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Background: Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound used as a nutritional supplement, and it is known to aid in enhancing anti-inflammatory properties. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a commonest oral mucosal conditions characterized by painful recurring ulcers. Many current studies focus on establishing Zinc sulfate's potency against Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and its other uses in dentistry as it has anti-inflammatory activity with minimal adverse effects. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of zinc sulfate in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Materials and methods: A systematic review of clinical trials using zinc sulfate as an effective agent against Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Various databases were searched and obtained a total of 112 articles, among which three studies were included. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Scholar, Wiley, Cochrane and Science direct. From the total 112 articles that appeared from various sources, 109 articles were screened, and three studies were related to the research topic. This article was reported according to the systematic review guidelines. Result: Three studies were included in the systematic review, of which all are clinical trials showed that Zinc sulfate had a crucial role in reducing inflammation and improving oral hygiene status. The P-value of the three articles selected are 0.001, 0.0001 and > 0.05. Conclusion: With a comparative analysis between the existing related articles about the effectiveness of zinc sulfate in treating the recurrent aphthous stomatitis, the sequel of the effectiveness of zinc sulfate in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis have to be given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources of chemical constituents of groundwater and its associated hydrogeochemical processes in the part of Mhlathuze catchment was identified. Groundwater of the area is classified into soft to very hard and the nature is identified as acidic to alkaline. The overall electrical conductivity is < 3000 μS/cm except in three wells. The predominant water type is NaCl (69% of samples) and CaMgCl facies. Gibbs plots, mCa/Mg ratio, mNa/Cl ratio, Ca + Mg vs HCO 3 +SO 4 plot, Na + K vs HCO 3 plot, Ca/Na vs HCO 3 /Na, Chloroalkaline indices (CAI 1, CAI 2) and Ca + Mg–HCO 3 –SO 4 vs Na + K–Cl plots confirm the impact of silicate, carbonate mineral weathering and ion exchange reaction in this aquifer. However, few wells are influenced by the evaporation process. Groundwater is highly undersaturated with sulphate, chloride minerals and saturated with carbonate minerals. CA revealed that Cl and SO 4 are derived from anthropogenic sources and a significant positive correlation between HCO 3 and Cl reveals that wastewater recharge has most likely simulated the mineral weathering in the vadose zone, which could have further enhanced HCO 3 and Cl in the aquifer. PCA resulted in three factors. Factor 1 defines the influence of geogenic and anthropogenic processes while Factors 2 and 3 imply the mineral weathering and nitrification processes. Hierarchical cluster analysis defines that evaporation, anthropogenic input, silicate and carbonate weathering and nitrification process are the sources of chemical constituents of groundwater in this aquifer. [Display omitted] • Ionic ratios and bivariate plots reflect the impact of silicate & carbonate weathering and ion exchange reactions.. • Groundwater is highly undersaturated with sulphate and chloride minerals while saturated with carbonate minerals. • Wastewater recharge simulated mineral weathering in the vadose zone (HCO 3 vs Cl (r 2 >0.64)) of this aquifer. • Both PCA and HCA also reflects the influences of geogenic, anthropogenic and nitrification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• During PRM, major ion concentrations are higher than PM season due to evaporation. • GW types varied from NaCl > CaMgCl > CaHCO 3 (PRM) to CaHCO 3 = NaHCO 3 = NaCl (PM). • PRM - Mineral weathering, reverse ion exchange and evaporation dominant processes. • PM - Mineral weathering, cation exchange and dilution regulate water chemistry. • Monsoon recharge facilitated the pollutant movement from the surface to aquifer. Impact of monsoon recharge on groundwater chemistry and geochemical processes was evaluated using geochemical methods in the shallow hard-rock aquifer, southern India. Groundwater samples were collected from Salem city and its outskirts during pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (PM) seasons and analysed for major and