Use Of Packing Materials Research Articles

Postharvest Losses and Management of Horticultural Produce: A Review

Horticultural postharvest losses pose a significant challenge to the supply chain and economic growth, particularly in impoverished nations. This review paper explores the multifaceted issues surrounding postharvest losses in horticultural crops and emphasizes the critical role of technological innovations in mitigating these losses. Various stakeholders within the value chain, including farmers, handlers, and consumers, face substantial risks due to insufficient postharvest handling techniques. The study underscores the urgency of adopting advanced postharvest technologies, focusing on enhanced harvesting and packaging strategies. By using cutting-edge technologies, it is possible to lower losses after harvest and raise the general standard of fresh produce. The improper use of packing materials and inadequate packaging methods significantly contribute to these losses, making it imperative to address these aspects for sustainable solutions. This comprehensive review not only identifies the reason for fruit and vegetable losses after harvesting within the countries but also provides actionable insights into mitigating measures. This article intends to support the creation of a robust and successful horticulture supply chain by addressing the issues and offering workable solutions. The integration of technological advancements in harvesting, handling, and packaging processes emerges as a key element in the overall strategy to reduce postharvest losses and promote economic growth in resource-constrained regions.

Integrated Process for High Phenol Removal from Wastewater Employing a ZnO Nanocatalyst in an Ozonation Reaction in a Packed Bubble Column Reactor

The use of an ozonized bubble column reactor (OBCR) in wastewater treatment is advantageous due to its efficient mixing and mass transfer characteristics. Among all high-performance features, the ozonation reaction in a BCR undergoes a low dissolution of O3 in the reactor with a limited reaction rate. In this study, the ozonation reaction of phenol in an OBCR was tested using a ZnO nanocatalyst and alumina balls as packing material. Three concentrations of O3 were evaluated (i.e., 10, 15, and 20 ppm), and 20 ppm was found to be the optimum concentration for phenol degradation. Also, two doses (i.e., 0.05 and 0.1 g/L) of ZnO nanocatalysts were applied in the reaction mixture, with the optimal dose found to be 0.1 g/L. Accordingly, three phenol concentrations were investigated in the OBCR (i.e., 15, 20, and 25 ppm) using four treatment methods (i.e., O3 alone, O3/Al2O3, O3/ZnO nanocatalyst, and O3/Al2O3/ZnO nanocatalyst). At a contact time of 60 min and phenol concentration of 15 ppm, the removal rate was 66.2, 73.1, 74.5, and 86.8% for each treatment method, respectively. The treatment experiment that applied the O3/Al2O3/ZnO nanocatalyst produced the highest phenol conversion into CO2 and H2O in the shortest contact time for all phenol concentrations. Thus, the OBCR employed with a ZnO nanocatalyst plus packing material is a promising technology for the rapid and active removal of phenol because it enhances the number of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generated, which ultimately increases the oxidation activity in the OBCR. Also, the results showed efficient flow characteristics in the OBCR, with channeling problems averted due to appropriate gas movement resulting from the use of packing materials. Finally, it was found that the ozonation process in an OBCR is an efficient method for phenol conversion with good economic feasibility.

Experimental Investigation into the Heat and Mass Transfer in an Indirect Contact Closed Circuit Cooling Tower

The heat and mass transfer coefficients of the indirect contact closed circuit cooling tower, ICCCCT, were investigated experimentally. Different experiments were conducted involving the controlling parameters such as air velocity, spray water to air mass flow rate ratio, spray water flow rate, ambient air wet bulb temperature and the provided heat load to investigate their effects on the performance of the ICCCCT. Also the effect of using packing on the performance of the ICCCCT was investigated. It was noticed that these parameters affect the tower performance and the use of packing materials is a good approach to enhance the performance for different operational conditions. Correlations for mass and heat transfer coefficients are presented. The results showed a good agreement with other published works. Correlations are showed that the spray heat transfer coefficient is a function flow rates of spray water and air as well as spray water temperature while mass transfer coefficient is a function of spray water and air flow rates only.

Do Post-harvest Losses Affect the Farmers’ Income? - Post-Harvest Loss Estimation for Major Vegetables in South India

Over the last two decades, India’s food system with population surge has been undergoing a transformation with increase in demand for high value fruits and vegetables. However, farmers are not benefitted from these transitions as the post-harvest losses are fairly high due to poorly developed post-harvest management practices. The present study aims to estimate the nature and extent of losses and also analysed the determinants of post-harvest losses for major vegetables (gourds) in South India. Palakkad district of Kerala was chosen for the study as it contributes the most, for the state’s vegetable area and production. Multi-stage random sampling techniques were adopted and the vegetables selected were based on their annual production in the study area. The total loss observed in bitter gourd at farm level was about 12.46 percent (34.53 qtl/ha). At trader level, the physiological loss contributed to almost 45 percent of the total losses. Hence, the total loss in bitter gourd was observed to be 21.88 per cent. Likewise in snake gourd, the extent of losses at farm level was found to be 9 percent (26.1 qtl/ha), where the highest losses (4.74 percent) were due to biotic factors like pests and diseases prevailing in the study area. Therefore, the total loss estimated in snake gourd was 13.89 percent which included 4.89 percent loss at trader level. Regression analyses delineated that in bitter gourd, area under cultivation, unfavourable weather conditions, pests and diseases and use of packing materials like jute sacks and wooden baskets were found as major determinants for losses. Whereas, area under cultivation, experience in farming and prevailing pests and diseases in snake gourd were found to affect the volume of post-harvest losses at farm level. The study found that adoption of proper post-harvest handling practices by farmers would help minimizing the losses to a remarkable extent. Besides, analysis of farmers’ perception, brought out the fact that the farmers aware of losses incurred only to a limited extent.

