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Petroleum-derived single-use plastics have dominated a range of material applications, including packaging and service ware (e.g., water bottles, food containers, and drinking straws). However, despite their short-lived service life, the inherent durability, and stability of these plastics have resulted in significant environmental accumulation and spill, contaminating both aquatic and land ecosystems. Consequently, there is a surging interest in the development of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical derived plastics that align with circular economy principles. Among potential materials, cellulose acetate (CA) showcases impressive mechanical properties, optical characteristics, melt processability, and compostability. However, due to its hygroscopic behavior, inferior barrier properties, and lack of dimensional stability, CA applications in the packaging industry are minimal. In this research, the acetylation of lignin and its use as a functional filler for CA matrix was studied. The impact of varying lignin loadings (up to 30 wt.%) on the tensile, morphological, barrier, and viscoelastic properties of the resulting materials was investigated. A thorough characterization of the compression-molded acetylated lignin-CA films revealed a reduction in water uptake (by 59% over baseline), up to a 41.5% reduction in water vapor permeability, and enhanced tensile properties with melt flowability. In summary, the examined films displayed favorable characteristics for use in food and other packaging applications. Consequently, they serve as low carbon footprint, and eco-friendly substitutes for conventional petrochemical-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve starch straws with high strength and large toughness, the effects of annealing time on structural and functional performances of mung bean starch straws were studied. The results revealed that with increasing annealing time from 0to 60 min, the ratios of 1047 cm−1/1022 cm−1 in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy decreased from 1.37 to 1.20, and the relative crystallinities decreased from 12.09% to 11.01%. The relative crystallinity increased to 13.28% when annealing time increased to 120 min. The maximum bending force increased from 10.93 to 104.24 N, and modulus of elasticity enhanced from 0.93 to 62.68 N/mm when annealing time increased from 0 to 120 min. Starch straws annealed for 120 min had the lowest water absorption (94.61%), while starch straws annealed for 60 min had the highest water absorption (127.38%). This outcome not only lay a theoretical foundation for preparing biodegradable starch straws with excellent performance, but also apply for beverages, food container, food packaging films, and so on, strongly promoting starch industrial transformation and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major factors affecting the in vitro immature embryo rescue efficiencies from Prunus persica or P. armeniaca accessions have been identified, along with improving the feasibility. Variations in the woody plant medium (WPM) were used depending on the embryo size. Embryos less than 5 mm long were cultured in WPM supplemented with 1 μM BAP and 1 μM GA3, while embryos bigger than 5 mm long were cultured in hormone-free medium, with or without vermiculite. The environmental in vitro culture conditions consisted of three phases: a (I) stratification at 4 °C during a 3- to 5-month-long period in the dark, followed by (II) growth of germinated embryos at 14 °C for a 4-week-long period, with 12 h light a day, which favors plantlet development, and finally, (III) growth at 24 °C, with 16 h light a day, until the plantlets were acclimatized in the greenhouse. The germination of smaller embryos, at the end of phase I, ranged from 82.2% to 22.1% for apricots and flat peaches, respectively, whereas for bigger embryos, the germination varied from 97.3% to 53.2% for the same species. The embryo germination for peaches and nectarines ranged from 40.1% to 30.3% for smaller embryos, and from 91.9% to 63.0% for bigger embryos. Endo- and epiphytic contamination, affecting from 7.4% to 52.9% of cultured embryos, depending on the fruit type and conservation conditions, and the capacity to acclimate to soil conditions, ranging from 50.4% to 93.2%, were the two most important factors influencing the protocol's efficiency and feasibility. Considering the overall efficiencies, expressed as hardened plants transferred to field plots over clean uncontaminated embryo, the values ranged from 55.8% for nectarines, 54.0% for peaches, 45.6% for apricots, and 23.3% for flat fruits. The addition of vermiculite to the culture medium significantly improved the plantlet development, avoiding subculture to fresh medium when an extension of phase III was required before acclimatization. Compared to laboratory glassware, the use of food glass containers with air-permeable sealing film, along with vermiculite-containing medium, significantly reduced the costs when handling the large number of embryos required for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using food and drink disposable containers has heavy environmental and economic consequences. The widespread adoption of reusable containers is a challenge that requires understanding the psychological determinants and barriers of the behaviour. Two studies were conducted: one with a sample from the general public (study 1, N = 302) and one with respondents having access to a reusable container system at work (study 2, N = 737). Online surveys measured self-reported use