Domain adaptive learning for multi realm sentiment classification on big data.

Machine learning techniques that rely on textual features or sentiment lexicons can lead to erroneous sentiment analysis. These techniques are especially vulnerable to domain-related difficulties, especially when dealing in Big data. In addition, labeling is time-consuming and supervised machine learning algorithms often lack labeled data. Transfer learning can help save time and obtain high performance with fewer datasets in this field. To cope this, we used a transfer learning-based Multi-Domain Sentiment Classification (MDSC) technique. We are able to identify the sentiment polarity of text in a target domain that is unlabeled by looking at reviews in a labelled source domain. This research aims to evaluate the impact of domain adaptation and measure the extent to which transfer learning enhances sentiment analysis outcomes. We employed transfer learning models BERT, RoBERTa, ELECTRA, and ULMFiT to improve the performance in sentiment analysis. We analyzed sentiment through various transformer models and compared the performance of LSTM and CNN. The experiments are carried on five publicly available sentiment analysis datasets, namely Hotel Reviews (HR), Movie Reviews (MR), Sentiment140 Tweets (ST), Citation Sentiment Corpus (CSC), and Bioinformatics Citation Corpus (BCC), to adapt multi-target domains. The performance of numerous models employing transfer learning from diverse datasets demonstrating how various factors influence the outputs.

Co-metabolic degradation and metabolite detection of hexabromocyclododecane by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant; however, it is a persistent organic pollutant as well as affects the human thyroid hormones and causes cancer. However, the degradation of HBCD has received little attention from researchers. Due to its bioaccumulative and hazardous properties, an appropriate strategy for its remediation is required. In this study, we investigated the biodegradation of HBCD using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was implemented for the optimization of the physical degradation parameters of HBCD. S. oneidensis MR-1 showed the best degradation performance at a temperature of 30 °C, pH 7, and agitation speed of 115 rpm, with an HBCD concentration of 1125 µg/L in mineral salt medium (MSM). The strain tolerated up to 2000 µg/L HBCD. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified three intermediates, including 2-bromo dodecane, 2,7,10-trimethyldodecane, and 4-methyl-1-decene. The results provide an insightful understanding of the biodegradation of HBCD by S. oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions and could pave the way for further eco-friendly applications. KEY POINTS: • HBCD biodegradation by Shewanella oneidensis • Optimization of HBCD biodegradation by the Box-Behnken analysis • Identification of useful metabolites from HBCD degradation.

The Effects of Spinal Manipulation Added to Exercise on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Thoracic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: There are not enough reliable studies available in physiotherapy to determine the effects of spinal manipulative therapy added to exercise on thoracic spinal pain and quality of life. Objective: To investigate the effects of spinal manipulation on pain and quality of life in subjects with thoracic spinal pain. Study Design. It was an open-label "randomized controlled trial." Study Settings. Department of Physiotherapy, Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants. There were one hundred subjects with an age group between 18 and 60 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria. These subjects were divided equally into two groups; an experimental and a control group. Methods: In the experimental group (n = 50), thoracic spinal manipulation was applied along with thoracic muscle strengthening exercises. In the control group (n = 50) thoracic muscle exercises alone were given. Pain was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life with SF-36. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after session, after 8th session, and later as follow-ups at 12 weeks. Repeated measure ANOVA and independent sample T-test were used for within and between-group comparisons. Results: Mean age of subjects in control group was 38.56 ± 12.44 and in experimental group was 36.02 ± 11.32. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in VAS score, and all domains of SF 36 but between-group comparison showed greater improvement in VAS of the experimental group compared to the baseline (P < 0.05), but between-group comparison of 8th session to follow-up has shown that effects of exercise persist while health-related quality of life in spinal manipulation group was significantly reduced after discontinuation of treatment. After the 8th session, spinal manipulation group showed notable results in terms of pain (mean diff 1.14 (0.62, 1.65) 95% CI and all aspects of SF 36 (P value <0.05). However, after week 12 of follow-up, no significant difference (P value >0.05) was observed among the study groups for pain and quality of life. Conclusion: Spinal manipulation added to thoracic exercise was more effective than thoracic exercise alone for improving pain and quality of life at the end of 8th session of care. However, the inclusion of spinal manipulation was not found effective at the 12-week follow-up. This trial is registered with IRCT20190327043125N1.

