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Electro-chemical machining (ECM) can safely be categorized as being a unique unconventional machining technique, in which the role of thermal defects are not involved. The NiTiCo shape memory alloy has high yield strength coupled with good resistance to aggressive aqueous environments, which makes it a potential candidate for use in several bio-medical applications. This research concentrates on electro-chemical machining of a NiTiCo alloy. Taguchi's Design of Experiment (DOE) containing three-parameters and three-factors was used to conduct the experimental study. The influence of concentration of the sodium chloride electrolyte, voltage, and frequency on output characteristics, such as (i) material removal rate (MRR), (ii) surface roughness (SR), and (iii) over-cut (OC), was analyzed. Experimental outputs revealed the voltage (45.29%) to be the most influential among the three controlling parameter. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was utilized to discover the ideal parametric relation and optimize machining characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cascaded single-mode tapered fiber (SMTF) has been investigated for simultaneous detection of two refractive indices (RI). Two SMTFs with distinct-free spectral range (FSR) of 3.88 nm and 23.23 nm were concatenated to realize the cascaded SMTF. The interaction between evanescent waves generated by the cascaded SMTF and variations in the surrounding environment results in measurable wavelength shifts. When tested with different concentrations of sodium chloride to simulate RI variations, wavelength shifts were yielded with FSR corresponding to the stimulated SMTF. This work validates the feasibility of using cascaded SMTFs for simultaneous dual RI detection in real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive works have been devoted to study the scale inhibition behavior, the performance of inhibitors is still not fully understood. In this paper, we present a laboratory study to elucidate the impact of water composition on the performance of some commonly used phosphonate and polymeric calcium carbonate scale inhibitors, in highly supersaturated brines at high temperature. Calcium tolerance inhibitor chemicals with various molecular structures are studied using dynamic scale loop test method at 150 °C. Brine composition is varied by changing the non-stoichiometry of scaling lattice ions, e.g., ( Ca 2 + ) / ( CO 3 2 − ) ratio, over a wide range. Test results indicate that the effectiveness of inhibitors can be significantly changed by the scaling ion ratio. In general, the efficacy of inhibitors decreases significantly with calcium concentration in the test brine even at constant supersaturation state and temperature, and also the performance ranking of the different inhibitor chemistries can be changed with brine composition. This could be caused by the alternations of interactions between inhibitor molecules and the surface of calcium carbonate scale crystals. Findings from this study suggest that the effect of scaling ion ratio must be considered in scaling risk assessment and for the optimization of inhibitor treatment programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monumental architecture, in the form of ballcourts and platform mounds, has dominated discussions of Ancestral O’Odham (Hohokam) ceremonialism. As conceptualized within the literature, ritual and ceremonialism progressed from the household to the community at ballcourts and then centralized at elite-controlled platform mounds. In this article, I explore Ancestral O’Odham ceremonialism through ritual items and spaces. Beginning with the Casa Grande community and then the village of AZ U:9:56 (ASM), I explore settlement patterns and the distribution of ritual objects in relation to platform mounds to understand where ceremonies may have occurred. As discussed, the presence of multiple locations of ceremonial importance suggests that ritual authority was unlikely linked to a single individual or household. Instead, ceremonialism and ritual were likely carried out in multiple places, a “dispersed centrality,” as it is defined here, by different types of leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe development of affordable, easy-to-use methods holds promise to broaden access to food analysis in resource-limited settings that will enhance food safety monitoring and the assessment of public health interventions. In this study, we propose a green extraction method called deep eutectic solvent liquid-liquid microextraction (DES-LLME), coupled with a simple detection technique referred to as the smartphone digital image colorimetry (SDIC), for the quantification of iodate in table salt. Optimization of the DES-LLME-SDIC method was conducted to enhance performance. At the optimum conditions, the proposed method achieved an enrichment factor between 6.1 and 27.8, with a limit of detection (LOD) between 0.52 and 0.84 µmol L−1, and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) between 1.73 and 2.81 µmol L−1. The concentration of iodate exhibited a satisfactory linear correlation with absorbance, as demonstrated by a well-fit regression model as verified by lack of fit test (p > 0.05), within a linear dynamic range from 1.73 to 25.00 µmol L−1. The precision of the method was validated through the relative standard deviation (%RSD) for intraday (3.6%) and interday (6.3%) precision. The developed method was applied for the determination of iodate in various salt samples. Additionally, the accuracy of the proposed SDIC method was evaluated with a separate ultraviolet-visible spectrometry method. Both methods exhibited statistical agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-vacuum flash pyrolysis microreactor was used to seed a molecular beam with gaseous sodium chloride. The vapour was ionised with tuneable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet radiation to determine the 0 K appearance energy of the sodium cation from sodium chloride using photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy. In addition to the Na+ and NaCl+ peaks, Na2Cl+ was also observed in the mass spectrum, as a tracer for gaseous (NaCl)2. Larger clusters were not observed. The breakdown diagram showed that the monomer underwent significant collisional cooling in the molecular beam, tentatively because of the increased stagnation pressure in the reactor. It also yielded an Na+ appearance energy of E0 = 9.351 ± 0.007 eV. By the ion cycle, this leads to D0(NaCl) = 406.4 ± 0.7 kJ mol−1 and ΔfHo⦵0K(NaCl(g)) = −179.0 ± 1.0 kJ mol−1, which agree with but are better defined than the previous values. This enthalpy of formation is independent of the crystalline phase, and therefore confirms the literature sublimation enthalpy, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical and sensory changes of fish were investigated during marination of rainbow trout. Equilibration in the acidity of A (2% acid, 8% salt), B (4%, 8%), C (2%, 12%), and D (4%, 12%) groups took place at the 24, 24, 30, and 30th hours, respectively; in salt, it occurred at 36, 42, 42, and 36th hours, respectively. With ripening, a* value decreased, and b* value and hardness increased. Salt concentration affected acid taste; acid affected salt taste. This study revealed the effects of the ratio of acid and salt used in rainbow trout