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Plastic pollution is the challenging problem of the world due to usage of plastic in daily life. Plastic is essential for packaging food and other goods and utensils to avoid the risk of microbial attack. Due to its hydrophobic nature, it is used for wrapping as laminates or packaging liquid substances in pouches and sachets. The tensile strength of the plastic is more therefore it is used for manufacturing carrying bags that can bear heavy loads. Plastic is available in various forms as per the requirements in our daily life. Annually millions to trillions of polyethene carry bags are being manufactured and utilized throughout the world. The plastic requires millions of years for natural degradation. The physical and chemical processes are able to degrade plastic material at the meager level by 200 to 500 years in natural conditions. Many industries focus on recycling of plastic. Biodegradation is a comparatively slow and cheaper process that involves microbes. To dispose of plastic completely there is a need of an integrated process in which all the possible methods of disposal are involved and used sustainably so that minimum depletion occurs to the livestock and the environment. In the current review, we could try to emphasize the intricate nature of plastic polymers, pollution caused by it and possible mitigation strategies for plastic waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earth is drowning in plastic waste. Yet, as the plastic waste crisis grows exponentially, responses to excess waste remain stuck around containment and management processes. These approaches fail to notice that plastics know no boundaries. We now encounter plastic rocks, plastic water, plastic bodies, plastic worlds spilling into oceans and rivers and across landscapes. Responding to the complexity of plastic's unruly presence demands careful attention both globally and within situated local contexts. This article explores how the queer synthetic curriculum takes up the concept of excess through common worlding waste pedagogies to attend to children's relations with plastic waste. We speculate with the idea of excess by making large amounts of plastic the main protagonist in an early childhood classroom. Disrupting waste management's metaphors of distance, we exaggerate plastic's presence: a plastic whale stomach is stuffed with plastic bottles, dozens of bottles hang from the ceiling, hundreds of bottles are strewn across the classroom floor, and crochet hooks turn out plastic yarn balls. Without claiming to develop children's understanding of the problematic nature of waste, this article stories moments of excess that might provoke subjective transformations as children encounter excess in their daily lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that is evolving rapidly and is changing the world and medicine as we know it. After reviewing the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews, there is no article related to this topic in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective of this article was to review the literature regarding AI applications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. A systematic review of the literature about AI in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery using the following keywords: Artificial Intelligence, robotics, plastic surgery procedures, and surgery plastic and the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, BVS, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were articles about AI in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Articles written in a language other than English and Spanish were excluded. In total, 17 articles about AI in facial plastic met the inclusion criteria; after eliminating the duplicated papers and applying the exclusion criteria, these articles were reviewed thoroughly. The leading type of AI used in these articles was computer vision, explicitly using models of convolutional neural networks to objectively compare the preoperative with the postoperative state in multiple interventions such as facial lifting and facial transgender surgery. In conclusion, AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and it could significantly impact the treatment of patients in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Legislation and regulations are developing slower than this technology. It is imperative to learn about this topic as soon as possible and that all stakeholders proactively promote discussions about ethical and regulatory dilemmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Finance Letters / Maliye Finans Yazıları Dergisi is the property of Maliye Finans Yazilari Yayimcilik Ltd. 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.)

Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge. In this study, the strain Enterobacter cloacae O5-E, a bacterium displaying polyethylene-degrading capabilities was isolated. Over a span of 30 days, analytical techniques including x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, hardness testing and mass spectrometric analysis were employed to examine alterations in the polymer. Results revealed an 11.48% reduction in crystallinity, a 50% decrease in hardness, and a substantial 25-fold increase in surface roughness resulting from the pits and cracks introduced in the polymer by the isolate. Additionally, the presence of degradational by-products revealed via gas chromatography ascertains the steady progression of degradation. Further, recognizing the pivotal role of alkane monooxygenase in plastic degradation, the study expanded to detect this enzyme in the isolate molecularly. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the enzyme's affinity with various polymers, demonstrating notable binding capability with most polymers, especially with polyurethane (− 5.47 kcal/mol). These findings highlight the biodegradation potential of Enterobacter cloacae O5-E and the crucial involvement of alkane monooxygenase in the initial steps of the degradation process, offering a promising avenue to address the global plastic pollution crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste is an environmental issue owing to its increasing amount. The type of waste that is currently an important problem is plastic waste, which can endanger living things and the environment. This study aimed to analyze the community participation factors that affect waste management. This study used interview methods and completed questionnaires from as many as 50 respondents in Baleendah District, West Java Province. The collected data were analyzed using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method with the approach of several latent variables, each of which was equipped with indicators. The PLS-SEM model was evaluated using the Outer Model and Inner Models. The results showed that, in the measurement model, all indicators were valid and reliable for measuring the constructed construct. In the structural model of the results of hypothesis testing with the bootstrapping method, it can be concluded that the variables of External Factors and Waste Management significantly affect the variables of Waste Management; the variable of Waste Management significantly affects the variable Impact of Waste Management, while the variable of Waste Reduction insignificantly affects the variable of Waste Management. The results of this study can be used as recommendations for implementing strategies to increase community participation in plastic waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Copyright of Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

