Perforated Boxes Research Articles

Impact of Different Packaging Materials on the Quality and Shelf Life of Kinnow Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

The experiment carried out on the “Impact of Different Packaging Materials on The Quality and Shelf Life of Kinnow Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)".Under the study the packaging treatments include T1 (Control or no packaging), T2 (Fruits packed in Newspaper), T3 (Fruits wrapped in Brown paper bags), T4 (Fruits packed in Aluminium Foil), T5 (Fruits wrapped in LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), T6 (Fruits packed in Rice stubble), T7 (fruits packed in Perforated boxes), T8 (Fruits packed in Gunny bags), T9 (Fruits packed in Nylon net bags). The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of various packaging materials on physico-chemical characteristics of Kinnow fruit during storage. The physico-chemical evaluation of the fruits of each treatment was done upto 24 days and all the observations were recorded at every 6 days interval. The Fruit Weight, Polar Diameter, Radial Diameter, Peel weight having the decreasing trend, the highest mean was found in T5 during storage which were (151.70), (57.58), (59.11), (36.08) respectively. The TSS(0Brix) and pH were recorded lowest in the fruits packed in T5 during storage which were (10.45) and (4.02) respectively. Specific gravity of fruits had decreasing trend during storage period and found highest (0.86) in T5 at 24 days while ascorbic acid and titrable acidity had decreasing trend and mean values was found highest (17.89) and (0.89) in T5 respectively during storage. On basis of study results shown by physico-chemical characteristics of kinnow, it was concluded that kinnow fruits packed in T5 LDPE packing has highest overall acceptability at 24 days of storage. These practices may be passed on for obtaining higher returns with B:C ratio of 2.39.

Behavior and body temperature alterations in piglets anesthetized for castration during a four-hour recovery phase

One way to eliminate pain during surgical castration is to provide general anesthesia by intramuscular injection. However, its disadvantage is the long recovery phase, during which anesthetized piglets have to be separated from the sow and managed appropriately. In this study, rectal temperatures, respiration rate, soiling and behavior changes were monitored in 119 piglets for 4 h after the intramuscularly administration of a ketamine-azaperone-mixture for general anesthesia and castration. The study aimed to identify the least distressing form of separation. For this, different types of separation containers, farm equipment and heat sources were used in 3 individual trials during separation of piglets. Over the course of the recovery period, body temperatures and behaviors of piglets underwent significant alterations. The temperature span was largest after 2 h in all trials (35.0–42.6 °C). Rectal temperatures were influenced by the kind of separation, heat provision, and age: Piglets separated in boxes were warmer than piglets separated in crate corners (P = 0.0016). Non-warmed piglets had lower temperatures than fully (P < 0.0001) warmed piglets. Additionally, rectal temperatures of 4-days old piglets were lower than those of 5-days old ones after 2 h (P < 0.0001). Piglets were more soiled after 4 h when they were not warmed compared to piglets in containers fully warmed (P < 0.0001). The kind of container also had an effect on soiling, as scores were higher after 2 h for piglets kept in buckets than those in perforated boxes (P = 0.0522). Warmed piglets breathed more frequently than non-warmed piglets (P = 0.0039). The behaviors pedaling and lying were more prominent in the first 2 h of the recovery period, while moving forward and head bumping occurred more often in the later half. The behavior slipping was only observed in buckets. It was concluded that the recovery phase is a stressful experience, especially for very young piglets. This means that piglets need to be taken care of appropriately to ensure that animal welfare is not reduced past a general anesthesia, which was originally applied to increase welfare during a painful intervention. Anesthetized piglets need to be warmed and possibly dried during the recovery phase to avoid life-threatening cooling.

