Books on the topic 'Alkali potentials'

Concrete is the most versatile, durable and reliable material and is the most used building material. It requires large amounts of Portland cement which has environmental problems associated with its production. Hence, an alternative concrete – geopolymer concrete is needed. The general aim of this book is to make significant contributions in understanding and deciphering the mechanisms of the realization of the alkali-activated fly ash-based geopolymer concrete and, at the same time, to present the main characteristics of the materials, components, as well as the influence that they have on the performance of the mechanical properties of the concrete. The book deals with in-depth research of the potential recovery of fly ash and using it as a raw material for the development of new construction materials, offering sustainable solutions to the construction industry.

Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernathe iboga with broad anti-addictive, anti-depressant, and central nervous system stimulating effects. It is categorized as an oneriogen (or atypical hallucinogen) and has been used in West African tribal rituals for centuries. It was identified by French explorers in the early 1900s, came to the United States in the 1960s, and became marginalized in the mid-1990s after adverse outcomes halted federally funded human trials. Since then legal ibogaine treatment clinics have been established in countries without use restrictions. Ibogaine is a σ‎1 and σ‎2 receptor and μ‎ and κ‎ opioid receptor agonist and a α‎3β‎4 nicotinic and NMDA receptor antagonist. Decades of trials have demonstrated ibogaine’s potential. Human trials of ibogaine consistently demonstrate rapid remission of acute withdrawal symptoms but differ in their findings with regard to abstinence and toxicity. While ibogaine is not a “magic bullet,” considerable abstinence may result after multiple treatments, however QT prolongation can produce lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias.18 MC is in pre-clinical investigation.

Soil Chemical Methods – Australasia describes over 200 laboratory and field chemical tests relevant to Australasia and beyond. The information and methodology provided across 20 chapters is comprehensive, systematic, uniquely coded, up-to-date and designed to promote chemical measurement quality. There is guidance on the choice and application of analytical methods from soil sampling through to the reporting of results. In many cases, optional analytical ‘finishes’ are provided, such as flow-injection analysis, electro-chemistry, multiple flame technologies, and alternatives to chemical testing offered by near-range and mid-range infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The book supersedes and updates the soil chemical testing section of the 1992 Australian Laboratory Handbook of Soil and Water Chemical Methods of Rayment and Higginson, while retaining method codes and other strengths of that Handbook. Chapters cover soil sampling, sample preparation and moisture content; electrical conductivity and redox potential; soil pH; chloride; carbon; nitrogen; phosphorus; sulphur; gypsum; micronutrients; extractable iron, aluminium and silicon; saturation extracts; ion-exchange properties; lime requirements; total miscellaneous elements; miscellaneous extractable elements; alkaline earth carbonates and acid sulfate soils. In addition, there are informative Appendices, including information on the accuracy and precision of selected methods. This book targets practising analysts, laboratory managers, students, academics, researchers, consultants and advisors involved in the analysis, use and management of soils for fertility assessments, land use surveys, environmental studies and for natural resource management.

The term ‘polytrauma’ refers to blunt (or crush) trauma that involves multiple body regions or cavities, and compromises physiology to potentially cause dysfunction of uninjured organs. Polytrauma frequently affects muscles resulting in rhabdomyolysis. In daily life, it mostly occurs after motor vehicle accidents, influencing a limited number of patients; after mass disasters, however, thousands of polytrauma victims may present at once with only surgical features or with additional medical complications (crush syndrome). Among the medical complications, acute kidney injury (AKI) deserves special mention, since it is frequent and has a substantial impact on the ultimate outcome.Several factors play a role in the pathogenesis of polytrauma (or crush)-induced AKI: (1) hypoperfusion of the kidneys, (2) myoglobin-induced direct nephrotoxicity, and intratubular obstruction, and also (3) several other mechanisms (i.e. iron and free radical-induced damage, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and ischaemia reperfusion injury). Crush-related AKI is prerenal at the beginning; however, acute tubular necrosis may develop eventually. In patients with crush syndrome, apart from findings of trauma, clinical features may include (but are not limited to) hypotension, oliguria, brownish discoloration of urine, and other symptoms and findings, such as sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, bleeding, cardiac failure, arrhythmias, electrolyte disturbances, and also psychological trauma.In the biochemical evaluation, life-threatening hyperkalaemia, retention of uraemic toxins, high anion gap metabolic acidosis, elevated serum levels of myoglobin, and muscle enzymes are noted; creatine phosphokinase is very useful for diagnosing rhabdomyolysis.Early fluid administration is vital to prevent crush-related AKI; the rate of initial fluid volume should be 1000 mL/hour. Overall, 3–6 L are administered within a 6-hour period considering environmental, demographic and clinical features, and urinary response to fluids. In disaster circumstances, the preferred fluid formulation is isotonic saline because of its ready availability. Alkaline (bicarbonate-added) hypotonic saline may be more useful, especially in isolated cases not related to disaster, as it may prevent intratubular myoglobin, and uric acid plugs, metabolic acidosis, and also life-threatening hyperkalaemia.In the case of established acute tubular necrosis, dialysis support is life-saving. Although all types of dialysis techniques may be used, intermittent haemodialysis is the preferred modality because of medical and logistic advantages. Close follow-up and appropriate treatment improve mortality rates, which may be as low as 15–20% even in disaster circumstances. Polytrauma victims after mass disasters deserve special mention, because crush syndrome is the second most frequent cause of death after trauma. Chaos, overwhelming number of patients, and logistical drawbacks often result in delayed, and sometimes incorrect treatment. Medical and logistical disaster preparedness is useful to improve the ultimate outcome of disaster victims.