Egg Crates Research Articles

Investigating perforated egg crates as dynamic shading systems for open-plan offices in tropical climates

This study explores the use of perforated egg crates as a dynamic shading system to improve daylight quality by achieving better uniformity in open-plan offices. Glazed curtain walls, although a popular choice in modern open-plan offices, can cause problems especially in tropical climates, such as glare and heat particularly near the windows. As egg crates (EC) generally perform better as shading devices than plain horizontal or vertical systems, this study simulated three different combinations of perforated, solid, overlapping and non-overlapping egg crate models for an existing open-plan office building in Indonesia. Daylight measurements of the existing horizontal shading device without any egg crate (NO-EC) were first recorded. Subsequent simulations of non-overlapping perforated (EC-NP) egg crate models with different blade widths and blade rotation angles in accordance with the sun elevation angles on specified working hours were performed. Similar simulations were then performed for two combinations: other combinations of overlapping solid (EC-OS) and overlapping perforated (EC-OP) egg crate models. Finally, a full-scale site mock-up of the EC-NP and NO-EC were tested under real-life climatic conditions. Results show that EC-NP provides better uniformity than the other two combinations, which is within the range of 0.59–0.99. This is due to the deeper penetration of daylight achieved by the overlapping placement of the horizontal blades in front of vertical blades, while keeping the building envelope shaded.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Double Shaft Plastic Bottle Crusher for Small Scale Industrial Application

Plastic pollution is a problem that is affecting many aspects of human endeavour. Searches are being made for ecofriendly alternatives and waste management practices that can lessen the impact of plastic pollution. On the list are waste plastic reuse, use of bioplastics, reduction of reliance on plastic usage, and plastic waste recycling. In this technical brief, a Plastic shredder was developed to recycle plastic waste in the value chain. Plastic shredder is a machine that turns used plastic bottles to smaller particle sizes to enhance portability, easiness and readiness for use into new products. While in operation, the prime mover drives the transmission shafts with low speed in the range of 25 to 65 rpm to give shredding torque that masticates materials fed in, into desired granular size. Bivariate Linear regression was the statistical model used to understand the relationship between the two variables of evaluation, the predictor x (speed) and the response variable y (shredding capacity). Since significance F (0.0216) is less than 0.05, there is 95% confidence that there is linear relationship between speed of rotation and shredding capacity of the machine. Model equation is therefore given as Y= 0.952 X1 – 11.725 ± 2.53. The machine respectively gave highest shredding capacity for PET bottles, Tin can and wastepaper as 56.52 kg h-1, 29.60 kg h-1 and 42.09 kg h-1 at optimum speed of 65 rpm. If operated for 8 hours in a day, it can favorably shred almost half a ton of plastic bottles (452.16 kg day-1). The machine was developed at an affordable cost of $817.72. The paper shredded with the machine can be pulped and made into poultry egg crates and paper print used in building industry. The machine is less stressful to operate and economical to run and maintain. If the machine is widely adopted, the menace caused by nonbiodegradable materials like plastic will be ended.

The Effect of Shading Devices on OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) Value of Office Buildings: Case Study of PT Industri Kapal Indonesia (IKI) Building

One of the passive design strategies that effectively reduce the heat load on the building envelope, especially in areas with a large surface area of glass shading Device. The research aims to measure the design influence of shading devices against the value of Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) buildings. Research using quantitative methods, research done by trying Shading devices with Vertical Models, Horizontal multiple fins, and Egg crates, which have the length and slope provided by the Indonesian National Standard SNI. It tests each design shading measured on an impairment basis OTTV the best and best under 45 Watt/m². The results of the study show that shading devices affect the impairment of OTTV. The longer the shading device and the higher the slope, the more effective it is in blocking incoming radiation through the glass surface. Impairment OTTV existing buildings without a shading device have an initial value of 69.572 W/m2, decreased by 55% to 31.57 W/m2. Shading an egg crate with length120 cm with a slope of 40° is the best shading based on a comparative analysis between vertical louver shading and horizontal multiple fin shading. This is due to shading egg crates being able to respond to the sun in incoming low and high altitude angles to minimize or block radiation that enters through the glass surface.