Insights into a packed bubble column for removal of several ozone-persistent TrOCs by ozonation: removal kinetics, energy efficiency and elimination prediction

Ozonation is an efficient method to remove trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) from (waste)water. However, high ozone dose requirement and energy consumption are still limiting its wider application for ozone-persistence TrOCs elimination. In this study, a packed bubble column is designed to enhance the ozone gas-liquid mass transfer and consequentially improve ozone and hydroxyl radical (OH) exposures. An increase of 5–31% removal for five selected ozone-persistence TrOCs was observed in the packed bubble column in comparison to an unpacked bubble column under the same experimental settings. The energy consumption (EEO) for 90% TrOCs removal in the packed column was in range of 0.99–2.76 kWh/m3, which was 5–48% decrease after the use of packing materials. A kinetics-based approach based on the correlation between the concentration of target compounds, the second order reaction rate constants of these compounds with ozone and OH and the ozone and OH exposures was used to predict TrOCs removal. The predicted removal was consistent the measured removal, indicating that this prediction approach can be applied in packed system.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Hearing Results in Type IV Tympanoplasty: Preliminary Study of the Influence of External Auditory Canal Packing Material.

Postoperative hearing results of type IV tympanoplasty have been shown to have poorer results than other reconstruction techniques. There are numerous reports evaluating the factors for hearing improvement. This preliminary study aimed to analyze and determine the factors that affect hearing results. A total of 80 patients who underwent type IV tympanoplasty were evaluated to participate in this study. The medical records of the candidate patients were collected retrospectively. Fifty out of the 80 recruited patients were excluded due to the following reasons: they could not be followed-up for more than a year after the final operation, their initial surgery was not performed in our department, or they needed a revision surgery. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors were evaluated and analyzed using EZR software. Cases were divided into two groups according to postoperative hearing results, and each factor was analyzed univariately. The explanatory variables included in the multivariate analysis were the variables that satisfied P < 0.1 in the univariate analysis. Furthermore, all cases were divided into two groups according to the qualitative variables that showed significant difference in the multivariate analysis, and the background factors were evaluated. The results of univariate analysis showed P < 0.1 for 'Age' and 'Material of external auditory canal (EAC) packing'. Multivariate analysis showed P < 0.05 for both. The comparison between the two packing material groups showed that the gauze group was more likely to have improved hearing than Spongel® group, and the ossicular chain condition of the gauze group was maintained better. 'Age' and 'Material of EAC packing' were considered to be significant factors affecting the postoperative hearing results. The selection and use of packing materials that provide stability should be considered to obtain better postoperative hearing results in type IV tympanoplasty.

Improving the hydraulics of drinking water contact tanks using random packing material

This study investigated the use of industrial packing material for increasing the hydraulic efficiency of small‐scale, chlorine contact tanks used in drinking water treatment. The packing material used in this study was spherical, with porosities between 0.9 and 0.95 and a density less than that of water. A total of 67 tracer studies, conducted on laboratory‐scale chlorine contact tank systems, examined three sizes of packing material, two tank sizes, and two flow rates. Sodium chloride solution was injected as a continuous tracer at the inlet and was monitored in the tank outflow through electrical conductivity. Several studies were validated with the use and direct measurement of a lithium ion tracer. Hydraulic efficiency was measured by determining the baffling factor as outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Results suggest that the use of packing material in small drinking water contact tanks can significantly increase the baffling factor, improving the disinfection efficiency obtained from existing tanks.

Board 163 - Program Innovations Abstract Do It Yourself in Simulation (Submission #973)