Bio-Degradation Study of ABS Protein Filled Nano Composite

In this work we report the particular preparing as well as properties of nano blend according to acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene terpolymer using improved nano silica, and also casein, in particular, most of us studied the effects of filler injections concentration on morphology, as well as hardware overall performance, paying attention our consideration on the consequence with the biodegradation phenomena with the casein modifiers. ABS/nano Si and casein blends are assumed to be biodegradable since both components are bio-degradable in a variety of microbial circumstances. The particular processing and mechanical properties involving casein and also ABS/nano Si blends have been well investigated and submitted to degradation by dirt interment tests in perforated boxes for 6 months and later analyzed. After destruction, blends along with casein displayed FTIR signals of minimal intensity in comparison to the original blends. These results exposed that ABS/nano Si’s biodegradability may be improved until casein is added to it. as to the actual mechanical properties, the effect of casein content on the strain at break of the nano composites, it is seen that the strain at break and impact strength of the nano composites get worse with the addition of casein where it decreases with increasing casein content while Young's modulus is higher than that of pure ABS.

Asymptotic Modeling of Phononic Box Crystals

We introduce phononic box crystals, namely, arrays of adjoined perforated boxes, as a three-dimensional prototype for an unusual class of subwavelength metamaterials based on directly coupling reso...

Evaluation of different ripening inducers on the quality, proximate composition and mineral residue in plantain (MusaAAB) fruits

The indiscriminate use of ripening inducers to ripen fruits for domestic markets threatens food safety. Consequently, there is a need to determine the efficacy of inducers used in the industry. Four ripening inducers from plant sources namely; yellow pawpaw leaf, apple, avocado and African bush mango fruits were used to ripen plantain fruits stored in perforated wooden boxes (28-29°C and 77-78% RH). Their effects were compared with those ripened with ethylene glycol or those without ripening inducers (control). The treatment was applied following a completely randomized design replicated four times. Data were collected on fruit colour change, firmness, physiological fresh weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity, proximate contents, vitamins A and C and mineral deposit on the ripened plantain fruits. Plantain fruits attained full ripe state on the 4th day when induced with yellow pawpaw leaf, ethylene glycol, avocado and apple fruits compared to 9 days in the control. Ripening with yellow pawpaw leaves significantly (p<0.05) enhanced vitamin C, TSS, crude protein, fat and fiber contents in plantain fruits at full ripe stage (40.54 mg 100 g(-1), 8.70%, 3.51 g 100 g(-1), 1.67 g 100 g-1, 6.26 g 100 g(-1), respectively) while least values for these parameters were recorded in plantain ripened with ethylene glycol (38.75 mg 100 g(-1), 7.96%, 3.11 g 100 g(-1), 1.42 g 100 g(-1), 5.43 g 100 g(-1), respectively). Significant residues of heavy metal residue (cadmium - 0.01 µg 100 g(-1), chromium - 0.04 µg 100 g(-1), mercury - 0.13 µg 100 g(-1)) were observed in ethylene glycol ripened plantain fruits, while none was observed in fruits ripened with plant materials and control. Yellow pawpaw leaves could serve as cost-effective and safe ripeners for plantain fruits.

EXTENDED COLD STORAGE OF WINTER PEARS BY MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the maintenance of fruit quality during the extended storage of ‘Rocha’ and ‘Packham’s Triumph’ pears. Fruit were packed in linear low density polyethylene (100 mm), with 6% BIF 1500 additive placed into perforated plastic boxes and kept at 0 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% RH for up to 180 days. MAP reduced weight loss by 14.8% for ‘Rocha’ and 11.5% for ‘Packham’s’ pears after 180 days in cold storage and retained the green color of the skin, which means that the yellowing visual perception was delayed in 60 and 90 days for ‘Rocha’ and ‘Packham’s’ pears, respectively. A strong softening was observed for ‘Packham’s’ pears after being kept for 150 days at 0° C followed by 5 days at room temperature, which did not limit the storage of both pear cultivars under modified atmosphere packaging. MAP created by linear low density polyethylene (100 mm), with 6% BIF 1500 additive extended in 30 days the cold storage for ‘Rocha’ and 60 days for ‘Packham’s’ pears.

