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We use Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the effect of incorporating calcium chloride salt into nanoporous carbon on the performance of an ammonia–carbon adsorption refrigeration system. Simulations of ideal carbon slit-pores with pore sizes of 1, 2, and 3 nm, each containing calcium chloride with ion densities of 0.0, 0.25, and 0.5 nm−3, were carried out at temperatures between 0 and 30 °C and ammonia pressures up to 15.0 bar. The results reveal that ideal 1 nm pores are able to achieve a good refrigeration performance using waste heat below 100 °C to drive the process, but adding salt to these pores increases the waste heat temperature required beyond 100 °C. However, ideal 2 nm pores require the addition of 0.25 nm−3 salt to achieve a similar performance, while the 3 nm pores were unable to achieve a satisfactory refrigeration performance. Considering that real nanoporous carbons usually feature a variety of specific adsorption sites and non-ideal geometries that should have a similar impact to adding salt, these results indicate that nanoporous carbons with pores in the range of 1–2 nm are likely to hold the most promise for adsorption refrigeration applications and that the addition of salt may not always be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid–liquid phase transitions hold a unique and profound significance within condensed matter physics. These transitions, while conceptually intriguing, often pose formidable computational challenges. However, recent advances in neural network (NN) potentials offer a promising avenue to effectively address these challenges. In this paper, we delve into the structural transitions of liquid CdTe, CdS, and their alloy systems using molecular dynamics simulations, harnessing the power of an NN potential named LaspNN. Our investigations encompass both pressure and temperature effects. Through our simulations, we uncover three primary liquid structures around melting points that emerge as pressure increases: tetrahedral, rock salt, and close-packed structures, which greatly resemble those of solid states. In the high-temperature regime, we observe the formation of Te chains and S dimers, providing a deeper understanding of the liquid's atomic arrangements. When examining CdSxTe1−x alloys, our findings indicate that a small substitution of S by Te atoms for S-rich alloys (x > 0.5) exhibits a structural transition much different from CdS, while a large substitution of Te by S atoms for Te-rich alloys (x < 0.5) barely exhibits a structural transition similar to CdTe. We construct a schematic diagram for liquid alloys that considers both temperature and pressure, providing a comprehensive overview of the alloy system's behavior. The local aggregation of Te atoms demonstrates a linear relationship with alloy composition x, whereas that of S atoms exhibits a nonlinear one, shedding light on the composition-dependent structural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding microscopic directional correlations in ion movements within lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrolytes is important because these correlations directly affect the ionic conductivity. Onsager transport coefficients are widely used to understand these correlations. On the other hand, the Van Hove function (VHF) is also capable of determining correlated motions. However, identifying various types of ion correlated motions in LIB electrolytes using VHF is not well explored. Here, we have conducted molecular dynamics simulations of a representative experimental LIB electrolyte system—lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6)—at different concentrations in a (9:1 wt. %) mixture of ethyl methyl carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate in order to explore the capabilities and limitations of using VHF to understand different types of ion correlations. We conclude that analysis of VHF can qualitatively describe both the positive correlation between cation–anion at different salt concentrations and the negative correlation between cation–cation and anion–anion present in high salt concentration, but it cannot foretell which correlation is dominating at any given electrolyte concentration. This type of quantitative information can be obtained only via Onsager's approach. This could be seen as a limitation of relying solely on VHF to fully understand ion correlation in electrolyte media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological samples are inherently multi-scale. Understanding their bulk physical and chemical properties requires characterization down to the nano-scale. A powerful technique to study the three-dimensional microstructure is X-ray tomography, but it lacks information about the chemistry of samples. To develop a methodology for measuring the multi-scale 3D microstructure of geological samples, correlative X-ray micro- and nanotomography were performed on two rocks followed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis. The study was performed in five steps: (i) micro X-ray tomography was performed on rock sample cores, (ii) samples for nanotomography were prepared using laser milling, (iii) nanotomography was performed on the milled sub-samples, (iv) samples were mounted and polished for SEM analysis and (v) SEM imaging and compositional mapping was performed on micro and nanotomography samples for complimentary information. Correlative study performed on samples of serpentine and basalt revealed multiscale 3D structures involving both solid mineral phases and pore networks. Significant differences in the volume fraction of pores and mineral phases were also observed dependent on the imaging spatial resolution employed. This highlights the necessity for the application of such a multiscale approach for the characterization of complex aggregates such as rocks. Information acquired from the chemical mapping of different phases was also helpful in segmentation of phases that did not exhibit significant contrast in X-ray imaging. Adoption of the protocol used in this study can be broadly applied to 3D imaging studies being performed at the Advanced Light Source and other user facilities.

We investigate the collapse and expansion dynamics of a linear polyelectrolyte (PE) with hydrodynamic interactions. Using dissipative particle dynamics with a bead–spring PE model, long-range electrostatics, and explicit ions, we examine how the timescales of collapse tcol and expansion texp depend on the chain length N and obtain scaling relationships tcol ∼ Nα and texp ∼ Nβ. For neutral polymers, we derive values of α = 0.94 ± 0.01 and β = 1.97 ± 0.10. Interestingly, the introduction of electrostatic interaction markedly shifts α to α ≈ 1.4 ± 0.1 for salt concentrations within c = 10−4 to 10−2 M. A reduction in the ion-to-monomer size ratio noticeably reduces α. On the other hand, the expansion scaling remains approximately constant, β ≈ 2, regardless of the salt concentration or ion size considered. We find β > α for all conditions considered, implying that expansion is always slower than collapse in the limit of long polymers. This asymmetry is explained by distinct kinetic pathways of collapse and expansion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2023 phase of the international collaborative DECOVALEX modeling project, Task E focused on understanding thermal, hydrological, and mechanical (THM) processes related to predicting brine migration in the excavation damaged zone around a heated excavation in salt. Salt is attractive as a disposal medium for radioactive waste because it is self-healing and is essentially impermeable and non-porous in the far field. Investigation of the short-term, near-field behavior is important for radioactive waste disposal because this early period strongly controls the amount of inflowing brine. Brine leads to corrosion of waste forms and waste packages, and possible dissolution of radionuclides with brine transport being a potential transport vector to the accessible environment.The Task was divided into steps. Step 0 included matching unheated brine inflow data from boreholes at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and matching temperature observations during a Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) heater test. Step 1 included validation of models against a thermo-poroelastic analytical solution, and two-phase flow around an excavation. Finally, Step 2 required all the individual components covered in steps 0 and 1 to come together to match observed brine inflow behavior during the same BATS heater test.There were a range of approaches from the teams, from mechanistic to prescriptive. Given the uncertainties in the problem, some teams used one- or two-dimensional models of the processes, while other teams included more geometrical complexity in three-dimensional models. Task E was a learning experience for the teams involved, and feedback from the modeling teams has led to changes in follow-on BATS experiments at WIPP. The primary Task E lessons learned were the impact of hydrologic initialization methods (wetting up vs. drying down), the difference between confined and unconfined thermal expansion, and the large changes in permeability associated with heating and cooling.

