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Agricultural soils play a key role in the achievement of a circular nutrient economy. The use of sewage sludges as fertilizers is important for such an achievement, assisting in the maintenance of soil health and nutritional crop value. This study was established, after 23 years of a fertilization experiment, in calcareous soil under a maize monoculture. The treatments included mineral fertilization as a control (MIN, 225 kg N ha−1) and two sludge treatments, where doses followed a threshold sludge nitrogen criterion (SNC, 170 kg org-N ha−1) or a threshold soil phosphorus criterion (SPC; when the soil Olsen-P value exceeded 40–60 kg P ha−1, the sludge application was stopped). A detailed study was performed on Cd, Cu, F, Mn, Pb, and Zn soil extractable with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), as well as the nutrient and heavy metal concentration of different fractions of the maize plant (grain, cob, and the rest of the plant). Extractions were also quantified. No biomass-yield differences were observed in the different parts of the maize plant in the year of sampling. Sludges increased the soil DTPA extraction of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn and diminished Mn extraction, without differences in extractable Pb. The SNC, when compared with MIN, showed increased P cob concentrations, and in grain, it showed increased Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations. The SPC figures of the studied parameters were, in general, between both treatments (MIN and SNC), although Cr extractions in grain diminished vs. SNC. Based on the results, the SPC can be recommended as it also avoids excessive available-P build up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of adding different levels of chromium nanoparticles to quail feeds on growth performance and some blood and liver parameters of quails were examined. A total of 160 broiler quails were used, split into four groups (4 × 40 pieces) each with four replications (4 × 10 pieces). The experiment was designed according to a completely random design, including one control and three experimental groups: basal diet (control); basal diet + 0.4 mg kg-1 Nano-Cr (40-50 nm) (NCr-04); basal diet + 0.8 mg kg-1 Nano-Cr (40-50 nm) (NCr-08); basal diet + 1.2 mg kg-1 Nano-Cr (40-50 nm) (NCr-1.2). In order to determine the growth performance of quails, live weight gains, feed conversion rate, and feed consumption were determined. Oxidative stress index, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status,) and liver fat levels were determined using blood and liver samples. Weight gain was significantly higher in the Nano-Cr supplemented groups than in the control group only in the first week. The best performance of final body weight was achieved in group I (NCr-04). Feed consumption during 0-35 days was found to be lower in the Nano-Cr added groups compared to the control group (p < .05). Supplementing different levels of Nano-Cr in quails diet significantly improved feed conversion rate (p < .05). Fatty liver level was lower in group II (NCr-08) and group III (NCr-1.2) than in the control and group I (NCr-04) (p < .01). Cell infiltration was highest in group II. In conclusion, it was determined that the addition of Nano-Cr to the feed decreased feed consumption (average 7.3%), improved feed efficiency (average 8.7%), and decreased the level of liver fat (average 69.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Araştırma alanı, yaklaşık 15 kilometrekarelik bir alanda, Kastamonu E31-C3 paftası içerisindedir. Söz konusu alan, halen çok tartışmalı bir konu olan Orta Pontidler'de yer almaktadır. Kastamonu'nun Devrekani ilçesindeki boninitik kromit yatakları, Devrekani ofiyolit zonu boyunca serpantinleşmiş tektonit dunitler içinde bulunur. Araştırma alanındaki ofiyolitik birimlerin üzerinde açık bir şekilde konumlanmış olan Gnays ve mermerlerden oluşan Devrekani ofiyoliti, Malm öncesi yaştadır. Taban kesimleri, Gürleyik gnaysı olarak isimlendirilmiş olup amfibol gnays ve gnayslardan oluşmaktadır. Tavan kesimleri dolomit, dolomit kalsit-mermer ve kalsit mermerlerden oluşan Başakpınar metakarbonatı olarak isimlendirilmiştir.

The leather processing industry produces a significant quantity of waste materials, which can be treated in a manner that is consistent with the concepts underlying the circular economy. This article provides an overview of ways to recycle substances or energy from tannery waste, such as thermal, biological, chemical and other procedures. These approaches have the potential to facilitate the recovery and recycling of a diverse range of recyclable chemical substances like chromium, fats, gelatin vitamins, hydrolysate and minerals, biomass, and microbial waste products for use in other manufacturing operations. All the methods related to leather waste valorization have been discussed in this study to illustrate the recent development in techniques and processes of leather waste. The incorporation of the concept of circular economy has also been depicted. The premise of the circular economy model is that any waste product from the leather industry may be recycled and utilized again in the leather-producing process or in other related sectors. This study demonstrates that the circular economy approach to leather production offers chances for collaboration and innovation across several industries. Collaboration among organizations may lead to the discovery of innovative methods to minimize waste, enhance productivity, and extract value from resources that would otherwise be disposed of. The overview also addresses the state of waste legislation today and how it affects the environment. Technologies for sustainable and intelligent valuation allow for high recycling levels without negatively impacting the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces one of the leather industries, the tanning industry, which is responsible for some of the most critical processes that leather undergoes before it is used in subsequent parts of the industry. Since the processes carried out require significant amounts of water, they generate equally large amounts of wastewater, which, as industrial wastewater, requires appropriate treatment. Additionally, due to the quantities and complexity of the processes carried out, the chemicals used become demanding in terms of how they are treated and managed. The parameters of wastewater subjected to a collection in a typical tank are changed. In contrast, wastewater from chromium tanning processes, which should be discharged into a separate tank, is a source of chromium pollution with its high content, thus posing a significant danger to the environment. The study made it possible to assess the biodegradability of wastewater generated during production and the concentration of chromium compounds and other pollutants. Based on the results, it was found that the wastewater generated during the production process is biodegradable (except for mixed wastewater), and the concentration of chromium is 2.81-3.11 g/dm3.

