Low-Pressure Induced Disproportionation of Barium Distannide

Disposal of conventional polymer-based electrodes and capacitor can cause pollutions or incur high cost. More carbon based nanosheet electrode is more environmental friendly. Novel supercapacitors were fabricated using carbon nanosheet electrode. Two pieces of thick layer carbon nanosheet electrodes were used as the cathode; the anode were made of carbon nanosheet and graphite mixture with a ratio of 7: 3, 10 % binder and coated on top of a glass surface. The polymer gel electrolytes containing barium carbonate (BaCO3) or calcium carbionate (CaCO3) were filled in the middle of the electrodes to act as a supercapacitor. The concentrations of electrolytes, BaCO3 and CaCO3 were 10 %; 20 %; 30 %. The performance of the supercapacitors was determined by cyclic voltammetry, and charge-discharge galvanostatic methods performed using a potentiostat. The decreasing in capacitances occurred along with the increase of scan rate, from 5 mV s-1 to 100 mV s-1. There is only a slight decrease in the first cycle, as shown by the increased slope of 20 % CaCO3 of supercapacitor. The first cycle plot shows the existence of linearity both in the direction of charging and discharging. All supercapacitors have the same slope value indicating the same rate for both charging and discharging process. Except for the supercapacitor with 20 % CaCO3 where different slope values were observed for its charging and discharging rate, i.e., 1.345 and -1.344. The result showed that the supercapacitor has a charging rate faster than its discharging rate. The cyclic voltammetry tests showed that the highest value of 6.95 mF g-1 was achieved using the supercapacitor of 10 % CaCO3 as electrolyte; or 3.91 mF g-1 with 10 % BaCO3. A novel supercapacitor, using carbon nanosheets derived from aquatic wood waste as eletrodes and polymer-based gel as electrolytes, was developed.

Indonesia is committed to increase the contribution of renewable energy to at least 23 % of the total Indonesian energy mix by 2025. The geothermal energy resource of Indonesia could potentially help achieve this target, but there are environmental challenges associated with geothermal energy exploration. This study is aimed to estimate the carbon footprint of the geothermal exploration project using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Literature published to date did not consider the use of LCA to specifically assess the environmental impacts of geothermal energy exploration. A geothermal energy exploration project in West Java, Indonesia, has been taken as a case study to conduct an LCA considering four main activities, namely land clearing, access road improvement, slim-hole well pad, and standard-hole well pad construction. ReCiPe impact assessment analysis was used to convert inputs and outputs of these activities to carbon footprints of 1 m2 of area of geothermal energy exploration. The result showed that the total carbon footprint of geothermal energy exploration stages was 53.2 kg CO2-eq/m2/y. The two most significant contributors to carbon footprints were the construction of a standard-hole well pad (56 %) and a slim-hole well pad (43 %). Diesel fuel and chemicals were two main carbon footprint sources of geothermal energy exploration project. In terms of inputs, the utilization of caustic soda for neutralization during the drilling activity contributed 64.5 % of the total carbon footprint, followed by diesel fuel consumption (27 %), bentonite (4.04 %) and barium sulphate (4.43 %) for the high carbon footprint for standard-hole well pad construction. The effective utilization of caustic soda and diesel by preparing standard operational procedure (SOP) and implementing ISO quality and environmental management systems (ISO 90001 and 14001) could increase the environmental performance of geothermal energy exploration.

Changes in Magnetic Properties When Manufacturing Cobalt-substituted Barium Ferrite Powder

