Total CO2 Concentration Research Articles

Evaluation and speciation of cobalt, copper, and zinc in saline soil bymicrowave‐assistedsingle extraction

AbstractThe present research assessed the chemical fractionation of Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn), detected in saline soil samples of Hyderabad Pakistan. The partitioning of Co, Cu, and Zn in soil samples was carried by single‐step extraction using microwave irradiation energy. The validity of the methods was confirmed using the same operating conditions applied and checked as in BCR sequential extraction fractionation using certified reference material BCR‐701 and the standard method of addition (recoveries 96%–102%). Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to test extractable Co, Cu, and Zn contents obtained by the comparative method. Using compromised microwave conditions steps 1–3 of the sequential extraction (excluding hydrogen peroxide digestion in step 3) could be accomplished with an ultrasonic bath between 15 and 30 min, whereas 60–120 s were needed for microwave single‐extraction (MSE). The total concentrations of Co, Cu, and Zn extractable metals produced by three separate extractions ranged from 1.02–3.30, 5.02–9.95, and 3.97–8.01 μg/g respectively. Consequently, the use of single‐step extraction with the aid of microwave and ultrasound energy to reduce the time required for single‐step extraction based on the BCR sequential extraction method. However, with the aid of developed single‐step extraction methods, the obtained results were comparable to those values obtained from BCR sequential extraction method. For further study, the MSE can be frequently used to know the metal‐bound intensity with a different chemical fraction on environmental solid samples.

Low serum total CO2 and its association with mortality in patients being followed up in the nephrology outpatients clinic

Large-scale studies have not been conducted to assess whether serum hypobicarbonatemia increases the risk for kidney function deterioration and mortality among East-Asians. We aimed to determine the association between serum total CO2 (TCO2) concentrations measured at the first outpatient visit and clinical outcomes. In this multicenter cohort study, a total of 42,231 adult nephrology outpatients from 2001 to 2016 were included. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis within 3 months of the first visit were excluded. Instrumental variable (IV) was used to define regions based on the proportion of patients with serum TCO2 < 22 mEq/L. The crude mortality rate was 12.2% during a median 77.0-month follow-up period. The Cox-proportional hazard regression model adjusted for initial kidney function, alkali supplementation, and the use of diuretics demonstrated that low TCO2 concentration was not associated with progression to ESRD, but significantly increased the risk of death. The IV analysis also confirmed a significant association between initial TCO2 concentration and mortality (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.49–0.64). This result was consistently significant regardless of the underlying renal function. In conclusion, low TCO2 levels are significantly associated with mortality but not with progression to ESRD in patients with ambulatory care.

Determining freshwater pCO2 based on geochemical calculation and modelling using PHREEQC

Fossil fuel combustion results in rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which is known to impact the global climate and the oceans. Latest insights indicate that rising atmospheric CO2 levels also affect CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) in freshwaters, where pCO2 is controlled by a multitude of parameters. However, up to date there is no standardized method, which allows the determination of current and past freshwater pCO2 levels. Ideally methods should incorporate numerous hydrogeochemical and -physical factors to reflect the interplay of all interacting components and their effect on pCO2. We here describe the application of the geochemical program PHREEQC. This freeware serves as an easy method enabling a plausible and comprehensive analysis of pCO2 for field, laboratory, and especially long-term data. We present the use of the different input parameters of a laboratory- and a field long-term monitoring dataset including dissociation constants of carbonic acid measured as total inorganic carbon (TIC) and total CO2 concentration (TCO2) or total alkalinity (TA), together with hydrogeochemical and -physical parameters. Based on current literature and our analyses PHREEQC appears a solid strategy to determine freshwater pCO2 that can moreover be used for long-term datasets.•Comprehensive analysis of pCO2 for field, laboratory, and long-term data.•PHREEQC is not dependent on just one sampling method or parameter scheme.•PHREEQC includes testing the plausibility of a water analysis and enables the assessment of the quality of the laboratory analysis, as well as automatic calculation of all relevant aquatic complexes.