This study was conducted to examine the adsorption of Cr (VI) metal using Spirulina sp (inactive) biomass and its application in leather tannery wastewater. The treatment was carried out to determine the influence of independent variables on Cr (VI) adsorption with variations in pH, contact time, and metal solution concentration. The values of the solution pH, adsorption time, and concentration of the best metal solution were used to determine the center points of the optimization variables through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that based on the FTIR test, macromolecules present in Spirulina sp biomass included amino, carboxylate, and hydroxy groups. The combination of factor variables that produced the optimum response was at pH 3.165, contact time of 66.58 minutes, and Cr (VI) metal ion solution concentration of 22.9 mg/L, resulting in a Cr (VI) adsorption efficiency of 69.66%. The adsorption pattern was included in the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, and the application of Spirulina sp biomass adsorbent to tannery waste reduced the concentration of Cr (VI) from 3.9 g/L to an undetectable level at

Agricultural soils play a key role in the achievement of a circular nutrient economy. The use of sewage sludges as fertilizers is important for such an achievement, assisting in the maintenance of soil health and nutritional crop value. This study was established, after 23 years of a fertilization experiment, in calcareous soil under a maize monoculture. The treatments included mineral fertilization as a control (MIN, 225 kg N ha−1) and two sludge treatments, where doses followed a threshold sludge nitrogen criterion (SNC, 170 kg org-N ha−1) or a threshold soil phosphorus criterion (SPC; when the soil Olsen-P value exceeded 40–60 kg P ha−1, the sludge application was stopped). A detailed study was performed on Cd, Cu, F, Mn, Pb, and Zn soil extractable with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), as well as the nutrient and heavy metal concentration of different fractions of the maize plant (grain, cob, and the rest of the plant). Extractions were also quantified. No biomass-yield differences were observed in the different parts of the maize plant in the year of sampling. Sludges increased the soil DTPA extraction of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn and diminished Mn extraction, without differences in extractable Pb. The SNC, when compared with MIN, showed increased P cob concentrations, and in grain, it showed increased Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations. The SPC figures of the studied parameters were, in general, between both treatments (MIN and SNC), although Cr extractions in grain diminished vs. SNC. Based on the results, the SPC can be recommended as it also avoids excessive available-P build up.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of curcuma against hexavalent chromium-induced alterations in reproduction indices of male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group (0-0): control. The second group (0-Cur) received a diet with 2% curcuma powder. The third group (Cr-0) received 15 mg/kg B.W. of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) per os, while the last group (Cr-Cur) received a diet containing 2% curcuma powder and 15 mg/kg B.W. of K2Cr2O7 per os. After 30 days of treatment, testicular weight, sperm concentration, sperm kinematic parameters, and testicular glutathione (GSH) level were evaluated. Our results suggest that hexavalent chromium causes a decrease in sperm concentration, total progression, total motility, fast motility, medium motility, slow motility, static sperm, linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), sperm velocity, and testicular GSH level, accompanied with an increase in testicular weight and wobble (WOB) level when compared to control group. However, supplementation with curcuma of chromium-intoxicated rats has reduced the toxic effect of K2Cr2O7 by bringing back the reproductive parameters and GSH levels to normal values. From this finding, it can be implicated that diet supplemented with curcuma powder may show protective effects against chromium toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces one of the leather industries, the tanning industry, which is responsible for some of the most critical processes that leather undergoes before it is used in subsequent parts of the industry. Since the processes carried out require significant amounts of water, they generate equally large amounts of wastewater, which, as industrial wastewater, requires appropriate treatment. Additionally, due to the quantities and complexity of the processes carried out, the chemicals used become demanding in terms of how they are treated and managed. The parameters of wastewater subjected to a collection in a typical tank are changed. In contrast, wastewater from chromium tanning processes, which should be discharged into a separate tank, is a source of chromium pollution with its high content, thus posing a significant danger to the environment. The study made it possible to assess the biodegradability of wastewater generated during production and the concentration of chromium compounds and other pollutants. Based on the results, it was found that the wastewater generated during the production process is biodegradable (except for mixed wastewater), and the concentration of chromium is 2.81-3.11 g/dm³. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biophysical properties of existing optogenetic tools constrain the scale, speed, and fidelity of precise optogenetic control. Here, we use structure-guided mutagenesis to engineer opsins that exhibit very high potency while retaining fast kinetics. These new opsins enable large-scale, temporally and spatially precise control of population neural activity. We extensively benchmark these new opsins against existing optogenetic tools and provide a detailed biophysical characterization of a diverse family of opsins under two-photon illumination. This establishes a resource for matching the optimal opsin to the goals and constraints of patterned optogenetics experiments. Finally, by combining these new opsins with optimized procedures for holographic photostimulation, we demonstrate the simultaneous coactivation of several hundred spatially defined neurons with a single hologram and nearly double that number by temporally interleaving holograms at fast rates. These newly engineered opsins substantially extend the capabilities of patterned illumination optogenetic paradigms for addressing neural circuits and behavior.

