Optimal Conditions For Use Research Articles

The impact of sewage sludge treatment on the content of selected heavy metals and their fractions

The aim of the study was to assess the physicochemical properties of compost made of municipal sewage sludge from selected Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant. Content of basic macroelements and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg, Mg, Ca, N, P, K, Na) and their fractions was determined by means of BCR method. Based on the analyzes, it was found that the content of heavy metals in compost did not exceed the limits set by natural land management of sewage sludge; the compost is very abundant in biogenic elements - nitrogen and phosphorus – and it can be also considered a significant source of calcium and magnesium. The analysis of results obtained from the three-stage chemical extraction revealed that deposits subjected to aerobic stabilization and composting accumulate metals (in descending sequence) in fractions III and II, i.e. fractions virtually inaccessible to the ecosystem in optimal conditions of use.

Development and application of a new in-line coupling of a miniaturized boronate affinity monolithic column with capillary zone electrophoresis for the selective enrichment and analysis of cis-diol-containing compounds

An integrated, miniaturized and fully automated system was developed for the analysis (preconcentration/purification, separation and detection) of cis-diol containing molecules in complex matrices. This innovative in-line coupling system was achieved via the in-situ and localized synthesis of a short segment of silica-based monolith at the inlet of a 75-μm inner diameter fused silica capillary. The monolithic segment was locally functionalized with an acrylamide derivative of phenylboronic acid by free radical photopolymerization within 10min of irradiation time. Efficiency of the photopolymerization reaction was followed by frontal affinity chromatography of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol) as cis-diol model solute. An active-site amount of 0.43nmolcm−1 (9.8nmolμL−1) of phenylboronic acid moieties was obtained, with a Kd value of about 290μM close to reported value for the phenyl boronate-catechol complex. The optimal conditions of use of the miniaturized boronate affinity monolithic column (μBAMC) were determined and adapted to the in-line coupling with capillary electrophoresis. Catechol was specifically preconcentrated in a pH 8.5 phosphate buffer/MeOH (80/20, v/v) mixture. A volume up to 20 times the monolith volume can be percolated with a quantitative recovery yield. Three catecholamines were purified, preconcentrated and in-line separated. Elution from the μBAMC was performed with a small plug of acidic solution, allowing field amplified sample stacking of solutes within the plug before their in-line electrophoretic separation at pH 8.75. This unique in-line coupling was successfully used for the fully automated analysis of catecholamines neurotransmitters in urine samples, highlighting the purification efficiency of the μBAMC and the potential of such a fully integrated approach. In addition to the low sample volume required (less than 2μL), the limits of detection (LOD) accomplished with this coupling were estimated at 9.0, 9.5 and 4.8ngmL−1 for dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline respectively, which improves the LOD of theses solutes compared to other CE methods.

On assessing calibration of multivariate ensemble forecasts

A necessary condition for optimal use in decision making of probability forecasts in general, and ensemble forecasts in particular, is that they should be calibrated. Ensemble calibration implies that each observation is statistically indistinguishable from the members of its forecast ensemble. The dimensionality of multivariate forecast settings, where the observation is a vector of related quantities rather than a scalar, affords opportunities for a rich variety of types of ensemble miscalibration, and so requires more sophisticated metrics for detection and diagnosis. This article investigates the performance in an artificial data setting of five multivariate ensemble calibration metrics that have been proposed in the literature. It is found that none of these dominates the others for detecting covariance miscalibration across a variety of miscalibration types, and that each exhibits weak performance in some instances, implying that several of the metrics should be used simultaneously when multivariate ensemble miscalibration is to be investigated. Multivariate biases were detected more strongly and diagnostically using univariate rank histograms for the individual forecast vector components.

Prospective Descriptive Study of RFID Tag Detection Rates based on Various Exploratory Scenarios Aimed at Identifying Optimal Conditions of Use

