Broiler farming practices using new or re-used bedding, inclusive of free-range, have no impact on Campylobacter levels, species diversity, Campylobacter community profiles and Campylobacter bacteriophages

A multi-stage option to address food-safety can be produced by a clearer understanding of Campylobacter's persistence through the broiler production chain, its environmental niche and its interaction with bacteriophages. This study addressed Campylobacter levels, species, genotype, bacteriophage composition/ levels in caeca, litter, soil and carcasses across commercial broiler farming practices to inform on-farm management, including interventions. Broilers were sequentially collected as per company slaughter schedules over two-years from 17 farms, which represented four commercially adopted farming practices, prior to the final bird removal (days 39-53). The practices were conventional full clean-out, conventional litter re-use, free-range-full cleanout and free-range-litter re-use. Caeca, litter and soil collected on-farm, and representative carcases collected at the processing plant, were tested for Campylobacter levels, species dominance and Campylobacter bacteriophages. General community profiling via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the flaA gene was used to establish the population relationships between various farming practices on representative Campylobacter isolates. The farming practice choices did not influence the high caeca Campylobacter levels (log 7.5 to log 8.5 CFU/g), the carcass levels (log 2.5 to log 3.2 CFU/carcass), the C. jejuni/C. coli dominance and the on-farm bacteriophage presence/levels. A principal coordinate analysis of the flaA distribution for farm and litter practices showed strong separation but no obvious farming practice related grouping of Campylobacter. Bacteriophages originated from select farms, were not practice-dependent, and were detected in the environment (litter) only if present in the birds (caeca). This multifaceted study showed no influence of farming practices on on-farm Campylobacter dynamics. The significance of this study means that a unified on-farm risk-management could be adopted irrespective of commercial practice choices to collectively address caeca Campylobacter levels, as well as the potential to include Campylobacter bacteriophage biocontrol. The impact of this study means that there are no constraints in re-using bedding or adopting free-range farming, thus contributing to environmentally sustainable (re-use) and emerging (free-range) broiler farming choices.

Estimating Excreted Nutrients to Improve Nutrient Management for Grazing System Dairy Farms

Improving nutrient management in grazing system dairy farms requires determining nutrient flows through animals, the placement of cows within farms and potential for collection, and the re-use and loss of nutrients. We applied a model incorporating data collected at a range of temporal and spatial scales to quantify nutrient excretion in all locations that lactating herds visited on five days over a year on 43 conventional and organic grazing system dairy farms. The calculated nutrient loads excreted by cows in different places were highly skewed; while N, P and K deposited loads were consistent across the year, S, Ca and Mg loads varied between sampling times and seasons. The greatest mean and range in nutrient loads were deposited in paddocks, with the smallest amounts deposited in dairy sheds. All excreted nutrient loads increased with farm and herd sizes and milk production. Mean daily loads of 112, 15, 85, 11, 22 and 13 kg of N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg were deposited by the herds which, when standardised to a 305-day lactation, amounted to 24, 4, 20, 3, 5 and 3 t excreted annually, respectively. In addition to routine manure collection in dairy sheds, ensuring collection and recycling of nutrients excreted on feed pads and holding areas would decrease potential nutrient losses by 29% on average. Non-collected, recycled nutrients were disproportionately returned to paddocks in which cows spent time overnight, and except for S and Ca, nutrient loading rates were greater than rates applied as fertilisers. These data demonstrate the extent of excreted nutrients in grazing dairy systems and indicate the need to account for these nutrients in nutrient management plans for Australian dairy farms. We propose incorporating excretion data in current budgeting tools using data currently collected on most Australian grazing system dairy farms.

Efficient Electrocatalyst Nanoparticles from Upcycled Class II Capacitors

To move away from fossil fuels, the electrochemical reaction plays a critical role in renewable energy sources and devices. The anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is always coupled with these reactions in devices but suffers from large energy barriers. Thus, it is important for developing efficient OER catalysts with low overpotential. On the other hand, there are large amounts of metals in electronic waste (E-waste), especially various transition metals that are promising alternatives for catalyzing OER. Hence, this work, which focuses on upcycling Class II BaTiO₃ Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors, of which two trillion were produced in 2011 alone. We achieved this by first using a green solvent extraction method that combined the ionic liquid Aliquat^® 336 and hydrochloride acid to recover a mixed solution of Ni, Fe and Cu cations, and then using such a solution to synthesize high potential catalysts NiFe hydroxide and NiCu hydroxide for OER. NiFe-hydroxide has been demonstrated to have faster OER kinetics than the NiCu-hydroxide and commercial c-RuO₂. In addition, it showed promising results after the chronopotentiometry tests that outperform c-RuO₂.