This research paper focuses on the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) modeling of brine migration in a heated borehole test conducted as part of the ongoing Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. It is a component of the international collaboration project DECOVALEX-2023 (DEvelopment of COupled models and their VALidation against EXperiments), which aims to understand the THM processes governing brine flow in heated rock salt repositories through collaborative analysis by multiple research teams. Using the TOUGH–FLAC simulator, THM simulations were performed and compared with data from the BATS phase 1a. This experiment involved two identical horizontal-borehole arrays, one heated and one serving as a control, both equipped with sensor arrays. Analysis of measurements revealed water flow rate surges during heater power transitions, with the highest jump observed during cooling. Acoustic emission activity exhibited distinct patterns in response to heater power changes, suggesting that damage to rock salt is particularly pronounced during the cooling phase. The THM simulations successfully captured these phenomena, highlighting the significance of thermal effects, brine migration, and mechanical behavior in predicting brine availability in heated and damaged rock salt. Our modeling also revealed the critical interplay between heating and cooling-induced damage and its influence on flow properties, particularly affecting brine inflow estimation. Notably, we found that cooling-induced brine inflow spikes result from increased permeability due to tensile dilatancy. These findings have important implications for the development of robust containment strategies and enhance our understanding of the complex processes involved in repository performance.

Rock salt is considered a suitable medium for the permanent disposal of heat-generating radioactive waste due to its isolation properties. However, excavation damage and heating induce complex and heterogeneous thermal-hydrological-mechanical (THM) processes across different zones. Quantifying this heterogeneity is crucial for accurate long-term performance assessment models, but traditional methods lack the necessary resolution. This study employs 4D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) monitoring during controlled heating experiments in a salt formation to unravel the spatiotemporal dynamics of THM processes. Advanced time-lapse inversion and clustering analysis quantify subsurface properties and map the heterogeneity of THM dynamics. The ERT results can estimate subsurface properties and delineate the damaged and intact zones, enabling appropriate parameterization and representation of processes for long-term modeling. This approach may be used in further improving the predictive models and ensuring the safe long-term disposal of radioactive waste in rock salt.

Epitaxial NiO and CrN thin films were deposited on a single-crystal A l 2 O 3 (1 1 ¯ 02) (r-plane sapphire) using magnetron sputtering. The two materials were intentionally deposited into two different deposition chamber designs and under different conditions (temperature, pressure, gases, and energy of sputtered particles). Despite the differences in the deposition condition and material system, both materials had the same feature with uncommon tilted epitaxial growth. Through an in-depth x-ray diffraction analysis of the NaCl (B1)-structured materials on r-plane sapphire, the full twin domain epitaxial relations were determined and can be described as (110) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (4 4 ¯ 03) A l 2 O 3 and [ 1 1 ¯ 2 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] A l 2 O 3 . This relationship differs from the previously observed orientation of (100) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (1 1 ¯ 02) A l 2 O 3 and [ 100 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 10 1 ¯ 0 ] A l 2 O 3 . These results are of general relevance for the growth of the extended NaCl (B1)-structured cubic material family onto a r-plane sapphire substrate where similar epitaxial growth can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial NiO and CrN thin films were deposited on a single-crystal A l 2 O 3 (1 1 ¯ 02) (r-plane sapphire) using magnetron sputtering. The two materials were intentionally deposited into two different deposition chamber designs and under different conditions (temperature, pressure, gases, and energy of sputtered particles). Despite the differences in the deposition condition and material system, both materials had the same feature with uncommon tilted epitaxial growth. Through an in-depth x-ray diffraction analysis of the NaCl (B1)-structured materials on r-plane sapphire, the full twin domain epitaxial relations were determined and can be described as (110) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (4 4 ¯ 03) A l 2 O 3 and [ 1 1 ¯ 2 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] A l 2 O 3 . This relationship differs from the previously observed orientation of (100) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (1 1 ¯ 02) A l 2 O 3 and [ 100 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 10 1 ¯ 0 ] A l 2 O 3 . These results are of general relevance for the growth of the extended NaCl (B1)-structured cubic material family onto a r-plane sapphire substrate where similar epitaxial growth can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hofmeister series characterizes the ability of salt anions to precipitate polyampholytes/proteins. However, the variation of protein size in the bulk solution of acids and the effect of salts on the same have not been studied well. In this article, the four acids (CH3COOH, HNO3, H2SO4, and HCl) and their effects on the hydrodynamic radius (RH) of gelatin in the bulk solution are investigated. The effects of Na salt with the same anions are also considered to draw a comparison between the interactions of acids and salts with polyampholytes. It is suggested that the interactions of polyampholytes with acids are different from those of salts. The interaction series of polyampholytes with acids with respect to the RH of the polyampholyte is C H 3 CO O − > N O 3 − > C l − > S O 4 2 − whereas the interaction series with salts is S O 4 2 − > C H 3 CO O − > C l − > N O 3 − . These different interactions are due to equilibration between acid dissociation and protonation of polyampholytes. Another important factor contributing to the interactions in weak acids is the fact that undissociated acid hinders the movement of dissociated acid. Experiments and simulations were performed to understand these interactions, and the results were identical in terms of the trend in RH (from the experiments) and the radius of gyration (Rg) (from the simulations). It is concluded that the valence of ions and dissociation affect the interaction in the case of acids. However, the interactions are influenced by the kosmotropic and chaotropic effect, hydration, and mobility in the case of salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of personalized sweat sodium replacement on drinking behavior, sodium and water balance, and thermophysiological responses during and after ultraendurance running in hot conditions. Methods: Nine participants (7 male, 2 female) completed two 5-hour treadmill runs (60% maximum oxygen uptake, 30°C ambient temperature), in a double-blind randomized crossover design, consuming sodium chloride (SODIUM) capsules to replace 100% of previously assessed losses or placebo (PLACEBO). Fluid was consumed ad libitum. Results: No effect of SODIUM was observed for ad libitum fluid intake or net fluid balance (P >.05). Plasma sodium concentration increased in both trials, but to a greater extent in SODIUM at 2.5 hours (mean [SD]: 4 [4] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P <.05) and postexercise (4 [3] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P <.05). Plasma volume change was not different between trials (P >.05) but was strongly correlated with sodium balance in SODIUM (r =.880, P <.01). No effect of sodium replacement was observed for heart rate, rectal temperature, thermal comfort, perceived exertion, or physiological strain index. During the 24 hours postexercise, ad libitum fluid intake was greater following SODIUM (2541 [711] mL vs 1998 [727] mL; P =.04), as was urinary sodium excretion (NaCl: 66 [35] mmol, Pl: 21 [12] mmol; P <.01). Conclusions: Personalized sweat sodium replacement during ultraendurance running in hot conditions, with ad libitum fluid intake, exacerbated the rise in plasma sodium concentration compared to no sodium replacement but did not substantially influence overall body-water balance or thermophysiological strain. A large sodium deficit incurred during exercise leads to substantial renal sodium conservation postexercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt (NaCl), is an essential nutrient for survival, while excessive salt can be detrimental. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, internal taste organs in the pharynx are critical gatekeepers impacting the decision to accept or reject a food. Currently, our understanding of the mechanism through which pharyngeal gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) sense high salt are rudimentary. Here, we found that a member of the ionotropic receptor family, Ir60b, is expressed exclusively in a pair of GRNs activated by high salt. Using a two-way choice assay (DrosoX) to measure ingestion volume, we demonstrate that IR60b and two co-receptors IR25a and IR76b are required to prevent high salt consumption. Mutants lacking external taste organs but retaining the internal taste organs in the pharynx exhibit much higher salt avoidance than flies with all taste organs but missing the three IRs. Our findings highlight the vital role for IRs in a pharyngeal GRN to control ingestion of high salt.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful experimental tool to probe the local structure in materials with the core hole excitations. Here, the oxygen K-edge XAS spectra of the NaCl solution and pure water are computed by using a recently developed GW-Bethe-Salpeter equation approach, based on configurations modeled by path-integral molecular dynamics with the deep-learning technique. The neural network is trained on ab initio data obtained with strongly constrained and appropriately normed density functional theory. The observed changes in the XAS features of the NaCl solution, compared to those of pure water, are in good agreement between experimental and theoretical results. We provided detailed explanations for these spectral changes that occur when NaCl is solvated in pure water. Specifically, the presence of solvating ion pairs leads to localization of electron-hole excitons. Our theoretical XAS results support the theory that the effects of the solvating ions on the H-bond network are mainly confined within the first hydration shell of ions, however beyond the shell the arrangement of water molecules remains to be comparable to that observed in pure water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ScN in the rock salt structure is a well-investigated material due to its desirable properties like the high hardness or large thermal conductivity. Recent computations by Adamski et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 115, 232103 (2019)] showed that ScN/GaN heterostructures exhibit an outstanding polarization gradient which would be beneficial for polarization induced electron gases. The pseudobinary semiconductor Sc x Al 1 − x N, when maintaining the cubic rock salt structure, could be beneficial for tailoring the polarization gradient using the Sc dependency of material properties. The structural properties of rs-Sc x Al 1 − x N are not fully discovered yet, thus in this work, DC-magnetron sputtered cubic rock salt Sc x Al 1 − x N thin films with 0.55 < x < 1.00 were grown and analyzed on ScN(111)/Si(111). The epitaxial relation of ScN(111) thin films on the Si(111) substrate is determined to be ScN[110] ∥ Si[100]. Furthermore, concentration dependent properties like the lattice parameter of Sc x Al 1 − x N were measured [a(ScN) = 4.50 Å, a(Sc0.55Al0.45N) = 4.30 Å] and the stress σ within the layers was determined. The crystal quality was evaluated using ω -scans, revealing FWHM = 1.14 ° for Sc0.95Al0.05N. The diameters of the columns were determined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and they are range from 34 to 59 nm for 0.55 < x < 1.00. At x = 0.55 , Sc x Al 1 − x N columns in the hexagonal wurtzite as well as cubic rock salt structure were detected. This information about the structural specifications of Sc x Al 1 − x N in the rock salt structure forms the basis for further investigations and experimental confirmation of the electric properties of ScN/GaN heterostructures or even a Sc x Al 1 − x N/GaN based approach for improved structures for high-electron-mobility transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Information on salt consumption patterns is needed to inform the need for and design of salt reduction strategies. OBJECTIVES: In northern Ghana, this study aimed to estimate household consumption of salt, including salt from bouillon, and compare (estimated) women and childrens salt intake to global recommendations; to estimate the proportion of salt consumed from bouillon; and to identify factors, including knowledge, attitudes, and practices, associated with household salt consumption. METHODS: Employing mixed-methods methodology, we conducted a pilot survey (n = 369 households enrolled) and focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 20) in Tolon and Kumbungu districts (14 urban, 14 rural clusters) (clinicaltrials.gov registry: NCT04632771). Households reported purchases of discretionary salt (DS, table salt) and bouillon cubes. DS and total salt (TS; DS+salt from bouillon) consumption for women (15-49 y) and children (2-5 y) were estimated using the Adult Male Equivalent method and compared with global recommendations (

Basalt fiber-reinforced composite (BFRC) is extensively used in various fields such as rail transportation and aerospace. However, how to design the structure of BFRC to optimize its impact resistance remains a great challenge. Herein, inspired by the double-twisted Bouligand structure of coelacanth scales, a biomimetic BFRC is prepared. Significantly, the peak impact force of double-twisted BFRC (DT-BFRC) is 3408.12 N, which increases by 48.56% compared with unidirectionally laminated BFRC (UL-BFRC). The maximum residual elastic modulus of DT-BFRC reaches 7.88 J, which is 236.75% higher than that of UL-BFRC. This work offers a promising way to efficiently develop impact resistant BFRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The explosion characteristics of NTO's lead salt as an energy-containing material are significantly different from those of ordinary dust. In order to systematically recognize its hazards in the production, storage, and transportation processes, the lower limit of explosion concentration, explosion pressure, pressure rise rate, and minimum ignition energy were systematically studied using the self-made 5 L column-type dust explosion test system and the modified 1.2 L steel Hartmann tube, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the explosion pressure and pressure rise rate gradually increase with the dust concentration; compared with ordinary dust, there is no maximum explosion pressure; the pressure rise rate has an inflection point of 550 g/m3, and if the concentration is greater than 550 g/m3, the pressure rise rate increases sharply. The explosion pressure is only slightly influenced by the pressure of powder spraying, which is inversely related to the rate of pressure rise. Contrary to the typical tendency of ordinary dust, where the ignition energy initially reduces and then increases with increasing concentration, the ignition energy tends to decrease as the dust concentration increases. As electrode spacing grows, the ignition energy tends to rise, and as concentration rises, the influence of electrode spacing progressively declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezo-photocatalysis materials that can combine the piezoelectric effect in photocatalytic processes are very attractive for promising applications in water splitting and contaminant degradation. The perovskite