Development of Epoxy Resin-Based Elastomeric Microfluidic Devices Using CO2 Laser Ablation for DNA-Amplification Point-Of-Care (POC) Applications: Assessment of Microchannels' Dimensions and Quality

Microfluidic devices are a rising technology to automatize chemical and biological operations. In this context, laser ablation has significant potential for polymer-based microfluidic platforms' fast and economical manufacturing. Nevertheless, the manufacturing of epoxy-based microfluidic chips is considered highly cost full due to demand for cleanroom facilities that utilize expensive equipment and lengthy processes. Therefore, this study targeted investigating the feasibility of epoxy resins to be fabricated as a lab-on-chip using carbon dioxide laser ablation. The chemical structural properties and thermal stability of the plain epoxy resins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, a specific migration test was performed to quantify potential migrants by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to prove that the cured epoxy resin would not release unreacted monomers to the biological solution test, which caused inhibition of the sensitive biological reactions. By investigating the impact of this process on microchannels' dimensions and quality, a laser technique using CO2 laser was used in vector mode to engrave into a transparent epoxy resin chip. The resulting microchannels were characterized using 3D Laser microscopy. The outcomes of this study showed considerable potential for laser ablation in machining the epoxy-based chips, whereas the microchannels were produced with minor bulges' height (0.027 µm) with no clogging. Moreover, a reasonable depth of 99.31 µm with roughness (Ra) of 14.52 µm was obtained at a laser speed of 5 mm/s and laser power of 1.8 W. This process can produce epoxy resin-based microfluidic chips without the need for cleanroom facilities that require expensive equipment and lengthy process.

Customer Satisfaction on Barista Service

This study aims to determine consumer satisfaction with barista services. The method in this study is qualitative using a descriptive approach. The method of data collection in this study was done through observation, interviews with a list of questions and documentation. The results of the study show that consumer satisfaction with barista services in general is satisfied with the barista services and coffee drinks served, but most of the guests who visit are only coffee drinkers, not coffee connoisseurs. This needs to be followed up so that consumers or guests can better understand the existence and services of Baristas, this is because consumers or guests are only coffee drinkers, not coffee connoisseurs and only choose the type of coffee provided. The existence of the Barista and the services available at the cafe only provide coffee based on the needs of consumers or guests and there is still a lack of availability of very limited and expensive equipment that must be spent for each equipment needed.

Method for determining the authenticity of a document based on computer colorimetry

Determining the authenticity of documents is an important task when conducting investigative measures. In practice, for the examination of documents to determine the prescription of their creation, a spectral method is used, in which it is necessary to make clippings from the document under study, which leads to damage to the document under study, and also requires the use of expensive equipment, which affects the price of the examination of the document. The article describes a method for determining the authenticity of a document based on computer colorimetry, which does not require expensive equipment for conducting an examination. This method for determining the authenticity of a document uses a change in the color of the strokes of a ballpoint pen over time, which is caused by the drying of the solvent in the ink of the pen, and also lacks the disadvantage of the need to damage the document under study.

Expansion of technological capabilities of the electron beam welding installation

The direction of electron beam technologies is promising and is rapidly developing. Quite recently, the electron beam was a tool for welding, and nowadays, electron-beam additive technologies and beam hardening technologies have become widespread. At the moment, there is no electron beam system that unites all these technologies. Expensive equipment has been developed to implement each technology. The article deals with expanding the technological capabilities of the 15E1000 electron-beam welding installation in order to implement new methods and techniques for processing metals with an electron beam.

The Development of Big Data Technology in the Consulting Services Market

Today, Big Data is one of the key economic and information resources needed to transform the digital economy and the competitiveness of a consulting firm. The analysis of scientific literature indicates the lack of a unified approach to the concept of "Big Data" in the consulting market. The development of Big Data technology in the market of consulting services and their commercial application is relevant. The article discusses the evolution of approaches to the concept of "Big Data", prospects and factors of development and sources of data acquisition. We also discussed the benefits of using big data technology. The research summarized available knowledge about the nature and development of Big Data technology in the consulting services market. The study revealed the power of the tool used by the analyst. The study identified a distinction between the terms "Deep Date" and "Big Date". We examined the following issues related to Big Data: the processing costs, in particular, expensive equipment, wages for qualified specialists, the problem of confidentiality and loss of information.

