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In the current study the potential use of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ephedra alata aerial parts as biological control agent against pathogenic bacteria and especially Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant isolated from auricular infections was evaluated. Chemical tests and spectrophotometric methods were used for screening and quantification of phytochemicals. The assessment of the antioxidant activity was accomplished by DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging assays. Extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial efficacy by diffusion and microdilution methods. Biofilm inhibition was tested using XTT assay and the cytotoxicity of extracts was carried out on Vero cell line. The GC-FID analysis revealed that E. alata was rich in unsatured fatty acids. In addition, the aqueous extract had the highest flavonoid and protein contents (30.82 mg QE /g dry extract and 98.92 mg BSAE/g dry extract respectively). However, the methanolic extract had the highest phenolic, sugars and tannins. The antioxidant activity demonstrated that the aqueous extract exhibited the strong potency (IC50 ranged between 0.001 and 0.002 mg/mL). Both extracts displayed antimicrobial activity on Gram negative and positive strains. They were effective against S. aureus isolated from auricular infections. The tested extracts were able to inhibit biofilm formation with concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, no cytotoxic effect on Vero cells line was demonstrated for the extracts. Overall, our findings highlight the potential use of E. alata extract as a novel source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant, antibacterial and antiobiofilm effects for the control of infectious disease especially those associated to S. aureus methicillin resistant.

The chemical and mineral compositions of bauxite recovered from the Severoonezhsk Bauxite Mine (Arkhangelsk region, Russia) were studied by XRD, ICP-OES, TG/DSC, SEM, TEM, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The iron-containing minerals of the bauxites were found to comprise alumogoethite (α-Fe1–xAlxOOH), alumohematite (α-(Fe1–xAlx)2O3), alumoakaganeite (β-Fe1–xAlxO(OH,Cl)), and chromite (FeCr2O4). The efficiency of Fe extraction from the bauxite by HCl leaching was 82.5% at 100 °C, HCl concentration of 10%, solid/liquid ratio of 1:10, and the process duration of 60 min, with aluminum loss from the bauxites below 4.5% of the total Al contents in the bauxite. Analysis of the kinetics of the iron leaching process proved diffusion to be the limiting stage of the process at 90–100 °C. Bauxite residue after leaching presented traces of α-Fe1–xAlxOOH and β-Fe1–xAlxO(OH,Cl), and most of the iron content was in the FeCr2O4. In bauxite residue after HCl leaching, in addition to iron oxide, the contents of chromium and calcium oxides significantly decreased. The iron chloride liquor after leaching contained the rare earth elements (REE) of 6.8 mg/L Sc, 4.1 mg/L Ce and 2.3 mg/L Ga. © 2021 The Nonferrous Metals Society of China. This research was funded by a Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (scientific topic No. 0137-2019-0023). The authors would like to appreciate the assists from The Center for Collective Use Testing Analytical Center of the JSC “Scientific-Research Institute of Chemical Technology” and personally to Natalya Ognevskaya for chemical analysis of solid and liquid samples.

The sorption properties of various clay minerals and materials based on them in relation to Cs(I), Sr(II), U(VI), Eu(III), and Pu(IV,V,VI) are compared. To determine the mineral composition, all the samples are studied by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence, the values of the specific surface are determined, and sorption experiments are carried out. It is shown that the high concentration of swelling clay minerals (montmorillonite, mixed-layer clay minerals) in the barrier material will contribute to its high sorption capacity in relation to the majority of the studied radionuclides.

O presente trabalho objetivou quantificar o crescimento de plantas jovens de pinhão-manso submetidas a variações de doses de fósforo (P) e de massas específicas de um solo Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo. Previamente, foi coletada uma amostra de solo na camada de 20 a 40 cm, certificando-se em laboratório, a baixa disponibilidade de P – 1,4 mg dm-3 – a fim de se aplicar os tratamentos de interesse. Foram aplicadas doses de 0, 106 e 318 mg dm-3 de P, utilizando a fonte superfosfato simples; e os solos foram compactados até atingirem massas específicas de solo iguais a 1,53; 1,72 e 1,91 kg dm-3, em esquema fatorial completo, totalizando nove tratamentos. O cultivo foi em vasos e foram determinadas a biomassa seca da parte aérea do pinhão-manso e das suas partes fracionadas em caule, folhas aderidas ao caule e folhas senescentes. Foram determinados os teores de P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn, e a partir dos dados de acúmulo de massa seca se quantificou os conteúdos desses minerais nas plantas. A análise estatística dos dados consistiu em análise de variância, teste de média Tukey e análise de regressão. De modo geral, as características de composição mineral das plantas apresentaram resposta mais pronunciada à adubação fosfatada comparada à compressão física testada. Os máximos conteúdos de minerais estimados nas plantas de pinhão-manso foram de 51,78 mg de P; 463,37 mg de K; 201,84 mg de Ca; 124,18 mg de Mg; 76,17 µg de Cu; 4.254,07 µg de Fe; 18.787,15 µg de Mn e 769,97 µg de Zn.

In the mineral nutrition of plants, potassium is considered “the element of quality” of harvested products, and its lack or excess can cause decreased or loss of product quality. In this sense, the...

Goncharov V., Velikov M., Schnayder S., Denga O., Maximenko Y. Environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2021;11(06): 227-239. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2021.11.06.025 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2021.11.06.025 https://zenodo.org/record/5093675 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2021; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 21.05.2021. Revised: 03.06.2021. Accepted: 30.06.2021. Environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region V. Goncharov1, M. Velikov2, S. Schnayder2, O. Denga2, Y. Maximenko1 1Odesa State Laboratory Center, Odesa, Ukraine 2Research Institute of Dentistry, Odesa, Ukraine Abstract The study was aimed to assess the environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region. Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2011-2021. Information on the state of drinking water, the level of environmental safety of food, qualitative and quantitative composition of food was obtained from the reports of territorial institutions of the sanitary-epidemiological service of Odessa region. Actual nutrition was assessed using standard questionnaires. The assessment of the level of environmental and hygienic safety was based on the recommendations of the EPA. Statistical processing was performed by methods of analysis of variance and correlation using specialized software Statistica 10.0. Results. Excessive carbohydrate intake and excessive nitrate load are the main environmental risk factors for dental pathology in children living in the Danube region. Qualitative composition of diets plays a bigger role than mineral composition of drinking water. Conclusion. 1. Drinking water of suboptimal mineral composition was consumed by 41.7% of people, high content of refined carbohydrates was inherent in the diets of 63.0% of surveyed children. 2. Children’s diet is characterized with subdeficiency of B vitamins, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and a significant nitrate load. Key words: oral health; children; nutrition; drinking water; environmental risk

Here we addressed the question of whether burning of guano produces a characteristic suite of morphological changes and/or unique mineralogical products. The changes observed in our experimental burning of guano (both fresh and decayed) included colour change (blackening), grain size and morphological change (grain size generally reduced, morphology rendered generally less distinct), alteration of minerals by dehydration (e.g., gypsum to anhydrite, brushite to whitlockite), and production of new minerals or compounds (e.g., augelite, bayerite, giniite, graphite, oldhamite, strontium apatite, tridymite). The key morphological feature we found that may be diagnostic of burning was severe damage to crystals from rapid dehydration (cracks and striations, leading to eventual fragmentation). The key mineralogical feature we found was production of graphite. The high temperature exotic minerals that were produced (giniite, augelite, tridymite, oldhamite) were all found not to be high temperature obligate. Evidence gleaned from the literature suggests that a great number of the minerals associated with high temperatures can also be synthesized in low temperature settings such as weathering or microbial action (exemplified in the extremely complex biology and biochemistry of decaying guano). While the presence of any one of these minerals is not diagnostic of fire, it could be argued that the suite taken as a whole is moderately strong evidence for burning. In future studies, the chemistry of carbon aromaticity may prove to be the best diagnostic test for pyrolysis. A survey of the conditions under which documented spontaneous ignition occurs leads us to conclude that spontaneous ignition of guano inside a cave is an extremely unlikely event, and any suggestion/assertion to this effect should be rigorously supported.

