Towards more circular office fit-outs: a socio-technical descriptive framework of office fit-out processes

Ethyl (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate ((S)-E3HB) is naturally found as part of kiwi fruit aroma and is an important precursor for the production of several pharmaceuticals. (S)-E3HB can be produced in a whole cell biotransformation process from Ethylacetoacetate (EAA) using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One way of improving the sustainability of such processes may be their integration into novel biorefinery concepts, which requires research to characterize the process and the byproduct formation. In this study it could be shown that (S)-E3HB biocatalysis with S. cerevisiae can be performed under anaerobic conditions with production rates between 4.0 × 10-3 and 2.5 × 10-2 g(S)-E3HB gbiomass -1 h-1 which are similar to the rates in conventional aerobic processes. The byproduct spectrum allows for the integration of the new anaerobic biotransformation process into a recently invented biorefinery concept in which the side product CO2 is further utilized to produce methane

Characterization of sericin obtained from water degumming natural silk

La sericina es una proteína globular parcialmente soluble en agua, que se obtiene luego de un proceso conocido como desengomado. Estudios indican que ésta puede ser reticulada, copolimerizada, y mezclada con otros materiales para introducir mejoras en ellos, además presenta diferentes actividades biológicas. Estos factores hacen de ella un ingrediente valioso para la industria alimentaria, farmacéutica y cosmética. En este trabajo se evaluaron características químicas y térmicas de la sericina presente en las aguas de desengomado de la seda extraída con jabón de coco (JC) y bicarbonato de sodio (BS), simulando procedimientos semiindustriales realizados por la Corporación para el Desarrollo de la Sericultura del Cauca – CORSEDA (Popayán-Colombia). La precipitación de la sericina se lleva a cabo con etanol al 75%. Luego se caracteriza, estableciendo el contenido de proteína por el método Kjeldahl. Se observa que la sericina extraída tiene un 63,8% de pureza, con presencia de JC y BS, lo cual se evidencia en los ensayos de espectroscopía infrarroja (IR) y análisis termogravimétrico (TGA). De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, se concluye que la precipitación con etanol permite recuperar la sericina de las aguas del desengomado, sin embargo, de acuerdo a las aplicaciones se requieren posteriores tratamientos que incrementen la pureza de las muestras.Abstract: Sericin is a water-soluble globular protein, which surrounds the silk filament (fibroin). Studies have shown that sericin has biological activities. In addition, it can be crosslinked, copolymerized and mixed with other natural and artificial polymers, to obtain new materials and improve their properties. These factors make it be a valuable natural ingredient for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. By the above, the objective of this study is to evaluate the chemical and thermal characteristics of sericin obtained after degumming process of silk. The extraction process (degumming) is performed according to procedures used by Corporación para el Desarrollo de la Sericultura del Cauca – CORSEDA, (Popayán-Colombia), who use coconut soap (CS) and sodium bicarbonate (SB). Sericin is precipitated using 75% ethanol. The result obtain by TGA, FTIR and protein content (Kjeldahl) (63.8%) show that precipitation with ethanol leaves residues of CS and CB, then more treatments are required to increases the purity of the samples

The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the UK government mandated the use of face masks in various public settings and recommended the use of reusable masks to combat shortages of medically graded single-use masks in healthcare. To assist decision-making on the choice of masks for future pandemics, where shortages may not be a contributing factor, the University College London (UCL) Plastic Waste Innovation Hub has carried out a multidisciplinary comparison between single-use and reusable masks based on their anatomy, standalone effectiveness, behavioural considerations, environmental impact and costs. Although current single-use masks have a higher standalone effectiveness against bacteria and viruses, studies show that reusable masks have adequate performance in slowing infection rates of respiratory viruses. Material flow analysis (MFA), life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost comparison show that reusable masks have a lower environmental and economic impact than single-use masks. If every person in the UK uses one single-use mask each day for a year, it will create a total of 124,000 tonnes of waste, 66,000 tonnes of which would be unrecyclable contaminated plastic waste (the masks), with the rest being the recyclable packaging typically used for transportation and distribution of masks. Using reusable masks creates >85% less waste, generates 3.5 times lower impact on climate change and incurs 3.7 times lower costs. Further behavioural research is necessary to understand the extent and current practices of mask use; and how these practices affect mask effectiveness in reducing infection rates. Wearing single-use masks may be preferred over reusable masks due to perceptions of increased hygiene and convenience. Understanding behaviour towards the regular machine-washing of reusable masks for their effective reuse is key to maximise their public health benefits and minimise environmental and economic costs