Effects of Different Rootstocks on Storage Life and Quality of Loquat Fruit (cv. Gold Nugget)

In this study, the effects of rootstocks on storage life and quality in Gold Nugget loquat grafted on quince, hawthorn and loquat rootstocks were investigated. After harvest, fruit were placed in plastic boxes (2 kg) covered with stretch film and stored for 45 days at 5 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% RH. Weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, maturity rate, respiration rate, ethylene production, CO2 and O2 concentrations in package, skin colour (L*,a*,b*,C*,h°), decay rate and sensory quality of fruit were determined at 15-day intervals during storage. The same analyzes were repeated for shelf life evaluation after keeping fruit 2 days in ambient condition (20°C and 70±5 RH%). Fruit grown on quince rootstock had the best results for maintaining external appearance, titratable acidity, maturation rate and vivid skin colour. The lowest decay rate and respiration rate during storage were also obtained from this combination. Quince and Loquat seedling rootstocks had similar results for sensory quality and decay rate. Covering boxes by stretch film (20 µm) reduced the weight loss in the all the combination of scion/rootstock but, increased pathogens development. These findings revealed that fruit, obtained from the combinations of Gold Nugget variety with quince and loquat seedling rootstocks, can be stored with good quality for 30+2 days at 5 °C and 90 ± 5 RH%.

Geological CO2 quantified by high-temporal resolution stable isotope monitoring in a salt mine

The relevance of CO2 emissions from geological sources to the atmospheric carbon budget is becoming increasingly recognized. Although geogenic gas migration along faults and in volcanic zones is generally well studied, short-term dynamics of diffusive geogenic CO2 emissions are mostly unknown. While geogenic CO2 is considered a challenging threat for underground mining operations, mines provide an extraordinary opportunity to observe geogenic degassing and dynamics close to its source. Stable carbon isotope monitoring of CO2 allows partitioning geogenic from anthropogenic contributions. High temporal-resolution enables the recognition of temporal and interdependent dynamics, easily missed by discrete sampling. Here, data is presented from an active underground salt mine in central Germany, collected on-site utilizing a field-deployed laser isotope spectrometer. Throughout the 34-day measurement period, total CO2 concentrations varied between 805 ppmV (5th percentile) and 1370 ppmV (95th percentile). With a 400-ppm atmospheric background concentration, an isotope mixing model allows the separation of geogenic (16–27%) from highly dynamic anthropogenic combustion-related contributions (21–54%). The geogenic fraction is inversely correlated to established CO2 concentrations that were driven by anthropogenic CO2 emissions within the mine. The described approach is applicable to other environments, including different types of underground mines, natural caves, and soils.

Quantitative vesicle analyses and total CO2 reconstruction in mid-ocean ridge basalts

Vesicle textures in submarine lavas have been used to calculate total (pre-eruption) volatile concentrations in mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), which provide constraints on upper mantle volatile concentrations and global mid-ocean ridge CO2 flux. In this study, we evaluate vesicle size distributions (VSDs) and volatile concentrations in a suite of 20 MORB samples that span the range of vesicularities and vesicle number densities observed in MORB globally. We provide recommended best practices for quantifying vesicularity, vesicle number densities, and VSDs based on synthetic vesicle populations and comparisons between traditional 2D estimates and X-ray computed micro-tomography results. For 2D measurements, we recommend analyzing multiple polished fragments with a cumulative area >100 times the area of the largest observed vesicle and including >200 vesicles in stereological VSD reconstructions. For 3D measurements, we recommend analyzing sample volumes >0.01 cm3 at resolutions <2.0 μm/pixel for low vesicularity MORB (i.e., <4 vol.%) and sample volumes >0.1 cm3 with resolutions <5 μm/pixel for higher vesicularity samples. Our validation of vesicularity measurements allows reconstructions of total CO2 concentrations in MORB using dissolved volatile concentrations, vesicularities, and equations of state. We assess approaches for estimating the exsolved CO2 concentration in MORB vesicles and find that CO2(g) density is ~40% lower than previously suggested, likely due to melt contraction during quenching. Based on these results, we recommend using sample eruption pressures, magmatic temperatures, and an equation of state that accounts for non-ideality at high temperatures to calculate exsolved CO2 concentrations when independent constraints from Raman spectroscopy or laser ablation are unavailable. Our results suggest that some previous studies may have overestimated MORB CO2 concentrations by as much as 50%, with the greatest differences in samples with the highest vesicularities. These new results imply lower CO2/Ba of undegassed, enriched-MORB and lower integrated global ridge CO2 flux than previously inferred.