of single-use and reusable containers for food and drinks takeaway (studies 1 and 2) and for food delivery (study 1). Stages of change and psychological determinants were also measured to provide behavioural levers. Results indicate that in study 1, most of the sample is aware of the issue associated with single-use containers but has not switched to reusable. In study 2, most respondents say they are already using few single-use and are willing to continue, particularly for drinks to go. Thus, accessibility at the workplace to a reusable container system is associated with higher stages of change. However, many respondents are also in the preactional phase for food takeaway, that is, willing to change but have not started yet. In both studies, perception of control on the behaviour and volitional variables are positively associated with stages of change. This suggests that making reusable containers easier to use and helping individuals plan how and when they can do it could encourage behaviour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass durability is one of the properties that can be affected by surface treatments such as coatings or chemical attacks. These treatments can be used to reduce the quantities of potentially toxic elements contained in glass that may be released in solution. Five surface treatments were selected: three different coatings (SnO2, TiO2, SiO2) and two acidic attacks (SO2 dealkalization and acid polishing). These treatments were performed on five glass compositions (soda-lime, borosilicate, barium silicate, opal, and lead crystal). Their effects on alteration rates and mechanisms were investigated through a single protocol (acetic acid 4%, 70 °C) simulating accelerated aging conditions for containers of beverages or food. The data collected over 1.3 years showed significant reduction of lead leaching with all treatments except acid polishing. The best reduction factor was obtained with SO2 dealkalization, which also demonstrated beneficial effects towards the retention of Ba by reducing the diffusion of alkalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief overview of chromatographic methods for determining free bisphenol A (BPA) in technical and food products is presented. Bisphenol A is used as a monomer in the production of some plastics and epoxy resins. The concentration of free BPA may exceed the permissible level in food plastic containers and in food products packaged in these containers. The maximum permissible concentration of BPA in water, in water bodies of domestic and drinking water and in cultural and household water use is 0.1 mg/dm3. In European countries, the migration value of BPA for plastics in contact with food products is 0.6 mg/kg. Gas chromatography with preliminary derivatization by the silylation or acylation of the analyte is most often used to determine BPA in plastics, food products, and biological fluids. Direct determination methods have been developed using gas-liquid chromatography on heat-resistant columns. Flame ionization, fluorometric, and mass-selective detectors are used as detection devices. HPLC with optical and mass-selective detectors is used to determine BPA. Thin-layer chromatography has also been used for determining BPA. Solid-phase extraction, liquid−liquid extraction, dispersive liquid−liquid microextraction, and a combined extraction method with separation in acetonitrile (QuEChERS) are used in BPA sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research conducted a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of single-use food packaging made from PP, PLA, and Paper/PLA materials using the ReCiPe method. The assessment covered 18 environmental impacts from box processing to end-of-life treatment, with a functional unit (FU) specified as 1,000 units of single-use food container boxes. The dimensions of the boxes were standardized to reflect the average size from the Thailand market and food-delivery boxes. When focused on production stage, PP box shows the greatest impact on overall especially human non-carcinogenic toxicity (285.11 kg 1, 4-DCB). However, when focused on cradle-to-grave life cycle, the PP emerged as the optimal choice of food box due to its comparable environmental impact to biodegradable alternatives, when applying recycling processes. It recycles significantly reduces the total impact up to 73% from their waste-to-energy treatment option. To achieve environmental goals necessitates policy interventions such as extended producer responsibility laws and refund schemes to incentivize responsible disposal. In country lacking waste management infrastructure and collection system, the sensitivity analysis of this research show that biodegradable PLA material emerges as the most suitable choice, particularly over Paper/PLA, offering lower overall environmental impact due to less overall emission in landfill and composting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era dominated by plastic, the widespread use of plastic in our daily lives has led to a growing accumulation of its degraded byproducts, such as microplastics and plastic additives like Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is recognized as one of the earliest man-made substances that exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties. It is frequently employed in the manufacturing of epoxy resins, polycarbonates, dental fillings, food storage containers, infant bottles, and water containers. BPA is linked to a range of health issues including obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive abnormalities. This study examines the