Types Of Bags Research Articles

Intelligent detection technology for leakage bag of baghouse based on distributed optical fiber sensor

In order to overcome the deficiency of traditional methods for damaged bag identification and location of baghouse in environmental protection industry, a real-time online identification and location system for leak bag of bag filter based on distributed optical fiber sensing technology of phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR) is proposed. Through the design of laying mode of optical fiber in filter bag of baghouse, the program flow of identifying and locating damaged filter bag is designed, and the real-time monitoring and positioning of filter bags is realized by distributed optical fiber sensing system. Wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) method is used to obtain the energy spectrum and energy entropy. Taking the energy ratio of the third sub-band frequency signal and the energy entropy as eigenvectors, the characteristic differences of optical fiber vibration signals between different types of good bags and different types of damaged bags with different leakage hole size and position are analyzed. The results show that the eigenvectors extracted by the method used in this paper can effectively describe the characteristics of the airflow vibration signals in the filter bags. Back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm is used to recognize the optical fiber vibration signals in damaged bags with different leakage hole sizes and positions. In addition, quantitative analysis method is used to identify the sample signals in different types of damaged bags. First, the airflow vibration signals in damaged bags with different leakage hole positions are identified while the leakage hole size remains the same. Second, the airflow vibration signals in leakage bags with different leakage hole sizes are identified while the leakage hole position remains the same. Finally, the BP neural network classifier is trained by the characteristics of the vibration signals in a filter bag, and it is used to identify the remaining field testing signals. Each type of vibration event is identified 10 times and the average recognition rate is calculated. The results show that the proposed classifier maintains high recognition stability and a high recognition rate for different types of damaged bags is obtained for the proposed method, which can reach higher than 90%.

Ergonomic design of new paramedic response bags

A two phase project is described for redesigning and evaluating paramedic response bags, one of the key pieces of equipment used by emergency medical services. Adopting a user-centred approach, Phase I involved first educating active service paramedics about ergonomic principles, and then collaborating with them to conceptualise a new type of response bag, based on separate colour coded kits, each containing related equipment items. Phase II describes a formal evaluation study, involving simulated procedures with a patient mannequin and active service paramedics in a real ambulance. Results indicated subjective preferences for the new bags, where 62% of the paramedics believed it was easier to find equipment in the new bag and 65% preferred the new bags overall. No detrimental effects were attributed to the transition to the new bag. Also discussed are the advantages of the participatory design approach, as well as design guidelines and implications for paramedic operations.

ANALYSIS OF PREVALENCE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT

Background: The occurrence of AIS is on a high, which necessitates preventive measures at the earliest for which screening is essential at the school level. Prevalence of AIS around the world is 0.4- 5.2 %. Scoliosis leads to problemssuch as cosmetic deformity, quality of life, visible disability, backache, personal growth, autonomy, and reduced respiratory function. These problems can be prevented if scoliosis is diagnosed and treated earlier. To screen for AIS among selected schools and to analyze factors influencing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Methods: A total of 3250 Students between age 11 to 15 years were screened for AIS from Thiruvallur district. The screening was performed at two levels using Adam’s forward bend test and scoliometer, respectively. A detailed analysis was performed on symptomatic AIS subjects (n=58) for various influencing factors and determinants.Results: The prevalence of AIS from 11- 15 years was 0.27%, 0.30%, 0.49%, 0.36% and 0.33% respectively. AIS-affected thoracic region (50%) of females (58%) with a predominant right sided curvature (55%). Bag type and weight, sitting posture in a classroom, study posture was found to influence AIS.Conclusion: This study emphasizes early screening of AIS for school children at the age of 11- 15 years based upon the high prevalence rates compared to global standards. Parents and teachers should be aware of the bag type and weight, sitting and studying posture for early prevention of AIS.

