Search

In the early morning on December 17, 2020 Beijing time, China's chang'E-5 probe successfully returned to the Earth with 1731 g of lunar samples after completing drilling, shoveling, packaging of lunar soil and scientific exploration on lunar surface. It is the successful completion of the third phase of China's lunar exploration project, namely “circling, landing and returning to the moon”. The scientific objectives of CE-5 mission are to carry out in situ investigation and analysis of the lunar landing region, laboratory research and analysis of lunar return samples. This paper analyzes scientific exploration tasks of CE-5 mission conducted on the lunar surface, and carries out the scientific payload system architecture design and individual scientific payload design with the scientific exploration task requirements as the target, and proposes the working mode and main technical index requirements of the scientific payloads. Based on the preliminary geological background study of the Mons Ruemker region which is the landing region of CE-5, the lunar scientific exploration and the laboratory physicochemical characterization of the return samples are of great scientific significance for our in-depth understanding of the formation and evolution of the Earth-Moon system and the chemical evolution history of the lunar surface.

In 2021, the regulatory guillotine changed certain legislative acts that are aimed at implementing industrial control. From this year onwards, when carrying out earlier production control. This innovation will reduce laboratory research costs. The article presents the fundamental points of production control, tells about the complex and costly part of production control – laboratory research and testing. An analysis of the changes that need to be taken into account in 2021 is being carried out.

This article discusses an application for mobile devices with the Android operating system that allows you to record the results of laboratory research of a synthetic chemist. An overview of the basic functionality of the Chemical Notes mobile application is presented.

The European integration of the Republic of Moldova can be facilitated by the alignment of organizations, including research institutes and laboratories, with good practices recognized at the international level, many of them being described in documents prepared by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). For scientific research activities carried out in laboratories, such practices are described in the ISO / IEC 17025: 2017 standard „General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”. The paper represents a synthesis of the quality assurance methods in the research and development activity carried out in the scientific research laboratories, offered by the above standard. The approaches of the standard on the primary conditions that can ensure valid results to meet the requirements and expectations of the beneficiaries of research results are described, so as to obtain and maintain long-term confidence of all stakeholders in laboratory work and scientific truth obtained in experimental research.

The Humen Forts, in Guangdong, were first built in the fifth year of Jiaqing dynasty (1801), and some of their bases were made using tabia. Modern inspection shows that the elastic modulus of some forts can reach 686.6 Mpa, a strength exceeding that of ordinary cement. To explore the fundamental cause of this high strength, we designed a set of comprehensive testing methods for the forts’ tabia, using XRD and ELISA, conducting TG-DSC, and so forth. The experiments were conducted through on-site testing, sampling, and laboratory research on seven sites to explore the influence of the original ratio of tabia on the material strength. And successfully discovered that the techniques and materials used in the construction of the forts were unlike, some areas feature sticky rice and protein as the main organic additives. These tests will provide a reference for further research on the production process of tabia and the preparation of protective materials for the Forts’ repair.

The paper presents the analysis of systems for differentiated fertilization and the results of laboratory tests of subsurface fertilizer cultivator. The technology of the differentiated fertilizer application (DFA) is one of the priority areas in precision agriculture. The purpose of the research is to select the most effective DFA system for subsurface fertilizer cultivators applied in the northern regions of Kazakhstan and to test the design and technological scheme of pneumatic transport. The optimal system of differentiated application of fertilizers was chosen according to the generalized desirability function, the main difficulty was to create a sign that quantitatively determines the functioning of the object under study. To construct a multiple optimization parameter the idea of converting the natural values of specific object parameters into an unbounded scale was used. The obtained information on systems of differentiated fertilization was processed using standard methods of comparison, analysis, and synthesis. The results of laboratory tests were processed using methods of mathematical statistics. Based on the research results, according to the generalized desirability function the system «Agronavigator-Dozator» was chosen, which consists of a navigation system «Agronavigator Plus», GLONASS/GPS antenna, actuators, connecting cables and control panel for remote activation of the "Processing" mode. According to the laboratory tests, the functionality of the pneumatic transport system for mineral fertilizer granules and the dosing device was tested. The structural and technological scheme of pneumatic transport includes a fan driven by a hydraulic motor, airflow distributor, connecting pipelines and ejector funnels. It is established that in the range of fan revolutions from 2100 to 2700 rpm stable transportation of granules is provided without blockage of pipelines and ejector funnels, airflow speed in pipelines is provided in the range from 13 to 25 m/s. The deviation of the actual fertilizer dosage from the target was 2.1-5.0 %.

