Tool For Intensification Research Articles

Modeling of microfluidic solvent extraction: Evaluation of different flow regimes and cascade configurations

ABSTRACT Solvent extraction using a microfluidic platform is one of the process intensification tools. It may involve different two-phase flow regimes that have different physical and mass transfer characteristics. Therefore, this study focuses on the selection of a better flow regime, flow conditions and cascade configuration (cross or counter-current) using mathematical modeling for a typical high-throughput application (1000 L/day). The mathematical model is based on a plug flow model. The liquid–liquid system considered is a water–acetone–toluene system. The different flow regimes such as slug flow (SF), slug-droplet flow (SDF) and core-annular flow (CAF) in different cascade configurations are compared on the basis of parameters like specific extraction rate (SER), solvent extraction process effectiveness (SEPE) and modified merit index (MMI). Among the different flow regimes and cases studied, CAF is found to offer lesser parallel paths, total extraction length, total pressure drop and residence time. The best case of CAF has higher SER (3.6 times), SEPE (3.6 times) and MMI (21.8 times) than the best case of SF in both cascades. SDF shows the results between SF and CAF. For a specific flow regime, higher values of parameters are obtained at higher flow rates. Counter-current cascade is found to be better than cross-current cascade.

Localization of innovative technologies of industrial production as a tool for intensification of import substitution policy

The main criterion for the successful implementation of import substitution policy is the location of domestic production on the domestic territory of the state, in order to reduce the negative economic consequences of the industrial policies of unfriendly countries, with the orientation of domestic industrial enterprises towards their own intensification of production, including the production of analogous products to imported ones, for subsequent replacement of imported technologies with domestic ones and supply of domestic products to the domestic market – production and sale of own products. Localization of production is the placement of manufacturing or component industrial production facilities on its own, separate, local territory, in order to reduce the cost of products and bring them closer to assembly sites or sales markets. The term «localization of production», in the scientific literature, is represented by a special case of territorial organization (localized enterprises in separate territories) of production processes for the creation of material wealth, which has a number of features: in the organization of production, a company with a higher level of technological development forms the “conditions of the game”, organizing the distribution of production of certain products among all participants; localization is often carried out on the territory of another state, which has a lower level of development of technology and technology and a higher demand for final products in the markets of this state; An additional benefit of localization is the optimization of process logistics, bringing it closer to consumers. The goal of localization is to reduce production, transaction and logistics costs and increase the level of investment. The article presents the author's position on the development of intensification of the processes of industrial import substitution, in modern conditions, the main idea of which is the creation of localized production, a full technological cycle in the activities of Russian industrial enterprises, representing: at the initial stage, a full line of production of components and import substitution of missing parts, to meet demand in the domestic market, and in the future, the development of processes of substitution of imported technologies, the formation and use of advanced development technologies, increasing export potential and strengthening their presence of Russian industry in world markets. The work explores the essence of localization of production, which is determined by the production of parts and components manufactured in Russia, at national production facilities, using its own technologies, in order to increase the intensity of import substitution processes.

Compositions of enzyme preparations for targeted modification of multicomponent bran

Microbial enzyme preparations (EPs) of the cellulolytic, proteolytic and phytase action, as well as their compositions, allow obtaining quite a wide spectrum of products of hydrolysis of proteins, non-starch polysaccharides and phytin by means of targeted biocatalysis upon action on grain bran. The use of EPs and multienzyme compositions (MECs) is inherently a modern tool for intensification of biochemical processes underlying one or another food technology. At the same time, EPs allow modifying products of processing plant raw materials, in particular cereal, leguminous and oil-bearing crops (deep processing) and obtain valuable feed and food ingredients. Two multienzyme compositions based on domestic and foreign EPs have been developed and scientifically substantiated. Optimal conditions have been determined for conducting enzymatic reactions when using wheat-lentil-flax bran as a substrate. High effectiveness of the developed MECs has been shown: the proportion of reducing substances (RS) in the hydrolysates under study increased compared to the mass fraction of the autolysates of wheat and three-component bran by 2.8 and 2.3 times (MEC‑1) and by 3.5 and 2.7 times (MEC‑2), respectively. The content of soluble protein increased by 4.7 and 3.0 times (MEC‑1) and by 6.4 and 4.2 times (MEC‑2). The proportion of soluble phosphorus increased on average by 3.0–3.5 times when using MEC‑1 and MEC‑2. It has been found by gel-electrophoresis that the fractions containing low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids (MW < 1000 Da) in the hydrolysates obtained using MECs exceeded by 3–4 times the corresponding fraction in the hydrolysates obtained under the action of endogenous enzymes (autolysis). With that, according to the HPLC results, the concentration of amino acids that are most valuable in terms of nitrogenous nutrition of yeasts (aspartic acid, arginine) increased on average by 2.5–3.0 times, the concentration of valine by 5 times, histidine and isoleucine by 2.0–2.5 times in the experimental hydrolysates of three-component bran.

