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Lithium is a strategic metal due to its use in green technologies, particularly battery manufacturing. It is on the US List of Critical Minerals and the European Union's List of Critical Raw Materials. In Mongolia, there are three major types of potentially economic Li deposits: (1) Deposits related to granites, granitic pegmatites and associated rocks; (2) Li-rich clay deposits; (3) Salar (Li brine) deposits. The first type of mineralization is associated with the lithium–fluorine-rich peraluminous A-type granites and related rocks (greisens, pegmatites, ongonites, ongorhyolites). The mineralization includes Li and also Sn, W, Ta and Nb. Lithium is hosted in Li-rich micas, unlike the world-class Li-bearing pegmatite deposits where the bulk of Li is in spodumene. In Mongolia, particularly promising are Li brines of endorheic basins in the Gobi Desert with an arid environment, high evaporation rates and low precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unwanted deposit formation on heat and/or mass transfer surfaces (fouling) also leads to problems during operation of columns. Column fouling thus also contributes to global warming through increased energy demand and operational disturbances. The newly developed standard apparatus for investigating column fouling, which was developed as part of the SAMARA joint project funded by the BMWK, makes it possible to clarify the processes involved in the formation and prevention of fouling in columns and to take targeted countermeasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate how local deposit shocks affect bank lending in nonaffected markets for the case where banks mostly neutralize that shock. Colombian banks in oil-producing municipalities experienced deposit outflows after the collapse of oil prices in 2014–2015. Following the shock, we observe that the affected banks increased their credit to non-oil-producing markets by reducing the price of consumer loans and by using market power in both commercial and consumer loans. This paper contributes to understanding how multimarket banks transmit local deposit shocks to other geographic markets to mitigate deposit outflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors studied the possibility of using the wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology for creating blanks by gradually depositing layers of three grades of stainless steel using a wire. Metallographic studies, ferromagnetic analysis, tensile and fatigue tests were carried out. It has been established that the chemical composition of the utilized grades of stainless steel has a significant effect on the morphology and degree of development of dendrites formed during the deposition process. The absence of incomplete fusion and other technological defects at the weld bead interface promoted the possibility of using WAAM to create biand tri-metal deposits. The analysis of the fracture surfaces of the samples confirmed the high quality of fusion of various grades of austenitic steels with each other and the uniformity of the deposited metal. The presence of ferromagnetic phases in the samples immediately after the additive process is significantly lower than the calculated values for steel 07Cr25Ni13 and practically reaches the values that are characteristic for this steel after heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical description is given of the formation of corrosion product deposits on the surfaces of pipelines of heat supply systems, and an investigation has been made into the effects of various factors on this process. An analysis has been made of the existing models of formation of corrosion deposites. A mathematical model has been developed for the formation of corrosion product deposites in the liquid's motion through pipelines of heat supply systems in the region of linear velocity of the growth of deposits at a constant temperature of the heat transfer agent. The model is based on equations of conservation of the mass of dissolved depolarizer and solid particles suspended in the solution. The parametric calculations performed on the basis of the developed mathematical model have shown a possibility for the existence of a maximum in the thickness of the corrosion product deposit layer through the pipe length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperatives offer significant opportunities for economic empowerment of people in difficult economic climates. However, concerns exist in literature on the efficiency level of these organisations in relation to members' deposits and financial-related factors. This study analysed the influence of members' deposits and related financial factors on the efficiency level of cooperative organisations. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Tobit regression model were used to analyse the secondary data collected from 99 cooperative organisations over 7 years. Empirical results indicate a low level of efficiency below 50%. Further evidence from Tobit regression identified the significant effect of loan (β = 2.05, t = 3.41, p < 0.01), interest rate (β = 1.07, t = 2.16, p < 0.05), surplus (p < 0.05), expenses (p < 0.01), cooperative age (p < 0.01) and saving deposits (p < 0.10) on cooperative efficiency. The efficiency level of cooperatives is low, and the contribution of deposits is also negative, but potential to raise the level of efficiency exists with organisational management of loans and interest rates. Increasing cooperative efficiency is imperative to achieve the expected economic support from organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Newcomb-Benford law states that the frequency of different leading significant digits in many datasets typically follows a specific distribution. Deviations from this law are often a sign of data manipulation. There has been no established method to test whether the non-reliability of observations depends on some potential explanatory variables. A novel method to address this issue is presented. If a leading significant digit has a higher observed frequency than implied by Benford's distribution, such observations are particularly likely to be non-reliable. Dividing the frequency in Benford's distribution by the observed frequency of the same leading significant digit yields an ordinal explained variable. The method is applied to bank deposit data collected in interviews. Many interviewees have provided rounded data, which may be a problem. Answers seem unreliable if the respondent belongs to the age group 51–65, has only primary education, does not live alone, and lives in a city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, more than 11,000 U.S. counties have been impacted by natural disasters. This study investigates how banks and their depositors respond to such events using a difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) methodology combined with coarsened exact matching (CEM). Analyzing 1.3 million observations from 1999 to 2017, we find that natural disasters lead to a significant increase in deposit rates but do not affect the volume of deposits. Our findings suggest that banks raise deposit rates to counteract the potential withdrawal of funds, thereby maintaining stable deposit levels. This research provides new insights into the causal dynamics of deposit supply and demand in the face of natural disasters.

Cooperatives offer significant opportunities for economic empowerment of people in difficult economic climates. However, concerns exist in literature on the efficiency level of these organisations in relation to members’ deposits and financial-related factors. This study analysed the influence of members’ deposits and related financial factors on the efficiency level of cooperative organisations.

