Plastic Storage Box Research Articles

Research Note: Testing the validity of latency-to-lie tests without water for objective on-farm assessment of walking ability of broiler chickens

The latency-to-lie (LTL) test is an objective method for assessing walking ability of broiler chickens which has traditionally consisted of placing a bird into a tub of shallow water and measuring how long it takes the standing bird to sit, with duration being negatively associated with gait score. Unfortunately, this method is impractical for use on commercial farms. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the performance of LTL tests without the addition of water, making them more practical for use on farm. In total, 159 Ross 308 and 186 Rustic Gold broilers were assessed. Following receiving a gait score (Bristol scale), birds were placed individually into a litter lined clear plastic storage box and the LTL was conducted with a maximum test duration of 300 s. Following a 120 s period of rest, the bird was then placed on the litter near a group of flockmates, and the LTL test was repeated. This allowed for the assessment of whether containment of the bird was necessary. Latencies to lie were negatively correlated with gait score (With box: ρ=−0.44 , P < 0.001; Without box: ρ=−0.46 , P < 0.001). The latencies to lie (mean ± SD) when using a box were 129.0 ± 82.0, 114.0 ± 78.8, 71.9 ± 54.9, 45.8 ± 35.8, and 7.9 ± 14.0 s and without a box were 104.0 ± 97.2, 52.2 ± 53.8, 27.9 ± 29.9, 22.8 ± 27.0, and 14.0 ± 19.4 s for gait scores 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. There was no effect of hybrid on the performance of either of the tests. Results suggest that the LTL tests without water could serve as an objective and valid measure of walking ability on farm, with the LTL test with a box showing better ability at distinguishing between specific gait scores compared to the LTL test without a box, though possible impacts of fatigue due to study design should be considered.

Degradation Potential of Some Biodegradable Polymers: Do they Degrade?

Biodegradable products were invented and commercially introduced to curb the catastrophic impacts of non-degradable plastics. These intend to act as a green solution since they are manufactured to degrade in the environment without accumulating as waste plastics. Three commercially available products labeled as ―biodegradable‖ i.e. salad plate (SPL), lunch sheet (LS), and garbage bag (GB), were tested for degradation potential in six different exposure media i.e. seawater (SW), beach-sand (BS), freshwater (FW), freshwater sediment (FWS), compost, and ultra- violate (UV) rays, with controlled and uncontrolled conditions simulating the natural environment. Cellulose filter paper (CFP) was the positive control. SW, FW, FWS, and BS were placed in four separate glass tanks while compost was prepared in a 100L plastic storage box. A UV chamber was fabricated to expose samples to UV radiation. SW tank was equipped with a wave pump, and FW tank was continuously aerated. All samples were cleaned, cut into manageable sizes, inserted in synthetic mesh pockets (except for those exposed to UV), labeled, and placed inside the media in triplicates. UV-exposed samples were directly placed in boiling tubes inside the chamber equipped with 15 W LED UV bulbs providing 280-320 nm irradiation. Initial weights were measured and the weight loss over five months was recorded. Physical parameters including temperature, pH, salinity, and conductivity were measured in each sampling. RAMAN spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were performed initially to find out the test samples‘ chemical composition and surface structure. CFP and SPL contained cellulose, LS contained Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and Poly Butylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), and GB contained Poly Ethylene (PE) as major components. Degradation potential was calculated in terms of percentage weight loss with time, and visual remarks of degradation were recorded. The highest weight-loss percentages of CFP (100%), and SPL (100%) were observed in FWS (both in 122 days) and compost (in 92 days, and in 122 days respectively) media. LS showed faster degradation (20% weight loss in 92 days) in compost while GB showed slight fragmentation (2% weight loss in 57 days) under UV during the first five months of sampling. Comparatively minimum signs of degradation were observed in GB in all exposures. CFP, SPL, and LS samples were discoloured and fragmented into small pieces during the degrading process. All products showed lesser degradation potential in SW, FW, and UV exposures. The experiment will be continued further to understand the degradation process. &#x0D; Keywords: Degradation, Biodegradable products, Abiotic degradation, Plastic pollution

A Laboratory Device Designed to Detect and Measure the Resistance Force of a Diagonal Conveyor Belt Plough