Several studies showed the role of trace elements in the increase in human susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Carotid artery stenosis is a leading cause of ischemic neurological events. We aimed to analyze the potential role of trace elements in hair as biomarkers of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven (n = 31 (54%) men and n = 26 (46%) women) individuals with a mean age of 67.7 ± 7.7 years who were white, European, non-Hispanic, and non-Latino were diagnosed and treated in hypertensiology/internal medicine and surgical departments over three consecutive months. Of these patients, forty were diagnosed with advanced carotid artery disease, and seventeen comprised a group of healthy controls. Inflammatory and oncological diseases were exclusion criteria. Hair samples were collected, and 14 trace elements were analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data were compared and revealed differences in the co-existence of diabetes (p = 0.036) and smoking history (p = 0.041). In the multivariable analysis, zinc, chrome, and copper revealed predictive value for the occurrence of carotid artery disease, and their combined receiver operating curve showed area under the curve of 0.935, with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 82.4%. Conclusion: Our report shows the significance of trace elements analyses in patients with advanced carotid artery disease. We revealed that zinc, copper, and chrome concentrations are of particular importance in differentiating atherosclerotic disease and may serve as biomarkers of carotid atherosclerosis. Hair samples represent an easily obtained and beneficial biomatrix for the assessment of biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies investigating changes in blood metal ion levels during the second decade of the implant lifetime in MoM hip resurfacing patients are scarce. Methods: Patients implanted with either Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) or Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip resurfacings with >10 years follow-up and repeated blood metal ion measurements were identified at 2 large specialist European arthroplasty centres. After excluding patients with initial metal ion levels >7 ppb, the proportion of patients with an increase in blood metal ion levels above previously validated implant-specific thresholds (cobalt 2.15 ppb for unilateral implants, cobalt or chromium 5.5 ppb for bilateral) was assessed. Results: We included 2743 blood metal ion measurements from 457 BHR patients (555 hips) and 216 ASR patients (263 hips). Of patients with initial metal ion levels below implant specific thresholds, increases in cobalt or chromium level, respectively, to above these thresholds during the second decade were seen as follows: unilateral BHR (cobalt = 15.6%), unilateral ASR (cobalt = 13.8%), bilateral BHR (cobalt = 8.2%, chromium = 11.8%), bilateral ASR (cobalt = 8.5%, chromium = 4.3%). Measurement-to-measurement changes exceeding +2.15 ppb or +5.5 ppb were, however, uncommon during the second decade. Subgroup results with small diameter (<50 mm) implants were similar. Conclusions: We recommend less frequent blood metal ion measurements are needed (every 3 to 5 years) for hip resurfacing patients if initial values were below 7ppb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voronezh region is one of the most important areas of agriculture and crop production. The purpose of the study was to study the patterns of accumulation of the most dangerous heavy metals in wild medicinal plant raw materials of various ecotopes of the Voronezh region. The accumulation of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt, chromium) and arsenic was studied, using an example of 10 types of medicinal plant raw materials, which were produced in 51 ecotopes of the Voronezh region. When analyzing the average values of the accumulation coeffi cients of heavy metals and arsenic by all studied types of medicinal plant raw materials, it is possible to build up a series of decreases in the total average accumulation effi ciency of the determined elements for these plants, which is as follows: zinc> copper > cadmium > cobalt > nickel > arsenic > chromium > lead > mercury. When analyzing the values of accumulation coeffi cients, rows of decreasing effi ciency of accumulation of elements in all types of medicinal plant raw materials studied are constructed. A detailed analysis of the characteristics of the accumulation of heavy metals and arsenic from soils in medicinal plant raw materials showed the presence of aclose positive relationship between concentrations in soil and plants for most of the determined elements, which indicates the predominant contamination of plant raw materials through the soil.

