Effect of vertical pump position on start-up fluid delivery of syringe pumps used for microinfusion

BACKGROUND

Connection and opening a syringe infusion pump to a central venous line can lead to acute anterograde or retrograde fluid shifts depending on the level of central venous pressure. This may lead to bolus events or to prolonged lag times of intravenous drug delivery, being particularly relevant when administering vasoactive or inotropic drugs in critically ill patients using microinfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of syringe pump positioning at different vertical heights on start-up fluid delivery before versus after purging and connection the pump to the central venous catheter.

METHODS

This in vitro study measured ante- and retrograde infusion volumes delivered to the central venous line after starting the syringe pump at a set infusion rate of 1 mL/h. In setup one, the pump was first positioned to vertical levels of +43 cm or -43 cm and then purged and connected to a central venous catheter. In setup two, the pump was first purged and connected at zero level and secondarily positioned to a vertical level of +43 cm or -43 cm. Central venous pressure was adjusted to 10 mmHg in both setups.

RESULTS

Positioning of the pump prior to purging and connection to the central venous catheter resulted in a better start-up performance with delivered fluid closer to programmed and expected infusion volumes when compared to the pump first purged, connected, and then positioned. Significant backflow volumes were observed with the pump purged and connected first and then positioned below zero level. No backflow was measured with the pump positioned first below zero level and then purged and connected.

CONCLUSIONS

Syringe infusion pump assemblies should be positioned prior to purging and connection to a central venous catheter line when starting a new drug, particularly when administering highly concentrated vasoactive or inotropic drugs delivered at low flow rates.

Effect of central venous pressure on fluid delivery during start-up of syringe infusion pumps for microinfusion

BACKGROUND

Intravenous administration of highly concentrated and potent drugs at low flow rates is common practice, particularly in critically ill children. Drug delivery during infusion start-up can be considerably delayed by intrinsic factors of syringe infusion pump assemblies. The impact of central venous pressures on the course of start-up fluid delivery of such microinfusions remains unknown.

METHODS

Infusion volumes delivered after activation of the start button in a conventional 50 mL syringe infusion pump assembly equilibrated (representing classical in vitro testing) and not equilibrated (representing real clinical conditions) to central venous pressure levels of 0, 10 and 20 mmHg at a set infusion flow rate of 1 mL/h were measured using a fluidic flow sensor.

RESULTS

The experimental setup mimicking real life conditions demonstrated considerable differences in fluid delivery during pump start-up depending on central venous pressure. A central venous pressure of 0 mmHg resulted in massive fluid delivery at infusion start-up, while central venous pressure levels of 10 and 20 mmHg resulted in retrograde flows with related mean (95% CI) zero-drug delivery times of 3.22 (2.98-3.46) min and 4.51 (4.33-4.69) min, respectively (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Depending on central venous pressure level, connection and starting a new syringe pump can result in significant antegrade or retrograde fluid volumes. In clinical practice, this can lead to hemodynamic instability and hence requires clinical alertness. Further research and methods to improve start-up performance in syringe infusion pump systems are desirable.

Mechanistic study on the ferric chloride-based rapid cultivation and enhancement of aerobic granular sludge

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) can achieve simultaneous carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus removal owing to its three-dimensional oxygen gradient structure. However, long start-up period and poor operational stability restrict its application and promotion. A novel rapid granulation strategy, viz., the short-term (7 days) addition of ferric chloride at the commissioning stage, was developed and verified in this study. The granulation period was shortened by 9 days, and the formed granules were compact and dense with an Fe3+ concentration of 250 mg L-1. The addition of flocculant not only maintained a high sludge concentration during the initial stages of granulation (5.3 g L-1), but also stimulated the secretion of TB-EPS and increased protein and polysaccharide contents, thereby expediting granule formation. Additionally, ferric chloride induced a diverse microbial community in granules, resulting in the emergence of new genera, such as Thaurea, Brevundimonas and Kinneretia, which improved pollutant removal performance and flocculent aggregation. The removal efficiencies of COD, PO43--P, and NH4+-N stabilized at 94.2, 62.4, and 71.3%, respectively. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that short-term ferric chloride dosing has a synergistic effect on aerobic granulation.

Numerical Study on Thermal Stress of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells during Start-Up Process

High-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) with phosphoric-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have a higher operating temperature compared to the PEMFCs operating below 373.15 K. The fuel cell is first heated from room temperature to the minimum operating temperature to avoid the generation of liquid water. The existence of liquid water can result in the loss of phosphoric acid and then affect the cell performance. In this study, the start-up process of HT-PEMFCs is numerically studied by establishing a three-dimensional non-isothermal mathematical model. Preheated gas is supplied into gas flow channels to heat the fuel cell, and then voltage load is applied to accelerate the start-up process. Effects of voltage (0.9 V, 0.7 V and 0.5 V) and flow arrangement (co-flow and counter flow) on temperature, current density, proton conductivity and stress distributions of fuel cells are examined. It is found that the maximum stress is increased when a lower voltage is adopted, and the counter-flow arrangement provides a more uniform stress distribution than that of co-flow arrangement.

Rapid Start-Up Characteristics of Anammox under Different Inoculation Conditions

The long multiplication time and extremely demanding enrichment environment requirements of Anammox bacteria (AAOB) have led to difficult reactor start-ups and hindered its practical dissemination. Few feasibility studies have been reported on the recovery of AAOB activity initiation after inlet substrate disconnection caused by an unfavorable condition, and few factors, such as indicators of the recovery process, have been explored. Therefore, in this experiment, two modified expanded granular sludge bed reactors (EGSB) were inoculated with 1.5 L anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) + 1 L Anammox sludge (AMS) (R1) and 2.5 L anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) (R2), respectively. After a long-term (140 days) starvation shock at a high temperature (38 °C), the bacteria population activity recovery experiments were conducted. After 160 days, both reactors were successfully started up, and the total nitrogen removal rates exceeded 87%. Due to the experimental period, the total nitrogen removal rate of R2 was slightly higher than that of R1 in the final stage. However, it is undeniable that R2 had a relatively long activity delay during startup, while R1 had no significant activity delay during startup. The sludge obtained from R1 had a higher specific anammox activity (SAA). Analysis of the extracellular polymer substances (EPS) results showed that the extracellular polymer content in R1 was higher than that in R2 throughout the recovery process, indicating that R1 had higher sludge stability and denitrification performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that more extracellular filamentous bacteria could be seen in the R1 reactor with better morphology of Anammox bacteria. In contrast, the R2 reactor had fewer extracellular hyphae and micropores as a percentage and higher filamentous bacteria content. The results of microbial 16SrDNA analysis showed that R1 used AAOB as inoculum to initiate Anammox, and the reactor was enriched with Anammox bacteria earlier and in much greater abundance than R2. The experimental results indicated that inoculating mixed anaerobic granular sludge and Anammox sludge to initiate an anammox reactor was more effective.

