scholarly journals Circularity Study on PET Bottle-To-Bottle Recycling

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7370
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Pinter ◽  
Frank Welle ◽  
Elisa Mayrhofer ◽  
Andreas Pechhacker ◽  
Lukas Motloch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Real Life ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Industrial Processes ◽  
Recycling Process ◽  
Pet Bottles ◽  
Bottle Production ◽  
Recycled Material

With the European Green Deal, the importance of recycled products and materials has increased. Specifically, for PET bottles, a high content of recycled material (rPET) is demanded by the industry and consumers. This study was carried out in a lab environment replicating real-life industrial processes, to investigate the possible impacts on rPET quality over eleven recycling loops, aiming to use high amounts of rPET repetitively. A cycle included extrusion, solid state polycondensation (SSP), a second extrusion to simulate bottle production, hot wash and a drying step. 75% rPET and 25% virgin PET were extruded in eleven cycles to simulate a recycling and production process. Samples underwent chemical, physical and biological analysis. The quality of the rPET material was not adversely affected. Parameters such as coloring, intrinsic viscosity, concentration of critical chemicals and presence of mutagenic contaminants could be positively assessed. The quality of the produced material was likely influenced by the input material’s high standard. A closed loop PET bottle recycling process using an rPET content of up to 75% was possible when following the proposed process, indicating that this level of recycled content can be maintained indefinitely without compromising quality.

scholarly journals Pretreatment of Plastic Waste: Removal of Colorants from HDPE Using Biosolvents

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Ana M. Ferreira ◽  
Isa Sucena ◽  
Vanessa Otero ◽  
Eva Mariasole Angelin ◽  
Maria João Melo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Secondary Source ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Recycling Process ◽  
Oh Groups ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Plastic Matrix ◽  
Recycled Material

Plastics recycling remains a challenge due to the relatively low quality of the recycled material, since most of the developed recycling processes cannot deal with the additives present in the plastic matrix, so the recycled products end up in lower-grade applications. The application of volatile organic solvents for additives removal is the preferred choice. In this study, pretreatment of plastic packaging waste to remove additives using biosolvents was investigated. The plastic waste used was high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with blue and orange colorants (pigment and/or dye). The first step was to identify the type of colorants present in the HDPE, and we found that both plastics presented only one colorant that was actually a pigment. Then, limonene, a renewable solvent, was used to solubilize HDPE. After HDPE dissolution, a wide range of alcohols (mono-, di-, and tri-alcohols) was evaluated as antisolvents in order to selectively precipitate the polymer and maximize its purity. The use of limonene as solvent for plastic dissolution, in combination with poly-alcohols with an intermediate alkyl chain length and a large number of hydroxyl (OH) groups, was found to work best as an antisolvent (1,2,3-propanetriol and 1,2,4-butanetriol), leading to a removal of up to 94% and 100% of the blue and orange pigments, respectively. Finally, three cycles of extraction were carried out, proving the capability of the solvent and antisolvent to be recovered and reused, ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of the process. This pretreatment provides a secondary source of raw materials and revenue for the recycling process, which may lead to an increase in the quality of recycled polymers, contributing to the development of an economical and sustainable recycling process.

1066-P: Improvement in Time-in-Range (TIR) with Real-Life Use of Hybrid Closed-Loop System in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Diabetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1066-P
Author(s):  
HALIS K. AKTURK ◽  
DOMINIQUE A. GIORDANO ◽  
HAL JOSEPH ◽  
SATISH K. GARG ◽  
JANET K. SNELL-BERGEON
Keyword(s):  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Loop System ◽  
Closed Loop System ◽  
Time In Range

Qualitative assessment of equipment failure cause finding and removal

2018 ◽  
pp. 116-126
Author(s):  
E. A. Vakulin ◽  
A. I. Zayats ◽  
V. A. Beklemeshev ◽  
V. A. Ivashkevich ◽  
V. A. Khazhiev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Condition ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Open Pit Mine ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Equipment Failure ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Failure Investigation

Investigation of failures is one of the critical activities of mining and haulage equipment operability assurance in mining. Maintaining failure investigation at the required quality level, it is possible to identify provisions, rules and procedures that should be revised or changed, operation conditions that should be improved, additional personnel training, if required, etc. Investigation of failures in mines is under responsibility of machine men and electricians of maintenance and operation services. In reality, factory management and setup for production condition weak concernment of these workers in quality investigation aimed at finding of sources of equipment failures. This article describes real-life results achieved in development and use of maintenance service operation, technology and management monitoring. The requirements are substantiated for quality improvement in failure cause finding and removal in mining and haulage equipment at Chernogorsky open pit mine, SUEK-Khakassia. Causes of the present quality of failure investigation by machine men of Chernogorsky Repair and Engineering Works and Chernogorsky open pit mine are revealed. The proposed recommended practices will improve quality of mining and haulage equipment failure investigation.