Gypseous soil, as one type of collapsible soils, is widely separated in Iraq. Gypsum concentrations of more 60% are not uncommon, and such soils are present in the western and northern parts of this country. Distresses in engineering facilities resulting from high collapse settlements are well known by the locals and as such causing much financial problems in government and private sectors. Soil improvement and replacement techniques are used as a result of tackle the large collapse of the soil. This laboratory research is directed in using lime piles to reduce the collapse potential of the gypseous soil. A comparison study is conducted between vertical lime piles and inclined lime piles. The inclination angle is chosen arbitrarily to be 30° to the vertical. A plain strain footing is used to simulate the separate foundation having length-to-width ratio (L/B) of 4. Three spacing patterns are used for each case of lime piles, namely B/3, B/2 and B. Test results reveal that inclined lime piles have much advantage over the vertical ones in reducing the collapse potential. Measured improvements in reducing settlement for inclined over vertical lime piles are 42% for spacing of B/3, 46% for spacing of B/2 and 27% for B. Unfortunately, the presence of lime piles has been found experimentally to increase the settlement in case, the collapsing soil is in dry condition compared to the untreated soil.

The article defines the main components of the formation of the ability to combine various technological methods of laboratory research as a special competence that has to be mastered by students of the speciality “Technologies of Medical Diagnostics and Treatment” in the process of training. The combination is presented as the implementation of an action or a series of actions aimed at transforming the existing set of objects into a system that meets the requirements of the task. Its scientific and theoretical, and practical blocks are revealed. It is noted that the scientific and theoretical block of combination consists of scientific approaches and principles, complex combined research methods, and the practical block embraces various methods, techniques and laboratory research technologies. Attention is drawn to the fact that in the process of training of future laboratory assistants it is important to form their understanding that when diagnosing certain diseases of the body one cannot be limited to only one method, but it is necessary to combine various methods and research techniques. The role of synchronous and asynchronous forms of organization of training in the formation of the ability of students of the speciality “Technologies of Medical Diagnostics and Treatment” to combine various laboratory research technological methods is indicated. Examples of combining various technological methods of laboratory research are given.

The article describes the technique of laboratory research of the plunger pump. The aim of the research is to assess the technical condition of the pump unit and its compliance with technical documentation.

This research is a new innovation to find alternative material to replace Portland cement filler by using sea sand. This study examined the effect of sea sand usage on Asphalt Concrete Binder Course (AC-BC) mixture with sea shifting variation of 25%; 50%; 75%, and 100%. This research is an experimental study in laboratory by using Marshall test method in the form of stability, melting, Marshall quotient (MQ), VMA, VFA, and VIM. To support the test results conducted in the laboratory research including physical examination of asphalt, aggregate, and filler. The results of this study obtained the value of Marshall characteristics for the best VMA is at 100% variation of 16.89%; The highest VFA value at 100% variation of 81,78%; The best VIM values are at normal conditions of 4.10%; The best density value in normal condition is 2.35 T/m³; The highest stability value under normal conditions of 1519.23 kg; The best flow rate is in the 25% variation of 4.52 mm; The highest MQ values are in normal condition of 453.21 kg/mm. The use of sea sand as filler in all variations can be used although not all Marshall characteristic variables are high in value compared with normal conditions without replacement. The more sea sand used as filler, the more asphalt content needed in a mixture, in this study the asphalt content increased 2% when compared with the condition without change

A unique technology of direct selective flotation is in use in flotation plant of the "Rudnik" mine in order to obtain selective lead, copper and zinc concentrates. Technological process is very sensitive to so-called "selectivity" because loss of individual metals through selective concentrates is present. Copper minerals flotation cycle is especially sensitive to selectivity and sometimes there is a higher content of lead and zinc minerals present in copper concentrate which is penalized. In this paper laboratory research results of lowering galena and zinc content in copper concentrate possibility due to extended time of cleaning are shown. All experiments were carried out on copper concentrate samples taken from the "Rudnik" flotation plant. Copper concentrate mineralogical analysis were carried out before flotation experiments.