oxides with adjustable exposed crystal facets are expected to optimize the catalysis activities by exposing the high-energy planes. In this work, we develop a salt-assisted strategy that controllably prepares anisotropic SrTiO 3 particles with a large number of surface defects, which exhibit good piezo-photocatalytic features. The exposure of the crystal facets can be tuned by changing the assistants (NaCl or SrCl 2). The SrCl 2 can lead to the exposure of the (110) plane in one-dimensional SrTiO 3 particles and NaCl can induce the cubic SrTiO 3 particles with the exposure plane of (200). Attributed to the exposed high-energy facets and abundant oxygen vacancies, the latter show higher activities than the former in both water splitting and dye degradation under light irradiation and ultrasonic vibration. Our work provides an approach to optimize piezo-photocatalytic activities by tuning the exposed crystal facets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of well‐conductive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based ionogel has changed the stereotype of PDMS of being an insulator, owing to continuous ionic liquid (IL) phase with superior ionic conductivity. However, the sacrifice on the transparency of ionogel often occurs if increasing IL content, and to overcome the immiscibility between nonpolar PDMS and polar IL is still regarded as a considerable challenge today. Herein a new strategy to prepare a transparent, highly conductive PDMS‐based ionogel with high IL content is proposed, using a "composite" surfactant of KF‐6017 and LiTFSI. Benefited from unique microphase separation during gel formation, the optimal ionogel of IG70%–1%–1% can possess excellent transparency (>95%, ~200 μm) with IL content of 70%, while owning ionic conductivity of 3.28 mS/cm and tensile property of 100 kPa. A new mechanism on the conductivity of ionogel is proposed by the molecular simulation. The ionogel can be suitable for applying as electrolyte (B) and a polymer binder for active carbon powders (as electrode A). As a result, the assembled electrochemical double‐layer capacitor (A/B/A) can be flexible accompanied with excellent electrochemical performance, which exhibits a promising future for flexible electronics and wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elastic modulus of basalt is a significant engineering parameter required for many projects. Therefore, a total of 137 datasets of basalts from Digor-Kilittasi, Turkey, were used to predict the elastic modulus of intact rock (Ei) for this study. P wave velocity, S wave velocity, apparent porosity, and dry density parameters were employed as input parameters. In order to predict Ei, seven different models with two or three inputs were constructed, employing four different machine learning methods such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Ensembles of Tree (ET), and Regression Trees (RT). The performance of datasets, models, and methods was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). This study presented and analyzed the performance of four machine learning methods. A ranking approach was employed to determine the best performing method and dataset. Based on these evaluations, all four machine learning techniques effectively estimate the value of Ei. While they can be used as an appropriate choice for estimating the elastic modulus of basaltic rocks, the ET approach appears to be the most successful method. However, the performance of the GPR is the worst according to model assessments. The average R² values for Model 1 through 7 of the ET method for the five test datasets are 0.97, 0.93, 0.89, 0.97, 0.91, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively. The the average R2 values for GPR from Models 1 to 7 for the five test datasets are 0.73, 0.55, 0.69, 0.48, 0.47, 0.73, 0.56, respectively. An additional indication that the ET performed better than all the other methods was the Taylor diagram, which made it simple to determine how well the model predictions matched the observations. Furthermore, these findings validate the performance of the machine learning techniques employed in this study as valuable instruments for future investigations into the modeling of complex engineering issues. The results of this study suggest that machine learning algorithms can help reduce the need for high-quality core samples and labor-intensive procedures in predicting the elastic modulus of basaltic rocks, resulting in time and cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Halophilic archaea (haloarchaea) are extremophilic microorganisms that thrive and dominate in hypersaline environments, including salt and salt‐fermented foods. Haloarchaea present in salt are integral to the safety of salt‐fermented foods. In this study, haloarchaeal communities in seven food‐grade coarse sea salts, commonly used in salt‐fermented food production, were studied. q‐PCR results showed that archaea represented the dominant group in all samples, with relative abundances above 83%. Archaeal 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing identified thirty‐three of the current eighty‐five genera within the class Halobacteria across the samples, revealing unique haloarchaeal community compositions. A total of 394 haloarchaeal strains, grouped into forty‐one species from twenty current genera and potentially novel taxa, were isolated. Archaeal community composition in all samples varied significantly among genera. Notably, a significant proportion of the haloarchaeal strains demonstrated histamine degradation capabilities, confirmed by bioinformatic analyses and culture‐based methods. Our results indicated that haloarchaea from salt can potentially serve as starter cultures for salt‐fermented foods, maintaining low histamine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To conform to the trend of whole‐food diets in recent years, whole potato powder has been used for the processing of extruded vermicelli. The effects of different additives, such as NaCl, citric acid and ethanol, on the cooking quality and sensory quality of whole potato vermicelli obtained via twin‐screw extrusion were investigated. The colour, gelatinisation properties, water absorption, cooking loss, texture profile analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis and correlation analysis of the whole potato vermicelli were determined and discussed. The brightness of the whole potato vermicelli increased from 52.0 to 55.4 at 1% NaCl addition and increased from 52.0 to 54.9 at 0.8% citric acid addition, and the water absorption of the whole potato vermicelli increased from 83.1% to 159.1% at 0.4% citric acid addition and increased from 83.1% to 258.9% at 8% ethanol addition. The cooking loss of the whole potato vermicelli decreased from 5.3% to 5.1% at 8% ethanol addition, indicating that ethanol could improve the cooking quality of whole potato vermicelli. The texture properties of the whole potato vermicelli decreased with the addition of ethanol, and the ΔH of the whole potato vermicelli decreased from 3.7 to 1.8 J g−1 at 0.8% citric acid addition and decreased from 3.7 to 1.5 J g−1 at 8% ethanol addition, respectively. Moreover, the addition of ethanol was negatively correlated with the max force, break distance, stretching work, hardness, adhesiveness and chewiness of the whole potato vermicelli. The addition of NaCl was positively correlated with the peak gelatinisation temperature. All three additives affected the microstructure of the whole potato vermicelli, including roughening the cross section and increasing the number of pores. In this study, NaCl improved the gelatinisation properties of whole potato vermicelli, citric acid and ethanol improved the water absorption of the whole potato vermicelli, and citric acid improved the anti‐browning effects of the whole potato vermicelli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the well-posedness properties of a stochastic rotating shallow water system. An inviscid version of this model has first been derived in Holm (Proc R Soc A 471:20140963, 2015) and the noise is chosen according to the Stochastic Advection by Lie Transport theory presented in Holm (Proc R Soc A 471:20140963, 