Long-Term Performance of Nitrogen Removal and Microbial Analysis in an Anammox MBBR Reactor with Internal Circulation to Provide Low Concentration DO

The anammox process is considered as a revolutionary new denitrification technology. In this study, the anammox process was started in a single-stage moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and the mechanism of excess removal of ammonia nitrogen was studied. At stage I (day 0-51), anammox bacteria (AnAOB) was enriched by feeding synthetic sewage without adding organic carbon. The removal rate of ammonia nitrogen was maintained at about 54% and the removal rate of total inorganic nitrogen was maintained at about 62%. At stage II (day 52-91), internal circulation was added into the MBBR. After adding internal circulation, the ammonium removal efficiency reached about 96% (at day 56) and the total nitrogen removal efficiency reached about 86%. At day 90, the biofilm sample was drowned out for high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the relative abundance of AnAOB was 23.23%. The dominant anammox genus was Candidatus Brocadia. The relative abundance of Nitrosomonas (ammonia oxidizing bacteria, AOB) was 0.63%. The excess ammonia nitrogen was removed by AOB and AnAOB through the partial nitrification and anammox (PNA) process.

Implementation of E-prescription for Multidose Dispensed Drugs: Qualitative Study of General Practitioners' Experiences

Background

Increased use of pharmaceuticals challenges both capacity and safety related to medication management for patients and changes in how general practitioners (GPs) and other health personnel interact with and follow up with patients. E-prescribing of multidose drug dispensing (eMDD) is 1 of the national measures being tested in Norway.

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore GPs’ experiences with the challenges and benefits of implementing eMDD in Norway.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth and group interviews were conducted with a total of 25 GPs between 2018 and 2020. Transcribed files were saved in NVivo to conduct a step-by-step content analysis. NVivo is a software tool for organizing, managing, and analyzing qualitative data.

Results

The study revealed that eMDD offers many benefits. At the same time, there are several challenges related to information, training, and initiation, as well as to the responsibility for the medication, interactions, and the risk of incorrect medication. An important activity in the start-up phase was an information meeting with pharmacies and technology suppliers, as well as exchanging information and instructions with pharmacies on how to get started. Four analytic themes emerged through the extraction of data: (1) start-up with eMDD (“Be patient”); (2) the need for training; (3) interaction, safety, and efficiency; and (4) the working day with eMDD.

Conclusions

There is a variation in different GPs’ needs regarding training and information, and considerable variation in competence and motivation related to the use of digital tools. There are also different degrees of understanding the everyday work of the other actors in the medication chain. In particular, the harmonization of medication lists related to the use of time, expenditures, and challenges with technological solutions in the introduction phase was emphasized as a challenge. Overall, GPs who have started using the system report great benefits; these are largely related to an increased overview of patients’ total medication lists, less time spent on prescribing prescriptions, and increased collaboration with pharmacies and nurses, both in service from providers in homes and in nursing homes.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Start-ups' Collaboration with Corporations

One of the options for corporations to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace is by establishing business cooperation between large companies and start-ups. Start-ups see corporations as recipients of their solutions (products, services). Meanwhile corporations are interested to a large extent in getting access to breakthrough technologies, innovations, new business models present on the market. This paper deals with the assessment of opportunities for business cooperation in the start-up-corporate model at the background of global market turbulence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The research focused on the perception of this cooperation from the perspective of start-ups’, which: are at different phases of development (concept phase, development phase, scaling up phase) and are characterised by different lengths of time they operate in the marketplace. This paper aims at presenting the impact of market turbulence on the relationship between start-ups and corporations, and thus to verify the research question regarding the impact of market perturbations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on mounting corporate interest in cooperation with start-ups. The results were analysed based on a sample of 101 start-ups participating in acceleration programmes with the involvement of large companies, organised by start-up accelerators.

The findings allow to draw several conclusions: representatives of start-ups more often observe a decrease in interest and priority of cooperation between corporations and start-ups in connection with the emergence of a global pandemic. Moreover, they less often feel that corporations are looking for start-ups outside their core areas of interest, while it is start-ups that have to adapt to the changing needs of technology users.

A review on upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor: Factors affecting performance, modification of configuration and its derivatives

The upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor can be considered as one of the promising anaerobic wastewater treatment technologies suitable for the treatment of high-strength wastewater. In the recent period, researchers have focused on the treatment of low-strength wastewater using this technology. This review focuses on the key factors affecting the reactor performance such as hydraulic retention time (HRT), temperature, organic loading rate (OLR), pH and alkalinity, granulation, wastewater characteristics, mixing, and modification to conventional configuration. Start-up and granulation played a major role in the determination of reactor performance, and various theories have been proposed to understand the mechanism of granulation. Correlation between start-up time and OLR was found to be low, as other operating parameters might have been influencing the start-up time. Flowchart depicting the development of UASB reactor over time is included. In the present work, further development and derivatives of the UASB reactor such as static granular bed reactor (SGBR) and expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor are analyzed. The optimal conditions for UASB for treating various types of substrates was found to be HRT of 3-24 h, OLR of 1-15 kg COD/m³ /d, and operational temperature in mesophilic range (30-40°C). Analysis of various modifications that pave the way for identification of future areas of research to improve reactor performance is also presented.

Covid 19 vs. start-ups. Have corporations modified their attitudes towards co-operation with start-ups?