The influence of agrometeorological factors on the yield of grain crops in the forest-steppe of the Omsk region

In the arid agricultural landscapes of Western Siberia, the productivity of leading grain crops is determined by adaptive agrotechnology, the use of intensification tools and hydrothermal conditions. The relatively low (up to 1.40-1.70 t/ha) and unstable yield of grain crops is mainly due to the limited use of fertilizers (up to 20 kg/ha), the aridity of the climate. Long-term studies have established that in the southern forest-steppe agricultural landscapes, precipitation of all periods of the year, except for spring, has an impact on grain productivity. Autumn moisture reserves determine the yield of spring wheat after its corn predecessor by 51% in general, up to 21% for steam, and only 13% for barley. The conjugacy of spring soil moisture is higher on wheat, on flat-cutting processing than on plowing, on intensive agrotechnology. The most significant combination of spring moisture reserves and summer precipitation (June-1st decade of July). The dependence of wheat yield after steam reaches a high conjugacy (r=0.77-0.84), after corn – from medium to strong (up to 59-71%). The correlation of yield with the temperature regime during the growing season is negative. The conjugacy with the value of GTK is more pronounced after the corn precursor – 46%, steam – up to 30%, barley only 8%, the greatest dependence was revealed with the Coefficient of dryness. The predicted yield level of high–quality grain with complex chemicalization and soil protection treatment with average long-term hydrothermal parameters on wheat after the corn precursor reaches 2.8 t/ha with a probability of up to 76%, and 3.4 t/ha for steam. To optimize the water regime, it is necessary to use additional moisture-accumulating agricultural techniques.

Development, Verification, and Analysis of Simple Mathematical Model of Lettuce Productivity under Different Light Conditions

Lettuce is an important agricultural plant which is often cultivated under artificial illumination including light of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Spectrum and intensity of used illumination and duration of photoperiod can strongly influence a final lettuce biomass; their effects can be interacted. It means that search of optimal light conditions is complicated problem for experimental investigations because numerous combinations of light conditions should be analyzed. A mathematical model of lettuce productivity can provide the potential tool for intensification of this search; earlier, we preliminarily proposed the minimal model of lettuce productivity under the LED illumination. The aim of the current work was further development, verification, and analysis of the simple mathematical model of the lettuce productivity. Dry weight of a lettuce leaf rosette was used as the main variable of the model; its changes were described as function of difference between production of biomass through assimilation and its consumption through respiration. The model was quantitively parameterized and verified on basis of our previous experimental works devoted to influence of parameters of the LED illumination on lettuce characteristics. It was shown well correspondence between experimental and simulated results. Further analysis of the developed model predicted optimal illumination conditions of the lettuce cultivation. Particularly, it showed a positive influence of gradual and step increase of the light intensity on final biomass of cultivated lettuce plants. Thus, the developed model can be used as the tool for the theoretical prediction of optimal light conditions for the lettuce cultivation.

Clinical Inertia Among Outpatients With Heart Failure: Application of Treatment Nonintensification Taxonomy to EPIC-HF Trial

