In the present study, to predict the transverse velocity field in the near-wake of laminar flow over a circular cylinder at the Reynolds numbers of 60 and 300, we construct neural networks with instantaneous wall pressures on the cylinder surface as the input variables. For the two-dimensional unsteady flow at $Re=60$, a fully connected neural network (FCNN) is considered. On the other hand, for a three-dimensional unsteady flow at $Re=300$ having spanwise variations, we employ two different convolutional neural networks based on an encoder–FCNN (CNN-F) or an encoder–decoder (CNN-D) structure. Numerical simulations are carried out for both Reynolds numbers to obtain instantaneous flow fields, from which the input and output datasets are generated for training these neural networks. At the Reynolds numbers considered, the neural networks constructed accurately predict the transverse velocity fields in the near-wake over the cylinder using the information of instantaneous wall pressures as the input variables. In addition, at $Re=300$, it is observed that CNN-D shows a better prediction ability than CNN-F. Full article

Food security is a global issue, since it is closely related to human health. Antibiotics play a significant role in animal husbandry owing to their desirable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. However, irrational use of antibiotics has caused serious environmental pollution and food safety problems; thus, the on-site detection of antibiotics is in high demand in environmental analysis and food safety assessment. Aptamer-based sensors are simple to use, accurate, inexpensive, selective, and are suitable for detecting antibiotics for environmental and food safety analysis. This review summarizes the recent advances in aptamer-based electrochemical, fluorescent, and colorimetric sensors for antibiotics detection. The review focuses on the detection principles of different aptamer sensors and recent achievements in developing electrochemical, fluorescent, and colorimetric aptamer sensors. The advantages and disadvantages of different sensors, current challenges, and future trends of aptamer-based sensors are also discussed. Full article

In the present work, functional properties of three different types of regular microreliefs, formed by ball burnishing process on flat surfaces are evaluated. For their estimation, heights and material ratio curve’s criteria were used, according to the international standard ISO 21920-2:2021. The influence of the regular relief’s type and ball burnishing process parameters on the surface functional properties were investigated using full factors experimental design. Based on the obtained results, statistical models were derived that describe the dependencies between the topography characteristics and the regular reliefs’ types and regime parameters of the ball burnishing process. Based on the obtained results, several conclusions have been formulated about the applicability of these standardized methods and criteria for evaluating the functional characteristics of the different types of regular reliefs at the end of the work. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorption in a non-aqueous solution is a potential technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, a non-aqueous solvent, sulfolane and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), was functionalized with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) consisting of choline hydroxide and polyamines diethylenetriamine (DETA) and triethylenetetramine (TETA). The non-aqueous absorbents’ CO₂ absorption ability was investigated in a high-pressure absorption reactor with a variable absorption temperature (303.15–333.15 K) and pressure (350–1400 kPa). The results showed that 2M ChOH:TETA−DMSO solution had the highest CO₂ loading capacity when compared with other screened solutions, such as 2M ChOH:TETA−Sulfolane, 2M ChOH:DETA−DMSO and 2M ChOH:DETA−Sulfolane. It was also found that the absorption capacity increased with increasing pressure and decreased with temperature. The highest CO₂ absorption by 2M ChOH:TETA−DMSO was observed at a partial pressure of 1400 kPa at 303.15 K 1.2507 mol CO₂/mol DES. The use of a non-aqueous solvent in the mixture showed a phase separation phenomenon after the CO₂ absorption reaction due to the formation of insoluble carbamate salt, which was identified through FTIR analysis. These findings suggest that the use of a DES polyamine mixed with a non-aqueous solvent could be a promising solution for CO₂ capture. Full article

We have demonstrated a two-step wet chemical approach for synthesizing ternary Ag/Ag₂S/CdS heterostructures for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The CdS precursor concentrations and reaction temperatures are crucial in determining the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting under visible light excitation. In addition, the effect of operational parameters (such as the pH value, sacrificial reagents, reusability, water bases, and light sources) on the photocatalytic hydrogen production of Ag/Ag₂S/CdS heterostructures was investigated. As a result, Ag/Ag₂S/CdS heterostructures exhibited a 3.1-fold enhancement in photocatalytic activities compared to bare CdS nanoparticles. Furthermore, the combination of Ag, Ag₂S, and CdS can significantly enhance light absorption and facilitate the separation and transport of photogenerated carriers through the surface plasma resonance (SPR) effect. Furthermore, the Ag/Ag₂S/CdS heterostructures in seawater exhibited a pH value approximately 2.09 times higher than in de-ionized water without an adjusted pH value under visible light excitation. The ternary Ag/Ag₂S/CdS heterostructures provide new potential for designing efficient and stable photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Full article

