Formaldehyde migration in aqueous extracts from paper and cardboard food packaging materials in Turkey.

PubMed

Dogan, Canan Ekinci; Sancı, Rukiye

2015-01-01

Migration of formaldehyde to aqueous extracts from paper and cardboard food packaging materials was determined by an ultraviolet visible-spectrophotometric method at 410 nm. Intraday and interday precision of the method, expressed as coefficient of variation, varied between 1.5 to 4.4% and 7 to 8.8%, respectively. The limit of quantification was 0.28 mg kg(-1) for formaldehyde in aqueous extracts. The recovery of the method was over 90% for two different concentration levels in aqueous extracts. The method was applied to the migration of formaldehyde to aqueous extracts from 31 different paper and cardboard materials collected from the packaging sector, intended for food contact, such as tea filters, hot water filters, paper pouches and folding boxes. The results were between limit of detection 0.23 mg/kg and 40 mg kg(-1) and were evaluated according to the relevant directives.

Environmental Assessment Addressing Privatization of Military Family Housing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

expense. Recycling materials such as paper , cardboard, glass, and plastic would be collected and recycled at an off-installation facility per Grand...available in the NRCS’s web soil survey (NRCS 2010). Most of the soils that were rated for construction limitations are considered to be somewhat to...and accepts paper , glass, plastic, cardboard, metal cans, and compost from all installation facilities (GFAFB 2008e). Additional recycling efforts

Battlespace Representation for Air, Space, and Cyber

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-17

they were cardboard models of targets carried in the bombers to allow bombardiers to see how the target would look with current shadows. See Figure ...1 for an example. Command and control has changed as well as targeting. Figure 2 illustrates a WW II-era command center built in tunnels near...invariants that can be used to shape or guide designs. Figure 1. A cardboard model used by bombers. Command and control has changed as well as

Relative effects of plumage coloration and vegetation density on nest success

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, M.W.

1999-01-01

Many passerine species are highly dichromatic with brightly-colored males and cryptically-colored females. Bright plumage in males is commonly thought to arise as a result of sexual selection by females such that males with bright coloration possess high fitness. However, bright plumage potentially could expose males to increased predation risk. Consistent with this idea, males of many highly dichromatic passerine species do not incubate. I tested whether brightly-colored males avoid incubation to reduce the probability of visual predators locating their nest. This hypothesis predicts greater hatching success for clutches incubated by cryptically-colored individuals than by brightly-colored individuals. The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common dichromatic species that breeds throughout the eastern U.S. I placed two button-quail (Turnix st).) eggs in each of 203 simulated cardinal nests. Dull brown cardboard, simulating a female cardinal, was placed over about half of all clutches. Bright red cardboard, simulating a male cardinal, was placed over the other clutches. Nest success was highest for well-concealed nests (87%) and lowest for nests in open habitat (54%). Nests containing red cardboard did not have significantly lower success than nests with brown cardboard, nor did I detect a significant color X vegetation-density interaction. My analysis may have had insufficient power to detect an effect of color on nest success; alternatively, brightly-colored males that do not incubate may achieve benefits unrelated to predation risk.

Effect of Strain Rates and Pre-Twist on Tensile Strength of Kevlar KM2 Single Fiber

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

cardboard tabs at a standard gage length of 5.2 mm for testing using 3M DP8005 epoxy . The cardboard tabs were glued to stainless steel setscrews so that...did not pull out of the glue . If pullout were evident, the force would rise followed by a flat portion where the fiber takes a small amount of load...until the fiber comes back into contact with the glue followed by another rise and so on until failure. Figure 5. Raw data from a high-rate

The re-use of Waste-Activated Sludge as part of a "zero-sludge" strategy for wastewater treatments in the pulp and paper industry.

PubMed

Kaluža, Leon; Suštaršič, Matej; Rutar, Vera; Zupančič, Gregor D

2014-01-01

The possibility of introducing the thermo-alkali hydrolysis of Waste-Activated Sludge (WAS) was investigated, in order to enable the use of its solid residue as a raw material in cardboard production and the use of its liquid portion for anaerobic digestion in an UASB reactor. The evaluation of the hydrolysis at pH>12 and T=70°C showed that the microbe cells were disrupted with more than 90% efficiency in less than 2h. The solid portion was hygienised, therefore making it possible to integrate it into the cardboard production as a raw material for less demanding cardboards. Up to 6% addition of the liquid portion of hydrolysed WAS to wastewater decreased the specific biogas production in a pilot-scale UASB from 0.236 to 0.212 m(3)/kg(COD), while the efficiency of the COD removal decreased from 80.4% to 76.5%. These values still guarantee an adequate treatment of the wastewater and an increased biogas production by 16%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Risk of bacterial cross infection associated with inspiration through flow-based spirometers.

PubMed

Bracci, Massimo; Strafella, Elisabetta; Croce, Nicola; Staffolani, Sara; Carducci, Annalaura; Verani, Marco; Valentino, Matteo; Santarelli, Lory

2011-02-01

Bacterial contamination of spirometers has been documented in water-sealed devices, mouthpieces, and connection tubes. Little information is available about bacterial contamination of flow-based apparatuses such as turbine-type spirometers and pneumotachographs. Inspiration through contaminated equipment is a potential source of cross infection. To investigate bacteria mobilization (ie, bacteria detachment and aerosolization from the instrument) during routine spirometric testing, 2 types of flow-based spirometers were used. Bacteria mobilization during artificial inspiration through in-line filters or cardboard mouthpieces was evaluated. Nine hundred workers undergoing periodic spirometric testing were enrolled at the occupational physician office in 30 sessions of 30 subjects each. The participants were asked to perform a forced vital capacity test in a turbine-type spirometer and in an unheated pneumotachograph fitted with disposable in-line filters or cardboard mouthpieces. To evaluate bacterial mobilization, an artificial inspiration was performed and bacterial growth determined. The bacterial growth analysis was assessed after the first and the thirtieth spirometric tests of each session without disinfecting the instruments between tests. In addition, instrument bacterial contamination was evaluated. No significant bacterial mobilization and instrument contamination were found in spirometric tests executed with in-line filters. Conversely, a significant bacterial mobilization and instrument contamination were observed in tests performed with cardboard mouthpieces. Differences between the 2 spirometers were not significant. In-line filters may effectively reduce the risk of bacterial cross infection. Inspiration through flow-based spirometers fitted with disposable cardboard mouthpieces is completely safe when combined with spirometer disinfection/sterilization between subjects. Copyright © 2011 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Adventure Playgrounds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGuire, Robert F.

1971-01-01

At the Milpitas City-School Recreation Department's "adventure playground," piles of scrap wood, cardboard, and other building materials are provided for building at the youngsters' inclinations. (MB)

Reality-based practice under pressure improves handgun shooting performance of police officers.

PubMed

Oudejans, R R D

2008-03-01

The current study examined whether reality-based practice under pressure may help in preventing degradation of handgun shooting performance under pressure for police officers. Using a pre-post-test design, one group of nine police officers practised handgun shooting under pressure evoked by an opponent who also fired back using marking (coloured soap) cartridges. The control group (n = 8) practised handgun shooting on standard cardboard targets instead of real opponents. Within a fortnight after the pre-test, both groups received three training sessions of 1 h, in which each person fired a total of 72 rounds. During the pre- and post test each participant took 30 shots without pressure (cardboard targets) and 30 shots under additional pressure (with an opponent firing back). While during the pre-test both groups performed worse in front of an opponent firing back compared to the cardboard targets, after the training sessions shooting performance of the experimental group no longer deteriorated with an opponent while performance of the control group was equally harmed as during the pre-test. These results indicate that training exercises involving increased pressure can acclimatize shooting performance of ordinary police officers to those situations with elevated pressure that they may encounter during their police work.

The potential and limits of termites (Isoptera) as decomposers of waste paper products.

PubMed

Lenz, Michael; Lee, Chow-Yang; Lacey, Michael J; Yoshimura, Tsuyoshi; Tsunoda, Kunio

2011-02-01

Termites (Isoptera) have often been proposed as decomposers oflignocellulosic waste, such as paper products, while termite biomass could be harvested for food supplements. Groups of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) were kept for 4 and 8 wk, respectively, in the laboratory and given up to 10 different types of paper as their food source. Paper consumption, survival, caste composition, and lipid content were recorded. Corrugated cardboard was by far the most consumed paper product, although survival on it was not necessarily favorable. In R. speratus, lipid reserves and neotenic numbers were quite high, but no breeding occurred. Cardboard may be the "junk food" equivalent for termites. Within the tested period, termites did not perform well on paper products that form the bulk of waste paper--corrugated cardboard, newsprint, and pamphlets and magazines. On all paper products (except recycled office paper), neotenic reproductives were formed, but larvae were observed only on kraft pulp and tissue paper. That all waste paper products contain lignocellulosic fibers does not automatically make them suitable for decomposition by termites. Each paper product has to be assessed on its own merit to see whether termites can reproduce on this diet, if it were to be a candidate for sustainable "termidegradation" and termite biomass production.

Release of deuterated (E)-2-nonenal during beer aging from labeled precursors synthesized before boiling.

PubMed

Liégeois, Catherine; Meurens, Nicolas; Badot, Camille; Collin, Sonia

2002-12-18

Although lipid autoxidation in the boiling kettle is a key determinant of the cardboard flavor of aged beers, recent results show that mashing is another significant source of wort nonenal potential, the well-known indicator of how a beer will release (E)-2-nonenal during storage. Although unstable, deuterated (E)-2-nonenal nitrogen adducts created during mashing can in some cases partially persist in the pitching wort, to release deuterated (E)-2-nonenal during beer aging. In the experiment described here, the relative contributions of mashing and boiling were estimated at 30 and 70%, respectively. The presence of oxygen during mashing and, to a lesser extent, high lipoxygenase activity can intensify the stale cardboard flavor.

Bioremediation of industrial waste through mushroom cultivation.

PubMed

Kulshreshtha, Shweta; Mathur, Nupur; Bhatnagar, Pradeep; Jain, B L

2010-07-01

Handmade paper and cardboard industries are involved in processing of cellulosic and ligno-cellulosic substances for making paper by hand or simple machinery. In the present study solid sludge and effluent of both cardboard and handmade paper industries was collected for developing a mushroom cultivation technique to achieve zero waste discharges. Findings of present research work reveals that when 50% paper industries waste is used by mixing with 50% (w/w) wheat straw, significant increase (96.38%) in biological efficiency over control of wheat straw was observed. Further, cultivated basidiocarps showed normal morphology of stipe and pileus. Cross section of lamellae did not show any abnormality in the attachment of basidiospores, hymenal trama and basidium. No toxicity was found when fruiting bodies were tested chemically.

The use of reverse logistics for waste management in a Brazilian grocery retailer.

PubMed

Dias, Karina T S; Braga Junior, Sergio S

2016-01-01

Retail growth is a result of the diversification of departments with the intention to look to consumer's needs and level of demand. Pressed by consumers and by the law, the adoption of environmental preservation practices is becoming stronger among grocery retailers. The objective of this research was to analyse the practices of reverse logistics performed by a retailer and measure the amount of waste generated by each department. To reach the proposed goal, a field research study was conducted to directly observe a grocery retailer in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for a period of 6 months and monitor the amounts of cardboard and plastic discarded by each department. Using the Wuppertal method, the first result observed was that the retailer stopped its monthly production of approximately 20 tonne of biotic and abiotic material, which influence global warming and degradation of the ozone layer. Another result observed with the implementation of reverse logistics, was that the general grocery department mostly used cardboard and plastic. This sector includes products such as food cupboard, drinks, household, health and beauty, and pet articles. The fresh fruit and vegetable department and the meat, chicken and frozen department were increasingly using less plastic and cardboard packaging, increasing the use of returnable and durable packaging and thus promoting sustainability. © The Author(s) 2015.

High School Forum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herron, J. Dudley, Ed.

1975-01-01

Describes methods for teaching the mole concept, including analogous calculations involving household objects, and the use of a cardboard wheel showing the interrelationships between moles, molecular weight, and the gaseous molar volume. (MLH)

40 CFR 60.55c - Waste management plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... include, but is not limited to, elements such as segregation and recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, food waste, and metals (e.g., aluminum cans, metals-containing devices); segregation...

40 CFR 60.55c - Waste management plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... include, but is not limited to, elements such as segregation and recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, food waste, and metals (e.g., aluminum cans, metals-containing devices); segregation...

Measuring Earth's Magnetic Field Simply.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewart, Gay B.

2000-01-01

Describes a method for measuring the earth's magnetic field using an empty toilet paper tube, copper wire, clear tape, a battery, a linear variable resistor, a small compass, cardboard, a protractor, and an ammeter. (WRM)

7 CFR 51.3152 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of the proper size for the cells.... (g) “Diameter” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom...

Simple Models for Tough Concepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavagnoi, Richard M.; Barnett, Thomas

1976-01-01

Describes the construction of teaching models made from a variety of materials such as poker chips and cardboard that illustrate many chemical phenomena, including subatomic particles, molecular structure, solvation and dissociation, and enzyme-substrate interactions. (MLH)

Plant a Planetary Pennant, and Other Art Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcox, Claudia; and others

1970-01-01

Art projects discussed include the creation of outer space flags, painting with wool, making ceramics and sculptures from inexpensive ingredients, constructing cardboard rockets, costume design, and reed representations of flowers and insects. (DB)

A Recycled Giraffe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diorio, Lucille

1976-01-01

Chicken wire, cardboard tubes, newspaper, scrap lumber and discontinued fabric samples were among the discarded materials used in the art classes at the Webster Hill Elementary School, West Hartford, Connecticut, to create an eight-foot giraffe. (Author/RK)

7 CFR 51.3152 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of the proper size for the cells.... (g) “Diameter” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom...

7 CFR 51.3152 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of the proper size for the cells.... (g) “Diameter” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom...

Recycling at Camp.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cummins, William M.

1988-01-01

Outlines a Michigan summer camp's efforts to reduce solid waste disposal by recycling cardboard, tin, glass, aluminum, and plastic milk containers. Points out variables affecting the success of such efforts. Discusses Michigan state funding for the development of recycling programs. (SV)

Here Comes the Sun.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaHart, David E.

1984-01-01

Provides instructions for constructing a model passive-solar house from a sturdy cardboard box and other readily available materials. By constructing the house and performing related experiments, students begin to understand some of the major principles of solar energy. (JN)

Evaluation of three composting systems for the management of spent coffee grounds.

PubMed

Liu, K; Price, G W

2011-09-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the optimum composting approach for the management of spent coffee grounds from the restaurant and ready-to-serve coffee industry. Three composting systems were assessed, including in-vessel composting, vermicomposting bins, and aerated static pile bin composting, over study periods ranging from 47 to 98 days. Total carbon content was reduced by 5-7% in the spent coffee ground treatments across the three composting systems. Nitrogen and other mineral nutrient contents were conserved or enhanced from the initial to the final composts in all the composting systems assessed. Earthworm growth and survival (15-80%) was reduced in all the treatments but mortality rates were lower in coffee treatments with cardboard additions. A decline in earthworm mortality with cardboard additions was the result of reduced exposure to organic compounds and chemicals released through the decomposition of spent coffee grounds. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lignocellulosic micro/nanofibers from wood sawdust applied to recycled fibers for the production of paper bags.

PubMed

Tarrés, Quim; Pellicer, Neus; Balea, Ana; Merayo, Noemi; Negro, Carlos; Blanco, Angeles; Delgado-Aguilar, Marc; Mutjé, Pere

2017-12-01

In the present work, lignocellulosic micro/nanofibers (LCMNF) were produced from pine sawdust. For that, pine sawdust was submitted to alkali treatment and subsequent bleaching stages, tailoring its chemical composition with the purpose of obtaining effective LCMNF. The obtained LCMNF were characterized and incorporated to recycled cardboard boxes with the purpose of producing recycled paper. The obtained results showed that it was possible to obtain LCMNF with the same reinforcing potential than those cellulose nanofibers (CNF) prepared by oxidative or other chemical methods In fact, the obtained papers increased the breaking length of recycled cardboard from 3338m to 5347m, being a value significantly higher than the requirements to produce paper bags. Overall, the studied strategies could allow a significant reduction of paper basis weight, with the consequent material saving and, thus, contribution to the environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

3D ZnO/Ag Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering on Disposable and Flexible Cardboard Platforms

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Araújo, Andreia; Águas, Hugo; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2017-01-01

In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) with a hexagonal structure have been synthesized via a hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, using specialized cardboard materials as substrates. Cardboard-type substrates are cost-efficient and robust paper-based platforms that can be integrated into several opto-electronic applications for medical diagnostics, analysis and/or quality control devices. This class of substrates also enables highly-sensitive Raman molecular detection, amiable to several different operational environments and target surfaces. The structural characterization of the ZnO NR arrays has been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical measurements. The effects of the synthesis time (5–30 min) and temperature (70–130 °C) of the ZnO NR arrays decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been investigated in view of their application for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) molecular detection. The size and density of the ZnO NRs, as well as those of the AgNPs, are shown to play a central role in the final SERS response. A Raman enhancement factor of 7 × 105 was obtained using rhodamine 6 G (R6G) as the test analyte; a ZnO NR array was produced for only 5 min at 70 °C. This condition presents higher ZnO NR and AgNP densities, thereby increasing the total number of plasmonic “hot-spots”, their volume coverage and the number of analyte molecules that are subject to enhanced sensing.

Techno-economic evaluation of a tandem dry batch, garage-style digestion-compost process for remote work camp environments.

PubMed

Hayes, Alexander C; Enongene Ekwe, S; Mervin, Steve; Jenson, Earl

2016-12-01

The extraction of natural resources often involves housing workers in remote work camps far from population centres. These camps are prevalent in northern Alberta where they house approximately 40,000 workers involved in oil sands processing. The central, full-service cafeterias at these camps produce a significant quantity of food and cardboard waste. Due to their remote nature, these camps face high waste disposal costs associated with trucking waste long distances to the landfill. In this study, we investigated the techno-economic feasibility of on-site treatment of food and cardboard waste in a tandem dry batch, garage-style anaerobic digestion-compost process in which the waste material is converted into renewable energy used to heat the camp water supply and a nutrient-rich soil amendment for local land reclamation projects. Dry batch digestion and windrow composting pilot trials were performed on a simulated work camp waste in order to assess technical performance. The quality of the final compost was found to meet regulatory standards. A complete mass balance was then developed for a facility treating 3000 tonnes food waste and 435 tonnes waste cardboard annually. An economic assessment of such a facility was performed and, depending on the level of capital support and recognition of carbon credits for landfill methane mitigation, would require waste disposal costs to be between $115 and $195 CAD per tonne to meet financial criteria for project selection in Alberta's oil and gas industry. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulated Three-Point Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leyden, Michael B.

1979-01-01

The concept of sloping bedrock strata is portrayed by simple construction of a cardboard model. By use of wires and graph paper, students simulate the drilling of wells and use standard mathematical operations to determine strike and dip of the model stratum. (RE)

Chirality and Pinwheels

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez-Fernandez, Emilio

2013-01-01

By using cardboard models that resemble propellers, the students of inorganic courses can easily visualizing the distinct rotation of optical isomers. These propellers rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when they are dropped from a certain height or in the presence of wind. (Contains 1 figure.)

Solar system to scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerwig López, Susanne

2016-04-01

One of the most important successes in astronomical observations has been to determine the limit of the Solar System. It is said that the first man able to measure the distance Earth-Sun with only a very slight mistake, in the second century BC, was the wise Greek man Aristarco de Samos. Thanks to Newtońs law of universal gravitation, it was possible to measure, with a little margin of error, the distances between the Sun and the planets. Twelve-year old students are very interested in everything related to the universe. However, it seems too difficult to imagine and understand the real distances among the different celestial bodies. To learn the differences among the inner and outer planets and how far away the outer ones are, I have considered to make my pupils work on the sizes and the distances in our solar system constructing it to scale. The purpose is to reproduce our solar system to scale on a cardboard. The procedure is very easy and simple. Students of first year of ESO (12 year-old) receive the instructions in a sheet of paper (things they need: a black cardboard, a pair of scissors, colored pencils, a ruler, adhesive tape, glue, the photocopies of the planets and satellites, the measurements they have to use). In another photocopy they get the pictures of the edge of the sun, the planets, dwarf planets and some satellites, which they have to color, cut and stick on the cardboard. This activity is planned for both Spanish and bilingual learning students as a science project. Depending on the group, they will receive these instructions in Spanish or in English. When the time is over, the students bring their works on their cardboard to the class. They obtain a final mark: passing, good or excellent, depending on the accuracy of the measurements, the position of all the celestial bodies, the asteroids belts, personal contributions, etc. If any of the students has not followed the instructions they get the chance to remake it again properly, in order not to obtain the "failing" mark. When the teacher notices that some mistakes can be easily improved, students can do it. If the students have forgotten to write the names of the celestial bodies, they should add them. Finally, their works will be exposed in the classroom.

Save that Gadget.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farris, Cynthia Cox

2002-01-01

Describes two art projects that use "gadgets" objects, such as used-up pens, empty thread spools, and cardboard strips. Explains that in these projects, "Gadget Print Fish" and "Imprinted Clay Fish, students use gadgets to make designs for creating paper fish and clay fish. (CMK)

It's in the Box.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurtz, Kevin

1996-01-01

Describes a California elementary school's plan to help teachers develop portfolios for year-end assessments. Teachers toss notes from parents, student work samples, photographs of class activities, lesson materials, and other "artifacts" into cardboard boxes. They help each other sort by four subject categories and develop final…

Cone Heads

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coy, Mary

2005-01-01

The author, a middle school art teacher, describes a sculpture project lesson involving Cone Heads (sculptures made from cardboard cones). Discussion of caricatures with exaggerated facial features and interesting profiles helped students understand that the more expressive the face, the better. This project took approximately four to five…

Survival of Xanthomonas fragariae on common materials found in strawberry nurseries

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Xanthomonas fragariae causes strawberry angular leaf spot, an important disease in strawberry nursery production. To identify potential inoculum sources, the ability of X. fragariae to survive was examined on 10 common materials typically associated with strawberry nurseries (cardboard, glass, latex...

Short communication: The effect of liquid storage on the flavor of whey protein concentrate.

PubMed

Park, Curtis W; Parker, Megan; Drake, MaryAnne

2016-06-01

Unit operations in dried dairy ingredient manufacture significantly influence sensory properties and, consequently, their use and consumer acceptance in a variety of ingredient applications. In whey protein concentrate (WPC) manufacture, liquid can be stored as whey or WPC before spray drying. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of storage, composition, and bleaching on the flavor of spray-dried WPC80. Liquid whey was manufactured and subjected to the following treatments: bleached or unbleached and liquid whey or liquid WPC storage. The experiment was replicated 3 times and included a no-storage control. All liquid storage was performed at 4°C for 24h. Flavor of the final spray-dried WPC80 was evaluated by a trained panel and volatile compound analyses. Storage of liquids increased cardboard flavor, decreased sweet aromatic flavor, and resulted in increased volatile lipid oxidation products. Bleaching altered the effect of liquid storage. Storage of unbleached liquid whey decreased sweet aromatic flavor and increased cardboard flavor and volatile lipid oxidation products compared with liquid WPC80 and no storage. In contrast, storage of bleached liquid WPC decreased sweet aromatic flavor and increased cardboard flavor and associated volatile lipid oxidation products compared with bleached liquid whey or no storage. These results confirm that liquid storage increases off-flavors in spray-dried protein but to a variable degree, depending on whether bleaching has been applied. If liquid storage is necessary, bleached WPC80 should be stored as liquid whey and unbleached WPC80 should be stored as liquid WPC to mitigate off-flavors. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 58.127 - Facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... both hot and cold water of safe and sanitary quality, with adequate facilities for its proper.... Convenient hand-washing facilities shall be provided, including hot and cold running water, soap or other... regularly and the containers cleaned before reuse. Accumulation of dry waste paper and cardboard shall be...

7 CFR 58.127 - Facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... both hot and cold water of safe and sanitary quality, with adequate facilities for its proper.... Convenient hand-washing facilities shall be provided, including hot and cold running water, soap or other... regularly and the containers cleaned before reuse. Accumulation of dry waste paper and cardboard shall be...

7 CFR 58.127 - Facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... both hot and cold water of safe and sanitary quality, with adequate facilities for its proper.... Convenient hand-washing facilities shall be provided, including hot and cold running water, soap or other... regularly and the containers cleaned before reuse. Accumulation of dry waste paper and cardboard shall be...

7 CFR 58.127 - Facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... both hot and cold water of safe and sanitary quality, with adequate facilities for its proper.... Convenient hand-washing facilities shall be provided, including hot and cold running water, soap or other... regularly and the containers cleaned before reuse. Accumulation of dry waste paper and cardboard shall be...

Teaching Science: A Model Thinker.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leyden, Michael B.

1994-01-01

Describes the use of a "cognitive cylinder"--a cardboard tube with threads or string running through it--to help elementary school students learn to make scientific inferences. The activity requires students to employ such thinking skills and behaviors as observing, collecting, and interpreting data; predicting; measuring; hypothesizing;…

Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated waste paper--source of raw material for production of liquid biofuels.

PubMed

Brummer, Vladimir; Jurena, Tomas; Hlavacek, Viliam; Omelkova, Jirina; Bebar, Ladislav; Gabriel, Petr; Stehlik, Petr

2014-01-01

Enzymatic hydrolysis of waste paper is becoming a perspective way to obtain raw material for production of liquid biofuels. Reducing sugars solutions that arise from the process of saccharification are a precursors for following or simultaneous fermentation to ethanol. Different types of waste paper were evaluated, in terms of composition and usability, in order to select the appropriate type of the waste paper for the enzymatic hydrolysis process. Novozymes® enzymes NS50013 and NS50010 were used in a laboratory scale trials. Technological conditions, which seem to be the most suitable for hydrolysis after testing on cellulose pulp and filter paper, were applied to hydrolysis of widely available waste papers - offset paper, cardboard, recycled paper in two qualities, matte MYsol offset paper and for comparison again on model materials. The highest yields were achieved for the cardboard, which was further tested using various pretreatment combinations in purpose of increasing the hydrolysis yields. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anaerobic digestion of starch-polyvinyl alcohol biopolymer packaging: biodegradability and environmental impact assessment.

PubMed

Guo, M; Trzcinski, A P; Stuckey, D C; Murphy, R J

2011-12-01

The digestibility of a starch-polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) biopolymer insulated cardboard coolbox was investigated under a defined anaerobic digestion (AD) system with key parameters characterized. Laboratory results were combined with industrial operational data to develop a site-specific life cycle assessment (LCA) model. Inoculated with active bacterial trophic groups, the anaerobic biodegradability of three starch-PVOH biopolymers achieved 58-62%. The LCA modeling showed that the environmental burdens of the starch-PVOH biopolymer packaging under AD conditions on acidification, eutrophication, global warming and photochemical oxidation potential were dominated by atmospheric emissions released from substrate degradation and fuel combustion, whereas energy consumption and infrastructure requirements were the causes of abiotic depletion, ozone depletion and toxic impacts. Nevertheless, for this bio-packaging, AD of the starch-PVOH biopolymer combined with recycling of the cardboard emerged as the environmentally superior option and optimization of the energy utilization system could bring further environmental benefits to the AD process. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Batch anaerobic digestion of synthetic military base food waste and cardboard mixtures.

PubMed

Asato, Caitlin M; Gonzalez-Estrella, Jorge; Jerke, Amber C; Bang, Sookie S; Stone, James J; Gilcrease, Patrick C

2016-09-01

Austere US military bases typically dispose of solid wastes, including large fractions of food waste (FW) and corrugated cardboard (CCB), by open dumping, landfilling, or burning. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers an opportunity to reduce pollution and recover useful energy. This study aimed to evaluate the rates and yields of AD for FW-CCB mixtures. Batch AD was analyzed at substrate concentrations of 1-50g total chemical oxygen demand (COD)L(-1) using response surface methodology. At low concentrations, higher proportions of FW were correlated with faster specific methanogenic activities and greater final methane yields; however, concentrations of FW ⩾18.75gCODL(-1) caused inhibition. Digestion of mixtures with ⩾75% CCB occurred slowly but achieved methane yields >70%. Greater shifts in microbial communities were observed at higher substrate concentrations. Statistical models of methane yield and specific methanogenic activity indicated that FW and CCB exhibited no considerable interactions as substrates for AD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of suspected hazardous chemical contaminants in recycled pastry packaging.

PubMed

Ahmadkhaniha, Reza; Rastkari, Noushin

2017-01-01

The safe use of recycled paper and cardboard material for food packaging applications is     an important area of investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine which hazardous chemi- cal pollutants were found in paper and cardboard samples used for pastry packaging, and to measure the migration of pollutants over time into the pastries. In this study, the presence of some organic pollutants in common confectionery packaging, and the effects of storage time and type of pastry on pollutant migration, were investigated. The results of the study indicate that harmful compounds such as benzophenone, pentachlorophenol, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are present at high concentrations in most recycled boxes used for pastry packaging. Since the migration of some of the hazardous compounds from the packaging materials into the pastries under normal conditions was indicated, it is recommended that the procedure for preparing pastry packaging materials should be reconsidered and improved.

Latent fingermark development on a range of porous substrates using ninhydrin analogs--a comparison with ninhydrin and 1,8-diazofluoren.

PubMed

Berdejo, Stephanie; Rowe, Mark; Bond, John W

2012-03-01

Three relatively new reagents for developing latent fingermarks on porous substrates, 1,2-indandione (IND), 5-methylthioninhydrin (5-MTN), and lawsone, are compared with the more widely used ninhydrin and 1,8-diazofluoren (DFO). Developed latent fingermark visualization on 10 different substrates comprising colored papers, cardboard, and cellophane rather than conventional printer and writing/notepad paper is assessed using latent fingermark deposits from 48 donors. Results show improved fluorescent fingermark visualization using IND compared with DFO on a range of colored cardboards and thick white paper, thus extending the range of substrates known to yield improved visualization with IND. Adding zinc chloride to IND failed to yield any further improvement in fluorescent fingermark visualization. 5-MTN (with and without zinc chloride posttreatment) showed no improvement in visualization compared with ninhydrin and DFO although visible fingermarks were developed. Lawsone produced fluorescent visible fingermarks only with white substrates, which were inferior to those produced with DFO. © 2011 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

DIY Fraction Pack.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Alan; Graham, Louise

2003-01-01

Describes a very successful attempt to teach fractions to year 5 pupils based on pupils making their own fraction pack. Children decided for themselves how to make the fractional slices used in the activity using colored cardboard sheets and templates of a paper circle consisting of 24 equal slices. (Author/NB)

Backyard Infrared Trapping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibbons, Thomas C.

2014-01-01

In this time of concern over climate change due to the atmospheric greenhouse effect, teachers often choose to extend relevant classroom work by the use of physical models to test statements. Here we describe an activity in which inexpensive backyard models made from cardboard boxes covered with various household transparent materials allow…

40 CFR 60.55c - Waste management plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... and recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, food waste, and metals (e.g., aluminum cans, metals-containing devices); segregation of non-recyclable wastes (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyl... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Waste management plan. 60.55c Section...

An Overhead Projection Demonstration of Optical Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, John W.

1973-01-01

Describes the use of two polarizing lenses, a yellow filter, an oatmeal bos, a piece of cardboard, a 1,000 ml beaker, and an overhead projector to demonstrate compound optical activity to large classes. Indicates the presence of an accuracy within 1-2 degrees of usually acceptable data. (CC)

Make a Halley's Comet Orbit Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Podmore, Francis; Fleet, Richard W.

1985-01-01

Describes a simple three-dimensional model of Halley's Comet orbit (which is much more informative than a two-dimensional drawing) to illustrate spatial relationships and visualize how the comet moves relative to the earth. Instructions for model assembly are given along with a template which can be photocopied and glued to cardboard. (JN)

Movement Discovery Linking the Impossible to the Possible.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bornell, Donald G.

1980-01-01

Activities designed to increase the movement ability and enjoyment of disabled students are described. The first section discusses three activities--aerial shuffleboard, aerial golf, and bottles and eggs--designed to improve eye-hand coordination and throwing ability. The use of cardboard walking stilts is discussed as a method to improve…

Beyond Paper, Ink and Cardboard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skelly, Stacy S.

2007-01-01

In today's increasingly complex and competitive global economy, a range of skills and a variety of learning tools are necessary for postsecondary students to succeed after they graduate. With this in mind, educators are using an increasing number of new technologies for the classroom to improve learning and increase pass rates among students.…

Face Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waters, John K.

2008-01-01

It was the perfect Halloween project. Each class would construct a three-dimensional "monster" out of common classroom materials (construction paper, cardboard boxes, tape, markers, glue, string, etc.), then write down instructions for building the monster and send them off to another class in the district, or in some other district, or even some…

UpTempO Buoys for Understanding and Prediction

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

between the Delrin plastic pod housing and the thermistor epoxy potting. (b) Buoy ship deployment. Three Metocean-manufactured UpTempO buoys were ship...2 and 3). The box is held together with only glue and paper tape. The sensor cable is housed in an inner cardboard box that eventually separates

Sculpture: Creative Designs with Modern Materials (Tentative Course Outline).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dubocq, Edward R.

This document reports on a course in comprehension and application of various techniques of sculpture and collage, using a contemporary point of view. Students will work with contemporary materials such as wood, metals, plaster, plastics, styrofoam, and many other cardboard basic materials suitable for creative design products. This unit will…

Promising Properties and System Demonstration of an Environmentally Benign Yellow Smoke Formulation for Hand-Held Signals

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-18

differences between the current specification and this new baseline configuration: (1) The tube is now composed of cardboard instead of stainless steel ...version of this previously reported composition, one without fumed silica hereafter referred to as formulation A. This formulation consists of Solvent

48 CFR 837.7003 - Funeral authorization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... be of sufficient strength to support the weight of an adult human body. Cardboard or press paper or... provided. The services must consist of the following: (1) Preparation of the body, embalming. (2) Clothing...) accompanies the casket to the place of burial. (c) An additional allowance for transportation of the body to...

48 CFR 837.7003 - Funeral authorization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... be of sufficient strength to support the weight of an adult human body. Cardboard or press paper or... provided. The services must consist of the following: (1) Preparation of the body, embalming. (2) Clothing...) accompanies the casket to the place of burial. (c) An additional allowance for transportation of the body to...

48 CFR 837.7003 - Funeral authorization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... be of sufficient strength to support the weight of an adult human body. Cardboard or press paper or... provided. The services must consist of the following: (1) Preparation of the body, embalming. (2) Clothing...) accompanies the casket to the place of burial. (c) An additional allowance for transportation of the body to...

48 CFR 837.7003 - Funeral authorization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... be of sufficient strength to support the weight of an adult human body. Cardboard or press paper or... provided. The services must consist of the following: (1) Preparation of the body, embalming. (2) Clothing...) accompanies the casket to the place of burial. (c) An additional allowance for transportation of the body to...

48 CFR 837.7003 - Funeral authorization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... be of sufficient strength to support the weight of an adult human body. Cardboard or press paper or... provided. The services must consist of the following: (1) Preparation of the body, embalming. (2) Clothing...) accompanies the casket to the place of burial. (c) An additional allowance for transportation of the body to...

Design in Relief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pierce, Brian

2009-01-01

It seems like everybody's "going green" these days. People do what they can to save the environment. Their cars are greener, their buildings are greener, even their clothes are greener. But what about going "brown"? It's cheap, it's readily available, and it has endless uses--especially in art. It's cardboard. The author describes a project that…

[Rural Education Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Betty Atwell

The Rural Education Studies albums (oversized photographs printed on heavy coated cardboard) are published in a set of 8, each of which has a separate teacher's guide to complement the contents. A comprehensive teacher's guide provides background studies for effective use of the series, as well as providing specific information and key-concepts…

Preferences by Rhagoletis indifferens (Dipt., Tephritidae) and non-target flies for rectangles of various yellow colours and fluorescence

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Seven sticky rectangle traps of various yellow colours and fluorescence made of cardboard were field tested against western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, in paired trap preference experiments in Washington state, USA. Alpha Scents (proprietary paint), Fluorescent Yellow (aerosol ...

Recycling Today Makes for a Better Tomorrow.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raze, Robert E., Jr.

1992-01-01

Today's children must be educated about solid waste management and recycling to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. The article describes what can be recycled (newspapers, corrugated cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum, textiles, motor oil, organic wastes, appliances, steel cans, and plastics). It also lists student environment…

Cells and Hypotonic Solutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bery, Julia

1985-01-01

Describes a demonstration designed to help students better understand the response of plant and animal cells to hypotonic solutions. The demonstration uses a balloon inside a flexible, thin-walled cardboard box. Air going in corresponds to water entering by osmosis, and, like real cells, if stretched enough, the balloon will burst. (DH)

Enhancement of solar water pasteurization with reflectors.

PubMed

Safapour, N; Metcalf, R H

1999-02-01

A simple and reliable method that could be used in developing countries to pasteurize milk and water with solar energy is described. A cardboard reflector directs sunshine onto a black jar, heating water to pasteurizing temperatures in several hours. A reusable water pasteurization indicator verifies that pasteurization temperatures have been reached.

Janice VanCleave's World: Trapper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanCleave, Janice

2000-01-01

Introduces young children to the safe study of insects and promotes respect for the study specimen. Children craft insects out of marshmallows, toothpicks, and cardboard and practice using a clear plastic cup to collect and observe insects through a magnifying lens. With their new skills, they can move on to studying real insects. (PVD)

40 CFR 62.14590 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... in my waste management plan? A waste management plan must include consideration of the reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the... waste management measures already in place, the costs of additional measures, the emissions reductions...

40 CFR 60.2065 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... include consideration of the reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials. The plan must identify any..., the emissions reductions expected to be achieved, and any other environmental or energy impacts they...

Protected by Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beck, Darren

2012-01-01

Since Pen Argyl High School in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania was in the process of redeveloping its mascot, the Green Knight, the author decided to implement a studio project based on armor. In groups of three, students would research an assigned type of historical armor, replicate it in cardboard, and fit it to a group member. The lesson had heavy…

40 CFR 60.2630 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2630 Section 60.2630 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... consideration of the reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass...

40 CFR 60.3012 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.3012 Section 60.3012 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials...

40 CFR 62.14590 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 62.14590 Section 62.14590 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the...

40 CFR 62.14590 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 62.14590 Section 62.14590 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the...

40 CFR 60.2065 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2065 Section 60.2065 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or...

40 CFR 60.2901 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2901 Section 60.2901 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... consideration of the reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass...

40 CFR 60.2065 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2065 Section 60.2065 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or...

40 CFR 62.14590 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 62.14590 Section 62.14590 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the...

40 CFR 60.3012 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.3012 Section 60.3012 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials...

40 CFR 60.3012 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.3012 Section 60.3012 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials...

40 CFR 60.2901 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2901 Section 60.2901 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... consideration of the reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass...

40 CFR 60.3012 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.3012 Section 60.3012 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials...

40 CFR 60.2901 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2901 Section 60.2901 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials. The plan...

40 CFR 60.2901 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2901 Section 60.2901 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials. The plan...

40 CFR 60.2630 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What should I include in my waste management plan? 60.2630 Section 60.2630 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use...

Masks: The Artist in Me

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skophammer, Karen

2009-01-01

Whether masks are made from cardboard, papier-mache, metal, wood, leather, fabric, clay or any combination of these materials, they bring out the artist in people. Young children like to wear masks when they play to pretend they were another person or animal. Masks let them fantasize and be creative. The author's students made masks representing…

7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed, and conform to the marked count. (2) In... angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing...

Cardboard Activity Is "Loaded" with Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roman, Harry T.

2010-01-01

In this article, the author presents an activity that uses simple paperboard from the back of a pad of paper to illustrate some basic construction principles as students experiment with conducting load tests. The author describes the steps in conducting a load test as well as adding a strut support system. The important lesson here is that…

The Analog Atomic Force Microscope: Measuring, Modeling, and Graphing for Middle School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goss, Valerie; Brandt, Sharon; Lieberman, Marya

2013-01-01

using an analog atomic force microscope (A-AFM) made from a cardboard box and mailing tubes. Varying numbers of ping pong balls inside the tubes mimic atoms on a surface. Students use a dowel to make macroscale measurements similar to those of a nanoscale AFM tip as it…

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH BRIEF: WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS FOR A LAMINATOR OF PAPER AND CARDBOARD PACKAGES.

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded a project with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) to assist in conducting waste minimization assessments at thirty small- to medium-sized businesses in the state of New Jersey. One of th...

Creating Caddisfly Cases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gates, Donna M.

2005-01-01

The larval stage of a northern casemaker caddisfly provides a creative hands-on activity for students while also introducing them to aquatic insect development and adaptations to stream life. This project is an opportunity to study the role of this invertebrate in the food web of a stream. Using cardboard tubes to fashion a case for a generic…

7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... (c) Boxes, flats, lugs, or cartons: (1) Fruit packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed...” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order...

7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... (c) Boxes, flats, lugs, or cartons: (1) Fruit packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed...” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order...

7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed, and conform to the marked count. (2) In... angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing...

7 CFR 51.3152 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...) Nectarines packed in containers equipped with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of the proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed, and the number of... angles to a line from stem to blossom end of the fruit. (h) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations...

7 CFR 51.3152 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...) Nectarines packed in containers equipped with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of the proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed, and the number of... angles to a line from stem to blossom end of the fruit. (h) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations...

7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed, and conform to the marked count. (2) In... angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing...

Enhancement of Solar Water Pasteurization with Reflectors

PubMed Central

Safapour, Negar; Metcalf, Robert H.

1999-01-01

A simple and reliable method that could be used in developing countries to pasteurize milk and water with solar energy is described. A cardboard reflector directs sunshine onto a black jar, heating water to pasteurizing temperatures in several hours. A reusable water pasteurization indicator verifies that pasteurization temperatures have been reached. PMID:9925631

40 CFR 60.2901 - What should I include in my waste management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... management plan must include consideration of the reduction or separation of waste-stream elements such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, batteries, or metals; or the use of recyclable materials. The plan... place, the costs of additional measures, the emissions reductions expected to be achieved, and any other...

Consumer palatability scores, sensory descriptive attributes, and volatile compounds of grilled beef steaks from three USDA Quality Grades.

PubMed

Legako, J F; Dinh, T T N; Miller, M F; Adhikari, K; Brooks, J C

2016-02-01

Consumer palatability scores, sensory descriptive attributes, and volatile compounds were assessed for beef Longissimus lumborum steaks of USDA Prime, Low Choice, and Standard grades. Overall and flavor liking was greater (P<0.05) for Prime and Low Choice. Initial flavor impact and fat-like attributes were greater (P<0.05) among Prime and Low Choice. Prime had greater (P<0.05) brown/roasted, beef identity, overall sweetness, and umami. Cardboard was greater (P<0.05) in Standard. Volatile compounds representing flavor development pathways were varied with quality grade. Standard had greater (P<0.05) abundances of n-aldehydes. Phenylacetaldehyde was greater (P<0.05) in Prime and Low Choice. Both 2,3-butanedione and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone were greatest (P<0.05) in Prime. Overall liking was positively correlated with many descriptive attributes, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, and phenylacetaldehyde, and negatively correlated with cardboard, green, and n-aldehydes. While the measured attributes and volatiles may not be causative of flavor, this data indicates potential for prediction of flavor through their measurement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dry anaerobic digestion of food waste and cardboard at different substrate loads, solid contents and co-digestion proportions.

PubMed

Capson-Tojo, Gabriel; Trably, Eric; Rouez, Maxime; Crest, Marion; Steyer, Jean-Philippe; Delgenès, Jean-Philippe; Escudié, Renaud

2017-06-01

The increasing food waste production calls for developing efficient technologies for its treatment. Anaerobic processes provide an effective waste valorization. The influence of the initial substrate load on the performance of batch dry anaerobic co-digestion reactors treating food waste and cardboard was investigated. The load was varied by modifying the substrate to inoculum ratio (S/X), the total solids content and the co-digestion proportions. The results showed that the S/X was a crucial parameter. Within the tested values (0.25, 1 and 4gVS·gVS -1 ), only the reactors working at 0.25 produced methane. Methanosarcina was the main archaea, indicating its importance for efficient methanogenesis. Acidogenic fermentation was predominant at higher S/X, producing hydrogen and other metabolites. Higher substrate conversions (≤48%) and hydrogen yields (≤62mL·gVS -1 ) were achieved at low loads. This study suggests that different value-added compounds can be produced in dry conditions, with the initial substrate load as easy-to-control operational parameter. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Waste minimization assessment for a manufacturer of baseball bats and golf clubs. Environmental research brief

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fleischman, M.; Kirsch, F.W.; Maginn, J.C.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded a pilot project to assist small and medium-size manufacturers who want to minimize their generation of waste but who lack the expertise to do so. Waste Minimization Assessment Center (WMAC) at the University of Louisville performed an assessment at a plant manufacturing baseball bats and golf clubs -- approximately 1,500,000 bats/yr and 550,000 golf clubs/yr. To make the bats, wood billets are oven-dried and machined to a standard dimension. After sanding they are branded and finished. The golf clubs are made by finishing and assembling purchased heads and shafts. The team's reportmore » detailing findings and recommendations, indicated that the most waste, other than rinse water discharged to the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) and wood turnings which are sold, consists of scrap cardboard and paper from the shop and offices, and that the greatest savings, including new income, could be obtained by segregating the cardboard and paper wastes for sale to a local recycler.« less

The Application of Active Paper Incorporated with Oleoresin of Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum burmanii) Distillation Residues on Maintaining Dragon Fruits (Hylocereus costaricensis) Quality during Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, M. S. H.; Manuhara, G. J.; Utami, R.; Khasanah, L. U.

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of active paper placement methods on super red dragon fruits quality during storage at ambient temperature. The active papers were incorporated with oleoresin of cinnamon leaf distillation residues. Various active paper placement methods were applied such as wrapping, placed on the cardboard wall, placed cardboard pad, and scrap of paper on the sidelines. Weight loss, peel color, surface and flesh hardness, total titratable acid, soluble solid total, pH flesh fruit, and total plate count (TPC) of super red dragon fruits samples were investigated during 9 days storage. The result shows that active paper placement methods significantly affected the weight loss, surface firmness and color peel change of super red dragon fruits samples. However, active paper placement methods insignificantly affected the titrable acid total, soluble solid total, pH, flesh firmness and microbial spoilage of super red dragon fruits samples. The best method to maintain the super red dragon fruits quality was wrapping method.

Cardboard Boxes: Learning Concepts Galore!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warner, Laverne; Wilmoth, Linda

2007-01-01

Mrs. Keenan, a preschool teacher, observed her 3-year-old granddaughter Riley pull, tug, and stack piles of holiday boxes on the floor. She remembered that her child care director had suggested using boxes as a curriculum theme, but she hadn't given much thought about the idea until now. She said to herself, "I wonder if my children would be as…

The House on the Hill Challenge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roman, Harry T.

2011-01-01

In this article, the author suggests a classroom challenge that will engage students in designing a house on the hill. He suggests teachers ask a local builder to come to the school to discuss the kinds of concerns that must be dealt with when building homes in cold environments. The use of dioramas and cardboard scale models would be very useful…

"Homemade" Equipment That Can Be Used In Teaching Physical Education Classes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Kermit R.

