Search Results (76)

As China’s third-largest lead–zinc ore field, the Xicheng Ore Field has significant potential for discovering concealed deposits. In this study, a tectono-geochemical survey was conducted, and 1329 composite samples (comprising 5614 subsamples) were collected from the central part of the field. The dataset was analyzed using staged factor analysis (SFA) and concentration–area (C–A) fractal model. Four geochemical factors were extracted from centered log-ratio (CLR)-transformed data: F_2-1 (Ag–Pb–Sb–Hg), F_2-2 (Mo–Sb–(Zn)), F_2-3 (Au–Bi), and F_2-4 (W–Sn). Known Pb–Zn deposits coincide with positive F_2-1 and negative F_2-2 anomalies, as identified by the C–A fractal model, suggesting these factors are reliable indicators of Pb–Zn mineralization. Five Pb–Zn exploration targets were delineated. Statistical analysis and anomaly maps for F_2-3 and F_2-4 also indicate the potential for Au and W mineralization. Notably, some anomalies from different factors spatially overlap, indicating the possibility of epithermal Pb–Zn mineralization at shallow depths and mesothermal to hyperthermal Au and W mineralization at great depths. Overall, the integration of tectono-geochemistry, targeted and composite sampling, SFA, and C–A fractal modeling proves to be an effective and economical approach for identifying and enhancing ore-related geochemical anomalies. Full article

In this work, a novel dual Z-scheme CdS/Ag₂MoO₄/β-Bi₂O₃ (CAB) composite heterojunction was synthesized, with the ultrafine CdS nanoparticles decorating two different-sized particles. In the beginning, the synergistic effect between BO and AMO makes the 10% Ag₂MoO₄/β-Bi₂O₃ (10AB) photocatalyst exhibit an optimal degradation efficiency of 87.1% for methylene blue (MB) of 10 mg·L⁻¹ within 60 min; furthermore, its photocatalytic activity was enhanced by incorporating CdS nanoparticles on the surface of the AB heterojunction. The results showed that the 25% CdS/10% AMO/BO (25C10AB) composite achieved a maximum MB degradation efficiency of 99%. Optical and photoluminescence measurements showed that the dual Z-scheme CAB heterojunction has high crystallinity and efficient charge carrier migration and separation, which makes the samples more efficient for removing pollutants. Theoretical studies (DFT/FEM calculations) were performed to better understand the migration direction of e⁻ and h⁺ in the photocatalytic degradation mechanism. This work provides a feasible approach to obtaining an efficient heterojunction composite photodegradation catalyst. Full article

Chelidonium majus L. is a species with a wide medicinal use, commonly found in anthropogenically degraded habitats, forest edges, and urban parks. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the leaves, stems, and roots of Ch. majus and the soil in its rhizosphere in terms of the content of the main elements (Fe, Ca, P, Mg, Al, Na, K, S), trace elements and rare earth minerals (Ti, Mo, Ag, U, Au, Th, Sb, Bi, V, La, B, W, Sc, Tl, Se, Te, Ga, Cs, Ge, Hf, Nb, Rb, Sn, Ta, Zr, Y, Ce, In, Be, and Li), and their comparison in the parts analyzed. The study was conducted in five urban parks in southern Poland in a historically industrialized area. The results showed that Ca has the highest content among the macroelements. Its leaf content ranges from 24,700 to 40,700 mg·kg⁻¹, while in soil, it ranges from 6500 to 15,000 mg·kg⁻¹. In leaves, low values of Al (100–500 mg·kg⁻¹) and Na (100 mg·kg⁻¹) were found in comparison to the other elements tested, while high values of Al (5100–9800 mg·kg⁻¹) were found in soils. Among the macroelements in the Ch. majus stems, K showed the highest concentration (>100,000 mg·kg⁻¹), while the Ca content was 3–4 times lower in the stems than in the leaves. Rhizomes of Ch. majus accumulate the most K and Ca, in the range of 22,800–29,900 mg·kg⁻¹ and 5400–8900 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. Fe and Al in all locations have higher values in the soil than in the tissues. In turn, the content of Ca, P, Mg, K, and S is higher in plants than in the soil. Determining the elemental content of medicinal plants is important information, as the plant draws these elements from the soil, and, at higher levels of toxicity, it may indicate that the plant should not be taken from this habitat for medicinal purposes. Full article

