Plastic Sleeve Research Articles

A 3D printed dual screen-printed electrode separation device for twin electrochemical mini-cell establishment.

We describe a tiny 3D-printed polymethyl-methacrylate-based plastic sleeve that houses two disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPE) and enables each of the working electrodes (WEs) to work independently, on a different side of a thin barrier, in its own electrochemical (EC) mini-cell, while the SPE counter and reference units are shared for electroanalysis. Optical and EC performance tests proved that the plastic divider between WE1 and WE2 efficiently inhibited solution mixing between the mini-cells. The two neighboring, independently operating mini-cells enabled matched differential measurements in the same sample solution, a tactic designed for elimination of electrochemical interference in complex samples. In a proof-of-principle glucose biosensor trial, a glucose oxidase-modified WE2 and an unmodified WE1 delivered the EC data for the removal of anodic ascorbic acid (AA) interference simply by subtracting the WE1 (background) current from the analyte-specific WE2 current (from buffered sample solution supplemented with glucose/AA), at an anodic H2O2 detection potential of +1 V. The microfabricated SPE accessory is cheap and easy to make and use. For the many dual electrode SPE strips on the market for multiple analytical targets the new device widens the options for their exploitation in assays of biological and environmental samples with complex matrix compositions and significant risks of interference.

Assessment of the Quantities of Non-Targeted Materials (Impurities) in Recycled Plastic Packaging Waste to Comply with EU Regulations and Sustainable Waste Management

Plastic packaging waste (PPW) can be considered as solid waste with harmful effects on the environment or as a material with recycling potential in terms of sustainable development in a circular economy. Knowing the amount of PPW generated is very important as it is related to the availability of this material for recycling and determines the actual recycling rate (denominator of a fraction). PPW is very heterogeneous and contains a certain number of impurities (e.g., product residues, direct printing, glue, labels, plastic sleeves, cap, etc.). According to EU law, an annual report (for the data in 2021) on the masses of both the PPW actually recycled (PPWR) (“targeted materials”) and impurities (“non-targeted materials”) must be prepared and submitted to the European Commission. The PPWR is used for the calculation of the recycling rate (the numerator in a fraction). The impurities should be considered for the calculation of own resources (national contributions to the general EU budget based on the uniform call rate of 0.80/kg of non-recycled PPW). To date, the Council of the EU has not proposed a method for calculating these amounts, so they have only been estimated. The present study (the first of its kind in Poland) aimed to estimate the number of impurities in PPW and the actual amount of PPWR at the calculation point using a method accepted by the EU. In the installations, PPW (plastic packaging (15 01 02), multi-material packaging (15 01 05) and mixed packaging waste (15 01 06)) is recycled together with other plastic waste (plastic (16 01 19), plastic (17 02 03), plastic and rubber (19 12 04), and plastics (20 01 39)). It was assumed that the proportions of the mass of individual types of PPW in the total mass of plastic waste processed in the installation were proportional to the mass of impurities in these individual types of PPW. It was found that the average percentage of impurities in PPW was 4.40–6.90%, which seems to be relatively low. However, this means that, when calculating the PPWR, the mass of impurities should be subtracted from the mass of PPW entering the recycling process. As a result, the mass of PPWR at the calculation point in 2021 in Poland was almost 30,000 tonnes lower than the original mass entering the installation. Thus, applying the uniform call rate to the weight of impurities in the PPW increases Poland’s own resources by approx. 24 million euros.

Plastic-sleeve test method to measure autogenous and drying shrinkage in paste, mortar, and concrete: Test Results

The Plastic-Sleeve Test (PST) method of molding cylindrical specimens in plastic sleeves enables the measurement of autogenous and total shrinkage of pastes, mortars, and concretes. Photogrammetric tests confirmed that the linear support of the specimens with a temporary bottom support mold does not restrain deformation. Tests were performed to compare the PST versus corrugated tube methods and similar relative humidity and autogenous shrinkage results were obtained. The PST shows comparable CoV values to those of the corrugated tube test. The method presented provides solid circular cross-section samples, enabling control over entrapped air content, specimen shape, and bleeding effects, thereby ensuring the measurement method’s high repeatability. The PST showed a tighter seal than prismatic samples molded for total shrinkage testing according to EN 1367-4. Results indicate that the PST can effectively be used for molding samples intended for total shrinkage measurement. It is concluded that the PST method is an effective method to measure autogenous shrinkage and total shrinkage of cementitious materials.