This manual is designed to help elementary school teachers create games and equipment for use in physical education activities. It suggests items to acquire (cartons, string, plastic jugs, cardboard tubes) and places to look for them. It describes how such items can be used and how to construct some common gym class accessories. There are also…

Elephants and Their Young: Science and Math Activities for Young Children. Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Echols, Jean C.; Kopp, Jaine; Blinderman, Ellen

This book contains a series of playful activities in which young children actively learn about the African elephant's body structure, family life, and social behavior. Children make model elephants out of paper and cardboard, then devise elephant puppets with sock trunks as well as create models of elephant's ears, trunks, tusks, make elephant…

A Simple Spectrophotometer Using Common Materials and a Digital Camera

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Widiatmoko, Eko; Widayani; Budiman, Maman; Abdullah, Mikrajuddin; Khairurrijal

2011-01-01

A simple spectrophotometer was designed using cardboard, a DVD, a pocket digital camera, a tripod and a computer. The DVD was used as a diffraction grating and the camera as a light sensor. The spectrophotometer was calibrated using a reference light prior to use. The spectrophotometer was capable of measuring optical wavelengths with a…

Prototyping the Use of Dispersion Models to Predict Ground Concentrations During Burning of Deployed Military Waste

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-22

Fabric 3.85% Polypropylene (PP) (Class 5 plastics, soda cups, yogurt boxes, syrup bottles, prescription bottles) 1.32% Yard waste 5.67% PVC (Class 3...plastics, milk jugs) 1.23% Cardboard 31.33% Polypropylene (PP) (Class 5 plastics, soda cups, yogurt boxes, syrup bottles, prescription bottles) 0.62

Rethinking the Science Fair

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craven, John; Hogan, Tracy

2008-01-01

Spring is the season when thousands of creased cardboard pests can be found lodged under the armpits of students and teachers as they observe the educational rite of spring known as the school science fair. A recent visit to a local school's gymnasium to witness one of these events reminded the authors of why they so dislike science fairs. In this…

Developing Learning Readiness; A Visual-Motor-Tactile Skills Program. Teacher's Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Getman, G.N.; And Others

A flexible program for preschool, primary grades, or remedial classes provides opportunities for the child to achieve readiness for learning through the development of visual, motor, and tactile skills. A cardboard doll is discussed which may be utilized by the teacher and children in a variety of gymnasium routines to increase knowledge of body…

A Model Recycling Program: UNC Takes Action as Landfill Space Shrinks and Costs Rise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Rhonda L.

1991-01-01

The University of North Carolina responded to escalating waste disposal costs and shrinking landfill space with a structured program of recycling, including a mobile recycling drop, student family housing recycling, a newspaper drop-off site, high-volume glass pick-up, high-volume newspaper pick-up, and cardboard recycling. Campus-wide cooperation…

There Could Be a Dinosaur in Your Life!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacob, Beth; Dempsey, Bill

This booklet describes how to make large two-dimensional models of dinosaur skeletons which can be effective teaching tools. Small laminated wood dinosaur models are enlarged, traced, and transferred to tri-wall cardboard (one-half inch thick) and cut out with a saber saw. Parts are then slotted and numbered for easy assembly. The result is a kit…

Technology in Spherical Geometry Investigations: Reflections on Spontaneous Use and Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinclair, Margaret

2010-01-01

Students in a graduate geometry class used items such as paper, ribbon, plastic spheres, cardboard tubes, and markers to carry out investigations in spherical geometry. The hands-on activities helped students develop a new appreciation of geometry as a study of shape and space; however, the difficulty of subduing wayward elastics and drawing lines…

The Music of the Spheres

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewicki, Martin; Hughes, Stephen

2012-01-01

This article describes a method for making a spectroscope from scrap materials, i.e. a fragment of compact disc, a cardboard box, a tube and a digital camera to record the spectrum. An image processing program such as ImageJ can be used to calculate the wavelength of emission and absorption lines from the digital photograph. Multiple images of a…

Small Craft Advisory!: Cardboard Boat Challenges Students' Research, Design and Construction Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffis, Kurt; Brand, Lance; Shackelford, Ray

2006-01-01

Throughout history, people have moved themselves and cargo across water in boats and other types of vessels. Most vessels are developed using a technological design process, which typically involves problem solving and a series of steps. The designer documents each step to provide an accurate record of accomplishments and information to guide…

Sketching up the Digital Duck

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shafer, Kathryn G.; Severt, Gina; Olson, Zachary A.

2011-01-01

The fun thing about teaching measurement topics is allowing students to create three-dimensional objects from cardboard or paper and then to use them to calculate volume and surface area. The project described in this article is one that author Shafer has used for many years at the high school and college levels to reinforce the concepts of volume…

11. An abandoned electrical system was found under the pressedsteel ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. An abandoned electrical system was found under the pressed-steel ceiling. For some undetermined reason the pattern of the ceiling panels has 'photographed' onto the cardboard substrate. Two different panel designs were utilized in a checkerboard pattern. One panel of each design remains in place. Credit GADA/MRM. - Stroud Building, 31-33 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Maricopa County, AZ

JPRS Report, China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-16

products showed a 1.3-fold increase, alu- minium showed a 1.3-fold increase, cement showed a 1.6-fold increase, and plate glass showed an 8 fold increase...paper and cardboard, washing machines, plastic goods, lightbulbs , home furnishings, electric fans, carpets, and large-scale, specialized weigh...significant increase in the production of beer, soft drinks, plastic goods, detergent, everyday glass products, dairy products, canned goods, and

A study of flame spread in engineered cardboard fuelbeds: Part II: Scaling law approach

Treesearch

Brittany A. Adam; Nelson K. Akafuah; Mark Finney; Jason Forthofer; Kozo Saito

2013-01-01

In this second part of a two part exploration of dynamic behavior observed in wildland fires, time scales differentiating convective and radiative heat transfer is further explored. Scaling laws for the two different types of heat transfer considered: Radiation-driven fire spread, and convection-driven fire spread, which can both occur during wildland fires. A new...

Proposed Expansion of Acme Landfill Operations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

plastic beverage bottles, cardboard, wood, yardwastes, textiles , rubber, and leather. In addition to traditional activities, a central processing center...from food and garden wastes), a considerable portion of the leachate strength may be attributable to the textiles , rubber, leather, wood, paper, and...poisoning); mosquitos which may carry viral diseases such as encephalitis, malaria, and yellow fever; rodents which are carriers of enteric and other

Giant Paperclip Necklaces, Soup-Can Rings and Cherry-Pie Hats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winters, Laurel A.

2011-01-01

In this article, the author describes an art project inspired by the wearable sculpture art created by artist Marjorie Schick. Students used wallpaper paste and newspapers to create papier-mache for a mountain hat, a cherry-pie mask/hat, a "dress" shoe and a Cubistic mask. Cardboard was used in many of these things, in addition to being used as…

At left, center just at edge of photograph are large ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

At left, center just at edge of photograph are large organization boards with small cardboard cards which can be moved to different slots. Historical photographs show Edison using these boards to manage production of photographs and other items within the Edison companies. - Thomas A. Edison Laboratories, Building No. 5, Main Street & Lakeside Avenue, West Orange, Essex County, NJ

The Jar Magic--Instructional Activities for Teaching Air Pressure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ku, Bing-Hong; Chen, Chyong-Sun

2013-01-01

There are a variety of impressive activities designed for teaching the concept of air pressure to junior high school students. Water, glasses, balloons, plastic bottles, and suction cups are some of the items commonly used in these experiments. For example, if we take a glass of water, cover it with a piece of cardboard, and invert the glass,…

The clinical utility of makeshift beds in disaster shelters.

PubMed

Nara, Masayuki; Ueda, Shinsaku; Aoki, Masashi; Tamada, Tsutomu; Yamaguchi, Takuhiro; Hongo, Michio

2013-12-01

Strong earthquakes have been reported to increase the incidence of diseases. One reason for these increases may be the stress from the poor living environment for evacuees in disaster shelters. To reduce stress, makeshift cardboard beds were introduced in shelters in the Ishinomaki region, one of the areas heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, 4 months after the earthquake. The study was performed to determine whether use of the beds offered a reduction in the disease burden. Blood pressure and blood D-dimer values, often used as diagnostic tests for venous thrombosis, were checked. The timed Up & Go (TUG) test, which assesses functional mobility; a questionnaire survey about symptoms (cough, insomnia, and lumbago); and an SF-8 health survey, a health-related quality of life survey, were also administered before and 1 month after introducing the beds. Blood pressure measurements, TUG test results, and questionnaire survey scores improved significantly 1 month after the introduction of the beds. Also, evacuees with higher blood D-dimer values tended to show improvement, suggesting that the beds may have had a good effect on persons with underlying venous thrombotic disorders. Makeshift beds of cardboard could be very useful in disaster shelters.

Casting of 3-dimensional footwear prints in snow with foam blocks.

PubMed

Petraco, Nicholas; Sherman, Hal; Dumitra, Aurora; Roberts, Marcel

2016-06-01

Commercially available foam blocks are presented as an alternative material for the casting and preservation of 3-dimensional footwear impressions located in snow. The method generates highly detailed foam casts of questioned footwear impressions. These casts can be compared to the known outsole standards made from the suspects' footwear. Modification of the commercially available foam casting blocks is simple and fast. The foam block is removed and a piece of cardboard is secured to one side of the block with painter's masking tape. The prepared foam block is then placed back into its original box, marked appropriately, closed and stored until needed. When required the foam block is carefully removed from its storage box and gently placed, foam side down, over the questioned footwear impression. Next, the crime scene technician's hands are placed on top of the cardboard and pressure is gently applied by firmly pressing down onto the impression. The foam cast is removed, dried and placed back into its original container and sealed. The resulting 3D impressions can be directly compared to the outsole of known suspected item(s) of footwear. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Manipulative reduction and external fixation with cardboard splint for the treatment of calcaneal fractures: a 60-case report].

PubMed

Hao, Bo-Chuan; Xie, Ke-Bo

2014-07-01

To investigate the therapeutic effects of manipulative reduction for calcaneal fractures. From January 2009 to June 2012, 53 cases (60 affected feet) of Sanders type I-IV calcaneal fractures were treated by manipulative reduction and external fixation with cardboard splint,including 45 males and 8 females with an average age of (33.5 +/- 1.54) years old ranging from 18 to 65. The course of disease ranged 0.5 h to 7 d. Before treatment the feet were swelling, ache and activity limitation in evidence, some feet were wide flat deformity, the cortical bone was broken in the imaging examination. All selected cases were evaluated using Creighton-Nebraska health foundation assessment scale for fractures of calcaneus. All cases were followed up at 12 months after treatment, 13 feet got excellent curative effect, 34 good, 11 moderate and 2 poor. Manipulative reduction for Sanders type I-IV calcaneal fractures could get excellent curative effect. Manipulative reduction for calcaneal fractures could avoid surgical trauma while assure high curative effects. Manipulative reduction is not only economical and easy therapy, but also can restore maximum function of the calcaneus with few complications and facilitate early rehabilitation of ankle and joint function.

Assessment of the adhesive properties of the bacterial polysaccharide FucoPol.

PubMed

Araújo, Diana; Alves, Vitor D; Campos, Joana; Coelhoso, Isabel; Sevrin, Chantal; Grandfils, Christian; Freitas, Filomena; Reis, Maria A M

2016-11-01

To address the industry's interest in finding novel biobased glues, the adhesive properties of the bacterial polysaccharide FucoPol were evaluated through shear bond strength tests. A FucoPol solution was used to bond different materials, namely, wood, glass, cardboard and cellulose acetate film. The shear strength was compared to that of the same adherends bonded with commercial synthetic glues. Wood-wood joints bonded with FucoPol formulation withstood 742.2±9.8kPa shear strength without detachment. FucoPol adhesive capacity for cardboard was comparable to that of the tested commercial glues (425±8.9kPa), yielding similar shear strength values (416.0±12.9kPa), while improved performance was shown for glass (115.1±26.2kPa) and cellulose acetate film (153.7±11.3kPa) comparing to the commercial glues (67.7-97.5kPa and 79.4-92.7kPa, respectively). This study demonstrates the adhesive properties of FucoPol, opening up the opportunity of using this bacterial polysaccharide for the development of new natural water-based glues, suitable to bond different materials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Methanosarcina plays a main role during methanogenesis of high-solids food waste and cardboard.

PubMed

Capson-Tojo, Gabriel; Trably, Eric; Rouez, Maxime; Crest, Marion; Bernet, Nicolas; Steyer, Jean-Philippe; Delgenès, Jean-Philippe; Escudié, Renaud

2018-04-07

Anaerobic digestion of food waste is a complex process often hindered by high concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia. Methanogenic archaea are more sensitive to these inhibitors than bacteria and thus the structure of their community is critical to avoid reactor acidification. In this study, the performances of three different inocula were compared using batch digestion tests of food waste and cardboard mixtures. Particular attention was paid to the archaeal communities in the inocula and after digestion. While the tests started with inocula rich in Methanosarcina led to efficient methane production, VFAs accumulated in the reactors where inocula initially were poor in this archaea and no methane was produced. In addition, higher substrate loads were tolerated when greater proportions of Methanosarcina were initially present in the inoculum. Independently of the inoculum origin, Methanosarcina were the dominant methanogens in the digestates from the experiments that efficiently produced methane. These results suggest that the initial archaeal composition of the inoculum is crucial during reactor start-up to achieve stable anaerobic digestion at high concentrations of ammonia and organic acids. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Storage Conditions on Consumer and Chemical Assessments of Raw ‘Nonpareil’ Almonds Over a Two‐Year Period

PubMed Central

Pleasance, Emily A.; Pegg, Ronald B.; Swanson, Ruthann B.; Cheely, Anna N.; Huang, Guangwei; Parrish, Daniel R.; Kerrihard, Adrian L.

2018-01-01

Abstract Raw almonds are a major commodity, yet much is unknown about how storage conditions determine their shelf life. The storage stability, as measured by consumer assessments and chemical measures, of raw almonds was determined for samples stored in cardboard boxes and polypropylene packaging for 2 years at 4, 15, 25, and 35 °C, and at 50% and 65% relative humidity (RH). Samples stored in unlined cartons always failed (>25% rejection) before their counterparts stored in polypropylene bags under identical environmental conditions. Models determined that polypropylene packaging (as opposed to unlined cardboard cartons) extended the time until sample rejection by more than 7 months. Temperature and RH were both negatively associated with storage time until failure. Flavor was a greater contributor to consumer acceptability than texture or odor, while peroxide values and free fatty acids were of greater importance in predicting raw almond consumer quality than measures of conjugated dienes or 2‐thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances. Practical Application The results of this study will allow almond producers to determine packaging types and environmental storage conditions that provide shelf life of a specified time. PMID:29355948

Recycling waste-paper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Widener, Edward L.

1990-01-01

Perhaps 80 percent of papermaking energy is expended in chemical pulping of vegetable cellulose, a natural polymer. Commercial supplies of wood, bagasse, cotton and flax are valued as renewable resources and bio-mass assets; however, few enterprises will salvage waste-paper and cardboard from their trash. A basic experiment in the Materials Lab uses simple equipment to make crude handsheets. Students learn to classify secondary fibers, identify contraries, and estimate earnings.

Technologies for Fire and Damage Control and Condition Based Maintenance

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

sheathing, thermal and acoustic insulation, furnishing, bedding, mattresses, flooring , and wood fibre (paper and cardboard) and plastic packaging...Condition Based Maintenance”. The project objective was to develop an improved understanding of how materials, sensors and sensor systems choices impact the...ultraviolet spectral sensors and an acoustic sensor. The system also has data fusion software that analyses the sensor input and determines if the input

Detection of Unexploded Ordnance Using Airborne LWIR Emissivity Signatures

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-25

glass and wood, are spectrally distinct and would not appear as false alarms. Index Terms— Hyperspectral, Long Wave Infrared , Emissivity, Target...hyperspectral; radar). Because of previous successes using thermal infrared bands for UXO [3, 4] and landmine detection [5], this paper aims at...potential false alarms. They included materials made of rubber , cardboard, metal, wood, glass and plastic (Figure 1). 2.2. Laboratory LWIR signature

Evaluation of five sampling methods for Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein) and L. decolor (Pearman) (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) in steel bins containing wheat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An evaluation of five sampling methods for studying psocid population levels was conducted in two steel bins containing 32.6 metric tonnes of wheat in Manhattan, KS. Psocids were sampled using a 1.2-m open-ended trier, corrugated cardboard refuges placed on the underside of the bin hatch or the surf...

Chlordane Contamination of Government Quarters and Personal Property, Webb AFB, Texas

DTIC Science & Technology

1970-03-12

that chlorinated hydrocarbons do not inhibit cholinesterase as is the case with organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. Symptoms of acute poisoning...cardboard lined conduits within the concrete slab. Subsequent activation of the heating systems resulted in extensive human exposure and gross pesticide...they were considered ul.affected by their exposures to cholinesterase depressants. Such indexes of toxicity are now considered incomplete. 0. Table

49. BOX STAMPING MACHINE Located in room above warehouse. The ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

49. BOX STAMPING MACHINE Located in room above warehouse. The power unit is missing, but the drive belt is seen hanging from the overhead. Printing plate of desired labeling would be attached to the lower half drum. Upon rotation, labeling would be transferred to a cardboard box which was being held around the upper drum. - Hovden Cannery, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, Monterey County, CA

Influence Learning Tour on Salted Fish Processing Behavior in Product Development in Karangantu Nusantara Fishing Port (NFP)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hudaya, Yaya

2015-01-01

In an effort to increase revenue, salted fish processors in Karangantu NFP should be able to change the behavior of production from quantity to quality orientation. The increase in revenue will be difficult to achieve if the salted fish products produced still monotonous and traditional and only sold in sacks or cardboard. Development of a quality…

Cleanup Verification Package for the 118-F-6 Burial Ground

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

H. M. Sulloway

2008-10-02

This cleanup verification package documents completion of remedial action for the 118-F-6 Burial Ground located in the 100-FR-2 Operable Unit of the 100-F Area on the Hanford Site. The trenches received waste from the 100-F Experimental Animal Farm, including animal manure, animal carcasses, laboratory waste, plastic, cardboard, metal, and concrete debris as well as a railroad tank car.

Effects of environmental enrichment on reproductive performance and quantity and morphology of cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained from Rattus norvegicus.

PubMed

Fisch, Joana; Oliveira, Iáskara Vieira de; Fank, Juliana; Paim, Lia Mara Gomes; Zandoná, Marília Remuzzi; Lopes, Eliana Franco; Mello, Fernanda Bastos de; Oliveira, Alexandre Tavares Duarte de

2017-05-01

Several researchers have observed that environmental enrichment (EE) can be effective in reducing stressful conditions and abnormal behavior and may provide better reproductive performance in rodents. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of Wistar rats reared in three different housing conditions. Animals were separated into breeding pairs, one pair per cage and pairs randomly assigned to three experimental groups (ten couples per group): control group were provided cages without any environmental enrichment; PVC group with PVC pipe; and cardboard roll group with a commercially available cardboard tube. To compare the reproductive performance of the three groups, the following were evaluated: number of pups/litter; number of litters; parturition interval; occurrence of cannibalism; weight gain of offspring; as well as the quantity and quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained after superovulation of the females born from the first, second and last pregnancy in all groups. Moreover, the plasma level of corticosterone in breeding animals was measured. A total of 60 male rats randomly selected from the first- and last-born litters (20 males from each group) were first tested in an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and on the following day, were tested in an open field test (OFT). Significant differences were found in the number and morphological classification of COCs. In the control group, the number of oocytes in grade 4 (unusual shapes and very heterogeneous ooplasm, presenting no layers of surrounding cumulus cells [13]) presented statistically higher rates (225/2535, 8.9%) compared to the other groups, as well as the number of competent oocytes was higher in the enriched groups (p = 0.001). Moreover, we find that the males of cardboard roll group differed significantly in weight gain compared to PVC group (p = 0.008). In addition to this, we did not detect occurrence of cannibalism in this group. Our findings suggest that environmental enrichment provides improvements in reproductive performance of Wistar rats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Archimedes in Action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vo, Phong T.

2013-11-01

Hands-on learning is very effective in teaching physical concepts to students. Applying the principles they learn to a real-life situation, students are more likely to retain this knowledge, especially when it is presented in a stimulating format. With this in mind, we present here a high school physics project in which students apply basic hydrostatics to construct corrugated cardboard boats capable of supporting two individuals across the length of a high school pool.

Evaluations of sampling methods for darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) in the litter of turkey and broiler houses.

PubMed

Safrit, R D; Axtell, R C

1984-12-01

Materials placed on the litter in turkey and broiler houses were evaluated as sampling devices for the larvae and adults of Alphitobius diaperinus (lesser mealworm or darkling beetle). Insects harbored in, on, and between pieces of the materials were counted after 1-week exposure. Pan traps consisting of two stacked pieces of 1.3-cm thick foil-covered polyisocyanurate insulation (Celotex) placed under a protective metal pan staked to the litter surface was a more effective sampling device than pan traps using thicker (5 cm) Celotex, 3.8 cm thick polystyrene (Styrofoam), or two stacked pieces of wood. A tube trap consisting of rolled fluted corrugated cardboard inserted in a section of polyvinyl chloride pipe was as effective a sampling device as the two pieces of Celotex in a pan trap and was more convenient to use. Six pieces of corrugated cardboard stacked under a pan caught larger numbers of beetle larvae and adults but was awkward to handle and impractical. Placement of sampling devices in the major subhabitats (open center, near walls, near feeders, and near waterers) in turkey and broiler houses affected catches of beetle larvae and adults. The open center area was satisfactory and most convenient.

Final Environmental Assessment: Demolish Buildings 1115, 1116, and 1125

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE MAY 2012 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2012 to 00...accessories at and below grade including, but not limited to, building slab-on-grade and utility pads .  Removal and disposal of bituminous concrete pavement...operations, offices, and industrial areas. The types of solid waste generated include food, various grades of office paper, newspaper, cardboard, cans

Ecological Interfaces for Improving Mobile Robot Teleoperation

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

reviewers’ comments. C. W. Nielsen is with the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 USA (e-mail: curtis.nielsen@inl.gov). M . A. Goodrich is with...tele- operation. Section III presents the ecological interface paradigm and describes the 3-D interface. Section IV presents the sum- maries from new...in an empty laboratory environment that was filled with cardboard boxes and was more than 700 m from the operator. The display that the test subjects

Proposed Expansion of Acme Landfill Operations, Contra Costa, County, California. Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-01

for example, plastic beverage bottles, cardboard, wood, yardwastes, textiles , rubber, and leather. In addition to traditional activities, a central...a 6000-foot-long dredged channel. The 200-acre parcel is crossed with a number of drainage ditches, constructed by the Contra Costa Mosquito ...incoming flow at the high tide. It is the only point of discharge for flood water and is maintained by the Contra Costa Mosquito Abatement District

Translations on Environmental Quality, Number 129.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-01-27

agricultural procedures have not led to acidity in rivers in other parts of the country with similar soil conditions. Finally, the leaders of the project...Rosenqvist’s report gives interesting points of view concerning the conditions in the soil and the acidic precipitation, but the report builds on a series...bones, eggshells and poultry skin, used tires, waste gasoline, used cardboard, machine and engine noise, gas stench and toxic sprays, were right away

Aircraft Cargo Compartment Fire Test Simulation Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blumke, R. E.

1977-01-01

The objective of the test was to assess fire containment and fire extinguishment in the cargo by reducing the ventilation through the cargo compartment. Parameters which were measured included ignition time, burnthrough time, and physical damage to the cargo liner, composition of selected combustible gases, temperature-time histories, heat flux, and detector response. The ignitor load was made of a typical cargo consisting of filled cardboard cartons occupying 50% of the compartment volume.

Wind Tunnel Test of NASA’s Most Powerful Rocket (360° Animation)

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-08

What are wind tunnels? And how do they help researchers design and test next-generation aircraft and spacecraft? This interactive 360° animation takes you inside the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The facility is one of seven wind tunnels located at Ames for exploring the complex physics of flight. The video features a four percent scale model of NASA’s most powerful rocket, the Space Launch System, or SLS. Two SLS models--one silver and one pink--appear in the video. The latter is coated with a special paint to track surface pressure readings during testing. Once built, the SLS rocket will be capable of sending astronauts on bold new missions into deep space. How to watch 360 content in VR? YouTube and Google Cardboard 1. Open YouTube on your mobile device and select the video. 2. Click the Google Cardboard icon on the bottom right. 3. Insert the mobile device into the Google Cardboard device. 4. Watch through the headset. Samsung Gear VR 1. Download the 360 mp4 video file. 2. Create a folder in the root directory of your device or SD Card called “MilkVR” 3. Put the video file in that folder. 4. Open the Samsung VR application from the Oculus App 5. Insert the phone into the Gear VR 6. Put on the VR headset. 7. Navigate to the section called “Sideloaded” 8. Select the video from “Storage 1”. 9. The optimal viewing format is 360 x 360. Change the format by selecting thing format icon on the bottom right. PlayStation VR 1. Download the 360 mp4 video file from NASA.gov. 2. Create a folder on a USB drive, formatted in FAT32 or exFat. 3. Copy the video file into that folder. 4. Insert the USB drive in the PlayStation 4 5. Connect the PlayStation VR headset to the PlayStation 4 and turn on the power. 6. Put on the VR headset. 7. Open the PlayStation Media Player (updated to v2.50 or higher). 8. Be sure the Media Player is set to “VR Mode” by holding the “Option” button to enable it. 9. Open the video file and watch the video.

[Suitability of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus stearothermophilus spores as test organism bioindicators for detecting superheating of steam].

PubMed

Spicher, G; Peters, J

1997-02-01

Biological indicators used to test sterilisation procedures for their efficacy consist of a so-called germ carrier to which the microorganisms used as test organisms adhere. In previous papers we demonstrated that carriers made of filter paper on contact with saturated steam show superheating while carriers made of glass fibre fleece as well as wetted filter paper do not. Using spores of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus stearothermophilus as test organisms we have now investigated whether and to what extent carrier superheating affects the characteristic values (t50%) of these biological indicators. The indicators were exposed to saturated steam at 100 degrees C (B. subtilis) or 120 degrees C (B. stearothermophilus) under three different exposure conditions: 1. dry (i.e. conditioned to 45% relative humidity before introduction into the sterilising chamber), freely accessible; 2. dry with a substratum and a cover of filter card-board; 3. wet (moistened with twice distilled water before introduction into the sterilising chamber), freely accessible. For previously selected exposure periods, the incidence of indicators with surviving test organisms was determined. The reaction pattern of bioindicators with spores of B. stearothermophilus was different from that of bioindicators with spores of B. subtilis. For B. subtilis, the incidence of bioindicators exhibiting surviving test organisms depended on the nature of the carries as well as on the exposure conditions. On filter paper carriers, t50% increased in the order "wet, freely accessible", "dry, freely accessible", "dry, between filter card-board". On dry and wetted glass fibre fleece, resistance was approximately the same; when the indicators were sandwiched between layers of filter card-board, t50% increased. For B. stearothermophilus, t50% was largely dependent on the carrier material alone. The values obtained for filter paper were invariably much lower than those for glass fibre fleece. As the results show, using spores of B. subtilis it is possible to detect superheating, but the steam resistance of the spores is relatively low. Spores of B. stearothermophilus are of high steam resistance but they are practically unsuitable for detecting superheating. It is imperative to search for a test organism the resistance of which against steam is sufficiently high and which at the same time is capable of reacting to superheating (equivalent to reduced humidity) by a sufficiently large increase in resistance.

Alternative Causes of Wide-Spread, Low Concentration Perchlorate Impacts to Groundwater

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-05

to as water gels, contain AN in aqueous solution. To aid water resistance and handling, they are thickened and gelled with a gum , such as guar gum ...enamels Curing/Drying Agent Photography Flash powder / oxidizing agent Oxygen generators Burn Rate Modifier Road flares Oxidizing agent...fuse, stars, black powder , a launch tube, main fuse and a lift charge, as shown in Figure 3-1. The break or breaks house the stars in cardboard

Design Guidelines for Prevention of Corrosion in Combat and Tactical Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

deterioration is used to describe phenomena whereby materials in general (i.e., rubber, plastics, wood ) suffer loss of ’ integrity, or contaminate other...per million, causes embrittlement of rubber tires. Microorganisms cause materials such as wood or canvas to rot, and can also promote metal corrosion...limited to the following: o Wood o Cardboard o Open-cell foams o Sponge rubber 21 The solution is to avoid placing materials ouch as these in contact with

Control of Coastal Lighting in Anti-Submarine Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

1943-04-30

diameter 18 15 Cardboard used to shield lighting units at Jacksonville Beach,, Florida 19 16 Power :leads, wiring harness, and headlamp switch 19 17...1000 feet from searchlight used’"’ to insure measurements in same portion S of beam 26 28 Power supply for beach searchlight 27 29 Ceiling projector...as availability of eleccric power , existence ofVteleph ne lines, proximity to bases for the seacraft and air-craft required, nuarters for the troops, f

Influence of spider silk on refugia preferences of the recluse spiders Loxosceles reclusa and Loxosceles laeta (Araneae: Sicariidae).

PubMed

Vetter, Richard S; Rust, Michael K

2010-06-01

In a previous experimental study, recluse spiders Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch and Mulaik and Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet) (Araneae: Sicariidae) preferred small cardboard refugia covered with conspecific silk compared with never-occupied refugia. Herein, we investigated some factors that might be responsible for this preference using similar cardboard refugia. When the two Loxosceles species were given choices between refugia previously occupied by their own and by the congeneric species, neither showed a species-specific preference; however, each chose refugia coated with conspecific silk rather than those previously inhabited by a distantly related cribellate spider, Metaltella simoni (Keyserling). When L. laeta spiders were offered refugia that were freshly removed from silk donors compared with heated, aged refugia from the same silk donor, older refugia were preferred. Solvent extracts of L. laeta silk were chosen approximately as often as control refugia when a range of solvents (methylene chloride:methanol, water, and hexane) were used. However, when acetone was used on similar silk, there was a statistical preference for the control, indicating that there might be a mildly repellent aspect to acetone-washed silk. Considering the inability to show attraction to chemical aspects of fresh silk, it seems that physical attributes may be more important for selection and that there might be repellency to silk of a recently vacated spider. These findings are discussed in regard to pest management strategies to control recluse spiders.

Impact of paper and cardboard suppression on OFMSW anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Fonoll, X; Astals, S; Dosta, J; Mata-Alvarez, J

2016-10-01

Mechanical-biological treatment plants treat municipal solid waste to recover recyclable materials, nutrients and energy. Waste paper and cardboard (WP), the second main compound in municipal solid waste (∼30% in weight basis), is typically used for biogas generation. However, its recovery is gaining attention as it can be used to produce add-value products like bioethanol and residual derived fuel. Nevertheless, WP suppression or replacement will impact anaerobic digestion in terms of biogas production, process stability and digestate management. Two lab-scale reactors were used to assess the impact of WP in anaerobic digestion performance. A control reactor was only fed with biowaste (BioW), while a second reactor was fed with two different mixtures of BioW and WP, i.e. 85/15% and 70/30% (weight basis). Results indicate that either replacing half of the WP by BioW or removing half of the WP has little impact on the methane production. When removing half of the WP, methane production could be sustained by a larger waste biodegradability. The replacement of all WP by BioW increased the reactor methane production (∼37%), while removing all WP would have reduced the methane production about 15%. Finally, replacing WP loading rate by BioW led to a system less tolerant to instability periods and with poorer digestate quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Migration of photoinitiators from cardboard into dry food: evaluation of Tenax® as a food simulant.

PubMed

Van Den Houwe, Kathy; Evrard, Caroline; Van Loco, Joris; Lynen, Frederic; Van Hoeck, Els

2016-05-01

Photoinitiators are widely used to cure ink on packaging materials used in food applications such as cardboards for the packaging of dry foods. Conventional migration testing for long-term storage at ambient temperature with Tenax(®) was applied to paperboard for the following photoinitiators: benzophenone (BP), 4,4'-bis(diethylamino)benzophenone (DEAB), 2-chloro-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (CTX), 1-chloro-4-propoxy-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (CPTX), 4-(dimethylamino)benzophenone (DMBP), 2-ethylanthraquinone (EA), 2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDB), ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (HMBP), 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone (HMMP), 2-isopropyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (ITX), 4-methylbenzophenone (MBP) and Michler's ketone (MK). Test conditions (10 days at 60°C) were according to Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 and showed different migration patterns for the different photoinitiators. The results were compared with the migration in cereals after a storage of 6 months at room temperature. The simulation with Tenax at 60°C overestimated actual migration in cereals up to a maximum of 92%. In addition, the effect of a lower contact temperature and the impact of the Tenax pore size were investigated. Analogous simulation performed with rice instead of Tenax resulted in insufficiently low migration rates, showing Tenax is a much stronger adsorbent than rice and cereals.

Detonation Shock Dynamics Calibration for Non-Ideal HE: ANFO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Short, Mark; Salyer, Terry

2009-06-01

The detonation of ammonium nitrate (AN) and fuel-oil (FO) mixtures (ANFO) is significantly influenced by the properties of the AN (porosity, particle size, coating) and fuel-oil stoichiometry. We report on a new series of rate-stick experiments in cardboard confinement that highlight detonation front speed and curvature dependence on AN/FO stoichiometry and AN particle properties. Standard detonation velocity-curvature calibrations to the experimental data will be presented, as well as higher-order time-dependent detonation shock dynamics calibrations.

How to build a model illustrating sea-floor spreading and subduction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lahr, J.C.

1999-01-01

This report describes how to build a model of the outer 300 km (180 miles) of the Earth that can be used to develop a better understanding of the principal features of plate tectonics, including sea-floor spreading, the pattern of magnetic stripes frozen into the sea floor, transform faulting, thrust faulting, subduction, and volcanism. In addition to a paper copy of this report, the materials required are a cardboard shoebox, glue, scissors, straight edge, and safety razor blade.

Indoor mold spore exposure: characteristics of 127 homes in southern California with endogenous mold problems.

PubMed

Gallup, J; Kozak, P; Cummins, L; Gillman, S

1987-01-01

We are constantly being exposed to molds in our environment. Indoor mold problems occur after prolonged or chronic water damage to a variety of organic materials such as unfinished wood, jutebacked carpeting, wallpaper, books, cardboard, leather, cork, paper, wallboard, and wicker baskets. Mechanisms for spore dispersal (such as air currents or foot traffic on carpets) must also be present. The presence of these organic materials and dispersal mechanisms leads to significant increases in indoor spore levels.

Demonstration of the B4C/NaIO4/PTFE Delay in the U.S. Army Hand-Held Signal

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-20

Figure 1. Partial cross section diagram of a hand-held signal showing the rocket motor , delay element, expelling charge, and pyrotechnic payload as...The black powder-based rocket motor , consisting of propellant pellets (G) encased in a cardboard tube, contains an axial core hole to accommodate the...that ignites the rocket motor . Simultaneously, the delay element is ignited and burns for an interval (preferably 5−6 s) before it ignites the black

Sensory gating for the initiation of the swing phase in different directions of human infant stepping.

PubMed

Pang, Marco Y C; Yang, Jaynie F

2002-07-01

Humans can make smooth, continuous transitions in walking direction from forward to backward. Thus, the processing of sensory input must allow a similar continuum of possibilities. Hip extension and reduced load are two important conditions that control the transition from the stance to swing phase during forward stepping in human infants. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the same factors also regulate the initiation of the swing phase in other directions of stepping. Thirty-seven infants between the ages of 5 and 13 months were studied during supported forward and sideways stepping on a treadmill. Disturbances were elicited by placing a piece of cardboard under the foot and pulling the cardboard in different directions. In this way, the leg was displaced in a particular direction and simultaneously unloaded. We observed whether the swing phase was immediately initiated after the application of disturbances in various directions. Electromyography, vertical ground reaction forces, and hip motion in frontal and sagittal planes were recorded. The results showed that the most potent sensory input to initiate the swing phase depends on the direction of stepping. Although low load was always necessary to initiate swing for all directions of walking, the preferred hip position was always one directly opposite the direction of walking. The results indicated the presence of selective gating of sensory input from the legs as a function of the direction of stepping.

Development of a cellulose-based insulating composite material for green buildings: Case of treated organic waste (paper, cardboard, hash)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouargui, Ahmed; Belouaggadia, Naoual; Elbouari, Abdeslam; Ezzine, Mohammed

2018-05-01

Buildings are responsible for 36% of the final energy consumption in Morocco [1-2], and a reduction of this energy consumption of buildings is a priority for the kingdom in order to reach its energy saving goals. One of the most effective actions to reduce energy consumption is the selection and development of innovative and efficient building materials [3]. In this work, we present an experimental study of the effect of adding treated organic waste (paper, cardboard, hash) on mechanical and thermal properties of cement and clay bricks. Thermal conductivity, specific heat and mechanical resistance were investigated in terms of content and size additives. Soaking time and drying temperature were also taken into account. The results reveal that thermal conductivity decreases as well in the case of the paper-cement mixture as that of the paper-clay and seems to stabilize around 40%. In the case of the composite paper-cement, it is found that, for an additives quantity exceeding 15%, the compressive strength exceeds the standard for the hollow non-load bearing masonry. However, the case of paper-clay mixture seems to give more interesting results, related to the compressive strength, for a mass composition of 15% in paper. Given the positive results achieved, it seems possible to use these composites for the construction of walls, ceilings and roofs of housing while minimizing the energy consumption of the building.

Sensory Quality Preservation of Coated Walnuts.

PubMed

Grosso, Antonella L; Asensio, Claudia M; Grosso, Nelson R; Nepote, Valeria

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory stability of coated walnuts during storage. Four walnut samples were prepared: uncoated (NC), and samples coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (NCMC), methyl cellulose (NMC), or whey protein (NPS). The samples were stored at room temperature for 210 d and were periodically removed from storage to perform a sensory descriptive analysis. A consumer acceptance test was carried out on the fresh product (storage day 0) to evaluate flavor. All samples exhibited significant differences in their sensory attributes initially and after storage. Intensity ratings for oxidized and cardboard flavors increased during storage. NC showed the highest oxidized and cardboard intensity ratings (39 and 22, respectively) and NMC exhibited the lowest intensity ratings for these negative attributes (8 and 17, respectively) after 210 d of storage. Alternatively, the intensity ratings for sweetness and walnut flavors were decreased for all samples. NMC had the lowest decrease at the end of storage for these positive attributes (75.86 in walnut flavor and 12.09 in sweetness). The results of this study suggest a protective effect of the use of an edible coating to preserve sensory attributes during storage, especially for samples coated with MC. The results of the acceptance test showed that addition of the coating negatively affected the flavor acceptance for NMC and NCMC coated walnuts. Edible coatings help to preserve sensory attributes in walnuts, improving their shelf-life, however, these coatings may affect consumer acceptance in some cases. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Combustion of textile residues in a packed bed

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryu, Changkook; Phan, Anh N.; Sharifi, Vida N.

2007-08-15

Textile is one of the main components in the municipal waste which is to be diverted from landfill for material and energy recovery. As an initial investigation for energy recovery from textile residues, the combustion of cotton fabrics with a minor fraction of polyester was investigated in a packed bed combustor for air flow rates ranging from 117 to 1638 kg/m{sup 2} h (0.027-0.371 m/s). Tests were also carried out in order to evaluate the co-combustion of textile residues with two segregated waste materials: waste wood and cardboard. Textile residues showed different combustion characteristics when compared to typical waste materialsmore » at low air flow rates below 819 kg/m{sup 2} h (0.186 m/s). The ignition front propagated fast along the air channels randomly formed between packed textile particles while leaving a large amount of unignited material above. This resulted in irregular behaviour of the temperature profile, ignition rate and the percentage of weight loss in the ignition propagation stage. A slow smouldering burn-out stage followed the ignition propagation stage. At air flow rates of 1200-1600 kg/m{sup 2} h (0.272-0.363 m/s), the bed had a maximum burning rate of about 240 kg/m{sup 2} h consuming most of the combustibles in the ignition propagation stage. More uniform combustion with an increased burning rate was achieved when textile residues were co-burned with cardboard that had a similar bulk density. (author)« less

Traps containing carvacrol, a biological approach for the control of Dermanyssus gallinae.

PubMed

Barimani, Alireza; Youssefi, Mohammad Reza; Tabari, Mohaddeseh Abouhosseini

2016-09-01

Resistance to conventional synthetic pesticides has been widely reported in Dermanyssus gallinae in different aviary systems. Cardboard traps containing acaricides had been introduced as a successive device for collection and control of the poultry red mite. The present study assessed field efficacy of traps containing carvacrol in the control and reduction of D. gallinae in laying poultry farm. Two different carvacrol-based formulations were tested for their toxicity and possible repellent activity on D. gallinae to determine the most appropriate formulation and concentration to be used in the field study. In vitro tests confirmed that 1 % carvacrol formulation with ethoxylated castor oil as emulsifier was significantly toxic to D. gallinae without any dissuading effect in comparison to ethanol and higher concentrations of carvacrol (p < 0.05). A subsequent in vivo experiment in a cage system laying farm demonstrated significant acaricidal activity for traps containing 1 % carvacrol. Throughout the study, untreated cardboard traps were used for monitoring mite populations. Carvacrol-impregnated traps were efficacious in the control of D. gallinae and led to over 92 % reduction in mite's population after 2 week of application. Toxic effects of carvacrol maintained through 2 weeks after the last application of traps. Results of the present study suggested that effective control of the poultry red mite can be achieved by traps containing carvacrol. These traps can be used safely in poultry facilities without any concern about residues in eggs, meat, and environment.

Evaluation of Wearable Haptic Systems for the Fingers in Augmented Reality Applications.

PubMed

Maisto, Maurizio; Pacchierotti, Claudio; Chinello, Francesco; Salvietti, Gionata; De Luca, Alessandro; Prattichizzo, Domenico

2017-01-01

Although Augmented Reality (AR) has been around for almost five decades, only recently we have witnessed AR systems and applications entering in our everyday life. Representative examples of this technological revolution are the smartphone games "Pokémon GO" and "Ingress" or the Google Translate real-time sign interpretation app. Even if AR applications are already quite compelling and widespread, users are still not able to physically interact with the computer-generated reality. In this respect, wearable haptics can provide the compelling illusion of touching the superimposed virtual objects without constraining the motion or the workspace of the user. In this paper, we present the experimental evaluation of two wearable haptic interfaces for the fingers in three AR scenarios, enrolling 38 participants. In the first experiment, subjects were requested to write on a virtual board using a real chalk. The haptic devices provided the interaction forces between the chalk and the board. In the second experiment, subjects were asked to pick and place virtual and real objects. The haptic devices provided the interaction forces due to the weight of the virtual objects. In the third experiment, subjects were asked to balance a virtual sphere on a real cardboard. The haptic devices provided the interaction forces due to the weight of the virtual sphere rolling on the cardboard. Providing haptic feedback through the considered wearable device significantly improved the performance of all the considered tasks. Moreover, subjects significantly preferred conditions providing wearable haptic feedback.

Millimeter wave detection of nuclear radiation: an alternative detection mechanism.

PubMed

Gopalsami, N; Chien, H T; Heifetz, A; Koehl, E R; Raptis, A C

2009-08-01

We present a nuclear radiation detection mechanism using millimeter waves as an alternative to conventional detection. It is based on the concept that nuclear radiation causes ionization of air and that if we place a dielectric material near the radiation source, it acts as a charge accumulator of the air ions. We have found that millimeter waves can interrogate the charge cloud on the dielectric material remotely. This concept was tested with a standoff millimeter wave system by monitoring the charge levels on a cardboard tube placed in an x-ray beam.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-01

Students in the Young Astronaut Program at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus, GA, constructed gloveboxes using the new NASA Student Glovebox Education Guide. The young astronauts used cardboard copier paper boxes as the heart of the glovebox. The paper boxes transformed into gloveboxes when the students pasted poster-pictures of an actual NASA microgravity science glovebox inside and outside of the paper boxes. The young astronauts then added holes for gloves and removable transparent top covers, which completed the construction of the gloveboxes. This image is from a digital still camera; higher resolution is not available.

Production and Use of Densified Refuse-Derived Fuel (DRDF) in Military Central Heating and Power Plants.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

Table 5 shows the shift in relative position rock. dust , etc.) 20 23 between cardboard and paper as there is process move- ment from raw refuse to RDF...point of the conveyors, including spillage of material .4 As indicated in the process flow diagram in Figure and emission of high volumes of dust . The... process , which is believed to designed to receive up to 500 tons per day of solid reduce the possibility of explosion from dust , which is waste

Babies in boxes and the missing links on safe sleep: Human evolution and cultural revolution.

PubMed

Bartick, Melissa; Tomori, Cecília; Ball, Helen L

2018-04-01

Concerns about bedsharing as a risk for sudden infant death syndrome and other forms of sleep-associated infant death have gained prominence as a public health issue. Cardboard "baby boxes" are increasingly promoted to prevent infant death through separate sleep, despite no proof of efficacy. However, baby boxes disrupt "breastsleeping" (breastfeeding with co-sleeping) and may undermine breastfeeding. Recommendations enforcing separate sleep are based on 20th century Euro-American social norms for solitary infant sleep and scheduled feedings via bottles of cow's milk-based formula, in contrast to breastsleeping, an evolutionary adaptation facilitating the survival of mammalian infants for millennia. Interventions that aim to prevent bedsharing, such as the cardboard baby box, fail to consider the implications of evolutionary biology or of ethnocentrism in sleep guidance. Moreover, the focus on bedsharing neglects more potent risks such as smoking, drugs, alcohol, formula feeding, and poverty. Distribution of baby boxes may divert resources and attention away from addressing these other risk factors and lead to a false sense of security wherein we overlook that sudden unexplained infant deaths also occur in solitary sleep environments. Recognizing breastsleeping as the evolutionary and cross-cultural norm entails re-evaluating our research and policy priorities, such as providing greater structural support for families, supporting breastfeeding and safe co-sleeping, investigating ways to safely minimize separation for formula-fed infants, and mitigating the potential harms of mother-infant separation when breastsleeping is disrupted. Resources would be better spent addressing such questions rather than on a feel-good solution such as the baby box. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Compositional and sensory differences of products of sweet-cream and whey buttermilk produced by microfiltration, diafiltration, and supercritical CO2.

PubMed

Olabi, A; Jinjarak, S; Jiménez-Flores, R; Walker, J H; Daroub, Hamza

2015-06-01

The objectives of this work were to assess the compositional properties and sensory characteristics of ingredients produced by treating sweet-cream and whey-cream buttermilks with microfiltration (MF), diafiltration (DF), and supercritical CO2 (SFE) extraction. Sweet-cream buttermilk (CBM) and buttermilk resulting from churning the residual fat from whey processing (whey buttermilk, WBM) were used. Using MF or microfiltration followed by diafiltration (MF-DF), we obtained resulting retentates that were dried and then were subjected to SFE treatment. Control buttermilks, SFE resulting products, and MF and MF-DF SFE and all treated retentates products totaled 16 samples (2 types×4 treatments×2 batches). Eleven trained panelists assessed samples using descriptive analysis. Sweet-cream buttermilk was higher in protein and lactose, whereas the WBM had similar total protein, mainly β-LG and α-LA but very low lactose. The resulting samples in order of concentration for fat and lactose were control samples>SFE treated>MF treated>DF=MF-SFE and DF-SFE. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE protein profiling showed negligible casein for WBM versus CBM and less whey proteins for CBM versus WBM, as expected. Whey buttermilk was more yellow, salty, sour, and rancid than CBM. Regarding the treatments, significant differences were obtained on homogeneity, opacity, rancid odor, cardboard and sour flavors, sweet and salty tastes, viscosity, and mouthcoating, where SFE-treated samples showed lowest rancid odor and cardboard flavor. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solid and hazardous waste management practices onboard ocean going vessels: a review.

