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Peer-reviewed conferences, the main publication venues in CS, rely critically on matching highly qualified reviewers for each paper. Because of the growing scale of these conferences, the tight timelines on which they operate, and a recent surge in explicitly dishonest behavior, there is now no alternative to performing this matching in an automated way. This paper introduces Large Conference Matching (LCM) , a novel reviewer–paper matching approach that was recently deployed in the 35th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI 2021), and has since been adopted (wholly or partially) by other conferences including ICML 2022, AAAI 2022-2024, and IJCAI 2022-2024. LCM has three main elements: (1) collecting and processing input data to identify problematic matches and generate reviewer–paper scores; (2) formulating and solving an optimization problem to find good reviewer–paper matchings; and (3) a two-phase reviewing process that shifts reviewing resources away from papers likely to be rejected and towards papers closer to the decision boundary. This paper also describes an evaluation of these innovations based on an extensive post-hoc analysis on real data—including a comparison with the matching algorithm used in AAAI's previous (2020) iteration—and supplements this with additional numerical experimentation.2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sida is one of the most diverse genera, with about 200 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among 18 species distributed in India, Sida acuta , Sida cordifolia , Sida rhombifolia , and Sida cordata are used in traditional medicines along with its possible adulterant Abutilon indicum for several therapeutic uses. The non-availability of marker-based validated methods for the identification and classification of these species leads to adulteration. Indoloquinoline and quinazoline are the major bioactive alkaloids distributed in Sida spp. First time, a simple, economical and high throughput method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 20-hydroxyecdysone (1), vasicine (2), vasicinone (3), cryptolepine (4), quindolinone (5), and cryptolepinone (6) using HPTLC-UV densitometry. The method was validated to meet globally accepted ICH guidelines. The method was sensitive with LOD and LOQ ranging from 0.38–0.63 and 1.57–2.12 µg/band. The samples were spiked at 3 different concentrations, the recovery values were 93.49–98.88%. In addition, the greenness index of the HPTLC method was estimated using four different greenness assessment techniques. Targeted HPTLC analysis indicated the distribution of specialized metabolites in Sida spp. and A. indicum. However, the occurrence of cryptolepine in A. indicum was not reported in the literature, so this was further confirmed by liquid chromatographic studies of the samples from different locations. The chromatographic data was statistically evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering (HCA). HPTLC-based targeted metabolite quantitation explains the adulteration/substitution in Sida raw material and derived herbal preparations. [Display omitted] • Validated HPTLC-UV method for quantification of Six markers in four Sida spps. and A. indicum. • Four greenness assessment tools ensured the greenness of the method. • Markers were identified to discriminate different Sida spp. • Liquid chromatographic studies also confirmed the presence of cryptolepine in A. indicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was performed to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on overall survival and disease-specific survival. Patients undergoing RT had improved overall survival and disease-specific survival on multivariate Cox regression and after propensity score matching as compared with patients who did not receive RT. Introduction: The aim of this study was to perform a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) analysis on the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on survival among patients with prostate ductal adenocarcinoma (DA), a rare variant of prostate cancer. Patients and Methods: Cases of T1 to 4 N0 M0 prostate DA diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 were extracted from SEER. The association between categorical variables and radiation therapy was assessed for statistical significance using the x² test or Fisher exact test. Difference in continuous variables across the RT groups was assessed for statistical significance using the 2-sample t test or non-parametric test. The distribution of overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) between the RT groups was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test and after propensity matching. The association between hazards of death (HR) and covariates was examined using Cox proportional hazards model. A 2-sided P-value of .05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: A total of 205 patients met inclusion criteria. On univariate analysis, RT was associated with significant improvement in OS and DSS. On multivariate Cox regression, RT significantly decreased risk of death for both OS and DSS (HR, 0.516; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.273-0.978 and HR, 0.232; 95% CI, 0.082-0.658, respectively). After propensity score matching, RT demonstrated a persistent improvement in both OS and DSS. Conclusions: RT decreased risk of death for both OS and DSS in patients with node-negative, nonmetastatic prostate DA on multivariable analysis. RT was also associated with improved OS and DSS after propensity matching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food choice motives and attitude-social influence-self efficacy framework were used. • Four consumer segments were identified. • Attitude, self-efficacy, and environmental concern are crucial to reduce food waste. • Multiple factors influence food waste among which food familiarity is central. Understanding consumers' food waste behaviour has become increasingly crucial, given its adverse impacts on sustainability. Therefore, this study segmented consumers based on their food choice motives and investigated key factors influencing food waste reduction behaviour in university canteens employing attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy (ASE) framework extended with environmental concern, situational, and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. An online survey was conducted in Denmark among university canteen users (n = 438). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified four segments, (1) Familiarity sensitive consumers – 34.9 % of participants, (2) Unconcerned consumers – 19.9 %, (3) Food for health and mood consumers – 19.2 %, and (4) Unfamiliar consumers – 26 %. Partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis shows that attitude, self-efficacy, and environmental concern significantly influenced behavioural intention, eventually influencing food waste reduction behaviour. Social influence and situational factors did not influence behavioural intention. Sensory appeal, price, health–mood, and familiarity significantly influenced behavioural attitude, whereas familiarity and weight control significantly influenced behaviour. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors indirectly influence behavioural intention by their effects on attitudes, self-efficacy, and environmental concerns. Education, income, dietary patterns, and body mass index directly impacted food waste reduction behaviour. We suggest that improving consumers' attitudes and environmental concern while enhancing their self-efficacy might positively influence food waste reduction behaviour. Besides psychosocial factors, intervention should also consider focusing on consumers' food choice motives and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors to effectively influence food waste reduction behaviour in university canteen or similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effectiveness of chitosan with zinc oxide nanomicelles (CZNPs) on broad spectrum of multidrug resistance (MDR) was previously evidenced in our labs, requiring elucidation of the therapeutic index (TI) for safe in vivo use. This in vitro assessment estimated the effective dose (ED 50) of micellar CZNPs for eradication of the MDR Enterococcus faecium 1449 model and the corresponding cytotoxic dose (LD 50) against rat small intestinal epithelial cells as functions of TI. In order to visually determine the mechanistic effects of micellar CZNPs on bacterial biofilm size reduction, LIVE/DEAD viability assay was used in conjunction with advanced fluorescence imaging and 3D confocal microscopy. Biofilm quantification was performed through the measure of the fluorescence intensity, using the Biotek Synergy Neo2 for calculating the ED 50. To generate the LD 50 , the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay was implemented. Quantification results revealed, at the same concentration (200 µg/mL), micellar CZNPs had average biofilm reduction of approximately 50.22% at 24 h (ED 50 = 199.13 µg/mL, LD 50 = 240.20 µg/mL, TI = 1.2062), compared to chitosan (15.66%) and ZnO (13.94%) alone. Conclusively, the ED 50 of micellar CZNPs on MDR bacterial biofilms (199.13 µg/mL) as a function of TI reveals a promising nanotherapeutic agent in comparison to either Chitosan or ZnO alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Craniopharyngioma, a neurological disorder with high recurrence in children. • Primary cultures from rat brain hypothalamus were exposed to different concentration of Craniopharyngioma cyst fluids to scrutinize the health and viability of neurons and glial cells. • A gradual and significant loss of cell viability was observed in vitro with increasing concentration of CCF. • CCF induced increased expression of Caspase-3 expression in both neurons and glial cells in vitro. Abstract Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare, epithelial tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that