Active carboxymethyl cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol biodegradable packaging film for shelf‐life enhancement: Effects of makrut lime essential oil on Cavendish bananas ripening and fungal spoilage

AbstractMakrut lime essential oil (MLO) was investigated for ripening deceleration and suppression of fungal spoilage of Cavendish bananas stored at 30.0–37.6°C and 40%–60% relative humidity. The sorbitol‐plasticized composite of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (CMC/PVA; 3:2) was used to distribute MLO droplets (0.5%–3.0%) as it exhibited the best overall tensile properties (15.36 ± 0.90 MPa, 14.9% ± 1.19, and 486.93 ± 81.67 MPa for strength, strain, and Young's modulus, respectively). After 7 days of storage of film‐wrapped Stage‐A1 bananas, growths of the molds on cutting wounds were dramatically suppressed. The 1.0% MLO/CMC/PVA film effectively controlled the spoilages of wounds and stalks. Ripening also occurred at slower pace (by about 2 days; 70.49% weight loss vs. that of the control) when Stage‐B3 bananas were encased in the 1.0% MLO plastic sleeve. However, the MLO coatings negatively affected the appearances and colors and promoted the senescence of the coated bananas at higher MLO concentrations. Compared to the CMC/PVA film, strengths and maximum strains of the 0.5% and 1.0% MLO films were significantly higher. The strength, strain, and modulus of the 1.0% MLO film were 19.50 ± 2.52 MPa, 24.75% ± 3.84, and 562.31 ± 49.71 MPa, respectively. Water vapor transmission rate of the 1.0‐MLO film was also the smallest one (2232 ± 50.91 g/m2·day).Highlights The 1.0% MLO/CMC/PVA film exhibited improved tensile properties. The water vapor transmission rate of the film was the lowest. The film effectively controlled the spoilages of wounds and stalks. Bananas encased in sleeves made from the film ripened at slower pace.

A fast and reliable larval sampling method for improving the monitoring of fruit flies in soft and stone fruits.

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), threatens both the soft-skinned and stone fruit industry in Asia, Europe, and America. Integrated pest management requires monitoring for infestation rates in real time. Although baited traps for adult D. suzukii are widely used for field monitoring, trap captures are weakly correlated to larval infestation rates. Thus, monitoring for larvae instead of adult flies represents the most reliable monitoring technique. Current methods for larval monitoring (e.g., sugar or salt floatation) are time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this study, we develop a new "sleeve method" for detecting larvae in strawberries through the inspection of individual fruits crushed within transparent plastic sleeves. Samples can be optionally frozen until further processing. Based on count data from non-expert observers, the estimation of larval infestation with the sleeve method is fast, precise, and highly repeatable within and among observers. Mean processing time is half the time compared to previous methods (33-80 s per sample depending on infestation levels). As the accuracy of the sleeve method decreases with infestation levels, we suggest ways to improve its accuracy by incubating fruits for 48 h and calibrating data using fruits with a known number of larvae. The method could also be used in other fruits, as it is easier to use, faster, and requires less equipment than previous monitoring methods. Finally, the method represents a promising tool for growers or researchers to effectively monitor and manage D. suzukii and other insect pests of soft and stone fruits.