bacterial bioremediation of the BPA, which is found in many sources and is known for its hazardous effects on the environment. The metabolic pathways for the breakdown of BPA in important bacterial strains were hypothesized based on the observed altered intermediate metabolites during the degradation of BPA. This review discusses the enzymes and genes involved in the bacterial degradation of BPA. The utilization of naturally occurring microorganisms is the most efficient and cost-effective method due to their selectivity of strains, ensuring sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid method is developed for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) in ethanolic extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The GC–MS method has acquired reference status in accredited analytical laboratories in identifying contaminant impurities in food and alcohol products. Bisphenol A is used as a monomer in the production of a number of plastics and epoxy resins; in its free form, it can be contained in quantities exceeding the permissible level in food containers. Bisphenol A can accumulate in a human body and cause harmful health effects. The studies were performed on an Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph equipped with a mass selective detector model 5977B and a 30 m long Ultra ALLOY®-5 UA5-30M-0.25F capillary column. Optimal modes for the determination of bisphenol A in ethanolic extracts were selected. The direct determination of BPA in ethyl solutions without derivatization using GC–MS can be recommended for the development of procedures for monitoring the quality and safety of food packaging, monitoring BPA in alcohol-containing liquids, as well as in forensic medical examination as a reference procedure to confirm the reliability of BPA identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Computer Science & Technology (JOCSTEC) is the property of PT. Padang Tekno Corp and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Four commercial glass compositions were investigated to understand their mechanisms of alteration in light of the current and future regulations on food contact materials. Lead crystal (fine glassware), soda-lime (food and cosmetic containers), borosilicate (cookware) and barium glass (tableware) powders and slabs were altered for 3 years, in acetic acid (4% vol) at pH = 2.4 and 70 °C. The leaching solution was analyzed by ICP-AES while glass slabs were investigated by ToF-SIMS and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry. As a result, in acidic medium, the polymerization of the silicate network as well as the glass composition impacted the alteration rates and depleted depths of alkalis and earth-alkalis elements. Yet the rate of hydrolysis measured from the release of Si, remained similar under identical alteration conditions, whatever the glass structure and composition. For lead crystal glass, repolymerization of the silicate network was observed in the course of alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic additive monomer, is among the most highly produced chemicals worldwide, and is broadly used in many industries, such as food and beverage containers, milk bottles, and paper products. Previous studies demonstrated that BPA has potential toxicity to aquatic organisms, causing endocrine disturbance and behavioural disorders. The current work aimed to determine the toxic impacts of BPA on the edible marine clam Ruditapes decussatus considering a multi-biomarker approach (mortality, biochemical studies, DNA strand breaks using comet assay, and histopathological examinations with semi-quantitative and quantitative histopathological analyses). The clams were exposed under laboratory conditions to three concentrations of BPA (0 "control", 1, and 5 µg/L) for a period of 21 days. After the exposure period, BPA impacts were assessed in the digestive gland as a versatile and environmentally relevant organ for ecotoxicological studies. Results: In BPA-treated clams, mortality (10%) occurred only at the highest BPA concentration (5 µg/L). Biochemical impairments were detected in a concentration-dependent manner as a consequence of BPA exposure. There were significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, while catalase (CAT) activity was significantly reduced. Our results revealed that BPA induced neurotoxicity in R. decussatus, as evidenced by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, DNA damage was strongly induced as BPA levels increased. Additionally, our results have been affirmed by alterations in digestive gland tissues at BPA treatments, which consequently can impair the clam's ability for food absorption; these alterations included mainly atrophic and necrotic digestive tubules, epithelial cell vacuolization, hemocyte infiltration, and intertubular fibrosis. Based on the data obtained from the semi-quantitative and quantitative histopathological analyses, the exposure of the clam's digestive gland to BPA with concentrations of 1 and 5 µg/L for 21 days showed significant histopathological alterations compared with the control clams. Conclusion: The multi-biomarker approach used in the current study proved to be a useful tool for assessing the impact of diphenylmethane compounds, such as BPA. Water-borne BPA causes oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and deleterious effects on the clam digestive gland; all of these could deteriorate clam performance and health, causing tissue dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor and poses serious threats to human health, and widespread concern has been raised