Malaria vector species in Colombia: a review

Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature on the vectorial importance of the major Anopheles malaria vectors in Colombia. We provide basic information on the geographical distribution, altitudinal range, immature habitats, adult behaviour, feeding preferences and anthropophily, endophily and infectivity rates. We additionally review information on the life cycle, longevity and population fluctuation of Colombian Anopheles species. Emphasis was placed on the primary vectors that have been epidemiologically incriminated in malaria transmission: Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles nuneztovari. The role of a selection of local, regional or secondary vectors (e.g., Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and Anopheles neivai) is also discussed. We highlight the importance of combining biological, morphological and molecular data for the correct taxonomical determination of a given species, particularly for members of the species complexes. We likewise emphasise the importance of studying the bionomics of primary and secondary vectors along with an examination of the local conditions affecting the transmission of malaria. The presence and spread of the major vectors and the emergence of secondary species capable of transmitting human Plasmodia are of great interest. When selecting control measures, the anopheline diversity in the region must be considered. Variation in macroclimate conditions over a species' geographical range must be well understood and targeted to plan effective control measures based on the population dynamics of the local Anopheles species

Evaluation of appendicitis risk prediction models in adults with suspected appendicitis

Background Appendicitis is the most common general surgical emergency worldwide, but its diagnosis remains challenging. The aim of this study was to determine whether existing risk prediction models can reliably identify patients presenting to hospital in the UK with acute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain who are at low risk of appendicitis. Methods A systematic search was completed to identify all existing appendicitis risk prediction models. Models were validated using UK data from an international prospective cohort study that captured consecutive patients aged 16–45 years presenting to hospital with acute RIF in March to June 2017. The main outcome was best achievable model specificity (proportion of patients who did not have appendicitis correctly classified as low risk) whilst maintaining a failure rate below 5 per cent (proportion of patients identified as low risk who actually had appendicitis). Results Some 5345 patients across 154 UK hospitals were identified, of which two‐thirds (3613 of 5345, 67·6 per cent) were women. Women were more than twice as likely to undergo surgery with removal of a histologically normal appendix (272 of 964, 28·2 per cent) than men (120 of 993, 12·1 per cent) (relative risk 2·33, 95 per cent c.i. 1·92 to 2·84; P < 0·001). Of 15 validated risk prediction models, the Adult Appendicitis Score performed best (cut‐off score 8 or less, specificity 63·1 per cent, failure rate 3·7 per cent). The Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score performed best for men (cut‐off score 2 or less, specificity 24·7 per cent, failure rate 2·4 per cent). Conclusion Women in the UK had a disproportionate risk of admission without surgical intervention and had high rates of normal appendicectomy. Risk prediction models to support shared decision‐making by identifying adults in the UK at low risk of appendicitis were identified

Material and decision flows in non-domestic building fit-outs

The built environment is the most resource intensive sector of the economy, accounting for a significant share of the extracted materials and the total waste generated. Within the built environment the most recurrent replacements of building materials and components take place during fit-outs, which are the process of installing interior fittings, fixtures and finishes. These materials and components are frequently replaced in non-domestic buildings. Non-domestic building fit-outs are therefore responsible for a significant consumption of materials and a large source of waste. However, they tend to be excluded and unmeasured in the research on the built environment. The present work aims to study this research gap and analyse the potential for fit-outs to become more sustainable. The approach of this project ties in closely to the concept of circular economy, where materials are kept at their most useful state for as long as possible. This paper analyses fit-out practices within London, identifying the supply-chain stakeholders, the key materials used and the waste streams generated, while tracing the decision and material flows across the supply chain. A material flow analysis (MFA) is conducted for a fit-out case study, showing the paths and destinations of the waste generated. The mixed methodology includes on-site observations, cross-examination of the corresponding waste reports, MFA, and qualitative analysis of interviews with the involved stakeholders. The aim of this research is to provide a grounded perspective that allows the identification of process and design flaws as well as potential improvements that support the transition towards more “circular” fit-outs. It is concluded that there are potential areas of improvement as fit-out practices show a predominantly linear tendency both for decision making and material flows, in which there is a discontinuity of communication and material-flow information across the supply chain

Comparing Different Methods for Pruning Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus)

