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The objectives were to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of perennial ryegrass silage from pile and plastic bale wrapping system (BWS) from Southern Chile using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. Between 2019 and 2021, 445 pile and 435 BWS silage samples were collected from 158 dairies and analyzed by NIRS. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein were significantly lower in pile than in BWS: 35.2% vs. 42.2% and 13.3% vs. 13.9%, respectively. Lignin and aNDFom were significantly higher in pile than in BWS; 51.43% vs. 49.1%; and 4.52% vs. 3.85%, respectively. Total acids were lower in BWS (4.53%) than in pile silages (6.27%). Assuming a cow consuming 25 kg of DM from each silage, the predicted metabolizable energy and protein to produce milk were significantly higher for BWS (41.8 Mcal and 462.3 g) than pile silages (40.3 Mcal and 296.6 g), respectively. Predicted fecal N, P, and K, and CH4 yield in rumen were higher in BWS than in pile silages. It is suggested that by feeding smaller amounts of BWS silage, similar milk yield can be achieved than feeding a greater amount of pile silage, with a potential lower excretion of N, P, K, and methane to the environment.

Bans on single-use plastic shopping bags (SUPBs) are a popular policy to tackle plastic pollution. However, their success has been evaluated solely based on reduced SUPBs consumption, ignoring the impacts of substitutes. This article addresses this gap by analyzing the Chilean plastic bag ban law. Results show a reduction of ~249 kilotons of SUPBs consumed and a change in the materiality of shopping bags (mainly toward paper), but also an increase of more than 50% of bin liners after the enactment of the ban. Despite some undesired effects, an improvement in the environmental performance of the bag market is obtained in fifteen of the eighteen categories studied. The environmental impacts are on average 38% lower than in the counterfactual scenario. This suggests that the law is being effective in protecting the environment. The strictness of the ban and its rapid enforcement were positive aspects of its design, but ignoring the end-of-life of the bags could be limiting its impact. To reduce the environmental impact of substitutes, it is recommended to create design guidelines for shopping bags and bin liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Urbanization has prompted shifts in avian nesting behaviors, with some bird species incorporating anthropogenic nest materials (ANMs) into their nests. This study focuses on Troglodytes aedon (House Wren) in Ecuador, exploring the factors influencing their use of ANMs. Observations in Parque Los Algarrobos revealed a House Wren carrying a piece of transparent plastic, entering a street lamp and emergind from it without the plastic. Additional data from iNaturalist showcased widespread ANM use in House Wren nests across Ecuador.

This community service program aims to provide knowledge and skills to the community on how to manage and process household waste, especially plastic, into valuable and marketable products. The methods for implementing community service activities included lectures, practical exercises, and guidance. The evaluation used in the community service activities involved the utilization of questionnaires and their subsequent qualitative descriptive analysis. The outcome of the community service activities was an increase in knowledge about waste bank management and skills in utilizing plastic waste to create woven plastic bags for water bottle holders. In conclusion, community service has proven to be a highly effective endeavor, providing valuable knowledge and skills to the partners while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability through plastic crochet.

The impacts of commonly used and often carelessly discarded plastics are well reported in marine animals but have been poorly reported in the terrestrial animals. Here, we report for the first time two cases of dead N. kaouthia from two different habitat types due to consumption of plastic bag and fishing net. We performed a postmortem and recorded observations for both cases, confirmed the cause of death as plastic ingestion and briefly describe the clinical signs and how plastic consumption causes death in N. kaouthia. Here, we highlight how improper waste management impacts each individual's health and sometimes causes painful death in snakes. Our observation indicates that plastic ingestion in snakes is an underestimated cause of death that occurs where the snake's foraging habitat is polluted. We recommend creating awareness, proper waste management, and use of biodegradable/reusable bags can avoid wildlife mortalities in non-protected areas.

