scholarly journals Effect of Process Conditions and Colloidal Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystals Suspensions on the Production of Hydrogel Beads

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2552
Author(s):  
Nicola Ferrari ◽  
Cecilia Ada Maestri ◽  
Paolo Bettotti ◽  
Mario Grassi ◽  
Michela Abrami ◽  
...  

The influence of the physical, rheological, and process parameters on the cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) drops before and after external gelation in a CaCl2 solution was investigated. The dominant role of the CNC’s colloidal suspension properties, such as the viscous force, inertial, and surface tension forces in the fluid dynamics was quantitatively evaluated in the formation of drops and jellified beads. The similarity and difference between the behavior of carbohydrate polymers and rod-like crystallites such as CNC were enlightened. Pump-driven and centrifugally-driven external gelation approaches were followed to obtain CNC hydrogel beads with tunable size and regular shape. A superior morphological control—that is, a more regular shape and smaller dimension of the beads—were obtained by centrifugal force-driven gelation. These results suggest that even by using a simple set-up and a low-speed centrifuge device, the extrusion of a colloidal solution through a small nozzle under a centrifugal field is an efficient approach for the production of CNC hydrogel beads with good reproducibility, control over the bead morphology and size monodispersion.

Author(s):  
T. Gulik-Krzywicki ◽  
M.J. Costello

Freeze-etching electron microscopy is currently one of the best methods for studying molecular organization of biological materials. Its application, however, is still limited by our imprecise knowledge about the perturbations of the original organization which may occur during quenching and fracturing of the samples and during the replication of fractured surfaces. Although it is well known that the preservation of the molecular organization of biological materials is critically dependent on the rate of freezing of the samples, little information is presently available concerning the nature and the extent of freezing-rate dependent perturbations of the original organizations. In order to obtain this information, we have developed a method based on the comparison of x-ray diffraction patterns of samples before and after freezing, prior to fracturing and replication.Our experimental set-up is shown in Fig. 1. The sample to be quenched is placed on its holder which is then mounted on a small metal holder (O) fixed on a glass capillary (p), whose position is controlled by a micromanipulator.


Author(s):  
Hongying Shan ◽  
Chuang Wang ◽  
Cungang Zou ◽  
Mengyao Qin

This paper is a study of the dynamic path planning problem of the pull-type multiple Automated Guided Vehicle (multi-AGV) complex system. First, based on research status at home and abroad, the conflict types, common planning algorithms, and task scheduling methods of different AGV complex systems are compared and analyzed. After comparing the different algorithms, the Dijkstra algorithm was selected as the path planning algorithm. Secondly, a mathematical model is set up for the shortest path of the total driving path, and a general algorithm for multi-AGV collision-free path planning based on a time window is proposed. After a thorough study of the shortcomings of traditional single-car planning and conflict resolution algorithms, a time window improvement algorithm for the planning path and the solution of the path conflict covariance is established. Experiments on VC++ software showed that the improved algorithm reduces the time of path planning and improves the punctual delivery rate of tasks. Finally, the algorithm is applied to material distribution in the OSIS workshop of a C enterprise company. It can be determined that the method is feasible in the actual production and has a certain application value by the improvement of the data before and after the comparison.


Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Zhiguo Lu ◽  
Chuanyu Du ◽  
Qingcai Chen ◽  
Tianying Niu ◽  
Na Wang ◽  
...  

The friction and wear characteristics of spike-tooth material (65Mn steel) of Spike-Tooth Harrow in a two-stage peanut harvester were studied in this paper. The friction and wear tests of pin and disc on 65 manganese steel were carried out on the tribometer, then the wear loss and the friction coefficient were studied. The wear loss of the pin was acquired by calculating the mass of the pin before and after the experiment using an electronic balance. According to the actual working environment of peanut spring-finger, four variable parameters are set up: load, speed, soil moisture and soil type. The friction and wear characteristics of pins were studied under different loads, speeds and different soil environments. After wearing, the worn surface of the material was observed by scanning microscope and the wear mechanism was studied. The experimental results show that the wear of the pin increases with the increase of load and decreases with the increase of rotational speed in the same rotation number. Especially in the case of the sandy soil with 20% in moisture, a maximum wear loss of the pin is achieved.


Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Brezzi ◽  
Alberto Bisson ◽  
Davide Pasa ◽  
Simonetta Cola

AbstractA large number of landslides occur in North-Eastern Italy during every rainy period due to the particular hydrogeological conditions of this area. Even if there are no casualties, the economic losses are often significant, and municipalities frequently do not have sufficient financial resources to repair the damage and stabilize all the unstable slopes. In this regard, the research for more economically sustainable solutions is a crucial challenge. Floating composite anchors are an innovative and low-cost technique set up for slope stabilization: it consists in the use of passive sub-horizontal reinforcements, obtained by coupling a traditional self-drilling bar with some tendons cemented inside it. This work concerns the application of this technique according to the observational method described within the Italian and European technical codes and mainly recommended for the design of geotechnical works, especially when performed in highly uncertain site conditions. The observational method prescribes designing an intervention and, at the same time, using a monitoring system in order to correct and adapt the project during realization of the works on the basis of new data acquired while on site. The case study is the landslide of Cischele, a medium landslide which occurred in 2010 after an exceptional heavy rainy period. In 2015, some floating composite anchors were installed to slow down the movement, even if, due to a limited budget, they were not enough to ensure the complete stabilization of the slope. Thanks to a monitoring system installed in the meantime, it is now possible to have a comparison between the site conditions before and after the intervention. This allows the evaluation of benefits achieved with the reinforcements and, at the same time, the assessment of additional improvements. Two stabilization scenarios are studied through an FE model: the first includes the stabilization system built in 2015, while the second evaluates a new solution proposed to further increase the slope stability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 152 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S131-S132
Author(s):  
Kathryn Hogan ◽  
Beena Umar ◽  
Mohamed Alhamar ◽  
Kathleen Callahan ◽  
Linoj Samuel

Abstract Objectives There are few papers that characterize types of errors in microbiology laboratories and scant research demonstrating the effects of interventions on microbiology lab errors. This study aims to categorize types of culture reporting errors found in microbiology labs and to document the error rates before and after interventions designed to reduce errors and improve overall laboratory quality. Methods To improve documentation of error incidence, a self-reporting system was changed to an automatic reporting system. Errors were categorized into five types Gram stain (misinterpretations), identification (incorrect analysis), set up labeling (incorrect patient labels), procedures (not followed), and miscellaneous. Error rates were tracked according to technologist, and technologists were given real-time feedback by a manager. Error rates were also monitored in the daily quality meeting and frequently detected errors were discussed at staff meetings. Technologists attended a year-end review with a manager to improve their performance. To maintain these changes, policies were developed to monitor technologist error rate and to define corrective measures. If a certain number of errors per month was reached, technologists were required to undergo retraining by a manager. If a technologist failed to correct any error according to protocol, they were also potentially subject to corrective measures. Results In 2013, we recorded 0.5 errors per 1,000 tests. By 2018, we recorded only 0.1 errors per 1,000 tests, an 80% decrease. The yearly culture volume from 2013 to 2018 increased by 32%, while the yearly error rate went from 0.05% per year to 0.01% per year, a statistically significant decrease (P = .0007). Conclusion This study supports the effectiveness of the changes implemented to decrease errors in culture reporting. By tracking errors in real time and using a standardized process that involved timely follow-up, technologists were educated on error prevention. This practice increased safety awareness in our micro lab.


1997 ◽  
Vol 111 (9) ◽  
pp. 839-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bjerkhoel ◽  
O. Trobbe

AbstractFrey's syndrome, i.e. gustatory sweating on the cheek, is a fairly common embarrassment after parotid gland surgery. New surgical techniques have been proposed to avoid this complication, but are not widely in use. Hence, there is need for treatment of Frey's syndrome. All surgical and topical treatments have drawbacks. This study was set up in order to evaluate a recently described treatment. One hundred and two patients were interviewed after parotidectomy. Thirty-one of them had noticed gustatory sweating and 15 patients underwent Minor's starch iodine test before, and after, treatment with intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox®, Allergan Inc., USA). Thirteen of the patients did not experience any gustatory sweating at follow-up (one to 13 months). Minor's starch test showed total disappearance of gustatory sweating in 12 of the 15 treated patients. The only side effect was a discreet, transitory affection of the orbicularis oris muscle in one patient. As this treatment is minimally invasive it could be an attractive treatment for Frey's syndrome if the effect is maintained. Complaints of local hypoaesthesia and pain were also common after parotid surgery.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Rita Makarskaitė-Petkevičienė ◽  
Jurgita Pitrėnaitė

