Oxygen Values Research Articles

Catechu (Senegalia catechu) based oxygen scavenger for active food packaging: A sustainable alternative

For the first time, a novel oxygen scavenging system (OSS) based on Acacia catechu (AC) and calcium carbonate (CC) was developed, and its oxygen scavenging ability was evaluated. At day 0, the oxygen content in the sample vials was 20.9%, which decreased to 12.7% and 8.3% over 20 days at 25 °C and 60 °C, respectively. The effect of concentrations of both components was analyzed by comparing final oxygen values (%) for AC1-CC1 to AC5-CC1 and control samples. The highest reduction (%) was recorded in samples AC1-CC1, which had an equal mass of both components compared to all other samples stored at the same temperature. The developed OSS demonstrated an oxygen absorption capacity of 10 ± 1.13 mL O2/g and 15.56 ± 0.51 mL O2/g at 25 °C and 60 °C respectively, whereas the reported oxygen scavenging rate for the same is 0.5 ± 0.05 mL O2/(g day) and 0.77 ± 0.02 mL O2/(g day). The observed rate constant values increased with increasing temperature from 0.02113 to 0.02350 (h−1) at 25 °C and 60 °C. Therefore, the findings of the present study demonstrated that AC–CC–based OSS with moisture activation is a suitable natural alternative to chemical-based oxygen scavengers for long-term stored foods with a moderate to high susceptibility towards oxygen.

Early effects of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery on retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer

PurposeTo determine the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery on retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and macula by optic coherens tomography (OCT). MethodSixty-six eyes of 33 patients aged between 44 and 74 who were indicated for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in the cardiovascular surgery clinic were included in the study. Routine ophthalmologic examinations of all patients were performed before and 1 week after surgery. In addition, 3D(H) Macula+5 Line Cross 12 × 9 mm mod and Peripapilar 3D Disk 6 × 6 mm mod data were analyzed with OCT (Topcon, Triton Swept Source-OKT, Tokyo, Japan) device. Peripapillary total, superior, inferior retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), optic disc cavity volume, cup-to-disc ratio, macular ganglion cell layer (GCL), macular thickness were compared before and after surgery. ResultsAfter cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, thickening was detected in the total RNFL (p<0.001), superior RNFL (p = 0.01) and inferior RNFL (p<0.001) layers. There was no change in the values of GCL, macular thickness, optic disc cupping volume, cup-to-disc ratio after surgery (p>0.05).There was a positive correlation (r = 0.392 p<0.05) between the patients' blood oxygen (PO2) values during bypass surgery with their post-surgical GCL+ values, and a negative correlation between optic disc cup volumes (r=-0.349 p<0.05). ConclusionRNFL thickening has been detected in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. This thickening may occur secondary to ischemic edema that occurs during surgery. Considering the late complications of ischemic edema in the RNFL, oxygen levels should be kept at an optimum level during surgery and long-term ophthalmologic follow-ups should be performed.

Features of determining the time of evacuation of people from buildings in case of fire

The object of the study is the safe evacuation time of people in case of fire from a typical secondary education institution. The problem was solved, which consisted in the inconsistency of the quantitative assessment of «pre-evacuation time» set out in DSTU 8828:2019, which is regulated by the requirements of DBN B.2.5-56:2014, with today’s conditions, when determining the safe time of evacuation from buildings and structures. Thanks to the obtained results, features were revealed that fully determine the dependence of the relationship between the pre-evacuation time and warning systems on the example of a typical secondary education institution. The evacuation time was determined according to DSTU 8828:2019, taking into account the requirements of DBN B.2.5-56:2014. The total evacuation time from the building was 687 s. The time of blocking evacuation routes and evacuation exits by dangerous fire factors is determined. The results of the recorded temperature did not exceed 46 оC, the value of oxygen was not recorded lower than ≥0,226 kg/m3, the density of carbon monoxide was not more than ≤1,16•10-3 kg/m3 during the total evacuation time, which meets the requirements of fire safety. The results of the recorded visibility exceed the maximum permissible values. Thus, the path to evacuation exit № 1 using stairwell № 1 takes place through door № 7. Movement through this door lasts for 531 s, therefore, now when the last person passes through stairwell and door № 7, the visibility is already ≤6 m. Therefore, evacuation through stairwell № 1 is dangerous. In addition, the last person passes through the door of the evacuation exit № 1 for 550 s, where the visibility value is ≤9 m, which is also an excess of the maximum permissible values, according to the requirements.