PubMed

Swamy, Yeddanapudi V R P P

2012-01-01

Shipping or carriage of goods play an important role in the development of human societies and international shipping industry, which carries 90% of the world trade, is the life blood of global economy. During ships operational activity a number of solid and hazardous wastes, also referred as garbage are produced from galleys, crew cabins and engine/deck departments stores. This review provides an overview of the current practices onboard and examines the evidence that links waste management plan regulations to shipping trade. With strict compliance to International Maritime Organization's MARPOL regulations, which prevents the pollution of sea from ships various discharges, well documented solid and hazardous waste management practices are being followed onboard ships. All ship board wastes are collected, segregated, stored and disposed of in appropriate locations, in accordance with shipping company's environmental protection policy and solid and hazardous waste management plan. For example, food residues are ground onboard and dropped into the sea as fish food. Cardboard and the like are burned onboard in incinerators. Glass is sorted into dark/light and deposited ashore, as are plastics, metal, tins, batteries, fluorescent tubes, etc. The residue from plastic incineration which is still considered as plastic is brought back to shore for disposal. New targets are being set up to reduce the volume of garbage generated and disposed of to shore facilities, and newer ships are using baling machines which compress cardboard etc into bales to be taken ashore. The garbage management and its control system work as a 'continual improvement' process to achieve new targets.

Anaerobic biodegradation of cellulosic material: Batch experiments and modelling based on isotopic data and focusing on aceticlastic and non-aceticlastic methanogenesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qu, X.; Cemagref, UR-HBAN, Parc de Tourvoie, Antony cedex F-92163; Vavilin, V.A.

Utilizing stable carbon isotope data to account for aceticlastic and non-aceticlastic pathways of methane generation, a model was created to describe laboratory batch anaerobic decomposition of cellulosic materials (office paper and cardboard). The total organic and inorganic carbon concentrations, methane production volume, and methane and CO{sub 2} partial pressure values were used for the model calibration and validation. According to the fluorescent in situ hybridization observations, three groups of methanogens including strictly hydrogenotrophic methanogens, strictly aceticlastic methanogens (Methanosaeta sp.) and Methanosarcina sp., consuming both acetate and H{sub 2}/H{sub 2}CO{sub 3} as well as acetate-oxidizing syntrophs, were considered. It was shownmore » that temporary inhibition of aceticlastic methanogens by non-ionized volatile fatty acids or acidic pH was responsible for two-step methane production from office paper at 35 {sup o}C where during the first and second steps methane was generated mostly from H{sub 2}/H{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and acetate, respectively. Water saturated and unsaturated cases were tested. According to the model, at the intermediate moisture (150%), much lower methane production occurred because of full-time inhibition of aceticlastic methanogens. At the lowest moisture, methane production was very low because most likely hydrolysis was seriously inhibited. Simulations showed that during cardboard and office paper biodegradation at 55 {sup o}C, non-aceticlastic syntrophic oxidation by acetate-oxidizing syntrophs and hydrogenotrophic methanogens were the dominant methanogenic pathways.« less

Virtual reality for spherical images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilarczyk, Rafal; Skarbek, Władysław

2017-08-01

Paper presents virtual reality application framework and application concept for mobile devices. Framework uses Google Cardboard library for Android operating system. Framework allows to create virtual reality 360 video player using standard OpenGL ES rendering methods. Framework provides network methods in order to connect to web server as application resource provider. Resources are delivered using JSON response as result of HTTP requests. Web server also uses Socket.IO library for synchronous communication between application and server. Framework implements methods to create event driven process of rendering additional content based on video timestamp and virtual reality head point of view.

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-02-23

Tourist photograph themselves in astronaut space suites next to a cardboard cutout of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide at the visitor's center of the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, Tanegashima Island, Japan. A Japanese H-IIA rocket carrying the NASA-Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory is planned for launch from the space center on Feb. 28, 2014. Once launched, the GPM spacecraft will collect information that unifies data from an international network of existing and future satellites to map global rainfall and snowfall every three hours. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Exploitation of Full-Waveform LiDAR to Characterize / Exploit Under Canopy Targets - Foliage Penetration (FOPEN)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-28

Figure 3 USACE ERDC mobile measurement system with Riegl VZ‐400  laser  scanner (a) and OSU GPSVan  with targets (b...five target  materials (red: retro reflective, blue: wood, cyan: fluffy plastic, yellow: cardboard, and black:  painted   wood...and black:  painted  wood) ........................ 28  Figure 21 Waveforms shapes of in the three classes

Students build glovebox at Space Science Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

Students in the Young Astronaut Program at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus, GA, constructed gloveboxes using the new NASA Student Glovebox Education Guide. The young astronauts used cardboard copier paper boxes as the heart of the glovebox. The paper boxes transformed into gloveboxes when the students pasted poster-pictures of an actual NASA microgravity science glovebox inside and outside of the paper boxes. The young astronauts then added holes for gloves and removable transparent top covers, which completed the construction of the gloveboxes. This image is from a digital still camera; higher resolution is not available.

Paper waste - recycling, incineration or landfilling? A review of existing life cycle assessments.

PubMed

Villanueva, A; Wenzel, H

2007-01-01

A review of existing life cycle assessments (LCAs) on paper and cardboard waste has been undertaken. The objectives of the review were threefold. Firstly, to see whether a consistent message comes out of published LCA literature on optimum disposal or recycling solutions for this waste type. Such message has implications for current policy formulation on material recycling and disposal in the EU. Secondly, to identify key methodological issues of paper waste management LCAs, and enlighten the influence of such issues on the conclusions of the LCA studies. Thirdly, in light of the analysis made, to discuss whether it is at all valid to use the LCA methodology in its current development state to guide policy decisions on paper waste. A total of nine LCA studies containing altogether 73 scenarios were selected from a thorough, international literature search. The selected studies are LCAs including comparisons of different management options for waste paper. Despite claims of inconsistency, the LCAs reviewed illustrate the environmental benefits in recycling over incineration or landfill options, for paper and cardboard waste. This broad consensus was found despite differences in geographic location and definitions of the paper recycling/disposal systems studied. A systematic exploration of the LCA studies showed, however, important methodological pitfalls and sources of error, mainly concerning differences in the definition of the system boundaries. Fifteen key assumptions were identified that cover the three paper cycle system areas: raw materials and forestry, paper production, and disposal/recovery. It was found that the outcome of the individual LCA studies largely depended on the choices made in some of these assumptions, most specifically the ones concerning energy use and generation, and forestry.

Herbicide toxicity, selectivity and hormesis of nicosulfuron on 10 Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) species parasitizing Anagasta ( = Ephestia) kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs.

PubMed

Leite, Germano L D; de Paulo, Paula D; Zanuncio, José C; Tavares, Wagner De S; Alvarenga, Anarelly C; Dourado, Luan R; Bispo, Edilson P R; Soares, Marcus A

2017-01-02

Selective agrochemicals including herbicides that do not affect non-target organisms such as natural enemies are important in the integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the herbicide toxicity, selectivity and hormesis of nicosulfuron, recommended for the corn Zea mays L. (Poaceae) crop, on 10 Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) species. A female of each Trichogramma spp. or Trichogrammatoidea annulata De Santis, 1972 was individually placed in plastic test tubes (no choice) with a cardboard containing 45 flour moth Anagasta ( = Ephestia) kuehniella Zeller, 1879 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. Parasitism by these natural enemies was allowed for 48 h and the cardboards were sprayed with the herbicide nicosulfuron at 1.50 L.ha -1 , along with the control (only distilled water). Nicosulfuron reduced the emergence rate of Trichogramma bruni Nagaraja, 1983 females, but increased that of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879, Trichogramma acacioi Brun, Moraes and Smith, 1984 and T. annulata females. Conversely, this herbicide increased the emergence rate of Trichogramma brasiliensis Ashmead, 1904, T. bruni, Trichogramma galloi Zucchi, 1988 and Trichogramma soaresi Nagaraja, 1983 males and decreased those of T. acacioi, Trichogramma atopovilia Oatman and Platner, 1983 and T. pretiosum males. In addition, nicosulfuron reduced the sex ratio of T. galloi, Trichogramma bennetti Nagaraja and Nagarkatti, 1973 and T. pretiosum and increased that of T. acacioi, T. bruni, T. annulata, Trichogramma demoraesi Nagaraja, 1983, T. soaresi and T. brasiliensis. The herbicide nicosulfuron was "harmless" (class 1, <30% reduction) for females and the sex ratio of all Trichogrammatidae species based on the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) classification. The possible hormesis effect of nicosulfuron on Trichogrammatidae species and on the bacterium Wolbachia sp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) was also discussed.

[Some aspects of the management of house-hold refuse].

PubMed

Festy, B

1991-01-01

Each day the average Frenchman produces near 1 kg of HHR, mainly paper and cardboard, vegetal and animal putrescible residues, glass, plastics, metals, ashes,... giving four important linked fractions of recyclable, biodegradable, combustible and inert matters. Production and precollection of HHR are of direct concern for the user, mainly in the collective housing; but the rubbish chute acts as a brake to the selective collection of HHR, which is one aspect of the valorization process of HHR, growing up in France. Three other treatments are used: combustion in plants with or without energy recovery, biological degradation of HHR as a compost used in agriculture, and dumping on or in the ground. All of them have advantages and disadvantages and then they must be used in complement of each other. The treatment units have some pollution effects on the environment and must be watched. Treatment refuses and solid, liquid or gaseous pollutants must be managed as much as HHR themselves. Three examples of collection-treatment-elimination french units are briefly described in Dunkerque (a mean town with selective collection), Bourgneuf-en-Mauges (a rural country with biological treatment and dumping) and Paris (a big town with a new incineration plan). Then the state of the management of HHR in France in 1989 is described with special attention to collection (99.4% of the population), recovery of glass (25%) and paper-cardboard (42%) and authorized treatment (94%) as dumping (43%), incineration (40.5%) and biological (7.5%). Accent is made about the importance of prevention (decrease of refuse production, way of consumption and life style, education of the masses) and of a good management of the HHR and of their treatment refuses and pollutants to limit environmental degradation.

Production patterns of packaging waste categories generated at typical Mediterranean residential building worksites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

González Pericot, N., E-mail: natalia.gpericot@upm.es; Villoria Sáez, P., E-mail: paola.villoria@upm.es; Del Río Merino, M., E-mail: mercedes.delrio@upm.es

2014-11-15

Highlights: • On-site segregation level: 1.80%; training and motivation strategies were not effective. • 70% Cardboard waste: from switches and sockets during the building services stage. • 40% Plastic waste: generated during structures and partition works due to palletizing. • >50% Wood packaging waste, basically pallets, generated during the envelope works. - Abstract: The construction sector is responsible for around 28% of the total waste volume generated in Europe, which exceeds the amount of household waste. This has led to an increase of different research studies focusing on construction waste quantification. However, within the research studies made, packaging waste hasmore » been analyzed to a limited extent. This article focuses on the packaging waste stream generated in the construction sector. To this purpose current on-site waste packaging management has been assessed by monitoring ten Mediterranean residential building works. The findings of the experimental data collection revealed that the incentive measures implemented by the construction company to improve on-site waste sorting failed to achieve the intended purpose, showing low segregation ratios. Subsequently, through an analytical study the generation patterns for packaging waste are established, leading to the identification of the prevailing kinds of packaging and the products responsible for their generation. Results indicate that plastic waste generation maintains a constant trend throughout the whole construction process, while cardboard becomes predominant towards the end of the construction works with switches and sockets from the electricity stage. Understanding the production patterns of packaging waste will be beneficial for adapting waste management strategies to the identified patterns for the specific nature of packaging waste within the context of construction worksites.« less

Energy efficiency of substance and energy recovery of selected waste fractions.

PubMed

Fricke, Klaus; Bahr, Tobias; Bidlingmaier, Werner; Springer, Christian

2011-04-01

In order to reduce the ecological impact of resource exploitation, the EU calls for sustainable options to increase the efficiency and productivity of the utilization of natural resources. This target can only be achieved by considering resource recovery from waste comprehensively. However, waste management measures have to be investigated critically and all aspects of substance-related recycling and energy recovery have to be carefully balanced. This article compares recovery methods for selected waste fractions with regard to their energy efficiency. Whether material recycling or energy recovery is the most energy efficient solution, is a question of particular relevance with regard to the following waste fractions: paper and cardboard, plastics and biowaste and also indirectly metals. For the described material categories material recycling has advantages compared to energy recovery. In accordance with the improved energy efficiency of substance opposed to energy recovery, substance-related recycling causes lower emissions of green house gases. For the fractions paper and cardboard, plastics, biowaste and metals it becomes apparent, that intensification of the separate collection systems in combination with a more intensive use of sorting technologies can increase the extent of material recycling. Collection and sorting systems must be coordinated. The objective of the overall system must be to achieve an optimum of the highest possible recovery rates in combination with a high quality of recyclables. The energy efficiency of substance related recycling of biowaste can be increased by intensifying the use of anaerobic technologies. In order to increase the energy efficiency of the overall system, the energy efficiencies of energy recovery plants must be increased so that the waste unsuitable for substance recycling is recycled or treated with the highest possible energy yield. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solid waste composition analysis and recycling evaluation: Zaatari Syrian Refugees Camp, Jordan.

PubMed

Saidan, Motasem N; Drais, Ammar Abu; Al-Manaseer, Ehab

2017-03-01

There is a need for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) stream characterization and composition analysis to allow for an accurate estimation of its recycling potential and for effective management of the entire system. Recycling provides employment and a livelihood for vulnerable social groups such as refugees. The aim of this paper is to determine the composition of MSW in Zaatari Syrian Refugee Camp, where approximately 430,000 Syrian refugees have passed through the camp. The representative waste samples and analysis included household waste and commercial waste produced by the refugees in the selected districts in Zaatari. The waste sampling was performed in 2015 over two seasons to ensure that the seasonal fluctuations in the composition of the waste stream are taken into consideration. Hand sorting was used for classifying the collected wastes into the categories and subcategories. The organic waste represents the main waste category with 53% of the total MSW, while plastics, textile, and paper and cardboard are 12.85%, 10.22% and 9%, respectively. Moreover, the MSW composition percentage in Zaatari Camp is similar to that in municipalities in Jordan with slight disparity. The potential recyclable materials market has been investigated in this study. Plastics and paper and cardboard have significant potential to be separated and collected for recycling purposes. Financial revenues of potential recyclables have been analyzed based on local prices. Recycling model in the camp is also proposed based on the present study findings. Consequently, these results should be taken as a baseline for all Syrian refugees camps in the Middle East, as well as, in Europe. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing recycling versus incineration of key materials in municipal waste: The importance of efficient energy recovery and transport distances

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Merrild, Hanna; Larsen, Anna W., E-mail: awla@env.dtu.dk; Christensen, Thomas H.

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We model the environmental impact of recycling and incineration of household waste. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Recycling of paper, glass, steel and aluminium is better than incineration. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Recycling and incineration of cardboard and plastic can be equally good alternatives. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Recyclables can be transported long distances and still have environmental benefits. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Paper has a higher environmental benefit than recyclables found in smaller amounts. - Abstract: Recycling of materials from municipal solid waste is commonly considered to be superior to any other waste treatment alternative. For the material fractions with a significant energy content this might not be the casemore » if the treatment alternative is a waste-to-energy plant with high energy recovery rates. The environmental impacts from recycling and from incineration of six material fractions in household waste have been compared through life cycle assessment assuming high-performance technologies for material recycling as well as for waste incineration. The results showed that there are environmental benefits when recycling paper, glass, steel and aluminium instead of incinerating it. For cardboard and plastic the results were more unclear, depending on the level of energy recovery at the incineration plant, the system boundaries chosen and which impact category was in focus. Further, the environmental impact potentials from collection, pre-treatment and transport was compared to the environmental benefit from recycling and this showed that with the right means of transport, recyclables can in most cases be transported long distances. However, the results also showed that recycling of some of the material fractions can only contribute marginally in improving the overall waste management system taking into consideration their limited content in average Danish household waste.« less

Energy efficiency of substance and energy recovery of selected waste fractions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fricke, Klaus, E-mail: klaus.fricke@tu-bs.de; Bahr, Tobias, E-mail: t.bahr@tu-bs.de; Bidlingmaier, Werner, E-mail: werner.bidlingmaier@uni-weimar.de

In order to reduce the ecological impact of resource exploitation, the EU calls for sustainable options to increase the efficiency and productivity of the utilization of natural resources. This target can only be achieved by considering resource recovery from waste comprehensively. However, waste management measures have to be investigated critically and all aspects of substance-related recycling and energy recovery have to be carefully balanced. This article compares recovery methods for selected waste fractions with regard to their energy efficiency. Whether material recycling or energy recovery is the most energy efficient solution, is a question of particular relevance with regard tomore » the following waste fractions: paper and cardboard, plastics and biowaste and also indirectly metals. For the described material categories material recycling has advantages compared to energy recovery. In accordance with the improved energy efficiency of substance opposed to energy recovery, substance-related recycling causes lower emissions of green house gases. For the fractions paper and cardboard, plastics, biowaste and metals it becomes apparent, that intensification of the separate collection systems in combination with a more intensive use of sorting technologies can increase the extent of material recycling. Collection and sorting systems must be coordinated. The objective of the overall system must be to achieve an optimum of the highest possible recovery rates in combination with a high quality of recyclables. The energy efficiency of substance related recycling of biowaste can be increased by intensifying the use of anaerobic technologies. In order to increase the energy efficiency of the overall system, the energy efficiencies of energy recovery plants must be increased so that the waste unsuitable for substance recycling is recycled or treated with the highest possible energy yield.« less

Improvement of Mechanical Properties in Natural Rubber with Organic Fillers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzales-Fernandes, M.; Bastos, Andrade C. G.; Esper, F. J.; Valenzuela-Diaz, F. R.; Wiebeck, H.

When added to polymeric matrices, organophilic clay transforms the performance of the resulting composites. A natural rubber matrix with different loads was prepared as bentonite chocolate B modified by sodification and treated with ammonium quaternary salt with cellulose charge, cardboard and palm fiber. After the mixture of natural rubber in a roller mill with the additives and subsequent addition of loads individually, plates were vulcanized for fabricating specimens. We measured the mechanical properties of traction and the interlayer distances analyzed by XRD. The aim of the paper is to show that the composite obtained improved in mechanical properties as compared to plates without the addition of loads.

CFD Prediction of the Temperature Distribution within a Refrigerated Truck Filled with Fruit and Vegetables during Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Yoshihiro; Tanaka, Fumihiko; Uchino, Toshitaka; Hamanaka, Daisuke

During transport using refrigerated trucks, the maintaining of the recommended conditions throughout a cargo is required to preserve the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables. Temperature distribution within a refrigerated container is governed by airflow pattern with thermal transport. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) predictions were used to investigate the temperature distribution within a typical refrigerated truck filled with cardboard packed eggplants. Numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer was performed using the CFX code. In order to verify the developed CFD model full-scale measurement was carried out within a load of eggplants during transport. CFD predictions show reasonable agreement with actual data.

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING LAMINATED SHEETS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIOACTIVE WASTES, AND PROTECTING AND PACKAGING MEANS MANUFACTURED WITH THESE SHEETS; Papierfabrik Wilhemstal Wilhelm Ernst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1959-07-15

A description is given of laminated sheet, consisting of a first layer of absorbing and preferably fibrous material (e.g., filter or blotting paper, or felt), a second layer of adhesive, impermeable, and hydrophobic material (e.g., wax, bitumen, a polyvinyl or polyacrylic compound, or a polyhydrocarbon), and a third (and fourth) layer of rigid material more or less impermeable to liquids (e.g., metal (aluminum), polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or cardboard). These sheets can be used for covering laboratory tables and walls, for radiation protection (manufacture of clothes, etc.), or for packaging radioactive waste (manufacture of boxes, bags, etc.). (NPO)

Identification of allantoin, uric acid, and indoxyl sulfate as biochemical indicators of filth in food packaging by LC.

PubMed

Carlson, M; Thompson, R D

2001-01-01

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method was developed for the determination of allantoin, uric acid, and indoxyl sulfate in mammalian urine contaminated packaging material including paper bagging, corrugated cardboard, grayboard, and burlap bagging. The procedure involves solvent extraction and isolation of the 3 analytes by reversed-phase LC with ultraviolet detection at 225 nm for allantoin and 286 nm for uric acid and indoxyl sulfate. The composition of authentic mammalian urine such as mouse, rat, cat, dog, and human were also determined with regard to the 3 compounds of interest. A linear concentration range of 0.11-20.4, 0.02-10.0, and 0.04-30.0 microg/mL was obtained for allantoin, uric acid, and indoxyl sulfate, respectively. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) were 0.0104 and 0.0345 microg/mL for allantoin; 0.0018 and 0.0060 microg/mL for uric acid; and 0.0049 and 0.0165 microg/mL for indoxyl sulfate, respectively. Interday relative standard deviation values for a mixture of standard allantoin, uric acid, and indoxyl sulfate (n = 5) were 0.97, 0.80, and 0.94%, respectively. Analyte composition for 5 types of authentic mammalian urine varied from 0.19-6.88 mg/mL allantoin; 0.08-0.57 mg/mL uric acid; and 0.03-0.78 mg/mL indoxyl sulfate. Analyte content for 8 samples including 2 samples each for paper, cardboard, grayboard, and burlap bagging each contaminated with mouse or rat urine ranged from

A newly developed container for safe, easy, and cost-effective overnight transportation of tissues and organs by electrically keeping tissue or organ temperature at 3 to 6°C.

PubMed

Ohkawara, H; Kitagawa, T; Fukushima, N; Ito, T; Sawa, Y; Yoshimine, T

2012-05-01

As there is only one skin procurement organization in Japan the Japan Skin Bank Network (JSBN), all skin grafts procured in Japan are sent by a commercialized delivery system. Preliminarily, bottles containing saline were transported in a cardboard box using a so-called "cooled home delivery service" using a truck with a refrigerated cargo container. During transportation the temperature in the cardboard box increased to 18°C in summer and decreased to -5°C in winter. For these reasons, we investigated whether a newly developed container "Medi Cube" would be useful to transport skin grafts. Four bottles with a capacity of 300 mL containing 150 mL of saline in a Medi Cube container were transported from Osaka to the JSBN in Tokyo between 4 PM and 10 AM using a commercialized cooled home delivery service. Two bottles were transported in a Medi Cube container without phase change materials (PCM) in winter and summer, respectively. Another two bottles were transported in the Medi Cube with PCMs in winter. The temperatures inside saline, inside a transportation container, and outside the container, and air temperature were monitored continuously with a recordable thermometer. The temperatures inside saline and inside a Medi Cube container were maintained between 3 and 6°C, even when the temperature outside the container increased during parking. The temperature inside a Medi Cube container without PCM decreased to -3°C when the inside of the cargo container was overcooled in winter. However, the temperatures inside saline and inside a Medi Cube container with PCM were between 3 and 6°C, even when the temperature outside the container decreased to below 0°C in winter. A Medi Cube container with PCM provided a safe, easy, and cost-effective method for overnight transportation of skin grafts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of whey, milk, and delactosed permeates as salt substitutes.

PubMed

Smith, S T; Metzger, L; Drake, M A

2016-11-01

Whey and milk permeates are by-products of high-protein dairy powder manufacture. Previous work has shown that these permeates contribute to salty taste without contributing significantly to sodium content. The objective of this study was to explore the sensory characteristics and compositional analysis of permeates from different milk and whey streams and a low-sodium product application made from them. Skim milk, Cheddar, cottage, and Mozzarella cheese whey permeates were manufactured in triplicate, and delactosed whey permeate was obtained in triplicate. Composition (protein, fat, solids, minerals) was conducted on permeates. Organic acid composition was determined using HPLC. Volatile compounds were extracted from permeates by solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A trained sensory panel documented sensory attributes of permeates and cream of broccoli soups with and without salt or permeates followed by consumer acceptance testing (n=105) on the soups. Cottage cheese whey permeate contained a higher lactic acid content than other permeates, which has been shown to contribute to a higher salty taste. Cottage cheese whey permeate also contained potato or brothy and caramel flavors and sour and salty tastes, whereas delactosed whey permeate had high intensities of cardboard and beefy or brothy flavors and salty taste. Milk, Cheddar, and Mozzarella cheese whey permeates were characterized by sweet taste and cooked milky flavor. Permeates with higher cardboard flavor had higher levels of aldehydes. All permeates contributed to salty taste and to salty taste perception in soups; although the control soup with added salt was perceived as saltier and was preferred by consumers over permeate soups. Soup with permeate from cottage cheese was the least liked of all soups, likely due to its sour taste. All other permeate soups scored at parity for liking. These results demonstrate the potential for milk, whey, and delactosed permeates from different whey streams to be used as salt substitutes in product applications. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of homogenization pressure on the flavor and flavor stability of whole milk powder.

PubMed

Park, Curtis W; Drake, MaryAnne

2017-07-01

Flavor is one of the key factors that can limit the application and shelf life of dried dairy ingredients. Many off-flavors are caused during ingredient manufacture that carry through into ingredient applications and decrease consumer acceptance. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of homogenization pressure on the flavor and flavor stability of whole milk powder (WMP). Whole milk powder was produced from standardized pasteurized whole milk that was evaporated to 50% solids (wt/wt), homogenized in 2 stages with varying pressures (0/0, 5.5/1.4, 11.0/2.8, or 16.5/4.3 MPa), and spray dried. Whole milk powder was evaluated at 0, 3, and 6 mo of storage at 21°C. Sensory properties were evaluated by descriptive analysis. Volatile compounds were analyzed by sorptive stir bar extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fat globule size in condensed whole milk and particle size of powders were measured by laser diffraction. Surface free fat, inner free fat, and encapsulated fat of WMP were measured by solvent extractions. Phospholipid content was measured by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering. Furosine in WMP was analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Increased homogenization pressure decreased cardboard and painty flavors, volatile lipid oxidation compound concentrations, fat globule size in condensed milk, surface free fat, and inner free fat in WMP. Encapsulated fat increased and phospholipid-to-encapsulated fat ratio decreased with higher homogenization pressure. Surface free fat in powders increased cardboard flavor and lipid oxidation. These results indicate that off-flavors were decreased with increased homogenization pressures in WMP due to the decrease in free fat. To decrease off-flavor intensities in WMP, manufacturers should carefully evaluate these parameters during ingredient manufacture. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors Affecting Infestation by Triatoma infestans in a Rural Area of the Humid Chaco in Argentina: A Multi-Model Inference Approach

PubMed Central

Gurevitz, Juan M.; Ceballos, Leonardo A.; Gaspe, María Sol; Alvarado-Otegui, Julián A.; Enríquez, Gustavo F.; Kitron, Uriel; Gürtler, Ricardo E.

2011-01-01

Background Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi by Triatoma infestans remains a major public health problem in the Gran Chaco ecoregion, where understanding of the determinants of house infestation is limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study to model factors affecting bug presence and abundance at sites within house compounds in a well-defined rural area in the humid Argentine Chaco. Methodology/Principal Findings Triatoma infestans bugs were found in 45.9% of 327 inhabited house compounds but only in 7.4% of the 2,584 sites inspected systematically on these compounds, even though the last insecticide spraying campaign was conducted 12 years before. Infested sites were significantly aggregated at distances of 0.8–2.5 km. The most frequently infested ecotopes were domiciles, kitchens, storerooms, chicken coops and nests; corrals were rarely infested. Domiciles with mud walls and roofs of thatch or corrugated tarred cardboard were more often infested (32.2%) than domiciles with brick-and-cement walls and corrugated metal-sheet roofs (15.1%). A multi-model inference approach using Akaike's information criterion was applied to assess the relative importance of each variable by running all possible (17,406) models resulting from all combinations of variables. Availability of refuges for bugs, construction with tarred cardboard, and host abundance (humans, dogs, cats, and poultry) per site were positively associated with infestation and abundance, whereas reported insecticide use showed a negative association. Ethnic background (Creole or Toba) adjusted for other factors showed little or no association. Conclusions/Significance Promotion and effective implementation of housing improvement (including key peridomestic structures) combined with appropriate insecticide use and host management practices are needed to eliminate infestations. Fewer refuges are likely to result in fewer residual foci after insecticide spraying, and will facilitate community-based vector surveillance. A more integrated perspective that considers simultaneously social, economic and biological processes at local and regional scales is needed to attain effective, sustainable vector and disease control. PMID:22028941

Factors affecting infestation by Triatoma infestans in a rural area of the humid Chaco in Argentina: a multi-model inference approach.

PubMed

Gurevitz, Juan M; Ceballos, Leonardo A; Gaspe, María Sol; Alvarado-Otegui, Julián A; Enríquez, Gustavo F; Kitron, Uriel; Gürtler, Ricardo E

2011-10-01

Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi by Triatoma infestans remains a major public health problem in the Gran Chaco ecoregion, where understanding of the determinants of house infestation is limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study to model factors affecting bug presence and abundance at sites within house compounds in a well-defined rural area in the humid Argentine Chaco. Triatoma infestans bugs were found in 45.9% of 327 inhabited house compounds but only in 7.4% of the 2,584 sites inspected systematically on these compounds, even though the last insecticide spraying campaign was conducted 12 years before. Infested sites were significantly aggregated at distances of 0.8-2.5 km. The most frequently infested ecotopes were domiciles, kitchens, storerooms, chicken coops and nests; corrals were rarely infested. Domiciles with mud walls and roofs of thatch or corrugated tarred cardboard were more often infested (32.2%) than domiciles with brick-and-cement walls and corrugated metal-sheet roofs (15.1%). A multi-model inference approach using Akaike's information criterion was applied to assess the relative importance of each variable by running all possible (17,406) models resulting from all combinations of variables. Availability of refuges for bugs, construction with tarred cardboard, and host abundance (humans, dogs, cats, and poultry) per site were positively associated with infestation and abundance, whereas reported insecticide use showed a negative association. Ethnic background (Creole or Toba) adjusted for other factors showed little or no association. Promotion and effective implementation of housing improvement (including key peridomestic structures) combined with appropriate insecticide use and host management practices are needed to eliminate infestations. Fewer refuges are likely to result in fewer residual foci after insecticide spraying, and will facilitate community-based vector surveillance. A more integrated perspective that considers simultaneously social, economic and biological processes at local and regional scales is needed to attain effective, sustainable vector and disease control.

Thermal Changes of Maize Seed by Laser Irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernandez-Aguilar, C.; Dominguez-Pacheco, A.; Cruz-Orea, A.

2015-09-01

In this research, the thermal evolution in maize seeds ( Zea mays L.) was studied when low-intensity laser irradiation was applied during 60 s. The seeds were irradiated in three different conditions: suspended in air, placed on an aluminum surface, and finally placed on a cardboard; the evolution of the seed temperature was measured by an infrared camera. Photoacoustic spectroscopy and the Rosencwaig and Gersho model were used to determine the optical absorption coefficient (β ) of the seeds. The results indicate that using 650 nm laser light and 27.4 mW, it is possible to produce temperature changes (up to 9.06°C after 1 min) on the seeds. Comparing the mean temperature of the seeds, during and after the incidence of light from a laser, it was found that there were statistically significant differences (P≤ 0.05) from time t1 to time t_{16} (t1 to t_{16}) and t3 to t_{16}, for the laser turned on and off, respectively. The seed condition that had the highest temperature variation, relative to the initial temperature (during the irradiation laser exposure), involved the seeds suspended in air. With regard to the stage of decay of the temperature, it was found that the seed condition that decays more slowly was the seed placed on the cardboard. It was also found that black-dyed maize seeds are optically opaque in the 300 nm to 700 nm range Also, the thermal diffusion length is smaller than the optical penetration length. In the present investigation, it was shown that there is a thermal component associated with the mechanisms of laser biostimulation, which is also a function of the container materials of the seed. In this way, the effects of laser treatment on maize seeds involve at least a temperature effect. It is important to know the temperature changes in the seeds that have been irradiated with a laser beam since they could have substantial practical and theoretical importance.

Take-Home Electrostatics Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Michael H.

1997-10-01

Important concepts in electrostatics can be taught using apparatus that students can find or build at home. A TV or monitor screens serves as the source of a strong electric field (10,000 V/m). It can be used to charge a capacitor made from foil-covered cardboard plates supported by the bottom of a plastic pop bottle. A foil ball suspended between the plates transfers charges in a version of Franklin's experiment. An electric dipole compass,made of carnauba wax polarized in the electric field of the TV, can be used to map the fringing field of the capacitor. Discharge of charged foil-covered balls produces ``static'' that can be detected with an AM radio. *supported in part by NSF CCD grant DUE-9555215

Induction detection of concealed bulk banknotes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuller, Christopher; Chen, Antao

2011-10-01

Bulk cash smuggling is a serious issue that has grown in volume in recent years. By building on the magnetic characteristics of paper currency, induction sensing is found to be capable of quickly detecting large masses of banknotes. The results show that this method is effective in detecting bulk cash through concealing materials such as plastics, cardboards, fabrics and aluminum foil. The significant difference in the observed phase between the received signals caused by conducting materials and ferrite compounds, found in banknotes, provides a good indication that this process can overcome the interference by metal objects in a real sensing application. This identification strategy has the potential to not only detect the presence of banknotes, but also the number, while still eliminating false positives caused by metal objects.

Study Techniques for Controlling Flavor Intensity in Compressed Foods. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-01-01

sweet --- 1 - - -- sour (vinegar) 2 1-2 1-2 1-2 tomato 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 pork - i-2 1-2 1-2 cayenne pepper 1 1 )H-1 1 catsup spice 1 1-2 1-2 1-2 onion...1 1 1 Sour 2 1-2 1-2 1 3 Tomato 1-2 ) (-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 Pork - )(-1 1-2 1 - Cayenne Pepper 1 - ) (-1 - - Catsup Spice 1 1-2 1-2 1-2 2 Onion - - )(-i 1...Pork 1-2 1-2 1-2 1 - Cayenne Pepper 1 - 71 - - Catsup Spice 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1 Onion - - ) H-i Salt )(-1 1 )( )(-1 1 Cardboard 1 )(-1 )( 1 - Red Pepper

Infrared Laser Ablation with Vacuum Capture for Fingermark Sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnarumma, Fabrizio; Camp, Eden E.; Cao, Fan; Murray, Kermit K.

2017-09-01

Infrared laser ablation coupled to vacuum capture was employed to collect material from fingermarks deposited on surfaces of different porosity and roughness. Laser ablation at 3 μm was performed in reflection mode with subsequent capture of the ejecta with a filter connected to vacuum. Ablation and capture of standards from fingermarks was demonstrated on glass, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard surfaces. Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), it was possible to detect caffeine after spiking with amounts as low as 1 ng. MALDI detection of condom lubricants and detection of antibacterial peptides from an antiseptic cream was demonstrated. Detection of explosives from fingermarks left on plastic surfaces as well as from direct deposition on the same surface using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was shown. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Use of ozone and/or UV in the treatment of effluents from board paper industry.

PubMed

Amat, A M; Arques, A; Miranda, M A; López, F

2005-08-01

The aim of this work has been to study the viability of ozone and/or UV in the treatment of cardboard industry effluents. Several model compounds have been chosen for the experiments: guaicol, eugenol, glucose, acetate and butyrate. Significant differences in the ozonisation rates are observed between phenolic products coming from lignin (eugenol and guaiacol) and aliphatic compounds. Reactions fit in all cases a pseudo-first order kinetics and are influenced by the pH of the solution. Real effluents have also been tested, and the COD decrease has been found to depend on the fatty acids/phenols ratio. Finally, respirometric studies have shown an increase in the BODst in effluents subjected to a mild oxidation, while under stronger conditions a BODst decrease is observed.

Infrared Laser Ablation with Vacuum Capture for Fingermark Sampling.

PubMed

Donnarumma, Fabrizio; Camp, Eden E; Cao, Fan; Murray, Kermit K

2017-09-01

Infrared laser ablation coupled to vacuum capture was employed to collect material from fingermarks deposited on surfaces of different porosity and roughness. Laser ablation at 3 μm was performed in reflection mode with subsequent capture of the ejecta with a filter connected to vacuum. Ablation and capture of standards from fingermarks was demonstrated on glass, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard surfaces. Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), it was possible to detect caffeine after spiking with amounts as low as 1 ng. MALDI detection of condom lubricants and detection of antibacterial peptides from an antiseptic cream was demonstrated. Detection of explosives from fingermarks left on plastic surfaces as well as from direct deposition on the same surface using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was shown. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

PIONEER VENUS 2 MULTI-PROBE PARACHUTE TESTS IN THE VAB SHOWS OPEN PARACHUTE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A parachute system, designed to carry an instrument-laden probe down through the dense atmosphere of torrid, cloud-shrouded Venus, was tested in KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building. The tests are in preparation for a Pioneer multi-probe mission to Venus scheduled for launch from KSC in 1978. Full-scale (12-foot diameter) parachutes with simulated pressure vessels weighing up to 45 pounds were dropped from heights of up to 450 feet tot he floor of the VAB where the impact was cushioned by a honeycomb cardboard impact arrestor. The VAB offers an ideal, wind-free testing facility at no additional construction cost and was used for similar tests of the parachute system for the twin Viking spacecraft scheduled for launch toward Mars in August.

PIONEER VENUS 2 MULTI-PROBE PARACHUTE TESTS IN VAB WITH PARACHUTE HOISTED HIGH

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A parachute system, designed to carry an instrument-laden probe down through the dense atmosphere of torrid, cloud-shrouded Venus, was tested in KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building. The tests are in preparation for a Pioneer multi-probe mission to Venus scheduled for launch from KSC in 1978. Full-scale (12-foot diameter) parachutes with simulated pressure vessels weighing up to 45 pounds were dropped from heights of up to 450 feet tot he floor of the VAB where the impact was cushioned by a honeycomb cardboard impact arrestor. The VAB offers an ideal, wind-free testing facility at no additional construction cost and was used for similar tests of the parachute system for the twin Viking spacecraft scheduled for launch toward Mars in August.

PIONEER VENUS 2 MULTI-PROBE PARACHUTE TESTS IN VAB PRIOR TO ATTACHING PRESSURE VESSEL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A parachute system, designed to carry an instrument-laden probe down through the dense atmosphere of torrid, cloud-shrouded Venus, was tested in KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building. The tests are in preparation for a Pioneer multi-probe mission to Venus scheduled for launch from KSC in 1978. Full-scale (12-foot diameter) parachutes with simulated pressure vessels weighing up to 45 pounds were dropped from heights of up to 450 feet tot he floor of the VAB where the impact was cushioned by a honeycomb cardboard impact arrestor. The VAB offers an ideal, wind-free testing facility at no additional construction cost and was used for similar tests of the parachute system for the twin Viking spacecraft scheduled for launch toward Mars in August.

PIONEER VENUS 2 MULTI-PROBE PARACHUTE TESTS IN THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY BUILDING

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A parachute system, designed to carry an instrument-laden probe down through the dense atmosphere of torrid, cloud-shrouded Venus, was tested in KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building. The tests are in preparation for a Pioneer multi-probe mission to Venus scheduled for launch from KSC in 1978. Full-scale (12-foot diameter) parachutes with simulated pressure vessels weighing up to 45 pounds were dropped from heights of up to 450 feet tot he floor of the VAB where the impact was cushioned by a honeycomb cardboard impact arrestor. The VAB offers an ideal, wind-free testing facility at no additional construction cost and was used for similar tests of the parachute system for the twin Viking spacecraft scheduled for launch toward Mars in August.

Condensed milk storage and evaporation affect the flavor of nonfat dry milk.

PubMed

Park, Curtis W; Drake, MaryAnne

2016-12-01

Unit operations in nonfat dry milk (NFDM) manufacture influence sensory properties, and consequently, its use and acceptance in ingredient applications. Condensed skim milk may be stored at refrigeration temperatures for extended periods before spray drying due to shipping or lack of drying capacity. Currently, NFDM processors have 2 options for milk concentration up to 30% solids: evaporation (E) or reverse osmosis (RO). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of condensed milk storage and milk concentration method (E vs. RO) on the flavor of NFDM and investigate mechanisms behind flavor differences. For experiment 1, skim milk was pasteurized and concentrated to 30% solids by E or RO and then either stored for 24h at 4°C or concentrated to 50% solids by E and spray dried immediately. To investigate mechanisms behind the results from experiment 1, experiment 2 was constructed. In experiment 2, pasteurized skim milk was subjected to 1 of 4 treatments: control (no E), heated in the evaporator without vacuum, E concentration to 30% solids, or E concentration to 40% solids. The milks were then diluted to the same solids content and evaluated. Volatile compounds were also measured during concentration in the vapor separator of the evaporator. Sensory properties were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis and instrumental volatile compound analysis was conducted to evaluate volatile compounds. Interaction effects between storage and method of concentration were investigated. In experiment 1, E decreased sweet aromatic flavor and many characteristic milk flavor compounds and increased cardboard and cooked flavors in NFDM compared with RO. Liquid storage increased cardboard flavor and hexanal and octanal and decreased sweet aromatic flavors and vanillin concentration. Results from experiment 2 indicated that the characteristic milk flavors and their associated volatile compounds were removed by the vapor separator in the evaporator due to the heat and vacuum applied during concentration. These results demonstrate that off-flavors are significantly reduced when RO is used in place of E and storage of condensed milk is avoided. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental demonstration of Martian soil simulant removal from a surface using a pulsed plasma jet.

PubMed

Ticoş, C M; Scurtu, A; Toader, D; Banu, N

2015-03-01

A plasma jet produced in a small coaxial plasma gun operated at voltages up to 2 kV and working in pure carbon dioxide (CO2) at a few Torr is used to remove Martian soil simulant from a surface. A capacitor with 0.5 mF is charged up from a high voltage source and supplies the power to the coaxial electrodes. The muzzle of the coaxial plasma gun is placed at a few millimeters near the dusty surface and the jet is fired parallel with the surface. Removal of dust is imaged in real time with a high speed camera. Mars regolith simulant JSC-Mars-1A with particle sizes up to 5 mm is used on different types of surfaces made of aluminium, cotton fabric, polyethylene, cardboard, and phenolic.

Experimental demonstration of Martian soil simulant removal from a surface using a pulsed plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ticoş, C. M.; Scurtu, A.; Toader, D.; Banu, N.

2015-03-01

A plasma jet produced in a small coaxial plasma gun operated at voltages up to 2 kV and working in pure carbon dioxide (CO2) at a few Torr is used to remove Martian soil simulant from a surface. A capacitor with 0.5 mF is charged up from a high voltage source and supplies the power to the coaxial electrodes. The muzzle of the coaxial plasma gun is placed at a few millimeters near the dusty surface and the jet is fired parallel with the surface. Removal of dust is imaged in real time with a high speed camera. Mars regolith simulant JSC-Mars-1A with particle sizes up to 5 mm is used on different types of surfaces made of aluminium, cotton fabric, polyethylene, cardboard, and phenolic.

High speed printing with polygon scan heads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stutz, Glenn

2016-03-01

To reduce and in many cases eliminate the costs associated with high volume printing of consumer and industrial products, this paper investigates and validates the use of the new generation of high speed pulse on demand (POD) lasers in concert with high speed (HS) polygon scan heads (PSH). Associated costs include consumables such as printing ink and nozzles, provisioning labor, maintenance and repair expense as well as reduction of printing lines due to high through put. Targets that are applicable and investigated include direct printing on plastics, printing on paper/cardboard as well as printing on labels. Market segments would include consumer products (CPG), medical and pharmaceutical products, universal ID (UID), and industrial products. In regards to the POD lasers employed, the wavelengths include UV(355nm), Green (532nm) and IR (1064nm) operating within the repetition range of 180 to 250 KHz.

Passive UHF RFID Tag with Multiple Sensing Capabilities

PubMed Central

Fernández-Salmerón, José; Rivadeneyra, Almudena; Martínez-Martí, Fernando; Capitán-Vallvey, Luis Fermín; Palma, Alberto J.; Carvajal, Miguel A.

2015-01-01

This work presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a printed radio frequency identification tag in the ultra-high frequency band with multiple sensing capabilities. This passive tag is directly screen printed on a cardboard box with the aim of monitoring the packaging conditions during the different stages of the supply chain. This tag includes a commercial force sensor and a printed opening detector. Hence, the force applied to the package can be measured as well as the opening of the box can be detected. The architecture presented is a passive single-chip RFID tag. An electronic switch has been implemented to be able to measure both sensor magnitudes in the same access without including a microcontroller or battery. Moreover, the chip used here integrates a temperature sensor and, therefore, this tag provides three different parameters in every reading. PMID:26506353

The development of latent fingerprints by zinc oxide and tin oxide nanoparticles prepared by precipitation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luthra, Deepali; Kumar, Sacheen

2018-05-01

Fingerprints are the very important evidence at the crime scene which must be developed clearly with shortest duration of time to solve the case. Metal oxide nanoparticles could be the mean to develop the latent fingerprints. Zinc oxide and Tin Oxide Nanoparticles were prepared by using chemical precipitation technique which were dried and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-Visible spectroscopy and FTIR. The size of zinc oxide crystallite was found to be 14.75 nm with minimum reflectance at 360 nm whereas tin oxide have the size of 90 nm and reflectance at minimum level 321 nm. By using these powdered samples on glass, plastic and glossy cardboard, latent fingerprints were developed. Zinc oxide was found to be better candidate than tin oxide for the fingerprint development on all the three types of substrates.

Induction detection of concealed bulk banknotes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuller, Christopher; Chen, Antao

2012-06-01

The smuggling of bulk cash across borders is a serious issue that has increased in recent years. In an effort to curb the illegal transport of large numbers of paper bills, a detection scheme has been developed, based on the magnetic characteristics of bank notes. The results show that volumes of paper currency can be detected through common concealing materials such as plastics, cardboard, and fabrics making it a possible potential addition to border security methods. The detection scheme holds the potential of also reducing or eliminating false positives caused by metallic materials found in the vicinity, by observing the stark difference in received signals caused by metal and currency. The detection scheme holds the potential to detect for both the presence and number of concealed bulk notes, while maintaining the ability to reduce false positives caused by metal objects.

Effects of high sound speed confiners on ANFO detonations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiyanda, Charles; Jackson, Scott; Short, Mark

2011-06-01

The interaction between high explosive (HE) detonations and high sound speed confiners, where the confiner sound speed exceeds the HE's detonation speed, has not been thoroughly studied. The subsonic nature of the flow in the confiner allows stress waves to travel ahead of the main detonation front and influence the upstream HE state. The interaction between the detonation wave and the confiner is also no longer a local interaction, so that the confiner thickness now plays a significant role in the detonation dynamics. We report here on larger scale experiments in which a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) is detonated in aluminium confiners with varying charge diameter and confiner thickness. The results of these large-scale experiments are compared with previous large-scale ANFO experiments in cardboard, as well as smaller-scale aluminium confined ANFO experiments, to characterize the effects of confiner thickness.

Effect of turbulence on the disintegration rate of flushable consumer products.

PubMed

Karadagli, Fatih; Rittmann, Bruce E; McAvoy, Drew C; Richardson, John E

2012-05-01

A previously developed model for the physical disintegration of flushable consumer products is expanded by investigating the effects of turbulence on the rate of physical disintegration. Disintegration experiments were conducted with cardboard tampon applicators at 100, 150, and 200 rotations per minute, corresponding to Reynold's numbers of 25,900, 39,400, and 52,900, respectively, which were estimated by using computational fluid dynamics modeling. The experiments were simulated with the disintegration model to obtain best-fit values of the kinetic and distribution parameters. Computed rate coefficients (ki) for all solid sizes (i.e., greater than 8, 4 to 8, 2 to 4, and 1 to 2 mm) increased strongly with Reynold's number or rotational speed. Thus, turbulence strongly affected the disintegration rate of flushable products, and the relationship of the ki values to Reynold's number can be included in mathematical representations of physical disintegration.

Active Hydrazine Vapor Sampler (AHVS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Rebecca C.; Mcbrearty, Charles F.; Curran, Daniel J.