The commercialization of high added-value compounds recovery from food wastes deals with several issues such as laboratory research, scale-up problems, protection of intellectual properties, and development of market-destined applications. These issues are described in this chapter wherein a collection of commercially available compounds recovered from food by-products is presented. Verification of market existing products matching with patented processes was conducted using patent applicant name in each case. However, this matching as well as production characteristics may not be correct in all cases, as most companies typically are secretive about their methods of production and respective data cannot be found in the literature. Despite the omnipresence of related studies and patented methodologies, the market existing products derived from food wastes are today rather limited. There are many reasons for this, such as scale-up and commercialization problems, protection of intellectual properties, approval of products’ health claims, etc. All these aspects are discussed in this chapter, wherein a proposal for the establishment of a new label (similar to organic foods) is introduced in order to reveal the potentiality of recovering valuable compounds from food wastes.

The organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology has been utilized in a lot of biomedical fields such as fundamental physiological and pharmacological researches. Various materials have been introduced in OOC and can be broadly classified into inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials. Although PDMS continues to be the preferred material for laboratory research, materials for OOC are constantly evolving and progressing, and have promoted the development of OOC. This mini review provides a summary of the various type of materials for OOC systems, focusing on the progress of materials and related fabrication technologies within the last 5 years. The advantages and drawbacks of these materials in particular applications are discussed. In addition, future perspectives and challenges are also discussed.

Goat milk may be an alternative to cow milk to people that suffer from allergic conditions, besides presenting high digestibility. Among dairy products, fermented milk is one of the most consumed. In this category, Kefir is a fermented milk that presents functional properties. Therefore, this laboratory research aimed to obtain Kefir from goat milk added by different guava pulp concentrations (0, 5, 15 and 25 %) and evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics through quantitative data. Data obtained from microbiological analysis evidenced food safety for consumers and probiotic potential. The pulp concentration variation changed some physicochemical parameters. Sensorially, all the samples had high positive answer levels in the acceptance test, besides the last group had high percentage of buying intention. This study demonstrates that Kefir added with the higher guava pulp concentration presents potential to be introduced in the Brazilian market. La leche de cabra puede ser una alternativa a la leche de vaca para las personas que padecen afecciones alérgicas, además de tener una alta digestibilidad. Entre los productos lácteos, la leche fermentada es una de las más consumidas. En esta categoría, el kéfir es una leche fermentada que tiene propiedades funcionales. Así que esta investigación de laboratorio tenía como objetivo producir kéfir a partir de leche de cabra con diferentes concentraciones de pulpa de guayaba (0, 5, 15 y 25%) y evaluar sus características físico-químicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales a través de datos cuantitativos. Los datos obtenidos del análisis microbiológico mostraron la seguridad alimentaria de los consumidores y el potencial probiótico. La variación en la concentración de pulpa cambió algunos parámetros físico-químicos. Sensorialmente, todas las muestras mostraron altos niveles de respuesta positiva en la prueba de aceptación, además del último grupo que tenía un alto porcentaje de intención de compra. Este estudio demuestra que el kéfir agregado con la mayor concentración de pulpa de guayaba tiene el potencial de ser introducido en el mercado brasileño. O leite de cabra pode ser uma alternativa ao leite de vaca para pessoas que sofrem de condições alérgicas, além de apresentar alta digestibilidade. Entre os laticínios, o leite fermentado é um dos mais consumidos. Nesta categoria, o Kefir é um leite fermentado que apresenta propriedades funcionais. Portanto, este trabalho laboratorial objetivou produzir Kefir a partir de leite de cabra com diferentes concentrações de polpa de goiaba (0, 5, 15 e 25%) e avaliar suas características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais através de dados quantitativos. Os dados obtidos da análise microbiológica evidenciaram a segurança alimentar dos consumidores e o potencial probiótico. A variação da concentração de polpa alterou alguns parâmetros físico-químicos. Sensorialmente, todas as amostras apresentaram altos níveis de resposta positiva no teste de aceitação, além do último grupo ter alto percentual de intenção de compra. Este estudo demonstra que o Kefir adicionado com a maior concentração de polpa de goiaba apresenta potencial para ser introduzido no mercado brasileiro.

Funding for “big science” versus “small science” is a contentious topic that often fuels debates among scientists and funders of science. Big science is characterized by major projects such as high-energy particle accelerators and major telescope facilities. These projects are conceived, designed, built, and used by large groups of scientists and engineers. Small science typically involves a principal investigator and a small group of students conducting laboratory research. The scientific enterprise requires both: most scientists are trained in small science, and big science often requires hundreds of small science investigations that are integrated into the grand plan.