A new type of CeO₂-modified AgCl catalyst (CeO₂/AgCl) was prepared by a one-step method, which efficiently inhibits the recombination of photogenerated carriers. During the visible-light degradation process, this catalyst exhibited excellent and stable performance. It could not only effectively degrade rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV) but also maintain excellent activity under different environmental conditions. In the RhB degradation experiment in particular, the CeO₂/AgCl-30 composite with the optimal proportion had a degradation rate 5.43 times that of pure AgCl in the seawater system and 9.17 times that of pure AgCl in the deionized water condition, while also showing excellent stability. Through characterization tests such as XRD, XPS and ESR, its crystal structure, elemental composition and so on were analyzed. Based on the characterization results, the CeO₂/AgCl composite showed a relatively wide light absorption range and a relatively high photo-induced charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, it was inferred that the main active species in the reaction process were ·O₂⁻ and ·OH. Finally, based on its electronic band structure, an S-scheme heterojunction structure was proposed. Full article

With the global acceleration of population ageing, cognitive health remains critical to the well-being of older adults. This study aimed to develop and validate Telephone Cognitive Testing for Community-dwelling Older Adults (TCTCOA), a culturally and contextually tailored cognitive assessment tool designed for healthy, community-dwelling older adults in China. TCTCOA included five cognitive domains—episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, executive function, and abstract reasoning and concept formation—assessed using culturally adapted tasks. A sample of 112 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above participated in the study. Sixty-eight participants completed TCTCOA via telephone and face-to-face modalities, alongside the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for validation. Pearson’s correlations, structural validity, and convergent validity were analyzed to evaluate the tool. TCTCOA demonstrated strong correlations between telephone and face-to-face modes (r = 0.72) and moderate correlations with the MoCA. Subtests showed no ceiling or floor effects, and the composite scores followed a normal distribution. The tool’s structural validity was supported by factor analysis, identifying general cognitive ability and efficiency as core components. TCTCOA is a valid, reliable, and accessible telephone-based cognitive assessment tool. It is suitable for healthy older adults in community settings, offering a practical alternative to traditional face-to-face cognitive evaluations. Its design overcomes cultural, educational, and logistical barriers, making it an effective resource for cognitive health monitoring in China. Full article

TiO₂ films and N-doped TiO₂ films modified with silver (Ag/N-TiO₂) were synthesized using DC magnetron sputtering. By varying the N₂ flow rate and the Ag sputtering power, respectively, the degree of doping and modification was managed. The microstructure, morphology, and properties of the thin film were studied using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The results show that TiO₂ in Ag/N-TiO₂ composite has an anatase structure, and the absorption spectrum of (Ag/N-TiO₂) thin film shows a red shift. The best photocatalytic degradation effect regarding the N-TiO₂ films was observed with an N₂ flow rate of 16 sccm (standard cubic per minute). The degradation rate in MO (Methyl orange) pure solution (C₀ = 10 mg/L) can reach 100% in 85 min, and in the MO-Na₂SO₄ mixed solution (C₀ = 10 mg/L, C C_Na2SO4 = 12.5 g/L), it only takes 40 min. Ag/N-TiO₂ films exhibited the highest degradation efficiency at a 5 W sputtering power and 50 s of sputtering time, reaching a 100% degradation rate in MO pure solution that can reach 100% in 50 min, and in the MO-Na₂SO₄ mixed solution, it only takes 36 min. The photocatalytic decomposition of MO was greatly accelerated by the addition of Na₂SO₄, which worked best with a 12.5 g/L concentration. However, when the concentration of Na₂SO₄ is above or below 12.5 g/L, Na₂SO₄ exhibits significant inhibition of photocatalytic degradation. Photocatalytic cycling experiments showed that the photocatalyst still maintained an effective degradation performance after four cycles. The degradation mechanism was analyzed using first-order kinetics and energy band theory. Compared to powder particles, the photocatalyst on the films has high stability and can be recovered 100%. So, photocatalysts on films have great potential for industrial applications. Full article