The world's plastic bag problem adversely impacts the environment daily. Plastic bags decompose after years, and some may take centuries, leading to pollution. Society relies on plastic bags for every task, which causes many problems for humans and aquatic life. Focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), this research used waste plastic bags melted in a boilery to develop plastocrete to cast plastocrete paving blocks and roofing tiles. Compressive and split tensile strength tests were performed on plastocrete paving blocks, while a thermal insulation test was performed on roofing tiles in the Concrete Lab of our Department. The compressive strength test on plastocrete showed that it can easily replace concrete pavement blocks after giving good compressive strengths compared with concrete blocks. Being very low in tensile strength, plastocrete is not recommended for flexure members. The thermal insulation test results indicate that using plastic bags as roofing tiles decreases thermal conductivity compared with a controlled reinforced slab. Hence, it is concluded that plastocrete will help reduce pollution in the terrestrial and aquatic environment and can be an effective waste disposal solution. The plastocrete-led paving blocks and roofing tiles not only help economically but also help preserve nature and the environment from land pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of plastic bag charging (PBC) practice, which was implemented in Turkey since the beginning of 2019, on consumers' behaviors and the factors affecting the consumers' behaviors on plastic bag (PB) consumption and their perceptions. For this purpose, a questionnaire with 363 participants was conducted for university staff including academics, administrative and support staff. The outputs were obtained by analyzing the participant-reported data through independent sample T test and one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) in the IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 program. The findings revealed that the PBC caused statistically significant changes on consumers' behaviors with respect to the socio-demographic variables. Based on the overall findings obtained, it was found that the PBC practice contributes to the goals and targets in reducing the consumption of PBs at a certain level. In addition to that, it was concluded that various policies that might be an alternative or a support for the ongoing implementation should be taken under consideration by policymakers to achieve a truly sustainable success from the implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Compare delivery room practices and outcomes of infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation or less than 1,500 g who have plastic wrap/bag placement simultaneously during placental transfusion to those receiving plastic wrap/bag placement sequentially following placental transfusion. Study Design Retrospective analysis of data from a multisite quality improvement initiative to refine stabilization procedures pertaining to placental transfusion and thermoregulation using a plastic wrap/bag. Delivery room practices and outcome data in 590 total cases receiving placental transfusion were controlled for propensity score matching and hospital of birth. Results The simultaneous and sequential groups were similar in demographic and most outcome metrics. The simultaneous group had longer duration of delayed cord clamping compared with the sequential group (42.3 ± 14.8 vs. 34.1 ± 10.3 seconds, p < 0.001), and fewer number of times cord milking was performed (0.41 ± 1.26 vs. 0.86 ± 1.92 seconds, p < 0.001). The time to initiate respiratory support was also significantly shorter in the simultaneous group (97.2 ± 100.6 vs. 125.2 ± 177.6 seconds, p = 0.02). The combined outcome of death or necrotizing enterocolitis in the simultaneous group was more frequent than in the sequential group (15.3 vs. 9.3%, p = 0.038); all other outcomes measured were similar. Conclusion Timing of plastic wrap/bag placement during placental transfusion did affect duration of delayed cord clamping, number of times cord milking was performed, and time to initiate respiratory support in the delivery room but did not alter birth hospital outcomes or respiratory care practices other than the combined outcome of death or necrotizing enterocolitis. Key Points Plastic bag placement during placental transfusion is effective in stabilization of preterms. Plastic bag placement after placental transfusion is effective in stabilization of preterms. Plastic bag placement during placental transfusion and risk of death or necrotizing enterocolitis needs additional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since January 1, 2020, Thailand has implemented a campaign to stop giving free single-use plastic bags in 75 major retail stores. This study aims to (1) understand the status quo and effectiveness of the plastic bag ban campaign by estimating the number of plastic bags used in Bangkok and Phuket (2) understand the consumers' behavioural on plastic bag consumption and management by integrating a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) model (3) provide policy recommendation to strengthen the country plastic waste management roadmap. The results showed that the ban on plastic bag campaign is effective, especially in the supermarkets and convenience stores in Bangkok. The numbers of plastic bags used per visit at supermarkets and convenience stores are approximately 1.9 bags and 1.7 bags, respectively, whereas the plastic bags used at fresh markets, restaurants, and food delivery services are, on average, up to 3.7, 3.1, and 2.8 bags per visit, respectively. On average, people in Bangkok use approximately 1.2 bags/person/day, while only 0.7 bags/person/day are used in Phuket. According to the KAP model, attitude is more crucial than knowledge towards pro-environmental behaviour. Bangkok residents' trend to show more pro-environmental behaviour than Phuket residents. For policy implication, it is important to continuously communicate the environmental impact of plastics and emphasise the proper knowledge and attitudes toward plastic bags among people to encourage their cooperative behaviours in reducing the use of plastic bags and sorting waste for recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the performative aspects of environmental narratives, based on the example of the cultural image of the plastic bag. In contemporary culture, disposable plastic bags have become a symbol of the collective guilt related to the role of plastics in the environmental catastrophe. Their perception is affected by various environmental narratives and social campaigns, in which the image of a plastic bag is to evoke fear, aversion, anger, or disgust, reinforcing the view of plastic as an unnatural material that pollutes the planet. The effectiveness of these narratives is limited, as the number of plastic bags in the environment continues to increase. The author explores the possibility of imagining other, less anthropocentric and potentially more effective modes of relating to single-use plastic. She uses performative methods to analyze the short film Plastic Bag (dir. Ramin Bahrani, 2009). Her interpretation draws mainly on Jane Bennett’s concept of vital materialism and Timothy Morton’s dark ecology to focus on the agency of plastic bags in various settings and offer a different perspective on their potential roles in more-than-human relationships.

Policymakers have little experience regarding designing the right levels of pricing for plastic bags. The ineffectiveness of charging for bags, in countries such as South Africa, makes it imperative that we map the demand curve. Getting the charge “right” depends on the size of the externality. Charging for bags is therefore an effective intervention to encourage consumers to carry their own bags to the stores. We employ a contingent behaviour (CB) dataset necessary to estimate the charge level that is likely to lead to a reduction in bag use over time. The results of the random effects Tobit model suggest that the current charge of US$0.03 was found to be too low, and highly inelastic. A charge of US$0.50 has potential to reduce unnecessary plastic use and is still lower than the price of alternatives; therefore, there is no danger of consumers shifting to alternatives that may cause more harm.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is the most abundant non-degradable plastic waste. Widely used in packaging material, it represents a serious threat to all ecosystems. In the present study, a Rhizopus sp. fungal strain was isolated from soil of a landfill located in north-east Algeria and cultured on potato dextrose agar. The in vitro biodegradability of pieces of the same plastic bag (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g) was estimated in minimal liquid medium and on minimal solid medium. Furthermore, biodegradation of plastic bag pieces was examined in seawater, tap water and soil. The isolated Rhizopus sp. strain could degrade the plastic bag waste. The highest in vitro rate occurred in the minimal liquid medium for both the 0.4-g and 0.6-g pieces (a 20% decrease in weight). In natural media, the highest weight decrease was different depending on the substrate: 5% in seawater for the 0.2-g piece, 10% in tap water for the 0.4-g piece and 8% in soil for the 0.4-g piece. This strain could also form a biofilm in Malt Extract Broth (MEB). These results revealed that the isolated Rhizopus sp. strain has considerable biodegradative ability based on different measures.