Cryocoolers have been used in the design of dry cryostats since the introduction of the small GM-type cryocoolers over half a century ago. The advantage of using cryocoolers is to eliminate the need for liquid helium which has become more expensive, and the availability is uncertain. Liquid helium is a non-renewable natural resource and should not be wasted, some users capture the boil-off and reliquefy it, this solution conserves the helium but some helium is still lost in the process. Use of cryocoolers for research cryostats helps in the conservation of this critical natural resource. In traditional cryostats, the vibrations from the moving components were tolerated due to the nature of the bulk materials. In nanoscience experiments, the design has to isolate the cryocooler vibrations from the sample while still cooling it to the lowest temperature of the cryocooler. This chapter covers some of the principles of design used in the contemporary cryostats designed for nanoscience experiments.

A library and laboratory research experiment was conducted in 2020 on determination and detection of mineralic and chemical appearances of mineralic gypsum in Karkar and Doodkash of Baghlan Province to determine the amount of gypsum minerals in the stones of the areas, detect the composition of gypsum stones and evaluate the importance of gypsum stone in Baghlan Province. The laboratory results indicated that the percentage of mineralic gypsum in composition of mineralic appearances of gypsum stone in Karkar and Doodkash were 95 percent. Despite the slight presence of some other minerals like Sylvine and Iron minerals in composition of the gypsum stone in both the locations were possible. The analyzed laboratory results by XRF machine revealed that besides of the mentioned elements in composition of mineralic appearances of gypsum stone, the elements such as silicon, iron, potassium, chlorine and aluminum were also present in different percentages. Therefore, it can be concluded that the mineralic appearances of gypsum stones in Karkar and Doodkash are the most important gypsum stone in Baghlan province and it can be used for production of constructional gypsum, Ghori Cement Factory and other similar uses.

Calcareous materials such as limestone and lime-based mortars, widely used in the Built Heritage, are often subjected to degradation processes that can lead to loss of cohesion and material loss. Consolidation of these materials with liquid products via the surface is a common practice; however, the most used consolidation products (e. g. TEOS-based) show a poor physical-chemical compatibility with calcareous substrates. For application on calcareous materials, the so-called nanolimes, i. e. dispersions of lime nanoparticles in alcohols, are an alternative to TEOS-based products, thanks to their chemical compatibility with lime-based substrates. Nanolimes can help to recover a superficial loss of cohesion. However, their in-depth consolidation effect is not always satisfactory. Previous work has shown that a better deposition of lime nanoparticles in depth can be achieved by adapting the properties of the nanolime dispersion (kinetic stability and evaporation rate) to the moisture transport properties of the substrate, through optimization of the solvent. In this paper, freshly synthetized nanolimes were dispersed in pure ethanol and/or in binary mixture of ethanol (95 %) and water (5 %). These nanolimes were applied on Maastricht limestone and on a lime-based mortar by capillary absorption (method commonly used for laboratory tests) and by nebulization (method widely used in situ). The aim of this research is to fill the gap between laboratory tests and on site application, providing an application protocol for restorers and professionals in the field. The research shows that results obtained by application by capillary absorption do not always correspond to those obtained by nebulization. This fact should be considered when deciding on the use of a consolidation surface treatment in practice.

Dialyzers have been commercially used for hemodialysis application since the 1950s, but progress in improving their efficiencies has never stopped over the decades. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review on the commercial developments and recent laboratory research of dialyzers for hemodialysis application and to discuss the technical aspects of dialyzer development, including hollow fiber membrane materials, dialyzer design, sterilization processes and flow simulation. The technical challenges of dialyzers are also highlighted in this review, which discusses the research areas that need to be prioritized to further improve the properties of dialyzers, such as flux, biocompatibility, flow distribution and urea clearance rate. We hope this review article can provide insights to researchers in developing/designing an ideal dialyzer that can bring the best hemodialysis treatment outcomes to kidney disease patients.