Exposure of coastal dune vegetation to plastic bag leachates: A neglected impact of plastic litter

The presence of plastic bags on coastal dunes worldwide is well documented. Plastic bags contain additives that during rainfall events can leach out from bags into sand dune and be absorbed by seeds and roots of plants. Dune plants play a fundamental role in dune system formation, yet the possible impact of bag leaching on their establishment and development has been neglected. We assessed in laboratory whether (i) not biodegradable bags (high-density polyethylene, PE) and new generation of compostable bags (Mater-bi®, MB) would influence via leaching water chemical/physical properties and (ii) leachates would affect germination and seedling growth using Thinopyrum junceum and Glaucium flavum as models. Leachates were obtained from different amounts of not-exposed and bags exposed to beach or marine conditions simulating various pollution degrees (none, low, intermediate and high pollution). All water variables were affected by leaching. The magnitude of these alterations depended on bag type and environmental exposure. Seeds of T. junceum treated with the high concentration of marine-exposed MB bag leachate germinated later than controls while those of G. flavum treated with the remaining leachates germinated earlier. For both species, leachates from the low concentration of PE and MB marine-exposed bags increased seed germinability. A short radicle was observed in T. junceum seedlings treated with not-exposed MB bag leachates. Glaucium flavum seedlings treated with beach- and marine-exposed PE bags and not-exposed MB bags leachates showed a greater below-aboveground length ratio and those grown with the low concentration of not-exposed PE bag leachate had a longer hypocotyl compared to controls. Leachates from the high concentration of PE and MB bag caused seedling anomalies in both species. These findings indicate that not biodegradable and compostable bags may interact with abiotic/biotic factors and affect via leaching germination phenology, seedling establishment and plant interactions with consequences on dune community structure.

Efficacy of phosphine and insect penetration ability in ZeroFly® bags

The deltamethrin incorporated woven polypropylene ZeroFly® storage bag is a promising novel technology for grain storage. However, if grain stored in ZeroFly bags gets infested and has to be fumigated using phosphine (PH3), data on the effectiveness of such treatments are needed. Additionally, obtaining field data on ability of stored-product insect pests to breach ZeroFly bags would facilitate insect management. Therefore, efficacy of PH3 in immature and adult Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in experimental cages in maize stored in 100-kg polypropylene (PP), jute and ZeroFly bags was investigated. Post-fumigation mortality of adults was recorded after 7 d, and after 7 wk for immatures. The ability of either S. zeamais or P. truncatus to penetrate fabric of PP, jute and ZeroFly bags was assessed. Phosphine efficacy was good in all the three types of bags and resulted in complete mortality of adults and immatures of the four species tested. Sitophilus zeamais and P. truncatus were more successful in penetrating the PP bag fabric and on average made 84 and 780 holes per bag over a 4 mo-period, respectively; this was followed by jute with 37 and 614 holes. The ZeroFly bag was harder to breach and ≤3 holes per bag were made for both species. This study shows that PH3 is highly efficacious in insects that infest maize stored in ZeroFly bags, and that these bags are not easily penetrated by stored product insect pests. Hitherto, ZeroFly bags are a good technology for storing grain that is not infested, and fumigation using PH3 can be effectively conducted if infestation occurs. Therefore, ZeroFly bags can be incorporated in integrated stored product insect management (IPM) programs for bagged grains.

The effect of UV-protected ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags on the physicochemical stability of pediatric parenteral nutrition admixtures

BackgroundThe safe administration of parenteral admixtures should be considered under the headings of physical and chemical stability. Vitamins are considered to be most susceptible to chemical degradation.ObjectivesTo evaluate the protective effect of UV-protected monolayer ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags in comparison with that of EVA bags without UV protection, on the physicochemical characteristics and stability of the light sensitive vitamins in pediatric parenteral admixtures stored under various temperature and light conditions.MethodsFour different parenteral pediatric admixtures (with trace elements and vitamins) in two types of ethylenovinylacetate (EVA) monolayer containers (with – yellow one and without – transparent one UV protection) were assessed. The physicochemical analyses such as visual inspection, pH and potential zeta measurements, lipid globules size distribution and vitamins concentration were performed at 0 h, 24 h, 8 days and 8 days+24 h after the preparation of the TPN admixtures. In order to quantify ascorbic acid, thiamine and pyridoxine levels, HPLC was used.ResultsNo differences (p < 0.05) in physicochemical stability of TPN admixtures were noted between two types of EVA bags, with the compositions assessed; stored 8 days (4 °C ± 2) without light plus 24 h at room temperature and light exposure. However significant differences were noticed in ascorbic acid, thiamine and pyridoxine content after 8 days+24 h in comparison with t = 0. This was noted for both for UV-protected bags and bags without UV-protection, Nevertheless, amounts were still within the pharmacopeial range.ConclusionsBoth EVA bags under test (with and without UV-protection) ensure physicochemical stability up 8 days at 4 °C ± 2 °C without light exposure and then 24 h at room temperature with light exposure for the total pediatric parenteral admixtures, intended for home parenteral nutrition.Graphical abstractScheme of physicochemical analysis of parenteral admixtures