Seasonal and culture period variations in the lipid and fatty acid content of Ulva lactuca cultivated in Mikhmoret onshore (Israel)

Abstract The use of high-value fatty acids (FA), omega-3 (n-3), and omega-6 (n-6) from seaweed could relieve the pressure from natural wild fish sources and reduce overfishing worldwide. This research is designed to explore how the harvest season (winter, spring, and summer) and culture period influence the biomass production yield, lipid content, and FA composition in the green seaweed Ulva sp. The studied seaweed was grown in plastic sleeves with flowthrough seawater in Mikhmoret (East Mediterranean, Israel) from July 2019 to December 2020. The Ulva species was identified as Ulva lactuca Linnaeus by DNA barcoding using rbcL, ITS, and tufA markers. No detectable genetic variability in U. lactuca samples was found throughout the research period. A quantitative examination of the lipid and FA content in U. lactuca in different harvest seasons revealed that the maximum content of lipids was in the summer, and that of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was in the winter. The PUFA profile included eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, n-3, and n-6, where the n-6/n-3 ratio was comparable with the desired range for a balanced nutritional diet.

Prevention of contamination after endotracheal intubation using a dedicated sleeve.

Contamination of work surfaces by used laryngoscopes after endotracheal intubation is a serious infection control concern but no strategies are available to address it. We assessed if contamination of the surfaces after endotracheal intubation would be reduced when providers used a dedicated, self-erected, disposable plastic sleeve (BladePouch) to store the used laryngoscope as compared to using single gloves or double gloves and sheathing the laryngoscope with the outer gloves. Twenty participants were recruited including attending physicians, trainees and allied health care professionals. They performed endotracheal intubation on a mannequin with oral cavity coated with a dye and stored the used laryngoscope blade using single gloves, double gloves or BladePouch. Each participant used both direct and video laryngoscopes. Following intubation, dye contamination of gloves, gown and work surface was evaluated. There was no difference in the contamination of gloves or gowns between the single gloves, double gloves or BladePouch groups. However, work surface contamination was significantly reduced when using BladePouch compared to single or double gloves (13% vs. 100% vs. 80% respectively, P<0.001). The odds of work surface contamination were significantly lower with BladePouch vs. single or double gloves, even when adjusted for intubation device, role and experience of participants with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.0054 (95% confidence interval: 0.0009-0.0314), P<0.001. In conjunction with standard precautions, the use of a dedicated plastic sleeve to store contaminated laryngoscope blade after endotracheal intubation may reduce the work surface contamination, independent of intubation device, role and experience of providers.

Validation of an alternative small stem assay for blight resistance in backcross hybrid chestnuts (Castanea spp.) and recommendations for its expanded use.

We evaluated an alternative small stem assay (AltSSA) for blight resistance in backcross hybrid chestnuts (Castanea dentata/mollissima). Whereas standard small stem assays (SSAs) are done by inoculating small incisions in stems, in our AltSSA, 4 to 5 mm stems are cut off, and the exposed (living) stem tips are inoculated with discs of Cryphonectria parasitica inoculum and temporarily covered with plastic sleeves. Intended primarily for forward selection, this method was designed to be easy to implement, to consistently induce cankering, and to better enable seedling recovery via the development of lateral shoots from the lower stem. After 90+ days, cankers are evaluated and removed, and seedlings are prepared for out-planting. Previous results showed that AltSSAs performed at least as well as a common SSA method in distinguishing resistant and susceptible types. In this follow-up analysis of 35 lines of backcross seedlings studied in 2020 and 2021, we show that mean orange zone canker length (OZCL) and a multifactor PCA-based blight resistance index gave results consistent with predictions derived from the blight resistance phenotype (two methods) and percent American chestnut ancestry of the parents of each line. As expected, based upon the apparent polygenic inheritance of blight resistance in backcross chestnuts, mean OZCL of backcross families ranged from intermediate (F1-level) to low (American chestnut-level). Consistent with prior results, canker production was near 100%, survivorship after out-planting was very high, and post-inoculation deaths were apparently unrelated to the stem tip inoculations (e.g., unrelated basal cankering). Altogether, these results suggest that the AltSSA is a viable method for early detection of relative blight resistance in seedlings and may enable a reduction in the numbers of trees out-planted and placed under care for long-term evaluation and breeding.

