Two poly(acrylic acid-b-acrylamide) copolymers, and a poly(acrylic acid) homopolymer were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and tested for nickel removal from aqueous media. RAFT was used for better interchain composition homogeneity and to facilitate the synthesis of the block copolymers. Liquid-phase polymer-based retention (LPR) was used to compare the nickel binding capacity. Uptake tests were carried out at pH 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0. Nickel adsorption isotherms in the range of 1 to 7 mmol L−1 were achieved and the Langmuir adsorption model was applied. Maximum binding capacity (Qm) of Ni2+ at 298 K depended on the composition of the copolymers and pH. The polyacid block (PAA) was the major structural feature responsible for high values of nickel binding. All materials presented better uptake at higher pH, probably due to polyacid deprotonation and the increase in the electrostatic interactions. Up to approximately 100 mg of nickel per gram of homopolymer could be retained at pH = 5.0. Even though the presence of a poly(acrylamide) block decreases the binding capacity compared to PAA, that block has a specific contribution to nickel binding and can also provide better features to the material as better solubilization, and others. polyacrylic poly acrylic acidbacrylamide acid b acrylamide acid-b-acrylamide additionfragmentation addition fragmentation (RAFT media Liquidphase Liquid phase polymerbased polymer based LPR (LPR 30 3 0 3.0 40 4 4.0 50 5 5.0 L1 L L− applied Qm (Qm Ni2 Ni 29 PAA (PAA interactions 10 polyacrylamide poly(acrylamide solubilization others 3. 4. 5. 2

Summary: Biofortification is a process that increases the nutrient content in plants’ edible parts. The objective was to determine the effect of iron chelate and iron sulfathe applied through foliar and edaphic methods on the mineral, nutritional, and bioactive compound content of the Verdin bean grain. Foliar doses of 0, 25, 50 and 100 mM of iron chelate and edaphic doses of 0, 0.25 and 0.50 g per plant of iron sulfate were applied, which generated 12 treatments that were evaluated in a randomized block design in 4×3 factorial arrangement where the first factor was the foliar doses, and the second factor was the edaphic doses. The content of iron, zinc, manganese, nickel, calcium and potassium, ash, proteins, fats, fiber, total phenols, flavonoid, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity were determined in the grain. The individual applications of foliar and edaphic iron had significant effects (P ≤ 0.05), with the edaphic dose of 0.50 g presenting the greatest increases in iron (17.38%), nickel (20.69%), protein (10.93%), crude fiber (5.82%) and antioxidant capacity (2.84%) regarding doses without edaphic iron. The simultaneous application of edaphic and foliar iron showed statistical differences (P ≤ 0.05), presenting the greatest increase in iron (75.91%), nickel (30.61%), ash (114.69%), protein (18.14%) and crude fiber (15.34%) with the 100 mM foliar - 0.50 g edaphic combination regarding to the combination without iron. For individual and simultaneous iron applications, it was observed that increasing the foliar and edaphic doses had antagonistic effects on the zinc and fat content. The application of iron can be beneficial to increase the mineral and nutritional content, and some bioactive compounds, but care must be taken to minimize the negative effects on other nutrients and properties of the grain.

