Concentrations Of Na Research Articles

Enhancing electrical and optical properties in layered NaxCoO2 through sodium non-stoichiometry: Insights into surface band bending and oxygen vacancies

The concentration of sodium ions (Na+) in layered sodium cobaltite (NaxCoO2) is a pivotal determinant influencing its physical and chemical properties. This study focused on NaxCoO2 with varying sodium content (x = 1, 0.9, 0.7, 0.5, 0.3, 0.1) to establish a correlation between the sodium concentration and the substantial modulation of the structural and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction and Raman studies confirmed the formation of hexagonal structured NaxCoO2 prepared by the sol-gel method, while a reduction in Na content increased the percentage of the Co3O4 phase. Notably, as the Na content was lowered, the Raman peak shifted towards a lower wavenumber due to the lattice alignment along the c-axis of the crystal plane. Morphological analysis displayed the growth of distinct plate-like structures, with a thickness ranging from 10 to 15 μm, which gradually decreased on lowering Na content. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed an increase in the relative concentration of Co4+/Co3+ with a decrease in sodium content implying a lattice distortion in CoO6 octahedra which led to the creation of additional oxygen vacancies in Na0.7CoO2 (NCO7). Optical studies highlighted a band bending phenomenon in the NCO7, while photoluminescence studies indicated an increase in emission intensity, suggesting the presence of oxygen vacancies in NCO7. Electrical measurements demonstrated the highest conductivity for NCO7 emphasizing the significance of the optimal lattice distortion, generation of oxygen vacancies, and surface band bending effect for efficient charge carrier transportation. This study highlights the crucial role of the sodium ion content between the CoO2 layers in precise tuning of the structural, electronic structure/distortion, optical, and electrical properties of NaxCoO2. The insights gained particularly in optimizing the optical and electrical properties through sodium non-stoichiometry, may hold significant implications for diverse energy conversion and storage devices, catalysis, and even optoelectronics devices.

A Review on Silk Fibers and Their Medical Applications

This mini-compilation study included the chemical structure, mechanical, thermal, and dimensional properties of silk fiber, its production process, pre-treatment, and biomedical applications from various experimental studies, which are compiled and summarized. The silk fiber should have a degumming process before using biomedical applications. The 25% concentration for Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> in ethanol solution (80%) as a coagulant chemical with a salt such as LiB<sub>2</sub> (9 M) at a temperature of 98°C for 45 minutes at pH between 6 and 7 should be applied for the degumming process of silk fiber. It has some biomedical applications such as artificial veins and surgical sutures. Its biomedical applications can be studied experimentally by changing manufacturing processes and their process parameters in the future.

Sensory layers of poly(methyl metacrylate) for capacitive sensors for analysis of the content of heavy metal cations in water

The results of using poly(methyl methacrylate) coatings for the development of the capacitive sensors for analyzing the content of heavy metals in water (using Ni2+ ions as example) are presented. Structural and morphological characteristics of the formed conductive nickel layer and nanostructured poly(methyl methacrylate) films were studied by atomic force microscopy. Based on the analysis of the dependence of the capacitive characteristics of the original sensor on the frequency at different concentrations of Ni2+ ions, the following operating characteristics of the sensor were established: response time – 5 min; operating range of Ni2+ ion concentrations: 1 ‧ 10–3–50 mM; lower detection limit ≈ 0,06 mg/l. It is shown that the formation of a poly(methyl methacrylate) coating on a conductive nickel layer by the spin coating method increases the service life of the sensor to eight cycles while maintaining the level of sensor sensitivity.