Vegetables cultivated in cities, carry the risk of absorbing pollutants generated by anthropogenic activities, increasing the health risk of those who consume them. Heavy metal concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) were analyzed in water, soil and in plant parts of lettuce (roots and leaves) and cherry tomatoes (roots, stem, leaves and tomato fruit) lettuce and cherry tomatoes, cultivated in urban gardens in Mexico City. In none of the studied sites was the heavy metal concentration in the soil above the permitted limits. In irrigation water, Cr surpassed the permitted limit in 5 sites and that of Cd in one site. Ni surpassed the established limit for lettuce and cherry tomato in the rank among 0.7 and 31.15 mg kg-1 in 9 sites, Cr exceeded the allowed limits 1.45-38 mg kg-1 in 11 sites, As go beyond the established limits between 5-52 mg kg-1 in 4 sites and to a lesser extent, Pb was above the allowed limits between 15.5 and 26 mg kg-1. According to the translocation factor, lettuce and cherry tomato could be an important phytoextractors of Cr and Cd respectively. The compound risk value for lettuce (TTHQ) was greater than one in three sites for lettuce and five sites for cherry tomato. Also, in gardens A, D, E and J, the Hazard Index (HI) showed a potential risk (HI>1), which reveals the danger of consuming both vegetables given the conditions of soil, water and air and taking into account all paths of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of heavy metals contained in soils into the food chain is mediated by plants. Plants show varying abilities to take up and accumulate these elements during vegetative growth. In this study, changes in the content, rate of uptake, accumulation, and translocation of heavy metals during six stages of development of pea plants were determined. In field experiments, two pea cultivars were cultivated in two consecutive growing seasons. The harvested plants were divided into the roots and aerial parts, and at full maturity the seeds were separated additionally. Significant changes in the content of the heavy metals in the separated parts and on average in the entire plant, as well as their bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), were most often noted up to the flowering stage of pea plants, after which these values usually did not change significantly. The highest rate of uptake of heavy metals per day of growth was noted between the full flowering stage and the stage when 50% of pods were of typical length. Their translocation factor (TF) was most often highest between the three-internode stage and the full flowering stage. The content, uptake, BAF, and TF of the heavy metals most often varied between years of the study, but did not significantly depend on the pea cultivar. The BAF indicates the potential of pea plants to hyperaccumulate lead and zinc and moderate accumulation of other heavy metals in their aerial parts. Excessive concentrations of lead and cadmium disqualified pea's seeds to be used as human food, whereas excessive concentrations of lead prevented their use as fodder. Green mass of pea plants can be used as animal fodder according to the EU directives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Painting with oil over photographs on canvas was a widespread practice in the nineteenth century, mainly for the production of portraits and copies of oil paintings. It flourished in a context where both photographers and traditional painters were trying to innovate and adjust to new technological advances and demands of their time. However, despite the popularity of oil-painted photographs, they have not been the subject of substantial technical and historical study, which resulted in most of these photo-paintings not having been properly identified. Therefore, this research looks at the photographic processes used for printing on canvas in the UK between 1850 and 1890, knowledge of which is necessary for the identification of photo-paintings. It also looks at how the practice of the Austrian painter and photographer Georg Koberwein (1820–1876) fits within this context, including the examination of four paintings by the artist in the Royal Collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complex investigation was performed for a polluted area using both experimental and computer modelling methods. Among the experimental methods the adsorption and desorption isotherms were measured to estimate the concentration dependent equilibrium in the soil--groundwater system. A new calculation method was worked out for determining the transport parameters from results of laboratory tests. Heavy metal solution was leached through a soil column continuously. The effluent fluidum was collected, and the heavy metal concentration of the collected fractions was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. As the result of the analytic process breakthrough curves were measured in laboratory scale. Due to the applied initial and boundary conditions the transport equation can be solved analytically. Using the OGATA and BANKS (1961) solution of the transport equation a new curve fitting method was introduced. After several transformations of the equation a theoretical function was fitted to the measured concentration vs. time and to the concentration vs. effluent volume data. The parameters of the fitted curve could be used as the dispersion and retardation parameters of a transport model. The water chemistry of the system controls the rate of adsorption and desorption of metals to and from sediment. Adsorption removes the metal from the water column and stores the metal in the substrate. Desorption returns the metal to the water column, where recirculation and bioassimilation may occur. Metals are probably desorbed from the soil if the salt concentration of the water increases, and in case of some metals decreases with the redox potential and with pH. Parallel to determining the basic transport parameters of the system using the column study, the maximal equilibrium concentration of chromium-containing compounds with different oxidation states were calculated with the MINTEQ model with two variable functions (pH and redox potential). As a result of the calculations a non-liner relation was established, as at specific points the maximal equilibrium concentration of chromium increases with a high gradient. This means that there are combinations of pH and redox potential values in the case of which chromium has a high solubility. It is advisable to avoid these points in the pH--Eh field if we want to stabilize the contaminant. This state is to be reached when the goal is the mobilization of the pollutant to make the soil cleaning process possible. With the introduced calculation method areas on the pH--redox potential field (at high pH and Eh values) are found in which the concentration of pollutants may reach a critical value. The introduced calculation method is quick and gives results accurate enough for a pilot test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the composition of wastewater generated in a small tannery plant in the Podlaskie Province at different stages of the technological process. Since the plant uses chromium salts for the actual tanning process and the resulting wastewater is separated into two streams, it was possible to determine the content of chromium and other pollutants in the wastewater at different stages of the production processes. This allowed us to evaluate the biodegradability of the wastewater produced during production, the concentration of chromium compounds and other contaminants. Based on the results obtained, the wastewater generated during the production process was found to be non-biodegradable (except for the mixed wastewater) with chromium concentrations of 2.0-2.46 g/dm3.

The aim of this study was to emphasize the influence of the deuterium-depleted water in the chromium (K2Cr2O7) single dose intoxication. The haematocrit and the leukocyte formula were determined, following the chrome intoxication in rats divided into 8 batches comprising 6 individuals each. The blood samples were collected directly from the heart (intracardiac punction) under narcosis. The data were processed statistically by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, MINITAB 15 and SPSS17 Software. The haematocrit was improved and the non-specific defence realised by the neutrophils was stimulated constantly after the deuterium depleted water administration.

Fish consumption has been considerably increased in Iran recently. On the other hand, the increase in aquatic ecosystem pollution can cause the accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic animals – the fish, in particular. Therefore, measuring the amount of heavy metals in fish is of great importance for consumers’ health. This study aimed to measure the amount of heavy metals (nickel, chromium, and cobalt) in wild and farmed carps (Cyprinus carpio) by using an ICP device. In this cross-sectional study which was performed in Hamadan province in 2018, 40 carp samples (20 wild carp samples and 20 farmed ones) were randomly collected from Anouch and Shirinsoo dams and from breeding centers of the province and, after completing the digestion phase, the amount of heavy metals in the samples were measured using the ICP device. The study results showed that the amounts of nickel metal in wild and farmed carps were equal to 0.108±0.086 and 0.102±0.108 mg/kg dry weight, respectively; and the amounts of chromium in wild and farmed fish samples were 0.348±0.396 and 0.136±0.074 mg/kg dry weight in muscle tissue, respectively. Cobalt metal was not observed in wild and cultured samples. According to the results from the statistical analysis, no significant difference was detected between wild and farmed fishes regarding contamination with nickel metal. However, a difference was found between wild and farmed fishes (P

In the present study, an online web tool (http://www.iaees.org/publications/software/netJa/netGen.htm) for generating user-interface interactive networks was presented. In the network, the user can mouse-press any of the nodes to drag the network, examine network topology, evaluate node centrality, etc. It can be freely used and run on popular web browsers as Chrome, etc.

