基于SSD与FaceNet的人脸识别系统设计

人脸识别技术广泛应用于考勤管理、移动支付等智慧建设中。伴随着常态化的口罩干扰,传统人脸识别算法已无法满足实际应用需求,为此,本文利用深度学习模型SSD以及FaceNet模型对人脸识别系统展开设计。首先,为消除现有数据集中亚洲人脸占比小造成的类内间距变化差距不明显的问题,在CAS-IA Web Face公开数据集的基础上对亚洲人脸数据进行扩充;其次,为解决不同口罩样式对特征提取的干扰,使用SSD人脸检测模型与DLIB人脸关键点检测模型提取人脸关键点,并利用人脸关键点与口罩的空间位置关系,额外随机生成不同的口罩人脸,组成混合数据集;最后,在混合数据集上进行模型训练并将训练好的模型移植到人脸识别系统中,进行检测速度与识别精度验证。实验结果表明,系统的实时识别速度达20 fps以上,人脸识别模型准确率在构建的混合数据集中达到97.1%,在随机抽取的部分LFW数据集验证的准确率达99.7%,故而该系统可满足实际应用需求,在一定程度上提高人脸识别的鲁棒性与准确性。

MinerGeochem V1.0:一个全新的矿物地球化学数据信息系统

矿物是人类认识地球及地外天体的一把钥匙。随着现代原位分析技术的快速发展,矿物地球化学数据呈现指数增长,积累了大量数据,但这些数据结构复杂,且无统一的标准和格式,阻碍了矿物大数据的再利用和相关的对比研究。鉴于矿物地球化学数据对解决各类地球科学问题的优势,以及它们复杂的数据结构和体量呈指数增长的趋势,本研究基于计算机信息技术、Web应用、关系数据库、GIS等开发了一个矿物地球化学数据信息系统(MinerGeochem)。该系统由信息硬件基础设施、操作系统/数据库系统、服务组件和应用模块组成。功能模块有用户管理模块、网站内容版块、数据管理版块、记录管理版块、系统配置版块、GIS数据可视化和数据导入导出等模块组成。数据维度有矿床数据、矿物数据、实验数据和文献数据四类数据结构,每类数据包含多个属性,数据通过其属性相关联,实现了任一数据属性的搜索和获取。数据标准化及数据上传采用Excel模版批量处理,简单快捷。MinerGeochem界面简单,使用方便,有望成为地学数据库的重要组成部分,为地学工作者提供数据支持。

基于YOLO5Face重分布的小尺度人脸检测方法

针对复杂场景下小尺度人脸检测精度较低的问题,提出了一种基于YOLO5Face重分布的小尺度人脸检测方法。方法以YOLO5Face为基础,在网络浅层引入改进的CBAM注意力并对模型计算重分布,提升复杂场景下小尺度人脸检测精度的同时降低模型参数量;采用融合mixup的数据增强方法,充分训练模型小尺度人脸检测分支;依据人脸检测特性,将softmax损失作为分类损失以最大化类间特征的差异。在WiderFace各个子集上的实验结果表明,与主流人脸检测方法相比,改进后的模型满足实时性的同时,小尺度人脸检测精度较高,其中Hard子集检测精度比YOLO5Face提升2个百分点。

Wettability of different clay mineral surfaces in shale:Implications from molecular dynamics simulations

Shale contains a lot of clay minerals. Clay minerals mainly exist in nano- and micro-meter sized particles, and the pore structure is complex, which leads to its extremely complex wettability. The surface wettability of clay minerals significantly affects the oil and gas-bearing capacity of shale reservoirs. Therefore, studying the wettability of common clay minerals in shale at the nanoscale is of great significance for shale hydrocarbon exploration and development. In this study, the wetting behavior of water in n-hexane and toluene on different clay mineral surfaces at the nanoscale was systematically studied using Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. And the influencing factors of wettability were analyzed. Through the analysis of the morphological changes of water, relative concentration of water, RDF and interaction energy, it is concluded that the following order of water wettability on the surfaces of clay minerals: montmorillonite > chlorite > kaolinite > illite. Through the analysis of interaction energy, it is concluded that the hydrophilicity of four clay minerals is stronger than that of lipophilicity. And the main interactions between water and oil and the mineral surfaces were van der Waals force and electrostatic force. In addition, the temperature, liquid hydrocarbon type, and mineralization of water affected the wettability of clay minerals. The concentration of water on the surfaces of montmorillonite, kaolinite, and illite decreased with increasing temperature, and the water wettability decreased. At 298 K, the hydrophilicity of the surfaces of the clay minerals in toluene follows the order montmorillonite > chlorite > kaolinite > illite. The higher the NaHCO3 concentration in water, the weaker the wettability of the clay mineral surfaces to water. By comparing the previous experimental results with the MD simulation results, similar wetting characteristics were obtained, and the reliability of the simulation results was verified. MD simulation was used to explore the water wetting of the surfaces of four clay minerals in a shale reservoir from the micro level. This makes up for the lack of experimental means for clarifying the flow and production mechanisms of shale oil and gas and effectively improves the evaluation technology of shale.