Faecal contamination and its relationship with some environmental variables of four urban rivers in inner Hanoi city, Vietnam

Coliform bacteria are essential variables for assessing riverine water quality. In this study, the faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in relationship with some physico-chemical variables were investigated during the period 2020-2022 for four urban rivers (To Lich, Lu, Set, and Kim Nguu) in the inner Hanoi city to provide the updated water quality of these rivers. The results demonstrated severe faecal coliforms contamination in riverine waters compared to the permissible values of the Vietnam technical regulation for surface water quality, QCVN08-MT:2015/BTNMT column B1. Nutrients (ammonium and phosphate) concentrations and dissolved oxygen (DO) values exceeded the permissible values, whereas pH was within the standard. The Pearson analysis demonstrated the significant positive correlation between total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli (EC) densities and ammonium concentration in the riverine water. Besides, these variables were higher in the dry season than the rainy one for all sites observed. All these reflect the critical role of the point sources, notably domestic wastewater inputs in the four river basins. Considering these rivers' deteriorating condition, developing an effective wastewater treatment system is necessary for the rivers in Hanoi.

Evaluation of growth performance and water quality of vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in intensive cultivation systems

The success of shrimp cultivation is assessed based on the resulting performance, survival, growth, and total shrimp production. Apart from parent quality and feed quality, water quality is a determining factor in the success of shrimp cultivation. Good water quality will increase cultivation productivity. The research aims to measure the performance of vannamei shrimp using an intensive cultivation system at PT Bumi Cimandala Lestari by paying attention to the quality of cultivation waters. This research uses a descriptive method by following the entire series of cultivation production in the Bumi Cimandala Lestari shrimp pond. The activity lasts three months, from August to November 2022 at PT. Bumi Cimandala Lestari is located at Kp. Cipeundeuy, Surade Village, Sukabumi Regency. The results showed that the average survival rate from 8 cultivation ponds reached 67% with a growth rate of 0.26 g/day. The total production obtained was 55.42 tons with a size of 70-100 fish/kg. Water quality during the study was within the optimal range. The pH value of the water ranges from 7-9 with salinity ranging from 18.1 – 20.4 ppt. Dissolved oxygen value &gt; 5 mg/L, and alkalinity ranges from 122 – 183 mg/L. The research showed that cultivation ponds had a temperature range between 24.8-30.4 and DO ranging from 2.49-8.23 mg/L. Water quality conditions are thought to support the growth and survival of shrimp well

Origin of Hydrothermal Barite in Polymetallic Veins and Carbonate-Hosted Deposits of the Cyclades Continental Back Arc

