Search

Airborne E. coli, fecal coliform, and Enterococcus are all related to sewage worker’s syndrome and therefore used as target enteric bioaerosols about researches in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, most of the studies are often inadequately carried out because they lack systematic studies reports bioaerosols emission characteristics and health risk assessments for these three enteric bacteria during seasonal variation. Therefore, quantitative microbial risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation was utilized in this research to assess the seasonal variations of health risks of the three enteric bioaerosols among exposure populations (academic visitors, field engineers, and office staffs) in a WWTP equipped with rotating-disc and microporous aeration modes. The results show that the concentrations of the three airborne bacteria from the rotating-disc aeration mode were 2–7 times higher than the microporous aeration mode. Field engineers had health risks 1.5 times higher than academic visitors due to higher exposure frequency. Health risks of airborne Enterococcus in summer were up to 3 times higher than those in spring and winter. Similarly, health risks associated to E. coli aerosol exposure were 0.3 times higher in summer compared to spring. In contrast, health risks associated with fecal coliform aerosol were between 2 and 19 times lower in summer compared to spring and winter seasons. Data further suggest that wearing of N95 mask could minimize health risks by 1–2 orders of magnitude. This research shed light on seasonal variation of health risks associated with bioaerosol emission from wastewater utilities.

This research is motivated by a large number of human psychological problems that have an impact on economic problems, environmental problems, crime issues, family chaos, political problems, and security issues or vice versa. The purpose of this study is to improve maturity in attitude and thinking with a responsibility to optimize the potential in carrying out roles in the family. This research method is research and development (R&D). The subjects of this study were several students at various campuses in Yogyakarta. The results showed that the implementation model of the Hypno family through the psychodrama method includes: (1) digging up data related to family perceptions; (2) digging up data on negative perceptions of family members followed by acceptance therapy; (3) tells about changes in the attitude of family members; (4) forming and strengthening character using Asmaul Husna. Hypno family through the psychodrama method can optimize the potential in carrying out the role of family members. This can be seen from the affective assessment by making observations and reinforced by interviews with each participant. Each participant felt a real change in the family.

Cupronickel-based alloys are widely known for their excellent resistance against aqueous corrosion, however, they can be susceptible to corrosion at accelerated rates and premature failure when exposed to a polluted or brackish seawater medium, even for short-term exposure durations. This unfamiliar corrosion behavior may be a result of the formation of an unprotected corrosion film during the early exposure durations. The paper investigates the corrosion phenomenon in cupronickel 90/10 alloy, by exposing the coupons in two different seawater compositions in the Arabian Sea region. Corrosion losses were investigated on the experimental coupons in a submerged position, for a maximum exposure duration of 150 days, using the conventional weight loss method and a new dimensional metrology-based measurement technique. Additionally, in this research the tubes of a marine heat exchanger having similar material that failed prematurely during operation in the Arabian Sea were also investigated for corrosion losses, followed by the characterization of the corrosion deposits using following analytical techniques: SEM, EDS, XRD and Raman Scattering. The experimental results showed significantly higher corrosion losses on coupons exposed to seawater site rich in pollutants and nutrients including dissolved inorganic nitrogenous compounds, compared to those subjected to a natural seawater solution in corrosion tanks maintained in a controlled environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest protein family involved in signal transduction and are the main targets for drug delivery. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are class C of GPCRs that contribute to the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission which regulates vital physiological processes and is recognized as a potential therapeutic target throughout the central nervous system. Intracellular C-terminal domains of mGluR are the main targets for proteins regulating these receptors and are also involved in alternative splicing, regulation by phosphorylation, and modulatory protein-protein interactions. Class C of GPCRs exist as dimers and is mediated by interactions between the venus tryflap domain and the transmembrane domain. The mGluR5 variant F can be regulated by both positive and negative allosteric modulators that can potentiate or inhibit the endogenous ligand and glutamate, respectively. Moreover, mGluR5 is involved in many disorders including fragile X syndrome/autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain and epilepsy, etc. The main purpose of current computational work is to determine the 3D structures of the target protein and their active sites to design new drug molecules as potential biochemical agents. The 3D model of the mGluR5 variant F was constructed through homology modeling techniques using MOE and I-TESSER programs. RAMPAGE and ERRATE online servers were used for the 3D structure evaluation and validation. Furthermore, the mGluR5 variant F was docked with 20 mavoglurant derivatives that act as antagonists. Mavoglurant derivatives 3, 4, 6, 10, 13, 18, and 19 showed a maximum of four interactions with the mGluR5 variant F, whereas derivatives 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 20 showed a maximum of three interactions with the mGluR5 variant F. The remaining four mavoglurant derivatives expressed two interactions each with mGluR5 variant F. The docking score for these derivatives ranged between −15.55 and −08.210 kcal mol−1 suggesting their strong interactions with the mGluR5 variant F. Their 3D structure and docking study provides a potential base for the synthesis of new drug candidates to treat brain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury ions (Hg2+) are usually being discharged into water bodies without proper treatment. It is toxic, non-biodegradable and persistent naturally which leads to serious environmental problems. Through microbial approach, this study compares the efficiency of two types of fungi: R. oryzae and A. niger of common biosorption fungi in absorbing Hg2+ based on FTIR analysis, kinetic and isotherm studies. Both fungi were prepared into two forms which are live and dead biomass; and the Hg2+ was prepared at 10 and 100 ppm. FTIR analysis has identified existing functional group of hydroxyl, carboxylic and amino functional groups from both fungi, which are important in attracting Hg2+ ion. On average, 60-90% of Hg2+ was removed by both live and dead biomass of R. oryzae and A. niger at 10 and 100 ppm. Meanwhile, the highest sorption was achieved by dead cells of R. oryzae which is up to 90.38% at 100 ppm. In terms of kinetic studies, experimental data fitted to the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with correlation coefficient, R2 (0.9997), and Langmuir isotherm, which means the absorption process occurs on the homogenous surface that corresponds to the monolayer formation. Through these findings, the dead cells of A. niger and R. oryzae are better in sorption of Hg2+ compared to the live cells. Meanwhile, the rate of biosorption by R. oryzae is higher compared to A. niger. However, both fungi are excellent in biosorption of Hg2+ ions and could be an alternative to current physico-chemical methods used.