Evaluación de la eficacia de la esterilización del instrumental odontológico en la Clínica de Odontología de Unibe

Introducción: en el área de la odontología, una de las maneras para prevenir que se produzca una contaminación cruzada entre pacientes es eliminando los residuos de sangre y otros fluidos que han sido obtenidos durante la utilización de los instrumentos. El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar la eficacia de la esterilización en la autoclave del instrumental odontológico del Área de Endodoncia y Periodoncia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio in vitro, experimental y transversal en una población de 75 estudiantes que se encuentran en la clínica integral III, IV y V de la clínica dental de Unibe. Se tomaron 60 muestras, a las cuales se les realizó un frotis; estas fueron inoculadas en placas petris cromo-agar orientación y posteriormente incubadas. La muestra estuvo constituida por 10 limas endodónticas en cajas cerradas antes de esterilizar en la autoclave, 10 limas endodónticas después de esterilizar en la autoclave, 10 instrumentos periodontales (curetas y jaquetes) antes de esterilizar en paños en la autoclave en cajas perforadas, 10 de los mismos instrumentos después de esterilizar en paños en la autoclave, 10 instrumentos periodontales antes de esterilizar en fundas en la autoclave en cajas perforadas y estas mismas 10 después de haber sido esterilizadas en fundas en la autoclave. Conclusión: se determinó que el 60% de las limas, después de esterilizar, no estaba contaminado y que el 69%, para ambos paños y fundas, no presentaba contaminación.

Mechanical, moisture absorption, and biodegradation behaviours of bacterial cellulose fibre-reinforced starch biocomposites

In this work, bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibres were used as the biodegradable reinforcement. The BC nanofibres were incorporated in the starch plasticised with glycerol via a solution impregnation method. Tensile properties of the BC/starch biocomposites were tested and compared with those of the unreinforced starch. Moisture absorption of the biocomposites under 75% RH at 25 °C was analysed. The kinetics of sorption–diffusion process was investigated and typical kinetic parameters D, k, and M ∞ were determined. Additionally, the BC/starch biocomposite (15.1 wt.% BC) and starch were submitted to biodegradation by soil burial experiments in perforated boxes. Tensile strength after exposure to moisture and microorganism attacks was measured. It is found that the moisture sorption mechanism in the BC/starch biocomposites follows a Fickan diffusion mode. The presence of BC nanofibres improves the tensile properties and the resistance to moisture and microorganism attacks. The mechanisms behind these phenomena are discussed in this paper.

Temporal changes on the effect of rock fragments in interrill soil loss: a simulation experiment and a simple descriptive model

Soils with rock fragments have been studied under several aspects in the last years. Research shows that a single pattern in the erosional response of these soils to rainfalls is not always found. In order to contribute to the understanding of this topic, an experiment was carried out, simulating interrill areas covered by rock fragments. This paper specifically aims at presenting and discussing temporal changes on sediment exported from such areas, also introducing a simple descriptive model to represent soil loss temporal evolution. Small bottom perforated boxes, 612 cm2 area, were filled with a silt-loam fine earth, very poor in organic matter, covered with simulated rock fragments and leaned at 10% slope gradient. The experiment comprised the exposure to 240 mm natural rainfall of 48 boxes corresponding to selected combinations, 4 replicates each, of rock fragments cover (0, 17, 30 and 66%), size (2, 4 and 10 cm), form (rectangular and circular) and position (resting on top and embedded). During the experiment boxes were kept under near saturation soil water conditions. Water and soil exported from the boxes as infiltration, runoff, wash and splash were measured after each period of precipitation. Recorded values of soil loss plotted against precipitation, both expressed in cumulative terms, follow a sigmoid curve. This pattern of response was interpreted as a result of crust formation on soil surface exposed to rainfalls, a hypothesis suggested by observations during the experiment and confirmed at its end. Parameters of this model were related with rock cover and characteristics. The effect of rock fragments on soil loss varies with time, a conclusion that must be taken into account when interpreting either results from experiments with different durations or the evolution of stoniness on eroding surfaces.