Comparison of effects of manual physical therapy and exercise therapy for patients with Temporomandibular disorders.

The term temporomandibular disorder is used for pain and dysfunction at the temporomandibular joint. Manual therapy or exercise therapy has proven to be an effective measure for pain relief. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise therapy in temporomandibular disorders. A quasi-experimental study was conducted from June 30, 2020 to December 30, 2020 in Al-Sheikh teaching hospital, Sialkot, Pakistan. A convenient sample of 24 patients was involved in the study. Lottery method was used to randomise the patients in either the Manual Therapy Group or Exercise Therapy Group. The participants were assessed before and after the intervention through Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) for function, Fonesca Amnestic Index (FAI) for the severity of condition, and Millimetre Mouth Opening (MMO) for ranges. The manual therapy group showed a statistically significant difference in pre- and post-treatment NPRS, PSFS, FAI and MMO (p< 0.0001). Manual physical therapy is more effective to improve pain, ROM, function, and severity in temporomandibular disorders.

Neuromuscular Training following Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction - Pain, Function, Strength, Power & Quality of Life Perspective: A Randomized Control Trial.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular physical Therapy as compared to strength training following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of pain, function, quality of life, strength and power of participants. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Kanaan Physiotherapy & Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan from July 2020 to December 2020. Seventy-six patients were selected by non-probability convenience sampling technique and randomly divided into either neuromuscular training or strength training group. Sample included 20-40 years aged adults with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury who had undergone surgical reconstruction of ACL two months ago using hamstring graft. Patients were assessed using the Cincinnati Knee Score for function, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, SF-36 for quality of life, and Single Leg Hop, Triple Hop, Crossover Hop and 6-meter Hop test for power and strength. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version-21. A t-test was used to assess difference between groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results revealed that neuromuscular training is statistically significant in reducing pain (p<0.001) and improving function (p<0.001), power & strength (p<0.001) and quality of life (p=0.001). Conclusion: Study concludes that compared to strength training, neuromuscular training was significantly more effective in reducing pain; improving function, quality of life, strength and power.

Comparative Efficacy of Routine Physical Therapy with and without Neuromobilization in the Treatment of Patients with Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Background: Median nerve mobilization is a relatively new technique that can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. But literature about additional effects of neuromobilization for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome is scarce. Objective: To examine and compare the role of median nerve neuromobilization at the wrist as compared to routine physical therapy in improving pain numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), range of motion (Ballestero-Pérez et al., 2017), muscle strength, and functional status. Methods: A sample size of 66 patients was recruited using convenient sampling and distributed randomly in two groups. After assessing both groups using ROM, manual muscle strength, pain at NPRS, and functional status on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ), which consists of two further scales (the symptom severity scale (SSS) and the functional status scale (FSS)), Group 1 received conservative treatment including ultrasound therapy two days a week for six weeks, using a pulsed mode 0.8 W/cm2 and frequency 1 MHz, wrist splinting, and tendon gliding exercises, while Group 2 received both conservative treatments including ultrasound, splinting, and tendon gliding exercises as well as a neuromobilization technique. Treatment was given for 6 weeks, 2 sessions/week, and patients were reassessed at the end of the 3rd and 6th weeks. Results: Although both groups improved significantly in terms of all the outcome measures used, the neuromobilization groups showed a statistically more significant increase in flexion, extension, decrease in pain, decrease in SSS, decrease in FSS, and BCTQ as compared to the routine physical therapy group. Conclusions: The addition of neuromobilization in the rehabilitation program of carpal tunnel syndrome has better effects on treatment outcomes.