The problem addressed in this article focuses on the management of plastic waste, which has experienced a significant increase in recent years, posing challenges in its management and recycling. In addition, the concentration of microplastics in water and their impact on health and the food chain is highlighted. The proposed solution consists of developing a mechatronic system for sorting plastic and metal bottles using capacitive and inductive sensors, respectively. The system demonstrated efficiency in tests, achieving 100% sorting for plastic and metal bottles. The need for bottles to be properly positioned for optimal performance was identified. This work highlights the importance of automation in mechatronic systems and the effectiveness of capacitive and inductive sensors in sorting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unknown etiology. Background: Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive, benign, odontogenic tumor. Reports suggest that the chances of recurrence of this tumor are high if treated with a conservative approach. Concordantly, surgical removal of the lesion along with the affected adjacent tissues and bone structure is recommended to reduce the chances of recurrence. Post-surgical prosthetic rehabilitation is advised to improve speech, mastication, and aesthetic appearance. This case report highlights the treatment and reconstruction challenges that maxillofacial surgeons and their teams face in managing cases of large ameloblastoma. Case Report: A 41-year-old Sudani man was referred for the management of a large ameloblastoma associated with the left border of the mandible. Management consisted of surgical removal of the affected mandible along with prosthetically preserving the mandible with grafts and screws. Histopathological, computed tomography, and incisional biopsy evaluation confirmed the presence of ameloblastoma. Postoperatively, no complications were reported. Six months postoperatively, no sign of recurrence was seen. The patient was referred to a surgeon for placement of an endosseous implant. Conclusions: When dealing with large ameloblastoma, an interdisciplinary dental team is essential for improving the treatment results. This case highlights the importance of precise and timely primary care diagnosis and a collaborative approach to treatment. By embracing advancements in digital technologies, surgeons can enhance functional and aesthetic results, improving long-term quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a rare and intricate hereditary disease. The appearance and functional deformity of the forehead caused by thickened folds are the main clinical manifestations of patients with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The cause of this disease is still unknown. Currently, surgical treatment has become one of the best strategies, mainly for improving the appearance of the forehead. There has been no literature report on the use of "W"-shaped skin flap resection for thickened forehead skin in patients with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Methods: All cases of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in our department in the last 7 years, and previous literature on hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, were reviewed. Results: A total of 5 cases of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in our department (mean age 21 years, all male patients) were reviewed. All patients underwent open surgery to remove the thickened skin on the forehead or the wrinkles and gyrus-shaped scalp. The jagged skin tissue was removed (8–9) cm × (1–2.5) cm × 0.5 cm. The folds and thickness of the frontal skin of the patients were greatly improved after the operation. Patient satisfaction with the treatment outcomes was unanimous. However, one case experienced a postoperative wound infection during follow-up. The utilization of the "W"-shaped excision technique allowed for the maximal removal of excessively diseased tissue, thereby facilitating a smoother resolution of the depression. Conclusions: A total of 5 cases of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy were treated in our department, and all of them underwent frontal skin "W"-shaped excision, which was safe, feasible, and practical, and the postoperative results were satisfactory. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the traditional surface irrigation system of Vega Baja del Segura (Spain), large amounts of floating waste accumulate at certain points of the river, irrigation channels and drainage ditches, causing malfunctioning of the irrigation network and rising social problems related to the origins of waste. This work proposes a standardized and quick methodology to characterize the floating waste to detect changes in its amount and components. A dataset was created with 477 images of floating plastic items in different environments and was used for training an algorithm based on YOLOv5s. The mean Average Precision of the trained algorithm was 96.9%, and the detection speed was 81.7 ms. Overhead photographs were taken with an unmanned aerial vehicle at strategic points of the river and channels, and its automatic count of floating objects was compared with their manual count. Both methods showed good agreement, confirming that water bottles were the most abundant (95%) type of floating waste. The automatic count reduced the required time and eliminated human bias in image analysis of the floating waste. This procedure can be used to test the reach of corrective measures implemented by local authorities to prevent floating waste in the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBiodegradation of plastic is the most eco-friendly degradation process conferred by various microbial enzymes, especially the lipase enzymes. The lipase enzymes depict a broad substrate range, high regio/stereoselectivity, and stability in organic solvents. However, enhancing the catalytic activity of lipases for industrial production remains a challenge, predominantly due to the need for their extensive mechanistic characterization. Here, we employed a multidisciplinary approach to illustrate the comprehensive physiochemical and mechanical properties of 102 lipase sequences from six different groups of plastic-degrading microorganisms. Molecular docking-based evaluation of the binding efficiencies of selected lipases with the most common plastic polymers- polyurethane (PUR) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), revealed that the archaeal lipase had the lowest binding energy of −7.1 kcal/mol with PET. Remarkably, the molecular dynamic simulation studies (up to 100 ns) and very low RMSD (0.3 nm) and RMSF (0.25 nm) values further ascertained the stability of archaeal lipase after binding with PET polymer. Further, a 2.19 nm radius of gyration (Rg) within 100 ns simulation time, binding free energy ΔGTOTAL with −24.36 kcal/mol and entropy factor -TΔS 7.65 kcal/mol also indicated strong binding of archaeal lipase with PET polymer. The mechanistic exploration of archaeal lipase yielded valuable insights into its effective binding with PET polymer, paving the way for future lipase enzyme engineering and harnessing its industrial potential for plastic biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic is a material that is often used as a storage medium, equipment and also furniture to support human activities, but plastic is not easily broken down by the environment. Bioplastic technology is one of the efforts made to address the problem of plastic packaging which can pollute the environment. Environmentally friendly plates, bioplastic products made from tapioca, glycerol and sugar cane bagasse. This research aims to determine the effect of variations in the size of bagasse on tensile strength, elongation at break, water resistance and biodegradability of environmentally friendly plates and to obtain the best formulation of varying sizes of bagasse as raw material for making environmentally friendly plates. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor, namely variation in the size of the bagasse. The results of this research show that there is a real influence between tensile strength, water resistance and biodegradability, however, in the elongation test, variations in bagasse did not have a significant effect. Tensile strength values range from 20.00 N/mm2 to 47.72 N/mm2. The largest elongation value is 4.08%. The highest water resistance is at room temperature, namely 88.86% with a degree of curvature of 16° and in water with a temperature of 60°C, namely 85.02% with a degree of curvature of 18.75°. Variations in the size of bagasse also affect the biodegradability of environmentally friendly plates which ranges from 11.77% to 14.65%. The best treatment is a sample with a variety of bagasse sizes of 60 mesh, because it has high strength compared to other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing great threats to biota and human health. In this work, we provide an overview of the progress made in understanding microplastic prevalence in tropical coastal environments, focusing on the Johor and the Singapore Straits as a case study. We examine the sources, distribution, transport, and ecological impact of microplastic pollution in this region through a systematic review. All papers relating to marine microplastics in Singapore's sand and benthic sediments, seawater, and marine biota were used for analysis, from 2004 to 2023. In addition, we discuss the influence of envi-ronmental factors such as coastal morphology and anthropogenic activities on patterns of microplastic accumulation. We emphasize that microplastic pollution is more prevalent along the eutrophic Johor Strait compared to the Singapore Strait due to hydrological conditions. Rainfall is also a key factor that influences mi-croplastic abundance during the monsoon seasons. Furthermore, the bacterial and plankton assemblages of organisms on microplastic surfaces are diverse, with eutrophic waters enhancing the diversity of organisms on microplastic surfaces. Novel harmful cyanobacteria and bloom species of phytoplankton were also found on microplastic surfaces. By synthesizing existing research findings and highlighting regional characteristics, this paper contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racialized stereotyping and derogatory (self-)labelling of Pasifika young peoples in Australia as intellectually ungifted, unsophisticated and lazy impact greatly upon their sense of self-worth and belonging. This is supported by the overrepresentation of Pasifika in youth justice systems and high suicide rates among this demographic, despite Pasifika peoples forming less than a few percent of Australia's population. This research focuses mainly on South-east Queensland and builds upon an earlier study which demonstrated that Pasifika young peoples in the region foster a sense of belonging through the formation of dynamic, multicultural identities and spaces of belonging (Durham et al. 2022). Drawing from talanoa with 30 Pasifika youth participants (16–24 years) and a series of group activities and writing circles led by the authors, we examine the layered and complex conceptualisations and usage of two common social labels, 'FOB' ('Fresh of the Boat') and 'plastic'. We argue that while these social labels predominantly reinforce derogatory stereotypes and racial discourses, some Pasifika peoples have been able to find empowerment through 'owning' or reclaiming these labels and by capitalising on their cultural differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Marine & Coastal Science is the property of Universitas Airlangga 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.)

(1) The enactment of Sub-Decree No. 113/2015 on Solid Waste Management marked a significant policy shift towards the decentralisation of waste management in Cambodia and some progress has been observed in Phnom Penh and some other large cities and tourist destinations. However, information in rural areas is lacking. Rapid and simple waste assessment methodologies are needed in rural areas where waste data is scarce and different waste management measures are required compared to urban areas. This study aimed to fill the information gap on the status and fate of municipal solid waste management in rural areas by focusing on three underrepresented cities in different geographical areas through empirical studies. (2) Rapid waste assessments, including waste composition analysis, truck scaling, waste recovery surveys, waste flow analysis, and waste hotspot surveys, were conducted. (3) The per capita waste generation averaged 0.44 kg/day, which is lower than the national average, but did not show significant differences between income levels. The waste composition was similar to that of urban areas, with plastics making up more than 20% of the waste. There were major contrasts in the waste collection rates, with one city having a high rate (85.9%) while the other two cities were as low as 22.6% and 24.2%, respectively. This suggests that rural cities in Cambodia are at different stages of transition in establishing their waste management systems after the decentralisation of waste management to municipalities. The main cause of the low waste collection rate was that private waste collectors were finding it difficult to collect service fees. In the absence of waste collection services, a total of 370 waste hotspots were identified outside of the waste collection areas, where littering and open burning of waste were common. (4) Addressing these challenges requires urgent development of sustainable financing mechanisms, enhanced institutional capacities, and implementation of targeted awareness-raising programmes. These measures are essential for providing basic waste collection and disposal services, as well as for curbing littering and open burning of waste in rural cities in Cambodia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme floods threaten lives, assets and ecosystems, with the largest impacts occurring in urbanised areas. However, flood mitigation schemes generally neglect the fact that urban floods carry a considerable amount of solid load. In this study, we define urban flood drifters (UFDs) as loose objects present in the urban landscape that can become mobile under certain flow conditions, thereafter blocking drainage infrastructure and endangering both downstream and upstream communities. Based on 270 post‐flood photographic records from 63 major inundations of the past quarter‐century across 46 countries, we provide a comprehensive analysis of UFDs and their flood‐hazard implications. We show that a variety of vehicles, furniture and a heterogeneous mixture of drifters are present in post‐flooding scenarios. Plastic, construction debris and wood (natural or anthropogenic) dominate the statistics of transported drifters in urban floods (with frequencies of roughly 50%–60% each), followed by cars (present in 31.5% of post‐flood images). Other heavy vehicles are readily observed in post‐flood imagery and furniture such as bins, garden sheds or water tanks also appear occasionally, therefore suggesting that they can play a relevant role in extreme floods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia y Educación (2707-3378) is the property of Duanys Miguel Pena Lopez 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.)