This paper presents a tannery industry's water and wastewater management problem. Information has been collected on the volume of water demand and, consequently, wastewater generation in these plants. This made it possible to relate them to the values generated by one of the smaller tanning plants located in Poland. The concentration of the pollutants contained in this wastewater, mainly chromium, was also determined from the study. Management of wastewater is a financial nuisance for small plants. The need to conclude contracts with specialized treatment plants, storage and long-distance transport of sewage, also by the respective companies, generates considerable costs, which may be a limiting factor of the willingness to invest in production. Wort reuse reduces the cost of purchasing chromium as a bath ingredient, reduces the frequency of waste disposal and significantly reduces company costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of soil amendments, characterized by different sorption properties, on the effectiveness of trace elements' (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr) stabilization and bioavailability to earthworms. The study was conducted as a microcosm experiment using soil derived from a heavily contaminated post-industrial area. The Eisenia veneta earthworm was cultured for 4 weeks in soils amended with materials characterized by different properties, origins, and potential effects on limiting the availability of metals in soils: two type of compost (Zabrze compost-ZC; GWDA compost-GC), two types of biosolid (Bełchatów biosolids-BB, Grabów biosolids-GB), calcium phosphate (CP), iron oxide (IO), bentonite (BE), rock waste (RW), and limestone (CC). After the incubation, the biomass and survival numbers of the earthworm species decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The accumulation of metals in the earthworm tissues expressed by the bioaccumulation factor value (BSAF) were dependent on the type of amendment applied to the soil. The highest decrease in the earthworms' weight and survival rate was caused by compost (72%) and bentonite (33%), while the lowest was caused by the rock waste (10%) and iron oxide (11%). The biosolids exhibited the greatest toxicity, causing the mortality of all the earthworms. The accumulation of metals in earthworm tissues and the BSAF value were dependent on the type of amendment applied to the soil. The BSAF for the contaminated soil by Cd decreased to the greatest extent after the addition of ZC (by 57%), GC (55%), CP (41%), and IO (37%). A similarly positive effect was noted for Pb after IO addition (45% decrease). The Zn, Cr, and Ni concentration in earthworms, contrary to other elements, increased, regardless of the amendment. The results showed that the applied soil amendments were characterized by varying potential for the reduction in the metal bioavailability in the soil, depending on their composition and physicochemical properties. Moreover, earthworms may exhibit a diversified response to soil amendments as a result of the impact of amendment on the metal forms in soils and their direct impact on organisms. Generally, the Cd was easily transferred from the soil into and accumulated in the earthworm tissues. Our study confirms that this element creates the highest risk for the trophic chain in soils affected by the Zn and Pb smelting industry. Moreover, greater Zn supply reduces the accumulation of Cd in animal bodies. This study provides valuable practical knowledge on the short-term biological effects of a range of soil amendments in metal-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New Ampicillin supported on Cr/Oxidized pectin supported on Ti bimetal–organic framework was synthesized. • By using TGA/DTG, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, BET, and EDAX mapping the structure of the products were characterized. • Thermal stability up to 200 °C, particle size of 75 nm and the specific surface area of 27.700 m2/g were observed. • Antibacterial and anticancer activity of synthesized nanocomposite were evaluated. • High biological activity of synthesized nanocomposite were observed. • In antibacterial activity MIC between 2–64 μg/ml in anticancer properties IC 50 of 183 μg/ml were observed. To synthesize, develop and provide advanced materials with unique properties, in this study, new bimetal–organic framework nanocomposites using Titanium, chromium, oxidized petin and ampicillin were synthesized. With TGA/DTG, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, BET, and EDAX mapping, the structure of the newly synthesized compound was identified, and its structural features were reported. The thermal stability up to 200 °C, particle size of 82 nm and the specific surface area of 27.700 m2/g was from the specifications of the final product. Antimicrobial properties of different bacterial and fungal species and anticancer properties on breast cancer cells were evaluated. In biological evaluation, the synthesized nanocomposites have unique activity and was more effective than some commercial drugs. In antimicrobial activities, MIC was observed between 2–64 μg/mL and in anticancer properties IC 50 of 183 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the composition of wastewater generated in a small tannery plant in the Podlaskie Province at different stages of the technological process. Since the plant uses chromium salts for the actual tanning process and the resulting wastewater is separated into two streams, it was possible to determine the content of chromium and other pollutants in the wastewater at different stages of the production processes. This allowed us to evaluate the biodegradability of the wastewater produced during production, the concentration of chromium compounds and other contaminants. Based on the results obtained, the wastewater generated during the production process was found to be non-biodegradable (except for the mixed wastewater) with chromium concentrations of 2.0-2.46 g/dm³. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now a multi-billion-dollar industry, online advertising is what funds free online content. At the core of this industry lies the ability to track users through various technical means, such as cookies, which has sparked privacy concerns, and is thus subject to a growing body of regulation. But the most important rules around tracking seem to come from a handful of large platforms who have assumed the role of a de facto privacy regulator. In this paper we explore in detail Google's decision to phase out support for third-party cookies on Chrome, accompanied by a set of proposals known as the Privacy Sandbox proposals. We query whether this decision raises any antitrust concerns – and if so, how they can be reconciled with the objective of privacy. At a conceptual level, we use this opportunity to reflect on the relationship between competition law and privacy and the trade-offs regulators may have to make. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroplating is a process of settling substances (metal ions) on the electrodes (cathodes) using electrolysis. The occurrence of a precipitate in this process is due to the presence of electrically charged ions moving from an electrode through the electrolyte, the result of the electrolyte will seal on another electrode (cathode). During the process of deposition/deposit takes place a chemical reaction occurs at the electrode and electrolyte both reduction in a certain direction permanently, therefore it requires direct current and a constant voltage. Metal coatings commonly used are copper, nickel, chromium, and others. Electroplating is basically to coat the metal to make it look more attractive and protected from corrosion, and can increase the product's resistance to friction. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stirrer rpm variations on the thickness and thickness of the A36 steel layer in the decorative nickel-chrome electroplating process. 4 specimens in this study were 30x30x2 (mm). Nickel and chromium coatings have variations in the speed of 72, 102, 132, and 162 (rpm) with a time immersion of 22 minutes and with a temperature of 55-60 ° C. The results of this electroplating process were tested by Vickers's hardness test and observation of microstructure results. The results showed that the faster the rpm, the more hardness was obtained which increased and the thickness of the layer increased. The highest hardness and thickness values are found at a rotational speed of 132 rpm. With a hardness value of 77.5 VHN and a thickness value of 4.55 µm (Nickel) and 13.76 µm (Chrome).