2015). The system is perturbed by noise modulated by a function that is not Lipschitz in the norm where the well-posedness is sought. We show that the system admits a unique maximal solution which depends continuously on the initial condition. We also show that the interval of existence is strictly positive and the solution is global with positive probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressional stresses from the basalt basins on the lunar are responsible for the formation of wrinkle ridges in lunar mare basalts. According to the wide angle multispectral camera (WAC) mosaic image, we selected 62, 75, 73, and 58 single wrinkle ridges in Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Fecunditatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis, respectively, for this paper. Several topographic profiles near the midpoint of each wrinkle ridge are generated to measure the maximum displacement (D max ) and height of the wrinkle ridges using digital elevation model (LOLA) data. After that, we create 2D plots of displacement-length (L) for the ridge population in the four Maria and compare the results. A linear fit method derives the D max / L ratios (γ) from the D-L data. We calculated the contractional strains in each mare area based on the cap D sub m a. x over cap L data. Moreover, each mare's gravity pattern, mare thickness, and formation age are also presented. The ridges in Mare Imbrium and Mare Serenitatis have a higher γ value (1.83 × 10−2 and 1.98 × 10−2) than the ridges in Mare Fecunditatis and Mare Tranquillitatis, which have γ values of (1.67 × 10−2 and 1.75 × 10−2). Finally, the contractional strains (ε) in Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Fecunditatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis are estimated to be 0.23 %, 0.41 %, 0.39 %, and 0.18 % (considering 25° is the fault plane dip θ), respectively. The maximum values of the free-air gravity anomalies in Mare Fecunditatis range from −30 to 250 mGal, while minimum gravity anomalies in Mare Serenitatis range from −80 to 140 mGal. Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Fecunditatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis have an average thickness of 300 m, 910 m, 652 m, and 760 m, respectively. Furthermore, the Mare Imbrium ridge group is older than the Lunar Wrinkle Ridges in Mare Serenitatis. Mare Tranquillitatis ridge group formation takes longer than Mare Imbrium ridge group formation. Therefore, we believe that it has thicker basaltic units, a longer wrinkle ridge formation time, and higher gravity anomaly than the Mare Imbrium and Mare Serenitatis basins, even though the formation of the Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Fecunditatis basins occurred earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basalt is a widely used raw material for tool manufacture at prehistoric sites, but a unified methodology for assessing how hominfins used basalt in prehistory is lacking. A comprehensive experimental investigation of basalt tools is, thus, necessary to establish a reliable methodological framework that can be used to explore the functional properties of archaeological basalt assemblages. The aim of this study is to contribute to the development of a methodological framework for the analysis of use-wear on basalt tools. Basalt, characterised by its distinct mechanical and structural properties and unique response to mechanical stress, requires specialised treatment and investigation. To address this, our basalt varieties were characterised using SEM–EDS analysis. Sequential experiments were conducted, using the experimental basalt tools in different activities, including butchery, hide, bone and woodworking to determine use-wear formation patterns. Subsequentially, various analytical tools, including optical and scanning electron microscopes, were used to analyse macro- and micro-wear traces on basalt. Our results provide useful information on methodological aspects of use-wear formation on basalt. The inclusion of detailed cleaning and experimental protocols enhanced the robustness of our methodology. Furthermore, the combined utilisation of various microscopes enabled to compile a comprehensive and complementary information on such a complex raw material such as basalt and to characterise thoroughly the diagnostic features of the micro-wear traces (e.g. edge damage, rounding, polish). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The salt with catenated N11 cation (N11), which has the longest nitrogen chain, was synthesized. N11 is a low-sensitivity cation with comparatively poor detonation performance because of its low density. To create energetic salts, we have designed 40 anions and paired them with N11. We computed the densities, HOFs, and detonation performance of these salts using density functional theory (DFT) and volume-based thermodynamics (VBT). We discovered that all of these salts have excellent detonation qualities and high densities. Specifically, salts A1 (ρ = 1.851 g cm−3, D = 8.76 km s−1 and P = 34.62 GPa) and salt B1 (ρ = 1.850 g cm−3, D = 8.78 km s−1 and P = 34.75 GPa) exhibit good detonation characteristics. Furthermore, we computed the deprotonation energy of both these anions and twelve other anions that have been synthesized experimentally. It was discovered that the deprotonation energies of every anion we created were less than the highest value of twelve anions that were synthesized experimentally. It provides a theoretical framework for the synthesis of energetic salts by demonstrating that every anion we designed is a feasible one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle resuspension is an omnipresent source of aerosols into the environment as the necessary detachment force to return particles to the atmosphere can arise from a variety of environmental and anthropogenic mechanisms. Despite the significance of resuspension, the phenomenon is often neglected in aerosol dispersion models as there is limited understanding on the magnitude of the effect and its influencing factors. We provide a route toward determining the role of particle-specific characteristics, such as morphology, on resuspension efficiency with the aim of introducing greater complexity to resuspension models. A combination of two unique instruments is introduced, a quadrupole electrodynamic trap to fabricate particles and a small-scale 3D printed wind tunnel. Together they provide a method for manufacturing and resuspending particles of a reproducible spherical and non-spherical shape without the need for large or costly equipment. Experiments resuspending spherical glass standards and raspberry-shaped dried sodium chloride particles, alongside anemometer flow field analysis, were implemented to validate the approach and provide insight into potential limitations, including the necessity to increase non-spherical particle resuspension rates to evaluate the impacts of morphology in the future. This provides the foundation for future experiments with increasing deviations from idealized conditions and prospective step-wise resuspension model developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to pediatric dialysis is challenged in low-resource settings due to high costs, scarcity of equipment, and the lack of qualified personnel availability. We demonstrated the manual single lumen alternating micro-batch (mSLAMB) device can remove small solutes in vitro without the need for electricity, batteries, or pumps. We developed a new version (Kirpa Kit™) to address some of the technical limitations of mSLAMB. Here, we compare the in vitro clearance performance and ease of use of the Kirpa Kit™ with that of prior mSLAMB configurations. Methods: A mixture of expired packed red blood cells, 0.9% NaCl, urea, and heparin was used to test the efficiency of two mSLAMB configurations and the Kirpa Kit™ in removing potassium and urea. Clearance was evaluated by measuring percent reduction after 25-min sessions with each device. A survey was used to evaluate the ease of use of each configuration. Results: The Kirpa Kit™ achieved a median urea reduction of 82.4% and potassium reduction of 82.1%, which were higher than those achieved with the best-performing mSLAMB configuration (urea 71.9%, potassium 75.4%). The Kirpa Kit™ was easier to use with a shorter perceived time of use than the mSLAMB. Conclusions: The Kirpa Kit™, evolution of mSLAMB, is easy to use and may have improved efficacy, making it an optimal candidate for in vivo testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon polycondensing, the monosodium salt of 2-sulphoterepthalic acid and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine resulted in sulphonated polybenzimidazole (s-p-PBI; amphiphilic polymer). The amphiphilic polymer was blended with commercially available sulphonated poly(arylene ether sulphone) (SPAES; acid polymer; IEC = 2.08 meq g−1). The s-p-PBI content in blend composition is varied from 2.5 to 30% (w/w). ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and TG analysis were examined to identify the interactions between the polymers upon blending. Cross-sectional morphology was analysed through SEM. With amphiphilic polymer addition, chlorine (hypochlorite) stability decreased and tensile strength improved. All the blend membranes showed improved water transport or restricted salt permeability than the pristine membrane (acid polymer). Water diffusivity permeability (Pw) of blend membrane AC-AM-97.5 (i.e., 97.5% (w/w) of SPAES and 2.5% (w/w) of s-p-PBI) is 1.285 cm2 s−1, while the pristine membrane is 0.864 cm2 s−1. NaCl permeability selectivity (Pw/Ps) of AC-AM-97.5 is 0.208 × 103, whereas pristine membrane shows 0.102 × 103. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical resistivity imaging survey was carried out at the warm spring site in Kasane, northwest Botswana, to investigate the subsurface distribution of geological structures and how they influence the existence of the warm spring. This investigation was carried out along eight 480-m-long parallel profiles with an electrode spacing of about 10 m and 50 m line spacing. We used a Pole–dipole electrode array to acquire the data. The data inversion employed in this study was based on the smoothness constrained nonlinear least-square inversion algorithm. 2D data inversion for all the eight 2D datasets was performed, and the eight 2D datasets were then collated into a single 3D data file before performing a 3D data inversion. The resultant 2D inversion models display the variation of electrical resistivity beneath the respective profiles; whereas, the resultant 3D models show the distribution of electrical resistivity in both the lateral and vertical directions. The 2D inversion results revealed two distinct anomalies with low resistivity values, e.g., < 46.2 Ω m of the topmost layer indicating the presence of silty clays and relatively high resistivity material with resistivity values exceeding 249.3 Ω m, which was attributed to basalts. Also observed in the 2D inversion results are low-intermediate resistivity zones of about 46.2 Ω m extending to greater depths beyond the boundaries of the models, which are attributable to the existence of fluid-filled fractures/faults. The 3D inversion results resolved a laterally extensive high-resistivity basaltic unit, two NE–SW-trending vertical/near-vertical low-resistivity features which are attributable to fluid-filled fractures or faults, and a broad low-resistivity zone occurring beneath a depth of 40 m on the southeastern side of the study area, which is likely to be indicating part of the geothermal reservoir. The low-resistivity vertical/near-vertical features observed in this study are likely to be enabling the flow of geothermal fluids, and the high resistivity basaltic unit acts as a caprock overlying the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, polylactic acid (PLA) is an attractive alternative to polypropylene (PP) because of its biodegradability. This study introduces a novel modification strategy for PLA by creating a multifunctional ionization layer with ionic salts. This approach achieves humidity sensing, reliable antibacterial properties, and excellent degradability simultaneously. The modified PLA textile sensor exhibits high sensitivity to respiratory humidity (0.92 at 90% RH), with ultrafast response (0.12 s) and recovery times (0.16 s). Additionally, the textile demonstrates excellent antibacterial performance against both E. coli (99.9%) and S. aureus (99.9%) after 1 h of contact. It also shows notable biodegradability with a weight loss rate of 60.38% after 30 days. Also, the ionic salt mechanism is explained through dynamic ionization interactions attributed to the modified ionic salts, which feature both long-chain alkanes and active ions. This work presents a new method to enhance the respiratory detection and antibacterial performance of biodegradable masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a method based on chronoamperometry (CA) with a simple unshielded microwire electrode and macroelectrode was used to estimate the diffusion coefficient (D) of the electroactive species in molten chlorides without any knowledge of its concentration. Theoretically evaluated CA response ratios of the two electrodes were fitted to the values obtained from digital simulations and experiments within a measurement time of 1 s, and the D value was determined as a fitting parameter. Theoretical and experimental analyses of the CA response under pure diffusion-controlled conditions confirmed the applicability of the proposed method for the determination of D for any electroactive species, regardless of its reaction kinetics characteristics. The D values of Eu3+ and Cr2+ in molten LiCl–KCl at 450 ℃, which were determined from the CA of their reduction reactions and validated by simulations of the microwire electrode CA response, were consistent with previously reported values. However, the D of Cr2+ could not be accurately determined from the CA of its oxidation, possibly owing to the additional chronoamperometric current generated by the dissolution of the Au electrode. Therefore, the prevention of side reactions is vital for the accurate estimation of D. The proposed method could facilitate future research on molten salts and their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance measures that are commonly used in winter maintenance provide valuable information. However, some metrics are subjective (i.e., visual inspection), rely on historical records, depend on agencies' practices, or only capture specific information. Winter maintenance performance measures are evaluated independently, and relationships among variables are not assessed. Therefore, the metric travel disruption (TD) is proposed in this study to perform a multispectral evaluation with input, output, and outcome-based performance measures to compare salt brine with solid salt applications. The metric TD integrates different sources of information to estimate a continuous performance measure that accounts for storm, vehicle operations, and roadway conditions over time instead of intermittent measurements or one-time observations, such as roadway friction or time to bare/wet. The input performance measures included storm conditions, type of chemical material, frequency of application, and application rate. The output performance measures were the amount of material used and the lane kilometer (miles) covered. The outcome performance measures consisted of time to bare/wet, speed reduction period, speed recovery period, storm impact period, maximum speed reduction, and TD. For salt brine, previous research has shown reduced salt usage, shorter times to bare/wet, and higher friction. However, there are some concerns regarding the operational and safety performance of roadways that are treated with salt brine. Winter treatment field data and vehicle probe data from the National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS) were collected from the study (salt brine) and control (solid salt) routes in Wisconsin. For the amount of salt used, the study routes used 32.6% less overall salt than the control routes per storm. The TD indicated that, on average, there was no statistically significant difference between the study and control routes. Despite the lower amount of salt that was used, roadways that were treated with salt brine had a similar operational