Initially introduced in therapy as immunosuppressants, the selective inhibitors of mTORC1 have been approved for the treatment of solid tumors. Novel non-selective inhibitors of mTOR are currently under preclinical and clinical developments in oncology, attempting to overcome some limitations associated with selective inhibitors, such as the development of tumor resistance. Looking at the possible clinical exploitation in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, in this study we used the human glioblastoma cell lines U87MG, T98G and microglia (CHME-5) to compare the effects of a non-selective mTOR inhibitor, sapanisertib, with those of rapamycin in a large array of experimental paradigms, including (i) the expression of factors involved in the mTOR signaling cascade, (ii) cell viability and mortality, (iii) cell migration and autophagy, and (iv) the profile of activation in tumor-associated microglia. We could distinguish between effects of the two compounds that were overlapping or similar, although with differences in potency and or/time-course, and effects that were diverging or even opposite. Among the latter, especially relevant is the difference in the profile of microglia activation, with rapamycin being an overall inhibitor of microglia activation, whereas sapanisertib was found to induce an M2-profile, which is usually associated with poor clinical outcomes. Full article

Although the main concern of consumers is to reduce the cost of energy consumption, zero-energy buildings are the main concern of governments, which reduce the carbon footprint of the residential sector. Therefore, homeowners are motivated to install distributed renewable energy resources such as solar energy, which includes photovoltaics (PVs), solar concentrators, and energy storage systems (ESSs); these installations are intended to maintain the homeowners’ energy consumption, and the excess energy can be sold to the grid. In light of the comfort consumption suggestions made by users, this paper presents an optimal home energy management (HEM) for zero-energy buildings and low energy consumption. Firstly, this paper proposes a new optimization algorithm called random integer search optimization (RISO). Afterwards, we propose a new objective function to enable zero energy consumption from the grid and lower costs. Therefore, in this study, the primary energy resources for homes are PVs and ESSs, while the grid is on standby during the intermittency of the primary resources. Then, the HEM applies the RISO algorithm for an optimal day-ahead load schedule based on the day-ahead weather forecast and consumers’ comfort time range schedule. The proposed HEM is investigated using a schedule of habits for residential customers living in Hong Kong, where the government subsidizes the excess clean energy from homes to the grid. Three scenarios were studied and compared in this work to verify the effectiveness of the proposed HEM. The results revealed that the load schedule within the comfort times decreased the cost of energy consumption by 25% of the cost without affecting the users’ comfort. Full article

In this study, we report on the development and testing of hydrophobic coatings using cellulose fibers. The developed hydrophobic coating agent secured hydrophobic performance over 120°. In addition, a pencil hardness test, rapid chloride ion penetration test, and carbonation test were conducted, and it was confirmed that concrete durability could be improved. We believe that this study will promote the research and development of hydrophobic coatings in the future. Full article

Waxes, phospholipids, free fatty acids, peroxides, aldehydes, soap, trace metals and moisture present in crude sunflower oil have a negative effect on the oil quality and are, therefore, removed during the refining process. Waxes crystallizing at low temperatures are removed during winterization by cooling and filtration. Waxes have poor filtration characteristics and an industrial filtration process must be enhanced by the use of filtration aids, which improve filter cake structure and properties, and consequently prolong the filtration cycle. Today, traditional filtration aids (diatomite, perlite, etc.) being used in the industry are frequently replaced by cellulose-based aids. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of oil filtration assisted by two cellulose-based filtration aids on the chemical parameters (wax, moisture, phospholipids, soaps, and fatty acids), oil transparency, carotenoids, and Fe and Cu content of sunflower oil obtained in an industrial horizontal pressure leaf filter. In order to investigate the mentioned parameters, the following techniques were used: gravimetric (waxes and moisture content), spectrophotometric (phospholipids and carotenoid content and oil transparency), volumetric (soaps and free fatty acids content) as well as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Fe and Cu content. An artificial neural network model (ANN) was employed for the prediction of removal efficiency based on the chemical quality, oil transparency, Fe and Cu content in oils before filtration, as well as filtration aid quantity and filtration time. Cellulose-based filtration aids had multiple beneficial effects; on average, 99.20% of waxes, 74.88% of phospholipids, 100% of soap, 7.99% of carotenoids, 16.39% of Fe and 18.33% of Cu were removed. Full article