could lead to manifestation of multiple post-operative symptoms, ranging from hormonal imbalance to obesity, diabetes, visual, neurological and neurocognitive impairments. CP is more frequent in children, and has been reported in middle aged adults as well. In fact, arterial laceration and/or brain stroke which may occur following the removal of some CPs is mainly due to calcification of that CPs along with strong attachments to the blood vessels. The dense oily fluid content of CPs is reported to cause brain tissue damage, demyelination and axonal loss in the hypothalamus; however, its exact effect on different cell types of CNS is still unexplored. In this study, we have collected CP cyst fluid (CCF) from mostly young patients during surgical removal and exposed it 9–10 days in vitro to the primary cultures derived from rat brain hypothalamus for 48 h. A gradual decline in cell viability was noted with increasing concentration of CCF. Moreover, a distinct degenerative morphological transformation was observed in neurons and glial cells, including appearance of blebbing and overall reduction of the cell volume. Further, enhanced expression of Caspase-3 in neurons and glial cells exposed to CCF by immunofluorescence imaging, supported by Western blot experiment suggest CCF induced apoptosis of hypothalamic cells in culture. In this study, we have demonstrated the deleterious effects of the cyst fluid on various cell types within the tumors originating region of the brain and its surroundings for the first time. Taken together, this finding could be beneficial towards identifying the region specific toxic effects of the cyst fluid and its underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To forecast lifetime outcomes and cost of lumacaftor/ivacaftor combination therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) with homozygous phe508del mutation from the US payer perspective.Methods: A lifetime Markov model was developed from a US payer perspective. The model included five health states: 1) mild lung disease (percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] >70%), 2) moderate lung disease (40% ≤ FEV1 ≤ 70%), 3) severe lung disease (FEV1 < 40%), 4) lung transplantation, and 5) death. All inputs were derived from published literature. We estimated lumacaftor/ivacaftor's improvement in outcomes compared with a non-CF referent population as well as CF-specific mortality estimates.Results: Lumacaftor/ivacaftor was associated with additional 2.91 life-years (95% credible interval 2.55-3.56) and additional 2.42 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) (95% credible interval 2.10-2.98). Lumacaftor/ivacaftor was associated with improvements in survival and QALYs equivalent to 27.6% and 20.7%, respectively, for the survival and QALY gaps between CF usual care and their non-CF peers. The incremental lifetime cost was $2,632,249.Conclusions: Lumacaftor/ivacaftor increased life-years and QALYs in CF patients with the homozygous phe508del mutation and moved morbidity and mortality closer to that of their non-CF peers but it came with higher cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than half of Danes buy organic food products every week; however, this has not been reflected in the retail sale of organic fish and shellfish. Therefore, this paper aims to perform consumer segmentation through the food-related lifestyle (FRL) instrument and determine the factors influencing intention to buy organic fish among Danish consumers applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Survey data were collected using a validated questionnaire from 237 Danish convenient consumers. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between the TPB constructs. Consumer segmentation was based on the FRL instrument (incl. The shopping scripts, higher-order product attributes, and meal preparation scripts) as a basis for consumer segmentation. Factor analysis with hierarchical clustering yielded four consumer segments: the "Careless" (31.6% of the respondents), the "Rational" (17.3%), the "Cooks" (31.6%), and the "Eco-moderate" (19.4%). Consumers from the Careless segment had the highest percentage of respondents buying organic fish (39.1%), followed by those from the Cooks (33.1%). However, consumers from the Cooks segment purchase organic fish regularly, followed by the Careless segment (27.3% and 11.5%, respectively). The results from SEM indicated that past experience, perceived barriers such as difficulty to judge the quality, and availability of organic fish were significant predictors of the intention to buy organic fish. However, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived price were not significant predictors of the intention to buy organic fish. The intention to buy organic fish showed a strong positive correlation with the reported consumption frequency of organic fish. Hence, focusing on perceived barriers, past experience with buying organic, and promoting availability among consumers is likely to trigger a behavioural intention of buying organic fish, thereby potentially increasing the purchasing frequency of organic fish. • We performed consumer segmentation and quantify the effect of factors influencing intention to buy organic fish. • Food related lifestyle instrument and the theory of planned behaviour were utilized. • Four consumer segments were identified. • Past experience, availability and perceived barriers are the most important factors driving intention to buy organic fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Production method information significantly increases consumer liking of wild-caught smoked salmon. • Consumers primarily paid more attention to liking of taste in the evaluation of overall liking of smoked salmon. • Consumers' belief related to food safety, animal welfare and sustainability as well as purchasing habits may influence preference and liking of smoked salmon. • Consumers liked organic smoked salmon better than wild-caught smoked salmon under blind condition. Product information is capable of steering the consumers' expectation formation process. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate whether information on production method influence consumers' preference and liking of smoked salmon. A consumer test was conducted among 92 consumers to determine liking of the smoked salmon on a 7-point hedonic scale before (blind) and after (informed) receiving information about production method (organic, conventional and wild-caught). Further, two explanatory focus group discussions (n = 5 in each group) were conducted to determine consumers' belief on production method. A linear mixed-effects model analysis indicated that the consumer overall liking of wild-caught smoked salmon significantly increased after production method information was provided, while regarding organic and conventional smoked salmon no significant difference was noted. Post hoc test indicated that organic smoked salmon was significantly more liked than wild-caught smoked salmon (mean difference ± standard error: 0.652 ± 0.19, p < 0.01) in blind condition, however, between organic and conventional smoked salmon no significant difference was noted (-0.032 ± 0.19, p = 0.983). Further, in informed condition, organic smoked salmon was significantly more liked than conventional smoked salmon (0.50 ± 0.19, p < 0.05), however, between organic and wild-caught smoked salmon no significant difference was noted (0.228 ± 0.19, p = 0.452). Relative importance analysis results suggest that liking of taste was the most important contributor (26.84%) to smoked salmon overall liking (p < 0.05, R2 = 74.17%). Focus group discussion revealed that consumer beliefs related to food safety, animal welfare and sustainability as well as purchasing habits seem to influence smoked salmon preferences. Thus, organic aquaculture sector should focus on promoting consumer beliefs by providing reliable information based on scientific evidences that helps differentiates their products with that of conventional and wild-caught smoked salmon. Future studies might investigate other fish species to better understand the role of product method information on consumer preference and liking of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Variational mode decomposition is coupled with optimization for image segmentation. • This algorithm is compared with non-VMD based approach. • Kapur's and Tsallis entropy are used to find threshold value for image segmentation. • VMD is a newly developed decomposition technique. • The VMD-based approach is found to be more accurate against non-VMD based approach. Multilevel thresholding using the histogram is the most popular and accepted technique of image segmentation. The computational time of multilevel thresholding rises exponentially as the number of the thresholds increases. Histogram suffers from irregularities and sharp details which leads to stagnation. In this article, a newly developed multiverse optimization is combined with variational mode decomposition to overcome this problem. The histogram of an input image divided into several band-limit modes using VMD then reconstruct histogram using meaningful modes. The reconstructed histogram is free from the high-frequency fluctuation which causes local optima. The proposed method utilized two entropy function to develop image segmentation by determining the optimal threshold. The result of the proposed algorithm is analyzed with other evolutionary algorithms such as artificial bee colony, sine cosine algorithm, and salp swarm algorithm. Comparison is made based on comparative parameters such as peak signal to noise ratio, structural similarity index, feature similarity index, uniformity, normalized absolute error, quality index based on local variance, computational time, and mean square error. The test results validate that the proposed algorithm presents more reliable results than other existing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize inventions and assess