This paper presents a laboratory device simulating a section of a conveyor belt on which a diagonal plough is installed. Experimental measurements were carried out in a laboratory belonging to the Department of Machine and Industrial Design at the VSB-Technical University of Ostrava. During the measurements, a plastic storage box, representing a piece load, transported on the surface of a conveyor belt at a constant speed was brought into contact with the front surface of a diagonal conveyor belt plough. The aim of this paper is to determine the amount of resistance generated by the diagonal conveyor belt plough when it is placed at different angles of inclination β [deg] in relation to the longitudinal axis, based on the experimental measurements performed using a laboratory measuring device. Based on the measured values of tensile force required to keep the conveyor belt moving at a constant speed, the resistance to the conveyor belt movement is expressed, with a value of 20.8 ± 0.3 N being attained. Based on the ratio of the measured value of the arithmetic average of the resistance force and the weight of the used length of the conveyor belt, a mean value of the specific movement resistance of the size 0.33 [N·N - 1] is calculated. This paper presents the time records obtained by measuring the tensile forces, on the basis of which it is possible to determine the magnitude of the force. The resistance during the ploughing operation of the diagonal plough when acting on a piece load placed on the working surface of the conveyor belt is presented. From the measured values of tensile forces presented in the tables, this paper reports the calculated values of the friction coefficient obtained during the movement of the diagonal plough when moving a piece of load with the defined weight from the working surface of the relevant conveyor belt. The maximum value of the arithmetic mean for the friction coefficient in motion µ = 0.86 was measured at an inclination angle of the diagonal plough of β = 30 deg.

Fecal Sample Collection Method for Wild Birds-Associated Microbiome Research: Perspectives for Wildlife Studies.

Simple SummaryThis paper describes an easy-to-build box for the noninvasive collection of feces from wild birds or small wild animals (up to 1 kg), including a plastic storage box, a plastic tray, and a vinyl-coated hardware cloth. This method could minimize potential contamination and allow for cross-study comparisons on gut microbiomes for wildlife medicine, conservation, ecology, and evolutionary biology.Gut microbial communities play important roles in host health, modulating development, nutrient acquisition, immune and metabolic regulation, behavior and diseases. Wildlife microbiome studies and host–microbe interaction and exploration might be an important goal for evolutionary biology, conservation, and ecology. Therefore, collection and sampling methods must be considered before choosing a microbiome-based research plan. Since the fecal microbial community reflects the true gut community better than that of cloacal swab samples and only few nondestructive methods have been described, we propose an easy-to-build box for a noninvasive fecal collection method. The main components of the collection box include a plastic storage box, a plastic tray, a vinyl-coated hardware cloth, and a 10% bleach solution. In the plastic box, the tray is positioned under the raised grate, where the bird is placed, to reduce the risk of contamination of the fecal samples. This procedure could simplify handling and processing phases in wild birds or other animals. It might represent a cheap and useful method for research studies, wildlife rescue center activities, veterinary practices, and conservation practitioners.

Ozone Gas: Scientific Justification and Practical Guidelines for Improvised Disinfection using Consumer-Grade Ozone Generators and Plastic Storage Boxes.

We describe direct measurements of ozone concentration achievable in small enclosed containers (plastic storage boxes) for use as improvised decontamination systems for small articles such as disposable PPE (N95 masks, nitrile gloves, etc.), clothing, mail and small packages, food, and other miscellaneous articles. The emphasis is on the reliable and sustained generation of ozone gas concentrations of sufficient concentration and duration to create an effective virucidal environment to achieve more than 95% to 99% viral inactivation, based upon the data already published in the peer-review literature on this topic.&#x0D; The suggestion that ozone be used to inactivate virus is certainly not a new idea. Our objective in this report is to make clear that the necessary levels of ozone can be improvised using simple, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and widely available supplies, and that there is every theoretical and experimental reason to believe that this approach is as highly effective in viral inactivation by ozone as are the far more expensive, complex, cumbersome, and less available equivalent ozone (and other) disinfectant systems that have themselves become unavailable during times of pandemic crisis.&#x0D; Using multiple types of readily available commercial ozone generators, concentration in the tested improvised enclosure is tracked over time to assess ozone charging and decay rates, and the ozone quenching effects of items placed in the box. Generator performance is compared against published ozone dosage values for virucidal and antimicrobial activity. Bubbler and box-fan-type ozone generators were found to be effective at achieving and maintaining target concentrations of 10ppm ozone or higher, whereas automotive cigarette lighter and universal serial bus type plug in “air freshener” ozone generators could not achieve the target concentrations in these experiments. Calculations and practical guidelines for assembly and effective use of an ozone box for improvised decontamination are offered.&#x0D; The majority of this report is directed toward the scientific justification and rationale for this approach. The end of the document summarizes the findings and offers simplified designs for the construction and use of ozone boxes as an improvised method of disinfection.