VR/AR-AdaptFace:面向虚拟现实与增强现实的自适应多模态面部替换模型

随着VR/AR技术的迅猛发展,用户对于沉浸式体验的需求日益增长。同时,虚拟人脸技术亦趋成熟。基于此,本文探索将高度拟真的虚拟人脸融入VR/AR,以增强用户体验的自然度与沉浸感。然而,在虚拟数字人领域,图像生成及换脸技术在VR/AR环境下仍遇诸多挑战,尤其是唇形合成模型在动态场景及多语言环境下的性能需进一步优化。为解决上述问题,本文提出VR/AR-AdaptFace模型,一个面向虚拟现实与增强现实的自适应多模态面部替换方案。该模型由两大模块构成:“文颜绘真”模块,采用先进的文本至图像转换技术和特定类别先验保存策略,优化虚拟人脸生成,并通过注意力机制大幅提升图像质量;“语唇映生”模块,依托强大的生成器、唇形同步判别器及视觉质量判别器,实现语音与唇形的精准同步,为VR/AR场景中的动态交互带来更加逼真的体验。

High-pressure minerals and new lunar mineral changesite-(Y) in Chang’e-5 regolith

Forty-five years after the Apollo and Luna missions, China’s Chang’e-5 (CE-5) mission collected ∼1.73 kg of new lunar materials from one ofthe youngest basalt units on the Moon. The CE-5 lunar samples provide opportunities to address some key scientific questions related to theMoon, including the discovery of high-pressure silica polymorphs (seifertite and stishovite) and a new lunar mineral, changesite-(Y). Seifertitewas found to be coexist with stishovite in a silica fragment from CE-5 lunar regolith. This is the first confirmed seifertite in returned lunarsamples. Seifertite has two space group symmetries (Pnc2 and Pbcn) and formed from an α-cristobalite-like phase during “cold” compressionduring a shock event. The aftershock heating process changes some seifertite to stishovite. Thus, this silica fragment records different stagesof an impact process, and the peak shock pressure is estimated to be ∼11 to 40 GPa, which is much lower than the pressure condition forcoexistence of seifertite and stishovite on the phase diagram. Changesite-(Y), with ideal formula (Ca_(8)Y)◻Fe^(2+)(PO_(4))_(7) (where ◻ denotes avacancy) is the first new lunar mineral to be discovered in CE-5 regolith samples. This newly identified phosphate mineral is in the form ofcolumnar crystals and was found in CE-5 basalt fragments. It contains high concentrations of Y and rare earth elements (REE), reaching upto ∼14 wt. % (Y,REE)2O3. The occurrence of changesite-(Y) marks the late-stage fractional crystallization processes of CE-5 basalts combinedwith silicate liquid immiscibility. These new findings demonstrate the significance of studies on high-pressure minerals in lunar materials andthe special nature of lunar magmatic evolution.

Probabilistic analysis of tunnel face seismic stability in layered rock masses using Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel

Face stability is an essential issue in tunnel design and construction.Layered rock masses are typical and ubiquitous;uncertainties in rock properties always exist.In view of this,a comprehensive method,which combines the Upper bound Limit analysis of Tunnel face stability,the Polynomial Chaos Kriging,the Monte-Carlo Simulation and Analysis of Covariance method(ULT-PCK-MA),is proposed to investigate the seismic stability of tunnel faces.A two-dimensional analytical model of ULT is developed to evaluate the virtual support force based on the upper bound limit analysis.An efficient probabilistic analysis method PCK-MA based on the adaptive Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel is then implemented to investigate the parameter uncertainty effects.Ten input parameters,including geological strength indices,uniaxial compressive strengths and constants for three rock formations,and the horizontal seismic coefficients,are treated as random variables.The effects of these parameter uncertainties on the failure probability and sensitivity indices are discussed.In addition,the effects of weak layer position,the middle layer thickness and quality,the tunnel diameter,the parameters correlation,and the seismic loadings are investigated,respectively.The results show that the layer distributions significantly influence the tunnel face probabilistic stability,particularly when the weak rock is present in the bottom layer.The efficiency of the proposed ULT-PCK-MA is validated,which is expected to facilitate the engineering design and construction.

