Investigation of Organic Solvents’ Effects on Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Biomass Conversion in Subcritical Water

Kenaf biomass was hydrolyzed under subcritical water conditions in the presence of various organic solvents. The solvents tested were tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, xylene (mixed isomers) and methanol. The organic compounds released into hydrolysates, total organic contents, water-soluble total phenols, and the molecular weight distributions of the polysaccharides in the hydrolysates, solid residues leftover after hydrolysis and gaseous products formed during the solubilization process were determined. The results showed that organic solvents significantly enhanced the dissolution of kenaf biomass (methanol \u3c (omp)xylene ≤ acetone ~ tetrahydrofuran). The hydrolysis percentage was found to be between 75-82% depending on the type of the solvent. Hydrolysis yield and total organic carbons released into hydrolysates highly differed when the solubilization process was performed under carbon dioxide pressure and this effect considerably varied based on the type of solvent used in hydrolysis process. The main gas product formed during hydrolysis process was carbon dioxide with ~80% composition. Morphological measurements of the solid biomass residues left after hydrolysis showed substantial degradations with increasing number of pores on the biomass surfaces

Investigation of Organic Solvents’ Effects on Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Biomass Conversion in Subcritical Water

Kenaf biomass was hydrolyzed under subcritical water conditions in the presence of various organic solvents. The solvents tested were tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, xylene (mixed isomers) and methanol. The organic compounds released into hydrolysates, total organic contents, water-soluble total phenols, and the molecular weight distributions of the polysaccharides in the hydrolysates, solid residues leftover after hydrolysis and gaseous products formed during the solubilization process were determined. The results showed that organic solvents significantly enhanced the dissolution of kenaf biomass (methanol \u3c (omp)xylene ≤ acetone ~ tetrahydrofuran). The hydrolysis percentage was found to be between 75-82% depending on the type of the solvent. Hydrolysis yield and total organic carbons released into hydrolysates highly differed when the solubilization process was performed under carbon dioxide pressure and this effect considerably varied based on the type of solvent used in hydrolysis process. The main gas product formed during hydrolysis process was carbon dioxide with ~80% composition. Morphological measurements of the solid biomass residues left after hydrolysis showed substantial degradations with increasing number of pores on the biomass surfaces

Investigation of Organic Solvents Effects on Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Biomass Conversion in Subcritical Water

Kenaf biomass material was hydrolyzed in subcritical water condition in presence of various organic solvents. The solvents tested were tetrahydrofurane (THF), acetone, xylene and methanol. The organic compounds released into hydrolysates, total organic contents, water soluble total phenol and the molecular weight distributions of the polysaccharides in the hydrolysates, solid residues leftover after hydrolysis and gaseous products formed during the solubilization process were determined. The results showed that organic solvents significantly enhanced the dissolution of kenaf biomass (methanol < xylene ≤ acetone ~ tetrahydrofurane). The hydrolysis percentage was found to be between 75-82% depending on the type of the solvent. Hydrolysis yield and total organic carbons released into hydrolysates highly differed when the solubilization process was performed under carbondioxide pressure and this effect considerably varied based on the type of solvent used in hydrolysis process. The main gas product formed during hydrolysis process was carbon dioxide with ~80% composition. Morphological measurements of the solid biomass residues left after hydrolysis showed substantial degradations with increasing number of pores on the biomass surfaces

Logistics of Temporary Testing Centers for Coronavirus Disease

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of millions of people, and PCR testing is widely used as the gold standard method to detect the infections to restrict the outbreak. Through the interviews conducted with people from the field in South Korea, the UK, and Turkey, we have found that there are numerous testing strategies worldwide. Those testing strategies include drive-through and home delivery testing capabilities, local test sites, and mobile test centers. Our primary motivation is to propose a generic model based on the best practices in the UK and South Korea. Also, we aim to present a case study on Turkey for the implementation of vital procedures and increase their availability. This paper represents a study on how to construct a temporary testing logistics system during the initial phases of pandemics to increase the availability of PCR testing with the primary objective of maximizing total sample collection. The design also considers minimizing the maximum walking distance to increase the convenience of sample collection for the people living in the neighborhoods. The proposed system consists of temporary testing centers and a central laboratory. Temporary testing centers perform direct tours to the potential areas to collect samples and bring the collected sample to the designated central laboratories located at central hospitals. Moreover, to represent the non-linear inheritance of the pandemic progress within a population, we consider diminishing sample potentials over time and coverage. This new problem is defined as an extension of the Selective Vehicle Routing Problem and Covering Tour Problem. We propose a mathematical model and four two-stage math-heuristic algorithms to determine the location and routing of the temporary testing centers and their lengths of stay at each visited location. The performances of the proposed solution methodologies are tested on two data sets. The first set is constructed by the confirmed cases of the districts of Seoul, Korea, and by the interview of health personnel of H+ Yangji Hospital COVID-19 semi-mobile booth application, and the second set is constructed by 99 hospital/health centers from distinct neighborhoods of 22 districts of Istanbul, Turkey. The Pareto set of optimum solutions is generated based on total sample collection and maximum walking distance. Finally, sensitivity analyses on some design parameters are conducted

ABNORMALITIES IN THE WEDGE SOLE Dicologlossa cuneata (MOREAU, 1881) AND BLACK SEA TURBOT Scophthalmus maeoticus (PALLAS, 1814) FROM TURKISH SEAS