Water pollution caused by emerging contaminants is increasing due to rising urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture production; therefore, new materials with high efficiency for wastewater decontamination are needed. A perovskite material based on 1% Ag-doped LaMnO₃ synthesized through a sol–gel technique was combined with PVP in a 1:10 (w/w) ratio and subjected to different temperature and microwave conditions at various time intervals. The composite materials were obtained as thin films (S1, S2) or powders (S3) and were analyzed by modern techniques. The SEM analysis showed strongly agglomerated, asymmetric formations for the S1, S2 materials; as for the S3 composite, irregularly shaped grains of perovskite were deposited on the polymer surface. Small, round formations across the surface, mainly organized as clusters with conic/square-shaped particles and observed asperity on top, were highlighted by AFM images. The XRD spectra confirmed the presence of both the perovskite and PVP phases, and the crystallite size of the materials was determined to be in the range of 33–43 nm. The structural analyses, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy proved the interactions between the perovskite and the polymer, which led to novel composite materials. The different methods used for the synthesis of the new materials influenced their features and behavior. Moreover, the composites were successfully tested for methyl orange (MO) elimination from an acidic aqueous solution in dark conditions, with fast and complete (>95%) MO degradation at pH = 2. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess clinical decision-making associated with the use of a multi-analyte blood biomarker (BBM) test among patients presenting with signs or symptoms of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods: The Quality Improvement PrecivityAD2 (QUIP II) Clinician Survey (NCT06025877) study evaluated the clinical utility of the PrecivityAD2™ blood test in a prospective, single cohort of 203 patients presenting with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other causes of cognitive decline across 12 memory specialists. The PrecivityAD2 blood test (C2N Diagnostics, St. Louis, MO) combines the plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and the p-tau217/np-tau217 ratio (%p-tau217) measurements in a statistical algorithm to yield an Amyloid Probability Score 2 (APS2) that informs on the likelihood of brain amyloid plaques. After receiving the BBM test results, clinicians completed surveys on management strategies for each patient. Results: Patients had a median age of 74, 53% were female, and 28% were traditionally under-represented in Black, Hispanic, and Asian groups. The composite primary endpoint, defined as a change in AD diagnostic certainty, drug therapy, or additional brain amyloid evaluation pre- and post-BBM testing, was 75% (p < 0.0001 versus the pre-specified threshold of 20% clinically meaningful change). Anti-AD medication orders decreased among negative APS2 patients and increased among positive APS2 patients (p < 0.0001). Additional brain amyloid testing decreased among negative APS2 patients (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This blood biomarker test can help memory specialists guide patients to anti-AD therapies as well as rule out AD to allow for other diagnostic considerations. Full article

This study investigates the critical relationship between soil characteristics, trace element concentrations in Nebbiolo grapes, and the resulting wine quality, emphasizing the importance of terroir in winemaking. Italy, particularly the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Aosta Valley, is home to Nebbiolo, a prestigious grape variety known for its depth and aging potential in wines like Barolo and Barbaresco. The research focuses on seventeen grape and wine samples, highlighting how soil mineral composition could affect grape composition and wine characteristics. The analysis employed ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry) to measure trace elements such as Al, Ba, and Mn, linking their concentrations to the soil’s geological properties. Elements were categorized into three groups based on their origins—natural soil contributions (Al, Ba, Li, Mn, Mo, Sr, Ti), those influenced by production cycles (Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Zn, Fe), and artificial sources (Co, Cr, Ni, V)—asserting that the first group serves as the most reliable indicators for tracing wines back to their vineyard origins. By establishing a chemical fingerprint for Nebbiolo wines, this research aims to enhance their authenticity and market value while providing insights into the intricate interplay between soil, grape varietals, and winemaking practices and contemporary challenges like climate change and evolving market demands. Full article

The 1500 km-long Gangdese magmatic belt is a crucial region for copper polymetallic mineralization, offering valuable insights into collisional porphyry copper systems. This study focuses on the Demingding deposit, a newly identified occurrence of molybdenum–copper (Mo-Cu) mineralization within the eastern segment of the belt. While the mineralization age, magmatic characteristics, and tectonic context are still under investigation, we examine the deposit’s petrology, zircon U-Pb geochronology, whole-rock chemistry, and Re-Os isotopic data. The Demingding deposit exhibits a typical alteration zoning, transitioning from an inner potassic zone to an outer propylitic zone, which is significantly overprinted by phyllic alteration closely associated with Mo and Cu mineralization. Zircon U-Pb dating of the ore-forming monzogranite porphyries reveals crystallization ages ranging from 21 to 19 Ma, which is indistinguishable within error from the mean Re-Os age of 21.3 ± 0.4 Ma for Mo veins and veinlets hosted by these porphyries. This alignment suggests a late Miocene magmatic event characterized by Mo-dominated mineralization, coinciding with the continuous thickening of the continental crust during the collision of the Indian and Asian continents. The ore-forming porphyries range in composition from granodiorite to monzogranite and are classified as high-K calc-alkaline with adakite-like features, primarily resulting from the partial melting of subduction-modified thickened mafic lower crust. Notably, the ore-forming porphyries exhibit higher fO₂ and H₂O levels than barren porphyries in this area during crustal thickening, highlighting the significant contributions of hydrous and oxidized fluids from their source to the Mo-Cu mineralization process. Regional data indicate that the Gangdese porphyry metallogenic belt experienced concentrated Cu-Mo mineralization between 17 and 13 Ma. The formation of Mo-dominated deposits such as Demingding and Tangbula in the eastern segment of the belt, with slightly older ages around 20 Ma, underscores the presence of a significant porphyry Mo metallogenic event during this critical post-collision mineralization period. Full article