Biochemical Evaluation of Adansonia Digitata Methanolic Leaf and Stem Bark Extract on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Several herbal preparations are used to treat diabetes; however, their overall biochemical effects other than hypoglycemic effects are scanty. This study therefore was designed to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of leaves and stem-bark of Adansonia digitata on biochemical indices of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sixty-three wistar rats were distributed into 9 groups of 7 each. The test animals were intraperitoneally administered with single dose of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin and monitored for 72 hours for development of hyperglycemia. Diabetic rats were treated in 12 h cycles for three weeks with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of both leaves and stem-bark of Adansonia digitata methanolic extract and metformin (50 mg/kg). Non-diabetic control rats received a lacebo of distilled water. Group 1 served as normal control, group 2 served as diabetic control, while groups 4-9 were diabetic rats treated orally with methanolic leave and stem-bark extracts of Adansonia digitata (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) for 21days. Group 3 animals were diabetic rats treated with anti-diabetic drug (metformin 50 mg/kg). The levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-), Urea and creatinine Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol (CHOL), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (HGB), Hematocrit (HCT), Platelet (PLT), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Lymphocyte (LYM), aspartatate aminotransfrease (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities total, total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin(DB) and indirect bilirubin (IB) concentrations were assayed. The results indicated that the concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, creatinine, urea TBARS, ALT, AST, ALB, CHOL and IB bilirubin were significantly (p<0.05) increased, while the levels of WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, LYM, MCV SOD and CAT were reduced in the diabetic control (p<0.05). The Adansonia digitata methanolic leaves and stem-bark extract significantly increased WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MCV, LYM, TP, CAT and SOD activity and reduced the FBS, Na+, K+, Cl-, TBARS, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea and bilirubin concentrations significantly (p<0.05) compared to normal control. However, treatment with metformin showed slight modification in the changes observed compared to Adansonia digitata methanolic leaves and stem-bark extract. MCV and MCHC reduced non-significantly (p>0.05) in the diabetic animals as compared to the normal control and the extract-treated rats, while they increased non- significantly (p>0.05) in the test groups when compared to the diabetic control. Levels of TB, DB, and TG showed non-significant (p<0.05) increase in diabetic control, but treatment with extracts and metformin caused non-significant decrease (p<0.05). Diabetic control exhibited significantly (p<0.05) decreased ALB levels and non-significant TP decrease compared to normal control, while Adansonia digitata extracts and metformin significantly increased ALB and non-significantly increased TP levels compared to diabetic control. The study concluded that Adansonia digitata extracts reversed diabetes-induced oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes, potentially through beta cell regeneration or insulin release stimulation, suggesting their potential for managing diabetic complications.

Apatite Chemistry as a Petrogenetic Indicator for Mafic Layered Intrusions

Abstract Mafic layered intrusions constitute a natural laboratory to investigate petrogenetic processes using trace element variations in apatite chemistry. Although these intrusions are related to large igneous provinces, there is a wide range of parameters that can affect the chemistry of the primary melt (i.e. composition of the source, pressure, temperature, oxygen fugacity), followed by possible crustal contamination. In this study, we use a comprehensive dataset of analyses of cumulus and intercumulus apatite from a variety of mafic layered intrusions to demonstrate the use of apatite as a powerful petrogenetic indicator. The dataset (determined in this study and compiled from the literature) comprises electron microprobe and LA-ICP-MS analyses, as well as in-situ LA-MC-ICP-MS analyses of Sr isotopes in apatite from well documented layered intrusions (Sept-Iles, Skaergaard, Bushveld, Panzhihua) and the Sudbury Igneous Complex. For the first time, we show that high values of (La/Nd)N, Th, U, Pb, and As in apatite correlate with high (87Sr/86Sr)initial and are related to contamination with continental crust. An elevated (Gd/Yb)N ratio might indicate melting of a mantle source deep enough to retain Yb in garnet. We also confirm that increasingly negative Eu anomaly and decreasing Sr/Y ratio in apatite are indicators of fractional crystallisation of plagioclase, and that high Sr/Y is indicative of early saturation of apatite and/or delayed crystallisation of plagioclase. The reversal to more primitive compositions caused by magma mixing is expressed by higher Sr, V, Mg and Sr/Y ratio, and lower REE + Y, As and Na concentrations in apatite following magma replenishment. Lastly, we show that apatite signature can efficiently distinguish a mafic from a felsic intrusion using its REE and Sr content coupled to its Eu anomaly. It is also possible to further identify the more primitive from the more evolved parts of a mafic layered intrusion, using the Lu, Th, V and volatile (F/Cl) content to distinguish intercumulus from cumulus apatite, respectively. Finally, identifying a mafic magmatic system using detrital apatite in till will prove useful for provenance and mineral exploration studies.

Essential oil-containing solutions (mouthwashes) preserve dental enamel with releasing low Ca and P concentrations without morphology alterations: an in vitro study.