Corporate accelerators play an pivotal role in the development of start-up products and services. They are the key link connecting young innovative companies with corporations. They provide the necessary know-how in product or service development, support in choosing the right commercialisation strategy, internationalisation of start-ups and also provide access to a network of investors. The interest of corporations in participating in acceleration programmes is related to an option of acquiring new innovative solutions, technologies that give them a market advantage. The success of the programme is determined by the level of commitment of all parties involved to such model (start-up-accelerator-corporation). The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the operational considerations of the market players. This paper aims at examining the pandemic impact on the propensity of corporations to cooperate with start-ups within the framework of acceleration programmes run by start-up accelerators. The research is presented from three dimensions: a) the size of the corporation calculated as the number of people employed, b) the seniority of the corporation's cooperation with start-ups, c) whether the corporation has a strategy and procedures for cooperation with start-ups.

On the grounds of the findings obtained from the representatives of 25 corporations, it was concluded that the technology users are limiting their activities aimed at cooperation with start-ups and are not making major changes in this area, focusing instead on minimising the risks involved and securing their core business. The pandemic has not contributed to corporations’ opening up to start-ups, which so far have not been of interest to them. And the majority of respondents have no opinion on the statement that start-ups, observing the market turbulence, can quickly adapt their activities to the evolving needs of technology users. There were also correlations between the assessment of the pandemic impact and selected corporate characteristics.

Effects of alkalinity addition with different strategies on CANON process: Start-up, performance, and microbial community

The effects of alkalinity addition with different strategies on the start-up, performance, and microbial community of completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) were investigated over 450 days. In phase I, the alkalinity was increased gradually from 300 to 2,000 mg/L to obtain the optimal range. In phase II, the reactor was restarted to verify the appropriate alkalinity value of 1,600 mg/L. The fact that it only took 90 days (phase I: 170 days) to complete the start-up of CANON in phase II demonstrated that an alkalinity value of 1,600 mg/L was suitable when the influent NH₄ ⁺ -N concentration was 200 mg/L (alkalinity/NH₄ ⁺ -N = 8:1). The slope (k = 2.00) of NH₄ ⁺ -N concentration decrease in phase II during the start-up process was significantly higher than that in phase I (k = 1.50). High removal efficiencies of NH₄ ⁺ -N (98%) and TN (80%) were attained in both phases. Specific anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) activity tests showed that the anammox activity of the two phases reached 3.31 and 5.31 mg TN/(g VSS·h), respectively. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that appropriate alkalinity could promote the enrichment of Candidatus Brocadia, C. Jettenia, and C. Kuenenia (total abundance of 31.96%) while effectively inhibiting Nitrospira (abundance of less than 0.50%). PRACTITIONER POINTS: An alkalinity/NH₄ ⁺ -N ratio of 8 promoted the rapid start-up and stable performance of CANON. NH₄ ⁺ -N and TN removal efficiencies of 98% and 80%, respectively, were obtained. High alkalinity promoted the enrichment of Candidatus Brocadia, Candidatus Jettenia, Candidatus Kuenenia and inhibited Nitrospira.

Efficient Quality Management in MedTech Start-Ups (Based on ISO 13485)

Start-ups that are involved in the development of medical devices play a key role in innovation, yet among the several limitations they encounter, they suffer a lack of knowledge in quality management. This lack may create a challenge that could hinder or limit their success. This paper seeks to present an overview and act as a guideline for the required documentation to establish a quality management system for start-ups in medical devices development, based on a case-studied start-up, in accordance with ISO 13485. Using this case study along with the actual ISO 13485 standard document, can support medical devices start-ups in their ISO compliance and certification journey.

Psychological Determinants of Investor Motivation in Social Media-Based Crowdfunding Projects: A Systematic Review

Background: Using the power of Internet, crowdfunding platforms are currently changing the traditional landscape of fundraising. Social media-based IT platforms in particular are bringing the creators of crowdfunding projects closer than ever to potential investors. A large variety of factors function as determinants of individuals' intention to participate in crowdfunding and have an intertwined impact on funding as the ultimate project goal.

Objectives: For a better understanding of investor behavior in social media-based crowdfunding projects, this paper covers identifying, analyzing, and classifying general and specific factors of investor motivation, based on the literature in the field.The main focus is the relationship between the affordances provided by social media-based crowdfunding platforms and the psychological determinants of investor motivation in innovative start-up projects.

Methods: Using IEEE Explore, Clarivate Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, we conducted a systematic review of the existing research on the emerging role of crowdfunding as a disruptive technology in financing the start-up innovative projects. The paper explores the main determinants of investor motivation and aims to streamline the success factors in crowdfunding campaigns.

Results: A total of 1,216 publications were identified after searching the aforementioned databases and, upon refining the results, 515 articles were considered for the final sample. After reading the titles and abstracts, the sample was reduced to 78 articles that were read in-depth and synthesized in accordance with the defined research questions. The selected articles were clustered into three main categories: general studies, determinants of investor behavior, and success factors.

Conclusions: In the new global economy, crowdfunding platforms have become the nexus between the emerging creators of innovative products and services and the necessary funding sources. This connection is possible via a cumulative collection of contributions from multiple investors recruited from the audience of the selected platform, without time or space constraints. However, the determinants of the investment decision are very different in the case of social media-based crowdfunding platforms compared to determinants in the mainstream environment. This paper surveys these motivators and reveals how platform features can be used to persuade individuals to make a financial contribution toward the success of a project.

Predictive Model-Based Process Start-Up in Pharmaceutical Continuous Granulation and Drying

Continuous manufacturing (CM) is a promising strategy to achieve various benefits in the context of quality, flexibility, safety and cost in pharmaceutical production. One of the main technical challenges of CM is that the process needs to handle transient conditions such as the start-up phase before state of control operation is reached, which can potentially cause out-of-specification (OOS) material. In this context, the presented paper aims to demonstrate that suitable process control strategies during start-up of a continuous granulation and drying operation can limit or even avoid OOS material production and hence can ensure that the provided benefits of CM are not compromised by poor production yields. In detail, heat-up of the drying chamber prior the start of production can lead to thermal energy being stored inside of the stainless-steel housing, acting as an energy buffer that is known to cause over-dried granules in the first few minutes of the drying process. To compensate this issue, an automatic ramping procedure of dryer rotation speed (and hence drying time) was introduced into the plant's process control system, which counteracts the excessive drying capacity during start-up. As a result, dry granules exiting the dryer complied with the targeted intermediate critical quality attribute loss-on-drying (LOD) from the very beginning of production.

