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.

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.

Near infrared spectroscopy of selected natural magnesium carbonates: implications for geosequestration

The approach to remove greenhouse gases by pumping liquid CO2 several kilometres below the ground implies that many carbonate containing minerals will be formed. Among these minerals, the formation of hydromagnesite, dypingite and nesquehonite are possible, thus necessitating a study of such minerals. These minerals with a hydrotalcite-related formulae have been characterised by a combination of infrared and near infrared spectroscopy. Layered double hydroxides (also known as anionic clays or hydrotalcites) are a group of layered clay minerals described by the general formula: [M1–x2+Mx3+(OH)2]x+[An–]x/n∙mH2O. The infrared spectra of the minerals are characterised by OH and water stretching vibrations. Both the first and second fundamental overtones of these bands are observed in the NIR spectra in the 7030–7235 cm–1 and 10,490–10,570 cm–1 spectral ranges. Intense (CO3)2– symmetrical and anti-symmetrical stretching vibrations confirm the distortion of the carbonate anion. The position of the water bending vibration indicates water is strongly hydrogen-bonded to the carbonate anion in the mineral structure. NIR spectroscopy offers a method for quickly analysing such materials.

Young people's uses of music for well-being

The period between 15 and 25 years is characterised by much personal change and is the peak age of onset of mental health problems. This prompts an interest in everyday strategies that young people might use to support their well-being. Music use is the preferred leisure activity among young people yet little is known about how music is linked to well-being in this population. This study aimed to develop and test a model of the relationships between young people’s use of music and their well-being, drawing on theories from the music psychology and clinical psychology fields. A qualitative analysis of transcripts from focus groups with 11 participants aged 15–25 years revealed four ways in which music listening links with well-being: relationship building, modifying emotions, modifying cognitions and emotional immersion. These linking variables were operationalised using questionnaire scores and tested on a new sample of 107 young people. Results of a multiple mediation analysis revealed that music listening was significantly related to all four linking variables, but not directly related to well-being as measured by the Mental Health Continuum. Nevertheless, the four linking variables indirectly mediated the effect of music listening on social wellbeing. The findings are consistent with earlier research on the role of music in emotion regulation and social connection although there are clearly other factors involved in determining young peoples’ well-being. These findings will help inform music-based interventions for young people.

Well-trained, healthy triathletes experience no adverse health risks regarding oxidative stress and DNA damage by participating in an ultra-endurance event

Also physical exercise in general is accepted to be protective, acute and strenuous exercise has been shown to induce oxidative stress. Enhanced formation of free radicals leads to oxidation of macromolecules and to DNA damage. On the other hand ultra-endurance events which require strenuous exercise are very popular and the number of participants is continuously increasing worldwide. Since only few data exists on Ironman triathletes, who are prototypes of ultra-endurance athletes, this study was aimed at assessing the risk of oxidative stress and DNA damage after finishing a triathlon and to predict a possible health risk. Blood samples of 42 male athletes were taken 2 days before, within 20 min after the race, 1, 5 and 19 days post-race. Oxidative stress marker increased only moderately after the race and returned to baseline after 5 days. Marker of DNA damage measured by the SCGE assay with and without restriction enzymes as well as by the sister chromatid exchange assay did either show no change or deceased within the first day after the race. Due to intake during the race and the release by the cells plasma concentrations of vitamin C and α-tocopherol increased after the event and returned to baseline 1 day after. This study indicates that despite a temporary increase in some oxidative stress markers, there is no persistent oxidative stress and no DNA damage in response to an Ironman triathlon in trained athletes, mainly due to an appropriate antioxidant intake and general protective alterations in the antioxidant defence system.

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.

Students’ well-being and social connections

Description of Workshop/Poster Presentation This presentation will showcase CORE Connections – ‘Creating Opportunities for Resilience and Engagement’ – which is a whole-school approach to mental health promotion. While initially designed to prevent adolescent depression and substance abuse, current thinking suggests that competency enhancement (e.g., autonomy, competence, supportive networks) more widely improves students’ well-being, educational engagement, and learning outcomes. In the presentation, we will provide an overview of the CORE project, describe the CORE intervention, which is conceptualized as a dynamic and penetrating process of social practices, present some preliminary findings from the pilot phase of CORE, and conclude our presentation with an interactive section with the participants. This project will highlight a wellness focus that addresses social engagement within whole school cultures. Purpose of the Presentation Student mental and physical well-being has gained increasing attention. Our presentation will introduce the CORE project, which has a potential to decrease student depression, anxiety, and substance use, and to increase student self-esteem and learning outcomes. In this vein, our presentation will raise the public awareness of the salient role of social connection in student well-being. Specifically, a group of presenters will discuss the impact of social connection on students’ anxiety, mathematics achievement, and perceived racial discrimination. • We will present participants with an alternative way to conceptualize and approach mental health promotion within a school context. In contrast to prescribed programs that are commonly used in today’s schools, CORE is a whole-school approach that is flexibly integrated into all aspects of the classroom and school environment. Our aim is to illustrate the intervention principles of CORE while highlighting examples of mental health outcomes/transformation. • Underutilized in mental health promotion research, social network analysis provides critical information in understanding relationships between social cohesion (e.g., a student’s connectedness to others) and mental health outcomes. This session will showcase how focusing on and strengthening social connections in and out of school can contribute to student well-being, achievement, and mental health. Educational Objectives By the end of the presentation, participants will • obtain a general overview of the CORE program, • understand how psychological health and school performance relate to student well-being, • and understand how social connections in and out of school can contribute to student well-being. Interactive / Participatory Component We will invite audience members to discuss inhibitors and contributors to student well-being and the best ways for schools to help students feel safe, connected, and valued. Presentation Key Points • Overview of the CORE project • Theorization of social connection • Some empirical studies emerging from CORE • Presenter-audience interaction Evidence of Relevance and Utility to Participants Potential participants are adults with significant relationships with students, either as family members, community neighbors, educators, scholars, service providers, or policy makers. Our presentation will inspire these significant adults to construct a welcoming society to help improve student well-being.

