higher levels at the top. The Ca/Ti ratio, which is indicative of weathering and moisture availability, typically increased in the early Holocene and briefly decreased at approximately 13,354 years BP. The Sr/Ti ratio, related to weathering and erosion processes, also suggests intensified weathering. The presence of deciduous forests and the increase in organic carbon values further support the notion of favorable environmental conditions during the early Holocene. In contrast, the lower levels of SK-1 show lower organic carbon values, lower Ca/Ti and Sr/Ti ratios, and greater abundances of herbaceous plants and steppes, indicating colder and drier conditions at 13,354 years BP. Conclusion A significant increase in organic carbon values and the presence of deciduous Quercus in the upper levels of the SK-3 section suggest a period of increased organic productivity and the existence of deciduous forests during the early Holocene at the Göbekli Tepe.

Experimental and numerical techniques to evaluate coal/biomass fly ash blend characteristics and potentials

Fossil and renewable fuels are used by industrial units that produce energy-intensive products. Competitive fuel pricing encourages these fuel sources' usage globally, particularly in developing nations, which leads to large volumes of byproducts like fly ash among thermal power plant operators. The elements and compounds found in coal fly ash (CFA) and biomass fly ash (BFA) can be utilized through several engineering applications. This study aims to assess typical CFA and BFA samples quantitatively and qualitatively via techniques such as ultimate analysis (CH-S), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, and ash fusion temperature (AFT), to anticipate the ideal ratios of coal to biomass blends for combustion applications while adhering to environmental regulations. The optimal blend, consisting of 75 % CFA and 25 % BFA, exhibited improved carbon (C%) and hydrogen (H%) percentages, increasing from 2.5 % to 4.67 % and from 0 % to 0.12 %, respectively. These improvements were further confirmed by the observed functional groups in FTIR, indicating a rising trend in both carbon and hydroxyl groups from BFA to CFA. XRF and XRD also confirmed it and TGA also showed optimum mass loss (ML%) behavior of 14.55 % for 75CFA + 25BFA. According to slagging and fouling indices, the values of RB/A, Rs, and Fu indicate a reduction in slagging and fouling issues through the blending of CFA with BFA. Simultaneously, the fusion temperature increased from 1181 °C to 1207 °C. CFA was found to increase the AFT of the BFA from 1197 °C to 1247 °C, mitigating their propensity. This suggests that a blend of 75CFA + 25BFA results in lower to medium range of slagging and fouling. However, AFI and BAI indicate a slightly higher range. AFT analysis further validates the conclusions drawn from the indices. The ternary phase diagram shows that the ash's melting point increases in the optimum blend. This is attributed to a reduced content of K2O (<15 %) and increased proportions of >50 % CaO and SiO2, effectively inhibiting slagging, agglomeration, and deposition. Meanwhile, the blend maintains a medium level of acidity and susceptively to corrosion, as observed in the case of 75CFA + 25BFA. The identification of optimal blend ratios can be anticipated to offer essential solutions for future research, aiming to ensure smooth industrial operations and regulatory compliance in power plants.

Hydroclimate reconstructions in the Suguta Valley, northern Kenya, during the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition

The Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition (EMPT) between 1200 and 700 ka represents a major global climate transition from dominantly 41,000- to 100,000-year glacial cycles. The forces and mechanisms behind this transition and the response of African environments are not well understood. The active volcanism and tectonics of the East African Rift System add complexity to local environmental systems and can erase important proxy records, inhibiting studies of lacustrine dynamics. As a result, there is minimal understanding of how this transition impacted the region's lake systems. At Paleolake Suguta, in the northern Kenya Rift, however, flood basalts cap lacustrine EMPT-age deposits, preserving these strata and their valuable paleoenvironmental record. This research presents a high-resolution reconstruction of hydrological change from approximately 931 to 831 ka within the Suguta-Turkana Basin in the northern Kenya Rift. Paleolake dynamics are reconstructed from a 41 m sedimentary section using diatom morphology, sedimentology, and X-Ray Fluorescence elemental analysis. Results show that lake levels varied greatly during this part of the EMPT with two wetter phases and two drier phases developing over about 100 kyr. From ∼885–831 ka, especially, the Suguta-Turkana Basin exhibits rapid changes in paleohydrology, ranging between deep stratified lakes; shallow, well-mixed lakes; and complete desiccation, with some of these changes occurring on an order of hundreds of years. This EMPT Suguta-Turkana-Baringo record therefore provides valuable insight into hydroclimate variability at an overall resolution of several thousand years, allowing reconstruction of past environments during a period of poorly understood terrestrial environmental change.

