ABSTRACT
Micro- plastics (MPs) pose significant global threats, requiring an environment-friendly mode of decomposition. Microbial-mediated biodegradation and biodeterioration of micro-plastics (MPs) have been widely known for their cost-effectiveness, and environment-friendly techniques for removing MPs. MPs resistance to various biocidal microbes has also been reported by various studies. The biocidal resistance degree of biodegradability and/or microbiological susceptibility of MPs can be determined by defacement, structural deformation, erosion, degree of plasticizer degradation, metabolization, and/or solubilization of MPs. The degradation of microplastics involves microbial organisms like bacteria, mold, yeast, algae, and associated enzymes. Analytical and microbiological techniques monitor microplastic biodegradation, but no microbial organism can eliminate microplastics. MPs can pose environmental risks to aquatic and human life. Micro-plastic biodegradation involves fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization, influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Environmental factors and pre-treatment agents can naturally degrade large polymers or induce bio-fragmentation, which may impact their efficiency. A clear understanding of MPs pollution and the microbial degradation process is crucial for mitigating its effects. The study aimed to identify deteriogenic microorganism species that contribute to the biodegradation of micro-plastics (MPs). This knowledge is crucial for designing novel biodeterioration and biodegradation formulations, both lab-scale and industrial, that exhibit MPs-cidal actions, potentially predicting MPs-free aquatic and atmospheric environments. The study emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation, research advancements, and public involvement to reduce micro-plastic contamination through policy proposals and improved waste management practices.
Subject(s)
Microplastics , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Humans , Plastics , Biodegradation, Environmental , Industry , Microbiological TechniquesABSTRACT
Natural killer (NK) cells are considered to be the foremost fighters of our innate immune system against foreign invaders and thus tend to promptly latch onto the virus-infected and tumor/cancerous cells, killing them through phagocytosis. At present, the application of genetically engineered Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) receptors ensures a guaranteed optimistic response with NK cells and would not allow the affected cells to dodge or escape unchecked. Hence the specificity and uniqueness of CAR-NK cells over CAR-T therapy make them a better immunotherapeutic choice to reduce the load of trafficking of numerous tumor cells near the healthy cell populations in a more intact way than offered by CAR-T immunotherapy. Our review mainly focuses on the preclinical, clinical, and recent advances in clinical research trials and further strategies to achieve an augmented and efficient cure against solid tumors.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen , Humans , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics , Killer Cells, Natural , Neoplasms/pathology , Immunotherapy, Adoptive , ImmunotherapyABSTRACT
The impact of total quality management on organizational performance has been studied extensively, however, the impact of total quality management initiatives on project performance is an area of ongoing research. The key objective of this research is to explore the impact of total quality management initiatives on project performance in the construction industry of Pakistan. Data was collected from 326 personnel working at different management levels across some of the leading construction firms operating in Pakistan. Analysis revealed that operational focus, management commitment, and employee involvement were deemed as dominant total quality management factors affecting project performance in the construction industry. Mediation analysis revealed a significant relationship between employee involvement and project performance mediated by management commitment. Research limitations and directions for future research have also been identified.
