The EU Detergent Regulation 648/2004 introduces a new pass-fail criterion for the biodegradability of all surfactant classes used in household detergents. The new criterion is based on the determination of the mineralisation of the surfactant, ultimate biodegradability. There are a series of official biodegradation tests allowed in the new Regulation as well as a reference test based on the ISO 14593 method. There are few data in the literature about the biodegradation results of common surfactants using the above methodology and consequently the aim of our study was to apply it to a variety of commercial LAS products. Both the influence of the counter-ion and initial concentration of LAS have been assessed. The results confirm that LAS complies with the ultimate biodegradation requirements fixed on the new EU Detergent Regulation.

The goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of portable hay steamer equipment for horse owners averaging 1-15 head. Hay is a large portion of horses' diets, but it has a short shelf life. Dust from hay also becomes a problem due to respiratory diseases. There is a need for a healthier alternative for storing and feeding hay in order to promote optimum animal health. This study tests the effectiveness of four steaming times on the cleanliness of high-quality, Bermuda hay in the portable steamer. Swabs were taken from pre and post-steaming hay samples and incubated on nutrient agar plates at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. After incubation, bacterial colonies were counted to compare the change in bacteria present from before and after the steaming process. Using a two-sample mean difference tests, we found steaming time had a significant impact on the cleanliness of hay.

Challenges in sample preparation for semiconductor failure analysis are always increasing as more complex material and smaller dimensions are required to meet the needs of the semiconductor industry. These changes require the constant need for more refined procedures in all areas of sample preparation, including mechanical polish. This paper presents a newly modified technique which increases the planarity at the critical edge of the sample and results in a larger planar region of interest. The novel method combines both a blocked reactive ion etching and a standard planar polish. It has proven to be a successful delayering technique and helpful in facilitating further analysis. This method has been verified on dies, wafer pieces, and dies thinned and attached to blank silicon for support. It is useful for increasing overall planarity and particularly helpful for the extreme edge.

Objective To pilot test a mobile health intervention using a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform that integrates a connected electronic adherence monitoring smartbox and an early warning system of non-adherence with bidirectional automated texting feature and provider alerts. Methods In total, 29 adult women with hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and a prescription for palbociclib were asked to complete a survey and participate in a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform intervention, including use of a smartbox for real-time adherence monitoring, which triggered text message reminders for any missed or extra dose, and referrals to (a) participant's oncology provider after three missed doses or an episode of over-adherence, or (b) a financial navigation program for any cost-related missed dose. Use of smartbox, number of referrals, palbociclib adherence, CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform usability measured by System Usability Scale, and changes in symptom burden and quality of life were assessed. Results Mean age was 57.6 and 69% were white. The smartbox was used by 72.4% of participants, with palbociclib adherence rate of 95.8%±7.6%. One participant was referred to oncology provider due to missed doses and one was referred to financial navigation. At baseline, 33.3% reported at least one adherence barrier including inconvenience to get prescription filled, forgetfulness, cost, and side effects. There were no changes in self-reported adherence, symptom burden or quality of life over 3 months. CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform usability score was 61.9 ± 14.2. Conclusion The CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform interventions is feasible, resulting in a high palbociclib adherence rate without any decline in overtime. Future efforts should focus on improving usability.

Background. Preanalytic factors such as time and temperature can have significant effects on laboratory test results. For example, ammonium concentration will increase 31% in blood samples stored at room temperature for 30 minutes before centrifugation. To reduce preanalytic error, blood samples may be placed in precooled tubes and chilled on ice or in ice water baths; however, the effectiveness of these modalities in cooling blood samples has not been formally evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various cooling modalities on reducing temperature of EDTA whole blood samples.