Analyzing household financial security is closely related to the formation and analysis of financial resources and their allocation. This study aims to analyze the financial security of households in the Russian Arctic regions at the micro level. Key objectives include exploring various approaches to defining and evaluating household financial security, developing a system of coefficients to measure this security, applying it to Arctic regions over time, and identifying common risks and threats to household financial security in these regions. The study synthesizes existing research on household financial security, providing a comprehensive perspective on its definition and assessment. Household financial security is assessed from two angles: first, by evaluating an individual household’s financial resources and its ability to cover current expenses, save, and withstand unexpected financial shocks; second, by considering its role in regional financial stability and socio-economic development. For a thorough analysis, the study proposes categorizing financial security into manageable and unmanageable levels. Results from applying the developed coefficients reveal a disparity among Arctic regions: three regions exhibit high financial security, two regions face critical levels of insecurity, and the remaining regions fall into the average category. The study identifies key threats to financial security in each region, with low purchasing power being a common problem for all regions. The study finds that households prioritize securing their financial stability before investing their financial resources into regional development, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring of financial conditions. The role of government in supporting household financial security is also emphasized. The practical significance of this study lies in its potential to inform the development and adjustment of regional socio-economic programs based on the findings.

Purpose of the study. One of the most important functions of the Russian banking sector is the accumulation of temporarily free funds of the population for further active operations, including lending to legal entities and individuals. The volume of deposits of individuals is influenced by various factors, the main ones being indexes of the standard of living of the population, which vary significantly in the regions of the country. In the context of significant differences in the spatial development of regions, it is advisable to carry out a statistical analysis of the influence of the main indexes of the standard of living of the population on the volume of funds attracted by credit institutions from the population in the regions of the Russian Federation. The purpose of this study is a statistical analysis of the dynamics and structure of household deposits, as well as an assessment of the impact of the main indexes of the population’s standard of living on the volume of household funds attracted by credit institutions.Research methods and sources of information. The following statistical tools were used: structural and dynamic analysis, cluster analysis, correlation and regression analysis, as well as tabular and graphical methods for presenting research results. The information base is the official statistical data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Central Bank of RussiaResearch results. The analysis of the dynamics of the volume of deposits of individuals showed an increase in the volume of private deposits in rubles with a significant reduction in deposits in foreign currency in all federal districts of the country. As a result of studying the regional structure of deposits of individuals in credit institutions, three federal districts can be identified, the share of which is 73,5% in the total volume of private deposits in the country. The use of the cluster analysis method made it possible to identify three groups of regions. The first cluster included three subjects that are characterized by the highest values of the volume of deposits per capita. The second cluster consisted of 66 regions of the country in which the level of development of savings remains low. In 13 subjects included in the third cluster, there is an average level of depositing funds in credit institutions of the country. The use of the method of correlation and regression analysis made it possible to identify the most significant impact on the volume of private deposits per capita of the average per capita monetary income of the population, i.e. a high level of cash income will contribute to an increase in the volume of citizen deposits attracted by credit institutions, as well as a moderate direct impact of the level of employment of the population. In addition, in certain groups of regions, the degree of influence of factor characteristics on the volume of private deposits per capita varies.

Introduction: One of the most common causes of vision loss in the elderly population worldwide is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequently, the number of people affected by AMD is estimated to reach approximately 288 million by the year 2040. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo model that simulates various aspects of the complex AMD pathogenesis. Methods: For this purpose, primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells (ppRPE) were isolated and cultured. One group was exposed to medium containing sodium iodate (NaIO3) to induce degeneration. The others were exposed to different supplemented media, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), homogenized porcine retinas (HPR), or rod outer segments (ROOS) for eight days to promote retinal deposits. Then, these ppRPE cells were cocultured with porcine neuroretina explants for another eight days. To assess the viability of ppRPE cells, live/dead assay was performed at the end of the study. The positive RPE65 and ZO1 area was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and the expression of RLBP1, RPE65, and TJP1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, drusen (APOE), inflammation (ITGAM, IL6, IL8, NLRP3, TNF), oxidative stress (NFE2L2, SOD1, SOD2), and hypoxia (HIF1A) markers were investigated. The concentration of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in medium supernatants from day 16 and 24 via ELISA. Results: Live/dead assay suggests that especially exposure to NaIO3 and HPR induced damage to ppRPE cells, leading in a significant ppRPE cell loss. All supplemented media resulted in decreased RPE-characteristic markers (RPE65; ZO-1) and gene expression like RLBP1 and RPE65 in the cultured ppRPE cells. Besides, some inflammatory, oxidative as well as hypoxic stress markers were altered in ppRPE cells cultivated with NaIO3. The application of HPR induced an enhanced APOE expression. Pre-exposure of the ppRPE cells led to a diminished number of cones in all supplemented media groups compared to controls. Discussion: Overall, this novel coculture model represents an interesting initial approach to incorporating deposits into coculture to mimic AMD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the effects of the media used need to be investigated in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sangong Cu-Ni sulfide mineralized mafic-ultramafic intrusion is located on the southern margin of the Bogeda-Harlik belt, eastern Tianshan, China. The intrusion is a well-differentiated complex and is comprised of leucogabbro, gabbro, olivine gabbro, Pl-bearing peridotite, and Pl-bearing pyroxenite. The Pl-bearing pyroxenite hosts both irregularly disseminated sulfide and round droplet sulfide. The intrusive rocks have a wide range of SiO2 (42.1 wt.%–50.48 wt.%) and MgO (6.21 wt.%–22.11 wt.