Systemic modulation of skeletal mineralization by magnesium implant promoting fracture healing: Radiological exploration enhanced with PCA-based machine learning in a rat femoral model

The clinical application of magnesium(Mg)and its alloys for bone fractures has been well supported by in vitro and in vivo trials.However,there were studies indicating negative effects of high dose Mg intake and sustained local release of Mg ions on bone metabolism or repair,which should not be ignored when developing Mg-based implants.Thus,it remains necessary to assess the biological effects of Mg implants in animal models relevant to clinical treatment modalities.The primary purpose of this study was to validate the beneficial effects of intramedullary Mg implants on the healing outcome of femoral fractures in a modified rat model.In addition,the mineralization parameters at multiple anatomical sites were evaluated,to investigate their association with healing outcome and potential clinical applications.Compared to the control group without Mg implantation,postoperative imaging at week 12 demonstrated better healing outcomes in the Mg group,with more stable unions in 3D analysis and high-mineralized bridging in 2D evaluation.The bone tissue mineral density(TMD)was higher in the Mg group at the non-operated femur and lumbar vertebra,while no differences between groups were identified regarding the bone tissue volume(TV),TMD and bone mineral content(BMC)in humerus.In the surgical femur,the Mg group presented higher TMD,but lower TV and BMC in the distal metaphyseal region,as well as reduced BMC at the osteotomy site.Principal component analysis(PCA)-based machine learning revealed that by selecting clinically relevant parameters,radiological markers could be constructed for differentiation of healing outcomes,with better performance than 2D scoring.The study provides insights and preclinical evidence for the rational investigation of bioactive materials,the identification of potential adverse effects,and the promotion of diagnostic capabilities for fracture healing.

Clay mineral compositions in the surface sediment of the Chanthaburi coast(northeastern Gulf of Thailand)and their implications on sediment provenance

Clay mineral composition represents an important tracer of sediment source area,migration processes,and paleoclimatic conditions.Clay mineral analysis was performed on 15 surface sediment samples collected from the coast of Chanthaburi,Thailand.Results show that the composition of clay minerals in the study area differs substantially from that in surrounding regions of the Gulf of Thailand.The clay minerals of the Chanthaburi coast are dominated by kaolinite(~56%),followed by smectite(~21%),illite(~14%),and low concentrations of chlorite(~8%).The average illite chemistry index and crystallinity are 0.93 and 0.32,respectively.Comparative analysis of the clay mineral composition of surface sediments in several typical areas around the Gulf of Thailand indicated that the clays of the Chanthaburi coast are mainly derived from parent rock weathering in the small watersheds of the Chanthaburi and Welu rivers and the surrounding islands.Terrestrial input from the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand(excluding the Mekong River)was previously considered negligible;however,the present results indicate that such input has impact on the eastern Gulf of Thailand.The warm humid climatic conditions in Southeast Asia are the primary factors that affect the strong chemical weathering in the study area,followed by the nature of the parent rock.

Rock mass quality prediction on tunnel faces with incomplete multi-source dataset via tree-augmented naive Bayesian network

Rock mass quality serves as a vital index for predicting the stability and safety status of rock tunnel faces.In tunneling practice,the rock mass quality is often assessed via a combination of qualitative and quantitative parameters.However,due to the harsh on-site construction conditions,it is rather difficult to obtain some of the evaluation parameters which are essential for the rock mass quality prediction.In this study,a novel improved Swin Transformer is proposed to detect,segment,and quantify rock mass characteristic parameters such as water leakage,fractures,weak interlayers.The site experiment results demonstrate that the improved Swin Transformer achieves optimal segmentation results and achieving accuracies of 92%,81%,and 86%for water leakage,fractures,and weak interlayers,respectively.A multisource rock tunnel face characteristic(RTFC)dataset includes 11 parameters for predicting rock mass quality is established.Considering the limitations in predictive performance of incomplete evaluation parameters exist in this dataset,a novel tree-augmented naive Bayesian network(BN)is proposed to address the challenge of the incomplete dataset and achieved a prediction accuracy of 88%.In comparison with other commonly used Machine Learning models the proposed BN-based approach proved an improved performance on predicting the rock mass quality with the incomplete dataset.By utilizing the established BN,a further sensitivity analysis is conducted to quantitatively evaluate the importance of the various parameters,results indicate that the rock strength and fractures parameter exert the most significant influence on rock mass quality.