Introduction: The use of natural products such as essential oils has been suggested due to their promising pharmacological effects and economic viability. This study aimed to determine hydrogenic potential (pH), titratable acidity (TA), and ion concentrations of five solutions containing essential oils (EO), when used as a EO-containing solutions, and evaluate ion concentrations, enamel surface loss, and morphology alterations in enamel. Materials and methods: The pH, TA, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) concentrations of five EO-containing solutions were measured. Bovine enamel specimens were submitted to two daily 30-s immersions in artificial saliva, citric acid, distilled water, BaCloTea (Basil, Clove e Tea Tree), GeLaTeaPep (Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree and Peppermint), EucaLem (Eucalyptus and Lemon), Cinnamon, or Spearmint solutions for 14 days. Ca, K, Na, and phosphorus (P) were quantified through ions chromatography, enamel surface loss was determined by profilometry, and surface morphology was qualitatively analyzed through scanning electron microscopy. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey (p < 0.05). Results: The five EO-containing solutions presented significantly lower pH values than distilled water (p < 0.05). The GeLaTeaPep group presented a significantly higher TA value than BaCloTea (p < 0.05), which in turn showed a significantly higher TA value than the other solutions (p < 0.05). The distilled water presented significantly higher Ca, K, and Na concentrations than all EO-containing solutions (p < 0.05). The enamel exposed to EO-containing solutions showed lower Ca and P concentrations than artificial saliva (control) as well as significantly higher surface loss; however, the surface morphology was similar to the artificial saliva. Conclusion: EO-containing solutions have low pH, TA, and low concentrations of Ca, Na, and K. Moreover, enamel exposed to these solutions showed low Ca and P concentrations and slight surface loss without morphology alteration.

Experimental research on compressive strength deterioration of coal seam floor sandstone under the action of acidic mine drainage

In sulphur-coal symbiotic coal seams, after the mining of sulphide iron ore, when the coal resources are mined, the mine water accumulated in the roadway mining area will have a certain impact on the stability of the surrounding rock of the coal seam roadway. Taking the floor sandstone of sulfur coal symbiotic coal seam as the research object, the roof fissure water with pH values of 7.48, 4.81 and 2.62 was used as the experimental solution. 10 experimental schemes were designed to measure the compressive strength of the samples under the action of AMD, and the hydrochemical analysis of AMD was conducted. The pore structures of the samples before and after the action of AMD were analyzed. Based on the hydrochemistry and pore structure, the deterioration mechanism of compressive strength of the coal seam floor sandstone under the action of AMD was explained. The results indicated that the compressive strength of the samples decreased with the increasing action time of AMD. The compressive strength decreased with the increment of the porosity. The concentration of H+ ion in AMD was relatively small. Na2O in albite dissolved and reacted with water, leading to an increase in the concentration of Na+ ion. Soluble substances such as MgCl2 and CaSO4 in the pore structure dissolved, leading to an increase in the concentration of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. The dissolution of soluble substances and the physical–chemical reactions between solutions and minerals were the essential causes of the continuous deterioration of the compressive strength of the coal seam floor sandstone. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the peripheral rock in the roadway of the sulphur coal seam, and can also provide a certain engineering reference for the sulphur coal seam roadway.

Factors affecting the rumen fluid foaming performance in goat fed high concentrate diet.

Feeding high concentrate diets is highly prone to rumen bloat in ruminants, which is very common in production. This study explored the factors responsible for the occurrence of foamy rumen bloat. The experiment was conducted using goats as test animals, fed high concentrate diets and scored for rumen distension into high, medium and low bloat score groups. Rumen fluid was collected from 6 goats in each group separately. The foaming production, foam persistence, pH value, viscosity and the content of protein, total saccharide and mineral elements in rumen original fluid (ROL) were measured, and the protein and total saccharide content in rumen foam liquid (RFL) and rumen residual liquid (RRL) were determined. The results showed that the protein content in rumen original fluid and rumen foam liquid was significantly higher than that in rumen residual liquid (p < 0.05), and the protein content in rumen foam liquid was 10.81% higher than that in rumen original fluid. The higher the rumen bloat score, the higher the foam production, foam persistence, viscosity, protein, Ni, Mg, Ca, and K concentrations of the rumen original fluid, and the lower the PH and Na concentrations of the rumen original fluid; correlation analysis showed that the viscosity of the rumen original fluid was significantly and positively correlated with the foam production and foam persistence (p < 0.05). Foaming production and foam persistence of rumen original fluid were significantly and positively correlated with the contents of protein, total saccharide, K, Ca, Mg and Ni (p < 0.05). and negatively correlated with the content of Na (p < 0.05); after controlling other components those were significantly related to the foaming performance of rumen original fluid only protein still was significantly positively correlated with the foam persistence of rumen original fluid (P<0.05). In summary, the contents of protein, total saccharide and mineral elements in the rumen fluid had a significant effect on the foaming performance of rumen in ruminants, with protein playing a decisive role and the other components playing a supporting role. Reducing the content of protein in the diet in production is beneficial to reduce the occurrence of rumen bloat in ruminants.