Resumen: La biofortificación es el proceso por medio del cual se puede incrementar el contenido de nutrientes en la parte comestible de las plantas cultivadas. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto del quelato y sulfato de hierro aplicado de forma foliar y edáfica en el contenido mineral, nutricional, y compuestos bioactivos del grano de frijol variedad Verdín. Se aplicaron las dosis de 0, 25, 50 y 100 mM de quelato de hierro foliar y dosis de 0, 0.25 y 0.50 g por planta de sulfato de hierro edáfico, lo que origino 12 tratamientos que se evaluaron bajo un diseño de bloques al azar en arreglo factorial 4×3 donde el primer factor fueron las dosis foliares y el segundo factor las dosis edáficas. En el grano se determinó el contenido de hierro, zinc, manganeso, níquel, calcio, potasio, cenizas, proteínas, grasas, fibra, fenoles totales, flavonoides, antocianinas y capacidad antioxidante. Las aplicaciones individuales de hierro edáfico y foliar tuvieron efectos significativos (P < 0.0001), presentando la aplicación edáfica de 0.50 g de hierro los mayores incrementos de 17.38%, 20.69%, 10.93%, 5.82% y 2.84% del contenido de hierro, níquel, proteína, fibra cruda y capacidad antioxidante con respecto a la dosis sin hierro edáfico. Pero se observaron efectos antagónicos en el contenido de zinc y grasas al incrementar la dosis de hierro. La aplicación simultánea de hierro edáfico y foliar presentó diferencias estadísticas (P ≤ 0.05), presentando el mayor incremento de hierro (75.91%), níquel (30.61%), cenizas (114.69%), proteína (18.14%) y fibra cruda (15.34%) la aplicación de 100 mM foliar y 0.50 g edáfico con respecto a la combinación sin hierro. La aplicación combinada de hierro puede ser benéfica para aumentar el contenido mineral, nutricional y algunos compuestos bioactivos; pero se debe tener cuidado para minimizar los efectos negativos en otros nutrientes y propiedades del grano.

Geotechnical engineers are routinely tasked with advising suitable stand-off distances below high-risk sections of slopes in open-pit mines that are identified to have potential to deform or collapse. Accurate prediction of failed material runout can mean the difference between continuous safe mining and unwanted high-potential incidents that result in loss of production, equipment damage, injury, or loss of life. This paper updates previous empirical relationships presented by the authors for estimating the volume and runout distance of excavated slope failures, in an open-pit mine operation, using slope geometry as the primary predictor. Cases are sourced from varying slope geometries (fall heights up to 385 m, slope angles up to 80°) and a range of commodities (iron ore, coal, nickel, gold, copper, boron, and limestone), excavated in sedimentary, banded-sedimentary, epithermal, and copper-porphyry deposits, across all six inhabited continents. Analysis of these cases identified positive correlations between slope height and runout distance, and slope height and failed material volume. In general, negative correlations were identified between Fahrböschung angle and slope height, and Fahrböschung angle and failed material volume; however, significant scatter is observed in these datasets. A definitive relationship could not be derived comparing Fahrböschung angle with failed material runout. Slope angle was also found to be a poor indicator of runout. Of the parameters analysed, slope height (i.e., fall height) was found to be the simplest and best predictor of runout distance. This paper presents new charts for predicting failed material runout distance for rock slopes. Relationships are defined for structurally and rock-mass driven slope failure mechanisms at average, 75%, and 95% prediction intervals.

The BCL furnace is scheduled to restart operations after being placed on care and maintenance in 2016 due to depressed nickel prices. The decision to start operations after such a stoppage ought to be led by a techno-economic evaluation of process options to make operations more resilient. For BCL, the decision lies between using the existing flash-smelting furnace (FSF) or a top-submerged lance (TSL) furnace. Available studies show that the FSF combined with other converting technologies is cheaper to operate; however, such studies are based on flowsheet simulation results of single copper concentrates and therefore do not provide a full scope of practical capabilities based on smelter operator skills. Using a t-test on normalized prior operational data from three Cu FSF and two Cu TSL, it was found that the only statistical differences between the operating costs of the FSF and TSL technologies are in the coal use for heating the feed blow and number of rebuilds: the FSF consumes coal to heat the feed blow and the TSL requires 2.4 rebuilds during a course of a single FSF campaign. A summative operating cost comparison over the existing BCL FSF 11-year life shows that BCL can decrease operational costs by some BWP 55.5 million if the operation were to change to the newer TSL technology. The savings derive from reduced coal use, which is normally associated with heating the blow when using the FSF. Despite the TSL carrying added costs of 2.4 rebuilds during a life time of one FSF furnace campaign, the cost associated with the TSL rebuilds of approximately BWP 1.3 million is minimal compared with the overall operational expenditure decrease that BCL will incur on using the TSL technology. In terms of the technology, BCL can have higher Ni-Cu recoveries at lower operational costs by elimination of Ni-Cu losses and eliminating the slag-cleaning furnace by converting to a TSL furnace.