BackgroundThe contribution of clinical inertia to suboptimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains unclear. ObjectivesThis study examined reasons for GDMT nonintensification and characterized clinical inertia. MethodsIn this secondary analysis of EPIC-HF (Electronically Delivered, Patient-Activation Tool for Intensification of Medications for Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction), a randomized clinical trial evaluating a patient-activation tool on GDMT utilization, we performed a sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study. Reasons for nonintensification among 4 medication classes were assigned according to an expanded published taxonomy using structured chart reviews. Audio transcripts of clinic encounters were analyzed to further characterize nonintensification reasons. Integration occurred during the interpretation phase. ResultsAmong 292 HFrEF patients who completed a cardiology visit, 185 (63.4%) experienced no treatment intensification, of whom 90 (48.6%) had at least 1 opportunity for intensification of a medication class with no documented contraindication or barriers (ie, clinical inertia). Nonintensification reasons varied by medication class, and included heightened risk of adverse effects (range 18.2%-31.6%), patient nonadherence (range 0.8%-1.1%), patient preferences and beliefs (range 0.6%-0.9%), comanagement with other providers (range 4.6%-5.6%), prioritization of other issues (range 15.6%-31.8%), multiple categories (range 16.5%-22.7%), and clinical inertia (range 22.7%-31.6%). A qualitative analysis of 32 clinic audio recordings demonstrated common characteristics of clinical inertia: 1) clinician review of medication regimens without education or intensification discussions; 2) patient stability as justification for nonintensification; and 3) shorter encounters for nonintensification vs intensification. ConclusionsIn this comprehensive study exploring HFrEF prescribing, clinical inertia is a main contributor to nonintensification within an updated taxonomy classification for suboptimal GDMT prescribing. This approach should help target strategies overcoming GDMT underuse.

Insulin Pump and Closed Loop Systems' Use in People Living with Diabetes: A Narrative Review of Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness to Enable Access to Technology and Meet the Need of Payers.

The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion delivery via insulin pumps is today considered standard of care for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Closed-loop systems combining continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with automated algorithm-driven insulin delivery have been shown to be safe and efficacious in randomized controlled studies and in real-life studies in both pediatric and adult individuals with T1D. Implementation of hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems have shown incremental effectiveness with further reduction of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Although less extensively studied in type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin pumps have demonstrated their effectiveness on glucose control together with the reduction in insulin needs and a neutral effect on weight. Recent studies have also shown promising results with the use of HCL in T2D. Cost-effectiveness studies both in T1D and T2D have shown that pump is cost effective in several countries, leading to improvements in quality adjusted life years. Insulin pumps are currently reimbursed for T1D in many European countries, but only in a few for individuals with T2D. HCL systems are to be evaluated in future trials performed in T2D to compare their incremental efficacy and cost effectiveness in comparison with available intensification tools which include multiple daily insulin injections, metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. There is a need for updated guidelines for the use of CSII and HCL in individuals living with T2D based on the emerging evidence, identifying, and recommending for the people who'd benefit the most, which would eventually form a basis for the reimbursement and health policies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Combined ultrasound-microwave assisted synthesis of aripiprazole: Process optimization using RSM-ANN

The current work demonstrates combined microwave and ultrasonic assisted synthesis of aripiprazole (ARZ) drug from carbostyril intermediate with piperazine moiety in the presence of a mixture of a green medium. The traditional cooking (TC) technique is time-consuming (≥ 16.45 h), accounts for a significant number of contaminants (≥ 2.63%), and has the drawback of additional repetitive purification stages. The intensification tool simultaneous microwave-ultrasonic irradiation has been employed to overcome these challenges. Response surface methodology (RSM), along with central composite design (CCD), was used to assess the impact of different process parameters on process yield (ϒc) and total impurity content (ὶ). A consistent process yield (≥ 91%) with less total impurity content (≤ 1.45%) was obtained at the optimum condition of reactant mole ratio (1:1), base mole ratio (2.4:1), reaction temperature (85°C) and process time (188 min). Among the exercised numerical tools, a neural network was found to be more precise than RSM for the current system. The synthesis of ARZ followed a second-order kinetic model. The activation energy was found to be 79.61 kJ/mol. Eventually, the qualitative analysis shows a good resemblance between the synthesized products obtained by these two techniques.

