Transparent Plastic Containers Research Articles

Low-Cost Task Trainer for In Utero Fetal Stent Placement.

Some fetal procedures such as intrauterine fetal stent placement remain rare, and simulation is needed to help learners and specialists in attaining and maintaining technical competence. We sought to design and assess a low-cost, easily assembled yet clinically relevant task trainer for fetal stent placement. The simulator was constructed using 2 quart-sized freezer bags filled with ultrasound gel and sealed with clear packing tape. The bags were stacked vertically in a transparent plastic container with ultrasound gel applied between the bags when ultrasound was used. This task trainer was used to deploy in utero stents with or without the use of ultrasound. It has been used at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine since 2015, the annual meeting of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2015 and 2016, and at regional Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow simulation workshops since 2016. Participants were asked to complete a 5-point Likert scale survey regarding the model's realism and usefulness in training. One hundred thirty-three course participants evaluated the task trainer. The median rating for realism of the ultrasound images, haptic feel of stent deployment, and usefulness in training was 5 (interquartile range, 4-5). Seven physicians participated in the timed assessment of model assembly, stent deployment, and model reassembly. The average times required for the freezer bag task trainer were 2.3 minutes (2.20-2.35), 1.0 minutes (0.70-1.93), and 0.1 minutes (0.08-0.10), respectively. For the porcine tissue-based model tested in parallel, the average times were 6.0 minutes (5.00-7.06), 3.7 minutes (3.63-3.75), and 3.3 minutes (3.00-3.70), respectively. This low-cost simulator was rated highly when used to practice in utero stent deployment and allows for numerous repetitions in each training session. It could be a valuable tool in training novice providers and allow more experienced providers to maintain competence in this low-volume procedure.

A Low Cost and Eco-Sustainable Device to Determine the End of the Disinfection Process in SODIS.

The lack of safe drinking water is one of the main health problems in many regions of the world. In order to face it, Solar water disinfection (SODIS) proposes the use of transparent plastic containers, which are filled with contaminated water, and exposed to direct sunlight until enough UV radiation is received to inactivate the pathogens. However, a reliable method for determining the end of the disinfection process is needed. Although several approaches have been proposed in the literature for this purpose, they do not strictly accomplish two critical constraints that are essential in this type of project, namely, low cost and sustainability. In this paper, we propose an electronic device to determine when the lethal UV dose has been reached in SODIS containers, which accomplishes both constraints mentioned above: on the one hand, its manufacturing cost is around EUR 12, which is much lower than the price of other electronic solutions; on the other hand, the device is sufficiently autonomous to work for months with small low-cost disposable batteries, thereby avoiding the use of rechargeable batteries, which are considered hazardous waste at the end of their useful life. In our approach, we first analyze different low cost UV sensors in order to select the most accurate one by comparing their response with a reference pattern provided by a radiometer. Then, an electronic device is designed using this sensor, which measures the accumulated UV radiation and compares this value with the lethal UV dose to determine the end of the disinfection process. Finally, the device has been manufactured and tested in real conditions to analyze its accuracy, obtaining satisfactory results.

Ensino da fotossíntese através de uma prática pedagógica: uma metodologia imprescindível durante o ensino híbrido

The acquisition of knowledge in contemporary times is in constant change, despite the initiatives to carry out teaching methodologies as educational support. Therefore, the implementation of pedagogical practices by the professors, stimulates the interaction of students and expands learning opportunities. In this sense, the present study aimed to report an educational practice on the photosynthesis process that was developed in a first-year high school class at the state basic education school in the municipality of Arapiraca-Alagoas. Thus, the items for the development of the experience were requested from the students, which consisted of transparent glass or plastic containers, sodium bicarbonate, water and vegetable leaves. Thus, on the day of practice, questionnaires were distributed before and after the experiment in order to assess the learning related to the topic addressed. After practice, the necessary observations the effects of photosynthesis on the recipients were realized, as well as the analysis of the results of the pre- and post-test evaluation. Thus, it was noticed that the experiment proves to be efficient, not only for the understanding of the theory, but also promoted the strengthening of interpersonal bonds, having in a view the return of in-person classes after a long period of social distancing imposed on society due to the pandemic scenario of the new coronavirus.