Preliminary Indications on an Atmospheric Particulate Matter and Rainwater Chemistry in Colombo, Sri Lanka: A Study During Southwestern Monsoon

The atmospheric cleansing nature of rainfall, specifically in the removal of particulate matter, is a determinant of rainwater quality. This study investigated the relationship between atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) concentration and rainwater quality in Colombo during the southwest monsoon period in 2023. The rainwater samples were collected using a manually prepared high- density polyethylene collector and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), water-soluble cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and NH4+), and anions (Cl-, NO3–, and SO42–). The concentration of atmospheric PM10 was obtained from the ambient air quality monitoring station (AQMS) at Battaramulla. The measured data were analysed using multivariate statistical techniques, including principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, to identify relationships between the concentration of atmospheric PM10 and rainwater quality. The atmospheric PM10 showed an insignificant positive correlation with southwest monsoon rainfall (r=0.14, p&gt;0.05). The concentration of atmospheric PM10 increased the total concentration of water-soluble ions (r=0.30) and decreased the pH (r=-0.42) and electrical conductivity (r=0.07) of rainwater samples. The concentration of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ displayed moderate positive correlation, while Mg2+, NH4+, Cl-,&#x0D; NO3- and SO42- showed a weak positive correlation of rainwater samples in the atmospheric PM10.&#x0D; This study contributes valuable insights into the variations of PM10 in the atmosphere and its potential implications on rainwater quality in southwest monsoon, underscoring the importance of comprehensive analyses for a more nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships between atmospheric components and rainwater chemistry.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Atmospheric chemistry, Correlation analysis, Particulate matter, Rainwater quality, Southwest monsoon&#x0D;

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Its Origin of Surface Water and Groundwater in Dianbu River Basin

Chaohu lake is a key water body for water pollution prevention and treatment in our country. However， it has been at a higher eutrophication level recently. Here， the surface water and groundwater in the Dianbu River Basin， a secondary tributary of Chaohu Lake， were taken as the research object. In order to test the hydrochemical composition and hydrogen and oxygen isotope values of different water bodies， 30 groups of surface water samples， 36 groups of groundwater samples， 16 groups of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope samples， and 18 groups of groundwater hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope samples were collected in August 2021 （wet season）， November 2021 （normal season）， and February 2022 （dry season）. The seasonal and spatial variation characteristics were analyzed to explore the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of water bodies by means of mathematical statistics， Piper triangular diagram， Gibbs figures， and ion ratios. The following results were obtained： ① precipitation was the main source of surface water and groundwater in Dianbu River Basin， and the evaporation fractionation effect of surface water was more significant than that of groundwater. At different periods， the surface water was more enriched with stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen than groundwater. The stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water showed seasonal variation， relative enrichment in the wet season， and depletion in the dry season. ② Both surface water and groundwater in the Dianbu River Basin were weakly alkaline， and the concentration of ions in surface water was significantly lower than that in groundwater. Ca2+ and Na+ were the main cations in surface water， Ca2+ was the main cation in groundwater， and the dominant anion in all water was HCO3-. The hydrochemical typology of surface water was mainly HCO3·Cl-Na·Ca， and that of groundwater was mainly HCO3-Na·Ca. ③ The concentrations of the main hydrochemical indexes of surface water and groundwater showed certain seasonal and spatial differences. From the wet season to the dry season， the concentrations of TDS， K+， Na+， Ca2+， Mg2+， Cl-， and SO42- in surface water showed an increasing trend on the whole. The concentrations of Na+， Ca2+， and Mg2+ in groundwater showed little change but increased slightly， whereas the concentrations of Cl-， SO42-， and NO3- showed an increasing trend on the whole. The concentrations of Cl-， SO42-， and NO3- in the water showed relatively large seasonal fluctuations. From upstream to downstream， the concentrations of the main hydrochemical indexes in surface water first decreased and then increased， among which the concentration of NO3- increased the most. The concentrations of the main hydrochemical indexes of groundwater in the direction of runoff changed little overall， but the concentration in the discharge area was higher than that in the recharge area. ④ The formation of hydrochemical characteristics of the water was mainly controlled by water-rock interaction but was also influenced by human factors. The water-rock action was mainly the weathering dissolution of silicate rock， salt rock， and carbonate rock. Man-made pollutants such as sewage from a sewage treatment plant， domestic sewage， and feces had obviously changed the hydrochemical characteristics of the local water. ⑤ Compared with that in 2016， the concentration of NO3- in surface water showed a certain degree of reduction. The nitrogen pollution control work carried out by the local government had achieved certain results， but it was still necessary to strengthen the pollution prevention and control of sewage and feces in the downstream of the Dianbu River， some tributaries （such as the Dingguang River and Maqiao River）， and some residential areas.