1993-01-01

The Active Hydrazine Vapor Sampler (AHVS) was developed to detect vapors of hydrazine (HZ) and monomethylhydrazine (MMH) in air at parts-per-billion (ppb) concentration levels. The sampler consists of a commercial personal pump that draws ambient air through paper tape treated with vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde). The paper tape is sandwiched in a thin cardboard housing inserted in one of the two specially designed holders to facilitate sampling. Contaminated air reacts with vanillin to develop a yellow color. The density of the color is proportional to the concentration of HZ or MMH. The AHVS can detect 10 ppb in less than 5 minutes. The sampler is easy to use, low cost, and intrinsically safe and contains no toxic material. It is most beneficial for use in locations with no laboratory capabilities for instrumentation calibration. This paper reviews the development, laboratory test, and field test of the device.

[Biogas production from cellulose-containing substrates: a review].

PubMed

Tsavkelova, E A; Netrusov, A I

2012-01-01

Anaerobic microbial conversion of organic substrates to various biofuels is one of the alternative energy sources attracting the greatest attention of scientists. The advantages of biogas production over other technologies are the ability of methanogenic communities to degrade a broad range of substrates and concomitant benefits: neutralization of organic waste, reduction of greenhouse gas emission, and fertilizer production. Cellulose-containing materials are a good substrate, but their full-scale utilization encounters a number of problems, including improvement of the quality and amount ofbiogas produced and maintenance of the stability and high efficiency of microbial communities. We review data on microorganisms that form methanogenic cellulolytic communities, enzyme complexes of anaerobes essential for cellulose fiber degradation, and feedstock pretreatment, as biodegradation is hindered in the presence of lignin. Methods for improving biogas production by optimization of microbial growth conditions are considered on the examples of biogas formation from various types of plant and paper materials: writing paper and cardboard.

Automatic extraction of blocks from 3D point clouds of fractured rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Na; Kemeny, John; Jiang, Qinghui; Pan, Zhiwen

2017-12-01

This paper presents a new method for extracting blocks and calculating block size automatically from rock surface 3D point clouds. Block size is an important rock mass characteristic and forms the basis for several rock mass classification schemes. The proposed method consists of four steps: 1) the automatic extraction of discontinuities using an improved Ransac Shape Detection method, 2) the calculation of discontinuity intersections based on plane geometry, 3) the extraction of block candidates based on three discontinuities intersecting one another to form corners, and 4) the identification of "true" blocks using an improved Floodfill algorithm. The calculated block sizes were compared with manual measurements in two case studies, one with fabricated cardboard blocks and the other from an actual rock mass outcrop. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is accurate and overcomes the inaccuracies, safety hazards, and biases of traditional techniques.

Microorganisms detection on substrates using QCL spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padilla-Jiménez, Amira C.; Ortiz-Rivera, William; Castro-Suarez, John R.; Ríos-Velázquez, Carlos; Vázquez-Ayala, Iris; Hernández-Rivera, Samuel P.

2013-05-01

Recent investigations have focused on the improvement of rapid and accurate methods to develop spectroscopic markers of compounds constituting microorganisms that are considered biological threats. Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) systems have revolutionized many areas of research and development in defense and security applications, including his area of research. Infrared spectroscopy detection based on QCL was employed to acquire mid infrared (MIR) spectral signatures of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Escherichia coli (Ec) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Se), which were used as biological agent simulants of biothreats. The experiments were carried out in reflection mode on various substrates such as cardboard, glass, travel baggage, wood and stainless steel. Chemometrics statistical routines such as principal component analysis (PCA) regression and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to the recorded MIR spectra. The results show that the infrared vibrational techniques investigated are useful for classification/detection of the target microorganisms on the types of substrates studied.

The empowerment of sustainable design in food packaging as designer responsibilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiadi, V.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this paper is emphasized on the empowerment of sustainable design in providing the dual function of a food packaging. Which can extend the life of paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum foil so as to reduce the contribution of waste on earth. The methodology used in this research is using qualitative research. With the main approach taken on the layout of the packaging design, the approach that relies heavily on the data in the form of packaging design. For the process of observation, the authors should compare with the forms of food packaging designs that are contained in the diversity of food packaging types from products outside Indonesia. The purpose of this study is also intended as a recommendation through observation of data interviews and survey related products. Conclusion through material exploration, packaging structure exploration, efficient exploration of ink usage and packaging usage patterns.

KSC-2012-4467

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the space shuttle Endeavour was prepared to back out of Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it was equipped with a custom-made shuttle spinner wheel created out of cardboard and silver tape and signed by the crew of STS-135. Endeavour will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building to undergo final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight targeted for mid-September. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2012-4466

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the space shuttle Endeavour was prepared to back out of Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it was equipped with a custom-made shuttle spinner wheel created out of cardboard and silver tape and signed by the crew of STS-135. Endeavour will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building to undergo final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight targeted for mid-September. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Effect of temperature and concentration on benzoyl peroxide bleaching efficacy and benzoic acid levels in whey protein concentrate.

PubMed

Smith, T J; Gerard, P D; Drake, M A

2015-11-01

Much of the fluid whey produced in the United States is a by-product of Cheddar cheese manufacture and must be bleached. Benzoyl peroxide (BP) is currently 1 of only 2 legal chemical bleaching agents for fluid whey in the United States, but benzoic acid is an unavoidable by-product of BP bleaching. Benzoyl peroxide is typically a powder, but new liquid BP dispersions are available. A greater understanding of the bleaching characteristics of BP is necessary. The objective of the study was to compare norbixin destruction, residual benzoic acid, and flavor differences between liquid whey and 80% whey protein concentrates (WPC80) bleached at different temperatures with 2 different benzoyl peroxides (soluble and insoluble). Two experiments were conducted in this study. For experiment 1, 3 factors (temperature, bleach type, bleach concentration) were evaluated for norbixin destruction using a response surface model-central composite design in liquid whey. For experiment 2, norbixin concentration, residual benzoic acid, and flavor differences were explored in WPC80 from whey bleached by the 2 commercially available BP (soluble and insoluble) at 5 mg/kg. In liquid whey, soluble BP bleached more norbixin than insoluble BP, especially at lower concentrations (5 and 10 mg/kg) at both cold (4°C) and hot (50°C) temperatures. The WPC80 from liquid whey bleached with BP at 50°C had lower norbixin concentration, benzoic acid levels, cardboard flavor, and aldehyde levels than WPC80 from liquid whey bleached with BP at 4°C. Regardless of temperature, soluble BP destroyed more norbixin at lower concentrations than insoluble BP. The WPC80 from soluble-BP-bleached wheys had lower cardboard flavor and lower aldehyde levels than WPC80 from insoluble-BP-bleached whey. This study suggests that new, soluble (liquid) BP can be used at lower concentrations than insoluble BP to achieve equivalent bleaching and that less residual benzoic acid remains in WPC80 powder from liquid whey bleached hot (50°C) than cold (4°C), which may provide opportunities to reduce benzoic acid residues in dried whey ingredients, expanding their marketability. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mass, energy and material balances of SRF production process. Part 2: SRF produced from construction and demolition waste.

PubMed

Nasrullah, Muhammad; Vainikka, Pasi; Hannula, Janne; Hurme, Markku; Kärki, Janne

2014-11-01

In this work, the fraction of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) complicated and economically not feasible to sort out for recycling purposes is used to produce solid recovered fuel (SRF) through mechanical treatment (MT). The paper presents the mass, energy and material balances of this SRF production process. All the process streams (input and output) produced in MT waste sorting plant to produce SRF from C&D waste are sampled and treated according to CEN standard methods for SRF. Proximate and ultimate analysis of these streams is performed and their composition is determined. Based on this analysis and composition of process streams their mass, energy and material balances are established for SRF production process. By mass balance means the overall mass flow of input waste material stream in the various output streams and material balances mean the mass flow of components of input waste material stream (such as paper and cardboard, wood, plastic (soft), plastic (hard), textile and rubber) in the various output streams of SRF production process. The results from mass balance of SRF production process showed that of the total input C&D waste material to MT waste sorting plant, 44% was recovered in the form of SRF, 5% as ferrous metal, 1% as non-ferrous metal, and 28% was sorted out as fine fraction, 18% as reject material and 4% as heavy fraction. The energy balance of this SRF production process showed that of the total input energy content of C&D waste material to MT waste sorting plant, 74% was recovered in the form of SRF, 16% belonged to the reject material and rest 10% belonged to the streams of fine fraction and heavy fraction. From the material balances of this process, mass fractions of plastic (soft), paper and cardboard, wood and plastic (hard) recovered in the SRF stream were 84%, 82%, 72% and 68% respectively of their input masses to MT plant. A high mass fraction of plastic (PVC) and rubber material was found in the reject material stream. Streams of heavy fraction and fine fraction mainly contained non-combustible material (such as stone/rock, sand particles and gypsum material). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Auditing an intensive care unit recycling program.

PubMed

Kubicki, Mark A; McGain, Forbes; O'Shea, Catherine J; Bates, Samantha

2015-06-01

The provision of health care has significant direct environmental effects such as energy and water use and waste production, and indirect effects, including manufacturing and transport of drugs and equipment. Recycling of hospital waste is one strategy to reduce waste disposed of as landfill, preserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially remain fiscally responsible. We began an intensive care unit recycling program, because a significant proportion of ICU waste was known to be recyclable. To determine the weight and proportion of ICU waste recycled, the proportion of incorrect waste disposal (including infectious waste contamination), the opportunity for further recycling and the financial effects of the recycling program. We weighed all waste and recyclables from an 11-bed ICU in an Australian metropolitan hospital for 7 non-consecutive days. As part of routine care, ICU waste was separated into general, infectious and recycling streams. Recycling streams were paper and cardboard, three plastics streams (polypropylene, mixed plastics and polyvinylchloride [PVC]) and commingled waste (steel, aluminium and some plastics). ICU waste from the waste and recycling bins was sorted into those five recycling streams, general waste and infectious waste. After sorting, the waste was weighed and examined. Recycling was classified as achieved (actual), potential and total. Potential recycling was defined as being acceptable to hospital protocol and local recycling programs. Direct and indirect financial costs, excluding labour, were examined. During the 7-day period, the total ICU waste was 505 kg: general waste, 222 kg (44%); infectious waste, 138 kg (27%); potentially recyclable waste, 145 kg (28%). Of the potentially recyclable waste, 70 kg (49%) was actually recycled (14% of the total ICU waste). In the infectious waste bins, 82% was truly infectious. There was no infectious contamination of the recycling streams. The PVC waste was 37% contaminated (primarily by other plastics), but there was less than 1% contamination of other recycling streams. The estimated cost of the recycling program was about an additional $1000/year. In our 11-bed ICU, we recycled 14% of the total waste produced over 7-days, which was nearly half of the potentially recyclable waste. There was no infectious contamination of recyclables and minimal contamination with other waste streams, except for the PVC plastic. The estimated annual cost of the recycling program was $1000, reflecting the greater cost of disposal of some recyclables (paper and cardboard v most plastic types).

Toxicological responses in SW mice exposed to inhaled pyrolysates of polymer/tobacco mixtures and blended tobacco.

PubMed

Werley, Michael S; Lee, K Monika; Lemus-Olalde, Ranulfo

2009-12-01

Modern cigarette manufacturing is highly automated and produces millions of cigarettes per day. The potential for small inclusions of non-cigarette materials such as wood, cardboard packaging, plastic, and other materials exists as a result of bulk handling and high-speed processing of tobacco. Many non-tobacco inclusions such as wood, paper, and cardboard would be expected to yield similar pyrolysis products as a burning cigarette. The aircraft industry has developed an extensive literature on the pyrolysis products of plastics, however, that have been reported to yield toxic by-products upon burning, by-products that have been lethal in animals and humans upon acute exposure under some exposure conditions. Some of these smoke constituents have also been reported in cigarette smoke. Five synthetic polymers, nylon 6, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), nylon 12, nylon 6,6, and acrylonitrile-butadiene (AB), and the natural polymer wool were evaluated by adding them to tobacco at a 3, 10, and 30% inclusion level and then pyrolyzing the mixture. The validated smoke generation and exposure system have been described previously. We used the DIN 53-436 tube furnace and nose-only exposure chamber in combination to conduct exposures in Swiss-Webster mice. Potentially useful biological endpoints for predicting hazards in humans included sensory irritation and pulmonary irritation, respiratory function, clinical signs, body weights, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analysis, carboxyhemoglogin, blood cyanide concentrations, and histopathology of the respiratory tract. Chemical analysis of selected smoke constituents in the test atmosphere was also performed in order to compare the toxicological responses with exposure to the test atmospheres. Under the conditions of these studies, biological responses considered relevant and useful for prediction of effects in humans were found for sensory irritation, body weights, BAL fluid analysis, and histopathology of the nose. There was a marked sensory irritation response that recovered slowly for some polymers. Sustained body weight depression, lesions of the respiratory epithelium of the nose, and morphological changes in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) were observed after exposure to some polymer/tobacco pyrolysates. These responses were increased compared to exposure to tobacco pyrolysate alone. No moribundity or mortality occurred during the study. The data suggest that polymeric inclusions pose a minimal additional toxicologic hazard in humans.

Mass, energy and material balances of SRF production process. Part 1: SRF produced from commercial and industrial waste.

PubMed

Nasrullah, Muhammad; Vainikka, Pasi; Hannula, Janne; Hurme, Markku; Kärki, Janne

2014-08-01

This paper presents the mass, energy and material balances of a solid recovered fuel (SRF) production process. The SRF is produced from commercial and industrial waste (C&IW) through mechanical treatment (MT). In this work various streams of material produced in SRF production process are analyzed for their proximate and ultimate analysis. Based on this analysis and composition of process streams their mass, energy and material balances are established for SRF production process. Here mass balance describes the overall mass flow of input waste material in the various output streams, whereas material balance describes the mass flow of components of input waste stream (such as paper and cardboard, wood, plastic (soft), plastic (hard), textile and rubber) in the various output streams of SRF production process. A commercial scale experimental campaign was conducted on an MT waste sorting plant to produce SRF from C&IW. All the process streams (input and output) produced in this MT plant were sampled and treated according to the CEN standard methods for SRF: EN 15442 and EN 15443. The results from the mass balance of SRF production process showed that of the total input C&IW material to MT waste sorting plant, 62% was recovered in the form of SRF, 4% as ferrous metal, 1% as non-ferrous metal and 21% was sorted out as reject material, 11.6% as fine fraction, and 0.4% as heavy fraction. The energy flow balance in various process streams of this SRF production process showed that of the total input energy content of C&IW to MT plant, 75% energy was recovered in the form of SRF, 20% belonged to the reject material stream and rest 5% belonged with the streams of fine fraction and heavy fraction. In the material balances, mass fractions of plastic (soft), plastic (hard), paper and cardboard and wood recovered in the SRF stream were 88%, 70%, 72% and 60% respectively of their input masses to MT plant. A high mass fraction of plastic (PVC), rubber material and non-combustibles (such as stone/rock and glass particles), was found in the reject material stream. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Web platform using digital image processing and geographic information system tools: a Brazilian case study on dengue.

PubMed

Brasil, Lourdes M; Gomes, Marília M F; Miosso, Cristiano J; da Silva, Marlete M; Amvame-Nze, Georges D

2015-07-16

Dengue fever is endemic in Asia, the Americas, the East of the Mediterranean and the Western Pacific. According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the diseases of greatest impact on health, affecting millions of people each year worldwide. A fast detection of increases in populations of the transmitting vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is essential to avoid dengue outbreaks. Unfortunately, in several countries, such as Brazil, the current methods for detecting populations changes and disseminating this information are too slow to allow efficient allocation of resources to fight outbreaks. To reduce the delay in providing the information regarding A. aegypti population changes, we propose, develop, and evaluate a system for counting the eggs found in special traps and to provide the collected data using a web structure with geographical location resources. One of the most useful tools for the detection and surveillance of arthropods is the ovitrap, a special trap built to collect the mosquito eggs. This allows for an egg counting process, which is still usually performed manually, in countries such as Brazil. We implement and evaluate a novel system for automatically counting the eggs found in the ovitraps' cardboards. The system we propose is based on digital image processing (DIP) techniques, as well as a Web based Semi-Automatic Counting System (SCSA-WEB). All data collected are geographically referenced in a geographic information system (GIS) and made available on a Web platform. The work was developed in Gama's administrative region, in Brasília/Brazil, with the aid of the Environmental Surveillance Directory (DIVAL-Gama) and Brasília's Board of Health (SSDF), in partnership with the University of Brasília (UnB). The system was built based on a field survey carried out during three months and provided by health professionals. These professionals provided 84 cardboards from 84 ovitraps, sized 15 × 5 cm. In developing the system, we conducted the following steps: i. Obtain images from the eggs on an ovitrap's cardboards, with a microscope. ii. Apply a proposed image-processing-based semi-automatic counting system. The system we developed uses the Java programming language and the Java Server Faces technology. This is a framework suite for web applications development. This approach will allow a simple migration to any Operating System platform and future applications on mobile devices. iii. Collect and store all data into a Database (DB) and then georeference them in a GIS. The Database Management System used to develop the DB is based on PostgreSQL. The GIS will assist in the visualization and spatial analysis of digital maps, allowing the location of Dengue outbreaks in the region of study. This will also facilitate the planning, analysis, and evaluation of temporal and spatial epidemiology, as required by the Brazilian Health Care Control Center. iv. Deploy the SCSA-WEB, DB and GIS on a single Web platform. The statistical results obtained by DIP were satisfactory when compared with the SCSA-WEB's semi-automated eggs count. The results also indicate that the time spent in manual counting has being considerably reduced when using our fully automated DIP algorithm and semi-automated SCSA-WEB. The developed georeferencing Web platform proves to be of great support for future visualization with statistical and trace analysis of the disease. The analyses suggest the efficiency of our algorithm for automatic eggs counting, in terms of expediting the work of the laboratory technician, reducing considerably its time and error counting rates. We believe that this kind of integrated platform and tools can simplify the decision making process of the Brazilian Health Care Control Center.

Towards Gesture-Based Multi-User Interactions in Collaborative Virtual Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pretto, N.; Poiesi, F.

2017-11-01

We present a virtual reality (VR) setup that enables multiple users to participate in collaborative virtual environments and interact via gestures. A collaborative VR session is established through a network of users that is composed of a server and a set of clients. The server manages the communication amongst clients and is created by one of the users. Each user's VR setup consists of a Head Mounted Display (HMD) for immersive visualisation, a hand tracking system to interact with virtual objects and a single-hand joypad to move in the virtual environment. We use Google Cardboard as a HMD for the VR experience and a Leap Motion for hand tracking, thus making our solution low cost. We evaluate our VR setup though a forensics use case, where real-world objects pertaining to a simulated crime scene are included in a VR environment, acquired using a smartphone-based 3D reconstruction pipeline. Users can interact using virtual gesture-based tools such as pointers and rulers.

Comparison of flavor changes in cooked-refrigerated beef, pork and chicken meat patties.

PubMed

Rhee, K S; Anderson, L M; Sams, A R

2005-10-01

Beef and pork longissimus dorsi (LD) and semimembranosus (SM) and chicken breast (B) and thigh (T) muscles excised 24 h postmortem were ground by muscle/species group, formed into patties, pan-fried, refrigerated for 0, 3 or 6 days, and evaluated by a trained sensory panel for intensity of specific flavors. The rate of decline in species-specific natural meat flavor intensity and the rate of increase in "cardboard" (CBD) flavor intensity during the first half of the 6-day storage were fastest for beef, while such decline and increase during the entire storage period were slowest for chicken B. Overall trends of natural meat flavor and CBD intensity changes for chicken T appeared more like those for the red meats than chicken B. It was concluded that, while flavor deterioration can occur in cooked-stored meats from all the species, quantitative or the magnitude of differences between species would depend on muscle types and sensory terms/method used.

Effects of processing treatment and sorbate addition on the flavor characteristics of apple cider.

PubMed

Boylston, Terri D; Wang, Hui; Reitmeier, Cheryll A; Glatz, Bonita A

2003-03-26

Processing treatments used to produce a microbiologically "safe" apple cider were evaluated to determine the impact of these treatments on the overall flavor characteristics. Apple cider with (0.1%) and without (0%) potassium sorbate was subjected to four processing treatments: untreated, irradiated at 2 kGy, irradiated at 4 kGy, and pasteurized. Volatile flavor compounds were isolated from the cider using solid-phase microextraction methods with gas chromatographic analysis. A trained descriptive analysis panel evaluated sensory attributes. The effects of the processing treatment were dependent on the presence of sorbate in the apple cider. Irradiation treatments resulted in a decrease in the content of esters characteristic of apple flavor and an increase in the content of alcohols and aldehydes formed through lipid oxidation reactions. The presence of sorbate reduced the effects of the irradiation treatments on these volatile flavor compounds. Sensory panelists, however, detected higher intensities of undesirable flavor attributes, including "cardboard flavor", and lower intensities of the desirable "apple flavor" in irradiated cider with added sorbate.

Antioxidant effect of poleo and oregano essential oil on roasted sunflower seeds.

PubMed

Quiroga, Patricia R; Grosso, Nelson R; Nepote, Valeria

2013-12-01

The objective was to evaluate the stability of sensory and chemical parameters in roasted sunflower seeds supplemented with oregano and poleo essential oils; and the consumer acceptability of this product. Four samples were prepared: plain roasted sunflower seeds (Control = RS-C), and sunflower seeds added with oregano (RS-O) or poleo (RS-P) essential oils or BHT (RS-BHT). Consumer acceptance was determined on fresh samples. The overall acceptance averages were 6.13 for RS-C, 5.62 for RS-P, and 5.50 for RS-O (9-point hedonic scale). The addition of BHT showed greater protection against the oxidation process in the roasted sunflower seeds. Oregano essential oil exhibited a greater antioxidant effect during storage than poleo essential oil. Both essential oils (oregano and poleo) provided protection to the product, inhibiting the formation of undesirable flavors (oxidized and cardboard). The antioxidant activity that presents essential oils of oregano and poleo could be used to preserve roasted sunflower seeds. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Flavor and Acceptance of Roasted California Almonds During Accelerated Storage.

PubMed

Franklin, Lillian M; King, Ellena S; Chapman, Dawn; Byrnes, Nadia; Huang, Guangwei; Mitchell, Alyson E

2018-02-07

Monitoring oxidative flavor changes in almonds is possible only if the chemical and sensory profile during roasting and storage is first established. Herein, almonds roasted at two different temperatures (115 and 152 °C) were stored at 39 °C for 0 to 12 months and were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, descriptive analysis, and consumer hedonic analysis. Volatile profiles, descriptive sensory profiles, and consumer hedonic scores were analyzed for predictive relationships. Descriptive attributes involving Roasted and Nutty as well as consumer liking were highest in fresh almonds, while flavors typically associated with oxidative rancidity such as Cardboard, Painty/Solvent, Soapy, and Total Oxidized increased during storage. Compounds most important for predicting rancidity-related attributes were lipid oxidation products, including pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, and octanal. Consumer liking was best predicted by similar compounds to those predicting Clean Nutty flavor, including Maillard reaction products such as 2- and 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylpyrazine, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine.

Producing picture-perfect posters.

PubMed

Bach, D B; Vellet, A D; Karlik, S J; Downey, D B; Levin, M F; Munk, P L

1993-06-01

Scientific posters form an integral part of many radiology meetings. They provide the opportunity for interested parties to read the material at an individualized pace, to study the images in detail, and to return to the exhibit numerous times. Although the content of the poster is undoubtedly its most important component, the visual presentation of the material can enhance or detract from the clarity of the message. With the wide availability of sophisticated computer programs for desktop publishing (DTP), one can now create the poster on a computer monitor with full control of the form as well as the content. This process will result in a professional-appearing poster, yet still allow the author the opportunity to make innumerable revisions, as the poster is visualized in detail on the computer monitor before printing. Furthermore, this process is less expensive than the traditional method of typesetting individual sections separately and mounting them on cardboard for display. The purpose of this article is to present our approach to poster production using commercially available DTP computer programs.

Identification of character impact odorants of different soybean lecithins.

PubMed

Stephan, A; Steinhart, H

1999-07-01

The potent odorants of standardized, enzymatically hydrolyzed, and deoiled soybean lecithins were characterized systematically by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and olfactometry. Sixty-one odorants were identified; 53 of these odor-active compounds have not previously been reported as odorants of soybean lecithin flavor. By aroma extract dilution analysis and modified combined hedonic and response measurement the following odorants showed the highest flavor dilution factors and CHARM values: (E,E)-2, 4-decadienal (deep-fried), (E)-beta-damascenone (apple-like), 2, 3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine (roasty, earthy), (E)-2-nonenal (cardboard-like), trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal (metallic), 1-nonen-3-one (mushroom-like), 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasty, earthy), and 1-octen-3-one (mushroom-like). Enzymatic hydrolysis intensified especially the roasty sensation of 2, 3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine, whereas deoiling effected a general significant decrease in olfactory perception on the nitrogen-containing compounds. In addition, sensory profiles of nasal and retronasal lecithin odor were performed.

Areas on which to focus when seeking to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of commercial waste management. A case study of a hypermarket, Finland.

PubMed

Hupponen, M; Grönman, K; Horttanainen, M

2018-03-22

This study focuses on commercial waste, which has received less attention than household waste in regards to greenhouse gas emission research. First, the global warming potential (GWP) of commercial waste management was calculated. Second, the impacts of different waste fractions and the processes of waste management were recognised. Third, the key areas on which to focus when aiming to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of commercial waste management were determined. This study was conducted on the waste generated by a real hypermarket in South-East Finland and included eight different waste fractions. The waste treatment plants were selected based on the actual situation. Three different scenarios were employed to evaluate the environmental impact of managing mixed waste: landfilling, combustion and more accurate source separation. The GaBi software and impact assessment methodology CML 2001 were used to perform a life cycle assessment of the environmental impacts associated with the waste management. The results indicated that the total GWP of commercial waste management could be reduced by 93% by directing the mixed waste to combustion instead of landfill. A further 5% GWP reduction could be achieved by more accurate source separation of the mixed waste. Utilisation of energy waste had the most significant influence (41-52%) on the total GWP (-880 to -860 kgCO 2 -eq./t), followed by landfilling of mixed waste (influence 15-23% on the total GWP, 430 kgCO 2 -eq./t), recycling polyethylene (PE) plastic (influence 18-21% on the total GWP, -1800 kgCO 2 -eq./t) and recycling cardboard (influence 11-13% on the total GWP, 51 kgCO 2 -eq./t). A key focus should be placed on treatment processes and substitutions, especially in terms of substitutions of energy waste and PE plastic. This study also clarified the importance of sorting PE plastic, even though the share of this waste fraction was not substantial. The results of this paper were compared to those of previous studies. The output of this analysis indicated that the total GWP can be significantly reduced by identifying an alternative recycling or incineration location for cardboard where it is used to substitute virgin material or replace fossil fuels respectively. In conclusion, it is essential to note that waste management companies have a notable influence on the emissions of commercial waste management because they choose the places at which the waste fractions are treated and utilised. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sorting and recycling of domestic waste. Review of occupational health problems and their possible causes.

PubMed

Poulsen, O M; Breum, N O; Ebbehøj, N; Hansen, A M; Ivens, U I; van Lelieveld, D; Malmros, P; Matthiasen, L; Nielsen, B H; Nielsen, E M

1995-05-19

In order to reduce the strain on the environment from the deposition of waste in landfills and combustion at incineration plants, several governments throughout the industrialized world have planned greatly increased recycling of domestic waste by the turn of the millennium. To implement the plans, new waste recycling facilities are to be built and the number of workers involved in waste sorting and recycling will increase steadily during the next decade. Several studies have reinforced the hypothesis that exposure to airborne microorganisms and the toxic products thereof are important factors causing a multitude of health problems among workers at waste sorting and recycling plants. Workers at transfer stations, landfills and incineration plants may experience an increased risk of pulmonary disorders and gastrointestinal problems. High concentrations of total airborne dust, bacteria, faecal coliform bacteria and fungal spores have been reported. The concentrations are considered to be sufficiently high to cause adverse health effects. In addition, a high incidence of lower back injuries, probably due to heavy lifting during work, has been reported among workers at landfills and incineration plants. Workers involved in manual sorting of unseparated domestic waste, as well as workers at compost plants experience more or less frequent symptoms of organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) (cough, chest-tightness, dyspnoea, influenza-like symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle ache, joint pain, fatigue and headache), gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and diarrhoea, irritation of the skin, eye and mucous membranes of the nose and upper airways, etc. In addition cases of severe occupational pulmonary diseases (asthma, alveolitis, bronchitis) have been reported. Manual sorting of unseparated domestic waste may be associated with exposures to large quantities of airborne bacteria and endotoxin. Several work functions in compost plants can result in very high exposure to airborne fungal spores and thermophilic actinomycetes. At plants sorting separated domestic waste, e.g. the combustible fraction of waste composed of paper, cardboard and plastics, the workers may have an increased risk of gastrointestinal symptoms and irritation of the eyes and skin. At such plants the bioaerosol exposure levels are in general low, but at some work tasks, e.g. manual sorting and work near the balers, exposure levels may occasionally be high enough to be potentially harmful. Workers handling the source-sorted paper or cardboard fraction do not appear to have an elevated risk of occupational health problems related to bioaerosol exposure, and the bioaerosol exposure is generally low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Simple Synthesis Hydrogenated Castor Oil Fatty Amide Wax and Its Coating Characterization.

PubMed

Yu, Xiuzhu; Wang, Ning; Zhang, Rui; Zhao, Zhong

2017-07-01

A simple method for incorporating amine groups in hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) to produce wax for beeswax or carnauba wax substitution in packaging and coating was developed. From the conversion rate of the products, HCO was reacted with ethanolamine at 150°C for 5 h, and the molar ratio of HCO and ethanolamine was 1:4. The hardness of the final product was seven times higher than that of beeswax, the cohesiveness of the final product was 1.3 times higher than that of beeswax and approximately one half of that of carnauba wax, and the melting point of the final product is 98°C. The Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy showed that the amide groups were incorporated to form the amide products. In coating application, the results showed that the force of the final product coating cardboard was higher than that of beeswax and paraffin wax and less than that of carnauba wax. After 24 h soaking, the compression forces were decreased. HCO fatty acid wax can be an alternative wax for carnauba wax and beeswax in coating applications.

Extremely High-Frequency Holographic Radar Imaging of Personnel and Mail

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McMakin, Douglas L.; Sheen, David M.; Griffin, Jeffrey W.

2006-08-01

The awareness of terrorists covertly transporting chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents into government, military, and civilian facilities to harm the occupants has increased dramatically since the attacks of 9/11. Government and civilian security personnel have a need for innovative surveillance technology that can rapidly detect these lethal agents, even when they are hidden away in sealed containers and concealed either under clothing or in hand-carried items such as mailed packages or handbags. Sensor technology that detects BW and CW agents in mail or sealed containers carried under the clothing are under development. One promising sensor technology presentlymore » under development to defeat these threats is active millimeter-wave holographic radar imaging, which can readily image concealed items behind paper, cardboard, and clothing. Feasibility imaging studies at frequencies greater than 40 GHz have been conducted to determine whether simulated biological or chemical agents concealed in mail packages or under clothing could be detected using this extremely high-frequency imaging technique. The results of this imaging study will be presented in this paper.« less

Effects of Visual Information on Wind-Evoked Escape Behavior of the Cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus.

PubMed

Kanou, Masamichi; Matsuyama, Akane; Takuwa, Hiroyuki

2014-09-01

We investigated the effects of visual information on wind-evoked escape behavior in the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Most agitated crickets were found to retreat into a shelter made of cardboard installed in the test arena within a short time. As this behavior was thought to be a type of escape, we confirmed how a visual image of a shelter affected wind-evoked escape behavior. Irrespective of the brightness of the visual background (black or white) or the absence or presence of a shelter, escape jumps were oriented almost 180° opposite to the source of the air puff stimulus. Therefore, the direction of wind-evoked escape depends solely depended on the direction of the stimulus air puff. In contrast, the turning direction of the crickets during the escape was affected by the position of the visual image of the shelter. During the wind-evoked escape jump, most crickets turned in the direction in which a shelter was presented. This behavioral nature is presumably necessary for crickets to retreat into a shelter within a short time after their escape jump.

Laser-Induced Graphene by Multiple Lasing: Toward Electronics on Cloth, Paper, and Food.

PubMed

Chyan, Yieu; Ye, Ruquan; Li, Yilun; Singh, Swatantra Pratap; Arnusch, Christopher J; Tour, James M

2018-03-27

A simple and facile method for obtaining patterned graphene under ambient conditions on the surface of diverse materials ranging from renewable precursors such as food, cloth, paper, and cardboard to high-performance polymers like Kevlar or even on natural coal would be highly desirable. Here, we report a method of using multiple pulsed-laser scribing to convert a wide range of substrates into laser-induced graphene (LIG). With the increased versatility of the multiple lase process, highly conductive patterns can be achieved on the surface of a diverse number of substrates in ambient atmosphere. The use of a defocus method results in multiple lases in a single pass of the laser, further simplifying the procedure. This method can be implemented without increasing processing times when compared with laser induction of graphene on polyimide (Kapton) substrates as previously reported. In fact, any carbon precursor that can be converted into amorphous carbon can be converted into graphene using this multiple lase method. This may be a generally applicable technique for forming graphene on diverse substrates in applications such as flexible or even biodegradable and edible electronics.

Tunnel specificity and forager movement in subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae).

PubMed

Evans, T A

2002-06-01

The movement of foragers of two species of Australian, subterranean, mound-building termites, Coptotermes lacteus (Froggatt) (Rhinotermitidae) and Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill) (Termitidae), was investigated in their natural habitat using artificial feeding sites along trenches dug to mimic natural forager tunnels that radiate out from the central mound-nests. Termites were dyed by self-feeding on cardboard soaked with histological fat-stains on one or two trenches and then termites were collected from other feeding sites at two and four weeks after the fat-stains were placed. At two and four weeks after marking commenced, 60-75% of marked termites were found in trenches containing the marked paper, and 2-16% were found in trenches on the opposite side of the nest. The proportion of marked termites in a sample was three to eight times greater in the trenches containing the marked paper relative to other trenches. Although difficulties with fat-stains used as markers might explain some of the observed patterns, it is evident that C. lacteus and N. exitiosus foragers do not move randomly between feeding sites in their natural habitat.

Migration kinetics of four photo-initiators from paper food packaging to solid food simulants.

PubMed

Cai, Huimei; Ji, Shuilin; Zhang, Juzhou; Tao, Gushuai; Peng, Chuanyi; Hou, Ruyan; Zhang, Liang; Sun, Yue; Wan, Xiaochun

2017-09-01

The migration behaviour of four photo-initiators (BP, EHA, MBP and Irgacure 907) was studied by 'printing' onto four different food-packaging materials (Kraft paper, white cardboard, Polyethylene (PE)-coated paper and composite paper) and tracking movement into the food simulant: Tenax-TA (porous polymer 2,6-diphenyl furan resin). The results indicated that the migration of the photo-initiators was related to the molecular weight and log K o/w of each photo-initiator. At different temperatures, the migration rates of the photo-initiators were different in papers with different thicknesses. The amount of each photo-initiator found in the food was closely related to the food matrix. The Weibull model was used to predict the migration load into the food simulants by calculating the parameters τ and β and determining the relationship of the two parameters with temperature and paper thickness. The established Weibull model was then used to predict the migration of each photo-initiator with respect to different foods. A two-parameter Weibull model fitted the actual situation, with some deviation from the actual migration amount.

RCRA Facility Investigation/Remedial Investigation Report with Baseline Risk Assessment for the Central Shops Burning/Rubble Pit (631-6G), Volume 1 Final

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-04-01

The Burning/Rubble Pits at the Savannah River Site were usually shallow excavations approximately 3 to 4 meters in depth. Operations at the pits consisted of collecting waste on a continuous basis and burning on a monthly basis. The Central Shops Burning/Rubble Pit 631- 6G (BRP6G) was constructed in 1951 as an unlined earthen pit in surficial sediments for disposal of paper, lumber, cans and empty galvanized steel drums. The unit may have received other materials such as plastics, rubber, rags, cardboard, oil, degreasers, or drummed solvents. The BRP6G was operated from 1951 until 1955. After disposal activities ceased, the areamore » was covered with soil. Hazardous substances, if present, may have migrated into the surrounding soil and/or groundwater. Because of this possibility, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated the BRP6G as a Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) subject to the Resource Conservation Recovery Act/Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (RCRA/CERCLA) process.« less

Rockfalls in cliffs surrounding waterfall revealed by high-definition topographic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayakawa, Y. S.; Obanawa, H.

2017-12-01

Bedrock rivers of volcanic terrain often comprise numerous knickpoints. Erosion of bedrock at knickpoints is an essential process of fluvial dissection of volcanic landforms, which also affects the deformations of surrounding slopes. However, short term (less than decadal) changes in bedrock landforms have often been limited to examine in a spatiotemporal framework. Here we use terrestrial laser scanning and SfM-MVS photogrammetry to detect recent annual changes in the morphology of cliffs surrounding a waterfall (Kegon Falls) on jointed andesite lava and conglomerates. The amount of bedrock deformation caused by small rockfalls and surface lowering are assessed in volume, which often appears in a relatively lower portion of the cliff. Such the changes are supposed to be affected by the enhanced supply of water and weathering following the latest major rockfall in 1986 which caused 8-m recession of the waterfall lip. The three-dimensional point cloud data is also utilized to construct a 3D model using cardboards, which is useful for understanding the topography and its changes of the waterfall as educational resources.

Making Plant-Support Structures From Waste Plant Fiber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrow, Robert C.; < oscjmocl. < attjew K/; {ertzbprm. A,amda; Ej (e. Cjad); Hunt, John

2006-01-01

Environmentally benign, biodegradable structures for supporting growing plants can be made in a process based on recycling of such waste plant fiber materials as wheat straw or of such derivative materials as paper and cardboard. Examples of structures that can be made in this way include plant plugs, pots, planter-lining mats, plant fences, and root and shoot barriers. No chemical binders are used in the process. First, the plant material is chopped into smaller particles. The particles are leached with water or steam to remove material that can inhibit plant growth, yielding a fibrous slurry. If the desired structures are plugs or sheets, then the slurry is formed into the desired shapes in a pulp molding subprocess. If the desired structures are root and shoot barriers, pots, or fences, then the slurry is compression-molded to the desired shapes in a heated press. The processed materials in these structures have properties similar to those of commercial pressboard, but unlike pressboard, these materials contain no additives. These structures have been found to withstand one growth cycle, even when wet

Segregation for reduction of regulated medical waste in the operating room: a case report

PubMed Central

Shinn, Helen Ki; Kim, Byung-Gun; Yang, Chunwoo; Na, WonJu; Song, Jang-Ho

2017-01-01

One-third of all hospital-regulated medical waste (RMW) comes from the operating room (OR), and it considerably consists of disposable packaging and wrapping materials for the sterilization of surgical instruments. This study sought to identify the amount and type of waste produced by ORs in order to reduce the RMW so as to achieve environmentally-friendly waste management in the OR. We performed an initial waste segregation of 4 total knee replacement arthroplasties (TKRAs) and 1 total hip replacement arthroplasty, and later of 1 extra TKRA, 1 laparoscopic anterior resection of the colon, and 1 pelviscopy (with radical vaginal hysterectomy), performed at our OR. The total mass of non-regulated medical waste (non-RMW) and blue wrap amounted to 30.5 kg (24.9%), and that of RMW to 92.1 kg (75.1%). In the course of the study, we noted that the non-RMW included recyclables, such as papers, plastics, cardboards, and various wrapping materials. The study showed that a reduction in RMW generation can be achieved through the systematic segregation of OR waste. PMID:28184276

Monitoring of Dermanyssus gallinae in free-range poultry farms.

PubMed

Zenner, L; Bon, G; Chauve, C; Nemoz, C; Lubac, S

2009-06-01

Various methods for monitoring Dermanyssus gallinae infestations within free-range egg production units were compared. The study was carried out in five egg-producing free-range poultry buildings infested with D. gallinae. Each farm was divided into six zones (each zone including nest boxes, perches and duckboard) for placing two types of traps (corrugated cardboard and thick card traps) or examining dried droppings for presence of mites. Traps were removed 24 h later, placed into bags and mites were counted at the laboratory using binocular magnification. Droppings were also inspected by eye and mite numbers were estimated. All the methods used allowed us to detect mites although their efficacy differed. The number of mites collected was independent of the type of trap used. Examination of the droppings did not differentiate between buildings with differing mite populations. Placing traps in the nest boxes is a less reliable indicator than placing them on the perches. It appears that the most coherent method for evaluating the D. gallinae population within a free-range flock is to place thick card traps throughout the building, on perches favoured by birds.

Detection and discrimination of microorganisms on various substrates with quantum cascade laser spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padilla-Jiménez, Amira C.; Ortiz-Rivera, William; Rios-Velazquez, Carlos; Vazquez-Ayala, Iris; Hernández-Rivera, Samuel P.

2014-06-01

Investigations focusing on devising rapid and accurate methods for developing signatures for microorganisms that could be used as biological warfare agents' detection, identification, and discrimination have recently increased significantly. Quantum cascade laser (QCL)-based spectroscopic systems have revolutionized many areas of defense and security including this area of research. In this contribution, infrared spectroscopy detection based on QCL was used to obtain the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral signatures of Bacillus thuringiensis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These bacteria were used as microorganisms that simulate biothreats (biosimulants) very truthfully. The experiments were conducted in reflection mode with biosimulants deposited on various substrates including cardboard, glass, travel bags, wood, and stainless steel. Chemometrics multivariate statistical routines, such as principal component analysis regression and partial least squares coupled to discriminant analysis, were used to analyze the MIR spectra. Overall, the investigated infrared vibrational techniques were useful for detecting target microorganisms on the studied substrates, and the multivariate data analysis techniques proved to be very efficient for classifying the bacteria and discriminating them in the presence of highly IR-interfering media.

Continuous Ethanol Fermentation of Pretreated Lignocellulosic Biomasses, Waste Biomasses, Molasses and Syrup Using the Anaerobic, Thermophilic Bacterium Thermoanaerobacter italicus Pentocrobe 411

PubMed Central

Andersen, Rasmus Lund; Jensen, Karen Møller; Mikkelsen, Marie Just

2015-01-01

Lignocellosic ethanol production is now at a stage where commercial or semi-commercial plants are coming online and, provided cost effective production can be achieved, lignocellulosic ethanol will become an important part of the world bio economy. However, challenges are still to be overcome throughout the process and particularly for the fermentation of the complex sugar mixtures resulting from the hydrolysis of hemicellulose. Here we describe the continuous fermentation of glucose, xylose and arabinose from non-detoxified pretreated wheat straw, birch, corn cob, sugar cane bagasse, cardboard, mixed bio waste, oil palm empty fruit bunch and frond, sugar cane syrup and sugar cane molasses using the anaerobic, thermophilic bacterium Thermoanaerobacter Pentocrobe 411. All fermentations resulted in close to maximum theoretical ethanol yields of 0.47–0.49 g/g (based on glucose, xylose, and arabinose), volumetric ethanol productivities of 1.2–2.7 g/L/h and a total sugar conversion of 90–99% including glucose, xylose and arabinose. The results solidify the potential of Thermoanaerobacter strains as candidates for lignocellulose bioconversion. PMID:26295944

Influence of pre- and post-harvest factors and processing on the levels of furocoumarins in grapefruits (Citrus paradisi Macfed.).

PubMed

Girennavar, B; Jayaprakasha, G K; Patil, Bhimanagouda S

2008-11-15

The changes in the levels of three furocoumarins such as dihydroxybergamottin (DHB), paradisin A and bergamottin in Rio Red and Marsh White cultivars of grapefruits were monitored from November to May. The levels of DHB and bergamottin in both varieties of grapefruits decreased as the season progressed except for the bergamottin in Marsh White grapefruit. Influence of growing location, processing and storage on the levels of these compounds were also evaluated. Among the varieties the highest levels of DHB (2.266μg/ml) and bergamottin (2.411μg/ml) were found in Flame grapefruit grown in Florida. The highest level of paradisin A was found in Rio Red grapefruit grown in California and the lowest levels were observed in Rio Red grapefruit grown organically in Texas. Hand squeezed juice contained 1.98, 1.06 and 3.03-fold more DHB, paradisin A and bergamottin, respectively as compared to processed juice. The levels of furocoumarins showed a decreasing trend in all the juices with progress of storage. Levels of furocoumarins were more in cartons container than the cans and cardboard container juices. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Investigation of Latent Traces Using Infrared Reflectance Hyperspectral Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Till; Wenzel, Susanne; Roscher, Ribana; Stachniss, Cyrill

2016-06-01

The detection of traces is a main task of forensics. Hyperspectral imaging is a potential method from which we expect to capture more fluorescence effects than with common forensic light sources. This paper shows that the use of hyperspectral imaging is suited for the analysis of latent traces and extends the classical concept to the conservation of the crime scene for retrospective laboratory analysis. We examine specimen of blood, semen and saliva traces in several dilution steps, prepared on cardboard substrate. As our key result we successfully make latent traces visible up to dilution factor of 1:8000. We can attribute most of the detectability to interference of electromagnetic light with the water content of the traces in the shortwave infrared region of the spectrum. In a classification task we use several dimensionality reduction methods (PCA and LDA) in combination with a Maximum Likelihood classifier, assuming normally distributed data. Further, we use Random Forest as a competitive approach. The classifiers retrieve the exact positions of labelled trace preparation up to highest dilution and determine posterior probabilities. By modelling the classification task with a Markov Random Field we are able to integrate prior information about the spatial relation of neighboured pixel labels.

A case of canine borreliosis in Iran caused by Borrelia persica.

PubMed

Shirani, Darush; Rakhshanpoor, Alaleh; Cutler, Sally Jane; Ghazinezhad, Behnaz; Naddaf, Saied Reza

2016-04-01

Tick-borne relapsing fever is an endemic disease in Iran, with most cases attributed to infection by Borrelia persica, which is transmitted by Ornithodoros tholozani soft ticks. Here, we report spirochetemia in blood of a puppy residing in Tehran, Iran. The causative species was identified by use of highly discriminative IGS sequencing; the 489 bp IGS sequence obtained in our study showed 99% identity (100% coverage) when compared with B. persica sequences derived from clinical cases or from O. tholozani ticks. Our IGS sequence also showed 99% similarity over 414 bp (85% coverage) with a strain from a domestic dog, and 96% over 328 bp (69% coverage) with a strain from a domestic cat. Pet-keeping in cosmopolitan cities like Tehran has become increasingly popular in recent years. Animals are often transported into the city in cages or cardboard boxes that might also harbor minute tick larvae and/or early stages of the nymphs bringing them into the urban environment. This may pose a threat to household members who buy and keep these puppies and as a result may come into close contact with infected ticks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Target recognition in passive terahertz image of human body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ran; Zhao, Yuan-meng; Deng, Chao; Zhang, Cun-lin; Li, Yue

2014-11-01

THz radiation can penetrate through many nonpolar dielectric materials and can be used for nondestructive/noninvasive sensing and imaging of targets under nonpolar, nonmetallic covers or containers. Thus using THz systems to "see through" concealing barriers (i.e. packaging, corrugated cardboard, clothing) has been proposed as a new security screening method. Objects that can be detected by THz include concealed weapons, explosives, and chemical agents under clothing. Passive THz imaging system can detect THz wave from human body without transmit any electromagnetic wave, and the suspicious objects will become visible because the THz wave is blocked by this items. We can find out whether or not someone is carrying dangerous objects through this image. In this paper, the THz image enhancement, segmentation and contour extraction algorithms were studied to achieve effective target image detection. First, the terahertz images are enhanced and their grayscales are stretched. Then we apply global threshold segmentation to extract the target, and finally the targets are marked on the image. Experimental results showed that the algorithm proposed in this paper can extract and mark targets effectively, so that people can identify suspicious objects under clothing quickly. The algorithm can significantly improve the usefulness of the terahertz security apparatus.

Artificial cavities enhance breeding bird densities in managed cottonwood forests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Twedt, D.J.; Henne-Kerr, J.L.