Comparison of Mannequin Training Satisfaction with a Conventional Box Trainer and a Low-Fidelity Fetoscopic Surgical Simulator for Selective Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation

Background: A low-fidelity fetoscopic surgical simulator (FSS) for training of selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) was developed. Objective: To evaluate and compare training satisfaction with an FSS and with a conventional box trainer (BT). Methods: The BT consisted of a cleaned human placenta attached to the inside of a plastic storage box with a watertight lock cover and an ultrasound-transparent rubber skin. The FSS consisted of the replica of a monochorionic twin placenta attached to the inside of a spherically shaped, ultrasound-transparent phantom. Tap water was used as an ultrasound conduction agent. Evaluation of the mannequin trainings was conducted on 8 junior maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) attending physicians and 22 MFM fellows. Training satisfaction was scored from 0 to 10 on 8 different domains. Results: The mean satisfaction score (±SD) with the FSS was higher than with the BT in all domains (p < 0.05). The fellows’ training satisfaction with the BT was greater than that of the attending physicians in 4 domains: tactile feedback, demonstration of chorionic vessels, feedback on performance, and overall value as learning aid (p < 0.05). Conclusions: As evaluated by a small group of trainees, our FSS is superior to the BT in mannequin training of SFLP. However, the BT may be more useful for trainees with limited clinical experience.

An efficient rearing system rapidly producing large quantities of poultry red mites, Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae), under laboratory conditions

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most economically deleterious ectoparasites affecting egg-laying hens in many parts of the world. New approaches to control D. gallinae often require the maintenance of colonies of D. gallinae under laboratory conditions. In the present study, we present an efficient rearing system for D. gallinae, consisting of a metal cage, a plastic storage box and a tray filled with water. Chicks were raised in the cage as host animals. A novel trap was developed to monitor the dynamic changes of mite populations, made with a plastic centrifuge tube and a disposable breathing mask with folds. Mite parameters were analyzed, including number of mites and eggs, survival and feeding rates, oviposition, hatchability and the proportion of D. gallinae at different life stages. The results show that the rearing system had a 53.5-fold increase in the number of mites over a period of six weeks after the introduction of mites. The survival rates of mites were above 94%, and the mean feeding rates ranged from 22.57% to 37.30%. The mean number of eggs per female ranged from 3.42 to 3.50, with the hatchability of eggs above 97%. Nymphs made up most of the population, ranging from 71.46% to 81.37%, while the population of larvae was minor and ranging from 7.54% to 13.04%. The mask trap used in this study was an effective and convenient device to shelter D. gallinae and monitor the dynamic changes of the mite population. The rearing system proved very effective in maintaining and reproducing colonies of D. gallinae, with great potential for the evaluation of the efficacy of vaccines or compounds against D. gallinae under laboratory conditions. It would be a useful tool for close observations in studies on the biology, acology and physiology of poultry red mites.

Treatment with a low pH processing aid to reduce Campylobacter counts on broiler parts

New regulations and performance standards for Campylobacter have been implemented by the USDA - Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment with a low pH processing aid (CMS1 PoultrypHresh), a formulated low pH processing aid, to reduce numbers of Campylobacter which could help companies meet regulatory requirements. Two experiments (3 replicates each) were conducted. Experiment 1, in each of 3 replicates, skin-on split chicken breasts (n = 15) were obtained from a local grocery and divided into groups of 5. The skin of each part was inoculated with approximately 107 cells of a gentamicin resistant C. coli (CCGR) marker strain in an area of approximately 6.5 cm2. CCGR cells were allowed to attach for 5 min prior to treatment. Ten inoculated breasts were individually placed into separate 6 L plastic storage boxes containing either 3.5 L deionized water or PoultrypHresh solution at a pH of 1.4. Parts were subjected to agitation (bubbled air) for 25 s. After treatment, each part was removed, allowed to drain for 5 s, and placed into a plastic bag prior to mechanical rinsing with 150 mL of buffered peptone water for 60 s. Five inoculated breasts served as controls, were untreated with a dip or agitation and sampled as above. Experiment 2 procedures were repeated using skin-on thighs under the same conditions. Rinsates were collected from each chicken part, serially diluted, and plated onto Campy Cefex agar with 200 ppm gentamicin (CCGen). All plates were incubated microaerobically (5% O2, 10% CO2, 85% N2) for 48 h at 42°C, colonies were counted and the cfu/mL was log transformed. The use of PoultrypHresh on split breast produced a 99.6% reduction compared to untreated controls, while thighs showed a 99.4% reduction. This study demonstrated an approximate 3 log reduction (P < 0.05) using a 25 s air agitation treatment in PoultrypHresh at pH 1.4 with no observable damage, which will help processors meet FSIS regulations.