[Start-up and Stable Operation of CANON Coupled with Denitrifying Phosphorus Removal]

A process coupled completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON)with denitrifying phosphorus removal in a modified anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) coupled with a membrane bioreactor (MBR), inoculated with ordinary activated sludge, was proposed for treating artificial wastewater with ammonia 200 mg·L^-1 and COD/TN=1. This experiment studied the start-up of the process and its nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency by controlling the recycle ratio and increasing it from 50% to 200% step by step, with a temperature of (25±1)℃ and pH of 7.5±0.2. The results showed that the anaerobic part in the ABR consumed 70% COD, and resulted in a quick start-up of partial-nitrification at 21 d under low DO and high ammonia nitrogen. Then, by controlling the intermittent aeration (exposure stop ratio:2 h:2 h, DO 0.3-0.4 mg·L^-1), the start-up of the CANON part in the coupling process was successfully achieved at 132 d, such that the concentration of nitrates in the electron acceptor of the ABR anoxic section increased steadily, and finally the coupling process started successfully at 160 d. With stable operation, the TN removal load in the MBR reached 0.22 kg·(m³·d)^-1, and the average removal efficiency of COD, TN, and PO₄^3--P was 87.0%, 90.4%, and 81.8%, respectively. The batch experiment estimated that the denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms (DPAOs) using nitrates as electron acceptors in the ABR accounted for 68% of the phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs). The DPAOs, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) have been developed in the system and have good simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency.

[Start-up Performance of Low-substrate Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation Under Different COD Concentrations]

An anaerobic sequencing batch reactor(ASBR)was used to treat low-substrate simulated wastewater with NH₄⁺-N and NO₂^--N concentrations of (25.00±0.40) mg·L^-1 and (33.00±0.60) mg·L^-1, respectively. The COD concentrations were controlled at 5.00, 15.00, 30.00, and 50.00 mg·L^-1 by adding sodium acetate, and its effects on start-up of anaerobic ammonia oxidation (ANAMMOX) were investigated under the temperature of 30℃. The results showed that ① The start-up of ANAMMOX could be achieved successfully after 74, 94, 106, and 129 days. The nitrogen removal efficiency was optimum when the COD concentration was between 15.00 and 30.00 mg·L^-1. In the steady phase, the average effluent concentrations of NH₄⁺-N were 1.98 and 1.89 mg·L^-1, the average effluent concentrations of NO₂^--N were below 0.62 mg·L^-1, and the average effluent concentrations of TN were 2.37 and 2.28 mg·L^-1. ② The average contribution of heterotrophic denitrification to nitrogen removal decreased to 4.78%, 9.59%, 10.21%, and 36.50%, respectively, during start-up process. The average contribution of ANAMMOX to nitrogen removal gradually increased to 95.22%, 90.41%, 89.79%, and 63.50%, respectively. ③ The activities of ANAMMOX exceeded denitrification activities at 44, 76, 86, and 114 days, respectively, which finally reached 0.700, 0.690, 0.670, and 0.510 mg·(g·h)^-1, and the denitrification activities were 0.110, 0.130, 0.240 and 0.410 mg·(g·h)^-1, respectively. Thus, the research results have provided references for the application of ANAMMOX to engineering.

Establishing and Maintaining a Robust Sample Management System

This paper has been written by the SLAS Sample Management Special Interest Group to serve as a guide to the best practices and methods in establishing and maintaining a high-quality sample management system. The topics covered are applicable to sample types ranging from small molecules to biologics to tissue samples. It has been put together using the collective experience of the authors in start-up companies, small pharma, agricultural research, IT, academia, biorepositories, and large pharma companies. Our hope is that sharing our experience will streamline the process of setting up a new sample management system and help others avoid some of the problems that we have encountered.

[Start-up and Stable Operation of ABR-MBR Denitrifying Phosphorus Removal Process]

The nitrogen and phosphorus removal characteristics during the start-up and the long-term operational stability of an anaerobic/anoxic (A/A) ABR coupled aerobic MBR system treating low C/N domestic wastewater were investigated. The results showed that the denitrifying phosphorus bacteria (DPBs) were successfully enriched within 46 d by controlling the nitrate recycling ratio (increasing from 150% to 300%), with a temperature of 30℃±2℃, volume loading rate of 0.8 kg·(m³·d)^-1 and sludge reflux ratio of 80% in the ABR, sludge retention time (SRT) in the denitrifying phosphorus removal functional area of 25 d, and the dissolved oxygen (DO) of 1-2 mg·L^-1 in the MBR. The net phosphorus release and phosphorus uptake of DPBs reached 20.56 mg·L^-1and 27.74 mg·L^-1, respectively. Batch tests demonstrated that about 84.8% of phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) could use NO₃^--N as an electron acceptor for denitrifying phosphorus removal. After 50 d of stable operation after the successful system start-up, the average removal rates of COD, NH₄⁺-N, TN, and PO₄^3--P were 91.8%, 99.0%, 71.5%, and 94.2%, respectively. The results also suggested that 0.83 mg·L^-1NO₃^--N was consumed per 1 mg·L^-1 PO₄^3--P removed during the denitrifying phosphorus removal, indicating that the simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal was achieved in the ABR-MBR system.