The purpose of the research is to study the mineralogical and petrographic characteristics of the Eastern Sayan serpentinites in order to identify their most decorative varieties. The objects of the study are the samples of serpentinites from the Ulan-Khodinskoye and Khokhurtovskoye deposits of the Eastern Sayan. Six samples were studied macroscopically then polished plates were made from them for gemological examination and thin sections for microscopic examination. All studies were carried out using standard gemological methods at the Gemmology Research Laboratory of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University. The petrographic study of thin sections was carried out using an Axio Lab A1 microscope. Macroscopically, two main ornamental varieties of serpentinite were identified: spotted bluish-green serpentinite and massive serpentinite of the color from dark green to black. The spotted structure of serpentinite is determined by numerous inclusions of ore minerals including magnetite and iron oxides. Its hardness is 4.5 on the Moh’s scale, its gloss is matte. The data on the main gemological characteristics of the samples corresponding to the results of already published studies of gem-quality serpentinites from other deposits were also obtained. Having analyzed the microstructure and mineral composition of the Eastern Sayan serpentinites, their correspondence to the spotty and massive decorative varieties of serpentinites from other Russian deposits was revealed. At the moment, this material is not duly appreciated, although it may well be used as a sculptural and jewelry-ornamental decorative stone.

The current investigation was performed to explore the nutritional and functional composition of four landlines of barley denoted as LB1 (Gilgit), LB2 (Nagar), LB3 (Skardu), and LB4 (Shigar) from different regions of Gilgit‐Baltistan. The samples were examined for nutritional profile and antioxidant attributes. Total phenolic values and total flavonoid results were in the range of 1.2 to 3.1 mg/g and 0.41 to 0.55 mg/g, respectively. Nutritional profile as crude starch, fiber, protein, ash, and fat ranged from 56.3%–50.80%, 16.50%–11.73%, 16.20%–11.53%, 2.8%–2.1%, and 2.63%–1.63%, respectively. The mineral composition in terms of Mg (527–616 mg/kg) was higher in the landlines followed by Ca (312–368 mg/kg), Na (122.6–146.6 mg/kg), Fe (43.3–65.6 mg/kg), and Zn (22.5–26.6 mg/kg). It was concluded that the indigenous barley landlines had immense nutritional potential and functional attributes. Thus, it can be used for value‐added food products and the development of cottage industry in the region., The current study demonstrated that the local barley landline is a good source of nutrition as well as functional properties with good antioxidant activity. Thus, it is suggested that the crop should be an essential part of our diet and also used for making value‐added products. The current study further provides baseline data for future research in the food and pharmaceutical aspects of barley landlines.

Relevance.Production of functional food with high levels of antioxidant status and selenium is essential for human protection against viral and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer.Methods.Evaluation of the efficiency in foliar sodium selenate biofortification (25. 50 and 75 mg Se/L) was achieved on three chervil genotypes.Results.Intervarietal differences in biofortification level was demonstrated: from 15.5 to 31.1 for 25 mg Se/L dose; from 36.9 to 64.6 for 50 mg Se/L dose; and from 72.9 to 130 for 75 mg Se/L dose. At the chosen doses, selenium supply did not affect significantly the yield, antioxidant properties and photosynthetic content of chervil. Total antioxidant activity was in the range from 30 to 42 mg GAE/g d.w., phenolics content from 9 to 13 mg GAE/g d.w, flavonoids from 5 to 12 mg-eq quercetin/g d.w., ascorbic acid from 33 to 66 mg/100 g fresh w. High levels of carotene were a typical feature of Se fortified and non-fortified chervil. A direct correlation was recorded between phenolics content and total antioxidant activity (r=+0.954, P

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have unique and tunable features with high potential in industrial use. However, the utilization of the ILs in industrial processes has recently arisen the question of their disposal and the effect on the environment. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of two commercial imidazolium-based ILs, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Dmim][Cl]) on the growth and chemical composition of widely grown vegetables - tomato and cucumber. Different concentrations (10, 100 or 1000 mg L−1) of [Bmim][Cl] and [Dmim][Cl] were applied to the soil on which tomato was cultivated. After the harvest of tomato fruits, the same soil was used to grow and analyze the growth and chemical composition of cucumber. ILs significantly reduced shoot biomass and yield of tomato and significantly changed concentrations of N, K, Ca, Fe and Mn in the leaves, whereas concentrations of P, Cu and Zn were at the level of respected controls. The number of fruits of cucumber, grown on the soil previously treated with ILs, was significantly reduced along with yield, and mineral composition of leaves was significantly altered, with the exception to Cu. [Dmim][Cl] in general affected both tomato and cucumber more than [Bmim][Cl]. The application of IL with a longer alkyl substituent ([Dmim][Cl]) increased the temperature inside the tomato canopy and accelerated the senescence of plants.

Purpose. Theoretical and experimental studies of chemical and mineral composition and the structure peculiarities of phosphorites from Ukrainian deposits to define the degree of their suitability for other industries. Methods. The ore chemical composition was determined by conventional (wet) analysis using standard certified chemical reagents. The mineral composition was studied on the scanning electron microscope equipped with the attachment for the energy-dispersive electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) with the software for calculating the chemical composition of the studied sample microvolume. The petrographic analysis was carried out by the traditional methods of microscopic section preparation with subsequent identification and description of the minerals. The microscopic study of the original ore samples aimed at their mineral composition determination was conducted on the Nu optical microscope (Germany) both in transmitted and reflected light. The thin and polished sections prepared using the standard technology were used as samples. In the laboratory environment, the phosphorites were subjected to magnetic dressing in magnetic fields with different intensity. The experiments in the weak field were modelled with the help of the magnetic analyzer while the experiments in the strong magnetic field were modelled on the rotor separator. The flotation dressing method was studied on the laboratory mechanical flotation machine. Findings. It was found that phosphate nodules are rounded mineral formations of irregular shape; they consist of sand bound with the yellow-brown phosphate cement. Ore useful substance is a phosphorus-bearing mineral that by the element chemical composition corresponds to fluorocarbon-hydroxyl-apatite with the dominant content of Ca (45.23%), P (15.67%), and B (27.87%). The results of the integrated petrographic study of the phosphorite samples from the ore body of “Peremoha” area are presented. Originality.The study has revealed that phosphorus-containing substance in the phosphorite samples is the mass that cements barren minerals (mainly quartz, glauconite, calcite and plagioclase). Practical implications. According to the phosphate content level, the phosphorites from Malokamyshevatske, Iziumske and Sinichino-Yaremovske deposits can be treated as minerals for ferrophosphorus smelting. Keywords: ferrophosphorus, ore substance, phosphorite, mineral varieties, petrography, apatite

The effect of polycarboxylate ether and a complex hydrophobic–plasticizer additive on the structure and mineral composition of soil cement based on kaolinite clay with kaolinite content of more than 95% was studied. Research methods included X-ray phase analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron-scanning microscopy. Patterns of the effect of polycarboxylate ether and a complex hydrophobic–plasticizer additive on the formation of Portland cement hydration products in strengthened clay were determined, and changes in the structure of modified samples of soil cement based on kaolinite clay were revealed.