Abstract Polymetallic veins and breccias and carbonate-replacement ore deposits in the Cyclades continental back arc, Greece, formed from a range of fluid and metal sources strongly influenced by the dynamics of the late Mesozoic-Cenozoic Hellenic subduction system. These complexities are recorded in the isotopic signatures of hydrothermal barite. We investigated 17 mineral occurrences on four Cycladic islands and from Lavrion on the mainland. Here, barite occurs in almost all deposit types of Miocene to Quaternary age. We used a multiple isotope and geochemical approach to characterize the barite in each deposit, including mineral separate analysis of δ34S and δ18O and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry of 87Sr/86Sr and δ34S. Barite from carbonate-hosted vein and breccia Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization on Lavrion has a wide range of δ34S (2–20‰) and δ18O (10–15‰) values, reflecting a mix of magmatic and surface-derived fluids that have exchanged with isotopically heavy oxygen in the carbonate host rock. Sulfur (δ34S = 10–13‰) and oxygen (δ18O = 9–13‰) values of barite from the carbonate-hosted vein iron and barite mineralization on Serifos are permissive of a magmatic sulfate component. Barite from epithermal base and/or precious metal deposits on Milos has δ34S (17–28‰) and δ18O (9–11‰) values that are similar to modern seawater. In contrast, barite from vein-type deposits on Antiparos and Mykonos has a wide range of δ34S (16–37‰) and δ18O (4–12‰) values, indicating a seawater sulfate source modified by mixing or equilibration of the hydrothermal fluids with the host rocks. Strontium isotope ratios of barite vary regionally, with 87Sr/86Sr ≥ 0.711 in the central Cyclades and 87Sr/86Sr ≤ 0.711 in the west Cyclades, confirming the strong influence of upper crustal rocks on the sources of fluids, Sr, and Ba in the formation of ore.

The quality monitoring of paracetamol medicament using a noninvasive microwave sensor

Environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and light, can impact the quality of drugs. Microwave-based approaches offer a fast and cost-effective way to detect quality variations, providing an alternative to traditional techniques in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This article proposes the use of a microwave sensor for monitoring the quality of pharmaceutical drugs at distinct temperature levels. A small planar sensor based on three hexagonal split ring resonators (TH-SRR) is fabricated. The design is manufactured on an FR-4 dielectric substrate. The sensor is tested on a 1000 mg paracetamol tablet, at temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 ^circC. The Variation in the permittivity that characterizes product degradation is translated into a shift in the frequency of the scattering matrix elements. To validate the microwave approach, drug quality is examined with the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique, an optical emission laser used for both qualitative and quantitative investigations of elements contained in a sample. The existing elements are classified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database and categorized according to their spectral line wavelengths. The experiments show the presence of optimal wavelength values for carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) at 247.92 nm, 656.49 nm, 244.23 nm, and 777.48 nm, respectively. The microwave experimental results show a shift frequency of approximately 1 MHz on average when the tablet is heated at 80 ^circC for 15 min. Meanwhile, the LIBS measurement shows a remarkable shift in terms of intensity of approximately 8884 and 812 for carbon and hydrogen, respectively. Understanding how paracetamol dries under high temperatures and improving the process settings of the microwave sensor are investigated and assessed in this work.

Isotopic characteristics of Crimean collection wines

Collection wines are a special category of winemaking products, which acquire their unique characteristics during aging. One of the first wine collections in Russia was created in 1833–1835 in the Magarach state establishment, which is now the AllRussian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking “Magarach”. The large part of the Magarach collection consists of strong wines. These wines were produced by introducing alcohol of different nature (grape, grain, molasses), which was conditioned by the requirements of the legislation that was in force at the moment of production. It was interesting to find out the nature of alcohol that was used for wine alcoholization in the preceding decades. To this end, the method of isotope mass spectrometry was used. In addition, it was necessary to establish whether the values of isotopic characteristics of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen of ethanol of grape origin have changed over the last decades. The objects of the research were 15 samples of Crimean collection wines, one of which was dry wine of the 1982 harvest and 14 strong wines were from harvests of the last century with the oldest wine made from grape of the 1937 harvest. The composition of the stable carbon isotopes of ethanol in the samples was determined using the analytical complex Delta V Advantage. It has been found that the dry wine of 1982 harvest was produced without adding alcohol. Although the age of the drink is more than 40 years, the values of the isotopic characteristics of the elements of ethanol are typical for the modern products made exclusively from grape. Thus, the isotopic characteristics of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen of sugars of grape berry did not change significantly over the studied period. When analyzing strong wines, it has been established that the values of the isotopic characteristics of carbon were in a range of –27.23‰ to –24.13‰ (except one sample with a value of –15.49‰); the corresponding values for oxygen were from 7.21‰ to 17.09‰ and for hydrogen from –270‰ to –216‰. Therefore, for most studied samples, the obtained values of isotopic characteristics of the elements of ethanol were typical precisely for the mixture of grape and grain alcohols.