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal-pericardial fistulas are rare complications which can arise from many different pathologies, such as ulcerations, diverticulum, foreign bodies, carcinomas, radiofrequency atrial ablation, or prior surgeries It may be difficult to recognize due to vague symptoms such as pain, fever, nausea, hematemesis, dysphagia, or odynophagia Even when promptly recognized, the mortality rate is often around 80% CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 61 year old female with a past medical history significant for RA, hypothyroidism, bariatric surgery, gastrectomy with gastric pouch, gastric and esophageal ulcers presented to the ED for an evaluation of altered mental status During a long hospital stay, which included intubation and a short ICU stay, she was found to have pneumopericardium on a routine chest X-ray A CT chest without contrast was done to confirm The pneumopericardium was not causing any hemodynamic instability and therefore was treated conservatively with IV antibiotics A repeat CT was performed the following morning which showed resolving pneumopericardium and therefore no surgery was indicated Initially the pneumopericardium was believed to be from a fistula from the trachea to the pericardium, presumed due to intubation, however, a barium swallow was performed and showed a fistula formation between the esophagus and pericardium No surgery was indicated and the patient was on appropriate GI prophylaxis The patient was placed on TPN until a PEG could be initiated She remained stable and was discharged to a long term care facility with a plan for follow up EGD in 8 weeks The patient has not yet followed up due to the COVID-19 pandemic DISCUSSION: Here we presented a case of an esophageal-pericardial fistula with unknown origin We presume in our patient, the fistula developed over time due to her long standing GERD, prolonged NSAID use, and known esophageal ulcers Esophageal-pericardial fistulas are associated with a high morbidity and mortality, and making an early diagnosis is crucial Patients with pericardial fistulas often complain of chest pain or abdominal pain but can have a wide range of more non-specific symptoms including dyspnea, fever, cough, and even sputum production It is important to have a high index of suspicion and avoid a delay in the diagnosis, especially if there are risk factors present This case highlights an example of a patient with a highly fatal diagnosis, who remained hemodynamically stable and relatively asymptomatic during her hospital course (Figure Presented)

Effect of TiO<sub>2</sub> on Viscosity and Sulfide Capacity of Blast Furnace Slag Containing Barium

Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir os dados de monitoramento da qualidade da água do rio Paraopeba e em captações de água para consumo humano situados em suas margens realizados pelo Instituto Mineiro de Gestão das Águas – IGAM e pela Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais – SES-MG posteriores ao rompimento da barragem B1 da Mina do Córrego do Feijão, sob responsabilidade da empresa VALE S. A. (Brumadinho – MG), ocorrido no dia 25 de janeiro de 2019. Além das vidas humanas perdidas e do grande impacto ao meio ambiente, a lama atingiu diversas captações de água para o abastecimento público, além de impactar na renda familiar de diversos ribeirinhos que utilizavam a água do rio para agricultura e dessedentação de animais. Os dados do monitoramento do IGAM apontam para violações aos parâmetros turbidez, ferro dissolvido, manganês total e alumínio dissolvido durante todo o período monitorado; chumbo total e cobre dissolvido no período chuvoso, e ainda zinco, mercúrio e níquel no primeiro trimestre do monitoramento. Já os dados do monitoramento da SES-MG apontam para violações relacionadas a antimônio, arsênio, bário, cromo, chumbo, mercúrio e selênio, além de alumínio, ferro e manganês. Diante dos resultados apresentados em ambos monitoramentos, sugere-se a manutenção da suspensão da utilização da água bruta do rio Paraopeba e de captações próximas às suas margens para qualquer finalidade, além da continuidade dos monitoramentos, que subsidiará a tomada de decisão pelos órgãos responsáveis.

При взаимодействии водных растворов гидроксида калия и бария или хлорида бария с α-циклодекстрином получено и структурно охарактеризовано четыре слоистых координационных полимера. Состав и строение полученных соединений определены методом рентгеноструктурного анализа.