minor ions. Results suggest that during PRM, the average concentration of TDS, major ions and electrical conductivity (EC) in groundwater are higher than the PM season except for Na+ and HCO 3 –. The major water types also varied with seasons (PRM: NaCl > CaMgCl > CaHCO 3 ; PM: CaHCO 3 = NaHCO 3 = NaCl). Pearson correlation analysis indicates that Cl− and SO 4 2− show a strong positive correlation with EC, TDS, TH and major cations during PRM season whereas HCO 3 – and NO 3 – have a strong positive correlation with most of the ions during PM season. Before monsoon, the water chemistry is governed by the weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals, reverse ion exchange and evaporation processes, which resulted in high EC, TDS, TH and major ions in the groundwater. After the monsoon, the water chemistry is regulated by the mineral weathering, cation exchange and dilution processes. Geochemical modelling studies indicate that groundwater is saturated and oversaturated with carbonate minerals and undersaturated with sulphate and chloride minerals. During monsoon, the recharging water flushed the weathered layer and dissolved the soil CO 2 in the vadose zone, which subsequently enhanced the concentration of Na+ and HCO 3 – in the aquifer. Further, the high concentrations of Cl−, SO 4 2- and NO 3 – imply that the aquifer is polluted by surface contamination sources. After the monsoon, NO 3 – implies that monsoon recharge facilitated the pollutant movement from surface to the aquifer. Hence, a proper aquifer management plan is required to protect this aquifer and to provide clean and safe drinking water to the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studied the seasonal waterlogging impact on metals distribution in floodplain soil. • Concentrations of trace metals and major oxides are higher in the WL profile. • Metals accumulation are higher in the topsoil layers due to silt and clay fractions. • Ni, As, Cr and Cu may cause occasional adverse biological effects to living organisms. • Soil texture, Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides and carbonates governed the metals distribution. In the Ganges River basin, studies related to the depth-wise distribution of major and trace metals in these floodplain soils (seasonally waterlogged and non-water logged) have been limited thus far. This research attempts to address this gap in the current literature by geochemical and geostatistical analyses and assessment of soil pollution. Significant concentrations of major and trace metals in these soils could greatly impact the health of local communities. Soil samples were collected in the eastern Ganges basin from a shallow seasonally waterlogged (SWL) site and a shallow non-waterlogged (SNWL) site up to 3 m below ground level (mbgl) and a deep seasonally waterlogged (DWL, up to 14 mbgl) site. The soils were analysed to determine soil texture and the concentration of major oxides and trace metals with increasing depth. The average concentration of trace metals (Ba, Rb, V, Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Ga, Co, Cs, Nb, W) and major oxides (Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , K 2 O, MgO) are higher in the SWL soil than the SNWL soil. A higher concentration of metals generally occurred in the upper soil layers due to the adsorption of elements by the silt and clay fractions. Soil pollution assessment indicated that W, As, Sb and Cu are enriched in both the waterlogged and non-waterlogged soils, while Sn is enriched in the SNWL soil profile only. The values obtained for the geochemical indices, which were geoaccumulation index (I geo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI), were relatively higher in the top layers for the SWL and DWL sites. Based on effects range-low (ERL) and effects range-median (ERM) values, the possibility of adverse biological effects caused by the metals is highest for Ni in the DWL site, Cr and Ni in the SWL site and Cu in the SNWL site. Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) justify the role of soil texture, phyllosilicates, Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides and carbonates in the occurrence and distribution of metals in these soils. Seasonal waterlogging facilitates the dissolution and precipitation of oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and adsorption/desorption processes, leading to the accumulation and retention of more trace metals in the soil. This study implies that the silt and clay present in the vadose zone may act as a filter to protect local groundwater aquifers from metal contamination. This work provides insights on the behaviour of major and trace metals in the soil depth