Determination of Element Levels of Lagoon from Townships near Cocody City Abidjan Côte D’Ivoire Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence

Eight water bottles from Ebrie lagoon with pollution potency were studied using nuclear chemistry technique and Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. This pollution is characterized by pH and conductivity parameters, concentrations average in mg/L of metals such Fe (0.731), Mn (0.345), Cr (0.070), Cu (0.014) and concentrations of nutrients known to be pollutants and toxic for living or-ganisms. These heavy metals are dangerous to the lives, the local inhabitants and also a threat to aquatic life since this water is essential for the economical town, Abidjan. According to the Manganese concentration average (0.345 mg) values that higher than WHO (0.05 mg) value, the main likely source of pollu-tants is anthropogenic, industrial and agricultural. This study also shows the use of materials and lubricants near the lagoon that pollute this water.

Alpha-actinin expression at different differentiating time points from temporal lobe cerebral cortex neural stem cells to neuron-like cells using energy dispersive X-ray analysis

BACKGROUND： Alpha-actinin （ a -actinin） plays a key role in neuronal growth cone migration during directional differentiation from neural stem cells （NSCs） to neurons. OBJECTIVE： To detect in situ microdistribution and quantitative expression of a -actinin during directional differentiation of NSCs to neurons in the temporal lobe cerebral cortex of neonatal rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Between January 2006 and December 2008, culture and directional differentiation of NSCs were performed at Department of Histology and Embryology, Preclinical Medical College, China Medical University. Immune electron microscopy was performed at Department of Histology and Embryology and Department of Electron Micrology, Preclinical Medical College, China Medical University. Spectrum analysis was performed at Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Mental Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. MATERIALS： Basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, brain-derived nerve growth factor, type-1 insulin like growth factor, and a -actinin antibody were provided by Gibco BRL, USA; rabbit-anti-rat nestin monoclonal antibody, rabbit-anti-rat neuron specific enolase polyclonal antibody, and EDAX-9100 energy dispersive X-ray analysis were provided by PHILIPS Company, Netherlands. METHODS： NSCs, following primary and passage culture, were differentiated with serum culture medium （DMEM/F12 ＋ 10% fetal bovine serum ＋ 2 ng/mL brain-derived nerve growth factor ＋ 2 ng/mL type-1 insulin like growth factor）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of a -actinin in neuron-like cells was quantitatively and qualitatively detected with immunocytochemistry using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. RESULTS： Immunocytochemistry, combined with electron microscopy, indicated that positive α -actinin expression was like a spheroid particle with high electron density. In addition, the expression was gradually concentrated from the nuclear edge to the cytoplasm and expanded into developing neurites, during differentiation of neural stem cells to neurons. Conversely, energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that the more mature the neural differentiation was, and the greater the expression of α -actinin. CONCLUSION： The gradual increase of α -actinin expression is related to growth, development, and maturity of differentiated neuron-like cells, in neonatal rat frontal lobe cortex, at different differentiating time points of NSCs to neurons.

Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Analysis of Pyrite Thin Specimens

To explore ways to improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis of samples in the micrometer to nanometer range of magnitudes,we adopted analytical transmission electron microscopy(AEM/EDS)for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pyrite materials.Additionally,the k factor of pyrite is calculated experimentally.To develop an appropriate non-standard quantitative analysis model for pyrite materials,the experimentally calculated k factor is compared with that estimated from the non-standard quantitative analytical model of the instrument software.The experimental findings demonstrate that the EDS attached to a TEM can be employed for precise quantitative analysis of micro-and nanoscale regions of pyrite materials.Furthermore,it serves as a reference for improving the results of the EDS quantitative analysis of other sulfides.