The effect of serial administration of bicarbonate on plasma total CO2 concentrations in horses.

The administration of alkalinising agents including bicarbonate is of concern to racing authorities because resultant alkalosis may enhance performance and interfere with the detection of drugs in post-race urine. A threshold for total carbon dioxide (TCO2 ) of 36.0 mmol/L in plasma (with action limit of 37.0 mmol/L) has been set. Serial dosing of sodium bicarbonate has gained popularity in human athletes but has not been studied in horses previously. Sodium bicarbonate (200 g per horse) and 60 g of an electrolyte-vitamin complex was administered in 2-L water via nasogastric intubation to five Standardbred horses for three consecutive days (total dose bicarbonate 0.42 ± 0.02 g/kg). Serial blood samples were taken over Days 1-5, with the final day (5) intended to simulate a 'clear day', and TCO2 was analysed. Following the first bicarbonate administration, plasma TCO2 peaked at 6 h (34.8 ± 1.3 mmol/L), returning to baseline by 23 h. On Day 2, four out of the five horses showed a peak greater than 36.0 mmol/L (mean 37.0 ± 2.1 mmol/L). With daily repeated dosing, plasma TCO2 peaked progressively earlier, and by Day 3, the peak occurred at 2 h and concentrations declined more rapidly. On Days 4 and 5, TCO2 levels remained low (<32.1 mmol/L on Day 4 and between 27.0-31.2 mmol/L on Day 5). These studies demonstrate that serial dosing of a 'split dose' of sodium bicarbonate on three consecutive days does not result in the accumulation or carry-over of plasma TCO2 levels beyond the levels observed following a single dose.

Impact of Filtration Conditions on Air Quality in an Operating Room

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ventilation and filtration conditions on particle concentrations in an orthopedic operating room. Total particle, viable particle, and CO2 concentration were measured under three different situations, namely before air filter replacement, after air filter replacement, and in an operating room with a new air conditioning system. Before air filter replacement, the mean values of airflow, total particle concentration, and viable particle concentration were 706 m3/h, 15.0 × 106 ± 4.0 × 106 particles/m3, and 57 CFU/m3, respectively. After replacement, the airflow increased to 1954 m3/h, and total and viable particle concentrations decreased to 0.4 × 106 ± 0.2 × 106 particles/m3 and 24 CFU/m3, respectively. In the room with a new air conditioning system, the airflow was 2051 m3/h, and total and viable particle concentrations were 0.3 × 106. ± 0.1 × 106 particles/m3 and 15 CFU/m3, respectively. The CO2 levels were 663 ppm (before), 659 ppm (after), and 574 ppm (new room). The results showed that inappropriate or no maintenance of filters in an air conditioning system had significant negative effects on indoor air quality in operating rooms. Air conditioning systems operating with saturated filters can be affected by pressure drop, which can lead to a reduction in airflow, thereby resulting in an increase in the average total particle and viable particle concentrations and the risk of infection in operating rooms. However, the results showed that the CO2 concentration was not affected by the filter replacement.

Relationship between serum total carbon dioxide concentration and bicarbonate concentration in patients undergoing hemodialysis

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the relationship between serum total carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) concentration in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We determined the agreement and discrepancy between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations and the diagnostic accuracy of serum total CO2 for the prediction of low (HCO3- < 24 mEq/L) and high (HCO3- ≥ 24 mEq/L) bicarbonate concentrations in hemodialysis patients.MethodsOne hundred forty-nine arteriovenous blood samples from 84 hemodialysis patients were studied. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors correlated with HCO3- concentration. Diagnostic accuracy of serum total CO2 was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a 2 × 2 table. Agreement between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsSerum total CO2 concentration was closely correlated with HCO3- concentration (β = 0.858, P < 0.001). Area under the curve of serum total CO2 for the identification of low and high bicarbonate concentrations was 0.989. Use of serum total CO2 to predict low and high bicarbonate concentrations had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 50.0%, positive predictive value of 96.5%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 96.6%. Bland-Altman analysis showed moderate agreement between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations. Discrepancies between HCO3- and serum total CO2 concentrations (serum total CO2 - HCO3- ≤ -1) were observed in 89 samples.ConclusionSerum total CO2 concentration is closely correlated with HCO3- concentration in hemodialysis patients. However, there is a non-negligible discrepancy between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations.

