Generation of Cobalt-Containing Nanoparticles on Carbon via Pyrolysis of a Cobalt Corrole and Its Application in the Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes

We report on the manufacture of a state-of-the-art heterogeneous non-noble metal catalyst, which is based on a molecularly well-defined phosphine-tagged cobalt corrole complex. This precursor compound is readily synthesized from convenient starting materials while the active material is obtained through wet-impregnation of the pertinent metalliferous macrocycle onto carbon black followed by controlled pyrolysis of the loaded carrier material under an inert gas atmosphere. Thus, the obtained composite was then applied in the heterogeneous hydrogenation of various nitroarenes to yield a vast array of valuable aniline derivatives that were conveniently isolated as their hydrochloride salts. The introduced catalytic protocol is robust and user-friendly with the entire assembly of the reaction set-up enabling the conduction of the experiments on the laboratory bench without any protection from air.

Denitrication and N₂O production in Canadian Lakes: effects of nutrient ratios acting through primary producer selection

Anthropogenic nutrient loading to aquatic systems may increase atmospheric release of nitrous oxide (N₂O) greenhouse gas by enhancing denitrification and/or nitrification. High Si:N loading may favour diatom abundance, whereas low N:P loading may favour cyanobacteria dominance. Systems with diatom or green algal dominance may have greater export of organic matter to sediments, whereas systems dominated by cyanobacteria may have organic matter recycled within the water column due to differences in cell density and sinking. With increased export of organic matter to sediments, denitrification and N₂O production may be stimulated. In laboratory bench-scale microcosms, nitrous oxide production was affected by Si:N loading ratios as predicted, although N:P loading did not affect N₂O production in the manner predicted. However, the predicted effects of nutrient loading ratio on microphyte community composition were not supported by microscopy. Field mesocosm experiments indicated no significant relationship between N₂O production and nutrient loading ratios.

Denitrication and N₂O production in Canadian Lakes: effects of nutrient ratios acting through primary producer selection

Anthropogenic nutrient loading to aquatic systems may increase atmospheric release of nitrous oxide (N₂O) greenhouse gas by enhancing denitrification and/or nitrification. High Si:N loading may favour diatom abundance, whereas low N:P loading may favour cyanobacteria dominance. Systems with diatom or green algal dominance may have greater export of organic matter to sediments, whereas systems dominated by cyanobacteria may have organic matter recycled within the water column due to differences in cell density and sinking. With increased export of organic matter to sediments, denitrification and N₂O production may be stimulated. In laboratory bench-scale microcosms, nitrous oxide production was affected by Si:N loading ratios as predicted, although N:P loading did not affect N₂O production in the manner predicted. However, the predicted effects of nutrient loading ratio on microphyte community composition were not supported by microscopy. Field mesocosm experiments indicated no significant relationship between N₂O production and nutrient loading ratios.

RESEARCH OF POSSIBILITY OF ARMOURING A CABIN OF TYPE Mi-8A HELICOPTER

Given an urgent need to protect a crew of the type Mi-8 helicopter from firearms in the course of combat missions and lack of transparent armor for this type of helicopter in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it was decided to conduct a theoretical and experimental research with regard to armouring a cabin of type Mi-8 helicopter. The first stage of experimental research was laboratory (bench) research. Samples of bulletproof glass measuring 500x500 mm and 12 and 18 mm thick were provided for testing. The purpose of research bench tests was to determine the degree of protection of the armored glass unit. The samples were fired at with 9 mm pistol bullets, ind. 57-H-181c (Makarov pistol), bullets 7.62 mm pistol cartridge, ind. 57-H-134c (Tokarev pistol) and 5.45 mm bullets, ind. 7H6 (AK-74 assault rifle). The next stage of experimental research was to conduct research ground tests of armored glass of a Mi-8 helicopter crew cabin. The purpose of research ground tests was to evaluate the protective properties of armored glass samples, based on the results of their firing with a single 5.45 mm bullet shots, ind. 7H6 (AK-74 assault rifle) at the shooting range. Samples of armoured glass of the on-board technician and sight (right) glass intended for protection of the flight crew, systems and units of the cabin were presented for ground research tests. The final stage of experimental research was the stage of research flight tests of the Mi-8MSB-B helicopter with 18 mm thick armored glass. The purpose of research flight tests was as follows: to determine changes in the main technical and operational characteristics of Mi-8MSB-B helicopter after installation of 18 mm thick armored glass; to determine the possibility of using 18 mm thick armored glass on Mi-8 helicopters; to assess the effectiveness and safety of armored glass for armouring Mi-8 helicopters’ cabins; to determine peculiarities of using 18 mm thick armored glass on Mi-8 helicopters and peculiarities of Mi-8 helicopter operation with armored glass installed; to obtain initial data for elaboration of tactical and technical (general) requirements for helicopters Mi-8 (particularly concerning the installation of armored glass), approved by Testing Program and Procedure for research flight tests of Mi-8MSB-B helicopter.