ABSTRACT Interlaboratory comparison provides experimental evidence on the lab continuous performance to realize specific tests. In this work, uncertainty of measurements and the interlaboratory error for the chemical analysis of cobalt and iron was determined in paired samples of nickel sulfide (NiS) and sintered nickel oxide (NiO), using the least-squares linear regression. The analytical determinations were made by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) with the participation of two laboratories of the corporative group for the production of nickel in Cuba. The assumptions of the linear regression model were verified using the Durbin-Watson statistic, homoscedasticity and normality test. The uncertainty in the slope (Sm), in the intercept (Sb) and the standard deviation of the measurement (Sy) were determined. As a result, the uncertainty (Sx0) associated with the expected value (x0) and error (ξ) in cobalt determination was Sx0 = 0,3 % and ξ = ( 0,60 % in Nickel Sulfide (NiS), and Sx0 = 0,03 % and ξ = ( 0,05 % in Nickel Oxide (NiO). As for iron determination, it was obtained Sx0 = 0,16 % and ξ = ( 0,32 % in NiS, and Sx0 = 0,05 % and ξ = ( 0,09 % in NiO. This method uses the historic database of interlaboratory comparison and provides information to strategic management decisions.

RESUMEN La comparación interlaboratorio provee evidencia experimental del desempeño continuo del laboratorio para realizar pruebas específicas. En este trabajo, se determinó la incertidumbre de las mediciones y el error para los análisis químicos de cobalto y hierro en muestras pareadas de sulfuro de níquel (NiS) y óxido de níquel sinterizado (NiO), mediante mínimo-cuadrados de regresión lineal. Las determinaciones analíticas se realizaron por Espectrometría de Absorción Atómica con la participación de dos laboratorios del grupo empresarial para la producción de níquel en Cuba. Los supuestos del modelo de regresión lineal se comprobaron mediante el estadístico de Durbin-Watson, pruebas de homocedasticidad y normalidad. Se determinó la incertidumbre de la pendiente (Sm), la incertidumbre del intercepto (Sb) y la desviación estándar de la medición (Sy). Como resultado, la incertidumbre (Sx0) asociada con el valor esperado (x0) y el error (ξ) en la determinación de cobalto fue Sx0 = 0,3 % y ξ = ( 0,60 % en el Sulfuro de Níquel (NiS), y Sx0 = 0,03 % y ξ = ( 0,05 % en el Óxido de Níquel (NiO). En cuanto a la determinación de hierro, se obtuvo Sx0 = 0,16 % y ξ = ( 0,32 % en el NiS, y Sx0 = 0,05 % y ξ = ( 0,09 % en el NiO. Este método utiliza la base de datos histórica de comparación interlaboratorio y aporta información para las decisiones de gestión estratégica.

Pesticide residues and heavy metal content of cassava, yam, cocoyam, potato, water yam and carrot were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The detected pesticide residues in the samples were 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, glyphosate, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorobiphenyl, aldrin, endosulfan, profenofos, g-chlordane, carbofuran, biphenyl, heptachlor, lindane and t-Nonachlor. The concentration of HCB ranged between 0.0799 ± 0.06 mg/kg and 0.1596 ± 0.00 mg/kg, which was greater than the permitted maximum limit of 0.5 mg/kg established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The concentration of aldrin and profenofos detected was lower than the predetermined maximum allowed limits. Endosulfan concentrations in cocoyam (0.2500 mg/kg) and potato (0.3265 mg/kg) were higher than the limits allowed by the Canadian Department of Industrial Research. The heavy metals detected in these samples include cobalt, nickel, lead, manganese, chromium, arsenic and mercury in at least one of the samples evaluated. There was not much difference between the concentration of cobalt in yam (0.036 mg/kg) and the maximum allowed concentration (0.043 mg/kg). Lead was detected in potatoes and carrots but was below detectable concentration in cassava, yam, cocoyam and water yam. Similarly, cocoyam was found to have a significant mercury content (0.658 mg/kg), but mercury content was below detectable concentrations in cassava, yam and water yam. SIGNIFICANCE: Heavy metal pollutants and pesticide residues can impair human health, and their presence in food can cause various illnesses and health issues. It is important to prevent exposure to these contaminants and ensure that food is safe by identifying and monitoring them. Farmers may provide consumers with more assurance that their products are safe by identifying and monitoring pesticide residues and heavy metal contamination in these food crops. Overall, it is crucial to find and monitor pesticide residues and heavy metal contamination in food to safeguard customer confidence, ensure legal compliance and preserve human health.