Do plastic warning labels reduce consumers' willingness to pay for plastic egg packaging? – Evidence from a choice experiment

Reducing single-use plastic consumption in the food and beverage industry has become increasingly important to policymakers as non-recycled plastic waste escapes into ecosystems. Plastic waste may pose direct and indirect threats to human, animal, and ecosystem health. In this paper we examine how warning labels on plastic packaging affects consumer valuation for packaged food products. Using a choice experiment with a difference-in-difference design, we investigate whether putting warning labels on plastic egg crates reduces consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for plastic packaging. Our results reveal that warning labels are effective at reducing consumers' WTP for plastics. Compared with pulp-based packaging, we estimate that plastic warning labels reduce WTP for clear plastic packaging on average by $1.02, and decreased WTP for plastic-based foam by $0.51. However, the effectiveness of the warning label depends on the information content of the warning. While labels warning against the negative impacts of plastic on health, the environment, and safety all reduced WTP for plastic, respondents in the health label treatment reduced their WTP by the largest amount. Additionally, we find that consumers without pro-environment and pro-health attitudes also reduced their WTP for plastics after exposure to the plastic warning label.

Effect on Thermal Performance by Different Types of Fixed Sun Shading Devices

An application of sun-shading device is one of the options to elevate the exterior façade appearance while keeping the thermal performance at the best for the indoor. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of selected types of fixed passive sun-shading devices installed at three-story terrace shop houses in Malaysia. Most previous studies on this passive strategy have been conducted via software simulation, in which results were not validated by field measurement. Therefore, this research employed stationary experiment on actual building and meteorological condition using three types of fixed shading devices: egg crates (SDE), vertical (SDV), and horizontal (SDH). SDE showed significant improvement on indoor thermal environment by reducing indoor air temperature (Ta ) of about 0.98 K on the average of a month and 2.11 K on the highest temperature on the average of a month. SDE also showed significant performance during the hottest sunny day, in which it reduced 1.23 K for the average of a day. Meanwhile, on the hottest peak time, SDE reduced 5.40 K compared to the control room. Similarly, for indoor mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), SDE showed notable performance during the high peak temperature on the average of a month (2.38 K) and during the hottest day (7.70 K) compared to control room, SDV, and SDH. On top of that, SDH also showed similar performance as SDE on the average of a month by a difference of 0.03 K. The experimental results also indicate that SDH showed the best performance at night by releasing heat faster than other types of sun-shading devices. This passive solution is one of the best options to improve indoor thermal performance and potentially contribute to energy savings on the building operation.

Investigation of potential risk factors associated with Salmonella presence in commercial laying hen farms in Nigeria

BackgroundIn 2012/13, the Federal government of Nigeria approved the surveillance of salmonellae in commercial poultry farms with the aim of generating baseline data for the development of a control programme. That baseline provided an opportunity to investigate potential risk factors in commercial layer farms. MethodsFive hundred and twenty-three farms were evaluated for the presence of Salmonella. Each farmer was interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Univariate analysis identified 26 variables potentially associated with Salmonella presence on the farms, with different levels of significance. To simultaneously evaluate the effect of these variables, a multivariable logistic regression model was implemented. ResultsFarmers that are member of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) emerged as a risk factor, as well as being farmer as exclusive occupation. The risk of Salmonella increased in farms with a combined housing system as compared to farms with a single housing system. Moreover, in terms of farm management the use of plastic egg crates had a higher risk of Salmonella presence compared to paper crates. Higher risk of contamination was also identified in farms having regular contact with animal health workers, since this could be indicative of animal health problems requiring continuous assistance. Farms with no previous outbreak of salmonellosis were associated with an increase risk, since most of the farms in this category were newly established. With regard to feeding, the use of coccidiostats and commercial feeds were associated with the spread of Salmonella. Unexpectedly, the presence of other farms at distances further than 1 km away was associated with an increase in Salmonella presence as compared to farms which were in closer proximity. Close proximity among farms could favour the application of stricter biosecurity measures. ConclusionsThe results of the survey can be considered a baseline for implementing effective measures aimed at reducing the Salmonella prevalence in Nigerian laying hen farms.

