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Some of the mechanisms involved in the microbial colonisation and biodeterioration of metalworking fluids are described in an attempt to design a more realistic and meaningful laboratory assay procedure. The history of bioassay techniques is reviewed and the nature and composition of metalworking fluids is examined. Maximisation of the performance of biocides against micro‐organisms and the influence of tramp oil contamination is assessed.

Biomonitoring uses biological responses to assess environmental changes, which are frequently due to anthropogenic pollution. Biomonitoring can be carried out at different levels of complexity: population, species or suborganismic responses may be used as indicators for exposure to pollutants. In the case of tests with whole organisms, their quality is often impaired by the heterogeneity of living organisms, slow responses and the fact that little information can be provided on the pollutants. Although suborganismic tests can provide more specific and fast responses, structure and concentration of pollutants are only revealed by chemical analysis. A novel approach to biomonitoring is introduced, which applies tight coupling of bioassays and chemical analysis and is defined as bioresponse‐linked instrumental analysis. It combines biomolecular recognition, initiating a biological effect and chemical analysis.

The purpose of this report is to present the critical factors necessary for process improvement in pharmaceutical research.

Cross‐organizational process improvement projects, which can increase productivity as well as shorten cycle time in drug discovery, are used to determine the critical factors for success. A morphological analysis is conducted on these critical factors followed by KeyGraph visualization in a post‐process improvement survey.

Four scenarios, which are beneficial for process improvement, are explored through application of the KeyGraph. The critical factors identified are project scheduling, automation, resource management, and process improvement methodology. The project leaders also addressed critical factors, such as top management support, shared goals, and a data‐driven approach. The step for improvement is in alignment with the typical quality improvement process in most process improvement initiatives.

The identified critical factors for success provide a guide to process improvement during pharmaceutical research. In addition, the KeyGraph framework provides a practical approach to discovering the factors that contribute to success.

The chemical treatment of cotton fabric with bioallethrin to impart a toxic effect against mosquitoes is thoroughly investigated. The treatment is carried out either by an impregnation method or surface coating method. These fabrics are washed and stored, then tested against mosquitoes. A bioassay investigation, scanning electron microscopy examination, and testing for physico mechanical properties of the bioallethrin ∓ treated fabrics are performed. Additionally, we evaluate treated cotton fabrics with a polymer coating process designed to increase the wash durability and time of storage of bioallethrin ∓ treated fabrics.

Monitoring air, water and soil contamination by means of animals, plants, fungi and bacteria is increasingly in demand for assessing environmental quality, environmental impacts, and health and safety. It is essential that environmental monitoring by bioassays is credibly based on standardized procedures and on substantial scientific evidence which should include background measurements to establish baseline data. Cites case studies involving the use of organisms for monitoring heavy metals and radionuclides in order to demonstrate such procedural pre‐requisites in environmental surveillance.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of Piper betle leaf extract towards the acute-lethal toxicity, LC50 of red Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus).

Ten red Nile tilapia juveniles per tank (in triplicate) were used as an experimental fish for the LC50 bioassay. Five different concentrations of P. betle extract; 80 ppm, 90 ppm, 100 ppm, 110 ppm and 120 ppm, were tested on the red Nile tilapia juveniles and one tank was acting as a control. The progress of the LC50 and lethal time of fish mortality were observed and recorded within the random interval of 96 h. The value for LC50 was determined as 100 ppm of P. betle leaf extract. Higher number of fish mortalities was observed when concentration higher than 100 ppm was tested on to the red Nile tilapia juveniles.

Data obtained shows that the P. betle concentration of 120 ppm accelerated the fish mortality period.

However, adaption of P. betle extract occurred after 50 h, as there was no fish mortality observed within the time.

The paper aims to provide a technical review of the application of quantum dot (QD) technology to sensors.

Following a brief introduction to QD technology, this paper considers recent research on QD‐based physical, chemical and gas sensors.

This shows that QDs are being exploited in a range of experimental sensors for detecting physical variables, notably radiant/electromagnetic quantities and temperature; chemical compounds, such as metals and many species of clinical interest; and a variety of gases and vapours. Prospects also exist to develop improved sources and detectors for use in optical gas sensors.

The paper does not consider biomedical uses of QDs such as cellular imaging, bioassays and biosensors.

This provides a detailed insight into recent research on physical, chemical and gas sensors based on QD technology.

Quality management tools such as failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) have been implemented in various industries to improve quality. This report aims to demonstrate that FMEA can be applied as a performance improvement tool, based on case analysis of process improvement conducted for a drug discovery project.

The main points of the proposed FMEA process include: inclusion of an interface that makes it easy to visualize complicated processes in pharmaceutical research; identification of undesirable effects to indicate process defects; and a quantitative estimate of the undesirable effects related to quality and efficiency.

The effectiveness of the proposed FMEA process was evaluated based on in vivo screening/profiling during early drug discovery. The process targeted for improvement was visualized using a flow diagram. The undesirable effects identified included waiting, false operations, and errors in the decision‐making and reporting processes. The most serious flaws, determined by risk priority numbers for each category, were waiting and false operations.

The effectiveness of the proposed FMEA was demonstrated by applying the analysis to another in vivo profiling process. Quantitative evaluation of the undesirable effects determined that they were reasonable. This provides a benefit for scientists seeking to improve the drug discovery process.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the antioxidant and type II diabetes related enzyme inhibition properties of phenolic extract from raw and traditionally processed Indian under‐utilized food legume grains, Bauhinia purpurea L. (purple camel's foot seeds).

The methanolic extract was prepared from the raw and traditionally processed seed samples and analyzed for total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity and type II diabetes related enzyme inhibition properties of methanolic extract and their relationship with phenolic content was demonstrated.

The methanolic extract of raw seed materials contained total free phenolic content of 14.45±1.62 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract DM. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1203 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of ß‐carotene degradation (45.37 percent) and scavenging activity against DPPH (63.60 percent) and superoxide (42.14 percent) radicals were exhibited by the raw samples. Further, it also recorded 80.69 percent of α‐amylase and 63.74 percent of α‐glucosidase enzyme inhibition characteristics under in vitro starch digestion bioassay. Sprouting+oil‐frying caused an apparent increase on the total free phenolic content, antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity, while soaking+cooking as well as open‐pan roasting treatments show diminishing effects.

Identification of suitable processing technique offered a good strategy to improve the phenolic content and health relevant functionality of B. purpurea seeds, which could be envisaged as a dietary ingredient in the formulation of supplementary foods with therapeutic value to manage type II diabetic patients.

Carries out an investigation to evaluate the performance of the maturation pond, one of an aerated oxidation pond system at the Mit Mazah Sewage Treatment Plant (Daquahliya Governorate, Egypt), with respect to phytoplanktonic structure and nutrient elimination during different seasons. Details how the study collected composite water samples from the maturation pond at monthly intervals. Observes that there are substantial changes in the distribution pattern of the algal community structure during different seasons. Concludes that to obtain considerable algal biomass in the maturation pond, the pond system must be subjected to performance control.