Resumo Descreve-se o caso de uma doente do sexo feminino de 41 anos, previamente saudável, sem antecedentes de dermatite atópica ou dermatite alérgica. A doente é avaliada na consulta de dermatologia por uma erupção pruriginosa recorrente, mensal, com 3 anos de evolução. Essas lesões geralmente apareciam 5 a 7 dias antes do início da menstruação e desapareciam aproximadamente 3 a 4 dias após o período menstrual. A doente referiu que quando esteve 2 vezes grávida e não teve sintomas nesse período. Ela tinha sido previamente tratada com anti-histamínicos e corticosteroides orais, com apenas alívio temporário. Ao exame físico, durante a fase lútea do período menstrual, a doente apresentava múltiplas maculopápulas eritematoedematosas, pruriginosas, distribuídas por todo o corpo. Vários estudos laboratoriais foram realizados e todos estavam normais ou negativos, incluindo testes de autoanticorpos e análises hormonais. Testes epicutâneos com a série padrão do Grupo Português de Dermatite de Contato (GPEDC), série de corticosteróides e série de metais revelaram reações positivas ao sulfato de níquel (++) e cloreto de paládio (+) às 72 horas. Foi realizado um teste intradérmico com medroxiprogesterona nas concentrações de 0.1 e 10 mg/mL no 7o dia do ciclo menstrual. O teste foi positivo 2 horas após a injeção e persistiu por 24 horas. Foi feito o diagnóstico de dermatite autoimune à progesterona e a doente foi tratada com tamoxifeno 40 mg/dia, com praticamente completa resolução clínica. Quatro meses após, a dose foi reduzida, sem recaída. Seis meses depois a doente continua sem sintomas ou efeitos adversos.