Objective The efficacy of chlorhexidine- and silver sulfadiazine-coated central venous catheters (CSS-CVC) against catheter-related infection remains controversial. We hypothesized that the loss of silver nanoparticles may reduce the antibacterial efficacy of CSS-CVCs and that this loss could be due to the frictional force between the surface of the CVC and the bloodstream. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the antimicrobial effect of CSS-CVCs decreases with increasing exposure time in a bloodstream model and quantitatively assay the antimicrobial effect of CSS-CVCs compared with polyurethane and antiseptic-impregnated CVCs. Methods Each CVC was subjected to 120 hours of saline flow and analyzed at intervals over 24 hours. The analyses included energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical density after a Staphylococcus aureus incubation test. Results The weight percentage of silver in the CSS-CVCs significantly decreased to 56.18% (44.10% ± 3.32%) with 48-hour catheterization and to 18.88% (14.82% ± 1.33%) with 120-hour catheterization compared with the initial weight percentage (78.50% ± 6.32%). In the S. aureus incubation test, the antibacterial function of CSS-CVCs was lost after 48 hours [3 (N/D) of OD]. Similar results were observed in a pilot clinical study using 18 CSS-CVCs. Conclusions We found that the efficacy of CSS-CVCs decreased over time and that the antibacterial function was lost after 48 hours of simulated wear-out. Therefore, antibiotic-impregnated CVCs may be a better option when longer (>48 hours) indwelling is needed.

In our quest to develop new and improved kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) for practical use in the oil and gas industry, we have carried out a number of projects that, in our hands, proved ultimately unsuccessful. However, as with most laboratory research projects, useful data has been obtained and some important lessons have been learned. These lessons can be helpful in several ways. First, to understand the scope and limitations of chemicals that could be used as KHIs. Second, to highlight mechanistic aspects of KHI theory. Finally, the work may help inspire others to develop related but more successful research projects. In this article we present the results of eight partially successful KHI research projects and explain why each of these projects was undertaken and the results obtained. Seven of the projects concern new classes of polymers, and the other project describes what we hoped was a new class of nonpolymeric synergists for KHI polymers, but instead gave the opposite effect. All new KHI prod...

Hazard prevention and control systems for specific laboratory processes must be readily shared between lab workers, their colleagues, and lab supervisors. In order for these control systems to be effective in a transferable and sustainable way, effective risk management communication tools must be present. These tools need to be adaptable and sustainable as research processes change in response to evolving scientific needs in discovery based laboratories. In this manuscript, the application of a risk management tool developed in the oil and gas industry known as a “bowtie diagram” is assessed for application in the laboratory setting. The challenges of identifying laboratory hazards and managing associated risks as well as early experiences in adapting bowtie diagrams to the laboratory setting are described. Background information about the bowtie approach is provided and the technique illustrated using an academic laboratory research scenario. We also outline the role bowtie diagrams could play in a proactive safety culture program by facilitating hazard communication and maintaining hazard awareness across a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

Ensuring the safe operation of buildings and structures of increased responsibility in complex engineering and geological conditions requires a special approach to engineering surveys and construction. When designing ground bases, it is necessary to take into account the dynamic effects of man-made or natural origin. In this case, it is necessary to provide for a complex of special studies of the foundation soils. The results of the investigations make it possible to obtain the mechanical properties of soils necessary for subsequent calculations. As a rule, calculations are performed in modern software systems by numerical simulation of the "foundation-construction" system. Forecasting the stress-strain state of the soil base, taking into account special studies of soils and numerical modeling, allows to ensure strength and stability, as well as safe operation of the proposed structure during its entire service life.

This paper describes an experimental approach to the alternative hard rock cutting technology of undercutting utilizing semi-industrial scale laboratory environment. Whereas development trends have been tending to use this technology to reduce the specific energy consumption while cutting hard rock, thus allowing for smaller, lighter, more flexible machinery as needed in many mining applications, the market readiness comes with some delay. The paper illustrates the general feats of the undercutting principle in direct comparison to a regular cutting setup under comparable surroundings utilizing regular point attack picks. This is to extend the available knowledge about these tools due to their widespread use throughout the industry and their simple applicability. It shows that, although the specific energy consumption can be lowered by up to 49 % in comparison to regular cutting, the applying maximum forces during cutting can be as high as 163 % compared to regular cutting.

To account for the load on pressing equipment and tooling it is necessary to know the efforts of the processing to be applied to the workpiece. On the basis of laboratory research the force of pressing of blanks of abrasive wheels on ceramic bond was studied. The obtained mathematical model can be useful for the improvement of existing and development of new technologies of production of abrasive tools.