Live trapping is a common survey technique used to sample small terrestrial mammal populations, but too often traps are disturbed by non-target species, especially by birds such as corvids, resulting in a considerable waste of survey time and effort. This study aimed to test whether visual cues associated with trapping increased the disturbance rate of traps by birds, which are renowned for their attraction to visual stimuli. We manipulated trap covering (plastic bag, hessian and uncovered traps) in conjunction with the presence and absence of flagging tape, and randomly assigned treatments to traps in 180 locations for checking in either the morning or the evening. The plastic bag cover was the primary cause of disturbance rates with approximately 50% of all traps with plastic bags disturbed compared to uncovered traps (2%) or traps covered in hessian (9%). Flagging and time of day had no effect on the likelihood of disturbance. It is probable that trap-raiding birds may have associated plastic with scavenged foods from nearby picnic areas and sources of rubbish. We suggest that hessian provides a reasonable alternative to plastic bags, giving shelter for trapped animals from rain and exposure while reducing the likelihood of trap attack by birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the research results of the survival rate of willow planting material depending on the storage methods and varietal peculiarities. The studies of the storage methods of planting material and their effect on the survival rate of cuttings and shoots were carried out in the years of 2019-2021 in the experimental field of the Institute of bio-energy crops and sugar beets, Ukraine. Two willow (Salix spp.) species: three-stamina variety Panfilivska and common willow variety Zbruch, were studied. Rot-affected cuttings and shoots as well as the number of the sprouted ones were monitored during the period of their placing in the storage till their planting in the field. It was found that both cuttings and shoots stored well in all treatments. During the storage, a small number of sprouted cuttings and disease - affected ones were recorded. Rot - affected cuttings and shoots of both varieties were recorded only when they were stored in plastic bags both with and without lime treatment of incisions. Rot - affected planting material was not recorded when other storage methods were used. It was established that during the storage moisture losses in cuttings and shoots of both varieties were not seen on any record date and as far as the content of nutrition elements (NPK) is concerned, there was a decreasing tendency. It was found that the survival rate of planting material depended on both variety peculiarities and its species, and it was high even on the first record date. Common willow variety Zbruch had the highest percentage of survival rate of cuttings and shoots as compared with the three-stamina variety Panfilivska. All storage methods of cuttings and shoots at air temperature 3-5°C ensure their good shelf-life with small damages caused by disease and slight germination in some years. The survival rate of planting material depended on both varietal peculiarities and its species. The highest percentage of survival rate of cuttings and shoots was typical for common willow variety Zbruch as compared with three-stamina variety Panfilivska.

This research analyses the impact of retailer interventions focusing on the promotion of reusable bags to reduce plastic bag consumption. For this purpose, retail outlet data for March 2018–February 2020 was used. The retail outlet data was analyzed using a panel fixed effects model to evaluate the impact of three treatments on plastic and reusable bag consumption in South Africa. Findings revealed that Treatments 1 (a monetary intervention based on giving reusable bags away for free), and 2 (a non-monetary intervention framed around a plastic-free July campaign), significantly increased reusable bag uptake and reduced plastic bag consumption, while Treatment 3 (a monetary intervention involving a subsidy on reusable bags) increased reusable and plastic bag sales. The findings contribute to the literature on the effectiveness of non-monetary nudges (T2). The latter is more efficient than the monetary incentives (T1 and T3). The results also agrees with the literature on the ineffectiveness of subsidies (T3) for the purpose of discouraging the consumption of plastic bags. The results confirmed that plastic bag consumption is habitual in South Africa. Based on these findings, policy recommendations were made that public campaigns and other behavioral nudges should be considered more effective in addressing the consumption of plastic bags than subsidies on reusable bags. In addition, because of the revealed low level of reuse of both plastic and reusable bags, the use of reminders to reuse bags should be considered and researched in order to modify consumer behavior in South Africa.