Metal sulfide-based composites have become increasingly common as materials used for electrodes in supercapacitors because of their excellent conductivity, electrochemical activity, and redox capacity. This study synthesized a composite of NiFeS@MoS₂@rGO nanostructure using a simple hydrothermal approach. The synthesized nanocomposite consisted of the composite of nickel sulfide and iron sulfide doped with MoS₂@rGO. A three-electrode cell is employed to investigate the electrochemical properties of the NiFeS@MoS₂@rGO electrode. The results demonstrated an optimal specific capacitance of 3188 F/g at 1.4 A/g in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, a supercapattery is designed utilizing NiFeS@MoS₂@rGO//AC as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode materials. The resulting supercapattery is designed at a cell voltage of 1.6 V, achieving a specific capacity value of 189 C/g at 1.4 A/g. It also demonstrated an excellent energy density of 55 Wh/kg with an enhanced power density of 3800 W/kg. Furthermore, the hybrid device demonstrated remarkable stability with a cycling stability of 95% over 30,000 charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 1.4 A/g. The supercapattery, which has excellent energy storage capabilities, is used as a power source for operating different portable electronic devices. Full article

The Waxing Mo polymetallic deposit is located in the central part of the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Range (LXZR), NE China. The Mo (Cu) mineralization in the deposit is dominantly hosted by quartz veinlets and stockworks and is closely related to silicification and potassic alteration, while the W mineralization is most closely related to greisenization. Zircon samples from granodiorite, biotite monzogranite, granodiorite porphyry, and syenogranite in the Waxing deposit yielded U-Pb ages of 172.3 Ma, 172.8 Ma, 173.0 Ma, and 171.4 Ma, respectively. Six molybdenite samples from porphyry Mo ores yielded a Re-Os isochron age of 172.0 ± 1.1 Ma. The granitoids in the ore district are relatively high in total alkali (Na₂O + K₂O), are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, and are classified as I-type granitoids. The zircon samples from all granitoids showed a relatively consistent Hf isotopic composition, as shown by positive ε_Hf(t) values (3.1–8.3) and young T_DM2 ages (0.69–1.25 Ga). These results, combined with the whole-rock geochemistry, suggest that the magma source of these rocks most likely derived from partial melting of a juvenile middle-lower continental crust, with a minor contribution from the mantle. These granitoids have compositional characteristics of adakites such as relatively high Sr contents (e.g., >400 ppm) and Sr/Y ratios (e.g., >33), as well as weak Eu anomalies (e.g., Eu/Eu* = 0.8–1.1), indicating extensive fractionation crystallization of a hydrous magma. The apatite geochemistry indicates that the ore-related magma in Waxing is F-rich and has a relatively low content of sulfur. The zircon geochemistry reveals that the granodiorite, biotite monzogranite, and granodiorite porphyry have relatively high oxygen fugacity (i.e., ΔFMQ = +1.1~1.3), whereas the fO₂ values of the granite porphyry and syenogranite are relatively low (i.e., ΔFMQ = +0.1~0.5). The whole-rock and mineral geochemistry suggest that the Mo mineralization in Waxing is probably genetically related to granitoids (i.e., granodiorite, biotite monzogranite, and granodiorite porphyry), with higher oxygen fugacity and a high water content, whereas the magmatic S concentration is not the key factor controlling the mineralization. A comparison of the geochemical compositions of ore-forming and barren stocks for porphyry Mo deposits in the LXZR showed that geochemical ratios, including Eu/Eu* (>0.8), 10,000*(Eu/Eu*)/Y (>600), Sr/Y (>33), and V/Sc (>8), could be effective indicators in discriminating fertile granitoids for porphyry Mo deposits from barren ones in the region. Full article