Environmental changes during the onset of the Late Pliensbachian Event (Early Jurassic) in the Cardigan Bay Basin, Wales

Abstract. The Late Pliensbachian Event (LPE), in the Early Jurassic, is associated with a perturbation in the global carbon cycle (positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE) of ∼2 ‰), cooling of ∼5 ∘C, and the deposition of widespread regressive facies. Cooling during the late Pliensbachian has been linked to enhanced organic matter burial and/or disruption of thermohaline ocean circulation due to a sea level lowstand of at least regional extent. Orbital forcing had a strong influence on the Pliensbachian environments and recent studies show that the terrestrial realm and the marine realm in and around the Cardigan Bay Basin, UK, were strongly influenced by orbital climate forcing. In the present study we build on the previously published data for long eccentricity cycle E459 ± 1 and extend the palaeoenvironmental record to include E458 ± 1. We explore the environmental and depositional changes on orbital timescales for the Llanbedr (Mochras Farm) core during the onset of the LPE. Clay mineralogy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and palynology are combined to resolve systematic changes in erosion, weathering, fire, grain size, and riverine influx. Our results indicate distinctively different environments before and after the onset of the LPE positive CIE and show increased physical erosion relative to chemical weathering. We also identify five swings in the climate, in tandem with the 405 kyr eccentricity minima and maxima. Eccentricity maxima are linked to precessionally repeated occurrences of a semi-arid monsoonal climate with high fire activity and relatively coarser sediment from terrestrial runoff. In contrast, 405 kyr minima in the Mochras core are linked to a more persistent, annually wet climate, low fire activity, and relatively finer-grained deposits across multiple precession cycles. The onset of the LPE positive CIE did not impact the expression of the 405 kyr cycle in the proxy records; however, during the second pulse of heavier carbon (13C) enrichment, the clay minerals record a change from dominant chemical weathering to dominant physical erosion.

Phosphazene-Containing Epoxy Resins Based on Bisphenol F with Enhanced Heat Resistance and Mechanical Properties: Synthesis and Properties.

Organophosphazenes are of interest due to the combination of increased mechanical and thermal properties of polymer materials obtained with their use, however, they are characterized by a complex multi-stage synthesis. Moreover, the high viscosity of phosphazene-containing epoxy resins (PhER) makes their processing difficult. To simplify the synthesis of PhER, a one-step method was developed, and bisphenol F was chosen, which also provided a decrease in viscosity. In the current study, PhER were formed by a one-stage interaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCP) with bisphenol F isomers and epichlorohydrin in the presence of alkali, which was a mixture of epoxycyclophosphazenes (ECPh) with a functionality from 1 to 4 according to the results of MALDI-TOF analysis. Conventional epoxy resins based on bisphenol F, also formed during the process, showed high mechanical properties and glass transition temperature, and the reactivity of the obtained resins is similar to the base epoxy resins based on bisphenols A and F. Cured PhER had higher or the same mechanical properties compared to base epoxy resins based on bisphenol A and F, and a glass transition temperature comparable to base epoxy resins based on bisphenol F: glass transition temperature (Tg) up to 174.5 °C, tensile strength up to 74.5 MPa, tensile modulus up to 2050 MPa, tensile elongation at break up to 6.22%, flexural strength up to 146.6 MPa, flexural modulus up to 3630 MPa, flexural elongation at break up to 9.15%, and Izod impact strength up to 4.01 kJ/m2. Analysis of the composition of the obtained PhER was carried out by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis, and contained up to 3.9% phosphorus and from 1.3% to 4.2% chlorine. The temperature profile of the viscosity of the resulting epoxy resins was determined, and the viscosity at 25 °C ranged from 20,000 to 450,000 Pa·s, depending on the ratio of reagents. The resins studied in this work can be cured with conventional curing agents and, with a low content of the phosphazene fraction, can act as modifiers for traditional epoxy resins, being compatible with them, to increase impact strength and elasticity while maintaining the rest of the main mechanical and processing properties, and can be used as a resin component for composite materials, adhesives, and paints.