Determination of total CO2 in melt inclusions with shrinkage bubbles

The compositions of volatiles in magmas can be estimated using melt inclusions encapsulated in phenocrysts. Shrinkage bubbles are occasionally observed in natural and rehomogenized melt inclusions. Because of the low solubility of CO2 in melts, CO2 is partitioned in both the melts and shrinkage bubbles in melt inclusions. We developed a method to determine total CO2 in melt inclusions by measuring (1) CO2 concentration in glass with secondary-ion mass spectrometry, (2) CO2 density in bubbles with micro-Raman spectrometry, and (3) bubble/glass volume ratio with micro X-ray computed tomography on rehomogenized melt inclusions. We applied this method to olivine-hosted melt inclusions in high-μ (HIMU)-type ocean island basalts from Raivavae in Austral Islands in French Polynesia.The shape of melt inclusions is predominantly related to their size; larger melt inclusions tend to be more angular than smaller ones. The volume of large melt inclusions may be overestimated by previous approaches in which the dimension of melt inclusions was measured by microscopy and the volume was calculated assuming ellipsoidal shape. CO2 dissolved in glass in rehomogenized melt inclusions ranges up to ~7000 ppm. The glass with a more alkalic composition shows greater CO2 concentration than that with a less alkalic composition in accordance with the composition-dependent CO2 solubility. By contrast, the correlation between the total CO2 content and the chemical composition of the glass is unclear because CO2 in shrinkage bubbles is generally greater than that in the glass. Some melt inclusions demonstrate an extremely high total CO2 content (up to 25,000 ppm). Because these melt inclusions show a large bubble volume proportion in melt inclusions (>12 vol%), they are likely formed by the simultaneous entrapment of melts and fluids during the host olivine growth. Excluding these melt inclusions, the total CO2 content and CO2/Nb ratio in melt inclusions were up to 7000 ppm and 200, respectively. This study offers an accurate determination of CO2 concentration and CO2/Nb of the HIMU basalts from Raivavae.

Role of mono- and diamines as kinetic promoters in mixed aqueous amine solution for CO2 capture

Tertiary amines are thermodynamically efficient CO2 absorbents but unfortunately suffer from low absorption rates. To overcome this issue the use of formulated absorbents incorporating simple aliphatic amines and di-amines as promoters have been suggested. This work describes the fundamental CO2 capture behaviour in tertiary amine diethylethanolamine (DEEA) based solution with a series of kinetic promoters monoethanolamine (MEA), N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (N,N-DM13PDA), N,N-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediamine (N,N-DM12EDA), and 4-amino-1-methylpiperidine (4-A1MPD). The CO2 absorption rate and cyclic capacity was significantly enhanced due to the additional diamines. Using NMR technology, the underlying effect of the additives on the chemical speciation e.g. carbamate, (bi)carbonate was interrogated. The absorbents were found to initially favour carbamate at low CO2 loadings, transitioning to the energetically favoured (bi)carbonate adduct as the total CO2 concentration elevates. Unlike the energy intensive MEA absorbent, rapid and deep CO2 removal was achieved in the new proposed di-amine blend solutions, affirming its promising potential for CO2 capture.