marinade on ripening and the resulting changes in sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intriguing area in the IP (image processing) is the recovery of noisy photographs from the noise caused by the salt and pepper. As the mistake rate rises and the image format varies, the issue with the current task does not go away. In this study, Salt and Pepper Denoising, Hybrid Balancing Composite motion Optimization with Adaptive Switching Modified Decision based Unsymmetric Trimmed Median Filter and Forensics-Based Investigation Algorithm is proposed (R-SPN-ASMD-UTMF-Hyb-BCO-FBIA). Initially, the input images are obtained from boat-typesrecognition dataset, cat-breeds-dataset, cars-image-dataset, butterfly-images 40-species dataset and birds-200 dataset. The images are pre-processed through an ASMD-UTMF filter. ASMD-UTMF does not expose any adoption of optimization systems to calculate the optimal parameters. Therefore, the proposed Hyb-BCO-FBIA is employed for optimizing the ASMD-UTMF weight parameters. The suggested system is implemented on MATLAB and the assessment metrics as Mean Square Error (MSE), Structural similarity index measurement (SSIM), Peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), Normalized cross-correlation (NC), Image Enhancement Factor (IEF), Mean Square Error (MSE) are analysed. The proposed method attains higher PSNR, NC related with other SOTA (State-Of-The Art) methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt particles generated by aerosol generator are commonly used in air filtration test. As a common phenomenon, the number of generated particles increases with the salt concentration in the atomization solution. Thus far, the dependence of the particle number on the concentration of the atomization solution is not fully understood. In this study, two hypotheses were proposed to explain this phenomenon: i) a single droplet generates multiple solid particles, and the generated particle number is influenced by the salt concentration, and ii) the original droplet number increases with an increase in the salt concentration of the atomization solution. By observing the particle formation process of the levitated millimeter-scale NaCl droplet, one droplet was found to generate one particle in free air. However, whether these results are applicable to micrometer-scale droplets remains to be determined. In situ measurements were performed to detect the size distributions of the original droplets generated by the atomization solutions with various salt concentrations. A more concentrated atomization solution induced a higher number of original droplets. Particle formation patterns of droplets on glass substrates and filaments were demonstrated. Traditional observation methods for droplet drying are unsuitable for studying the particle formation of atomized droplets because of the large difference in droplet size and the existence of external forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare the physiological and biochemical behaviour of four varieties of Medicago sativa differing in origin: Tamacine (Algerian), Triade (Italian), Maxigrowth (American), and Zanandrea (Australian). These varieties were subjected to saline stress (100 mM L-1) for 45 days at the early flowering stage. The results show that salinity had a depressive effect on all four varieties, reducing both fresh and dry matter. A decrease of more than 15% in dry weight was observed in the Tamacine genotype, but this reduction was more pronounced in the Zanandrea genotype. A significant increase in proline and soluble sugars content was recorded in the leaves (p = 0.000) under saline stress. Tamacine appears to be the most resistant variety, demonstrating biochemical adaptation by accumulating more osmoprotectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of ancient Maya exploitation of salt, other marine resources, settlement, and sea trade is hidden in flooded mangrove landscapes on the cays, mainland, and in shallow offshore locations on the south coast of Belize. This article includes a discussion of the coastal economy from the Middle Preclassic through the Postclassic periods (600 B.C.–A.D. 1500). Data from sites discovered and excavated since 1982 in the coastal area of the Port Honduras and Paynes Creek National Park support a model of coastal reliance on marine resources and tree crops. The need for a regular supply of coastal salt to inland cities may have expanded the market for other marine resources. Obsidian imported from volcanic highlands documents long-distance trade throughout prehistory in the area. The island of Wild Cane Cay expanded its role in long-distance coastal trade after the abandonment of inland cities in southern Belize at the end of the Classic period. Inundation of the region documented from the depths of radiocarbon-dated archaeological deposits below the water table and from a sediment core indicates sea-level rise of at least 1 m that submerged the coastal sites. The waterlogged deposits provided an ideal matrix for preservation of vertebrate material at Wild Cane Cay. The red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) peat below the sea floor in a shallow lagoon preserved wooden buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultrasound (us) for the determination of main component (NaCl) and main admixtures (CaCl2, MgCl2) of natural brine was investigated. The NaCl content was determined using us of ultrahigh frequency (10 to 25 MHz with the optimum at 20–22 MHz) and of 20 W·cm−2 intensity. The admixture concentrations were determined with the simultaneous application of us of ultrahigh (10–25 MHz) and low (18–23 kHz) frequencies at intensities of 20 and 1.3–1.5 W·cm−2, respectively. This approach reduced the lower determination boundary down to 0.1 g·dm−3, i.e., by a factor of 5. An analytical routine of complex determination of sodium chloride and macroimpurities content in brines of different origin was developed using sonoluminescence spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is one of the main obstacles to citrus production in arid and semi-arid regions, limiting fruit production and quality, making it necessary to use tolerant genetic materials to improve the quality of citrus production in these regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the fruit quality 'Tahiti' lime grafted onto different rootstocks grown under salt stress and to evaluate different storage days. Three 'Tahiti' lime genotypes, two electrical conductivity of irrigation water, and two storage time were studied. Salt stress increased the fruit quality of 'Tahiti' lime. Storage for 10 days increases ascorbic acid and soluble sugars, independent of genotype and salt stress, while all genotypes have desirable postharvest fruit quality characteristics. Genotypes 2 and 3 are promising to be cultivated in semi-arid regions, in addition to maintaining the fruit quality in conditions of salt stress. Therefore, grafting is a technique to increase the postharvest quality of 'Tahiti' lime grown under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed conditioning with ultraviolet light (UV-C) might (1) improve crop yield and quality, (2) reduce the use of agrochemicals during cultivation, and (3) increase plant survival in high salinity environments. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of UV-C conditioning of white oat seeds at two doses (0.85 and 3.42 kJ m−2) under salinity stress (100 mM NaCl). Seeds were sown on germination paper and kept in a germination chamber at 20°C. Germination and seedling growth parameters were evaluated after 5 and 10 days. Data demonstrated that excess salt reduced germination and initial growth of white oat seedlings. In all the variables analyzed, exposure of seeds to UV-C under salt stress exerted a positive effect compared to non-irradiated control. The attenuating influence of UV-C in germination was greater at 0.85 than at 3.42 kJ m−2. Thus, data indicate that conditioning white oat seeds in UV-C light produced greater tolerance to salt stress. These findings suggest that UV-C conditioning of white oat seeds may be considered as a simple and economical strategy to alleviate salt-induced stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive, rapid, efficient, inexpensive, and easy-to-use vortex-assisted eutectic solvent microextraction process was extended to quantify Ponceau-4R (PN4R) in beverage samples followed by spectrophotometric detection. Here, a green solvent consisting of tetrabutylammonium bromide: n-octanol at a ratio of 1:3 was tested in the PN4R microextraction process. Also, different parameters affecting PN4R quantification through deep eutectic solvent in the microextraction model, including microliter volumes of extraction solvent, concentration of salt, extraction time, and pH were studied using multivariate procedures. Using this model, the maximum response was achieved with a eutectic solvent volume of 262 μL, extraction time of 5.3 min, pH 6.7, and 0.9% salt with Desirability = 1. The linear range was determined in optimum conditions to be from 15 to 1200 μg L−1. The enrichment factor and limit of detection were achieved to be 50-fold and 4.5 μg L−1, respectively. The limit of quantitation was 15 μg L−1. To monitor PN4R, this model has been used in fruit juice samples with favorable recoveries in the range of 97.8%–101%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSalt (sodium chloride) plays a key role in maintaining the textural, microbiological, and sensorial aspects of the foods. However high dietary salt intake in the population has led to a series of health problems. Currently manufacturers are under pressure to reduce the sodium levels in foods without compromising the consumer experience. Because of the clean salty taste produced by sodium chloride, it has been challenging for the food industry to develop a suitable salt substitute. Studies have shown that different components within a food matrix can influence the perception of saltiness. This review aims to comprehend the potential synergistic effect of compounds such as minerals and amino acids on the perception of saltiness and covers the mechanism of perception where relevant to taste resulting from sodium ions and other metallic ions (such as K, Mg, Ca), as well as various amino acids and their derivatives. Finally, the review summarizes various salt reduction strategies explored by researchers, government organizations and food industry, including the potential use of plant-based extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The considerable amount of solid residue generated by the common effluent treatment plant (CETP) of tanneries needs adequate treatment and reclamation before ending up in the environment as solid waste. A sustainable process aiming at tannery CETP waste minimisation and its reuse for sodium chloride salt recovery is presented. The integrated approach consists of dissolution, decolorisation, filtration, evaporation, and crystallization as unit operations. Lab-scale parametric studies have been undertaken to investigate the effects of various parameters at different process stages on product (sodium chloride) yield and quality. The developed process resulted in the recovery of 93% NaCl, having a purity of ∼98.5%. The optimised operating conditions were tested on a bench-scale system (15 kg batch scale of solid residue) deploying solar energy for evaporation-crystallization, and process feasibility was established. An economic analysis was performed, and the techno-economic feasibility was demonstrated to produce 15,733 tons per annum (TPA) of NaCl from 20,000 TPA of solid residue. The techno-economic analysis favours the treatment of tannery CETP waste with the method specified. The proposed scheme can tackle waste management and reuse the recovered product in the tanning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to understand the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) and ionic strength on the electrostatic interactions between β-lactoglobulin(β-lg) and gum Arabic (GA). Therefore, different EMF intensities (5.2, 6.4, 7.6, 8.8, and 10 mT) and NaCl concentrations (30, 35, and 40 mM) were used. The turbidimetric results showed that an increase in the EMF intensity shifted the curves to more acidic regions in comparison to the control sample. In other words, more interactions occurred in the EMF-treated samples while addition of salt distinctly decreased the turbidity and inhibited the interaction. The particle size observations were evaluated by static light scattering machine (SLS). The results showed that the particle size significantly increased (up to 0.753 ± 0.01 μm) by raising the EMF intensities to 10 mT. The addition of NaCl at a concentration of 30 mM showed a slight increase in the particle size diameter. By increasing the salt concentration to 35 and 40 mM, a decrease in the particle diameter was observed which could be due to the reduction in protein/polysaccharide reaction as a result of the prohibiting effect of salts. SEM micrographs revealed almost the same structures in the EMF-treated and untreated samples. However, more aggregation was observed in EMF-treated samples. The presence of salt also established small aggregations. This study showed that EMF can have interesting effects on protein/polysaccharide interactions and formation of particles used as delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable sensors based on ionic hydrogels have attracted increasing attention, but practical application is often hampered by poor environmental tolerance. Here, an environment-stable and tough hydrogel was constructed by introducing glycerin, sodium chloride and xanthan gum into a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel network. Hydrogen bonds were formed among glycerin, xanthan gum and polyvinyl alcohol chains to enhance the toughness of hydrogel. Furthermore, the salting-out effect of polyvinyl alcohol chains induced by sodium chloride also improved the strength of hydrogel. Besides, the hydrogel was highly sensitive to mechanical deformation of tensile and compressive strain. The obtained hydrogel with sensitivity was capable of serving as a wearable sensor for monitoring human motions including speaking, bending articulation and so on. Notably, the hydrogel still maintained flexibility, toughness and conductivity under subzero or ambient conditions for a long time. This simple method paves an effective way for designing environment-stable and tough hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three quarters of the world's significant urban centers are located in coastal regions where clay minerals are prevalent. The microstructures and physico-mechanical properties of clay sediments are highly susceptible to alterations in pore water chemistry. The pore water chemistry in soil changes easily due to groundwater pollution, seawater erosion, degradation, etc. However, there are several inconsistencies in the literature on the change of physical and mechanical properties of clay soils caused by the change of pore water chemical properties, i.e., disparate experimental results were reported for the same soil property, or varying explanations were proposed for the identical experimental results. Currently, the research in this field mainly focuses on the macroscopic behavioral modifications while lacking the explanations of microscopic mechanism. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of researches conducted over the past four decades on the impact of pore water chemistry (including salt type, salinity, ion valence, pH) on soil properties such as the microstructure, settlement, Atterberg limits, shear strength, conductivity, unsaturated soil mechanics properties and thermal properties. The fundamental mechanisms underlying the varied experimental observations on clay sediments affected by salt and pH are systematically explored, and deficiencies in this field are identified. The observed dispersion in the literatures is attributed to the spatial variation and heterogeneity of soil compositions, different test methods, and insufficiency of the fundamental microscopic mechanisms of the observed soil behaviors, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the essential mechanisms of the test results in the future to establish a unified conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The certificate system was a tax farming system that originated in the imperial era. During the Republic of China (1912–1949) the practice largely continued, despite being much criticised. Aiming to explore how and why the system was able to survive until the late 1940s, this article addresses three related issues: the role of the foreign-managed Chief Inspectorate of Salt Revenue in the Chinese state finance, the fiscal relationship between the central and provisional/local governments, and the interactions between the state and salt merchants. These factors contextualise the resistance of salt merchants against the abolition of the certificate system. The Chinese state did not abolish the system due to a concern about possible disruptions to salt revenues. During the wartime Japanese occupation (1937–1945), the concern became irrelevant, with the collapse of the prewar salt transport and revenue collection-remittance. After the war ended, the state simply ruled out a revival of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the policies of Socialist Poland towards the non-aligned Pan-African state of Mali during the Presidency of Modibo Keita (1960-1968). Mali was one of three 'radical' West African states in which the Eastern bloc and the People's Republic of China made inroads in the first post-colonial decade. Poland, like other Eastern bloc countries, placed great emphasis in its public diplomacy on support of 'Third World' countries as they freed themselves from colonialism. The article shows that, in the case of Mali, these publicly stated aims sharply contrasted with socialist Poland's policies on the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis and policymaking of national salt production require quality Salt Land maps with more detailed object information. This study successfully classified Salt Land into Active and Inactive based on pansharpening images using random forest algorithm. The results show: 1) the best pansharpening method is UNB PanSharp; 2) the texture variables have more significant contributions to enhance classification accuracy; 3) scheme 5 is the most efficient and recommended scheme in research, achieves an OA of 66.699% and a Kappa coefficient of 39.4%. This study can provide a good reference for developing Salt Land mapping and policies for practitioners or stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants, rooted in one place, are constantly subjected to diverse biotic and abiotic stresses that limit their growth and development, resulting in significant crop losses. In response to stresses, plants deploy several integrated signaling networks to rapidly reprogram gene expression thereby altering cellular processes to adapt and survive under unfavorable conditions. Among the key signaling mechanisms that plants use, calcium- and calcium/calmodulin-mediated signal transduction pathways have emerged as one of the ubiquitous players. The calcium-signaling networks include many calcium and calcium/calmodulin-binding transcription factors. In this review, we focus on the functions of a family of highly conserved calcium/calmodulin-binding Transcription Factors (TFs) called calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) in plants. This family of transcription factors was first identified in plants as calmodulin-binding proteins and discovered later in animals. Genetic studies in the model plant Arabidopsis and crop plants such as rice uncovered crucial roles for CAMTAs in modulating plant responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Depending on the type of stress, CAMTAs function as either positive or negative regulators for plant growth and stress responses. Arabidopsis CAMTA3 is the most studied member of CAMTA proteins. It modulates the expression of many key genes involved in different hormone signaling pathways and plays a central role in biotic (bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens) as well as abiotic (cold, drought, salt, and wounding/mechanical) stress responses. Studies with many point, truncated, loss-of-function, and suppressor mutants of CAMTA3 revealed a complex regulation of its function. Here we summarize the advances in the study of the CAMTA family with a focus on CAMTA3. Further, we identify critical gaps in furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which these TFs function and discuss potential opportunities to engineer them for biotechnological applications to develop stress-resilient crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt bladders and salt glands of recretohalophytes are specific salt-secreting structures evolving from trichomes that allow plants to adapt to extreme environmental conditions (such as salinity or drought) by precise regulation of the salt load in metabolically active leaf tissues. The knowledge of the process by which these structures are formed and operate may provide a blueprint for introducing them into cultivated crops thus creating climate-resilient genotypes. This review summarizes the recent progress in understanding mechanisms involved in the development and operation of salt bladders and glands, at physiological, molecular, and genetic levels. We show that these processes differ depending on the anatomical structure of glands (unicellular vs bi-cellular vs multicellular), as well as between salt glands and bladders. We also show that recretohalophytes with different types of salt glands may have different trichome development. We discuss new evidence for the role of vesicular transport in salt secretion and highlight the importance of multi-omics in understanding mechanisms of salt secretion and sequestration in epidermal bladder cells, and their contribution to salinity stress tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most important problem in tonsillectomy is pain in the early postoperative