Na2.5Cr0.5Zr0.5Cl6: A New Halide-Based Fast Sodium-Ion Conductor.

All-solid-state batteries employing solid electrolytes (SEs) have received widespread attention due to their high safety. Recently, lithium halides are intensively investigated as promising SEs while their sodium counterparts are less studied. Herein, a new sodium-ion conductor with a chemical formula of Na2.5Cr0.5Zr0.5Cl6 is reported, which exhibits high room temperature ionic conductivity of 0.1 mScm-1 with low migration energy barrier of ≈0.41eV. Na2.5Cr0.5Zr0.5Cl6 has a Fm-3m structure with 41.67mol.% of cationic vacancies owing to the occupation of Cr (8.33mol.%) and Zr (8.33mol.%) ions at Na sites. Supercell calculations show that the lowest columbic energy configuration has Cr/Zr/V (where V is the vacancy) clusters in the structure. Nonetheless, the clusters have mixed effects on the sodium ion conduction pathway, based on the Bond Valence Energy Landscape calculation. A global 3D Na-ion transport percolation network can be revealed in the lowest energy supercell. Effective pathways are connected through the NaCl6 and VCl6 nodes. Besides, Raman spectroscopy and 23Na solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy further prove the tunable structure of the SEs with different Cr to Zr ratios. The optimization between the concentration of Na+ and vacancies is crucial to create an improved network of Na+ diffusion channels.

Prokaryotic Microbial Diversity Analysis and Preliminary Prediction of Metabolic Function in Salt Lakes on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

The Dong Taijinar (DT) and Xi Taijinar (XT) Salt Lakes have been extensively researched for their mineral richness. However, the composition and distribution of their microbial communities are still poorly known. In this study, we employed metagenomic sequencing to explore the diversity and potential functions of the microbial populations in DT and XT. Our findings indicate that the salinity levels in DT (332.18–358.30 g/L) were tenfold higher than in XT (20.09–36.83 g/L). Notably, archaea dominated the DT domain at 96.16%, while bacteria prevailed in XT at 93.09%. In DT, the bacterial community comprised 33 phyla and 1717 genera, with Marinobacter emerging as the dominant genus, showing a positive correlation with the total phosphorus content. The archaeal community in DT included four main phyla and 153 genera. The most abundant genera were Natronomonas (24.61%) and Halorubrum (23.69%), which had a strong positive correlation with the concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, and Cl−. Conversely, XT hosted 33 phyla and 1906 bacterial genera, with Loktanella as the dominant genus. The archaeal taxonomy in XT encompassed four phyla and 149 genera. In both salt lakes, Proteobacteria and Euryarchaeota were the most abundant bacterial and archaeal phyla, respectively. Our analysis of the halophilic mechanisms of these microorganisms suggests that the bacteria in XT tend to synthesize compatible solutes, whereas the archaea in DT adopt a ‘salt-in’ strategy, integrating salt into their cellular machinery to cope with the high-salinity environment.