The influence of geogrid on aggregate layer has been tested by number of research organizations across the globe since early 80-ties of XX century. Test were carried out in laboratories and in field. The paper discuss selected laboratory tests important for stabilization function as well as describes recent laboratory research influence of geogrid for stabilization of aggregate layer in pavement. Laboratory part of the research was focused on interaction between grid and aggregate. Part of model tests carried out in box include calibration of measurement unit for future test in real trafficked pavement.

3D printing is used in such industries as architecture, construction, education, medicine, but at the moment the possibility of its use in forensic medicine is limited only by textbooks. The practical use of 3D printing is to use it in the reconstruction of missing fragments of the skull bones in head injuries, after taking parts of the skeleton for additional laboratory research methods.

Materials play a key role in the safe and economical operation of nuclear reactors. Materials used in reactors also have to meet stringent chemical specifications for efficient performance. Commercial scale realization of nuclear materials has been a challenge to the nuclear industry. The history of development of nuclear materials has fascinating and unique examples of theoretical prowess as well as innovative experimentation and success in nuclear material development is characterized by synergy between the domains of laboratory research and industry. This paper describes the development of some of the important nuclear materials (uranium, plutonium, zirconium, boron, sodium and graphite), providing a historical perspective.

Welded metal bridge spans are one of the most wide-spread types of bridge spans, several thousand of them being in operation along motorways and in city areas in Russia. Similar to other welded structures they are prone to fatigue cracking which is usually repaired using metal plates fixed with high-strength bolts. The Siberian Research Institution of Bridges located in Siberian Transport University has developed the structure and technology of welded bridge span reinforcement using round metal plates fixed by induction brazing. To prove the efficiency of the technology a laboratory research and testing of girders reinforced with round metal plates fixed by induction brazing has been conducted. The research shows that after the induction brazing enforcement the bridge structures that have fatigue cracks obtain strength parameters 25 per cent higher compared to those of completely new unreinforced samples without fatigue cracks. The article is part of the dissertation research Usoltseva A.M.

This article describes the laboratory panel and the laboratory research on the subject of "Optical Electronics". The laboratory panel is developed on the basis of the NI Engineering Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite II - NI ELVIS II. Many instruments are applied in those studies. Laboratory panel includes such optical devices as monochromical LEDs, RGB-LEDs and semiconductor laser SYD1230. In addition, the panel contains photocell: light-dependent resistor GL5528.The principles of various optical devices’ operation and their comparative characteristics including volt-amps diagrams are studied in the research. Moreover, the reaction of photocells is compared depending on the intensity of the light flux.

Nanotechnology is bringing about changes in everyday technologies in fundamental ways, both obvious and non-obvious. In order to address nanotechnology, Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) as a research discipline requires multiple methods in engaging this novel technology strategically. One mode of engagement is through nanomaterials. Nanomaterials can be addressed by HFE in four significant ways: health and safety; new products and embedding in existing technologies for improved qualities; industrial production; along with, through university laboratory research. The aim of this article is to present one manner of engaging nanomaterials and HFE through addressing nanomaterials as embedded in existing technologies and their involvement in university research laboratories. This aspect of engagement is depicted by addressing the use of nanomaterials in an existing well-entrenched technology of concrete to produce an enhanced product--nanoconcrete. Using the framework of Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA), this article addresses the work domain of nanoconcrete in terms of work practices in university laboratory settings. The models derived from CWA are used to identify the various constraints ranging from the environment to the people involved in the concrete domain. The results emphasize that to address nanomaterials (in this case, nanosilica), one has to comprehend its overarching matrix of the material (concrete) in which it is embedded. While the current article presents just one facet studying the intersection between nanomaterials and HFE, further research can identify new ways in which nanotechnology could be integrated robustly in the disciplinary viewpoint of HFE.

Following the Malta Convention/Valletta Treaty the preferable way for the physical protection of archaeological sites is in situ preservation. When planning in situ preservation, in addition to other issues, it is also necessary to consider changes in physical environment and their impact on in situ preserved remains. This is especially important when human interaction takes place. Recently, an increase in construction on the top of archaeological sites has occurred, thus the effects of heavy equipment compaction need to be studied in more detail.This paper presents research on the effects of the use of heavy equipment (e.g. rammers and rollers) compaction on archaeological remains. For the purpose of our research, laboratory testing has been performed. In a custom-made steel box, artificial archaeological sites were created using layers of sandy silt and gravel. A variety of archaeological and modern artefacts were placed in these created environments. Some of them were equipped with strain gauges for de...