performance as roadways that were conventionally treated with solid salt, which made salt brine application a cost-effective strategy. This evaluation demonstrated a multispectral performance evaluation of winter maintenance to appropriately quantify the effectiveness of treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basalt fiber–reinforced polymer (BFRP) is widely used to reinforce concrete due to its high strength, lightweight nature, good corrosion resistance, and low cost. Previous studies have shown that the double-helix BFRP macrofiber has better bond behavior with concrete compared with other types of BFRP fibers. This is attributed to its irregular geometry. The bond-slip behavior between double-helix BFRP macrofiber and concrete is further numerically studied in this study. The corresponding finite-element model is established, and the accuracy of the numerical method is validated by the experimental results based on fiber-matrix pullout tests. The effects of twisted pitches, bundle numbers, and cross-section shapes of the fiber on the bond-slip behavior are extensively investigated and discussed. It is shown by the numerical results that the bond stress and energy-dissipating capacity increase with the decrease of twisted pitches (30, 20, 10, and 5 mm). The bond stress of the fiber with a twisted pitch of 5 mm can be increased by 17.0% at most compared with the fiber with a twisted pitch of 30 mm. Furthermore, it is found that the double-helix BFRP fiber has higher bond stress than the fiber with three or four bundles, with corresponding increases of 11.9% and 16.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNs) have attracted much attention in the field of science and technology for their excellent properties; however, developing a versatile synthesis strategy for the preparation of HCNs remains a great challenge. The successful manipulation of size and shell thickness of HCNs is essential to meet their structural varieties and practical applications. Herein, HCNs were prepared directly from the renewable α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD) by a novel and simple salt-separated strategy with direct carbonization method is reported. The synthesis differs from the traditional template method in that it is characterized by the introduction of salt for separation and protection, the carbonization does not require the passage of protective gas, and the salt can be recycled. Thus, this method is very cost-effective and environmentally benign. In addition, the HCNs size in this system can be adjusted on demand by simply adjusting the concentration of α-CD, thus realizing that the HCNs size is adjustable in the range of 90–700 nm and adjustable shell thickness in the range of 20–250 nm. This work provides a new insight into the preparation of high-performance carbon materials in an environmentally friendly manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of electrocoagulation (EC) was studied by conducting experiments for the removal of Reactive Orange 4 dye from its synthetic aqueous solution. The effect of operational parameters (initial solution pH, current density, inter-electrode distance, electrolysis time and retention time, solution temperature, conductivity and different electrode combinations) on the efficiency of EC was studied and the results were analysed in terms of colour removal efficiency (CRE), electrical energy consumption (EEC) and operating cost (OC). The effect of different anions on the efficiency of EC was studied by conducting experiments with electrolytes containing chloride, sulphate, carbonate and nitrate ions. The characterisation of EC generated sludge was performed using XRD. A maximum CRE of 95% was obtained for EEC of 1.7 kWh/m3 and OC of 0.45 US $/m3. It was found that the addition of electrolyte containing chloride ions resulted in higher CRE (93–95%) compared to electrolytes containing sulphate and carbonate ions as their presence can lead to passivation of the electrode surface & thereby resulting in a reduction in CRE (60% and 41%, respectively). The addition of sodium chloride as an electrolyte resulted in minimum EEC and OC. The Al/Al electrode combination provided the maximum CRE and least EEC & OC. The increase in solution temperature leads to reduction in CRE and CE due to formation of passive layer on the surface of electrodes. However, a reduction in cell potential and EEC was noticed with an increase in solution temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines recommend antihypertensive drug treatment for prehypertensive individuals with blood pressure between 130/80 and 139/89 mm Hg. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of 3 interventions in Chinese prehypertensive adults: salt substitution, antihypertensive drug treatment, and their combination. METHODS: We developed a Markov cohort model to estimate cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a lifetime. Data from the China Kadoorie Biobank informed the simulation. Costs and utilities were drawn from published sources. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of salt substitution alone, antihypertensive drug treatment alone, and a combination of the 2, focusing on the overall prehypertensive population, those at high CVD risk, and different starting ages (40, 50, 60, and 70 years). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated per QALY gained. RESULTS: Salt substitution at age 40 years is the only cost-effective strategy for prehypertensive individuals, with an ICER of $6413.62/QALY. For those at high CVD risk, the combination intervention starting at age 40 years is most cost-effective, with an ICER of $2913.30/QALY. Interventions initiated at younger ages yielded greater CVD reductions and lower ICERs. For example, a combined intervention at age 40 years reduces CVD events by 5.3% with an ICER of $2913.30/QALY, compared with 4.9% and $32 635.33/QALY at age 70 years. These results were consistent across sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In China, replacing usual salt with a salt substitute is more cost-effective than treating prehypertensive individuals over the age of 40 years with antihypertensive drugs. Furthermore, starting intervention at a younger age in prehypertensive adults can result in even greater cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dietary high salt (HS) intake has a strong impact on cardiovascular diseases. Here, we investigated the link between HS-aggravated immune responses and the development of hypertensive vascular disease. METHODS: ApolipoproteinE-deficient mice were transiently treated with HS (1% NaCl) via drinking water for 2 weeks, followed by a washout period, and subsequent Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion (1000 ng/kg per min for 10 days) to induce abdominal aortic aneurysms/dissections and inflammation. RESULTS: While transient HS intake alone triggered nonpathologic infiltration of activated T cells into the aorta, subsequent Ang II infusion increased mortality and the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms/dissections and atherosclerosis compared with hypertensive control mice. There were no differences in blood pressure between both groups. In transient HS-treated hypertensive mice, the aortic injury was associated with increased inflammation, accumulation of neutrophils, monocytes, CD69+CD4+ T cells, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells. Mechanistically, transient HS intake increased expression levels of aortic RORγt as well as splenic CD4+TH17 and CD8+TC1 T cells in Ang II–treated mice. Isolated aortas of untreated mice were incubated with supernatants of TH17, TH1, or TC1 cells polarized in vitro under HS or normal conditions which revealed that secreted factors of HS-differentiated TH17 and TC1 cells, but not TH1 cells accelerated endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that transient HS intake induces a subclinical T-cell–mediated aortic immune response, which is enhanced by Ang II. We propose a 2-hit model, in which HS acts as a predisposing factor to enhance hypertension-induced TH17 and TC1 polarization and aortic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mesozoic arc