Paper Cups Research Articles

Comparative performance study of paperboard disposable spacers versus commercial valved holding chambers for aerosol delivery

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the performance, for the administration of fluticasone propionate with a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), of two low-tech paperboard spacers versus two commercially available valved holding chambers (VHC). MethodsAccording to the Canadian standard CAN/CSA-Z264.1–02, total emitted dose (TED) and aerodynamic size distribution were measured for the pMDI in combination with 4 different spacers: a homemade paper cup spacer, the DispozABLE® paperboard spacer, the AeroChamber Plus® plastic VHC, and the Vortex® aluminium VHC. ResultsThe two disposable paperboard spacers had a lower TED compared to the aluminium VHC, but delivered more than 2.5 times the dose of fluticasone than the commercial plastic VHC. The 3 antistatic devices (i.e. the aluminium VHC, the paperboard DispozABLE® spacer and the paper cup spacer) delivered a significantly higher dose of fine particles than the less antistatic plastic VHC. Their fine particle fraction was statistically similar to that obtained with pMDI without spacer. This respirable fraction ensures an optimal therapeutic effect. All spacers limited the flow of coarse particles, thus avoiding adverse effects on the trachea and oropharynx. ConclusionWe have shown that inexpensive and low-tech paperboard spacers are interesting alternatives for the administration of aerosols.

Effect of material properties on the paper cup manufacturing process

Effect of material properties on the paper cup manufacturing process

Placental and fetal enrichment of microplastics from disposable paper cups: implications for metabolic and reproductive health during pregnancy

The disposable paper cups (DPCs) release millions of microplastics (MPs) when used for hot beverages. However, the tissue-specific deposition and toxic effects of MPs and associated toxins remain largely unexplored, especially at daily consumption levels. We administered MPs and associated toxins extracted from leading brand DPCs to pregnant mice, revealing dose-responsive harmful effects on fetal development and maternal physiology. MPs were detected in all 13 examined tissues, with preferred depositions in the fetus, placenta, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, contributing to impaired phenotypes. Brain tissues had the smallest MPs (90.35 % < 10 µm). A dose-responsive shift in the cecal microbiome from Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was observed, coupled with enhanced biosynthesis of microbial fatty acids. A moderate consumption of 3.3 cups daily was sufficient to alter the cecal microbiome, global metabolic functions, and immune health, as reflected by tissue-specific transcriptomic analyses in maternal blood, placenta, and mammary glands, leading to neurodegenerative and miscarriage risks. Gene-based benchmark dose framework analysis suggested a safe exposure limit of 2 to 4 cups/day in pregnant mice. Our results highlight tissue-specific accumulation and metabolic and reproductive toxicities in mice at DPC consumption levels presumed non-hazardous, with potential health implications for pregnant women and fetuses.

Multimodal tactile sensing fused with vision for dexterous robotic housekeeping

As robots are increasingly participating in our daily lives, the quests to mimic human abilities have driven the advancements of robotic multimodal senses. However, current perceptual technologies still unsatisfied robotic needs for home tasks/environments, particularly facing great challenges in multisensory integration and fusion, rapid response capability, and highly sensitive perception. Here, we report a flexible tactile sensor utilizing thin-film thermistors to implement multimodal perceptions of pressure, temperature, matter thermal property, texture, and slippage. Notably, the tactile sensor is endowed with an ultrasensitive (0.05 mm/s) and ultrafast (4 ms) slip sensing that is indispensable for dexterous and reliable grasping control to avoid crushing fragile objects or dropping slippery objects. We further propose and develop a robotic tactile-visual fusion architecture that seamlessly encompasses multimodal sensations from the bottom level to robotic decision-making at the top level. A series of intelligent grasping strategies with rapid slip feedback control and a tactile-visual fusion recognition strategy ensure dexterous robotic grasping and accurate recognition of daily objects, handling various challenging tasks, for instance grabbing a paper cup containing liquid. Furthermore, we showcase a robotic desktop-cleaning task, the robot autonomously accomplishes multi-item sorting and cleaning desktop, demonstrating its promising potential for smart housekeeping.