%), and are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Rb, Ba, Sr, and Pb), and palladium platinum group elements (PPGE) but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and iridium PGEs (IPGE). These geochemical characteristics indicate that the Sangong mafic-ultramafic intrusion was derived from high degree of partial melting of depleted mantle and interacted with subduction-related material. The low Pd/Ir (3.21–27.44) but high Ni/Cu (1.64–24.16) ratios, combined with the olivine crystals with low Fo (60.88–78.65) and Ni (54.99 ppm–1 688.87 ppm) concentrations suggest that the parental magma of the Sangong intrusion were likely high MgO basaltic in composition that experienced extensive evolution prior emplacement. The Ce/Pb ratios (5.8–13.6) and Nb/U ratios (11.6–30.3) of the intrusive rocks all range between MORB and crustal values, the Nb/Yb and Th/Yb values are close to the lower crust values, together with the low Se/S ratios [(17–100) × 10−6)] suggest that the magma experienced assimilation not only in mantle source but also in conduit, but the degree of crustal contamination is limited. The Cu/Pd ratios of the rocks range from 3.9 × 104 to 10.8 × 104, and the Cu/Zr ratios of Pl-bearing pyroxenite in the Sangong intrusion are >1, combined with the presence of sulfide droplets in the Pl-bearing pyroxenite, indicating the parental magma experienced sulfide saturation and the economical ore bodies may present in the depth of the intrusion. Furthermore, given the discovery of the Baixintan and Yueyawan deposits, we propose the Dananhu-Harlik belt as an essential prospecting target for Cu-Ni mineralization in North Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the mineralogical and geochemical features of placer gold and the mechanisms of its distribution in the territory east of the Siberian platform, overlain by a thick cover of Mesozoic–Cenozoic deposits, where traditional methods of searching for gold fields are not effective, allowed researchers, for the first time, to establish the stages of ore formation and to predict the types of gold deposits and their location. The identified indicators of placer gold (morphology, granulometry, chemical composition, micro-inclusions, and internal structures) indicate that ore occurrences in both the Precambrian and Mesozoic stages of ore formation were primary sources of placer gold. The identification of characteristic indicators in placer gold for certain types of gold deposits allowed researchers to prove the formation of gold ore sources east of the Siberian platform for the first time: low-sulfide quartz gold, gold–ferruginous quartzite, gold–copper–porphyry, and gold–platinoid formations are found in the Precambrian stage of ore formation and gold–silver, gold–sulfide–quartz, and gold–rare metal formations are found in the Mesozoic stages of ore formation. Thus, for the first time, based on a huge amount of factual material, it is proved that the mineralogical and geochemical features of placer gold carry enormous information about both the endogenous origin of gold (stages of ore formation—Precambrian and Mesozoic) and the expected type of formation of the predicted deposits. It is established that the predicted type of ore sources corresponds to a certain geological and structural position; this contributes to a more correct selection of methods for searching for ore and placer gold deposits in closed territories and assessing their prospects. In general, the application of the mineralogical method for the first time makes it possible to develop criteria for predicting resources and types of gold deposits, and to assess the prospects of gold mining potential in platform areas at a new level of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate whether the banks which fall under direct supervision by the European Central Bank (ECB) are more likely to be considered more stable and trustworthy by the depositors due to the stricter supervisory activities performed since the implementation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). Under the SSM, significant banks switched from national supervisors to ECB, whereas the remaining banks remained under national supervisory authorities (NSAs). Using the difference-in-difference (DID) method, we have found evidence of increased depositors' trust in significant banks after the SSM implementation. Additionally, in anticipation of the SSM launch and the comprehensive assessment, we have found evidence of increased depositors' trust in the banks which were expected to be supervised by the ECB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many nations struggle with disposing of used tires, which can pollute the air and soil. Nevertheless, this issue can be solved by employing pyrolysis to turn them into oil. An alternate renewable fuel that is marginally more expensive than fossil diesel is biodiesel. Continuous use of biodiesel leads to deposits in the exhaust system; however, combining biodiesel with Tire Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) may minimize the deposits and associated operational costs. In that context, the authors have aimed to study the burning characteristics and deposit formation behavior when Karanja Oil Biodiesel (KOB) is blended with TPO. The addition of nanoparticles increases the automatization fuel. So, the authors have chosen graphene nanoparticles, as they have good mixing characteristics. Initially, the burning tests have been carried out for KOB by adding 20% TPO and graphene nanoparticles, and the deposits obtained have been examined. The analysis through SEM/EDX revealed that TPO is responsible for a considerable reduction in deposits, exhibiting oxygen percentages of 23.68% and 17.22% in their residues for KOB and B100, respectively. FTIR results show that graphene helps for better burning, indicating variation in intensities for the range 1000-1800 cm-1. In continuation, XRD results also revealed the variation in their patterns accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Zimbabwean banking sector has experienced several tumultuous challenges since 2000. This is owing chiefly to the political and economic challenges the country has experienced. Poorly conceived and ill-timed policies have also wreaked havoc in the Zimbabwean banking sector. Financial consumers have sometimes lost their savings to hyper-inflation or overnight policy changes in Zimbabwe. The change in currencies is a good example of how financial consumers have seen their deposits and savings at banks and other related financial institutions eroded to nothing. In 2018, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) issued a directive for all banks to convert all deposits made prior to October 2018 from the United States (US) dollar denomination to the Zimbabwean dollar (bond notes and coins). This was done on an exchange rate of one US dollar as to one Zimbabwean dollar, yet in reality, the local currency had been devalued. The RBZ directive left individuals and corporates reeling from exchange losses. The directive was akin to a heist and many people lost trust and confidence in the Zimbabwean banking sector. While many financial consumers suffered in silence, some decided to take their banks to court, demanding a reimbursement of their deposits in the currency in which they deposited or alternatively, the equivalent of the original deposit using the correct exchange rate. This article examines the role of the courts in upholding the rights of financial consumers in the Zimbabwean banking sector in the light of the Penelope case. It also discusses how the Zimbabwean courts could assist in preserving the sanctity of the bank-client relationship among banks and financial customers. In addition, the article explores the role of the courts in challenging unjust laws that affect financial consumers' investments in banks. The strengths and weaknesses of the Zimbabwean banking regulatory framework are further discussed to assess if it is robust enough to protect financial consumers. The article recommends that the courts should objectively set aside unjust laws in the interest of justice to enable banks and other financial institutions to honour their contractual obligations. Policymakers should not adopt poor policies that infringe upon financial consumers' rights. Keywords: Banking, consumer protection, financial consumer, deposits, exchange rate, courts, contractual obligations.