period. Objective: We purposed to compare the effects of lidocaine, tetracaine, and articaine application to the peritonsillar bed on post-tonsillectomy pain in children. Methods: The prospective, placebo-controlled study included 80 patients, ages 3–14, who were scheduled for elective tonsillectomy. Patients were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 received 0.9% NaCl; group 2 received 2% lidocaine; group 3 received 2% tetracaine; and group 4 received 4% articaine to the tonsillary bed for 5 min just after the operation. All patients were evaluated in terms of pain and pain-related adverse events in the postoperative 24 h. Results: All groups that used local anesthetics had significantly lower pain levels than the control group in the first eight hours (p <.001). Furthermore, the articaine group had a lower pain score than the tetracaine group at the eighth hour (p <.05). The articaine group had a lower pain score at the 16th hour than both the control and tetracaine groups (p <.05). There was no significant difference between the groups at the 24th hour (p >.05). Conclusion and significance: We recommend the immediate application of topical articaine to the tonsillar bed following the procedure to enhance postoperative pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeology of the immediate coastline of West Africa remains surprisingly little understood, and what research has been undertaken has often focused on questions relating to sea-based interactions and the precolonial polities lying slightly inland. This paper reports the results of excavations on Ohlinhoué, a small lagoonal island in the western Republic of Bénin. A locally manufactured ceramic assemblage was recovered, together with a small suite of artifacts, including glass, metal, shell, and smoking pipes. These archaeological data provide insights into a small-scale, likely fishing and salt-producing community in this area between sea and river. As such, they provide an alternative to historical readings relating to well-known precolonial polities and trade entrepôts that feed popular historical narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the reaction between glutathionylcobalamin (GSCbl), a tight complex of cobalamin with glutathione (GSH), and nitroxyl (HNO) produced upon decomposition of Angeli's salt using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and 1H NMR. The reaction in neutral and alkaline media leads to formation of nitrosylcobalamin (NOCbl). Simulation of the kinetic traces using the ChemMech program package suggested that the mechanism of the process involves complexation between HNO and GSCbl and further decomposition of the complex into the products. The complex participates in an acid-base equilibrium (pKa = 8.9), and the deprotonated form decomposes to NOCbl more rapidly than the protonated species. At pH 7.4, the reaction of HNO with GSCbl proceeds ca.103-times more slowly than with free GSH. GSCbl can react directly with the monoprotonated anion of Angeli's salt (HN2O3−) to produce nitrocobalamin (NO2Cbl). The reaction between GSCbl and HN2O3− is insignificant in an alkaline medium and is accelerated upon acidification of the medium. The critical step of the process is the complexation between GSCbl and HN2O3−. The produced complex is involved in an acid-base equilibrium (pKa = 8.1): the protonated form can be transformed to NO2Cbl and GSNHO−, whereas the deprotonated species decompose to initial reactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of curcuminoids [curcumin (C21H20O6, CUR), demethoxycurcumin (C20H18O5, DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (C19H16O4, BDMC)] from Curcuma longa rhizomes was investigated using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) with ethanol/salt. The optimized conditions for the extraction process were determined by a central composite design to be an ethanol concentration of 13.6%, an ammonium sulfate concentration of 33.2%, and a temperature of 66.8 °C. Under these conditions, the highest yield of 97.9% was achieved, accompanied by a notable antioxidant activity of 84.38%. The experimental data exhibited good agreement with a second-order kinetic model, as confirmed by the evaluation of the coefficient of determination (R2), normalized standard deviation, and average relative error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium chloride is an essential ingredient in meat products, where it is not only used as a flavoring agent but also to achieve desired textural properties and as an antimicrobial to improve its safety and extend shelf-life. Although NaCl plays this multi-functional role in meat products, excessive sodium intake is linked to various negative health consequences such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. Sodium chloride added to ready-to-eat meat products is the largest contributor of sodium. Thus, there is an increased interest in the development of meat products with reduced sodium levels. Strategies to reduce sodium include identification of alternatives to sodium, considering safety and functionality, and including technological innovations and alternative food processing strategies. Several studies have shown that high pressure processing (HPP) can partially compensate for the loss in functional and sensory properties of meat products as a result of NaCl reduction. This review summarizes these studies to date and will highlight the ability of HPP to enhance the safety, shelf-life and quality of sodium-reduced meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proliferation of food-based content on streaming platforms like Netflix and the decolonial turn in food studies, feminism and media studies, we see the emergence of programs that deviate from prior colonial tropes of food exploration. One such case study explicated in this article is Iranian-American writer and cook Samin Nosrat's Salt Acid Fat Heat, based on a popular and equally ground-breaking book of the same title by her. A close reading of the four parts of the series, and its production content and choices helps unpack how it is moving toward manifesting a decolonial feminist approach with regards to narratives about food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports an in vitro study of the biological activities of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of marjoram (Origanum majorana), including antibacterial, anti-haemolytic and antioxidant activity. The extract showed strong antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains, E. Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. It also demonstrated antihaemolytic activity in human blood, inhibiting haemolysis induced by sodium chloride and temperature. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cathechic tannins, flavonoids, saponosids, mucilagos, and glycosids. These results suggest that the methanolic extract of marjoram could be a potential source of antimicrobial agents, and natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted in China has found that using potassium-enriched salt substitutes can be beneficial in preventing and controlling hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. These substitutes lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake. The study proposes ten criteria for evaluating public health interventions, and salt substitutes meet these criteria as they effectively lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular events, and are widely accepted by users. However, challenges remain in meeting global targets for reducing salt and increasing potassium intake. The text discusses the effectiveness and benefits of salt substitutes, citing the SSaSS trial which showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular events and deaths. Salt substitutes are also cost-effective, supported by randomized controlled trials, and have high levels of acceptability. They are considered an equitable and easy-to-implement solution for addressing the global issue of high sodium intake. [Extracted from the article]

Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is a vital ingredient in fermented foods, which affects their safety, texture, and flavor characteristics. Recently, the demand for reduced-sodium fermented foods has increased, as consumers have become more health-conscious. However, reducing sodium content in fermented foods may negatively affect flavor perception, which is a critical quality attribute of fermented foods for both the food industry and consumers. This review summarizes the role of salt in the human body and foods and its role in the flavor perception of fermented foods. Current sodium reduction strategies used in the food industry mainly include the direct stealth reduction of NaCl, substituting NaCl with other chloride salts, and structure modification of NaCl. The odor-induced saltiness enhancement, application of starter cultures, flavor enhancers, and non-thermal processing technology are potential strategies for flavor compensation of sodium-reduced fermented foods. However, reducing sodium in fermented food is challenging due to its specific role in flavor perception (e.g., promoting saltiness and volatile compound release from food matrices, inhibiting bitterness, and changing microflora structure). Therefore, multiple challenges must be addressed in order to improve the flavor of low-sodium fermented foods. Future studies should thus focus on the combination of several strategies to compensate for the deficiencies in flavor resulting from sodium reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new organic chloride salt with the general formula [C12H14N2O2S.2Cl.2H2O] was synthesized by slow evaporation method. The examined chemical compound crystallizes in the P21/c monoclinic space group. The infrared and UV-visible spectroscopies were used to analyze the identified structure once again. It was discovered that strong hydrogen connections between organic cations, chloride anions, and water molecules dominate crystal packing. The intermolecular interactions in this salt were studied using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The optimized geometrical parameters, vibrational assignments, optical behavior and thermodynamic properties of the title compound were performed using density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with 6-31 G (d) as basis set. Moreover, peaks observed on the NMR of solid state 13C are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate pressure consistency of equations of state (EOS) for NaCl and Au at 300 K. The simultaneous measurements of unit-cell volumes (V) with ruby R1 line shifts (Δλ) in a helium (He) loaded diamond cell effectively remove potential systematic errors. Compression and decompression data were automatically collected at 1 sec interval, yielding a dense dataset with >8,000 (V, Δλ) pairs each for NaCl and Au. Solidification of He has noticeable effects on both V and Δλ (hence P). Only data up to ~14 GPa, or 6000 (V, P) pairs, can be considered hydrostatic within the resolution. The P–V data are fitted to the Rydberg-Vinet and the 3rd order Birch-Murnaghan EOS. Predicted pressures of these EOSs agree with those given by the Ruby2020 ruby scale to within ±0.05 GPa. Overall, pressures predicted by the Rydberg-Vinet EOS are in better agreement with the average of commonly used NaCl and Au pressure scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an extraction method for the retrieval of Cs+ from chloridecontaining salt brine solutions. We employ the calixarene crown ether known as MAXCalix as the extractant, which exhibits a remarkable selectivity for Cs+ over Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, with separation factors ranging from 100 to 104. The efficiency of the extraction strongly depends on the chloride concentration in the aqueous phase. Notably, when the chloride concentration reaches 4 mol L−1, we achieve a Cs+ distribution ratio of 7.9. Accordingly, the retrieval of Cs+ from the organic phase is achieved when the HCl concentration is maintained at a low level. In multicomponent chloride brine solutions, the distribution ratios for Cs+ are somewhat lower, yet still fall within the range of 4–6. Nevertheless, these ratios remain favorable for separation purposes. Additionally, the distribution ratios of Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ offer insights into the coordination chemistry of MAXCalix. Our experimental data indicate a correlation between ionic size and distribution ratio. Cs+ forms the strongest complex, followed by K+ and Na+, while Mg2+ and Ca2+ exhibit minimal extraction, potentially due to interactions with the diluent. These findings may open new approaches for the development of a decontamination strategy tailored to address salts and brine solutions contaminated with Cs-137. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halophytic plant communities have developed on exposed coastal landforms to form low-stature turf in several locations around New Zealand. We quantify the inorganic geochemistry, mineralogy and simulated ephemeral surface water composition of saline soil-free bare ground at a well-preserved site at Maori Head on Otago Peninsula, where halophytes have colonised from adjacent coastal turf. The community at this site is dominated by Leptinella dioica, Samolus repens, Disphyma australe and Selliera radicans. Maori Head substrates are dominated by clay-altered basalt colluvium and show a general trend from high electrical conductivity (EC > 10 mS/cm) and weakly acid pH (< 6) on bare ground to low EC (< 1 mS cm−1) and higher pH (> 7) in turf and adjacent pasture soils. High salinities on dry substrates and in simulated ephemeral surface waters result from surface evaporation of airborne sea spray and contain halite (NaCl) with some gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). Chemical interactions with the substrate are minor. The high surface salinities were maintained despite a major winter rain event with strong onshore winds. However, surface salinity is frequently leached by rain and shallow groundwater, whereas inland saline sites (pH 8–11) have substantial salt accumulations driven by lower rainfall, high evaporation and chemical interaction with Otago Schist-derived substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing population requires higher crop yields, and one promising approach is growing crops in less fertile lands. To do this successfully, we must understand how well different crops can tolerate salt stress. In this study, we evaluated the salt tolerance potential of five commercial Brassica cultivars (Westar, Faisal canola, Punjab canola, Nifa Gold, and Aari canola) under controlled conditions. We grew these cultivars in a medium with varying levels of NaCl (ranging