Virtual Reality Training Using Nintendo Wii Games for Patients With Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability. It is difficult to devise an optimal rehabilitation plan once stroke survivors are back home. Conventional rehabilitative therapies are extensively used in patients with stroke to recover motor functioning and disability, but these are arduous and expensive. Virtual reality (VR) video games inspire patients to get involved in their therapeutic exercise routine in a fun way. VR in the form of games provides a fruitful, secure, and challenging learning environment for motor control and neural plasticity development in rehabilitation. The effects of upper limb sensorimotor functioning and balance are the main focus of this trial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of VR training and routine physical therapy on balance and upper extremity sensorimotor function in patients with stroke. METHODS: It was a single assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial. A total of 74 participants with their first chronic stroke were included and rehabilitated in a clinical setting. The lottery method was used to randomly assign patients to either the VR group (n=37) or the routine physical therapy group (n=37). The VR group received a 1-hour session of VR training for 3 weekdays over 6 weeks, and the routine physical therapy group received different stretching and strengthening exercises. The outcome measuring tools were the Berg Balance Scale for balance and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity) scale for sensorimotor, joint pain, and range assessment. The assessment was done at the start of treatment and after the 6 weeks of intervention. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22. RESULTS: The trial was completed by 68 patients. A significant difference between the two groups was found in the Berg Balance Scale score (P<.001), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function (P=.03), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for joint pain and joint range (P<.001); however, no significant difference (P=.19) in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity sensation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: VR training is helpful for improving balance and function of the upper extremities in the routine life of patients with stroke; although, it was not found to be better than conventional training in improving upper limb sensation. VR training can be a better option in a rehabilitation plan designed to increase functional capability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials RCT20190715044216N1; https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/40898/view.

Impact of Work-From-Home Human Resource Practices on the Performance of Online Teaching Faculty During Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of work-from-home (WFH) human resource (HR) practices on the performance of faculty under the drastic circumstances of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The population of the study included faculty members of the higher education institutions in Sialkot, Pakistan. The study filled the gap of scarce literature on the impact of various HR practices by HR officials while working from home during lockdown observed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Based on reinforcement theory, this article proves that there is a significant relationship between HR practices (including training, performance appraisal, career planning, employee participation, job definition, compensation, and selection) and faculty performance. It also proves that there is a strong positive relationship between the two variables. The findings of this study provide a blueprint to improve HR practices for high performance by faculty in the higher education sector during WFH settings.

A Novel Virtual Reality Training Strategy for Poststroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Stroke patients suffer impairments including sensory, motor, visual, and cognitive areas, as well as gait and balance manifestations making activities of daily living difficult. In such conditions, virtual reality training can be a potential rehabilitation tool in comparison to conventional physical therapy to cater to the burden of this disability; hence, this randomized clinical trial compared the effects of virtual reality training and conventional physical therapy on balance and lower extremity function in stroke patients. The sample of 68 poststroke participants from Kanaan Physical Therapy and Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan, were divided into N = 34 cases each using the lottery method with one group given virtual reality training and the other received conventional physical therapy. Each group received 60 minutes intervention, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale and the Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity scale were employed for data collection preintervention, immediate postintervention, and 6 weeks postintervention. The statistically significant differences between virtual reality and conventional physical therapy groups for the Berg Balance score (p < 0.001), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA)-lower extremity domains of FMA-motor function (p < 0.001), FMA-joint pain, and joint range (p < 0.001); however, there is no significant difference (p=0.202) for time vs. group interaction and significant (p < 0.001) for the time main effect for FMA sensation. Hence, virtual reality training is more effective to restore balance and lower extremity function compared to conventional physical therapy in stroke patients. The results of the study have significant implications for the clinicians with better case management enhancing quality of life of patients along with the dearth of local literature, thus providing base for future research from a developing country's perspective.

SonoGames: sounds of the right kind introducing gamification into radiology training.

BACKGROUND: Radiology as compared to other fields of medicine has lagged, in incorporating modern training modalities such as gamification and simulation into its teaching curriculum. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of simulation-based teaching in collaboration with gamification. Bandura's conception of self-efficacy was used to provide qualitative assessment of participants' learning process through training event. Modified competitive game-based teaching methodology was utilized in an experimental study conducted for radiology residents. Workshop was divided into two sessions, first being three interactive didactic lectures followed by three competitive rounds. All participants were required to fill pre and post-self-efficacy questionnaire along with an activity evaluation form. RESULTS: Significant self-efficacy scores were calculated for simulation-based stations of knowledge assessment and hands-on stations. Whereas significant association was also found between gender and knowledge assessment in communication skill (0.054), Professionalism (0.004), and general knowledge (0.018). Similarly, noteworthy correlation was found between gender and all hands-on skills. In conclusion, study reported an overall increase in knowledge of post-test scores compared to pre-test scores due to use of gamification in combination with simulation-based teaching which shows a positive role in clinical training. However, further consideration is needed to improve process of integrating simulation in clinical training of participants.

