Study of Volcanic Sediments by Microbeam-PIXE Technique

Single mineral grains in a suite of Cretaceous (85–90 Ma) volcanic sedimentary rocks were analyzed using the microbeam-PIXE technique to understand fundamental geological processes responsible for micro-scale variation in elemental composition across mineral zones, twinning, cleavage planes, fractures and grain boundaries. Distributions of major and trace elements show distinct geochemical features indicative of a specific geological setting and a subsequent diagenetic process in these volcanic sediments. Examples of mineral zoning, microstructures of variable chemistry and post-depositional fluid flow are discussed using the data on feldspar group of minerals

Microanalytical Investigations of Gold-Bearing Rocks from the An Najadi Region in Saudi Arabia

The Proton Induced X-ray Emission technique with a scanning microbeam (micro-PIXE) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to study gold-bearing rocks from the An Najadi and adjacent regions situated within the exposed northeastern part of the Arabian Shield. These microanalytical investigations, together with routine petrological and ore microscopic studies, demonstrated the presence of important partitioning of major minerals and trace elements in several samples. These measurements also revealed microstructural features including brecciation within quartz grains and metal concentrations within these fracture-controlled micro-conduits. Results showed promise in terms of using distinctive geochemical signatures for ore body recognition. Of particular interest to this study is the presence of an identifiable geochemical trend pertaining to As, Ti, Zn, Cu, Fe and Au. Overall geochemical and petrological data indicate an epithermal mineralization phenomenon for the metal deposits in the An Najadi regions. Mineralization not only postdated brecciation but also followed the regional structural grain of this area

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among the public in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A review of the literature

Vaccine hesitancy has a significant impact on tackling infectious diseases as it has resulted in reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This review aims to provide an up-to-date evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the public in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. We searched the PubMed and SCOPUS databases for manuscripts published on vaccine hesitancy and/or acceptance among the public in GCC countries up till April 1st, 2022. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The average vaccine hesitancy rate across GCC countries was 43%. Concerns about vaccine safety (n = 32) and effectiveness (n = 26) were most frequently associated with hesitancy. Being male (n = 25) and having positive behavior regarding the influenza vaccine or vaccines in general (n = 22) were most frequently associated with acceptance. Collaborative efforts of governments, academic bodies, and the media to provide evidence of vaccines’ effectiveness throughout history and strictly manage the spread of the vaccine safety-related rumors are warranted