The digital transformation of agriculture can support economic growth and food and nutrition security in Africa. The objectives of this study were to provide an overview of the status of digital agriculture in five West African countries, analyze their efforts in developing the enabling environment and innovations, and formulate recommendations based on the identified gaps for the effective transformation of the sector. For this purpose, a literature search was performed using various sources, including web pages and databases of national agricultural and digital transformation institutions and start-ups of the five target countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria) and regional/international institutions. The information retrieved was used for individual country and cross-country comparative analysis of the progress and propositions of feasible actions for improvements. The results showed increasing agri-digital initiatives in the five countries, which were grouped into seven categories based on their objectives. Steady progress was also observed in mobile internet adoption, despite the differences in deploying crucial infrastructure to promote digital agriculture. The mobile connectivity index (MCI) in all five countries is below 60. Nonetheless, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire demonstrated more efforts in internet and electricity access, especially in rural areas. Benin and Nigeria have developed separate documents depicting the roadmap for digital agriculture, while the other countries are working to create one or have it embedded in their national development plans. Similarities and specificities exist among countries for laws and processes protecting agri-digital innovators. To be competitive and self-reliant in the global e-economy, these countries must reposition themselves to accelerate changes in digital agriculture through effective governance and synergy of actions in different sectors and across nations. Full article

The study aims to evaluate the applicability of the slurry-TXRF method for estimating background contents and ecological indices in a rapid and convenient way. For this reason, the agricultural soils of the Itata Valley were used as a case study, where 48 soil samples were collected and analyzed. This rapid, minimally sample-intensive, and simultaneous multi-element quantification technique presented high accuracy but lower precision (approx. 20% RSD) compared to the classic total reflection X-ray fluorescence and flame/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry methods, which require sample digestion. Due to the analytical characteristics of Slurry-TXRF, it can be concluded that the lower precision is likely compensated for, and this method represents a valuable alternative for the rapid and efficient assessment of trace element contamination in agricultural soils. The regional median concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd in the Itata Valley surface soils were found to be 63.7, 9.57, 31.0, 41.1, and 0.56 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, with corresponding upper limits of 47.6, 6.82, 17.0, 30.7, and 0.284 mg kg⁻¹. The ecological indices, including the geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, enrichment factor, and degree of contamination, suggest moderate levels of contamination in the region. Full article

The finite element error and adaptive analysis are implemented in finite element procedures to increase the reliability of numerical analyses. In this paper, the mesh-free error-recovery technique based on moving least squares (MLS) interpolation is applied to recover the errors in the stresses and displacements of incompressible elastic finite element solutions and errors are estimated in energy norms. The effects of element types (triangular and quadrilateral elements) and the formation of patches (mesh-free patch, mesh-dependent element-based patch, and mesh-dependent node-based patch) for error recovery in MLS and conventional least-square interpolation-error quantification are also assessed in this study. Numerical examples of incompressible elasticity, including a problem with singularity, are studied to display the effectiveness and applicability of the mesh-free MLS interpolation-error recovery technique. The mixed formulation (displacement and pressure) is adopted for a finite element analysis of the incompressible elastic problem. The rate of convergence, the effectivity of the error estimation, and modified meshes for desired accuracy are used to assess the effectiveness of the error estimators. The error-convergence rates are computed in the original FEM solution, in the post-processed solution using mesh-free MLS-based displacement, stress recovery, mesh-dependent patch-based least-square-based displacement, and stress recovery (ZZ) as (0.9777, 2.2501, 2.0012, 1.6710 and 1.5436), and (0.9736, 2.0869, 1.6931, 1.8806 and 1.4973), respectively, for four-node quadrilateral, and six-node triangular meshes. It is concluded that displacement-based recovery was more effective in the finite element incompressible elastic analysis than stress-based recovery using mesh-free and mesh-dependent patches. Full article