Emission Factors and Emission Inventory of Agricultural Machinery in Beijing Under Real-world Operation

This study aimed to establish the emission factors and the emission inventory of agricultural machinery in Beijing in 2017 under real-world operation. The emissions of typical harvesters, tractors, agricultural transport vehicles, and farm construction machinery under real-world operation were tested by a portable emission measurement system. The results showed that different operation modes have a greater impact on the tailpipe emissions of agricultural machinery. The CO, NOx, HC, and PM emissions were relatively stable when the engine is idling and moving compared to when the excavator is performing actual work. According to the classification and emission standards of various types of machinery, a relatively perfect emission factor system of agricultural machinery in Beijing was established, which can provide reference and support for relevant research and management decisions. According to the emission factors of agricultural machinery and fuel consumption in Beijing, the emissions of CO, NOx, HC, and PM in 2017 were 2566.60, 1239.29, 563.08, and 538.32 t, respectively. The total pollutants of transport machinery, tractors, and combined harvester accounted for 98%, 95%, 95%, and 98% of the total concentrations of CO, NOx, HC, and PM, respectively. Therefore, transport machinery, tractor, and combined harvester should be the key control objects in the reduction of agricultural machinery pollution.

What is the extent of water brownification in Lake Onego, Russia?

In the past 26 years the transport of allochthonous matter into Lake Onego has increased. Water brownification in Petrozavodsk Bay, a northwestern bay in Lake Onego, and in the Shuya River, a tributary of the bay, was shown earlier to begin in spring. The goal of this paper was to find out whether brownification spreads from Petrozavodsk Bay to the central part of the lake in summer. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and linear correlation coefficient confirm a significant (p < 0.05) increase in water color in Petrozavodsk Bay in the summers of 1992–2018. A tendency for increasing water color was found in the Central Onego’s epilimnion. Total iron and CO2 concentrations in the epilimnion have increased and pH values have decreased both in Petrozavodsk Bay and in the Central Onego. In the Central Onego’s hypolimnion, only total iron and CO2 concentrations have considerably increased. However, the present lake ecosystem is resistant to the increased effect of allochthonous matter due to long water renewal time and self-purification. In spite of a significant increase in CO2 concentration in the lake water, the bicarbonate buffer system maintains the acid-base equilibrium and the changes revealed are not considered critical for the ecosystem.

Utilization of ict-based feeding system on egg production, egg quality, blood parameters and caecal microflora in laying hens

Smart poultry farm application technology that enables adequate maintenance and management of a livestock production environment was developed as a remote control method through the convergence of information and communications technology. The objective of this study was to investigate the improvement of egg production and egg-laying quality of laying hens in a smart poultry feeding system (SP) and its working mechanism. A total of 400 laying hens (50-week-old; Hy-line brown) were divided into two groups, in a randomized block design, namely, a conventional feeding system (CON) group and SP group using an enriched cage system of animal welfare type. The birds were reared for 10 weeks. Egg production and egg quality parameters were higher (P<0.05) in the SP group than those in the CON group. Blood RBC, HCT, Hb, platelet count, plateletcrit and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl”) were higher in the SP group than those in the CON group while helerphils: lymphocyte ratio, ALT, and AST were lower in the SP group (P<0.05). Concentrations of HCO3 and blood partial presure levels were higher in the SP group than those in the CON group whereas partal pressure and total CO2 content in the blood was lower in the SP group (P<0.05). Blood IL-2 and IL-6 mRNA expression levels were higher (P<0.05) in the SP group than those in the CON group. Count of caecal Lactobacillus was higher in the SP group than those in the CON group while that of E. coli, total aerobic bacteria, and coliform bacteria were lower (P<0.05) in the SP group. These results of the blood parameters, immune cell growth, and caecal microflora balance indicate that the smart poultry feeding system can increase the productivity of laying hens in comparison to the conventional feeding system.