Modern blast furnaces have operation life of 15-20 years. Such a duration of their operation to a great extent reached due to the resistance of lining of hearth and hearth bottom. To study the processes, effecting the rate of its erosion, a study of composition and structure of the scull on the lining of walls of a blast furnace hearth and hearth bottom was accomplished. For the study the No. 2 blast furnace of EVRAZ ZSMK was chosen after its stoppage for overhaul. Results of visual examination of the state of the lining of lower part of the hearth and hearth bottom presented. Macro-structure of the picked out samples presented, general view of lump samples and polished section briquettes shown. Mineral composition of the samples and chemical composition of their separate mineral phases studied. It was determined, that the samples density, picked out lower the iron notch, was considerably higher. By authors opinion, it is stipulated by the increase of metal phase content in the scull along the hearth height in the direction from tuyere level to the hearth bottom, as well as considerable change of the scull porosity along both the horizontal section and the hearth height. The porosity of the samples, picked out lower the iron notch, was not high - at the level of 2.73-3.73%. The gases (oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen) contained in the BF melts, lead to the forming of scull porous structure of insignificant thickness in the upper horizons of the hearth and in the notch channel. It was determined, that a building-up of zinc can be observed on the hearth bottom, as well as its alloys with iron and lead. The samples macro-structure was clear laminated. The zinc in the sample exists in the form of two mineral phases: an oxide phase (zinc oxide) and a metal phase, often with iron contaminant and rarely - with iron and lead. The results obtained, apart from the studies carried out earlier on the scull and BF hearth lining state, will be base of a theoretical analysis of scull forming mechanism and lining properties change, effecting the blast furnaces campaign duration.

Raw apatite-nepheline ores of the Khibiny alkaline massif are similar in terms of the set of ore-forming minerals and differ in their quantitative ratio. A special place among apatite-nepheline ores is occupied by ores of tectonically destroyed zones, which are widespread in the Khibiny apatite-nepheline deposits. Destruction zone ores are product of secondary changes in raw ores and are characterized by the presence of finely dispersed secondary minerals represented by hydrated micas, zeolites and clay minerals. In the aquatic environment they form colloidal sediments with active surface properties. This fact, as well as thin films of clay and other minerals formed on the surface of apatite grains, cause a decrease in the degree of hydrophobicity of fluorapatite and deterioration of the selectivity of apatite flotation. According to the analytical determinations of the chemical components of the ores and their mineralogical composition, a correlation-regression analysis of the ratio of the components of the material composition of the ores has been performed. The results of correlation-regression analysis have shown that the presence of hypergenically changed ores related to difficult-to-treat ones can be identified by lower ratios of sodium and potassium oxides, as well as sodium and aluminum relative to their average. The presence of products of nepheline change in all ores processed has allowed revealing the most stable correlation between nepheline and sodium oxide, rather than aluminum oxides, in contrast to the earlier opinion. The very high correlation relationship between fluorapatite, nepheline, and titanite and the oxides of phosphorus, sodium, and titanium, respectively, and the statistical significance of the correlation and regression coefficients allow determining the content of these minerals using the regression equations presented in the paper.

In order to ensure the nutritional quality of leafy vegetables produced under intensive cultivation systems, the proximate composition, mineral profile, and trypsin-inhibitory activity of three priority West African vegetable species ( Amaranthus cruentus, Ocimum gratissimum , and Solanum macrocarpon ) produced with urea micro-doses (20, 40, and 60 kg/ha) were compared with control leaves raised without urea. Plants were harvested three consecutive times to determine effects on nutrient and trypsin-inhibitory activity. Proximate and mineral compositions were mainly species-dependent (p

Anatomical, mineral and nutritional studies were carried out on various parts of Solanum nigrum and Solanum melongena using standard techniques. Analysis of variance was employed for data analysis. Anatomical studies showed that the two species have similar features in the transverse sections of their leaves and stem but have dissimilar features in the transverse sections of their roots. The mineral result revealed varying quantities of the minerals in the various parts of the two species. The highest mineral composition in S. melongena was selenium (1030.0± 10.0) which was found in the root, while potassium (2.75±1.59) which was found in the stem was the least. The highest mineral composition in S. nigrum was calcium (873.33±16.67) which was found in the leaves, while potassium was the least (2.26± 0.55) found in the root. Vitamin studied showed varying quantities of the vitamins in the various parts of the two species. The highest vitamin was vitamin A in the root of both species when compared to the other parts. The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement in the same genus Solanum while the slight difference between them supports their separation into different species. The result also indicated that the various part of the two species contained adequate amount of vitamins and minerals for human consumption.

The paper discusses about the characterization of ancient mortar of an 800 year old heritage site in Southern India. The repair of heritage structures is largely neglected and even if attended, incompatible materials were used in the previous repairs. Hence, characterization of ancient mortar of heritage structure is an essential step before preparation of repair mortar. In the current study, characterization using acid-dissolution test, SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR and TGA-DTA were conducted. Acid-dissolution analysis of ancient mortar confirmed the binder to aggregate ratios in the range of 1:5 to 1:7, while, analytical techniques viz; SEM-EDS and XRD confirmed presence of calcite and quartz crystals. The elemental and mineral composition of these mortars were analyzed using EDS and XRD respectively. The results were further reinforced with thermo-gravimetric analysis, in which, calcite decomposition was observed at around 700–800 °C. Also, organic content in the form of carbohydrates was detected based on FTIR analysis on heritage mortars.

As a result of infrared spectroscopy of kidney stones obtained from 59 patients with urolithiasis, a wide range of chemical compounds were identified in the samples, in which whevellite (calcium oxalate monohydrate), hydroxylapatite and uric acid were presented in the largest quantities. Monophasic stones were found in 8.4 % of patients. The two-phase, three-phase and four-phase composition of the samples was determined in 37.2 %, 42.3 % and 11.8 % of patients respectively. Carrying out infrared spectroscopy of kidney stones obtained as a result of self-passage or due to the use of surgical methods will contribute to the correct choice of an individual program for metaphylaxis of urolithiasis in different patients.

Conducted comprehensive studies on lithogenetic characteristics of clastic sedimentary petroleum reservoirs and enclosing rocks, which allowed assessing the stability of rock when drilling exploration and production wells (mineral composition, structural-textural features, lithogenetic change, etc.). The findings about membership of the studied rocks to the products of early and late mezocatagenesis are presented.

The morphology, composition, structure of Selishchenskoe gypsum deposit are analyzed. The qualitative characteristic of the mineral is given. The physical and mechanical properties of the gypsum stone were determined. The engineering and geological conditions of the deposit are estimated.

In this study, antioxidant properties, trace element and mineral composition of Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski (Orchidaceae) grown in the East Anatolia Region of Turkey was determined. The concentrations of trace element and mineral were determined by using inductive paired plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). It has founded that the quantities of important trace elements Mn, Cu, Co and Se were high and also the quantity of the Mg mineral was quite high. Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski plant's element quantities were determined to be Sr > Mg > V > Mn > Li > Ti > Cu > Se > Cr > Pb > Co > As > Be > Zn > Cd respectively. Total antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 12.44 ± 0.20 mM ascorbic acid g-1, 4.97 ± 0.48 mg gallic acid g-1 and 4.51 ± 0.29 mg quarcetin g-1 respectively in methanol extracts of Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski plant. The presence of high levels of some trace elements, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the methanol extract may have important to the showed antioxidant properties.