The rapid increase in mobile phone usage among Gen Z online gamers has become more prevalent due to the pandemic. However, the limited processing power of mobile devices has prompted the need for alternative solutions, such as cloud gaming. As an alternative, cloud gaming could be used to lessen the expenses and have the processing power of a high-end computer. Cloud gaming allows users to stream games on various devices, including low-end devices such as smartphones and older computers. This extends the lifecycle of hardware by enabling users to access the latest games without the need for constant hardware upgrades. As a result, e-waste generation decreases, reducing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of gaming hardware. This study aimed to determine the acceptance of Gen Z towards cloud gaming as a potential solution in achieving sustainability in the digital gaming industry. The extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was utilized to explore the potential for cloud gaming adoption in the Philippines and the attitudes of Gen Z towards this technology. It was found out that for the average Filipino user, attitude plays the highest significant role in cloud gaming adoption. On the other hand, perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use were found to have a significant influence on attitude, which in turn, affects the behavioral intention to use cloud gaming among Gen Z. Thus, cloud gaming presents a promising avenue for sustainability in the gaming industry, combining energy efficiency, resource optimization, reduced e-waste, and improved accessibility. Full article

Entropy density behavior poses many problems when we study non-equilibrium situations. In particular, the local equilibrium hypothesis (LEH) has played a very important role and is taken for granted in non-equilibrium problems, no matter how extreme they are. In this paper we would like to calculate the Boltzmann entropy balance equation for a plane shock wave and show its performance for Grad’s 13-moment approximation and the Navier–Stokes–Fourier equations. In fact, we calculate the correction for the LEH in Grad’s case and discuss its properties. Full article

Zebrafish has become an essential model organism in modern biomedical research. Owing to its distinctive features and high grade of genomic homology with humans, it is increasingly employed to model diverse neurological disorders, both through genetic and pharmacological intervention. The use of this vertebrate model has recently enhanced research efforts, both in the optical technology and in the bioengineering fields, aiming at developing novel tools for high spatiotemporal resolution imaging. Indeed, the ever-increasing use of imaging methods, often combined with fluorescent reporters or tags, enable a unique chance for translational neuroscience research at different levels, ranging from behavior (whole-organism) to functional aspects (whole-brain) and down to structural features (cellular and subcellular). In this work, we present a review of the imaging approaches employed to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying functional, structural, and behavioral alterations of human neurological diseases modeled in zebrafish. Full article

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) experience communication difficulties and receive speech–language therapy (SLT) services in public schools and/or private clinics in Cyprus. This study aims to analyze the context and content of communication between parents/guardians (P/Gs) and speech-language therapists (SLTs) in private practice. The conducted cross-sectional study utilized nonprobability convenience sampling to recruit P/Gs of children with DLD. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, the context of communication, topics discussed, and collaboration level with the SLTs. A total of 189 P/Gs participated, of which 84.1% were married, 79.4% were mothers, and 52.4% held at least a college/university degree. Mothers primarily communicated with SLTs in the setting, discussing their children’s performance, progress, behavior, difficulties, and homework. However, 48.7% felt well-informed, 47.1% fully understood their children’s goals, 55.6% received thorough briefings from SLTs, 51.3% observed at least a portion of the therapy session, and 77.8% received at least an adequate amount of homework. Additionally, 73.6% reported the use of technology during SLT, and 74.5% expressed good/great satisfaction with their children’s progress. Of the 31.1% reporting difficulties, 64.3% mentioned some difficulties related to homework completion and the children’s behavior. The proposed solutions included increased SLT briefings, training, and P/Gs observing therapy sessions. Full article

Electrochemotherapy is a local ablative therapy used for the treatment of various superficial and deep-seated tumors. Electrochemotherapy involves the application of electric pulses locally to tumors to destabilize cell membranes and facilitate the entry of cytotoxic drugs, thereby enhancing their cytotoxicity locally. The aim of our study is to investigate the safety and feasibility of electrochemotherapy in patients with vulvar cancer recurrence used for nonpalliative purposes. Ten patients with single local vulvar cancer recurrence were treated with intravenous bleomycin, followed by a local application of electric pulses (electrochemotherapy) to the tumor. Adverse events were determined using the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The feasibility of treating vulvar cancer with electrochemotherapy was determined by an appropriate selection of electrodes based on the size and location of the tumor with safety margins included. Electrochemotherapy was feasible in all patients. No electrochemotherapy-related or other serious adverse events occurred. Our data suggest that electrochemotherapy is a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of vulvar cancer recurrence for nonpalliative purposes. Based on our results, electrochemotherapy might be a viable therapeutic tool for patients who would otherwise undergo surgery involving a mutilation of the external genitalia. Full article