Different crab species influence feeding of the snail Nucella lapillus through trait‐mediated indirect interactions

AbstractIndirect interactions are among the many important factors that influence the community structure of the rocky intertidal zone. Trait‐mediated indirect interactions, in which the presence of a predator or competitor can influence the relationship between two other species, have emerged as vital for understanding community dynamics. This study examined the effect of different crab species on the feeding habits of an intertidal snail, Nucella lapillus. Crab species were defined as being sympatric predatory (Carcinus maenas and Cancer irroratus), sympatric non‐predatory (Uca pugnax and Pagurus longicarpus), or allopatric predatory (Mithrax sculptus and Percnon gibbesi). Nucella lapillus were potentially exposed to risk cues from each of the crab species. Crabs were kept in perforated boxes, which allowed any chemical cues to be emitted but prevented direct contact. Nucella lapillus had significantly lower feeding rates in the presence of sympatric predatory crab species than N. lapillus exposed to either sympatric non‐predatory crabs or allopatric predatory crabs. There was no difference in feeding rate between N. lapillus exposed to the sympatric non‐predatory crabs and to the allopatric predatory crabs. Nucella lapillus in the presence of sympatric predatory crabs had a feeding rate of only 0.07 barnacles per snail per day, whereas N. lapillus housed with non‐predatory crabs and allopatric predatory crabs had rates of 0.11 and 0.12, respectively, suggesting that N. lapillus alter their behavior in response to chemical risk cues from local predators. These results suggest that the ability to detect and respond to risk cues is a selectively evolved trait.

Degradation of different polystyrene/thermoplastic starch blends buried in soil

Blends of PS and TPS were prepared using two different plasticizers: glycerol or buriti oil by solvent casting technique. PS/TPS blends were submitted to degradation by soil burial tests in perforated boxes for 6 months and later analyzed by TG and CPMAS 13C NMR. After degradation, blends with glycerol presented less stages of thermal degradation and NMR signals of minor intensity compared to the original blends. The presence of TPS at contents of 50% or greater improved the degradation of the blends. After 6 months, PS/TPS blends with buriti oil presented only one thermal degradation stage with a significant increase in mass loss. Moreover, all absorptions related to starch disappeared in NMR spectra after soil buried test, probably due to the consumption of starch by microorganisms. These results revealed that PS’s degradability can be improved when TPS plasticized with buriti oil is added to it.

Fields and shielding by eddy currents in perforated boxes

This article describes the influence of gaps on the shielding performance of a box. The investigation has been carried out with the Finite Element Method and especially a method with adaptive mesh generation.

An individual‐based model for predicting the emergence period of sea trout fry in a Lake District stream

The objective of this study was to predict interannual fluctuations in the emergence period of sea trout fry, using models developed from field data for 70 excavated redds, and laboratory data on egg and alevin development at 30 constant temperatures (range 1·5–10·5° C with 100 naturally fertilized eggs at each temperature). Egg weight and numbers per redd both increased with female length; a power function described the relationship. Early spawners were the largest females laying the largest and most numerous eggs, whilst late spawners were the smallest females laying the smallest and least numerous eggs; middle spawners being intermediate between these two extremes. Mean values for egg weight and numbers of eggs per redd were obtained for these three groups. Hatching and emergence times in the laboratory decreased with increasing temperature. Of five models tested for hatching time, the best fit was provided by a three‐parameter hyperbolic model which formed the asis of the individual‐based model used to predict egg hatching and fry emergence. Model development was described in detail and the final equations predicted the times taken for 5, 50 and 95% of the fry to emerge, and hence the period over which 90% of the fry emerged. Analogous models were obtained for egg hatching. All models were excellent fits to the laboratory data. Hatching times for eggs kept in perforated boxes in the stream were almost identical to those kept at similar mean temperatures in the laboratory. Model predictions of fry emergence times were validated by field data for 8 years (1967–1971, 1974, 1975, 1980). The chief objective was therefore fulfilled, and predictions for the 30‐year study (1967–1996) revealed a large variation in the timing of emergence (extremes: 11 March–4 April 1989, 15–20 May 1979). Most of the variation in median emergence date was due to variations in water temperature, with spawning dates as a secondary factor; the latter, however, had a greater effect on the length of the emergence period.