regarding its effective removal from the environment. In this work, an eco-friendly surface molecularly imprinted composite (MIL-100(Fe)@MIP) was successfully fabricated in the green solvent of water and further achieved the fast and effective removal of BPA. The maximum adsorption capacity of BPA bound to MIL-100(Fe)@MIP was 15.45 mg g−1, and the adsorption behavior was adequately described with the Langmuir model. MIL-100(Fe)@MIP acquired fast adsorption of BPA, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity achieved 95% within 10 min. The adsorption process better matches the pseudo-second-order model. As a solid phase sorbent, MIL-100(Fe)@MIP was successfully applied to rapidly and efficiently remove BPA from five real samples, which included disposable food containers, canned yellow peach, orange juice, soybean milk and teabags, and the recoveries ranged from 80.67% to 100.58%. Furthermore, MIL-100(Fe)@MIP exhibited excellent reusability for 20 cycles. Hence, the developed MIL-100(Fe)@MIP is an eco-friendly and promising adsorbent that can effectively and rapidly remove BPA from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting on the experience of curating Veronica Ryan's work for the 2021 exhibition Life Support: Forms of Care in Art and Activism at Glasgow Women's Library, this essay contextualizes the artist's recent sculptures in relation to the theories, philosophies, and ethics of care that have recently gained increasing prominence in artistic and curatorial practice. Drawing on the philosopher Virginia Held's understanding of care as inherently intersubjective, it proposes that Ryan's sculptures model a comparable understanding of caring relations through their associative yet ultimately elusive operations. Ryan is recognized for her use of abstracted organic forms, particularly seeds, pods, husks, and fruits. Since moving to New York from Britain in 1990 and developing a career between the two countries, Ryan has engaged with industrial and mass-produced receptacles, molds, and packing materials, an interest which has expanded to include fishing wire, plastic bottles, and take-away food containers, alongside textiles. Yet, although many of these elements remain identifiable, the resulting works delight in category confusion between organic and prefabricated, instigating uncanny textural effects that engender perceptual uncertainty. Their chains of allusion resist singular, fixed meanings, generating a continual back and forth of association and dissociation that constitutes a sustained meditation on care's relational complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is centered on improving the mechanical and barrier characteristics of cellulose nanofibril films for food packaging applications. The goal was to induce fibril orientation, which was achieved by fabricating CNF films via an auto-dynamic sheet former (ADSF) at varying wire speeds, and varying CNF suspension solid contents. The wet-laid films were then dried using restrained (Z_Z shrinkage) and non-restrained (XY_Z) methods. Z_Z films demonstrated higher strength compared to XY_Z films at wire speeds of 1000 m/min and 1100 m/min. Films produced at 1100 m/min demonstrated the best oxygen barrier properties, irrespective of the drying technique employed. For 1100 m/min 0.1 wt.% films, the oxygen permeability values were decreased by 51.7% for the Z_Z shrinkage drying method and 40.3% for the XY_Z shrinkage drying method when compared to 900 m/min 0.1 wt.% films. The orientation of the film was assessed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). However, these methods seemed to be limited to specific instances, as only a small area of the film could be imaged which did not provide a comprehensive indication of the overall alignment of the film, likely due to averaging of film's response to these techniques caused by their multi-layer structure. Future research could delve deeper into producing oxygen barrier packaging materials using similar formulations in a paper-forming machine. Additionally, a potential future study could explore depositing an aligned CNF layer directly onto the paper substrate to form sustainable food containers made of paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to busy schedules and a lack of tracking of food that is stored, a lot of food is wasted every day in households. According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021, India's household food waste amounts to 50 kg per person per year, or over 68 million tons. In 2023, India would have produced over 68 million tons of food waste. Food waste is rising quickly every year. The following variables will affect food loss and waste (FLW) at the consumer level: improper food storage, including not using it before it goes bad. Partially used ingredients, preparing meals beyond necessity, and poor visibility of food in freezers are the main causes of food spoiling at home. According to data from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), one-third of India's food is wasted or spoils before it is eaten. This can be minimized by tracking food in smart containers, which work for both packed and unpacked food. This can be used with or without a refrigerator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral and dental hygiene plays an important role in the health and well-being of our bodies. Failure to take basic oral and dental hygiene measures not only damages the health of teeth and gums, but can also significantly increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax are reported to be anaerobic parasites found in the human