Enhancing Paper Cup Manufacturing Quality Using Six Sigma's DMAIC Methodology

Enhancing Paper Cup Manufacturing Quality Using Six Sigma's DMAIC Methodology

Thermal lens technique's surrogacy unveiled: A novel tool for microplastic detection and quantification in water

The escalating usage of paper cups and packaging materials with plastic coatings has evolved into a substantial environmental and health concern, evidenced by the report of microplastics in human blood. This research introduces an innovative laser-assisted thermal lens (TL) technique for the precise detection and measurement of microplastics, specifically those leaching from the inner plastic coatings of paper cups. Employing a multipronged approach encompassing scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible, and Raman spectroscopy, a comprehensive investigation is conducted into the leaching of microplastics into hot water from paper cups. The thermal diffusivity (D) of water samples containing microplastics is determined using the TL technique based on 120 observations for each temperature conducted using paper cups from three distinct manufacturers. The observation of a strong correlation between the number of microplastic particles (N) and D of the water sample enabled the setting of a linear empirical relation that can be used for computing the microplastics in water at a particular temperature. The study thus proposes a surrogate method for quantifying microplastics in water using the sensitive and non-destructive TL technique.

Nanopore detection of sub-nanosized plastics in PE-coated paper cups and analysis of their inflammatory responses

In recent years, there has been growing global concern about environmental pollution, and the increasing use of plastic products has made microplastics a serious environmental pollutant worldwide. Accordingly, the development of microplastic detection methods and research on the harmful effects of microplastics on human health are being actively pursued. In this study, we detected particle leaching from PE-coated paper cups using label-free nanopore sensing to identify and quantify the presence of sub-nanosized plastic particles. Plastic particles leached from the paper cups were classified as < 1 nm and > 1 nm, and their interactions with artificial cell membranes and inflammatory responses in the cells were evaluated. The results demonstrated that in a commonly used paper cup, particles < 1.4 nm were present at a concentration of approximately 1.13 mM in hot water and 0.62 mM in room-temperature water. It was demonstrated that plastic particles < 1 nm could condense the artificial cell membrane, whereas particles > 1 nm could thicken the artificial cell membrane. Furthermore, both size ranges of particles leached from the paper cups triggered an inflammatory response in the cells, with the inflammatory response increasing in proportion to the concentration and treatment time. The detection and analysis revealed the presence of sub-nanosized plastic particles in PE-coated paper cups, which are commonly used in daily life. These particles pose health threats and contribute to environmental pollution.

Microplastics or micro-bioplastics released by wrinkling paper cup

Paper cups have been widely used such as in the fast-food industry for drinking and are generally made of disposable material. To make the paper cup waterproof and prevent leakage, a thin layer of plastic such as polylactic acid (PLA) is commonly coated onto the inner wall surface. This plastic layer can potentially release debris as microplastics, particularly when the cup is wrinkled/crumpled to break and peel off the coating layer, which is tested herein. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM), the broken coating layer can be clearly observed. We then identify the coating material as plastic using mass and Raman spectra. We further employ Raman imaging to identify the released and fallen down debris as microplastics. We cross-check Raman image with SEM image to benefit each other and increase the analysis certainty, because Raman imaging can identify plastic via hyper spectrum to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, while SEM can visualise plastic with a high resolution down to micro-/nano- size. We then employ particle analysis algorithm to estimate the release amount, at approximate 180 microplastic/wrinkle, or micro-bioplastic if considering the main material of PLA as a bioplastic. Overall, we should not wrinkle the paper cup to avoid the potential release of microplastics or micro-bioplastics particularly before and during the drinking process, and the characterisation in this report might be helpful for further research on microplastics.

Biodegradation of Cellulosic Wastes and Deinking of Colored Paper with Isolated Novel Cellulolytic Bacteria