AbstractObjectiveThe main objective is to evaluate RFID tags detection rates using various exploratory scenarios in order to identify optimal conditions of use. The secondary objective is to evaluate RFID tags detection rates based on a real-life scenario involving a cardiorespiratory resuscitation drug tray used within our institution in order to identify optimal conditions of use.BackgroundThe traceability of goods has been a subject of interest for more than a century. Traceability makes it possible to locate goods at every step in the chain from production through to disposal. Just as with other Automatic Identification and Data Capture technologies, radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to increase the traceability of objects.ResultsSeven variables that could influence RFID tags detection rates were evaluated in eight exploratory scenarios. Optimal detection parameters allowing to a 100 % detection rate were identified: a 10-second reading time; a reading distance of 10 cm; parallel orientation of reader-antenna and at least two back and forth readings for a total of 6 sec were required for optimal reading. Detection rates decreased after 100 RFID tags and it were not affected by the shape of the RFID tags. Reader-antenna and RFID tag interferences resulted from aluminum paper or RFID tags that touched one another. RFID tag detection rates obtained per operator were similar. Regarding real-life scenarios, detection rates increased with reading times and a plateau effect was observed after 10 sec. Undetected elements varied and non-detection was almost always related to the proximity of two RFID tags rather than the nature of the items read.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first prospective descriptive study that compares RFID tag detection rates based on various exploratory scenarios in order to identify optimal conditions of use. Such results can be used to develop a software application supporting drug replenishing through RFID in the drug use process.

Characterization of antimicrobial efficacy of photocatalytic polymers against food-borne biofilms

Abstract Biofouling of food industry equipment and other surfaces that food products contact during processing is a threat to food safety, which results in infectious outbreaks and economic losses due to corrosion, equipment impairment, and reduced heat transfer efficiency. Once firmly attached to a surface, biofilms can be almost impossible to remove using current sanitation procedures. Self-cleaning surfaces with TiO2 coatings that are activated with ultraviolet (UV) light may be effective in preventing bacterial growth or killing or removing adherent organisms but require studies to demonstrate their efficacy and determine optimum conditions for use. Therefore, we examined the efficacy of TiO2-based polymer coatings against key food-borne pathogens namely, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium. Upon photo-catalytic activation of the coatings, the viability of early stage biofilms formed on each coated surface and the relative contribution of reactive oxygen species was evaluated. Results show that the relative antimicrobial activity strength was dependent on the length of UV irradiation; 5–10 min exposure was sufficient to inhibit/kill biofilms of each pathogenic species tested. The results of this study render contact surfaces less attractive for pathogenic biofilms while doubling as an effective mitigation strategy to remove biofilms that form despite coating.

Whey protein mucoadhesive properties for oral drug delivery: Mucin–whey protein interaction and mucoadhesive bond strength

Whey protein is a natural polymer recently used as an excipient in buccoadhesive tablets but its mucoadhesive properties were barely studied. In this work, we characterize mucoadhesion of whey protein in order to determine the mechanisms and optimal conditions for use as excipient in oral drug delivery. Thus, native and denatured whey protein (NWP and DWP) were investigated and the effect of concentration and pH were also studied. Many methods of characterization were selected to allow the study of chemical and physical interactions with mucin and then the results were bound with an ex vivo experiments. Turbidity of WP–mucin mixture increased at acidic pH 1.2 till 4.5 indicating interaction with mucin but not at pH 6.8. No interaction with mucin was also found by ITC method at pH 6.8 for native and denatured whey protein used at 1% (w/w). Forces of bioadhesion evaluated by viscosity measurements were the best for high concentrated (10.8%) DWP solutions at pH 6.8 and were low at pH 1.2 for NWP and DWP solutions. Addition of chemical blockers indicated that hydrogen bondings and disulfide bridges were the main mechanisms of interactions with mucin. Reticulation of DWP with calcium ions to obtain microparticles (MP) did not influence the ability of interaction with mucin as shown by FTIR analysis. These results correlated with ex vivo study on rat tissue demonstrating important adhesion (75%) of WP MP on the intestine and null on the stomach after 2h of deposit.

Unconventional Binders in Refractory Concrete for Cement Plant Use

The physical properties of three 60% alumina monolithic refractories with different types of binders were evaluated to determine the optimum conditions of use and product selection for several applications within a cement pyroprocessing train.

Searching for Combinations of Small-Molecule Correctors to Restore F508del–Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Function and Processing