In order to replenish oil and gas reserves in the medium term and until the end of the century, it will be necessary to study new sediment complexes in promising regions of the country. One of these areas is the Kara Sea shelf, where large and giant gas condensate fields have already been discovered in the Cretaceous deposits, and the Pobeda field has been discovered on the eastern Prinovozemelsky shelf, with an oil deposit in the Lower-Middle Jurassic deposits and gas deposits in the Cretaceous.The article substantiates the prospects for the oil and gas potential of the Jurassic complex in the central part of the South Kara oil and gas region and the strategic need for geological exploration in the Jurassic and pre-Jurassic deposits of the region.

The aim of the article is to determine the deposit and loan potential of banks and the possibilities of its accumulation in the development of the economy of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It is proposed to consider the regional banking system as a set of banking institutions that are located in a certain territory, have their own deposit and loan potential, are an integral part of the country’s banking system and perform a dual function: ensure the development of the country’s banking system in general and form the deposit and loan potential to meet the needs of the region’s economy in particular. It is specified that the efficiency of functioning of the region’s banks is determined by their ability to transform the accumulated deposit potential into loans for the development of the economy, satisfaction of consumer needs of the population, which will ensure the growth of the gross regional product, the competitiveness of the financial sector of the region, and the well-being of the population. An approach to assessing the possibilities of attracting the potential of banks in the development of the region’s economy has been developed. The carried out calculations showed a negative tendency of a decrease in the Ukrainian Carpathians of both the total number of existing structural subdivisions of banks and the number of such subdivisions per 100 thousand inhabitants, which is due to the war, the temporary occupation of part of the territories, the post-COVID period. It is analytically proved that in the conditions of wartime, the trend of confidence in the banking system and the increase in the deposit potential of regional banks against the background of a decrease in the number of their structural divisions has been preserved. The share of loans granted in the Ukrainian Carpathians in their total volume in Ukraine increased and showed that during the wartime, the volume of loan activity in the Ukrainian Carpathians increased, which did not correspond to the general downward trend in loan activity in Ukraine. According to the conducted research, it is stated that the volume of loans granted in the Ukrainian Carpathians was much less than the attracted deposits, that is, the available resources are sufficient to cover the existing and potential needs for lending to the regional economy. It is proposed to attribute the regions of the Ukrainian Carpathians in terms of deposit and loan potential to donor regions, which are able to fully provide financing for their own development, and direct the excess resources to meet the needs of other regions. Further research will be aimed at developing mechanisms for attracting the potential of the banking system to the development of the Ukrainian Carpathians regions’ economy on the basis of the use of economic and mathematical instruments and the clustering method.

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the banking sector in Haryana from 2007 to 2022.

