A framework for refining soil microbial indices as bioindicators during decomposition of various organic residues in a sandy loam soil

Assessment of soil quality is an invaluable tool in determining the sustainability and environmental impact of agricultural ecosystems. Soil microbial indices like microbial biomass and microbial activity are important criteria for the determination of soil quality. Laboratory incubation study was undertaken to examine the influence of eight crop residues widely varying in biochemical composition on the periodic changes in important soil microbial indices {(microbial (Cmic: Corg), metabolic (qCO2), carbon mineralization (qC) and microbial biomass change rate (qM) quotients)} at 28 days and 63 days after incubation (DAI) in a sandy loam soil. A. sativa amended soil showed maximum soil respiration rate (14.23 mg CO2-C g-1 soil day-1) whereas T. aestivum amended soil showed maximum microbial biomass C (790 µg/g). The metabolic quotient among different crop residues ranged from 11.1 to 19.8 ?g CO2-C ?g-biomass-C-1 h-1 at 63 DAI. The results indicate that incorporation of different crop residues has positive effect on microbial flora and their activity. Microbial quotient (Cmic:Corg) was significantly positively correlated with microbial biomass carbon (MBC), qC and qM. The study suggests that the biochemical composition of different crop residues seems to be of better option for long term sustainable crop production with maintenance of soil quality in a sandy loam soil

Using Polarized Spectroscopy to Investigate Order in Thin-Films of Ionic Self-Assembled Materials Based on Azo-Dyes

Three series of ionic self-assembled materials based on anionic azo-dyes and cationic benzalkonium surfactants were synthesized and thin films were prepared by spin-casting. These thin films appear isotropic when investigated with polarized optical microscopy, although they are highly anisotropic. Here, three series of homologous materials were studied to rationalize this observation. Investigating thin films of ordered molecular materials relies to a large extent on advanced experimental methods and large research infrastructure. A statement that in particular is true for thin films with nanoscopic order, where X-ray reflectometry, X-ray and neutron scattering, electron microscopy and atom force microscopy (AFM) has to be used to elucidate film morphology and the underlying molecular structure. Here, the thin films were investigated using AFM, optical microscopy and polarized absorption spectroscopy. It was shown that by using numerical method for treating the polarized absorption spectroscopy data, the molecular structure can be elucidated. Further, it was shown that polarized optical spectroscopy is a general tool that allows determination of the molecular order in thin films. Finally, it was found that full control of thermal history and rigorous control of the ionic self-assembly conditions are required to reproducibly make these materials of high nanoscopic order. Similarly, the conditions for spin-casting are shown to be determining for the overall thin film morphology, while molecular order is maintained

Adjunctive rifampicin for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (ARREST): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia is a common cause of severe community-acquired and hospital-acquired infection worldwide. We tested the hypothesis that adjunctive rifampicin would reduce bacteriologically confirmed treatment failure or disease recurrence, or death, by enhancing early S aureus killing, sterilising infected foci and blood faster, and reducing risks of dissemination and metastatic infection. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults (≥18 years) with S aureus bacteraemia who had received ≤96 h of active antibiotic therapy were recruited from 29 UK hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via a computer-generated sequential randomisation list to receive 2 weeks of adjunctive rifampicin (600 mg or 900 mg per day according to weight, oral or intravenous) versus identical placebo, together with standard antibiotic therapy. Randomisation was stratified by centre. Patients, investigators, and those caring for the patients were masked to group allocation. The primary outcome was time to bacteriologically confirmed treatment failure or disease recurrence, or death (all-cause), from randomisation to 12 weeks, adjudicated by an independent review committee masked to the treatment. Analysis was intention to treat. This trial was registered, number ISRCTN37666216, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Between Dec 10, 2012, and Oct 25, 2016, 758 eligible participants were randomly assigned: 370 to rifampicin and 388 to placebo. 485 (64%) participants had community-acquired S aureus infections, and 132 (17%) had nosocomial S aureus infections. 47 (6%) had meticillin-resistant infections. 301 (40%) participants had an initial deep infection focus. Standard antibiotics were given for 29 (IQR 18-45) days; 619 (82%) participants received flucloxacillin. By week 12, 62 (17%) of participants who received rifampicin versus 71 (18%) who received placebo experienced treatment failure or disease recurrence, or died (absolute risk difference -1·4%, 95% CI -7·0 to 4·3; hazard ratio 0·96, 0·68-1·35, p=0·81). From randomisation to 12 weeks, no evidence of differences in serious (p=0·17) or grade 3-4 (p=0·36) adverse events were observed; however, 63 (17%) participants in the rifampicin group versus 39 (10%) in the placebo group had antibiotic or trial drug-modifying adverse events (p=0·004), and 24 (6%) versus six (2%) had drug interactions (p=0·0005). INTERPRETATION: Adjunctive rifampicin provided no overall benefit over standard antibiotic therapy in adults with S aureus bacteraemia. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment

Reduction of Energy Consumption Proposed actions at Cummins-Scania XPI Manufacturing

År 2020 formulerade lastbilsproducenten Scania CV AB ett mål kring att minska sin energi-förbrukning med 25% till år 2025, med energiförbrukningen för år 2020 som baslinje. Effektiviseringen är nödvändig för att lastbilsproducenten ska kunna fortsätta bedriva ett hållbart och ansvarsfullt företagande. Denna studie utförs hos produktionsenheten DI (drivline-injektor), enheten tillverkar bränsleinsprutningssystem för verksamheten Cummins-Scania XPI Manufacturing. Syftet med arbetet är att identifiera energibesparingsaktiviteter samt föreslå eventuella energibesparingsåtgärder för att kunna stödja produktionsenheten DI med att nå energireduceringsmålet på 25%. En implementationsplan formuleras i syfte att presentera tidslinjen för åtgärdsförslagen. Metoden som tillämpas för att identifiera aktiviteterna är främst litteraturstudier. Dessa kompletteras med empiriska studier som utförs i syfte att tillhandahålla information om produktionsanläggningen. Energikonsumtionen i ursprungsläget samt energikonsumtion efter implementerad åtgärd beräknas för samtliga åtgärdsförslag. Åtgärderna som föreslås för att produktionsenheten ska reducera sin energiförbrukning är följande: • Införa helg- och kvällsavstängningar på maskiner• Införa helg- och kvällsänkningar (viloläge) på maskiner• Byta belysning till LED• Sänka temperatur till följd av implementation av LED-lysrör• Byta till filter med lägre tryckfall• Åtgärda tryckluftsläckage med förebyggande underhåll Implementeringen av följande åtgärder resulterar till en total energibesparing på 228,8 MWh per år.The year 2020 the truck manufacturer Scania CV AB established a goal of reducing its energy consumption by 25% by 2025, with the year 2020 as its starting point. Reduction of energy consumption is necessary for the truck manufacturer in order to continue to conduct both sustainable as well as responsible business. This study is performed at the production unit DI (driveline-injector), the unit manufactures fuel injection systems for the company Cummins-Scania XPI Manufacturing. The purpose of the report is to identify energy saving activities, and additionally propose energy saving actions to be able to support the production unit DI in achieving the energy reduction target of 25%. A supplementary implementation plan is formulated in order to display the timeline for the presented activities. The method applied to formulate the activities is mainly literature studies from digital scientific publishing systems. Furthermore, are empirical studies performed in order to provide information from the facility. Calculations are performed to identify and present the results of the current energy consumption as well as the energy calculations after the proposed activities. The measures the field study presents for the production unit to reduce its energy consumption result in the following: • Introduce weekend and evening shutdowns on machines• Introduce standby mode on machines• Replace lighting with LEDs• Lower the temperature as a result of implemented LEDs• Switch to filters with lower pressure drop• Implement preventative maintenance in order to reduce compressed air leakage The implementation of the following measures results in a total energy saving of 228.8 MWh per year

Paraoxonase 3: Structure and Its Role in Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease

Spanning three decades in research, Paraoxonases (PON1) carried potential of dealing with neurotoxicity of organophosphates entering the circulation and preventing cholinergic crisis. In the past few years, the Paraoxonase multigene family (PON1, PON2, PON3) has been shown to play an important role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders including coronary artery disease (CAD). The PON genes are clustered in tandem on the long arm of human chromosome 7 (q21, 22). All of them have been shown to act as antioxidants. Of them, PON3 is the least studied member as its exact physiological substrate is still not clear. This has further led to limitation in our understanding of its role in pathogenesis of CAD and development of the potential therapeutic agents which might modulate its activity, expression in circulation and tissues. In the present review, we discuss the structure and activity of human PON3 enzyme and its Single nucleotide variants that could potentially lead to new clinical strategies in prevention and treatment of CAD

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Community Pharmacists about Generic Medicines: A Pilot Observational Study

Background: Healthcare expenses are increasing at an alarming rate. Companies usually increase the cost of their brands to compensate drug development process. But it is very difficult for the poor to afford such expensive medicines. Here, generic drugs come into play to act as the best substitute for various brands after patent expiry. Community pharmacist plays a major role in promoting generic drug utilization and performs generic substitution wherever possible to reduce healthcare expenditures.Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude, and perception of community pharmacists towards generic drugs.Methods: This study was conducted in Jalandhar city of Punjab, India. A total of 60 community pharmacists were involved in this observational study. A questionnaire was designed which consisted of total 25 objective-type questions and divided into three sections. The pharmacists’ responses were recorded and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 16.Result: Out of 60 participants, most pharmacists (90%) were male and Diploma in Pharmacy holder. The mean (±SD) knowledge score was 6.4 (±3.7). The majority (46.7%) of participants agreed that generic drug substitution is a good practice. But some participants had a wrong perception about the quality of generic drugs; around 30% agreed that generic drugs are cheaper due to inferior quality.Conclusion: Overall, participants have basic knowledge and a positive attitude towards generic drugs. However, some participants have misconceptions about the quality of generic drugs. Therefore, pharmacists must have in-depth information to promote generic drug utilization and substitution to reduce healthcare expenses