Calixarene Based Ligands for Radium and Barium

Every aspect of oil and gas operations poses significant negative impacts on the environment in varying levels, these environmental impacts have economic and public health consequences on the indigenes of the operation locality. Produced water discharge is one of such aspects of the upstream oil and gas operation whose potential for environmental degradation has necessitated both local and international regulations for its governance. This research focuses on the environmental assessment of heavy metal pollution on marine sediments receiving treated produced water in Delta state, Nigeria. Sediment samples were obtained from produced water discharge area at various distances from the disposal point. Heavy metals (Cadmium, Zinc, Iron, Lead, Chromium, Vanadium, Barium, Nickel and Manganese) concentrations in the sediment were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. In the sediment, manganese, nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium and zinc were detected in all the locations and showed no significant difference across the various locations. Barium and vanadium were detected in some location although no statistical difference was established across the locations. Iron concentration showed significant difference across the various locations. The results of heavy metals contamination factor in marine sediments ranged from low contamination to very high contamination (CF<1; 3 ≤ CF ≥ 6). High contamination values were recorded for vanadium (Location SD16, 21 and 22) and barium locations (SD8 and 21). The enrichment factor of heavy metals ranged from minimal to moderate, significant and very high enrichment. Barium, Nickel and Manganese showed the highest variation in enrichment factor. Other than cadmium and barium that showed moderate risk (40 ≤ Er <80) and very high risk (Er ≥ 320) at some locations respectively, the Ecological Risk Index of heavy metals based on the criteria for risk assessment showed low risk (Er<40) for most of the locations. Key words: Assessment, environmental impact, produced water, pollution, heavy metal, contamination, sediments.

Achalasia is a rare lower esophageal motility disorder, in which there is destruction of myenteric plexi leading to the loss of esophageal peristalsis and inadequate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing. Although the etiology of achalasia cardia is unclear, it is likely to be caused by autoimmune etiology. It is characterized by dysphagia of solids and liquids, regurgitation, weight loss, chest pain, heartburn, and nocturnal cough. Achalasia can be diagnosed on the clinical history and confirmed by barium swallow, and esophageal manometry which is the gold standard technique for diagnosis. Even though achalasia cannot be cured permanently, pneumatic balloon dilatation and myotomy remain the definitive treatment of choice in spite of availabilities of pharmacological therapies. We report a case of 25-year-old male admitted with chronic dysphagia and weight loss, diagnosed to be having achalasia cardia and treated accordingly.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system. The incidence of colorectal cancer in China is increasing year by year. Screening for adenomas, precancerous lesions and early cancers can effectively reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Therefore, colorectal cancer screening is particularly important. At present, the colorectal cancer examination is mainly divided into fecal examination and colon structural examination. The fecal examination includes fecal occult blood test, fecal exfoliated cell test and fecal genetic analysis. The colon structural examination includes barium enema, colonoscopy and computed tomography colonography. Colonoscopy is considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. It has the advantage of high accuracy, and can be used to find precancerous lesions and remove them at the same time. However, the screening should be greatly restricted because of its invasive examination, the need for intestinal preparation, obvious discomfort and the high cost of medical treatment. Comparatively, fecal occult blood test is simple, easy, non-invasive, saving manpower and material resources, and is suitable for large population screening. Some scholars in China have begun to pay attention to colorectal cancer screening, and fecal occult blood test is widely used in these screenings. Key words: Intestinal neoplasms; Screening; Fecal occult blood test