Sensor-based material flow monitoring allows for continuously high output qualities, through quality management and process control. The implementation in the waste management sector, however, is inhibited by the heterogeneity of waste and throughput fluctuations. In this study, challenges and possibilities of using different types of sensors in a lightweight packaging waste sorting plant are investigated. Three external sensors have been mounted on different positions in an Austrian sorting plant: one Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor for monitoring the volume flow and two near-infrared (NIR) sensors for measuring the pixel-based material composition and occupation density. Additionally, the data of an existing sensor-based sorter (SBS) were evaluated. To predict the newly introduced parameter material-specific occupation density (MSOD) of multi-coloured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preconcentrate, different machine learning models were evaluated. The results indicate that using SBS data for both monitoring of throughput fluctuations caused by different bag opener settings as well as monitoring the material composition is feasible, if the pre-set teach-in is suitable. The ridge regression model based on SBS was comparable (RMSE = 3.59 px%, R ² = 0.57) to the one based on NIR and LiDAR (RMSE = 3.1 px%, R ² = 0.68). The demonstrated feasibility of the implementation at plant scale highlights the opportunities of sensor-based material flow monitoring for the waste management sector and paves the way towards a more circular plastics economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined plastics and toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from various regions in Sri Lanka. Plastics were extracted using density separation, digested using wet peroxidation, and identified using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflection mode. Compost and plastics were acid-digested to quantify total Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations and analyzed for the bioavailable fraction using 0.01 M CaCl2. Notably, plastics were highly abundant in most compost samples. The main plastic types detected were polyethylene, polypropylene, and cellophane. However, the average Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn levels were 0.727, 60.78, 3.670, 25.44, 18.95, and 130.7 mg/kg, respectively, which are well below the recommended levels. Zn was the most bioavailable (2.476 mg/kg), and Cd was the least bioavailable (0.053 mg/kg) metal associated with compost. The Contamination factor data show that there is considerable enhancement of Cd and Cu, however, Cr, Cu, Co, and Pb are at low contamination levels. Mean geo accumulation index values were 1.39, 1.07, − 1.06, − 0.84, − 0.32, and 0.08 for Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn. Therefore, the contamination level of compost samples with Cd and Cu ranges from uncontaminated to contaminated levels, whereas Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn are at uncontaminated levels. Despite no direct metal-plastic correlation, plastics in compost could harm plants, animals, and humans due to ingestion. Hence, reducing plastic and metal contamination in compost is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have become a growing concern in the context of environmental pollution, with an increasing focus on their presence in indoor environments, including university facilities. This study investigates the presence and characteristics of MPs in different university indoor environments. Initial examination of indoor ambient MPs involved physical characterization through optical microscopy, focusing on classifying MPs by shape and color. Various types of MPs, including fibers, fragments, pellets, foams, films, and lines, were identified, with the most common colors being black, red, blue, and brown. Fragments were the predominant type of MPs found, although accurately quantifying their numbers proved challenging due to the dense sample content. These MPs displayed rough and irregular margins suggestive of abrasion. Subsequent chemical and elemental characterization was conducted using micro-Raman and SEM-EDX, revealing the presence of 25 different types of MPs, including PA 66, PTFE, PP, HDPE, and PE. The study indicates that university inhabitants are exposed to airborne MPs (≥ 2.5–336.89 μm) at inhalation rates of 13.88–18.51 MPs/m3 and 180–240 MPs daily. These MPs exhibited significant variations in size, and their distribution varied among the different indoor environments studied. SEM-EDX analysis revealed common elements in the identified MPs, with C, O, F, Na, Cl, Al, Si, and others consistently detected. This research is the first to comprehensively analyze MPs in nine different indoor university environments using active sampling. Identifying and reducing MP contamination in these facilities might stimulate more awareness, promote extensive scientific investigation, and facilitate the development of informed policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the utilization of agro‐residual corn‐cob biomass, waste plastic and the combination of both for pyrolysis reaction using thermal analysis. Circular bioeconomy is assured by closing all the resource materials loops through co‐pyrolysis process. The conversion profiles of corn cob pyrolysis at various heating rates reveal a three‐stage decomposition process, and plastic waste exhibits single stage degradation. Due to the interaction between the blended materials, additional degradation peaks arise during the co‐pyrolysis of waste plastic (PET bottles) and biomass (corn cobs). The apparent activation energy fluctuates in the range of 120–260 kJ/mol with the conversion, according to Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) kinetic methods. Notably, for co‐pyrolysis the apparent activation energy is lower (168 kJ/mol using FWO) than the individual biomass (179 kJ/mol using FWO) and plastic (175 kJ/mol using FWO), suggesting a positive synergistic effect during charring. The liquid crude and char product analysis from corn cob pyorlysis through FTIR and XRD confirms the application of the products in energy and chemical processes. The results obtained in this study can be utilized for co‐pyrolysis reactor analysis specifically using waste plastic bottles that are accumulating in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential rise in plastic debris in oceans poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity, including loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) due to their widespread distribution and feeding habits. The present study aimed to assess plastic ingestion in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles stranded in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Among the 312 turtles admitted to the Wildlife Recovery Center "La Tahonilla" from July 2018 to November 2020, bycatch (20.8%) and entanglement (15.4%) were the primary admission causes, with significantly higher strandings in the island's western region. Of these, 37 turtles (11.9%) had ingested plastic debris, totaling 546 pieces (average 14.59 ± 26.57 per turtle). Predominantly, filaments (44%), sheets (34%), and fragments (23%) were identified, with most being macroplastics (67%) in white or transparent colors. These findings, consistent with similar studies, underscore loggerhead sea turtles' role as bioindicators of sea water pollution. They also highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate plastic pollution in marine environments, preserve marine biodiversity, and achieve global sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global annual