The increasing use of single-use plastic bags has led to a global concern. Cities in developing countries are enforcing a (single-use) plastic bags ban to reduce the use of plastic in the retail supply chain. In Nepal, some retailers such as fashion outlets and pharmacies support the ban and others like dairy shops protest. This analysis aims to investigate how retailer heterogeneity in terms of shop characteristics and social association influences bag use behavior and compliance with the plastic bag ban in Nepal. This study based on the 1300 retailers’ plastic bag use data in three different plastic bag ban scenarios from 13 municipalities of Nepal shows that retailers’ response to the ban depends on their shop type, the nature of the goods they sell, and their social association. In addition, retailers' perception also affect their response to the plastic ban decision. Their perception of the performance of regulatory authority is likely to affect their compliance. Similarly, retailers who consider that the municipality has strong enforcement in place, tend to cooperate with the ban. This article highlights the need for retailer-specific interventions to reduce bag use.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is the most abundant non-degradable plastic waste. Widely used in packaging material, it represents a serious threat to all ecosystems. In the present study, a Rhizopus sp. fungal strain was isolated from soil of a landfill located in north-east Algeria and cultured on potato dextrose agar. The in vitro biodegradability of pieces of the same plastic bag (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g) was estimated in minimal liquid medium and on minimal solid medium. Furthermore, biodegradation of plastic bag pieces was examined in seawater, tap water and soil. The isolated Rhizopus sp. strain could degrade the plastic bag waste. The highest in vitro rate occurred in the minimal liquid medium for both the 0.4-g and 0.6-g pieces (a 20% decrease in weight). In natural media, the highest weight decrease was different depending on the substrate: 5% in seawater for the 0.2-g piece, 10% in tap water for the 0.4-g piece and 8% in soil for the 0.4-g piece. This strain could also form a biofilm in Malt Extract Broth (MEB). These results revealed that the isolated Rhizopus sp. strain has considerable biodegradative ability based on different measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to investigate the effects of wood waste types (twigs, leaves, and palm fronds) and contents (ranging from 40 to 60 wt%) on the physical and mechanical properties of plastic bag composites under sea coast climate conditions. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) pellets were blended with a twin screw extruder, and sample panels were compressed using a compression molding machine. Statistical analysis indicated that exposure time led to significantly deteriorating changes in all the physical and mechanical properties of WPCs. The lightness and total color change values altered with an increase in exposure time. An increase of wood waste content from 40 to 60 wt% in plastic bag composites increased the percentage loss for modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), screw withdrawal strength (SWS), and hardness, which is relative to micro-cracks on the surface of the WPCs. Overall, the mechanical properties of the plastic bag composites based on twigs had less loss and superior MOR, MOE, SWS, and hardness compared to those based on leaves and palm fronds, at equal plastic to wood ratios. Thus, plastic bag composites based on twigs are recommended for the manufacture of WPC materials in applications for construction and building products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar disinfection (SODIS) is a simple and low-cost household water treatment (HWT) option used for disinfection of drinking water. In this study, the bacterial inactivation potential of SODIS was evaluated under the solar irradiance observed in different seasons in Bangladesh according to WHO evaluation protocol of HWT, and the SODIS experiments were conducted for both transmissive and reflective reactors using PET bottles and plastic bags. In summer, log reduction value (LRV) more than 5 was observed for the transmissive PET reactors for 6 to 8 hr exposure to sunlight and the treated water complied with the microbial standard of zero colony forming units/100 mL in drinking water. In monsoon and winter, LRV > 4 can be achieved for 16 hr and 8 hr exposure to sunlight, respectively, using reflective reactors. The plastic bag was found to be more effective than PET. A safe exposure time was estimated from the Weibull model to be maintained for SODIS application to achieve 4.0 LRV and also to prevent the re-growth of microorganisms in the treated water. A significant re-growth of microorganisms was observed in the treated water, thus SODIS with other HWT processes can be recommended for use in communities with an unsafe drinking water supply. HIGHLIGHTS Address the effectiveness of SODIS under the local irradiance observed in Bangladesh.; Used both reflective and transmissive reactors.; Complete inactivation achieved under strong sunlight condition.; Reflective reactors are more effective.; A safe exposure time was estimated.;

The paper presents the research results of the survival rate of willow planting material depending on the storage methods and varietal peculiarities. The studies of the storage methods of planting material and their effect on the survival rate of cuttings and shoots were carried out in the years of 2019-2021 in the experimental field of the Institute of bio-energy crops and sugar beets, Ukraine. Two willow (Salix spp.) species: three-stamina variety Panfilivska and common willow variety Zbruch, were studied. Rot-affected cuttings and shoots as well as the number of the sprouted ones were monitored during the period of their placing in the storage till their planting in the field. It was found that both cuttings and shoots stored well in all treatments. During the storage, a small number of sprouted cuttings and disease - affected ones were recorded. Rot-affected cuttings and shoots of both varieties were recorded only when they were stored in plastic bags both with and without lime treatment of incisions. Rotaffected planting material was not recorded when other storage methods were used. It was established that during the storage moisture losses in cuttings and shoots of both varieties were not seen on any record date and as far as the content of nutrition elements (NPK) is concerned, there was a decreasing tendency. It was found that the survival rate of planting material depended on both variety peculiarities and its species, and it was high even on the first record date. Common willow variety Zbruch had the highest percentage of survival rate of cuttings and shoots as compared with the three-stamina variety Panfilivska. All storage methods of cuttings and shoots at air temperature 3-5°C ensure their good shelf-life with small damages caused by disease and slight germination in some years. The survival rate of planting material depended on both varietal peculiarities and its species. The highest percentage of survival rate of cuttings and shoots was typical for common willow variety Zbruch as compared with three-stamina variety Panfilivska. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a fibre artist, I have tried to create unique work that differentiates from contemporary art and historical art forms. One such attempt involves my work using plastic bags and the resulting outcomes, which began with my interest in yarn. Many factors determine the quality of a material but a common characteristic is that a textile has its roots in yarn. I questioned 'what if the yarn changes? – that is, if the materials sourced for yarn production change, before conceptualizing a specific artefact, the yarn can become a unique fabric in itself'. After a long series of tests with different materials, I chose to use the plastic bag, which has astounding potential as an art/craft material. My aim was to return the practicality of an everyday object back into everyday life. By giving a new value to the plastic bags' original function of holding and moving things, I intended to unveil questions of 'utility' and 'meaning'. In addition to its physical properties and material potential, the plastic bag broadened my conceptual framework of meaningful craft practice. When plastic bags first appeared, they were a symbol of hygiene and convenience in modern life. However, this ground-breaking material has since turned out to be a main culprit of environmental destruction; these contradictory perspectives representing contrasting 'values'. Through my extensive work with recycled plastic bags, mainly sourced through waste streams, I have discovered further values and realize that the utility and value of an object (existence) are not fixed, but are dependent on the gaze and attitude of the viewer or user. In this article, I convey what I have found and realized through hand crafted yarn production and weaving techniques and hope it will lead to the discovery of further values for new audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Free plastic bags have practical benefits for consumers but because of their non-biodegradability and additives, they have adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, in this study, the factors affecting people's intention and behavior for using plastic bags with the Theory of Planned Behavior and Structural Equation Modeling were investigated. Material and methods: A total of 360 customers in seven major hypermarkets in different areas of Mashhad responded to the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistic V.22 and AMOS 24 software. An extended model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was introduced with the constructs including cognitive attitude, affective attitude, economic motivation, feedback, subjective norm, behavioral control, intention, and behavior to determine the factors influencing the behavior. Results and discussion: The results of this study showed that more than half of the respondents to the questionnaires were women and more than 30% of them were in the age group of 25-35 years. The effect of demographic information on the intention to reduce plastic bags in hypermarkets was examined by the ANOVA test. Only the age (p <0.001, df = 7, F = 3.6) and the type of job (p <0.001, df = 7, F = 3.5) had a significant effect on the intention. The fit indices of the structural model were as follows: Chi-squared test was equal to 254.3 with freedom of 106, the ratio of Chi-squared to a degree of freedom was equal to 2.4, IFI was equal to 0.9, CFI was equal to 0.9, NFI was equal to 89, and RMSEA was equal to 0.622. According to the standard, the fit of the model was appropriate. Findings of the structural equation model can describe the relationships between variables: cognitive attitude had a significant statistical effect on effective attitude; there was a statistical relationship between cognitive attitudes and norm. In addition, cognitive attitudes (p <0.001) had a negative effect on behavioral control. There was a positive and significant (p <0.001) relationship between economic motivation and norm (coefficient of 0.18). Also, there was a negative and significant (p <0.001) relationship between feedback and norm (coefficient 0.43). Besides, there was a positive and significant (p <0.001) relationship between feedback and behavioral control (coefficient 0.45). Cognitive attitude had a positive and significance (p< 0.05) effect (coefficient of 0.16) on intention to reduce plastic bags. The norm with a coefficient of 0.41 had a positive and significant effect (p <0.001) on the intention. Conclusion: The results showed that the structural equation model with appropriate fit could describe the relationships between variables. The main parameters of the Theory of Planned Behavior (attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral control) significantly describe the intention of using plastic bags. Adding new variables such as feedback and economic incentives to this theory will help determine other predictors of behavior. The norm is one of the most important variables that mediate the influence of other factors such as cognitive attitude, affective attitude, economic motivation, feedback, and behavioral control on intention to using a plastic bag. Although the economic incentive affects the intention to use free plastic bags, it is appropriate to use the intervention approach based on the model presented in this study to find a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Free plastic bags have practical benefits for consumers but because of their non-biodegradability and additives, they have adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, in this study, the factors affecting people's intention and behavior for using plastic bags with the Theory of Planned Behavior and Structural Equation Modeling were investigated. Material and methods: A total of 360 customers in seven major hypermarkets in different areas of Mashhad responded to the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistic V.22 and AMOS 24 software. An extended model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was introduced with the constructs including cognitive attitude, affective attitude, economic motivation, feedback, subjective norm, behavioral control, intention, and behavior to determine the factors influencing the behavior. Results and discussion: The results of this study showed that more than half of the respondents to the questionnaires were women and more than 30% of them were in the age group of 25-35 years. The effect of demographic information on the intention to reduce plastic bags in hypermarkets was examined by the ANOVA test. Only the age (p <0.001, df = 7, F = 3.6) and the type of job (p <0.001, df = 7, F = 3.5) had a significant effect on the intention. The fit indices of the structural model were as follows: Chi-squared test was equal to 254.3 with freedom of 106, the ratio of Chi-squared to a degree of freedom was equal to 2.4, IFI was equal to 0.9, CFI was equal to 0.9, NFI was equal to 89, and RMSEA was equal to 0.622. According to the standard, the fit of the model was appropriate. Findings of the structural equation model can describe the relationships