Tailoring polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate (PVA-SA) hydrogel beads by controlling crosslinking pH and time

Hydrogel-encapsulated catalysts are an attractive tool for low-cost intensification of (bio)-processes. Polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate hydrogels crosslinked with boric acid and post-cured with sulfate (PVA-SA-BS) have been applied in bioproduction and water treatment processes, but the low pH required for crosslinking may negatively affect biocatalyst functionality. Here, we investigate how crosslinking pH (3, 4, and 5) and time (1, 2, and 8 h) affect the physicochemical, elastic, and process properties of PVA-SA-BS beads. Overall, bead properties were most affected by crosslinking pH. Beads produced at pH 3 and 4 were smaller and contained larger internal cavities, while optical coherence tomography suggested polymer cross-linking density was higher. Optical coherence elastography revealed PVA-SA-BS beads produced at pH 3 and 4 were stiffer than pH 5 beads. Dextran Blue release showed that pH 3-produced beads enabled higher diffusion rates and were more porous. Last, over a 28-day incubation, pH 3 and 4 beads lost more microspheres (as cell proxies) than beads produced at pH 5, while the latter released more polymer material. Overall, this study provides a path forward to tailor PVA-SA-BS hydrogel bead properties towards a broad range of applications, such as chemical, enzymatic, and microbially catalyzed (bio)-processes.

Addressing Therapeutic Inertia: Development and Implementation of an Electronic Health Record-Based Diabetes Intensification Tool.

To assess whether an electronic health record (EHR)-based diabetes intensification tool can improve the rate of A1C goal attainment among patients with type 2 diabetes and an A1C ≥8%. An EHR-based tool was developed and sequentially implemented in a large, integrated health system using a four-phase, stepped-wedge design (single pilot site [phase 1] and then three practice site clusters [phases 2-4]; 3 months/phase), with full implementation during phase 4. A1C outcomes, tool usage, and treatment intensification metrics were compared retrospectively at implementation (IMP) sites versus nonimplementation (non-IMP) sites with sites matched on patient population characteristics using overlap propensity score weighting. Overall, tool utilization was low among patient encounters at IMP sites (1,122 of 11,549 [9.7%]). During phases 1-3, the proportions of patients achieving the A1C goal (<8%) were not significantly improved between IMP and non-IMP sites at 6 months (range 42.9-46.5%) or 12 months (range 46.5-53.1%). In phase 3, fewer patients at IMP sites versus non-IMP sites achieved the goal at 12 months (46.7 vs. 52.3%, P = 0.02). In phases 1-3, mean changes in A1C from baseline to 6 and 12 months (range -0.88 to -1.08%) were not significantly different between IMP and non-IMP sites. Times to intensification were similar between IMP and non-IMP sites. Utilization of a diabetes intensification tool was low and did not influence rates of A1C goal attainment or time to treatment intensification. The low level of tool adoption is itself an important finding highlighting the problem of therapeutic inertia in clinical practice. Testing additional strategies to better incorporate, increase acceptance of, and improve proficiency with EHR-based intensification tools is warranted.

Control of redox potential in a novel continuous bioelectrochemical system led to remarkable metabolic and energetic responses of Clostridium pasteurianum grown on glycerol

BackgroundElectro-fermentation (EF) is an emerging tool for bioprocess intensification. Benefits are especially expected for bioprocesses in which the cells are enabled to exchange electrons with electrode surfaces directly. It has also been demonstrated that the use of electrical energy in BES can increase bioprocess performance by indirect secondary effects. In this case, the electricity is used to alter process parameters and indirectly activate desired pathways. In many bioprocesses, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is a crucial process parameter. While C. pasteurianum fermentation of glycerol has been shown to be significantly influenced electrochemically, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. To this end, we developed a system for the electrochemical control of ORP in continuous culture to quantitatively study the effects of ORP alteration on C. pasteurianum by metabolic flux analysis (MFA), targeted metabolomics, sensitivity and regulation analysis.ResultsIn the ORP range of −462 mV to −250 mV, the developed algorithm enabled a stable anodic electrochemical control of ORP at desired set-points and a fixed dilution rate of 0.1 h−1. An overall increase of 57% in the molar yield for 1,3-propanediol was observed by an ORP increase from −462 to −250 mV. MFA suggests that C. pasteurianum possesses and uses cellular energy generation mechanisms in addition to substrate-level phosphorylation. The sensitivity analysis showed that ORP exerted its strongest impact on the reaction of pyruvate-ferredoxin-oxidoreductase. The regulation analysis revealed that this influence is mainly of a direct nature. Hence, the observed metabolic shifts are primarily caused by direct inhibition of the enzyme upon electrochemical production of oxygen. A similar effect was observed for the enzyme pyruvate-formate-lyase at elevated ORP levels.ConclusionsThe results show that electrochemical ORP alteration is a suitable tool to steer the metabolism of C. pasteurianum and increase product yield for 1,3-propanediol in continuous culture. The approach might also be useful for application with further anaerobic or anoxic bioprocesses. However, to maximize the technique's efficiency, it is essential to understand the chemistry behind the ORP change and how the microbial system responds to it by transmitted or direct effects.