<i>Leucoagaricus gongylophorus</i> provides protection for </i>Atta sexdens</i> against plant extracts

Plant extracts have been considered for the control the leaf-cutting ants. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the survival leaf-cutting worker ants after topical application of Ageratum conyzoides (mentrasto) and Manihot esculenta (cassava) extracts; and to evaluate the effect of Manihot esculenta hexane extract via ingestion on the survival of the workers of Atta sexdens Forel 1908 isolated or not from their colonies, in order to verify whether the symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus confers protection to the workers against the extract. First, ten medium workers were removed from their colonies and received the application of 1 μL of extract on the pronotum. The cassava extract (125 µg.mL-1) was diluted in a solution of honey with water for the ingestion bioassay. Five repetitions (ten ants inside a transparent plastic container) were performed in each of the four colonies used in the experiment. The numbers of dead ants were recorded daily until the control also died. The solution of the hexane Manihot esculenta extract gave a significant result at the concentration of 100 µg.mL-1, with 100% of mortatily after 4 days. The ants maintained with the symbiont fungus that ingested the cassava hexanic extract showed a lower mortality rate (40% at the end of 25 days) than the workers who were kept isolated (90%). The symbiosis between the ants and the fungus means more than a food source for leaf-cutting ants because it reduces the toxic effect on the ants when the ants remain in contact with the fungus and is offered an unsafe vegetable.

Multimodal Cues Do Not Improve Predator Recognition in Green Toad Tadpoles.

Simple SummaryTadpoles are known to use their sense of smell to detect the presence of predators, but some studies showed their reliance on vision during social interaction, suggesting that vision might have a role in predatory contexts as well. Here, we investigated how chemical or visual cues of a native predator, or a combination of both, influence the defensive behaviour of green toad tadpoles. We expected tadpoles to reduce their activity when exposed to chemical cues and avoid the area of the experimental arena near to the caged predator when exposed to the visual ones. With both cues, we expected tadpoles to show both responses and with greater intensity. Our results indicate that visual cues alone do not elicit any apparent defensive response, suggesting that tadpoles mainly rely on chemical cues to assess predation risk.The anti-predator behaviour of green toad (Bufotes balearicus) tadpoles was investigated by exposing them to only the visual or chemical cues, or a combination of both, of a native predator, southern hawker Aeshna cyanea. We collected green toad egg strings in the field and tadpoles did not receive any predatory stimulus before the onset of the experiment. To manipulate chemical and visual cues independently, dragonfly larvae were caged inside a transparent plastic container, while chemical cues (odour of tadpole-fed dragonfly larvae) were injected into the surrounding arena. An empty container and water were used, respectively, as controls. The behaviour of individually tested tadpoles was videorecorded for 40 min, of which 20 were before their exposure to stimuli. Five second-distance frames were compared to assess both tadpole activity and position within the arena with respect to the visual stimulus. The tadpole level of activity strongly decreased after exposure to either chemical cues alone or in combination with visual cues, while visual cues alone apparently did not elicit any defensive response. The position of tadpoles inside the arena was not affected by visual cues, suggesting that green toad tadpoles mainly rely on olfactory cues to assess the level of predation risk.