MoS₂ has excellent vacuum lubricating performance. However, it is prone to be oxidized in a high-temperature atmospheric environment, leading to the deterioration of its lubricating performance and even serious space accidents. The high-temperature lubricating performance of MoS₂-based solid lubricating materials can be improved to some extent by the co-compounding of appropriate oxides and Ag. The tribological properties of several common nano-oxides (ZnO, TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and ZrO₂) composited with metal Ag of MoS₂-based composites were compared at 450 °C. The results showed that the comprehensive tribological performance of MoS₂-TiO₂-Ag was the best, an the average friction coefficient of about 0.26, and a wear rate of about 1.2 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/Nm, which was 18% and 43% lower than that of MoS₂-Ag, respectively. The excellent tribological properties of MoS₂-TiO₂-Ag composites were attributed to three aspects: Firstly, with the help of the oxidation resistance of TiO₂ to MoS₂ to some extent and its high ionic potential, its oxidation resistance was improved and its shear strength was reduced to provide low friction. Secondly, relying on the low shear strength and good film-forming tendency of soft metal Ag on the sliding surface, a low shear tribo-film was easily formed on the friction interface, which was helpful for the synergistic lubrication of Ag, MoS₂, and TiO₂.Thirdly, through the matching of hard TiO₂ and soft Ag, the wear resistance and bearing capacity of the composites were improved to some extent. The research results can provide some reference for the selection and design of MoS₂-based high-temperature lubricating materials and the enhancement of their tribological properties. Full article

Physical activity induces modifications in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. However, studies exploring sex-related differences in manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) levels among athletes are scarce. Mn and Mo are essentials metals required for a variety of metabolic functions, including those involved in normal human development, the activation of certain metalloenzymes, energy metabolism, and immune system function. They are important cofactors for a variety of enzymes, including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism. The presence of molybdenum (Mo) is essential for several enzymes, including xanthine oxidase (XO), aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase (SO), and the mitochondrial amidoxime reductase component (mARC). This study aimed to: (a) analyse changes in plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Mn and Mo concentrations throughout a competitive season in men’s and women’s football players, and (b) investigate sex-based discrepancies. A total of 46 football players (22 men: age; 20.62 ± 2.66 years; height; 1.76 ± 0.061 m; weight; 71.50 ± 5.93 kg, and 24 women: age; 23.21 ± 4.11 years; height; 1.65 ± 0.06 m; weight; 59.58 ± 7.17 kg) participated in this study. Three assessments were conducted throughout the competitive season. Data were collected on anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical fitness, female hormones, haematology, and the determination of Mn and Mo in different biological compartments. Regarding Mn, significant sex differences were observed in plasma, urine, and erythrocyte concentrations (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant variations were observed throughout the season in all analysed biological compartments (p < 0.05). Regarding Mo, significant sex differences were reported in plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). Similarly, there were variations throughout the season in all analysed biological compartments (p < 0.05). Plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Mn and Mo concentrations could change during a competitive season in football players. On the other hand, sex differences could exist in plasma, urine, and erythrocyte Mn concentrations in football players. Full article

The increasing demand for high-performance aircraft engines has led to a greater emphasis being placed on advanced sealing coating technologies. Developing long-life, self-lubricating, and wear-resistant coatings is of significant research value. This study focuses on the fabrication of a novel self-lubricating and wear-resistant NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo composite coating. This coating was deposited onto a GH4169 substrate utilizing plasma spraying. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods were employed to characterize the elemental composition and microstructure of the fabricated NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo composite coating. Microhardness measurements across the coating cross-section indicated a gradual increase in hardness from the GH4169 substrate to the NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo coating. The average hardness of the GH4169 substrate was 413.92 HV_0.2, while the CoNiCrAlY bonding layer region exhibited an average hardness of 467.60 HV_0.2. The NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo coating itself demonstrated an average microhardness of 643.22 HV_0.2. Room temperature friction tests indicated that the average coefficient of friction (COF) of the GH4169 substrate was 0.665. In contrast, the NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo coating exhibited a significantly lower average COF of 0.16, representing a 75.94% reduction compared to the uncoated GH4169 substrate. High-temperature friction tests were conducted at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C, indicating average COF values of 0.438, 0.410, and 0.268, respectively, for the NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo coating. Specifically, at 600 °C, the formation of a lubricious NiMoO₄ tribofilm on the coating surface was observed. This tribofilm effectively reduced the wear rate of the GH605 pin to 2.78 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m, highlighting the potential of the NiCoCrAlY-Cr₂O₃-AgMo coating to reduce wear in high-temperature sliding contact applications. Full article