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AMPLIFICATION

Topicality. The article explores the issue of determining the direction in which the region should develop its foreign economic relations, how to rebuild a regional economic system in order to realize their resources and opportunities for growth in the globalized international economy in the most effective way. Theoretical and conceptual foundations of the regional foreign economic relations development, analysed in this article, determine a role of commodity exports, imports of modern technologies, investment (including foreign capital), innovation, institutional environment and entrepreneurship for regional development. Among other issues addressed in this article, special attention was paid to analysis of changes in regional development paradigms.Aim and tasks. The aim of the article is to study theoretical and conceptual foundations of regional development through by means of regional foreign economic relations amplification. In addition, the objectives of the current study include: highlighting changes of scientific views on paradigms of regional development in terms of areas of amplification of regional foreign economic relations, identification of the main contradictions and temporal context of the proposed theories and concepts of regional development, addition to the main trends in the theoretical and conceptual basis of regional development in recent years.Research results. The article considers a formation of theories and concepts of regional development, which provide for the intensification of regional foreign economic relations. The analysis of theoretical and conceptual bases of regional foreign economic relations amplification testifies the transformation of paradigms of regional development according to a context of times in which there were changes of scientific views on the reasons and consequences of regional growth. The article examines the evolutionary transformation of regional economic development paradigms through the following theories: spatial location theory, theory of international (interregional) trade, Keynesian theories (export base theory and input-output model), neoclassical theories of regional economic development, concepts of economic rationalism, comparative, competitive and common advantages, theories of globalization, sustainable development, regional self-help and endogenous development, a new growth theory. Based on the analysis of the regional development theoretical foundations, the article establishes that the main theories and concepts of regional foreign economic relations mostly focused on consideration of such incentives as: capital investment, technological innovation, foreign trade, agglomeration effect (economies of scale), as well as a level of institution development.Conclusion. The article states that there is no single generally accepted theory for providing scientific approaches to a complementary amplification of regional foreign economic relations. Certain theories and concepts, which form theoretical foundations for the regional foreign economic relations amplification, have relatively practical application only in specific cases. Thus, by means of an application of the postulates of the theory of international and interregional trade, the optimal structure of the external trade turnover of the region and the parameters of determining the commodity positions for import substitution are determined; neoclassical theory of spatial equilibrium serves as a theoretical basis for choosing investment attraction’ direction in prioritized regional production and infrastructure facilities; new regional growth theories (including, of endogenous regional development concept) serve as a theoretical background for choosing tools for foreign economic activity intensification in order to ensure regional development. At the same time, achieving regional growth, in the modern sense, is not possible without considering principles of sustainable development and self-sufficiency of a territory, therefore, an amplification of foreign economic relations in the region, even in a globalized world, should be based mainly on endogenous factors, while strengthening its development with an innovation and investment components from the external environment.

Giving Insulin Is Not a Guessing Game: Insulin Replacement Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

In 2021, 537 million adults were living with diabetes. Being a progressive disease, there would eventually be failure of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) to maintain good glycemic control and a majority will require insulin. However, optimal glycemic control has not been satisfactory in a significant proportion of patients who were on insulin therapy. Patient factors (eg, awareness, compliance, socioeconomic) have been identified but physician-related factors are as important. These include incorrect choice and inappropriate combination of insulin therapy which could be corrected by making the treatment physiologic. The purpose of this article is to improve management decisions in type 2 diabetes by reviewing its pathophysiology and identifying the optimum insulin regimen that could mimic such. Since eventual beta cell failure is central to its pathophysiology, it is but reasonable to replace insulin by mimicking its physiologic secretion. Hence, the term Insulin Replacement Therapy (IRT) should be utilized. This could be provided by the combination of premix insulin (ie, NPH + regular insulin) and rapid-acting insulin which has been reported to provide an initial 17.5% HbA1c reduction and even 18% reduction on 5-year follow-up providing sustainable control. A stepwise approach is an effective tool for insulin intensification. Hypoglycemia in insulin therapy could be prevented with an appropriate dietary regimen through automatic snacking. Keywords: Insulin replacement therapy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, pathophysiology