Effect of seasonality on the amino acid and monosaccharide profile from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca cultivated in plastic sleeves onshore (Mikhmoret, Israel)

Effect of seasonality on the amino acid and monosaccharide profile from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca cultivated in plastic sleeves onshore (Mikhmoret, Israel)

Keller Funnel Efficacy in "No Touch" Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane database, and Google Scholar was performed between 2005 and 2021. All clinical-based, retrospective and prospective studies utilizing the Keller funnel method for breast implant insertion were selected. Six studies were identified for evaluation: five were retrospective cohorts and one was a prospective trial. No randomized controlled trials were found. Outcomes reported included lower rates of capsular contracture (RR, 0.42; P = 0.0006; 95% CI, 0.25-0.69), shorter incision lengths (35.5 ± 2.1 mm), less insertion time (mean = 6 seconds), and decreased complications, and one paper reported ultimately greater patient satisfaction with outcomes (BREAST-Q Score: 92%). This review suggests that the Keller funnel is a useful method for no-touch breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery. The Keller funnel reduces subsequent capsular contracture rate, surgical time, and incision length and allows for easier insertion. However, our findings support recommendation of a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial with larger population size and follow-up intervals.

Shear behavior of flexible-sleeve perfobond strip connectors: Experimental and analytical studies

Flexible-sleeve perfobond strip connectors (SPBL), consisting of perfobond strip connectors (PBLs) and flexible plastic sleeves surrounding transverse rebars, are considered to be an effective and ductile solution in combining steel and concrete members together in composite structures. In order to evaluate structural performance of this type of shear connectors, push-out tests were performed on sixteen SPBL specimens with varying sleeve thicknesses and number of holes. Failure modes, load-slip curves, load-uplift displacement relationships, and strain history obtained from SPBLs tests are presented and discussed. The influences of design parameters on shear performance of SPBLs are analyzed. Experimental results indicated that the plastic sleeves surrounding transverse steel rebars effectively optimized the connector’s stiffness and ductility. As compare to conventional PBL connectors without plastic sleeves, the ductility coefficients of SPBL with a 2.0 mm- and 10.0- mm thick sleeve are increased by 77.2% and 26.1%, respectively, while the corresponding initial stiffness decreased by 27.6% and 46.9%, respectively. Results also indicated that the utilization of plastic sleeves effectively diminished the uneven effects among the multi-hole PBLs. Also, and as compared to triple-hole PBL connectors without flexible sleeves, providing a 2.0 mm- and 10.0 mm- thickness sleeves to transverse rebars decreased the uneven load coefficient by 26.3% and 89.7%, respectively. A comparison between experimental and analytical results using PBLs published formulas indicated that such existing formulas failed to address shear capacity of the multi-hole SPBLs. Accordingly, an analytical model that considers the uneven loadings and sleeve thickness effects that is capable of predicting the load-carrying capacity of multi-hole SPBLs was developed, and calibrated using experimental results.

Bimanual Handling of Deformable Objects With Hybrid Adhesion

We present hybrid adhesive end-effectors for bimanual handling of deformable objects. The gripping system is driven by the need to achieve alignment on deformable and irregular surfaces while maintaining a large area of contact for efficient use of the adhesive. The objective of the gripping system is to reduce the internal grasping force needed to securely lift and manipulate objects with two arms, for example, in warehousing and retail environments. The end-effectors are designed with features meant to accommodate surface irregularities in macroscale form, mesoscale waviness, and microscale roughness, achieving good shear adhesion on surfaces with little gripping force. The new gripping system combines passive mechanical compliance with a hybrid electrostatic-adhesive pad so that humanoid robots can grasp a wide range of materials including paperboard and textured plastics with internal grasping forces of 1 N and 0.5 N, respectively. These grasping forces are more than 10 times smaller than without the hybrid pad. As an application, we demonstrate a humanoid robot handling delicate deformable objects ranging from flowers in a plastic sleeve to a 2.4 kg sack of rice with less than 1.5 N of normal gripping force.