Effects of dietary supplementation of calcified seaweed extract with different levels of salt on performance, acid–base balance, and meat quality of growing lambs

Sixty 4-month-old male Awassi lambs were used in a 70-day trial to evaluate the effects of supplemental AcidBuf (calcified seaweed extract; Celtic Sea Minerals, Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland) with different levels of salt on the productive performance, acid–base status, and meat quality of growing lambs. Animals were randomly divided into six groups of 10 lambs each. The dietary treatments were (1) no added supplemental AcidBuf or salt (control group), (2) 0.4% added AcidBuf (A+S0.0), (3) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 0.4% added salt (A+S0.4), (4) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 0.8% added salt (A+S0.8), (5) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 0.1.2% added salt (A+S1.2), and (6) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 1.6% added salt (A+S1.6). Feed intake was measured weekly, and all lambs were weighed every week for evaluation of the productive parameters. Blood samples were collected from all lambs for measurement of biochemical and acid–base variables. At the end of experiment, eight lambs from each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and meat quality. Lambs fed the AcidBuf-0.4% and 0.8% salt diet had greatest ADG (P = 0.03) and G:F (P = 0.02) respectively. The addition of AcidBuf to the diets increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the serum K concentration and reduced urea N and total CO2 concentrations in serum compared with the control group. The addition of AcidBuf and salt at level of 0.4% resulted in increases in hot (P = 0.03) and cold carcass weights (P = 0.04) compared with the control group. Overall, these data indicate that AcidBuf and salt supplementation improved weight gain and carcass weight in lambs.

Replacing Soybean Meal with Urea in Diets for Heavy Fattening Lambs: Effects on Growth, Metabolic Profile and Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryThere is a renewed interest on the potential inclusion of urea in ruminant diets, reducing the contribution of vegetable protein supplements. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal with different proportions of urea in protein-rich diets for heavy fattening lambs (from 29 to 50 kg of live body weight). Our results suggest that 39% of soybean meal of such diets can be replaced with urea reducing the feeding costs without any adverse effects on feed efficiency, rumen fermentation, or carcass and meat quality. Nevertheless, urea supplementation even at levels of 1% of dry matter may trigger mild metabolic acidosis that can affect animal health in the long term.Thirty-six Assaf male lambs (29.4 ± 3.10 kg body weight (BW)) were used to study the feasibility of including urea (at 0, 0.6 or 0.95% of dry matter for Control, Urea1, and Urea2 diets, respectively) in substitution of soybean meal in fattening diets. Animals were individually penned and feed intake was recorded daily. Blood samples were taken at days 35 and 63 of the experimental period to determine the acid-base status and the biochemical profile. At the end of the experiment (nine weeks), lambs were slaughtered, ruminal contents were collected and carcass and meat quality were evaluated. There were not differences (p > 0.05) among treatments in dry matter intake, animal performance, ruminal fermentation pattern, and carcass and meat parameters. Serum albumin concentration was higher and concentration of HCO3 and total CO2 in blood were lower in Urea2 compared to Urea1 and Control lambs. These results, together with the tendency to lower (p = 0.065) blood pH in this group might suggest a moderate metabolic acidosis. Partial replacement of soybean meal with urea did not impair growth rate in heavy fattening Assaf lambs (from 29 to 50 kg body weight), reduced feeding costs and had no adverse effects on feed efficiency, rumen fermentation and carcass and meat quality.

Clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of acute organophosphate or carbamate intoxication in 102 dogs: A retrospective study

Organophosphates (OP) and carbamates are commonly used insecticides and important intoxication sources of humans and animals. Nevertheless, large scale studies of these intoxications in dogs are unavailable. The medical records of dogs presented to a veterinary hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 102 dogs definitely diagnosed with acute OP or carbamate intoxication.The most common presenting clinical signs included muscle tremor, hypersalivation, miosis, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Hypersalivation, muscle tremor and tachypnea were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with survival to discharge; while weakness, mental dullness, anorexia, pale mucous membranes and paddling were significantly associated with death. Common laboratory abnormalities included decreased butyrylcholine esterase activity, acidemia, increased total plasma protein, leukocytosis, hypochloridemia, hyperbilirubinemia, increased creatinine and alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and creatine kinase activities, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Compared to the survivors, the non-survivors showed significantly: higher frequencies of thrombocytopenia, hypocarbemia, prolonged prothrombin time (PT), hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hypocholesterolemia, hypoproteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased ALT activity and increased urea concentration; lower median concentrations of venous blood bicarbonate, serum chloride and total CO2; and higher medians of PT, serum total bilirubin and urea concentrations, and ALT and AST activities. Intoxicated dogs were commonly treated with diphenhydramine, atropine-sulfate, antibiotics, diazepam and pralidoxime, while some (19.2%) required general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. The survival rate of dogs treated by gastric lavage was higher (P = 0.041) compared to that of the remaining dogs. Development of respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation requirement were significantly associated (P < 0.001) with death. The mortality rate was 17%.