between variables: cognitive attitude had a significant statistical effect on effective attitude; there was a statistical relationship between cognitive attitudes and norm. In addition, cognitive attitudes (p <0.001) had a negative effect on behavioral control. There was a positive and significant (p <0.001) relationship between economic motivation and norm (coefficient of 0.18). Also, there was a negative and significant (p <0.001) relationship between feedback and norm (coefficient 0.43). Besides, there was a positive and significant (p <0.001) relationship between feedback and behavioral control (coefficient 0.45). Cognitive attitude had a positive and significance (p< 0.05) effect (coefficient of 0.16) on intention to reduce plastic bags. The norm with a coefficient of 0.41 had a positive and significant effect (p <0.001) on the intention. Conclusion: The results showed that the structural equation model with appropriate fit could describe the relationships between variables. The main parameters of the Theory of Planned Behavior (attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral control) significantly describe the intention of using plastic bags. Adding new variables such as feedback and economic incentives to this theory will help determine other predictors of behavior. The norm is one of the most important variables that mediate the influence of other factors such as cognitive attitude, affective attitude, economic motivation, feedback, and behavioral control on intention to using a plastic bag. Although the economic incentive affects the intention to use free plastic bags, it is appropriate to use the intervention approach based on the model presented in this study to find a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous use of plastic will use up some non-renewable natural resources. Besides it produces several substances which are harmful to human health. Utilization of plastic waste is an effort to reduce plastic waste to a minimum that can be done by recycling. The large number of plastic bag waste around the environment has led to the idea of ​​using it into creative products that have artistic and economic value for residents around the campus. Based on this background, a problem arises. The lack of ability to recycle plastic waste into valuable products, therefore a movement needed to educate and provide skills to the community to recycle plastic waste. The purpose of this activity is to provide education and provide training to the environment around the campus, especially housewives and young women to recycle money into crafts from used plastic bags in the hope that it can reduce waste and generate new business opportunities, namely handicraft handicrafts from used plastic bags. Implementation of activities, namely providing counseling and practical skills to make products from plastic bag waste. The expected end result is awareness from the community about the dangers of using plastic bags and the skills to recycle used plastic bags. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/abdimas.v5i3.4912

The present study mimicked daily life exposure to plastic food package bags and evaluated its effects on the reproductive and neurobehavioral responses using zebrafish model. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC/MS) full scan analysis revealed that phthalic acid, isobutyl octyl ester (DEHP) and its metabolites were the main leachate from plastic bags. Our results demonstrated that during the eight weeks exposure, leaching from plastic bags treated with boiling water (P-high group) significantly affected the spawn egg production, embryo hatching and larval malformation rate. Cross-spawning trails between zebrafish collected from the controls and P-high group at the end of eight weeks showed that these adverse effects were more severe in the offspring derived from paternal exposure than those derived from the maternal exposure, suggesting leached chemicals may have a more pronounced effect in sperm than in eggs. In addition, P-high group male testis weight, sperm motility and sperm swimming velocities were decreased significantly. After eight weeks treatment, neurobehavioral tests demonstrated significant changes in the swimming speed during free swimming and light-dark stimulation in the adult zebrafish from P-high group, with the effects being more severe in the males than females. P-high group males also showed altered response in the light/dark explore and mirror attacks assays.

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ABSTRACT Among the methods used for the restoration of altered areas, the planting of native tree seedlings is one of the most traditional ones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival and initial growth of Casearia sylvestris Sw, Handroanthus heptaphyllus Vell. Mattos and Parapiptadenia rigida Benth. Brenan seedlings in altered areas, according to containers used in nursery seedlings production and use of mulching on planting, using morphological and physiological attributes. The experiment was conducted in a 2x2 factorial scheme. The type of containers used (plastic bag and tube) was considered, and the presence or absence of mulching around the seedlings. The three species presented similar survival averages at 24 months. The rates between the treatments were 72.5; 85.0 and 80.0%, respectively. The use of plastic bags had a positive impact on the height (IncH) and stem collar (IncDC), crown area (CA) and shoot dry mass (SDM) for C. sylvestris and H. heptaphyllus, while for P. rigida, the use of plastic bags favored the CA and the SDM. The presence of mulching favored the attributes IncH, IncDC, AC, and MSPA of H. heptaphyllus, as well as CA and SDM of C. sylvestris. Regarding the physiological parameters (relative levels of chlorophyll a and b and fluorescence of chlorophyll a), no difference was observed between the treatments tested. It is recommended that for the planting of seedlings of C. sylvestris, H. heptaphyllus, and P. rigida, in altered areas by anthropization, they be produced in a 1.5 L plastic bag, aiming at greater field growth. Also, in the planting of C. sylvestris and H. heptaphyllus the mulching should be used to favor their growth.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the preharvest application of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and perforated polyethylene bag packaging (PPE) on maintaining the postharvest quality of red-fleshed cv. 