production of plastics and tires exceeds 6.5 billion tons, with only 10% being recycled, leading to significant environmental problems. Thermochemical gasification of these waste materials offers a potential avenue for producing renewable hydrogen while harnessing underutilized carbon-based waste streams. This review highlights the research on thermochemical conversion of plastics and tires, providing key inferences regarding yield optimization, technical hurdles, and techno-economic viability. It indicates that strategic catalyst design and optimized integrated system configurations can significantly improve the hydrogen yields from plastic and tire pyrolysis/gasification. The key results of this work are that catalyzed gasification reactions show the most potential for maximizing hydrogen yield from plastic and tire waste. The related studies demonstrated that catalysts like Ni, Fe and Ce-doped mixtures can significantly increase hydrogen yield from plastic waste pyrolysis and gasification by suppressing coke formation and promoting reforming/shift reactions. Optimization of temperature, steam ratio and residence time also improves yield. Feedstock synergies exhibiting multiple reaction pathways likewise maximize yield. Computational modeling plays a valuable role by providing mechanistic insights through equilibrium and kinetic simulations. Integrated gasification with carbon/methane reforming shows potential to improve efficiency and lower costs. Techno-economic analyses indicate plastic/tire gasification may achieve cost parity with steam methane reforming through optimized integrated designs incorporating heat recovery. Integrated processes combining multiple conversion steps could further boost efficiency but require additional modeling and testing. A deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms, achieved through advanced modeling approaches, coupled with comprehensive lifecycle analyses of integrated solutions, can pinpoint optimized processing conditions and system designs capable of matching or surpassing the economic and environmental performance of conventional fossil fuel-based hydrogen production. The recommendations provided aim to guide future research prioritization, facilitating the realization of the large-scale potential inherent in waste-derived renewable hydrogen pathways. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A large percentage of plastic is abandoned in the environment, reaching rivers and thus the sea. • Bioplastics have been introduced with the aim of partially replacing plastics and reduce pollution. • Test methods fail to establish a value for parameters to be met to define a substance as biodegradable. • Although biodegradable bioplastics are largely perceived to be a biodegradable material, a large amount is characterised by a widely varied degree of biodegradability. • The authors suggest including ecotoxic analysis of by-products in the presence of incomplete biodegradation. Bioplastics were first introduced as environmentally friendly materials, with properties similar to those of conventional plastics. A bioplastic is defined as biodegradable if it can be decomposed into carbon dioxide under aerobic degradation, or methane and CO 2 under anaerobic conditions, inorganic compounds, and new cellular biomass, by the action of naturally occurring microorganisms. This definition however does not provide any information on the environmental conditions, timescale and extent at which decomposition processes should occur. With regard to the aquatic environment, recognized standards have been established to assess the ability of plastics to undergo biodegradation; however, these standards fail to provide clear targets to be met to allow labelling of a bioplastic as biodegradable. Moreover, these standards grant the user an extensive leeway in the choice of process parameters. For these reasons, the comparison of results deriving from different studies is challenging. The authors analysed and discussed the degree of biodegradability of a series of biodegradable bioplastics in aquatic environments (both fresh and salt water) using the results obtained in the laboratory and from on-site testing in the context of different research studies. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), CO 2 evolution, surface erosion and weight loss were the main parameters used by researchers to describe the percentage of biodegradation. The results showed a large variability both in weight loss and BOD, even when evaluating the same type of bioplastics. This confirms the need for a reference range of values to be established with regard to parameters applied in defining the biodegradability of bioplastics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene is a plastic pollutant impacting marine life, calling for advanced remediation methods such as biodegradation. However, there is actually limited information on polyethylene-degrading bacteria in the marine environment. Here, we studied bacterial degradation of polyethylene and associated phthalates additives using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography and genomic and transcriptomic techniques. Results show that a deep-sea bacteria, Acinetobacter venetianus F1, can degrade 12.2% of polyethylene after 56 days, following the alkane metabolic pathway. Phthalates were also degraded via the metabolic pathways of benzoic acid and phthalic acid. This is first report of polyethylene-degrading bacteria from deep-sea environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process Lietpak (EU register number RECYC327), which uses the EREMA MPR technology. The input material is hot caustic washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, including no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are heated in a ■■■■■ reactor under vacuum. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the ■■■■■ decontamination (step 2), for which a challenge test was provided, is critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of this step are temperature, pressure and residence time. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food, derived from the exposure scenario for infants, when such recycled PET is used at up to 100%. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature or below, with or without hotfill. Articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave or conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraorbital foreign bodies (IOrFBs) are a significant cause of ocular morbidity. Although plastic IOrFBs are rare, the increasing use of plastic and polymer composites in motor vehicles will increase their prevalence. Although challenging to identify, plastic IOrFBs have unique radiographic characteristics. The authors describe a case of an 18-year-old man with a history of a motor vehicle accident and a left upper eyelid laceration. In retrospect, imaging suggested a plastic IOrFB, which was initially overlooked. A follow-up examination demonstrated persistent left upper lid ptosis with an underlying mass. Further work-up revealed a retained IOrFB, which was removed via anterior orbitotomy. Scanning electron microscopy of the material was consistent with a plastic polymer. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for IOrFBs in the correct clinical context, the need for increased awareness of plastic and polymer composite IOrFBs, and the use of diagnostic imaging for identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management has become a major concern due to the extensive use of commodity polymers. Nowadays, one of the most widely used commodity polymers is nonwoven PP. The extensive utilization of polypropylene produces a large amount of waste, making their upcycling and recycling the biggest challenge. This research aims to develop an economical nanocomposite by upcycling nonwoven waste for utilization in the automotive and electronic sectors. A two-step melt blending technique was used to prepare polypropylene waste/silica nanocomposites. The nanocomposites formed were characterized by their morphological, mechanical, thermal, rheological, chemical, and electrical properties. From the results, it was concluded that the optimum mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties were achieved for PP-01 formulation showing a 9.95% increase in heat deflection temperature, a 27.57% decrease in the rate of burning, a 5.4% increase in shore D hardness, 26.09% increase in flexural strength, 11.6% increase in melt flow index, and 66.25% increase in solvent resistance as compared to waste polypropylene. At the same time, the best electrical results were obtained at 0.5 wt.% with a 5.36% increase in the breakdown strength. The resistance value increases from 4.67 × 1012 Ω to 2 × 1013 Ω. The overall research shows that optimum mechanical and thermal properties were achieved at 1 wt.% so that the PP-01 formulation can be used effectively for automotive applications. In contrast, maximum electrical resistance was achieved at the PP-0.5 formulation so that this formulation could be effectively used for electrical insulation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution has been observed in various ecosystems as a result of the rapid increase in plastic production over the past half-century. Nevertheless, the extent of MP pollution in different ecosystems, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, has not been well-studied, and there are limited investigations on this particular topic, specifically in Türkiye. Here, we quantify the occurrence and distribution of MPs in surface water samples collected from Topçu Pond (Türkiye) for the first time. Water samples were collected at five stations and filtered (30 L for each station) through stacked stainless steel sieves (5 mm, 328 µm, and 61 µm mesh size) with a diameter of 30 cm. The abundance, size, color, shape, and type of collected debris samples were analyzed after the wet peroxide oxidation process. MP particles were observed in all samples at an average abundance of 2.4 MPs/L. The most abundant MP size class and type were 0–999 µm and fiber respectively. On the other hand, prevalent colors were black and colorless in general. According to the Raman analysis results, the identified MP derivatives were polypropylene (40%), polyamide (30%), ethylene acrylic acid (20%), and polyvinylchloride (10%). Moreover, the pollution load index (PLI) index was used to determine the pollution status. PLI values were determined as 1.91 at station S1, 1.73 at station S2, 1.31 at station S3, 1 at station S4 and 1.24 at station S5. The PLI value determined for the overall pond was 1.4. The results of this research show that MP pollution is present in Topçu Pond and contributes to the expanding literature on MP pollution in pond ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial composition across substrates in mangroves, particularly in the Middle East, remains unclear. This study characterized bacterial communities in sediment, water, Terebralia palustris snail guts, and plastic associated with Avicennia marina mangrove forests in two coastal lagoons in the Sea of Oman using 16S rDNA gene MiSeq sequencing. The genus Vibrio dominated all substrates except water. In the gut of snails, Vibrio is composed of 80–99% of all bacterial genera. The water samples showed a different pattern, with the genus Sunxiuqinia being dominant in both Sawadi (50.80%) and Qurum (49.29%) lagoons. There were significant differences in bacterial communities on different substrata, in particular plastic. Snail guts harbored the highest number of unique Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in both lagoons, accounting for 30.97% OTUs in Sawadi and 28.91% OTUs in Qurum, compared to other substrates. Plastic in the polluted Sawadi lagoon with low salinity harbored distinct genera such as Vibrio, Aestuariibacter, Zunongwangia, and Jeotgalibacillus, which were absent in the Qurum lagoon with higher salinity and lower pollution. Sawadi lagoon exhibited higher species diversity in sediment and plastic substrates, while Qurum lagoon demonstrated lower species diversity. The principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that environmental factors such as salinity, pH, and nutrient levels significantly influence bacterial community composition across substrates. Variations in organic matter and potential anthropogenic influences, particularly from plastics, further shape bacterial communities. This study highlights the complex microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple substrates in mangrove microbial ecology studies. The understanding of microbial dynamics and anthropogenic impacts is crucial for shaping effective conservation and management strategies in mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the face of environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bagasse ash (BA) from biorefinery process was recovered and used as a catalyst in the co-pyrolysis of solid residue from second-generation bioethanol plant with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The co-pyrolytic behaviors were studied using thermogravimetric analyzer at three heating rates of 10, 20, and 40 K min−1. The synergistic effects between BA and HDPE and their co-pyrolysis kinetics were investigated using two model-free methods: Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO). The pyrolysis products were determined by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) as well. The results indicated that the addition of BA could increase the production yield. The average apparent active energy (Ea) of co-pyrolysis was 171.3 kJ mol−1 from KAS and 174 kJ mol−1 from FWO, which were lower than that for catalyst-free pyrolysis (174.8 kJ mol−1 from KAS and 177.3 kJ mol−1 from FWO). The novel co-pyrolysis process showed great potential in improving both the economic and environment sides of the second-generation biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports the application of novel gut strains Bacillus safensis CGK192 (Accession No. OM658336) and Bacillus australimaris CGK221 (Accession No. OM658338) in the biological degradation of synthetic polymer i.e., high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The biodegradation assay based on polymer weight loss was conducted under laboratory conditions for a period of 90 days along with regular evaluation of bacterial biomass in terms of total protein content and viable cells (CFU/cm2). Notably, both strains achieved significant weight reduction for HDPE films without any physical or chemical pretreatment in comparison to control. Hydrophobicity and biosurfactant characterization were also done in order to assess strains ability to form bacterial biofilm over the polymer surface. The post-degradation characterization of HDPE was also performed to confirm degradation using analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Interestingly strain CGK221 was found to be more efficient in forming biofilm over polymer surface as indicated by lower half-life (i.e., 0.00032 day−1) and higher carbonyl index in comparison to strain CGK192. The findings reflect the ability of our strains to develop biofilm and introduce an oxygenic functional group into the polymer surface, thereby making it more susceptible to degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of gull populations in urban areas has led to an increase