An individual-based model for predicting the emergence period of sea trout fry in a Lake District stream

The objective of this study was to predict interannual fluctuations in the emergence period of sea trout fry, using models developed from field data for 70 excavated redds, and laboratory data on egg and alevin development at 30 constant temperatures (range 1·5–10·5° C with 100 naturally fertilized eggs at each temperature). Egg weight and numbers per redd both increased with female length; a power function described the relationship. Early spawners were the largest females laying the largest and most numerous eggs, whilst late spawners were the smallest females laying the smallest and least numerous eggs; middle spawners being intermediate between these two extremes. Mean values for egg weight and numbers of eggs per redd were obtained for these three groups. Hatching and emergence times in the laboratory decreased with increasing temperature. Of five models tested for hatching time, the best fit was provided by a three-parameter hyperbolic model which formed the asis of the individual-based model used to predict egg hatching and fry emergence. Model development was described in detail and the final equations predicted the times taken for 5, 50 and 95% of the fry to emerge, and hence the period over which 90% of the fry emerged. Analogous models were obtained for egg hatching. All models were excellent fits to the laboratory data. Hatching times for eggs kept in perforated boxes in the stream were almost identical to those kept at similar mean temperatures in the laboratory. Model predictions of fry emergence times were validated by field data for 8 years (1967–1971, 1974, 1975, 1980). The chief objective was therefore fulfilled, and predictions for the 30-year study (1967–1996) revealed a large variation in the timing of emergence (extremes: 11 March–4 April 1989, 15–20 May 1979). Most of the variation in median emergence date was due to variations in water temperature, with spawning dates as a secondary factor; the latter, however, had a greater effect on the length of the emergence period.

Percolation and leachate composition in a disturbed soil layer mulched with sewage biosolids

The effect of sludge and sludge compost as a mulch for dissipating raindrop impact and maintaining a relatively high percolation rate was studied using a Paleudalf from South Africa. Three kg soil were packed in perforated boxes in a making a two cm layer, and subjected to five consecutive simulated rainstorms during a period of 26 days. A 4-day incubation was allowed between the first 4 storms and 10 days before the 5th storm. The soil was amended with either a dry waste activated sludge or a sludge compost at a rate equivalent to 45 Mg ha −1. The amendments (<2-mm) were applied either on the surface or mixed with the whole soil. The application of both sludge and sludge compost reduced the final percolation rate (FPR) compared with the unamended control. The effect of the consecutive rainstorms on the average FPR from all the treatments was as follows: FPR after 1st storm ≫2nd≅3rd≅4th>5th. The effect of amendment on average FPR from all storms was: control>sludge mixed with the soil>surface-applied sludge>sludge compost mixed with the soil≥ surface-applied sludge compost. The decrease of FPR was not related to the electrical conductivity or clay concentration of the leachates. The main chemical species that appeared in the leachates from the treated soils, and persisted throughout the five rainstorms, were ammonium and sulfate. Other ions, such as calcium and magnesium, were present in high concentrations in the leachate during the first storm but at low concentrations in subsequent storms. Nitrate concentrations were high during the first and fifth storms. It is suggested that the adverse effect of the amendments resulted from mechanical and microbial clogging of soil pores.

Recycling of Cattle Manure: The Composting Process and Characterization of Maturity

AbstractThe utilization of cattle (Bos sp.) manure as a peat substitute in greenhouses has been proposed. This alternative requires certain preparatory procedures, including composting. The objective of this research was to study the composting process, changes occurring in the product during composting and product properties of relevance to its potential use as a container medium, and to evaluate possible criteria indicating compost maturity. Composting of separated cattle manure (CSM) was studied in 1‐m3 perforated boxes. Most of the physical and some of the chemical properties exhibited a high rate of change during the first 40 to 60 d of the composting process. Total water‐soluble salts, as measured by electrical conductivity (EC), exhibited a constant value for the first 60 d, followed by a sharp increase in EC (from 2.6–5.4 dS m−1). The main ions contributing to this increase were NO−3, Ca2+ and Mg2+. As temperature decreased, nitrate levels increased sharply due to nitrification, from 0.02 cmol L−1 at the beginning to 4.0 cmol L−1 at the end of the composting process. Although most changes took place during the first high temperature phase, slow decomposition persisted after temperature returned to ambient level as measured in the compost water extract. Plant bioassays also indicated that 40‐ to 60‐d old compost inhibited growth and there was limited response to fertilization. Both of these factors were eliminated after 80 to 90 d of composting. Chemical properties of water extracts may therefore serve as indicators of compost maturity and of the material's suitability as an organic component for container media.