The use of sesame oil in sea bream feeds and its effects on growth and body chemical composition

As fish oil availability declines worldwide and its price rises, there is a growing need to engage in scientific investigations into alternative oil sources for incorporation into fish feeds. This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary sesame oil on the growth performance, feed utilization, and nutritional composition of sea bream (Sparus aurata). Twenty-five individual fish (initial mean weight: 32.38±0.27 g) were placed in each tank in triplicate. Four experimental fish meal-based (iso-proteic 49% and iso-lipidic 20%) diets were formulated; the control (C) group contains 100% of fish oil (FO) and varying amounts (20, 40, 60%) of sesame oil (SO). During the 75-day experiment, the fish were fed 3 times a day, and the mean ambient temperature and dissolved oxygen values were measured as 22.5±0.5°C and 6.8±0.3 mg/L, respectively. At the beginning of the experiment, 20 fish were sampled to determine their nutrient composition and somatic indexes. In the end, 4 fish were collected for the same procedures and 4 for each tank’s muscle and liver fatty acid compositions. At the end of the study, the S60 group exhibited the lowest final weight (FW) and feed utilization parameters. On the other hand, there were no statistical differences between FO, SO20, and SO40 in terms of FW. In addition, the SO40 group had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups (P&lt;0.05). The whole-body lipid compositions of the groups were different. The highest lipid level was found in SO40 with 15.83±0.36%. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition was significantly affected by the fatty acid profile of experimental feeds. While total ω-6 fatty acids were higher in the SO groups than in group C, total ω-3 fatty acids were higher in the C group compared to the SO groups (P&lt;0.05). The ω-3/ω-6 ratios in the SO20 and SO40 groups showed similarity, while the highest ratio was observed in the control group (P&lt;0.05). As a result, according to data obtained from our study, it is predicted that 40% SO could be added to sea bream feed instead of FO in terms of growth performance, feed utilization, and nutritional composition.

Study of the concentration level of heavy metals in water and some tissues of common carp, Carpinus carpio L. which is cultured in cages in the Euphrates River

The current study included measuring some chemical and physical properties of the water of the study area and estimating the concentration of three heavy elements (lead, copper, and zinc) in the tissues of the common carp (Gills, muscles, and viscera) of Cyprinus carpio L. Samples were collected from one of the private farms that raise fish in floating cages on the Euphrates River from 11/18/2022 to 4/18/2023. The study also included measuring water temperature, air, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH And dissolved oxygen samples taken from the water were analyzed as well as samples taken from fish tissues on a monthly basis. The results of the study showed that the air temperature ranged between(6.8-10.2)C. Water temperature (17_33), turbidity (6.8_10.2), electrical conductivity (1.04_2.13), total dissolved solids (7752_18730) mg/l, and pH value (7.2_7.82) between neutral to lightly basic. The dissolved oxygen value ranged between (6.78 - 7.92) mg/l during the months of the experiment. The standard methods were used to estimate the concentration of heavy metals in water and tissues by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that the highest total concentration of lead, copper and zinc was recorded in the water during the winter season (1.533, 2.300, 6.700) µg/L. Recorded in tissues for lead in the gills and viscera, the highest values were in spring (9.533, 6.500) µg/L, respectively. Copper recorded the highest value in the gills and viscera, respectively, and the concentrations were high in the autumn season (16.793, 18.723) µg/g dry weight, respectively. g dry weight respectively, the results showed that the accumulation of heavy elements was in the following order . &#x0D; Concentrations in the water are zinc &lt; copper &lt; lead&#x0D; And in the tissue as follows &#x0D; Gills &lt; muscle &lt; viscera lead &#x0D; gills &lt; viscera &lt; muscle copper &#x0D; Zinc gills &lt; muscle &lt; viscera&#x0D; Different densities were also studied to obtain the best culture density. Three densities (21_25_28 fish / m3) were used, with 500 fish for the first treatment, 900 fish for the second treatment, and 1100 fish for the third treatment, with an average weight of (120_140) g. Diet of Iranian origin was used for the three treatments. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences during the months of the study, where the highest rate was in the month of March.