Marine clays are easily affected by different mineral composition in cyclic load-based geological hazards. Therefore, based on analyzing the mineral composition of natural marine clay, it is the key to predict the dynamic properties of natural materials under cyclic loading by using quantitated artificial marine clay. In this study, the marine clay found in the South China Sea deltas was investigated. Based on the results of geological conditions and mineral composition analyses, raw non-clay minerals (such as quartz, albite) and clay minerals (such as Na-montmorillonite and kaolinite) were used to produce artificial marine clay, the dynamic properties of which were studied from the impact of mineral composition. Dynamic triaxial laboratory testing for artificial marine clay comprising various clay minerals was performed under identical test conditions. The artificial marine clay with high montmorillonite content exhibited slower development of strain, more sluggish growth in pore water pressure, more rounded hysteresis curves, greater stiffness, and more prolonged viscous energy growth than the clay with low montmorillonite content. In addition, the flocculated fabric of the artificial marine clay with high montmorillonite content demonstrated sufficient pore space changes, more uniform pore distribution, and larger specific surface area than the dispersed fabric of the clay with low montmorillonite content. The factors arising from the influence of montmorillonite may lead to microstructural and fabric changes, hinder the development of pore water, and increase intergranular contact stiffness as well as delay the cyclic strain amplitude at the breakpoint of viscous energy dissipation. In general, the results presented in this study confirm that clay minerals, especially montmorillonite, have significant influence on the dynamic properties of large strain.

Semarang City is characterized by an intercalating of loam-silt and clayey units. The behavior of the clay materials in terms of its expansivity changes in the volumetric parameter when it contacts the water. Some problems in the presence of tidal flooding appears when the seawater ingress to the shoreland that causes severe damage to infrastructures. This research attempts to reveal the influence of both seawater and freshwater on the expansivity behaviors of the clayey materials based on its mineral composition. Some tests are performed to observe the volumetric changes in the clay samples after being soaked in seawater and freshwater for twenty-four hours. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) tests are conducted on some selected samples by using the bulk method to determine the mineral composition of the samples. The ANOVA test is also introduced in the analysis to distinguish whether the certain mineral types and its composition influencing the clay expansivity behaviors at a confidence level of about ninety-five percent and alpha (α) of about five percent. The result of this research has proven that the presence of montmorilonite minerals is the most influencing factor on the clayey expansivity behaviors when immersed in seawater and freshwater than kaolinite and illite minerals.

Bound water is an important factor in controlling the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of clayey soils, and it plays an important role in geotechnical engineering disaster prevention and environmental protection. There are many factors (such as soil texture, mineral composition, specific surface area (SSA), organic matter content, porosity and so on) that affect bound water in natural clayey soils. However, the main factors are mineral composition and specific surface area (SSA). Experimental tests on specific surface area and isothermal adsorption of a series of artificial mixed clayey soils were carried out to determine the different types of bound water. On this basis, the relationship between the bound water of mixed clayey soils and influencing factors of mineral composition and specific surface area are discussed. The results show that relative humidities of RH = 0.90 and 0.98, in an isothermal adsorption method, are the boundary-dividing points between strongly bound water and weakly bound water, and between weakly bound water and free water, respectively. The bound water content of the mixed clayey soils increased linearly with the montmorillonite content and specific surface area. Clay’s mineral composition (montmorillonite) was found to be the most fundamental influencing factor.

The hydrocarbon compositions of shale oils, generated from two different lithological–facial Domanic deposits of the Tatarstan Republic (Russia), were studied under hydrothermal impact with 30% of water addition in a 350 °С and CO2 environment. The samples were extracted from carbonate–siliceous rocks of the Semiluky–Mendym deposits of the Berezovskaya area, and carbonate deposits of the Dankovo–Lebedyan horizon of the Zelenogorskaya area of the Romashkino oil field. The distinctive features of rocks are in the composition and content of organic matter (OM), its thermal stability, as well as the structural-group composition of the shale oil products. The hydrothermal treatment of the rock samples increased the content of saturates and decreased the content of aromatics, resins and asphaltenes in the composition of crude oil. The decomposition of the polymer-like kerogen structure and destruction processes of high-molecular compounds, such as resins and asphaltenes, are accompanied with the formation of substances highly rich in carbons—carbenes and carboids. The contents of n-alkanes and acyclic isoprenoids increase in the composition of saturated hydrocarbons. According to the chemical classification of Al. A. Petrov, the character of the molecular mass distribution of such substances corresponds to oil type A1, which is considered paraffinic. The contents of dibenzothiophene, naphthalene and phenanthrene are increased in the composition of aromatic hydrocarbons, while the contents of tri-methyl-alkyl-benzene and benzothiophene are decreased. The increase in the aryl isoprenoid ratio (AIR = С13–С17/С18–С22) and maturity parameter (4-MDBT/1-MDBT) under the influences of hydrothermal factors indicates the increasing thermal maturity degree of the hydrocarbon system. The differences in the distribution behavior of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons—biomarkers in rocks of various lithological-facies types, which are reasoned by different conditions of initial organic matter transformation as well as under the impact of hydrothermal factors—were revealed.

Lime mines are a potential source of pollution, and the surrounding soil environment is generally at threat, especially in abandoned lime mines. This paper focuses on the study area in eastern Anhui, attempting to analyze whether Cd enrichment is related to abandoned mines. On the basis of geological investigation, this study systematically used XRD, XRF, GTS and universal Kriging interpolation to determine the distribution law of Cd in the study area, and evaluated the potential ecological risk of Cd. The results showed that the main mineral types of soil samples of red clastic rock soil parent material (RdcPm) and soil samples of carbonate soil parent material (CPm) were not completely the same. Correlation analysis showed that CaO, MgO and Cd were positively correlated with the CPm. Human activities led to the accumulation of Cd in the study area. High Cd was mainly concentrated in the northwest of the study area, which was correlated with abandoned mines and soil parent materials. The study area was dominated by slight potential risks, although some areas had medium potential risks and high potential risks. All potential high risks were in the CPm field. This study provides a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization and development planning of soil in the study area.

Anode carbon residue is produced in the production of electrolytic aluminum. Its properties need to be studied for secondary utilization. In this paper, mineralogy of anode carbon residue from an electrolytic aluminum plant in Guizhou was studied. The anode residue chemical composition, structure, mineral composition, occurrence state of main elements, etc, was investigated. The results show that: Anode carbon residue is mainly composed of 14 minerals such as cryolite, cryolithionite, elpasolite and graphite. Among them, the opaque minerals are mainly graphite and the transparent minerals are mainly cryolite. Carbon in the form of independent mineral occurrence in graphite; fluoride in the form of independent mineral occurrence in cryolite, cryolithionite, elpasolite and fluorite; aluminum in the form of independent mineral occurrence in cryolite, cryolithionite, elpasolite, aluminium oxide and magnesium aluminate; sodium in the form of independent mineral occurrence in cryolite, cryolithionite, elpasolite. The mineralogical characteristics and occurrence state of carbon and electrolyte were studied, which provided a basis for the separation and recovery of carbon and electrolyte in anode carbon residue.

The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sweet oranges is well known, but the function of their secondary metabolite, especially the easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP), an active fraction of glomalin, is still unclear. The proposed study aimed to analyze the field response of foliar application of exogenous EE-GRSP on tree mycorrhizal development and fruit quality of two sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) varieties viz., Lane Late Navel (LLN) and Rohde Red Valencia (RRV). Application of EE-GRSP significantly increased the root mycorrhizal colonization and soil mycorrhizal hyphal length in both the sweet orange varieties. The external quality of fruits (fruit weight, polar diameter, and equatorial diameter) also improved in response to foliar application of EE-GRSP in both sweet orange varieties. However, EE-GRSP treatment showed no change in fruit soluble solid content, while it increased the Vc content, solids-acid ratio, fructose, glucose, and sucrose content of sarcocarp in the two sweet oranges varieties. The LLN variety treated with EE-GRSP recorded significantly higher N, P, K, Fe, and Si content of sarcocarp as a mark of nutritional quality, while the RRV variety treated with EE-GRSP displayed a higher concentration of nutrients like Cu, Fe, Si, and Zn in the sarcocarp as compared with the corresponding non-treated control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the improvement in fruit quality of late-ripening sweet oranges (especially LLN) in response to foliar application of EE-GRSP as another potential biostimulant.