Abstract A 41-year-old female patient presents to the dermatology department with a 3-year history of a monthly relapsing pruritic eruption. These lesions appear 5-7 days before the onset of menses and resolve 3-4 days after menstruation. During her two previous pregnancies, she had no symptoms. She had been previously treated with antihistamines and oral corticosteroids with only temporary relief. On examination, during the luteal phase, the patient presented multiple maculopapular pruritic wheals distributed throughout the body. Several laboratory studies were performed and were all normal or negative, including auto-antibodies tests and hormonal analysis. Patch tests with the standard series of the Portuguese Contact Dermatitis Group, corticosteroid series, and metal series revealed positive reactions to nickel sulfate (++) and palladium chloride (+) at 72 h. An intradermal test with medroxyprogesterone at concentrations of 0.1 and 10 mg/mL was performed on the 7th day of the menstrual cycle. The test was positive 2 h after the injection and persisted for 24 h. The diagnosis of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis was made and the patient started tamoxifen 40 mg/day, with almost complete clinical clearing. Four months after, the dose was reduced, with no relapsing. Six months later, the patient remains free of symptoms.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the impact of access cavity designs on fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary first premolars. The study sample consisted of 72 intact maxillary first premolars, randomly divided into six groups (n = 12). A standardized proximal cavity preparation was prepared for all samples using standard bur. Groups I: control group with only standard proximal cavity and no endodontic access, group II: Truss access cavity, group III: Separated access to buccal and palatal canals without removal of dentine in between, group IV: Access to buccal and palatal canals with removal of dentine in between, group V: Traditional access cavity, group VI: Mesio-occlusal-distal cavity (MOD). For groups I and VI, only composite restoration was used to restore the proximal cavity, while for groups II- V, the access was prepared and endodontic treatment was performed on all teeth, then composite restoration was placed. The root canals were instrumented using nickel-titanium files, irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, and filled with AH plus sealer and gutta-percha using warm vertical condensation. All samples were then placed in an acrylic mold and underwent thermal aging for 10,000 cycles between 5 and 55°C. The samples were fixed in a universal testing machine with the long axis of the roots positioned at 20° to a load applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using a stainless steel semi-spherical indenter (Ø = 3 mm) until fracture occurred to determine the fracture resistance force in Newton. The normality test (Shapiro-Wilk) showed that data are normally distributed. Group II exhibited the highest mean fracture resistance, and group VI was the least likely to resist the fracture. No statistically significant differences between tested groups (p-value = 0.237). The MOD group showed a more unfavorable mode of fracture compared to other groups. No significant difference in fracture resistance between conservative and traditional access cavities. The missing marginal ridges, such as in MOD cavities played an important role in decreasing the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. premolars 7 n 12. 12 . 12) bur III IV V Mesioocclusaldistal Mesio occlusal distal MOD. (MOD) teeth nickeltitanium nickel titanium files hypochlorite guttapercha gutta percha condensation 10000 10 000 10,00 55C C 55 55°C 20 mmmin mm min semispherical semi spherical Ø Newton ShapiroWilk Shapiro Wilk (Shapiro-Wilk distributed pvalue p value 0.237. 0237 0.237 0 237 0.237) ridges (MOD 1000 00 10,0 2 023 0.23 23 100 10, 02 0.2 0.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o impacto do design da cavidade de acesso na resistência à fratura de primeiros pré-molares superiores tratados endodonticamente. MÉTODOS: A amostra do estudo consistiu em 72 primeiros pré-molares superiores intactos, divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos (n = 12). Um preparo padronizado da cavidade proximal foi realizado para todas as amostras usando broca padrão. Grupos I: grupo de controle com apenas cavidade proximal padrão e sem acesso endodôntico, grupo II: cavidade de acesso Truss, grupo III: acesso separado aos canais vestibular e palatino sem remoção de dentina entre eles, grupo IV: acesso aos canais vestibular e palatino com remoção de dentina entre eles, grupo V: cavidade de acesso tradicional, grupo VI: cavidade mesio-oclusal-distal (MOD). Para os grupos I e VI, apenas a restauração de compósito foi usada para restaurar a cavidade proximal. Já nos grupos II e V, o acesso foi preparado e o tratamento endodôntico foi realizado em todos os dentes e, em seguida, foi colocada a restauração de resina composta. Os canais radiculares foram instrumentados com limas de níquel-titânio, irrigados com hipoclorito de sódio e preenchidos com AH plus sealer e guta-percha usando condensação vertical quente. Todas as amostras foram então colocadas em molde de acrílico e submetidas a envelhecimento térmico por 10.000 ciclos entre 5 e 55°C. As amostras foram fixadas em uma máquina de teste universal com o eixo longo das raízes posicionado a 20° para uma carga aplicada a uma velocidade de cruzeta de 1 mm/min usando indentador semiesférico de aço inoxidável (Ø = 3 mm) até que ocorresse a fratura para determinar a força de resistência à fratura em Newton. RESULTADOS: O teste de normalidade (Shapiro-Wilk) mostrou que os dados são normalmente distribuídos. O grupo II apresentou a maior resistência média à fratura, e o grupo VI foi o menos propenso a resistir à fratura. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos testados (p-valor = 0,237). O grupo MOD apresentou um modo de fratura mais desfavorável em comparação com os outros grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença significativa na resistência à fratura entre as cavidades de acesso conservador e tradicional. A ausência de cristas marginais, como nas cavidades MOD, desempenhou um papel importante na diminuição da resistência à fratura dos dentes tratados endodonticamente. prémolares pré molares endodonticamente MÉTODOS 7 intactos n 12. 12 . 12) Truss III eles IV V tradicional mesiooclusaldistal mesio oclusal distal MOD. (MOD) seguida composta níqueltitânio, níqueltitânio níquel titânio, titânio níquel-titânio gutapercha guta percha quente 10000 10 000 10.00 55C C 55 55°C 20 mmmin mm min Ø Newton RESULTADOS ShapiroWilk Shapiro Wilk (Shapiro-Wilk distribuídos pvalor p valor 0,237. 0237 0,237 0 237 0,237) CONCLUSÕES marginais (MOD 1000 00 10.0 2 023 0,23 23 100 10. 02 0,2 0,