Pneumatic Soft Actuators With Kirigami Skins.

Soft pneumatic actuators have become indispensable for many robotic applications due to their reliability, safety, and design flexibility. However, the currently available actuator designs can be challenging to fabricate, requiring labor-intensive and time-consuming processes like reinforcing fiber wrapping and elastomer curing. To address this issue, we propose to use simple-to-fabricate kirigami skins—plastic sleeves with carefully arranged slit cuts—to construct pneumatic actuators with pre-programmable motion capabilities. Such kirigami skin, wrapped outside a cylindrical balloon, can transform the volumetric expansion from pneumatic pressure into anisotropic stretching and shearing, creating a combination of axial extension and twisting in the actuator. Moreover, the kirigami skin exhibits out-of-plane buckling near the slit cut, which enables high stretchability. To capture such complex deformations, we formulate and experimentally validates a new kinematics model to uncover the linkage between the kirigami cutting pattern design and the actuator’s motion characteristics. This model uses a virtual fold and rigid-facet assumption to simplify the motion analysis without sacrificing accuracy. Moreover, we tested the pressure-stroke performance and elastoplastic behaviors of the kirigami-skinned actuator to establish an operation protocol for repeatable performance. Analytical and experimental parametric analysis shows that one can effectively pre-program the actuator’s motion performance, with considerable freedom, simply by adjusting the angle and length of the slit cuts. The results of this study can establish the design and analysis framework for a new family of kirigami-skinned pneumatic actuators for many robotic applications.

Iatrogenic tracheal foreign body, plastic sleeve of stylet.

Iatrogenic tracheal foreign body, plastic sleeve of stylet.

Fingerprinting Plastic-Associated Inorganic and Organic Matter on Plastic Aged in the Marine Environment for a Decade.

The long-term aging of plastic leads to weathering and biofouling that can influence the behavior and fate of plastic in the marine environment. This is the first study to fingerprint the contaminant profiles and bacterial communities present in plastic-associated inorganic and organic matter (PIOM) isolated from 10 year-aged plastic. Plastic sleeves were sampled from an oyster aquaculture farm and the PIOM was isolated from the intertidal, subtidal, and sediment-buried segments to investigate the levels of metal(loid)s, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and explore the microbial community composition. Results indicated that the PIOM present on long-term aged high-density polyethylene plastic harbored high concentrations of metal(loid)s, PAHs, and PFAS. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the bacterial composition in the PIOM differed by habitat type, which consisted of potentially pathogenic taxa including Vibrio, Shewanella, and Psychrobacter. This study provides new insights into PIOM as a potential sink for hazardous environmental contaminants and its role in enhancing the vector potential of plastic. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of PIOM analysis in current biomonitoring regimes and that plastics be used with caution in aquaculture settings to safeguard valuable food resources, particularly in areas of point-source contamination.

“Bubbling” the Fourth Age in the Time of COVID-19

“Bubbling” the Fourth Age in the Time of COVID-19

Use of Acid for Oxide Layer Removal of Overcast UCLA Abutments: Influence on Fit and Roughness.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the oxide layer removal procedure using acid on the roughness and internal fit of overcast universal castable long abutments (UCLAs) for a taper connection. For this, maxillary first premolars were waxed on the plastic sleeve of 15 UCLAs with a premachined interface. The specimens were overcast using the NiCr alloy, and the frameworks were randomly distributed to undergo one of two different oxide layer removal methods: blasting with 100-μm particles of aluminum oxide at 0.60-MPa pressure or bathing for 5 hours in 0.5% hydrofluoric acid. The surface roughness was evaluated by a light interferometer at the subcritical contour of each abutment. Next, the frameworks were attached to the respective analogs for internal fit evaluation. The central cross section of each assembly was exposed, and three regions were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM): taper interface, axial wall, and index region. The premachined base was used as the control. The groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test (α = .05). The results showed that acid bathing produced intermediary roughness between premachined and blasted surfaces (P < .05). SEM images showed a sealed interface at the taper region of all groups, despite some irregularities after alumina blasting. Increased discrepancies at the axial wall and index region were found after the alumina blasting procedure (P < .05). It was concluded that acid bathing should be used, instead of blasting to remove the oxide layer, to produce a better fit and smoother surface on UCLAs.