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) produced by Aerodramus fuciphagus has a high demand for nutritional and medicinal application throughout the world. The present study was to evaluate the authentication of a man-made house EBN, which are half cup and stripe-shaped by FTIR. Next, both samples were compared according to their metabolite, nutritional, and mineral composition. The results indicated that the FTIR spectra of both EBN samples were identical and similar to the reference, suggesting the authenticity of the EBN used. The metabolites that contribute to the possible medicinal properties of EBN were found by using GC-MS. The results of the proximate analysis, followed by the standard AOAC method, inferred that both EBN shapes to be rich in crude protein and carbohydrate contents. However, the proximate composition between the half cup and stripe-shaped EBN showed significant differences. Major mineral elements detected were calcium and sodium, and magnesium contents were significantly different between both EBN. Additionally, the half cup and stripe-shaped EBN had a low level of heavy metal content than the maximum regulatory limit as set by the Malaysian Food Act 1983. This study concludes that the nutritional composition varied between the samples and thus suggests that nutrient content should be considered as criteria for the grading requirement of commercialized EBN.

The deposits of the Bazhenov formation are a unique reservoir of unconventional oil reserves in Western Siberia. They contain both solid organic matter (kerogen) and liquid light oil. The successful development of these hydrocarbons is largely determined by the adequacy of the void space models. The aim of the study is to identify the types of void space in the sediments of the Bazhenov formation and to identify the distribution patterns across the section of the researched wells. The void space was studied by electron and optical microscopy, and the mineral composition of the rocks was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The deposits of the Bazhenov productive formation in the territory of Western Siberia are represented by a wide complex of lithotypes, including various kinds of silicites, carbonate, clay rocks, and mixtites. The reservoir space in the reservoir rocks of the Bazhenov formation is a complex and hierarchically subordinated system, which includes voids and fractures of various sizes, configurations, and genesis. The void space of the Bazhenov formation is characterized by a fairly high degree of spatial heterogeneity, which is controlled by lithological, facies, and tectonic factors, as well as the direction of catagenetic processes.

Aim: The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the proximate, vitamin and mineral composition of the leaves of four selected tropical vegetable plants namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina. Methodology: Fresh leaves of each vegetable were washed and air dried at room temperature for two weeks. The dried leaves were pulverized using a mechanical grinder. Measured amounts were subjected to quantitative proximate, vitamin and mineral analysis. Results: For all four plants, carbohydrates was the major macronutrient constituents (range 49.61-64.09% dry wt.) followed by fats (15.06-29.43%), Protein (7.28-12.53%), ash (1.81-14.82%) and fiber (2.92-7.53%) in that order. G. latifolium had the highest carbohydrate (64.09±0.09% dry weight) and protein (12.53±0.10%) composition while V. amygdalina had the highest fat (29.43±0.03%) composition. Results of Ash analysis of the four leaves showed P. guineense to have the highest total mineral content (14.82±0.12% dry wt.) followed by V. amygdalina (10.75±0.01%), O. gratissimum (4.60±0.04%) and G. latifolium (1.81±0.01%) in that order. O. gratissimum and P. guineense had the highest composition of fiber (7.53±0.02% and 7.22±0.02% respectively) closely followed by G. latifolium (6.03±0.02%) and V. amygdalina (2.92±0.02%). Vitamin analysis revealed that leaves of the four vegetable plants contained high levels of vitamin C (range 18.1-43.4 mg/100 g) and appreciable quantities of vitamins A (0.3-1.2 mg/100 g) and E (0.67-0.9 mg/100 g). V. amygdalina leaf contained the highest concentration of vitamin C (43.4±0.01 mg/100 g) and A (1.2±0.9 mg/100 g) while O. gratissimum had the highest vitamin E content (0.9 mg/100 g). The mineral assay indicated that the leaves of the plants contain high levels of Magnesium (Mg)(3.6-24.8 mg/100 g), Phosphorus (P) (2.8-34.3 mg/100 g), Calcium (Ca) (12.1-19.0 mg/100 g) and copper (Cu) (5.8-18.5 mg/100 g) relative to their Zinc (Zn) (1.1-2.1 mg/100 g), Potassium (K) (2.1-6.9 mg/100 g) and Sodium (Na) (4.3-8.1 mg/100 g) contents. Conclusion: In conclusion, these plants were shown to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals justifying their use in diets. That the plants were particularly rich in vitamins and mineral with antioxidant properties could explain the therapeutic uses of the various preparations of these leafy vegetables, in traditional medicine, for the treatment and management of diseases that have their etiology and pathophysiology in free radical generation and oxidative stress.

The purpose of the paper is a comparative physiological and hygienic assessment of wild rosehip drinks and black tea, which are a part of a military ration, and the proposal development for their intake by military personnel under high physical loads. Materials and Methods. The authors used four varieties of wild rosehips and three varieties of black tea to determine the amount of vitamin C and microelements. Tillmans method and iodometry (GOST 24556-89) were used for vitamin C determination. Besides vitamin C, drinks were examined for the content of other vitamins, macro- and microelements using atomic absorption spectroscopy, MGA 915-M spectrophotometer (Lumex, Russia). Results. According to present-day ideas, functional drinks should possess not only well-known characteristics peculiar to traditional drinks (satisfying thirst, pleasure, etc.), but also be beneficial to human health. In the military food ration there are no facilities to prepare functional drinks, although such drinks are widely used by individuals engaged in rough labor. The laboratory studies show that the amount of vitamin C in wild rosehips is twice as much as in black tea. The content of vitamins A and E, and iron in dry wild rosehips is much higher than in black tea. Microelements, namely manganese, copper, molybdenum and zinc, are found in wild rosehips in a significant amount, while there is only a small amount of selenium. The above-mentioned microelements are not found in black tea. Conclusion. The research results demonstrate that wild rosehip drinks are valuable as they contain much vitamins and minerals. Its use can help restore water-electrolyte losses in individuals engaged in rough labor, athletes and military men, increase endurance and recovery process after heavy physical loads. Dry dose for preparing a drink will reduce the weight of the military stock, and positively affect the quality of mission accomplishment. Keywords: military men diet, drinks, water-electrolyte balance, vitamins, macroelements, microelements, vitamin C, ration, wild rosehip, black tea. Цель работы – сравнительная физиолого-гигиеническая оценка напитков из плодов шиповника и черного чая, входящих в состав пайков военнослужащих, и разработка предложений по их употреблению военнослужащими в условиях высоких физических нагрузок. Материалы и методы. Для определения содержания витамина С и микроэлементов использовали четыре сорта шиповника и три – черного чая. Определение витамина С проводили по методу Тильманса и йодометрическим методом по ГОСТ 24556-89. Кроме витамина С, напитки исследовали на содержание других витаминов, макро- и микроэлементов с помощью атомно-абсорбционной спектроскопии на спектрофотометре МГА 915-M («Люмекс», Россия). Результаты. Согласно современным представлениям функциональные напитки, помимо известных характеристик, присущих традиционным напиткам (утоление жажды, удовольствие и др.), должны обладать полезными для здоровья человека свойствами. В составе рационов питания военнослужащих отсутствуют средства для приготовления функциональных напитков, хотя они широко применяются лицами, занимающимися тяжелым физическим трудом. В ходе лабораторных исследований установлено, что содержание витамина С в плодах шиповника на два порядка выше, чем в черном чае. Содержание витаминов А и Е, железа в сухих плодах шиповника значительно выше, чем в черном чае. Микроэлементы марганец, медь, молибден и цинк присутствуют в шиповнике в значительном количестве, селен – в незначительном количестве. Указанные микроэлементы в черном чае отсутствуют. Выводы. Результаты исследования напитка на основе шиповника свидетельствуют о его высокой ценности в отношении витаминов и минеральных веществ. Его применение поможет восстановить водно-электролитные потери у лиц, занимающихся тяжелым физическим трудом, спортсменов и военнослужащих, повысит выносливость и ускорит восстановление организма после больших физических нагрузок. Сухая навеска для приготовления напитка снизит вес носимого запаса военнослужащих, что положительно скажется на качестве выполнения поставленных задач. Ключевые слова: питание военнослужащих, напитки, водно-электролитный баланс, витамины, макроэлементы, микроэлементы, витамин С, рацион, шиповник, черный чай.