[Microbial Community Characteristics of Shortcut Nitrification Start-up in Different MBR-Inoculated Sludges]

In order to clarify the microbial community characteristics of the shortcut nitrification start-up with different inoculated sludges in the membrane bioreactor (MBR), the MBR was inoculated with nitrification sludge (R1), anaerobic nitrification sludge (R2) and 1:1 mixed inoculated anaerobic nitrification and denitrification sludge (R3). The results showed that the combination of intermittent aeration and shortened hydraulic retention time (HRT) successfully achieved the shortcut nitrification by R1, R2 and R3 reactors after 46 d, 8 d and 30 d respectively, with the R2 reactor exhibiting the shortest start-up period. During stable operations, the average nitrite accumulation rates of R1, R2 and R3 reactors were 92%, 93% and 94% respectively, and the R3 reactor showed a more stable shortcut nitrification. The results of analyses using ACE, Chao, Shannon, and Simpson diversity indices showed that the microbial abundance and diversity levels of R1 and R2 were significantly lower than that of the inoculant during the stable operation period, while the species abundance in the R3 reactor was slightly reduced and the diversity level was slightly changed. The main bacteria in the three reactors were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes after the successful start-up of shortcut nitrification, and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased compared with the inoculated sludge. Proteobacteria were the main denitrifying bacteria, with β-Proteobacteria being the dominant bacteria of the shortcut nitrification system in the three reactors, accounting for 59.6%, 63.6% and 69.3% respectively. Through further analysis, the next dominant bacteria in R1, R2 and R3 were all Nitrosomonas, with 12.8%, 20.2% and 19.7% respectively. Compared with the R1 reactor, there was a certain proportion of shortcut nitrification bacteria in the sludge of the R2 and R3 reactors, which was more favorable to the operation of the shortcut nitrification system.

Study on the Factors Affecting the Start-Up of Iron-Manganese Co-Oxide Filters for Ammonium and Manganese Removal from Groundwater

The high concentration of ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and manganese (Mn²⁺) in underground water poses a major problem for drinking water treatment plants. Effective catalytic oxidative removal of NH₄⁺-N and Mn²⁺ by iron-manganese co-oxide film (MeO_x) filters was first developed by our group in a previous study. In this study, several identical pilot-scale filters were employed to optimize the start-up process for simultaneous removal of NH₄⁺-N and Mn²⁺ from potable water supplies. Experiments were conducted to assess the influence of Mn²⁺ concentration, Fe²⁺ concentration, filtration rate and dosing time on the start-up period of the filter. Results demonstrated that the ability of the filter to remove completely 1.5 mg/L NH₄⁺-N could be achieved on the sixth day at the soonest and the removal of Mn²⁺ could reach 1 mg/L by the 18th day. Filter R3 feeding with 1 mg/L Fe²⁺, 2 mg/L Mn²⁺ and 3.5 mg/L MnO₄^- during the start-up period exhibited the optimum NH₄⁺-N and Mn²⁺ removal effect. Short dosing time was not conducive to attaining full NH₄⁺-N removal in filters, especially the activity of NO₂^--N conversion to NO₃^--N. The compositional analysis and element distribution analysis results demonstrated that there was an abundance of C, O, Mn, Mg, Fe, Ca and Si across the entire area of the surface of the filter media and the elemental distribution was homogeneous, which was different from the biofilter media. Knowledge-guided performance optimization of the active iron-manganese co-oxide could pave the way for its future technological use.

Comprehensive diagnosis of PCDD/F emission from three hazardous waste incinerators

Comprehensive diagnosis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emissions was systematically conducted on three hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs). Results indicated that PCDD/F mainly existed in the solid phase before the bag filter. This was especially true for higher chlorinated dioxin and furan congeners (hexa-, hepta- and octa-). The aged bag filters tended to increase the gas-phase PCDD/F. Emissions also increased due to PCDD/F desorption from circulated scrubbing solution and plastic packing media used in the wet scrubber. The PCDD/F concentrations were elevated during the start-up process, reaching up to 5.4 times higher than those measured during the normal operating period. The ratios of PCDFs/PCDDs revealed that the surface-catalysed de novo synthesis was the dominant pathway of PCDD/F formation. Installation of more efficient fabric filters, intermittent replacement of circulated scrubbing solution will result in reduced PCDD/F emission. Additionally, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF correlated well with the international toxic equivalent quantity (I-TEQ) value, which suggests that 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF could act as an I-TEQ indicator.

Ophthalmic community perception of new medication needs

AIM

To survey ophthalmologists (who have participated previously in clinical research) and ophthalmic industry professionals (who have been involved in ocular research and development) to indicate perceived needs for new pharmaceuticals in various ophthalmic subspecialties.

METHODS

A prospective, industry-based survey was sent to ophthalmologists and ophthalmic industry professionals about the perceived needs for new pharmaceutical products.

RESULTS

This survey was sent to 559 ophthalmic pharma professionals and ophthalmologists. We received 82 (15%) responses. The results showed that the most commonly perceived need for new pharmaceuticals were dry and wet age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema and dry eye. There was a statistical difference found between response groups (P<0.0001). Respondents indicated they would express their commitment to a new product they perceived as needed by recommending to colleagues (63%), prescribing (60%), participating as principle investigator in a related clinical trial (52%), advising the company (52%), lecturing on behalf of the product (43%), investing in the product (38%), taking no action (7%) or obtain a position in the company (1%).

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmic pharma professionals and ophthalmologists perceive the greatest need for new medicines in ophthalmology to be in dry and wet age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema and dry eye.

[Start-Up and Regional Characteristics of a Pilot-scale Integrated PN-ANAMMOX Reactor]

The start-up and regional characteristics of a pilot scale integrated PN-ANAMMOX reactor was studied. The results show that inoculated nitrosation suspension filler in the anaerobic zone, ANAMMOX sludge, and common anaerobic sludge in the anaerobic zone can start the reactor quickly. The PN-ANAMMOX reactor was successfully started at 74 days. The removal rate of total nitrogen increased from 0.02 kg·(m³·d)^-1 to 0.48 kg·(m³·d)^-1. The analysis of the nitrogen conversion characteristics in two regions showed that the AOB had been in a dominant position in the aerobic zone, and the NOB was inhibited by DO and the matrix, NPR_a increased from 0.22 kg·(m³·d)^-1 to 0.58 kg·(m³·d)^-1, and NAP_a could reach 95% with the increase in anaerobic denitrification capacity. The anaerobic zone was a critical region of the integrated PN-ANAMMOX reactor, and NRR_ana increased from 0.02 kg·(m³·d)^-1 to 4.7 kg·(m³·d)^-1. During the start-up period (temperature decreased from 32℃ to 27℃), the changes first affected the anaerobic zone, NRR_ana decreased to 3.7 kg·(m³·d)^-1 (about 21%), with little effect on the aerobic zone. The two regions can achieve a large ANAMMOX bacteria enrichment, as, during this time, the aerobic zone also has a certain denitrification capacity, while the anaerobic zone featured enhanced denitrification.