On the impact of grinding conditions in the flotation of semi-soluble salt-type mineral-containing ores driven by surface or particle geometry effects?

Grinding and flotation processes are often studied independently, despite the well-established grinding influence on flotation performance, which affects not only particle size and thus liberation but also shape and leads to complex changes in pulp chemistry affecting the particle surface properties relevant for selective bubble attachment. Yet, no study jointly investigated these possible causes and many are limited to single mineral flotation. We relate grinding conditions to changes in pulp chemistry and particle surface properties and assess their impact on upgrading. We studied three non-sulfide ores with different feed grades and valuables: scheelite, apatite, and fluorite. These were dry-, wet-, and wet conditionedground before flotation in a laboratory mechanical cell. Results were evaluated with bulk-and particle-specific methodologies. The selectivity of the process is higher after dry grinding for the fluorite and apatite ores and irrelevant for the scheelite ore. Variations in flotation kinetics of individual particles associated to their size and shape are not sufficient to explain these results. The higher concentration of Ca2+and Mg2+observed in the pulp after wet grinding, altering particle surface properties, better explains the phenomenon. Additionally, we demonstrate how particle shape impacts are system specific and related to both entrainment and true flotation.

A review of in situ carbon mineralization in basalt

Global warming has greatly threatened the human living environment and carbon capture and storage(CCS)technology is recognized as a promising way to reduce carbon emissions.Mineral storage is considered a reliable option for long-term carbon storage.Basalt rich in alkaline earth elements facilitates rapid and permanent CO_(2) fixation as carbonates.However,the complex CO_(2)-fluid-basalt interaction poses challenges for assessing carbon storage potential.Under different reaction conditions,the carbonation products and carbonation rates vary.Carbon mineralization reactions also induce petrophysical and mechanical responses,which have potential risks for the long-term injectivity and the carbon storage safety in basalt reservoirs.In this paper,recent advances in carbon mineralization storage in basalt based on laboratory research are comprehensively reviewed.The assessment methods for carbon storage potential are introduced and the carbon trapping mechanisms are investigated with the identification of the controlling factors.Changes in pore structure,permeability and mechanical properties in both static reactions and reactive percolation experiments are also discussed.This study could provide insight into challenges as well as perspectives for future research.

Clay mineral distribution characteristics of surface sediments in the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Clay minerals are usually considered as important indicators to identify sources in both terrigenous and marine sediments.In particular,clay minerals in metalliferous sediments(MS)have long been studied in global oceans except in South Mid-Atlantic Ridge(SMAR)due to limited explorations.Thus,32 MS and 34 non-MS(NMS)samples were analyzed to clarify the distribution characteristics and mineral compositions of clay minerals.All the sediments were collected along the SMAR between 12°S and 27°S.After removal of organic matter and carbonate,clay fractions(<2μm)were investigated by Xray diffraction(XRD)analysis.Results show that clay mineral assemblages of surface MS consist dominantly of smectite,less abundant illite,chlorite,and kaolinite in average weight percentage of 30%,21%,18%,and 16%,respectively.On the other hand,clay mineral assemblages in the NMS consist mainly of illite,less abundant kaolinite,chlorite,and very scarce smectite in average weight percentage of 47%,29%,24%,and 0.2%,respectively.The clay fractions in MS are mainly composed of amorphous or poorly crystallized Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides,clay mineral,quartz,and plagioclase.However,the counterparts in the NMS are mainly composed of well-crystallized clay minerals,quartz,and plagioclase without the presence of Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides.It is suggested that most of the illite,kaolinite,and chlorite in both MS and NMS are likely aeolian dust in origin from South Africa continent.In addition,the abundance of kaolinite dominates the clay mineral assemblage at low latitudes,where the intensive chemical weathering of continental source rocks facilitating the formation of kaolinite.In terms of smectite,it is indicated of authigenic origin in consideration of only smectite is available in several MS and the absence in NMS.Moreover,the MS samples with only smectite available are always accompanied by goethite.Therefore,it is assumed that most of smectite occurred in studied area is the results of interaction between hydrothermal Fe-oxyhydroxide,silica,and seawater.