To develop medical-grade stainless-steel 316L implants that are biocompatible, non-toxic and antibacterial, such implants need to be coated with biomaterials to meet the current demanding properties of biomedical materials. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is commonly used as a bone implant coating due to its excellent biocompatible properties. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are added to HA to increase its antibacterial and cohesion properties. The specimens were made of a stainless-steel grade 316 substrate coated with HA-ZnO using the electrophoretic deposition technique (EPD), and were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), stylus profilometry, electrochemical corrosion testing and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, cross-hatch tests, cell viability assays, antibacterial assessment and in vitro activity tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) were performed. The results showed that the HA-ZnO coating was uniform and resistant to corrosion in an acceptable range. FTIR confirmed the presence of HA-ZnO compositions, and the in vitro response and adhesion were in accordance with standard requirements for biomedical materials. Cell viability confirmed the viability of cells in an acceptable range (>70%). In addition, the antibacterial activity of ZnO was confirmed on Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, the HA-ZnO samples are recommended for biomedical applications. Full article

An 11-month-old castrated male Pomeranian presented with nonunion following a femoral fracture that occurred after femoral head and neck osteotomy. Radiography and computed tomography revealed severe atrophy of the proximal bone fragment and retardation of the ipsilateral distal fragment and tibia. An autogenous bone graft using coccygeal bone was performed, in which three and a half coccyges were placed in succession and fixed using an orthogonal locking plate. To promote bone healing and facilitate proper weight bearing and ambulation, bone morphogenetic proteins, biphasic calcium phosphate, platelet-rich plasma, passive-range-of-motion exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and low-level laser therapy were applied. During the four-year follow-up, it was observed that the previously engrafted bone healed well and maintained stability over a prolonged period, resulting in the patient being able to walk comfortably with good outcomes. However, some degree of lameness was noted in the dog when running owing to limb shortening and joint contracture. Full article

Leaf wettability, the affinity of a leaf surface to water droplets, affects the interactions between leaves and external environments. This study aimed to determine the interspecific and seasonal variabilities of leaf wettability across 30 common landscape plants, and their relationships with leaf functional traits, surface micromorphology and rainfall interception in Hefei city, China. Results indicated that leaf wettability was species-specific, and the adaxial and abaxial contact angles ranged from 63° to 134° and 66° to 134°, respectively, with the adaxial surface proving more wettable. Leaf wettability gradually increased from spring to winter. Classification of life forms revealed that there were no significant wettability differences among trees, shrubs and herbs, and between evergreen and deciduous plants, but deciduous plants’ wettability increased more significantly in winter. Leaf wettability was not significantly correlated with any leaf functional traits. Single surface microscopic parameters also had low correlations with leaf wettability. Instead, the low-wettability species were found to possess more prominent epidermis cells, dense waxy layers or trichomes on leaf surfaces. Leaf wettability was the best predictor of surface rainwater storage within all functional traits. Our results highlighted that leaf wettability was variable between different species and growth periods due to micromorphological differences, and significantly affected rainfall interception at the leaf scale, which may have great significance for evaluating plant hydrological function in urban areas. Full article

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and, when dysregulated, may cause serious complications. Losartan (LOS) blocks relevant physiological aspects of hypertension, acting mainly on the reduction of peripheral vascular resistance. Complications of hypertension include nephropathy, in which diagnosis is based on the observation of functional or structural renal dysfunction. Therefore, blood pressure control is essential to attenuate the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, ¹H NMR metabolomics were used to differentiate hypertensive and chronic renal patients. Plasmatic levels of LOS and EXP3174, obtained by liquid chromatography coupled with mass-mass spectroscopy, were correlated with blood pressure control, biochemical markers and the metabolomic fingerprint of the groups. Some biomarkers have been correlated with key aspects of hypertension and CKD progression. For instance, higher levels of trigonelline, urea and fumaric acid were found as characteristic markers of kidney failure. In the hypertensive group, the urea levels found could indicate the onset of kidney damage when associated with uncontrolled blood pressure. In this sense, the results point to a new approach to identify CKD in early stages and may contribute to improving pharmacotherapy and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension and CKD. Full article