Introduction/Background Delivering high fidelity simulation for a wide range of medical specialties performing complex and invasive procedures poses a challenge to our simulation centre, and many others. Whilst task trainers are available for many procedures, they frequently simulate only a single procedure, and are expensive to purchase initially, and require costly replacement parts. Building on our own experience with moulage and customisation of our simulators for specific requirements, we were inspired to research the possibility of low-cost task trainers made within the department. A literature search revealed there to be some precedent for this, including instruction on the creation of a pericardiocentesis task trainer1. Methods Training needs analyses were carried out of the medical specialties for whom we provide simulation training to establish which technical skills were required and unmet by our current range of task training equipment. These tasks were then examined, and key features such as reusability, requirement for ultrasound transmission and interface with other simulators was examined. Materials were examined and evaluated for their suitability for use. Evaluation of this approach is planned by the evaluation by procedure operators with different levels of experience and skill. So far, we have successfully created and implemented the pericardiocentesis simulator described above, and are in the process of developing effective models for bone marrow biopsy, renal biopsy and other procedures. We have found through a process of trial and error that some materials are more challenging to work with than others, and that degradation over time is a potential issue for some equipment, requiring careful planning to use the novel equipment at its most fresh. The acquisition of a hollow torso manikin has allowed us to increase the fidelity of procedures to be simulated by providing surface anatomy for reference, although this does require some creative use of packing materials and ultrasoundable covers. Results: Conclusion In an era of increasing complexity of medical procedures, increasing uptake of simulation training and constraints of budget, those running simulation centres are often faced with a challenge to remain current and relevant. We have demonstrated the feasibility of creating a number of low-cost and adaptable task trainers, which can then be incorporated into an anatomical model. Significant advantages of this approach include the customisable nature of such equipment to specific requirements, and flexibility to trial new designs without significant financial outlay. Recommendations for simulation centres considering this approach are to acquire only generic equipment which is applicable to a range of scenarios such as the hollow torso and ultrasound equipment which we have utilised, and to be prepared to trial various approaches. Reference 1. Zerth H, Harwood R, Tommaso L, Girzadas DV. An inexpensive, easily constructed, reusable task trainer for simulating ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis. Journal of Emergency Medicine. Vol 432011:1066-1069. Disclosures None.

Performance Analysis of a Novel Compact Flotation Unit

The oil and gas industry produces large quantities of water as a by-product of petroleum production. Discharge specification of produced water requires efficient management and sophisticated technology. Conventional technologies such as those based on gravity separation, cyclonic separation method, filtration techniques, flotation technique, and natural gas/air sparge tube systems are used for treating produced water. However, most, if not all, of these technologies require a large footprint. This problem has created a challenge for the produced water industry, as well as for operators managing the offshore production facilities. Responding to the challenge at hand, Siemens Water Technologies Corporation has developed a novel compact flotation unit (CFU) equipped with a dissolved gas flotation (DGF) pump for treating produced water. The CFU has a small foot print and shorter residence time. The DGF pump is equipped with a unique, dual-sided impeller, which pulls the blanket gas on one side and the produced water on the other. Under applied backpressure, the gas entering the DGF pump dissolves in a portion of a recycled, cleaned water stream. The dissolved gas generates bubbles due to the pressure drop when the mixture of produced water and gas passes through a special valve before entering the CFU. The ratio of the inlet produced water flow rate to the DGF pump output rate plays an important role in optimum separation of oil droplets from the produced water. Besides the above-mentioned ratio, generation of an adequate number and size of bubbles provides another critical key factor in efficient operation of the CFU system. To validate our theoretical approach regarding the controlled forced vortex of the multiphase flow, we performed various tests in the shop facility of Siemens Water Technologies Corporation, as well as on a platform facility offshore Louisiana. We used a response surface methodology technique to analyze the CFU performance data and to generate an optimum surface response for free oil and grease removal efficiency. For optimizing the size of the piping and CFU dimensions, we used the rigorous yet simple principles of the constrained similitude. The free oil removal efficiency results in the shop and field tests, for CFU without the use of packing material, were satisfactory. Additionally, we found that CFU system tests resulted in the removal efficiency of water soluble oil (WSO). We did not expect this additional outcome as the CFU system was not designed to affect the removal of WSO.

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STEMLESS SWEET CHERRY (PRUNUS AVIUM L.)‐FRUIT QUALITY AND CONSUMER PURCHASE

ABSTRACTSweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) quality and consumer acceptance at purchase were found to be similar between stem and stemless fruit. Stemless fruit had more of the desired mahogany color at harvest, but stem fruit displayed superior color at point of retail sale. At simulated retail sales the color difference between stem and stemless fruit was not evident. There was no significant difference in firmness or soluble solids content between stem or stemless fruit. Stemless fruit were more bruised than stem, but stem fruit showed more surface pitting. Practical advantages of stemless fruit included: increased efficiency at harvest, elimination of some packinghouse equipment, improved use of packing materials and easier consumer packaging, and reduced damage to fruit.

A study of the sintering of chromium-nickel steel powders

1. An investigation was made of the phase composition and homogeneity ofreduced powders of stainless steels Kh30, Kh17N2, Kh23N18, 1Kh18N9T, and OKh18N9. The surface layers of chromium-nickel steel powders contain oxides, including spinel type phases. 2. The effect of temperature on the shrinkage, strength, structure, electrical resistivity, interparticle contact size, and phase composition of sintered specimens was studied. It was shown that the sintering of ferritic steel powders is much more intensive than that of austenitic steel powders. 3. A study was made of the activated sintering of stainless steels 1Kh18N9T and Kh17N2, based on the use of packing materials containing halides and TiH2 or on alloying with phosphorus, copper, and boron. For porous materials, it is advantageous to employ sintering in packing materials with titanium hydride.