Discussion in the process of teaching refers to a more sophisticated form of conversation, which is more frequently applied working with senior school learners. Problems rather than facts or phenomena are discussed. The question rises if the method of discussion is relevant in lessons of surrounding world learn-ing and whether it enables school learners to acquire knowledge, facilitates its memorisation or allows to ar-rive at solutions to urgent problems. The research involved 18 second formers, 15 school learners of fourth form and 13 students. All the groups of respondents discussed the same problem. Different roles were assigned to the participants in the discussion (a number of respondents represented heads of waste management company, whereas the rest assumed roles of residents of area where waste dump was being set up) and they involved in discussions of issues related to waste management and waste dump establishment. A considerable difference in the results of questionnaires provided to the participants before and after the discussion was observed. It is obvious that the respondents not only gained knowledge but also acquired a different perception and understanding of the problems analysed in the discussion. However, the compari-son of all the results of the survey revealed a stronger educational role of the discussion teaching fourth for-mers. This confirms theoretical statements that this method is more effective with senior school learners. The group of students also found the discussion useful. Key words: primary education, teaching of surrounding world learning, teaching methods, discussion.


2009 ◽  
Vol 610-613 ◽  
pp. 85-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Dong Zhao ◽  
Shi Jun Su ◽  
Nan Shan Ai ◽  
Xiao Fan Zhu

A mathematical model for flue gas desulfurization using pyrolusite pulp in jet bubbling reactor (JBR) was described. Firstly, based on the concept of two stages mass balance with chemical reaction, two models were set up, for jet bubbling zone and rising bubble zone, respectively, according to the construction of JBR. The models consist of two coupling differential equations and were solved simultaneously by integral and separation of the variables. Then the SO2 absorption efficiency expression was developed, considering the great discrepancy existing between the gas-side mass transfer coefficients of the jet bubbling zone and gas bubble rising zone. The final expression associates SO2 absorption efficiency with process conditions and JBR structure parameters, which can give some instruction and guidance for the study of reactor operation process. Predicted results from the theoretical model, including effect of pH value of the pulp, flue gas temperature and inlet SO2 concentration of flue gas on SO2 absorption efficiency, were found to be in good agreement with experimental data obtained in a jet bubbling reactor. The model provides a basis for the process scale up and operating guide.


Author(s):  
AW Hassan ◽  
MY Noordin ◽  
S Izman ◽  
K Denni

Heat treatment processes have a positive impact in improving the adhesion strength of different interlayer/substrate materials. However, information regarding the effect of these processes in enhancing the adhesion strength of an electroplated nickel interlayer on tungsten carbide substrate for diamond deposition is lacking. In this study, the effect of carburizing and annealing process conditions in enhancing the adhesion strength of the electroplated nickel interlayer was investigated. The heat treatment processes were designed and modeled by the design of experiments technique. The heat-treated specimens were characterized by the field-emission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The adhesion of the interlayer before and after the heat treatment was assessed by the scratch test. The results show that the adhesion of the electroplated nickel interlayer was remarkably improved by both processes. The mathematical models for predicting the adhesion strength of the carburized and annealed nickel interlayer within the specified ranges were developed. The maximum adhesion strength of 30 N was obtained from the nickel interlayer annealed at the highest process condition of temperature and time.


Author(s):  
Elaine Thai ◽  
Anil R. Kumar

Mechanisms for training pool skills have evolved from manually setting up balls in different positions on the table and hitting them one-by-one to now using technology to precisely set up these plays and practice the game virtually. The aim of this study was to investigate how adding haptic feedback into a pool video game affects transfer of training into real-life pool skills. A 2 x 4 mixed factorial design was used to see how haptic feedback (its absence or presence) and four types of shots affect pool performance. Half of the participants experienced the pool video game without haptic feedback while the other half experienced it with haptic feedback. Performance before and after the video game practice was recorded as successful or unsuccessful, with a series of the same 40 pre- and post-video-game shots. Results from 38 participants are presented, and their implications are discussed.


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