VanillaFaceNet:一种高精度快速推理的牛脸识别方法

快速精准确定牛只身份对于牛只活体贷款,改善牛只骗保等问题具有重要意义。针对不同牛只面部差异小,FaceNet网络层数深,推理速度较慢,模型分类精度不足等问题,该研究提出了基于FaceNet的牛脸识别方法-VanillaFaceNet。该方法首先将FaceNet的主干特征提取网络替换为极简网络VanillaNet-13并提出动态激活和增强型线性变换的激活函数两种方法提高网络的非线性;然后,提出一种新的DBCA(dual-branch coordinate attention)注意力模块,能够更好地反映不同牛只面部特征之间的差异,从而提高网络的识别精度;最后,针对triplet loss仅能减小牛只类间差异的问题,采用center-triplet loss联合监督来减少牛只类内差异,从而提高了相同牛只身份比对的准确性。基于自建的牛脸数据集对该模型进行训练和测试,试验结果表明,VanillaFaceNet对牛只识别的准确率达到88.21%,每秒传输帧数为26.23帧。与FaceNet、MobileFaceNet、CenterFace、CosFace和ArcFace算法相比,本文算法的识别准确率分别提高了2.99、9.58、6.26、3.85和4.49个百分点,推理速度分别提升了2.67、0.77、0.10、1.28和0.94帧/s。该模型对牛只有较为优秀的识别效果,适于在嵌入式设备上部署,实现了牛只面部识别精度和推理速度之间的平衡。

基于改进YOLOv5s-face的Face5系列人脸检测算法

针对人脸检测中小尺度人脸和遮挡人脸的漏检问题,提出了一种基于改进YOLOv5s-face(you only look once version 5 small-face)的Face5系列人脸检测算法Face5S(face5 small)和Face5M(face5 medium)。使用马赛克(mosaic)和图像混合(mixup)数据增强方法,提升算法在复杂场景下检测人脸的泛化性和稳定性;通过改进C3的网络结构和引入可变形卷积(DCNv2)降低算法的参数量,提高算法提取特征的灵活性;通过引入特征的内容感知重组上采样算子(CARAFE),提高多尺度人脸的检测性能;引入损失函数WIoUV3(wise intersection over union version 3),提升算法的小尺度人脸检测性能。实验结果表明,在WIDER FACE验证集上,相较于YOLOv5s-face算法,Face5S算法的平均mAP@0.5提升了1.03%;相较于先进的人脸检测算法ASFD-D3(automatic and scalable face detector-D3)和TinaFace,Face5M算法的平均mAP@0.5分别提升了1.07%和2.11%,提出的Face5系列算法能够有效提升算法对小尺度和部分遮挡人脸的检测性能,同时具有实时性。

Stability analysis of tunnel face reinforced with face bolts

Face bolting has been widely utilized to enhance the stability of tunnel face,particularly in soft soil tunnels.However,the influence of bolt reinforcement and its layout on tunnel face stability has not been systematically studied.Based on the theory of linear elastic mechanics,this study delved into the specific mechanisms of bolt reinforcement on the tunnel face in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.It also identified the primary failure types of bolts.Additionally,a design approach for tunnel face bolts that incorporates spatial layout was established using the limit equilibrium method to enhance the conventional wedge-prism model.The proposed model was subsequently validated through various means,and the specific influence of relevant bolt design parameters on tunnel face stability was analyzed.Furthermore,design principles for tunnel face bolts under different geological conditions were presented.The findings indicate that bolt failure can be categorized into three stages:tensile failure,pullout failure,and comprehensive failure.Increasing cohesion,internal friction angle,bolt density,and overlap length can effectively enhance tunnel face stability.Due to significant variations in stratum conditions,tailored design approaches based on specific failure stages are necessary for bolt design.

Imaging the Architecture of Mineral Systems and the Pathways of Ore-forming Fluids across Mongolia with Magnetotellurics

In the framework of a mineral system approach,a combination of components is required to develop a mineral system.This includes the whole-lithosphere architecture,which controls the transport of ore-forming fluids,and favorable tectonic and geodynamic processes,occurring at various spatial and temporal scales,that influence the genesis and evolution of ore-forming fluids(Huston et al.,2016;Groves et al.,2018;Davies et al.,2020).Knowledge of the deep structural framework can advance the understanding of the development of a mineral system and the emplacement of mineral deposits.Deep geophysical exploration carried out with this aim is increasingly important for targeting new ore deposits in unexplored and underexplored regions(Dentith et al.,2018;Dentith,2019).