Environmental Deterioration of Biodegradable, Oxo-biodegradable, Compostable, and Conventional Plastic Carrier Bags in the Sea, Soil, and Open-Air Over a 3-Year Period.

There is clear evidence that discarded single-use carrier bags are accumulating in the environment. As a result, various plastic formulations have been developed which state they deteriorate faster and/or have fewer impacts on the environment because their persistence is shorter. This study examined biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable, compostable, and high-density polyethylene (i.e., a conventional plastic carrier bag) materials over a 3 year period. These materials were exposed in three natural environments; open-air, buried in soil, and submersed in seawater, as well as in controlled laboratory conditions. In the marine environment, the compostable bag completely disappeared within 3 months. However, the same compostable bag type was still present in the soil environment after 27 months but could no longer hold weight without tearing. After 9 months exposure in the open-air, all bag materials had disintegrated into fragments. Collectively, our results showed that none of the bags could be relied upon to show any substantial deterioration over a 3 year period in all of the environments. It is therefore not clear that the oxo-biodegradable or biodegradable formulations provide sufficiently advanced rates of deterioration to be advantageous in the context of reducing marine litter, compared to conventional bags.

Meta-analysis of the damage suppression effect of a double-layer fruit protection bag on fruit bug injuries of loquat fruits and evaluation by explicit solution of odds ratio

In the cultivation of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) in Japan, injury to fruit by fruit bugs, such as the brown-winged green bug, Plautia stali Scott (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), is a serious problem. Bagging developing fruits with a double-layer fruit protection bag (“double bag”) prevents damage better than a single-layer bag. In 19 field trials using both types of bags from 2005 to 2015 under varying conditions of fruit bug pressure, we compared the effects of bag types on the harvest rate of saleable fruits and the suppression of injury. Meta-analysis of the relative effect of double bags gave an odds ratio of 5.57 for the harvest rate of saleable fruits, indicating the high effect of protection by double bag. Explicit solution of the odds ratio showed the effect as a function of fruit bug pressure. This method makes it possible to cost-effectively choose which bag to use according to the predicted emergence of fruit bugs each year.

Phytotoxicity assessment of conventional and biodegradable plastic bags using seed germination test

A large fraction of plastic litter found in natural environments is constituted by conventional not biodegradable plastic bags, and their adverse effects via ingestion or entanglement on terrestrial and marine organisms are largely documented. Biodegradable and compostable shoppers have been recently developed as alternative to traditional ones. These bags are specifically designed to degrade in composting facilities and generate a product devoid of toxicity to soils and crops. However, very little is known on the effects of bag leaching, i.e. the transfer of chemicals from plastic into natural environments, on vegetation. Some plant species are highly sensitive to a variety of chemicals, and seedling growth is generally the most affected life history stage. In this study we assessed the potential effects of conventional (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) and compostable (Mater-bi®, MB) bags, when left in natural environments, on water quality and plant development. To this end, seeds of Lepidium sativum L., a terrestrial plant commonly used in phytotoxicity standard tests, were exposed to leachates obtained from different amount of HDPE and MB bags, simulating various pollution degrees occurring in nature, for 72 h. Both not-exposed (or virgin) bags and natural weathering exposed bags were used. Variations of chemical-physical characteristics of extracts were used as indicative of water quality deterioration, while alterations of seed gemination and seedling radicle and hypocotyl length were considered as indicative of phytotoxicity. A chemical qualitative screening of the leachates was also performed to identify the compounds with potential phytotoxicity. Both types of bags affected water characteristics (pH, salinity and total dissolved solids) relevant to plants, and released into water intentionally added chemicals, such as the noxious bisphenol A, and other phytotoxic substances probably generated during bag manufacturing. Leachates from both bag types did not affect seed germination. But, a significant number of seedlings showed developmental abnormalities or reduced seedling growth. The hypocotyl was the most sensible seedling organ to HDPE bag leachates while the radicle was the most vulnerable to MB ones. These findings indicate that plastic bags, including those that meet biodegradability and compostability standards, represent a potential threat to plants, if left in natural environments. Therefore, people and managers should be adequately informed about the potential environmental impact of an incorrect bag disposal. Simple, rapid standard phytotoxicity tests, such as the L. sativum bioassay, applied to bag leachates could be used in the future to select not noxious additives so to develop more eco-friendly bags.