Virtual community, purchasing behaviour, and emotional well-being

The benefits of virtual communities in increasing firms' profits, instilling knowledge in consumers, and enhancing consumers' social experience and enjoyment are widely recognised. However, relatively little is known about how the use of a virtual community could influence consumers' emotional well-being. This study examines the relationships among virtual community features (structural and experiential routes) as antecedents of virtual community engagement, including quality of use of virtual communities (time spent online and level of information exchange), electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) purchasing behaviour, and consumers' emotional experience. Furthermore, by extending the cultural perspective to virtual community engagement, this study examines the role of collectivistic values on the aforementioned relationships. The proposed hypotheses are tested on the basis of data collected from 286 members of different virtual communities in Taiwan. The results partially support the theory that features of virtual communities influenced the quality of use, which then has a subsequent effect on consumer eWOM purchasing and emotional well-being. The results of the empirical analysis add credence to the proposed relationships. The role of collectivistic values is also partially supported. A detailed discussion of the findings and limitations of this study is provided.

The effect of graphene oxide and its oxidized debris on the cure chemistry and interphase structure of epoxy nanocomposites

The influence of graphene oxide (GO) and its surface oxidized debris (OD) on the cure chemistry of an amine cured epoxy resin has been investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Emission Spectroscopy (FT-IES) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Spectral analysis of IR radiation emitted at the cure temperature from thin films of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (DGEBA) and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) curing agent with and without GO allowed the cure kinetics of the interphase between the bulk resin and GO to be monitored in real time, by measuring both the consumption of primary (1°) amine and epoxy groups, formation of ether groups as well as computing the profiles for formation of secondary (2°) and tertiary (3°) amines. OD was isolated from as-produced GO (aGO) by a simple autoclave method to give OD-free autoclaved GO (acGO). It has been found that the presence of OD on the GO prevents active sites on GO surfaces fully catalysing and participating in the reaction of DGEBA with DDM, which results in slower reaction and a lower crosslink density of the three-dimensional networks in the aGO-resin interphase compared to the acGO-resin interphase. We also determined that OD itself promoted DGEBA homopolymerization. A DSC study further confirmed that the aGO nanocomposite exhibited lower Tg while acGO nanocomposite showed higher Tg compared to neat resin because of the difference in crosslink densities of the matrix around the different GOs.

Does the technique employed for skin temperature assessment alter outcomes? A systematic review

Skin temperature is an important physiological measure that can reflect the presence of illness and injury as well as provide insight into the localised interactions between the body and the environment. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the agreement between conductive and infrared means of assessing skin temperature which are commonly employed in in clinical, occupational, sports medicine, public health and research settings. Full-text eligibility was determined independently by two reviewers. Studies meeting the following criteria were included in the review: 1) the literature was written in English, 2) participants were human (in vivo), 3) skin surface temperature was assessed at the same site, 4) with at least two commercially available devices employed—one conductive and one infrared—and 5) had skin temperature data reported in the study. A computerised search of four electronic databases, using a combination of 21 keywords, and citation tracking was performed in January 2015. A total of 8,602 were returned. Methodology quality was assessed by 2 authors independently, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A total of 16 articles (n = 245) met the inclusion criteria. Devices are classified to be in agreement if they met the clinically meaningful recommendations of mean differences within ±0.5 °C and limits of agreement of ±1.0 °C. Twelve of the included studies found mean differences greater than ±0.5 °C between conductive and infrared devices. In the presence of external stimulus (e.g. exercise and/or heat) five studies foundexacerbated measurement differences between conductive and infrared devices. This is the first review that has attempted to investigate presence of any systemic bias between infrared and conductive measures by collectively evaluating the current evidence base. There was also a consistently high risk of bias across the studies, in terms of sample size, random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding and incomplete outcome data. This systematic review questions the suitability of using infrared cameras in stable, resting, laboratory conditions. Furthermore, both infrared cameras and thermometers in the presence of sweat and environmental heat demonstrate poor agreement when compared to conductive devices. These findings have implications for clinical, occupational, public health, sports science and research fields.