Implications For Handling Research Articles

Shale/claystone response to air and liquid exposure, and implications for handling, sampling and testing

This paper documents the results of scientific studies to quantify the impact on shales and claystones of exposure to air, and to different liquids. These studies show that the water content of such rocks is controlled by the relative humidity of the surrounding air. Most shales/claystones will lose water, shrink and desaturate if exposed to air, unless the relative humidity is sufficiently high (usually 80–96%), causing desiccation damage. While exposure to brine will prevent desiccation, it results in water uptake and swelling, and a different type of alteration and damage. Confining stress will limit this swelling. Well-preserved shales are generally fully saturated under zero-stress conditions, but they have a negative pore water pressure. Hydrocarbon will not normally enter a fully saturated shale. Based on these findings, it is recommended that shale water content should not be altered unless it is done so under controlled conditions; to accomplish this one must minimize exposure to air, and avoid contact with water or brine unless the shale is under stress. Specific guidelines are provided for core handling and preservation, sampling, and testing. Gas shales are both similar to, and different than, claystone shales, and this alters slightly the findings and guidelines.

Survival of inoculated Salmonella on the shell of hens' eggs and its potential significance

The aim of this research was to evaluate the risk of inoculated Salmonella persisting on the outside of the shell of hens' eggs. Hens' eggs were surface inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella strains and stored for up to 54 days at 4, 10 and 20 °C and at 80 and 90% relative humidity. Salmonella survival showed an irregular pattern, with extremes of high recovery and no recovery. However, salmonellae were always recovered after resuscitation. Monte Carlo simulation of different scenarios using relevant assumptions indicated that the distribution of surviving Salmonella was skewed towards low numbers, suggesting higher chances of Salmonella persisting on the eggs in low numbers (<104 cfu egg−1). Although numbers were low, the research demonstrated the ability of salmonellae to survive on the shells of eggs following contamination and this clearly has safety implications for handling of eggs in the food industry and the domestic environment.

The implications of handling, restraint, anesthesia, and kinetics on cardiac Troponin I analysis in rats when utilizing an ultrasensitive immunoassay

The implications of handling, restraint, anesthesia, and kinetics on cardiac Troponin I analysis in rats when utilizing an ultrasensitive immunoassay

Residues on Artefacts: Implications for Handling and Storage

The article explains the various technologies and benefits associated with the study of the residues on prehistoric artefacts, which can then provide a lot of important information. The various guidelines that should be hence followed for a proper handling and storage of these artefacts are also presented.