GERMINACIÓN Y ASPECTOS MORFOLÓGICOS DE PLÁNTULAS DE Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto TRATADAS CON RAYOS GAMMA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The sweet biznaga (<em>Echinocactus platyacanthus</em>) is endemic to Mexico, whose seeds show low germination, viability, longevity, genetics, and latency; therefore, gamma irradiation is an alternative to stimulate the emergence and growth of seedlings, by causing variations in the chemical composition of DNA, which causes cytological, biochemical, physiological and morphological changes in plants. <strong>Objective.</strong> The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of different doses of gamma <sup>60</sup>Co radiation on seed germination and seedling vigor of <em>E. platyacanthus</em>. <strong>Methodology.</strong> <em>E. platyacanthus</em> seeds were irradiated at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550 Gy of <sup>60</sup>Co gamma rays, then they were sown in transparent plastic containers covered with filter paper and were distributed in a completely randomized design with four repetitions in a germination chamber, the percentage of germination and survival of seedlings in the container was recorded 30 days after sowing (das). The seedlings were transplanted at 30 das into black polyethylene bags with tezontle and established in a completely randomized design with 12 treatments and four replications, in a tunnel-type greenhouse. At 20 and 30 days after transplantation (dat) seedling vigor was measured based on height (cm), stem diameter (mm) and root length (mm) and at 20 dat survival was recorded (%) of seedling in the substrate. An analysis of variance and Tukey's test for comparison of means (p ≤ 0.05) were performed. <strong>Results.</strong> Gamma irradiation stimulated seed germination from 10 to 29%. In seedlings, root height and length were modified with intermediate doses of gamma rays (100 to 200 Gy); but higher doses negatively affected these indicators. Survival of containerized M<sub>1</sub> seedlings was up to 63% higher than the control, depending on the irradiation dose. <strong>Implications.</strong> Irradiation with <sup>60</sup>Co gamma rays improves seed germination, survival and vigor of <em>E. platyacanthus</em> seedlings. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Irradiation with <sup>60</sup>Co gamma rays stimulated seed germination and improved some characteristics of vigor in <em>E. platyacanthus</em> seedlings, by modifying root height and length according to age. In addition, it increased the survival of containerized seedlings.</p>

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND PERIPHYTIC ALGAE OF IKOT EBAK RIVER, ESSIEN UDIM LGA, AKWA IBOM STATE

Periphyton constitutes one of the primary sources of energy in the aquatic food chain in streams, rivers and lakes. They play important role in regulating carbon and nutrient cycling. They are also used in many studies as pollution index organisms. A survey of Periphytic algae in Ikot Ebak River was investigated between October 2019 and February 2020. Samples were collected monthly for physicochemical analysis and periphyton studies. Water samples for physical and chemical parameters were collected directly into transparent plastic containers, while periphyton samples were scraped from the surface of leaves, stems, and roots of aquatic macrophytes, dead and felled logs submerged on the banks of rivers, including the rocks embedded in the substratum. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and dissolved oxygen (DO) showed seasonal patterns and qualitative variations in all the stations. A total of 106 taxa of periphytic algae were identified and grouped into four (4) divisions namely; Chlorophyta (64%), Bacillariophyta (19%), Cyanophyta (8%) and Euglenophyta (9%). There was no significant variation between the algal divisions and across the locations (p < 0.05). The Periphytic green algae compositions were dominated by desmids which play a significanct role in pollution monitoring along the coast of the river. The presence of diatoms (Bacillariophyta) and Euglena serves as an indicator that the river is perturbed with organic materials, also Oscillatoria (Cyanobacteria) denotes nutrient enrichment of the river

Abundance and diversity of insects associated with dry fish spoilage in three (3) selected markets in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

The insect vectors associated with spoilage of dried fish in Yenagoa were studied. This was done in order to identify the diversity and abundance of Insects implicated in fish spoilage in order to suggest alternate storage means. Insect infested dry fish samples were procured from Three (3) markets (Swali (A), Kpansia (B) and Tombia (C)) and put into clean transparent plastic containers covered with little nets. They were moistened every day with water sprinkled into the containers for 1 week for insects to emerge. Insect vectors were identified to species level using standard keys. Result of the investigation reveal that a total of eleven Taxa and 156 individuals were found: 12 Calliphorid larvae, 1 crane fly larvae, 46 Musca domestica larvae, 5 Phaenicia sericate, 20 Piophilia casei, 20 Calliphorid pupa, 3 Tephritid larvae, 6 Necrobia fufipe larvae, 10 Dermestes maculatus pupae, 30 Phlorid pupa, 3 scatopsidae larvae. The dominant taxon was Musca domestica larvae followed by Phlorid pupa, and the least abundant was crane fly larvae. From the eleven (11) taxa seen, the abundance of Phlorid pupa was observed in station C (30). Piophilia casei and Musca domestica larvae were the only taxa present in the three sample stations. The Shannon index gotten in station B varied from station A and C. Shannon diversity index for station B was observed to be 1.535 and A and C were observed to be 0.918 and 1.466 respectively. Species evenness was greatest at station A (0.835). The insect vector of the order coleoptera (Beetles) were present only in fish samples from Swali and Tombia markets and absent from fish samples from Kpansia market. This may be due to the storage methods for dry fish in these markets and also due to environmental factors prevalent in these markets. The dominance of Musca domestica is indicative of possible health hazards as the consumption of insect infested dried fish in Yenagoa without washing may result in cholera and diarrhea. The study concluded that insects are the major vector pathogens causing spoilage in dried fish in Yenagoa, as indicated in similar studies in the Niger Delta. Therefore, more effort should be taken in the preservation and storage of dry fish to ensure food safety and security.