The Interaction Between Patient Activation And Patient-clinician Relationship Quality: Implications For Ambulatory Heart Failure Care

Introduction Heart failure (HF) management is complex, requiring dedication from patient and clinician. Patient activation is associated with improved health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and decreased costs. Patient-clinician relationship quality may play a key role, with some studies finding that increased patient trust is associated with higher subjective health and patient activation; others suggest that patient activation is endogenous to the patient. Within this context, we aimed to understand how patient activation is produced and maintained among patients with HF. Methods The Electronically Delivered, Patient-Activation Tool for Intensification of Medications for Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Trial (EPIC-HF) randomized patients to usual care or a novel pre-clinic activation tool for prescribing. Of 290 study visits, 32 intervention clinic-appointments were audio recorded. 22 participated in an interview, during which the clinic recording was used as an elicitation tool to discuss patient recollections of the appointment and intervention. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. We developed codes iteratively and analyzed data within and across interviews to identify themes. We used method triangulation to confirm our findings with clinic recordings. Results Patient-clinician relationship quality and patient activation shaped patients’ perceptions of their role in medical care. We identified four situational typologies consisting of high/low patient activation and high/low relationship quality. Patients with a high-quality relationship either felt comfortable and engaged with their care, actively communicating with their clinician (Supported), or trusted their clinician to make decisions (Deferential). Those with a low-quality relationship were either spurred to action by negative interactions, (Skeptical), or felt unable to speak up (Unempowered). Typologies were sensitive to time and context—several patients described one typology in reference to a past clinician, but a different typology in reference to their current clinician. Finally, patient activation was not produced by the patient-clinician relationship, but rather moderated by it: patients who were naturally engaged might become more engaged as a result of a given patient-clinician dynamic, and vice-versa. Conclusion Patient-clinician relationship quality and patient activation do not operate separately or have a linear relationship. Rather, the interaction of relationship and activation informs patients’ perceptions of their role in managing their treatment; this interaction is fluid across contexts. These findings raise questions about how these typologies shape health over time, how experiences in multiple typologies shape patients’ overall activation in their care, and whether different typologies are more/less advantageous at different disease stages. Heart failure (HF) management is complex, requiring dedication from patient and clinician. Patient activation is associated with improved health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and decreased costs. Patient-clinician relationship quality may play a key role, with some studies finding that increased patient trust is associated with higher subjective health and patient activation; others suggest that patient activation is endogenous to the patient. Within this context, we aimed to understand how patient activation is produced and maintained among patients with HF. The Electronically Delivered, Patient-Activation Tool for Intensification of Medications for Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Trial (EPIC-HF) randomized patients to usual care or a novel pre-clinic activation tool for prescribing. Of 290 study visits, 32 intervention clinic-appointments were audio recorded. 22 participated in an interview, during which the clinic recording was used as an elicitation tool to discuss patient recollections of the appointment and intervention. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. We developed codes iteratively and analyzed data within and across interviews to identify themes. We used method triangulation to confirm our findings with clinic recordings. Patient-clinician relationship quality and patient activation shaped patients’ perceptions of their role in medical care. We identified four situational typologies consisting of high/low patient activation and high/low relationship quality. Patients with a high-quality relationship either felt comfortable and engaged with their care, actively communicating with their clinician (Supported), or trusted their clinician to make decisions (Deferential). Those with a low-quality relationship were either spurred to action by negative interactions, (Skeptical), or felt unable to speak up (Unempowered). Typologies were sensitive to time and context—several patients described one typology in reference to a past clinician, but a different typology in reference to their current clinician. Finally, patient activation was not produced by the patient-clinician relationship, but rather moderated by it: patients who were naturally engaged might become more engaged as a result of a given patient-clinician dynamic, and vice-versa. Patient-clinician relationship quality and patient activation do not operate separately or have a linear relationship. Rather, the interaction of relationship and activation informs patients’ perceptions of their role in managing their treatment; this interaction is fluid across contexts. These findings raise questions about how these typologies shape health over time, how experiences in multiple typologies shape patients’ overall activation in their care, and whether different typologies are more/less advantageous at different disease stages.