Facial Cushioning during Prolonged Surgery in the Upper Torso.

Safe patient positioning is a basic tenet of surgical preparation. Numerous publications describe the principles of protecting areas of the body that may be prone to injury from pressure or stretch [1,2,3,4]. Undoubtedly, many surgeons and anesthesiologists have developed their own modifications to accommodate for their particular needs and comfort, while maintaining the fundamental elements necessary to provide for a safe surgical environment. We herein describe a simple method to guard the face from direct pressure during surgery of the upper torso. The need arose performing autologous breast reconstruction that required prolonged operating in the upper chest. This incurs the risk of the operating surgeon and assistant to inadvertently rest their elbows on the patient face, risking displacement of the endotracheal tube and potentially injuring the eyes, nose, and mouth. The Devon Whole-in-One (Kendall) headrest is typically used to cushion the patient's head in the supine position. It is made of non-toxic, latex-free foam, and can be adjusted to fit by removing portion of the foam as needed. We use the foam to pad the patient's face during surgery in the technique described below. Other headrests and foam (such as egg crates) tend to be bulky and may impede surgical access by partially obstructing the surgical field. The headrest is comprised of four circular components of varying thicknesses. The inner core is discarded. The outer ring is torn in half and used to cover the eyes like sunglasses. The second layer is cut and placed over the nose, with a slit made to accommodate for the endotracheal tube. The third layer is split and placed over the chin (Figs. 1, ​,22). Fig. 1 The Devon Whole-in-One (Kendall) headrest (A) and (B) bthe headrest disassembled into its components as described in the text. Fig. 2 The headrest components separated and placed on the patient's face during surgery. The retail cost of a box of 36 units ranges between $70 and $80, or roughly $2 per headrest. The low cost, ease of use, malleability and high availability of this device makes it an ideal solution for a common problem.

Risk factors for the occurrence and spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in commercial poultry farms in Kano, Nigeria

Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 occurred previously for three consecutive years, 2006, 2007 and 2008 in Kano State, Nigeria, causing heavy economic losses to farmers and the government. It was against this background that risk factors for the occurrence and spread of HPAI H5N1 among commercial poultry farms in the State were evaluated. A total of 64 farms comprising 32 affected (AF) and 32 non-affected (NAF) farms were enrolled for this study. Questionnaires were designed and administered to the selected farms through interviews with farm owners or farm managers during on-site visits. Information on flock profile including farm characteristics and environment, husbandry practices, biosecurity practices, farm trade practices and employee activities were obtained and analyzed. Pearson Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Values of p< 0.05 were considered significant. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to measure the strength and statistical significance of associations between the variables and occurrence and spread of HPAI H5N1 in commercial poultry farms in the State. The most significant risk factors were the presence of untreated surface water on farms (OR 18.6, 95%CI 2.24 – 154.34, p = 0.001), exchange of egg crates between traders and farmers (OR 12.1, 95%CI 1.43 – 102.61, p = 0.006), allowing egg crates of traders into poultry pens (OR 11.67, 95%CI 2.37 – 57.86, p = 0.001) and allowing rodents/wild birds access to poultry feed (OR 3.65, 95%CI 0.23 – 1.87, p = 0.024). It was recommended that veterinary inspection to enforce and encourage best biosecurity practices for the poultry farms should be introduced and sustained.