Hydrogels are very attractive materials due to their multifunctional properties. Many natural polymers, such as polysaccharides, are used for the preparation of hydrogels. The most important and commonly used polysaccharide is alginate because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. Since the properties of alginate hydrogel and its application depend on numerous factors, this study aimed to optimize the gel composition to enable the growth of inoculated cyanobacterial crusts for suppressing the desertification process. The influence of alginate concentration (0.1–2.9%, m/v) and CaCl₂ concentration (0.4–4.6%, m/v) on the water-retaining capacity was analyzed using the response surface methodology. According to the design matrix, 13 formulations of different compositions were prepared. The water-retaining capacity was defined as the system response maximized in optimization studies. The optimal composition of hydrogel with a water-retaining capacity of about 76% was obtained using 2.7% (m/v) alginate solution and 0.9% (m/v) CaCl₂ solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used for the structural characterization of the prepared hydrogels, while the water content and swelling ratio of hydrogels were determined using gravimetric methods. It was concluded that alginate and CaCl₂ concentrations play the most important role regarding the gelation time, homogeneity, water content, and swelling ratio of the hydrogel. Full article

The Sijiaying iron deposit is located in the Eastern Hebei area of the southern section of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) and is the largest single iron deposit in China. The deposit contains many banded iron formations (BIFs) and was proven to have more than 3 million tons of high-grade iron ore resources. This study carried out geochemistry and zircon U–Pb analysis of normal-grade iron ore, high-grade iron ore, and wall rock (biotite–leptynite, chlorite–sericite schist) in the Sijiaying deposit and discussed the genesis and metallogenic age of high-grade iron ore. BIFs have low concentrations of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ and high field strength element (HFSE) depletion, indicating almost no contamination via terrestrial debris. The standardized post-Archean Australian shale (PAAS) rare earth element (REE) distribution pattern indicates that the iron formation exhibits positive Eu, Y, and heavy rare earth element (HREE) anomalies and lacks negative Ce anomalies, indicating that the Sijiaying BIF was enriched with iron sources via high-temperature hydrothermal fluids from the seabed and deposited in an anoxic ancient marine environment. In addition, geological field work identified two types of high-grade iron ore in the mining area: primitive sedimentary and hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore. Further ore geochemical research showed that the primitive sedimentary-type iron ore is similar in geochemistry to the BIF. In addition to low Eu/Eu* values, the hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore shows geochemical characteristics similar to those of the BIF, suggesting that they share the same iron source but did not form at the same time. The total large ion lithophile element (LILE) (Sr, Ba, Pb) contents in primitive sedimentary-type high-grade iron ore are higher than those in hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore, indicating that LILEs are carried away via fluids during the hydrothermal alteration process in normal-grade iron ore. The geochemical characteristics of biotite–leptynite and chlorite–sericite schist include high contents of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, light rare earth elements (LREEs), LILE enrichment (Rb, Ba, Sr, Zr), and HFSE depletion (Nb, Ta, P, Ti), characteristics that are similar to island arc volcanic rocks. The reconstruction of the original rock indicates that the wall rock is a product of volcanic sedimentary cycles in an island arc setting. Zircon cathodoluminescence images and LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating can be divided into four age groups (3283 Ma, 2547 Ma, 2500 Ma, and 2407 Ma), which correspond to the earliest volcanic activity in eastern Hebei, the main mineralization age of the Sijiaying BIF (the mineralization age of primitive sedimentary high-grade iron ore), a regional tectonic–metamorphic event, and the occurrence of migmatization (the mineralization age of hydrothermally altered high-grade iron ore), respectively. Therefore, the Sijiaying BIF and primitive sedimentary high-grade iron ores were deposited and mineralized at 2547 Ma, and the iron orebody was later altered via the hydrothermal solution at 2407 Ma, forming large-scale high-grade iron ores. Full article