In-Use Stability of the Rituximab Biosimilar CT-P10 (Truxima®) Following Preparation for Intravenous Infusion and Storage.

CT-P10 is the first biosimilar of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab. CT-P10 is currently available in over 51 countries worldwide, where it is approved in the same indications as its reference product rituximab. In-use stability studies are conducted for biologics to determine how conditions (e.g., temperature, light, humidity, length of time stored) affect drug quality following dilution and storage in infusion bags. We evaluated the in-use stability of CT-P10 for intravenous infusion stored diluted in infusion bags over longer periods than currently recommended by manufacturer guidelines. CT-P10, within the final month of its 36-month shelf life, was diluted to 1.0 or 4.0mg/mL and stored at 2-8°C in polyethylene or polyvinylchloride infusion bags for 2, 4, and 6 weeks. CT-P10 infusion bags were incubated at room temperature for 24h before analysis. Analyses included detection of sub-visible particles, formation of impurities and determination of charge variants, and heavy- and light-chain content. Cell-based CD20 binding affinity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity were also assessed. Diluted CT-P10 solutions remained clear, colorless, and free of visible particles irrespective of type of infusion bag, target concentration, or timepoint. Protein concentrations, sub-visible particles, pH, osmolality, and molecular weight and charge variants were stable across all timepoints and variables. The binding affinity and potency of CT-P10 remained unchanged, indicating that the efficacy of the antibody was maintained following in-use preparation. We demonstrated that CT-P10 was stable after refrigerated storage for up to 6 weeks followed by incubation at room temperature.

Meanings attributed to complications of ostomy and skin peristhectomy in a public reference service in the Cariri region

Objectives: To present the meanings attributed by participants or their caregivers in relation to complications of the ostomy and peristomal skin in a referral service in the Cariri region. Methods: Descriptive research, of a qualitative nature, composed of 24 participants with intestinal ostomies. The data were collected in the period of March and June of 2018 in the Service of Health Care of the Person with Ostomy located in the city of Juazeiro do Norte, state of Ceará. The interviews were guided by a structured script and recorded through a mobile app. During the data analysis, participants’ answers were transcribed in its full. Results: From the report of the participants, the following meanings for the complications of the ostomy and peristomal skin emerged: aspects related to the quality of the collecting equipment, such as time of permanence of the bag, type of bag and adhesiveness; fragility in the educational process; and effectiveness of surgical procedures. Conclusion: The provision of specialized assistance is necessary so that the orientations of the professionals are directed to the individual needs of each participant, since health care is based on an interpersonal process centered on the integral care of the individual and his or her family.