'Da-Hong' pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) fruit. On the flowering day, 100 mg·L-1 CPPU was sprayed on the bracts and water was used as the control. After harvest, all fruits were divided into three package treatments, which were packed without bags, packed with and without PPE bags, and stored at 5 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 21 days, followed by 7 days at 20 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity without bags for quality evaluation. Significantly higher bract thickness (2.26 vs. 1.44 mm), longer fruit length (120.5 vs. 109.04 mm), and greater firmness (1.56 vs. 1.04 kg·cm-2) were recorded for the CPPU treated fruit at harvest. Preharvest application of CPPU with perforated packaging resulted in significantly greener bracts, a lower yellow index, fewer chilling incidences, and a lower decay ratio, but there was a slight decrease in respiration rate during cold storage at 5 °C for 21 days. However, all criteria reached the threshold when fruits were transferred to 20 °C for 7 days. In conclusion, preharvest CPPU application plus perforated packaging is the best combination for the long-term storage of red-fleshed pitaya fruit at 5 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are 5,250 billion* plastic particles floating on the surface on the world’s seas and oceans, equivalent to 268,940 metric tons of waste. These fragments move with the currents before washing up on beaches, islands, coral atolls or one of the five great ocean gyres. As early as 2010, Tara Expeditions Foundation was one of the first bodies to undertake a scientific examination of microplastic pollution in the oceans, an issue previously subject to very limited scientific study. Tara wanted to use its ocean study programs to understand the impact of this pollution on marine life. In 2014, Tara conducted a seven-month expedition in the Mediterranean Sea to improve understanding of the consequences in a semi-enclosed sea. The expedition highlighted the fact that microplastics are heavily colonized by bacteria. Research into sea-borne plastic has since become an integral part of Tara’s work. Excessive consumption of plastics, and the waste this generates, has a massive impact on the natural world and the marine environment in particular. In this knowledge, Tara conducts scientific studies to improve our understanding of the risks to humans and marine ecosystems. Faced with the gravity of the situation Tara is convinced that, if we are to avoid plastics ending up in the oceans, the solutions lie on land. This involves a collective re-engineering of how we produce and consume, for example banning single-use plastic bags.* Jambeck, J.R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T.R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., Narayan, R., Law, K.L., 2015. Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science 347, 768–771. doi:10.1126/science.1260352

The seed size and the substrate volume of containers can affect the quality of seedlings produced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed size and substrate volume for seedling production on the emergence of Schizolobium parahyba seedlings (guapuruvu), initial growth, and dry mass accumulation of seedlings. Seeds were collected directly from the ground and were classified as small, medium, and large, being sown in containers with different substrate volumes (0.17 L, 0.34 L, and 0.75 L). The growth analysis and dry matter production were collected 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after sowing. The seed's water content of 4.14%. The smaller the seed size, the smaller their percentage and speed of emergence. There was no effect of substrate volume on seedling emergence, regardless of seed size. Seedlings' height, stem diameter, and dry matter increased linearly with time and substrate volume. With higher substrate volume and large seeds, S. parahyba seedlings have a higher emergence, initial growth, and dry matter production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to examine consumers' response, changes in their shopping behaviour and the effectiveness of the 'No Free Plastic Bag' campaign after almost a decade consumers were charged RM0.20 for using plastic bags. Data was collected from 122 respondents who answered an online questionnaire. The findings indicated that bringing your own shopping bag is not yet the culture in Malaysia despite that majority of consumers were aware of the campaign. Behavioural change is low as 62.3% of respondents routinely forget to bring their own shopping bags. More than half of the respondents (57.3%) are still willing to pay RM0.20 for a plastic bag. The findings of this research also revealed that consumers are too depending on retailers' green initiatives such as providing them with paper bags and boxes. Through this study, mass media plays a crucial role in disseminating information and creating environmental awareness among consumers. Many consumers voiced their support for a stricter regulation and to increase the current fee for each plastic bag purchased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic bags, which have an important place in the lives of consumers due to their advantages, cause damage in many areas during the production and consumption stages. Therefore, there are discussions about the use of plastic bags. The use of plastic bags is completely banned in some countries around the world due to the environmental and human health damages. In some countries, the use of plastic bags has started to be reduced with implemantions such as environmental tax and paid plastic bags. With the legal regulation implemented on January 1, 2019 in our country, it was decided to sell plastic bags at the markets for a fee. As of this date, plastic bags started to be sold for 25 cents in the markets. Therefore, the main purpose of the research is; consumers' awareness of the damages of plastic bags, environmental awareness, support to the law and social pressure factors to determine the effects of plastic bag reduction intention and using cloth bag intention. Another aim is to determine the effect of plastic bag reduction intention and using cloth bag intention on sustainable behavior. The questionnaire prepared for this purpose was applied to 427 consumers between 25.08.2019 and 25.09.2019. As a result of analysis of the obtained data with SPSS 21 and AMOS 24; awareness, environmental awareness, support for the law and social pressure have positive effects on the plastic bag reduction intention and using cloth bag intention, and plastic bag reduction intention and using cloth bag intention have positive effects on sustainable behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The consumption of single-use-plastics is on the rise globally. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on single-use-plastics among the residents of a rural area in a coastal district of Karnataka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2019 among the residents of Madani Nagar. Data was collected by interviewing any adult member of the house aged more than 18 years using a standardised application called Epicollect 5. Results: A total of 319 residents participated in the study. More than 70% were aware that single-use-plastics cause’s harmful effects on health but more than 95% were unaware that plastic causes global warming and climatic change in the environment. The attitude towards the single-use-plastic was satisfactory since 80% of them were of opinion that single-use-plastic should be banned and more than 60% were willing to replace the plastic bag with an alternative. Practice was found to be poor since 82.4% were using plastic bag on regularly basis. Conclusions: The overall knowledge regarding single-use-plastic was inadequate, attitude was favourable and practices were unsatisfactory. Awareness regarding single-use-plastics and its harm and strict enforcement of plastic ban is the need of the hour.