from 0 to 300 mM). We measured different growth parameters and their root architecture using an automated root scanner. Salt stress affected the growth of all cultivars. However, one cultivar, Aari canola, showed remarkable resilience. It showed up to 1.4-fold higher germination, up to 9-fold higher germination index, up to 7.7-fold fresh weight, and 2.4-fold dry biomass than the rest of the cultivars under the stress conditions. While other cultivars demonstrated reductions of up to 31% in root volume, 20% in root surface area, and 19% in the number of root tips under salt stress, Aari canola displayed minimal changes in these parameters. Aari canola, however, exhibited a substantial reduction in root diameter (up to 60%). The cultivar's unique morphological adaptations in root architecture to salt stress, characterized by noticeable increases in root volume, surface area, and root tips at the cost of reduced root diameter, imply the presence of an intrinsic defensive mechanism against salinity, making it a good candidate for cultivation in saline terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research used density functional theory (DFT)-based simulation software to investigate the potential of emerging nanotechnology to alter the physical–chemical interactions of a reservoir system so that a favourable condition for oil displacement could be created. This reservoir was modelled using sandstone (as rock), oil (as any of the hydrocarbon molecules including Decane, Dodecene, Tetradecene and Hexadecene), a particular type of nanoparticles (graphene (GNPs), magnetite (MNPs), zinc oxide (ZNPs), copper oxide (CNPs)) and sodium chloride (NaCl) for nanofluid. From the analysis of adsorption results, we observed that oil adsorption can be reduced to −18.81 from −28.53 Kcal/mol. This was the case for the MNPs in the absence of NaCl. In the presence of NaCl, GNPs showed better performance than others. Arguably, salinity is thus an important factor contributing to the performance of nanofluid as an enhanced oil recovery agent or specifically a wettability modifier. The main mechanisms of the enhanced changes are assumed to be the inhibition of oil adsorption and the profile control capability of GNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work developed a rapid colorimetric method for nitrite detection in meat products. The detection was based on the reaction of nitrite with 60 mM HCl to produce radicals which further oxidized ABTS (50 µM) to form a water-soluble blue-green product (ABTS•+). The absorbance was measured at a maximum absorption wavelength of 412.5 nm. Parameters such as concentration of HCl, concentration of ABTS and reaction time were evaluated. The absorbance was linearly proportional to the concentration of nitrite (0.1–20 µM) with the limit of detection of 0.34 µM. The proposed method was a time-saving assay since it required only 2 min to complete one measurement. There was no effect of the interference produced by other ions. The assay was robust with 2.5%RSD (n = 50). In meat product samples, high accuracy was observed with the recoveries between 100 ± 2.2% and 105 ± 3.7%. The amount of nitrite in meat products detected by the ABTS method was found in the range of 5.41 − 7.62 mg/kg. The conventional Griess method was applied to determine nitrite in the same meat products. There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods (P = 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Block ice is cuboid in shape. It is produced by filling water into a mold and bathing it in a brine pool. For 270 × 560 × 1500 mm3 the production batch time is 24 hours. The aim of this work is to improve the conventional mold so that it has a batch time shorter than the low electrical cost duration of 11 hours. A narrow channel having nearly the same width as the mold was installed inside the mold. The brine is injected from the middle of the channel's open end at the mold base by a ½ inch nozzle. A CFD model was developed and validated with the experimental data. It was found that the optimum pool temperature and injection flow rate may be approximated to be −10 and 80 lpm, respectively. Heat transfer can be assumed to be in one dimension in the mold depth direction. As long as the channel height is less than that of the mold, the batch time will be comparable to that of the conventional mold. Regardless of the pool temperature, for a certain channel height, the channel can contribute to the productivity at approximately the same rate. The batch time was 9.73 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study illustrates the salinity tolerance mechanisms in Volkameria inermis (a mangrove-associate), making it an ideal candidate for establishment in saline lands. The plant was exposed to 100, 200, 300, and 400 mM NaCl and the TI value indicates that the stress-imparting concentration was 400 mM. There was a decrease in biomass and tissue water, and a gradual increase in osmolytes like soluble sugars, proline, and free amino acids content was observed in plantlets with the increase in NaCl concentrations. Higher number of lignified cells in the vascular region of the plantlet's leaves treated with NaCl (400 mM) may influence the transport through the conducting tissues. SEM data reveals the presence of thick-walled xylem elements, an increased number of trichomes, and partially/fully closed stomata in the 400 mM NaCl-treated samples of V. inermis. In general, macro and micronutrient distribution tend to be affected in the NaCl-treated plantlets. However, Na content increased remarkably in plantlets treated with NaCl, and the highest accumulation was observed in roots (5.58-fold). Volkameria inermis can be a good option for phytodesalination in salt-affected areas since it is equipped with strong NaCl tolerance strategies and can be exploited for desalinization purpose of salt affected lands. The phytodesalination potential of V. inermis was proved with the aid of physiochemical and anatomical studies, which was not yet revealed. The present study elucidated the level of NaCl tolerance in V. inermis and the development of associated adaptive responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanometer sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT), hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and octadecyl trimethyl sodium chloride (OTAC) were used as reaction monomers and ethanol as solvent, and two oil soluble viscosity reducers MMT-CTAB and MMT-OTAC were synthesized. Structural characterization experiment of modified montmorillonite were conducted by the infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analyzer, contact angle tester, scanning electron microscope, and dispersion observation. 20 wt% wax-containing model oil was chosen as the research object. The properties of two viscosity reducers on the pour point and viscosity of model oil were studied experimentally. The results showed that the two modified montmorillonite viscosity reducers were successfully prepared. And both can reduce the pour point and viscosity of model oil. The performance of MMT-OTAC was better than MMT-CTAB, which can reduce the pour point of model oil by 6 °C and the viscosity by 91.