A Hybrid Angular/Energy Dispersive Method to Improve Some Characteristics of Laboratory X-Ray Diffraction

The Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction, generally referred as EDXD, has shown to be a valid alternative to the conventional Angular Dispersive X-ray Diffraction, the ADXD. EDXD exhibits several advantages to its AD counterpart, mainly related to the properties of the polychromatic X-ray beam utilized for diffracting, such as higher signal intensities, a wider accessible region of the reciprocal space, a greater transparency of samples, and a parallel data collection of the q-points in the diffraction pattern acquisition. However, the main drawback of poly-chromaticity lays in the fact that the quantities that modulate the scattered intensity in a diffraction measurement depend on the energy. These quantities are the primary X-ray beam spectrum, polarization, and X-ray absorption, the last producing by far the most critical effect because it rapidly changes as a function of energy. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the energy dependence of all these quantities is required in EDXD in order to process the data correctly and prevent systematic errors. The difficulty in handling the energy-dependent factors complicates the experimental procedure and may make the measurements unreliable. In the present paper, a hybrid method between the ED and AD X-ray Diffraction is proposed to maintain the advantages of the polychromatic nature of the radiation utilized in EDXD, while preventing the problems produced by the energy-dependent quantities.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy of the Sohnari Member of Laki Formation from Southern Indus Basin of Pakistan

This study determines the geochemical and depositional environment analysis of the sediments of the Sohnari Member of the Laki Formation, Northern Kirthar Fold Belt of Pakistan. The Energy-Dispersive-X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) technique is used for the detection of major elements and the effects of shifting depositional climatic conditions of six representative samples which were acquired from the Sohnari Member of the Laki Formation at Lakhra area, Sindh, Pakistan. The sedimentological studies clarify that the sediments the Sonahri Member are relatively immature and most migrated in clastic mode. The availability of Silica shows that the Member was formed due to biochemical precipitation and detrital mode and was deposited at a fast rate of sediment deposition under the fluvio-deltaic depositional system. This is also deduced that the rapid rate of sediment deposition might be created a reducing atmosphere and allowing for the mineralization of sulphur.

Establishment of Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction Experimental System With Synchrotron Radiation Under High Pressure

Because the interactions between molecules and atoms in mediums can be dramatically changed by compression, high pressure studies on materials can provide much information on fundamental properties including phase transition and

X-Ray and Mössbauer Study of Magnetic Black Sand from Mayotte Island

Natural magnetic black sands are known from several sites often located in areas of volcanic origin. Their elemental and mineral composition provides information on the geology of their territory and depends on several factors occurred during their formation. A sample of black sand was collected on the seashore of the island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean and its magnetic part was investigated by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and MÖssbauer spectroscopy at room temperature. The mineral composition is dominantly magnetite, in good agreement with samples collected in other sites of volcanic origin. Contrary to pure magnetite, a relevant fraction of Ti was detected by EDS. The 16% Ti and 1% Mn content increase the magnetite lattice parameter to 8.4312 (25) Å. The broadening of XRD lines pointed towards a significant degree of disorder. This was confirmed by MÖssbauer spectroscopy and is attributed to the presence of Ti replacing Fe in the magnetite lattice. The presence of Ti modifies the local magnetic field on the Fe sites, leading to a broader and more complex MÖssbauer transmission spectrum with respect to the one of pure magnetite. To study the effect of temperature, samples were heated for 12 hours to 600°C and 800°C in argon and to 1000°C in air. Annealing in argon did not improve the crystallinity while annealing in air caused a complete decomposition of magnetite into hematite and pseudobrookite.

Mossbauer,X-Ray and Magnetic Studies of Black Sand from the Italian Mediterranean Sea

The study of natural magnetic sands is instrumental to investigate the geological aspects of their formation and of the origin of their territory. In particular, Mossbauer spectroscopy provides unique information on their iron content and on the oxidation state of iron in their mineral composition. The Italian coast on the Mediterranean Sea near Rome is known for the presence of highly magnetic black sands of volcanic origin. A study of the room temperature Mossbauer spectrum, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements of a sample of black magnetic sand collected on the seashore of the town of Ladispoli is performed. This study reveals magnetite as main constituent with iron in both tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Minor constituents are the iron minerals hematite and ilmenite, the iron containing minerals diopsite, gossular, and allanite, as well as ubiquitous sanidine, quartz, and calcite.