Comparison of effectiveness of muscle energy technique with Mulligan mobilization in patients with non-specific neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique with Mulligan mobilisation in patients having non-specific neck pain. METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March to September 2017, and comprised patients of either gender having non-specific neck pain who ere divided into two groups. In group 1 patients, muscle energy technique was used, while group 2 patients had Mulligan mobilisation. Pain intensity, functional status of neck and cervical range of motion were measured before and after treatment. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients, 28(50%) were in each of the two groups. The overall mean age was 36.89±9.28 years. Pain intensity, functional status and neck extension range of motion improved significantly more in group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mulligan mobilisation was found to be a better option in managing patients with non-specific neck pain.

Gelatin/carboxymethyl cellulose based stimuli-responsive hydrogels for controlled delivery of 5-fluorouracil, development, in vitro characterization, in vivo safety and bioavailability evaluation.

Current work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel pH-sensitive biocompatible gelatin/carboxymethyl cellulose based hydrogels by free radical polymerization technique cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. Effect of pH, polymer ratio and variable crosslinking concentrations on dynamic swelling, equilibrium swelling, porosity, sol-gel analysis and in vitro release pattern was investigated. Hydrogel structure was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, and DSC. Moreover scanning electron microscopy confirmed the porous structure of gel network. Various structure property relationships like average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), solvent interaction parameters, volume fraction of polymer (V2,s) and diffusion coefficient (D) that affect the release behaviour were determined. Results showed that maximum swelling and highest release of drug occurred at pH 1.2. Porosity and gel fraction increased by increasing polymer load. The invivo absorption and pharmacokinetics evaluation in rabbit's models revealed the controlled nature of hydrogels. MTT assay confirmed the biocompatible nature of blank hydrogels against Vero cell lines and cytotoxic potential against HeLa cell lines. The preliminary safety evaluation and oral tolerability revealed that the hydrogel solution is safe up to 4000 mg/kg body weight without causing any hematological or histopathological changes in rabbits.

pH regulation of the first phase could enhance the energy recovery from two-phase anaerobic digestion of food waste.

The effect of pH regulation in phase I on hydrolysis and acidogenesis rate, metabolites production, microbial community, and the overall energy recovery efficiency during two-phase anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW) was investigated. pH strongly affected the acidogenesis rate and the yield of the fermentation products. The highest acidogenesis efficiency (60.4%) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA)/ethanol concentration (12.4 g/L) were obtained at pH 8 during phase I. Microbial community analysis revealed that Clostridium IV was enriched at pH 8, relating to the accumulation of butyrate. Also, Clostridium sensu stricto played a crucial role in hydrogen production and was abundant at pH 6, resulting in the highest hydrogen yield (212.2 ml/g VS). In phase II, the highest cumulative methane yield (412.6 ml/g VS) was obtained at pH 8. By considering the hydrogen and methane production stages, the highest energy yield (22.8 kJ/g VS, corresponding to a 76.4% recovery efficiency) was generated at pH 8, which indicates that pH 8 was optimal for energy recovery during two-phase AD of FW. Overall, the results demonstrated the possibility of increasing the energy recovery from FW by regulating the pH in the hydrolysis/acidogenesis phase based on the two-phase AD system. PRACTITIONER POINTS: pH 8 was suitable for hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis. High hydrogen yields were obtained at pH 5-8 (about 200 ml/d). Clostridium sensu stricto might have played a crucial role in hydrogen production. High methane production (about 400 ml/g VS) was obtained at pH 7-9. pH 8 was optimal for energy recovery from FW with an efficiency of 76.4% (22.8 kJ/g VS).

A comparison of waste recycling facilities for their contribution of heavy metals and trace elements in ambient air.