Biofuels are the cheapest source of energy, and the continuous decline of traditional sources of energy with the increasing population leads to looking for alternatives to reduce the consumption of traditional sources of energy. Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic wastes and cellulosic wastes is not a new approach for fuel production but a cheap and accessible way for the production of fuel. Bacillus is one of the major species that can act as a source of diversified enzymes. In this study, it was emphasized on screening and isolation of a novel, characterization, and best catalytic action on both celluloses and proteins in the presence of different carbon and nitrogen sources. It was observed the effective catalytic breakdown of cellulose with the crude enzyme to glucose allowed fur for fermentation with Saccharomyces, ultimately leading to the generation of alcohol. The study aims to isolate the microbes that can produce cellulases and enzymes and could be used for biodegradation to produce ethanol in the reaction. The maximum enzyme activity was achieved at 3.112 UI with optimized pH and temperature, and the maximum conversion of sugars into alcohol was about 70% in the newspaper, cartons, colored paper, and disposable paper cups. An essential observation was the decolorization of the origami craft paper within 24 hours. The study was involved in enhancing the maximum Enzyme activity of cellulases from different cellulosic raw materials. Hence, it was achieved by JCB strain, optimization of pH, temperature, and acids for the biodegradation. The presence of peaks at 3200 and 2900 was a confirmation of ethanol bonds in the biodegradation reaction mixtures.

Optimalisasi Kinerja Mesin 2 SINI JBZ 30 Pembuatan Papercup dengan Metode Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Optimizing Machine Performance 2 Here JBZ 30 Making Paper Cup Using Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Method Case Study at PT. PAS . PT. PAS is a company engaged in manufacturing, to increase the overall power of the engine, in its implementation it is still not optimal in terms of not achieving production targets. This study aims to measure the value of machine tools, to find the causes of problems. The research was carried out on the 2 Sini JBZ 30 engine which has the most breakdowns. Start with a measurement of the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) value, then look for a factor of six major losses and recommend a bone diagram. The results showed that the average value of the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) on the 2 Sini JBZ 30 machine was 76.98%, while the ideal standard OEE value was 85%.

Deleterious effects of polypropylene released from paper cups on blood profile and liver tissue of Clarias gariepinus: bioremediation using Spirulina

Despite numerous studies on microplastics, the biological impacts of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) and its toxicity on freshwater fish have yet to be fully revealed. The purpose of this research was to look at the potentially harmful effects of PP-MPs in freshwater African catfish Clarias gariepinus and bioremediation using Spirulina. After acclimatization to laboratory conditions, 108 fish (125 ± 3 gm and 27 ± 2 cm) were assigned into triplicate six experimental groups (12 fish/group), a control group, Spirulina group (SP), PP-MP-treated groups (0.14 and 0.28 mg/l PP-MPs), and PP-MP + Spirulina-treated groups (0.14 mg/l PP-MPs + 200 mg/L SP and 0.28 mg/l PP-MPs +200 mg/L SP) for 15-day exposure and 45-day recovery after that. The hematological parameters exhibiting significance (RBCs, Hct, Hb, and MCV) or non-significance (MCH and MCHC) either decreased with the increase in PP-MP doses from 0.0 in the control to 0.28 mg/L red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets or increased with such an increase in doses (mean corpuscular volume (MCV)). The liver enzyme activity, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) exhibited non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) or significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) increases in (0.14 and 0.28 mg/L) PP-MP-exposed groups, respectively, except ALP. Furthermore, there was a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) or non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) increase in 0.14 and 0.28 mg/l PP-MP +200 mg/L-exposure groups, respectively, compared to the control group and the same exposure group without Spirulina. In comparison to the control group, PP-MPs (0.14 and 0.28 mg/L) induced a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) increase in the percentage of poikilocytosis and nuclear abnormalities of RBCs. The liver tissue from fish exposed to PP-MPs exhibited varying degrees of pathological changes. These results indicated that these pathological changes increased with PP-MP concentration, suggesting that the effect of PP-MPs was dose-dependent. After 45 days of recovery under normal conditions, it was obvious that there was a significant improvement in the percentage of poikilocytosis and nuclear abnormalities of RBCs, as well as a non-significant improvement in hemato-biochemical parameters and liver tissue.

Microplastic Release from Single-Use Plastic Beverage Cups.