Organic petrography and depositional environments of the upper Eocene Kopili Shale, Bengal Basin, Bangladesh

Mudrock samples of the upper Eocene Kopili Shale, taken from the outcrops in the northeastern Sylhet Trough areas, and drilled cores from the Indian Platform in the northwestern Bangladesh, were investigated in order to present an overview of the depositional environment. Several techniques such as organic petrography, thin section petrography, X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogical analysis, and lithologic observations were combined to draw the best possible conclusions.Organic petrographic analysis shows higher proportion of vitrinite along with liptinitic materials in the northeastern samples, suggesting deposition in an upper deltaic environment, whereas the northwestern samples show abundance of inertinite, indicating deposition in a lower deltaic environment. Thin section petrographic analyses, which reveal planktonic foraminifers, bioturbated fabrics, pyrite framboids, sand lenses and flame structures; and XRD and XRF analyses reveal abundance of quartz and illite in Kopili Shale, all of which suggest deposition in shallow marine reducing environments.The fauna in the Kopili Shale can be correlated to upper Eocene faunas of the Tethys Sea around the Indian subcontinent. Organic petrographic analysis suggest provenance from a low-relief crystalline Indian craton located adjacent to the west, rather than the Himalayan or Indo-Burman ranges to the north and east of the Bengal basin. Taken together, the present results suggest that the Kopili Shale of the Bengal basin is a silty mudrock, which was deposited during rapid marine transgression and regression, in a deltaic near-shore setting.

Identifying the source of groundwater contaminants in West-Central Wisconsin, U.S.A.: Geochemical and mineralogical characterization of the Cambrian sandstone aquifer

Naturally-sourced groundwater quality issues are common, but there is rarely a geochemical and mineralogical dataset of aquifer properties for comparison. This study utilizes geochemical and mineralogical data to characterize naturally-occurring minerals that are potential groundwater contaminants in the Cambrian Eau Claire – Mount Simon aquitard-aquifer system of west-central Wisconsin, U.S.A. A high-resolution portable x-ray fluorescence elemental analysis was used for initial characterization of geochemistry and chemostratigraphy of well cutting and drill core samples. Then, a subset of sample materials was analyzed mineralogically and geochemically using XRD and ICP-MS, respectively. Elevated concentrations of arsenic, phosphorous, strontium, and various metals within the aquitard-aquifer sandstone were identified, mostly associated with sulfide minerals and iron (hydr)oxides and suggestive of Mississippi Valley-type mineralization. Similar elemental contaminants in surface and groundwater in the study area indicate that the observed trace element-bearing minerals are a natural source of groundwater contamination, most likely through release into groundwater during fluctuating redox and pH conditions near the water table. Co-occurrence of iron (hydr)oxide-coated sulfide minerals near the water table, and observations of sulfide oxidation post-drilling, suggests sulfides in these units are actively oxidizing. Well construction recommendations based on these results should mitigate current or future pumping of trace element-contaminated groundwater and in the vast majority of cases eliminate naturally-occurring contaminants as a potential source. This study provides an extensive baseline dataset of aquifer mineralogy and trace element composition (and an efficient approach for data collection) that is necessary for interpreting and attributing possible future groundwater quality issues.