profile of seasonally waterlogged floodplain soil that is used for local agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study focused on the impact of flash flood (FF) on trace metal pollution in the groundwater, Wadi Baysh Basin, Western Saudi Arabia using spatial interpolations, integrating pollution indices and statistical analysis. Groundwater ( n = 182) is neutral to alkaline in nature and the order of mean metals before and after FF are Sr > Ba > B > Fe > Al > V > Mn > Cr > Cu=Pb > Mo > Zn and Sr > Al > B > Fe > V > Ba > Cr > Cu > Pb > Mn > Mo > Zn > Ni > Cd, respectively. Enhancement (Al, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb and V) and depletion (B, Ba, Fe, Sr) of trace metals are noticed in the groundwater after FF, which is due to dilution, dissolution/desorption, flushing of weathered layer, saline sources and surface input. Before and after FF, 57–63%(Pb), 55–56%(V), 43-16%(B), 27-0%(Ba), 15-5%(Sr), 6-3%(Fe), 0–16%(Al), 0–9%(Cr) and 1–2%(Mn) of groundwater samples, respectively, exceeded the drinking water standards. Coastal wells have elevated B, Sr and Mn concentration due to saline water intrusion. Integrated pollution evaluation indices (Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), Contamination index (C d ) and Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI)) reveal that number of samples in the unsuitable classes are increased after FF event (HPI: 13%–55%; C d : 11%–38%; HEI: 5%–19%) and groundwater quality is degraded due to the trace metals enhancement after FF especially in the downstream wells. Wells in the upstream is flushed by FF recharge and groundwater flow accumulated the metals in the downstream and coastal region. This study demonstrates that metal accumulation and mobility are regulated by the groundwater flow in the study region. Pearson correlation analysis and Principle component analysis also justify that water chemistry is influenced by the saline sources, flushing of weathered layer, natural processes and anthropogenic inputs. Continuous groundwater monitoring is an important task to protect and manage valuable groundwater resources in the arid region. Highlights • Integrated pollution indices (HPI, C d , HEI), spatial interpolations and statistical analysis imply water quality degradation. • Trace metals enrichment (Al, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb and V) and depletion (B, Ba, Fe, Sr) in the groundwater is noticed after FF. • Major processes - Dilution, dissolution, flushing of weathered layer, saline and surface input regulate water chemistry. • Upstream wells are flushed by flash flood recharge and metals accumulated in the downstream and coastal region. • Groundwater flow regulates the metal accumulation and mobility in the aquifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation experiments were conducted during November to April under wheat crop in the winter season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 in the farmer's field at Galibkhedi village located in Karnal District, Haryana State, India. In the study, collapsible multi-outlet pipe (MOP) along with single outlets pipe (SOP) was tested in farmer's field under wheat cultivation. Irrigation was carried out in five treatments including tillage (T) with SOP and MOP; zero-tillage (ZT) with SOP and MOP, and furrow irrigation with raised bed (FIRB). Iso-time profile of waterfront spreading and advance indicated that irrigation water distribution was uniform under the plot irrigated using MOP as compared to plot irrigated using SOP. In addition, water distribution was uniform under zero tilled plots as compared to tilled plot. Results implied that MOP has several advantages over SOP in terms of application efficiency (AE) and uniformity of water distribution. Average application efficiency for the first study year was found to be in the order of ZT-MOP (82.41%) > FIRB (76.79%) > ZT-SOP (75.25%) > T-MOP (74.85%) > T-SOP (69.79%). Average application efficiency for the second study year was found to be in the same order as first year with some deviation in values. In the second year values of mean application efficiencies were ZT-MOP (82.58%) > FIRB (77.13%) > ZT-SOP (73.04%) > T-MOP (69.65%) > T-SOP (66.13%). Overall, this study concludes that irrigation under wheat crop using collapsible multi-outlet pipe (MOP) with zero tillage practices is a suitable option for surface irrigation that accomplishes uniform distribution of water with higher application efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the CRDI engine characteristics were analyzed with the aid of exhaust gas recirculation rate (EGR) adoption fueled with ethanol blends. The test fuels were the