mouth. These parasites are transmitted through saliva, contaminated food containers, drinking water, and/or other utensils. Since the observance of personal hygiene and discipline in taking care of oral and dental health is less in children and this affects their performance in school and their future success, we aimed to evaluate a parasitological and molecular survey of E. gingivalis and T. tenax among children (2 to 15 years) in Lorestan Province, in western Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2021 to October 2022 on 660 children (aged 2-15 years) referred to health centers of Lorestan Province, Iran. The total prevalence of the parasites was 108 (16.4%) and 117 (17.7%) by microscopy and PCR, respectively. No significant association was reported among age (P=0.716), gender (P=0.289), parental education (P=0.812), tooth brushing (P=0.170), and prevalence of these parasites in children. Conversely, a significant association was reported between settling in rural areas (P=0.002), mouthwash (P=0.001), and the prevalence of these parasites in children. By multivariate test, settling in rural districts (P=0.007) and mouthwash (P<0.001) were considerably associated with the rate of these parasites. We found a significant prevalence of these parasites in children in Lorestan Province, western Iran, indicating that dentists as well as children's parents should pay special attention to oral health strategies in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical- bisphenols, which are used commonly in food containers and drinking water pipes in Europe, is above acceptable health and safety levels, according to updated research data. In order to evaluate the most abundant potential migrants in canned sweetened beverages marketed in Poland, we performed the HPLC-MS screening test of the migrants present in the can coating material. The analyzed samples represented the three top-ranked companies of the global soft drink market; it is reasonable to assume that the obtained data are of global validity. The tested can coatings and beverages contained bisphenols conjugates such as five butoxyethanol (BuOEtOH) adducts with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), one butoxyethanol adduct with bisphenol A monoglycidyl ether (BAMGE), and cyclo-di-BADGE. The performed HPLC-MS/MS analysis in the MRM mode enabled evaluation of the concentrations of the detected conjugates in canned beverages which were found to be very low, namely at the level of 1 µg/L. On the other hand, the high consumption of canned beverages may yield a risk associated with the presence of these compounds in the diet. The subsequent HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS experiments allowed, for the first time, a detailed determination of the fragmentation pathways of the detected migrants as well as detection of the isomers of the two migrants, namely BADGE + BuOEtOH and BADGE + BuOEtOH + HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) faces vulnerability primarily due to unregulated fishing, resource overexploitation, and habitat degradation. Consequently, individuals maintained under human care play a pivotal role in species conservation, particularly when their welfare is prioritized. Achieving optimal welfare in aquarium settings relies heavily on effective management practices, notably environmental enrichment. However, research on the efficacy of such techniques for cownose rays remains limited. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the impact of various food enrichment items on the behavior of four individuals at the São Paulo Aquarium in Brazil. The project encompassed three phases: baseline, enrichment, and post-enrichment. Enrichment items, designed to mimic the species' natural foraging behavior, included an ice block containing food, food hidden in vegetables fixed to structures at the bottom of the tank, a tray with substrate and food, and a perforated plastic container with food inside. Behavioral observations utilized focal sampling with instantaneous recording every minute. Results showed increased foraging activity in the post-enrichment phase, whereas swimming increased and following behaviors decreased during the enrichment phase. Additionally, foraging behaviors predominantly occurred near the aquarium bottom. Overall, findings suggest that enrichment items effectively stimulated natural behaviors in cownose rays and were very attractive to the fish, advocating for their integration into species management protocols to enhance welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product–service systems (PSS) have the potential to align businesses' financial incentives with environmental objectives. Conceptual and qualitative research on non‐ownership consumption suggests that such offerings benefit from dense local networks, which motivate system adoption and use. However, geographic network effects and their magnitude have not been examined with field data capturing revealed behavior. This paper leverages a large field dataset from a system for reusable take‐out food containers to evaluate the effect of increased geographic network density of participating restaurants on (a) the acquisition of new users and (b) the frequency of system use. Based on fixed effects Poisson panel models, this paper finds statistically significant and practically meaningful positive effects of increased geographic network density on acquiring new users. Notably, marginal effects of increased geographic network density on user acquisition diminish as networks get denser. In terms of frequency of use, no significant effects of geographic