Publication Server of Albstadt-Sigmaringen University
Not a member yet
662 research outputs found
Sort by
Unde venis? Bacterial resistance from environmental reservoirs to lettuce: tracking microbiome and resistome over a growth period
Get PDFFresh produce is suggested to contribute highly to shaping the gut resistome. We investigated the impact of pig manure and irrigation water quality on microbiome and resistome of field-grown lettuce over an entire growth period. Lettuce was grown under four regimes, combining soil amendment with manure (with/without) with sprinkler irrigation using river water with an upstream wastewater input, disinfected by UV (with/without). Lettuce leaves, soil, and water samples were collected weekly and analysed by bacterial cultivation, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and shotgun metagenomics from total community DNA. Cultivation yielded only few clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), but numbers of ARB on lettuce increased over time, while no treatment-dependent changes were observed. Microbiome analysis confirmed a temporal trend. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) unique to lettuce and water included multidrug and β-lactam ARGs, whereas lettuce and soil uniquely shared mainly glycopeptide and tetracycline ARGs. Surface water carried clinically relevant ARB (e.g. ESBL-producing Escherichia coli or Serratia fonticola) without affecting the overall lettuce resistome significantly. Resistance markers including biocide and metal resistance were increased in lettuce grown with manure, especially young lettuce (increased soil contact). Overall, while all investigated environments had their share as sources of the lettuce resistome, manure was the main source especially on young plants. We therefore suggest minimizing soil–vegetable contact to minimize resistance markers on fresh produce
Review on Conductive Polymer Composites for Supercapacitor Applications
Get PDFThe rising demand for energy storage systems with high power density, rapid charge/discharge capabilities, and long cycle life has pushed extensive research into advanced materials for supercapacitor applications. There are several materials under investigation, and among these materials, conductive polymer composites have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique combination of electrical conductivity, flexibility, and facile synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the development and application of conductive polymer composites for supercapacitor applications. The review begins with an overview of the fundamental principles governing electrical conductivity mechanism, applications of conductive polymers and the specific requirements for materials employed for these devices. Subsequently, it delves into the properties of conductive polymers and the challenges associated with their implementation for supercapacitors, highlighting the limitations of pristine conductive polymers and the strategies employed to overcome these drawbacks through composite formation. In this review, conductive polymer composites and their applications on supercapacitors are explored, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Finally, the electromechanical properties of each conductive polymer composite are elaborated
Towards Reducing Food Wastage: Analysis of Degradation Products Formed during Meat Spoilage under Different Conditions
Get PDFFoodstuffs, particularly perishable ones such as meat, are frequently discarded once the best-before date has been reached, despite the possibility of their continued suitability for human consumption. The implementation of intelligent packaging has the potential to contribute to a reduction in food wastage by enabling the monitoring of meat freshness during storage time independently of the best-before date. The process of meat spoilage is associated with the formation of specific degradation products, some of which can be potentially utilized as spoilage indicators in intelligent packaging. The aim of the review is to identify degradation products whose concentration correlates with meat shelf life and to evaluate their potential use as spoilage indicators in intelligent packaging. To this end, a comprehensive literature research was conducted to identify the factors influencing meat spoilage and the eight key degradation products (carboxylic acids, biogenic amines, total volatile basic nitrogen, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, sulfur compounds, and esters) associated with this process. These degradation products were analyzed for their correlation with meat shelf life at different temperatures, atmospheres, and meat types and for their applicability in intelligent packaging. The review provides an overview of these degradation products, comparing their potential to indicate spoilage across different meat types and storage conditions. The findings suggest that while no single degradation product universally indicates spoilage across all meat types and conditions, compounds like carboxylic acids, biogenic amines, and volatile basic nitrogen warrant further investigation. The review elucidates the intricacies inherent in identifying a singular spoilage indicator but underscores the potential of combining specific degradation products to expand the scope of applications in intelligent packaging. Further research (e.g., storage tests in which the concentrations of these substances are specifically examined or research on which indicator substance responds to these degradation products) is recommended to explore these combinations with a view to broadening their applicability
Production of Hydrogel-Based Curcumin-Loaded O/W Suspoemulsions
Get PDFCurcumin is a biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) class IV substance with many potential therapeutic effects. However, like many other BCS IV active pharmaceutical ingredients, complex formulations are needed to guarantee a sufficiently high bioavailability [1]. A not-so-well-known delivery system is a suspoemulsion (SE). SEs are emulsions with a crystalline API in continuous or dispersed phases. This study aimed to produce curcumin-loaded o/w suspoemulsions with the particle in the oil phase for, e.g., encapsulation or triggered release effects. The particles need to be smaller than the emulsion droplet size to attain high encapsulation efficiencies (EE) in the oil phase. Sonofragmentation and bead milling will tested for their ability to produce these nanocrystals in different dispersion media and final formular for a suspoemulsion will be presented
Enhancement of professional competence in the field of smart textiles through innovative teaching methods