Evaluation of the influence of UV radiation and sodium hypochlorite on the shelf life of strawberries

It is common to combine methods to increase the shelf life of a raw material or product. In this study, we sought to understand the relationship between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in attenuating the proliferation of fungus and its deteriorating effect on strawberries. The UV light intensities of 125, 250 and 400 Watts (W) and sodium hypochlorite were tested in concentrations 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ppm. The strawberries were sprayed with sodium hypochlorite solutions and then kept for 1 minute in UV light chambers, to then be stored in transparent sealed plastic containers. The strawberry samples with the longest life were those that were sprayed with 0.5 and 1.0 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution combined with exposure to 125 W UV light. These samples had a shelf-life extension of about five days compared to strawberries without any kind of treatment. Thus, it is possible to state that this combination is efficient in cleaning the fruit without causing damage.

Rooting dynamics of Prunus minicuttings

There is a lot of information on the peach tree culture. However, it still lacks an efficient system for the seedlings production that guarantees genetic and sanitary quality, resulting in high productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum rooting time for Prunus minicuttings to obtain clonal rootstocks. The installation of an experiment happened to check the viability of propagation by herbaceous minicuttings of the rootstocks, using Flordaguard, Okinawa, and the Capdeboscq canopy cultivar on different evaluation days (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days). Each treatment consisted of four replications of 20 minicuttings. The experiment consisted of preparing herbaceous minicuttings of approximately three to five centimeters, containing two buds and a leaf cut in half, with a bevel cut at the apex and transverse at the base of the mini-pile and two superficial lesions on opposite sides of the base. Later, they were immersed in a solution of 2000mg L-1 of indolebutyric acid (IBA) for 10 seconds and placed in transparent plastic containers containing medium-granulated vermiculite, previously moistened. Afterward, they were placed in greenhouses under controlled temperature. At 50 days, the highest percentage of rooting observed in the cultivar was Flordaguard (70%). The other cultivars resulted in a lower percentage of rooting on different evaluation days.

Evaluation of antidiarrhea and antimicrobial activities of methanol extract leaves of Gmelina arborea

Since ancient times, plants have commonly been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments. This work evaluated the efficacy of methanol extract of Gmelina arborea leaf as antidiarrheal and antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial activity was conducted using standard microbiological techniques and antidiarrheal activity of the extract was carried out with 24 Wistar rats which were randomly grouped into 6 (n = 4). Group 1 served as control and received distilled water (10 ml/kg), group 2 received Loperamide, groups 3 was administered 10ml/kg of castor oil only (negative control), group 4 through 6 received Gmelina arborea at different doses of 200mg/kg-800mg/kg respectively. Diarrheal was induced using oral administration of 10 ml/kg of castor oil. Animals were kept in separate metabolic cages with transparent plastic container beneath the cage to collect faces. Latency time, frequency of defecation, total surface of impregnation and fresh total stools weight were measured for 8 hrs. The results of the antimicrobial activity of Gmelina arborea leaf extract showed that Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were the most susceptible strains to Gmelina arborea extract with zone of inhibition of 9.73±0.64mm at 1000mg/kg of the extract. The feacal drops at 2/3hrs was significantly different (p<0.05) in all the extract groups when compared to the untreated group, however the extract treated groups showed non-significant (p>0.05) difference when compared to the standard drug. The findings from this study suggested that methanol leaf extract of Gmelina arborea contain pharmacologically active substances with antidiarrhea and antimicrobial properties.