扫描电镜-能谱法测定工作场所空气中的石棉

目的建立扫描电镜-能谱法(SEM-EDS)测定工作场所空气中6种石棉方法,与《工作场所有害因素职业接触限值》(GBZ 2.1—2019)石棉限量标准配套使用。方法通过标准品获得6种石棉电镜下的形貌图和能谱图,分析不同石棉种类形貌和能谱的差异;通过检测极细温石棉纤维,确定该方法定性能力极限。配置含10%(w/w)温石棉模拟样在模拟工作场所中进行采集和检测。结果建立了扫描电镜-能谱法测定工作场所空气中6种石棉的方法,通过电镜图形貌分析可基本将温石棉、青石棉与其他4种石棉区分开,通过能谱分析进一步区分6种石棉。该方法可对宽度>0.12μm的温石棉定性。仪器单视场面积为0.03mm^2、滤膜面积1256mm^2、观察50个视场,采样体积为30L、计数6份样品,平均值为94f,95%CI为(76.8~116.1)f,相对标准偏差(RSD)为16.8%;计算石棉计数浓度(c)为2.62f/cm^3,95%CI为(2.15~3.23)f/cm^3,方法检出限为0.08f/cm3。结论该方法可定性定量检测工作场所空气中6种石棉,具有良好的推广价值。

Analysis of precipitation in a Cu-Cr-Zr alloy

Precipites in Cu-0.42%Cr-0.21%Zr alloy were analyzed by using scanning electron microscope （SEM）, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy （EDXS） and transmission electron microscope （TEM）. After the solid solution was performed at 980℃ for 2 h, water-quenched and aged at 450℃ for 20 h, the precipite had a bimodal distribution of precipitate size. The coarse precipitates are pure Cr and Cu5Zr, the dispersed fine precipitate is CrCu2（Zr, Mg） and pure Cr ranging from 1 to 50 nm. The coarse phases formed during solidification and were left undissolved during solid solution. The fine precipitates are the hardening precipitates that form due to decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution during aging.

Rapid Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cymbopogan Citratus (Lemongrass) and its Antimicrobial Activity

The present study deals with the rapid green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fresh leaves of Cymbopogan Citratus(Lemongrass). Silver nanoparticles were formed within 8～10 minutes by microwave irradiation using aqueous solution of Ag NO3(1 m M) with fresh leaves extract of Cymbopogan Citratus. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-visible spectrophotometer analysis, nanoparticle tracking analyzer, transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectra. The antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles was studied against multiple drug resistant hospital isolates of E.coli, S.aureus,P.mirabilis and hospital isolates of S. typhi, K.pnuemoniae. Also, the antifungal activity of these nanoparticles was studied against C.albicans(hospital isolate) and A.niger(NCIM 616). The synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles along with antibiotics was also studied against multiple drug resistant hospital isolates and found to be effective. The extracellular synthesis of Silver nanoparticles using leaves of Cymbopogan Citratus appears to be rapid and eco-friendly.

Mechanism of cement-stabilized soil polluted by magnesium sulfate

In order to simulate and study the mechanism of cement stabilized soils polluted by different contents of magnesium sulfate(MS), a series of tests were conducted on the cemented soil samples, including unconfined compression strength(UCS) tests of blocks, X-ray diffraction(XRD) phase analysis of powder samples, microstructure by scanning electronic microscopy(SEM),element composition by energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS), and pore distribution analysis by Image Processed Plus 6.0(IPP 6.0)software. The UCS test results show that UCS of cemented soils reaches the peak value when the MS content is 4.5 g/kg. While, the UCS for Sample MS4 having the MS content of 18.0 g/kg is the lowest among all tested samples. Based on the EDS analysis results,Sample MS4 has the greater contents for the three elements, oxygen(O), magnesium(Mg) and sulfur(S), than Sample MS1. From the XRD phase analysis, C-A-S-H(3Ca O·Al2O3·3Ca SO4·32H2O and 3Ca O·Al2O3·Ca SO4·18H2O), M-A-H(Mg O·Al2O3·H2O), M-S-H(Mg O·Si O2·H2O), Mg(OH)2 and Ca SO4 phase diffraction peaks are obviously intense due to the chemical action associated with the MS. The pore distribution analysis shows that the hydrated products change the distribution of cemented soil pores and the pores with average diameter(AD) of 2-50 μm play a key role in terms of the whole structure of cemented soil. The microscopic structure of the cemented soil with MS exhibits the intertwined and embedded characteristics between the cement and granular soils from the SEM images of cemented soils. The microstructure analysis shows that the magnesium sulfate acts as the additive, which is beneficial to the soil strength when the MS content is low(i.e., Sample MS2). However, higher MS amount involving a chemical action makes samples crystallize and expand, which is adverse to the UCS of cemented soils(i.e., Sample MS4).