The effects of temperature gradient on the formation, composition, and strength of oil deposits were investigated. As the crude oil temperature and the wall surface temperature were lowered, the concentrations of the oil fraction and low-molecular-weight paraffins in the deposits increased; simultaneously, the amounts of resins and asphaltenes declined. In the asphalt–resin–paraffin deposits formed in an asphaltene-free oil sample, cooling led to a rise in the content of resins and a decline in the content of the oil fraction. Model experiments demonstrated that the highest inhibitory capacity with respect to paraffin wax deposition was achieved in the case of 0.5–1.0 wt % asphaltenes being added. This can be attributed to the steric effect of aromatic rings manifested in their ability to disrupt the nucleation of paraffin networks. Therefore, the model wax deposits formed after adding asphaltenes exhibited a lower strength than the samples obtained with the addition of benzene resins and alcohol–benzene resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic corrosion effect of acid-producing bacteria (APB) and magnetite on carbon steel corrosion was assessed using two different microbial consortia. A synergistic corrosion effect was observed exclusively with Consortium 2, which was composed of Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Tepidibacillus sp. When Consortium 2 was accompanied by magnetite, uniform corrosion and pitting rates were one-time higher (0.094 mm/year and 0.777 mm/year, respectively) than the sum of the individual corrosion rates promoted by the consortium and deposit separately (0.084 and 0.648 mm/year, respectively). The synergistic corrosion effect observed exclusively with Consortium 2 is attributed to its microbial community structure. Consortium 2 exhibited higher microbial diversity that benefited the metabolic status of the community. Although both consortia induced acidification of the test solution and metal surface through glucose fermentation, heightened activity levels of Consortium 2, along with increased surface roughness caused by magnetite, contributed to the distinct synergistic corrosion effect observed with Consortium 2 and magnetite. Key points: • APB and magnetite have a synergistic corrosion effect on carbon steel. • The microbial composition of APB consortia drives the synergistic corrosion effect. • Magnetite increases carbon steel surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bunkers are an integral part of the infrastructure of enterprises in various industries processing bulk materials. Corrosion processes and the formation of dust deposits on the internal surfaces of bunkers are irreversible and often lead to disruptions in the technological process and equipment performance parameters, and in some cases, to accidents. The stability and continuity of technological processes for processing bulk materials largely depend on the cleanliness of the internal surfaces of bunkers. Even the best technical characteristics of technological equipment only indicate the technical capabili-ties of the operation of technological lines. Their reliable and effective operation can be ensured by proper maintenance of the condition of internal surfaces and cleaning from corrosion and deposits. Increased dustiness, poor visibility, and confined spaces significantly complicate the conditions for performing work by service personnel inside bunkers. The enclosed space inside bunkers is a very dangerous place not intended for the work of service personnel. In order to avoid endangering ser-vice personnel and prevent people from entering the bunker, methods are proposed to easily, quickly, and, most importantly, safely clean the surfaces inside the bunkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blepharitis is a disease that is often countered. This condition could occur in all ages, sexes, and ethnic groups. Several factors can be the cause of blepharitis. However, blepharitis cases caused by saltwater have never been reported. Case Presentation: There was a case of a 62-year-old woman who came to the hospital complaining of a foreign body sensation in both eyes. Through examination, it was found that the eyelashes looked dirty with brownish-yellow deposits. Management by doing eyelid hygiene, giving ofloxacin eye drops, NaCl/KCl eye drops, and hygiene education had been done. Conclusions: Blepharitis is a frequently encountered case. However, blepharitis caused by salt water has not been reported. Through this case, it could be learned that the patient's lifestyle and geographical location of the patient's residence must be of particular concern to the clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to analyze how different macroeconomic factors have influenced the financial development of countries in transition as well as the effect of these factors on the volatility of the banking sector in these countries. Secondary data acquired and processed from yearly statistics reports of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the OECD, the European Central Bank, Eurostat, and others were used to develop this research. In the analytical section of the literature review, numerous scientific papers by various authors that have examined the issue of financial development in the economies of various countries have been reviewed. This research covers data from 2005 to 2020, which will be examined using panel and time series econometric models. Based on the study's econometric findings, we can conclude that non-performing loans, natural resources, market liberalization, GDP per capita, inflation, and interest rates have a statistically significant impact on the financial development of transition countries by determining the amount of broad money and the volume of bank loans and deposits in these countries' financial systems. The empirical findings of this study will serve as good scientific and empirical evidence for future studies in the field of financial development and economic growth, as well as practical evidence for governments around the world in the form of strategic macroeconomic policies that will positively affect the financial development of countries in transition. In relation to essential conclusions, this research offers true and consistent findings. The studied period (2005-2020) offers a compelling time frame for making sound findings and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the banking sector in Haryana from 2007 to 2022. The study is based on secondary data. The number of bank branches, deposits, and credits in the state are just a few economic indicators covered in the Statistical Abstract of Haryana. The compound growth rate is calculated to assess the growth of a bank. The findings reveal a consistent rising trend in bank branches, credit and deposits of commercial banks. Notable trends include increasing bank branches, a surge in deposits and robust credit growth, indicating a dynamic and thriving banking sector. The Credit-Deposit ratio gradually increased from 2007 to 2011, reaching a peak in 2012 at 102.10%. The overall number of bank offices has increased dramatically due to the state's growing financial sector. The steady expansion in bank branches indicates a sustained effort to improve accessibility and financial inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion on the interface between a metal alloy, such as steel, and a wet, permeable non-metallic medium is of considerable practical interest. Examples include the interface between steel and water, the atmosphere or concrete, as for steel reinforcement bars; between metal and soil, as for buried cast iron or steel pipes; deposits of some type, as in under-deposit corrosion; and the interface with insulation, protective coatings, or macro- or micro-biological agents. In all cases, corrosion initiation depends on the characteristics of the interfacial zone, both of the metal and the medium, and the spatial variability. For (near-)homogeneous semi-infinite media with good interfacial contact, the pitting, crevices and general corrosion of the metal will be largely controlled by the metal (micro-)characteristics, including its inclusions, imperfections and surface roughness. In other cases, these may be overshadowed by the macro-characteristics of the medium and the degree of interfacial contact, possibly with severe resulting corrosion. Where the build-up of corrosion products can occur at the interface, they will dominate longer-term corrosion and govern the long-term corrosion rate. For media of finite thickness, diffusion issues and material deterioration may also be involved. The practical implications are outlined. It is argued that with the presence of a suitable medium, it is possible to achieve negligible long-term corrosion but only if certain practical actions are taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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IntroductionOne of the most common causes of vision loss in the elderly population worldwide is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequently, the number of people affected by AMD is estimated to reach approximately 288 million by the year 2040. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo model that simulates various aspects of the complex AMD pathogenesis.MethodsFor this purpose, primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells (ppRPE) were isolated and cultured. One group was exposed to medium containing sodium iodate (NaIO3) to induce degeneration. The others were exposed to different supplemented media, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), homogenized porcine retinas (HPR), or rod outer segments (ROOS) for eight days to promote retinal deposits. Then, these ppRPE cells were cocultured with porcine neuroretina explants for another eight days. To assess the viability of ppRPE cells, live/dead assay was performed at the end of the study. The positive RPE65 and ZO1 area was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and the expression of RLBP1, RPE65, and TJP1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, drusen (APOE), inflammation (ITGAM, IL6, IL8, NLRP3, TNF), oxidative stress (NFE2L2, SOD1, SOD2), and hypoxia (HIF1A) markers were investigated. The concentration of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in medium supernatants from day 16 and 24 via ELISA.ResultsLive/dead assay suggests that especially exposure to NaIO3 and HPR induced damage to ppRPE cells, leading in a significant ppRPE cell loss. All supplemented media resulted in decreased RPE-characteristic markers (RPE65; ZO-1) and gene expression like RLBP1 and RPE65 in the cultured ppRPE cells. Besides, some inflammatory, oxidative as well as hypoxic stress markers were altered in ppRPE cells cultivated with NaIO3. The application of HPR induced an enhanced APOE expression. Pre-exposure of the ppRPE cells led to a diminished number of cones in all supplemented media groups compared to controls.DiscussionOverall, this novel coculture model represents an interesting initial approach to incorporating deposits into coculture to mimic AMD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the effects of the media used need to be investigated in further studies.