Design of a stepwise safety protocol for lower limb prosthetic risk management in a clinical investigation

<p><a>In research on lower limb prostheses, safety during testing and training is paramount. Lower limb prosthetic users risk unintentional loss of balance that can result in injury, fear of falling, and overall decreased confidence in their prosthetic leg. Here, we present a protocol for managing the risks during evaluation of active prosthetic legs with modifiable control systems. We propose graded safety levels, each of which must be achieved before advancing to the next one, from laboratory bench testing to independent ambulation in real-world environments. This ensures safety for the research participant and staff.</a></p>

Design of a stepwise safety protocol for lower limb prosthetic risk management in a clinical investigation

<p><a>In research on lower limb prostheses, safety during testing and training is paramount. Lower limb prosthetic users risk unintentional loss of balance that can result in injury, fear of falling, and overall decreased confidence in their prosthetic leg. Here, we present a protocol for managing the risks during evaluation of active prosthetic legs with modifiable control systems. We propose graded safety levels, each of which must be achieved before advancing to the next one, from laboratory bench testing to independent ambulation in real-world environments. This ensures safety for the research participant and staff.</a></p>

Oleogels—Their Applicability and Methods of Characterization

Oleogels or, more precisely, non-triglyceride structured lipid phases have been researched excessively in the last decade. Yet, no comprehensive knowledge base has emerged, allowing technology elevation from the laboratory bench into the industrial food application. That is partly due to insufficient characterization of the structuring systems studied. Examining a single composition decided upon by arbitrary methods does not stimulate progress in the research and technology area. A framework that gives much better guidance to product applications can easily be derived. For example, the incremental structure contribution concept is advocated as a parameter to compare the potency of structuring systems. These can straightforwardly be determined by combining solubility data and structural measurements in the recommended manner. The current method to determine the oil-binding capacity suffers from reproducibility and relevance. A newly developed method is suggested to overcome these shortcomings. The recommended new characterization of oleogels should contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge base necessary for product innovations.

Sulfaquinoxaline Oxidation and Toxicity Reduction by Photo-Fenton Process

Sulfaquinoxaline (SQX) has been detected in environmental water samples, where its side effects are still unknown. To the best of our knowledge, its oxidation by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes has not been previously reported. In this study, SQX oxidation, mineralization, and toxicity (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria) were evaluated at two different setups: laboratory bench (2 L) and pilot plant (15 L). The experimental design was used to assess the influence of the presence or absence of radiation source, as well as different H2O2 concentrations (94.1 to 261.9 mg L−1). The experimental conditions of both setups were: SQX = 25 mg L−1, Fe(II) = 10 mg L−1, pH 2.8 ± 0.1. Fenton and photo-Fenton were suitable for SQX oxidation and experiments resulted in higher SQX mineralization than reported in the literature. For both setups, the best process was the photo-Fenton (178.0 mg L−1 H2O2), for which over 90% of SQX was removed, over 50% mineralization, and bacterial growth inhibition less than 13%. In both set-ups, the presence or absence of radiation was equally important for sulfaquinoxaline oxidation; however, the degradation rates at the pilot plant were between two to four times higher than the obtained at the laboratory bench.