Representations and Optimizations for Embedded Parallel Dataflow Languages

Parallel dataflow engines such as Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and Apache Flink are an established alternative to relational databases for modern data analysis applications. A characteristic of these systems is a scalable programming model based on distributed collections and parallel transformations expressed by means of second-order functions such as map and reduce. Notable examples are Flink’s DataSet and Spark’s RDD programming abstractions. These programming models are realized as EDSLs—domain specific languages embedded in a general-purpose host language such as Java, Scala, or Python. This approach has several advantages over traditional external DSLs such as SQL or XQuery. First, syntactic constructs from the host language (e.g., anonymous functions syntax, value definitions, and fluent syntax via method chaining) can be reused in the EDSL. This eases the learning curve for developers already familiar with the host language. Second, it allows for seamless integration of library methods written in the host language via the function parameters passed to the parallel dataflow operators. This reduces the effort for developing analytics dataflows that go beyond pure SQL and require domain-specific logic. At the same time, however, state-of-the-art parallel dataflow EDSLs exhibit a number of shortcomings. First, one of the main advantages of an external DSL such as SQL—the high-level, declarative Select-From-Where syntax—is either lost completely or mimicked in a non-standard way. Second, execution aspects such as caching, join order, and partial aggregation have to be decided by the programmer. Optimizing them automatically is very difficult due to the limited program context available in the intermediate representation of the DSL. In this article, we argue that the limitations listed above are a side effect of the adopted type-based embedding approach. As a solution, we propose an alternative EDSL design based on quotations. We present a DSL embedded in Scala and discuss its compiler pipeline, intermediate representation, and some of the enabled optimizations. We promote the algebraic type of bags in union representation as a model for distributed collections and its associated structural recursion scheme and monad as a model for parallel collection processing. At the source code level, Scala’s comprehension syntax over a bag monad can be used to encode Select-From-Where expressions in a standard way. At the intermediate representation level, maintaining comprehensions as a first-class citizen can be used to simplify the design and implementation of holistic dataflow optimizations that accommodate for nesting and control-flow. The proposed DSL design therefore reconciles the benefits of embedded parallel dataflow DSLs with the declarativity and optimization potential of external DSLs like SQL.

Determination of the selected heavy metal and metalloid contents in various types of plastic bags.

The immense plastic bags (PBs) consumption is the potential threat for environment and public health due to discharging toxic pollutants (i.e., metals and metalloids) throughout its entire life cycle. The purpose of the study was to investigate the heavy metal (HM) contents in PE, HDPE, LDPE and PVC bags with several colors and applications. The HM contents in the PB were analyzed by ICP-OES after acid digestion. Results demonstrated that the HM contents in PB notably disagreed based on the used polymer types, colors and applications. The highest contents of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Cu and Zn were 66, 75, 16, 28, 96 and 154 in mg/kg unit, respectively in PE bags; 71, 74, 34, 39, 430 and 212 in mg/kg unit, respectively in HDPE bags; 12, 74, 23, 43, 158 and 54 in mg/kg unit, respectively in LDPE bags; and 16, 23, 474, 12, 45 and 90 in mg/kg unit, respectively in PVC bags. Furthermore, 12 out of 36PB samples were noticed to violate the standards (ISO 8124-3) in terms of Pb, Cr, Cd and As contents. So there is the potentiality of HM and metalloid pollution from discarded PB during treatment, recycling and disposal.

Filter Type Bag Performance for Separation of Herbicide Residues

In the agricultural sector, advances in recent years can be related to the evolution of equipment, seeds and agrochemicals. In the production process of liquid agrochemicals, there may be particulates that are not of interest and thus, need to be removed. Removal of solid particles from a liquid medium is by filtration. The bag or bag filter has a simple, low cost and easy access for cleaning. In order to evaluate the efficiency of a filtration system, determination of the medium resistance, determination of the specific strength of the cake and the efficiency and characteristics of the pump used for liquid transfer are important calculations. In a productive process of liquid herbicides, a study was carried out to calculate the efficiency of the filter system (bag type). By calculating the area of the filter element (0.460 m²), the density of the cake (0.99 g. ), the concentration of solids in the suspension (0.00760 kg. ), the cake mass per unit area (0.661 kg. ), average cake thickness (0.09 cm), cake porosity (27%), specific cake strength (5.664 ) and medium strength (94160993 ¹), the viability of the filtration system in the removal of particulates from herbicides was verified.

Slow degradation of compostable plastic carrier bags in a stream and its riparian area

There is no place on Earth where plastic debris could not be found. Impacts of plastics on aesthetics, biota and ecosystems are dependent on how long plastic items last, and what degradation products are released, in recipient environments. As bio-based plastics tend to replace petroleum-based plastics in everyday life, it is important to upgrade knowledge on the degradation of new polymers in natural environments. Single-use plastic carrier bags are nowadays made of bio-plastics certified as biodegradable and compostable. It is unclear, however, whether claims of biodegradability and compostability can be taken as evidence of rapid degradation of plastic bags outside recycling/composting facilities. This study sought to provide quantified information about the degradation of compostable plastic carrier bags in streams and riparian zones. We found that plastic samples enclosed in different types of mesh bags lost weight at extremely slow rates, albeit significant when submerged in a stream. 95% of initial plastic mass remained after 77 days spent in water whereas alder leaf litter allowed to decompose under the same condition had completely disappeared before the end of the study. Determination of respiration rate and invertebrate abundance in plastic samples showed a greater decomposer activity in the stream than in the riparian environment. However, biotically-mediated degradation by decomposers was probably overridden by dissolution processes in mediating plastic mass loss. Our findings suggest that mismanaged plastic carrier bags could impact recipient ecosystems even when they are claimed as biodegradable or compostable.