A data-oriented approach to making new molecules as a student experiment: artificial intelligence-enabling FAIR publication of NMR data for organic esters

The lack of machine-readable data is a major obstacle in the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in artificial intelligence (AI). As a way to overcome this, a procedure for capturing primary NMR spectroscopic instrumental data annotated with rich metadata and publication in a Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) data repository is described as part of an undergraduate student laboratory experiment in a chemistry department. This couples the techniques of chemical synthesis of a never before made organic ester with illustration of modern data management practices and serves to raise student awareness of how FAIR data might improve research quality and replicability. Searches of the registered metadata are shown, which enable actionable finding and accessing of such data. The potential for re-use of the data in AI applications is discussed.

Decontamination Strategies for Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) in Healthcare Organizations: A Comprehensive Review

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are made for one-time use. A massive shortage of FFRs is widespread during pandemic events and has forced many healthcare organizations to decontaminate them and re-use for a limited time. Many decontamination methods have been proposed for the decontamination of FFRs. This review highlights various aspects of decontamination methods available in the literature. Among various methods available, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet irradiation, and dry heat seem to be the most promising decontaminants for FFRs. On the other hand, microwave, bleach, ethylene oxide, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide liquid, sanitizing wipes, and soap and water are not recommended methods for FFR decontamination.

Extraction and identification by mass spectrometry of phenolic compounds from canola seed cake

BACKGROUND

Canola oil processing generates as by-products cakes rich in proteins, which have high nutritional value. These cakes contain an expressive amount of phenolic compounds which are important as antioxidants, but can interfere in proteins nutritional value. The aim of this work was to identify the phenolic compounds present in canola seed cake and to maximize their extraction by investigating the factors: temperature (20-70 °C), ethanol concentration in water (0-85%) and sample/solvent ratio (1:5-1:20).

RESULTS

The maximum phenolic compounds amount was obtained at 65 °C, ethanol concentration of 35% and sample/solvent ratio of 1:20. At this condition, more than 95% of these compounds were extracted from the canola seed cake. It was observed that the solvent could be re-used for additional extractions, reducing the solvent consumption. A large number of phenolic compounds were identified (24 compounds) and quantified, including sinapic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides derivatives and major and minor sinapoyl choline derivatives.

CONCLUSION

The phenolic compounds can be easily extracted from the canola seed cake, resulting in a cake with low antinutrients content and, in contrast, an extract rich in antioxidant compounds with possible use as a natural source of antioxidants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Single-use Medical Devices Re-processing: Risk Assessment and Quality Control Technologies]

The reuse of high-cost single-use medical devices (SUD) is permitted in many countries, such as the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, but strict regulatory requirements must be met. In addition to regulatory policies and regulations, such as market access mode and special requirements on Good Manufacture Practice (GMP), there are strict technical requirements on the potential risk control and quality assurance system. Therefore, effective risk assessment and risk control technology are the keys to ensure effective quality control and safe use of SUDs. In this article, based on analyzing the technological requirements of the national regulatory on SUDs in the United States, Germany and Britain, and combined with the review from latest relevant literature, to discuss the strategies of how to carry out scientific risk assessment. Some risk control technologies on the reuse of SUDs are introduced, which will provide support for the further study on risk control strategies and regulatory decisions for the reuse of SUDs in China.

Reuse of intermittent catheters: a qualitative study of IC users' perspectives

OBJECTIVES

To explore the views of intermittent catheter (IC) users regarding the advantages and disadvantages of single-use or reuse of catheters.

DESIGN

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

SETTING

Participant's own homes in Hampshire and Dorset, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 39 IC users, aged 23-86 years, using IC for at least 3 months.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed four main themes: concerns regarding risk of urinary tract infection (UTI); cleaning, preparation and storage; social responsibility; practicalities and location. The main concern was safety, with the fear that reuse could increase risk of UTI compared with single-use sterile catheters. If shown to be safe then around half of participants thought they might consider reusing catheters. The practicalities of cleaning methods (extra products, time and storage) were considered potentially burdensome for reuse; but for single-use, ease of use and instant usability were advantages. Always having a catheter without fear of 'running out' was considered an advantage of reuse. Some participants were concerned about environmental impact (waste) and cost of single-use catheters. The potential for reuse was usually dependent on location. The analysis showed that often the disadvantages of single-use could be off-set by the advantages of reuse and vice versa, for example, the need to take many single-use catheters on holiday could be addressed by reuse, while the burden of cleaning would be obviated by single-use.

CONCLUSIONS

If shown to be safe with a practical cleaning method, some participants would find reuse an acceptable option, alongside their current single-use method. The choice to use a mixture of single-use and reuse of catheters for different activities (at home, work or holiday) could optimise the perceived advantages and disadvantages of both. The safety and acceptability of such an approach would require testing in a clinical trial.