2001-01-01

The paucity of natural cavities within short-rotation hardwood agroforests restricts occupancy by cavity-nesting birds. However, providing 1.6 artificial nesting cavities (nest boxes)/ha within 3- to 10-year-old managed cottonwood forests in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley increased territory density of cavity-nesting birds. Differences in territory densities between forests with and without nest boxes increased as stands aged. Seven bird species initiated 38 nests in 173 boxes during 1997 and 39 nests in 172 boxes during 1998. Prothonotary warblers (Protonotaria citrea) and eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) accounted for 67% of nests; nearly all warbler nests were in 1.8-L, plastic-coated cardboard (paper) boxes, whereas bluebird nests were divided between paper boxes and 3.5-L wooden boxes. Larger-volume (16.5-L) wooden nest boxes were used by eastern screech owls (Otus asio) and great crested flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus), but this box type often was usurped by honey bees (Apis mellifera). To enhance territory densities of cavity-nesting birds in cottonwood agroforests, we recommend placement of plastic-coated paper nest boxes, at a density of 0.5/ha, after trees are >4 years old but at least 2 years before anticipated timber harvest.

Of Papers and Pens: Polysemes and Homophones in Lexical (mis)Selection.

PubMed

Li, Leon; Slevc, L Robert

2017-05-01

Every word signifies multiple senses. Many studies using comprehension-based measures suggest that polysemes' senses (e.g., paper as in printer paper or term paper) share lexical representations, whereas homophones' meanings (e.g., pen as in ballpoint pen or pig pen) correspond to distinct lexical representations. Less is known about the lexical representations of polysemes compared to homophones in language production. In this study, speakers named pictures after reading sentence fragments that primed polysemes and homophones either as direct competitors to pictures (i.e., semantic-competitors), or as indirect-competitors to pictures (e.g., polysemous senses of semantic competitors, or homophonous meanings of semantic competitors). Polysemes (e.g., paper) elicited equal numbers of intrusions to picture names (e.g., cardboard) compared to in control conditions whether primed as direct competitors (printer paper) or as indirect-competitors (term paper). This contrasted with the finding that homophones (e.g., pen) elicited more intrusions to picture names (e.g., crayon) compared to in control conditions when primed as direct competitors (ballpoint pen) than when primed as indirect-competitors (pig pen). These results suggest that polysemes, unlike homophones, are stored and retrieved as unified lexical representations. Copyright © 2016 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Examination of Ricochet Gunshot Wounds From Commonly Encountered Surfaces.

PubMed

Hlavaty, Leigh; Avedschmidt, Sarah; Root, Kelly; Amley, Jeffrey; Sung, LokMan

2016-12-01

Proper interpretation of gunshot wounds is vital for the forensic pathologist and requires experience and expertise, as well as consultation with a firearms and ballistics expert and careful scene investigation in cases of atypical gunshot wounds. This study is the first large-series examining ricochet gunshot wounds involving different firearm calibers. Typical gunshot wounds created from 4 handgun calibers (22 Long Rifle, 9 × 19 mm Parabellum, .40 Smith &Wesson, and .45 Automatic Colt Pistol) and 2 rifle calibers (5.56 and 7.62 mm) were compared with wounds caused by bullets of those same calibers ricocheting off commonly encountered surfaces (concrete, asphalt, aluminum traffic signs, clay brick, and dry wall). Porcine skin, a human skin analog, attached to sheets of cardboard serviced as witness panels for capturing the entrance wounds. Examination of over 150 handgun and rifle entrance wounds established that every caliber and every ricochet surface resulted in atypical features, including irregularity in size or shape, lack of marginal abrasion, or other injuries on the surrounding skin. The most significant factor influencing the variability of the ricochet wounds was the surface the bullet deflected off before striking the body.

Industrial defect discrimination applying infrared imaging spectroscopy and artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Allende, Pilar Beatriz; Conde, Olga M.; Madruga, Francisco J.; Cubillas, Ana M.; Lopez-Higuera, Jose M.

2008-03-01

A non-intrusive infrared sensor for the detection of spurious elements in an industrial raw material chain has been developed. The system is an extension to the whole near infrared range of the spectrum of a previously designed system based on the Vis-NIR range (400 - 1000 nm). It incorporates a hyperspectral imaging spectrograph able to register simultaneously the NIR reflected spectrum of the material under study along all the points of an image line. The working material has been different tobacco leaf blends mixed with typical spurious elements of this field such as plastics, cardboards, etc. Spurious elements are discriminated automatically by an artificial neural network able to perform the classification with a high degree of accuracy. Due to the high amount of information involved in the process, Principal Component Analysis is first applied to perform data redundancy removal. By means of the extension to the whole NIR range of the spectrum, from 1000 to 2400 nm, the characterization of the material under test is highly improved. The developed technique could be applied to the classification and discrimination of other materials, and, as a consequence of its non-contact operation it is particularly suitable for food quality control.

XRF analysis to identify historical photographic processes: The case of some Interguglielmi Jr.'s images from the Palermo Municipal Archive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modica, A.; Alberghina, M. F.; Brai, M.; Bruno, M.; Di Bella, M.; Fontana, D.; Tranchina, L.

2017-06-01

In the early period, even though professional photographers worked with similar techniques and products, their artistic and commercial aims determined different choices and led them to follow different, often personal, recipes. For this reason, identification of the techniques through date and name of the photographer or through some visual features like colour, tonality and surface of the image layer, often needs further investigation to be proved. Chemical characterization, carried out in a non or micro destructive way, can be crucial to provide useful information about the original composition, degradation process, realization technique, in obtaining an indirect dating of the photograph and/or to choose the most correct conservation treatment. In our case, x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was used to confirm the chemical composition of eleven historical photographs dated between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, shot in Palermo (Sicily) by a renowned photographer of the time, and pasted on their original cardboards. The elemental identification, obtained with a non destructive approach, provided important information to distinguish among different photographic techniques in terms of distribution and characterization of chemical elements markers in the photographic surface.

Oxidative stability of cooked, frozen, reheated beef patties: effect of antioxidants.

PubMed

Colindres, Paola; Brewer, M Susan

2011-03-30

The effect of selected antioxidants (grape seed extract (GS), oleoresin rosemary (OR), water-soluble oregano extract (WO), propyl gallate (PG), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) on sensory, color and oxidative stability of cooked, frozen, reheated ground beef patties was evaluated. Beef lean and trim were ground; antioxidants and salt were added. Patties were cooked (71 °C), overwrapped in commercial polyvinyl chloride film, and stored frozen (-18 °C), then evaluated monthly for 6 months. Flavor, odor and color were determined using a descriptive panel. Instrumental color was determined by a spectrocolorimeter. Lipid oxidation was determined using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). After 6 months of storage, PG and GS samples had lower rancid odor scores and TBARS than controls. Control samples and those containing BHT did not differ statistically in sensory grassy or rancid odor, indicating that they were the most oxidized. TBARS correlated with grassy, rancid, cardboard and beef odors during the 6-month storage period. Based on TBARS, the order of effectiveness of the antioxidants was PG and GS > OR > BHA > WO and BHT > control. TBARS were well correlated with sensory evaluations of odor and flavor. Antioxidants also protected a* values during storage. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

Design of an innovative, ecological portable waste compressor for in-house recycling of paper, plastic and metal packaging waste.

PubMed

Xevgenos, D; Athanasopoulos, N; Kostazos, P K; Manolakos, D E; Moustakas, K; Malamis, D; Loizidou, M

2015-05-01

Waste management in Greece relies heavily on unsustainable waste practices (mainly landfills and in certain cases uncontrolled dumping of untreated waste). Even though major improvements have been achieved in the recycling of municipal solid waste during recent years, there are some barriers that hinder the achievement of high recycling rates. Source separation of municipal solid waste has been recognised as a promising solution to produce high-quality recycled materials that can be easily directed to secondary materials markets. This article presents an innovative miniature waste separator/compressor that has been designed and developed for the source separation of municipal solid waste at a household level. The design of the system is in line with the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), since it allows for the separate collection (and compression) of municipal solid waste, namely: plastic (polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene), paper (cardboard and Tetrapak) and metal (aluminium and tin cans). It has been designed through the use of suitable software tools (LS-DYNA, INVENTROR and COMSOL). The results from the simulations, as well as the whole design process and philosophy, are discussed in this article. © The Author(s) 2015.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Selective Collection in a Small Town on the State of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, V. E.; Poletto, M.; Peresin, D.; Carra, S. H. Z.; Vanni, D.

2017-07-01

With the increase of population concentration in urban areas, there is an increase in the solid waste generation, which demands the search for alternatives and solutions for the environmentally correct destination of these. In this context, this work presents an evaluation on the forms of organic and selective domestic waste collection and the potential for the recyclability of the waste destined to the same, based on the physical characterization and gravimetric composition of the solid wastes generated in the town of Antônio Prado, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2014 and 2016. It is observed that the population has significant information regarding the correct disposal of waste in the selective collection, since 60% of the waste destined to the same is effectively recyclable. Plastic (24.8%), paper (10.9%), glass (8.8%) and cardboard (8.4%) are the most representative materials in recycled waste samples in the urban area. The importance of continuity and improvement of environmental education programs is essential, due to the evolution in the quantity and complexity of products and materials currently manufactured, and to the method of mechanized waste collection used by the municipality.

Cellulose nanomaterials as green nanoreinforcements for polymer nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufresne, Alain

2017-12-01

Unexpected and attractive properties can be observed when decreasing the size of a material down to the nanoscale. Cellulose is no exception to the rule. In addition, the highly reactive surface of cellulose resulting from the high density of hydroxyl groups is exacerbated at this scale. Different forms of cellulose nanomaterials, resulting from a top-down deconstruction strategy (cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils) or bottom-up strategy (bacterial cellulose), are potentially useful for a large number of industrial applications. These include the paper and cardboard industry, use as reinforcing filler in polymer nanocomposites, the basis for low-density foams, additives in adhesives and paints, as well as a wide variety of filtration, electronic, food, hygiene, cosmetic and medical products. This paper focuses on the use of cellulose nanomaterials as a filler for the preparation of polymer nanocomposites. Impressive mechanical properties can be obtained for these materials. They obviously depend on the type of nanomaterial used, but the crucial point is the processing technique. The emphasis is on the melt processing of such nanocomposite materials, which has not yet been properly resolved and remains a challenge. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue `New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology'.

On the relationship between cardboard burning in a sunshine recorder and the direct solar irradiance.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, A.; Calbó, J.; González, J. A.

2012-04-01

Since the end of XIX century, the Campbell-Stokes recorder (CSR) has been the instrument used to measure the insolation (hours of sunshine during per day). Due to the large number of records that exist worldwide (some of them extending over more than 100 years), valuable climatic information can be extracted from them. There are various articles that relate the insolation with the cloudiness and the global solar irradiation (Angstrom-Prescott type formulas). Theoretically, the insolation is defined as the number of hours that direct solar irradiance (DSI) exceeds 120 W/m2, thus corresponding to the total length of the burning in the bands. The width of the burn has not been well studied, so the aim of this research is to relate this width, first with the DSI and then, with other variables. The research was carried out in Girona (NE Spain) for a period extending since February 2011. A CSR from Thies Clima and a pyrheliometer from Kipp&Zonen were used to measure insolation and the direct solar irradiance. Other meteorological variables were also stored for the study. For each band, we made two independent measurements of the width of the burn every 10 minutes: first, we measured directly the width of the perforated portion of the burn; second, we measured the width of the burn after applying a digital image process that increases the contrast of the burn. The burn in a band has a direct relationship with the DSI. Specifically, correlation coefficients of the perforation width and the burning width with DSI were 0.838 and 0.864 respectively. However, we found that there are times when despite of DSI is as high as 400 W/m2 (i.e. much greater than 120 W/m2), there is no burn in the band. Contrarily, sometimes a burn occurs with almost no DSI. Furthermore, a higher DSI does not always correspond to a wider burn of the band. Because of this, we consider that characteristics of band burns must also depend on other meteorological variables (temperature, humidity...). The physical characteristics of the heliograph and of the cardboard from which the bands are made may also have an important role in this relationship. The method was applied to a limited series of bands so the results and conclusions are preliminary. The first conclusion is the lack of accuracy that has the threshold value of 120 W/m2 and the difficulty of giving a single value of this threshold. The sudden changes and intermittent weather conditions, combined with the poor temporal resolution of the measure of the burn width, reduce the correlation between burn and DSI. For further research aimed at the study of the behavior of the insolation due to the changing concentration of aerosols in the atmosphere, we need to increase the number of burned sunshine bands and to describe with more accuracy the limitations of heliographs.

Generation and collection of restaurant waste: Characterization and evaluation at a case study in Italy.

PubMed

Tatàno, Fabio; Caramiello, Cristina; Paolini, Tonino; Tripolone, Luca

2017-03-01

Because restaurants (as a division of the hospitality sector) contribute to the generation of commercial and institutional waste, thus representing both a challenge and an opportunity, the objective of the present study was to deepen the knowledge of restaurant waste in terms of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of waste generation and the performance achievable by the implementation of a separate collection scheme. In this study, the generated waste was characterized and the implemented separate collection was evaluated at a relevant case study restaurant in a coastal tourist area of Central Italy (Marche Region, Adriatic Sea side). The qualitative (compositional) characterization of the generated total restaurant waste showed considerable incidences of, in decreasing order, food (28.2%), glass (22.6%), paper/cardboard (19.1%), and plastic (17.1%). The quantitative (parametric) characterization of the generated restaurant waste determined the unit generation values of total waste and individual fractions based on the traditional employee and area parameters and the peculiar meal parameter. In particular, the obtained representative values per meal were: 0.72kgmeal -1 for total waste, and ranging, for individual fractions, from 0.20 (for food) to 0.008kgmeal -1 (for textile). Based on the critical evaluation of some of the resulting unit waste generation values, possible influences of restaurant practices, conditions, or characteristics were pointed out. In particular, food waste generation per meal can likely be limited by: promoting and using local, fresh, and quality food; standardizing and limiting daily menu items; basing food recipes on consolidated cooking knowledge and experience; and limiting plate sizes. The evaluation of the monthly variation of the monitored separate collection, ranging from an higher level of 52.7% to a lower level of 41.4%, indicated the following: a reduction in the separate collection level can be expected at times of high working pressure or the closing of a seasonal business (typical for restaurants in tourist areas); and the monthly variation of the separate collection level is inversely correlated with that of the unit generation of total waste per meal. The interception rates of the different restaurant waste fractions collected separately presented a ranking order (i.e., 96.0% for glass, 67.7% for paper/cardboard, 34.4% for food, 20.6% for metal, and 17.9% for plastic) similar to the order of efficiencies achievable at both small and large urban levels. Finally, the original concept of the customer equivalent person (P ce ) was introduced and behaviorally evaluated at the case study restaurant, providing the values of 0.42 and 0.39kgP ce -1 day -1 for the food waste generation and the landfilling of biodegradable waste by the customer equivalent person, respectively. These values were compared, respectively, with the food waste generation per person at the household level and the landfilling of biodegradable waste per inhabitant at the territorial level. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphology, composition, and mixing state of primary particles from combustion sources - crop residue, wood, and solid waste.

PubMed

Liu, Lei; Kong, Shaofei; Zhang, Yinxiao; Wang, Yuanyuan; Xu, Liang; Yan, Qin; Lingaswamy, A P; Shi, Zongbo; Lv, Senlin; Niu, Hongya; Shao, Longyi; Hu, Min; Zhang, Daizhou; Chen, Jianmin; Zhang, Xiaoye; Li, Weijun

2017-07-11

Morphology, composition, and mixing state of individual particles emitted from crop residue, wood, and solid waste combustion in a residential stove were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our study showed that particles from crop residue and apple wood combustion were mainly organic matter (OM) in smoldering phase, whereas soot-OM internally mixed with K in flaming phase. Wild grass combustion in flaming phase released some Cl-rich-OM/soot particles and cardboard combustion released OM and S-rich particles. Interestingly, particles from hardwood (pear wood and bamboo) and softwood (cypress and pine wood) combustion were mainly soot and OM in the flaming phase, respectively. The combustion of foam boxes, rubber tires, and plastic bottles/bags in the flaming phase released large amounts of soot internally mixed with a small amount of OM, whereas the combustion of printed circuit boards and copper-core cables emitted large amounts of OM with Br-rich inclusions. In addition, the printed circuit board combustion released toxic metals containing Pb, Zn, Sn, and Sb. The results are important to document properties of primary particles from combustion sources, which can be used to trace the sources of ambient particles and to know their potential impacts in human health and radiative forcing in the air.

Monitoring/characterization of stickies contaminants coming from a papermaking plant--Toward an innovative exploitation of the screen rejects to levulinic acid.

PubMed

Licursi, Domenico; Antonetti, Claudia; Martinelli, Marco; Ribechini, Erika; Zanaboni, Marco; Raspolli Galletti, Anna Maria

2016-03-01

Recycled paper needs a lot of mechanical/chemical treatments for its re-use in the papermaking process. Some of these ones produce considerable rejected waste fractions, such as "screen rejects", which include both cellulose fibers and non-fibrous organic contaminants, or "stickies", these last representing a shortcoming both for the papermaking process and for the quality of the final product. Instead, the accepted fractions coming from these unit operations become progressively poorer in contaminants and richer in cellulose. Here, input and output streams coming from mechanical screening systems of a papermaking plant using recycled paper for cardboard production were sampled and analyzed directly and after solvent extraction, thus confirming the abundant presence of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers in the output rejected stream and cellulose in the output accepted one. Despite some significant drawbacks, the "screen reject" fraction could be traditionally used as fuel for energy recovery within the paper mill, in agreement with the integrated recycled paper mill approach. The waste, which still contains a cellulose fraction, can be also exploited by means of the hydrothermal route to give levulinic acid, a platform chemical of very high value added. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Building a Low Cost Solar Oven: An Opportunity to Teach Thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nogueira, Ana

2014-03-01

We suggested building a solar oven using cardboard boxes, glass wool and metal plate as part of a school project permeated by the discussion of physical concepts. The main topics addressed are from the heat and thermodynamics areas, and for these themes we followed the standard books used in high school. We can work in a practical manner with the thermometer, along with the concept of temperature, measuring the temperature of the oven when cooking. To discuss how the oven works, we introduce the concept of heat as an energy flow of a body with a higher temperature to one with lower temperature. Threads as heat capacity and specific heat of a substance are introduced, also discussing the use of glass wool, which function is to prevent heat exchange from the oven's interior with the environment. It is possible to demonstrate the three forms of heat transfer using the solar oven, and how the greenhouse effect is harnessed. One can discuss topics such as electromagnetic radiation, black-body radiation and the Stefan-Boltzmann law. We surveyed the response curve of our oven and an estimate of its total solar energy absorption efficiency. The development of this project allows a good understanding of the operation principles of a solar oven. UNIMONTES.

Solid industrial wastes and their management in Asegra (Granada, Spain)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Casares, M.L.; Ulierte, N.; Mataran, A.

ASEGRA is an industrial area in Granada (Spain) with important waste management problems. In order to properly manage and control waste production in industry, one must know the quantity, type, and composition of industrial wastes, as well as the management practices of the companies involved. In our study, questionnaires were used to collect data regarding methods of waste management used in 170 of the 230 businesses in the area of study. The majority of these companies in ASEGRA are small or medium-size, and belong to the service sector, transport, and distribution. This was naturally a conditioning factor in both themore » type and management of the wastes generated. It was observed that paper and cardboard, plastic, wood, and metals were the most common types of waste, mainly generated from packaging (49% of the total volume), as well as material used in containers and for wrapping products. Serious problems were observed in the management of these wastes. In most cases they were disposed of by dumping, and very rarely did businesses resort to reuse, recycling or valorization. Smaller companies encountered greater difficulties when it came to effective waste management. The most frequent solution for the disposal of wastes in the area was dumping.« less

The role of edges in the selection of a jump target in Mantis religiosa.

PubMed

Hyden, Karin; Kral, Karl

2005-09-30

Before jumping to a landing object, praying mantids determine the distance, using information obtained from retinal image motion resulting from horizontal peering movements. The present study investigates the peering-jump behaviour of Mantis religiosa larvae with regard to jump targets differing in shape and size. The experimental animals were presented with square, triangular and round target objects with visual extensions of 20 degrees and 40 degrees. The cardboard objects, presented against a uniform white background, were solid black or shaded with a gradation from white to black. It was found that larger objects were preferred to smaller ones as jump targets, and that the square and triangle were preferred to the round disk. When two objects were presented, no preference was exhibited between square and triangular objects. However, when three objects were presented, the square was preferred. For targets with a visual angle of 40 degrees, the amplitude and velocity of the horizontal peering movements were greater for the round disk than for the square or triangle. This amplification of the peering movements suggests that weaker motion signals are generated in the case of curved edges. This may help to account for the preference for the square and triangle as jump targets.

Reverse logistics system and recycling potential at a landfill: A case study from Kampala City.

PubMed

Kinobe, J R; Gebresenbet, G; Niwagaba, C B; Vinnerås, B

2015-08-01

The rapid growing population and high urbanisation rates in Sub-Saharan Africa has caused enormous pressure on collection services of the generated waste in the urban areas. This has put a burden on landfilling, which is the major waste disposal method. Waste reduction, re-use and recycling opportunities exist but are not fully utilized. The common items that are re-used and re-cycled are plastics, paper, aluminum, glass, steel, cardboard, and yard waste. This paper develops an overview of reverse logistics at Kiteezi landfill, the only officially recognised waste disposal facility for Kampala City. The paper analyses, in details the collection, re-processing, re-distribution and final markets of these products into a reversed supply chain network. Only 14% of the products at Kiteezi landfill are channeled into the reverse chain while 63% could be included in the distribution chain but are left out and disposed of while the remaining 23% is buried. This is because of the low processing power available, lack of market value, lack of knowledge and limited value addition activities to the products. This paper proposes possible strategies of efficient and effective reverse logistics development, applicable to Kampala City and other similar cities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Seasonal analysis of the generation and composition of solid waste: potential use--a case study.

PubMed

Aguilar-Virgen, Quetzalli; Taboada-González, Paul; Ojeda-Benítez, Sara

2013-06-01

Ensenada health officials lack pertinent information on the sustainable management of solid waste, as do health officials from other developing countries. The aims of this research are: (a) to quantify and analyze the household solid wastes generated in the city of Ensenada, Mexico, and (b) to project biogas production and estimate generation of electrical energy. The characterization study was conducted by socioeconomic stratification in two seasonal periods, and the biogas and electrical energy projections were performed using the version 2.0 Mexico Biogas Model. Per capita solid waste generation was 0.779 ± 0.019 kg per person per day within a 98 % confidence interval. Waste composition is composed mainly of food scraps at 36.25 %, followed by paper and cardboard at 21.85 %, plastic at 12.30 %, disposable diapers at 6.26 %, and textiles at 6.28 %. The maximum capacity for power generation is projected to be 1.90 MW in 2019. Waste generated could be used as an intermediate in different processes such as recycling (41.04 %) and energy recovery (46.63 %). The electrical energy that could be obtained using the biogas generated at the Ensenada sanitary landfill would provide roughly 60 % of the energy needed for street lighting.

Portable containment sleever apparatus

DOEpatents

Rea, Michael J.; Brown, Roger A.

2000-01-01

A sleever apparatus includes an inner member with a central passage through which an item to be sleeved is passed. An outer member surrounds the inner member and defines a space between the members for holding a supply of containment material, which is preferably plastic sleeving. The apparatus has a handle which allows a user to hold the apparatus and walk the apparatus along the length of the item to be sleeved. As the user passes the item through the sleever apparatus, the containment material exits through a slit at one end of the apparatus in order to contain the item. The sleever apparatus may be formed of disposable materials, such as cardboard, and may be intended for a single use application. Alternatively, the sleever apparatus may be comprised of more permanent materials such as PVC or fiberglass. The sleever apparatus may include a serrated end for cutting the containment material and may include appropriate tubing and valves for either directing an inert gas into the containment material around the item or for withdrawing air from within the containment material in order to create a vacuum. In one embodiment, the sleever apparatus has a cartridge that can be replaced with another cartridge once the supply of the containment material has been depleted.

Analysis of different materials subjected to open-air explosions in search of explosive traces by Raman microscopy.

PubMed

Zapata, Félix; García-Ruiz, Carmen

2017-06-01

Post-explosion scenes offer such chaos and destruction that evidence recovery and detection of post-blast residues from the explosive in the surrounding materials is highly challenging and difficult. The suitability of materials to retain explosives residues and their subsequent analysis has been scarcely investigated. Particularly, the use of explosive mixtures containing inorganic oxidizing salts to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a current security concern due to their wide availability and lax control. In this work, a wide variety of materials such as glass, steel, plywood, plastic bag, brick, cardboard or cotton subjected to open-air explosions were examined using confocal Raman microscopy, aiming to detect the inorganic oxidizing salts contained in explosives as black powder, chloratite, dynamite, ammonium nitrate fuel oil and ammonal. Post-blast residues were detected through microscopic examination of materials surfaces. In general, the more homogeneous and smoother the surface was, the less difficulties and better results in terms of identification were obtained. However, those highly irregular surfaces were the most unsuitable collectors for the posterior identification of explosive traces by Raman microscopy. The findings, difficulties and some recommendations related to the identification of post-blast particles in the different materials studied are thoroughly discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk factors for the introduction of high pathogenicity Avian Influenza virus into poultry farms during the epidemic in the Netherlands in 2003.

PubMed

Thomas, M E; Bouma, A; Ekker, H M; Fonken, A J M; Stegeman, J A; Nielen, M

2005-06-10

An epidemic of high pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) occurred in the Netherlands in 2003. A census survey of 173 infected and 401 uninfected commercial poultry farms was carried out to identify factors associated with the introduction of the HPAI virus into poultry farms. Data on farm size, production characteristics, type of housing, presence of cattle and pigs were gathered by the National Inspection Service for Livestock and Meat from all farms included in this study. For each risk factor (RF) available for analysis, the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio was calculated (stratified on farm size and housing type). We found an increased risk of HPAI virus introduction in layer finisher type poultry: OR = 2.05 (95% confidence interval, CI = 1.29-3.27). An explanation for this increased risk is the high number of contacts between these farms, especially via cardboard egg trays used for removal of eggs during the epidemic. Our analysis did not indicate significant differences between the infected and uninfected farms with regard to housing type, presence of cattle or pigs. Since layer finisher type farms are assumed to be at higher risk for HPAI virus introduction, more specific control measures might be applied in future outbreaks.

Effect of Summon Preferred Food Source on feeding, tunneling, and bait station discovery by the formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

PubMed

Cornelius, Mary L; Lax, Alan R

2005-04-01

This study evaluated the effect of Summon Preferred Food Source on feeding, tunneling, and bait station discovery by the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Bioassays were conducted to determine whether Summon disks affected the aggregation and feeding behavior of termites and to determine whether the presence of Summon disks caused increased recruitment of termites to wood blocks. When termites encountered the disk, they immediately clustered on top of the disk. Termites were observed aggregating on top of the disk throughout the experiment. Consumption of Summon disks was significantly greater than consumption of cardboard disks in paired choice tests. The presence of a Summon disk on top of a wood block caused a significant increase in consumption of the wood block. Bioassays also were conducted to determine whether water extracts of Summon disks affected termite behavior. Consumption of filter paper disks treated with a water extract of Summon disks was significantly greater than consumption of control filter paper disks. Termites tunneled through sand treated with a water extract of Summon disks faster than they tunneled through untreated sand. In a field test, the rate of infestation of monitoring stations with a Summon disk was 3 times greater than the rate of infestations of stations without a disk.

Tolerance of Low Temperature and Sterilizing Irradiation in Males of Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae)

PubMed Central

Mutika, Gratian Nyambirai; Parker, Andrew Gordon

2014-01-01

Abstract Investigations into the possibility of using the chilled adult release system are continuing as an alternative method to the release of sterile tsetse flies, Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera: Glossinidae) in cardboard boxes. Exposing tsetse flies to 4°C for 6 h caused negligible mortality. A combination of chilling and irradiation resulted in reduced quantities of seminal contents being transferred to females. Mortality of flies after bulk irradiation was lower when a thermos flask was used than expanded polystyrene. Mortality after removal from cold storage increased with age. Flies that did not have a blood meal for 3 d prior to exposure to cold had a lower overnight survival than flies that were deprived of a blood meal for 1 or 2 d. Exposure of adult male tsetse flies to low temperature should be for as short a duration as is practical, so that the fitness of the released sterile flies is not unduly compromised. It is also necessary to ensure that losses are minimized during bulk irradiation of adult flies. It would be desirable to have minimal losses after the combined effects of irradiation, cold, and transportation, such that a sufficient number of sterile male flies will still be available to successfully compete for mating opportunities with wild females. PMID:25527576

Ozone from fireworks: Chemical processes or measurement interference?

PubMed

Xu, Zheng; Nie, Wei; Chi, Xuguang; Huang, Xin; Zheng, Longfei; Xu, Zhengning; Wang, Jiaping; Xie, Yuning; Qi, Ximeng; Wang, Xinfeng; Xue, Likun; Ding, Aijun

2018-08-15

Fireworks have been identified as one ozone source by photolyzing NO 2 or O 2 and are believed to potentially be important for the nighttime ozone during firework events. In this study, we conducted both lab and field experiments to test two types of fireworks with low and high energy with the goal to distinguish whether the visible ozone signal during firework displays is real. The results suggest that previous understanding of the ozone formation mechanism during fireworks is misunderstood. Ultraviolet ray (UV)-based ozone monitors are interfered by aerosols and some specific VOCs. High-energy fireworks emit high concentrations of particular matters and low VOCs that the artificial ozone can be easily removed by an aerosol filter. Low-energy fireworks emit large amounts of VOCs mostly from the combustion of the cardboard from fireworks that largely interferes with the ozone monitor. Benzene and phenol might be major contributors to the artificial ozone signal. We further checked the nighttime ozone concentration in Jinan and Beijing, China, during Chinese New Year, a period with intense fireworks. A signal of 3-8ppbv ozone was detected and positively correlated to NO and SO 2 , suggesting a considerable influence of these chemicals in interfering with ambient ozone monitoring. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimation of regional building-related C&D debris generation and composition: case study for Florida, US.

PubMed

Cochran, Kimberly; Townsend, Timothy; Reinhart, Debra; Heck, Howell

2007-01-01

Methodology for the accounting, generation, and composition of building-related construction and demolition (C&D) at a regional level was explored. Six specific categories of debris were examined: residential construction, nonresidential construction, residential demolition, nonresidential demolition, residential renovation, and nonresidential renovation. Debris produced from each activity was calculated as the product of the total area of activity and waste generated per unit area of activity. Similarly, composition was estimated as the product of the total area of activity and the amount of each waste component generated per unit area. The area of activity was calculated using statistical data, and individual site studies were used to assess the average amount of waste generated per unit area. The application of the methodology was illustrated using Florida, US approximately 3,750,000 metric tons of building-related C&D debris were estimated as generated in Florida in 2000. Of that amount, concrete represented 56%, wood 13%, drywall 11%, miscellaneous debris 8%, asphalt roofing materials 7%, metal 3%, cardboard 1%, and plastic 1%. This model differs from others because it accommodates regional construction styles and available data. The resulting generation amount per capita is less than the US estimate - attributable to the high construction, low demolition activity seen in Florida.

Altered Perspectives: Immersive Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shipman, J. S.; Webley, P. W.

2016-12-01

Immersive environments provide an exciting experiential technology to visualize the natural world. Given the increasing accessibility of 360o cameras and virtual reality headsets we are now able to visualize artistic principles and scientific concepts in a fully immersive environment. The technology has become popular for photographers as well as designers, industry, educational groups, and museums. Here we show a sci-art perspective on the use of optics and light in the capture and manipulation of 360o images and video of geologic phenomena and cultural heritage sites in Alaska, England, and France. Additionally, we will generate intentionally altered perspectives to lend a surrealistic quality to the landscapes. Locations include the Catacombs of Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and the Northern Lights over Fairbanks, Alaska. Some 360o view cameras now use small portable dual lens technology extending beyond the 180o fish eye lens previously used, providing better coverage and image quality. Virtual reality headsets range in level of sophistication and cost, with the most affordable versions using smart phones and Google Cardboard viewers. The equipment used in this presentation includes a Ricoh Theta S spherical imaging camera. Here we will demonstrate the use of 360o imaging with attendees being able to be part of the immersive environment and experience our locations as if they were visiting themselves.

Control of Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) in peach orchards.

PubMed

de Carvalho Barbosa Negrisoli, Carla Ruth; Negrisoli, Aldomario Santo; Garcia, Mauro Silveira; Dolinski, Claudia; Bernardi, Daniel

2013-10-01

Oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is considered a major pest in temperate fruit trees, such as peach and apple. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are regarded as viable for pest management control due to their efficiency against tortricid in these trees. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of native EPNs from Rio Grande do Sul state against pre-pupae of G. molesta under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, pre-pupae of G. molesta were placed in corrugated cardboard sheets inside glass tubes and exposed to 17 different EPNs strains at concentrations of 6, 12, 24, 48 and 60 IJs/cm(2) and maintained at 25 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and photophase of 16 h. Insect mortality was recorded 72 h after inoculation of EPNs. Steinernema rarum RS69 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora RS33 were the most virulent strains and selected for field application (LC95 of 70.5 and 53.8 IJs/cm(2), respectively). Both strains were highly efficient under field conditions when applied in aqueous suspension directed to larvae on peach tree trunk, causing mortality of 94 and 97.0%, respectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Metin, E.; Eroeztuerk, A.; Neyim, C

This paper provides a general overview of solid waste data and management practices employed in Turkey during the last decade. Municipal solid waste statistics and management practices including waste recovery and recycling initiatives have been evaluated. Detailed data on solid waste management practices including collection, recovery and disposal, together with the results of cost analyses, have been presented. Based on these evaluations basic cost estimations on collection and sorting of recyclable solid waste in Turkey have been provided. The results indicate that the household solid waste generation in Turkey, per capita, is around 0.6 kg/year, whereas municipal solid waste generationmore » is close to 1 kg/year. The major constituents of municipal solid waste are organic in nature and approximately 1/4 of municipal solid waste is recyclable. Separate collection programmes for recyclable household waste by more than 60 municipalities, continuing in excess of 3 years, demonstrate solid evidence for public acceptance and continuing support from the citizens. Opinion polls indicate that more than 80% of the population in the project regions is ready and willing to participate in separate collection programmes. The analysis of output data of the Material Recovery Facilities shows that, although paper, including cardboard, is the main constituent, the composition of recyclable waste varies strongly by the source or the type of collection point.« less

Fabrication and performance analysis of a low cost parabolic type solar cooker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akter, Farhana Nasrin; Islam, Muhammed Kamrul; Begum, Nurun Nahar

2017-06-01

Developing countries depend mostly on natural fuel sources such as wood fuel, fossil fuel (kerosene and liquid petroleum gas) etc. for cooking purpose. However, these are expensive and also lead to the threads like deforestation as well as environmental degradation. An alternative renewable energy source like solar energy can contribute a solution towards the adverse crisis of fuel consumption along with environmental pollution of developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to design and fabricate a cost effective solar cooker for domestic purposes as well as performance analysis in order to evaluate its effectiveness. The cooker has been made of cardboard, tin, aluminum foil (polished and non-polished) and glass. Simple construction with reflectors surrounded by tin was fabricated with 1000ml load of water in the cooker hanging by a stand and observed that the best comparative performance in areas with longest durations of clear sky greatest direct ray falling on the collector cookers under moderate cloudy conditions. By applying better techniques for construction of solar cooker with low maintenance through testing and graphing the result, increasing of temperature with minimum cost for cooking purpose was outcome with portable cooker. In this analysis, analytical and experimental values varied due to fickle weather, however, maximum temperature variation was found 36 degree Celsius with efficiency 8.8% in the cooker made of aluminum foil (non-polished).

Forensic analysis of latent fingermarks by silver-assisted LDI imaging MS on nonconductive surfaces.

PubMed

Lauzon, N; Dufresne, M; Beaudoin, A; Chaurand, P

2017-06-01

Silver-assisted laser desorption ionization (AgLDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has been demonstrated to be a useful technology for fingermark analysis allowing for the detection of several classes of endogenous as well as exogenous compounds. Ideally, in IMS analyses, the fingermarks are deposited under controlled conditions on metallized conductive target slides. However, in forensic investigations, fingermarks are often found on a variety of nonconductive surfaces. A sputtered silver layer renders the target surface conductive, which allows the analyses of insulating surfaces by time-of-flight IMS. Ultimately, the major consideration when developing analytical methods for the analysis of latent fingermarks is their capability to be incorporated within forensic standard operational procedures. To demonstrate the potential of AgLDI IMS for forensic applications, fingermarks deposited on nonconductive surfaces commonly found during an investigation, including paper, cardboard, plastic bags and lifting tape, were first revealed by the Sûreté du Québec by using forensic enhancement techniques prior to the IMS analyses. Numerous endogenous compounds including fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, wax esters, triglycerides and several exogenous substances were detected and imaged. Here, we show that silver sputtering can provide visual enhancements of fingerprint patterns after FET procedures through different scenarios in which AgLDI IMS can contribute to forensic investigations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterization of household waste in Greenland

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eisted, Rasmus, E-mail: raei@env.dtu.dk; Christensen, Thomas H.

2011-07-15

The composition of household waste in Greenland was investigated for the first time. About 2 tonnes of household waste was sampled as every 7th bag collected during 1 week along the scheduled collection routes in Sisimiut, the second largest town in Greenland with about 5400 inhabitants. The collection bags were sorted manually into 10 material fractions. The household waste composition consisted primarily of biowaste (43%) and the combustible fraction (30%), including anything combustible that did not belong to other clean fractions as paper, cardboard and plastic. Paper (8%) (dominated by magazine type paper) and glass (7%) were other important materialmore » fractions of the household waste. The remaining approximately 10% constituted of steel (1.5%), aluminum (0.5%), plastic (2.4%), wood (1.0%), non-combustible waste (1.8%) and household hazardous waste (1.2%). The high content of biowaste and the low content of paper make Greenlandic waste much different from Danish household waste. The moisture content, calorific value and chemical composition (55 elements, of which 22 were below detection limits) were determined for each material fraction. These characteristics were similar to what has been found for material fractions in Danish household waste. The chemical composition and the calorific value of the plastic fraction revealed that this fraction was not clean but contained a lot of biowaste. The established waste composition is useful in assessing alternative waste management schemes for household waste in Greenland.« less

Production patterns of packaging waste categories generated at typical Mediterranean residential building worksites.

PubMed

González Pericot, N; Villoria Sáez, P; Del Río Merino, M; Liébana Carrasco, O

2014-11-01

The construction sector is responsible for around 28% of the total waste volume generated in Europe, which exceeds the amount of household waste. This has led to an increase of different research studies focusing on construction waste quantification. However, within the research studies made, packaging waste has been analyzed to a limited extent. This article focuses on the packaging waste stream generated in the construction sector. To this purpose current on-site waste packaging management has been assessed by monitoring ten Mediterranean residential building works. The findings of the experimental data collection revealed that the incentive measures implemented by the construction company to improve on-site waste sorting failed to achieve the intended purpose, showing low segregation ratios. Subsequently, through an analytical study the generation patterns for packaging waste are established, leading to the identification of the prevailing kinds of packaging and the products responsible for their generation. Results indicate that plastic waste generation maintains a constant trend throughout the whole construction process, while cardboard becomes predominant towards the end of the construction works with switches and sockets from the electricity stage. Understanding the production patterns of packaging waste will be beneficial for adapting waste management strategies to the identified patterns for the specific nature of packaging waste within the context of construction worksites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mobile devices, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Digital Geoscience Education.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crompton, H.; De Paor, D. G.; Whitmeyer, S. J.; Bentley, C.

2016-12-01

Mobile devices are playing an increasing role in geoscience education. Affordances include instructor-student communication and class management in large classrooms, virtual and augmented reality applications, digital mapping, and crowd-sourcing. Mobile technologies have spawned the sub field of mobile learning or m-learning, which is defined as learning across multiple contexts, through social and content interactions. Geoscientists have traditionally engaged in non-digital mobile learning via fieldwork, but digital devices are greatly extending the possibilities, especially for non-traditional students. Smartphones and tablets are the most common devices but smart glasses such as Pivothead enable live streaming of a first-person view (see for example, https://youtu.be/gWrDaYP5w58). Virtual reality headsets such as Google Cardboard create an immersive virtual field experience and digital imagery such as GigaPan and Structure from Motion enables instructors and/or students to create virtual specimens and outcrops that are sharable across the globe. Whereas virtual reality (VR) replaces the real world with a virtual representation, augmented reality (AR) overlays digital data on the live scene visible to the user in real time. We have previously reported on our use of the AR application called FreshAiR for geoscientific "egg hunts." The popularity of Pokémon Go demonstrates the potential of AR for mobile learning in the geosciences.

Application of dual-energy x-ray techniques for automated food container inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shashishekhar, N.; Veselitza, D.

2016-02-01

Manufacturing for plastic food containers often results in small metal particles getting into the containers during the production process. Metal detectors are usually not sensitive enough to detect these metal particles (0.5 mm or lesser), especially when the containers are stacked in large sealed shipping packages; X-ray inspection of these packages provides a viable alternative. This paper presents the results of an investigation into dual-energy X-ray techniques for automated detection of small metal particles in plastic food container packages. The sample packages consist of sealed cardboard boxes containing stacks of food containers: plastic cups for food, and Styrofoam cups for noodles. The primary goal of the investigation was to automatically identify small metal particles down to 0.5 mm diameter in size or less, randomly located within the containers. The multiple container stacks in each box make it virtually impossible to reliably detect the particles with single-energy X-ray techniques either visually or with image processing. The stacks get overlaid in the X-ray image and create many indications almost identical in contrast and size to real metal particles. Dual-energy X-ray techniques were investigated and found to result in a clear separation of the metal particles from the food container stack-ups. Automated image analysis of the resulting images provides reliable detection of the small metal particles.

AR Feels "Softer" than VR: Haptic Perception of Stiffness in Augmented versus Virtual Reality.

PubMed

Gaffary, Yoren; Le Gouis, Benoit; Marchal, Maud; Argelaguet, Ferran; Arnaldi, Bruno; Lecuyer, Anatole

2017-11-01

Does it feel the same when you touch an object in Augmented Reality (AR) or in Virtual Reality (VR)? In this paper we study and compare the haptic perception of stiffness of a virtual object in two situations: (1) a purely virtual environment versus (2) a real and augmented environment. We have designed an experimental setup based on a Microsoft HoloLens and a haptic force-feedback device, enabling to press a virtual piston, and compare its stiffness successively in either Augmented Reality (the virtual piston is surrounded by several real objects all located inside a cardboard box) or in Virtual Reality (the same virtual piston is displayed in a fully virtual scene composed of the same other objects). We have conducted a psychophysical experiment with 12 participants. Our results show a surprising bias in perception between the two conditions. The virtual piston is on average perceived stiffer in the VR condition compared to the AR condition. For instance, when the piston had the same stiffness in AR and VR, participants would select the VR piston as the stiffer one in 60% of cases. This suggests a psychological effect as if objects in AR would feel "softer" than in pure VR. Taken together, our results open new perspectives on perception in AR versus VR, and pave the way to future studies aiming at characterizing potential perceptual biases.

Tablet based simulation provides a new solution to accessing laparoscopic skills training.

PubMed

Bahsoun, Ali Nehme; Malik, Mohsan Munir; Ahmed, Kamran; El-Hage, Oussama; Jaye, Peter; Dasgupta, Prokar

2013-01-01

Access to facilities that allow trainees to develop their laparoscopic skills is very limited in the hospital environment and courses can be very expensive. We set out to build an inexpensive yet effective trainer to allow laparoscopic skill acquisition in the home or classroom environment based on using a tablet as a replacement for the laparoscopic stack and camera. The cavity in which to train was made from a cardboard box; we left the sides and back open to allow for natural light to fill the cavity. An iPad 2 (Apple Inc.) was placed over the box to act as our camera and monitor. We provided 10 experienced laparoscopic surgeons with the task of passing a suture needle through 3 hoops; then they filled in a questionnaire to assess Face (training capacity) and Content (performance) validity. On a 5-point Likert scale, the tablet-based laparoscopic trainer scored a mean 4.2 for training capacity (hand eye coordination, development, and maintenance of lap skills) and for performance (graphics, video, and lighting quality) it scored a mean 4.1. The iPad 2-based laparoscopic trainer was successfully validated for training. It allows students and trainees to practice at their own pace and for inexpensive training on the go. Future "app-"based skills are planned. Copyright © 2013 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The study of operating an air conditioning system using Maisotsenko-Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Mohammad S.; Tahan, Sami; Toufic El-Achkar, Mohamad; Abou Jamus, Saleh

2018-03-01

The project aims to design and build an air conditioning system that runs on the Maisotsenko cycle. The system is required to condition and cool down ambient air for a small residential space with the reduction in the use of electricity and eliminating the use of commercial refrigerants. This project can operate at its optimum performance in remote areas like oil diggers and other projects that run in the desert or any site that would not have a very high relative humidity level. The Maisotsenko cycle is known as the thermodynamic concept that captures energy from the air by using the psychometric renewable energy available in the latent heat in water evaporating in air. The heat and mass exchanger design was based on choosing a material that would-be water resistant and breathable, which was found to be layers of cardboard placed on top of each other and thus creating channels for air to pass through. Aiming for this design eliminates any high power electrical equipment such as compressors, condensers and evaporators that would be used in an AC system with the exception of a 600 W blower and a 10 W fan, thus making it a more environmentally friendly project. Moreover, the project is limited by the ambient temperature and humidity, as the model operates at an optimum when the relative humidity is lower.

Experimenting with Different Bulking Agents in an Aerobic Food Waste Composter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chann, S.

2016-12-01

With one third of Hong Kong's solid wastage being food scraps, reducing food waste has become crucial. The ISF Academy, a Hong Kong private school, had an A900 Rocket Food Composter installed in 2013, hoping to reduce its carbon footprint. The 27 metric tons of food wastage produced annually by the school is put through an aerobic process and the wastage is converted into humus. The composter has a capacity of 1750 litres of food and it produces humus every 14 days. The base of the humus consists of a bulking agent and food waste (2:1). A bulking agent is a carbon based material used to absorb moisture and odors, add structure and air and eliminate bugs from humus. This study contains comparative data on a few of the listed bulking agents: Hemp, Kenaf, rapeseed oil straw, miscanthus and shredded cardboard. The aim of this study is to determine an alternative reliable, affordable and suitable bulking agent to wood shavings: the current agent used. The humus produced must pass regulations for "general agricultural use" as it is used for experiential learning and gardening with primary school students. Over 500 children are participating in the school's plantation project, producing legumes for the school cafeteria. ISF pioneers and sets an example for other Hong Kong schools, showing that a composting and plantation scheme, not only proves to have environmental benefits but also educational uses.

The direct environmental impact of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement: a surgical waste audit of five cases

PubMed Central

de SA, Darren; Stephens, Kellee; Kuang, Michelle; Simunovic, Nicole; Karlsson, Jon; Ayeni, Olufemi R.