Objective To explore the application value of cone-shaped gastric tube combined with cervical end-to-end anastomosis in thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 122 patients with esophageal cancer who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from December 2016 to December 2017 were collected. There were 89 males and 33 females, aged (61±8)years, with a range from 48 to 81 years. McKeown-type three-incision esophagectomy was performed, and the cone-shaped gastric tube was pulled up to esophagus in left neck for hand-sewn end-to-end anastomosis after the dissection of esophagus and stomach under total thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. Observation indicators: (1) surgical treatment situations; (2) postoperative complications; (3) follow-up. Follow-up using outpatient examination was performed to detect postoperative gastroesophageal reflux, anastomotic stenosis and evaluate anastomotic width at 1, 3, 6 months and one year postoperatively up to December 2018. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented by Mean±SD. Measurement data with skewed distribution were described by M (P25, P75) or M (range). Count data were expressed by absolute number. Results (1) Surgical treatment situations: 122 patients underwent laparocopic McKeown-type three-incision esophagectomy successfully, using cone-shaped gastric tube combined with cervical hand-sewn end-to-end anastomosis as digestive tract reconstruction, with no intraoperative conversion to open surgery. The operation time, cervical anastomosis time, and volume of intraoperative blood loss were (229±49)minutes, (27±1)minutes, and 50 mL (40 mL, 60 mL), respectively. There were 6-8 stations of lymph node dissected, and the number of lymph node dissected were 19 (15, 25). Duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10 days (9 days, 11 days) in the 122 patients. (2) Postoperative complications: 31 of 122 patients had postoperative complications. The primary complications: 3 patients with anastomotic fistula were cured by conservative treatment including enteral nutrition through placement of nutritional tube under gastroscope, closed thoracic drainage and anti-infection; 6 cases with severe thoracic gastric dilation were cured after gastrointestinal decompression. The secondary complications of 22 patients included 8 cases with hoarseness caused by recurrent laryngeal never injury, 5 with arrhythmia, 9 with pulmonary infection. They were cured after symptomatic and supportive treatment. No chylothorax occured, and there was no perioperative death. (3) Follow-up: all the 122 patients were followed up for 10-24 months, with a median time of 19 months. During the follow-up, 7 cases with anastomotic stenosis including 4 scoring less than grade 2 and 3 scoring more than grade 3 were relieved after dilation through gastroscope. There were 33 of 122 patients without any reflux symptoms, and 89 with reflux symptoms, among which 52 were scored 1, 25 were scored 2 and 12 were scored 3. The width of gastroesophageal anastomosis measured by barium radiography at 1 month after operation was (1.2±0.4)cm. Conclusion Cone-shaped gastric tube combined with cervical end-to-end anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy can reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications and thoracic gastric dilation, and nasogastric tube placement could be abandoned, which demonstrates good safety and universality. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Esophageal cancer; Esophagectomy; Cone-shaped gastric tube; Hand-sewn anastomosis; End-to-end anastomosis; Thoracoscopy; Laparoscopy

Particle size analysis is most fundamental analysis to powder technology. However, the validation or calibration of particle size analysis, especially the laser diffraction (LD) method, was not often carried out due to the difficulty to prepare the well-known sample. For example, the validation of LD method need spherical reference particles, of which size distribution is better to have a range over one decade of size. As this request, the Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, Japan distributed three kinds of standard reference particles (SRP) of spherical barium titanate glass; their size ranges are 1 – 10 µm, 3 – 30 µm and 10 – 100 µm. Those particles are also fitted to the reference particles in JIS Z 8900-1 Standard.In this paper, the particle size distribution (PSD) based on volume of SRP which was converted from the number-based PSD of SRP measured by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was compared with PSD measured by LD instruments, which was conducted by the Technical Group of Measurement and Control in APPIE. PSD results measured by LD instruments were almost same as each other. PSD by LD method was slightly different from PSD measured by SEM. This discrepancy was discussed by using by a flow type image analysis method which could measure the size of particles in the aqueous solution. It was found that sample particles could not be dispersed completely in the aqueous solution even if using dispersing instruments such as an ultrasonic bath, and that this influence was not serious to the PSD result when using the suitable operating condition of ultrasonic bath.

This study investigates a magnetization reversal mechanism based on the hysteresis curve of Barium Hexaferrite (BFO) thin film by micromagnetic simulation through parallel and perpendicular magnetization directions along the axes. The hexagonal shape of the BFO film was modeled with thicknesses of 5, 10, and 15 nm and a diameter size ranging from 50 to 100 nm. It was found that the coercivity field H C and the saturation field H S of the BFO film decreased as the diameter size increased and thickness decreased. It was observed that the nucleation field H N increased as the diameter size increased. An analysis of energies showed that the demagnetization energy was dominantly influenced by the diameter and thickness in comparison to the anisotropic energy. From the hysteresis curve, the switching time was also investigated. Interestingly, the switching time was faster for the thinner BFOs with a diameter under 70 nm. For particles larger than 70 nm in diameter, the switching time showed fluctuation irrespective of the BFO thickness. Based on these results, a diameter size of 70 nm is proposed as the critical size for producing the equal time for switching domain polarity.