MTs Nurul Ummah students, among others (1) held in the morning and the reading of Asmaul Husna. (2) Dhuha prayer in congregation both students and teachers and employees. (3) Religious activities such as remembrance, istigosah, commemoration of Islamic holidays, haul, and once moved pilgrimage to Wali Sanga or scholars. The obstacle that changes the teacher in improving the religious character of MTs Nurul Ummah students is the difference in the character of students which makes it difficult for teachers to improve the religious character of students simultaneously and improve communication between teachers. The solution made by teachers in improving the religious character of MTs Nurul Ummah students is that the teachers communicate with each other by sharing, deliberation and holding meetings between teachers both with the cottage / dormitory in order to create students with religious character.

Abstract : Material characteristics analysis of Sarulla natural zeolite (SNZ) with base activation has been carried out. The base used was NaOH at various concentrations; 0.2 M, 0.5 M, and 2 M. Base activated catalysts were characterized by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and gas adsorption analysis using BET method. The procedures applied have caused differences in adsorption and desorption rates as well as the crystallinity values of the catalytic materials. Moreover, the ratio of Si/Al contents has also changed at the lowest concentration. On the other hand, the crystallinity of catalysts has decreased at the highest concentration of base applied. The results are reinforced in FTIR characterization which shows the changes of silanol bonds to become silicate and aluminate. Furthermore, morphological analysis of the catalysts shows that homogenous surface was obtained at low concentration, while rough/lumpy surfaces was obtained at higher concentration. Abstrak : Analisis terhadap karakteristik material dari zeolit alam Sarulla (SNZ) dengan metode aktivasi basa telah dilakukan. Basa yang digunakan ialah NaOH dengan berbagai konsentrasi; 0,2 M; 0,5 M, dan 2 M. Katalis yang telah diaktivasi dengan basa kemudian dikarakterisasi dengan Analisis X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) dan Gas Adsorption menggunakan metode BET. Dari hasil penelitian, ditemukan perbedaan pada tingkat adsorpsi dan desorpsi, begitu juga dengan kristalinitas pada material katalis. Lebih jauh, rasio konten Si/Al juga berubah pada basa dengan konsentrasi terendah. Di sisi lain, tingkat kristalinitas dari katalis mengalami penurunan pada basa dengan konsentrasi tertinggi. Hasil ini diperkuat dengan data FTIR yang menunjukkan perubahan ikatan silanol menjadi silikat dan aluminat. Lebih jauh, analisis morfologi pada katalis menunjukkan bahwa permukaan yang homogen didapatkan dari penggunaan basa dengan konsentrasi rendah. Sebaliknya, basa dengan konsentrasi tinggi memberikan bentuk permukaan katalis yang tidak homogen serta kasar.