network density are identified. These results contribute to the literature on non‐ownership consumption by presenting nuanced field evidence of indirect, cross‐side network effects in PSS. Furthermore, findings encourage businesses and policymakers to promote PSS with dense local networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a sustained engagement with The Precarious Life of the Parol, an installation art exhibition by the Filipinx artist Diane Williams, this essay theorizes "brown gathering": a quotidian practice of archiving that mobilizes the kinship networks of minoritarian subjects as an affective and circulatory infrastructure of collecting, preserving, and (re)signifying the objects of brown life. Brown gathering simultaneously attests to the intimacies of state violence and the practices of minoritarian subjects. In Parol, named after a Filipinx Christmas ornament of Spanish and native origin, Williams turns toward this curatorial practice of making art with trash objects as a way to reckon with the archival absences of Philippine history. This investigation of Williams's pieces, all made from trash objects that her family donated to her, concerns three categories: skeletal frames (wood and wire), used to explore archives of excess and mess; plastics, used to speak about the temporality of diaspora; and discarded food containers (SPAM cans and sauce mixes), used to theorize the politics of the brown body. These objects, like the brown subjects that signify them, are testaments to the ongoing plunder of empire and to what empire jettisons around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Steviosides extracted from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana are increasingly used in the food industry as natural low-calorie sweeteners. Phthalates in food are often assumed to arise from food containers or packaging materials. Here, experiments were carried out to identify the potential sources of DMP, DBP, DIBP, and DEHP in the leaves of stevioside through investigation of their content in native stevioside tissues, soils, and associated agronomic materials. The results show that phthalate contamination was present in all the samples tested, and the influence of regional factors at the provincial level on the content of plasticizers in stevia leaves was not significant. Phthalates in stevia leaves can be absorbed into the plant body through leaves and roots. Using resin removal, the phthalate content in stevioside glycosides was reduced to less than 0.05 ppm, and some indicators were far lower than the limit standard in EU food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), an acknowledged endocrine disrupter, is easily exposed to humans via food packaging and container. However, a consensus has not been reached on the extent to which BPA exposure affects the reproductive system. We therefore conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the relationship between BPA exposure and male reproduction-related indicators. Up to October 2023, a comprehensive search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, and 18 studies were ultimately included. β coefficients from multivariate linear regression analyses were pooled using a random effects model. The results showed that the urinary BPA concentration was negatively correlated with the sperm concentration (β coefficient = −0.03; 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.01; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.003) and total sperm count (β coefficient = −0.05; 95% CI: −0.08 to −0.02; I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001). In addition, BPA concentrations were associated with increased sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, increased estradiol (E2) levels, and reduced biologically active androgen levels. However, the relationship between an increased risk of below-reference sperm quality and BPA exposure was not robust. This systematic review revealed that BPA exposure disrupts reproductive hormones, reduces sperm counts and may ultimately adversely affect male reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important endocrine disrupting compound, has infiltrated human daily lives through electronic devices, food containers, and children's toys. Developing of novel BPA assay methods with high sensitivity holds tremendous importance in valuing the pollution state. Here, we constructed an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for BPA determination by regulating photoactivities of CdS/Ni-based metal–organic framework (CdS/Ni-MOF) with [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ sensitizer. CdS/Ni-MOF spheres exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, serving as a potential sensing platform for the construction of target recognition process. [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ were embedded into DNA double-stranded structure, functioning as sensitizer for modulating the signal response of the developed PEC aptasensor. The proposed PEC sensor exhibited outstanding analytical performances, including a wide linear range (0.1 to 1000.0 nM), low detection limit (0.026 nM, at 3σ/m), excellent selectivity, and high stability. This work provides a perspective for the design of ideal photosensitive materials and signal amplification strategies and extends their application in environment analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, petrochemical plastics dominate the food service industry due to their good mechanical properties and barrier against heat, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. This