The incorporation of heavy metals contained in soils into the food chain is mediated by plants. Plants show varying abilities to take up and accumulate these elements during vegetative growth. In this study, changes in the content, rate of uptake, accumulation, and translocation of heavy metals during six stages of development of pea plants were determined. In field experiments, two pea cultivars were cultivated in two consecutive growing seasons. The harvested plants were divided into the roots and aerial parts, and at full maturity the seeds were separated additionally. Significant changes in the content of the heavy metals in the separated parts and on average in the entire plant, as well as their bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), were most often noted up to the flowering stage of pea plants, after which these values usually did not change significantly. The highest rate of uptake of heavy metals per day of growth was noted between the full flowering stage and the stage when 50% of pods were of typical length. Their translocation factor (TF) was most often highest between the three-internode stage and the full flowering stage. The content, uptake, BAF, and TF of the heavy metals most often varied between years of the study, but did not significantly depend on the pea cultivar. The BAF indicates the potential of pea plants to hyperaccumulate lead and zinc and moderate accumulation of other heavy metals in their aerial parts. Excessive concentrations of lead and cadmium disqualified pea’s seeds to be used as human food, whereas excessive concentrations of lead prevented their use as fodder. Green mass of pea plants can be used as animal fodder according to the EU directives.

Summary: In this study, Ce/Cr redox flow battery system (RFB), which had redox pair in different oxidation states, was performed in aqueous acidic medium for the first time in the literature. At Ce/Cr RFB system, optimization of acid (H2SO4), and active ion (Cr(III) and Ce(III) ions) concentration were executed by using differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. The mass transfer type for positive electrolyte was determined by using of cyclic voltammetric method. Both chemical stability and changes on surface morphology of pencil graphite electrode were analyzed with scanning electron microscope. Cyclic charge/discharge test was performed for this novel electrolyte composition. Cell potential and the highest discharge capacity values were also determined as 1.52 V and 21.2 mAh L−1, respectively, at 0.8 mA cm−2 charge current density and 0.2 mA cm−2 discharge current density. Obtained data in this work can open a new perspective for the using of the alternative redox couples for the redox flow batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors of the given article have studied the changes in structural and mechanical properties of Remanium GM 700 alloy caused by its consecutive smelting. To carry out mechanical testing the initial alloy pattern has been consecutively smelted 6 times according to the mode indicated by the producer, namely at melting temperature 13700 С and holding time of 10 minutes. Three types of coupons were produced at each smelting: 1. Coupon for the examination of microhardness in the form of flat parallel plate measuring 10х10х2 mm3 . 2. Coupon for the measurement of compliance modulus in the form of cylinder 36 mm high and 3mm in diameter. 3. 10 coupons for stretching in the form of bilateral spades with the body measuring 0.4х5х25 mm3 . Stretching stress-strain curves were registered with the deformation machine MRK-1 at the speed of 0.2 millimeters per minute. Conventional plasticity limit δ0,2, lasting quality limit δпр and maximum failure strain Σmax were determined on the basis of the received curves. Initial Remanium GM 700 coupon and consecutively smelted ones were studied in scanning electronic microscope JSM-820 with X-ray microanalysis system Link AN10/85S. Statistical analysis of the received data demonstrated considerable changes in the composition of coupons increasing with the number of smelting. On the one hand, this can be explained with the two-phase nature of the studied alloy. The most significant differences from the nameplate data are fixed for the value of maximum failure strain, since Σmax for the studied coupons remained lower than 1%, while the producer guarantees this value at 4% level. In case of δ0,2 and δпр indices high correspondence of the measured and nameplate values is fixed at least at the primary smelting. Correlation between the abovementioned stretching stress-strain curves and strain type is of great interest. Primary smelting features only type 1 curves, while type 2 curve appears after the third smelting with dominating sixth one. The research involved testing of 10 coupons after each smelting. Presented results of complex studies of mechanical properties of dental casting alloy Remanium GM 700 show their lowering with the increase of smelting quantity. While some coupons after the third smelting demonstrate crumbly features accompanied with significant reduction of strength properties. It should be noted here that the expectation of such alloy behavior is growing with the increase of smelting quantity. It proves the need for careful second use of the alloy for denture casting. No doubt, the reasons of such behavior can be found in structural changes caused by smelting