Background: The poultry industry in Pakistan has flourished since the 1960s; however, there are scarce data regarding the impact of occupational exposure on the pulmonary health of farm workers in terms of years working in the industry. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of poultry environment on the health of occupationally exposed poultry farmers in countries of warm climatic regions, such as Pakistan. This study will also show the effect of exposure to poultry facilities on the health of poultry farmers in the context of low-income countries with a relatively inadequate occupational exposure risk management. Materials and methods: The lung function capacity of 79 poultry workers was measured using a spirometer. Along with spirometry, a structured questionnaire was also administrated to obtain information about age, height, weight, smokers/nonsmokers, years of working experience, and pulmonary health of farm workers. The workers who were directly involved in the care and handling of birds in these intensive facilities were considered and divided into four groups based on their years of working experience: Group I (3-10 months), Group II (1-5 years), Group III (6-10 years), and Group IV (more than 11 years). The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the FEV1/FVC ratio were considered to identify lung function abnormalities. Statistical analysis was carried out using independent sample t test, Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression. Results: Based on the performed spirometry, 68 (86 %) of workers were found normal and healthy, whereas 11 (14 %) had a mild obstruction. Of the 11 workers with mild obstruction, the highest number with respect to the total was in Group IV (more than 11 years of working experience) followed by Group III and Group II. Most of the workers were found healthy, which seems to be because of the healthy survivor effect. For the independent sample t test, a significant difference was noticed between healthy and nonhealthy farmers, whereas Chi-square test showed a significant association with height, drugs, and working experience. Linear regression that was stratified by respiratory symptoms showed for workers with symptoms, regression models for all spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC) have better predictive power or R square value than those of workers without symptoms. Conclusion: These findings suggest that lung function capacity was directly related to years of working experience. With increasing number of working years, symptoms of various respiratory problems enhanced in the poultry workers. It should be noted that most of the poultry workers were healthy and young, the rationale being that there is a high turnover rate in this profession. The mobility in this job and our finding of 86% of the healthy workers in the present study also proposed healthy worker survivor effect. Keywords: Emissions, FEV1, FVC, Poultry farm workers, Spirometry

Rubber seeds, due to their rich vegetable oil content, emerge as a promising substrate for biofuel production. Harnessing the progressive catalytic hydrocracking methodology, this research delves into the activation of Sarulla‐derived natural zeolite followed by Ni and Ni–Mo metal impregnation, subsequently subjecting rubber seed oil to hydrocracking at 400, 450, and 500 °C under atmospheric pressure at 0.1 MPa. Zeolite characteristics undergo notable transformations postmetal impregnation. Importantly, at 500 °C, gasoline fraction selectivity exhibits superior efficacy, with the Ni/SNZ‐A catalyst demonstrating consistently high selectivity (>85%) across varied temperatures. Posthydrocracking reveals an amplification in n‐paraffin, aromatic, olefin, and methyl ester profiles to 19.6%, 7.3%, 25.7%, and 17.7%, respectively, contrasting the diminution of cycloparaffin, carboxylic acid, and ketones to 3.6%, 0.2%, and 2.5%, respectively. The aforementioned discoveries hold significant importance in the realm of further investigation into the generation of gasoline fractions through the utilization of natural zeolite catalysts and the incorporation of metals with lower mass, all conducted under atmospheric pressure conditions with the ultimate objective of mitigating production expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are prevalent in the field of water treatment owing to their exceptional separation efficiency, robust mechanical properties, and resistance to chemical degradation. Nevertheless, these membranes are prone to fouling, resulting in a decrease in both flux and ultrafiltration efficiency. In the present study, PES membranes are blended with poly (3‐Sulfopropyl Methacrylate) (PSPMA) in various weight percentages (0%–3%) to improve their antifouling and ultrafiltration properties. The physicochemical properties of the blended membranes, including surface morphology, contact angle, hydrophilicity and surface energy are evaluated. The findings indicate that incorporation PSPMA results in an enhancement of the hydrophilic properties and surface charge of the PES membranes, assessed by employing Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a representative protein. Modified blended membranes display greater Flux Recovery Ratio (FRR%) and exhibit superior fouling resistance. Under the same experimental conditions (0.2 MPa applied pressure), a pure water flux of 154.18 L·m−2·h−1 for PES/PSPMA membrane found substantially greater than pure PES membrane (103.52 L·m−2·h−1) along with Total Fouling Ratio (TFR) of 36% and 64.9% respectively. Exceptional antimicrobial efficacy for modified membranes is revealed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) using disc diffusion technique rendering them well‐suited for water treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), an important food crop in the world, is susceptible to many fungal pathogens including Alternaria solani and Fusarium oxysporum causing Fusarium wilt and early blight diseases. Mycoparasitic fungi like Trichoderma encode chitinases, cell wall degrading enzymes, with high antifungal activity against a wide range of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study, a binary vector harboring endochitinase gene of ~1,000 bp was constructed and used to transform potato nodes through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Out of several primary transformants, two transgenic potato lines were verified for transgene insertion and integration by Southern blot. In a pot experiment for Fusarium resistance, the transgenic potato lines didn’t show any symptoms of disease, instead they remained healthy post infection. The transgenic potato lines exhibited 1.5 fold higher mRNA expression of endochitinase at 7 days as compared to 0 day post fungus inoculation. It was evident that the mRNA expression decreased over days of inoculation but was still higher than at 0 day and remained stable upto 30 days post inoculation. Similarly, for A. solani infection assay, the mRNA expression of the endochitinase gene was 3 fold higher 7 days post inoculation compared to expression at 0 day. Although the expression decreased by1.2 fold during subsequent days post infection, it remained stable for 30 days, suggesting that protection in transgenic potato plants against fungal pathogens was achieved through an increase in endochitinase transcript.