[Analysis of CANON Process Start-up with Fiber Carrier]

A CANON reactor with fiber carrier was started up by seeding nitrification sludge and ANAMMOX sludge to study the operating characteristics of a fiber carrier. The results showed that total nitrogen removal load rose from 0.09 kg·(m³·d)^-1 to 0.9 kg·(m³·d)^-1 and remained steady in the 85th day. This indicated that fiber carrier is beneficial to the accumulation of sludge, and the reactor can maintain a higher biomass. The DO in the reactor reached 5 mg·L^-1 with the enrichment of microorganisms, biofilm thickening, and the improvement of the reactor's ability. The DO gradient of the biofilm from the outside to the inside was 0.32-0 mg·L^-1, which could be obtained by a microelectrode. It was shown that the permeability of oxygen to the biofilm decreased, and the amount of nitrifying microorganisms decreased with biofilm thickening. The quantitative PCR results showed that the abundance of ANAMMOX was an order of magnitude more than before. The abundance of AOB increased slightly, while the abundance of NOB stayed at a relatively low level.

Improvement of start-up and nitrogen removal of the anammox process in reactors inoculated with conventional activated sludge using biofilm carrier materials

The start-up of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process in three up-flow column reactors seeded with common mixed activated sludge and added with three materials, sponge (R1), sponge + volcanic rock (R2) and sponge + charcoal (R3), as carriers for biofilm formation were comparatively investigated in this study. The supplement of volcanic rock and charcoal could significantly shorten the start-up time of the anammox process, which primarily occurred in the activity-enhanced phase, with ammonium and nitrite removal efficiencies stabilized above 92.5% and 93.4% after an operation period of 145, 105 and 121 d for R1, R2 and R3, respectively. After the successful anammox start-up, R2 performed significantly better in TN removal (p < .05), achieving an average rate of 91.0% and 191.5 g N m^-3 d^-1 compared to R1 of 88.4% and 172.1 g N m^-3 d^-1, and R3 of 89.9% and 180.1 g N m^-3 d^-1 in the steady running phase. The ratios of consumed [Formula: see text] and generated [Formula: see text]/consumed [Formula: see text] after anammox start-up were lower than the theoretical values, probably suggesting the simultaneous existences of anammox, denitrification as well as nitrification processes in the reactors. A reddish brown biofilm was wrapped on the carriers and morphological detection of biofilm displayed the presentations of thick and compact floc aggregates and some filamentous bacteria on the sponge, and spherical-, ovoid- and shortrod-shaped microorganisms on the volcanic rock and charcoal. Using porous material as carrier for biofilm development is an effective strategy for practical application of the anammox reactor.

[Removal of High Concentration of Iron, Manganese and Ammonia Nitrogen from Low Temperature Groundwater Using Single Bio-filter]

A pilot-scale bio-filter was constructed for the removal of high concentrations of iron (TFe 9.0-12.0 mg·L^-1, Fe(Ⅱ) 6.5-8.0 mg·L^-1), manganese (1.9-2.1 mg·L^-1), and ammonia nitrogen (1.4-1.7 mg·L^-1) simultaneously from low temperature (5-6℃) groundwater in a plant. The results showed that iron was removed at the beginning of the bio-filter start-up, and manganese and ammonia nitrogen were removed on day 72 and day 75, respectively. The start-up period was influenced by the culture temperature and the raw water quality. For higher filtration rates, the removal of manganese was lower. When the filtration rate was more than 1.0 m·h^-1, the maximum removal of manganese was about 3.0 mg·L^-1. Manganese was the limiting factor for the increase of filtration rate, and the maximum filtration rate of the single bio-filter was 4.5 m·h^-1. When the filtration rate was less than 6.0 m·h^-1, the removal of ammonia nitrogen was about 1.5 mg·L^-1, which was not affected by the filtration rate. Dissolved oxygen (DO) deficiency led to failure with the removal of more ammonia nitrogen. The required thickness of the bio-filter required for purification increased as the concentration of manganese and ammonia nitrogen increased when DO was sufficient. The removed iron, manganese, and ammonia nitrogen move to the depth of the filter layer, and there will be "manganese dissolution" when the filtration rate is increased. Iron and ammonia nitrogen in the filter layer can be oxidized and removed simultaneously. Manganese is oxidized and removed after the iron and ammonia nitrogen. The effective oxidation and removal section of manganese, iron, and ammonia nitrogen are obviously graded.

[Start-up of Granule CANON Process and the Strategy for Enhancing Total Nitrogen Removal Rate]

To shorten the start-up time of the CANON granular sludge process and improve the total nitrogen removal rate in the engineering, the start-up method of CANON granular sludge process and the strategy for enhancing the total nitrogen removal rate were studied in an SBR reactor. During the experiment, the temperature was controlled at 30℃±1℃ and the pH was 7-8, the aeration rate and settling time were operated according to the sludge properties and effect of nitrogen removal. The results showed that the transition of the sludge properties from combined floc-granule to granule was realized after 55 d. The total nitrogen removal rate reached 0.32 kg·(m³·d)^-1 and remained stable after 117 d, thus the reactor was started up successfully. With constant improvement of the aeration rate, the average NRR was maintained at 1.35 kg·(m³·d)^-1 after 77 d and improvement of the process load was achieved. The results showed that there was good correlation between the NRR and DO, therefore, the NRR can be determined by observing the DO and the process can be maintained stably.

