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The Squibb Science Information System (SSIS) was designed and implemented to meet the requirements of Research and Development for selective dissemination and retrospective searches of the pharmaceutical literature and the preparation of current awareness bulletins. Inputs to the system include internally indexed citations to both the external literature and internal reports and the Derwent Ringdoc and ISI ASCA'data bases. Outputs include customized notices of selective dissemination of information (SOI), current awareness bulletins, subject and author indexes, and retrospective searches. Currently, approximately 125 SDI user profiles are active within the system and about 50 retrospective searches are processed per month. Users may receive any level of SDI from all data bases; retrospective searching Is available for the internally indexed documents and for Derwent's Ringdoc data base. A combination of internally written PL/1 and COBOL programs and the INOUIRE® data management system provide the software required to perform the operations on an IBM 370/155 computer with one megabyte of core storage under HASP/MVT utilizing 3330 disk drives. SSIS can operate in batch, remote batch, or on-line modes. After nearly two years of operation, the system has proven to be markedly effective in the processing of several sources of pharmaceutical literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examples of successful mine closure and acceptable regional transitioning of mining areas are scarce. The recent changes to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) obligations of mining companies should help to ensure that water and land resources as well as post-mining employment opportunities are considered as a part of mine closure. Integrating microalgae production into mine closure plans is a potential opportunity for mining companies to improve many ESG outcomes. Mine sites with sufficient suitable land and water resources in high solar radiation geographies may be able to economically grow microalgae to capture atmospheric CO 2 , re-purpose saline mine waters, treat acidic and near-neutral pH metalliferous waters as well as produce soil ameliorants (biofertiliser, biostimulants and/or biochar) to improve mine rehabilitation outcomes. Microalgae production facilities may also provide an alternative industry and employment opportunities to help transition regional mining towns that have become reliant on mining activities. The potential economic, environmental and social benefits of using mine-influenced water for microalgae production may offer an opportunity to successfully close and transition some mining landscapes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Alan Levett reports financial support was provided by Sojitz Resources Australia Pty Ltd., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Various active chemical agents, such as soil microbial inhibitors, are commonly applied to agricultural landscapes to optimize plant yields or minimize unwanted chemical transformations. Dicyandiamide (DCD) is a common nitrification inhibitor. However, it rapidly decomposes under warm and wet conditions, losing effectiveness in the process. Blending DCD with an encapsulating polymer matrix could help overcome this challenge and slow its release. Here, we encapsulated DCD in a biodegradable matrix of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and investigated the effects of DCD crystal size and loading rates on release rates., Results: Three DCD crystal size fractions (0-106, 106-250 and 250-420 μm) were blended with PHBV at 200, 400, 600 and 800 gkg -1 loadings through extrusion processing and release kinetics were studied in water over 8 weeks. For loadings ≥ 600 g kg -1 , more than 95% release was reached within the first 7 days. By contrast, at 200 g kg -1 loading only 10%, 36% and 57% of the DCD was mobilized after 8 weeks in water for 0 to 106 μm, 106 to 250 μm and 250 to 420 μm crystal size fractions, respectively., Conclusion: The lower percolation threshold for this combination of materials lies between 200 and 400 g kg -1 DCD loading. The grind size fraction of DCD significantly affects the quantity of burst release from the surface of the pellet, particularly below the lower percolation threshold. The results presented here are likely translatable to the encapsulation and release of other crystalline materials from hydrophobic polymer matrices used in controlled release formulations, such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Dicyandiamide (DCD) has been studied as a stabilizer for nitrogen fertilizers for over 50 years. Its efficacy is limited at elevated temperatures, but this could be addressed by encapsulation to delay exposure. Here, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was investigated as a biodegradable matrix for the encapsulation of DCD. Cylindrical ∼3 mm × 3 mm pellets were fabricated through extrusion processing with 23 wt % DCD. Release kinetics were monitored in water, sand, and both active and γ-irradiated agricultural clay loam soils. Raman maps showed a wide particle size distribution of DCD crystals and indicated that Hitachi's classic moving front theory did not hold for this formulation. The inhibitor release kinetics were mediated by four distinct mechanisms: (i) initial rapid dissolution of surface DCD, (ii) channeling of water through voids and pores in the PHBV matrix, (iii) gradual diffusion of water and DCD through layers of PHBV, and (iv) biodegradation of the PHBV matrix. After ∼6 months, 45-100% release occurred, depending on the release media. PHBV is shown to be an effective, biodegradable matrix for the long-term slow release of nitrification inhibitors.