Determination of Water Diffusion Coefficients and Dynamics in Adhesive/Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composite Joints

To determinate the water diffusion coefficients and dynamics in adhesive/carben fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite joints, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis（EDX） is used to establish the content change of oxy- gen in the adhesive in adhesive/carbon fther reinforced epoxy resin composite joints. As water is made up of oxygen and hydrogen, the water diffusion coefficients and dynamics in adhesive/carben fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite joints can be obtained from the change in the content of oxygen in the adhesive during humidity aging, via EDX analy-sis. The authors have calculated the water diffusion coefficients and dynamics in the adhesive/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite joints with the aid of beth energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The de- termined results with EDX analysis are almost the same as those determined with elemental analysis and the results al- so show that the durability of the adhesive/carbon fther reinforced epoxy resin composite joints subjected to silane cou- pling agent treatment is better than those subjected to sand paper burnishing treatment and chemical oxidation treat- ment.

Effect of Cu on Microstructures of Manganese Steel by EDXA and SEM

In order to investigate the distribution of Cu and Mg, and the effect of Cu on the microstructure of steels, manganese steels containing various Cu contents were annealed at 1260, 1100 and 1000℃, respectively, for I h and subsequently cooled to room temperature in the furnace to simulate the pre-rolling anneal. The results indicate that Cu is not microscopically segregated in the annealed steels. The scanning electron microscopy （SEM） observation shows that the main microstructure consist of ferrite and pearlite; the percentage of pearlite in the steels increases with increasing Cu content. The grain size reduces with the decrease of the annealing temperature. The results of energy dispersive X-ray analysis （EDXA） suggest that Cu content in pearlite is higher than that in ferrite, demonstrating that the microstructure-segregation of Cu occurred. However, the cast specimens show that Cu content in MnS and S-rich phases is high. In addition, Cu of 0.2%-0.4% could improve the distribution of MnS and S-rich inclusions. The optimal Cu content in steels and the optimal annealing temperature between 1100-1200℃ were determined.

Impact of open dumping of municipal solid waste on soil properties in mountainous region

This paper presents the effect of open dumping of municipal solid waste(MSW) on soil characteristics in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The solid waste of dumpsite contains various complex characteristics with organic fractions of the highest proportions. As leachate percolates into the soil, it migrates contaminants into the soil and affects soil stability and strength. The study includes the geotechnical investigation of dump soil characteristics and its comparison with the natural soil samples taken from outside the proximity of dumpsites. The geochemical analysis of dumpsite soil samples was also carried out by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS).Visual inspection revealed that the MSW consists of high fraction of organics, followed by paper. The soil samples were collected from five trial pits in the dumpsites at depths of 0.5 m, 1 m and 1.5 m. Then the collected soil samples were subjected to specific gravity test, grain size analysis, Atterberg’s limit test,compaction test, direct shear test, California bearing ratio(CBR) test and permeability analysis. The study indicated that the dumpsite soils from four study regions show decreasing trends in the values of maximum dry density(MDD), specific gravity, cohesion and CBR, and increasing permeability as compared to the natural soil. The results show that the geotechnical properties of the soils at all four study locations have been severely hampered due to contamination induced by open dumping of waste.