trends in brachytherapy innovation based on brachytherapy-related patents awarded across the past 2 decades and provide insights that will help inform future research and entrepreneurship in the field. The United States Patent and Trademark Office database was searched for patents awarded between 1999 and 2018 with a classification code corresponding to the broadest brachytherapy search category. Patent characteristics were stratified and compared by geographic location, affiliation, and theme of invention. There were 202 brachytherapy-related patents awarded from 2009 to 2018, which indicates a 56% increase in patent productivity and brachytherapy innovation compared with the previous decade from 1999 to 2008. Patents had an industry affiliation in 83% of cases from 1999 to 2008 and in 76% of cases from 2009 to 2018. Meanwhile, academic participation in brachytherapy patent innovation rose from 4% to 11% in that time. The focus and theme of inventions evolved across time, with radiation sources being the most common theme from 1999 to 2008 and falling to third place in 2009–2018. Conversely, development of brachytherapy-related patents involving exogenous agents such as drug-conjugates, radiosensitizers, and adjuncts to treatment increased substantially in the subsequent decade. While no collaboration was observed between academia and industry between 1999 and 2008, notable partnerships emerged in the subsequent decade which amounted to almost 5% of all patents awarded between 2009 and 2018. There has been an increase in overall brachytherapy patent production over time, and this has been accompanied by a greater variety of distinct patent themes. Collaboration between industry and academia is rare. Knowledge of brachytherapy patents may inform future research innovation in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The aim of the present research work was to formulate, optimize and evaluate the in-situ gel for the ophthalmic drug delivery using the combination of gellan gum and carbopol 934P. The Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize the concentration of gellan gum (X 1), carbopol 934P (X 2) and benzododecenium bromide (X 3) to achieve the maximum viscosity [at physiological condition; 35 °C, pH 7.4, and simulated tear fluid (STF)], mucoadhesive strength, permeability coefficient and sustained release of the drug from the gel with constraint on the viscosity under the non-physiological condition (25 °C, pH 5). Response surface plots were drawn, the statistical validity of the polynomials was established, and optimized formulation was selected by the feasibility and grid search. The design proposed the optimized batch by selecting the independent variables as gellan gum (0.55% w/v), carbopol 934P (0.35% w/v) and benzododecenium bromide (0.013% w/v) to achieve the maximum viscosity (3363 cps) at physiological condition, mucoadhesive strength (22.35 dyn/cm2), t 90% (1200 min), permeability coefficient (1.36 × 10−5 sq.cm/sec), with minimum viscosity (131 cps) under the non-physiological condition. The combination of gellan gum and carbopol 934P improved the gelation (synergistic effect) characteristics of the in situ gel. The optimized in situ gel was clear, isotonic, pH 4.7 and showed pseudoplastic flow, high in vitro gelling capacity, low contact angle, acceptable hardness (51018 gm), compressibility (64617 gm) and adhesiveness (74 gm) values for the ocular application. The ex vivo study showed the significant protection of the mast cell from the degranulation. The ocular irritation and histopathology studies in the rabbit eyes confirmed the safety of in situ gel for human use. The in vivo drug release studies showed the presence of drug in the rabbit tear fluid up to 3 h in comparison to just 1 h with the eye drop solution. The contact time of the in situ gel in the human eye was 15.0 ± 2.5 min, which was >2 folds higher than the marketed gel (6.0 ± 3.2 min), which could reduce the dosing frequency and total dose of drug. The Box-Behnken design facilitated the optimization of in situ gel for sustained ophthalmic drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic neuroinflammation and microglial dysfunction are key features of many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease and multiple sclerosis. While there is unfortunately a dearth of highly selective molecular imaging biomarkers/probes for studying microglia in vivo , P2Y12R has emerged as an attractive candidate PET biomarker being explored for this purpose. Importantly, P2Y12R is selectively expressed on microglia in the CNS and undergoes dynamic changes in expression according to inflammatory context (e.g. , toxic versus beneficial/healing states), thus having the potential to reveal functional information about microglia in living subjects. Herein, we identified a high affinity, small molecule P2Y12R antagonist (AZD1283) to radiolabel and assess as a candidate radiotracer through in vitro assays and in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of both wild-type and total knockout mice and a non-human primate. First, we evaluated the metabolic stability and passive permeability of non-radioactive AZD1283 in vitro. Next, we radiolabeled [11C]AZD1283 with radioactive precursor [11C]NH 4 CN and determined stability in formulation and human plasma. Finally, we investigated the in vivo stability and kinetics of [11C]AZD1283 via dynamic PET imaging of naïve wild-type mice, P2Y12R knockout mouse, and a rhesus macaque. We determined the half-life of AZD1283 in mouse and human liver microsomes to be 37 and > 160 min, respectively, and predicted passive CNS uptake with a small amount of active efflux, using a Caco-2 assay. Our radiolabeling efforts afforded [11C]AZD1283 in an activity of 12.69 ± 10.64 mCi with high chemical and radiochemical purity (>99%) and molar activity of 1142.84 ± 504.73 mCi/μmol (average of n = 3). Of note, we found [11C]AZD1283 to be highly stable in vitro , with >99% intact tracer present after 90 min of incubation in formulation and 60 min of incubation in human serum. PET imaging revealed negligible brain signal in healthy wild-type mice (n = 3) and a P2Y12 knockout mouse (0.55 ± 0.37%ID/g at 5 min post injection). Strikingly, high signal was detected in the liver of all mice within the first 20 min of administration (peak uptake = 58.28 ± 18.75%ID/g at 5 min post injection) and persisted for the remaining duration of the scan. Ex vivo gamma counting of mouse tissues at 60 min post-injection mirrored in vivo data with a mean %ID/g of 0.9% ± 0.40, 0.02% ± 0.01, and 106 ± 29.70% in the blood, brain, and liver, respectively (n = 4). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of murine blood and liver metabolite samples revealed a single radioactive peak (relative area under peak: 100%), representing intact tracer. Finally, PET imaging of a rhesus macaque also revealed negligible CNS uptake/binding in monkey brain (peak uptake = 0.37 Standard Uptake Values (SUV)). Despite our initial encouraging liver microsome and Caco-2 monolayer data, in addition to the observed high stability of [11C]AZD1283 in formulation and human serum, in vivo brain uptake was negligible and rapid accumulation was observed in the liver of both naïve wildtype and P2Y12R knockout mice. Liver signal appeared to be independent of both metabolism and P2Y12R expression due to the confirmation of intact tracer in this tissue for both wildtype and P2Y12R knockout mice. In Rhesus Macaque, negligible uptake of [11C]AZD1283 brain indicates a lack of potential for translation or its further investigation in vivo. P2Y12R is an extremely promising potential PET biomarker, and the data presented here suggests encouraging metabolic stability for this scaffold; however, the mechanism of liver uptake in mice should be elucidated prior to further analogue development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate target delineation/contouring is essential for radiation treatment planning and the clinical efficacy of radiation therapy. Clinical trial data has demonstrated the importance of quality contouring and treatment planning for optimal survival outcomes. As a result, improving the quality of target delineation is an important goal in the education of radiation oncology residents. However, there is limited quantitative data on the quality of residents' contours. Therefore, it would be beneficial to track performance and improvement in resident target delineation during residency. The purpose of this study was to determine if it was feasible to track the concordance of radiation oncology residents' contours with faculty physicians' contours. Residents were asked to contour target volumes (GTV, CTV, ITV, PTV, etc.) based on patient history, physical exam, clinical stage and fused diagnostic imaging and were allowed to use any available outside resources, including textbooks, review articles, consensus guidelines, and online atlases. Resident contours were saved as separate structures. Finalized, faculty physician-approved contours were also saved. Saved contour structures and data from October 2019 through June 2020 were reviewed for feasibility. In total, 209 structures had both resident and faculty versions saved within Eclipse and were available for analysis. The Boolean Operations Tool in Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA) was used to create an intersection volume of the resident/faculty contours. Separately, the Boolean Operations Tool was used to create a union volume of the resident/faculty contours. Based on these two volumes, the Jaccard Concordance Index (JCI) was calculated by dividing the intersection volume (in cubic centimeters [cc]) by the union volume (cc). The JCI could be successfully calculated for 203 (97.1%) of the 209 structures. For 6 structures (2.9%), both the intersection and union volumes could not be calculated because the volumes were too small for Eclipse to determine. All 6 of these structures were small brain metastases. Tracking and comparing the concordance of