Modular and Integrated Systems for Nanoparticle and Microparticle Synthesis—A Review

Nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) have been widely used in different areas of research such as materials science, energy, and biotechnology. On-demand synthesis of NPs and MPs with desired chemical and physical properties is essential for different applications. However, most of the conventional methods for producing NPs/MPs require bulky and expensive equipment, which occupies large space and generally need complex operation with dedicated expertise and labour. These limitations hinder inexperienced researchers to harness the advantages of NPs and MPs in their fields of research. When problems individual researchers accumulate, the overall interdisciplinary innovations for unleashing a wider range of directions are undermined. In recent years, modular and integrated systems are developed for resolving the ongoing dilemma. In this review, we focus on the development of modular and integrated systems that assist the production of NPs and MPs. We categorise these systems into two major groups: systems for the synthesis of (1) NPs and (2) MPs; systems for producing NPs are further divided into two sections based on top-down and bottom-up approaches. The mechanisms of each synthesis method are explained, and the properties of produced NPs/MPs are compared. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and outline the potentials for the development of modular and integrated systems.

“Scentsor”: A Whole-Cell Yeast Biosensor with an Olfactory Reporter for Low-Cost and Equipment-Free Detection of Pharmaceuticals

ABSTRACTPortable and inexpensive analytical tools are required to monitor pharmaceutical quality in technology limited settings including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Whole cell yeast biosensors have the potential to help meet this need. However, most of the read-outs for yeast biosensors require expensive equipment or reagents. To overcome this challenge, we have designed a yeast biosensor that produces a unique scent as a readout. This inducible scent biosensor, or “scentsor,” does not require the user to administer additional reagents for reporter development and utilizes only the user’s nose to be “read.” In this manuscript, we describe a scentsor that is responsive to the hormone estradiol (E2). The best estimate threshold (BET) for E2 detection with a panel of human volunteers (n = 49) is 39 nM E2 (15 nM when “non-smellers” are excluded). This concentration of E2 is sensitive enough to detect levels of E2 that would be found in dosage forms. This manuscript provides evidence that scent has potential for use in portable yeast biosensors as a read out, particularly for use in technology-limited environments.

Morphological Characterization of Wax and Surfactant–Encapsulated Microcrystalline Cellulose for Better Dispersion

Encapsulation of cellulose with wax and surfactant is a physical way to restrict cellulose-to-cellulose attraction. Because wax is often used in the wood composite process, industrial manufacturers would not have to upgrade or add expensive equipment to handle cellulose addition. The encapsulated cellulose particles could easily be transported to composite and polymer facilities and blended in a homogeneous fashion for a multitude of products and composites. It was the objective of this study to utilize differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy to characterize the wax and surfactant coverage and encapsulation morphology of the wax–surfactant–cellulose composite. The lengths and widths of the cellulose particles were significantly changed after encapsulation. DIC microscopy found that we could fine-tune wax coverage to control homogeneity and reduce fiber bundling during dispersion. It was found that surfactants were not necessary to enhance coverage if a 1:4 ratio of wax to microcrystalline cellulose was used. However, if more wax is desired, then surfactants may be necessary to suppress fiber bundles during dispersion.

Numerical Procedures and their Practical Application in PV Module Analyses. Part IV: Atmospheric Transparency Parameters - Application

The presented article relates to aspects of PV module testing using natural sunlight in outdoor conditions. It is a continuation of the article Part III: parameters of atmospheric transparency - determining and correlations. This article discusses the practical application of the indexes: atmosphere purity - kTm, diffused component content - ks/o, beam clear sky index - Kb - in testing various modules in outdoor conditions. Their influence on the conversion of modules made from various absorbers and various technologies is demonstrated. Their practical application in module testing in outdoor conditions is described and it - has been demonstrated that the results of the analyses carried out using the indexes conform to the results obtained using spectral parameters of solar radiation (i.e. APE and UF). These are the measurements that require the use of very expensive equipment.