Redesigning of Farming Systems Using a Multi-Criterion Assessment Tool for Sustainable Intensification and Nutritional Security in Northwestern India

Sustaining agricultural systems dominated by small and vulnerable resource-poor farms that are subject to climatic aberrations is a major challenge for most Asian countries. In this context, the role of agriculture requires immediate attention in northwestern India where marginal farmers with less than a meagre 1 hectare of land represent about 67% of the population. Research based on prototype farms is being promoted in the redesign of current farming practices to help give these farmers sustainable livelihoods. We hypothesize that integrating innovative cropping systems into smallholder marginal farms could help to achieve these objectives. The study presented here describes a modelling approach for the ex-ante assessment of the current farming practices of marginal households in terms of economic, environmental, and nutritional indicators in comparison with those of experimental research farms in order to delineate an alternative scope of flexibility to optimize farming practices. We used the FarmDESIGN model to evaluate farmers’ realities, with a focus on marginal farms (marginal poor farmers (MPFs)) and marginal diversified farmers (MDF) with the objective of enhancing profit, soil organic matter balance, and nutritional system yield in terms of dietary energy and reducing pesticide usage. Introducing prototype cropping systems in up to 33% of the farm area, combined with rearrangements of the existing crops, provided ample opportunity to improve farm performance. The improvements were greater when prototype cropping systems were added, and MPFs could benefit greatly from improvements in soil organic matter balance when considering the current negative organic matter balance of most farms. We conclude that the model-based approach of evaluating the potential of new cropping systems, along with the fine tuning of alternative combinations, will support the enhanced adaptability of innovative cropping practices, which will help to improve the livelihoods of marginal farmers.

Liquid-liquid flow and mass transfer characteristics in a miniaturized annular centrifugal device

• A MACD with efficient mass transfer, fast phase separation and low energy consumption is proposed. • The dimensionless correlation of maximum throughput is obtained. • Operation region and controlled mechanism of liquid–liquid phase separation are obtained. • the maximum η and k L a are up to 99.8 % and 0.31 s −1 , respectively. • The mean energy dissipation rate is lower than that of similar rotating equipment. Miniaturization of chemical equipment is becoming an important topic in process intensification and microscale flow chemistry. In this context, we developed a miniaturized annular centrifugal device (MACD) based on the microscale effect and centrifugal force. Various parameters were investigated to determine the maximum throughput of the single-phase, operating region of liquid–liquid phase separation, mass transfer performance, and mean energy dissipation rate. Detailed investigations of the controlled mechanism of the liquid–liquid flow process showed that a very fast phase separation can be achieved. The extraction efficiency and volume mass transfer coefficient were up to 99.8 % and 0.31 s −1 , respectively. The mean energy dissipation rate ranged from 0.8 × 10 4 to 3.9 × 10 4 W/m 3 , which is lower than that of the similar rotating equipment. In addition, dimensionless correlations were obtained to predict the maximum throughput of the single-phase, the operating region of liquid–liquid phase separation, and the volume mass transfer coefficient. This study is the first time to propose a MACD with fast phase separation, efficient mass transfer, and low energy consumption, and provides a highly promising liquid–liquid process intensification tool.

Start-up as an Environment to Promote Innovation Activities

The article summarizes the relevance and importance of activities in the field of start-ups as a source of modern innovative ideas. It is determined that a successful start-up requires a favourable environment both at the level of the start-up organization and at the level of its implementation. It is substantiated that in the conditions of low innovation activity start-ups can serve as a tool for intensification of innovation activity. Based on the results of the study, the directions of a favourable environment formation for the development of start-ups are proposed. At the macro level, the necessary changes are related to the formation of appropriate culture and regulatory activities, technical development, dissemination of experience and international practice, needs, desires and requirements of consumers, at the micro level — management technologies that create a favourable environment for the formation and implementation of start-ups. Modern organizational forms for attracting the investment resources into the innovative development of organizations and society as a whole on the basis of the allocation of start-ups, project activities and pilot projects are considered. The results of the introduction of start-ups in domestic practice are analysed and their characteristics are presented. Attention is drawn to the importance of considering of potential stakeholders who are interested in creating an innovative product within a start-up or other forms of investment, and create conditions that directly or indirectly affect the implementation of innovative ideas. The differences between start-ups, project management and pilot project are summarized and highlighted. It is substantiated that the implementation of pilot projects is appropriate in the conditions of approbation of the initiative, new concept or process or test for the organization. It is determined that the basis for both pilot projects and start-ups is the project management methodology. Examples of pilot projects for domestic oil and gas companies are considered. The key provisions for the implementation of a new concept of development or innovation in domestic enterprises through various forms of project activities are highlighted.