resident contours and faculty physician contours is feasible using available tools in Eclipse. Additional data collection and assessment is necessary before this technique can be more widely utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the biocompatibility of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) is pivotal for biomedical applications. The biocompatibility of plant-derived MNPs has been mostly attributed to capped plant molecules. This claim seems to be straightforward but lacks conclusive evidence. The capped phytochemicals and the metallic core might have decisive and individual roles in imparting the overall biocompatibility. Whether capped phytochemicals really make sense in diminishing the toxicity effect of the otherwise naked or metallic core needs further analysis. Here, we readdress the biocompatibility of plant-derived MNPs with references to contemporary cellular assays, different reactants for green synthesis, possible epigenetic involvement, and nanobiocompatibility at the molecular level. Finally, we discuss relevant in vivo studies and large-scale production issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper solid waste (PPSW) originating from paper industry, was experimented for the production of fumaric acid (FA) through submerged and solid state fermentation by utilizing the filamentous fungus Rhizopus oryzae 1526 . Physicochemical characterization, pH and moisture content analysis of PPSW was carried out. Pre-treatment of PPSW by size reduction resulted in particles of different size ranges (1.7 mm < x ≤ 3.35 mm, 850 μm < x ≤ 1.7 mm, 300 μm < x ≤ 850 μm, 75 μm < x ≤ 300 μm and 33 μm < x ≤ 75 μm). In submerged fermentation with all particle size ranges, a maximum of 23.47 ± 0.70 g/L of FA was obtained with 33 μm < x ≤ 75 μm under the fermentation conditions of 30 °C, 200 rpm, 5% pre-cultured inoculum ( v/v ) and at 48 h. Viscosity measurement and analysis of by-product of the fermented broths were performed. Microwave-phosphoric acid mediated hydrolysis of 33 μm < x ≤ 75 μm particle size produced hydrolysate with maximum glucose (11.2 ± 0.8 g/L) and xylose (20.22 ± 0.85 g/L) contents. Submerged fermentation with this hydrolysate confirmed the utilization of xylose for both FA production and fungal growth. Solid state fermentation with 75 μm < x ≤ 300 μm particle size resulted in highest FA production (41.45 g/kg dry weight) after 21 days. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphological features of the fungus grown on the particles. The results of the present study confirmed the utilization of PPSW as a source of carbon and trace elements by the fungus R. oryzae 1526 and also the bioconversion into FA during fermentation. FA being a high value platform chemical, its bioproduction from the low cost PPSW, is a value addition approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research account deals with the bioproduction of fumaric acid (FA) from apple pomace ultrafiltration sludge (APUS) and apple pomace (AP) through fermentation. The filamentous fungus Rhizopus oryzae 1526 was used as a biocatalyst and its morphological impact on FA production was analysed in detail. For submerged fermentation, 40 g L −1 of total solids concentration of APUS, pH 6.0, 30 °C, 200 rpm flask shaking speed and 72 h of incubation were found to be optimum for FA production (25.2 ± 1.0 g L −1 , 0.350 g (L −1 h −1 )). Broth viscosity (cP), residual reducing sugar (g L −1 ) and ethanol (g L −1 ) produced as by-product, were also analysed. Plastic trays were used for solid state fermentation and at optimized level of moisture and incubation period, 52 ± 2.67 g FA per kg dry weight of AP was obtained. Changes in the total phenolic content (mg g −1 dry weight of AP) were monitored at regular intervals. Utilization of APUS and AP for the directed synthesis of the high-value platform chemical FA by the fungal strain R. oryzae 1526 was an excellent display of fungal physiological and morphological control over a fermentative product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Many head/neck squamous cell cancer patients develop recurrence or second primary. • Re-irradiation is a curative treatment option for these patients. • However, it is associated with significant risk of toxicity. • Pulsed Reduced Dose Rate radiation may reduce re-irradiation toxicity. Pulsed reduced dose rate (PRDR) radiation (RT) is a re-irradiation (Re-RT) technique that potentially overcomes dose/volume constraints in the setting of previous RT. There is minimal data for its use for recurrent or secondary primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this study, we report preliminary data from our institution of a consecutive cohort of HNSCC patients who received PRDR Re-RT. Nine patients received PRDR Re-RT from August 2020 to January 2023 and had analyzable data. Intensity modulated RT was used for treatment delivery and a wait time between 20 cGy arc/helical deliveries was used to achieve the effective low dose rate. Data collected included patient demographic information, prior interventions, diagnosis, radiation therapy dose and fractionation, progression free survival, overall survival, and toxicity rates. The median time to PRDR-RT from completion of initial RT was 13 months (range, 6–50 months). All but one patient underwent salvage surgery prior to PRDR-RT. The median follow-up after Re-RT was 7 months. The median OS from PRDR-RT was 7 months (range, 1–32 months). Median PFS was 7 months (range, 1–32 months). One patient (11.1 %) had acute grade 3 toxicity, and two patients (22.2 %) had late grade 3 toxicities. There were no grade 4+ toxicities. PRDR Re-RT is a feasible treatment strategy for patients with recurrent or second primary HNSCC. Initial findings from this retrospective review suggest reasonable survival outcomes and potentially improved toxicity; prospective data is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel weighted ensemble algorithm is proposed for indoor localization. • Obtained around 95% accuracy even when train and test conditions are different. • Incorporating mean and variance of RSSIs improve accuracy of the ensemble to 98%. • The algorithm works for varying granularity: room level grid and 1m × 1m grid. Indoor localization systems have the capability to change the way of providing location-based services in a closed environment. Though there is no agreed-upon technology that works best in indoor, WiFi signal is an important alternative as most of such places are covered by WiFi Access Points (APs). In this paper, the problem of indoor localization is investigated from the perspective of expert systems through applying machine learning techniques. The significant variation of WiFi signal strength with ambient conditions as well as device configuration badly affects the localization accuracy. Thus, the fingerprinting effort required to train a localization system subject to context heterogeneity is huge. The uncertainty in localization performance due to varying contexts is hardly investigated in the literature. Consequently, the main contribution of this paper is to propose a weighted ensemble classifier based on Dempster–Shafer belief theory to efficiently handle context heterogeneity. Here, the context is defined in terms of different smartphone configurations used for training and testing the system as well as temporal variation of signals. The method presented here utilizes the Dempster–Shafer theory of belief functions to calculate the weights of the base learners in the decision of the ensemble. Belief theory is applied here to handle the inherent uncertainty in WiFi signal variations due to heterogeneous context. Real life experiments are conducted for two datasets, JUIndoorLoc and UJIIndoorLoc at different granularity levels. For JUIndoorLoc, with state-of-the-art classifiers, 86–97% accuracy can be achieved for 10-fold cross-validation. However, when the training context differs from the test conditions, accuracy drops to 62–87%. In such a scenario, the proposed weighted ensemble technique is found to achieve almost 98% localization accuracy when RSSIs, mean and variance of RSSIs are considered as features. The technique can lead to an effective expert system for indoor localization at varying granularity levels. Such systems would be beneficial for pervasive indoor positioning applications as no dedicated infrastructure is needed for positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microwave assisted extraction of fungal chitosan has been found to be efficient. • Optimization of the microwave power and duration of incubation was performed. • Higher chitosan yield of 13.43% w/w dry biomass. • Chitosan of 94% degree of deacetylation. • The energy consumption bill significantly lower, 1.1 vs 50 cents. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of chitosan from dried fungal biomass of Rhizopus oryzae NRRL1526, obtained by culturing on potato dextrose broth (PDB), was performed and the optimal conditions required were identified using statistical analysis for the first time in this study. This microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was compared against the conventional autoclave assisted method of chitosan extraction. The full factorial experimental design was used to investigate the impact of operating parameters of MAE, microwave power (100 W–500 W), and duration (10 min–30 min), on alkaline insoluble material (AIM) yield, chitosan yield, and degree of deacetylation (DDA). The effect of operating conditions was then evaluated using full factorial data analysis and optimum condition for MAE of chitosan was identified using response surface methodology to be 300 W and 22 min. This optimum condition identified was then further evaluated and the chitosan obtained characterized. Higher chitosan yield of 13.43 ± 0.3% (w/w) of fungal biomass was obtained when compared to that obtained, 6.67% ± 0.3% (w/w) of dry biomass, for the conventional extraction process. MAE yielded chitosan of higher degree of deacetylation, 94.6 ± 0.9% against 90.6 ± 0.5% (conventional heating), but the molecular weight was observed to be similar to that obtained by using conventional autoclave heating. MAE of chitosan was observed to yield a higher quantity of chitosan when compared to conventional extraction process and obtained chitosan exhibited a higher degree of deacetylation as well as molecular weight. The lower energy consumption of 0.11 kW h for MAE (5 kW h for conventional process) and the concomitant reduction in the energy bill to 1.1 cents from 50 cents, in addition to the above results, show that microwave irradiation is a more efficient and environment-friendly means to obtain chitosan from fungal biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Laccase is one of the widely used enzymes for biotechnological processes. Immobilization of enzymes is a universally accepted approach to increase their reusability and stability. In this study, laccase enzyme from Trametes versicolor was encapsulated for the first time in a chitosan-nanobiochar matrix. The chitosan-tripolyphosphate gel formation technique was employed to produce homogeneous biocatalyst nanoparticles, with 35% effective binding efficiency and 3.5 Units/g apparent activity under the best configuration. The reusability of the encapsulated laccase was demonstrated towards the oxidation of 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) for several consecutive cycles, exhibiting 30% of the initial activity after 5 cycles. The encapsulated laccase showed a moderate increase in enzyme stability against pH and temperature variation compared to the free enzyme. Moreover, the storage stability of laccase at both 4 °C and 25 °C was increased after immobilization. Only 2% of laccase was leaked during a 5-day period from biocatalyst. Laccase in its free form showed no antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram-negative model microorganisms, while encapsulated laccase showed antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive ones. Thus, the encapsulation of the laccase is an efficient method to keep the enzyme active and stable for different applications. Highlights • The biocatalyst showed 35% of binding efficiency and 3.5 Units/g apparent activity. • The encapsulated laccase showed higher stability compare to free enzyme. • Encapsulated laccase onto chitosan-nanobiochar exhibited antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Fluoroquinolones-trivalent metal ion complexes are more stable than divalent metal ions. • Metal ions may act as an intermediate in binding between fluoroquinolones and DNA/enzyme. • Correlation of antibacterial and sorption properties of fluoroquinolones was affected by metal complexation. • Mobility fluoroquinolones is affected by environmental factors such as pH, temperature and presence of metal ions. Abstract Fluoroquinolones (FQs), the group of broad spectrum antimicrobials, are frequently detected in different environmental compartments, mostly due to incomplete metabolism in the target organism, inefficient wastewater treatment, and disposal of expired FQs directly into the environment. Another group of the contaminants, widely present in water, air, and soils, are the metal ions (Me). In general, FQs can form stable complexes with metal ions and their co-existence with Me in the environment leads to metal complexation. The most stable complexes are formed between FQs and trivalent ions, whereas FQs and alkali-earth metal ions, i.e. Ca2+ and Mg2+, are the least stable composites. This interaction between FQs and metal ions may alter antibiotic properties. Antibacterial activity of metal complexes is generally comparable with the parent compound; however, some FQs-metal complexes are found to exhibit higher antibacterial activity. Moreover, it was proved that FQs-Me complex can display antifungal potency toward Candida albicans. The mobility of FQs in soil and/or water strongly depends on pH, temperature, and type of metal ions, present in the environment. This review provides a brief description of FQs, their properties, and capacity to form complexes with metal ions. It summarizes influence of FQs-Me complexes on microorganisms and their mobility in different media. Further, the review provides a linkage between the presence of these metal ions in the environment and their effect on the chemistry and biology of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilization of enzymes on the solid supports can improve the stability as well as catalytic properties of enzymes. In this study, biochar derived from various feedstocks were used as immobilization support considering biochars carbon negative as well as sustainable properties. Partially purified (concentrated) crude laccase was covalently immobilized onto pine wood (BC-PW), pig manure (BC-PM) and almond shell (BC-AS) micro-biochars using optimized 5% w/v glutaraldehyde. Moreover, citric acid pretreatment improved the laccase binding capacity of all the micro-biochars and the highest laccase binding of 40.2 ± 1.8 U g −1 was observed with BC-PM in comparison with raw BC-PM (34.1 ± 1.1 U g −1 ). The enhanced binding of laccase on BC-PM over wood derived biochars was attributed to the higher surface area (46.1 m 2  g −1 ) of BC-PM. Moreover, feedstock selection as well as a method of production influenced the biochar physicochemical properties such as surface area and consequently, different biochars showed various laccase immobilization efficiencies. BC-PW showed better pH, thermal, storage, and operational stability, compared with BC-AS and BC-PM. While applying the laccase bound micro-biochar, complete removal was observed in 2 h under batch mode with 0.5 g of laccase bound BC-PM at an environmentally relevant concentration of 500 µg L −1 in wastewater effluent. About 40% of the laccase activity was retained with all the laccase-bound micro-biochars after 5 cycles of diclofenac treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although enzymes are gifted with unique and unprecedented catalytic activity and selectivity over a wide range of pollutants, still their stability related issues often hinder their application in real environmental conditions. In this study, agro-industrially produced crude laccase was concentrated using ultrafiltration. Crude laccase was immobilized on pine wood (BC-PW), pig manure (BC-PM) and almond shell (BC-AS) biochar microparticles. Immobilization of laccase was investigated at various laccase activities on micro-biochars and the release (desorption) of the enzyme has been studied. It was observed that for all the biochars, as the initial concentration of laccase increased in the crude solution, the binding capacity and as result immobilization efficiency also increased. BC-PM was found to be the most effective (31.4 ± 3.1 U g −1 ) at 10 U mL −1 of enzyme activity followed by BC-AS (24.3 ± 4.8 U g −1 ) and BC-PW (14.58 ± 3.3 U g −1 ). In addition, the biochars were functionalized with citric acid for possible surface modifications and the effect of biochars for the adsorption of enzymes has been investigated. Isotherm studies of enzyme loading onto biochar established homogeneous monolayer adsorption as the major mechanism. The desorption of laccase from all biochars followed pseudo-second-order model. Immobilized laccase exhibited superior storage ability and shelf-life which were three times higher than free laccase. Finally, the immobilized laccase was used for the degradation of micropollutant, DCF and near 100% removal was obtained within 5 h at an environmentally relevant concentration (500 μg L −1 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brewery liquid waste (BLW), brewery spent grain (BSG), apple pomace solid wastes (APS), apple pomace ultrafiltration sludge (APUS) and starch industry waste (SIW) were evaluated as alternative feedstocks for levulinic acid (LA) production via microwave-assisted acid-catalyzed thermal hydrolysis. LA production of 204, 160, 66, 49 and 12 g/kg was observed for BLW, BSG, APS, APUS, and SIW, respectively, at 140 °C, 40 g/L substrate concentration (SC), 60 min and 2 N HCl (acid concentration). Based on the screening studies, BLW and BSG were selected for optimization studies using response surface methodology. Maximum LA production of 409 and 341 g/kg for BLW and BSG, respectively were obtained at 160 °C, 4.5 M HCl, 85 g/L SC and 27.5 min. Results demonstrated the possibility of using brewery wastes as promising substrates for economical and higher yield production of LA, a renewable platform chemical and versatile precursor for fuels and chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigates the removal of chlortetracycline (CTC) antibiotic using sulfate radical-based oxidation process. Sodium persulfate (PS) was used as a source to generate sulfate radicals by homogeneous (Fe 2+ ) and heterogeneous (zero valent iron, ZVI) iron as a catalyst. Increased EDTA concentration was used to break the CTC-Fe metal complexes during CTC estimation. The influence of various parameters, such as PS concentration, iron (Fe 2+ and ZVI) concentration, PS/iron molar ratio, and pH were studied and optimum conditions were reported. CTC removal was increased with increasing concentration of PS and iron at an equal molar ratio of PS/Fe 2+ and PS/ZVI processes. PS/Fe 2+ and PS/ZVI oxidation processes at 1:2 (500 μM PS and 1000 μM) molar ratio showed 76% and 94% of 1 μM CTC removal in 2 h. Further increased molar ratio 1:2 onwards, PS/Fe 2+ process showed a slight increase in CTC degradation whereas in PS/ZVI process showed similar degradation to 1:2 (PS/Fe) ratio at constant PS 500 μM concentration. Slower activation of persulfate which indirectly indicates the slower generation of sulfate radicals in PS/ZVI process showed higher degradation efficiency of CTC. The detected transformation products and their estrogenicity results stated that sulfate radicals seem to be efficient in forming stable and non-toxic end products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brewery industry liquid waste (BLW), brewery spent grain (BSG), apple pomace solid wastes (APS), apple pomace ultrafiltration sludge (APUS) and starch industry wastewater (SIW) have been considered as substrates to produce biobutanol. Efficiency of hydrolysis techniques tested to produce fermentable sugars depended on nature of agro-industrial wastes and process conditions. Acid-catalysed hydrolysis of BLW and BSG gave a total reducing sugar yield of 0.433 g/g and 0.468 g/g respectively. Reducing sugar yield from microwave assisted hydrothermal method was 0.404 g/g from APS and 0.631 g/g from APUS, and, 0.359 g/g from microwave assisted acid-catalysed SIW dry mass. Parameter optimization (time, pH and substrate concentration) for acid-catalysed BLW hydrolysate utilization using central composite model technique produced 307.9 g/kg glucose with generation of inhibitors (5-hydroxymethyl furfural (20 g/kg), furfural (1.6 g/kg), levulinic acid (9.3 g/kg) and total phenolic compound (0.567 g/kg)). 