Investigation of the Effect of Different Sizes of Diatomite as Substrate Material on Ammonia Adsorption for Ornamental Fish Culture Practices

As a result of the study, where the effects of four different sizes of diatomite on water parameters were examined, it was determined that when the obtained findings were evaluated, it contributed positively to the optimum limits of ammonia values, which are extremely important in aquaculture. The investigation was conducted in 5 groups with 3 replications without fish and aeration. Plastic aquariums of each replication, in which the experiment was carried out, contained 500 ml of tap water, 0.5 g of fish feed (47.5% crude protein, 6.5% crude oil, 2% cellulose, 6% moisture), and 3 g of different-sized diatomites (excluding the control group). When the mean water parameter values at the end of the experiment were examined, no statistical difference was found in terms of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH values (P&gt;0.05). On the other hand, the statistical differences between the groups in terms of NH4 and TAN values were found to be significant (P

Hypoxia Informed RBE-Weighted Beam Orientation Optimization for Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Using [18F]-FMISO-PET Estimation of pO2

Variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) models have previously informed proton therapy dose optimization algorithms, but few models have incorporated hypoxia's increase on radioresistance. Here, we obtain voxel-based estimation of partial oxygen pressure to weigh RBE values in a single biologically informed beam orientation optimization (BOO) algorithm. Four brain cancer patients with [18F]-FMISO-PET/CT images were selected from an HCP database. Oxygen values were derived from tracer uptake using a non-linear least squares curve fitting. RBE dose was then weighted using oxygen enhancement ratios (OER) for each structure and substituted into the dose fidelity term of our BOO algorithm. The nonlinear optimization problem was solved using a split-Bregman approach, with FISTA as the solver. This method (HypRBE) was compared dose fidelity terms using the Rorvik RBE model (RegRBE), without OER. Tumor homogeneity index (HI), Dmax, and D95% were evaluated along with worst-case statistics after normalization to normal tissue isotoxicity. Compared to RegRBE, HypRBE increased tumor [HI, Dmax, D95%] on average by [0.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%] and improved worst-case tumor [HI, Dmax, D95%] by [5.3%, 16.2%, 9.6%]. HypRBE shows an increase in therapeutic ratio, and is notably robust against uncertainty scenarios. We have developed an optimization algorithm whose dose fidelity term is weighted by hypoxia informed RBE values. We have shown that HypRBE selects beams that are better suited to protect low RBE, well-oxygenated normal tissue while maintaining high dose to high RBE, hypoxic tumor cells.

Arterial blood analysis of healthy residents in Huamachuco, Peru (3,164 m): a cross-sectional study.

Background: Given that arterial blood gas is affected by altitude and ethnicity, establishing reliable reference standards for these values requires analysis of arterial blood at different elevations and locations. Our objective was to measure the arterial blood gases of healthy young volunteers in Huamachuco, Peru, at 3,164 m above sea level. This is likely the first study of arterial blood gas analysis of healthy Northern Peruvians living at high altitude. Methods: Healthy residents of Huamachuco were recruited for this cross-sectional convenience sample study and arterial blood was drawn by standard procedures. People with obesity, diabetes, high levels of physical activity and a history of using selected substances were excluded. The samples were analyzed on-site in less than 15 minutes using a Stat Profile Prime CCS analyzer (Nova Biomedical). Results: Data from 46 participants (17 male, 29 female) were included in the study. The median values for arterial blood pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ionized calcium, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate were 7.42, 9.3 kPa (70 mmHg), 4.5 kPa (33.5 mmHg), 1.04 mM, 5.19 mM, 1.8 mM, 50 %, 94 %, and 21.6 mM, respectively. We also found a lower prevalence of diabetes among highlanders compared to the Peruvian population. Conclusions: The results determined here were comparable to other results determined at different altitudes in the Americas, although arterial blood oxygen was slightly higher than predicted. These results indicate that Northern Peruvians have an Andean-style adaptation to high altitude.