in human-gull conflicts, especially in highly populated cities where these opportunistic predators are often considered a nuisance. There is a lack of data regarding the selection of nesting sites by gulls, so management measures at nesting level cannot be implemented. Here, we investigated the main environmental factors that explain the nesting preferences of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) in urban areas, using the population in the city of Barcelona (NE Spain) as study model. We conducted an integrated analysis that combines micro-scale habitat selection assessments of 148 urban nesting sites with a macro-scale assessment of gull movements derived from GPS tracking of breeding yellow-legged gulls. We also analysed the type and abundance of litter in nests and main factors related to this. Nests were mainly found on flat roofs or above a structure on the main roof located at corner placements and situated on gravel substrate. Nest selection showed a negative relation to port distance and a building height beyond 12 m. The presence of litter was detected in more than 80% nests and was related to population density. Understanding the ecology of yellow-legged gulls in urban areas has implications for urban population management to prevent nest establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste is particularly harmful to human life and the environment since it is difficult to degrade. This plastic waste contributes to seawater pollution, which can disrupt the food chain and harm biodiversity in the environment, particularly the mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves act as a sediment barrier and help to decrease coastal abrasion. In the natural environment, indigenous bacteria are crucial to the bioremediation of environmental pollution, including plastic waste pollution. Bioremediation is considered environmentally friendly and can accelerate the degradation time of waste containing toxic compounds. Biofilm-forming bacteria also play an important role in the biodegradation of plastics. This research was conducted to isolate bacteria from mangrove sediment and characterize their potential as a candidate to degrade polyethylene plastic. We have found that 25 of 53 PEG-degrading bacteria could form biofilms on plastic surfaces. Seven bacterial isolates showed the ability to produce clear zones during the degradation of PEG and biofilm formation. The seven potential bacterial isolates identified using 16s rRNA gene as Bacillus sporotermodurans, Cytobacillus firmus, Rossellomorea vietnamensis, Stutzerimonas stutzeri, Dyadobacter jejuensis, Rhodococcus sp., and Achromobacter sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems for reusing packaging (e.g., refillable bottles for laundry detergent) have the potential to reduce plastic waste and lower the environmental impact of delivering products to consumers. However, despite the potential of reusable packaging, uptake of reuse systems is typically low and so the present research investigated whether informing consumers about these benefits increases their willingness to engage with reuse systems. A total of 969 participants were asked to imagine buying consumer products, such as laundry detergent in refillable bottles, and were then randomly allocated to either receive information on the potential environmental benefit of (i) their using the scheme, (ii) the scheme as a whole, or (iii) no information. The findings suggested that the information increased consumers' awareness of the environmental impact of reuse systems but did not increase their willingness to use such systems. This finding underscores the need for strategies that go beyond mere dissemination of information, to circumvent obstacles that prevent willing consumers from enacting desirable behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nylon is a type of plastic made into thin sheets or bags and used often as transference sheets for water proof packaging. The ease of cutting and sealing a nylon material, especially during mass production of nylon bags, has necessitated automating the process. This paper develops an affordable and effective low-cost semi-automatic nylon cutting and sealing machine that can be utilized by small-scale businesses. The 900 x 400 x 350 mm machine comprises sealing and cutting filament, transformer with wires, teflon tape, micro switch, electric motor, transmission shaft, aluminum casing, mild steel stand and microcontroller. The components were optimized for durability, yet simple one operator use and portability for small-scale business settings. A transmission shaft size 25.4 mm in diameter and 850 mm in length is placed on the machine. The size of the shaft is selected according to the size of the electric motor. Structural analysis through testing validated the structural integrity of key parts. The yield stress was 380 N/mm2 and the safety factor was considered to be 2, so the working stress was 190 N/mm2 and the permissible shear stress was 100.71 N/mm². The performance testing showed that the prototype semi-automatic cutting and sealing machine has efficiency of 80% while cutting and sealing nylon at a rate of 700 bags per hour. These results confirm the machine's ability to overcome the limitations of laborious manual methods through a continuous, high-output cutting and sealing process. Further, the machine is functional and possesses high performance efficiency with reasonable degree of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibers (CNF) have been broadly studied as renewable nanomaterials for various applications, including additives in cement and plastics composites. Herein, life cycle inventories for 18 previously examined processes are harmonized, and the impacts of CNC and CNF production are compared with a particular focus on GHG emissions. Findings show wide variations in GHG emissions between process designs, from 1.8-1100 kg CO2-eq/kg nanocellulose. Mechanical and enzymatic processes are identified as the lowest GHG emission methods to produce CNCs and CNFs. For most processes, energy consumption and chemical use are the primary sources of emissions. However, on a mass basis, for all examined production methods and impact categories (except CO emissions), CNC and CNF production emissions are higher than Portland cement and, in most cases, are higher than polylactic acid. This work highlights the need to carefully consider process design to prevent potential high emissions from CNCs and CNF production despite their renewable feedstock, and results show the magnitude of conventional material that must be offset through improved performance for these materials to be environmentally favorable.

Abstract Vacuum residue (VR) was copyrolysed with polyethylene (PE) or polystyrene (PS) in a batch reactor to investigate the corresponding synergistic pyrolytic interactions. The synergistic interactions between VR and plastic pyrolysates enhanced liquid and gas production while reducing coke formation, as compared with VR-only and plastic-only pyrolysis. The pyrolysis of 9:1 w/w VR: PE3M (PE with M w = 3 MDa) and 9:1 w/w VR/PS350K (PS with M w ≈ 350 kDa) mixtures produced oil in yields of 28.6 and 38.4 wt%, respectively, which exceeded those expected in the absence of synergistic interactions 1.12- and 1.29-fold, respectively. The corresponding coke yields were ~ 0.9 times lower than those expected in the absence of synergistic interactions. Moreover, copyrolysis synergistically increased the yields of oil-phase paraffins and olefins while decreasing that of aromatic compounds and was therefore concluded to enable effective VR utilisation and plastic recycling by enhancing liquid and gas production.