[Start-up of Combined Floc-granule CANON Process and the Effects of SRT on Reactor Performance]

To shorten the start-up time of CANON process and guide the sludge dischargement in the practical project, the start-up of CANNON process and influence of different flocs SRT were studied by inoculation ANAMMOX granules of different proportions in two same specifications of SBR reactor. During the experiment, the temperature was controlled at 30℃±1℃ and pH was 7-8. The results showed that it was not good for CANON process rapid start-up when the two reactors were inoculated with 5% and 10% ANAMMOX granules respectively and the initial FA concentration exceeded 44 mg·L^-1. When the two reactors were inoculated with 5% and 10% ANAMMOX granular sludge, the reactors were started-up successfully on Day 46 and Day 35, respectively. When the flocs SRT was maintained at 30 d, 90 d and un-initiative discharge respectively, the average total nitrogen removal rate could reach 0.35 kg·(m³·d)^-1 stably. The quantitative PCR results of the three different flocs SRT showed that with increasing flocs SRT, the abundance of AOB was relatively stable, the abundance of ANAMMOX increased slightly, while the abundance of NOB significant increased. Therefore, it is necessary to elutriate flocs from reactor for decreasing the quantity of NOB and long-term stable operation of the CANON process.

Surviving and Thriving Your First Year in Private Practice

Taking the leap toward a career as a private practice owner is daunting. When in the initial stages of starting a private practice, I searched for current advice from an audiologist who had recently confronted the same challenges I was about to face. Because of the limited information available, I documented my process in hopes of providing an overview of my startup experience to help others. Included is a timeline of startup tasks and a sample budget to use as a reference. In this chapter, I share my experiences, both the positives and the negatives, and tips with the goal of helping you survive and thrive in your first year in private practice.

[Rapid Start-up of One-stage Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal Process in EGSB Reactor for Wastewater with Low Concentration of Ammonia]

Biofilm coming from a reactor in which One-stage Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal Process exists was selected as inoculum in an expanded granular sludge bed reactor. A potential fast start-up procedure was tested in this research. Wastewater with low ammonium concentration between 60-100 mg·L^-1 was applied. The results showed that a One-stage Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal Process was successfully established in 83 days under the following conditions: temperature at (30±2)℃ , pH at 7.8-8.2, dissolved oxygen (DO) at 0.2-1.1mg·L^-1 and upflow velocity at 2.0-4.0m·h^-1. After the 83-day operation, the removal efficiencies of NH₄⁺-N and TN were 99.4% and 80.7%, respectively. By controlling the reflux ratio and increasing the NH₄⁺-N load, the reactor could maintain a stable state of low DO concentration. Nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation became main reactions that maintained efficient and stable nitrogen removal performance. In addition, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were inhibited. In the start-up process, the average particle diameter of granular sludge increased from 174 to 296 μm. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of granular sludge was smooth, and most microorganisms were bevibacteria and cocci. Finally, a fluorescence in situ hybridization experiment showed that ammonium oxidation bacteria and anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria were distributed on the surface and in the inner space of granular sludge, respectively. The research indicated that a stable autotrophic nitrogen removal granular sludge system was quickly established in the sludge bed.

Evaluation of a hybrid anaerobic biofilm reactor treating winery effluents and using grape stalks as biofilm carrier

Wine production processes generate large amount of both winery wastewater and solid wastes. Furthermore, working periods, volumes and pollution loads greatly vary over the year. Therefore, it is recommended to develop a low-cost treatment technology for the treatment of winery effluents taking into account the variation of the organic loading rate (OLR). Accordingly, we have investigated the sequential operation of an anaerobic biofilm reactor treating winery effluents and using grape stalks (GSs) as biofilm carrier with an OLR ranging from 0.65 to 27 gCOD/L/d. The result showed that, during the start-up with wastewater influent, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate ranged from 83% to 93% and was about 91% at the end of the start-up period that lasted for 40 days. After 3 months of inactivity period of the reactor (no influent feeding), we have succeeded in restarting-up the reactor in only 15 days with a COD removal of 82% and a low concentration of volatile fatty acids (1 g/L), which confirms the robustness of the reactor. As a consequence, GSs can be used as an efficient carrier support, allowing a fast reactor start-up, while the biofilm conserves its activity during a non-feeding period. The proposed hybrid reactor thus permits to treat both winery effluents and GSs.

Dioxins from medical waste incineration: Normal operation and transient conditions

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are key pollutants in waste incineration. At present, incinerator managers and official supervisors focus only on emissions evolving during steady-state operation. Yet, these emissions may considerably be raised during periods of poor combustion, plant shutdown, and especially when starting-up from cold. Until now there were no data on transient emissions from medical (or hospital) waste incineration (MWI). However, MWI is reputed to engender higher emissions than those from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). The emission levels in this study recorded for shutdown and start-up, however, were significantly higher: 483 ± 184 ng Nm(-3) (1.47 ± 0.17 ng I-TEQ Nm(-3)) for shutdown and 735 ng Nm(-3) (7.73 ng I-TEQ Nm(-3)) for start-up conditions, respectively. Thus, the average (I-TEQ) concentration during shutdown is 2.6 (3.8) times higher than the average concentration during normal operation, and the average (I-TEQ) concentration during start-up is 4.0 (almost 20) times higher. So monitoring should cover the entire incineration cycle, including start-up, operation and shutdown, rather than optimised operation only. This suggestion is important for medical waste incinerators, as these facilities frequently start up and shut down, because of their small size, or of lacking waste supply. Forthcoming operation should shift towards much longer operating cycles, i.e., a single weekly start-up and shutdown.

Start-up procedures and analyses of sludge characteristics in a novel double circle anaerobic reactor for treating traditional Chinese medicine wastewater

The start-up procedures and characteristics of the granular sludge from a novel double circle (DC) anaerobic reactor for treating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wastewater were investigated. Following a start-up period, the DC reactor demonstrated good chemical oxygen demand removal at 96.87%. The Fourier transform infrared spectra and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra from the soluble microbial products of the effluent showed that amino acid and aromatic compounds in TCM wastewater were effectively removed by the DC reactor. The peak of the particle size distribution from the granular sludge in the first reaction area of the DC reactor ranged from 700 to 1500 µm with a mean size of 513 µm, and the mean size of the granular sludge in the second reaction area was approximately 250 µm. The protein-like peak in the EEM fluorescence clearly decreased and the coenzyme F420 of the fluorescence peak clearly increased for the extracellular polymeric substances of the granular sludge.