Does the Siberian chipmunk respond to the snake by identifying it?

Siberian chipmunks were presented with snakes and 4 control animals (tortoises, frogs, eels, quails) in a large outdoor pen to examine whether the snakedirected behavior of the chipmunk is a response to identifying the snake or simply an exploratory behavior toward generally strange objects. The animals were presented to chipmunks in 3 manners; tethered, anesthetized, and in perforated opaque boxes and in wire netting boxes. In “tethered” and “anesthetized”, chipmunks responded significantly more intensively to snakes than to other animals. When the animals were presented in the boxes, that is, when chipmunks could perceive only olfactory stimulus from the animals, they also showed the strongest response to snakes. The results suggest that 1) snake-directed behavior of chipmunks is not a general exploratory response toward strange objects but a response to identifying the snakes, and that 2) olfaction is an important cue for the chipmunks to identify snakes.

The consumption of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson) eggs by macroinvertebrates in the field

SUMMARY. 1. Perforated boxes containing live, dead or no eggs of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, were buried in a natural spawning redd in a stream in North Wales for the duration of the natural incubation period.2. A significant difference (P&lt;0.001) was found between the mean number of invertebrates colonizing perforated boxes containing live eggs, dead eggs and no eggs.3. The number of eggs retrieved from boxes originally containing dead eggs decreased as the number of invertebrates colonizing the boxes increased.4. Using a serological method of prey identification it was demonstrated that Leuctra hippopus (Kempny), Gammarus pulex (L.) and Ptychopter‐idae sp. scavenged on trout eggs in the field.5. There was some evidence that Rhyacophila dorsalis (Curtis) and Diura bicaudata (L.) preyed on trout eggs, but in view of their scarcity, it is suggested that they were a minor mortality factor.

Produktion oder übernahme von schutzstoffen als ursache des Nesselschutzes von Anemonenfischen?

Investigations concerning the protection of anemone fishes have been conducted on reefs near Shimoni (Kenya). Acclimated Amphiprion xanthurus Cuv. & Val. when placed in perforated plastic boxes in the midst of anemones do not lose their protection against stinging. Unacclimated A. xanthurus became protected in this manner. Protected A. xanthurus lost their protection and unprotected ones could not acquire this protection when they were placed within a distance of 5–7 cm or more from actinians. In order to maintain the protection, the intimacy of anemones is absolutely necessary. The quality of protection acquired by the fishes depends on the species of anemone, being either good against only one species or good against several species simultaneously. The fact that the fishes remain protected only if they live in the midst of anemones or very close to them and that the degree of protection is determined by the anemone indicates the importance of the anemones for the acquisition of this protection. These results confirm the suggested mechanism of protection formulated previously by Schlichter, namely that the fishes acquire anemone-substances (‘protective substances’) during the process of acclimation. After becoming protected they bear the same chemical impregnation on their surface as, e.g., tentacles, which do not sting each other. The transmission of protecting substances to unprotected fishes by incubation with extracts from anemones was found to be impossible. After incubation in pepsin, acclimated fishes lost their protection. It seems as though anemone fishes exploit for their protection a principle which the actinians have for their own use. This mechanism exists quite independently of the symbiosis with fishes. The anemones themselves require such ‘protective substances’ for several purposes.

Attraction of triatomine bug vectors of Chagas's disease to betalights.

APART from the improvement of housing standards as circumstances permit, the control of Chagas's disease throughout its range in South and Central America depends on control of the vectors (domestic triatomine bugs) by periodic indoor application of residual insecticide, usually HCH. Bug infestation in the low standard dwellings which are characteristic of urban and rural foci of the disease is usually discovered by daytime search for bugs in the cracks and crevices of walls and other indoor surfaces where the insects hide during the day. Pyrethrum powder is often blown into such fissures to irritate the bugs and cause them to emerge1, and some workers also sample by attaching perforated boxes containing crumpled paper to walls, when the chance lodgment of bugs in the boxes may indicate infestation2. The economic management of vector control requires more reliable and less time-consuming sampling methods3 and there is also a need for better quantitative data on bug densities in relation to clinical and epidemiological aspects of the disease.