In this paper we investigate whether the banks which fall under direct supervision by the European Central Bank (ECB) are more likely to be considered more stable and trustworthy by the depositors due to the stricter supervisory activities performed since the implementation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). Under the SSM, significant banks switched from national supervisors to ECB, whereas the remaining banks remained under national supervisory authorities (NSAs). Using the difference-in-difference (DID) method, we have found evidence of increased depositors’ trust in significant banks after the SSM implementation. Additionally, in anticipation of the SSM launch and the comprehensive assessment, we have found evidence of increased depositors’ trust in the banks which were expected to be supervised by the ECB.

The purpose of deposit insurance and investor compensation schemes is to protect the clients of banks and investment intermediaries by providing compensation in the case of unavailability of clients’ deposits or assets. Generally, knowledge about the activities of both schemes is rather limited by the public. This is observed not only in developing countries, but also in the developed ones. This problem is called public awareness. The paper investigates the public awareness of the main components of the financial safety net in Bulgaria – the deposit insurance scheme and investor compensation scheme - based on a random distribution of a questionnaire among 232 people. The investigation is not considered as being representative but it indicates tendencies in the public awareness of both schemes in Bulgaria. The analysis in the paper is focused on the questions regarding the main activities of the deposit insurance and investor compensation schemes as well as the amount of guarantee, scope of both schemes, compensations payments events, the behavior of depositors and investors in cases of trouble events, etc. The survey shows that in terms of the deposit insurance the awareness of participants is above average, while regarding investor compensation, the results are well below average, one could even say that such awareness is lacking at all. The results of the survey provide information that the efforts of the regulators and financial safety net schemes should be directed to increasing the awareness of depositors and investors in Bulgaria about the benefits and limitations of both schemes.

Corrosion on the interface between a metal alloy, such as steel, and a wet, permeable non-metallic medium is of considerable practical interest. Examples include the interface between steel and water, the atmosphere or concrete, as for steel reinforcement bars; between metal and soil, as for buried cast iron or steel pipes; deposits of some type, as in under-deposit corrosion; and the interface with insulation, protective coatings, or macro- or micro-biological agents. In all cases, corrosion initiation depends on the characteristics of the interfacial zone, both of the metal and the medium, and the spatial variability. For (near-)homogeneous semi-infinite media with good interfacial contact, the pitting, crevices and general corrosion of the metal will be largely controlled by the metal (micro-)characteristics, including its inclusions, imperfections and surface roughness. In other cases, these may be overshadowed by the macro-characteristics of the medium and the degree of interfacial contact, possibly with severe resulting corrosion. Where the build-up of corrosion products can occur at the interface, they will dominate longer-term corrosion and govern the long-term corrosion rate. For media of finite thickness, diffusion issues and material deterioration may also be involved. The practical implications are outlined. It is argued that with the presence of a suitable medium, it is possible to achieve negligible long-term corrosion but only if certain practical actions are taken.

Under deposit corrosion (UDC) that occurs due to the deposition of solid particles, like iron sulfide or organic solids, and CO2 corrosion, cause disasters for pipelines and fluid-handling apparatus. This research investigated the impact of mineral deposits, like iron disulfide, iron sulfide, and sand, on the inhibition performance of the commercial UDC inhibitor in sulfated CO2-saturated brine solution at 60 °C and 1000 rpm flow rates for different immersion times. The deposit characteristics, type, and coverage technique on the steel (full/partial) were explored. The surface morphology, elemental analysis, and particle size of deposits in the absence and presence of the inhibitor were analyzed. The inhibitive effect at different inhibitor concentrations and the corrosion rates of steel in the absence and presence of the deposits were calculated from the fitting process of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results. The utilized UDC inhibitor has the highest efficiency (about 95 %) at a concentration of 400 ppm. The FeS, FeS2 and SiO2 deposits in the presence of the inhibitor offered a 77.5 %, 94.5 % and 94.6 % inhibition efficiency after 6h of immersion time, resulting in about 77.5 %, 25.6 % and 60.1 % increase in their efficiencies before the addition of the inhibitor. Therefore, the inhibitor can effectively inhibit the UDC triggered by FeS and SiO2 deposits in an aqueous environment containing sulfated CO2. However, it is unavailable in the steel underneath the FeS2 deposit to inhibit corrosion. EDX and XPS analyses confirm the success of the inhibitor movement through deposits and its adsorption on steels.