PREPARATION AND SURFACE PROPERTIES OF ACRYLIC COPOLYMERS CONTAINING FLUORINATED MONOMERS

A series of copolymers comprising butylmethacrylate, styrene, butylacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate and perfluoroalkyl methacrylate were synthesized by the free radical polymerization using BPO as an initiator. The surface property of the copolymer films was subsequently characterized. The contact angle measurements and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray （EDAX） show that the length and content of perfluoroalkyl side chains in the copolymers are crucial for the preparation of the film with low surface energy. At a given content of fluorinated monomers in the copolymers, the longer the perfluoroalkyl side chain, the larger the water contact angle of the copolymer films will be. On the other hand, the higher the content of fluorinated monomers, the lower the surface energy is. The water contact angle increases with the increase of the fluorinated monomer content and reaches a plateau at 3 wt% of fluorinated monomer content.

Structural characterization of V/Al/V/Au Ohmic contacts to n-type Al_(0.4)Ga_(0.6)N

This paper investigates the temperature dependence of the specific resistance in annealed V/Al/V/Au （15 nm/85 nm/20 nm/95 nm） contacts on n-A10.4Ga0.6N. Contacts annealed at 700 ℃ and higher temperatures show Ohmic behaviour. Annealing at 800 ℃ produces the lowest contact resistance. Samples annealed at 800 ℃have been analysed by using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and an energy dispersive x-ray spectrum. Limited reaction depths are observed between V-based contacts and n-AlGaN. The VN grains are found to form in the contact layer of the annealed samples, which can be considered as the key to the successful formation of Ohmic contact. The contact layer adjacent to AlGaN material consists of V Al-Au-N, AlN and AlAu alloys.

Performance of engineered cementitious composite containing stone slurry powder waste

Most of the materials used in engineered cementitious composite are fine in size to achieve ductile nature.Stone slurry powder(SSP)is an inert material obtained from stone industries as by-product which may cause hazardous impact on environment.In this research work,partial replacement of silica sand(SS)and fine sand(FS)by SSP with different contents(25%and 50%each)for making engineered cementitious composite has been explored.The performance was evaluated on the basis of strength,tensile strain,mid span deflection capacity,ultra-sonic pulse velocity and microstructure.Mechanical strength was found to be increased at 25%SSP in both replacements;whereas,strength decreased slightly at 50%replacement.Tensile strain,mid span deflection and quality of concrete were enhanced with increase in SSP content.Using SSP formed denser cementitious composite can help to save the natural resources and contribute in making green cementitious composite.

Calculation of the coefficient and dynamics of water diffusion in graphite joints

The coefficient and dynamics of water diffusion in adhesive-graphite joints were calculated in-situ with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, a method that is significantly simpler than elemental analysis. Water diffusion coefficient and dynamics of adhesive-graphite joints treated by different surface treatment methods were also investigated. Calculation results indicated that the water diffusion rate in adhesive-graphite joints treated by sandpaper was higher than that treated by chemical oxidation or by silane couple agent. Also the durability of graphite joints treated by coupling agent is superior to that treated by chemical oxidation or sandpaper burnishing.

Palaeodiet of Miocene Producers and Depositional Environments:Inferences from the First Evidence of Microcoprolites from India

This paper reviews research on coprolites from India,providing the first evidence of microcoprolites from the early Miocene(Aquitanian)Khari Nadi Formation sedimentary succession,exposed about 1.5 km northeast of the village of Kotada,Kachchh(Kutch)District,Gujarat State,western India.Morphometric and size comparisons(in a statistical framework)with known coprolites from the Mesozoic-Cenozoic successions of India(including those recorded herein)and globally suggest that fishes were the likely producers of the Kotada coprolites.Scanning electron microscopy confirms the presence of fish dental remains within the coprolites,while both Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy(EDS)reveal the phosphatic nature of the microscopic coprolite specimens(recorded herein)hinting that the producer(s)were predominantly carnivorous(ichthyophagous)in their diet.Furthermore,X-Ray Fluorescence(XRF)analysis of the host and associated lithologies allows us to deduce that the Kotada coprolites were deposited in a shallow marine environment,with possible aerial exposure of the host lithology occurring at some point after deposition.To the best of our knowledge,the present report is the first record of microscopic fish coprolites from India,as well as being the first from the Aquitanian of India and the oldest Neogene record from India.