The objective of this study is to determine the accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of the small intestines of red foxes from 4 different areas of the northern part of the Czech Republic. The red foxes were relocated from countryside and free nature to the neighborhood of big cities in the last two decades, so it could be great indicator of pollution in these four different areas, with the focus on countryside problems with pollution of heavy metals. The heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni) concentrations in 27 samples and the relationships between heavy metal concentration in red fox tissue and the location of sample were investigated. The highest concentrations of Pb (0.684 mg.kg–1), Cr (0.162 mg.kg–1), Ni (0.235 mg.kg–1) and Zn (19.76 mg.kg–1) were found in tissues from mountain areas. The highest concentrations of Cd (0.047 mg.kg–1), Cu (1.474 mg.kg–1) and Mn (2.025 mg.kg–1) were measured in tissues from industrial agglomeration around the city Hradec Králové. Pb and Cr concentrations in tissues of red foxes from two areas (environs of the city Krasna Lipa and Hradec Kralove) exceeded the permissible food consumption limits.

Background: Metalworkers are said to have heavy exposure to metals, but the amount of released metal ions from alloys and deposition on the hands is unknown. Objective: To analyze nickel, cobalt, and chromium in vitro release to the artificial sweat from nails and wire made of different alloys, and to test metal deposition on the fingers of metalworkers. Material and Methods: Six different samples of nails and wire were kept in artificial sweat for 24 hours and one week, respectively. The metal release was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Eighty‐eight consecutive metal plant workers immersed their index fingers and thumbs in separate laboratory tubes filled with deionized water for 2 minutes. The sample analysis for metals was carried out with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS). Results: The average released concentration of Ni was 0.0012 μg/cm2, for Co it was 0.0007 μg/cm2, and for Cr 0.0037 μg/cm2 after 24 hours and 0.0135, 0.0029, and 0.0042 μg/cm2, respectively, after 1 week. There was a statistically significant increase in released concentration of Ni during one week: 0.0012 μg/cm2 vs 0.0135 μg/cm2 (P =.04). Medians of the detected Co amount on fingers reflected a statistically significant difference between workplaces: 0.004 μg/cm2 for metalworkers vs 0.001 μg/cm2 for office staff (P =.04). Conclusion: Nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and chromium (Cr) can be released in different concentrations from nails and wire. Detected Ni and Cr levels can elicit dermatitis in already sensitized patients. Co can be extracted from alloys even if not mentioned on material safety data sheets. The finger immersion technique was used for cobalt and chromium detection on fingers for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the research was to evaluate the potential of refractory chromites from Victoria I deposit (in Camagüey, Cuba) as a source of chromium for producing electrodes to recharge parts by manual electric arc welding. A mixture of rutile, graphite, refractory chromite, sodium silicate and AISI 1009 steel rods was used as raw material. The experimental electrodes were obtained by pressing the coating from a dosed mixture with the previous components. The mass balance predicts the weld bead can be alloyed with carbon and chromium by introducing refractory chromite and graphite in the rutile coating. The experimental results corroborated that the welding process allowed obtaining 2.3% carbon and 2.89% chromium in the metal deposited by the experimental electrodes. Results show that refractory chromites from Camagüey constitute a potential source of chromium for manufacturing rutile-coated electrodes for recharging parts by manual electric arc welding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tanning industry, although it is characterized by the use of the skin waste originated by the cattle raising, in contrast, produces huge volumes of waste, among which chrome shavings stand out due to their high percentage of chromium. The objective of this research was to determine the concentration where earthworms (Eisenia fetida) could tolerate chrome shavings, in order to evaluate the potential for degradation of these wastes through biological treatment. To determine the tolerant concentration, an experimental design was established that included as factors, the time of exposure in weeks (0-11) and the concentrations of exposure: 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16 grams of shavings per grams of substrate. The response variable was the mortality rate. Each treatment was performed in triplicate and a negative control was included. Statistical treatment was performed using ANOVA and multiple comparison tests at 95% confidence with the statistical complement Real Statistics, Statgraphics and Yupana software. The tolerant concentration established in the study was 0.04 g/g (grams of shavings per grams of substrate) which is equivalent to 636 mg/kg (based on dry weight) expressed in weight of chrome per weight of compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Browser extensions are small applications executed in the browser context that provide additional capabilities and enrich the user experience while surfing the web. The acceptance of extensions in current browsers is unquestionable. For instance, Chrome's official extension repository has more than 63,000 extensions, with some of them having more than 10M users. When installed, extensions are pushed into an internal queue within the browser. The order in which each extension executes depends on a number of factors, including their relative installation times. In this paper, we demonstrate how this order can be exploited by an unprivileged malicious extension (i.e., one with no more permissions than those already assigned when accessing web content) to get access to any private information that other extensions have previously introduced. We propose a solution that does not require modifying the core browser engine, since it is implemented as another browser extension. We prove that our approach effectively protects the user against usual attackers (i.e., any other installed extension) as well as against strong attackers having access to the effects of all installed extensions (i.e., knowing who did what). We also prove soundness and robustness of our approach under reasonable assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Construction workers are a known risk group for occupational skin disease (OSD). Objectives: To study diagnoses and causes of OSD in construction workers in the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases (FROD) 2005–2016. Materials And Methods: We searched the FROD for dermatological cases in (a) construction‐related occupations defined by the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO‐08) and (b) in the industrial branch of construction defined by the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community (NACE Rev. 2). Results: The two searches yielded the same number of cases, 329, although they were not identical subgroups. The number of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) cases was 235 (71%) in construction‐related occupations and 228 (69%) in the industrial branch of construction. In the latter analysis, synthetic resin systems caused 66% of ACD cases and 46% of all OSDs, epoxy compounds being the leading cause (122 cases; 54% of ACD cases; 37% of all OSDs). Metals were the second most common group of causes of ACD with 31 cases (chrome 22 cases; cobalt 8 cases). Isothiazolinones caused ACD in 21 cases, many of whom were painters. Conclusions: ACD dominated the OSDs of construction workers and epoxy products were by far the leading cause comprising 37% of all OSDs. Chrome and isothiazolinones were also prominent causes of ACD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the intensity of Internet use, based on information gathered through the LLMCP - Living Lab on Media Content and Platforms online panel of Internet users. The analysis focuses on a sample of higher education students from the area of ​​communication. The data collection took place over a period of 10 weeks, between January and March 2019, including about 40 users, which generated a total of more than 190 thousand web navigation actions, through laptop or desktop computer. The results point to a relevant and consistent decline in the intensity of online activity over the weekend (and also, at least partially, on Friday). The existence of classes does not seem to influence significantly the distribution of Internet usage intensity between week and weekend. Internet use is also predominantly centered in the afternoon and early evening. One hypothesis for further research is the possibility that these results suggest the existence of complex forms of interpenetration between personal use and school use of the Internet.

