A SEM, EDS and vibrational spectroscopic study of the clay mineral fraipontite

The mineral fraipontite has been studied by using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis and vibrational spectroscopy (infrared and Raman). Fraipontite is a member of the 1:1 clay minerals of the kaolinite-serpentine group. The mineral contains Zn and Cu and is of formula (Cu,Zn,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4. Qualitative chemical analysis of fraipontite shows an aluminium silicate mineral with amounts of Cu and Zn. This kaolinite type mineral has been characterised by Raman and infrared spectroscopy; in this way aspects about the molecular structure of fraipontite clay are elucidated.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic characterization of the arsenate-bearing mineral tangdanite– and in comparison with the discredited mineral clinotyrolite

The minerals clinotyrolite and fuxiaotuite are discredited in terms of the mineral tangdanite. The mixed anion mineral tangdanite Ca2Cu9(AsO4)4(SO4)0.5(OH)9 9H2O has been studied using a combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Characteristic bands associated with arsenate, sulphate and hydroxyl units are identified. Broad bands in the OH stretching region are observed and are resolved into component bands. These bands are assigned to water and hydroxyl stretching vibrations. Two intense Raman bands at 837 and approximately 734 cm−1 are assigned to the ν1 (AsO4)3− symmetric stretching and ν3 (AsO4)3− antisymmetric stretching modes. Infrared bands at 1023 cm−1 are assigned to the (SO4)2− ν1 symmetric stretching mode, and infrared bands at 1052, 1110 and 1132 cm−1 assigned to (SO4)2− ν3 antisymmetric stretching modes, confirming the presence of the sulphate anion in the tangdanite structure. Raman bands at 593 and 628 cm−1 are attributed to the (SO4)2− ν4 bending modes. Low-intensity Raman bands found at 457 and 472 cm−1 are assigned to the (AsO4)3− ν2 bending modes. A comparison is made with the previously obtained spectral data on the discredited mineral clinotyrolite.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterization of the carbonate bearing silicate mineral aerinite – Implications for the molecular structure

The mineral aerinite is an interesting mineral because it contains both silicate and carbonate units which is unusual. It is also a highly colored mineral being bright blue/purple. We have studied aerinite using a combination of techniques which included scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Raman bands at 1049 and 1072 cm−1 are assigned to the carbonate symmetric stretching mode. This observation supports the concept of the non-equivalence of the carbonate units in the structure of aerinite. Multiple infrared bands at 1354, 1390 and 1450 cm−1 supports this concept. Raman bands at 933 and 974 cm−1 are assigned to silicon–oxygen stretching vibrations. Multiple hydroxyl stretching and bending vibrations show that water is in different molecular environments in the aerinite structure.

A vibrational spectroscopic study of the phosphate mineral vantasselite Al4(PO4)3(OH)3·9H2O

We have studied the phosphate mineral vantasselite Al4(PO4)3(OH)3·9H2O using a combination of SEM with EDX and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Qualitative chemical analysis shows Al, Fe and P. Raman bands at 1013 and 1027cm−1 are assigned to the PO43−ν1 symmetric stretching mode. The observation of two bands suggests the non-equivalence of the phosphate units in the vantasselite structure. Raman bands at 1051, 1076 and 1090cm−1 are attributed to the PO43−ν3 antisymmetric stretching vibration. A comparison is made with the spectroscopy of wardite. Strong infrared bands at 1044, 1078, 1092, 1112, 1133, 1180 and 1210cm−1 are attributed to the PO43−ν3 antisymmetric stretching mode. Some of these bands may be due to δAl2OH deformation modes. Vibrational spectroscopy offers a mechanism for the study of the molecular structure of vantasselite.

SEM, EDX and Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of brianyoungite Zn3(CO3,SO4)(OH)4 from Esperanza Mine, Laurion District, Greece

The mineral brianyoungite, a carbonate–sulphate of zinc, has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with chemical analysis using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Multiple carbonate stretching modes are observed and support the concept of non-equivalent carbonate units in the brianyoungite structure. Intense Raman band at 1056 cm−1 with shoulder band at 1038 cm−1 is assigned to the CO32− ν1 symmetric stretching mode. Two intense Raman bands at 973 and 984 cm−1 are assigned to the symmetric stretching modes of the SO42− anion. The observation of two bands supports the concept of the non-equivalence of sulphate units in the brianyoungite structure. Raman bands at 704 and 736 cm−1 are assigned to the CO32− ν4 bending modes and Raman bands at 507, 528, 609 and 638 cm−1 are assigned to the CO32− ν2 bending modes. Multiple Raman and infrared bands in the OH stretching region are observed, proving the existence of water and hydroxyl units in different molecular environments in the structure of brianyoungite. Vibrational spectroscopy enhances our knowledge of the molecular structure of brianyoungite.

A Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the sulphate mineral aluminite Al2(SO4)(OH)4·7H2O

The mineral aluminite has been studied using a number of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy identifies multiple sulphate symmetric stretching modes in line with the three sulphate crystallographically different sites. Raman spectroscopy also identifies a low intensity band at 1069 cm−1 which may be attributed to a carbonate symmetric stretching mode, indicating the presence of thaumasite. The observation of multiple bands in this ν4 spectral region offers evidence for the reduction in symmetry of the sulphate anion from Td to C2v or even lower symmetry. The Raman band at 3588 cm−1 is assigned to the OH unit stretching vibration and the broad feature at around 3439 cm−1 to water stretching bands. Water stretching vibrations are observed at 3157, 3294, 3378 and 3439 cm−1. Vibrational spectroscopy enables an assessment of the molecular structure of aluminite to be made.

Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of tilleyite Ca5Si2O7(CO3)2-Y

The mineral tilleyite-Y, a carbonate-silicate of calcium, has been studied by scanning electron microscopy with chemical analysis using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Multiple carbonate stretching modes are observed and support the concept of non-equivalent carbonate units in the tilleyite structure. Multiple Raman and infrared bands in the OH stretching region are observed, proving the existence of water in different molecular environments in the structure of tilleyite. Vibrational spectroscopy offers new information on the mineral tilleyite.

A SEM, EDS and vibrational spectroscopic study of the tellurite mineral: Sonoraite Fe3+Te4+O3(OH)·H2O

We have undertaken a study of the tellurite mineral sonorite using electron microscopy with EDX combined with vibrational spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows a homogeneous composition, with predominance of Te, Fe, Ce and In with minor amounts of S. Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the mineral sonoraite an examples of group A(XO3), with hydroxyl and water units in the mineral structure. The free tellurite ion has C3v symmetry and four modes, 2A1 and 2E. An intense Raman band at 734 cm−1 is assigned to the ν1 (TeO3)2− symmetric stretching mode. A band at 636 cm−1 is assigned to the ν3 (TeO3)2− antisymmetric stretching mode. Bands at 350 and 373 cm−1 and the two bands at 425 and 438 cm−1 are assigned to the (TeO3)2−ν2 (A1) bending mode and (TeO3)2−ν4 (E) bending modes. The sharp band at 3283 cm−1 assigned to the OH stretching vibration of the OH units is superimposed upon a broader spectral profile with Raman bands at 3215, 3302, 3349 and 3415 cm−1 are attributed to water stretching bands. The techniques of Raman and infrared spectroscopy are excellent for the study of tellurite minerals.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic characterization of the silicate mineral lamprophyllite

The mineral lamprophyllite is fundamentally a silicate based upon tetrahedral siloxane units with extensive substitution in the formula. Lamprophyllite is a complex group of sorosilicates with general chemical formula given as A2B4C2Si2O7(X)4, where the site A can be occupied by strontium, barium, sodium, and potassium; the B site is occupied by sodium, titanium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. The site C is mainly occupied by titanium or ferric iron and X includes the anions fluoride, hydroxyl, and oxide. Chemical composition shows a homogeneous phase, composed of Si, Na, Ti, and Fe. This complexity of formula is reflected in the complexity of both the Raman and infrared spectra. The Raman spectrum is characterized by intense bands at 918 and 940 cm−1. Other intense Raman bands are found at 576, 671, and 707 cm−1. These bands are assigned to the stretching and bending modes of the tetrahedral siloxane units.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the borate mineral kaliborite

We have studied the mineral kaliborite. The sample originated from the Inder B deposit, Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan, and is part of the collection of the Geology Department of the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mineral is characterized by a single intense Raman band at 756 cm−1 assigned to the symmetric stretching modes of trigonal boron. Raman bands at 1229 and 1309 cm−1 are assigned to hydroxyl in-plane bending modes of boron hydroxyl units. Raman bands are resolved at 2929, 3041, 3133, 3172, 3202, 3245, 3336, 3398, and 3517 cm−1. These Raman bands are assigned to water stretching vibrations. A very intense sharp Raman band at 3597 cm−1 with a shoulder band at 3590 cm−1 is assigned to the stretching vibration of the hydroxyl units. The Raman data are complimented with infrared data and compared with the spectrum of kaliborite downloaded from the Arizona State University database. Differences are noted between the spectrum obtained in this work and that from the Arizona State University database. This research shows that minerals stored in a museum mineral collection age with time. Vibrational spectroscopy enhances our knowledge of the molecular structure of kaliborite.

Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 79 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks in 188 countries, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Background The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor study 2013 (GBD 2013) is the first of a series of annual updates of the GBD. Risk factor quantification, particularly of modifiable risk factors, can help to identify emerging threats to population health and opportunities for prevention. The GBD 2013 provides a timely opportunity to update the comparative risk assessment with new data for exposure, relative risks, and evidence on the appropriate counterfactual risk distribution. Methods Attributable deaths, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) have been estimated for 79 risks or clusters of risks using the GBD 2010 methods. Risk–outcome pairs meeting explicit evidence criteria were assessed for 188 countries for the period 1990–2013 by age and sex using three inputs: risk exposure, relative risks, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL). Risks are organised into a hierarchy with blocks of behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks at the first level of the hierarchy. The next level in the hierarchy includes nine clusters of related risks and two individual risks, with more detail provided at levels 3 and 4 of the hierarchy. Compared with GBD 2010, six new risk factors have been added: handwashing practices, occupational exposure to trichloroethylene, childhood wasting, childhood stunting, unsafe sex, and low glomerular filtration rate. For most risks, data for exposure were synthesised with a Bayesian meta-regression method, DisMod-MR 2.0, or spatial-temporal Gaussian process regression. Relative risks were based on meta-regressions of published cohort and intervention studies. Attributable burden for clusters of risks and all risks combined took into account evidence on the mediation of some risks such as high body-mass index (BMI) through other risks such as high systolic blood pressure and high cholesterol. Findings All risks combined account for 57·2% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 55·8–58·5) of deaths and 41·6% (40·1–43·0) of DALYs. Risks quantified account for 87·9% (86·5–89·3) of cardiovascular disease DALYs, ranging to a low of 0% for neonatal disorders and neglected tropical diseases and malaria. In terms of global DALYs in 2013, six risks or clusters of risks each caused more than 5% of DALYs: dietary risks accounting for 11·3 million deaths and 241·4 million DALYs, high systolic blood pressure for 10·4 million deaths and 208·1 million DALYs, child and maternal malnutrition for 1·7 million deaths and 176·9 million DALYs, tobacco smoke for 6·1 million deaths and 143·5 million DALYs, air pollution for 5·5 million deaths and 141·5 million DALYs, and high BMI for 4·4 million deaths and 134·0 million DALYs. Risk factor patterns vary across regions and countries and with time. In sub-Saharan Africa, the leading risk factors are child and maternal malnutrition, unsafe sex, and unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing. In women, in nearly all countries in the Americas, north Africa, and the Middle East, and in many other high-income countries, high BMI is the leading risk factor, with high systolic blood pressure as the leading risk in most of Central and Eastern Europe and south and east Asia. For men, high systolic blood pressure or tobacco use are the leading risks in nearly all high-income countries, in north Africa and the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. For men and women, unsafe sex is the leading risk in a corridor from Kenya to South Africa. Interpretation Behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks can explain half of global mortality and more than one-third of global DALYs providing many opportunities for prevention. Of the larger risks, the attributable burden of high BMI has increased in the past 23 years. In view of the prominence of behavioural risk factors, behavioural and social science research on interventions for these risks should be strengthened. Many prevention and primary care policy options are available now to act on key risks.

Schoolman family papers, undated, 1889-1994

The Schoolman Papers reflect Dr. Albert P. and Mrs. Bertha Schoolmans' staunch dedication to Jewish education, Jewish causes, and Israel. Bertha Schoolman, a lifelong member of Hadassah, assisted thousands of Israeli youth as chairman of the Youth Aliyah Committee. Her diaries, photos, scrapbooks, and correspondence record her numerous visits to Israel on which she helped set up schools, met with Israeli dignitaries, and participated in Zionist Conferences and events. The collection includes a 1936 letter from Hadassah founder, Henrietta Szold, praising Mrs. Schoolman's work as well as a letter from the father of Anne Frank, thanking Mrs. Schoolman for naming a Youth Aliyah center the "Anne Frank Haven" after his later daughter.

Hendricks-Tobias business correspondence undated, 1802-1889

The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence to Hendricks & Brothers, 1833[?]-1851. Also included are business cards from various Hendricks-Tobias family enterprises, correspondence to Harmon Hendricks, and correspondence to several members of the Tobias family. The collection is arranged in four series. See finding aid for more information.

The global burden of injury: Incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and time trends from the Global Burden of Disease study 2013

Background The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), Injuries, and Risk Factors study used the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) to quantify the burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors. This paper provides an overview of injury estimates from the 2013 update of GBD, with detailed information on incidence, mortality, DALYs and rates of change from 1990 to 2013 for 26 causes of injury, globally, by region and by country. Methods Injury mortality was estimated using the extensive GBD mortality database, corrections for ill-defined cause of death and the cause of death ensemble modelling tool. Morbidity estimation was based on inpatient and outpatient data sets, 26 cause-of-injury and 47 nature-of-injury categories, and seven follow-up studies with patient-reported long-term outcome measures. Results In 2013, 973 million (uncertainty interval (UI) 942 to 993) people sustained injuries that warranted some type of healthcare and 4.8 million (UI 4.5 to 5.1) people died from injuries. Between 1990 and 2013 the global age-standardised injury DALY rate decreased by 31% (UI 26% to 35%). The rate of decline in DALY rates was significant for 22 cause-of-injury categories, including all the major injuries. Conclusions Injuries continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed and developing world. The decline in rates for almost all injuries is so prominent that it warrants a general statement that the world is becoming a safer place to live in. However, the patterns vary widely by cause, age, sex, region and time and there are still large improvements that need to be made.