Polyphosphate Accumulation by Marine Bacteria

Phosphate (Pi) is one among the most important essential residues in maintenance and inheritance of life, with far diverse physiological role as structural, functional and energy transduction. Phosphate accumulation in wastewaters containing run off of fertilizers and industrial discharges is a global problem that results in algal blooms in bays, lakes and waterways. Currently available methods for removing phosphates from wastewater are based primarily on polyP accumulation by the activated sludge bacteria. PolyP plays a critical role in several environmental and biotechnological problems. Possible relation of interaction between polyP accumulation phenomenon, the low biomass, low Pi uptake, and varying results obtained in response to the impact of sodium chloride, pH, temperature, various inorganic salts and additional carbon sources studied, are all intriguing observations in the present investigation. The results of the present study have evidenced very clearly the scope for potential strains of bacteria from both sea water and marine sediments which could be exploited both for Pi removal in wastewater released by industries and intensive aquaculture practices in to the aquatic environment as well as to harness the potential strains for industrial production of polyP which was wide range of applications

The relationship between healthcare staff wellbeing and patient care: it’s not that simple

Expecting happier and healthier staff to provide better care may make intuitive sense, but this is not always the case. This chapter highlights the complexity of the relationship between healthcare staff wellbeing and patient care, and we introduce the “happy-productive worker” hypothesis which postulates that happy and healthy workers are more productive. Here, we initially review the evidence for this relationship among workers in various sectors and consider some of the limitations of our understanding of this association. We then examine the research looking at the links between healthcare staff wellbeing and the quality of patient care at both the individual and organisational level. This is followed by a reflection on the inconsistency of this relationship, and how measurement, moderators, and context influence the presence and strengths of this association. Finally, we consider the implications for research, practice, and policy—including the Healthy Healthcare concept