Wastes as Aggregates, Binders or Additions in Mortars: Selecting Their Role Based on Characterization

The production of waste has increased over the years and, lacking a recycle or recovery solution, it is forwarded to landfill. The incorporation of wastes in cement-based materials is a solution to reduce waste deposition. In this regard, some researchers have been studying the incorporation of wastes with different functions: aggregate, binder and addition. The incorporation of wastes should take advantage of their characteristics. It requires a judicious analysis of their particles. This research involves the analysis of seven industrial wastes: biomass ashes, glass fibre, reinforced polymer dust, sanitary ware, fluid catalytic cracking, acrylic fibre, textile fibre and glass fibre. The main characteristics and advantages of each waste are enunciated and the best type of introduction in mortars is discussed. The characterization of the wastes as particles is necessary to identify the most suitable incorporation in mortars. In this research, some wastes are studied with a view to their re-use or recycling in mortars. Thus, this research focuses on the chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of industrial wastes and identification of the potentially most advantageous type of incorporation.

Urine diversion dry toilets in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa: acceptance, use and maintenance through users' eyes

This study was part of the VUNA project aimed to develop an affordable sanitation system that produces a valuable fertiliser, reduces pollution of water resources and promotes health. Urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) simplify the on-site hygienisation of faeces and allow for nutrient recovery from urine. Social acceptance is vital for the implementation of the UDDT, because sanitation is only effective if the system not only provides a well-designed toilet and effective waste management, but also offers users a facility that caters to their needs and is sensitive to their cultural lifestyle. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate acceptance, use and maintenance of UDDTs. Key findings indicate lower levels of acceptance of UDDTs among the elderly, who are accustomed to traditional pit toilets. The users aspire to own a flush toilet, perceived to be indicative of household wealth. A dominant concern was emptying the pit and the quality of the building material. Community interventions are required that will promote acceptance, understanding and encourage proper use and maintenance of the UDDT, and may need some technology modification. There is an urgent need for increased community participation to address users' perceptions, attitudes and behaviour concerning the UDDT.

The effect of multiple processing and re-use on orthodontic mini-screw torque values

BACKGROUND

Reusing orthodontic mini-screws would reduce treatment cost and lead to more use of mini-screws and improvement of orthodontic treatments. This study has assessed the effects of reprocessing and reusing the titanium mini-screws on their maximum insertion, removal and fracture torque (FT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, 20 titanium mini-screws (1.6-mm × 8-mm) were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the test group, the screws were first sterilized by autoclave and then their FT was assessed. In the control group, FT was assessed after 5 times of insertion, cleaning, processing (37% phosphoric acid for 10 min, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 30 min) and sterilizing with autoclave. The maximum insertion and removal torque values were compared using the repeated measure ANOVA and the FT data were analyzed by the t-test. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 13.0) and the significance was set on 0.05.

RESULTS

The paired t-test for maximum insertion torque (MIT) showed that MIT1 was significantly lower than other MIT values (P = 0.02) and also MIT2 was significantly higher than MIT5 (P = 0.01), but other MIT values had no significant differences. The paired t-test for maximum removal torque (MRT) showed that only MRT2 was significantly higher than other MRT values (except MRT1) (P = 0.046). Regarding FT, the t-test showed that there was no significant difference between FT0 and FT5 (P = 0.485).

CONCLUSION

Within limitations of this study, five time insertion, cleaning, processing and steam sterilization had no significant negative effect on insertion, removal and FT of the mini-screws.

Moving from recycling to waste prevention: A review of barriers and enables

Current European waste policy does not mainly aim to treat waste streams but rather place in the foreground of interest the complete supply chain of a product. Waste prevention and re-use do have the highest priority and they take effect before the end-of-life phase of a product or a material is reached. Recycling only takes the third place whereas recovery and disposal represent the least favourable options. Recycling can help to decrease the consumption of primary resources but it does not tackle the causes but only the symptoms. In principle, recycling processes require energy and will generate side streams (i.e. waste). Furthermore, there are insuperable barriers and the practice is far from 100% recycling. The philosophy of waste prevention and re-use is completely different since they really tackle the causes. It is self-evident that a decrease of waste will also decrease the consumption of resources, energy and money to process the waste. However, even if European legislation is proceeding in the right direction, a clear decrease in waste generation did not occur up to now. Unfortunately, waste generation represents a positive factor of economic growth. Basically, waste generation is a huge business and numerous stakeholders are not interested to reduce waste. More sophisticated incentives are required to decouple economic growth from waste generation.