The Relationship between the Development of Human Capital and the Agricultural Economy in Rural Areas

2020 ◽  
pp. 61-65
Author(s):  
B.A. Voronin ◽  
◽  
I.P. Chupina ◽  
Ya.V. Voronina ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Standard View ◽  
Household Factors ◽  
Economic Transformations ◽  
The Relationship

The article discusses a non-standard view of the formation of human capital for work in organizations of the agricultural sector of the economy, in the context of modern socio-economic transformations. In the classical sense, human capital for agriculture should be formed and developed in rural areas. But in real life, this is not always the case, because there are many factors that prevent the classical solution of this problem. First, the demographic factor affects, second, social and household factors, and third, in many rural areas there are no working agricultural organizations where qualified agricultural specialists can work. All these and other circumstances actualize the problem of the quality of human capital in rural areas in relation to the development of agricultural production.

Creation of physiologic rhythm by closed loop stimulation in heart failure patients with severe chronotropic incompetence: worldwide first results of a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Proff ◽  
B Merkely ◽  
R Papp ◽  
C Lenz ◽  
P.J Nordbeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Chronotropic Incompetence ◽  
First Results ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronotropic incompetence (CI) in heart failure (HF) population is high and negatively impacts prognosis. In HF patients with an implanted cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device and severe CI, the effect of rate adaptive pacing on patient outcomes is unclear. Closed loop stimulation (CLS) based on cardiac impedance measurement may be an optimal method of heart rate adaptation according to metabolic need in HF patients with severe CI. Purpose This is the first study evaluating the effect of CLS on the established prognostic parameters assessed by the cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPX) testing and on quality of life (QoL) of the patients. Methods A randomised, controlled, double-blind and crossover pilot study has been performed in CRT patients with severe CI defined as the inability to achieve 70% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR). After baseline assessment, patients were randomised to either DDD-CLS pacing (group 1) or DDD pacing at 40 bpm (group 2) for a 1-month period, followed by crossover for another month. At baseline and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups, a CPX was performed and QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The main endpoints were the effect of CLS on ventilatory efficiency (VE) slope (evaluated by an independent CPX expert), the responder rate defined as an improvement (decrease) of the VE slope by at least 5%, percentage of maximal predicted heart rate reserve (HRR) achieved, and QoL. Results Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 20 fulfilled the criterion for severe CI and entered the study follow-up (mean age 68.9±7.4 years, 70% men, LVEF=41.8±9.3%, 40%/60% NYHA class II/III). Full baseline and follow-up datasets were obtained in 17 patients. The mean VE slope and HRR at baseline were 34.4±4.4 and 49.6±23.8%, respectively, in group 1 (n=7) and 34.5±12.2 and 54.2±16.1% in group 2 (n=10). After completing the 2-month CPX, the mean difference between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 modes was −2.4±8.3 (group 1) and −1.2±3.5 (group 2) for VE slope, and 17.1±15.5% (group 1) and 8.7±18.8% (group 2) for HRR. Altogether, VE slope improved by −1.8±2.95 (p=0.31) in DDD-CLS versus DDD-40, and HRR improved by 12.9±8.8% (p=0.01). The VE slope decreased by ≥5% in 47% of patients (“responders to CLS”). The mean difference in the QoL between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 was 0.16±0.25 in group 1 and −0.01±0.05 in group 2, resulting in an overall increase by 0.08±0.08 in the DDD-CLS mode (p=0.13). Conclusion First results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of CLS in CRT patients with severe CI revealed that CLS generated an overall positive effect on well-established surrogate parameters for prognosis. About one half of the patients showed CLS response in terms of improved VE slope. In addition, CLS improved quality of life. Further clinical research is needed to identify predictors that can increase the responder rate and to confirm improvement in clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Biotronik SE & Co. KG

scholarly journals P3 A closed loop audit on pre-operative anaemia in major elective orthopaedic surger