Introduction. The processes of structure formation of cement compositions and the development of effective technologies of building materials is an urgent task for building material science. The use of large-scale man-made product of pulp and paper enterprises – osprey as a fibrous filler in organic and mineral compositions is the successful decision of the problem. The paper analyzes the ways of using osprey in the building materials’ production. The aim of the research is to study the osprey influence on the processes of structure formation of cement stone by quantitative x-ray phase analysis.Materials and methods. The organic and mineral compositions were obtained on the basis of portland cement and osprey. The authors studied the compositions’ phase of osprey, portland cement and the processes of cement stone structure formation in organ and mineral compositions by quantitative x-ray phase analysis.Results. The authors determined the compositions’ phase of mineral impurities of osprey, cellulose, cement, cement stone, organic and mineral compositions and two compositions containing 25 and 75% by weight.Discussion and conclusions. The osprey application as a filler in the organic and mineral composition causes inhibition of processes of cement hydration. The presence of osprey in the hardening organic and mineral composition leads to a change in the composition and structure of the cement stone in comparison with the phase composition of the cement stone without additives. The result of these changes is a significant increase in the amount of calcite, waterite and a significant decrease in the amount of portland. The authors establish that the effective joint work of the reinforcing component of the osprey with the cement matrix is possible with a limited amount of osprey in organic and mineral compositions.

Bitter pit is a physiological disorder that can develop during storage and result in major economic losses of susceptible apple cultivars such as ‘Honeycrisp’. Prediction methods to determine the risk of disorder development have focused primarily on mineral composition of the fruit, but there has also been interest in non-mineral based methods. In this study, we have compared non-mineral methods with mineral analyses for bitter pit prediction. Fruit of ‘Honeycrisp’ were harvested three weeks before anticipated commercial harvest and at commercial harvest. Mineral contents in peel from the calyx-end were measured in fruit at both harvest times. In year 1, fruit were kept at 20 °C (passive method), dipped in 2000 mg L−1 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethylene method) or 0.8 M MgCl2 (Mg method). Treated fruit were then kept at 20 °C for three weeks. At commercial harvest, fruit were stored at 0.5 or 3 °C with and without 1 week of conditioning at 10 °C. The Mg method showed toxicity on the fruit, which was hard to distinguish from bitter pit. Therefore, in year 2, only the passive and ethylene methods were used, and fruit from the commercial harvest were stored at 3 °C with or without conditioning. In year 3, only the passive method was used because of its simplicity and lack of registration of ethephon for this purpose. Fruit from the commercial harvest of 38 orchards in three growing regions were stored at 3 °C after conditioning. Fruit were stored for two months in year 1 and four months in years 2 and 3, and assessed after 4 d at 20 °C. Multivariate analysis shows that the passive and ethylene methods for fruit harvested three weeks before the anticipated harvest had higher or similar correlations with the actual bitter pit after cold storage than those from minerals. Although actual bitter pit incidence was higher than that predicted from the passive method, the method results in predictions that are similar to mineral-based predictions, and also is more straightforward for commercial application.

Portland-cement clinker with a SO3 content up to 3.4% was produced in a cement kiln using waste gypsum board, and the influence of SO3 content on the clinker mineral was investigated. Formation of anhydrite (CaSO4) in the clinker with over 1.6%-SO3 was attributed to a thermodynamic effect but not to the residual waste gypsum board. The mineral composition with a higher SO3 content exhibited a similar trend to those found in the previous studies. The measured alite and belite contents in the clinker agreed with the calculated values derived from modified Bogue’s equation which considers the substitution of sulfur and aluminum by silicon in belite. This substitution increased the lattice parameters of belite. The M1 phase in the alite increased with an increase in SO3 content in the clinker. These characteristics of the high-SO3 clinker indicates that the waste gypsum was decomposed stably to clinker minerals in the cement kiln.

Infrared-reflection and transmission spectroscopy was used to study the mineral composition of a shear fracture surface in a core recovered from a well in the seismically active Koyna-Varna region in western India, which is associated with reservoir-induced seismicity. Methods for conducting comprehensive experimental studies of the mineral composition of shear fracture surfaces in rocks are described. The experiments demonstrated the wide possibilities of these techniques and allowed us to obtain new results on shear fractures, which are important for further research on the physics of earthquake foci. It is established that the shear fracture surface is a three-layer structure. The upper layer contains only glauconite nanocrystals. The layer beneath it contains, in addition to glauconite, calcite and montmorillonite crystals. The total thickness of these layers is about 600 µm. Below these layers is the host rock, which contains calcite, dolomite, and glauconite. The number of illite–smectite layers in glauconite nanocrystals has been determined. The upper layer contains nanocrystals consisting of ∼30 layers. In the second layer, the crystals of this mineral contain ∼25 layers. Finally, in the host rock, glauconite crystals make up ∼20 layers.

In the carbonate sections organic-rich clay interlayers on the Cenomanian and Turonian boundary were indicated. They were formed as a result of the periodic formation of anoxic conditions in the basins. A section of the Cenomanian and Turonian boudary sediments at the river Biyuk-Karasu (Central Crimea) was investigated. Dark organic-rich intercalations with light colored carbonate clays formed during the period of ocean anoxic event (OAE2) were identified. These interlayers contain large amount of type II organic matter and are oil source strata. The mineral composition is similar, but intervals differ in the organic matter concentration.

This study reports the simultaneous determination of the total concentrations of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, and Zn in 17 samples of commercial energy drinks through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and multivariate methods, such as Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA), in order to conduct a more thorough evaluation of the original data. The samples studied were stored in two types of containers (polyethylene terephthalate bottles and aluminum cans) and purchased in the city of Belém (State of Pará, Brazil). The results showed high Na content in energy drinks, followed by K, Ca, and Mg. The accuracy of the optimized method was evaluated with the certified reference materials to assess trace elements in water (NIST 1643e); the resultant recoveries varied from 83 to 105%. Energy drinks stored in cans presented higher levels of aluminum and magnesium, while those bottled in polyethylene terephthalate bottles had a higher K content. There were significant differences between the observed Na concentrations and the values dictated on the drink package. Furthermore, PCA explained 70.38% of the total variance, allowing for an evaluation of the degree of similarity between the energy drinks studied and showing that the main contributions to the formation of groups are related to Fe, Na, Mg, and Zn contents. These results will be used to better understand the distribution of inorganic elements contained in energy drinks.