The seed size and the substrate volume of containers can affect the quality of seedlings produced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed size and substrate volume for seedling production on the emergence of Schizolobium parahyba seedlings (guapuruvu), initial growth, and dry mass accumulation of seedlings. Seeds were collected directly from the ground and were classified as small, medium, and large, being sown in containers with different substrate volumes (0.17 L, 0.34 L, and 0.75 L). The growth analysis and dry matter production were collected 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after sowing. The seed's water content of 4.14%. The smaller the seed size, the smaller their percentage and speed of emergence. There was no effect of substrate volume on seedling emergence, regardless of seed size. Seedlings' height, stem diameter, and dry matter increased linearly with time and substrate volume. With higher substrate volume and large seeds, S. parahyba seedlings have a higher emergence, initial growth, and dry matter production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze (Araucariaceae), commonly known as araucaria and Brazilian pine tree, can be grown for their edible pine nuts (pinhões), medicinal properties, and ornamental purposes. The aim was to assess the shoot and root growth and the overall quality of A. angustifolia seedlings grown in containers with different sizes, shapes and composition. Seeds were sowed in five containers: I – 126cm³ polypropylene cone-tainers (small cone-tainers); II – 290cm³ cone-tainers (large cone-tainers); III – 879cm³ polyethylene black bags; IV- 275 cm³ nonwoven fabric (TNT) containers (small TNT container) and; 493 cm³ nonwoven fabric (TNT) containers (large TNT container). Seedlings were evaluated 210 days after sowing, regarding the following variables: aboveground height (cm), root collar diameter (mm), shoot dry mass (g), roots dry mass (g), total dry mass (g), leaf area (cm²), roots area (cm²), roots volume (cm³), sturdiness quotient, root-shoot ratio and Dickson quality index. Height was superior for seedlings grown in the plastic bags (27.6 cm) and the large TNT containers (27.02 cm) when compared to the small and large cone-tainers (21.75 and 21.78 cm, respectively). Plastic bags also presented greater values of root-collar diameter, shoots, roots and total biomass and Dickson Quality index. Small and large TNT containers promoted lower root area and volume when compared to large polyethylene cone-tainers, but allowed for the same or better aboveground growth. Taking all results analyzed together, the polyethylene black bag promoted better growth and quality of Brazilian pine tree seedlings in comparison to the other containers.

Background: Disposal and release of plastic bags in the environment can cause environmental, economic, and social problems. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of the behavior of plastic bag use (BPBU) among residents using socioecological approach (SEA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, multistage random sampling was employed to enroll 400 residents in Hadishahr County, North West of Iran. A valid and reliable instrument based on SEA variables was used. Results: Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed with SEA and BPBU as outcome variables. Predictors of outcome variables were classified into four different blocks. Demographic characteristics and SEA constructs explained 50% of the observed variance in BPBU. In the first block, age (P = 0.03) and purchase frequency (P = 0.902) were significant predictors of BPBU (R² = 0.34), and in the third block, access to alternatives in environment (P = 0.01) was significant predictor for BPBU (R2 = 0.49). The majority of residents (47%) were taking home 6 to 10 plastic bags and more than 10 freezer bags after their shopping per week. Conclusions: Health-care providers may consider purchase frequency and SEA as a framework for developing educational, environmental, and social interventions aiming at reducing the consumption of plastic bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased plastic consumption has resulted in high amounts of plastic waste ending up in the environment. Recently, the European Commission (EC) has identified a list of single-use plastics, including plastic bags, most commonly found in the European beaches. As a response, alternatives for plastic carrier bags have been more of a concern. Many life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have been performed to evaluate the environmental profile of different carrier bags; however, without considering the possibility of contribution to the littering problem. Therefore, in this study, an indicator has been introduced, based on an LCA study of carrier bags which was performed in Spain. The indicator is influenced by parameters such as: number of bags to fulfill the functional unit, weight, surface, fee, and biodegradability. In this paper, a comparative LCA of HDPE, LDPE, PP, paper and biodegradable plastic bags is presented. Following that, a littering indicator is introduced to allow a comparison of the risk of littering of the different carrier bags in marine environment. The results given by the Littering Potential indicator rank the bags oppositely to the results given by the LCA as usual. Further research is needed to refine the model and include additional contributing variables. Unlabelled Image • Concerns over uncontrolled plastic waste ending up in marine waters have increased. • There is no consensus on how to address marine littering impact in LCA. • A pragmatic littering indicator has introduced based on a carrier bags LCA study. • The introduced indicator ranks the bags opposite of the LCA study. • Further research is needed on the introduced littering indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanoacrylate fuming, rhodamine 6G staining and 532 nm laser light visualization were used to reveal a thirty-year-old fingermark on a plastic bag discovered at a double homicide scene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global issues, which are among the most serious issues of our times, threaten the existence of humanity and the world. The most basic concept encountered regarding the aforementioned issues is the concept of sustainability. This matter becomes even more important especially when the use of plastic bags is considered. This study, which summarizes the most recent state of sustainable development, focused on environmental sustainability and plastic bag consumption and evaluated the negative effects of plastic bag use on the environment and health. In this context, the effects of the taxation regulations and pricing policies implemented against plastic bag use for the sake of creating a sustainable environment were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]