Both color and morphological abnormalities on two different flatfish species [Dicologlossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) and Scophthalmus maeoticus (Pallas, 1814)] have been recorded from Turkish seas. Abnormal flatfish species, Dicologlossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881), wedge sole, was sampled from two different localities in Aegean sea. First wedge sole from Izmir bay (Aegean sea) had three different colour abnormalities (ambicoloration; albinism and xanthochroism) on eyed and blind sides of their body. Other abnormal wedge sole specimen from Ekincik cove (Aegean sea) had ambicoloration on blind side of the body. Second abnormal flatfish species Scophthalmus maeoticus (Pallas, 1814), Black sea turbot, was caught from the Black sea coast of Istanbul and the specimen had totally ambicolored (blind side of the body was colored as like as eyed side) and morphological abnormalities (a fleshy piece-hook-above the head).Both color and morphological abnormalities on two different flatfish species [Dicologlossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) and Scophthalmus maeoticus (Pallas, 1814)] have been recorded from Turkish seas. Abnormal flatfish species, Dicologlossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881), wedge sole, was sampled from two different localities in Aegean sea. First wedge sole from Izmir bay (Aegean sea) had three different colour abnormalities (ambicoloration; albinism and xanthochroism) on eyed and blind sides of their body. Other abnormal wedge sole specimen from Ekincik cove (Aegean sea) had ambicoloration on blind side of the body. Second abnormal flatfish species Scophthalmus maeoticus (Pallas, 1814), Black sea turbot, was caught from the Black sea coast of Istanbul and the specimen had totally ambicolored (blind side of the body was colored as like as eyed side) and morphological abnormalities (a fleshy piece-hook-above the head)

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ANTIFUNGAL TREATMENT REGIMENS FOR EXPERIMENTAL CANDIDA ENDOPHTHALMITIS IN RABBIT MODELS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment options of experimental in-vivo Candida endophthalmitis. For inoculation, a 0.1 ml of suspension of Candida albicans was injected into the vitreous of the right eye of each New Zealand rabbit. On the 15(th) day, the clinical evaluation for the resultant endophthalmitis was noted, and vitreous samples were obtained. On the 21(st) day, culture positive eyes were divided into four groups in terms of treatment modalities. Group 1 (n = 7) received intravitreal amphotericin B injection, group 2 (n = 8) received both intravitreal dexamethasone and amphotericin B injections, group 3 (n = 8) underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and amphotericin B injection, and group 4 (n = 8) underwent PPV and both amphotericin B and silicone oil injections. The vitreous samples obtained from right eyes of the rabbits on the 15(th) day, were all culture positive for Candida albicans. On the 35(th) day, the least colony counts (colony forming unit) were present in eyes that received only intravitreal amphotericin B injection in group 1, followed by group 4 that underwent PPV and both amphotericin B and silicone oil injections. In Candida endophthalmitis, intravitreal injection of amphotericin B without steroid appears to be the primary choice of therapy. In cases who fail to respond to this regimen alone, PPV in combination with silicone oil injection may be considered. Benefit-risk ratio should be cautiously interpreted for application of intravitreal steroid injection

Comparison of conventional MRI, MR arthrography, MR arthrography with traction, MR arthrography with pressure in the evaluation of articular distension

Objective: To evaluate the performance of conventional MRI, standard MR arthrography, MR arthrography with traction and MR arthrography with pressure in articular distension in patients with ACL injury. Design and patients: The consecutive patients (7 female, 21 male) with acute ACL injured conventional MRI, MR arthrography, MR arthrography with traction and MR arthrography with pressure were evaluated. Results: The amount of distension in the joint was evaluated in the posterior, femorotibial and anterior com- partments. Medially, between the meniscus posterior horn and the tibial corner, MRA with pressure was found to be more effective in showing this distance than MRA with traction (p < 0,05). Laterally, in measurements made between the posterior horn of the meniscus and the capsule, MRA with traction and MRA with pressure are more effective showing this distance than conventional MRI and standard MRA (p < 0,05). In measurements made medially, between the posterior horn of the meniscus and the capsule, MRA with traction is more effective in showing this distance than standard MRA (p < 0,05). In all three different MRA modalities, the lateral femo- rotibial joint distance was found to be statistically higher than conventional MRI (p < 0,05). Medial femorotibial joint distance was found to be statistically higher in MRA with pressure than in conventional MRI and standard MRA (p < 0,05). The medial infrapatellar distance was found to be statistically higher in MRA with pressure than standard MRA and MRA with traction (p < 0,05). The lateral infrapatellar distance is higher in MRA with pressure than in MRA with traction, and this height is statistically significant (p < 0,05). Conclusion: Traction and pressure applications added to MRA will increase the effectiveness of the method by increasing the distension in the knee joint. Although both seem to be effective in creating distension in posterior compartment and femorotibial joint distance, MRA with pressure is more effective especially in anterior compartment

Bacterial Succession in the Thermophilic Phase of Composting of Anaerobic Digestates

Organic matter degradation and bacterial communities associated to the thermophilic phase of composting were compared using two different types of anaerobic digestates, one from a sewage sludge digester (SD), and the other from an agricultural digester (AD). The composting process exhibited similar variations in temperature, pH, moisture content and bacterial profiles, despite the inherent feedstock differences along with distinctive initial bacterial composition. According to the data obtained from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, SD constituted more than 20 bacterial phyla with Proteobacteria (21%) and Chloroflexi (21%) being predominant, meanwhile AD was represented by only 7 phyla in which Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum (73%). Nevertheless, bacterial community profiles of the two composting systems became more similarly represented at the phylum level, both dominated by Proteobacteria (65% in AD and 61% in SD), whereas Chromatiaceae and Sphingomonadaceae were the most abundant families in AD and SD, respectively. Highly diverse but similar bacterial communities were detected during the composting of different anaerobic digestates at the thermophilic phase