2016-01-01

Health care facilities produce significant waste (2200 kg/bed/year) creating 2% of greenhouse gas emissions and 1% total solid waste nationwide, with 20–70% of waste coming from operating rooms. We performed a waste audit of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) to understand its environmental impact and identify areas for greening practices. A waste audit of five hip arthroscopy procedures for FAI was performed. All waste was collected and separated into six waste streams in real time: (i) normal/landfill waste; (ii) recyclable cardboards and plastics; (iii) biohazard waste; (iv) sharp items; (v) linens and (vi) sterile wrapping. The surgical waste (except laundered linens) from five FAI surgeries totaled 47.4 kg, including 21.7 kg (45.7%) of biohazard waste, 11.7 kg (24.6%) of sterile wrap, 6.4 kg (13.5%) of normal/landfill waste, 6.4 kg (13.5%) of recyclable plastics and 1.2 kg (2.6%) of sharp items. An average of 9.4 kg (excluding laundered linens) of waste was produced per procedure. Given the considerable biohazard waste produced by FAI procedures, additional recycling programs, continued adherence to proper waste segregation and an emphasis on ‘green outcomes’ is encouraged to demonstrate environmental responsibility and effectively manage and allocate finite resources. PMID:27583149

Simplified two-dimensional microwave imaging scheme using metamaterial-loaded Vivaldi antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johari, Esha; Akhter, Zubair; Bhaskar, Manoj; Akhtar, M. Jaleel

2017-03-01

In this paper, a highly efficient, low-cost scheme for two-dimensional microwave imaging is proposed. To this end, the AZIM (anisotropic zero index metamaterial) cell-loaded Vivaldi antenna is designed and tested as effective electromagnetic radiation beam source required in the microwave imaging scheme. The designed antenna is first individually tested in the anechoic chamber, and its directivity along with the radiation pattern is obtained. The measurement setup for the imaging here involves a vector network analyzer, the AZIM cell-loaded ultra-wideband Vivaldi antenna, and other associated microwave components. The potential of the designed antenna for the microwave imaging is tested by first obtaining the two-dimensional reflectivity images of metallic samples of different shapes placed in front of the antenna, using the proposed scheme. In the next step, these sets of samples are hidden behind wooden blocks of different thicknesses and the reflectivity image of the test media is reconstructed by using the proposed scheme. Finally, the reflectivity images of various dielectric samples (Teflon, Plexiglas, permanent magnet moving coil) along with the copper sheet placed on a piece of cardboard are reconstructed by using the proposed setup. The images obtained for each case are plotted and compared with the actual objects, and a close match is observed which shows the applicability of the proposed scheme for through-wall imaging and the detection of concealed objects.

Environmental analysis of a construction and demolition waste recycling plant in Portugal--Part I: energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

PubMed

Coelho, André; de Brito, Jorge

2013-05-01

This work is a part of a wider study involving the economic and environmental implications of managing construction and demolition waste (CDW), focused on the operation of a large scale CDW recycling plant. This plant, to be operated in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (including the Setúbal peninsula), is analysed for a 60 year period, using primary energy consumption and CO2eq emission impact factors as environmental impact performance indicators. Simplified estimation methods are used to calculate industrial equipment incorporated, and the operation and transport related impacts. Material recycling--sorted materials sent to other industries, to act as input--is taken into account by discounting the impacts related to industrial processes no longer needed. This first part focuses on calculating the selected impact factors for a base case scenario (with a 350 tonnes/h installed capacity), while a sensitivity analysis is provided in part two. Overall, a 60 year global primary energy consumption of 71.4 thousand toe (tonne of oil equivalent) and a total CO2eq emission of 135.4 thousand tonnes are expected. Under this operating regime, around 563 thousand toe and 1465 thousand tonnes CO2eq could be prevented by replacing raw materials in several construction materials industries (e.g.: ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, paper and cardboard). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing recycling versus incineration of key materials in municipal waste: The importance of efficient energy recovery and transport distances.

PubMed

Merrild, Hanna; Larsen, Anna W; Christensen, Thomas H

2012-05-01

Recycling of materials from municipal solid waste is commonly considered to be superior to any other waste treatment alternative. For the material fractions with a significant energy content this might not be the case if the treatment alternative is a waste-to-energy plant with high energy recovery rates. The environmental impacts from recycling and from incineration of six material fractions in household waste have been compared through life cycle assessment assuming high-performance technologies for material recycling as well as for waste incineration. The results showed that there are environmental benefits when recycling paper, glass, steel and aluminium instead of incinerating it. For cardboard and plastic the results were more unclear, depending on the level of energy recovery at the incineration plant, the system boundaries chosen and which impact category was in focus. Further, the environmental impact potentials from collection, pre-treatment and transport was compared to the environmental benefit from recycling and this showed that with the right means of transport, recyclables can in most cases be transported long distances. However, the results also showed that recycling of some of the material fractions can only contribute marginally in improving the overall waste management system taking into consideration their limited content in average Danish household waste. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

From mixed to separate collection of solid waste: benefits for the town of Zavidovići (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

PubMed

Vaccari, Mentore; Di Bella, Veronica; Vitali, Francesco; Collivignarelli, Carlo

2013-02-01

In Bosnia and Herzegovina only 50% of the municipalities have a well-organized service for (mixed) waste collection and disposal. Illegal dumping is very common, in particular in rural areas, which are not regularly served by any service of collection. This situation leads to serious risks for public health and has dangerous environmental impacts. In Zavidovići the municipality is trying to meet high standards in the delivery of services of waste collection, but is constrained by scarce financial and technical resources. Different scenarios for the implementation of a system of separate collection in Zavidovići were elaborated in order to provide a useful tool for decision making by comparing costs and environmental & economic benefits of each scenario. Six scenarios were considered, based on different recovery rates for plastic, paper & cardboard, and metals. Benefits resulting from the implementation of each of the proposed scenarios are compared in terms of savings of landfill volume and costs. The study concludes that the adoption of a system of separate collection could generate positive impacts on all the stakeholders involved in the solid waste management sector in Zavidovići and could contribute to the compliance of European standards in many Central and Eastern European countries as established by a number of national environmental protection strategies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro and field studies on the contact and fumigant toxicity of a neem-product (Mite-Stop) against the developmental stages of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae.

PubMed

Locher, Nina; Al-Rasheid, Khaled A S; Abdel-Ghaffar, Fathy; Mehlhorn, Heinz

2010-07-01

The acaricidal activity of the neem product MiteStop was investigated for its potential use as a botanical acaricide for the control of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. This neem product is a special formulation of an extract of the seeds of the neem tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss. The efficacy was tested under laboratory conditions as well as in poultry houses. Four different methods of application were used in a filter paper bioassay to evaluate contact and vapour phase toxicity tests. The neem product proved to be already active in very small doses. In order to investigate the efficacy under field conditions, a poultry house was sprayed twice within a 7-day period using 1:33 and 1:50 diluted MiteStop. Cardboard traps were used to assess the mite population before, during and after the treatment. The mite population could be reduced by 89%. In a second poultry house, the spraying of defined areas with a 1:30, 1:33 or 1:50 dilution of the acaricide proved to be highly efficacious against all mite stages. Three other field trials proved that MiteStop is highly active against the red poultry mite. The most efficient dilution is 1:33 with tap water and spraying two or three times at intervals of 7 days.

Characterization of pica and chewing behaviors in privately owned cats: a case-control study.

PubMed

Demontigny-Bédard, Isabelle; Beauchamp, Guy; Bélanger, Marie-Claude; Frank, Diane

2016-08-01

The aim of this study was to characterize pica behavior in cats. Cat owners were recruited to participate in a questionnaire survey on pica behavior exhibited by their cats. Emphasis was put on the type of item ingested. Questions on early history and environment, as well as general health and gastrointestinal signs, were asked. Owners of healthy cats not showing pica were also recruited into a control group. Associations between variables and groups were statistically tested. Pica was directed most commonly at shoelaces or threads, followed by plastic, fabric, other items, rubber, paper or cardboard and wood. Some cats ingested specific items but only chewed others. A significant positive association was found between sucking and ingesting fabric (P = 0.002). Ad libitum feeding was significantly lower in the pica group than the control group (P = 0.01). Prevalence of self-sucking behavior was significantly higher in the pica group than the control group (P = 0.001). Cats with pica vomited significantly more often than control cats (P = 0.01). Pica, the ingestion of inedible items, does not seem to be the consequence of a suboptimal environment or early weaning. Cats with pica were less commonly fed ad libitum than healthy cats. As frequently reported, pica and vomiting were related, but the causative association is not well established and thus warrants further investigation. © The Author(s) 2015.

Visualization of the structural changes in plywood and gypsum board during the growth of Chaetomium globosum and Stachybotrys chartarum.

PubMed

Lewinska, Anna M; Hoof, Jakob B; Peuhkuri, Ruut H; Rode, Carsten; Lilje, Osu; Foley, Matthew; Trimby, Patrick; Andersen, Birgitte

2016-10-01

Fungal growth in indoor environments is associated with many negative health effects. Many studies focus on brown- and white-rot fungi and their effect on wood, but there is none that reveals the influence of soft-rot fungi, such as Stachybotrys spp. and Chaetomium spp., on the structure of building materials such as plywood and gypsum wallboard. This study focuses on using micro-computed tomography (microCT) to investigate changes of the structure of plywood and gypsum wallboard during fungal degradation by S. chartarum and C. globosum. Changes in the materials as a result of dampness and fungal growth were determined by measuring porosity and pore shape via microCT. The results show that the composition of the building material influenced the level of penetration by fungi as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Plywood appeared to be the most affected, with the penetration of moisture and fungi throughout the whole thickness of the sample. Conversely, fungi grew only on the top cardboard in the gypsum wallboard and they did not have significant influence on the gypsum wallboard structure. The majority of the observed changes in gypsum wallboard occurred due to moisture. This paper suggests that the mycelium distribution within building materials and the structural changes, caused by dampness and fungal growth, depend on the type of the material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Marine litter in coral reef areas along the Jordan Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea.

PubMed

Abu-Hilal, Ahmad; Al-Najjar, Tariq

2009-02-01

Composition and abundance of submerged marine litter at six selected sites within a coral reef area along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba have been estimated. The litter was collected in clean up voluntary campaigns that took place in the period between 25 August 2003 and 29 February 2004. A total of 10,506 items weighing 1159 kg were collected during the survey. Mean litter density in the individual sampling sites varied between 1 and 6 items/m(2) with an overall mean density of 2.8 items/m(2). The mean weight of the collected items per sampling site varied between 0.06 and 1.06 kg/m(2) with an overall mean of 0.31 kg/m(2). Plastic accounted for 42% of the collected items, fishing gear was the second most abundant (31%) while metal was the third most abundant item (17%). By comparison, cardboard constituted 1%, and rubber and other items accounted for less than 1% of the total items collected during the campaigns. Approximately 61% of the plastics consisted of bags followed by bottles (24%), plastic containers and sheets accounted for 13 and 2%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicates no significant differences between the sites in terms of litter count and weight. Potential sources are pointed out and recommendations and actions to address the problem are suggested.

Studies on processing, consumer survey and storage stability of a ready-to-reconstitute fish cutlet mix.

PubMed

Shaviklo, G Reza; Thorkelsson, Gudjon; Sveinsdottir, Kolbrun; Pourreza, Fatemeh

2013-10-01

A convenience ready-to-reconstitute cutlet mix containing 30% fish protein powder was developed to improve the nutritional quality of the product. Consumer survey was based on the home use test (HUT) method. The acceptance of the fish cutlet mix (FCM) was studied using a 9-point hedonic scale ranging from 1 (extremely dislike) to 9 (extremely like). Product's characteristics and stability were studied during 6 months of storage at 27 ± 2 °C. The FCM packed in a polyethylene bag and cardboard box was stable during the storage period. There were no changes in colour, moisture gain and water activity, and TBARS values remained low. The FCM was accepted by the consumers in the study (n = 85). The average liking was high (7.5 ± 1.3) and it was influenced by frequency of fish and chicken consumption, educational level and household size. People who ate fish once a week liked the product more than other consumers. Also those with higher educational level and bigger household size. The results in this paper are important information for companies planning to develop ready-to-eat products fortified with fish proteins. The products could be means of increasing fish consumption in countries/areas where there is no tradition of consuming fresh or frozen fish.

Recent progress in printed 2/3D electronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klug, Andreas; Patter, Paul; Popovic, Karl; Blümel, Alexander; Sax, Stefan; Lenz, Martin; Glushko, Oleksandr; Cordill, Megan J.; List-Kratochvil, Emil J. W.

2015-09-01

New, energy-saving, efficient and cost-effective processing technologies such as 2D and 3D inkjet printing (IJP) for the production and integration of intelligent components will be opening up very interesting possibilities for industrial applications of molecular materials in the near future. Beyond the use of home and office based printers, "inkjet printing technology" allows for the additive structured deposition of photonic and electronic materials on a wide variety of substrates such as textiles, plastics, wood, stone, tiles or cardboard. Great interest also exists in applying IJP in industrial manufacturing such as the manufacturing of PCBs, of solar cells, printed organic electronics and medical products. In all these cases inkjet printing is a flexible (digital), additive, selective and cost-efficient material deposition method. Due to these advantages, there is the prospect that currently used standard patterning processes can be replaced through this innovative material deposition technique. A main issue in this research area is the formulation of novel functional inks or the adaptation of commercially available inks for specific industrial applications and/or processes. In this contribution we report on the design, realization and characterization of novel active and passive inkjet printed electronic devices including circuitry and sensors based on metal nanoparticle ink formulations and the heterogeneous integration into 2/3D printed demonstrators. The main emphasis of this paper will be on how to convert scientific inkjet knowledge into industrially relevant processes and applications.

A Value Analysis of Lean Processes in Target Value Design and Integrated Project Delivery.

PubMed

Nanda, Upali; K Rybkowski, Zofia; Pati, Sipra; Nejati, Adeleh

2017-04-01

To investigate what key stakeholders consider to be the advantages and the opportunities for improvement in using lean thinking and tools in the integrated project delivery (IPD) process. A detailed literature review was followed by case study of a Lean-IPD project. Interviews with members of the project leadership team, focus groups with the integrated team as well as the design team, and an online survey of all stakeholders were conducted. Statistical analysis and thematic content analysis were used to analyze the data, followed by a plus-delta analysis. (1) Learning is a large, implicit benefit of Lean-IPD that is not currently captured by any success metric; (2) the cardboard mock-up was the most successful lean strategy; (3) although a collaborative project, the level of influence of different stakeholder groups was perceived to be different by different stakeholders; (4) overall, Lean-IPD was rated as better than traditional design-bid-build methods; and (5) opportunities for improvement reported were increase in accurate cost estimating, more efficient use of time, perception of imbalance of control/influence, and need for facilitation (which represents different points of view). While lean tools and an IPD method are preferred to traditional design-bid-build methods, the perception of different stakeholders varies and more work needs to be done to allow a truly shared decision-making model. Learning was identified as one of the biggest advantages.

Assessment of collection schemes for packaging and other recyclable waste in European Union-28 Member States and capital cities.

PubMed

Seyring, Nicole; Dollhofer, Marie; Weißenbacher, Jakob; Bakas, Ioannis; McKinnon, David

2016-09-01

The Waste Framework Directive obliged European Union Member States to set up separate collection systems to promote high quality recycling for at least paper, metal, plastic and glass by 2015. As implementation of the requirement varies across European Union Member States, the European Commission contracted BiPRO GmbH/Copenhagen Resource Institute to assess the separate collection schemes in the 28 European Union Member States, focusing on capital cities and on metal, plastic, glass (with packaging as the main source), paper/cardboard and bio-waste. The study includes an assessment of the legal framework for, and the practical implementation of, collection systems in the European Union-28 Member States and an in depth-analysis of systems applied in all capital cities. It covers collection systems that collect one or more of the five waste streams separately from residual waste/mixed municipal waste at source (including strict separation, co-mingled systems, door-to-door, bring-point collection and civic amenity sites). A scoreboard including 13 indicators is elaborated in order to measure the performance of the systems with the capture rates as key indicators to identify best performers. Best performance are by the cities of Ljubljana, Helsinki and Tallinn, leading to the key conclusion that door-to-door collection, at least for paper and bio-waste, and the implementation of pay-as-you-throw schemes results in high capture and thus high recycling rates of packaging and other municipal waste. © The Author(s) 2016.

Optimal Non-Invasive Fault Classification Model for Packaged Ceramic Tile Quality Monitoring Using MMW Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Smriti; Singh, Dharmendra

2016-04-01

Millimeter wave (MMW) frequency has emerged as an efficient tool for different stand-off imaging applications. In this paper, we have dealt with a novel MMW imaging application, i.e., non-invasive packaged goods quality estimation for industrial quality monitoring applications. An active MMW imaging radar operating at 60 GHz has been ingeniously designed for concealed fault estimation. Ceramic tiles covered with commonly used packaging cardboard were used as concealed targets for undercover fault classification. A comparison of computer vision-based state-of-the-art feature extraction techniques, viz, discrete Fourier transform (DFT), wavelet transform (WT), principal component analysis (PCA), gray level co-occurrence texture (GLCM), and histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) has been done with respect to their efficient and differentiable feature vector generation capability for undercover target fault classification. An extensive number of experiments were performed with different ceramic tile fault configurations, viz., vertical crack, horizontal crack, random crack, diagonal crack along with the non-faulty tiles. Further, an independent algorithm validation was done demonstrating classification accuracy: 80, 86.67, 73.33, and 93.33 % for DFT, WT, PCA, GLCM, and HOG feature-based artificial neural network (ANN) classifier models, respectively. Classification results show good capability for HOG feature extraction technique towards non-destructive quality inspection with appreciably low false alarm as compared to other techniques. Thereby, a robust and optimal image feature-based neural network classification model has been proposed for non-invasive, automatic fault monitoring for a financially and commercially competent industrial growth.

An improved method for field extraction and laboratory analysis of large, intact soil cores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tindall, J.A.; Hemmen, K.; Dowd, J.F.

1992-01-01

Various methods have been proposed for the extraction of large, undisturbed soil cores and for subsequent analysis of fluid movement within the cores. The major problems associated with these methods are expense, cumbersome field extraction, and inadequate simulation of unsaturated flow conditions. A field and laboratory procedure is presented that is economical, convenient, and simulates unsaturated and saturated flow without interface flow problems and can be used on a variety of soil types. In the field, a stainless steel core barrel is hydraulically pressed into the soil (30-cm diam. and 38 cm high), the barrel and core are extracted from the soil, and after the barrel is removed from the core, the core is then wrapped securely with flexible sheet metal and a stainless mesh screen is attached to the bottom of the core for support. In the laboratory the soil core is set atop a porous ceramic plate over which a soil-diatomaceous earth slurry has been poured to assure good contact between plate and core. A cardboard cylinder (mold) is fastened around the core and the empty space filled with paraffin wax. Soil cores were tested under saturated and unsaturated conditions using a hanging water column for potentials ???0. Breakthrough curves indicated that no interface flow occurred along the edge of the core. This procedure proved to be reliable for field extraction of large, intact soil cores and for laboratory analysis of solute transport.

Does pan diameter influence carbon monoxide levels during heating of water to boiling point with a camping stove?

PubMed

Leigh-Smith, Simon; Stevenson, Richard; Watt, Martin; Watt, Ian; McFadyen, Angus; Grant, Stan

2004-01-01

To determine whether pan diameter influences carbon monoxide (CO) concentration during heating of water to boiling point with a camping stove. The hypothesis was that increasing pan diameter increases CO concentration because of greater flame dispersal and a larger flame. This was a randomized, prospective study. A Coleman Dual Fuel 533 stove was used to heat pans of water to boiling point, with CO concentration monitored every 30 seconds for 5 minutes. The stove was inside a partially ventilated 200-L cardboard box model that was inside an environmental chamber at -6 degrees C. Water temperature, water volume, and flame characteristics were all standardized. Ten trials were performed for each of 2 pan diameters (base diameters of 165 mm [small] and 220 mm [large]). There was a significant difference (P = .002) between the pans for CO levels at each measurement interval from 60 seconds onward. These differences were markedly larger after 90 seconds, with a mean difference of 185 ppm (95% CI 115, 276 ppm) for all the results from 120 seconds onwards. This study has shown that there is significantly higher CO production with a large-diameter pan compared with a small-diameter pan. These findings were evident by using a camping stove to heat water to boiling point when a maximum blue flame was present throughout. Thus, in enclosed environments it is recommended that small-diameter pans be used in an attempt to prevent high CO levels.

Time-domain terahertz spectroscopy and applications on drugs and explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, W. H.; Zhao, W.; Cheng, G. H.; Burnett, A. D.; Upadhya, P. C.; Cunningham, J. E.; Linfield, E. H.; Davies, A. G.

2008-03-01

Many materials of interest to the forensic and security services, such as explosives, drugs and biological agents, exhibit characteristic spectral features in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. These spectral features originate from inter-molecular interactions, involving collective motions of molecules. Broadband THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system have been used to analyze a number of drugs-of-abuse and explosives that are of interest to the forensic and security services. These samples ranged from crystalline powders, pressed into pellets, to thin sheets of plastic explosives, and all being measured in transmission geometry in the frequency range 0.1 - 8 THz. To well understand the nature of the observed spectral features and the effects of thermal broadening on these far-infrared signatures, temperature-dependent THz-TDS measurements have also been performed at temperatures as low as 4 K, especially for two types of cocaine. Well-resolved low-frequency absorption peaks were observed in the frequency range 0.1 - 3 THz with high resolution. Some of absorption peaks were found clearly to become more intense and shift to higher frequencies as the temperature was reduced. The results confirm that the low-frequency collective modes are highly sensitive to the structural and spatial arrangement of molecules. Furthermore, a number of common postal packaging materials made from paper, cardboard, even several types of plastic, have been tested with drug sample to assess the ability of THz-TDS in a hostile detection environment.

Thyme and basil essential oils included in edible coatings as a natural preserving method of oilseed kernels.

PubMed

Riveros, Cecilia G; Nepote, Valeria; Grosso, Nelson R

2016-01-15

Sunflower seeds are susceptible to developing rancidity and off-flavours through lipid oxidation. Edible coatings and essential oils have proven antioxidant properties in different food products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of using an edible coating and thyme and basil essential oils to preserve the chemical and sensory quality parameters of roasted sunflower seeds during storage. 50% DPPH inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.278 and 0.0997 µg mL(-1) were observed for thyme and basil, respectively. On storage day 40, peroxide values were 80.68, 70.28, 68.43, 49.31 and 33.87 mEq O2 kg(-1) in roasted sunflower seeds (RS), roasted sunflower seeds coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (RS-CMC), roasted sunflower seeds coated with CMC added with basil (RS-CMC-A), thyme (RS-CMC-T) and butylated hydroxytoluene (RS-CMC-BHT), respectively. RS-CMC-T and RS-CMC-BHT presented the lowest peroxide values, conjugated dienes and p-anisidine values during storage. RS-CMC-BHT, RS-CMC-T, and RS-CMC-A showed the lowest oxidized and cardboard flavour intensity ratings. On storage day 40, roasted sunflower flavour intensity ratings were higher in RS-CMC-T and RS-CMC-A. Thyme and basil essential oils added to the CMC coating improved the sensory stability of this product during storage, but only thyme essential oil increased their chemical stability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Discovery of Japan’s Oldest Photographic Plates of a Starfield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Jun-ichi; Sasaki, Goro; Nakagiri, Masao; Ohshima, Norio

2015-08-01

The Public Outreach and Archive Office in NAOJ has been inspecting as many as 20,000 old photographic plates, which were found in a pile of cardboard cartons. In the course of their inspections, we have discovered 437 plates recorded from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. This was the first era in which observations were recorded using photographic plates in Japan.Most of the plates were obtained by using the Brashear astrograph at Azabubu in the 19th century. The oldest photographic plate was marked (delete ‘as’) No.13 and was recorded on March 5, 1899. We also found a number of historically important plates; among these are images of the first minor planet “TOKIO” that was detected in Japan and named after our country, and of a star 61 Cyg, with a large proper motion.We have long known that Tokyo Observatory of Tokyo Imperial University began its observations at Azabu. However, for many years, everyone believed that all the plates and observational instruments were lost in the chaos following the Great Kanto earthquake (1923) and in a fire that damaged Tokyo Observatory’s main building during the World War II, events that took place before and after the Observatory’s move to Mitaka. We made a catalogue of these plates and will present some statistics along with our effort for archives in our observatory.

Natural wrapping paper from banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn) peel waste with additive essential oils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widiastuti Agustina, E. S.; Elfi Susanti, V. H.

2018-05-01

The research aimed to produce natural wrapping paper from banana (Musa Paradisiaca Linn.) peel waste with additive essentials oils. The method used in this research was alkalization. The delignification process is done with the use of NaOH 4% at the temperature of 100°C for 1.5 hours. Additive materials in the form of essential oils are added as a preservative and aroma agent, namely cinnamon oil, lemon oil, clove oil and lime oil respectively 2% and 3%. Chemical and physical properties of the produced papers are tested included water content (dry-oven method SNI ISO 287:2010), pH (SNI ISO 6588-1.2010), grammage (SNI ISO 536:2010) and brightness (SNI ISO 2470:2010). Testing results of each paper were compared with commercial wrapping paper. The result shows that the natural paper from banana peel waste with additive essential oil meets the standard of ISO 6519:2016 about Basic Paper for Laminated Plastic Wrapping Paper within the parameter of pH and water content. The paper produced also meet the standard of ISO 8218:2015 about Food Paper and Cardboard within the grammage parameter (high-grade grammage), except the paper with 2% lemon oil. The paper which is closest to the characteristic of commercial wrapping paper is the paper with the additive of 2% cinnamon oil, with pH of 6.95, the water content of 7.14%, grammage of 347.6 gram/m2 and the brightness level of 24.68%.

Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis sp. nov., an anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, cellulolytic bacterium isolated from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park.

PubMed

Hamilton-Brehm, Scott D; Mosher, Jennifer J; Vishnivetskaya, Tatiana; Podar, Mircea; Carroll, Sue; Allman, Steve; Phelps, Tommy J; Keller, Martin; Elkins, James G

2010-02-01

A novel, obligately anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, cellulolytic bacterium, designated OB47(T), was isolated from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park, WY. The isolate was a nonmotile, non-spore-forming, Gram-positive rod approximately 2 microm long by 0.2 microm wide and grew at temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees C, with the optimum at 78 degrees C. The pH range for growth was 6.0 to 8.0, with values of near 7.0 being optimal. Growth on cellobiose produced the fastest specific growth rate at 0.75 h(-1). The organism also displayed fermentative growth on glucose, maltose, arabinose, fructose, starch, lactose, mannose, sucrose, galactose, xylose, arabinogalactan, Avicel, xylan, filter paper, processed cardboard, pectin, dilute acid-pretreated switchgrass, and Populus. OB47(T) was unable to grow on mannitol, fucose, lignin, Gelrite, acetate, glycerol, ribose, sorbitol, carboxymethylcellulose, and casein. Yeast extract stimulated growth, and thiosulfate, sulfate, nitrate, and sulfur were not reduced. Fermentation end products were mainly acetate, H2, and CO2, although lactate and ethanol were produced in 5-liter batch fermentations. The G+C content of the DNA was 35 mol%, and sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene placed OB47(T) within the genus Caldicellulosiruptor. Based on its phylogenetic and phenotypic properties, the isolate is proposed to be designated Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis sp. nov. and OB47 is the type strain (ATCC BAA-2073).

Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis sp. nov., an Anaerobic, Extremely Thermophilic, Cellulolytic Bacterium Isolated from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park▿

PubMed Central

Hamilton-Brehm, Scott D.; Mosher, Jennifer J.; Vishnivetskaya, Tatiana; Podar, Mircea; Carroll, Sue; Allman, Steve; Phelps, Tommy J.; Keller, Martin; Elkins, James G.

2010-01-01

A novel, obligately anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, cellulolytic bacterium, designated OB47T, was isolated from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park, WY. The isolate was a nonmotile, non-spore-forming, Gram-positive rod approximately 2 μm long by 0.2 μm wide and grew at temperatures between 55 and 85°C, with the optimum at 78°C. The pH range for growth was 6.0 to 8.0, with values of near 7.0 being optimal. Growth on cellobiose produced the fastest specific growth rate at 0.75 h−1. The organism also displayed fermentative growth on glucose, maltose, arabinose, fructose, starch, lactose, mannose, sucrose, galactose, xylose, arabinogalactan, Avicel, xylan, filter paper, processed cardboard, pectin, dilute acid-pretreated switchgrass, and Populus. OB47T was unable to grow on mannitol, fucose, lignin, Gelrite, acetate, glycerol, ribose, sorbitol, carboxymethylcellulose, and casein. Yeast extract stimulated growth, and thiosulfate, sulfate, nitrate, and sulfur were not reduced. Fermentation end products were mainly acetate, H2, and CO2, although lactate and ethanol were produced in 5-liter batch fermentations. The G+C content of the DNA was 35 mol%, and sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene placed OB47T within the genus Caldicellulosiruptor. Based on its phylogenetic and phenotypic properties, the isolate is proposed to be designated Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis sp. nov. and OB47 is the type strain (ATCC BAA-2073). PMID:20023107

Model-based inspection of multipackage food products using a twin-beam x-ray system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, Stephen C.; Batchelor, Bruce G.

1998-10-01

A twin-orthogonal-fanbeam x-ray system has been built as part of a six-partner project funded by the Commission of the European Union. The images created by this system represent plan and side views of the object to be inspected. Using such a system, it is possible to locate a point-like feature that creates a significant shadow in both beams, in a 3D space. However, the real value of such a system lies in the fact that it is often possible to see a foreign body, such as a small piece of loose glass, within a jar using one beam, when the same contaminant is invisible to the other beam. Such a situation typically arises when the foreign body is obscured by the x-ray shadow of the neck-shoulder region of a jar. The x-ray system built by our colleagues in this consortium is being used to examine, simultaneously, six jars of semi-fluid savory sauce, held together by shrink-wrapping on a cardboard tray. The inspection algorithm consists of fitting multi-part models of the image intensity function to both the plan and side-view images. Once a model has been fitted, it is possible to use image comparison, in order to highlight any foreign bodies. The pre-processed plan and side-view images are analyzed and correlated together, so that in many cases, a foreign body whose view is obscured in one image can be detected in the other.

Functionality of veterinary identification microchips following low- (0.5 tesla) and high-field (3 tesla) magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Piesnack, Susann; Frame, Mairi E; Oechtering, Gerhard; Ludewig, Eberhard

2013-01-01

The ability to read patient identification microchips relies on the use of radiofrequency pulses. Since radiofrequency pulses also form an integral part of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process, the possibility of loss of microchip function during MRI scanning is of concern. Previous clinical trials have shown microchip function to be unaffected by MR imaging using a field strength of 1 Tesla and 1.5. As veterinary MRI scanners range widely in field strength, this study was devised to determine whether exposure to lower or higher field strengths than 1 Tesla would affect the function of different types of microchip. In a phantom study, a total of 300 International Standards Organisation (ISO)-approved microchips (100 each of three different types: ISO FDX-B 1.4 × 9 mm, ISO FDX-B 2.12 × 12 mm, ISO HDX 3.8 × 23 mm) were tested in a low field (0.5) and a high field scanner (3.0 Tesla). A total of 50 microchips of each type were tested in each scanner. The phantom was composed of a fluid-filled freezer pack onto which a plastic pillow and a cardboard strip with affixed microchips were positioned. Following an MRI scan protocol simulating a head study, all of the microchips were accurately readable. Neither 0.5 nor 3 Tesla imaging affected microchip function in this study. © 2013 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.

Trap-Nesting Bees in Montane Grassland (Campo Rupestre) and Cerrado in Brazil: Collecting Generalist or Specialist Nesters.

PubMed

Araújo, P C S; Lourenço, A P; Raw, A

2016-10-01

Species richness and seasonal abundance of solitary bees were investigated in rocky, montane grassland (campo rupestre) (1180 m asl) and cerrado sensu stricto (680 m asl) in the Biribiri State Park, Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three hundred nineteen nest traps of bamboo canes and black cardboard tubes were monthly inspected at each site during 15 months. A total of eight species of bees built 97 nests. Four species were common to both sites. Tetrapedia aff. curvitarsis Friese and Tetrapedia aff. peckoltii Friese were the most abundant at campo rupestre and cerrado s.s., respectively, followed by Centris analis (Fabricius) in campo rupestre and Centris tarsata Smith in cerrado s.s. The nesting peaks occurred in May in campo rupestre and in February in cerrado s.s. Three cuckoo bees and one bee-fly were collected as natural enemies. The findings suggest that differences between the sites were related more to ecological factors (floral resources, natural nest sites) than to the altitudinal difference. The species richness was similar to that in other habitats with open vegetation. We demonstrate the need to use several types of trap-nest to increase the range of species sampled; some species used only one of the two types traps provided. We also comment on the limitations of trap-nests in cerrado vegetation. Most cerrado species of bees are very selective in their choice for a nesting site, but bees that use trap-nests are more generalists.

The Design, Prototyping, and Formative Evaluation of an Assistive Robotic Table (ART) for Stroke Patients.

PubMed

Threatt, Anthony L; Merino, Jessica; Brooks, Johnell O; Healy, Stan; Truesdail, Constance; Manganelli, Joseph; Walker, Ian; Green, Keith Evan

2017-04-01

This article presents the results of an exploratory study in which 14 healthcare subject matter experts (H-SMEs) in addition to four research and design subject matter experts (RD-SMEs) at a regional rehabilitation hospital engaged in a series of complementary, participatory activities in order to design an assistive robotic table (ART). As designers, human factor experts, and healthcare professionals continue to work to integrate assistive human-robot technologies in healthcare, it is imperative to understand how the technology affects patient care from clinicians' perspectives. Fourteen clinical H-SMEs rated a subset of conceptual ART design ideas; participated in the iterative design process of ART; and evaluated a final cardboard prototype, the rehabilitation hospital's current over-the-bed table (OBT), an ART built with true materials, and two therapy surface prototypes. Four RD-SMEs conducted a heuristic evaluation on the ART built with true materials. Data were analyzed by frequency and content analysis. The results include a design and prototype for the next generation ART and a pneumatically controlled therapy surface, a broadened list of specifications for the future design and implementation of assistive robotic furniture, and final observations. When compared to the rehabilitation hospital's current OBT, the developed ART in this study was successful. Designing novel features is dependent upon ensuring patient safety. The inclusion of clinicians in the participatory iterative design and evaluation process and the use of personas provided a broadened list of specifications for the successful implementation of assistive robotic furniture.

Effect Of Laser CO{sub 2} Parameters In Marking Of Glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khanafi-Benghalem, Nafissa; Boudoukha, Hassina; Benghalem, Kamel

Currently many techniques of marking are exploited in a great number of sectors, on various materials (cardboard, textile, wood, leather, plastic, metal, ceramics and glass). The printing is done on supports of great or small dimension for all geometrical forms (plane, round, conical and ovalised). We can print colour as much than we wish. The marking technology for the identification of the glass parts knows a remarkable development carried by the new needs for the industrialists using transparent materials such as the optical, chemical, pharmaceutical sectors, the luxury and drink industries or publicity and decoration (neon signs, advertising mirrors). Themore » objective of our work consists particularly in engraving on glass the measurement scales forming a whole of ordered graduation which the goal is to carry out reading systems of measuring apparatus about 1/10 {mu}m of precision. We used as tool for marking the laser CO{sub 2}. Our choice is justified by the flexibility of the laser, the permanent lifespan of the graduations carried out and the guarantee of the facility of reading incidentally the precision and the accuracy of the measuring apparatus. The study parameters of the laser beam are the velocity (400, 600, 800, 1000 m/s.), the power (25, 75 and 80% of 25W) and the numbers pass (one, two and three pass). The optical observations results obtained suggest that the highest and the average power used remain the favourable parameters for the quality of the graduations carried out.« less

Evaluation of area strain response of dielectric elastomer actuator using image processing technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, Raj K.; Sudarshan, Koyya; Patra, Karali; Bhaumik, Shovan

2014-03-01

Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is a kind of soft actuators that can produce significantly large electric-field induced actuation strain and may be a basic unit of artificial muscles and robotic elements. Understanding strain development on a pre-stretched sample at different regimes of electrical field is essential for potential applications. In this paper, we report about ongoing work on determination of area strain using digital camera and image processing technique. The setup, developed in house consists of low cost digital camera, data acquisition and image processing algorithm. Samples have been prepared by biaxially stretched acrylic tape and supported between two cardboard frames. Carbon-grease has been pasted on the both sides of the sample, which will be compliant with electric field induced large deformation. Images have been grabbed before and after the application of high voltage. From incremental image area, strain has been calculated as a function of applied voltage on a pre-stretched dielectric elastomer (DE) sample. Area strain has been plotted with the applied voltage for different pre-stretched samples. Our study shows that the area strain exhibits nonlinear relationship with applied voltage. For same voltage higher area strain has been generated on a sample having higher pre-stretched value. Also our characterization matches well with previously published results which have been done with costly video extensometer. The study may be helpful for the designers to fabricate the biaxial pre-stretched planar actuator from similar kind of materials.

lidar change detection using building models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Angela M.; Runyon, Scott C.; Jalobeanu, Andre; Esterline, Chelsea H.; Kruse, Fred A.

2014-06-01

Terrestrial LiDAR scans of building models collected with a FARO Focus3D and a RIEGL VZ-400 were used to investigate point-to-point and model-to-model LiDAR change detection. LiDAR data were scaled, decimated, and georegistered to mimic real world airborne collects. Two physical building models were used to explore various aspects of the change detection process. The first model was a 1:250-scale representation of the Naval Postgraduate School campus in Monterey, CA, constructed from Lego blocks and scanned in a laboratory setting using both the FARO and RIEGL. The second model at 1:8-scale consisted of large cardboard boxes placed outdoors and scanned from rooftops of adjacent buildings using the RIEGL. A point-to-point change detection scheme was applied directly to the point-cloud datasets. In the model-to-model change detection scheme, changes were detected by comparing Digital Surface Models (DSMs). The use of physical models allowed analysis of effects of changes in scanner and scanning geometry, and performance of the change detection methods on different types of changes, including building collapse or subsistence, construction, and shifts in location. Results indicate that at low false-alarm rates, the point-to-point method slightly outperforms the model-to-model method. The point-to-point method is less sensitive to misregistration errors in the data. Best results are obtained when the baseline and change datasets are collected using the same LiDAR system and collection geometry.

Impact assessment of waste management options in Singapore.

PubMed

Tan, Reginald B H; Khoo, Hsien H

2006-03-01

This paper describes the application of life cycle assessment for evaluating various waste management options in Singapore, a small-island city state. The impact assessment method by SimaPro is carried out for comparing the potential environmental impacts of waste treatment options including landfilling, incineration, recycling, and composting. The inventory data include gases and leachate from landfills, air emissions and energy recovery from incinerators, energy (and emission) savings from recycling, composting gases, and transport pollution. The impact assessment results for climate change, acidification, and ecotoxicity show that the incineration of materials imposes considerable harm to both human health and the environment, especially for the burning of plastics, paper/cardboard, and ferrous metals. The results also show that, although some amount of energy can be derived from the incineration of wastes, these benefits are outweighed by the air pollution (heavy metals and dioxins/furans) that incinerators produce. For Singapore, landfill gases and leachate generate minimal environmental damage because of the nation's policy to landfill only 10% of the total disposed wastes. Land transportation and separation of waste materials also pose minimal environmental damage. However, sea transportation to the landfill could contribute significantly to acidification because of the emissions of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides from barges. The composting of horticultural wastes hardly imposes any environmental damage. Out of all the waste strategies, the recycling of wastes offers the best solution for environmental protection and improved human health for the nation. Significant emission savings can be realized through recycling.

Sequential effects after practice with the dominant and non-dominant hand on the acquisition of a sliding task in schoolchildren.

PubMed

Senff, Oliver; Weigelt, Matthias

2011-03-01

This study was designed to investigate sequential effects after practice with the dominant and non-dominant hand on the acquisition of a new motor task. A total of 64 middle school children were asked to practise a cent-slide task, which required them to slide coins from one side of a cardboard into a circular target on the opposite side. Four groups practised this task within different practice schedules: (1) participants practised only with their dominant hand (right-only group); (2) participants used only their non-dominant hand (left-only group); (3) participants started to practise the skill with their dominant hand and then switched to their non-dominant hand (right-to-left group); or (4) participants started to practise the skill with their non-dominant hand and then switched to their dominant hand (left-to-right group). The acquisition of the task was facilitated after initial practice with the non-dominant hand. This was reflected in a better retention of the task and a stronger performance under a modified testing situation of the left-to-right group when compared to all other groups. Also, the left-only group showed larger interlimb transfer effects to the untrained hand than the right-only group. It is concluded that the sequence in which the dominant and non-dominant hands are used to practise influences the acquisition of new motor tasks.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kelly, V.A.; Beach, J.A.; Statham, W.H.

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a Department of Energy (DOE) facility located near Aiken, South Carolina which is currently operated and managed by Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC). The Sanitary Landfill (Sanitary Landfill) at the SRS is located approximately 2,000 feet Northwest of Upper Three Runs Creek (UTRC) on an approximately 70 acre site located south of Road C between the SRS B-Area and UTRC. The Sanitary Landfill has been receiving wastes since 1974 and operates as an unlined trench and fill operation. The original landfill site was 32 acres. This area reached its capacity around 1987 and amore » Northern Expansion of 16 acres and a Southern Expansion of 22 acres were added in 1987. The Northern Expansion has not been used for waste disposal to date and the Southern Expansion is expected to reach capacity in 1992 or 1993. The waste received at the Sanitary Landfill is predominantly paper, plastics, rubber, wood, metal, cardboard, rags saturated with degreasing solvents, pesticide bags, empty cans, and asbestos in bags. The landfill is not supposed to receive any radioactive wastes. However, tritium has been detected in the groundwater at the site. Gross alpha and gross beta are also evaluated at the landfill. The objectives of this modeling study are twofold: (1) to create a local scale Sanitary Landfill flow model to study hydraulic effects resulting from capping the Sanitary Landfill; and (2) to create a Sanitary Landfill local scale transport model to support ACL Demonstrations for a RCRA Part B Permit Renewal.« less

Fluoroscopic study of the normal gastrointestinal motility and measurements in the Hispaniolan Amazon parrot (Amazona ventralis).

PubMed

Beaufrère, Hugues; Nevarez, Javier; Taylor, W Michael; Jankowski, Gwendolyn; Rademacher, Nathalie; Gaschen, Lorrie; Pariaut, Romain; Tully, Thomas N

2010-01-01

Contrast fluoroscopy is a valuable tool to examine avian gastrointestinal motility. However, the lack of a standardized examination protocol and reference ranges prevents the objective interpretation of motility disorders and other gastrointestinal abnormalities. Our goals were to evaluate gastrointestinal motility in 20 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) by contrast fluoroscopy. Each parrot was crop-fed an equal part mixture of barium sulfate and hand-feeding formula and placed in a cardboard box for fluoroscopy. Over a 3-h period, 1.5 minute segments of lateral and ventrodorsal fluoroscopy were recorded every 30 min. The gastric cycle and patterns of intestinal motility were described. The frequency of crop contractions, esophageal boluses, and gastric cycles were determined in lateral and ventrodorsal views. A range of 3.4-6.6 gastric cycles/min was noted on the lateral view and 3.0-6.6 gastric cycles/min on the ventrodorsal view. Circular measurements of the proventriculus diameter, ventriculus width, and length were obtained using the midshaft femoral diameter as a standard reference unit. The upper limits of the reference ranges were 3.6 and 4.7 femoral units for the proventriculus diameter in the lateral and ventrodorsal view, respectively. Two consecutive measurements were obtained and the measurement technique was found to have high reproducibility. In this study, we established a standardized protocol for contrast fluoroscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract and a reliable measurement method of the proventriculus and ventriculus using femoral units in the Hispaniolan Amazon parrot.

The effectiveness of three sets of school-based instructional materials and community training on the acquisition and generalization of community laundry skills by students with severe handicaps.

PubMed

Morrow, S A; Bates, P E

1987-01-01

This study examined the effectiveness of three sets of school-based instructional materials and community training on acquisition and generalization of a community laundry skill by nine students with severe handicaps. School-based instruction involved artificial materials (pictures), simulated materials (cardboard replica of a community washing machine), and natural materials (modified home model washing machine). Generalization assessments were conducted at two different community laundromats, on two machines represented fully by the school-based instructional materials and two machines not represented fully by these materials. After three phases of school-based instruction, the students were provided ten community training trials in one laundromat setting and a final assessment was conducted in both the trained and untrained community settings. A multiple probe design across students was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the three types of school instruction and community training. After systematic training, most of the students increased their laundry performance with all three sets of school-based materials; however, generalization of these acquired skills was limited in the two community settings. Direct training in one of the community settings resulted in more efficient acquisition of the laundry skills and enhanced generalization to the untrained laundromat setting for most of the students. Results of this study are discussed in regard to the issue of school versus community-based instruction and recommendations are made for future research in this area.

How does increasingly plainer cigarette packaging influence adult smokers’ perceptions about brand image? An experimental study

PubMed Central

Wakefield, M A; Germain, D; Durkin, S J

2008-01-01

Background: Cigarette packaging is a key marketing strategy for promoting brand image. Plain packaging has been proposed to limit brand image, but tobacco companies would resist removal of branding design elements. Method: A 3 (brand types) × 4 (degree of plain packaging) between-subject experimental design was used, using an internet online method, to expose 813 adult Australian smokers to one randomly selected cigarette pack, after which respondents completed ratings of the pack. Results: Compared with current cigarette packs with full branding, cigarette packs that displayed progressively fewer branding design elements were perceived increasingly unfavourably in terms of smokers’ appraisals of the packs, the smokers who might smoke such packs, and the inferred experience of smoking a cigarette from these packs. For example, cardboard brown packs with the number of enclosed cigarettes displayed on the front of the pack and featuring only the brand name in small standard font at the bottom of the pack face were rated as significantly less attractive and popular than original branded packs. Smokers of these plain packs were rated as significantly less trendy/stylish, less sociable/outgoing and less mature than smokers of the original pack. Compared with original packs, smokers inferred that cigarettes from these plain packs would be less rich in tobacco, less satisfying and of lower quality tobacco. Conclusion: Plain packaging policies that remove most brand design elements are likely to be most successful in removing cigarette brand image associations. PMID:18827035

The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) for Care Support successfully reduced lumbar load in repetitive lifting movements.

PubMed

Miura, Kousei; Kadone, Hideki; Koda, Masao; Abe, Tetsuya; Kumagai, Hiroshi; Nagashima, Katsuya; Mataki, Kentaro; Fujii, Kengo; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Funayama, Toru; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2018-05-03

Work-related low back pain is a serious socioeconomic problem. This study examined whether HAL for Care Support, which is a newly developed wearable robot, would decrease lumbar fatigue and improve lifting performance during repetitive lifting movements. Eighteen healthy volunteers (11 men, 7 women) performed repetitive stoop lifting movements of a cardboard box weighing 12 kg as many times as possible. The first lifting trial was executed without HAL for Care Support, and the second was with it. We evaluated the VAS of lumbar fatigue as the lumbar load and the number of lifts and the lifting time as lifting performance. Without HAL for Care Support, the mean VAS of lumbar fatigue, the number of lifts and lifting time were 68 mm, 60 and 230 s; with HAL for Care Support, they were 51 mm, 87 and 332 s, respectively. Both lifting performance measures were significantly improved by using HAL for Care Support (Fig. 2). A power analysis showed that there was sufficient statistical power for the VAS of lumbar fatigue (0.99), the number of lifts (0.92), and lifting time (0.93). All participants performed their repetitive lifting trials safely. There were no adverse events caused by using HAL for Care Support. In conclusion, the HAL for Care Support can decrease lumbar load and improve the lifting performance during repetitive stoop lifting movements in healthy adults. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A browser-based event display for the CMS Experiment at the LHC using WebGL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCauley, T.