Simultaneous extraction and partial purification of proteins from spent turmeric powder using ultrasound intensified three phase partitioning and its potential as antidiabetic agent

Food industry wastes could be a significant source for value-added biomolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, oil, and polyphenolic compounds. The present work elucidates an application of ultrasound as an intensification tool for the three-phase partitioning (TPP) of anti-diabetic proteins from industrial turmeric waste. Spent turmeric contains 8-12% (w/w) proteins having various therapeutic properties. Maximum protein recovery (66.52%) was attained under optimized TPP conditions such as 60% salt concentration, pH 7, 0.03 g/mL solid loading, 1:1 aqueous to t-butanol phase ratio, and 45 min time. Further, the ultrasound was applied to TPP as a process intensification tool that reduced extraction time from 45 min to 10 min and enhanced the protein recovery by 20%. At 90 W ultrasound power with 40% duty cycle and 22 kHz ultrasonic frequency, maximum recovery was achieved in minimum time requirement. Partial purification by TPP/UA-TPP and molecular weight (14–40 kDa) of proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The partially purified fractions by UA-TPP exhibited comparable anti-diabetic activity with acarbose standard. The comparison between various extraction techniques showed that UA-TPP leads to 86% protein recovery in just 10 min with the minimum solvent requirement. Thus, UA-TPP promises rapid and enhanced protein recovery from waste turmeric powder which showed anti-diabetic activity.

Process Intensification of Enzymatic Synthesis of Flavor Esters: A Review.

The conventional flavor synthesis method suffers from low yields, time inefficiency, and extreme reaction conditions. Therefore, there is a necessity for the green and novel synthesis approach to overcome these limitations. The current review presents a holistic insight into different aspects associated with the synthesis of flavor esters using the immobilized enzyme. The application of process intensification tools such as ultrasound and microwave irradiation can enhance the reaction efficiency because of higher product recovery, less formation of by-products, and decreased energy consumption. This review presents the process intensification of value-added flavor esters synthesis and the mechanism of ultrasound and microwave action on the enzyme to enhance the enzyme activity and increase the reaction rate. It also summarizes the role of process intensification in enzymatic flavor ester synthesis, followed by specific examples as reported in the literature.

On-farm experiences shape farmer knowledge, perceptions of pollinators, and management practices

Mitigating pollinator declines in agriculturally dominated landscapes to safeguard pollination services requires the involvement of farmers and their willingness to adopt pollinator-friendly management. However, farmer knowledge, perceptions, and actions to support on-farm pollinators and their alignment with science-based knowledge and recommendations are rarely evaluated. To close this knowledge gap, we interviewed 560 farmers from 11 countries around the world, cultivating at least one of four widely grown pollinator-dependent crops (apple, avocado, kiwifruit, oilseed rape). We particularly focused on non-bee crop pollinators which, despite being important pollinators of many crops, received less research attention than bees. We found that farmers perceived bees to be more important pollinators than other flower-visiting insects. However, around 75% of the farmers acknowledged that non-bees contributed to the pollination of their crops, seeing them as additional pollinators rather than substitutes for bees. Despite farmers rating their own observations as being most important in how they perceived the contribution of different crop pollinator taxa, their perception aligned closely with results from available scientific studies across crops and countries. Farmer perceptions were also linked with their pollinator management practices, e.g. farmers who used managed bees for crop pollination services (more than half the farmers) rated these managed bees as particularly important. Interestingly, their willingness to establish wildflower strips or manage hedgerows to enhance pollinator visitation was linked to their ecological knowledge of non-bees or to government subsidies. Farmers adapted practices to enhance pollination services depending on the crop, which indicates an understanding of differences in the pollination ecology of crops. Almost half of the farmers had changed on-farm pollination management in the past 10 years and farm practices differed greatly between countries. This suggests integrated crop pollination measures are being adapted by farmers to reach best pollinator management practices. Our findings highlight the importance of studying local knowledge as a key to co-design locally-adapted measures to facilitate pollinator-integrated food production as ecological intensification tools.