The surge in deep and ultra-deep water oil exploration in Brazil, particularly in the pre-salt layer, necessitates the advancement of materials and engineering components to meet sectoral challenges. To enhance the longevity and corrosion resistance of pipelines and structures, welded cladding of stainless alloys onto structural steels has been deployed. However, dissimilar welding often leads to the formation of Partially Diluted Zones (PDZ), marked by discontinuous, high-hardness regions at the interface. This study employs Electron Microscopy via Backscattered Electron Diffraction (EBSD) to characterize these zones, addressing limitations in conventional metallographic techniques. By cladding ASTM A36 steel test plates with AWS E 309L (309L stainless steel) through automated MIG welding, metallurgical-mechanical properties were assessed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM), EBSD, SEM-EDS, and Vickers Microhardness. The Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) displayed low hardness, while the PDZ exhibited varied morphologies with significant concentrations of iron, chromium, and nickel, accompanied by elevated microhardness and a characteristic martensitic microstructure. In comparison between single and double-layer depositions, the latter substantially reduced hardness in the PDZ and HAZ. This study provides critical insights into the microstructural attributes of welded cladding, offering valuable guidance for optimizing materials in deepwater applications. ultradeep ultra Brazil presalt pre salt layer challenges structures deployed However PDZ, , (PDZ) discontinuous highhardness high interface EBSD (EBSD zones techniques A A3 L metallurgicalmechanical metallurgical mechanical FEGSEM, FEGSEM FEG SEM (FEG-SEM) SEMEDS, SEMEDS EDS, EDS SEM-EDS Microhardness HeatAffected Heat Affected HAZ (HAZ iron chromium nickel microstructure doublelayer double depositions applications (PDZ (FEG-SEM

A novel tungsten carbide (WC)-reinforced nickel (Ni)-based laser cladding layer was prepared through an in-situ synthesis process. The mechanism of the effect of scanning rates and laser power on the microstructures, wear and corrosion resistance of in-situ synthesized WC-reinforced Ni-based cladding layer were analyzed. The results revealed that the optimal in-situ synthesized WC laser cladding process entailed a scan rate of 3 mm/s and a laser power of 3000 W. The generation of WC phase has a significant strengthening effect on the cladding layer, which exhibits outstanding hardness (1261HV0.2). There is no clear linear relationship between scanning rate and abrasion resistance, and the coating abrasion resistance increased with increasing laser power. Furthermore, increasing the laser power improves the corrosion resistance of the cladding layer, while the scanning speed has a minimal effect on corrosion resistance. WCreinforced reinforced Nibased Ni based insitu in situ microstructures analyzed mms mm s 300 W 1261HV0.2. 1261HV02 HV 1261HV0.2 . 1261HV0 2 (1261HV0.2) Furthermore 30 1261HV0. 1261HV (1261HV0.2 (1261HV0. (1261HV0 (1261HV