Evaluation of an Alternative Small Stem Assay for Blight Resistance in American, Chinese, and Hybrid Chestnuts (Castanea spp.).

We tested an alternative small stem assay (SSA) for blight resistance in chestnuts (Castanea spp.). Whereas standard SSAs are done by inoculating small incisions in stems, we cut off stems (4 to 5 mm diameter), inoculated the cut ends with discs of Cryphonectria parasitica inoculum, and covered them with plastic sleeves. This method was designed to be simple to implement, to consistently induce cankering, and to better enable seedlings to recover by developing shoots from the lower stem (standard SSAs delay removal of blighted stems until late in the growing season, if at all). We conducted six experiments with seedlings and orchard trees of Castanea dentata (susceptible), Castanea mollissima (resistant), and hybrids expected to vary in resistance. Experiments with seedlings and two of the three orchard experiments showed clear differentiation between susceptible and resistant types, especially >90 days postinoculation and when the orange-colored zone of the canker was measured. One orchard experiment failed to give clear results but was ended earlier (60 days) than the other experiments. We observed only two failed inoculations out of >200 performed. Comparisons with other studies suggest that this SSA method performs at least as well as the standard SSA method in distinguishing resistant and susceptible types, at least in seedlings. Survivorship after 1 year for seedlings inoculated in 2018 ranged from 70% for C. dentata to 100% for C. mollissima, and in 2019 they ranged from 40% in hybrids to 100% for C. mollissima. Deaths of seedlings after SSAs were mostly unrelated to the inoculations (e.g., root rot).

Learning curve analysis of applying Seprafilm hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose membrane during laparoscopic hysterectomy

This study was designed to evaluate the learning curve of applying Seprafilm (modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose; Genzyme, Cambridge, MA, USA) during laparoscopic hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy. In this retrospective cohort study, 35 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy were enrolled. The Seprafilm was cut into 4 pieces, rolled up with a trimmed plastic sleeve and delivered through an incision wound made for the 5-mm ancillary trocar. The membrane was unrolled and placed on the rough surface after hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy. The time from the insertion of the first piece of membrane into the abdominal cavity to the complete removal of the trimmed plastic sleeve was recorded. The median time for Seprafilm placement was 3 min. The learning curve was analyzed using the power-law method and suggested that 10 cases were required to achieve proficiency in the procedure. The presence of adnexectomy was significantly associated with the time required for Seprafilm placement (P < 0.001). Although Seprafilm placement is more complicated compared to the liquid and gel forms of anti-adhesion barriers, surgical proficiency seemed to be attained after 10 cases for an experienced surgeon.

MANTRA AS MEDIUM

My quest for necessary wisdom about mothering, teaching, researching—coalescing here as art and research—comes by way of a mantra enacted between mother and daughter onto the world: milk, heat, time. An awareness of mantra as methodologically potent occurred through the artistic practice of drawing with mother’s milk, heat, and time. Traveling through the twists and overlaps of my complicated existence as a mother, artist, teacher, and researcher this paper offers three imaginable potencies for arts-based research: mantra unfolds myth, mantra intensifies listening, and mantra generates reciprocity. This contemplatively and performatively crafted text brings to light these three potencies through multiple modes of data-creation: mantra, time, drawing, sensation, song, memory, connection, affect, photographs, writing, and materiality. Linger with me in the place where unconsumed mother’s milk—fat and water separating in plastic sleeves and bound for the trash in a university childcare setting— coalesced with cultural myths of breastfeeding, embodied memories of labor and returning to work after childbirth, grassy-scented infant’s breath, lullabies, milk scorching on a hot iron, cotton clothing, silver salts embedded in light-sensitive paper, and more. Linger and listen—water, bodies, stories, hidden, unhidden.