Ion-beam bombardment of solid surfaces with rare gas ions is used extensively in conjunction with XPS and AES for surface cleaning and depth profiling. It is sometimes not appreciated that the process can give rise to extensive chemical changes in the surface to be examined. The purpose of this investigation is to study this ion-induced chemical damage. As a vehicle for this, changes in the elemental chemical states associated with some transition metal oxides have been examined using XPS, when the oxides were subjected to progressive periods of argon ion bombardment. Chemical reduction of all oxides investigated has been observed and the data have been compared with theoretical predictions from a current model for preferential oxygen removal. Measurements of the core electron energy levels in oxides and some hydroxides of iron, cobalt, titanium and niobium have been made and the results are tabulated.

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A b h c i . lnis p a p describes a study of Ar ion bombardment damage in metal oxides. In the energy range I to 5 keV, preferential oxygen removal and reduction of the oxides was found w depend on ion cumnt density, but to te independent of beam energy.

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A study was conducted in Gomai village to determine the impact jungle cats had on poultry bird deaths. The study revealed that 1.6+ 0.7 chickens and 3.6+2.22 ducks were lost per household due to predation during the period of 2020-2021. A total of Rs. 53200 ($ 727.3) was lost due to the poultry bird deaths from predation. The jungle cats were observed to be responsible for 1.17±0.39 chicken and 1.18±0.39 duck deaths per household. They caused an economic loss of Rs. 14600 ($ 199.6), accounting for only 27.44% of total economic loss caused due to predation. The study revealed that majority of the poultry deaths were caused by Indian free ranging dogs. The dogs killed 1.11±0.8 chickens and 2.6±1.7 ducks per household. The dogs caused an economic loss of INR 38600 ($ 530.59), accounting for 72.55% of the total economic loss caused due to predation. The villagers believed the jungle cats to be responsible for nearly all the poultry bird deaths due to predation. Correcting their false belief would be necessary in order to get their help in protecting the jungle cats in the unprotected area of the village.