Marine environmental conservation and tourist exploitation are often in conflict, particularly where anthropogenic pressure is greatest, such as along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. A case in point is the accumulation of beach-cast seagrass, a typical feature of the Mediterranean Sea that is nowadays perceived as an "obstacle" to tourist activities and thus treated and removed as waste, leading to environmental impacts. In this paper, we analyzed the legislative context at the Mediterranean basin level and the contribution of twenty virtuous research projects related to the topic. In our opinion, the main benefits for the beach–dune ecosystem would be generated by the use of seagrass banquettes directly within the beach system (temporary displacement, creating beach walkways, dune consolidation), while their uses outside the beach system (agricultural and farm solutions—compost and bedding) should be considered as alternative solutions for a circular economy, in case of consistent biomass deposits along the shores. In this perspective, we support the "Ecological Beach" model which integrates most of the science-derived solutions addressed in this study. This model provides good practices that can be usefully spread and shared along Mediterranean coasts: to achieve this result, it is necessary to create a regional or Mediterranean network involving local communities and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hoard finds from the Bronze Age have appeared all over Europe, prompting questions about their functions (either as raw materials for recycling or votive objects). The hoard trove of raw materials from Przybysław in Greater Poland is an interesting example of a discovery that is related to the foundry activities of Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age communities (c. 600 BC). The deposit consists of fragments of raw materials that were damaged end products intended for smelting. The research included the characterisation of the material in terms of the variety of the raw materials that were used. The individual elements of the hoard were characterised in terms of their chemical compositions, microstructures, and properties. A range of modern instrumental research methods were used: metallographic macroscopic and microscopic observations by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chemical-composition analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), X-ray microanalysis (EDS), and detailed crystallisation analysis by electron microscopy with an emphasis on electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). As part of this study, model alloys were also prepared for two of the selected chemical compositions, (i.e., CuPbSn and CuPb). These alloys were analysed for their mechanical and technological properties. This research of the hoard from Przybysław (Jarocin district, Greater Poland) has contributed to the recognition and interpretation of the function and nature of the hoard by using modern research and modelling methods as a cultic raw material deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of deposits in equipment within the machine department (the gas injection machine) and the pipeline delivering coke oven gas are studied, and the process by which they are formed is considered. As an example, attention focuses on the shop for capture and processing of coking products at Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (PAO MMK), which uses various technologies for the cooling and cleaning of coke oven gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When decoding space sensing materials of the eastern part of the Chukchi Peninsula on a scale of 1 : 50 000, structural elements of tectonic–volcanogenic genesis are identified, represented by linear, arc, ring, zonal–concentric structural elements of various ranks. Ring structures up to 2 km in diameter and the faults cutting them, predominantly of northeastern and submeridional strike, control the localization of gold mineralization in the Pepenveemskii ore–placer zone. Based on the computer processing of ASTER IR space surveys in the Pepenveemskii zone, areas of development of hydrothermally altered rocks (berezites, secondary quartzites, and sericite–hydromica–quartz metasomatites) genetically associated with mineralization are identified. The use of high-resolution satellite imaging in combination with geophysical data has made it possible, on a scale of 1 : 10 000, to identify gold-prospective areas associated with volcano–dome structures, which are characterized by an increased density of lineaments and are associated with the formation of subvolcanic rhyolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crystalline corneal dystrophy (CCD) is the most common type of corneal lipidic deposition in dogs. CCD is a primary metabolic disorder of the corneal fibroblast featuring an accumulation of extracellular and intracellular lipid deposits. Corneal lipid deposits create a corneal opacity and modify the interfibrillar collagen distance, inducing light scattering. Corneal vascularization is not usually associated with the disease, but, in case of chronicity, cell death may produce inflammation, and new corneal vessels are developed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a medical approach for CCD treatment in veterinary medicine. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of topical 1% cyclosporine eyedrops (1% CsA) for the treatment of CCD in dogs. Methods: Medical records of dogs with CCD were retrospectively reviewed (2009–2020). Corneal opacification description (COD) [size (mm), depth, and opacification degree (0–3)] was evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months post initial diagnosis. Dogs were classified into three groups: the control group (G0 ), the group receiving topical 1% CsA once per day (G1 ), and the group receiving topical 1% CsA twice daily (G2 ). Results: Ninety-two client-owned dogs (163 eyes) of different breeds, ages, and gender fulfilled the inclusion criteria. When compared to G0, where the eyes significantly increased COD (p < 0.001), G1 and G2 significantly decreased COD (p < 0.001). In fact, the probability of reducing COD was about three times higher in G2 than in G1, being nearly the same for the right [odds ratio (OR) = 2.94; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.55–15.78] and left eye (OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 0.49–17.26). In addition, for each additional month of treatment in G2, the probability of reducing COD increased significantly (OR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.00–1.26 for the right eye and OR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.02–1.32 for the left eye). Conclusion: Long-term treatment with topical 1% CsA eyedrops significantly improved CCD in dogs, being the probability of reducing COD higher when applying the treatment twice daily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of microorganisms grow in oil reservoirs, where they participate in the biodegradation of oil and lead to changes in oil quality. Today, our knowledge about microbial processes in oil reservoirs is largely