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most remarkable food and drink pollutants in recent years. Disposable cups, which are widely used as single-use containers, have been suspected as the primary sources of MPs found in cold and hot beverages. In this study, the effect of different exposure times (0, 5, 10 and 20 min) and temperatures (4 °C, 50 °C and 80 °C) on MP release from the single-use cups made of four different materials [polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) coated paper cups and expanded polystyrene (EPS)] into the water was investigated. The number of MPs ranged from 126 p/L to 1420 p/L, while the highest and lowest counts were observed in the PP (50 °C for 20 min) and PE-coated paper cups (4 °C 0 min), respectively. Washing the cups with ultrapure water prior to use reduced the MP release by 52-65%. SEM images demonstrated the abrasion on the surface of the disposable cups as a result of hot water exposure. Intensities of FTIR absorbance levels at some wavelengths were decreased by the water treatment, which could be evidence of surface abrasion. The annual MP exposure of consumers was calculated as 18,720-73,840 by the consumption of hot and cold beverages in disposable cups. In conclusion, as the level and potential toxicity of MP exposure in humans are not yet fully known, this study sheds light on the number of MPs transferred to cold and hot beverages from single-use disposable cups.

Prevalence of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in food contact materials from China and their implications for human dietary exposure through take-away food

The application of disposable tableware has increased substantially in recent times due to the rapidly growing food delivery business in China. Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) to delay the process of oxidation; however, their compositions, concentrations, and potential health hazards remain unclear. Therefore, FCMs comprised of five materials obtained from 19 categories (n = 118) in China were analyzed for SPAs concentrations. FCMs have been found to contain a variety of SPAs, with ∑SPAs concentrations ranging from 44.18 to 69,485.12 μg/kg (median: 2615.63 μg/kg). The predominant congeners identified in the sample include 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (BHT-Q) with a median concentration of 885.75, 555.45 and of 217.44 μg/kg, respectively. Milky tea paper cups, instant noodle buckets, milky teacups, and disposable cups showed high levels of SPAs. 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) (AO 2246) was predominantly detected in polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate-based products. The migration test identified disposable plastic cups and bowls as the predominant FCMs and 2,4-DTBP as the dominant SPA. The exposure risk of SPAs decreased with age. In children, the estimated daily intake of ∑SPAs from FCMs was determined to be 17.56 ng/kg body weight/day, which was 8.3 times higher than that of phthalic acid esters. The current findings indicate the potential ingestion risk of SPAs during the daily life application of multiple FCM categories.

Implementation and validation of boundary conditions between a chemical reactor and ambient air

This work is dedicated to the development and validation of boundary conditions for a hot object cooled in a colder environment due to natural convection, radiation and evaporation. The main background of this research is to present boundary conditions for a hot reactor in cold ambient air, where the reactor walls are not thermally insulated. Water cooling in a standard small paper cup (coffee cup) was selected as a validation test. The experimental data comprise time histories of the cup’s side wall temperature measured using three thermoelements. The initial water temperature was set to 94 °C. The ambient air temperature was fixed at 25 °C and the air humidity at 20%. The computational model is based on unsteady laminar flow Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the heat transfer equation. The water density and all water transport properties (i.e., thermal conductivity, molecular viscosity, and specific heat capacity) are temperature-dependent. Numerical simulations in two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetry aligned well with the results from experiments. Including evaporative cooling on the top water surface proved essential to accurately determine the temperature profile. The boundary conditions are implemented into the Ansys Fluent 2022R2 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) commercial solver using user-defined functions (UDFs). The model equations can be used as a boundary condition for fixed beds and adsorption columns to improve the prediction of thermal profiles in both lab-scale and industrial-scale units.

Utilization of plant-based biodegradable cup as alternative to disposable cup

The study titled "Utilization of Plant-Based Biodegradable Cup as Alternative to Disposable Cup" aims to reduce the production of disposable cups, which cause environmental and health problems. Researchers used wood scobs, bamboo sawdust, coconut husk, agar powder, corn starch, and flour to create plant-based biodegradable cups. Twenty students from Laguna University's Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering tested the performance of these cups in terms of appearance, aftertaste, and durability compared to commercial disposable paper cups. The results showed a significant difference in appearance, durability, and aftertaste between the two types of cups. The researchers recommend improving the size and shape of the cups, finding an effective substitute for agar, and further studies to prove the safety of the biodegradable cups.