Performance and influence factors of completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process in a biofilter packed with volcanic rocks

Completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process was considered as one of the most efficient and economical nitrogen removal processes, which was suitable for treating wastewater with low ratio of carbon to nitrogen. In this study, an enlarging start-up strategy for CANON process was proposed, and a 40-L CANON reactor was successfully started by seeding 2-L mature biofilm containing both aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) and anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia loading rate and the ratio of air inflow to water inflow (Qair/Qwater) on nitrogen removal performance were investigated. The distribution of AerAOB and AnAOB was analysed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. The system reached a maximum NRR of 3.11 kg N m(-3) d(-1) with a removal efficiency of 89.5%, and the average value in steady state was 2.42±0.26 and (83.07 ± 6.89)%, respectively. Analysis of influence factors showed the important role of high DO (around 5 mg L(-1)), for the high-rate nitrogen removal, and the Qair/Qwater should be controlled at 28-40 for stable operation. FISH results suggested that AerAOB and AnAOB predominated in the reactor, with proportions of 46.8% and 39.3%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the biofilter operated with high effluent DO was a feasible setup for CANON process.

Impact of seeding on the start-up of one-stage deammonification MBBRs

Treating nitrogen-rich reject water from anaerobically digested sludge with deammonification has become a very beneficial side stream process. One common technique is the one-stage moving bed bioreactors (MBBRs), which in comparison with the other deammonification techniques can be started up without seeding anammox bacteria. This study investigated the impact of biofilm seeding on the start-up of one-stage deammonification MBBRs. Two lab-scale reactors were run in parallel with partial nitritation for 56 days until 11% of the carrier area in one reactor was replaced with fully developed deammonification biofilm to work as the seeding material. The seeded reactor started nitrogen reduction immediately up to a plateau of 1.3 g N m⁻² d⁻¹; after another 54 days on day 110, the reduction significantly increased. At the same time, the non-seeded reactor also started to reduce nitrogen due to deammonification. The development was followed with both nitrogen analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. On day 134, the biofilm in both reactors contained>90% anammox bacteria and reached maximum nitrogen removal rates of 7.5 and 5.6 g N m⁻² d⁻¹ in the seeded and non-seeded reactor, respectively. Over 80% of the inorganic nitrogen was reduced. In conclusion, the seeding did not contribute to a shorter start-up time or the achieved anammox enrichment, although it did contribute to a partial, immediate nitrogen reduction. The boundary conditions are the most important factors for a successful start-up in a deammonification MBBR system.

Partial nitrification for nitrogen removal from sanitary landfill leachate

Biological nitrogen removal using nitrite as a shortcut has recently been proposed for the treatment of high strength landfill leachate. The aim of this study was to assess the application of the SHARON (Single reactor High activity Ammonium Removal Over Nitrite) process for the partial nitrification of leachate generated in old landfills. Particular attention was given to the start-up phase of the process. This study demonstrated that partial nitrification can be obtained when treating raw leachate after biomass acclimation. Only a fraction (50-70%) of the ammonia present in the leachate can be oxidised due to a limited amount of alkalinity available. Stable nitritation was obtained by applying a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4-5 d, which is higher than the values proposed for the effluent of anaerobic digesters. This higher HRT could probably be allowed by the high concentration of free ammonia present in the leachate, which could severely inhibit the growth of nitrite-oxidising bacteria.

Promoting business and entrepreneurial awareness in health care professionals: lessons from venture capital panels at medicine 2.0 conferences

There are few mechanisms that bring the academic and business worlds together in a way that would maximize the success of health technology (health tech) start-ups by increasing researchers’ knowledge about how to operate in the business world. Existing solutions (eg, technology transfer offices and dual degree MD/MBA programs) are often unavailable to researchers from outside the institution or to those who have already completed their primary education, such as practicing physicians. This paper explores current solutions and offers a partial solution: include venture capital (VC) panels in medical conferences. These VC panels educate academics on 2 important and interconnected issues: how to “pitch” their ideas in the business world and what to consider when creating a company. In these sessions, academia-based start-up companies present their ideas before a VC panel composed of professional investors and receive feedback on their idea, business plan, and presentation techniques. Recent panel recommendations from Medicine 2.0 conferences fell into 7 categories: (1) the product, service, or idea you are developing into a company, (2) determine market forces and identify the target audience, (3) describe your competitive advantage, (4) the business plan, (5) current and future resources and capabilities, (6) legal aspects, and (7) general advice on the art of pitching. The academic and business literature validates many of these recommendations suggesting that VC panels may be a viable and cost-effective introduction to business and entrepreneurial education for physicians and other health care professionals. Panels benefit not only the presenting companies, but also the physicians, psychologists, and other health care professionals attending the session. Incorporating VC panels into academic conferences might also illuminate the need for incorporating relevant business training within academia.

A next generation, pilot-scale continuous sterilization system for fermentation media

A new continuous sterilization system was designed, constructed, started up, and qualified for media sterilization for secondary metabolite cultivations, bioconversions, and enzyme production. An existing Honeywell Total Distributed Control 3000-based control system was extended using redundant High performance Process Manager controllers for 98 I/O (input/output) points. This new equipment was retrofitted into an industrial research fermentation pilot plant, designed and constructed in the early 1980s. Design strategies of this new continuous sterilizer system and the expanded control system are described and compared with the literature (including dairy and bio-waste inactivation applications) and the weaknesses of the prior installation for expected effectiveness. In addition, the reasoning behind selection of some of these improved features has been incorporated. Examples of enhancements adopted include sanitary heat exchanger (HEX) design, incorporation of a "flash" cooling HEX, on-line calculation of F(o) and R(o), and use of field I/O modules located near the vessel to permit low-cost addition of new instrumentation. Sterilizer performance also was characterized over the expected range of operating conditions. Differences between design and observed temperature, pressure, and other profiles were quantified and investigated.

How academics can make (extra) money out of their science

This paper analyses how UK academics can make money from their expertise, other than through earning their salary. Using statistics from the success rate and likely remuneration from recent examples, four options are discussed: licensing their intellectual property through their institution's technology transfer office, owning shares in a ‘spin-out’ company, personal consulting and writing books. The case of the ‘average’ academic who does not actively pursue any of these goals, the ‘active’ academic who pursues any one of them, and the top tier academic who is in the top 10 per cent of their profession worldwide are examined. In all cases, consulting is the most economically rewarding option. For the ‘average’ academic, being involved in a venture-funded start-up is the worst.