10.62 g/L of acetone-butanol-ethanol was produced by subsequent clostridial fermentation of the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars were prepared from feedstocks pinewood and pig manure. Biochar microparticles obtained through grinding were evaluated for the removal of emerging contaminant diclofenac (DCF) and the underlying mechanism were thoroughly studied. Characterization of biochar was carried out using particle size analyzer, SEM, BET, FT-IR, XRD, XPS and zeta potential instrument. Pig manure biochar (BC-PM) exhibited excellent removal efficiency (99.6%) over pine wood biochar (BC-PW) at 500 µg L −1 of DCF (environmentally significant concentration). Intraparticle diffusion was found to be the major process facilitated the adsorption. BC-PW followed pseudo first-order kinetics whereas BC-PM followed pseudo second-order kinetics. Pine wood biochar was largely affected by pH variations whereas for pig manure biochar, pH effects were minimal owing to its surface functional groups and DCF hydrophobicity. Thermodynamics, presence of co-existing ions, initial adsorbate concentration and particles size played substantial role in adsorption. Various isotherms models were also studied and results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, rapid, ex-situ two phase partitioning detoxification has been developed to reduce inhibitor concentration in biomass hydrolysate and enhance biobutanol production from brewery liquid waste (BLW) and brewery spent grain (BSG). About 80 ± 2.0% extraction of furan derivatives and more than 95 ± 2.0% extraction of phenolic compounds and almost no extraction of reducing sugar from simulated synthetic media as well as real waste hydrolysate have made this method more interesting. Detoxification of brewery liquid waste and brewery spent grain hydrolysate by over liming and charcoal gave biobutanol production of 4.3 g/L, 6.3 g/L and 4.6 g/L, 5.8 g/L respectively. Ex-situ extraction of microbial inhibitors from brewery liquid waste and brewery spent grain hydrolysates using bis (2-ethylhexyl sebacate) as extractant gave biobutanol production of 8.0 g/L and 7.2 g/L respectively. Lower power consumption (0.081 W/L) and reuse of the extracting solvent made this detoxification technique extremely useful for improving production of biobutanol from agro-industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental considerations along with the technological challenges have led to search for green and energy-efficient processes for advanced nanostructured materials. In this study, nanobiochar was produced from pine wood biochar using a planetary ball mill. A central composite experimental design and response surface methodology was employed to optimize the ball milling parameters including time, rotational speed and ball to powder mass ratio to obtain nanoparticles in short time and at lower energy consumption. ANOVA results showed that the linear and quadratic effect estimates of time and the interaction effect of time and rotational speed were significant contributors to the size of particles during milling (p < 0.05). Based on the developed statistical model, the optimum conditions for obtaining the smallest particles, around 60 nm, were found to be 1.6 h, 575 rpm and 4.5 g/g. However, the size measurements indicated that particles had a great tendency to agglomerate. Further study showed that the conditioning of biochar at cryogenic temperatures prior to milling inhibits the agglomeration of nanoparticles which is essential in industrial processes. The adsorption test proved that the nanobiochar produced using green method is promising in the removal of micropollutants from aqueous media by removing up to 95% of carbamazepine from water. At the optimum milling parameters and conditioning for 24 h at −80 °C, nanobiochar with the average size of around 60 nm was obtained. The produced nanobiochar was characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) gas porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Also, physical and chemical properties, such as water holding capacity, organic matter, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), elemental composition, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the potential of different waste biomaterials for biosorption. Waste biomaterials after citric acid fermentation and chitosan extraction using Aspergillus niger were evaluated for biosorption of toxic metals (Cu, Cr and As) from leachates of chromated copper arsenate woods. The different waste BMs, such as fungal biomass (living and dead), alkali insoluble material and acid and alkali insoluble material were used in this study. The effect of different parameters, such as biosorbent concentration, metal concentration and contact time were investigated. The fitness of biosorption data for Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models was investigated through batch adsorption technique. Among the adsorption isotherm tested, Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) value ranging from 0.89 to 0.97; 0.96–0.99 and 0.76–0.95 for As, Cr and Cu, respectively using solid state fermented biomass. Similarly, the significant removal of metals (>60% in leachate 2) from waste CCA wood leachate was achieved with the different BMs. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of CA fermentation derived waste BMs for biosorption of toxic metals from waste waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual emerging contaminants in wastewater sludge remain an obstacle for its wide and safe applications such as landfilling and bio-fertilizer. In this study, the feasibility of individual ultrasonication (UlS) and Fenton oxidation (FO) and combined, Ferro-sonication processes (FO) on the degradation of chlortetracycline (CTC) in wastewater sludge was investigated. UlS parameters such as amplitude and sonication time were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) for further optimization of FS process. Generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals in FO and FS processes were compared to evaluate the degradation efficiency of CTC. Increasing in the ratio of hydrogen peroxide and iron concentration showed increased CTC degradation in FO process; whereas in FS, an increase in iron concentration did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05) on CTC degradation in sludge. The estimated iron concentration in sludge (115 mg/kg) was enough to degrade CTC without the addition of external iron. The only adjustment of sludge pH to 3 was enough to generate in-situ hydroxyl radicals by utilizing iron which is already present in the sludge. This observation was further supported by hydroxyl radical estimation with adjustment of water pH to 3 and with and without the addition of iron. The optimum operating UlS conditions were found to be 60% amplitude for 106 min by using RSM. Compared to standalone UlS and FO at 1:1 ratio, FS showed 15% and 8% increased CTC degradation respectively. In addition, UlS of sludge increased estrogenic activity 1.5 times higher compared to FO. FS treated samples did not show any estrogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of chemicals. They represent an important concern due to their widespread distribution in the environment, their resistance to biodegradation, their potential to bioaccumulate and their harmful effects. Several pilot treatments have been implemented to prevent economic consequences and deterioration of soil and water quality. As a promising option, fungal enzymes are regarded as a powerful choice for degradation of PAHs. Phanerochaete chrysosporium , Pleurotus ostreatus and Bjerkandera adusta are most commonly used for the degradation of such compounds due to their production of ligninolytic enzymes such as lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase. The rate of biodegradation depends on many culture conditions, such as temperature, oxygen, accessibility of nutrients and agitated or shallow culture. Moreover, the addition of biosurfactants can strongly modify the enzyme activity. The removal of PAHs is dependent on the ionization potential. The study of the kinetics is not completely comprehended, and it becomes more challenging when fungi are applied for bioremediation. Degradation studies in soil are much more complicated than liquid cultures because of the heterogeneity of soil, thus, many factors should be considered when studying soil bioremediation, such as desorption and bioavailability of PAHs. Different degradation pathways can be suggested. The peroxidases are heme-containing enzymes having common catalytic cycles. One molecule of hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the resting enzyme withdrawing two electrons. Subsequently, the peroxidase is reduced back in two steps of one electron oxidation. Laccases are copper-containing oxidases. They reduce molecular oxygen to water and oxidize phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac (DCF) is a prevalent anti-inflammatory drug used throughout the