Actuality of steel-making slags utilization is stipulated not only by the necessity to improve ecology situation at the sites of slag piles, but also by a possibility to obtain additional raw materials for metallurgical production. Increase of the domestic iron-containing raw materials at Magnitogorsky steel-works can be done by more effective processing of steel-making slags. To improve the technology of BOF slags processing, a work done to study their chemical and mineral composition. It was established, that primary and secondary BOF slags are attributed to basic and ultra-basic, since the SiO2 mass share is less than 25–40%. Petrographic study results and data of IR-spectroscopy showed, that larnite, alite, monticellite and oxide RO-phase (Fe2+, Mn2+, Mg2+)O are main mineral components of the BOF slags. In many cases, the structure of the secondary BOF slags has middle-size grains, and the structure of primary slags is fine-grained. The texture of the secondary and primary slag is more often massive. The BOF slags have globules of iron, the size of which varies from sub-millimeters up to 5 mm. Study of influence of various methods of BOF slag particles destruction on the degree of globules disclosure showed, that application of centrifugal-striking crushing facilities provides more selective globules disclosure comparing with other methods. It was proved, that dry magnetic separation in suspended state, due to its peculiarities, provides higher technological indices comparing with drum separator when separating fine slags even at increase material moisture up to 5%.

The objective of this work was to study the effect of the incorporation of argane by-products (meal and pulp) in ewe’s diet on the production and quality of milk and the performance of lambs in the lactation phase. Twenty ewes were divided into two equal groups. The first one has been fed with argane by-product diet (AD), and the second with a control diet (CD). The results showed an improvement in milk production with an average of 26.3% for AD compared with the CD group. AD group lambs showed a significant difference (p 0.05), the mineral composition of both milks (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, and Fe) was significant (p

Актуальность работы. Карбонатные коры, наросты и выцветы, формирующиеся на фасадах различных зданий и сооружений в результате выщелачивания компонентов строительных материалов, таких как цемент, бетон, известняк, являются наиболее распространенными видами техногенного минералообразования в условиях городской среды. В отличие от непрочных сталактитов и сталагмитов, формирование которых наблюдается только в определенных условиях, подобные образования широко распространены. Развитие карбонатных кор, наростов и выцветов на фасадах зданий не только свидетельствует о процессах разрушения связующих компонентов строительных конструкций, но и оказывает негативное воздействие на эстетическую привлекательность объектов городской архитектуры. Натёчные образования кальцита заполняют микротрещины и неровности поверхностей облицовочных материалов, что приводит к интенсификации процессов разрушения и требует проведения дорогостоящих мероприятий по очистке фасадов. Исследования, посвященные изучению карбонатных новообразований на фасадах различных зданий и сооружений, немногочисленны. Цель работы: выявление особенностей минерального состава, строения и возможных механизмов образования карбонатных кор и натеков, формирующихся на фасадах зданий и сооружений города Тюмени в различных условиях; определение факторов, способствующих данному явлению. Методы: выявление и систематизация объектов городской архитектуры, подверженных процессам формирования карбонатных новообразований, поляризационная и инвертированная микроскопия в прозрачных шлифах, СЭМ-ЭДС, рентгеноструктурный анализ. Результаты. Карбонатные коры и натеки существенно различаются по особенностям строения, минеральному составу и вероятным механизмам формирования в зависимости от конкретного местоположения. Четко разделяются коры, развивающиеся на вертикальных и горизонтальных поверхностях: первые - плоские, достаточно тонкие и имеют слоистую структуру, вторые -плотные и характеризуются глобулярным строением. Формирование карбонатных новообразований происходит при значительном участии живых организмов, а процессы биогенного осаждения кальцита происходят синхронно с хемогенным. Четких связей между возрастом или местоположением конкретных объектов и интенсивностью формирования карбонатных кор не выявлено; соответственно данный процесс скорее обусловлен конструктивными особенностями конкретных сооружений и качеством строительных материалов. Relevance. Carbonate crusts, outgrowths and efflorescences, formed on the facades of various buildings and structures due to components leaching from building materials, such as cement, concrete, limestone, are the most common type of technogenic mineral formation in urban environment. Unlike the unstable stalactites and stalagmites, which are formed only under certain conditions, and the period of existence, as a rule, is limited, such formations are widespread. Development of carbonate crusts, outgrowths and efflorescences on the facades of buildings not only indicates destruction of the bonding components of building structures, but also has a negative impact on aesthetic appeal of urban architecture. Rigid calcite formations fill microcracks and surface irregularities of facing materials, such as granite, which leads to intensification of destruction of natural materials and requires expensive cleaning of facades. Despite the obvious urgency of the problem, there are not many studies devoted to carbonate neoplasms on various buildings and structures. The main aim of the research is to investigate the peculiarities of mineral composition, structure and possible mechanisms for formation of carbonate cores and filaments generated on the facades of buildings and structures of the city of Tyumen under various conditions, and to identify the factors contributing to this phenomenon. The methods: identification and systematization of objects of urban architecture subject to formation of carbonate, crusts, outgrowths and efflorescence; study of structural features of the most representative samples of carbonate neoplasms in transparent sections, using scanning electron microscope; determination of gross mineral composition of tumors (X-ray analysis). The results. The carried out research shown that carbonate cortices and sinters essentially differ in features of structure, mineral structure and probable mechanisms of formation depending on a concrete site. The crusts developing on vertical and horizontal surfaces are clearly divided: the first are flat, thin enough and have a layered structure, the latter are dense and are characterized by a globular structure. Development of carbonate formations probably occurs with significant participation of living organisms. Biogenic and chemogenic processes of calcite precipitation occur synchronically. There are no relationships between the age or location of the studied objects and the intensity of these processes; that is why the constructional particular qualities of buildings and construction materials are the most significant factors.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ammonium thiosulphate (ATS) and potassium thiosulphate (KTS) on crop load, fruit quality and fruit mineral content of the eight-year-old ‘Redchief’/M26 apple. Seven different treatments were performed in the study as ATS (1%, 2%, 3%), KTS (1%, 2%, 3%) and hand thinning (after June drop) except for unthinned control. Thinning treatments were carried out as single application in full bloom period. Hand thinning and 3% ATS treatments were the best practices to increase fruit quality (diameter, weight). The fruit set ratio among the applications varied between 13.20% (2% ATS) and 23.46% (1% ATS). Yield was lowest in 2% and 3% ATS. Thinning with ATS was found more effective compared to KTS. The lowest Fe, Cu and Zn elements were determined in 2% ATS application, and the difference between the applications in terms of other elements was found to be insignificant. Phytotoxic effect was not observed for any ATS or KTS doses. As a result, flower thinners can be used as an alternative to hand thinning to improve fruit quality in ‘Redchief’ variety.

Bentonites have been used to reduce or to diminish the toxicity of aflatoxins to animals and humans. Due to bentonites' large variations in mineral composition, and the dominant mineral smectite can differ in interlayer cation composition, charge density, charge origin, bentonites demonstrated more than ten fold of differences in aflatoxin adsorption capacity. To maximize the efficiency of local bentonites for aflatoxin detoxification, modifications of bentonites are often needed. The objectives of this study are to asses and to modify selected bentonites from China for aflatoxin detoxification. Thirteen Chinese bentonites were collected and evaluated for montmorillonite contents. A 6-fold difference in aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) adsorption capacity among these 13 natural bentonites were observed. Six bentonites, representing the low-, medium-, and high- adsorption for AfB1, were selected for detailed assessment and modification. The clay fractions of the bentonites (Na-saturated) were harvested and exposed to the following three treatments: (1) Ca saturation (Ca_), (2) Mg saturation and heating (Mg_Heat), (3) Mg saturation and heating then Ca saturation (Mg_Heat_Ca), respectively. These three treatments enhanced the AfB1 adsorption capacity of the six bentonites and the relative efficiency of the treatments follows the order of Mg_Heat_Ca>Mg_Heat>Ca_ in most of the six bentonites. Calcium saturation or heating can improve the clays' adsorption affinity and capacity for AfB1 mainly because of the reduction of cation exchange capacity (CEC). This assumption was confirmed by the change of CEC and single-point AfB1 adsorption capacity of bulk bentonites before and after heating. Our adsorption data suggest that some Chinese bentonites are generally suitable for AfB1 adsorption, and high selectivity can be achieved by optimizing their charge density. Similar approach should be applicable to other local bentonites worldwide.