Integration of Gas Sensors as an Exhaust Gas Monitoring Device from Green Roasting Process of Various Coffee Beans

The exhaust gas monitoring system in the coffee roasting process continues to be developed considering the need for more complex roasting coffee beans information. The integrated gas sensor is designed by utilizing a microcontroller controller to see the exhaust gas during the roasting process. The exhaust gas produced during the roasting process is monitored by integrating sensors device to measure exhaust gases (CO, CO2, NOx and SO2). Furthermore, measurements were made by monitoring exhaust gas during roasting of Arabica, Liberica and Robusta coffee beans from Jambi province. The results showed that the total CO concentration in Liberica coffee was 2,121 ppm, Robusta 1,930 ppm and Arabica 1,535 ppm while for CO2 was Liberica 21.3 ppm; Robusta is 22.2 ppm; Arabica is 22.4 ppm, and for NOx is Liberica 303 ppm; Robusta 304 ppm; Arabica is 287 ppm, and the SO2 content for all types of coffee is 0 ppm. The highest exhaust gas concentration occurs after roasting lasts > 20 minutes and at a temperature of 210 - 230°C. It concluded that the integrated gas sensor can be used for the measurement of exhaust gas in the process of coffee beans roasting with the results of measurement of CO exhaust concentration in Liberica coffee is higher than Robusta and Arabica coffee beans.

An optimal implementation strategy of the multi-function window considering the nonlinearity of its technical-environmental-economic performance by window ventilation system size

To address the problems of the indoor air quality deterioration and energy consumption, this study proposed the multi-function window combined with a ventilation system and solar photovoltaic blind. In this study, multi-objective optimization for determining the optimal design of the multi-function window was conducted along with nonlinearity analysis. The main findings can be summarized as follows. First, from the technical-environmental performance's perspective, the amount of solar radiation and wind volume entering the room were found to be key factors causing nonlinearity. In particular, the total energy consumption and indoor CO2 concentration decreased whereas the predicted percentage dissatisfied deteriorated with the increasing the size of the window ventilation system. Second, from the economic performance's perspective, the absolute and relative investment values showed nonlinear relationships with the amount of electricity generated and the total energy consumption. Especially, as the window ventilation system size increased, the absolute investment value decreased due to the reduced amount of electricity generated, and the relative investment value decreased except when the energy supply was larger than the energy demand. Finally, the window ventilation system size was most suitable when it was 3–5% of the multi-function window's size according to the orientation, from a holistic view of the technical-environmental-economic performance.

BLOOD RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC MALE ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH CUCUMIS MELO VAR. FLEXUOSUS LEAVES EXTRACT

Cucumis melo var. flexuosus (L.), snake melon or faqqous, is an ancient plant crop in many different parts of the world. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of faqqous leaves extract on some blood respiratory functions in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty five male albino rats were used in the current study and randomly divided into five groups: non-diabetic control group, diabetic control group (received a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg STZ/kg body weight), and other three diabetic groups treated orally with different doses of faqqous leaves extract (30, 60 or 120 mg/kg body weight) for 30 consecutive days. Induction of diabetes by STZ caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in most venous blood parameters including hemoglobin (Hb) content, hematocrit (Hct) value, oxygen partial pressure (PO2), percentage of O2 saturation (% O2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2), and the concentrations of bicarbonate (HCO3-), total CO2, and base excess (BE-), as well as the logarithm of hydrogen ion (pH) of the arterial blood. Faqqous leaves extract (especially at 120 mg/kg body weight) modulated significantly almost all these changes in the blood of diabetic rats. Oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) shifted to the left in the diabetic control group compared with the non-diabetic control one; but shifted to the right in the diabetic groups treated withfaqqous leaves extract. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of faqqousleaves extract improved significantly the blood respiratory functions of diabetic rats.