2017-10-01

Modern web browsers are powerful and sophisticated applications that support an ever-wider range of uses. One such use is rendering high-quality, GPU-accelerated, interactive 2D and 3D graphics in an HTML canvas. This can be done via WebGL, a JavaScript API based on OpenGL ES. Applications delivered via the browser have several distinct benefits for the developer and user. For example, they can be implemented using well-known and well-developed technologies, while distribution and use via a browser allows for rapid prototyping and deployment and ease of installation. In addition, delivery of applications via the browser allows for easy use on mobile, touch-enabled devices such as phones and tablets. iSpy WebGL is an application for visualization of events detected and reconstructed by the CMS Experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The first event display developed for an LHC experiment to use WebGL, iSpy WebGL is a client-side application written in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS and uses the WebGL API three.js. iSpy WebGL is used for monitoring of CMS detector performance, for production of images and animations of CMS collisions events for the public, as a virtual reality application using Google Cardboard, and asa tool available for public education and outreach such as in the CERN Open Data Portal and the CMS masterclasses. We describe here its design, development, and usage as well as future plans.

Greenhouse gas emission mitigation relevant to changes in municipal solid waste management system.

PubMed

Pikoń, Krzysztof; Gaska, Krzysztof

2010-07-01

Standard methods for assessing the environmental impact of waste management systems are needed to underpin the development and implementation of sustainable waste management practice. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for comprehensively ensuring such assessment and covers all impacts associated with waste management. LCA is often called "from cradle to grave" analysis. This paper integrates information on the greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of various management options for some of the most common materials in municipal solid waste (MSW). Different waste treatment options for MSW were studied in a system analysis. Different combinations of recycling (cardboard, plastics, glass, metals), biological treatment (composting), and incineration as well as land-filling were studied. The index of environmental burden in the global warming impact category was calculated. The calculations are based on LCA methodology. All emissions taking place in the whole life cycle system were taken into account. The analysis included "own emissions," or emissions from the system at all stages of the life cycle, and "linked emissions," or emissions from other sources linked with the system in an indirect way. Avoided emissions caused by recycling and energy recovery were included in the analysis. Displaced emissions of GHGs originate from the substitution of energy or materials derived from waste for alternative sources. The complex analysis of the environmental impact of municipal waste management systems before and after application of changes in MSW systems according to European Union regulations is presented in this paper. The evaluation is made for MSW systems in Poland.

Effect Of Laser CO2 Parameters In Marking Of Glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khanafi-Benghalem, Nafissa; Benghalem, Kamel; Boudoukha, Hassina

2008-09-01

Currently many techniques of marking are exploited in a great number of sectors, on various materials (cardboard, textile, wood, leather, plastic, metal, ceramics and glass). The printing is done on supports of great or small dimension for all geometrical forms (plane, round, conical and ovalised). We can print colour as much than we wish. The marking technology for the identification of the glass parts knows a remarkable development carried by the new needs for the industrialists using transparent materials such as the optical, chemical, pharmaceutical sectors, the luxury and drink industries or publicity and decoration (neon signs, advertising mirrors). The objective of our work consists particularly in engraving on glass the measurement scales forming a whole of ordered graduation which the goal is to carry out reading systems of measuring apparatus about 1/10 μm of precision. We used as tool for marking the laser CO2. Our choice is justified by the flexibility of the laser, the permanent lifespan of the graduations carried out and the guarantee of the facility of reading incidentally the precision and the accuracy of the measuring apparatus. The study parameters of the laser beam are the velocity (400, 600, 800, 1000 m/s.), the power (25, 75 and 80% of 25W) and the numbers pass (one, two and three pass). The optical observations results obtained suggest that the highest and the average power used remain the favourable parameters for the quality of the graduations carried out.

Field bioassay of Metarhizium anisopliae strains to control the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae.

PubMed

Tavassoli, M; Allymehr, M; Pourseyed, S H; Ownag, A; Bernousi, I; Mardani, K; Ghorbanzadegan, M; Shokrpoor, S

2011-06-10

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae is one of the most economically deleterious ectoparasite of laying hens worldwide. To evaluate the efficacy of three strains (V245, 3247 and 715C) of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae with potential as acaricides against D. gallinae, this investigation was carried out in a commercial caged laying poultry farm in Naghedeh, West Azarbaijan of Iran. The parasite infestation already existed in the farm. Sunflower oil suspension of all fungal strains, each in two concentrations (1×10(7) and 1×10(9) conidia/ml) were used separately as spray on hens and cages, and in the control group the cages were only sprayed with sunflower oil and sterile distilled water. For estimating the population rate of mites before and after treatment, special cardboard traps were fixed to cages during a 1-month period. The traps were placed on weeks -1, 0, 1, 2 and 3 and always removed after 1 w. The results showed that the population rates post fungal treatment with the lower concentration were not significantly different compared to the control group. However, the reduction in mite numbers induced by all three strains at the concentration of 1×10(9) conidia/ml was significantly higher than the control (P<0.05). The results revealed that under field conditions, higher concentrations of M. anisopliae will be required for controlling D. gallinae. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of a novel neem oil formulation (RP03™) to control the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae.

PubMed

Camarda, A; Pugliese, N; Bevilacqua, A; Circella, E; Gradoni, L; George, D; Sparagano, O; Giangaspero, A

2018-02-08

Dermanyssus gallinae (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae) is the most harmful ectoparasite of laying hens, represents an occupational hazard for poultry workers, and a growing threat to medical science per se. There is increasing demand for alternative products, including plant-derived acaricides, with which to control the mite. The present study investigated the efficacy of neem oil against D. gallinae on a heavily infested commercial laying hen farm. A novel formulation of 20% neem oil, diluted from a 2400-p.p.m. azadirachtin-concentrated stock (RP03™), was administered by nebulization three times in 1 week. Using corrugated cardboard traps, mite density was monitored before, during and after treatment and results were statistically analysed. Mite populations in the treated block showed 94.65%, 99.64% and 99.80% reductions after the first, second and third product administrations, respectively. The rate of reduction of the mite population was significantly higher in the treated block (P < 0.001) compared with the control and buffer blocks. The results suggest the strong bioactivity of neem, and specifically of the patented neem-based formulation RP03™, against D. gallinae. The treatment was most effective in the 10 days following the first application and its effects persisted for over 2 months. Further studies will aim to overcome observed side effects of treatment represented by an oily layer on equipment and eggs. © 2018 The Royal Entomological Society.

How does increasingly plainer cigarette packaging influence adult smokers' perceptions about brand image? An experimental study.

PubMed

Wakefield, M A; Germain, D; Durkin, S J

2008-12-01

Cigarette packaging is a key marketing strategy for promoting brand image. Plain packaging has been proposed to limit brand image, but tobacco companies would resist removal of branding design elements. A 3 (brand types) x 4 (degree of plain packaging) between-subject experimental design was used, using an internet online method, to expose 813 adult Australian smokers to one randomly selected cigarette pack, after which respondents completed ratings of the pack. Compared with current cigarette packs with full branding, cigarette packs that displayed progressively fewer branding design elements were perceived increasingly unfavourably in terms of smokers' appraisals of the packs, the smokers who might smoke such packs, and the inferred experience of smoking a cigarette from these packs. For example, cardboard brown packs with the number of enclosed cigarettes displayed on the front of the pack and featuring only the brand name in small standard font at the bottom of the pack face were rated as significantly less attractive and popular than original branded packs. Smokers of these plain packs were rated as significantly less trendy/stylish, less sociable/outgoing and less mature than smokers of the original pack. Compared with original packs, smokers inferred that cigarettes from these plain packs would be less rich in tobacco, less satisfying and of lower quality tobacco. Plain packaging policies that remove most brand design elements are likely to be most successful in removing cigarette brand image associations.

Broadly available imaging devices enable high-quality low-cost photometry.

PubMed

Christodouleas, Dionysios C; Nemiroski, Alex; Kumar, Ashok A; Whitesides, George M

2015-09-15

This paper demonstrates that, for applications in resource-limited environments, expensive microplate spectrophotometers that are used in many central laboratories for parallel measurement of absorbance of samples can be replaced by photometers based on inexpensive and ubiquitous, consumer electronic devices (e.g., scanners and cell-phone cameras). Two devices, (i) a flatbed scanner operating in transmittance mode and (ii) a camera-based photometer (constructed from a cell phone camera, a planar light source, and a cardboard box), demonstrate the concept. These devices illuminate samples in microtiter plates from one side and use the RGB-based imaging sensors of the scanner/camera to measure the light transmitted to the other side. The broadband absorbance of samples (RGB-resolved absorbance) can be calculated using the RGB color values of only three pixels per microwell. Rigorous theoretical analysis establishes a well-defined relationship between the absorbance spectrum of a sample and its corresponding RGB-resolved absorbance. The linearity and precision of measurements performed with these low-cost photometers on different dyes, which absorb across the range of the visible spectrum, and chromogenic products of assays (e.g., enzymatic, ELISA) demonstrate that these low-cost photometers can be used reliably in a broad range of chemical and biochemical analyses. The ability to perform accurate measurements of absorbance on liquid samples, in parallel and at low cost, would enable testing, typically reserved for well-equipped clinics and laboratories, to be performed in circumstances where resources and expertise are limited.

Optimizing the performance of microbial fuel cells fed a combination of different synthetic organic fractions in municipal solid waste.

PubMed

Pendyala, Brahmaiah; Chaganti, Subba Rao; Lalman, Jerald A; Heath, Daniel D

2016-03-01

The objective of this study was to establish the impact of different steam exploded organic fractions in municipal solid waste (MSW) on electricity production using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In particular, the influence of individual steam exploded liquefied waste components (food waste (FW), paper-cardboard waste (PCW) and garden waste (GW)) and their blends on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, columbic efficiency (CE) and microbial diversity was examined using a mixture design. Maximum power densities from 0.56 to 0.83 W m(-2) were observed for MFCs fed with different feedstocks. The maximum COD removed and minimum CE were observed for a GW feed. However, a reverse trend (minimum COD removed and maximum CE) was observed for the FW feed. A maximum COD removal (78%) accompanied with a maximum CE (24%) was observed for a combined feed of FW, PCW plus GW in a 1:1:1 ratio. Lactate, the major byproduct detected, was unutilized by the anodic biofilm community. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) could serve as a potential feedstock for electricity generation in MFCs; however, elevated protein levels will lead to reduced COD removal. The microbial communities in cultures fed FW and PCW was highly diversified; however, the communities in cultures fed FW or a feed mixture containing high FW levels were similar and dominated by Bacteroidetes and β-proteobacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Virtual Reality For Outreach Purposes in Planetology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Civet, François; Le Mouélic, Stéphane; Le Menn, Erwan; Beaunay, Stéphanie

2016-10-01

2016 has been a year marked by a technological breakthrough : the availability for the first time to the general public of technologically mature virtual reality devices. Virtual Reality consists in visually immerging a user in a 3D environment reproduced either from real and/or imaginary data, with the possibility to move and eventually interact with the different elements. In planetology, most of the places will remain inaccessible to the public for a while, but a fleet of dedicated spacecraft's such as orbiters, landers and rovers allow the possibility to virtually reconstruct the environments, using image processing, cartography and photogrammetry. Virtual reality can then bridge the gap to virtually "send" any user into the place and enjoy the exploration.We are investigating several type of devices to render orbital or ground based data of planetological interest, mostly from Mars. The most simple system consists of a "cardboard" headset, on which the user can simply use his cellphone as the screen. A more comfortable experience is obtained with more complex systems such as the HTC vive or Oculus Rift headsets, which include a tracking system important to minimize motion sickness. The third environment that we have developed is based on the CAVE concept, were four 3D video projectors are used to project on three 2x3m walls plus the ground. These systems can be used for scientific data analysis, but also prove to be perfectly suited for outreach and education purposes.

Application of Molecular Techniques To Elucidate the Influence of Cellulosic Waste on the Bacterial Community Structure at a Simulated Low-Level-Radioactive-Waste Site▿ †

PubMed Central

Field, Erin K.; D'Imperio, Seth; Miller, Amber R.; VanEngelen, Michael R.; Gerlach, Robin; Lee, Brady D.; Apel, William A.; Peyton, Brent M.

2010-01-01

Low-level-radioactive-waste (low-level-waste) sites, including those at various U.S. Department of Energy sites, frequently contain cellulosic waste in the form of paper towels, cardboard boxes, or wood contaminated with heavy metals and radionuclides such as chromium and uranium. To understand how the soil microbial community is influenced by the presence of cellulosic waste products, multiple soil samples were obtained from a nonradioactive model low-level-waste test pit at the Idaho National Laboratory. Samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and 16S rRNA gene microarray (PhyloChip) analyses. Both methods revealed changes in the bacterial community structure with depth. In all samples, the PhyloChip detected significantly more operational taxonomic units, and therefore relative diversity, than the clone libraries. Diversity indices suggest that diversity is lowest in the fill and fill-waste interface (FW) layers and greater in the wood waste and waste-clay interface layers. Principal-coordinate analysis and lineage-specific analysis determined that the Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria phyla account for most of the significant differences observed between the layers. The decreased diversity in the FW layer and increased members of families containing known cellulose-degrading microorganisms suggest that the FW layer is an enrichment environment for these organisms. These results suggest that the presence of the cellulosic material significantly influences the bacterial community structure in a stratified soil system. PMID:20305022

Investigating pyrolysis/incineration as a method of resource recovery from solid waste

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Bobby J.; Lemay, Christopher S.

1993-01-01

Pyrolysis/incineration (P/I) is a physicochemical method for the generation of recoverable resources from solid waste materials such as inedible plant biomass (IPB), paper, plastics, cardboard, etc. P/I permits the collection of numerous gases with a minimal amount of solid residue. Pyrolysis, also known as starved air incineration, is usually conducted at relatively high temperatures (greater than 500 deg C) in the absence of oxygen. Incineration is conducted at lower temperatures in the presence of oxygen. The primary purpose of this study was to design, construct, and test a model P/I. The system design includes safety requirements for temperature and pressure. The objectives of this study were: (1) to design and construct a P/I system for incorporation with the Hybrid Regenerative Water Recovery System; (2) to initiate testing of the P/I system; (3) to collect and analyze P/I system data; (4) to consider test variables; and (5) to determine the feasibility of P/I as an effective method of resource recovery. A P/I system for the recovery of reuseable resources from solid waste materials was designed, constructed, and tested. Since a large amount of inedible plant biomass (IPB) will be generated in a space-based habitat on the lunar surface and Mars, IPB was the primary waste material tested in the system. Analysis of the effluent gases was performed to determine which gases could be used in a life support system.

The application of prepared porous carbon materials: Effect of different components on the heavy metal adsorption.

PubMed

Song, Min; Wei, Yuexing; Yu, Lei; Tang, Xinhong

2016-06-01

In this study, five typical municipal solid waste (MSW) components (tyres, cardboard, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic textile, toilet paper) were used as raw materials to prepare four kinds of MSW-based carbon materials (paperboard-based carbon materials (AC1); the tyres and paperboard-based carbon materials (AC2); the tyres, paperboard and PVC-based carbon materials (AC3); the tyres, paperboard, toilet paper, PVC and acrylic textile-based carbon materials (AC4)) by the KOH activation method. The characteristic results illustrate that the prepared carbon adsorbents exhibited a large pore volume, high surface area and sufficient oxygen functional groups. Furthermore, the application of AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 on different heavy metal (Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), Cr(3+)) removals was explored to investigate their adsorption properties. The effects of reaction time, pH, temperature and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption capability of heavy metals were investigated. Comparisons of heavy metal adsorption on carbon of different components were carried out. Among the four samples, AC1 exhibits the highest adsorption capacity for Cu(2+); the highest adsorption capacities of Pb(2+) and Zn(2+) are obtained for AC2; that of Cr(3+) are obtained for AC4. In addition, the carbon materials exhibit better adsorption capability of Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) than the other two kind of metal ions (Zn(2+) and Cr(3+)). © The Author(s) 2016.

Municipal solid waste management in Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia.

PubMed

Seng, Bunrith; Kaneko, Hidehiro; Hirayama, Kimiaki; Katayama-Hirayama, Keiko

2011-05-01

This paper presents an overview of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) for both technical and regulatory arrangements in the municipality of Phnom Penh (MPP), Cambodia. Problems with the current MSWM are identified, and challenges and recommendations for future improvement are also given in this paper. MPP is a small city with a total area of approximately 374 km(2) and an urban population of about 1.3 million in 2008. For the last 14 years, average annual municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in MPP has increased rapidly from 0.136 million tons in 1995 to 0.361 million tons in 2008. The gross generation rate of MSW per capita was 0.74 kg day(-1). However, the per capita household waste generation was 0.487 kg day(- 1). At 63.3%, food waste is the predominant portion of generated waste, followed by plastics (15.5%), grass and wood (6.8%), and paper and cardboard (6.4%). The remaining waste, including metals, glass, rubber/leather, textiles, and ceramic/ stone, accounted for less than 3%. Waste recycling through informal sectors is very active; recycled waste accounted for about 9.3% of all waste generated in 2003. Currently, the overall technical arrangement, including storage and discharge, collection and transport, and disposal, is still in poor condition, which leads to environmental and health risks. These problems should be solved by improving legislation, environmental education, solid waste management facilities, and management of the waste scavengers.

The composition, heating value and renewable share of the energy content of mixed municipal solid waste in Finland.

PubMed

Horttanainen, M; Teirasvuo, N; Kapustina, V; Hupponen, M; Luoranen, M

2013-12-01

For the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from waste incineration it is essential to know the share of the renewable energy content of the combusted waste. The composition and heating value information is generally available, but the renewable energy share or heating values of different fractions of waste have rarely been determined. In this study, data from Finnish studies concerning the composition and energy content of mixed MSW were collected, new experimental data on the compositions, heating values and renewable share of energy were presented and the results were compared to the estimations concluded from earlier international studies. In the town of Lappeenranta in south-eastern Finland, the share of renewable energy ranged between 25% and 34% in the energy content tests implemented for two sample trucks. The heating values of the waste and fractions of plastic waste were high in the samples compared to the earlier studies in Finland. These high values were caused by good source separation and led to a low share of renewable energy content in the waste. The results showed that in mixed municipal solid waste the renewable share of the energy content can be significantly lower than the general assumptions (50-60%) when the source separation of organic waste, paper and cardboard is carried out successfully. The number of samples was however small for making extensive conclusions on the results concerning the heating values and renewable share of energy and additional research is needed for this purpose. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flavor and Functional Characteristics of Whey Protein Isolates from Different Whey Sources.

PubMed

Smith, T J; Foegeding, E A; Drake, M A

2016-04-01

This study evaluated flavor and functional characteristics of whey protein isolates (WPIs) from Cheddar, Mozzarella, Cottage cheese, and rennet casein whey. WPIs were manufactured in triplicate. Powders were rehydrated and evaluated in duplicate by descriptive sensory analysis. Volatile compounds were extracted by solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Functional properties were evaluated by measurement of foam stability, heat stability, and protein solubility. WPI from Cheddar and Cottage cheese whey had the highest cardboard flavor, whereas sweet aromatic flavor was highest in Mozzarella WPI, and rennet casein WPI had the lowest overall flavor and aroma. Distinct sour taste and brothy/potato flavor were also noted in WPI from Cottage cheese whey. Consistent with sensory results, aldehyde concentrations were also highest in Cheddar and Cottage cheese WPI. Overrun, yield stress, and foam stability were not different (P > 0.05) among Cheddar, Mozzarella, and rennet casein WPI, but WPI foams from Cottage cheese whey had a lower overrun and air-phase fraction (P < 0.05). Cottage cheese WPI was more heat stable at pH 7 (P < 0.05) than other WPI in 4% protein solutions, and was the only WPI to not gel at 10% protein. Cottage cheese WPI was less soluble at pH 4.6 compared to other WPI (P < 0.05) and also exhibited higher turbidity loss at pH 3 to 7 compared to other WPI (P < 0.05). This study suggests that WPI produced from nontraditional whey sources could be used in new applications due to distinct functional and flavor characteristics. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Urethral Foreign Bodies: Clinical Presentation and Management.

PubMed

Palmer, Cristina J; Houlihan, Matthew; Psutka, Sarah P; Ellis, K Alexandria; Vidal, Patricia; Hollowell, Courtney M P

2016-11-01

To review a single institution's 15-year experience with urethral foreign bodies, including evaluation, clinical findings, and treatment. In total, 27 patients comprising 35 episodes of inserted urethral foreign bodies were reviewed at Cook County Hospital between 2000 and 2015. Retrospective chart review was performed to describe the clinical presentation, rationale for insertion, management, recidivism, and sequelae. Median patient age was 26 (range 12-60). Twenty-six patients (97 %) were male, 1 was female (3%). Items inserted included pieces of plastic forks, spoons, metal screws and aluminum, pieces of cardboard or paper, staples, writing utensils such as pens and pencils, as well as coaxial cable and spray foam sealant. Reported reasons for insertion were self-stimulation, erectile enhancement, and attention seeking. Presenting symptoms included dysuria, gross hematuria, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, and penile discharge. The most common technique for removal was manual extraction with extrinsic pressure (n = 19, 54%). Other methods include endoscopic retrieval (n = 8, 23%), open cystotomy (n = 1, 3%), and voiding to expel the foreign body (n = 7, 20%). Postremoval complications included urinary tract infection (n = 7), sepsis (n = 4), urethral false passage (n = 5), laceration (n = 5), and stricture (n = 1). We present the largest single-institutional series of urethral foreign bodies to date. Urethral foreign body insertion is a relatively rare occurrence and, commonly, is a recurrent behavior. Urethral trauma related to foreign body insertion is associated with significant risk of infection and urethral injury with long-term sequelae. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A millimetre-wave MIMO radar system for threat detection in urban environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirschner, A. J.; Guetlein, J.; Bertl, S.; Detlefsen, J.

2012-10-01

The European Defence Agency (EDA) engages countermeasures against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by funding several scientific programs on threat awareness, countermeasures IEDs or land-mine detection, in which this work is only one of numerous projects. The program, denoted as Surveillance in an urban environment using mobile sensors (SUM), covers the idea of equipping one or more vehicles of a patrol or a convoy with a set of sensors exploiting different physical principles in order to gain detailed insights of the road situation ahead. In order to give an added value to a conventional visual camera system, measurement data from an infra-red (IR) camera, a radiometer and a millimetre-wave radar are fused with data from an optical image and are displayed on a human-machine-interface (HMI) which shall assist the vehicle's co-driver to identify suspect objects or persons on or next to the road without forcing the vehicle to stop its cruise. This paper shall especially cover the role of the millimetre-wave radar sensor and its different operational modes. Measurement results are discussed. It is possible to alter the antenna mechanically which gives two choices for a field of view and angular resolution trade-off. Furthermore a synthetic aperture radar mode is possible and has been tested successfully. MIMO radar principles like orthogonal signal design were exploited tofrom a virtual array by 4 transmitters and 4 receivers. In joint evaluation, it was possible to detect e.g. grenade shells under cardboard boxes or covered metal barrels which were invisible for optical or infra-red detection.

Mirror-Mark Tests Performed on Jackdaws Reveal Potential Methodological Problems in the Use of Stickers in Avian Mark-Test Studies

PubMed Central

Soler, Manuel; Pérez-Contreras, Tomás; Peralta-Sánchez, Juan Manuel

2014-01-01

Some animals are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, which is considered to be demonstrated by passing the mark test. Mirror self-recognition capacity has been found in just a few mammals having very large brains and only in one bird, the magpie (Pica pica). The results obtained in magpies have enormous biological and cognitive implications because the fact that magpies were able to pass the mark test meant that this species is at the same cognitive level with great apes, that mirror self-recognition has evolved independently in the magpie and great apes (which diverged 300 million years ago), and that the neocortex (which is not present in the bird's brains) is not a prerequisite for mirror self-recognition as previously believed. Here, we have replicated the experimental design used on magpies to determine whether jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are also capable of mirror self-recognition by passing the mark test. We found that our nine jackdaws showed a very high interest towards the mirror and exhibited self-contingent behavior as soon as mirrors were introduced. However, jackdaws were not able to pass the mark test: both sticker-directed actions and sticker removal were performed with a similar frequency in both the cardboard (control) and the mirror conditions. We conclude that our jackdaws' behaviour raises non-trivial questions about the methodology used in the avian mark test. Our study suggests that the use of self-adhesive stickers on sensitive throat feathers may open the way to artefactual results because birds might perceive the stickers tactilely. PMID:24475085

Impact of thermal pretreatment and MSW origin on composition and hydrolysability in a sugar platform biorefinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaurs, L. P.; Heaven, S.; Banks, C. J.

2018-03-01

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a widely available large volume source of lignocellulosic material containing a waste paper/cardboard mixture which can be converted into fermentable sugars via cellulolytic enzyme hydrolysis in a sugar platform biorefinery. Thermal pretreatments are generally applied to MSW to facilitate the extraction of the lignocellulosic material from recyclable materials (plastics, metals etc.) and improve the paper pulp conversion to sugars. Applying high temperature might enhance food waste solubilisation but may collapse cellulose fibre decreasing its hydrolysability. Low temperature pre-treatment will reduce the energy demand but might result in highly contaminated pulp. Preliminary results showed that the enzymatic hydrolysis performances were dependent on the MSW origins. Using 8 different samples, the impact of thermal pretreatment and MSW origin on pulp composition and hydrolysability was assessed in this work. Low pre-treatment temperature produced pulp which contained less lignocellulosic material but which hydrolysed to a higher degree than MSW treated at high temperatures. High temperature pre-treatment could have exposed more of the inhibiting lignin to cellulase. This information would have a significant economic impact on a commercial plant as expensive autoclave could be advantageously replaced by a cheaper process. Glucan conversions were also found to vary depending on the region, the recycling rate possibly because of the lower recycling rate resulting in the use of less paper additive in the material or the difference in paper production technology (chemical VS mechanical pulping). This could also be explained by the differences in paper composition.

Analytical determination of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol analogues in paper products by GC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Jurek, A; Leitner, E

2017-07-01

Bisphenol A (BPA; 4-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-2-yl]phenol), a suspected endocrine disruptor with a weak estrogenic activity, is used in a variety of consumer products, including food-contact materials made of paper and cardboard products. Due to restrictions on the use of BPA because of its potential health risks, BPA is gradually being replaced by other bisphenols because no limitations exist for these substances. This study presents a method for the simultaneous analysis of BPA, bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) in paper and board products using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Paper samples were extracted by liquid extraction, as well as by Folch extraction, derivatised with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) and the results compared. The developed method showed good linearity (R 2  > 0.9965) and precision, yielding relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 16.6% for reproducibility and 19.8% for repeatability. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the different bisphenols ranged from 0.23 to 2.70 µg kg - 1 paper and from 0.78 to 9.10 µg kg - 1 paper, respectively. Analysis of different paper products (recycled, virgin fibre) showed that all the analysed bisphenols were present in the samples, except for BPAF and BPB. A calculation of the 'worst-case' scenario assuming a maximum potential migration of 100% of the analytes into food showed that the analysed products can be assumed to be safe regarding the migration of bisphenols.

Chemical and Sensory Quality Preservation in Coated Almonds with the Addition of Antioxidants.

PubMed

Larrauri, Mariana; Demaría, María Gimena; Ryan, Liliana C; Asensio, Claudia M; Grosso, Nelson R; Nepote, Valeria

2016-01-01

Almonds provide many benefits such as preventing heart disease due to their high content of oleic fatty acid-rich oil and other important nutrients. However, they are susceptible to oxidation reactions causing rancidity during storage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical and sensory quality preservation of almonds coated with carboxymethyl cellulose and with the addition of natural and synthetic antioxidants during storage. Four samples were prepared: almonds without coating (C), almonds coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), almonds coated with CMC supplemented with peanut skins extract (E), and almonds coated with CMC and supplemented with butylhydroxytoluene (BHT). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined on raw almonds. Almond samples (C, CMC, E and BHT) were stored at 40 °C for 126 d. Lipid oxidation indicators: peroxide value (PV), conjugated dienes (CD), volatile compounds (hexanal and nonanal), and sensory attributes were determined for the stored samples. Samples showed small but significant increases in PV, CD, hexanal and nonanal contents, and intensity ratings of negative sensory attributes (oxidized and cardboard). C had the highest tendency to deterioration during storage. At the end of storage (126 d), C had the highest PV (3.90 meqO2 /kg), and BHT had the lowest PV (2.00 meqO2 /kg). CMC and E samples had similar intermediate PV values (2.69 and 2.57 meqO2 /kg, respectively). CMC coating and the addition of natural (peanut skin extract) and synthetic (BHT) antioxidants provide protection to the roasted almond product. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Effect of sway on image fidelity in whole-body digitizing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corner, Brian D.; Hu, Anmin

1998-03-01

For 3D digitizers to be useful data collection tools in scientific and human factors engineering applications, the models created from scan data must match the original object very closely. Factors such as ambient light, characteristics of the object's surface, and object movement, among others can affect the quality of the image produced by any 3D digitizing system. Recently, Cyberware has developed a whole body digitizer for collecting data on human size and shape. With a digitizing time of about 15 seconds, the effect subject movement, or sway, on model fidelity is an important issue to be addressed. The effect of sway is best measured by comparing the dimensions of an object of known geometry to the model of the same object captured by the digitizer. Since it is difficult to know the geometry of a human body accurately, it was decided to compare an object of simple geometry to its digitized counterpart. Preliminary analysis showed that a single cardboard tube would provide the best artifact for detecting sway. A tube was attached to the subjects using supports that allowed the cylinder to stand away from the body. The stand-off was necessary to minimize occluded areas. Multiple scans were taken of 1 subject and the cylinder extracted from the images. Comparison of the actual cylinder dimensions to those extracted from the whole body images found the effect of sway to be minimal. This follows earlier findings that anthropometric dimensions extracted from whole body scans are very close to the same dimensions measured using standard manual methods. Recommendations for subject preparation and stabilization are discussed.

Behavioral responses of three armadillo species (Mammalia: Xenarthra) to an environmental enrichment program in Villavicencio, Colombia.

PubMed

Cortés Duarte, Alexandra; Trujillo, Fernando; Superina, Mariella

2016-07-01

Enrichment is a powerful tool to improve the welfare of animals under human care. Stress-related health and behavioral problems, as well as reproductive failure, are frequent in armadillos (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) under human care, which hinders the development of successful ex situ conservation programs. Nevertheless, scientific studies on the effect of enrichment programs on armadillos are virtually non-existent. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an enrichment program on the behavior of armadillos under human care. The behavior of 12 individuals of three species (Dasypus novemcinctus, D. sabanicola, and Cabassous unicinctus) maintained at Finca El Turpial, Villavicencio, Colombia, was recorded using scan sampling during three daily time blocks of 2 hr each before (4 weeks) and after (4 weeks) implementing an enrichment program. Enrichment did not stimulate the armadillos to change or extend their activity period. In general, activity levels were low during the entire study, and virtually no activity was recorded in the morning in any species, neither without nor with enrichment. The latter did, however, improve welfare by reducing abnormal and increasing natural foraging behaviors. All species were attracted by artificial termite mounds. Dasypus spp. showed special interest in cardboard boxes with food, while Cabassous was mainly attracted to hollow plastic balls filled with food. Our results suggest that separate enrichment programs need to be developed for different armadillo species, and that they should be applied during the time of day at which they are most active. Zoo Biol. 35:304-312, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recycling of paper: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contributions.

PubMed

Merrild, Hanna; Damgaard, Anders; Christensen, Thomas H

2009-11-01

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been established for recycling of paper waste with focus on a material recovery facility (MRF). The MRF upgrades the paper and cardboard waste before it is delivered to other industries where new paper or board products are produced. The accounting showed that the GHG contributions from the upstream activities and operational activities, with global warming factors (GWFs) of respectively 1 to 29 and 3 to 9 kg CO(2)-eq. tonne(- 1) paper waste, were small in comparison wih the downstream activities. The GHG contributions from the downstream reprocessing of the paper waste ranged from approximately 490 to 1460 kg CO(2)-eq. tonne( -1) of paper waste. The system may be expanded to include crediting of avoided virgin paper production which would result in GHG contributions from -1270 to 390 kg CO(2)-eq. tonne(- 1) paper waste. It may also be assumed that the wood not used for virgin paper production instead is used for production of energy that in turn is assumed to substitute for fossil fuel energy. This would result in GHG contributions from -1850 to -4400 kg CO(2)-eq. tonne(- 1) of paper waste. These system expansions reveal very large GHG savings, suggesting that the indirect upstream and operational GHG contributions are negligible in comparison with the indirect downstream emissions. However, the data for reprocessing of paper waste and the data for virgin paper production are highly variable. These differences are mainly related to different energy sources for the mills, both in regards to energy form (heat or electricity) and fuel (biomass or fossil fuels).

Verbal and visual divergent thinking in aging.

PubMed

Palmiero, Massimiliano; Nori, Raffaella; Piccardi, Laura

2017-04-01

According to the peak and decline model divergent thinking declines at a specific age (in or after middle age). However, if divergent thinking declines steadily in aging still has to be clarified. In order to explore the age-related changes in verbal and visual divergent thinking, in the present study a sample of 159 participants was divided in five age groups: young adults (18-35 years), middle-aged adults (36-55), young old (56-74), old (75-85) and the oldest-old (86-98). Two divergent thinking tasks were administered: the alternative uses for cardboard boxes, aimed at assessing verbal ideational fluency, flexibility and originality; the completion drawing task, aimed at assessing visual ideational fluency, flexibility and originality. Results showed that after peaking in the young adult group (20-35 years) all components of verbal and visual divergent thinking stabilized in the middle-aged adult group (36-55 years) and then started declining in the young old group (56-75). Interestingly, all components were found to be preserved after declining. Yet, verbal and visual divergent thinking were found at the same extent across age groups, with the exception of visual ideational fluency, that was higher in the young old group, the old group and the oldest-old group than verbal ideational fluency. These results support the idea that divergent thinking does not decline steadily in the elderly. Given that older people can preserve to some extent verbal and visual divergent thinking, these findings have important implications for active aging, that is, divergent thinking might be fostered in aging in order to prevent the cognitive decline.

Environmental assessment of alternative municipal solid waste management strategies. A Spanish case study.

PubMed

Bovea, M D; Ibáñez-Forés, V; Gallardo, A; Colomer-Mendoza, F J

2010-11-01

The aim of this study is to compare, from an environmental point of view, different alternatives for the management of municipal solid waste generated in the town of Castellón de la Plana (Spain). This town currently produces 207 ton of waste per day and the waste management system employed today involves the collection of paper/cardboard, glass and light packaging from materials banks and of rest waste at street-side containers. The proposed alternative scenarios were based on a combination of the following elements: selective collection targets to be accomplished by the year 2015 as specified in the Spanish National Waste Plan (assuming they are reached to an extent of 50% and 100%), different collection models implemented nationally, and diverse treatments of both the separated biodegradable fraction and the rest waste to be disposed of on landfills. This resulted in 24 scenarios, whose environmental behaviour was studied by applying the life cycle assessment methodology. In accordance with the ISO 14040-44 (2006) standard, an inventory model was developed for the following stages of the waste management life cycle: pre-collection (bags and containers), collection, transport, pre-treatment (waste separation) and treatment/disposal (recycling, composting, biogasification+composting, landfill with/without energy recovery). Environmental indicators were obtained for different impact categories, which made it possible to identify the key variables in the waste management system and the scenario that offers the best environmental behaviour. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was used to test some of the assumptions made in the initial life cycle inventory model. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identifying Key Attributes for Protein Beverages.

PubMed

Oltman, A E; Lopetcharat, K; Bastian, E; Drake, M A

2015-06-01

This study identified key attributes of protein beverages and evaluated effects of priming on liking of protein beverages. An adaptive choice-based conjoint study was conducted along with Kano analysis to gain insight on protein beverage consumers (n = 432). Attributes evaluated included label claim, protein type, amount of protein, carbohydrates, sweeteners, and metabolic benefits. Utility scores for levels and importance scores for attributes were determined. Subsequently, two pairs of clear acidic whey protein beverages were manufactured that differed by age of protein source or the amount of whey protein per serving. Beverages were evaluated by 151 consumers on two occasions with or without priming statements. One priming statement declared "great flavor," the other priming statement declared 20 g protein per serving. A two way analysis of variance was applied to discern the role of each priming statement. The most important attribute for protein beverages was sweetener type, followed by amount of protein, followed by type of protein followed by label claim. Beverages with whey protein, naturally sweetened, reduced sugar and ≥15 g protein per serving were most desired. Three consumer clusters were identified, differentiated by their preferences for protein type, sweetener and amount of protein. Priming statements positively impacted concept liking (P < 0.05) but had no effect on overall liking (P > 0.05). Consistent with trained panel profiles of increased cardboard flavor with higher protein content, consumers liked beverages with 10 g protein more than beverages with 20 g protein (6.8 compared with 5.7, P < 0.05). Protein beverages must have desirable flavor for wide consumer appeal. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Search for a new economic optimum in the management of household waste in Tiaret city (western Algeria).

PubMed

Asnoune, M; Abdelmalek, F; Djelloul, A; Mesghouni, K; Addou, A

2016-11-01

In household waste matters, the objective is always to conceive an optimal integrated system of management, where the terms 'optimal' and 'integrated' refer generally to a combination between the waste and the techniques of treatment, valorization and elimination, which often aim at the lowest possible cost. The management optimization of household waste using operational methodologies has not yet been applied in any Algerian district. We proposed an optimization of the valorization of household waste in Tiaret city in order to lower the total management cost. The methodology is modelled by non-linear mathematical equations using 28 variables of decision and aims to assign optimally the seven components of household waste (i.e. plastic, cardboard paper, glass, metals, textiles, organic matter and others) among four centres of treatment [i.e. waste to energy (WTE) or incineration, composting (CM), anaerobic digestion (ANB) or methanization and landfilling (LF)]. The analysis of the obtained results shows that the variation of total cost is mainly due to the assignment of waste among the treatment centres and that certain treatment cannot be applied to household waste in Tiaret city. On the other hand, certain techniques of valorization have been favoured by the optimization. In this work, four scenarios have been proposed to optimize the system cost, where the modelling shows that the mixed scenario (the three treatment centres CM, ANB, LF) suggests a better combination of technologies of waste treatment, with an optimal solution for the system (cost and profit). © The Author(s) 2016.

Risk Factors Associated with Triatomines and Its Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in Rural Communities from the Southern Region of the State of Mexico, Mexico

PubMed Central

Medina-Torres, Imelda; Vázquez-Chagoyán, Juan C.; Rodríguez-Vivas, Roger I.; de Oca-Jiménez, Roberto Montes

2010-01-01

Trypanosoma cruzi prevalence in triatomines and risk factors associated to the presence of the insect were studied in 990 rural houses in the southern region of the State of Mexico, Mexico. In each house, triatomines were collected, and information related to house construction material was obtained. T. cruzi infection was diagnosed in all triatomines. A primary screening was performed using 2 × 2 contingency tables of exposure variables. All variables with P ≤ 0.20 were analyzed by logistic regression. Triatomines (N = 125) were collected from 822 houses and analyzed for T. cruzi infection. Triatoma pallidipennis (97.4%) and Triatoma dimidiata (2.6%) were identified in 52.1% of the localities and in 6.1% of the houses. Infection was found in 28.0% of triatomines, from which 28.9% were nymphs. Factors associated with triatomine infestation were flooring construction material (dirt floor: odds ratio [OR], 10.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.31–18.04; P = 0.0001), house rooms (at least three rooms: OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.07–3.86; P = 0.028), and ceiling construction material (cardboard lamina tile: OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 1.49–31.31; P = 0.013). This study shows T. cruzi circulation in triatomines in the area of study, and because triatomines are adapted for living and reproducing in the domestic environment, there is a potential risk of Chagas disease transmission to humans. Also, we can conclude that the construction materials and house inhabitants are risk factors of triatomines infestation. PMID:20064995

Mirror-mark tests performed on jackdaws reveal potential methodological problems in the use of stickers in avian mark-test studies.

PubMed

Soler, Manuel; Pérez-Contreras, Tomás; Peralta-Sánchez, Juan Manuel

2014-01-01

Some animals are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, which is considered to be demonstrated by passing the mark test. Mirror self-recognition capacity has been found in just a few mammals having very large brains and only in one bird, the magpie (Pica pica). The results obtained in magpies have enormous biological and cognitive implications because the fact that magpies were able to pass the mark test meant that this species is at the same cognitive level with great apes, that mirror self-recognition has evolved independently in the magpie and great apes (which diverged 300 million years ago), and that the neocortex (which is not present in the bird's brains) is not a prerequisite for mirror self-recognition as previously believed. Here, we have replicated the experimental design used on magpies to determine whether jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are also capable of mirror self-recognition by passing the mark test. We found that our nine jackdaws showed a very high interest towards the mirror and exhibited self-contingent behavior as soon as mirrors were introduced. However, jackdaws were not able to pass the mark test: both sticker-directed actions and sticker removal were performed with a similar frequency in both the cardboard (control) and the mirror conditions. We conclude that our jackdaws' behaviour raises non-trivial questions about the methodology used in the avian mark test. Our study suggests that the use of self-adhesive stickers on sensitive throat feathers may open the way to artefactual results because birds might perceive the stickers tactilely.

Choice of optimal biocide combination to control flies (Diptera: Muscidae).

PubMed

Kavran, Mihaela; Zgomba, Marija F; Ignjatovic-Ćupina, Aleksandra M; Lazić, Sanja D; Petrić, Dušan V

2015-01-01

Flies - by feeding on decaying matter, human waste and food - have been implicated in the spread of numerous animal and human diseases. Excessive fly populations are generally associated with livestock units and domestic waste due to decaying organic matter. A large number of flies cause extreme disturbance in the behavior of the host, resulting in skin irritation, lesions, wounds, and secondary infections are likely to appear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined applications of larvicide (cyromazine) and adulticides (acetamiprid in formulation with pheromone and thiamethoxam) on the suppression of fly populations. The study was conducted on a pig farm. The piglet farms are one of the most favorable places for fly breeding. Three units were used for biocide applications and a fourth unit as the control where biocides were not applied. The monitoring of pre- and post-treatment of adult fly populations was carried out by glued cardboards. The cards were hung on metal rods above piglet's cage. This monitoring method served as a parameter for the estimation of biological effectiveness. The highest degree of fly control (88.4% mortality 8 days after treatment) was achieved when a combination of cyromazine and thiamethoxam was used. A biocide based on sex pheromone (Z)-9-tricosene + acetamiprid was the most effective on flies 3 days after biocide application, with a mortality rate of 69.1 %. Thiamethoxam achieved the highest reduction of flies 6 days after treatment, with 78.19% obtained mortality. Biological efficacy of the applied biocides in combination ciromazine + thiamethoxam and thiamethoxam alone was justified.

Parallax scanning methods for stereoscopic three-dimensional imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayhew, Christopher A.; Mayhew, Craig M.

2012-03-01

Under certain circumstances, conventional stereoscopic imagery is subject to being misinterpreted. Stereo perception created from two static horizontally separated views can create a "cut out" 2D appearance for objects at various planes of depth. The subject volume looks three-dimensional, but the objects themselves appear flat. This is especially true if the images are captured using small disparities. One potential explanation for this effect is that, although three-dimensional perception comes primarily from binocular vision, a human's gaze (the direction and orientation of a person's eyes with respect to their environment) and head motion also contribute additional sub-process information. The absence of this information may be the reason that certain stereoscopic imagery appears "odd" and unrealistic. Another contributing factor may be the absence of vertical disparity information in a traditional stereoscopy display. Recently, Parallax Scanning technologies have been introduced, which provide (1) a scanning methodology, (2) incorporate vertical disparity, and (3) produce stereo images with substantially smaller disparities than the human interocular distances.1 To test whether these three features would improve the realism and reduce the cardboard cutout effect of stereo images, we have applied Parallax Scanning (PS) technologies to commercial stereoscopic digital cinema productions and have tested the results with a panel of stereo experts. These informal experiments show that the addition of PS information into the left and right image capture improves the overall perception of three-dimensionality for most viewers. Parallax scanning significantly increases the set of tools available for 3D storytelling while at the same time presenting imagery that is easy and pleasant to view.

Owner observations regarding cat scratching behavior: an internet-based survey.

PubMed

Wilson, Colleen; Bain, Melissa; DePorter, Theresa; Beck, Alexandra; Grassi, Vanessa; Landsberg, Gary

2016-10-01

This study was performed to examine aspects of the cat, environment and scratching post that might influence scratching behavior, in an effort to determine how inappropriate scratching behavior might be refocused on acceptable targets. An internet survey, posted on several public websites, gathered details about scratching behavior, as described by owners in their home environments, from 4331 respondents over a 4 month period. Responses from 39 different countries were analyzed, mostly from the USA, Canada and the UK. Owners offered traditionally recommended scratching substrates including rope, cardboard, carpet and wood. Rope was most frequently used when offered, although carpet was offered most commonly. Most owners provided at least one scratching post; cats scratched the preferred substrate more often when the post was a simple upright type or a cat tree with two or more levels and at least 3 ft high. Narrower posts (base width ⩽3 ft) were used more often than wider posts (base width ⩾5 ft). Intact or neutered cats (males and females) were as likely to scratch inappropriately, and inappropriate scratching decreased with age. Geriatric cats between the ages of 10 and 14 years preferred carpet substrate most frequently; all other ages preferred rope first. Inappropriate scratching decreased as the different types/styles of posts increased in the home. Inappropriate scratching did not increase if the number of cats or dogs increased in the household. Declawed cats were preventatively declawed most often to prevent household item destruction. Although cats can have individual preferences, our data provide a starting point for veterinarians recommending scratching posts to clients. © The Author(s) 2015.

Active terahertz wave imaging system for detecting hidden objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Yuner; Liu, Ming; Zhao, Yuejin

2016-11-01

Terahertz wave can penetrate the common dielectric materials such as clothing, cardboard boxes, plastics and so on. Besides, the low photon energy and non-ionizing characteristic of the terahertz wave are especially suitable for the safety inspection of the human body. Terahertz imaging technology has a tremendous potential in the field of security inspection such as stations, airports and other public places. Terahertz wave imaging systems are divided into two categories: active terahertz imaging systems and passive terahertz imaging systems. So far, most terahertz imaging systems work at point to point mechanical scan pattern with the method of passive imaging. The imaging results of passive imaging tend to have low contrast and the image is not clear enough. This paper designs and implements an active terahertz wave imaging system combining terahertz wave transmitting and receiving with a Cassegrain antenna. The terahertz wave at the frequency of 94GHz is created by impact ionization avalanche transit time (IMPATT) diode, focused on the feed element for Cassegrain antenna by high density polyethylene (HDPE) lens, and transmitted to the human body by Cassegrain antenna. The reflected terahertz wave goes the same way it was emitted back to the feed element for Cassegrain antenna, focused on the horn antenna of detector by another high density polyethylene lens. The scanning method is the use of two-dimensional planar mirror, one responsible for horizontal scanning, and another responsible for vertical scanning. Our system can achieve a clear human body image, has better sensitivity and resolution than passive imaging system, and costs much lower than other active imaging system in the meantime.

Analysis of the waste selective collection at drop-off systems: Case study including the income level and the seasonal variation.

PubMed

Gallardo, A; Carlos, M; Colomer, F J; Edo-Alcón, N

2018-01-01

There are several factors which have an influence in the selective collection of the municipal waste. To define a selective collection system, the waste generation pattern should be firstly determined and these factors should be analyzed in depth. This paper tries to analyze the economic income level and the seasonal variation on the collection and the purity of light-packaging waste to determine actions to improve the waste management plan of a town. In the first stage of the work, waste samples of the light-packaging containers were collected in two zones of the town with different economic characteristics in different seasons during one year. In the second stage, the samples were characterized to analyze the composition and purity of the waste. They were firstly separated into four fractions: metals; plastic; beverage cartons; and misplaced materials. The misplaced fraction was in its turn separated into cardboard, rubber and leather, inert waste, organic matter, paper, hazardous waste, clothes and shoes, glass and others. The plastic fraction was separated into five types of plastics and the metal fraction into three. In the third stage, the data have been analyzed and conclusions have been extracted. The main result is that the quality of the light-packaging fraction collected in these zones during both seasons were similar. This methodology can be extrapolated to towns with similar characteristics. It will be useful when implementing a system to collect the waste selectively and to develop actions to achieve a good participation in the selective collection of the waste.