The temperature dependences of electrical resistance (at DC and AC voltage at 1 kHz frequency) of the samples of the magnetite ore and magnetite from the contact of the syenite-porphyry with the volcanic-sedimentary rocks from the Goroblagodatskoye iron-ore deposit in the temperature range 20—800 °C have been studied. The frequency dependences of the active electrical resistance and dielectric losses in the range 0,01—100 kHz have been obtained at 20 °C. For the magnetite ore and magnetite from the syenite-porphyry contact with volcanogenic sedimentary rocks in the studied temperature and frequency ranges, the relationship between electrical resistance (lgR) and dielectric losses (lgtgδ) has been revealed. The character of the relations is different, that allows to separate uniquely the magnetite ore and magnetite. The parameters of high-temperature conductivity (activation energy Eoand electrical resistance coefficient lgRo)nave been obtained. The parameters of the studied samples of pyroxene-orthoclase-magnetite, garnet-magnetite, epidote-chlorite-magnetite ores form a straight line, as if forming its different parts. The correlation between the parameters of E0and lgRo, samples of these ores has the following form: lgRo, — 2,2—6,6 Eo. The parameters of magnetite samples from the contact of syenite porphyry with volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks also form a straight line, as if forming its different parts, with the correlation form as following: lgRo— 2,1—6,6 E0. It has been found that with the increasing distance to the syenite intrusion, the electrical parameters of magnetite ore change: EQ increases, lgRo, decreases. For magnetite from the contact of the syenite-porphyry and volcanic-sedimentary rocks there is another picture — the further you are from the syenite-porphyries, the smaller E0is, and the bigger the lgRo, is. The T0temperatures, at which the electrical resistance at the constant voltage becomes equal to the active resistance at the alternating voltage for the samples of garnet-magnetite ore with the different magnetite content, P,%, have been revealed. The correlation between the T0 parameter and the magnetite content in the ore, P(Fe304, %) = 323,4 — 47,4 ln( T0), R2= = 0,93, has been established.

The total porosity in a shale gas reservoir is the key parameter to evaluate its potential production capability. Petroleum geologists have been pursuing an accurate way of predicting total porosity in shale gas reservoirs from logging curves. In the Fuling area near Chongqing in China, we use core test data and well logging data, in order to establish a logging response model for porosity. Through the analysis of the data, we found that the porosity and the P-sonic (P-velocity) have a strong correlation. By combining our results with previous research (i.e., physical rock data), we establish a new model which better predicts the total porosity of a given a shale reservoir than the models established in previous research. In addition to total porosity, mineral composition, pore pressure, pore fluid-type, and confining pressure affect P-velocity. By taking a series of artificial cores as test objects and systematic analysis of total porosity, mineral composition and content, pore fluid-type and pressure on the P-velocity, we establish response templates between every individual parameter and P-velocity. To this end, we further establish a multi-parameter rock physical characterization equation for the total porosity and P-velocity, and analyze its applicable conditions. Using the rich geological and geophysical data of the Lower Silurian Series in the Fuling area, we gradually improve the model for the total porosity and verify the results using well logging data. Finally, a set of accurate methods are established to predict the total porosity in shale gas reservoirs by using well logging data.

Biochemical characterization was carried out on five mango varieties grown in Senegal, two of which are intended for export (Kent and Keitt) and three to local consumption, on the one hand, and to national marketing, on the other. It can be seen that the flavanols composition is between “0.74 ± 0.03 mg/100 g” to “4.70 ± 0.33 mg/100 g” and the total polyphenols composition is “265.83 ± 33.70 mg gallic acid/100 g” to “834.29 ± 25.78 mg gallic acid/100 g”. This analysis shows that the variety Bk is richer in polyphenols followed by the variety Dr then Knt and finally the lowest proportions are noted with the varieties Kt and SL. The analysis of antioxidant activity shows us percentages ranging from “4.16% ± 2.68% inhibition” to “50.21% ± 3.91% inhibition”. It was noted that the SL and Knt varieties give the highest inhibition percentages of “50.21 ± 3.91” and “33.97 ± 0.36” respectively. Variety Bk gives the lowest percentage followed by variety Kt. The Dr variety is the richest in flavonoids “11.75 ± 0.27” followed by the SL variety “11.27 ± 0.10” and the lowest composition is noted in the Knt variety “1.91 ± 0.04”. For total sugars, the most important contents are found in the varieties: Bk “12.71 ± 0.32 mg/100 g” followed by Dr “11.5 ± 0.33 mg/100 g” and SL “9.86 ± 0.06 mg/100 g”. This time the variety Kt stands out with also important proportions. For quantification, there is a slight difference in the values obtained for the different varieties studied. However, the highest values are observed in local varieties: “0.36 ± 0.06 g/100 g” for Bk and Dr followed by SL “0.31 ± 0.01 g/100 g”. The study of the mineral composition shows that the local varieties are the richest and the Knt variety is the poorest. The difference in composition noted within the same variety can be explained by the fact that some varieties have an advanced maturity compared to others.

The present work evaluated the effect of soil (S) and foliage (F) applied potassium on the growth, yield, and quality of potato plants. Potassium was added in soil at the recommended rate for all the treatments combining mineral fertilizers with K-feldspar and biofertilizers, while foliar spraying included the application of potassium citrate (PC), potassium silicate (PS), and monopotassium phosphate (MP). The obtained results showed that plant height was highest following treatment with 100% mineral potassium fertilizer under the foliar application of MP, while the content of P, K, and total carbohydrates in leaves also increased with the same fertilization treatment. On the other hand, the highest values for number of stems and fresh and dry weight per plant, as well as the highest nitrogen content in leaves, were obtained after the addition of mineral potassium fertilizer and the foliar spraying of PC, regardless of the growing season. Yield parameters were positively affected by the combination of mineral potassium fertilizers (100% or 80% K2SO4 + 20% K-feldspar + biofertilizer) and the foliar spraying of MP, while the total nitrogen, protein, amino acids, potassium, phosphorus, and starch content of tubers were positively affected by the same mineral fertilizer treatments combined with foliar spraying of MP or CP. In conclusion, the application of mineral potassium fertilizer with foliar spraying of MP or CP increased most of the plant growth- and tuber chemical composition-related parameters. These results highlight the importance of potassium fertilizer regimes for achieving high tuber yields and improving the quality of tubers in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, however, little information is found regarding the mineral composition of commercial roasted and ground coffees (RG) and its correlation with organic bioactive compounds. 21 commercial Brazilian RG coffee brands - 9 traditional (T) and 12 extra strong (ES) roasted ones - were analyzed for the Cu, Ca, Mn, Mg, K, Zn, and Fe minerals, caffeine, 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and melanoidins contents. For minerals determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), the samples were decomposed by microwave-assisted wet digestion. Caffeine and 5-CQA were determined by liquid chromatography and melanoidins by molecular absorption spectrometry. The minerals and organic compounds contents association in RG coffee was observed by a principal component analysis. The thermostable compounds (minerals and caffeine) were related to dimension 1 and 2, while 5-CQA and melanoidins were related to dimension 3, allowing for the T coffees segmentation from ES ones.