Evaluation of the Accessibility of Selected Packaging by Comparison of Quantitative Measurements of the Opening Forces and Qualitative Surveys through Focus Group Studies

It can be expected that many elderly people have impaired opening capacity of food packaging bearing in mind the changes in functionality and physical strength that occur during ageing. This study determined the relation of the quantitative force required to open selected food packaging systems with findings derived from qualitative focus group studies to retrieve comprehensive information on the specific needs of seniors. The focus group studies revealed that the assessment of the ease of opening is very subjective and can vary from objective measurements. The quantitative measurement of the force required to open the ‘easy to open’ thermoformed tray resulted in considerably higher peel initiation forces of 22.50 ± 1.62 N compared to the standard tray (12.80 ± 1.93 N). However, the packaging type was still felt to be easier to open because of the enlarged tab and peeling corner, which was said to be easy to grip. Conversely, the stand‐up pouches with twist‐off caps could only be opened with difficulty because of the small caps and the difficulty in breaking seals, despite the substantially lower opening forces of 0.46 ± 0.06 Nm compared with the other torque closures. The evaluation of a package was found to be only partly dependent on the required opening force but strongly influenced by various design factors and consumer's expectations as well as experiences. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enterococcus faecalis endophthalmitis as a metastatic complication of hemodialysis vascular access‐related sepsis: A case report and review of the literature

Catheter and/or arteriovenous (A‐V) graft‐related bacteremia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Endocarditis, septic arthritis, epidural abscess, septic embolism, and osteomyelitis are the most common complications of catheter and/or A‐V graft‐related bacteremia; however, endogenous endophthalmitis is rarely seen. To the best of our knowledge, Enterococcus faecalis is the first case report in this population. We hereby report a case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by E. faecalis as a complication of catheter and/or A‐V graft‐related bacteremia in a diabetic patient, who was undergoing HD for 5 years. We also discuss the etiology, clinical features, and outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis in HD patients with a brief review of the literature. Although broad‐spectrum parenteral (intravenous and intravitreal) antibiotics were used for 4 weeks, evisceration of the left eye could not be avoided. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but rapidly blinding complication of catheter and/or A‐V graft‐related bacteremia in HD patients. It can develop as a result of silent catheter and/or A‐V graft infections, which may lead to recurrent bacteremia. E. faecalis should be considered as a pathogen in this population who had recent history of catheter or A‐V graft procedure.     

In‐Plane Isotropic/Anisotropic 2D van der Waals Heterostructures for Future Devices

Mono‐ to few‐layers of 2D semiconducting materials have uniquely inherent optical, electronic, and magnetic properties that make them ideal for probing fundamental scientific phenomena up to the 2D quantum limit and exploring their emerging technological applications. This Review focuses on the fundamental optoelectronic studies and potential applications of in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D semiconducting heterostructures. Strong light–matter interaction, reduced dimensionality, and dielectric screening in mono‐ to few‐layers of 2D semiconducting materials result in strong many‐body interactions, leading to the formation of robust quasiparticles such as excitons, trions, and biexcitons. An in‐plane isotropic nature leads to the quasi‐2D particles, whereas, an anisotropic nature leads to quasi‐1D particles. Hence, in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D heterostructures lead to the formation of quasi‐1D/2D particle systems allowing for the manipulation of high binding energy quasi‐1D particle populations for use in a wide variety of applications. This Review emphasizes an exciting 1D–2D particles dynamic in such heterostructures and their potential for high‐performance photoemitters and exciton–polariton lasers. Moreover, their scopes are also broadened in thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, photostriction, energy storage, hydrogen evolution reactions, and chemical sensor fields. The unique in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D heterostructures may open the possibility of engineering smart devices in the nanodomain with complex opto‐electromechanical functions.     

Many‐Body Complexes in 2D Semiconductors

2D semiconductors such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and black phosphorus (BP) are currently attracting great attention due to their intrinsic bandgaps and strong excitonic emissions, making them potential candidates for novel optoelectronic applications. Optoelectronic devices fabricated from 2D semiconductors exhibit many‐body complexes (exciton, trion, biexciton, etc.) which determine the materials optical and electrical properties. Characterization and manipulation of these complexes have become a reality due to their enhanced binding energies as a direct result from reduced dielectric screening and enhanced Coulomb interactions in the 2D regime. Furthermore, the atomic thickness and extremely large surface‐to‐volume ratio of 2D semiconductors allow the possibility of modulating their inherent optical, electrical, and optoelectronic properties using a variety of different environmental stimuli. To fully realize the potential functionalities of these many‐body complexes in optoelectronics, a comprehensive understanding of their formation mechanism is essential. A topical and concise summary of the recent frontier research progress related to many‐body complexes in 2D semiconductors is provided here. Moreover, detailed discussions covering the aspects of fundamental theory, experimental investigations, modulation of properties, and optoelectronic applications are given. Lastly, personal insights into the current challenges and future outlook of many‐body complexes in 2D semiconducting materials are presented.     

A study conducted to reduce construction waste generation in Turkey

Waste occurs within the lifecycle of buildings, during the construction, modification and demolition phases. These construction wastes become serious environmental problems in many countries and in Turkey. However, no net data regarding the amount of construction wastes exist in Turkey. During its period of usage, frequent interior modifications are made for various reasons, particularly true for residences in Turkey, thus generating construction wastes. The primary environmental target regarding this subject should be the prevention and reduction of construction waste generation. The aim of this study is to provide suggestions regarding the prevention/reduction of waste generated due to modifications done for various purposes in residences in Turkey. To this end, a survey of homeowners in Istanbul was conducted to determine the nature and purpose of modification work done in residences. In order to come up with solutions towards reducing the construction waste generation, it is vital that these reasons are known. In light of the causes determined, suggestions for solving the problems have been developed.     

A study regarding the environmental management system of ready mixed concrete production in Turkey

The construction industry as one of the leading industries of the Turkish economy makes up approximately 60% of total investments. Because of the widespread use of concrete building systems used in construction work in Turkey, concrete production is also quite high. In this study, the application levels of the methods of environmental management in regards to the ready mixed concrete production in Turkey were determined. In Turkey a wide ranging environmental laws about this subject exists. However, it is known that there are problems in its implementation. As a result of this study, it has been determined that there are differences between plants in their environmental applications of the ready mixed concrete production in Turkey, and despite the strides taken in this area; it has not achieved the desired levels. Therefore, inspections must be increased in order to strengthen the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the environmental laws in Turkey.     

Pervaporation Separation of Benzene/Cyclohexane Mixtures by Poly(vinyl chloride) Membranes

Sorption and pervaporation of benzene/cyclohexane mixtures were studied by using poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) polymer. The effects of composition of benzene/cyclohexane mixture and temperature on sorption and pervaporation characteristics were determined at 30, 40, and 50 °C for the membranes containing 8 wt% PVC polymer. Liquid feed composition effects on the flux and the selectivity were determined for two different membranes at 30 °C. The membranes that were prepared from the solutions containing 4 wt% and 8 wt% PVC polymer have thicknesses of 30 μm and 50 μm, respectively. Membrane thickness changes with polymer content as expected. Total sorption increased with increasing concentration of benzene. Increasing the concentration of benzene resulted in increasing flux as well as decreasing selectivity also. Fluxes were increased and selectivity decreased with increasing temperature. The selectivity was not affected significantly with varying amounts of polymer in the casting solution but the flux decreased with increasing amount of polymer in the casting solution.