Concentration levels of metals in commercially available Ethiopian roasted coffee powders and their infusions

The concentrations of nine essential metals (K, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Co) and two non-essential (Pb, Cd) metals were determined in three brands of commercially available roasted Ethiopian coffee powders (Abyssinia, Alem and Pride) obtained from local markets and their infusions using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). An optimized digestion procedure was developed using 5 mL of HNO3 and 1 mL of HClO4 with 4 hours total time at temperature around 350 oC for digestion of 0.5 g of powder sample while 4 mL of HNO3 and 1 mL of HClO4 with 4 hours total time for 25 mL infusion evaporated to dryness. The validity of the optimized procedure was evaluated by the analysis of spiked samples whose recovery of analytes was in the range of 97-103 % for the coffee powder and 95-102 % for the infusion samples. The mean concentration of each metal in the three brands of coffee powder samples was (μg element/g): K (14488±467), Mg (1964±78), Ca (945±65), Na (484±12), Fe (52.0±4.0), Mn (23.0±0.9), Cu (14.0±0.6), Zn (15.0±0.8), Co (1.60±0.05) while that in their infusions (mg element/100 mL): K (37205±1501), Mg (2829±105), Ca (1619±102), Na (591±20), Fe (18.3±1.5), Mn (23.7±1.2), Cu (3.0±0.3), Zn (24.0±1.1), Co (1.8±0.1), respectively. The metal concentrations of the coffee powders were higher than those of coffee infusions, when expressed in the same units. The extraction was highest for K (85.6%), intermediate for Zn (57.5%), Ca (56.6%), Mg (48.0%), Na (40.7%), Co (39.8%), and Mn (33.5%) and lowest for Fe (11.6%) and Cu (6.8%). The concentrations of metals in the Ethiopian coffees were comparable to the values reported in other parts of the world.KEY WORDS: Coffee, Roasted coffee powder, Coffee infusion, Essential metals, Non-essential metals, FAASBull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2011, 25(1), 11-24.

Fertility Regulation in Male Rats by Implemented Tetraazamacrocyclic Compounds of Iron(II): Synthetic, Spectroscopic, and Applied Aspects With Toxicological Screening

Antifertility and histopathological investigations were carried out on reproductive organs of male albino rats induced by tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of iron(II). The complexes were synthesized by the template condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane with succinic acid and phthalic acid in 2 : 2 molar ratios which are abbreviated as [Fe(TAML(n))OAc] (n = 1 or 2 and TAML(n) represents tetraazamacrocyclic ligand). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR, and electronic spectra

A CRITICAL STUDY AND COMPARISON OF MANUFACTURING SIMULATION SOFTWARES USING ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

In a period of continuous change in global business environment, organizations, large and small, are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with, and adjust to the demands for such change. Simulation is a powerful tool for allowing designers imagines new systems and enabling them to both quantify and observe behavior. Currently the market offers a variety of simulation software packages. Some are less expensive than others. Some are generic and can be used in a wide variety of application areas while others are more specific. Some have powerful features for modeling while others provide only basic features. Modeling approaches and strategies are different for different packages. Companies are seeking advice about the desirable features of software for manufacturing simulation, depending on the purpose of its use. Because of this, the importance of an adequate approach to simulation software evaluation and comparison is apparent. This paper presents a critical evaluation of four widely used manufacturing simulators: NX-IDEAS, Star-CD, Micro Saint Sharp and ProModel. Following a review of research into simulation software evaluation, an evaluation and comparison of the above simulators is performed. This paper illustrates and assesses the role the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) played in simulation software evaluation and selection. The main purpose of this evaluation and comparison is to discover the suitability of certain types of simulators for particular purposes

A critical evaluation and comparison of four manufacturing simulators using analytic hierarchy process

In the period of continuous change in global business environment, organizations, large and small, are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with, and adjust to the demands for such change. Simulation is a powerful tool for allowing designers imagine new systems and for enabling them to both quantify and to observe behaviour. Currently the market offers a variety of simulation software packages. Some are less expensive than others. Some are generic and can be used in a wide variety of application areas while others are more specific. Some have powerful features for modelling while others provide only basic features. Modelling approaches and strategies are different for different packages. Companies are seeking advice about the desirable features of software to manufacture simulation, depending on the purpose of its use. Because of this, the importance of an adequate approach to simulation software evaluation and comparison is apparent. This paper presents a critical evaluation of four widely used manufacturing simulators: NX-IDEAS, Star-CD, Micro Saint Sharp and ProModel. Following a review of research into simulation software evaluation, an evaluation and comparison of the above simulators is performed. This paper illustrates and assesses the role the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) played in simulation software evaluation and selection. The main purpose of this evaluation and comparison is to discover the suitability of certain types of simulators for particular purposes

Txicological Aspects of Newly Designed Macrocyclic Complexes of Iron(II)

Brine shrimp lethality of a new series of 16 to 26-membered macrocycles of iron(II) containing tetraaza groups and prepared by the template condensation reaction of diacarboxylic acids (malonic, succinic, glutaric or adipic) with 2,6-diaminopyridine and diethylenetriamine in 1:2:2 molar ratios have been studied. Structures and bonding of the macrocyclic complexes have been proposed based on elemental analyses, IR, electronic, X-ray and mass spectral studies. An octahedral geometry for these complexes has been proposed as the binding sites are the nitrogen atoms of the macrocycles. The formation of the complexes as [Fe(Ln)Cl2] has been established on the basis of the chemical composition. The complexes have also been screened against several microbes

Potentially Biodynamic Tetraaza Macrocycles and their Manganese Complexes: Antiandrogen, Antimicrobial and PDI Studies