world. Intensive researches carried out in the past few decades have confirmed the global ubiquity of DCF in various environmental compartments. Its frequent occurrence in freshwater environments and its potential toxicity towards several organisms such as fish and mussels makes DCF an emerging environmental contaminant. At typical detected environmental concentrations, the drug does not exhibit toxic effects towards living organisms, albeit chronic exposure may lead to severe effects. For DCF, about 30–70% removal has been obtained through the conventional treatment system in wastewater treatment plant being the major primary sink. Thus, the untreated DCF will pass to surface water. DCF can interact with other inorganic contaminants in the environment particularly in wastewater treatment plant, such as metals, organic contaminants and even with DCF metabolites. This process may lead to the creation of another possible emerging contaminant. In the present context, environmental fate of DCF in different compartments such as soil and water has been addressed with an overview of current treatment methods. In addition, the toxicity concerns regarding DCF in aquatic as well as terrestrial environment along with an introduction to the metabolites of DCF through consumption as well as abiotic degradation routes are also discussed. Further studies are required to better assess the fate and toxicological effects of DCF and its metabolites and must consider the possible interaction of DCF with other contaminants to develop an effective treatment method for DCF and its traces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butanol produced from renewable feedstock is defined as an emerging biofuel and biochemical. Research efforts made during the last three decades on biochemical production of butanol via conventional ABE (acetone-ethanol-butanol) fermentation has tried to bring biobutanol close to competition with petrobutanol. However, each new effort of development has been often countered by new challenges, confining biobutanol production mostly to the laboratory scale. This review provides a systematic, comparative analysis of different steps in biochemical production of butanol and identifies the counteractive aspects and challenges to overcome. A special emphasis is given on process inhibitors, applied detoxification techniques, chemical supplements and research & development in industry in order to enhance and update ABE fermentation and make it cost effective. Biobutanol future lies in utilization of inexpensive cellulose enriched lignocellulosic hydrolysates and hyper-butanol producing bacteria, combined with specific detoxification techniques and followed by efficient continuous fermentation technologies together with in situ product recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence and transport of emerging Engineered Nano Particles (ENPs) in the environment is driven by combination of multiple factors comprising their size, charge and aggregation/agglomeration rate along with interactions with different soil types. Due to the complexity of the soil, it is difficult to associate an exact concentration with the possible transport pathways, interactions and transformation mechanisms. Major uncertainties arise with the increased number of extraction and filtration steps required for determining the exact toxicity doses of ENPs. Due to these issues, TiO 2 and Ag behavior, characterization, transport, and environmental effects in soils are still not clear. In soils, TiO 2 and Ag have been mainly reported to be present in the surroundings of point sources and are driven by their aggregation/agglomeration rate in combination with different soil types. TiO 2 and Ag are mainly transported by interstitial water depending on their zeta-potential in the local soil. Along the transport route, TiO 2 and Ag undergo alteration in dissolution, corrosion, redox reaction and coatings with the soil matrix. Their mobility is better across mineral soil in comparison to soil rich in organic colloids. The bioavailability gets modified and, in consequence, they are retained until complete degradation of the organic matrix. Depending on the soil matrix composition in terms of water content, minerals, and biological structure, the current most used methods for TiO 2 and Ag characterization are FFFF and UV spectroscopy coupled with ICP-MS and LCMS/MS. The increased flux of TiO 2 and Ag across soil is significant in understanding/accessing the viable threats, in particular their release affects the natural ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Tween 80, a non-ionic surfactant, has been used for enhanced hydrogen production by crude glycerol bioconversion using co-culture of Enterobacter aerogenes and Clostridium butyricum . The purpose of introducing the surfactant was to decrease the crude glycerol viscosity, so that apparent solubility and bioavailability of glycerol could be improved at the expenses of pretreatment steps. Experiments were planned using central composite design (CCD); crude glycerol and Tween 80 concentrations were optimized whereas, hydrogen production, glycerol utilization and viscosity of the media were considered as responses. The response surface for quadratic model showed, Tween 80 concentration had significant effect (p < 0.05) on all the three responses. Using the optimized conditions at 17.5 g/L crude glycerol and 15 mg/L Tween 80, hydrogen production reached a maximum of 32.1 ± 0.03 mmol/L of medium. The increase in hydrogen production was around 1.25-fold in presence of Tween 80 in comparison to its absence with 25.56 ± 0.91 mmol/L production. Selected optimum conditions were also validated against absence of crude glycerol (4.69 ± 0.76), with pretreated crude glycerol (20.06 ± 0.51) and across mono-culture system (15.43 ± 0.79 to 22.14 ± 0.94). Introduction of Tween 80 to the fermentation medium improved the glycerol utilization rate, resulting in increased hydrogen production and eliminated pretreatment steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different inexpensive, abundant agro-industrial wastes: suspended brewery liquid waste (BLW), starch industry wastewater (SIW) and apple pomace ultra-filtration sludge (APUS) have been explored for biobutanol production. Physicochemical analysis of biomass for carbohydrate and nutrient pool, acid hydrolysis, fermentation of raw extracts and hydrolysates by Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B-466 for ABE production and glucose supplementation to increase butanol production have been studied. The efficiency of the microorganism to produce butanol and other metabolites was explored via carbon balance. Inhibitory effects were minimized by dilution and detoxification method. Pretreated diluted extracts having reducing sugar content of 30 g/L gave optimum butanol production of 4.68 g/L, 1.4 g/L and 1.8 g/L from SIWH, APUSH and BLWH, respectively, as compared to 5.1 g/L obtained from control. Reducing sugar concentration in each diluted extract was increased to 60 g/L by 3% (w/v) glucose supplement and the butanol production was increased to 11.04g/L (0.27 g/g), 9.3 g/L (0.24g/g) and 8.06g/L (0.25), respectively. For SIWH, the maximum yield of butanol (0.27 g/g) and acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) (0.46 g/g) was obtained. Thus, production of butanol, with 3% glucose supplement demonstrated that these inexpensive agro-industrial wastes could have important implications in stimulating energy-economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar microparticles were prepared from three different types of biochar, derived from waste materials, such as pine wood (BC-PW), pig manure (BC-PM) and cardboard (BC-PD) under various pyrolysis conditions. The microparticles were prepared by dry grinding and sequential sieving through various ASTM sieves. Particle size and specific surface area were analyzed using laser particle size analyzer. The particles were further characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption capacity of each class of adsorbent was determined by methylene blue adsorption tests in comparison with commercially available activated carbon. Experimental results showed that dye adsorption increased with initial concentration of the adsorbate and biochar dosage. Biochar microparticles prepared from different sources exhibited improvement in adsorption capacity (7.8 ± 0.5 mg g −1 to 25 ± 1.3 mg g −1 ) in comparison with raw biochar and commercially available activated carbon. The adsorption capacity varied with source material and method of production of biochar. The maximum adsorption capacity was 25 mg g −1 for BC-PM microparticles at 25 °C for an adsorbate concentration of 500 mg L −1 in comparison with 48.30 ± 3.6 mg g −1 for activated carbon. The equilibrium adsorption data were best described by Langmuir model for BC-PM and BC-PD and Freundlich model for BC-PW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac (DCF), a prevalent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is often detected in wastewater and surface water. Analysis of the pharmaceuticals in complex matrices is often laden with challenges. In this study a reliable, rapid and sensitive method based on laser diode thermal desorption/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (LDTD/APCI) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been developed for the quantification of DCF in wastewater and wastewater sludge. An established conventional LC-ESI–MS/MS (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry) method was compared with LDTD-APCI-MS/MS approach. The newly developed LDTD-APCI-MS/MS method reduced the analysis time to 12 s in lieu of 12 min for LC-ESI–MS/MS method. The method detection limits for LDTD-APCI-MS/MS method were found to be 270 ng L −1 (LOD) and 1000 ng L −1 (LOQ). Furthermore, two extraction procedures, ultrasonic assisted extraction (USE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for the extraction of DCF from wastewater sludge were compared and ASE with 95.6 ± 7% recovery was effective over USE with 86 ± 4% recovery. The fate and partitioning of DCF in wastewater (WW) and wastewater sludge (WWS) in wastewater treatment plant was also monitored at various stages of treatment in Quebec Urban community wastewater treatment plant. DCF exhibited affinity towards WW than WWS with a presence about 60% of DCF in WW in contrary with theoretical prediction (Log K ow = 4.51). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexation of antibiotics with metals is a well-known phenomenon. Wastewater treatment plants contain metals and antibiotics, thus it is essential to know the effect of these complexes on toxicity towards microorganisms, typically present in secondary treatment processes. In this study, stability constants and toxicity of chlortetracycline (CTC) and metal (Ca, Mg, Cu and Cr) complexes were investigated. The calculated stability constants of CTC–metal complexes followed the order: Mg–CTC > Ca–CTC > Cu–CTC > Cr–CTC. Gram positive Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Gram negative Enterobacter aerogenes (Ea) bacteria were used as model microorganisms to evaluate the toxicity of CTC and its metal complexes. CTC–metal complexes were more toxic than the CTC itself for Bt whereas for Ea, CTC and its metal complexes showed similar toxicity. In contrast, CTC spiked wastewater sludge (WWS) did not show any toxic effect compared to synthetic sewage. This study provides evidence that CTC and its metal complexes are toxic to bacteria when they are biologically available. As for WWS, CTC was adsorbed to solid part and was not biologically available to show measurable toxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-substrate utilization of various wastes with complementary characteristics can provide a complete medium for higher hydrogen production. This study evaluated potential of apple pomace hydrolysate (APH) co-fermented with crude glycerol (CG) for increased H 2 production and decreased by-products formation. The central composite design (CCD) along with response surface methodology (RSM) was used as tool for optimization and 15 g/L of CG, 5 g/L of APH and 15% (v/v) inoculum were found to be optimum to produce as high as 26.07 ± 1.57 mmol H 2 /L of medium. The p -value of 0.0017 indicated that APH at lower concentration had a significant effect on H 2 production. By using CG as sole carbon source, reductive pathway of glycerol metabolism was favored with 19.46 mmol H 2 /L. However, with APH, oxidative pathway was favored with higher H 2 production (26.07 ± 1.57 mmol/L) and decrease in reduced by-products (1,3-propanediol and ethanol) formation. APH inclusion enhanced H 2 production, and decreased substrate inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, simple, rapid and selective spectrophotometric method has been developed for detection and estimation of butanol in fermentation broth. The red colored compound, produced during reduction of diquat-dibromide-monohydrate with 2-mercaptoethanol in aqueous solution at high pH (>13), becomes purple on phase transfer to butanol and gives distinct absorption at λ 520 nm . Estimation of butanol in the fermentation broth has been performed by salting out extraction (SOE) using saturated K 3 PO 4 solution at high pH (>13) followed by absorbance measurement using diquat reagent. Compatibility and optimization of diquat reagent concentration for detection and estimation of butanol concentration in the fermentation broth range was verified by central composite design. A standard curve was constructed to estimate butanol in acetone–ethanol–butanol (ABE) mixture under optimized conditions. The spectrophotometric results for butanol estimation, was found to have 87.5% concordance with the data from gas chromatographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CG (Crude glycerol) is one of the major wastes of biodiesel production process. It can be used as a substrate for lipid production by algae and the produced lipid can be recycled as a feedstock for biodiesel production. In order to avoid substrate inhibition, lipid production media are prepared by diluting the CG with distilled water. However, CG contains only a small amount of Mg (57.41 ± 18 ppm) and its concentration is further decreased to around 0.57 ppm during the dilution process. Apart from having a number of roles in algal physiology, Mg is the central atom of chlorophyll. Therefore, MgSO 4 was evaluated as a Mg source to supplement the CG based media used for lipid production by Chlorella vulgaris . By supplementing the process with 1 g/L of MgSO 4 , nearly 185.29 ± 4.53% improvement in lipid production has been achieved. Further, application of MgSO 4 nanoparticles was found to improve the lipid production by 118.23 ± 5.67%. Interestingly, unlike MgSO 4 , its nanoparticles were found to enhance the lipid production at the expense of only a small amount of glycerol. Thus, application of MgSO 4 nanoparticles could be a potential strategy for enhanced lipid yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Different crop establishment methods were compared with traditional conventional tillage (CT) in rice-wheat cropping system. • Net returns and benefit cost ratio were increased by 11 and 28 % under conservation agriculture (CA) -based systems than CT. • System productivity was at par while earthworm population was two times higher under CA-based production system than CT. • CA-based systems had 15 % less energy input and 14–36 % higher energy productivity than CT. • Direct seeded rice consumed 6.8 % less water and had 56.2 % less methane emission than puddled transplanted rice. In the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP), conventional rice-wheat system has led to a decline in productivity, input-use efficiency, and profitability. To address these, a four-year field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of tillage and crop establishment (TCE) methods in rice-wheat-greengram rotation. The treatments included: 1) random puddled transplanted rice (RPTR) - conventional-till broadcast wheat (BCW) - zero-till greengram (ZTG); 2) line PTR (LPTR) - conventional-till drill sown wheat (CTW) - ZTG; 3) machine transplanted rice in puddled soil (CTMTR) - zero tillage wheat (ZTW) - ZTG; 4) machine transplanted rice in zero-till wet soil (ZTMTR) - ZTW - ZTG; 5) system of rice intensification (SRI) - system of wheat intensification (SWI) - ZTG; 6) direct-seeded rice (DSR) - ZTW - ZTG; and 7) zero-till DSR - ZTW - ZTG. During the initial two years, conventional rice system (PTR) recorded a 16.2 % higher rice grain yield than DSR system. Whereas in the fourth year, the rice yields under DSR and PTR were comparable. As compared to SRI/SWI, the average wheat yield in ZT system was significantly high, whereas in rice, SRI/SWI system was comparable with CT system. ZTW after non-puddled rice was at par to CTW after PTR. The ZT wheat produced 4.6 % more yield than CT system. DSR production system consumed 6.8 % less water compared to transplanted system. On the system basis, 10.8 % higher net returns were recorded with CA-based system compared to conventional system. The system energy productivity under CA-based production system was 14–36 % higher than PTR-based systems. CA-based system also led to 8–10 % lower global warming potential (GWP) than conventional methods. The current study indicated that as compared to conventional system, a significant gain in productivity, profitability and energy-use efficiency, and reduction in the environmental mitigation are possible with emerging alternative TCE methods. Long-term expansion and further refinement of these technologies in local areas need to be explored for the second green revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil physicochemical and biological properties were used for SQI development. • Major parameters studied were FDA, DHA, MBC, SOC, Av. NPK, AWC, MAS and SPR. • Highest SQI value of 0.90 was found in ZTDSR-ZTW at 0-10 cm soil depth. Rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is the most important system occupying around 26 M ha spread over the Indo Gangetic Plains in South Asia and China. Many long-term trials were led to assess the agronomic productivity and economic profitability of various combinations of conservation agricultural (CA) practices (zero tillage, residue management and crop establishment) in RWCS of Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP) of India. The purpose of this study was to investigate the best management practices involving different tillage-based crop establishment and residue retention techniques and their contribution to agricultural system sustainability through improvement in soil health by developing soil quality index (SQI). We have used SQI as an instrument based on physical [macro aggregate stability (MAS), available water capacity (AWC) and soil penetration resistance (SPR)], chemical [soil organic carbon (OC), available N, available P and available K] and biological [microbial biomass carbon (MBC), fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA)] properties of soil, because these are very useful indicators of soil's functions for agronomic productivity and soil fertility. Soil properties like MAS, OC, MBC, FDA and DHA were higher by 47, 18, 56, 48 and 53%, respectively, under ZTDSR-ZTW (T 7 : Zero-till direct seeded rice - Zero-till wheat) than RPTR-CTW (T 1 : Random puddled transplanted rice - Conventional till broadcasted wheat), at 0-10 cm. CA based treatment T 7 also recorded lower SPR (126 N cm-1). SQI for different treatments were calculated by performing principal component analysis based on the total data set method. The higher system rice equivalent yield of 12.41 t ha-1 was observed at SQI value of 0.90 at 0-10 cm and 0.86 at 10-20 cm in T 7. It can be concluded that crop residue retention on the surface with zero tillage is beneficial for the sustainability and productivity of the RWCS in EIGP of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]