Protecting Fragile Skin: Nursing Interventions to Decrease Development of Pressure Ulcers in Pediatric Intensive Care

The reported incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill infants and children is 18% to 27%. Patients at risk for pressure ulcers and nursing interventions to prevent the development of the ulcers have not been established. To determine the incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill children, to compare the characteristics of patients in whom pressure ulcers do and do not develop, and to identify prevention strategies associated with less frequent development of pressure ulcers. Characteristics of 5346 patients in pediatric intensive care units in whom pressure ulcers did and did not develop were compared. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine which prevention strategies were associated with less frequent development of pressure ulcers. The overall incidence of pressure ulcers was 10.2%. Patients at greatest risk were those who were more than 2 years old; who were in the intensive care unit 4 days or longer; or who required mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Strategies associated with less frequent development of pressure ulcers included use of specialty beds, egg crates, foam overlays, gel pads, dry-weave diapers, urinary catheters, disposable under-pads, body lotion, nutrition consultations, change in body position every 2 to 4 hours, blanket rolls, foam wedges, pillows, and draw sheets. The overall incidence of pressure ulcers among critically ill infants and children is greater than 10%. Nursing interventions play an important role in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

Survey of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and oligomers in polyethylene terephthalate food-packaging materials

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is frequently used as a packaging material for beverage bottles, fruit and vegetable trays, and egg crates in Japan. Levels of formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (AA) and PET oligomers in various PET food packaging were determined. PET samples were initially dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to derivatize formaldehyde and acetaldehyde to their dinitrophenylhydrazones. The stable derivatives along with the oligomers were analysed using HPLC with ultraviolet light detection at 360 and 254 nm, respectively. The PET pellets contained 3.5–12.4 µg g−1 AA and 4.0–7.2 mg g−1 oligomers, while FA was below the determination limit. FA, AA and oligomer levels in Japanese bottles were 0.6–3.0 µg g−1, 8.4–25.7 µg g−1 and 5.0–8.7 mg g−1, ND–1.6 µg g−1, 5.0–13.1 µg g−1 and 4.9–8.2 mg g−1 in French and Italian bottles, and ND–1.2 µg g−1, 9.1–18.7 µg g−1 and 5.6–8.0 mg g−1 in US and Canadian bottles, respectively. Compared with European bottles, Japanese bottles contain higher FA and AA levels. In sheet-moulding products, their contents were determined as ND–1.1 µg g−1, 11.5–43.1 µg g−1 and 4.6–9.2 mg g−1, respectively. The results show that sheet-moulding products contain lower FA and higher AA in comparison with bottles. FA and AA are considered to be generated from PET during the heating process for moulding the pellets to bottles or sheet-moulding articles and de-aeration during the sheet-moulding process is effective in removing FA. In contrast, the level of the oligomers remains unchanged during the moulding process from pellets to bottles or sheet products.

Effects of Post-Hatching Maintenance Temperature on Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Shell Morphology and Thermoregulatory Behavior

Effects of Post-Hatching Maintenance Temperature on Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Shell Morphology and Thermoregulatory Behavior

THE GEOGRAPHY OF DOMESTIC TIMBER MARKETS IN EUROPEAN RUSSIA IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH AND THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Timber for domestic use was floated down the rivers of European Russia from the forested northern and central provinces to the treeless provinces of the south. Mainly pine, spruce, aspen, alder, oak, birch, ash, and linden timber was logged in royal, state, and private forests, rolled to the nearest river, and barged or floated loosely or in rafts downstream to landings at river junctions, where the roundwood was bought by wholesale dealers, who rafted it farther downstream to fairs. There the timber was sold to retailers, who had it cut at sawmills and sold as firewood, lumber, and various wooden articles like railroad ties, barrel staves, poles, shingles, egg crates, furniture, baskets, charcoal, pitch, bast, etc. (The translation was prepared by James R. Gibson of York University, Toronto.)

Control of the Northern Fowl Mite on Inanimate Objects by Fumigation: Field Studies

Field studies were conducted to determine the efficacies of methyl bromide and sulfur dioxide as fumigants for northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), on egg flats and egg cases. Both fumigants killed the mites within 24 hr; however, sulfur dioxide had a repulsive irritating odor, which was retained in the cardboard egg flats and egg crates and persisted for several days after exposure to the gas. When used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for fumigating enclosed trailers and vans to control insects that attack food products, methyl bromide gave excellent control of northern fowl mites infesting inanimate materials.