A whole cell biocatalyst for double oxidation of cyclooctane.

A novel whole cell cascade for double oxidation of cyclooctane to cyclooctanone was developed. The one-pot oxidation cascade requires only a minimum of reaction components: resting E. coli cells in aqueous buffered medium (=catalyst), the target substrate and oxygen as environmental friendly oxidant. Conversion of cyclooctane was catalysed with high efficiency (50% yield) and excellent selectivity (>94%) to cyclooctanone. The reported oxidation cascade represents a novel whole cell system for double oxidation of non-activated alkanes including an integrated cofactor regeneration. Notably, two alcohol dehydrogenases from Lactobacillus brevis and from Rhodococcus erythropolis with opposite cofactor selectivities and one monooxygenase P450 BM3 were produced in a coexpression system in one single host. The system represents the most efficient route with a TTN of up to 24363 being a promising process in terms of sustainability as well.

Time-resolved delta spectrometry: a method to define alarm parameters from spectral data.

Alarm parameters are in many ways different from measurements of well defined chemical substances. Being confronted with an increasing number of potentially harmful compounds as well as financial and logistic constraints, new variables (such as alarm parameters) that allow for an integrated assessment or for a first screening can be a solution. To monitor for surrogate or aggregate variables can be a useful strategy to overcome some of the constraints. It must be conceived that this can go along with losses in terms of comparability of results and even in tailor-made variables. Spectral data and their evolution over time are rich in information and compensate for losses due to aggregation and generalisation. Therefore it can be expected that alarm parameters developed from spectral data are transferable, accurate and selective to an extent which is beyond the state-of-the-art. The paper introduces time-resolved delta spectrometry, a method that was developed to generate alarm parameters from spectral data.

Monitoring of a paper mill wastewater treatment plant using UV/VIS spectroscopy.

A submersible UV/VIS spectrometer was used to monitor a paper mill wastewater treatment plant. It utilises the UV/VIS range (200-750 nm) for simultaneous measurement of COD, filtered COD, TSS and nitrate with just a single instrument. The instrument measures in-situ, directly in the process. Paper mill wastewater shows typical and reproducible spectra at various process measuring points. There is a relative maximum at 280 mm due to the absorbance by dissolved organic substances, mainly ligninic acids. Comparison of absorbance spectra distinctly shows the decrease of this peak, indicating biological degradation throughout the treatment process. Summarising, one can say that paper mill wastewater cannot be monitored by a simple UV probe measuring only the absorbance at a single wavelength. The required information can only be gained from the whole spectra. Regarding plant control it is suggested that only the overall spectral information is used. Calibrations to conventional parameters are now merely carried out for purposes of reference-checking.

On-line monitoring for control of a pilot-scale sequencing batch reactor using a submersible UV/VIS spectrometer.

A submersible UV/VIS spectrometer was used to monitor a pilot-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The instrument utilises the whole UV/VIS range between 200 and 750 nm. With just one single instrument nitrate, organic matter and suspended solids can be measured simultaneously. The spectrometer is installed directly in the reactor, measures in real-time, and is equipped with an auto-cleaning system using pressured air. The paper shows the calibration results for measurements in the SBR tank, time series for typical SBR cycles, and proposes possible ways for optimisation of the operation by using these measurements.

Ensuring the success of local public health workforce assessments: using a participatory-based research approach with a rural population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate a process for comprehensive rural public health workforce data collection, and apply this process to a competency and training needs assessment of local health department (LHD) workers in the state of Kansas, USA. STUDY DESIGN: Participatory research methods were used to determine an appropriate process for data collection. Survey instruments included the Council on Linkages public health core competencies and Columbia University public health emergency preparedness competencies. METHODS: LHD workers collaborated with the state health department to develop and pre-test training for LHD directors about the nature and purpose of the survey, as well as instructions for distributing it to their staff members. The final survey instrument included demographics, a workforce competency assessment, and an assessment of training interests, motivators and barriers. Surveys were stratified by occupational type, with employees in professional roles asked to report on additional competencies. RESULTS: All 1501 Kansas LHD employees received the needs assessment survey, and 1141 (76%) were returned. Respondents reported greater mean 'importance to job' than ability across competency domains, indicating potential training needs. Across occupational types, primary training motivators were increased competency and personal satisfaction. Barriers included lack of time, cost and family commitments. CONCLUSIONS: Using participatory research methods, the state of Kansas was able to achieve a high response rate from LHD workers. This process can serve as a model for other rural communities and organizations with limited resources. In addition, the survey results provide information about competency-oriented knowledge and training gaps of sectors of the local public health workforce, which can be used to develop training in a targeted fashion.