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chan Hee Koh ◽  
Nicolai Gruner-Hegge ◽  
Dancho Ignatov ◽  
Aneesul Shakir ◽  
Chan Hee Koh
Keyword(s):  
Closed Loop ◽  
Perioperative Management ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Change In Practice ◽  
International Consensus Statement ◽  
Preoperative Anaemia

Abstract Introduction The international consensus statement on perioperative management of anaemia advises that patients with haemoglobin (Hb) <130 be treated before undergoing elective operations. The advantages include reduced risk of acute kidney injuries, infections and transfusions, and quicker recovery. Methods Data was collected prospectively from 127 consecutive patients undergoing elective arthroplasties at Hinchingbrooke hospital. Baseline compliance with the consensus statement was first assessed in May 2018, and the results presented at a clinical governance meeting. Departmental action plans included early identification of anaemia and treatment to Hb 130, delaying operations where necessary. We then reassessed compliance in May 2019. Results There was a statistically significant change in practice (p = 0.036). The proportion of patients undergoing arthroplasties despite Hb < 130 reduced from 38% to 21%. Those operated with Hb < 120 decreased from 14% to 0%. The proportion of preoperative anaemias that were appropriately investigated during preoperative assessment increased from 11% to 80% (p < 0.001). The increase in attempted treatment of preoperative anaemia prior to surgery however was not significant (7% vs 20%; p = 0.279). Discussion Implementation of departmental action plans resulted in substantial improvements to clinical practice. For those that underwent arthroplasties despite mild preoperative anaemia, it may have been felt that delays in improvement to quality of life for treatment may be unacceptable, or the causes (e.g. chronic disease) difficult to treat. Further action plans should involve even earlier identification of anaemia, involving primary care at the point of referral.

Automated Insulin Delivery Systems: Today, Tomorrow and User Requirements

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110299
Author(s):  
Marga Giménez ◽  
Ignacio Conget ◽  
Nick Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Insulin Delivery ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Glycemic Targets

Automated insulin delivery (AID) is the most recent advance in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. It has the potential to achieve glycemic targets without disabling hypoglycemia, to improve quality of life and reduce diabetes distress and burden associated with self-management. Several AID systems are currently licensed for use by people with T1D in Europe, United States, and the rest of the world. Despite AID becoming a reality in routine clinical practice over the last few years, the commercially hybrid AID and other systems, are still far from a fully optimized automated diabetes management tool. Implementation of AID systems requires education and support of healthcare professionals taking care of people with T1D, as well as users and their families. There is much to do to increase usability, portability, convenience and to reduce the burden associated with the use of the systems. Co-design, involvement of people with lived experience of T1D and robust qualitative assessment is critical to improving the real-world use of AID systems, especially for those who may have greater need. In addition to this, information regarding the psychosocial impact of the use of AID systems in real life is needed. The first commercially available AID systems are not the end of the development journey but are the first step in learning how to optimally automate insulin delivery in a way that is equitably accessible and effective for people living with T1D.

scholarly journals The contribution of the Italian residents in neurology to the COVID-19 crisis: admirable generosity but neurological training remains their priority

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Tassorelli ◽  
Vincenzo Silani ◽  
Alessandro Padovani ◽  
Paolo Barone ◽  
Paolo Calabresi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Training ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Training And Research

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely impacted the Italian healthcare system, underscoring a dramatic shortage of specialized doctors in many disciplines. The situation affected the activity of the residents in neurology, who were also offered the possibility of being formally hired before their training completion. Aims (1) To showcase examples of clinical and research activity of residents in neurology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and (2) to illustrate the point of view of Italian residents in neurology about the possibility of being hired before the completion of their residency program. Results Real-life reports from several areas in Lombardia—one of the Italian regions more affected by COVID-19—show that residents in neurology gave an outstanding demonstration of generosity, collaboration, reliability, and adaptation to the changing environment, while continuing their clinical training and research activities. A very small minority of the residents participated in the dedicated selections for being hired before completion of their training program. The large majority of them prioritized their training over the option of earlier employment. Conclusions Italian residents in neurology generously contributed to the healthcare management of the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, while remaining determined to pursue their training. Neurology is a rapidly evolving clinical field due to continuous diagnostic and therapeutic progress. Stakeholders need to listen to the strong message conveyed by our residents in neurology and endeavor to provide them with the most adequate training, to ensure high quality of care and excellence in research in the future.

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