magmatism in the South Qiangtang terrane displays systematic variations. • The accretion of an oceanic plateau during subduction could explain the variations. • Mesozoic high-Nb mafic rocks are produced from the melt-metasomatized mantle. • Two stages of subduction metasomatism occurred in the north and south, respectively. Subduction-related metasomatism at convergent margins is a crucial process for the lithosphere evolution of the overriding plate. In the central Tibetan Plateau, tectonic transitions and related mantle metasomatism history of the oceanic subduction beneath the South Qiangtang terrane (SQT) remain ambiguous, which impeded understanding the geological evolution of the SQT during the Mesozoic and interpreting the geodynamic process responsible for the Cenozoic post-collisional magmatism. This paper integrated the new and published geochronological and geochemical data from the Jurassic-Cretaceous magmatic rocks in the western part of the SQT to explore the variations of magmatism and processes of mantle modifications. The Jurassic arc magmatism is characterized by the southward younging migration with increasing zircon ε Hf (t) values and the east–west linear distribution of ca. 155–150 Ma slab-derived adakites. After a magmatic gap at ca. 145–130 Ma, the Early Cretaceous magmatism (130–100 Ma) with distinct juvenile isotopic compositions reinitiated firstly in the south of the Jurassic magmatic belt. In comparison, a younger phase of felsic rocks (120–100 Ma) spatially and geochemically overlaps the northern Jurassic granitoids with ancient crustal sources. These spatial–temporal-geochemical covariations of magmatism could be best explained by the southward transference of oceanic subduction at the earliest Cretaceous that was induced by the Jurassic accretion of an oceanic plateau onto the SQT. Under such subduction regimes, several high-Nb mafic rocks in the northern and southern magmatic belts which were formed by partial melting of the slab-melts-metasomatized lithospheric mantle respectively recorded the Jurassic and Cretaceous mantle metasomatism beneath the SQT, based on their spatial and geochemical relationships with two phases of the adakites. Combined with other geological evidence, these results contribute to elucidating the Mesozoic geodynamic evolution of the oceanic subduction beneath the SQT, which further has implications on the deep dynamic processes responsible for post-collisional magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Expansion of economically viable turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) aquaculture depends on access to brackish-cold ground water sources in various parts of the world. Since brackish water sources can adversely affect the physiology and zoo technical performance of fish due to the burden of osmoregulation, dietary salt inclusion can alleviate the negative impacts of low-saline waters in several aquaculture species. This study investigated the effects of increasing dietary salt levels on the growth, feed utilization, body composition, and tissue fatty acid composition of juvenile turbot (initial live weight 120.3 ± 0.03 g/fish). Fish were fed five experimental diets supplemented with varying levels of sodium chloride (1.8–6.4%) or a control diet without salt. Each diet was tested in triplicate tanks for 9 weeks. Results showed that increasing dietary salt intake negatively impacted turbot performance, with significant reductions in weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Dry matter and ash content in the whole body and filet increased quadratically with increasing salt levels, whereas gill moisture and protein content decreased linearly. Furthermore, the nitrogen, lipid, and energy utilization efficiencies decreased with their respective intake and gain levels. Dietary salt significantly influenced the fatty acid profiles of gill, liver, and filet tissues. In the gill, monounsaturated fatty acids (16:1n-7, ΣMUFA) and n-6 PUFA (20:2n-6) increased, whereas EPA and DHA decreased. Liver ΣSFA (16:0, 18:0) increased, and n-3 PUFA (18:3n-3, 20:5n-3) decreased with increasing dietary salt. Filet saturated fatty acids (14:0, 15:0, 17:0) and n-6 PUFA (20:2n-6, 20:4n-6) increased, while n-3 PUFA (18:3n-3, EPA) decreased with dietary salt. DHA levels in filets showed a quadratic increase. Overall, this study shows that increasing dietary salt negatively impacts turbot growth, feed utilization, and tissue fatty acid composition in brackish water, highlighting the need for further studies on salinity management strategies for turbot aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of limestone powder on the chloride ion concentration coefficient of cement pastes, various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mercury-porosimetry (MIP) were employed in this paper. The findings demonstrate that the creation of Friedel's salt is inversely associated with the addition of limestone powder, that is, Friedel's salt production is lessened by adding more limestone powder, however, the coefficient of chloride ion concentration initially decreased and then increased again, as does the porosity, and most likely the pore size as well. The specific surface area of limestone powder has increased, and the content of Friedel's salt increased first and then decreased. However, the shifting trend of Friedel's salt and chloride ion concentration coefficient is in direct opposition, and the pore structure was therefore significantly enhanced. The results of this study offer robust theoretical backing for the inclusion of limestone powder in concrete and provide a positive assessment of its potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pervasive contamination of the environment with microplastics (MPs) poses a significant threat to food safety as MPs enter and move up the food chain. Understanding the exposure route via foodstuffs is essential. In this study, we analyzed MP contamination in commonly available brands of crystal and iodized powder salts from India and Sri Lanka. MPs were isolated and identified using digestion, filtration, microscopy, and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. MPs were more abundant in Indian salt (17.16 ± 8.81 MPs/kg) than in Sri Lankan salt (7.9 ± 6.2 MPs/kg), with crystal salt showing higher MP levels than iodized salt in both countries. Fiber-shaped black and white MPs (< 1 mm) were the most common. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the polymer composition, predominantly polypropylene and polyethylene, in both Indian (56%, 24%) and Sri Lankan (42%, 28%) samples. Based on polymer hazard scores, the chemical risk of salts was categorized as level II (Sri Lanka) and IV (India). If a person consumes 5 g of salt per day (World Health Organization), Indians would ingest 0.085 MPs/day (31.025 MPs/year), and Sri Lankans would consume 0.0395 MPs/day (14.4175 MPs/year). The presence of MPs in salts is likely due to the use of contaminated water in production and specific manufacturing processes. Ingesting MPs through daily salt consumption poses a risk to human health, highlighting the need for measures to protect salt sources and improve production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a mode of therapy in which the patients themselves actively participate in the care of their own disease. We examined a possible association of salt reduction before starting dialysis with PD technique survival. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 42 patients who started PD between April 2014 and March 2018. Participants were allocated to two groups based on their estimated daily salt intake before the initiation of dialysis: patients with an estimated daily salt intake <6 g/day were allocated to the appropriate salt intake group (AS group), while the rest were assigned to the high salt intake group (HS group). Results: During a median follow‐up of 47 months, PD technique survival, defined by death or transition to hemodialysis, was significantly lower in the HS group compared to the AS group. Conclusion: Successful salt reduction before dialysis introduction is associated with better PD technique survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]