Rancangan Alat Potong Kulit Bahan Baku Tas dengan Metode Rasional

Gea Craft is a small business engaged in the production various types of woman's bag from cow leather up to aged fiber with make to order production system. Leather cutting worker state feels discomfort when working and often get pain complaints from some parts of his body. It impacts to disrupt work activities and normal activities. The research aims to improve the working posture of leather cutting and accelerate the time required for process of cutting the leather by designing leather cutting machine by using rational methods. The results of this research is a leather cutting machine design which can cut the risk level from assess work posture by Rapid Entire Body Assessment ( REBA ) method that decreases the score become 1 (there is no significant risk) and decrease the time process of leather cutting to 26.264%.

The Usefulness of Improved, Newly Developed Polyolefin Container of Platelet, PO-100, with Higher Oxygen Permeability and Content

The demand for platelet concentrate (PC) has been growing because of the increase of more intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and highly invasive surgical operations of several specific areas (i.e. cardiovascular surgery, etc.), which has brought about considerable impact on its decent availability. Furthermore, the short storage period for room temperature stored PC, four days in Japan, five days in worldwide and seven days in the U.S. if they meet several requirements by FDA for the control of the risk of bacterial contamination, has put many PCs become outdated. In response to these requirements, measures have been taken to maximize platelet use, including development of polyolefin containers for platelets that elongate storage time and formulations of higher units.Here, we have developed a polyolefin container, PO-100, which has a 40%/m2 higher oxygen permeability than PO-80, a former, and standard platelet storage bags across the world. Furthermore, PO-100 has two types, one is PO-100/1000 with 1000mL capacity for 4-5 x 1011 platelets content and the other is PO-100/1500 with 1500mL capacity for over 6 x 1011 platelets content.In this study, we evaluated the influence of storage of higher content of platelet in PO-100 on the condition of platelet in the bag. The IRB of Nagasaki University approved this study. After informed consent was obtained from healthy volunteers, single-donor apheresis was performed. Then, platelets were pooled, separated equally into two types of bags, PO-100/1000 (n=6) or PO-100/1500 (n=6), and stored in plasma for up to day 7. We monitored various parameters, which related the quality of PC, in bags over the storage period.The result showed that the in vitro characteristics of platelets; platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/collagen combined-induced platelet aggregation did not significantly change through 7 days storage period both in PO-100/1000 and PO-100/1500. Furthermore, MPV (fL) (8.63±0.35 vs 8.85±0.58, respectively, p=0.463) and platelet aggregation (%) (81.58±4.45 vs 84.67±1.21, respectively, p=0.118) were equivalent between these two conditions.Although pH gradually declined, it was maintained around 7.0 at day 7 without significant difference in both conditions (7.00±0.10 vs 6.92±0.08, respectively, p=0.063). On the other hand, lactate concentration elevated gradually, but there was no significant difference between two bags at day 7 (133.07±23.70 vs 104.52±15.56, respectively, p=0.097) and the pO2 declined by 30 to 40% from day 0 through day 1 in both conditions, suggesting aerobic metabolism was well maintained with efficient O2 consumption and less lactate accumulation in PO-110 bags regardless of its capacity.Intriguingly, our previous investigation demonstrated that pH and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in PO-80 bags decline steeply, notably after day 3, and values at day 7 were 6.67±0.24 and 56.67±11.34%, respectively, which suggested that higher oxygen permeability might contribute to keep platelets in better condition in PO-100 than PO-80.In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that PO-100 had significantly high utility as a noble container for PC. It was considered that better maintenance of the pH of the medium in PC within the appropriate range through improved higher oxygen permeability and efficient aerobic metabolism resulted in platelets in a better functional state even after 7 days storage. Furthermore, the results in this study might open the possibility of practical application of higher unit products, so that the supply chain of PCs could be conducted favorably. DisclosuresNagai:Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.: Research Funding; Kaneka Corporation: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd.: Consultancy. Yakushiji:Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.: Employment. Kino:Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.: Employment. Tokunaga:Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.: Employment. Yamaoka:Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.: Employment.