Background. Studying anthropoecological factors is required to specify risk factors and predictors of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Purpose. To analyze a level of atmospheric air pollution by Cr6+ and to assess its influence on the incidence of central serous chorioretinopathy among adult population of the Sumy region. Material and Methods. Data on registration of patients for CSCR treatment (according to ICD-10: Н35.7) from 2005 to 2017 were analyzed. The data were obtained in Statistical Department of Sumy Regional Clinical Hospital. Official information data on air pollution by Cr6+ emission at PJSC Sumy NPO were studied. Results. For the entire period of observation, the CSCR incidence in the Sumy region shows a clear tendency to increase. The correlation analysis confirmed the fact that CSCR is determined by Cr6+ emission in the atmospheric air and showed a direct (correlation coefficient r = 0.85) significant (p = 0.0007) relationship (Fig. 3) between the CSCR incidence rate and the levels of Cr6+ emission in the atmosphere. Conclusion. Cr6+ was found to have an indirect and induced effect on the CSCR incidence in the Sumy region.

Based on mathematical and physicochemical modeling a studied the effect of alloying elements (chromium, molybdenum, vanadium) in the formation of the mechanical properties of steel. The intervals of the content of alloying elements that ensure the fulfillment of the required norms are determined. Dependences of the change in the mechanical properties of doped rolled steel from the index of the structural state d are constructed.

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Stainless steels are iron-carbon alloys, which contain at least 10.5% chromium as the main alloying element. It is well known that ordinary steels exposed to unsuitable conditions of rusty environment, on their surface appears a layer of rust formed of oxides that do not protect the material, but develop in depth, over time leading to compromise of the part. But if there is more than 10.5% chromium in the composition of the steel, the surface oxide layer has special properties, is extremely thin, protects the part in extremely varied and hostile environments and is very easy to self-repair when removed. This layer is what gives steels the character of "stainless" and its self-repair gives superiority over ordinary steels which in order to protect them are coated with galvanized layers of zinc or cadmium or are painted, and these coatings once damaged can only be restored by human reintervention, involving new costs. The paper proposes a particular analysis related to stainless steels 1.4301 (the best-selling brand internationally) and J4 (company brand not covered by internationally recognized standards and specifications). The purpose of this analysis is to clarify a marketing aspect, because lately J4 seems to be promoted under the slogan "Same as 1.4301, but cheaper!". Let's see if this is true or not ... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (Cr) is a micromineral that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, ammonia, and nucleic acids; thus, its supplementation can influence the nutritional status of ruminants, and consequently, colostrum profile, since this secretion depends on products secreted by the mammary gland and elements of the maternal bloodstream. The present study investigated the influence of supplementation with Cr bound to organic molecule on the nutritional, immune, and antioxidant quality of ewe colostrum. Thirty-two multiparous Santa Ines ewes (55.3 ± 8.00 kg body weight) were randomly assigned into four groups: T1 (0.0 mg of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation per ewe, n = 8), T2 (0.15 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 9), T3 (0.30 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 7), and T4 (0.45 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 8). Supplementation was supplied during the breeding season, pregnancy, and lactation. Shortly after calving, the first milking colostrum was collected to determine its chemical composition, activity of lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. The results show that lactoperoxidase activity decreased with CrPic supplementation (P < 0.01), revealing that this micromineral reduces an important component of defense mechanism in the body. Therefore, the results of this work show that supplementation with chromium picolinate influences colostrum quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]