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was evaluated the potential of using crude glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production from vegetable oil, as a «green» corrosion inhibitor for aluminum alloys in the neutral chloride-containing medium. It was found that it has inhibitory properties and efficiently protects aluminum alloys from corrosion in 0.1% NaCl solution; the degree of protection was up to 79%. The protective action of crude glycerol increases with increasing its concentration to 2.5 g/l. Impedance modulus of aluminum alloy increases in inhibited corrosion solution. The mechanism of corrosion inhibition is the physical and partially chemical adsorption of molecules of crude glycerol components, and probably the formation of copper-glycerol complexes on the metal surface. The adsorption of the studied inhibitor is described by the Frumkin isotherm. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis confirmed the formation of an organic protective layer on the metal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice Boltzmann simulations of double-diffusive convection in a rectangular cavity differentially heated and salted are conducted in the presence of internal heat generation and Dufour and Soret effects. The study is performed for an aspect ratio A = 2, an external Rayleigh number RaE = 105, a Lewis number Le = 2, a buoyancy ratio N = -1, and a Prandtl number Pr = 0.71: The study focuses mainly on the effect of Dufour number (Du = 0 and 0.5) to measure its impact on the ranges of steady/unsteady solutions reported in a previous study for the Soret parameter ranging from -0.5 to 0.5 and internal to external Rayleigh numbers ratio ranging from 0 to 80. Compared to Du = 0, the results obtained show that the presence of Dufour mechanism with a positive value leads to a destabilizing effect by widening the ranges of instability observed for the considered values of Sr: The combinations (Sr, Du) the most stabilizing/destabilizing are identified and discussed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This viewpoint contends that the Arizona project, aimed at constructing a mega-desalination plant in the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), in Mexico, with the intention of exporting desalinated water to Arizona, poses an imminent threat to the environment. It points out that this project lacks a necessary environmental impact statement and has not received approval from Mexican authorities. Additionally, there appears to be no sufficient provision for compensating for the potential harm to natural resources, and the approval by the Mexican authorities remains unlikely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts for the electro-oxidation of hydrazine derivatives is of great importance in various industrial applications. In this study, we report the utilization of graphite-based catalysts for the electro-oxidation of hydrazine derivatives, using sodium chloride as a green and sustainable chemical approach. Graphite, a two-dimensional carbon material with exceptional properties, offers numerous advantages as a catalyst, including its high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability. These characteristics make graphite an ideal candidate for promoting electrochemical reactions. Sodium chloride (NaCl), a readily available and cost-effective salt, serves as a green alternative to traditional oxidants used in hydrazine oxidation processes. By replacing conventional oxidizing agents with NaCl, we aim to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of hazardous chemicals. This process enables the transformation of the HN-NH bond within hydrazines, leading to the formation of azo compounds (N = N). Azo compounds are important organic molecules with diverse applications in organic synthesis. This novel approach has successfully showcased the efficacy of utilizing various azo compounds in 13 different examples, yielding excellent or moderate to good results. The method capitalizes on electricity as the final oxidizing agent, providing an environmentally friendly oxidation strategy. Its high efficiency and gentle reaction conditions make this technique valuable for synthesizing azo derivatives, even when working with hydrazines containing diverse functional groups, resulting in yields ranging from moderate to excellent. Through systematic experiments, we evaluated the catalytic performance of graphite-based catalysts in the electro-oxidation of hydrazine derivatives. The catalysts demonstrated remarkable catalytic activity due to their efficient conversion of hydrazine derivatives into desired products. Moreover, the system exhibited good stability and recyclability, suggesting its suitability for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The high-salt diet (HSD) has been associated with cognitive dysfunction by attacking the cerebral microvasculature, through an adaptive response, initiated in the intestine and mediated by Th17 cells. In the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), it has been described that NaCl causes an increase in T cell infiltration in the central nervous system. NaCl also promotes macrophage response and Th17 cell differentiation, worsening the course of the disease. HSD may trigger an activation of the immune system and enhance inflammation. However, certain studies not only do not support this possibility, but support the opposite, as the effect of salt on immune cells may not necessarily be pathogenic. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an over intake of salt in rats with EAE, based on the clinical course, oxidative stress, markers of inflammation and the gut dysbiosis. Methods: 15 Dark Agouti rats were used, which were divided into control group, EAE group and EAE + NaCl group. Daily 0.027 g of NaCl dissolved in 300 μl of H2O was administered through a nasogastric tube for 51 days. Results: NaCl administration produced an improvement in clinical status and a decrease in biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysbiosis. Conclusion: The underlying mechanism by which NaCl causes these effects could involve the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is blocked by high doses of salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to analyze the application of a seaweed biofertilizer as an attenuator of salt stress on the morphophysiology of scarlet eggplants. The experiment was carried out under protected conditions in Areia, PB, Brazil, using an incomplete factorial arrangement in a randomized block design with four replications and two plants per plot by adopting the Box Central Composite Design with five electrical conductivities of irrigation water – ECiw (0.50 – control, 1.15, 2.75, 4.35 and 5.00 dS m−1) and five concentrations of seaweed biofertilizer (0 – control, 1.45, 5.00, 8.55 and 10 mL L−1). The electrical conductivity of irrigation water at values starting at 0.5 dS m−1 negatively affected the growth of scarlet eggplants. Therefore, the crop is considered sensitive to salt accumulation. The increase in electrical conductivity of irrigation water negatively affected the morphophysiology of scarlet eggplants, with reductions higher than 10% at electrical conductivity values higher than 1.37 dS m−1. Biofertilization at 6.67 mL L−1 mitigates the effects of salt stress on the gas exchange variables and the phytomass accumulation of scarlet eggplants 60 days after sowing. The seaweed biofertilizer can be used to improve the physiological and morphological performance of scarlet eggplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]