High Potassium Diet Rich in Spices and Herbs-Salt Substitution (HPSH-SS) for Blood Pressure Reduction in Older Adults: Protocol for Diet Concept and Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hypertension increases with age, often due to high sodium (Na) and low potassium (K) intake. Reducing salt and increasing K intake is challenging, especially for older adults due to taste preferences. Culinary herbs and spices, rich in K, offer a potential solution. The High Potassium Diet Rich in Spices and Herbs-Salt Substitution (HPSH-SS) diet has not yet been studied for its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. This study aims to create an HPSH-SS diet, analyze its effects on blood pressure in older adults, and study the molecular mechanism occurring in the kidneys and blood vessels influenced by this diet. This study consists of 2 phases. The first phase involved formulating and assessing the HPSH-SS diet tailored for older adults. The intervention group (IG) received a diet of 1800 kcal/day, with 3500 mg K and 1500 mg Na, while the control group (CG) received 1500 mg K and 2000 mg Na. The diet was administered for 14 days and standardized using the NutriSurvey program and biochemistry analysis by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry (AAS). The second phase was a 14-day parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the older adult participants divided into IG and CG. Primary outcomes included blood pressure; serum potassium; aldosterone; F2 isoprostane; nitric oxide plasma levels; and urine analysis of Na, K, and the Na/K ratio. Confounding variables were controlled through randomization and stratified analysis. The menu formulation and organoleptic assessment of the HPSH-SS diet began in mid-2022 and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Airlangga (78/EA/KEPK/2022) on May 11, 2022. The diet was standardized to achieve daily nutritional values of 1800 kcal energy, 3500 mg K, and 1500 mg Na. K and Na contents were analyzed using AAS from several participants' spice diet menus. Recruitment for the RCT started in March 2023, with approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee Universitas Airlangga School of Medicine, Surabaya (35/EC/KEPK/FKUA/2023). The study was registered from February 9, 2023, to February 9, 2024. Between March and June 2023, 64 participants were recruited, with 32 participants in the IG and CG. The intervention and data collection will take place over 1 year. Data management is in progress, and data analysis is yet to be performed. This RCT protocol hypothesizes that the diet will increase serum K, plasma aldosterone, and nitric oxide levels; decrease plasma F2 isoprostane; increase urinary Na and K levels; lower the urinary Na/K ratio; and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. If effective, it will offer valuable insights into dietary strategies for blood pressure regulation in older adults. DERR1-10.2196/56869.

Determination of Major and Trace Metals in Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) Samples Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Assessment of the Associated Public Health Risks.

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of major and trace metals (Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in date palm fruit samples collected from diverse regions, including Afar (Ethiopia), Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The wet acid digestion method was employed for sample treatment, with optimization of the key parameters such as reagent volume ratio, oven temperature, and digestion time for analytical applications. Under the optimized parameters, average metal concentrations in date palm fruit samples ranged from 205-299, 134-320, 38.8-115, 25.1-42.2, 9.27-27.9, 7.11-16.3, and 0.002-1.15 mg/kg for Ca, Na, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. Cd and Pb levels were below detection limits within the linear range. Generally, date palm samples exhibited higher Ca and Na contents and lower concentrations of Cu and Mn than other metals. Pearson correlation analysis revealed very strong positive correlations between Fe and Na, Na and Zn, Na and Mn, Ca and Zn, Fe and Ni, Fe and Mn, and Mn and Ni. Strong negative correlations were observed for Ni and Na, Fe and Cu, and Cu and Ni. Weak correlations were noted among Na and Cu, Ca and Fe, Ca and Ni, Ca and Mn, Ca and Cu, Fe and Zn, Ni and Zn, Zn and Mn, and Zn and Cu. A recovery study using the spiking method demonstrated acceptable percentage recoveries ranging from 91.6% to 97.8%. Health risk assessment, including chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), total exposure hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR), indicated CDI, HQ, and HI values below 1.0, except for the HI value for Ni. This suggests that the metals pose no probable public health risk, with the absence of Cd and Pb in date palm samples affirming no carcinogenic threats associated with their consumption.