The demand for oil and its derivatives has driven the oil and gas sector to explore deep waters. Nickel-based alloys, like Inconel, are used due to their corrosion resistance properties. Cladding structural steels with these alloys is a cost-effective solution. However, dissimilar metal welding poses challenges, including the formation of Partially Diluted Zones (PDZ). This work highlights the use of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) as a very adequate technique for the microstructural characterization of dissimilar anticorrosive materials. The MIG process was utilized to perform cladding of Inconel 625 onto the A36 steel substrate. The samples were prepared for analysis using techniques such as EDS, FEG-SEM, EBSD, and Vickers microhardness testing. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the EBSD technique in characterizing dissimilar metal cladding. The combination of EBSD with EDS analysis and microhardness testing provided comprehensive insights into the microstructure and mechanical properties of the material. EDS mapping analysis confirmed the formation of PDZ with a distinct beach-like morphology, indicating localized compositional variations. The uniform thickness of the PDZ, approximately 20 µm, highlights the convective motion and solidification behavior of the partially diluted zone. Phase map EBSD analysis revealed different crystal structures in the cladding zone, including a FCC structure for the nickel cladding layer and a BCC structure for the ferritic steel base metal. The PDZ exhibited the same crystal structure as the base metal, indicating chemical element diffusion without altering the ferritic steel structure. Contrast band EBSD analysis provided detailed microstructural information, revealing solidification structures and potential hardness variations. The observed martensite formation in the PDZ highlights its susceptibility to cracking and detachment of the coated layer. The hardness results support the microstructural findings, demonstrating significant variations in hardness across the cladding structure, particularly in the PDZ and at the interface between the Inconel alloy and the base metal. These findings contribute valuable insights into the microstructural and compositional gradients within the joint region, reinforcing their implications for material performance. waters Nickelbased Nickel based costeffective cost effective solution However challenges PDZ. . (PDZ) (EBSD materials 62 A A3 substrate FEGSEM, FEGSEM FEG SEM, SEM FEG-SEM beachlike beach morphology 2 µm zone information region performance (PDZ 6

Steelmaking is an important industrial branch, but it is also associated with large emissions of pollutants into the environment, especially nickel, which is used in the manufacturing process of metallic alloys and steel. Nickel is generally associated with particulate matter and, in industrial regions, its concentration can be 14 times higher than those observed in non-industrialized regions. This study was carried out in a residential area located in the city of Volta Redonda, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is impacted by industrial steel activity and by a deposit of steel slag tailings. The goal of this study was to measure air contamination and its impact on the health of the population by determining Ni in the total particulate matter and in the urine of 211 residents. The results obtained showed that the average values of Ni in the atmospheric air varied in the range of 1.3-13.2 ng m-3, with a maximum value of 20 ng m-3, which is comparable to other industrialized regions. In turn, Ni concentration in the urine of the residents presented an average concentration of 3.61 μg L-1, which is higher than the values normally found in the urine of occupationally exposed persons. branch environment nickel regions 1 nonindustrialized non Redonda Janeiro tailings 21 1.313.2 13132 1.3 13.2 3 13 2 1.3-13. m3, m3 m 3, m-3 turn 361 61 3.6 L1, L1 L 1, L-1 persons 313 1.313. 1313 1. 132 13. 1.3-13 m- 36 6 3. L- 31 1.313 131 1.3-1 1.31 1.3-

Low-cost adsorbents promote the valorization of locally sourced waste materials and are still a significant challenge for removing toxic metal ions from industrial effluents. In this sense, Castor (Ricinus communis L.) stalks (CS) were activated with an alkaline solution and tested as an adsorbent to remove nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead ions. A 24-1 factorial design was carried out and showed a correlation and influence of the variables, such as pH, adsorbent mass, agitation rate, and initial concentration in the adsorption process. The adsorbents in their natural, activated, and saturated states were characterized. After activation, X-ray diffraction results revealed a change from cellulose I to cellulose II. The X-ray fluorescence showed that the ion exchange adsorption mechanism occurred. For the kinetic adsorption studies, the equilibrium time was reached up to 15 min. Different isotherm models described the adsorption process, with the Sips model providing the best fit to the experimental data. Five cycles of sorption/desorption using 0.1 mol L-1 HCl elution were carried out with a minimal loss in sorption capacity and physical degradation. Nickel and copper ions exhibited the lowest desorption rates. Due to their efficiency, CS can be a promising and low-cost alternative for removing metal ions. Lowcost Low cost effluents sense Ricinus L. L (CS nickel cadmium 241 24 1 24- variables pH mass rate process natural characterized activation Xray X ray II occurred studies min data sorptiondesorption 01 0 0. L1 L- degradation rates efficiency lowcost low 2