Influence of plastic shape on interim fragmentation of compostable materials during composting

Common experience with rotting wooden buildings demonstrates that fragmentation is a necessary natural process during biodegradation. In analogy, the loss of structural integrity of biodegradable plastics during biodegradation produces interim microplastic fragments. It is currently not known which parameters govern fragmentation kinetics: chemical structure, physical shape, and composite layers, or composting conditions may all be relevant. Here we investigated the influence of physical shape on the fragmentation of a polyester blend during laboratory tests simulating industrial composting. Methods previously validated on micronized granules as model shape were applied to shapes that better represent consumer products, such as micronized thin films and shredded plastic-coated paper cups. The peak interim number of detected fragments, which are between 3 and 2000 µm, ranked highest for micronized films, lower for micronized plastic granules, and even lower for coated paper cups. The layered structure of polyester on cellulose may thus have stabilized the biodegrading polyester compound against fragmentation. For thin films, fragment counts dissipated with halftime of 2.5 days, and less than 10–8% of the initially added polyester mass was detected in fragments between 3 and 25 µm at the last sampling time point. The physical shape and multilayer structure of the polymer-containing product were found to be decisive for fragmentation kinetics, indicating that tests on micronized polymer granules might not be representative of the release mechanism of fragments from consumer products containing plastic coatings.

High-Performance Ni3(HHTP)2 Film-Based Flexible Field-Effect Transistor Gas Sensors.

Conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received increasing attention in recent years and present high application potential as sensing elements in electronic sensors. In this study, flexible field-effect transistor (FET) sensors based on conductive MOF, i.e., Ni3(HHTP)2, have been constructed. This Ni3(HHTP)2 sensor has high sensitivity (detection limit of 56 ppb) as well as superior selectivity for NO2 detection at room temperature, which is demonstrated by accurate gas detection in a mixed gas atmosphere. Moreover, by employing six flexible substrates, i.e., polyimide (PI), tape (PET), facemask, paper cup, tablecloth, and take-out bag (textile), we successfully demonstrate the universality of the flexible sensor construction with conductive MOF as sensing film on various substrates. This study of conductive MOF-based flexible electronic sensors offers a new opportunity for a wide range of sensing applications with wearable and portable electronic devices.

Iron Ion (Fe3+) Detection of Blue Luminescent Carbon Dots Derived from Wasted Paper Cup

Iron Ion (Fe³⁺) Detection of Blue Luminescent Carbon Dots Derived from Wasted Paper Cup

Fault detection system for paper cup machine based on real-time image processing

In the production of paper cups in industrial factories, it is tried to print high quality cups with less waste loss with the help of sensors and heating resistances mounted on the paper cup machine. In this study, a system that detects faulty products based on image processing and removes it by controlling the machine with servo motors, asynchronous motors and programmable logic controller (PLC) is designed. For fault product detection, classification has been performed using real-time Haarcascade algorithm and You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm which is a deep learning methods, and real-time object detection has been carried out using the OpenCv library. With this study, an effective faulty product detection and removing hardware system was realized by adapting artificial intelligence algorithms to a machine used in industry. Based on the results, a whole system can be applied to systems that involve removing a faulty product from a band in any production, packaging etc. facility is proposed.A hardware consisting of servo motors, asynchronous motors and PLC was designed to separate faulty cups from the existing paper cup production machine in this study. Then, a data set composed of 1068 images was created with images taken from the camera for faulty and faultless paper cups. Using this dataset, the effect of different deep learning methods on performance in the real-time system has been examined and successful results have been obtained. The optimal outcome was achieved, yielding a real-time application accuracy rate of 90.8% through the utilization of the Yolov5x architecture.

Cater to the call of on-site, quantitative, and low-cost food formaldehyde detection: A paper-based sensor by timing Congo red decoloration

Given the illegal formaldehyde (FA) contamination in seafood/aqueous products, the instrument-free, chemical-free, low-cost sensor that enables on-site FA detection is of great interest. We have developed a paper-based analytical device (PAD) sensor to detect FA on-site for easy operation by integrating FA-responsive dye decoloration reaction on filter paper and timing decoloration time for quantitative signal interpretation. This innovative dry chemical PAD sensor can be easily prepared. The on-site FA detection is performed by dropping a drop of the sample into the sensor sampling zone and timing the decoloration time, respectively. The difference in decoloration time between a fictitious blank (5.0 μM) and an FA standard is proportional to the FA concentration in the range of 10–700 μM with a detection limit of 5.6 μM. The utility and effectiveness of this PAD sensor has been verified by applying it to seafood, paper cups, and water samples with the supports of official method validation.