widespread use is not only harmful to humans but also to the ecosystem as synthetic plastics disrupt ecological balance and deplete petroleum-based oil resources. Researchers and manufacturers are continuously addressing this problem by developing bio-based alternatives that provide numerous advantages including structural flexibility, biodegradability, and effective barrier properties. However, the high cost of production and unavailability of equipment for batch processing impede the potential for widespread manufacturing. Natural fibers mixed with bio-based adhesives derived from plants provide one of the biggest potential sources of bio-based materials for the food container industry. Not only does this address the issue of high raw material cost but it also has the potential to become sustainable once processing steps have been optimized. In this review, the current findings of several research related to the production of bio-based disposable food containers, packaging, and composites made from bio-based materials and bio-based adhesives are critically discussed. Several properties and characteristics important to the production of food service containers and primary packaging, as well as the existing challenges and future perspectives, are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses common student misconceptions about volume and capacity, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these concepts. It highlights the importance of hands-on activities to develop conceptual understanding and differentiate between volume and capacity. The text also delves into the historical context of volume measurement units and the significance of understanding units in measurement. Practical examples and activities are provided to enhance learning and address misconceptions effectively. [Extracted from the article]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disruptive chemical that is widely utilized in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin, which are used to make a wide range of consumer products, food and drink containers, and medical equipment. When the potential risk of BPA emerged, it was substituted by allegedly less harmful substitutes such as bisphenols S, F, B, and AF. However, evidence suggests that all bisphenols can have endocrine-disruptive effects, while the extent of these effects is unknown. This study aimed to determine effect of BPA, BPAF, BPB, BPF, and BPS on viability and steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line in vitro. The cytotoxicity of bisphenols was shown to be considerable at higher doses. However, at low concentrations, it improved viability as well as steroid hormone secretion, indicating that bisphenols have a biphasic, hormetic effect in biological systems. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that bisphenols selectively inhibit some steroidogenic enzymes. These findings suggest that bisphenols have the potential to disrupt cellular steroidogenesis in humans, but substantially more detailed and systematic research is needed to gain a better understanding of the risks associated with bisphenols and their endocrine-disrupting effect on humans and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everyday experiences suggest that a container, such as a box of cereal, can convey pertinent information about the nature and quantity of its content. This study investigated how well people can judge large quantities of objects in a container through haptic perception. Stimuli consisted of plastic drinking straws cut to "small" (1.5 cm) or "big" (4.5 cm) pieces contained in plastic food containers. Participants performed both a magnitude estimation of the number of objects and a direct estimation of the proportion of the container perceived to be filled with objects. Overall, participants demonstrated considerable accuracy for both tasks and irrespective of the size of the content. Post-experiment interviews revealed three potential strategies. Participants either focused on the container's contents, the excess space in the container, or the perceived weight of the container (content). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Active plant ingredients have been successfully used in modern medicine to control appetite and energy hemostasis. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MJ) on food-related behaviors in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into different groups (7 rats) and infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with MJ vehicle (DMSO) or MJ (2.5, 5 and 10 µg/rat). Then, the individual rats were placed in an automated open field-like apparatus to assess a 12-h food-related activity in light and dark times. After behavioral tests, immunofluorescence staining of the orexin 1 receptor (Orx1R) was studied in the hypothalamus of rats. Results: MJ (2.5, 5, and 10 µg/rat) administration significantly decreased food intake in the light and dark phases compared with the control group. Moreover, all the MJ-treated groups exhibited a decrease in visits to food containers at the light and dark times (p < 0.001). In addition, rats infused with MJ at 5 µg and 10 µg spent less time in the ports of food containers in the light and dark phases in comparison with control rats. Time in zonerelated to food and locomotor activity was significantly decreased in the MJ (5 µg) groups during the light time and in all MJ-injected groups in the dark time. Moreover, hypothalamic expression of Orx1R in rats treated with MJ (5 µg) was significantly lower as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Overall, the results