The effect of large predators on the decomposition rate and the macroinvertebrate colonization pattern of leaves in a Mediterranean stream

The goal of this study is to experimentally assess the possible effect of macroinvertebrate predators on the decomposition rate of leaves in a Mediterranean stream and to analyze the pattern of colonization by macroinvertebrates of the litter bags through time. We designed a factorial experiment with three types of litter bags (allowing the entrance of no macroinvertebrates, only small macroinvertebrates and small and large, top‐predators, macroinvertebrates). We measured the percentage of ash‐free dry mass remaining after 15, 30, and 45 days, as well as the macroinvertebrate community composition of the two types of litter bags where they were allowed to enter. We did not find differences in the ash‐free dry mass remaining between the two types that allowed the entrance of macroinvertebrates. The diversity of the community colonizing each type of litter bag was always relatively high and changed significantly with time and, in some cases, with the exclosure treatment studied. These results show the absence of important top‐down control of macroinvertebrates and particularly in those involved in the leaf decomposition in the food web of this Mediterranean stream that could have repercussions on the leaf decomposition process.

Evaluation of AgroZ Hermetic Storage Bag against insect pests on stored maize

A study on AgroZ airtight bag was conducted against two major storage insects under simulated farmers' storage practice. Two (2) lots of 50kg white maize of Pioneer variety were put into AgroZ bag and polypropylene woven bag to serve as a control. Four replications of each bag type were used. In each bag, 50 adults of unsexed larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, and maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, each were introduced. AgroZ bag had one liner placed inside polypropylene bag to provide support and handling convenience. Each liner had been tested for air tightness before use. The AgroZ bags were securely tied to ensure airtightness thus leading to a hermetic environment. The bags were then randomly placed in a barn on pallets in a randomised complete design (RCD). Sampling was done every 4 weeks up to 24 weeks. A 500g sample was initially taken using a compartmented long spear probe from each bag for baseline data, and subsequent ones at 4, 8, 12, 20 and 24 weeks. Repeated sampling from the same storage device reflected farmer practices of opening the device at regular intervals to draw grain for use as household food. Gas analysis in AgroZ bags showed oxygen level dropping rapidly to 7% within 4 weeks and later increased gradually to 10% at 12 weeks. Conversely, carbon dioxide level increased sharply to 10% and declined gradually to 9% over the same period. The number of insects and percentage damaged grains between AgroZ bag and polypropylene bag significantly differed from 12th week to 24th week. AgroZ bag outperformed the polypropylene bag commonly used by farmers and conveniently protected maize from insect infestation within the 6-month storage period.

GaitGANv2: Invariant gait feature extraction using generative adversarial networks

The performance of gait recognition can be adversely affected by many sources of variation such as view angle, clothing, presence of and type of bag, posture, and occlusion, among others. To extract invariant gait features, we proposed a method called GaitGANv2 which is based on generative adversarial networks (GAN). In the proposed method, a GAN model is taken as a regressor to generate a canonical side view of a walking gait in normal clothing without carrying any bag. A unique advantage of this approach is that, unlike other methods, GaitGANv2 does not need to determine the view angle before generating invariant gait images. Indeed, only one model is needed to account for all possible sources of variation such as with or without carrying accessories and varying degrees of view angle. The most important computational challenge, however, is to address how to retain useful identity information when generating the invariant gait images. To this end, our approach differs from the traditional GAN in that GaitGANv2 contains two discriminators instead of one. They are respectively called fake/real discriminator and identification discriminator. While the first discriminator ensures that the generated gait images are realistic, the second one maintains the human identity information. The proposed GaitGANv2 represents an improvement over GaitGANv1 in that the former adopts a multi-loss strategy to optimize the network to increase the inter-class distance and to reduce the intra-class distance, at the same time. Experimental results show that GaitGANv2 can achieve state-of-the-art performance.