Genetic reversal of the globin switch concurrently modulates both fetal and sickle hemoglobin and reduces red cell sickling

We previously reported initial clinical results of post-transcriptional gene silencing of BCL11A expression (NCT 03282656) reversing the fetal to adult hemoglobin switch. A goal of this approach is to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression while coordinately reducing sickle hemoglobin (HbS) expression. The resulting combinatorial effect should prove effective in inhibiting HbS polymerization at lower physiologic oxygen values thereby mitigating disease complications. Here we report results of exploratory single-cell analysis of patients in which BCL11A is targeted molecularly and compare results with cells of patients treated with hydroxyurea (HU), the current standard of care. We use single-cell assays to assess HbF, HbS, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin polymer content in RBCs for nine gene therapy trial subjects (BCLshmiR, median HbF% = 27.9) and compare them to 10 HU-treated subjects demonstrating high and comparable levels of HbF (HU High Responders, median HbF% = 27.0). All BCL11A patients achieved the primary endpoint for NCT 03282656, which was defined by an absolute neutrophil count greater than or equal to 0.5 × 109 cells/L for three consecutive days, achieved within 7 weeks following infusion. Flow cytometric assessment of single-RBC HbF and HbS shows fewer RBCs with high HbS% that would be most susceptible to sickling in BCLshmiR vs. HU High Responders: median 42% of RBCs with HbS%>70% in BCLshmiR vs. 61% in HU High Responders (p = 0.004). BCLshmiR subjects also demonstrate more RBCs resistant to HbS polymerization at lower physiologic oxygen tension: median 32% vs. 25% in HU High Responders (p = 0.006). Gene therapy-induced BCL11A down-regulation reverses the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch and induces RBCs with higher HbF%, lower HbS%, and greater resistance to deoxygenation-induced polymerization in clinical trial subjects compared with a cohort of highly responsive hydroxyurea-treated subjects.

Supine versus Prone Position during Delayed Cord Clamping in Infants ≥36 Weeks: A Randomized Trial.

There is no recommendation in the literature on optimal positioning of the newborn immediately at birth during delayed cord clamping. To evaluate if prone positioning on the mother's chest at birth during delayed cord clamping leads to a higher hematocrit at 30 hours of life compared to supine positioning. A randomized unblinded trial comparing prone and supine position of the newborn before umbilical cord clamping. Healthy newborns ≥36 weeks gestational age and born vaginally with cephalic presentation were included. The newborn was randomized to prone or supine position. Umbilical cord clamping was delayed in both groups to 1 minute after birth. The primary outcome was hematocrit at 30 hours of life. As a secondary outcome, cerebral tissue oxygenation (CrSO2) values were compared between both groups by near infrared spectroscopy. There was no difference in hematocrit at 30 hours of life between supine and prone positions with a mean at 52 and 53.1, respectively, mean difference -1.1 (95% confidence interval:-2.7, 0.5), p = 0.17. Newborns in supine and prone positions had comparable level of CrSO2 at 30 hours of life with a mean at 84.1 and 82.2, respectively, mean difference 1.9 (-0.2, 4.0), p = 0.07. There was no correlation between hematocrit and CrSO2 at 30 hours of life (r = 0.14). There was no difference between prone and supine positioning immediately after birth during delayed cord clamping on hematocrit at 30 hours of life. In the absence of clear findings, further studies with assessment of the effect of position on breastfeeding success in the case room, on maternal satisfaction and outcome beyond 30 hours are needed to make adequate recommendations on positioning. · Delayed cord clamping at 60 seconds is recommended at birth, but optimal positioning is unknown.. · A randomized trial was conducted to compare hematocrit at 36 hours of life of prone versus supine position.. · No difference in hematocrit was found in prone versus supine position during delayed cord clamping..