Recently there have been new trends in global consumption toward fresh foods that are sources of healthy bioactive compounds, as is the case with pitaya. However, pitaya cultivation is a relatively recent phenomenon and little is known about its management. The objective of this work is to determine the most appropriate annual fruiting pruning method for pitaya in order to obtain a regular annual yield of quality fruit and an intense shoot renewal that guarantee future production. This study compared the response of Hylocereus undatus to spur, cane, and combined pruning. As control plants, we left some plants where only sanitary pruning was performed. The results indicate that spur pruning greatly reduced flowering (seven times less than controls) and did not promote intense vegetative growth. Cane pruning, on the contrary, allowed greater flowering which is compatible with a higher number of new shoots (8% more than controls). The vigor of the new shoots was equal in all treatments. Fruit size and quality did not differ either among treatments. Spur pruning only seems applicable as a rejuvenation pruning. Combined pruning gave an intermediate response and seems of no interest given the good shoot renewal provided by cane pruning. Performing sanitary pruning alone may be an interesting option, but only in the first years of cultivation

TRPV4 Activation during Guinea Pig Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction Promotes Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ Influx

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction is determined by the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) caused by its release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) or by extracellular Ca2+ influx. Major channels involved in Ca2+ influx in ASM cells are L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (L-VDCCs) and nonselective cation channels (NSCCs). Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is an NSCC recently studied in ASM. Mechanical stimuli, such as contraction, can activate TRPV4. We investigated the possible activation of TRPV4 by histamine (His)- or carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction in guinea pig ASM. In single myocytes, the TRPV4 agonist (GSK101) evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i, characterized by a slow onset and a plateau phase. The TRPV4 antagonist (GSK219) decreased channel activity by 94%, whereas the Ca2+-free medium abolished the Ca2+ response induced by GSK101. Moreover, GSK101 caused Na+ influx in tracheal myocytes. GSK219 reduced the Ca2+ peak and the Ca2+ plateau triggered by His or CCh. TRPV4 blockade shifted the concentration–response curve relating to His and CCh to the right in tracheal rings and reduced the maximal contraction. Finally, the activation of TRPV4 in single myocytes increased the Ca2+ refilling of the SR. We conclude that contraction of ASM cells after stimulation with His or CCh promotes TRPV4 activation, the subsequent influx of Ca2+ and Na+, and the opening of L-VDCCs. The entry of Ca2+ into ASM cells via TRPV4 and L-VDCCs contributes to optimal smooth muscle contraction

Caracterización de sericina obtenida a partir de aguas de desengomado de seda natural

Sericin is a water-soluble globular protein, which surrounds the silk filament (fibroin). Studies have shown that sericin has biological activities. In addition, it can be crosslinked, copolymerized and mixed with other natural and artificial polymers, to obtain new materials and improve their properties. These factors make it be a valuable natural ingredient for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. By the above, the objective of this study is to evaluate the chemical and thermal characteristics of sericin obtained after degumming process of silk. The extraction process (degumming) is performed according to procedures used by Corporación para el Desarrollo de la Sericultura del Cauca - CORSEDA, (Popayán-Colombia), who use coconut soap (CS) and sodium bicarbonate (SB). Sericin is precipitated using 75% ethanol. The result obtain by TGA, FTIR and protein content (Kjeldahl) (63.8%) show that precipitation with ethanol leaves residues of CS and CB, then more treatments are required to increases the purity of the samples.La sericina es una proteína globular parcialmente soluble en agua, que se obtiene luego de un proceso conocido como desengomado. Estudios indican que ésta puede ser reticulada, copolimerizada, y mezclada con otros materiales para introducir mejoras en ellos, además presenta diferentes actividades biológicas. Estos factores hacen de ella un ingrediente valioso para la industria alimentaria, farmacéutica y cosmética. En este trabajo se evaluaron características químicas y térmicas de la sericina presente en las aguas de desengomado de la seda extraída con jabón de coco (JC) y bicarbonato de sodio (BS), simulando procedimientos semiindustriales realizados por la Corporación para el Desarrollo de la Sericultura del Cauca - CORSEDA (Popayán-Colombia). La precipitación de la sericina se lleva a cabo con etanol al 75%. Luego se caracteriza, estableciendo el contenido de proteína por el método Kjeldahl. Se observa que la sericina extraída tiene un 63,8% de pureza, con presencia de JC y BS, lo cual se evidencia en los ensayos de espectroscopía infrarroja (IR) y análisis termogravimétrico (TGA). De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, se concluye que la precipitación con etanol permite recuperar la sericina de las aguas del desengomado, sin embargo, de acuerdo a las aplicaciones se requieren posteriores tratamientos que incrementen la pureza de las muestras