The mutated protein F508del-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) failed to traffic properly as a result of its retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and functions as a chloride (Cl(-)) channel with abnormal gating and endocytosis. Small chemicals (called correctors) individually restore F508del-CFTR trafficking and Cl(-) transport function, but recent findings indicate that synergistic pharmacology should be considered to address CFTR defects more clearly. We studied the function and maturation of F508del-CFTR expressed in HeLa cells using a combination of five correctors [miglustat, IsoLAB (1,4-dideoxy-2-hydroxymethyl-1,4-imino-l-threitol), Corr4a (N-[2-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenylamino)-4'-methyl-[4,5']bithiazolyl-2'-yl]-benzamide), VX-809 [3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid], and suberoylamilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)]. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, the current density recorded in response to CFTR activators (forskolin + genistein) was significantly increased in the presence of the following combinations: VX-809 + IsoLAB; VX-809 + miglustat + SAHA; VX-809 + miglustat + IsoLAB; VX-809 + IsoLAB + SAHA; VX-809 + miglustat + IsoLAB + SAHA. These combinations restored the activity of F508del-CFTR but with a differential effect on the appearance of mature c-band of F508del-CFTR proteins. Focusing on the VX-809 + IsoLAB cocktail, we recorded a level of correction higher at 37°C versus room temperature, but without amelioration of the thermal instability of CFTR. The level of functional rescue with VX-809 + IsoLAB after 4 hours of incubation was maximal and similar to that obtained in optimal conditions of use for each compound (i.e., 24 hours for VX-809 + 4 hours for IsoLAB). Finally, we compared the stimulation of F508del-CFTR by forskolin or forskolin + VX-770 [N-(2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide] with cells corrected by VX-809 + IsoLAB. Our results open new perspectives for the development of a synergistic polypharmacology to rescue F508del-CFTR and show the importance of temperature on the effect of correctors and on the level of correction, suggesting that optimized combination of correctors could lead to a better rescue of F508del-CFTR function.

Investigation of Shock Wave Parameters at Explosives Blasts in the Tubes with Air

The optimum conditions of use of the high explosive blasts in tubes with air for technology and modeling were researched. The experimental studies and calculations parameters of the direct, reflected, and outgoing shock waves at blasts on the open and closed ends of the tubes of different lengths and diameters were carried out. Comparisons the parameters of shock waves in tubes and at contacting blasts were conducted. The possible advantages of the use of explosives blasts in the tubes as compared with the contacting blasts in a variety of technical applications were investigated.

Novel techniques for measurement of thermal conductivity of both highly and lowly conducting solid media

Two novel methods for the measurement of the thermal conductivity of solids are described. One of the methods serves for high-conductivity media (all metals), while the second is appropriate for media of low conductivity (as low as that of air). Both of these methods are distinguished by the unique simplicity of their constituents, the low cost of the measurement apparatus, the easy-to-use operational protocol, and the inherent control of the level of accuracy. The method used for the measurement of high conductivity values is based on a quasi-steady model. Its experimental implementation demonstrated excellent agreement with literature values and indicated that insulation was not necessary to achieve high accuracy. In an enhanced form, it could be applied over a very wide range of temperatures. For low-conductivity media, in contrast to common practice, the experimental approach did not involve guard heating. Synergistic numerical simulation provided the conditions for optimal use of the measurement device. In particular, the accuracy of the measured conductivity values could be predicted without approximation, and guidance was provided for an experimental protocol according to which any desired accuracy could be obtained. Numerical simulation was also used to support the measurement technique for high-thermal-conductivity media. The synergistic use of experimentation and numerical simulation enabled highly accurate values for thermal conductivity to be obtained in the most simple, least costly, and easy-to-use device.

The thermal hazard evaluation of 1,1-di (tert-butylperoxy) cyclohexane by DSC using non-isothermal and isothermal-kinetic simulations

1,1-Di (tert-butylperoxy) cyclohexane (DTBPH) has been widely employed in the chemical industry. Unfortunately, organic peroxides have been involved in many serious fires and explosions in manufacturing processes, storage, and transportation. This study investigated the thermokinetic parameters by isothermal kinetic and non-isothermal-kinetic simulation, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests. DSC was applied to assess the kinetic parameters, such as kinetic model, frequency factor (ln k0), activation energy (Ea), reaction order, and heat of reaction (ΔHd). Comparisons of non-isothermal and isothermal-kinetic model simulation led to a beneficial kinetic model of thermal decomposition to predict the thermal hazard of DTBPH. Simulations of a 0.5 L Dewar vessel and 25 kg barrel commercial package in liquid thermal explosion models were performed and compared to the results in the literature. From the results, the optimal conditions for use of DTBPH to avoid violent runaway reactions during the storage and transportation were determined. This study established the features of thermal decomposition that could be executed as a reduction of energy potential and storage conditions in view of loss prevention.