Comparison of machine learning techniques for predicting porosity of chalk

Precise and fast estimation of porosity is a vital element of reservoir characterization. A new technology for fast and reliable porosity prediction of chalk samples is presented by applying machine learning methods and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis. Input parameters of prediction models are based on rapid and accurate elemental analysis of chalk samples obtained from Hand-held X-ray fluorescence (HH-XRF) measurements. The intelligent models, including Random Forest (RF), Multilayer perceptron (MLP), Random Forest integrated by Genetic Algorithm (GA-RF) and Multilayer Perceptron integrated by Genetic Algorithm (GA-MLP), are trained and tested based on samples consisting of outcrop chalk samples from Rørdal and Stevns Klint (ST) and core samples from Ekofisk Formation in the North Sea. Results are evaluated by sustainability index (SI), determination coefficient (R2), correlation coefficient (CC), and Willmott's Index of agreement (WI). Results indicate that the combination of GA-RF intelligent method with XRF elemental analysis successfully provides an accurate model by 0.99, 0.02, 0.995 and 0.99 respectively for CC, SI, WI and R2, respectively.

Efficient Removal of CaCO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; by Hydrochloric Acid Treatment under pH Monitoring in Paper Sludge Suspension

In this study, we aimed to realize a removal of CaCO3 by hydrochloric acid treatment at the optimum amount while pH monitoring was performed on the PS suspension. Initially, as a standard measurement, suspensions prepared with commercially CaCO3 powder were reacted with hydrochloric acid. The CaCO3 powder in suspension was taken to react in about 10 minutes. Furthermore, it was also found that CaCO3 powder could be almost completely removed by adding hydrochloric acid to less than the suspension pH of 2. Using these results, we attempted to efficiently remove CaCO3 in paper sludge （PS） with hydrochloric acid under monitoring pH of suspension. X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis were performed on samples of PS calcined after hydrochloric acid treatment, and CaCO3 in the source PS was almost removed. The removed CaCO3 from the PS was recovered from the treated solution as CaCl2･2H2O. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） of samples of the PS before and after hydrochloric acid treatment revealed that paper-derived fibers in the PS were hardly dissolved by hydrochloric acid treatment at pH 2. In addition, we confirmed partially self-ignition of the acid treated PS because of the organic-derived fibers remaining in the acid treated PS.

Geochemical characterization of the Sutlegen bauxite deposit, SW Antalya

Purpose.The purpose is to determine geological and geochemical characteristics of the Sutlegen (Antalya, Turkey) bauxites, to identify the elements that played a major role in their formation. Methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineral phase analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the petrographic and mineralogical analyses, and multivariate statistical methods were used. Findings. The major element content of the ore was determined as Al2O3 (60-35.2 wt%), SiO2 (39.5-0.2 wt%), Fe2O3 (48.4-19.5 wt%), TiO2 (36.9-16 wt%), and P2O5 (0.5-0.1 wt%). The Sutlegen region, which shows epirogenetic action with the uplift of the earth's crust, is generally rich in neritic carbonates. It was revealed that the bauxite ores have undergone moderate and strong laterization as a result of the deferruginization in the environment, and they were classified into four groups as lateritic, ferritic, kaolinitic, and bauxite. The increase in the aluminosilicate minerals, which were formed during the formation of bauxite in the environment was found to be directly proportional to the laterization processes. In this context, it was considered that the lateritic material that was firstly formed in the environment filled the cavities and pores of the karst-type limestones and sedimentary units in the region by superficial transfer phenomena. The bivariate diagrams of Log Cr vs. Log Ni revealed that the bauxite that formed in the region had an ultrabasic source. Originality. In literature, no scientific studies have been found on bauxite mineralization in the Sutlegen deposits that have been operated for a long period. Practical implications. In this context, the geochemical characteristics of bauxites revealed that the source of the laterization process in the region was the ultrabasic igneous rocks. The lateritic material moved by superficial transfer was accumulated on sandstone, claystone, siltstone, and limestone and in karstic cavities; then, it formed karstic bauxite (kaolinitic and bauxite) of different classifications due to the effect of metamorphism.