Homemade laparoscopic simulators for surgical trainees

Laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent times. Laparoscopic skills and dexterity can be improved by using simulators. We provide a step-by-step guide with diagrams to build an individual homemade laparoscopic trainer box, which is easily available and affordable. We collected the required material for our homemade trainer box from a local DIY shop and purchased a high-definition (HD) webcam online. We used a 12-litre plastic storage box and mounted the webcam inside the lid of the plastic box. The ultraslim energy-saving fluorescent light was mounted behind the webcam. Holes were made in the plastic lid and patched with circular pieces of Neoprene to accommodate the insertion of laparoscopic instruments. The trainer box can be built in 3 hours. The trainer box weighs 1.2 kg with a light source, and is easily portable. It was demonstrated to a cohort of surgical trainees and they were very receptive, and liked the idea of an easy to assemble, low-cost trainer box with high-quality images. Our homemade trainer box offers HD vision that can be viewed on a personal computer, and the webcam is adjustable so it gives hands-free stability. It is built with a lightweight plastic box so it can be easily carried around by a trainee. This simple, inexpensive, easy-to-build trainer box makes a perfect solution for individuals who want to practise basic laparoscopic skills at home or in the workplace.

Gari Yield and Chemical Composition of Cassava Roots Stored Using Traditional Methods

2 Abstract: Cassava has gained increased industrial, economic and nutritional importance over the years, because of the multifarious uses of the starch-rich roots. Several storage methods have been proposed for cassava roots due to the physiological deterioration that sets in 2-3 days after harvesting, followed by microbial deterioration 3-5 days thereafter. Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world; with 80% of the production from rural farmers who cannot practice modern storage methods. Furthermore, gari (a major fermented product of cassava root) is an important component of cassava production in Africa. It is therefore imperative to quantify the effects of traditional storage methods being practiced by the farmers on the yield of gari and the chemical composition of cassava roots. Four traditional storage methods (polyethylene bags, jute bags, trench and plastic storage boxes containing sawdust) were used to store fresh cassava roots for 14 days. The roots were evaluated at 7 day intervals for moisture, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate, pH, TTA, cyanogenic potentials and yield of gari. The result revealed a varied impact of the storage methods on the chemical composition of the root over the holding period. The moisture, carbohydrate, cyanogenic potentials and yield of gari reduced while the ash and crude fibre increased as the holding period increases. The moisture content reduced significantly from 66.52% to 60.15, 61.97, 63.26, and 64.17% for samples stored in polyethylene bag, jutebag, trench and storage box respectively. The sample stored in the plastic storage box had the highest gari yield of 29.9 and 24.2% after 7 and 14 days of storage respectively. While the gari yield from the roots stored in trench and jute bags were 22.8 and 23.4% respectively, after 14 days storage. This was significantly lower than the yield obtained for fresh roots of 31.2%. It could therefore be deduced from the study that storage of fresh cassava roots could be done for a maximum of 7 days using plastic storage boxes and trench containing wet sawdust for gari production.

Organic Contamination: Purge Gas Impact in Plastic Storage Boxes

Organic Contamination: Purge Gas Impact in Plastic Storage Boxes

Comparison of the removal efficiency for organic contaminants on silicon wafers stored in plastic boxes between UV/O 3 and ECR oxygen plasma cleaning methods

When wafers are stored in a plastic storage box to protect them from airborne contaminants, volatile organics from the polymeric construction material adsorb onto the wafer surface. Both UV/O 3 and ECR oxygen plasma techniques have been found to completely remove these organic contaminants adsorbed on the silicon surfaces up to the detection limit. After cleaning, Si wafers were characterized using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Organic contaminants were eliminated more efficiently by the ECR oxygen plasma technique than the UV/O 3 technique when they were employed under optimum process conditions.

The antibacterial activity of triclosan-impregnated storage boxes against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Shewanella putrefaciens in conditions simulating domestic use.

Antimicrobial resistance has increased over the past decade causing concern for public health. Domestic antimicrobial products containing triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenylether), a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, were introduced in 1997 and have become popular among consumers. Cross-resistance to other antibacterial agents has been suggested as a possible consequence of their widespread use. Triclosan-impregnated plastic storage boxes were tested for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Shewanella putrefaciens in various conditions, including some designed to simulate usual storage conditions. Results showed inhibition up to a factor of 106 of bacteria grown in direct contact with triclosan-impregnated plastic at 30 and 22 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C. Triclosan resistance was not found to increase after repeated exposure in triclosan-impregnated boxes. Further investigation into the effect of triclosan-impregnated products on bacteria will increase understanding of domestic antimicrobial products and implications of their overuse.

Adsorption Behavior of Organic Contaminants on a Silicon Wafer Surface

The adsorption behavior of organic contaminants adsorbed onto silicon wafer surfaces was studied. Contaminants result from the presence of volatile organic contaminants in clean room environments and in plastic storage boxes. The contaminants on the wafers were collected by dissolving them in solvent and were characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy analysis. It was found that organic contaminants increase in quantity over time. When the contaminants were examined in detail, it was found that the behavior of each contaminant varied with differences in their chemical properties. Whereas the organic contaminants having a low boiling point tended to be adsorbed immediately, those having a high boiling point tended to be adsorbed over a longer exposure time. It is assumed that the organic contaminants having a low boiling point were being replaced by those with a higher boiling point. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.