Monsoon-driven seasonal hypoxia along the northern coast of Oman

Dissolved oxygen and current observations from a cabled ocean observatory in the Sea of Oman show that the annual recurrence of coastal hypoxia, defined as dissolved oxygen concentrations ≤63 μM, is associated with the seasonal cycle of local monsoon winds. The observations represent the first long-term (5+ years) continuous moored observations off the northern Omani coast. During the summer/fall southwest (SW) monsoon season (Jun-Nov), winds in the Sea of Oman generate ocean currents that result in coastal upwelling of subsurface waters with low dissolved oxygen concentrations. The source of the poorly oxygenated water is the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the Arabian Sea, a layer approximately 1000-m thick within the 100 to 1200 m depth range, where dissolved oxygen values approach anoxia. During the winter monsoon season (Dec-Feb), the Sea of Oman winds are from the northwest, forcing strong and persistent southeast currents. These winds generate oceanic downwelling conditions along the coastal ocean that ventilate waters at depth. Possible impacts of the monsoon-driven seasonal hypoxia on local fisheries and implications due to climate change are also discussed in this study.

Determination of Combustion Characteristics of Densified Biomass Fuels from Agricultural and Domestic Wastes

The combustion characteristics of two carbonized biomass briquettes fuels samples (sample A and B) from two bio-wastes have been presented. Sample A is comprised of Agro-waste (residues) mainly rice husk, groundnut shell, corn cob, bagasse, rice straw, coconut coir, branches, wheat straw, maize husk, grass from the field, cassava stem while Sample B comprised of decaying domestic wastes material from wastes disposal/collection points mainly garbage, vegetables/fruits, protein, groundnut shell, maize cob, waste papers, all sorts of discarded foods etc. Analysis of briquettes fuels samples in terms of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and calorific values were necessary to determine suitability of such material as reliable and sustainable energy sources. These parameters analyzed are unique fundamental code that characterizes and determines the properties, quality, potential applications and environmental problems related to any fuel. The result of the analysis placed sample B above sample A in terms of heating value. The proximate analysis indicated that the sample B had a better ignition characteristic at 77% volatile matter against 44% of sample A. Also, sample B have better heating value with fixed carbon 32% against 21% of sample A. This was also confirmed by ultimate analysis where sample B recorded a higher value of percentage Carbon and percentage Oxygen at 47.04% and 41.6% respectively. The bulk densities were in the range of 499kg/m2 to 502kg/m2 which is very good in terms of handling and transportation of the fuels. Moreso, calorific value of both samples were appreciably high at 18704 KJ/Kg for sample A and 18901.3 Kj/Kg by sample B. The ratio FC:VM for sample A is 0.477 which is higher than that of sample B, indicating that sample A will have a better yield and formation of biochar. Therefore the carbonised biomass briquettes are of good quality and exhibited good combustion properties as an alternative energy feedstock for domestic and industrial applications. It is a better source of energy for cooking, replacing fuel wood (firewood) and it is eco friendly.

Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Analyses for Assessment of Potential Coal Prospects in Tirah Area, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the Paleocene coal in the Tirah area, District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, utilizing onsite Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) experiments combined with geochemical analyses of obtained coal-rock samples. ERT and GPR profiles, along with geochemical data, were collected and meticulously analyzed to assess the potential and quality of coal seams based on coal ranking, aiming to delineate their spatial distribution and future exploitation prospects. The study reveals a wide range of resistivity values, spanning from 8.93 Ωm to 2472 Ωm. The uppermost layer, comprising silt and clay with water saturation, exhibits resistivity values ranging from 8.93 Ωm to 50 Ωm. The subsequent stratum, characterized by wet sandstone with minor shale and clay, has resistivity values between 50 Ωm and 95.3 Ωm. Significantly, the zone with resistivity values between 95.3 Ωm and 800 Ωm is identified as the probable host of the coal seams. Based on the results, the coal seams are estimated to exist at depths ranging from 14 to 23 m, with resistivity values between 95.3 Ωm and 800 Ωm. GPR results further corroborate these findings, revealing coal-bearing strata at various depths, thus confirming the ERT results. Additionally, proximate and ultimate analysis provided insights into the quality of the coal, with average concentration values of moisture content (6.95%), ash content (22.12%), volatile matter (28.55%), fixed carbon (42.40%), carbon content (55.35%), hydrogen (4.7%), nitrogen (0.95%), sulfur (4.82%), and oxygen (10.06%). Comparative analyses of the obtained results with local coals from the Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan, and coal from Ogboyaga, Nigeria, confirm that the studied coal ranks as sub-bituminous. This comprehensive assessment offers valuable insights into the potential and quality of Paleocene coal in the studied region and is applicable to other areas with similar geological settings.

Dynamics of Dissolved Oxygen During the Phytoremediation Process Combination of Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)at the Fecal Waste Treatment Plant

The Fecal Waste Treatment Plant (IPLT) is an installation for managing fecal waste. One of the parameters of water quality that is monitored and managed is dissolved oxygen which is one of the important chemical parameters in supporting the life of aquatic biota. This study aims to determine the dynamics of dissolved oxygen during the fecal waste phytoremediation process using a combination of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and pond tongue java fern (Microsorum pteropus). The research was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023, at the Supit Urang IPLT, Malang City. The procedures in this study include the preparation stage, acclimatization stage, experimental stage, data collection stage and data analysis. Presentation of research results descriptively using graphics. The results of the study showed that there were observed dynamics of dissolved oxygen levels, but the dissolved oxygen values indicated that the phytoremediation process by the combination of the two plants succeeded in reducing fecal pollutants, by increasing dissolved oxygen levels in facultative pond 3 at the end of the study on day 28.Keywords: Dissolved oxygen, phytoremediation, Ipomoea aquatica, Microsorum pteropus

Cohort study to evaluate prognostic factors in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients introduced to oxygen therapy

While high-level evidence is lacking, numerous retrospective studies have depicted the value of supplemental oxygen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases, and its use should be encouraged where necessary. The clinical course and survival of patients with IPF who have been introduced to oxygen therapy is still not fully understood. The objective of this study was to clarify overall survival, factors associated with prognosis, and causes of death in IPF patients after the start of oxygen therapy. This is a prospective cohort multicenter study, enrolling patients with IPF who started oxygen therapy at 19 hospitals with expertise in interstitial lung disease. Baseline clinical data at the start of oxygen therapy and 3-year follow-up data including death and cause of death were assessed. Factors associated with prognosis were analyzed using univariable and multivariable analyses. One hundred forty-seven eligible patients, of whom 86 (59%) were prescribed ambulatory oxygen therapy and 61 (41%) were prescribed long-term oxygen therapy, were recruited. Of them, 111 died (76%) during a median follow-up of 479 days. The median survival from the start of oxygen therapy was 537 ± 74 days. In the univariable analysis, low body mass index (BMI), low forced vital capacity (FVC), low diffusion capacity (DLCO), resting hypoxemia, short 6 min-walk distance, and high COPD assessment test (CAT) score were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Multivariable analysis revealed low BMI, low FVC, low DLCO, low minimum SpO2 on 6MWT, and high CAT score were independent factors for poor prognosis. The overall survival of IPF patients after starting oxygen therapy is about 1.5 years. In addition to pulmonary function tests, 6MWT and patient reported outcomes can be used to predict prognosis more accurately.Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000009322.