The Study of Non-Ferrous Metal Artifacts of the Early Iron Age and Medieval Cultures in the Western Amur Basin

We describe the morphological and quantitative characteristics, and the elemental composition, of 23 bronze artifacts, seven silver ones, and a gold adornment, spanning the period from late 11th century BC to 15th century AD. These items (adornments and tools) belong to the Uril and Talakan cultures of the Early Iron Age, Mikhailovka, Mohe, and Central Asian cultures of the Early Middle Ages, and the Ducher culture of the Late Middle Ages. Elemental analysis of the bronze items at the SB RAS Institute of Nuclear Physics Siberian Center for Synchrotron and Terahertz Radiation Station of Local and Scanning X-Ray Fluorescence Elemental Analysis showed that over about 2.5 thousand years, tin-lead or lead-tin bronze was used for manufacture. Also, the best convergence of concentrations of chemical elements for Talakan and Mikhailovka artifacts testifies to evolutionary continuity between the Talakan and Mikhailovka cultures. Analysis of the elemental composition of Mohe silver and gold items from the Amur basin was carried out for the first time, revealing the high purity of precious metals used for manufacturing early medieval jewelry.

Artificial cellulose standards as calibration standards for wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of elements in plant samples

This research explores the possibilities and limitations of WD-XRF, applied as a method for quantification of 20 elements in plant material, using spiked cellulose standards for calibration. Three different analytical methods were investigated: 1) standards created from pure spiked cellulose; 2) spiked cellulose mixed with 20% of binder and 3) spiked cellulose applied as a thin layer on an inert carrier. Sensitivity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, repeatability, intralaboratory reproducibility, and accuracy were determined and compared. The accuracy of the investigated methods was tested by analysis of standard reference materials and comparison with other routinely used analytical techniques (ICP-OES and ICP-MS). The comparison included real plant samples which were collected from the environment characterized by different pollution levels. The accuracy of the semiquantitative standardless method was also considered and compared with other investigated methods. Tested methods can be very precise, with good intralaboratory reproducibility over wide linear range.

Investigation of sedimentary records of Hurricane Irma in sinkholes, Big Pine Key, Florida

Few paleotempestological studies have focused on coastal sinkholes, a common feature in Florida, which can receive and preserve storm overwash sediments. The major goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the characteristic signatures of storm sediments in sinkholes thereby determining reliability of these environments as proxies for hurricanes. Hurricane Irma as a category 5 storm provides an excellent case study for characterizing storm deposits in sinkholes on Big Pine Key. We cored at four sinkholes along a 350 m transect normal to the shoreline. Core sediments were characterized using physical description, short-lived radioisotope dating, sediment grain size analysis, loss-on-ignition, microfossil analysis, and x-ray fluorescence elemental analysis. We found that Irma deposits had higher abundances of marine foraminifera, less total organic matter and elevated Si/Al and Ca/Ti ratios, compared to pre- or post-Irma sediments. In addition, there was a thinning of the storm sediments along the inland transect. Consequently, we propose that sinkholes, particularly those that are closer to the shoreline, can provide reliable sites for paleotempestology studies.

Development and characterization of a seaweed snack using Ulva fasciata.

South Asian region possess an abundant growth of seaweeds. Due to unappealing taste of seaweeds, most South Asians reject seaweed based products in the global market. Thus, the research aims to develop a seaweed snack appealing to the taste of South Asians using Ulva fasciata with the intention of popularizing seaweed consumption in the South Asia. Ulva fasciata samples were collected from Matara, Sri Lanka. Snack was developed by the traditional nori making technique. Flavor is enhanced by ginger oleoresin. The moisture content (%), total fat content (%), protein content (%) and ash content (%) of the unroasted snack was determined according to the AOAC procedures and resulted 12.52 ± 0.48, 0.26 ± 0.042, 19.18 ± 0.53 and 13.91 ± 0.46 respectively. Total carbohydrate content (%) was analyzed according to the Dubois method and recorded as 9.48 ± 0.14. The arithmetic difference was taken to determine the total fibre content (%) which was recorded as 44.64 ± 0.23. The elemental composition of the processed snack was determined by X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis. The results recorded a significantly high content (ppm) of Calcium 13,700 ± 707 in the unroasted snack. As the final outcome a nutritious seaweed snack was developed.