Magnesium correlation with boys’ height and other anthropometric measurements

The primary objective of this investigation is to explore the relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations and the height and various anthropometric measurements of boys aged 9–13. Additionally, the correlations were examined between magnesium levels and other key macrominerals, namely Chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P). A group of 45 children free from chronic and systematic diseases and who do not take any medication or supplements was selected. The height and weight were measured, and blood samples were collected for serum analysis of Cl, Mg, P, Ca, Na, and K. Spearman’s rho and Pearson’s correlation (r) analysis were used to study the correlations between these six minerals and anthropometric analysis controlling for age. They were also used to study the correlations between Mg and the other five minerals. The Mg concentration mean for the children in this study was 0.8510 mmol/L with variables ranging between 0.71 and 0.95 mmol/L, which falls between the normal ranges for Mg concentration for the study’s gender and age group. However, Mg/Ca ratio mean ± SD is 0.3587 ± 0.0244, which is considered low, with 40 % of the sample’s ratio below 0.36. Mg concentration was negatively correlated (R = −0.321) with the children’s height.This correlation was statistically significant p = 0.032 < 0.05. Mg concentration was insignificantly correlated (P > 0.05) with the concentration of Na (0.146), percent of body fat (0.169), muscle mass (−0.211), and basal metabolic rate (−0.212). This study is the first to unveil the negative correlation between serum magnesium concentrations and the height of children. Additionally, it explores the potential links between magnesium levels and weight, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, visceral fat levels, and percent body fat. These intriguing correlations underscore the need for further research to investigate the safety and efficacy of magnesium supplementation in the prevention of childhood obesity without compromising normal growth patterns.

A comparison of the nutritional quality of ready-to-cook meals and conventional home-cooked meals in Korea

In this study, the nutritional contents of ready-to-cook (RTC) meals distributed in Korea were compared to those of conventional home-cooked meals to evaluate the nutritional quality of RTC meals. A total of 42 samples of RTC meals were collected in 2021 and prepared according to the recipes provided in the meal packages. They were categorized into five groups and 23 types, which included four types of soup, six types of stew, four types of hot pot, four types of noodles, and five types of braised dishes. A total of 23 samples of home-cooked meals corresponding to individual types of RTC meals were prepared using recipes from the Korean food composition database. Both RTC and home-cooked meals shared similarities in the types and quantities of individual ingredients (grains, vegetables, meats/fishes, and sauces). No distinct differences were observed in the contents of energy, proximate components, total saturated fatty acids, total trans fatty acids, and Na between both meals. RTC meals exhibited a significantly higher total sugar content within the groups of stew and noodles and tended to show increased total sugar content within the groups of soup and hot pot when compared to that of home-cooked meals. When compared to the recommended World Health Organization daily intake, the Na content per serving in both home-cooked and RTC meals tended to be greater (17.1–167.3% of the daily intake value) than those of total saturated fatty acids, total trans fatty acids, and total sugars (0.8–49.7%, 0–20.0%, and 0–54.7%, respectively).

Sodium in Cu(In, Ga)Se2 Solar Cells: To Be or Not to Be Beneficial

In this work, the dual effect of Na in the copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) absorber is studied. Na doping exhibits a drastic improvement of the cell efficiency mainly by an increase in the open‐circuit current and fill factor. However, when the Na content is too high, it can deteriorate the cell properties and performance. Nonetheless, it is still beneficial when compared with a cell without Na inside. Here, we therefore use electron backscatter diffraction, atom probe tomography, and admittance spectroscopy to understand why Na starts to deteriorate the properties when inserted excessively. More exactly, it is shown that a moderate addition of Na strongly decreases the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit, whereas the opposite happens when the Na content is too high. Interestingly, this cell with deteriorated VOC value and characterized by a very high Na content exhibits a high density of not only grain boundaries and dislocations but also of Na‐rich clusters. These clusters may host a high concentration of deep defects and trap the electrons within the CIGS bulk. At this stage, Na still has its beneficial effects, but the cell properties start to deteriorate compared to the cell with a moderate content of Na, especially when found as clusters in the bulk. In conclusion, this work clearly demonstrates the dual effect of Na in the CIGS absorber.

New Sorbents Based on Polyacrylonitrile Fiber and Transition Metal Ferrocyanides for 137Cs Recovery from Various Composition Solutions