indicated the potential of MJ to modulate feeding-related behavior and Orx1R expression in the hypothalamus of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigates the escalating consumption of take-out food in India and the associated health risks stemming from the extensive use of plastic packaging. Through a comprehensive nationwide online survey, the study delved into dietary preferences, frequency of take-out food consumption, delivery service timing, and the types of packaging commonly encountered by Indian consumers. To address these concerns, the research team developed an analytical method to detect Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalic acid migration from food-contact materials (FCMs) into various food simulants. The investigation revealed that prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures led to increased migration of BPA and Phthalic acid, particularly in polyethylene pouches using 3% acetic acid as a food simulant, with the highest concentrations observed after 45 minutes of exposure. Additionally, a microbial bioassay demonstrated the mutagenic potential of migrated plasticizers, showcasing significant effects in mammalian systems, particularly under metabolic activation. The study underscores the substantial health risks associated with plastic packaging in take-out food, emphasizing potential implications for consumer health and calling for more extensive research and considerations regarding food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) has been reported intensively worldwide in the recent decade. A trend of reports indicated their presence in the atmosphere; food items and soil ecosystems are rising continuously. Literature evidenced that MPs are abundant in seawater, beach sand, drinking water, agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, and the atmosphere. The greater abundance of MPs in the environment has led to their invasion of seafood, human-consumed food items such as table salts, beverages, takeout food containers, and disposable cups, marine biological lives, and creating serious health hazards in humans. Moreover, the absence of guidelines and specifications for controlling MPs in the environment makes the situation alarming, and the human toxicity data of MPs is scarce. Thereby, the toxicity assessment of MPs in humans is of greater concern. This review compiles the updated information on the potential sources of MPs in different components of the environment (viz. soil, water, and air), their analysis methods, effects on human health, and remediation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradable biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) has been used in the recent past in single-use packaging as a suitable replacement for non-biodegradable fossil fuel-based plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Under FDA and EU regulations, lactic acid (LA), the building block of PLA, is considered safe to use as a food contact material. The mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of PLA are, however, major challenges for this material. PLA is a brittle material with a Young's modulus of 2996–3750 MPa and an elongation at break of 1.3–7%. PLA has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 60 °C, exhibiting structural distortion at this temperature. The water permeability of PLA can lead to hydrolytic degradation of the material. These properties can be improved with biopolymer blending and composites. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), for instance, increases the thermal stability of PLA while decreasing the water permeability by up to 59%. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common plastics in reusable food containers. This study will compare PLA-based blends and composites to the currently used PP as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. The end-of-life options for PLA-based food containers are considered, as is the commercial cost of replacing PP with PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) widely recognized as an endocrine disruptor can induce serious threats to human health such as sexual anomalies and cancer. Unfortunately, BPA has been increasingly used since 1950s; specifically during the manufacturing of polycarbonates and plastics such as food containers and water bottles. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop low‐cost, simple, portable and sensitive sensors for in‐situ detection of this contaminant in food and water. The combination of nanostructured carbon materials and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles can result in materials with unique physicochemical properties as well as excellent catalytic behaviors. Herein, we propose a smartphone‐assisted electrochemical sensor based on the combination of Mg0.5Co2.5(PO4)2 and carbon black (CB) modified screen‐printed electrode (SPE) for a rapid and sensitive determination of BPA. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of Mg0.5Co2.5(PO4)2/CB nanocomposite on SPE surface. Very low oxidation potential of BPA was observed during the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) experiments at 0.16 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The sensor revealed two‐step linear response from 0.5–6.5 μm and from 16.5–100 μm with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.15 μm. A good reproducibility, excellent stability, and high interference‐free ability were obtained. Furthermore, the developed sensor showed satisfactory recoveries for BPA detection in real water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]