A multi-elemental analysis, including heavy metals and trace elements in ambient air samples, was conducted for computers, wires, lead batteries, and iron extraction facilities in Lahore by proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy. The data obtained from PIXE analysis revealed the presence of Mg, Al, Zn, S, Pb, K, Ti, Fe, Si, K, and Cr elements at e-waste recycling facilities. The computer dismantling site revealed a higher concentration of Fe (634.7 µg/m3), Al (176.8 µg/m3), Pb (135.4 µg/m3) and Zn (122.5 µg/m3) in the air samples. The decreasing order of heavy metals and trace elements contribution at the computer dismantling site was as Si > Fe > Al > Pb > Zn > Mg > Ca > Cr > K > S > Ti. Similarly, at wires/cables burning site, a higher concentration of Fe, Al, and Pb (829.8 µg/m3, 184.5 µg/m3 and 115.6 µg/m3, respectively) were observed, and the elements revealed a descending trend as Si > Fe > Al > Zn > Pb > Mg > Ca > Cr > Ti > K > S. The lead batteries dismantling site showed the highest Pb concentration (141.2 µg/m3) due to the disassembling of lead acid batteries. Al, Zn, Fe, and Cr also revealed higher concentration in air samples and exhibited a declining trend as Si > Fe > Al > Pb > Zn > Cr > Ca > Mg > Ti > K > S. However, the highest concentration of Fe (865.7 µg/m3) was detected in air samples of iron extraction sites besides Al and Zn. The descending order of trace elements contribution was Si > Fe > Al > Zn > Mg > K > Ca > Ti > S. Furthermore, the correlation between workers' awareness and their possible health impacts were also examined in the study. Most of the workers were less aware of the hazardous impacts. Majority of workers and residents were suffering from a respiratory illness (27.5% and 32.5%), kidney failure (15% and 22.5%), and neurological disorders (15% and 7.5%), respectively, due to exposure of airborne particulate matter which could be correlated with the higher concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Zn, and Fe in the ambient air at the e-waste recycling sites.

An assessment of counseling quality provided by community pharmacies to type 2 diabetic adult patients for oral therapy: a simulated patient study from Pakistan.

This study was conducted to assess quality of counseling provided to type 2 diabetic patients. For this cross-sectional study, a simulated patient method was applied in 562 selected community pharmacies of Punjab, Pakistan. A scenario for the metformin oral therapy was developed that illustrates direct counseling for adult diabetic patients. Counseling and communication skills were also assessed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Only 29.4% of simulated patients received medication counseling directly; 47.6% received it on request. About 32.8% of clients were referred to a physician without counseling. The most frequently provided information was dietary instruction (94.8%) and dose of therapy (84.5%). Only one quarter (25.3%) of simulated patients were asked about disease duration and similar rate (25.0%) was found for discussions of special warnings. The side effects, drug storage, drug-drug interactions and duration of therapy were ignored. Minimal information was provided about other medication during therapy (0.2%) and effect of medicine withdrawal (2.7%). About 59.5% simulated patients were instructed for compliance to medication. Counseling to type 2 diabetic patients in Pakistani community pharmacies is not very satisfactory. Pharmacies' staff have little focus on counseling. Professional training of staff could improve counseling and communication skills.

Comparison of the methane production potential and biodegradability of kitchen waste from different sources under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions.

The methane production potential of kitchen waste (KW) obtained from different sources was compared through mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion. The methane yields (MYs) obtained with the same KW sample under different temperatures were similar, whereas the MYs obtained with different samples differed significantly. The highest MY obtained in S7 was 54%-60% higher than the lowest MY in S3. The modified Gompertz model was utilized to simulate the methane production process. The maximum production rate of methane under thermophilic conditions was 2%-86% higher than that under mesophilic conditions. The characteristics of different KW samples were studied. In the distribution of total chemical oxygen demand, the diversity of organic compounds of KW was the most dominant factor that affected the potential MYs of KW. The effect of the C/N and C/P ratios or the concentration of metal ions was insignificant. Two typical methods to calculate the theoretical MY (TMY) were compared, the organic composition method can simulate methane production more precisely than the elemental analysis method. Significant linear correlations were found between TMYorg and MYs under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The organic composition method can thus be utilized as a fast technique to predict the methane production potential of KW.