Calixarene Based Ligands for Radium and Barium

Complete tubular colonic duplication is exceedingly rare. A second ectopic opening in the perineum other than a normally cited anus could be an unusual presentation. We report an unusual case of recto-colonic duplication in a 16-day-old girl who presented with fecal discharge from a vestibular opening in addition to a normally situated anus. The diagnosis of total recto-colonic tubular duplication associated with a rectovestibular fistula and a normal anus was confirmed by barium enema and computed tomography scan with double contrast. At operation, we performed a long transanal incision of the common septum to create an anastomosis between the normal and duplicated colon with complete submucosal excision of the rectovestibular fistula. The patient was doing well at 3-year follow-up examination.

Globus pharyngeus is a common benign condition. Patients with this condition are commonly investigated to exclude the risk of upper aero-digestive malignancies. One of the investigations carried out is barium swallow. However, there is great debate regarding the role of barium swallow in the diagnosis of head and neck cancers. Therefore, the aim of this audit is to review the validity of barium swallow in diagnosing malignancies amongst patients with globus. Data retrieved from the Head and Neck service in Ysbyty Gwynedd reviews all patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, which covers all North West Wales in the period between January 2010 and December 2014. Results show that out of 708 patients, barium swallow suspected malignancy in 5 patients. Therefore, the audit confirms that that barium swallow has a very limited sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing head and neck cancer. In conclusion, barium swallow should not be requested routinely as part of the management of globus pharyngeus patients, as it is not. This approach will reduce the cost and radiation effect of unnecessary investigations.

Characteristics of the Oropharyngeal Swallowing Impairment in Stroke Patient using the Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile

Introduction: Nowadays, applications of free-lead radiation shields are increased specially for weighting factor and toxicity of lead elements. Although touching the lead may be results in the nervousand blood system of body, it is not exactly proven yet. Protective measures are the fundamental parts of radiation protection. On the other hand, high weighting factor of lead shields are caused to fallow off using apron just in necessary situations. The primary principle of radiation protection is based on ALARA (As Low as Reasonable Achievable) law. Therefore, free-lead shields are attended of investigator. Three factors were proposed for designing radiation shields consist of: percent of attenuating against radiation in field, weight and cost. Choose of radiation shields are usually based on these three factors. Materials and Methods: In this study, attenuating factor, weight and cost are proposed for designing composite radiation shields. A source of radiation is collimated like X-ray machines in diagnostic medicine fields. The source has 90, 100 and 120keV spectrums that is output of IPEM78 software. The composite consists of the following eight elements. Tungsten(W), Barium(Br), Bismuth(Bi), Antimony(Sb), Cadmium(Cd), Cerium(Ce), Gadolinium(Gd) and Tin(Sn) are simulated by MCNPX code. The composites include one, two or three element with variant percentage. The dimension of each designed shield (composites and lead) in MCNPX code is 15*15*0.05cm3. Tallies F4 and F6 are applied for estimating local flux behind the shield. All the simulation codes with a standard deviation less than 0.5% are accepted. The relative flux of each composites is calculated by: Frel= Festimated/ Freal. Results: For composites which has two elements consist of W-Ce (55.16%-44.84%), W-Sb (52.38%- 47.62%) and W-Cd (31.25%-68.75%) are 63.4%, 50.4% and 47.7%, respectively. The relative flux of the composites with three elements consist of W-Ce-Cd (50%-30%-20%), W-Bi- Ce (45%-28%-27), W-Sn-Ce (46%-50%-4%), W-Sn-Cd (44%-50%-6%) and W-Sn-Bi (44%-50%- 6%) are Frel 58.1%, 55.9%, 51.6%, 49.5% and 49.2%, respectively. weight of These composites are equal to the weight of a common lead shield, while they have a higher attenuating factor. Conclusion: The results show that the pure elements have a better attenuating than oxide and sulfite of them in markets. If the cost wasn’t important, pure Gd could be good choice with the best attenuating factor. If an equipped laboratory was available, the composite with W could be the best choice with a reasonable cost. Optimization of these three factors depends on the importance of the factors.