Simplified Methods for the Study of Cell Cycle and Apoptotic Impacts of Anti‐Cancer Compounds

Several anticancer compounds have shown to have impacts on both cell cycle and cell health with differential impacts in the timing and sequence of each of these processes. Drug development studies therefore need simple accessible simple and easy methods to study impacts on both cell cycle and multiple apoptotic markers to understand the complete dimension of action of compounds. In this study we present data from rapid simplified methods utilized to study the impact of multiple anti‐cancer and anti‐tumor compounds on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis utilizing no‐wash assays. Studies were performed with Jurkat cells with multiple anti‐cancer compounds such as gambogic acid, etoposide, celastrol, and nocodazole for differential treatment conditions and the impact on cell cycle and impact on apoptosis by annexin V binding and caspase activation was evaluated. Our results indicate that the impacts and kinetics of cell cycle versus apoptosis markers can vary with different compound treatments. Screening for both cell cycle and apoptosis impacts are thus critical in understanding the full dimensions of mode of action of compounds and can be valuable in determining optimal conditions of use.

Less (in Context) is more (Creativity): M-learning as a Short Lived Traveling Idea at the University of Pretoria

Technological innovations in ICTs have unleashed new educational practices worldwide. Most higher education institutions nowadays use different kinds of e-learning. In this paper we will show that constraining local conditions have triggered fast adoption of mobile technology in the distance education – coined m-learning - by the University of Pretoria. Because many distant students in South Africa only have a mobile device instead of a computer at their disposal, the University of Pretoria was prepared to adopt m-learning quite early. While ten years ago most South African distance students only had simple mobile devices, without the possibility to access internet, the UP resorted to m-learning, even before the conditions for optimal use of m-learning were present. This was only possible by transforming the innovative idea of m-learning in a first experimental phase to the local South African context. Because the m-learning experiments at the University of Pretoria consisted of both elements of adoption and transformation, the introduction of m-learning should be framed a traveling idea. We will also show that the process of adaptation stopped once the local constraints vanished, that is, once more distance students obtained smartphones.

Ordering the extraction of renewable resources: The case of multiple aquifers

Optimal sequencing of resource extraction is typically studied for nonrenewable resources. We provide conditions for optimal use of multiple sources of a renewable resource and characterize the resulting extraction sequence, resource scarcity values, and (single) efficiency price path for two groundwater aquifers and an abundant alternative resource. Even with one demand, the optimal sequence depends on the differential opportunity costs of the two renewables. A numerical simulation for the South O‘ahu aquifer system, which also allows for different distribution costs, illustrates the case of using the “leakier” aquifer first and then switching to simultaneous use of both resources. The welfare gain from specialization relative to independent management is $4.7 billion.

Removal of fluoride ions using cuttlefish bones

Because of the high toxicity of fluoride to mankind, there is an urgent need to treat fluoride-contaminated drinking water to make it safe for human consumption. This work investigated the possibility of eliminating, by sorption, the excess of fluoride in overloaded water according to World Health Organization WHO recommendations. We tested the cuttlefish bone as an adsorbent material (available in Tunisia) for the defluoridation of water. Initially, we determined the optimal conditions of use (contact time, pH effect, adsorbent dose, initial fluoride concentration) of the cuttlefish bone on synthetic solutions of sodium fluoride. The second step was to verify the effectiveness of the sorption process on the cuttlefish bone by testing it on natural waters loaded with fluoride. The results obtained showed that sorption on the cuttlefish bone could be an effective method for the removal of fluoride. The efficacy of cuttlefish bone to remove fluoride from water was found to be 80% at pH 7.2, 1 h contact time, 15 g L −1 adsorbent dose and 5 mg L −1 initial fluoride concentration. Despite the different anions (Cl − and SO 4 2−) generally present in natural waters, a fluoride concentration in agreement with the norm (<1.5 mg L −1) could be reached whatever the water treated. The regeneration of the cuttlefish bone was performed with a NaOH solution (10 g of cuttlefish bone/1000 mL NaOH 3 M). After 1 h of agitation, 95% of fluorides were desorbed. Following regeneration, the adsorbent can be used for further removal of fluoride.