Reduction of Energy Consumption Proposed actions at Cummins-Scania XPI Manufacturing

År 2020 formulerade lastbilsproducenten Scania CV AB ett mål kring att minska sin energi-förbrukning med 25% till år 2025, med energiförbrukningen för år 2020 som baslinje. Effektiviseringen är nödvändig för att lastbilsproducenten ska kunna fortsätta bedriva ett hållbart och ansvarsfullt företagande. Denna studie utförs hos produktionsenheten DI (drivline-injektor), enheten tillverkar bränsleinsprutningssystem för verksamheten Cummins-Scania XPI Manufacturing. Syftet med arbetet är att identifiera energibesparingsaktiviteter samt föreslå eventuella energibesparingsåtgärder för att kunna stödja produktionsenheten DI med att nå energireduceringsmålet på 25%. En implementationsplan formuleras i syfte att presentera tidslinjen för åtgärdsförslagen. Metoden som tillämpas för att identifiera aktiviteterna är främst litteraturstudier. Dessa kompletteras med empiriska studier som utförs i syfte att tillhandahålla information om produktionsanläggningen. Energikonsumtionen i ursprungsläget samt energikonsumtion efter implementerad åtgärd beräknas för samtliga åtgärdsförslag. Åtgärderna som föreslås för att produktionsenheten ska reducera sin energiförbrukning är följande: • Införa helg- och kvällsavstängningar på maskiner• Införa helg- och kvällsänkningar (viloläge) på maskiner• Byta belysning till LED• Sänka temperatur till följd av implementation av LED-lysrör• Byta till filter med lägre tryckfall• Åtgärda tryckluftsläckage med förebyggande underhåll Implementeringen av följande åtgärder resulterar till en total energibesparing på 228,8 MWh per år.The year 2020 the truck manufacturer Scania CV AB established a goal of reducing its energy consumption by 25% by 2025, with the year 2020 as its starting point. Reduction of energy consumption is necessary for the truck manufacturer in order to continue to conduct both sustainable as well as responsible business. This study is performed at the production unit DI (driveline-injector), the unit manufactures fuel injection systems for the company Cummins-Scania XPI Manufacturing. The purpose of the report is to identify energy saving activities, and additionally propose energy saving actions to be able to support the production unit DI in achieving the energy reduction target of 25%. A supplementary implementation plan is formulated in order to display the timeline for the presented activities. The method applied to formulate the activities is mainly literature studies from digital scientific publishing systems. Furthermore, are empirical studies performed in order to provide information from the facility. Calculations are performed to identify and present the results of the current energy consumption as well as the energy calculations after the proposed activities. The measures the field study presents for the production unit to reduce its energy consumption result in the following: • Introduce weekend and evening shutdowns on machines• Introduce standby mode on machines• Replace lighting with LEDs• Lower the temperature as a result of implemented LEDs• Switch to filters with lower pressure drop• Implement preventative maintenance in order to reduce compressed air leakage The implementation of the following measures results in a total energy saving of 228.8 MWh per year

Efficacy of Decontaminating Agents for Raw Vegetable Consumption and Sensory Screening

Sanitization of vegetables consumed raw has tremendous importance due to health risks associated with food-borne pathogens. This study elaborated the effectiveness of varied concentrations of disinfectants used for washing fresh carrot vegetable against five potential pathogens. The pathogens were identified during the course study and compared with MTCC standard cultures. It was found that induction of 50percent killing against five pathogens viz. Aeromonas hydrophila, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes required concentration (LC50) of Sodium hypochlorite upto 100ppm, Citric acid upto 1000ppm, Lactic acid 724ppm, CaO 2570ppm, Tannic acid 794ppm and Cineole 100ppm with 5minutes washing period. Of the entire chemical tested, sensory scoring for vegetable taste, acidic taste the overall appreciation of citric acid corroborates its use as an effective sanitizing agent to treat vegetables. Cineole on the other hand has high response value at 69ppm but loose appreciation due to poor odour and taste. The purpose of the study is to establish current state of intervention for maintaining the high microbial safety of fresh vegetables consumed raw as intended health benefits. Organic acids like citric and lactic acid can be used in food industry as emerging sanitation strategy with minimum contact time and consumers palatability