As a nascent air force, the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) relied largely upon other services for medical evaluation of its personnel. In 1918, however, the AFC experimented with a dedicated medical board to gauge the suitability of recruits and convalescents as aircrew. This article examines the formation of the AFC’s Medical Board, which was paired with another innovation: laboratory research. Conducted by the board’s head, Charles Kellaway, animal studies into anoxaemia were intended to provide a means of determining suitability of aviators for high-altitude flight. In matching data derived from cats with front-line service conditions, Kellaway sought to enshrine a particular type of ‘steady’ man to conquer the novel realm of airspace.

Osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) is an emerging technology integrating a forward osmosis (FO) process into a membrane bioreactor (MBR). This technology has been gaining increasing popularity in wastewater treatment and reclamation due to its excellent product water quality, low fouling tendency and high fouling reversibility over conventional MBRs. In the past decade especially the last 3 years, novel insights and significant advancements have been achieved in many aspects of OMBR accompanied with greatly increased number of published papers. This paper attempts to critically review the recent developments in OMBRs and to present a clear outline for further studies. Firstly, OMBR fundamentals including its configuration and FO process are presented. Subsequently, performance of OMBRs is summarized and compared to conventional MBRs. Additionally, mechanisms, impacts and mitigations of salt accumulation and membrane fouling related to the core challenge of low water flux in OMBRs are addressed. Finally, future research prospects are discussed in order to further improve OMBR technology and drive it from laboratory research to real practical applications.

Over the last decade, bioprinting has emerged as a promising technology in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. With recent advances in additive manufacturing, bioprinting is poised to provide patient-specific therapies and new approaches for tissue and organ studies, drug discoveries and even food manufacturing. Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) is a method that has been applied to assess manufacturing maturity and to identify risks and gaps in technology-manufacturing transitions. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is used to evaluate the maturity of a technology. This paper reviews recent advances in bioprinting following the MRL scheme and addresses corresponding MRL levels of engineering challenges and gaps associated with the translation of bioprinting from lab-bench experiments to ultimate full-scale manufacturing of tissues and organs. According to our step-by-step TRL and MRL assessment, after years of rigorous investigation by the biotechnology community, bioprinting is on the cusp of entering the translational phase where laboratory research practices can be scaled up into manufacturing products specifically designed for individual patients.

This paper presents a brief history and the current status of research at the Thermal Nondestructive Testing Laboratory of Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU), Russia. The emphasis of the laboratory research is advanced modelling (analytical and numerical) and data processing, including Fourier and wavelet transform, neural networks, correlation analysis, dynamic thermal tomography, and other methods of thermal NDT. This paper describes experimental tests, practical applications in aviation and energy audits, as well as areas of future research.

Background The use of carbon steels in seawater does not provide a sufficient degree of pipelines and equipment protection from corrosion, the use of alloy steels is complicated by their tendency to localized corrosion processes. Aims and Objectives To investigate the effect of seawater impact on the corrosion resistance of 10Х17Н13М2Т, 12Х18Н12М3ТЛ, 20Л and 20Х13 steels, allowed for valves manufacture. Results 1. 10Х17Н3М2Т and 12Х18Н12М3ТЛ steels have high corrosion resistance in seawater models of both the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Nakhodka. The rate of general corrosion does not exceed 0.004 mm per year, there is no pitting corrosion. 2. 20 Л steel has low corrosion resistance in seawater models. The rate of general corrosion of this steel in static is 0.28 mm per year in the model of seawater in the Gulf of Finland and 0.17 mm per year in the model of the Nakhodka Bay; in dynamics - 0.51 mm per year for the Gulf of Finland and 0.26 mm per year for the Gulf of Nakhodka. Local corrosion rate in seawater models was 0.69-0.79 mm per year. 3. The rate of general corrosion of 20X13 steel in seawater models is 0.01-0.05 mm per year; however, this steel is much susceptible to pitting corrosion. The local corrosion rate in the seawater model of the Gulf of Nakhodka was 11.7 mm per year.

In laboratories new systems are created where researchers hope to obtain improved functions at a reasonable cost. In them, specialists need efficient tools that offer better performance and flexible features. This paper designs and implements a SCADA system for GERA laboratory (Scientific Group for Applied Renewable Energy at the University of Oriente) adjusted to the inherent characteristics of flexibility and functionality required in research centers. All these features are supported in an efficient communication system with the implementation of various protocols and novel solutions for this type of systems for monitoring and control. It verifies and validates the system for formal methods.