No full textIt is of paramount importance to enhance professional competence in the field of smart textiles, which is defined as the multidisciplinary combination of textiles, electronics and informatics. This can be achieved through the implementation of innovative teaching methods, which will adequately prepare future specialists to this growing market. This paper offers insight into a project that employs a combination of innovative teaching methods with the objective of reinforcing professional competences and expertise with game-based elements for individuals currently engaged in studies textile and clothing engineering. This project employs a Design-Based Research approach, integrating pedagogical strategies such as 'Students as Partners' and 'Learning through Teaching', along with methods like Design Thinking and EMPAMOS, with the objective of facilitating students' acquisition of the skills essential for smart textiles. As part of the project, the existing teaching and learning arrangements were subjected to analysis by master’s students using the EMPAMOS methodology. Based on this analysis, a concept was developed that integrates elements of game design, such as storytelling, role allocation and cooperative forms of play, with the objective of enhancing the motivational value of the arrangement. A flexible learning environment and construction kit facilitate experimentation and allow for the anticipation of potential errors, while also fostering social integration of learners. The project is evaluated through the use of participant observation and learning reflection, and the integration of game design elements has been shown to foster motivation, as evidenced by a pilot workshop in which Master's students taught Bachelor's students. The advantages associated with the promotion of interdisciplinary competencies are outlined, along with the prospective opportunities for transferability and the possibility of integrating these skills into lifelong learning initiatives within academic or corporate settings
Beyond the Bin: The Influence of Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability on Food Waste Behavior in Households
Get PDFThis study examined household food waste behavior building upon a framework that integrates the motivation‐opportunity‐ability model (MOA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and norm activation model (NAM) enriched with insights from social practices theory (SPT). Using a dual‐country sample (Germany and South Africa), an online survey (n = 1065) measured how motivation, opportunity, and ability drive self‐reported food waste behavior. The results show that the ability to reduce food waste, that is, habits and perceived and actual knowledge, unfold a strong influence on reported food waste behavior. Quite surprisingly, motivation to engage in food waste reduction, due to attitude, values, and ascription of responsibility, has the lowest impact on reported food waste behavior. Our findings enhance the current understanding of food waste drivers and highlight the significance of socio‐psychological determinants of behavior, specifically ability and habits. The implications for both research and practical applications are discussed
Schlussbericht zum Verbundvorhaben PLA4MAP
Get PDFDas Projekt PLA4MAP hat eine neuartige, biobasierte Mehrschicht-Verbundfolie für Lebensmittelverpackungen entwickelt, die für Modified Im Projekt "PLA4MAP" wird ein biobasiertes und recyclinggerechtes Verpackungskonzept für sensible Lebensmittel, wie Wurst, Käse, vorgebackene Brotprodukte und Kuchen erarbeitet. Die Verpackung besteht aus einer tiefgezogenen Polymilchsäure(PLA)-Verbund-Schale und einer PLA-Siegelfolie, die für den Einsatz als Schutzgasatmosphäre-Verpackung (MAP) entsprechende Barrierewerte hinsichtlich Sauerstoff und Wasserdampf aufweisen müssen. PLA ist ein gut verfügbares Biopolymer und vielversprechend für die Etablierung einer PLA-Kreislaufwirtschaft. Die hohe Durchlässigkeit der PLA-Schale gegenüber Wasserdampf ist nachteilig und soll durch quervernetzende Elektronenstrahlbehandlung (eBeam) sowie durch Beschichtungen mit unpolaren Materialien, wie Wachse und pflanzliche Öle, reduziert werden. Diese werden so in ihrer Formulierung und ihrem chemischen Aufbau verbessert, dass eine Bearbeitung auf kommerziellen Anlagen ermöglicht wird und ausreichende mechanische Widerstandsfähigkeit gegeben ist. Für sauerstoffempfindliche Lebensmittel wird eine bio-basierte Proteinschicht als recyclingfähige Sauerstoffbarriere integriert. Die Deckelfolie besteht ebenfalls aus PLA und wird mit geringen Mengen einer transparenten anorganischen Sperrschicht ausgestattet, welche nicht im Recyclingprozess stört. Anschließend wird mit einer weiteren PLA-Folie kaschiert. Abpackversuche werden mit ausgewählten Füllgütern durchgeführt und die Prozessparameter des Wärmekontaktsiegelns bestimmt. Die neue Verpackung wird auf ihre Recyclingfähigkeit geprüft. Neben einem mechanischen wird zusätzlich ein lösemittelbasiertes Recycling durchgeführt, das Rezyklat lebensmittelrechtlich bewertet und mögliche Folgeanwendungen untersucht. Für die Förderung der Marktdurchdringung werden die Projektergebnisse in einem öffentlich zugänglichen Anwenderhandbuch publiziert
Effect of Particle Size on the Physical Properties of PLA/Potato Peel Composites
Get PDFIn recent years, agricultural by-product fillers have been investigated in composites to influence the physical properties of the packaging material, increase biodegradability, and reduce costs. In general, the properties of composites are mainly influenced by the type, amount, and size of fillers. The aim of this study was to characterize potato peel particles as a filler in a poly(lactic acid)
(PLA) matrix and to determine the effect of particle size on the physical properties of the composite. Therefore, different fractions of potato peel powder (0–53 μm, 125–250 μm, and 315–500 μm) were
incorporated into PLA matrix via compounding and injection-molding. Microscopic analysis of the injection-molded samples revealed that the average particle shape did not differ between the different
fractions. Overall, increasing the particle size of potato peel particles resulted in increased stiffness and decreased ductility. The cold crystallization temperature and water vapor transmission rate of
the composites were independent of particle size but increased upon the incorporation of potato peel particles. In conclusion, the effect of particle incorporation on packaging-related properties was
higher than the effect of using different particle size fractions. This means that potato peel particles, regardless of their particle size distribution, are promising fillers for composites, with the potential to improve biodegradability, maintain some level of protection for the packaged product, and reduce the cost of the composites