Risk assessment for hazardous lubricants in machining industry.

Knowing that over two-thirds of lubricant disposals return to the environment with no purification process, adequate strategies are demanded to reduce their risks. For this reason, the main focus of the present study is to describe an environment-friendly approach. In the first part, two widely used lubricants (mineral-based and vegetable-based) were introduced, and the reasons for their hazards were investigated. The composition of mineral-based lubricant was characterized by x-ray fluorescence elemental analysis. The result showed the presence of phosphorus, chlorine, and zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate in its composition that many scholars considered them to be the leading risk factor in the chemical composition of mineral-based lubricants. It has been focused on the potential risks of vegetable-based lubricants, which many researchers have identified as a safe lubricant. The Pseudomonas microbe was cultivated in the vegetable-based sample, and the result showed that although vegetable-based lubricants are compatible with humans, bacteria colony can quickly grow there without making any apparent changes that lead to harm to operators in a mysterious way. In the present work, the hypothesis of the safety of unreinforced vegetable-based lubricants has been rejected, and a new window on the environmental issues of vegetable-based lubricants has been presented. In the final, to eliminate environment-human risks and to reduce consumption of lubricant and natural resources to green manufacturing, a comprehensive study on the possibility of completely removing lubricant was performed. The results showed that the machining without lubricant could be replaced with the traditional method.

Investigation of Copper-Less Gas Electron Multiplier Detectors Responses to Soft X-rays.

In this paper, we report on the systematic study of different variants of X-ray detectors based on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) technology using modified GEM foils with greatly reduced amount of copper. The main goal of this study was understanding the performance of such detectors applied in X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis. Reduction of the amount of copper in the detector structure is crucial for suppression of XRF background from copper, but one has to ensure that key detector parameters are not affected by such modification. The tested detector variants include detectors with different types of copper-less GEM foils, which have been manufactured starting from standard copper-clad foils and removing partially the copper layer in additional post-processing steps. The results are analyzed and discussed with a particular focus on the energy resolution, uniformity of gas gain and energy resolution across the detector area, and on the long-term stability of the gas gain. Long-term stability tests performed for selected detectors do not indicate for any accelerated aging of the copper-less detectors compared to standard detectors using copper-clad GEM foils. The presented results lead us to conclude that the copper-less GEM detectors are promising devices to suppress the XRF background.

Investigations of Crystalline Phases in Glasses under Various Annealing Conditions

Studies of the temperature dependence of the electrical properties of glasses show that the high-temperature annealing in glasses observed irreversible processes. These processes lead to changes in electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity, and hence the electrical capacitance, dielectric loss tangent, and other parameters. Obviously, this is due to structural changes in the glass as a result of high-temperature annealing. In this regard, this paper presents studies of structural and phase transformations in glasses used for the production of microchannel plates in the process of high-temperature annealing in vacuum and in the air atmosphere at different times. The studies were conducted by x-ray phase and X-ray diffraction analysis, as well as X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis.

Micro X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis of spheroid cultures of human neuroblastoma cells

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system that almost exclusively occurs during infancy and early childhood. NB is responsible for 8–10% of all childhood cancers. More than 50% of the diagnosed cases have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Trace elements are extremely important in biological processes, including reactions involving metabolic enzymes and gene expression. Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) is an important tool since it is a non-destructive technique for the analysis of sample composition. Elemental distributions in spheroids of human neuroblastoma cells were investigated using a commercial μXRF system, which detected seven elements: P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Zn. Mapping by µXRF was performed to investigate the spatial distribution of all detected elements. Results of µXRF revealed a non-uniform distribution of elements in all the spheroids analyzed. The results of this work can serve as a baseline for studies investigating the role of trace elements in NB.