various blends with ethanol, such as (10% of ethanol + 90% of diesel) E10D90 (20% of ethanol + 80% of diesel), E20D80, and (30% of ethanol + 70% of diesel) E30D70. From the results, it was revealed that performance characteristics were reduced when using a higher concentration of the alcohols mixed with diesel fuel. The blend E30D70 showed that brake thermal efficiency (BTE) without EGR drops by 3.8%, increased by 9.14% of BSFC, a 9.25% decrease in oxides of nitrogen emissions, and slightly decreased CO and HC emissions compared to baseline diesel operation at 60% load condition. The blend E10D90 with 20% EGR shows the highest BTE of 8.87% when compared with base fuel, due to proper fuel mixture taking place in the inlet manifold. The results indicate that the engine runs smoothly, and E30D70 has chosen an optimum blend. A further experiment was performed using E30D70 with different rates of exhaust gas recirculation system. The addition of exhaust gas recirculation with E30D70 in the common rail diesel engine exhibits oxides of nitrogen emission, but in contrast, it was noticed to have inferior performance characteristics and drastically decreased HC and CO emissions. The hydrocarbon emission decreased E10D90, E20D80, and E30D70 at 60% load condition by 21.42%, 37.38%, and 48.76%, respectively. The blends E10D90, E20D80, and E30D70 decreased carbon dioxide by 7.9%, 30.08%, and 31.98%, respectively. The maximum reduction of NOx emission was observed at about 51.06% at an EGR rate of 20% with E30D70. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of texture and microstructure in two kinds of conventional grain oriented electrical steels, which were annealed at different primary annealing temperature, were investigated. The specimens were analyzed using Orientation Distribution Function (ODF), optical microscopy and OIM (Orientation Imaging Microscopy). The size distributions of AlN precipitates, which were used as grain growth inhibitors, were investigated using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and an image analyzer. The influence of primary annealing conditions on the secondary recrystallization in conventional grain oriented electrical steels was discussed based on information on precipitate distributions and the kinetics of abnormal grain growth of Goss grains. When the high energy boundary theory and the driving force for the Goss grain growth are considered, it is possible to explain the reason for significant improvement of the final texture and magnetic properties in the specimen that was recovered before the final annealing compared to the specimen that was recrystallized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation uses were assessed and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to understand the chemical characteristics of groundwater in the upper part of Luvuvhu sub-catchment in Limpopo, South Africa. The groundwater samples collected during August 2015 (n = 41) and November 2016 (n = 40) were analysed for chemical constituents. The groundwater is fresh and acidic to alkaline in nature. The major hydrochemical facies are Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–HCO 3 - in the study area. Groundwater suitability assessment for drinking purposes carried out using World Health Organisation and South African National Standards suggest that groundwater is suitable for drinking without any restrictions. Irrigation suitability assessment suggested that groundwater is suitable for all types of crops and soils. Pearson correlation analysis and principle component analysis (PCA) explains that groundwater chemistry is governed by natural and anthropogenic activities. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) classified wells into three groups (CG1, CG2, CG3). Wells in CG1 and CG2 are less mineralized and are of Ca–Mg–Cl water types. Water chemistry in these wells are affected by recharge process and surface contamination sources. Wells in CG3 are highly mineralized and are of Ca–HCO 3 type. Bicarbonate is the dominant anion and water chemistry in CG3 is regulated by silicate and carbonate weathering processes. This study recommends further periodic monitoring to protect aquifers in long run. • PCA analysis indicates that groundwater is contaminated by geogenic (weathering of minerals) and anthropogenic (agricultural activities) sources. • HCA- CG1 and CG2 clusters are less mineralized and has sources from surface contamination and recharge process. • HCA- CG3 was highly mineralized and has sources from silicate and carbonate weathering. • This study recommends further periodic monitoring to protect the aquifer in long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]