Analisis Kandungan Yodium Dalam Garam Beryodium Pada Wadah Penyimpanan Plastik Dan Kaca Selama 6 Hari Penyimpanan

Setiap tahun terdapat 39 juta bayi baru lahir beresiko memiliki kapasitas intelektual rendah akibat defisiensi yodium. Terdapat 5% ibu hamil yang kadar TSH dan TPO-Abnya meningkat. Konsekuensi defisiensi yodium dapat dihindari jika pada saat hamil ibu sejak awal mengkonsumsi yodium secara adekuat. Sumber yodium yang tersedia dan cukup murah adalah garam yang difortifikasi yodium. Namun, waktu penyimpanan, kondisi penyimpanan, dan jenis garam berpengaruh terhadap penurunan kandungan yodium dalam garam beryodium. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui kandungan iodium pada garam beryodium dengan berbagai wadah penyimpanan selama penyimpanan 6 hari. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif. Sampel garam diambil secara acak di toko kelontong dengan merk dagang yang paling banyak digunakan konsumen di kota Palu dan sekitarnya. Wadah yang digunakan adalah wadah plastik dan wadah kaca. Setiap wadah dibagi dua, ada wadah transparan dan ada wadah yang tidak transparan (dibungkus). Penyimpanan dilakukan selama 6 hari dengan analisa kandungan yodium garam dilakukan pada hari ke 0, hari ke-2, hari ke-4 dan hari ke-6. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa baik wadah plastik maupun wadah kaca, terdapat penurunan kandungan yodium. Rata-rata persentase penurunan kandungan yodium terbesar terjadi pada penyimpanan dalam wadah plastik dan kaca yang transparan (9,49% dan 4,75%). Sedangkan pada wadah yang tidak transparan rata-rata penurunan kandungan yodiumnya sebesar 4,99% pada wadah plastik dan 3,18 % pada wadah kaca. Persentase penurunan kandungan yodium terbesar setiap dua hari penyimpanan terdapat pada garam yang disimpan dalam wadah plastik transparan yakni rata-rata sebesar 4,77%. Kesimpulan; Penyimpanan garam beryodium yang terbaik adalah dalam wadah kaca yang tidak transparan

Through-bottle whisky sensing and classification using Raman spectroscopy in an axicon-based backscattering configuration.

Non-intrusive detection systems have the potential to characterise materials through various transparent glass and plastic containers. Food and drink adulteration is increasingly problematic, representing a serious health risk as well as an economic issue. This is of particular concern for alcoholic spirits such as Scotch whisky which are often targeted for fraudulent activity. We have developed a Raman system with a novel geometry of excitation and collection, exploiting the beam propagation from an axicon lens, which results in an annular beam at the bottle surface before focusing within the sample. This facilitates the efficient acquisition of Raman signals from the alcoholic spirit contained inside the bottle, while avoiding the collection of auto-fluorescence signals generated by the bottle wall. Therefore, this technique provides a way of non-destructive and non-contact detection to precisely analyse the contents without the requirement to open the bottle.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN YODIUM DALAM GARAM BERYODIUM PADA WADAH PENYIMPANAN PLASTIK DAN KACA SELAMA 6 HARI PENYIMPANAN

ABSTRACT Every year there are 39 million of infant newborn at risk of being born with low intellectual capacity due to iodine deficiency. Meanwhile, there are 5 percen of pregnant women who have increased TSH and TPO-Ab level.The consequences of Iodine deficiency can be prevented if pregnant women in adequate iodine intake early. Abundant and inexpensive source of iodine is salt iodization. Unfortunatelly, iodine concentration in salt iodization can be decreased due to time and conditions of storage, and type of salt. The aim of this study is to determine iodine content in Salt iodization that stored in different containers for six days of storage. The type of study was descriptive study. Sample is salt iodization were obtained from the grocery store by taking randomly and brands that are widely used in Palu city and its surroundings. Storage container of salt iodization consist of two namely plastic and glass jar. Each container consist of transparent and non transparent jars. Storage of sample is carried out for six days and analysis of iodine content was carried out on day 0, day 2, day 4 and day 6 of storage. The result of study showed that both glass and plastic container decreased iodium content in salt. The largest median of percentage reduction in iodine content occurred in transparent plastic and glass container, in 9,49 and 4,74% respectively. However, median of percentage reduction in non-transparent plastic and glass container, in 4,99 and 3,18%, respectively. For 2 days of storage, the largest median of percentage reduction in iodine content found in transparent plastic container which is 4,77%. Conclusion: The best storage of iodization salt is it in non-transparent container.

