Effects of Different Concentrations of Lime Solution on the Root Buds of Betel Nut Seeds

The integration of the chemical precipitation unit which would inject a lime solution into a series of mechanical-biological processes, including nitrification/denitrification, and the sludge treatment are the subject of this project. The essential target is the large-scale reconstruction of a mechanical-biological sewage treatment plant with insufficient cleaning performance in the new German states and the adjustment of the precipitation stage to the unsteady inflow of sewage. First results indicate that the pre-treatment performance could be improved by ≅ 20% and the discharge of concentrations of COD, BOD, N and P could be reduced and homogenized. In addition, experiments on hydrolysis and acidifiability of the pre-treatment sludge have been carried out on a laboratory level with the object of making sources of carbon readily available for denitrification. In the course of the experiment, inhibition of fatty acid production by calcareous primary sludge could not be detected. The characteristics of the sludge, such as draining and thickening were considerably improved by the adding of lime.

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A Positive Relationship between Betel Nut Chewing and Significant Liver Fibrosis in NAFLD Subjects, but Not in Non-NAFLD Ones

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13030914 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 914

Author(s):

Yu-Tsung Chou ◽

Chung-Hao Li ◽

Zih-Jie Sun ◽

Wei-Chen Shen ◽

Yi-Ching Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Fatty Liver Disease ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Betel Nut ◽

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Betel Nut Chewing ◽

Significant Liver Fibrosis

Background: Betel nut chewing is associated with oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to explore the association of betel nut chewing with liver fibrosis in subjects with and without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method: A total of 5967 subjects were enrolled. NAFLD was diagnosed with ultrasonography. Betel nut chewing was classified into non-chewing, ex-chewing, and current chewing, and cumulative dosages were calculated. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet ratio index and NAFLD fibrosis scores (NFS) were calculated for evaluation of liver fibrosis. Results: NAFLD increased the associated risk of liver fibrosis in those with (odds ratio (OR): 5.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.09–9.80) and without betel nut chewing (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.64–3.29). In subjects without NAFLD, betel nut chewing was not associated with liver fibrosis (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.44–2.86). In subjects with NAFLD, cumulative betel nut chewing and ex- and current chewing were positively associated with NFS and significant liver fibrosis. Conclusions: In subjects with NAFLD, betel nut chewing, even ex-chewing, was associated with a higher risk of liver fibrosis, where higher cumulative levels were found to increase the risk of significant liver fibrosis. However, the associated risk of liver fibrosis due to betel nut chewing was insignificant in subjects without NAFLD.

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Challenges in Management of Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies with Delayed Presentation: An Institutional Experience

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1718964 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Darwin Kaushal ◽

Amit Goyal ◽

Kapil Soni ◽

Bikram Choudhury ◽

Nithin Prakasan Nair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Foreign Body ◽

Foreign Bodies ◽

Preoperative Planning ◽

Rigid Bronchoscopy ◽

Delayed Presentation ◽

Betel Nut ◽

Key Factors ◽

Tracheobronchial Foreign Body ◽

Institutional Experience ◽

Definitive Management

Abstract Introduction Airway foreign bodies are emergencies involving multidisciplinary departments like Pediatrics, Aneasthesiology and Otorhinolaryngology. It is always a challenge to diagnose and manage patients who present late to our emergencies. Objective In the present study, we aim to analyze the various challenges faced during the management of tracheobronchial foreign bodies with delayed presentation. Methods A retrospective hospital record-based analysis of patients who presented to us with tracheobronchial foreign bodies from January 2017 to February 2020 was performed. All patients until the age of 16 years old were included in the present study. We assessed the demographics, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the patients. Results Seventeen patients were analyzed in the study. Among these, 44.4% of the patients had delayed presentation (> 1 month). The majority of the patients had an organic foreign body (Supari or betel nut). All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy, followed by optical forceps-assisted removal of the foreign body. A total of 82% of the patients had granulations around the foreign body. Conclusion Management of delayed presentation tracheobronchial foreign body is a big challenge for Otorhinolaryngologists. The key factors for preventing complications in the definitive management of tracheobronchial foreign bodies are preoperative planning, multi-discipline teamwork, surgeon expertise and technique.

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The Influence of Lime Solution in Kneading Water Substitution on Cement Roughcast and Mortar Coating

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14154174 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (15) ◽

pp. 4174

Author(s):

André M. Santos ◽

Ângelo J. Costa e Silva ◽

João M. F. Mota ◽

João M. P. Q. Delgado ◽

Fernando A. N. Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bond Strength ◽

Concrete Block ◽

Tensile Bond Strength ◽

Water Penetration ◽

Strength Tests ◽

Lime Solution ◽

Concrete Blocks ◽

Materials Used ◽

Bonding Systems ◽

Direct Tensile

The understanding of the mechanical fixation behavior of coatings is crucial for a better comprehension of the bonding systems, especially at the interface between the mortar and the substrate. Physical adherence is related, among other things, to the contents of the materials used in the roughcast and mortar coatings, due to the colloidal water penetration into the pores of the substrate. This work evaluated the influence of different lime solution additions replacing the kneading water in the preparation of roughcast and mortar coatings. Two types of substrates were investigated:ceramic bricks and concrete blocks. Three wall masonry panels were constructed, with dimensions of 220 × 180 cm2, one of concrete block and two of ceramic bricks, followed by the application of roughcast and mortar coating with an average thickness of 5 mm and 20 mm, respectively. Direct tensile bond strength tests were performed and the results, with a 95% confidence level, showed that substrate ceramic and treatment in the roughcast exhibited a better behavior regarding the distribution of the tensile bond strength of the tested specimens. However, no significant differences of the amount of addition used (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) on the tensile bond strength were observed.

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