Application of CFB technology for large power generating units and CO2 capture

Data on the development of the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology for combustion of fuels in large power generating units are examined. The problems with raising the steam parameters and unit power of boilers with a circulating fluidized bed are examined. With the boiler system at the 460 MW unit at Lagisza (Poland) as an example, the feasibility of raising the efficiency of units with CFB boilers through deep recovery of the heat of the effluent gases and reducing expenditure for in-house needs is demonstrated. Comparative estimates of the capital and operating costs of 225 and 330 MW units are used to determine the conditions for optimum use of CFB boilers in the engineering renovation of thermal power plants in Russia. New areas for the application of CFB technology in CO2 capture are analyzed in connection with the problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Scalability of H. Igor Ansoff's Strategic Management Principles for Small and Medium Sized Firms

The purpose of this paper is to examine the praxis of the multi-dimensional components of H. Igor Ansoff¹s Strategic Management Systems and the efficacy of use of each of its components relative to the formulation and implementation of corporate level strategy in for-profit, not-for-profit, small and medium sized enterprises. Based on empirically validated research and industry supported journals, substantial evidence endorse both an implicit and explicit acknowledgement of its applicability and it¹s value as a whole or in part providing increased financial performance for firms competing in turbulent environments. There is a notable variance within industry and academia concerning the asymmetry of costs incurred relative to the benefits achieved of the successful implementation of Ansoffian Strategy within Small and Medium sized enterprises. Although the principles and processes of scalability are still conceptually at an embryonic stage, this paper will illuminate those features of Ansoff’s Strategic Management Systems and conditions for optimal use. Finally, we will discuss Ansoff’s Strategic Success Paradigm and principles for use by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, which when implemented have proven empirically to increase the firm’s probability of strategic success.

Effects of crushed fresh Cleome viscosa L. (Capparaceae) plants on the cowpea storage pest, Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Laboratory assays were carried out to evaluate the effects of fresh Cleome viscosa on the reproduction and survival of Callosobruchus maculatus. Significant control was achieved by the two treatments with the highest quantity of crushed leaf. Fresh crushed C. viscosa also led to complete inhibition of embryonic development of eggs exposed for 48h in all botanical treatments. On-farm storage trials, using 5, 15 and 25 g C. viscosa crushed plant per 1 kg of cowpeas, showed a dose-dependent reduction in bruchid numbers of 35.4, 59.5 and 86.4%, respectively, after 120 days of storage. Moreover, the pea losses were relatively low (≤11%) and pea germination was unaffected (>80%) in all batches where C. viscosa was introduced. Our results indicate that C. viscosa has significant potential for controlling the pest. The conditions for optimal use of the plant in stored cowpea management are discussed.

Basic trends in practical use of ion-and electron-exchange fibres and materials made from them

The optimum conditions for use of synthesized redox and ion-exchange fibres of different types in biosynthesis of the antibiotic heptaene, selective extraction of gold and silver from hydrometallurgical plant solutions, and sorption of radioactive iodine from a mixture of fission products were established. The basic physicochemical indexes of ion-exchange fibrous-porous materials were comprehensively evaluated in comparison to nonwoven needle-punch fabric made of VION KN-1 fibre. It was shown that fibrous-porous material (FPM) is more stable in a large number of liquid treatment cycles and is better wet with aqueous solutions of acids and bases when the sorption activity indexes closely correspond, and this facilitates regeneration and increases their efficacy. The use of a mixed fibre-resin charge in a small filter module for local treatment of waste washing waters from electroplating plants to remove heavy metal ions increased output from 250 to 500 liters/h.

AUTUMN MIGRATION AND SELECTION OF ROCK CREVICES AS HIBERNACULA BY BIG BROWN BATS IN COLORADO

Movements, distribution, and roosting requirements of most species of temperate-zone bats in autumn are poorly understood. We conducted the 1st radiotelemetry study of autumn migrations and prehibernation roost selection of bats in western North America. Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus, n ¼ 55) in the Poudre River watershed, Colorado, moved from low-elevation summer ranges to high-elevation locations in autumn, where they roosted in rock crevices during the period leading up to winter hibernation. We characterized rock crevices used as roosts in autumn at these higher elevations at microhabitat and landscape scales. We used logistic regression combined with an information theoretic approach to determine which variables were most important in roost selection. At the microhabitat scale, autumn roosts were higher to the ground above and below the exit point and were in deeper crevices that had more constant temperatures than randomly selected crevices. At the landscape scale, aspect of the hillside was important, with autumn roosts typically facing north–northwest. Autumn roosts fell into 2 categories: those used for a few days (transient roosts) and those used for � 7 days and presumed to be hibernacula. Temperature regimes in the presumed hibernacula appear to provide optimal conditions for use of winter torpor, whereas transient roosts may offer passive rewarming and energy savings for bats still active in early autumn. Elevational segregation of sexes also was documented in our region, with a preponderance of females found at lower elevations and males at higher elevations in summer. Sex ratios at higher elevations became even in autumn. Use of short elevational migrations and selection of hibernation sites in rock crevices may be a common overwintering strategy of insectivorous bats of western North America.