limited, and among the urgent tasks for the oil industry, monitoring and controlling microbial activity (including the activity of microbes responsible for biocorrosion) are important. In this work, we aimed to characterize the bacterial community structure of the produced waters from oilfields in the south of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation) using cultural and molecular methods of analysis. Bacteria from produced water samples from various oil wells were enriched, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to assess the phylogenetic diversity of the bacterial communities. Thus, analysis of the bacterial communities revealed the presence of various members within the genera Desulfotomaculum, Clostridium, Acetobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Dethiosulfovibrio, Desulfomicrobium, Fusibacter, Dethiosulfatibacter, Thermovirga, Sphaerochaeta, and Desulfoplanes, but in different produced water samples. The role of the bacterial associations in biocorrosion was separately assessed in experiments on monitoring and stimulating biocorrosion. The bacterial community receiving additional nutrition was shown to have a higher corrosion potential, and scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed changes in the surface of the metal coupons during immersion testing. The practical value of this research lies in identifying the potential contribution of microbial communities to oil pipeline corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosing steam pipelines is crucial because they are subjected to a water vapor environment and exhaust gases. Layers of oxides/deposits formed on steel utilized at elevated temperatures for long time periods have a significant impact on elements operating in power plants as well as in combined heat and power plants. Currently, these devices are an important topic of sustainable energy development. The aim of this work was to characterize the structure of the steel and of the oxides/deposit layer formed on the steam superheaters of power boilers and its impact on the durability of power equipment. The tests were carried out on 13CrMo4-5 steel utilized at various temperature and time parameters. In order to assess the degradation of the material, the following research methods were used: light microscopy, X-ray structural analysis, and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform. The use of the FTIR method in this type of diagnostics has deepened the existing analysis of oxide/sediment layers. The obtained test results showed that the kinetics of the corrosion process on steel being used for long periods at elevated temperatures is complex and depends, among others, on the element's operating temperature, the operating time, and the flow medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Based on detailed field surveys, numerous sections and drillcores as well as analyses of lithofacies and sedimentary facies, sedimentary differentiation in the Middle Permian Zunyi (northern Guizhou, South China) trough basin was studied in detail. Caused by activities of the Emeishan mantle plume, the regional extensional setting and the extinguishing of carbonate production factories were shown from Guizhou to Yunnan. Three types of sedimentary enironments were developed in the study area: platform, slope, and basin. In this work, we established a sedimentary model for the study area, identified 14 syndepositional faults, and created the detailed reconstruction of the trough basin via a sedimentological investigation. It is found that the paleogeographic evolution of the study area can be divided into six stages: (1) a pre-rifting stage, (2) rapid rifting and subsidence, (3) stable rifting and subsidence, (4) the second stage of rifting and subsidence, (5) silicification, and (6) regional uplift and denudation. The sedimentary features and paleogeographic evolution of the Maokou Formation in Zunyi show that the platform, slope, and basin sedimentary features coexisted. In addition, the extensional setting and extinguishing of carbonate production factories were important preconditions for the evolution of the platform region in the study area, and the activity of syndepositional faults also played an important role in the paleogeographic evolution of this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of natural sacred places has increased significantly across Europe during the last decades. Hills, stones, springs, and groves—places named sacred in oral tradition—have become focal points for practices of contemporary paganism and spiritualism. In Estonia, this movement's rise in popularity has been marked by an increase in the number of and type of deposits left at sacred sites. This article examines the objects left at sacred sites in order to analyze the vernacular religious practices and convictions of the people who use these places. Based on case studies at five sacred sites across Estonia, it is argued that these material objects must be regarded as an independent source of information about contemporary paganism and its interpretations by people who approve pagan worldview. Taken as such, these material objects complicate existing understandings of pagan religious communities in Estonia. While traditional accounts describe paganism as a cohesive body of devotees united by their participation in ancient traditions derived from folklore, the material culture of sacred sites in Estonia reveals the users of sacred sites to be a loosely structured community who engage in shifting vernacular practices related to history, nature, ethnicity, and paganism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Malo-Botuobinsky, Sredne-Markhinsky, and Ygyattinsky diamond-bearing areas of the Western Yakutian kimberlite province, the prerequisites and signs of scandium deposits in ancient weathering crusts overlying Lower Paleozoic rocks and associated with zones of ancient reservoir and soil oxidation. According to X-ray fluorescence and ICP MS analyses, in the Nakyn kimberlite field of the Sredne-Markhinsky diamond-bearing region, promising ore occurrences and scandium concentration halos have been established in clay deposits of redeposited weathering crusts of the Dyakhtar Formation of Late Triassic–Early Jurassic age. They are confined to the erosional surface of Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks and Middle Paleozoic traps, with monzonite porphyries and kimberlites cutting through them, covered on top by a sedimentary cover of Jurassic terrigenous deposits. Concentration anomalies of scandium in clays of the Dyakhtar Formation are localized mainly in deluvial clay deposits of paleowatersheds and gravitate to the intersections of tectonic disturbances. The depth of their occurrence does not exceed 100 m, which is quite favorable for the extraction of scandium by borehole in situ leaching. Concentrations of scandium were detected at one of the sites before 262 g/t in Late Triassic weathering crust, including material from a Middle Paleozoic gabbro dike, as well as overlying colluvial clays of the Dyakhtar formations with a maximum of 462 g/t. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]