For the first time, new sorbents based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber and transition metal ferrocyanides were obtained. The main difference between the obtained sorbents and the existing ones is the stage of preliminary preparation of the initial support by converting it into the forms PAN-Fe(OH)3 or PAN-MnO2, due to which additional ion exchange groups (carboxyl, carbonyl, etc.) are formed, which increases the amount of ferrocyanide fixed to the support. The best components and conditions for the synthesis of new sorbents were determined (concentration (0.1–0.2 mol/L), as well as pH (1 for sorbents based on PAN-Fe(OH)3, and 1–5—PAN-MnO2) of potassium ferrocyanide solution, concentration of transition metal salts (0.02 mol/L), temperature conditions). The influence of the studied solution composition (pH, concentration of Na+, K+, NH4+ ions) on the cesium distribution coefficients during its recovery by the obtained sorbents was assessed. The possibility of cesium recovery from solutions with pH 1–9 containing macro quantities of cations was demonstrated. The sorbents derived were characterized by modern structural methods such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy with EDS analysis. A study of the trace amount sorption of 137Cs was carried out in comparison with commercially available highly efficient sorbents (FNS-10 and Termoksid-35), and it was shown that the resulting sorbents are not inferior to industrial ferrocyanide sorbents and can be used for 137Cs selective sorption from technological solutions and natural waters.

Chelated- and nano iron fertilization affects nutrient uptake and translocation in fresh market tomatoes

Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano and chelated Fe fertilization on nutrient and heavy metals uptake and their translocation from soil to root, stem, leaf, and fruits of fresh market tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicon, cv. Sunbrite). A completely randomized design in a factorial experiment, with two Fe sources (nano vs. chelated) applied at 0 (control), 10, 20, and 40 mg/L via drip-irrigated plasticulture, was conducted. Nutrient and heavy metals concentrations in soil, water, tomato roots, stems, leaves, and fruits were determined. Soil had higher K, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, and Mn but lower Ni, Cd, and Cr concentrations. The P, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Na concentrations in the roots were significantly affected by both nano and chelated Fe fertilization; however, without following a consistent pattern. Averaged across the Fe treatments, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and P that translocated from the soil were dominated in the roots, stems, and leaves. The nutrient translocation order, from roots to fruits in response to Fe fertilization, was nano Fe (40%) > chelated Fe (37%) > control (23%). Based on the treatment index values calculated across treatments, it is evident that Fe fertilization plays a pivotal role in nutrient uptake and translocation. The use of chelated Fe at a concentration of 20 mg/L had a pronounced effect on improving the nutritional quality of the tomatoes and, by extension, their associated public health benefits. In conclusion, the chelated Fe (20 mg/L) stands out as the most preferable and effective Fe fertilization for tomatoes.

Geochemical characteristics of shale gas hydraulic fracturing flowback/produced water in Zheng’an block, northern Guizhou Province, China

Guizhou Province of China is rich in shale gas resources. In recent years, important progress has been made in the exploration and development of shale gas in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in Zheng'an block in northern Guizhou, adjacent to Sichuan Basin. Due to the complex geological conditions and fragile ecological environment in the shale gas distribution area, serious environmental pollution risks may exist in shale gas exploitation. Therefore, this paper conducted element, hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses for shale gas fracturing flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 in Zheng'an block. The results showed that the contents of K, Na, Ca, Mg and NH4+ in the flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 were very high, with an average of 118 mg/L, 7616 mg/L, 266 mg/L, 47 mg/L and 76 mg/L, respectively. The content of Na, Ca and Mg is similar to that of shale gas flowback/produced water in Weiyuan, but lower than that in Changning and Fuling. NH4+ content was similar to that in Changning, but much higher than that in Weiyuan. The average Cl content was 11605 mg/L, which was similar to that in Weiyuan, but lower than that in Changning and Fuling. The average Br content is 48 mg/L, slightly lower than that of Weiyuan, and about half of that of Changning and Fuling. Correspondingly, the Br/Cl value of Well AY7-4 is the lowest, reflecting its relatively low Br content. The average content of Li, B and Sr is 17 mg/L, 10 mg/L and 45 mg/L, respectively, which is similar to that of the Weiyuan, Changning and Fuling shale gas fields. The distribution model of Li and Sr is similar to that of Cl, Br and Na, but the B content and B/Cl value of Well AY7-4 are the lowest. The linear relationship between Br and Cl contents and between δD and δ18O of flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4, freshwater used for hydraulic fracturing and hydraulic fracturing injected fluid indicates that flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 is mainly the mixed product between low salinity injected fracturing fluid and high salinity brine retained in shale formation. The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions gradually become heavier over time, indicating that the proportion of high salt end formation brine in flowback/produced water is increasing. The contents of Cl, Br, Na and NH4+ in the flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 are far higher than the allowable discharge value, which is a potential environmental pollution risk and cannot be discharged directly.