The present work carried out an extensive and deepened study regarding the physico-chemical characteristics of two Si-MCM-41-type supports, synthesized employing two distinct silica precursors, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and rice husk ash (RHS), with the dispersion of nickel on the surface of the catalytic support. The direct influence of the active phase dispersion was analyzed, making a relationship with the formation of coke and with its performance on methane dry reform (DRM). The catalysts were prepared with 5, 10, and 20% (m/m) of Ni by wet impregnation method (with excess solvent), calcined at 800 ºC for 6 h, and characterized by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/ EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)/Barret-Joyer-Halenda (BJH), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), temperature-programmed ammonia desorption (TPD-NH3), and H2-temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The DRM experiments were carried out at 800 °C for 24 h with a 1:1 CH4:CO2 molar ratio. Analyzes of gaseous products were performed in gas chromatography (GC) and the coke produced was estimated by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO). The best reaction results were obtained for catalysts with 20% nickel, which were selective and stable within 24 h of reaction. Comparing the TEOS and RHS catalysts for 20% Ni, the DRM results were very similar. The catalysts on RHS support demonstrated a significant low formation of coke, which can be considered negligible in a 24 h reaction. physicochemical physico chemical SiMCM41type SiMCMtype Si MCM 41 type supports precursors (TEOS RHS, , (RHS) analyzed DRM. . (DRM) 5 10 20 m/m mm m (m/m solvent, solvent solvent) 80 SEM/ SEM (SEM EDS, EDS EDS) TEM, TEM (TEM) BrunauerEmmettTeller Brunauer Emmett Teller BET/BarretJoyerHalenda BETBarretJoyerHalenda BET /Barret Joyer Halenda Barret BJH, BJH (BJH) Xray X ray XRD, XRD (XRD) FTIR, FTIR (FTIR) temperatureprogrammed temperature programmed TPDNH3, TPDNH3 TPDNH TPD NH3 NH (TPD-NH3) H2temperatureprogrammed Htemperatureprogrammed H2 H TPR. TPR (TPR) C 2 11 1 1: CH4CO2 CHCO CH4 CO2 CH CO CH4:CO ratio GC (GC TPO. TPO (TPO) similar SiMCM 4 (RHS (DRM 8 (TEM BarretJoyerHalenda (BJH (XRD (FTIR (TPD-NH3 (TPR CH4CO (TPO (TPD-NH

A highly efficient NiFe2O4/TiO2 nanofibrous photocatalyst was prepared by a simultaneous solution blow spinning method. The hybrid fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and magnetometry. The photocatalytic properties were evaluated using Crystal violet (CV) and Congo red (CR) dyes under visible light irradiation. Fibers calcined at 600 ºC and 700 ºC showed the highest CV decolorization (77%). On the other hand, for CR, the best performance was encountered with the photocatalysts heat-treated at 500 ºC, which exhibited photocatalytic degradation of 87% after only 30 min of visible light irradiation. The high reaction rates (0.018 to 0.067 min-1) explain the fast decolorization yielded by the combined effect of adsorption and photocatalytic processes. Moreover, recyclability assays showed stable CR dye efficiency after five recycling cycles. Therefore, the NiFe2O4/TiO2 nanofibers present a high potential for application in the decolorization treatment of wastewater from the textile industry. NiFe2O4TiO2 NiFeOTiO NiFe2O4 TiO2 NiFe O TiO NiFe2O4/TiO method SEM, SEM , (SEM) Xray X ray XRD, XRD (XRD) spectroscopy magnetometry (CV (CR irradiation 60 70 77%. 77 77% . (77%) hand heattreated heat treated 50 87 3 0.018 0018 0 018 (0.01 0067 067 0.06 min1 1 min-1 processes Moreover cycles Therefore industry NiFe2O4TiO NiFeO NiFe2O (SEM (XRD 6 7 (77% 5 8 0.01 001 01 (0.0 006 06 0.0 min- (77 00 (0. 0. (7 (0 (