OVIPOSITION PREFERENCE AND BIOLOGY OF FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) ON GRAPE VINE GENOTYPES

ABSTRACT Grape orchards are highly affected by oviposition of fruit flies on grape berries, which compromises the productivity and quality of the grapes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of American, European, and hybrid grape genotypes to Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2ºC, 60 ± 10% RH, and 14-hour photophase). The assays were conducted by evaluating oviposition preference through choice and no-choice (antibiosis) tests. The choice test was set up using circular arenas (diameter: 300 mm) with 10 grapes per genotype. The no-choice test was set up using 150 grapes per genotype which were placed inside plastic boxes (417 x 297 x 289 mm). After exposure of the grapes to one or two couples of fruit flies per genotype in choice and no-choice tests, respectively, the grapes were transferred to transparent plastic containers (750 mL). The number of eggs per grape and its viability were evaluated. The no-choice test also evaluated the biological cycle of the fruit flies. The assays were conducted in a completely randomized design with 15 replicates. The most preferred grapes for oviposition by A. fraterculus were Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Rosada, and BRS Cora, while C. capitata mainly preferred Isabel Precoce grapes. We observed the complete development of fruit flies in the Moscato Embrapa grapes, but this only occurred with C. capitata. All genotypes evaluated were considered susceptible to A. fraterculus and C. capitata. However, the fruit flies expressed differences in preference for oviposition and host quality.

Coupling Extracts of Plant Coagulants With Solar Disinfection Showed a Complete Inactivation of Faecal Coliforms

The small treated volume of water in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used in solar water disinfection (SODIS), and incomplete inactivation of bacteria at high water turbidity of ≥30 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) are the major drawbacks of solar water treatment techniques. To address these problems, field experiments are conducted to inactivate faecal coliforms under natural sunlight. To assess the efficacy of large volumes, 3, 5, and 10‐L transparent plastic containers are used along with standard PET bottles (2 L) as SODIS reactors. To reduce the turbidity of the water, extracts of natural coagulants from tubers of Maerua subcordata and seeds of Moringa stenopetala are used. The results revealed that the turbidity of water and volume of containers affect the efficiency of SODIS, where the highest bacterial inactivation is observed at 10 NTU and a 0.5‐L PET bottle. However, the combined water treatment experiments of coagulation with extracts of either M. subcordata or M. stenopetala followed by SODIS on turbid water (150 NTU) showed 100% reduction of faecal coliforms with 4 h of exposure. This research demonstrates that a 10‐L container filled with water can be treated combining plant extracts with SODIS. The technology can be used for provision of safe and adequate drinking water for rural communities in developing countries.

Use aluminum plates as reflectors in sewage treatment by solar radiation

Aluminum plates have been used for treating sewage by exposure to the direct solar radiation in the normal conditions of Mosul city using transparent plastic containers with capacity of 5 liters and four treatments (t1 sewage without dilution, t2 diluted sewage with conc. of 75%, t3 diluted sewage with conc. of 50% , t4 diluted sewage with conc. of 25%) ,the measurements have been concluded to: pH, EC25, BOD5, T H., some cations and anions, and indicators of bacteriological contamination etc. according to international standard methods . The studying reveals a significant improvement in the transparency and water quality, the removal percentages of organic load, TH, calcium , chloride and phosphate reached to ( 86 , 55.53 , 50 and 81) %, respectively, toward the end of the treatment, while the removal percentage of bacterial total number was up to 96% in the fourth day of the treatment, but reached to 100% for both fecal coliform and E. coli in the third day of treatment, as a result of the impact effect of water temperature and solar radiation, as well as the role of aluminum plate in utilizing as much as possible of the reflected rays to stimulate photochemical reactions

Characterization of High Voltage Cold Atmospheric Plasma Generation in Sealed Packages as a Function of Container Material and Fill Gas