Glycan-Functionalized Microgels for Scavenging and Specific Binding of Lectins.

Lectins are proteins with a well-defined carbohydrate recognition domain. Many microbial proteins such as bacterial toxins possess lectin or lectin-like binding domains to interact with cell membranes that are decorated with glycan recognition motifs. We report a straightforward way to prepare monodisperse and biocompatible polyethylene glycol microgels, which carry glycan motifs for specific binding to lectins. The sugar-functionalized colloids exhibit a wide mesh size and a highly accessible volume. The microgels are prepared via drop-based microfluidics combined with radical polymerization. GSII and ECL are used as model lectins that bind specifically to the corresponding carbohydrates, namely, GlcNAc and LacNAc. LacNAc microgels bind ECL with a high capacity and high affinity (Kd ≈ 0.5 to 1 µM), suggesting multivalent binding of the lectin to the LacNAc-decorated flexible microgel network. Glycan-functionalized microgels present a useful tool for lectin scavenging in biomedical applications.

Virological Response to Conventional Interferon Therapy Combined with Ribavirin against Various HCV Genotypes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Response to antiviral therapy has been linked to different genotypes and this impacts on clinical management. Data on general responses to standard interferon (IFN) against HCV infection exists but little is known regarding HCV genotype specific responses. PURPOSE: Therefore, we attempted to determine genotype specific responses of chronic HCV patients, having different HCV genotypes, to standard IFN and ribavirin combination therapy administered for a period of six months in Kybher Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HCV genotype was determined for all serum samples. Each patient received standard IFN combination therapy with ribavirin administered at dose of 3 MIU three times a week and 800-1200 mg/ day, respectively, for a period of six months. After completion of this therapy, PCR was performed for all course completed subjects. RESULTS: Out of total 51 selected patients the most abundant genotypes were 3a (49.0%) and 1a (21.6%) followed by 3b (9.8%), 1b (7.84%), 2a (7.84%) and untypable (3.94%). Moast responsive genotypes were 2a followed by 3a, with end of treatment responses of 77.7%, and 72.2%. Responses for 3b, 1b and untypable were 66.7%, 33.3% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IFN response is efficient in case of 2a and 3a genotypes while in case of untypable genotypes, further categorization is required to know about genomic sequences and to adopt some new regimes against these genotypes.

Effect of sodium salt on anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste.

The effect of different sodium salt concentration on anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste was investigated. The methane production performance, the corresponding methane production model and sodium salt inhibition model were studied, and the degradation efficiency was analyzed. With the increase of sodium salt concentration, the methane yield and the maximal methane production rate decreased along with the increase of lag phase time. The highest methane yield of 594 mL/g-VSadded (VS: volatile solids) was found with no sodium salt addition while the lowest was obtained with addition of 16 g/L NaCl. The declines of the methane yield were negligible when the sodium salt concentration was below 8 g/L, which corresponded to <10% inhibiting efficiency. In contrast, a sharp decrease of methane yield was observed with addition of >8 g/L NaCl (causing 17-80% inhibition). Five kinds of regression models were developed to describe the sodium salt inhibition efficiency, and the cubic regression model of y = 0.508 + 2.401x - 0.369x(2) + 0.033x(3) showed the best fitting. The volatile fatty acids/ethanol gradually accumulated along with the increase of the sodium salt concentration, and the volatile solid removal efficiency represented a gradual decline accordingly. It is recommended that the sodium salt concentration in the anaerobic digesters should be controlled below 8 g/L in order to avoid intense methane inhibition.

High-Throughput Generation of Emulsions and Microgels in Parallelized Microfluidic Drop-Makers Prepared by Rapid Prototyping.

We describe the preparation of rapid prototyped parallelized microfluidic drop-maker devices. The manufacturing technique facilitates stacking of the drop-makers vertically on top of each other allowing for a reduced footprint and minimized dead-volume through efficient design of the distribution channels. We showcase the potential of the additive manufacturing technique for microfluidics and the performance of the parallelized device by producing large amounts of microgels with a diameter of ca. 500 µm, a size that is inaccessible using traditional synthetic approaches.