Microbial biodegradable potato starch based low density polyethylene

Plastic materials remain in the nature for decades. Slow degradation of plastics in the environment caused a public trend to biodegradable polymers. The aim of this research was to produce the microbial biodegradable low density polyethylene with potato starch. Degradation of potato starch based low density polyethylene (LDPE) was investigated in soil rich in microorganisms for 8 months. Weight differences of polymeric samples before and after degradation in soil indicated soil biodegradation. Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) approved the result. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and weight change after 84 days’ exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa confirmed degradation by microorganisms. In addition, potato starch based LDPE was exposed to 8 different kinds of fungi and the degradation was studied visually. Result confirmed the microbialbiodegradability of potato starch based LDPE blend in natural and laboratory condition

An Underground Coal Mine Fire Preparedness And Response Checklist: The Instrument

Preparedness is an important element of any underground mine's strategic plan in dealing with an unexpected event, such as a fire. A fully implemented fire preparedness and response plan is essential in reducing the probability and seriousness of a mine fire. This report describes the development of an underground coal mine fire preparedness and response checklist (MFPRC). The checklist is a data collection instrument for profiling both the fire prevention and response capabilities of a mine site and usually requires 3 to 4 days to complete. The checklist encompasses conditions, procedures, and equipment that have frequently been identified as the primary or contributing causes of underground coal mine fires. At least 1 day is needed underground to evaluate the water system. This entails measurements of water flows and pressures at fire hydrants, and water throw distances of fire hose and nozzles at several locations (mains and branch lines). A few of the other topics that are discussed with mine personnel include detection and suppression systems, combustible materials, mine rescue and fire brigades, and firefighting equipment. The MFPRC was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Cyprus Amax, Twenty mile Coal Co. (Oak Creek, CO), the checklist was field tested and further refined. Additional field tests were conducted at several other operating coal mines

Superior Mesenteric Artery-Duodenal Fistula Secondary to a Gunshot Wound

Arterioenteric fistulas are a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We present a patient who developed a fistula between a middle colic artery pseudoaneurysm, a proximal branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and the third part of the duodenum 2 weeks after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the abdomen. The patient's presentation, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis are discussed. All prior published cases of SMA-duodenal fistulas are reviewed