While numerous experiments have demonstrated the efficacy of high voltage cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (HVCAPs) in sealed packages for microbial inactivation, the influence of the package on the emitted species measured during HVCAP discharge is poorly understood. This study elucidates the impact of the package on plasma generation in sealed packages for four separate gases (ambient air, commercial grade compressed air, a helium/air mixture, and nitrogen) placed in commercially available transparent plastic containers and bags representative of the materials used in the food industry. The container and bag individually reduced emission signal intensity by an average of 63 and 45%, respectively, across the measured wavelengths of 200–1100 nm, demonstrating that they acted as broadband absorbers. Neither the container nor bag caused additional emission lines to appear, indicating no significant effect on the types of species generated. Considering the minimum applied voltage necessary to induce a discharge, the power dissipated by the nitrogen and ambient air plasma generated at 72 ± 3.7 kV RMS were comparable to the compressed dry air discharge generated at 80 ± 3.7 kV RMS. The helium discharge at 37 ± 3.7 kV RMS absorbed approximately 92% more power than these gases. Rotational temperatures ranged from 285 K for helium to 479 K for compressed air. These results indicate that the package impacts the intensity distribution but not the presence of the most dominant peaks, although further studies are required to elucidate the impact on less intense peaks.

Control of Rhizopus: Induced decay in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) fruits using heat treatment

Control of Rhizopus, induced decay in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruits using heat treatment was investigated. Watermelon fruits of uniform size and colour were selected, washed with clean water and disinfected after harvest. The fruits were then inoculated with spore suspension containing 3.02 x 10^3 spores mL^-1 of Rhizopus sp. inoculated fruits were immersed separately in a water bath at 50 oC for 2, 3 and 5 min and 53 oC for 2 and 3 min. Control fruits were inoculated but not heat treated. Each set up was in 3 replicates. Control and treated fruits were then stored in cleaned transparent plastic containers at 28 oC + 2 oC and 75%-80% relative humidity and observed daily for disease severity. Result obtained on day 5 of storage showed there was no significance difference (p > 0.05) in the disease severities of control and all the treated fruits. The disease severity of both the control and all treated fruits was 1.00 +/- 0.28 which implied that the fruits were healthy (disease free). However as storage period progressed to day 25, only fruits treated at 53 oC for 3 min maintained disease severity of 1.00 +/- 0.00, which implied that the fruits were still disease free, recording mean appearance and taste index of 3.50 and 2.00, respectively, which thus indicated good appearance and sweet taste of the fruits. Other treatments recorded various degrees of rottenness. Hence, treatment at 53 oC for 3 min could be considered as the most effective for extending the shelf life of water melon fruits among all temperatures and time combinations experimented in the study.

Induction of settlement, growth and survival of juveniles of Paracentrotus lividus

The effect of different treatments on the settlement success, survival and growth of sea urchin juveniles has been evaluated. Two experiments were performed for assessing the ability of substrates or seawater to induce settlement. In the first test 500 competent larvae were inoculated in transparent plastic containers conditioned for ten days with: Tetraselmis marina, Cyilindrotheca closterium, Nitzschia sp., Maërl beds, 100μm filtered natural seawater and 1μm filtered and UV disinfected seawater. Maximum settlement values were obtained with C. closterium, Nitzschia sp. films and UV treated seawater; and significant differences were only detected between T. marina films and the other treatments. In the second test the following treatments were performed in order to investigate the effects of filtered seawater on settlement: 0.22μm filtered and autoclaved seawater (negative control), 1μm filtered and UV treated seawater and C. closterium (positive control). Settlement success was significantly higher for C. closterium than for autoclaved seawater. Survival and growth of juveniles were monitored for 32days on these treatments: T. marina, C. closterium, Nitzschia sp., Maërl beds and 100μm filtered natural seawater. Growth of juveniles could be adequately described by linear fitting and maximum growth rate was found for C. closterium film. There were no significant differences between treatments in terms of mortality at days 21 or 32. In general, the results showed that C. closterium biofilms provide good settlement, growth and survival of sea urchin juveniles which would allow improving general performance of these phases of culture compared to the other diets tested.