Fourteen to eighteen membered tetraazamacrocyclic ligands N4TTD1–N4TTD4 have been synthesized by the condensation of aliphatic diamines. H2N–(CH2)y–NH2 (y = 2 or 3) and dicarboxylic acids, HOOC-(CH2)x–COOH (x = 1 or 2) in the presence of condensing reagents dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCHC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). On reduction these macrocyclic ligands give N4TTD5-N4TTD8, which form complexes with manganese(II) acetate. The new products with octahedral geometry have been characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations, magnetic moment and spectral studies viz., infrared, electronic, mass and X-ray. On the basis of the spectral studies the binding sites are proposed as the nitrogen atom of the macrocycles. The formulation of the complexes as [Mn(CH3COO)2(N4TTDn)] (where n = 1 - 8) has been established on the basis of chemical composition. To assess the growth inhibiting potential of the ligands and their manganese (II) complexes biological screening have been undertaken. The testicular morphology, testicular sperm density, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymal spermatozoa and fertility in mating trials and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs with ligands and their corresponding complexes, in vivo have also been described in the this communication

Fertility Inhibitors Macrocyclic Complexes of Bivalent Manganese: Synthetic, Spectroscopic and Medicinal Approach

The modern physico-chemical, spectroscopic and biochemical methods have proved an important tool to elucidate the constitution of transition metal complexes. This paper presents a brief account of the synthesis, spectroscopic and medicinal aspects of tetraazamacrocyclic compounds of manganese(II). Sixteen to eighteen membered tetraamide macrocyclic ligands DTTD(1) and DTTD(2) have been synthesized by the condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane and 1,3-diaminopropane with phthalic acid in the presence of condensing reagents dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. On reduction these macrocyclic ligands give new tetraazamacrocycles TTD(1) and TTD(2) which form complexes with manganese (II) nitrate and manganese (II) acetate. Based on chemical analyses, molecular weight determinations, conductance measurements, magnetic moment, IR spectra, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR spectra, electronic spectra, mass spectra and X-ray spectral analysis, an octahedral geometry has been assigned to the newly synthesized products. The formulation of the complexes of the type [Mn(TTD(n))X(2)] [where, n or 2, X (NO(3)) or (CH(3)COO)] has been established on the basis of chemical composition. The possibilities of potential uses of these complexes as fungicides and bactericides, studied in vitro, are also discussed. The testicular sperm density, sperm morphology, sperm mortality, density of cauda epididymis, spermatozoa and fertility in mating trials and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs of rat have been examined and discussed

Osmolytes: Proline metabolism in plants as sensors of abiotic stress

Proline accumulation occurs in a large range of plant species in retaliation to the numerous abiotic stresses. An exclusive research pattern suggests there is a pragmatic relation between proline accumulation and plant stress tolerance. In this review, we will discuss the metabolism of proline accumulation and its role in stress tolerance in plants. Pertaining to the literature cited clearly indicates that not only does it acts as an osmolyte, it also plays important roles during stress as a metal chelator and an antioxidative defence molecule. Moreover, when applied exogenously at low concentrations, proline enhanced stress tolerance in plants. However, some reports point out adverse effects of proline when applied at higher doses. Role of proline gene in seed germination, flowering and other developmental programmes; thus creation of transgene overexpressing this gene would provide better and robust plants. In this context this review gives a detailed account of different proline gene over-expressed in all the trans-genic crops so far

Formulation Optimization of Hydrodynamically Balanced Oral Controlled Release Bioadhesive Tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride

The directly compressible floating-bioadhesive tablets of tramadol were formulated using varying amounts Carbopol 971P (CP) and hydroxy-propylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), along with other requisite excipients. In vitro drug release profile, floatational characteristics and ex vivo bioadhesive strength using texture analyzer were determined, and systematically optimized using a 32 central composite design (CCD). The studies indicated successful formulation of gastroretentive compressed matrices with excellent controlled release, mucoadhesion and hydrodynamic balance. Comparison of the dissolution profiles of the optimized formulation, with optimal composition of CP:HPMC :: 80.0:125.0, with that of the marketed controlled release formulation other indicated analogy of drug release performance with each other. Validation of optimization study using eight confirmatory experimental runs indicated very high degree of prognostic ability of CCD with mean ± SEM of −0.06% ± 0.37. Further, the study successfully unravels the effect of the polymers on the selected response variables

A REVIEW OF TREATMENT ASPECTS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS) THROUGH AYURVEDA

Computers have become a critical component of our life. In many situations, everyone indispensably needs to use a computer. Different careers depend purely on computer use since the arrival of games, different software programs, etc. The utility of computers has been extended to such a proportion that people use a computer for more than 8 hours a day. Though inevitable, it damages the eye and circumjacent muscles as the computer causes train on eyes. Most of these symptoms are due to the dryness of eyes and reduced blinking. Shalakya Tantra shares the maintenance of healthy eyesight through diversified Kriyakalpas. Kriyakalpas include Tarpana, Putapaka, Ashchotana, Anjana, Vidalaka, Lepa, etc. All these Kriyakalpas are utilized for the maintenance of a healthy eye. When an imbalance of Tridosha occurs in different Mandalas and Patalas, these Kriyakalpas are used to restore equilibrium in the status of Doshas and result in Samprapti-vighatana. Computer Vision Syndrome is not mentioned directly in Ayurvedic classics but it can be compared with symptoms of Shushkakshipaka of Sarvaksiroga. Acharya Vagbhata has mentioned cooling and rejuvenating therapies for eyes affected by bright light, high-voltage electric spark and heat exposure. Frequent eye examinations and appropriate viewing habits help to prevent the development of the symptoms of CVS. Nasya is highly effective in CVS if it is performed systematically. Thus, Ayurveda is an effective medical system that is crucial to keep your eyes healthy