Research progress of CO_(2) capture and mineralization based on natural minerals

Natural minerals,such as kaolinite,halloysite,montmorillonite,attapulgite,bentonite,sepiolite,forsterite,and wollastonite,have considerable potential for use in CO_(2) capture and mineralization due to their abundant reserves,low cost,excellent mechanical prop-erties,and chemical stability.Over the past decades,various methods,such as those involving heat,acid,alkali,organic amine,amino sil-ane,and ionic liquid,have been employed to enhance the CO_(2) capture performance of natural minerals to attain high specific surface area,a large number of pore structures,and rich active sites.Future research on CO_(2) capture by natural minerals will focus on the full utiliza-tion of the properties of natural minerals,adoption of suitable modification methods,and preparation of composite materials with high specific surface area and rich active sites.In addition,we provide a summary of the principle and technical route of direct and indirect mineralization of CO_(2) by natural minerals.This process uses minerals with high calcium and magnesium contents,such as forsterite(Mg_(2)SiO_(4)),serpentine[Mg_(3)Si_(2)O(OH)_(4)],and wollastonite(CaSiO_(3)).The research status of indirect mineralization of CO_(2) using hydro-chloric acid,acetic acid,molten salt,and ammonium salt as media is also introduced in detail.The recovery of additives and high-value-added products during the mineralization process to increase economic benefits is another focus of future research on CO_(2) mineralization by natural minerals.

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Mineral Alteration Mapping and Lineament Extraction Case of Oudiane Elkharoub (Requibat Shield, Northern of Mauritania)

The integration of remotely sensed data allowed the successful characterization of the mineral alteration zones of the Oudiane Elkharoub area in the Northeastern part of Reguibat Shield using image transformation techniques. As both chemical and geochemical analyses showed significant Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Mn, Cr, Ni, Th and Y anomalies, it’s very interesting to apply the remote sensing and GIS in mineral resources mapping. The remote sensing is a direct adjunct to the field, lithologic and structural mapping, and more recently, GIS has played an important role in the study of mineralization areas. The integration of several evidential maps highlighted the plausible areas with high concentrations of chlorite, epidote, kaolinite, calcite, alunite, hematite, illite and sulfur among other key mineral alterations that reflect the intensity of hydrothermal effects and the probable sites of ore bodies. The methodological approach integrates geological information acquired from Aster and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS (Operational Land Imager/Thermal InfraRed Sensor) images and a multi-criteria GIS analysis. The superimposition of various lineament and hydrothermal alteration maps and the consideration of precious and base metal indicators allowed the zoning of sites likely to contain mineral concentrations. Remote sensing becomes an important tool for locating mineral deposits in its own right, when the primary and secondary processes of mineralization result in the formation of spectral anomalies. Reconnaissance lithological mapping is usually the first step of mineral resource mapping. This is complimented with structural mapping, as mineral deposits usually occur along or adjacent to geologic structures, and alteration mapping, as mineral deposits are commonly associated with hydrothermal alteration of the surrounding rocks. Ground truthing and laboratory studies including XRD analysis were utilized to verify the results.

Determination and Quantification of Proximate and Mineral Composition for 20 Improved Sorghum Varieties Grown in Machache, Lesotho

Twenty varieties of improved sorghum were grown in Machache at the Department of Agricultural Research station, located (29˚22'60"S and 27˚52'0"E) in the central foothills of Lesotho in Maseru district. The varieties were planted in a randomized complete block design. At maturity, they were harvested, dried, threshed, milled and analyzed in the crop science laboratory at the National University of Lesotho. The proximate and mineral contents were analyzed from samples in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The proximate composition parameters measured were crude proteins, crude fiber, crude fat, moisture content, and carbohydrates. The minerals analyzed were, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium. The results showed the nutritional contents ranging from (4.7% - 16.16%), (0.35% - 2.10%), (1.25% - 4.00%), (71.60% - 84.06%), (5.53% - 10.18%), for protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrate, and moisture content, respectively. Mineral content ranged from (1342.96 - 3500.34 mg/kg), (25.97 - 185.25 mg/kg), (50.71 - 511.71 mg/kg), (29.35 - 4542.13 mg/kg), (577.19 - 3041.52 mg/kg), (0.25 - 4.07 mg/kg), (1.96 - 18.61 mg/kg), (67.14 - 122.96 mg/kg), (4.73 - 11.39 mg/kg) for phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, and manganese respectively. The following varieties were found to have the highest and appreciable amounts of nutrients and minerals that are crucial in the country diet;protein content was KARI Mtama 1, zinc, IESX 16 2533-SB-SSI-19, and iron IESX 16 2535-SB-SSI-34.