Background: Cosmetic and plastic surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent all over the world among both men and women. Saudi Arabia ranks 22nd among the top 25 countries with the world’s highest rates of cosmetic surgeries. This study aimed to assess the awareness of the population in the Jazan region regarding rhinoplasty surgery and to identify their main determinants. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 425 participants was conducted at four randomly selected malls in Gizan City. A self-administered questionnaire was first developed to collect the data necessary to fulfill the research objectives, data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The quantitative data were reported as a mean and standard deviation, and the qualitative data were reported as frequency and percentage. Regarding tests for significance, the Chi-square test used a P value less than 0.05 as an indicator of significance. Logistic regression was used to detect the predictors of poor knowledge of rhinoplasty surgery. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.46 ± 10.08. Of the participants, 53.6% have poor knowledge while 36.0% have good knowledge regarding rhinoplasty surgery. Moreover, 60.2% have an unfavorable attitude while 23.6% have a favorable attitude toward rhinoplasty surgery. The most important predictors of poor knowledge of rhinoplasty surgery are as follows: (a) old age (OR = 4.89), (b) illiteracy (OR = 4.12), (c) intermediate education (OR = 3.65), and (d) male sex (OR = 1.18). Conclusion: There was a low level of knowledge regarding rhinoplasty surgery among the study participants, most of the participants had negative (unfavorable) attitudes toward rhinoplasty surgery. Mass media plays an important role as a source of information. We recommend further studies to find out other personal factors affecting knowledge and attitude toward rhinoplasty surgery.

Interdisciplinary approaches are increasingly recognized as crucial for strengthening and integrating health systems. The implementation within One Health framework needs more guidelines for successful execution. Microplastics have become a growing environmental concern, as they are collectively found in all environmental sectors. Microplastics pose risks to crops, plants, animals, wildlife and human due to the persistence and bio-accumulative properties. Microplastics are directly and indirectly associated with climate change, not only threatening food security but also leading to the novel distribution of species that may transmit new pathogens. This article focused on the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in One Health, highlighting the necessity for further research and implementation efforts.

The development of technology and the growth of people’s living standards and quality of life have made adjustments to the use of various materials for the production and packaging of products and goods. One of these really useful inventions of mankind, which has greatly simplified our life and contributed to the development of technology, was the development and introduction of various polymers / plastics and other synthetic substances into widespread use. However, there is also a negative impact of such innovations, in particular on the human body and the environment. The article analyzes and proves the negative impact of synthetic substances through migration from packaging materials into food and water or through the household use of products containing them on the human body. The study also included a survey of Ukrainian youth about their attitudes toward the use of plastic packaging. A total of 127 university-age respondents (18...23 years old; 47,2 % men, 52,8 % women) took part in the survey. Respondents used a 10-point scale to answer the questions, where 1 meant a clear desire to switch from single-use to reusable packaging before signs of wear and tear, and 10 meant absolute rejection of the idea of reusing plastic packaging. The idea of reusing plastic packaging for berries in supermarkets (returning used packaging for re-packaging) was generally favored by 60,7 % of respondents. Regarding the reuse of plastic packaging for ready-to-eat meals, respondents expressed a large number of arguments that prevent the effective implementation of such an initiative. All objections are divided into three broad groups: concerns about the microbiological safety of reusing packaging; distrust of the significant environmental benefits of such measures; and the impossibility of spontaneous purchases due to the need to come to the store with their own packaging. When developing and implementing possible solutions to the crisis of plastic pollution and synthetic materials in general, it is concluded that transparency is the key to success. At every stage of the life cycle of plastics, synthetic materials and other harmful components used in production, decisions must be made in compliance with the human rights to health and a healthy environment.

Plastic waste is particularly harmful to human life and the environment since it is difficult to degrade. This plastic waste contributes to seawater pollution, which can disrupt the food chain and harm biodiversity in the environment, particularly the mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves act as a sediment barrier and help to decrease coastal abrasion. In the natural environment, indigenous bacteria are crucial to the bioremediation of environmental pollution, including plastic waste pollution. Bioremediation is considered environmentally friendly and can accelerate the degradation time of waste containing toxic compounds. Biofilm-forming bacteria also play an important role in the biodegradation of plastics. This research was conducted to isolate bacteria from mangrove sediment and characterize their potential as a candidate to degrade polyethylene plastic. We have found that 25 of 53 PEG-degrading bacteria could form biofilms on plastic surfaces. Seven bacterial isolates showed the ability to produce clear zones during the degradation of PEG and biofilm formation. The seven potential bacterial isolates identified using 16s rRNA gene as Bacillus sporotermodurans, Cytobacillus firmus, Rossellomorea vietnamensis, Stutzerimonas stutzeri, Dyadobacter jejuensis, Rhodococcus sp., and Achromobacter sp.

ObjectiveTo understand the effect of bicycle saddle shape and size on the pressure transmitted to the perineum, as prolonged perineal pressure and microtrauma amongst avid cyclists may increase the risk for complications following lower genitourinary surgery.MethodsWe tested five seats (Bontrager, Waterloo, WI) with varying levels of padding and morphology (comfort, fitness, fitness gel, race, and performance) for two different riders. The seats were installed on a Peloton stationary exercise bike (New York City, NY). Force measurements were performed using a 9833E-50 Large F-Socket Sensor (Tekscan, South Boston, MA). We measured total and perineal forces in three conditions at the same resistance: (a) at rest (not pedaling); (b) at 8mph; (c) at 15mph.ResultsSignificant differences across the bicycle seats were observed with fitness gel seats providing the lowest perineal pressure. In all measurements, perineal forces were significantly lower at 15mph compared to 8mph (P

Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) techniques are critical to analytical chemistry, and thus the analysis of microplastics. Procedural blanks are a key component of QA/QC for quantifying and characterizing background contamination. Although procedural blanks are becoming increasingly common in microplastics research, how researchers acquire a blank and report and/or use blank contamination data varies. Here, we use the results of laboratory procedural blanks from a method evaluation study to inform QA/QC procedures for microplastics quantification and characterization. Suspected microplastic contamination in the procedural blanks, collected by 12 participating laboratories, had between 7 and 511 particles, with a mean of 80 particles per sample (±SD 134). The most common color and morphology reported were black fibers, and the most common size fraction reported was 20-212 μm. The lack of even smaller particles is likely due to limits of detection versus lack of contamination, as very few labs reported particles