• Computers and Concrete
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.433-442
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• 2023

This study presents the visually observed behavior of fibers embedded in concrete samples that were subjected to a flexural bending test. Three types of fibers such as macro polypropylene, macro polyethylene, and the hybrid of steel and polyvinyl alcohol were mixed with cement by a designated mix ratio to prepare a total of nine specimens of each. The bending test was conducted by following ASTM C1609 with a net deflection of 2, 4, and 7 mm. The X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was carried out for 7 mm-deflection specimens. The original XCT images were post-processed to denoise the beam-hardening effect. Then, fiber, crack, and void were semi-manually segmented. The hybrid specimen showed the highest toughness compared to the other two types. Debonding based on 2D XCT sliced images was commonly observed for all three groups. The cement matrix near the crack surface often involved partially localized breakage in conjunction with debonding. The pullout was predominant for steel fibers that were partially slipped toward the crack. Crack bridging and rupture were not found presumably due to the image resolution and the level of energy dissipation for poly-fibers, while the XCT imaging was advantageous in evaluating the distribution and behavior of various fibers upon bending for fiber-reinforced concrete beam elements.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.715-725
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• 2023

Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments is a growing concern worldwide. This study investigated the abundance, types, and attributes of MPs in the surface water at two industrial sites (Avoimitro Ghat and Kalurghat) along the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Sampling was conducted over eight months across three transects encompassing a total area of 500 m at each site. A manta net of 200 ㎛ mesh size was used to sample MPs. The obtained samples were subsequently filtered, enumerated, and characterized using a stereo microscope and imaging software. The mean abundance of MP particles (per km² ) was found higher in Avoimitro Ghat (94,861 ± 57,126) than in Kalurghat (31,343 ± 23,183). A significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the mean abundance of MP particles between the wet and dry seasons. The fragment group of MP exhibited the most abundant category, whereas the pellet category displayed the lowest. MPs with an elongated shape prevailed at both locations throughout all seasons. At Avoimitro Ghat, blue-colored MPs demonstrated the highest mean count, while in Kalurghat, the highest mean count belonged to brown-colored MPs. The size distribution of MPs differed between the two sites, with 1-2 mm MPs being plentiful in both seasons and Avoimitro Ghat, whereas MPs ranging from 500 ㎛ to less than 1 mm were abundant in Kalurghat. Ten (10) polymer types were found from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis with high levels of polypropylene atactic in both Avoimitro Ghat (32%) and Kalurghat (17%). The findings provide important insights into MP pollution in the Karnaphuli River, which may aid in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of MP pollution on the aquatic ecosystem and human health.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.247-255
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate the effect of packaging materials on quality characteristics of washed potatoes such as Hunter's a value, chlorophyll and potato glycoalkaloids (PGA) content during their storage for 15 days. Packaging methods were evaluated into five ways: no packaging (NP, positive control), paper bag (PB, negative control), onion net (ON), transparent oriented to polypropylene without hole (TP), opaque oriented polypropylene with 4 holes (OP). Hunter's a values of washed potatoes showed minus in NP and TP after 12 days storage, whereas all plus values were observed in those of PB, ON, and OP. Total chlorophyll content of washed potatoes was the highest in no packaging at 15 days after storage. The PGA content of washed potatoes showed low levels in flesh part (below $5mg/100g{\cdot}FW$) as well as in peel part ($4.5-9.3mg/100mg{\cdot}FW$) in all packagings up to 15 days after storage.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.292-296
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• 2013

Recently, Pleurotus eryngii, King oyster mushroom is the main export item in South Korea mushroom industry. For appropriate transportation to Europe and USA markets, it is necessary to elucidate suitable conditions of storage and treatment of post-harvest during long time shipping. Whole mushrooms were packed with polypropylene anti-fog film (30 um) without trimming. The range of package weight and oxygen permeability of film were 200 g~400 g and 2000~5000 $cc/m^2$, 24 h,atm, respectively. The weight loss ratio was increased with increasing storage time. There were no big differences in weight loss ratio according to package weight and oxygen permeability of film at low temperature storage($4^{\circ}C$). In case of package weight is 400 g and oxygen permeability of film is 3000 $cc/m^2$, 24 h, atm. As a results of freshness, the optimum packing weight and oxygen permeability of film of P. eryngii were 400 g and below 2,000 $cc/m^2$, 24 h, atm, respectively.