Composition, Production Rate and Management of Dental Solid Waste in 2017 in Birjand, Iran.

PubMed

Momeni, Habibe; Tabatabaei Fard, Seyyedeh Fatemeh; Arefinejad, Aliye; Afzali, Afsane; Talebi, Farkhonde; Rahmanpour Salmani, Elham

2018-01-01

The presence of toxic and pathogenic agents in the dental waste products has made it to be classified as "hazardous waste." To assess dental waste production rate and composition and approaches used to manage these waste products in 2017 in Birjand, Iran. 48 dental clinics were evaluated in two months of 2017. Sampling was performed from each clinic 3 times a week. Samples were manually divided into 5 categories of chemical-pharmaceutical, infectious, semi-household, sharp and cutting materials, and toxic waste products, and weighed. A checklist containing 25 questions was used to evaluate the aspects of waste management in dental clinics. The total amount of waste products generated in dental clinics was 7848.02 kg/ year in which semi-household waste had the highest quantity (4263.411 kg/year) and toxic waste had the lowest quantity (9.275 kg/year). Components with the highest amounts in dentistry waste products were nylon gloves (16.7%), paper and cardboard (13.4%), latex gloves (10.8%), and pharmaceuticals (10.2%). Waste separation was restricted to sharp and cutting waste. More than half (57%) of dental units were equipped with amalgam filter. Fixing solutions were directly discharged to sewage in 48.6% of clinics. There was no program to reduce waste generation in 54% of the clinics. Autoclave was the main tool for sterilizing dental instruments. This study showed a remarkable share of recyclable materials in the composition of dental waste and lack of special approach to manage waste in dental clinics. It is necessary to plan for minimizing generation of, separating, and recycling waste at source.

PREFACE: 17th International Conference on Microscopy of Semiconducting Materials 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walther, T.; Midgley, P. A.

2011-11-01

This volume contains invited and contributed papers from the 17th international conference on 'Microscopy of Semiconducting Materials' held at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, on 4-7 April 2011. The meeting was organised under the auspices of the Institute of Physics and supported by the Royal Microscopical Society as well as the Materials Research Society of the USA. This conference series deals with recent advances in semiconductor studies carried out by all forms of microscopy, with an emphasis on electron microscopy and related techniques with high spatial resolution. This time the meeting was attended by 131 delegates from 25 countries world-wide, a record in terms of internationality. As semiconductor devices shrink further new routes of device processing and characterisation need to be developed, and, for the latter, methods that offer sub-nanometre spatial resolution are particularly valuable. The various forms of imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy available in modern microscopes are powerful tools for studying the microstructure, the electronic structure, the chemistry and also electric fields in semiconducting materials. Recent advances in instrumentation, from lens aberration correction in both TEM and STEM instruments, to the development of a wide range of scanning probe techniques, as well as new methods of signal quantification have been presented at this conference. Two examples of topics at this meeting that have attracted a number of interesting studies were: the correlation of microstructural, optical and chemical information at atomic resolution with nanometre-scale resolved maps of the local electrical fields in (In,Al)GaN based semiconductors and tomographic approaches to characterise ensembles of nanowires and stacks of processed layers in devices Figure 1 Figure 1. Opening lecture by Professor Sir Colin J Humphreys. Each manuscript submitted for publication in this proceedings volume has been independently reviewed and revised where necessary. In the end, 61 manuscripts were accepted for publication. The Editors are very grateful to the following colleagues for their rapid and careful reviewing of manuscripts: M Albrecht, J S Barnard, R Beanland, G A Botton, D Cooper, L Clement, A J Craven, A G Cullis, N Daneu, V Grillo, E Grünbaum, A Gustafsson, P-H Jouneau, O L Krivanek, D Larson, M Luysberg, S I Molina, F A Ponce, A Rosenauer, F M Ross, I M Ross, J-L Rouviere, and Z L Wang. Prizes for student presentations at the conference were awarded to Mr Alberto Eljarrat, Universitat de Barcelona, and Mr Thibaud Denneulin, CEA-LETI Grenoble, both of whom are presenting their results also as contributions to this proceedings volume. Entertainment during the conference dinner was provided by the college's string quartet, and after the meal we held the now traditional friendly competition between teams of microscopists; this year teams were asked to construct models of scientific instruments using only cardboard, paper, sticky tape and glue. By unanimous vote, the team who presented the 'Atomic Food Microscope (AFM)' prototype won first prize - the deft 'dipping mode' of the cardboard cantilever (see photo) was a highlight! Figure 2 Figure 2. The prize winning 'Atomic Food Microscope (AFM)' in action! The organisers are very grateful to the following companies who contributed to the success of the meeting by presenting trade stands during an exhibition on the evening of 5 April: Agar Scientific, Bruker, CamScan, FEI, Gatan, Hitachi High Technologies, HREM Research, IOP Publishing, JEOL, Leica Microsystems and MICOS. Finally, we would like to thank the staff of the Institute of Physics for their expert assistance in planning and organising this conference and in particular Claire Garland for her dedicated professional support and her always joyful approach to any issues that arose. October 2011 T Walther P A Midgley

An autodissemination station for the transfer of an insect growth regulator to mosquito oviposition sites.

PubMed

Gaugler, R; Suman, D; Wang, Y

2012-03-01

A prototype autodissemination station to topically contaminate oviposition-seeking container-dwelling mosquitoes with the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, was developed and tested in the laboratory. Our test subject was the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), an urban species that colonizes small-volume cryptic larval habitats and is a skip ovipositor that visits multiple containers. The station consists of a water reservoir to attract gravid females, which is joined to a transfer chamber designed to contaminate visiting mosquitoes. The unit is easily constructed by moulding wet shredded cardboard using corn starch as a binder. The essential criteria that must be met to prove the efficacy of an autodissemination station require it to demonstrate effectiveness in attracting the target insect, in transferring the toxicant to the insect that will disperse the agent, and in facilitating the subsequent transfer of the toxicant from the insect to target habitats at a lethal concentration. Cage experiments demonstrated that the unit was readily accepted by gravid females as an oviposition site. A powder formulation of pyriproxyfen-impregnated silica particles adhered to visiting Ae. albopictus females (mean: 66 particles/female), although particles were lost over time. In cage (2.2 m(3) ) trials, pyriproxyfen-charged stations resulted in 100% inhibition of adult emergence, whereas in small-room (31.1 m(3) ) trials, 81% emergence inhibition was recorded. The venereal transfer of pyriproxyfen from contaminated males to virgin females was also observed, and pyriproxyfen was subsequently transferred to water-holding containers at concentrations that inhibited emergence. Key autodissemination station features include lack of maintenance requirements, biodegradable construction, low cost and low risk. © 2011 The Authors. Medical and Veterinary Entomology © 2011 The Royal Entomological Society.

Effect of biochars produced from solid organic municipal waste on soil quality parameters.

PubMed

Randolph, P; Bansode, R R; Hassan, O A; Rehrah, Dj; Ravella, R; Reddy, M R; Watts, D W; Novak, J M; Ahmedna, M

2017-05-01

New value-added uses for solid municipal waste are needed for environmental and economic sustainability. Fortunately, value-added biochars can be produced from mixed solid waste, thereby addressing solid waste management issues, and enabling long-term carbon sequestration. We hypothesize that soil deficiencies can be remedied by the application of municipal waste-based biochars. Select municipal organic wastes (newspaper, cardboard, woodchips and landscaping residues) individually or in a 25% blend of all four waste streams were used as feedstocks of biochars. Three sets of pyrolysis temperatures (350, 500, and 750 °C) and 3 sets of pyrolysis residence time (2, 4 and 6 h) were used for biochar preparation. The biochar yield was in the range of 21-62% across all feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions. We observed variations in key biochar properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density and surface area depending on the feedstocks and production conditions. Biochar increased soil pH and improved its electrical conductivity, aggregate stability, water retention and micronutrient contents. Similarly, leachate from the soil amended with biochar showed increased pH and electrical conductivity. Some elements such as Ca and Mg decreased while NO 3 -N increased in the leachates of soils incubated with biochars. Overall, solid waste-based biochar produced significant improvements to soil fertility parameters indicating that solid municipal wastes hold promising potential as feedstocks for manufacturing value-added biochars with varied physicochemical characteristics, allowing them to not only serve the needs for solid waste management and greenhouse gas mitigation, but also as a resource for improving the quality of depleted soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figure-ground effects on shape memory for objects versus holes.

PubMed

Palmer, Stephen; Davis, Janet; Nelson, Rolf; Rock, Irvin

2008-01-01

The circumstances under which the shapes of figure-versus-ground regions are perceived and remembered were investigated in three experiments that replicate, extend, and clarify Rubin's [1921 Visuell wahrgenommene Figuren (Copenhagen: Gyldendals)] classic study on this topic. In experiment 1, observers reported which of two regions they perceived as figure within ambiguous, bipartite, 2-D displays. In a later shape-recognition test, the shapes of regions previously seen as figures were remembered well, but the shapes of regions previously seen as grounds were remembered no better than novel distractor regions. In experiment 2 we examined the same question about memory for the shape of figure-versus-ground regions in nested displays in which the central region could be perceived either as a closer figure surrounded by a farther ground (ie as a solid object) or as a farther ground surrounded by a closer figure (ie as an empty hole). Unlike experiment 1, the shapes of regions initially perceived as grounds (holes) were remembered as well as those of regions initially perceived as figures (solid objects), and much better than those of novel distractor regions. In experiment 3 we further demonstrated that this outcome did not depend on the figure-ground instructions employed in experiment 2, because the same result was obtained with unambiguous 3-D cardboard displays of objects versus holes with no figure ground instructions at all. The present findings support an account of hole perception in which the shape of an intrinsic hole is encoded as a shaped, immaterial (or virtual) surface where the absence of matter is coded by a functional 'missing' symbol (analogous to a minus sign in mathematics) to represent its non-material status.

Molds in floor dust and building-related symptoms among adolescent school children: a problem for boys only?

PubMed

Meyer, H W; Würtz, H; Suadicani, P; Valbjørn, O; Sigsgaard, T; Gyntelberg, F

2005-01-01

In this stratified cross-sectional study in eight 'wet' and seven 'dry' schools, 1024 adolescent school children reported potentially building-related symptoms (BRS) in self-administrated questionnaires. From their classrooms dust samples were collected from floors, ventilation ducts, and air; settled dust was collected in cardboard boxes over a period of 5 months. Measurements of temperature, relative humidity and CO2 were performed. BRS were strongly associated with personal factors like recent airway infections, hay fever, asthma and psycho-social work load, but also to molds in floor dust and presence of mechanical ventilation. The association between molds in floor dust and BRS has in stratified analyses shown a strong association among adolescent school boys, and no association among adolescent school girls using multivariable analyses controlling for relevant confounders. In contrast to the menstruating school girls, the symptoms among the small group of not yet menstruating girls were associated with the levels of molds in floor dust. Their symptom prevalences were very similar to those of the boys. This finding makes us suggest a new hypothesis: The higher endogenous estrogen levels of sexually matured adolescent females seems to protect them from the effects of molds in dust, despite their overall higher symptom prevalence. In this cross-sectional epidemiological study of adolescent school children we found independent significant positive associations between building-related symptoms and viable molds in floor dust in boys and non-menstruating girls. In contrast, no such associations were seen among menstruating girls. The identification of these two susceptible groups adds further support the relevance of minimizing sources of dust and mold exposure.

Model for the separate collection of packaging waste in Portuguese low-performing recycling regions.

PubMed

Oliveira, V; Sousa, V; Vaz, J M; Dias-Ferreira, C

2018-06-15

Separate collection of packaging waste (glass; plastic/metals; paper/cardboard), is currently a widespread practice throughout Europe. It enables the recovery of good quality recyclable materials. However, separate collection performance are quite heterogeneous, with some countries reaching higher levels than others. In the present work, separate collection of packaging waste has been evaluated in a low-performance recycling region in Portugal in order to investigate which factors are most affecting the performance in bring-bank collection system. The variability of separate collection yields (kg per inhabitant per year) among 42 municipalities was scrutinized for the year 2015 against possible explanatory factors. A total of 14 possible explanatory factors were analysed, falling into two groups: socio-economic/demographic and waste collection service related. Regression models were built in an attempt to evaluate the individual effect of each factor on separate collection yields and predict changes on the collection yields by acting on those factors. The best model obtained is capable to explain 73% of the variation found in the separate collection yields. The model includes the following statistically significant indicators affecting the success of separate collection yields: i) inhabitants per bring-bank; ii) relative accessibility to bring-banks; iii) degree of urbanization; iv) number of school years attended; and v) area. The model presented in this work was developed specifically for the bring-bank system, has an explanatory power and quantifies the impact of each factor on separate collection yields. It can therefore be used as a support tool by local and regional waste management authorities in the definition of future strategies to increase collection of recyclables of good quality and to achieve national and regional targets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of carbon monoxide levels during heating of ice and water to boiling point with a camping stove.

PubMed

Leigh-Smith, Simon; Watt, Ian; McFadyen, Angus; Grant, Stan

2004-01-01

To determine whether using a camping stove to bring a pan of ice to boiling point produces higher carbon monoxide (CO) concentration than would bringing a pan of water to boiling point. The hypothesis was that ice would cause greater CO concentration because of its greater flame-cooling effect and, consequently, more incomplete combustion. This was a randomized, prospective observational study. After an initial pilot study, CO concentration was monitored during 10 trials for each of ice and water. A partially ventilated 200-L cardboard box model was developed and then used inside a chamber at -6 degrees C. Ice temperature and volume, water temperature and volume, pan size, and flame characteristics were all standardized. Temperature of the heated medium was monitored to determine time to boiling point. Carbon monoxide concentration was monitored every 30 seconds for the first 3 minutes, then every minute until the end of each 10-minute trial. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in CO production levels between ice and water. Each achieved a similar mean plateau level of approximately 400 ppm CO concentration with a similar rate of rise. However, significantly higher (P = .014) CO concentration occurred at 4 and 5 minutes when the flame underwent a yellow flare; this occurred only on 3 occasions when ice was the medium. There were no significant differences for CO production between bringing a pan of ice or water to boiling point. In a small number of ice trials, the presence of a yellow flame resulted in high CO concentration. Yellow flares might occur more often with ice or snow melting, but this has not been proven.

Anthropogenic Litter in Urban Freshwater Ecosystems: Distribution and Microbial Interactions

PubMed Central

Hoellein, Timothy; Rojas, Miguel; Pink, Adam; Gasior, Joseph; Kelly, John

2014-01-01

Accumulation of anthropogenic litter (i.e. garbage; AL) and its ecosystem effects in marine environments are well documented. Rivers receive AL from terrestrial habitats and represent a major source of AL to marine environments, but AL is rarely studied within freshwater ecosystems. Our objectives were to 1) quantify AL density in urban freshwaters, 2) compare AL abundance among freshwater, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems, and 3) characterize the activity and composition of AL biofilms in freshwater habitats. We quantified AL from the Chicago River and Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, and found that AL abundance in Chicago freshwater ecosystems was comparable to previously reported data for marine and terrestrial ecosystems, although AL density and composition differed among habitats. To assess microbial interactions with AL, we incubated AL and natural substrates in 3 freshwater ecosystems, quantified biofilm metabolism as gross primary production (GPP) and community respiration (CR), and characterized biofilm bacterial community composition via high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The main driver of biofilm community composition was incubation location (e.g., river vs pond), but there were some significant differences in biofilm composition and metabolism among substrates. For example, biofilms on organic substrates (cardboard and leaves) had lower GPP than hard substrates (glass, plastic, aluminum and tiles). In addition, bacterial communities on organic substrates were distinct in composition from those on hard substrates, with higher relative abundances of bacteria associated with cellulose decomposition. Finally, we used our results to develop a conceptual diagram designed to unite the study of AL in terrestrial and freshwater environments with the well-established field of marine debris research. We suggest this broad perspective will be useful for future studies which synthesize AL sources, ecosystem effects, and fate across multiple ecosystem types, and will benefit management and reduction of global AL accumulations. PMID:24955768

The sensitivity and reproducibility of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo test for the screening of waste water quality and for testing the toxicity of chemicals.

PubMed

Lahnsteiner, Franz

2008-07-01

The sensitivity of the zebrafish embryo test, a test proposed for routine waste water control, was compared with the acute fish toxicity test, in the determination of six types of waste water and ten different chemicals. The waste water was sampled from the following industrial processes: paper and cardboard production, hide tanning, metal galvanisation, carcass treatment and utilisation, and sewage treatment. The chemicals tested were: dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulphoxide, cadmium chloride, cyclohexane, hydroquinone, mercuric chloride, nickel chloride, nonylphenol, resmethrin and sodium nitrite. For many of the test substances, the zebrafish embryo test and the acute fish toxicity test results showed high correlations. However, there were certain environmentally-relevant substances for which the results of the zebrafish embryo test and the acute fish toxicity test differed significantly, up to 10,000-fold (Hg(2+) > 150-fold difference; NO(2)(-) > 300-fold; Cd(2+) > 200-fold; resmethrin > 10,000-fold). For the investigated waste water samples and chemicals, the survival rate of the zebrafish embryos showed high variations between different egg samples, within the range of the EC50 concentration. Subsequently, 5-6 parallel assays were deemed to be the appropriate number necessary for the precise evaluation of the toxicity of the test substances. Also, it was found that the sensitivities of different ontogenetic stages to chemical exposure differed greatly. During the first 12 hours after fertilisation (4-cell stage to the 5-somite stage), the embryos reacted most sensitively to test substance exposure, whereas the later ontogenetic stages showed only slight or no response, indicating that the test is most sensitive during the first 24 hours post-fertilisation.

Impact on carbon footprint: a life cycle assessment of disposable versus reusable sharps containers in a large US hospital.

PubMed

Grimmond, Terry; Reiner, Sandra

2012-06-01

Hospitals are striving to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Targeting supply chain points and replacing disposable with reusable items are among recommendations to achieve this. Annually, US hospitals use 35 million disposable (DSC) or reusable sharps containers (RSC) generating GHG in their manufacture, use, and disposal. Using a life cycle assessment we assessed the global warming potential (GWP) of both systems at a large US hospital which replaced DSC with RSC. GHG emissions (CO(2), CH(4), N(2)O) were calculated in metric tons of CO(2) equivalents (MTCO(2)eq). Primary energy input data was used wherever possible and region-specific conversions used to calculate the GWP of each activity. Unit process GHGs were collated into manufacture, transport, washing, and treatment and disposal. The DSC were not recycled nor had recycled content. Chemotherapy DSC were used in both systems. Emission totals were workload-normalized per 100 occupied beds-yr and rate ratio analyzed using Fisher's test with P ≤0.05 and 95% confidence level. With RSC, the hospital reduced its annual GWP by 127 MTCO(2)eq (-83.5%) and diverted 30.9 tons of plastic and 5.0 tons of cardboard from landfill. Using RSC reduced the number of containers manufactured from 34,396 DSC annually to 1844 RSC in year one only. The study indicates sharps containment GWP in US hospitals totals 100,000 MTCO(2)eq and if RSC were used nationally the figure could fall by 64,000 MTCO(2)eq which, whilst only a fraction of total hospital GWP, is a positive, sustainable step.

Hyperlipemia in a population of aged donkeys: description, prevalence, and potential risk factors.

PubMed

Burden, F A; Du Toit, N; Hazell-Smith, E; Trawford, A F

2011-01-01

Hyperlipemia is a common disorder of the donkey, with mortality rates of up to 80% reported. Such a poor prognosis makes prevention of this disorder or amelioration in the early stages crucial. The objective of this study was to describe and determine the prevalence of hyperlipemia in a population of donkeys and to determine risk factors for development of the disease. A total of 449 cases were investigated from a population of 3829 donkeys; donkeys were resident at The Donkey Sanctuary, a charity providing refuge for unwanted donkeys in the UK. Animals were selected on the basis of presence of clinical disease. A retrospective case-control study design was used, and all donkeys presenting with hyperlipemia over a 4-year period were included. Each case was matched with 2 controls that had not suffered from hyperlipemia in the previous month. Multivariable analysis was carried out to determine risk factors. A total of 449 clinical cases of hyperlipemia were reported with an associated mortality rate of 48.5%. Concurrent disease was present in 72% of donkeys and was the greatest risk factor (OR = 76.98); others included cardboard bedding (OR = 3.86), movement (OR = 3.94), weight loss (OR = 6.4), dental disease (OR = 1.73), and concentrate feeding (OR = 1.87). This study shows that this population of donkeys in the UK often develops hyperlipemia, particularly in response to stress or primary illness, and provides useful insights in to health and management risk factors that may be addressed to decrease the risk of hyperlipemia both in the study population and in other similar donkey populations. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

The challenge of teaching astronomy with 0 dollars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ros, Rosa Maria; García, Beatriz

2015-08-01

The training courses on Astronomy are necessary for teachers in all the countries. Normally they are more necessary in developing countries that in other ones. The challenge is to do this work without expenses. NASE, Network for Astronomy School Education, organizes courses for teachers in service and future teachers practically free of charge. The host country only pays accommodation and meals of NASE visitors. But the most interesting aspect of NASE is that presents a lot of activities to carry out in the classroom by 0 dollars using “learning by doing” methodology. After more than 60 courses in about 20 countries we can show several examples of materials generated by participants themselves during the course. With this materials they can make observations and reasoning about their observations in order to understand the astronomy concepts which appear in the curricula of different levels of formal education.Waste materials, cardboard or paper, pieces of string or wire, a stick or a CD, some milk or a drop of oil can be very useful to produce a spectrograph, a photometer, a sundial, a goniometer or a quadrant. The imagination and creativity can replace funding which are difficult to achieve in secondary and primary schools in small towns or villages. NASE is a solution for teachers. which discover that they can explain, in a simple way, complex concepts using models and observations that do not need any money!Participants in NASE courses receive instructions in order to work with NASE materials and after the courses they can find (and create) complementary materials at the NASE website, in order to continue working in the same way. We receive some contributions from some of them that we publish at our web.http:www.naseprogram.org

A miniature research vessel: A small-scale ocean-exploration demonstration of geophysical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, S. M.; Boston, B.; Sleeper, J. D.; Cameron, M. E.; Togia, H.; Anderson, A.; Sigurdardottir, T. D.; Tree, J. P.

2015-12-01

Graduate student members of the University of Hawaii Geophysical Society have designed a small-scale model research vessel (R/V) that uses sonar to create 3D maps of a model seafloor in real-time. A pilot project was presented to the public at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology's (SOEST) Biennial Open House weekend in 2013 and, with financial support from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and National Science Foundation, was developed into a full exhibit for the same event in 2015. Nearly 8,000 people attended the two-day event, including children and teachers from Hawaii's schools, home school students, community groups, families, and science enthusiasts. Our exhibit demonstrates real-time sonar mapping of a cardboard volcano using a toy size research vessel on a programmable 2-dimensional model ship track suspended above a model seafloor. Ship waypoints were wirelessly sent from a Windows Surface tablet to a large-touchscreen PC that controlled the exhibit. Sound wave travel times were recorded using an ultrasonic emitter/receiver attached to an Arduino microcontroller platform and streamed through a USB connection to the control PC running MatLab, where a 3D model was updated as the ship collected data. Our exhibit demonstrates the practical use of complicated concepts, like wave physics, survey design, and data processing in a way that the youngest elementary students are able to understand. It provides an accessible avenue to learn about sonar mapping, and could easily be adapted to talk about bat and marine mammal echolocation by replacing the model ship and volcano. The exhibit received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees and incited discussions that covered a broad range of earth science topics.

Updating and testing of a Finnish method for mixed municipal solid waste composition studies.

PubMed

Liikanen, M; Sahimaa, O; Hupponen, M; Havukainen, J; Sorvari, J; Horttanainen, M

2016-06-01

More efficient recycling of municipal solid waste (MSW) is an essential precondition for turning Europe into a circular economy. Thus, the recycling of MSW must increase significantly in several member states, including Finland. This has increased the interest in the composition of mixed MSW. Due to increased information needs, a method for mixed MSW composition studies was introduced in Finland in order to improve the national comparability of composition study results. The aim of this study was to further develop the method so that it corresponds to the information needed about the composition of mixed MSW and still works in practice. A survey and two mixed MSW composition studies were carried out in the study. According to the responses of the survey, the intensification of recycling, the landfill ban on organic waste and the producer responsibility for packaging waste have particularly influenced the need for information about the composition of mixed MSW. The share of biowaste in mixed MSW interested the respondents most. Additionally, biowaste proved to be the largest waste fraction in mixed MSW in the composition studies. It constituted over 40% of mixed MSW in both composition studies. For these reasons, the classification system of the method was updated by further defining the classifications of biowaste. The classifications of paper as well as paperboard and cardboard were also updated. The updated classification system provides more information on the share of avoidable food waste and waste materials suitable for recycling in mixed MSW. The updated method and the information gained from the composition studies are important in ensuring that the method will be adopted by municipal waste management companies and thus used widely in Finland. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of individual material fractions in Danish source-separated organic household waste.

PubMed

Naroznova, Irina; Møller, Jacob; Scheutz, Charlotte

2016-04-01

This study is dedicated to characterising the chemical composition and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of individual material fractions in untreated Danish source-separated organic household waste (SSOHW). First, data on SSOHW in different countries, available in the literature, were evaluated and then, secondly, laboratory analyses for eight organic material fractions comprising Danish SSOHW were conducted. No data were found in the literature that fully covered the objectives of the present study. Based on laboratory analyses, all fractions were assigned according to their specific properties in relation to BMP, protein content, lipids, lignocellulose biofibres and easily degradable carbohydrates (carbohydrates other than lignocellulose biofibres). The three components in lignocellulose biofibres, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, were differentiated, and theoretical BMP (TBMP) and material degradability (BMP from laboratory incubation tests divided by TBMP) were expressed. Moreover, the degradability of lignocellulose biofibres (the share of volatile lignocellulose biofibre solids degraded in laboratory incubation tests) was calculated. Finally, BMP for average SSOHW composition in Denmark (untreated) was calculated, and the BMP contribution of the individual material fractions was then evaluated. Material fractions of the two general waste types, defined as "food waste" and "fibre-rich waste," were found to be anaerobically degradable with considerable BMP. Material degradability of material fractions such as vegetation waste, moulded fibres, animal straw, dirty paper and dirty cardboard, however, was constrained by lignin content. BMP for overall SSOHW (untreated) was 404 mL CH4 per g VS, which might increase if the relative content of material fractions, such as animal and vegetable food waste, kitchen tissue and dirty paper in the waste, becomes larger. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of steam penetration and sterilization of natural latex wraps.

PubMed

Rossanese, Matteo; Gasson, James; Barker, Colin; Bowlt, Kelly

2014-11-01

To evaluate the efficacy of steam and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization of Vetrap™ bandages. Prospective experimental study. Vetrap™ bandages (n = 70; 35 as supplied by the manufacturer, 35 unwound and tightly rewound). Vetrap™ bandage rolls (n = 60) marked with a 1 cm square were inoculated with 0.1 mL Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, packaged in a pouch together with independent sterilization indicators and assigned into 3 sub-groups for sterilizer type: dynamic air removal, gravity displacement, and bench-top pre-vacuum and further sub-divided into 2 sterilization temperatures. Vetrap™ bandages rolls (n = 10) were inoculated with 0.1 mL Bacillus atrophaeus spores in the same manner and underwent EtO sterilization. After sterilization, the 1 cm marked square was aseptically resected to the level of the cardboard tube and enriched in a flask containing 10 mL tryptic soy broth for 24 hours at 60°C for G. stearothermophilus and 37°C for B. atrophaeus. Aliquots were subsequently plated on a Petri dish of tryptic soy agar and incubated at 60°C for G. stearothermophilus and 37°C for B. atrophaeus for 24 hours. Samples were scored positive if colonies of indicator organism were present on the nutrient agar after 24 hours. Three Vetrap™ bandages yielded post-sterilization growth of G. stearothermophilus: 2 from the dynamic air removal sterilizer at 134°C for 3.5 minutes, and 1 from the bench-top pre-vacuum sterilizer at 121°C for 15 minutes. After EtO sterilization, no positive samples were detected. Steam sterilization may be incomplete for Vetrap™ bandages whereas EtO showed complete destruction of resistant bacterial spores. © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Evaluation and Analysis of Cotton Bedding as a Bulking Agent in an Aerobic Food Waste Composting System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, A. S. L.

2017-12-01

Food wastage is a prominent issue in Hong Kong that should be addressed. Here at The Independent Schools Foundation Academy, we are continuously looking for ways to improve, including that of food waste. In 2013 the school installed an A900 Rocket Food Composter, in hopes of reducing carbon footprint. Since the installation, the school has tested various elements of the food composter to further improve upon it to make it increasingly more sustainable and effective. These improvements vary from the revamping of the odour control system, increasing the nitrogen content and the installation of an improved grease trap. The school composts the food waste through combining a variety of substances together: coffee, compost, food waste, and a bulking agent - which will be tested in this study. Recently, the school has changed the compost bulking agent from wood shavings and cardboard to cotton bedding - a side product of the production of UK passports. In this study, I will evaluate the effectiveness of cotton bedding as a bulking agent in an aerobic composting system, focusing primarily on three points: a) microbial activity - the identification of cellulose digesting bacteria and the associated kinetics, b) the soil gas composition - the data shall be collected through the use of the Gasmet DX 4015, and c) the chemical analysis of the compost - specifically the amount of aluminum in the compost and whether or not it is significant enough to discredit cotton bedding as an effective bulking agent. The the analysis of cotton bedding using these three specifications will allow ISF Academy to evaluate the overall effectiveness of cotton bedding as a bulking agent.

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis for ethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of wastepaper.

PubMed

Sangkharak, Kanokphorn

2011-11-01

The present study investigated the development of high sugar production by optimization of an enzymatic hydrolysis process using both conventional and statistical methods, as well as the production of ethanol by the selected wastepaper source. Among four sources of pretreated wastepaper including office paper, newspaper, handbills and cardboard, office paper gave the highest values of cellulose (87.12%) and holocelluloses (89.07%). The effects of the amount of wastepaper, the pretreatment method and the type of enzyme on reducing sugar production from office paper were studied using conventional methods. The highest reducing sugar production (1851.28 µg L(-1); 37.03% conversion of glucose) was obtained from the optimal condition containing 40 mg of office paper, pretreated with stream explosion and hydrolysed with the combination of cellulase from Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride at the fixed loading rate of 20 FPU g(-1) sample. The effects of interaction of wastepaper amount and enzyme concentration as well as incubation time were studied by a statistical method using central composite design. The optimal medium composition consisted of 43.97 µg L(-1), 28.14 FPU g(-1) sample and 53.73 h of wastepaper, enzyme concentration and incubation time, respectively, and gave the highest amount of sugar production (2184.22 µg L(-1)) and percentage conversion of glucose (43.68%). The ethanol production from pretreated office paper using Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process was 21.02 g L(-1) after 36 h of cultivation, corresponding to an ethanol volumetric production rate of 0.58 g ethanol L(-1) h(-1).

Assessment of applicability index for better management of municipal solid waste: a case study of Dhanbad, India.

PubMed

Yadav, Pooja; Samadder, S R

2018-06-01

Selection of suitable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) options is one of the major challenges in urban areas of the developing countries. Success of MSWM requires accurate data of generation rate, composition and physico-chemical characteristics of solid wastes. Improper handling of solid waste can have significant environmental and aesthetical impacts. The present study proposes a new method (applicability index - P ik values) for identifying the most appropriate disposal option with the help of applicability values of Composting-C P , Incineration-I P and Landfill-L P for individual components of MSW based on the results of the physico-chemical analysis of the collected representative solid waste samples from the study area, Dhanbad, India. The mean values of moisture content, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, volatile organic carbon, fixed carbon, ash content, density and calorific values (CV) of individual components were used as input values in this process. Based on the proposed applicability index (P ik ), the highest P ik values were obtained for incineration (I P ) for plastics, polythene, paper, coconut shell, wood, cardboard, textile, thermocol (polystyrene), rubber, sugarcane bagasse, cow dung and leather wastes (I P  > C P  > L P ) due to high CV of these solid waste components; the highest P ik values were obtained for composting (C P ) of kitchen waste (C P  > I P  > L P ); and the highest P ik values for inert wastes were obtained for landfill option (L P  > I P  > C P ). The highest P ik value for a particular waste for a specific treatment option signifies that the waste is suitable for treatment/disposal using that option.

Anthropogenic litter in urban freshwater ecosystems: distribution and microbial interactions.

PubMed

Hoellein, Timothy; Rojas, Miguel; Pink, Adam; Gasior, Joseph; Kelly, John

2014-01-01

Accumulation of anthropogenic litter (i.e. garbage; AL) and its ecosystem effects in marine environments are well documented. Rivers receive AL from terrestrial habitats and represent a major source of AL to marine environments, but AL is rarely studied within freshwater ecosystems. Our objectives were to 1) quantify AL density in urban freshwaters, 2) compare AL abundance among freshwater, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems, and 3) characterize the activity and composition of AL biofilms in freshwater habitats. We quantified AL from the Chicago River and Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, and found that AL abundance in Chicago freshwater ecosystems was comparable to previously reported data for marine and terrestrial ecosystems, although AL density and composition differed among habitats. To assess microbial interactions with AL, we incubated AL and natural substrates in 3 freshwater ecosystems, quantified biofilm metabolism as gross primary production (GPP) and community respiration (CR), and characterized biofilm bacterial community composition via high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The main driver of biofilm community composition was incubation location (e.g., river vs pond), but there were some significant differences in biofilm composition and metabolism among substrates. For example, biofilms on organic substrates (cardboard and leaves) had lower GPP than hard substrates (glass, plastic, aluminum and tiles). In addition, bacterial communities on organic substrates were distinct in composition from those on hard substrates, with higher relative abundances of bacteria associated with cellulose decomposition. Finally, we used our results to develop a conceptual diagram designed to unite the study of AL in terrestrial and freshwater environments with the well-established field of marine debris research. We suggest this broad perspective will be useful for future studies which synthesize AL sources, ecosystem effects, and fate across multiple ecosystem types, and will benefit management and reduction of global AL accumulations.

REVISED GUIDELINES FOR USING CELLULOSE DEGRADATION PRODUCT-IMPACTED KD VALUES FOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS AND COMPOSITE ANALYSES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaplan, D.

2012-05-14

Cellulosic materials include wood, paper, rags, and cardboard products. These materials are co-disposed with radiological waste at the Savannah River Site's (SRS) E-Area Low-Level Waste Facility (ELLWF). Cellulosic materials readily degrade in the environment to form cellulose degradation products (CDP) that will partition to the sediment or remain mobile in the groundwater. Savannah River National Lab (SRNL) has conducted studies to estimate the impact of CDP on radionuclide sorption to SRS sediments (Kd values). It was found that CDP impact on radionuclide sorption varies with radionuclide and CDP concentration. Furthermore, it was found that the amount of carbon (C) inmore » the system could increase or decrease Kd values with respect to the base case of when no CDP was added. Throughout the expected pH range of the ELLWF, a low concentration of CDP in the system would increase Kd values (because C would sorb to the sediment and provide more exchange sites for radionuclides to sorb), whereas greater concentrations of CDP ({ge}20 mg/L C) would decrease Kd values (because C would remain in solution and complex the radionuclide and not permit the radionuclide to sorb to the sediment). A review of >230 dissolved organic carbon (DOC) groundwater concentrations in the Old Radioactive Waste Burial Ground (ORWBG) at the SRS indicated that the average DOC concentration, a gross measure of CDP, was 5 mg/L C. At approximately this DOC concentration, the laboratory studies demonstrated that no anions (Tc, I, or Se) or cations (Ni, Sr, Ce, Eu, Zr, or Th) have decreased sorption in the presence of carbon (an analogue for CDP).« less

The Smallest R/V: A Small-scale Ocean Exploration Demonstration of Real-time Bathymetric Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, S. M.; Boston, B.; Maher, S. M.; Sleeper, J. D.; Togia, H.; Tree, J. P.

2014-12-01

In October 2013, graduate student members of the University of Hawaii Geophysical Society designed a small-scale model research vessel (R/V) that uses sonar to create 3D maps of a model seafloor in real-time. This pilot project was presented to the public at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology's (SOEST) Biennial Open House weekend. An estimated 7,600 people attended the two-day event, including children and teachers from Hawaii's schools, home school students, community groups, families, and science enthusiasts. Our exhibit demonstrated real-time sonar mapping of a cardboard volcano using a toy size research vessel on a fixed 2D model ship track suspended above a model seafloor. Sound wave travel times were recorded using an unltrasonic emitter/receiver attached to an Arduino microcontroller platform, while the same system measured displacement along the ship track. This data was streamed through a USB connection to a PC running MatLab, where a 3D model was updated as the ship collected data. Our exhibit demonstrates the practical use of complicated concepts, like wave physics and data processing, in a way that even the youngest elementary students are able to understand. It provides an accessible avenue to learn about sonar mapping, and could easily be adapted to talk about bat and marine mammal echolocation by replacing the model ship and volcano. The exhibit received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, and has inspired the group to develop a more interactive model for future exhibitions, using multiple objects to be mapped that participants could arrange, and a more robust ship movement system that participants could operate.

Project watching the sky: a playful and constructivist approach in the practice of night sky observations for 2nd grade elementary school students in the city of Santo André

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voelzke, M. R.; Faria, R. Z.; Pedroso, M.; Jacinto, C.; Silva, L. C. P.

2017-07-01

The Johannes Kepler planetary, located at the SABINA Parque do Conhecimento in the City of Santo André, Brazil, has equipments that allow the teaching and diffusion of Astronomy. The attendances take place during the week for schools and at weekends for the public. The attending focus is on elementary students from Santo André’s municipal schools, kids between 6 and 10 years old. The pedagogical team created attendance models with specific matters for each age. The model is only incorporated into the planetary agenda after the municipal teacheŕs approval. This paper reports the establishment and approval of an attending project for 2nd grade students between September and November 2014. The workshops "My first spyglass" and "Creating my constellations" and the planetary session "Watching the Sky" were created. The Municipal Education Office received the project and passed it to the schools. From the 51 municipal schools, 13 took part sending 21 classes, totaling 521 students. The project included activities for the students, such as the construction of spyglasses out of cardboard which made them learn about constellations of yeaŕs seasons and enabled them to create their own constellations. During the schools permanency in the planetary, the teachers received a survey to evaluate the pilot project. The evaluation of the researched items allowed to classify them into satisfactory, partially satisfactory or unsatisfactory. The results were 95% satisfactory, considering the following aspects: used script, applied workshops, participation, concern and content uptake by the students; and a satisfactory rate of 100% about the used resources. Upon the approval, the pedagogical team included definitively this attendance into their agenda.

Field efficacy of phoxim 50% (ByeMite) against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae in battery cages stocked with laying hens.

PubMed

Meyer-Kühling, Borris; Pfister, Kurt; Müller-Lindloff, Jürgen; Heine, Josef

2007-07-20

Infestations with the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae represent a major ectoparasite problem in poultry and can affect egg layers worldwide. There is presently a lack of an ectoparasiticide in Europe for poultry which can assure a 0-day withholding period for eggs. In this study, ByeMite (phoxim 50%, Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division) was administered to treat a D. gallinae infestation in a poultry house stocked with egg-laying hens kept in a cage system. A layer house was sprayed twice within a 7-day interval using a solution containing 2000 ppm phoxim and a similar layer house was used as an untreated control unit. Specially developed D. gallinae traps made of cardboard were used to assess the mite density in both layer houses during a 49-day period after the treatment. In order to collect mites, the traps were placed on days--1, 2, 6, 9, 13, 20, 34 and 48 and always removed after 24 h. The collected mites were counted and differentiated according to their developmental stage (mite eggs, larvae, nymphs, adults). Three days after the first spray treatment, the efficacy against all mite stages (larvae, nymphs, adults) was 96.1%, and from day 7 post-treatment until the end of the trial (day 49) the efficacy exceeded 99%. In contrast, in the untreated layer house (negative control group) the mite population showed a 400% increase. No treatment-related side effects in chickens were detectable. It is concluded that two administrations of ByeMite within a 7-day interval are highly effective against D. gallinae infestations in a stocked poultry house.

Application of laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the measurement of calcium and lead isotope ratios in packaging for discriminatory purposes.

PubMed

Santamaria-Fernandez, Rebeca; Wolff, Jean-Claude

2010-07-30

The potential of high-precision calcium and lead isotope ratio measurements using laser ablation coupled to multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) to aid distinction between four genuine and five counterfeit pharmaceutical packaging samples and further classification of counterfeit packaging samples has been evaluated. We highlight the lack of reference materials for LA-MC-ICP-MS isotope ratio measurements in solids. In this case the problem is minimised by using National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 915a calcium carbonate (as solid pellets) and NIST SRM610 glass disc for sample bracketing external standardisation. In addition, a new reference material, NIST SRM915b calcium carbonate, has been characterised in-house for Ca isotope ratios and is used as a reference sample. Significant differences have been found between genuine and counterfeit samples; the method allows detection of counterfeits and aids further classification of packaging samples. Typical expanded uncertainties for measured-corrected Ca isotope ratio values ((43)Ca/(44)Ca and (42)Ca/(44)Ca) were found to be below 0.06% (k = 2, 95% confidence) and below 0.2% for measured-corrected Pb isotope ratios ((207)Pb/(206)Pb and (208)Pb/(206)Pb). This is the first time that Ca isotope ratios have been measured in packaging materials using LA coupled to a multicollector (MC)-ICP-MS instrument. The use of LA-MC-ICP-MS for direct measurement of Ca and Pb isotopic variations in cardboard/ink in packaging has definitive potential to aid counterfeit detection and classification. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Reverse logistics system and recycling potential at a landfill: A case study from Kampala City

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kinobe, J.R., E-mail: joel.kinobe@slu.se; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; Gebresenbet, G.

Highlights: • Quantifies the different waste streams delivered at the landfill. • Evaluates the amount of potential waste products that enters into the reverse cycle. • Drawing out the reverse logistics activities from Kampala City to Kiteezi landfill. • Identify the storage, collection and transportation mechanisms of products to the various destinations; and finally. • The study suggests efficient measures to improve reverse logistics system. - Abstract: The rapid growing population and high urbanisation rates in Sub-Saharan Africa has caused enormous pressure on collection services of the generated waste in the urban areas. This has put a burden on landfilling,more » which is the major waste disposal method. Waste reduction, re-use and recycling opportunities exist but are not fully utilized. The common items that are re-used and re-cycled are plastics, paper, aluminum, glass, steel, cardboard, and yard waste. This paper develops an overview of reverse logistics at Kiteezi landfill, the only officially recognised waste disposal facility for Kampala City. The paper analyses, in details the collection, re-processing, re-distribution and final markets of these products into a reversed supply chain network. Only 14% of the products at Kiteezi landfill are channeled into the reverse chain while 63% could be included in the distribution chain but are left out and disposed of while the remaining 23% is buried. This is because of the low processing power available, lack of market value, lack of knowledge and limited value addition activities to the products. This paper proposes possible strategies of efficient and effective reverse logistics development, applicable to Kampala City and other similar cities.« less

Comparison of two kinds of skin imaging analysis software: VISIA® from Canfield and IPP® from Media Cybernetics.

PubMed

Wang, X; Shu, X; Li, Z; Huo, W; Zou, L; Tang, Y; Li, L

2018-01-27

Skin imaging analysis, acting as a supplement to noninvasive bioengineering devices, has been widely used in medical cosmetology and cosmetic product evaluation. The main aim of this study is to assess the differences and correlations in measuring skin spots, wrinkles, vascular features, porphyrin, and pore between two commercially available image analysis software. Seventy healthy women were included in the study. Before taking pictures, the dermatologist evaluated subjects' skin conditions. Test sites included the forehead, cheek, and periorbital skin. A 2 × 2 cm cardboard was used to make a mark on the skin surface. Pictures were taken using VISIA ® under three kinds light conditions and analyzed using VISIA ® and IPP ® respectively. (1) Skin pore, red area, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, porphyrin, and wrinkle measured with VISIA ® were correlated with those measured with IPP ® (P < .01). (2) Spot, wrinkle, fine line, brown spot, and red area analyzed with VISIA ® were correlated with age on the forehead and periorbital skin (P < .05). L-value, Crow's feet, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, and red area analyzed with IPP ® were correlated with age on the periorbital skin (P < .05). (3) L-value, spot, wrinkle, fine line, porphyrin, red area, and pore analyzed with VISIA ® and IPP ® showed correlations with the subjective evaluation scores (P < .05). VISIA ® and IPP ® showed acceptable correlation in measuring various skin conditions. VISIA ® showed a high sensibility when measured on the forehead skin. IPP ® is available as an alternative software program to evaluate skin features. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Formability of paperboard during deep-drawing with local steam application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franke, Wilken; Stein, Philipp; Dörsam, Sven; Groche, Peter

2018-05-01

The use of paperboard can significantly improve the environmental compatibility of everyday products such as packages. Nevertheless, most packages are currently made of plastics, since the three-dimensional shaping of paperboard is possible only to a limited extent. In order to increase the forming possibilities, deep drawing of cardboard has been intensively investigated for more than a decade. An improvement with regard to increased forming limits has been achieved by heating of the tool parts, which leads to a softening of paperboard constituents such as lignin. A further approach is the moistening of the samples, whereby the hydrogen bonds between the fibers are weakened and as a result an increase of the formability. It is expected that a combination of both parameter approaches will result in a significant increase in the forming capacity and in the shape accuracy. For this reason, a new tool concept is introduced within the scope of this work which makes it possible to moisten samples during the deep drawing process by means of steam supply. The conducted investigations show that spring-back in the preferred fiber direction can be reduced by 38 %. Orthogonal to the preferred fiber direction a reduction of spring back of up to 79 % is determined, which corresponds to a perfect shape. Moreover, it was determined that the steam duration and the initial moisture content have an influence on the final shape. In addition to the increased dimensional accuracy, an optimized wrinkle compression compared to conventional deep drawing is found. According to the results, it can be summarized that a steam application in the deep drawing of paperboard significantly improves the part quality.

Engineering tunable bio-inspired polymeric coatings for amphiphobic fibrous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyola-Reynoso, Stephanie

Chemical grafting has been widely used to modify the surface properties of materials, especially surface energy for controlled wetting, because of the resilience of such coatings/modifications. Reagents with multiple reactive sites have been used with the expectation that a monolayer will form. The step-growth polymerization mechanism, however, suggests the possibility of gel formation for hydrolysable moieties in the presence of physisorbed water. In the following chapters, we demonstrate that using alkyltrichlorosilanes (trivalent [3 reactive sites]) in the surface modification of a cellulosic material (paper) does not yield a monolayer but rather gives surface-bound polymeric particles. We infer that the presence of physisorbed (surface-bound) water allows for polymerization (or oligomerization) of the silane, prior to its attachment on the surface. Surface energy mismatch between the hydrophobic tails of the growing polymer and any unreacted bound water leads to the assembly of the polymerizing material into spherical particles to minimize surface tension. By varying paper grammage (16.2-201.4 g/m2), we varied the accessible surface area and thus the amount of surface-adsorbed water, allowing us to control the ratio of the silane to the bound water. Using this approach, polymeric particles were formed on the surface of cellulose fibers ranging from 70 nm to a film. The hydrophobicity of the surface, as determined by water contact angles, correlates with particle sizes (p < 0.001, Student t-test), and, hence, the hydrophobicity can be tuned (contact angle between 94° and 149°). Using a model structure of a house, we demonstrated that as a result of this modification, cardboard houses can be rendered self-cleaning or tolerant to surface running water. Each of the chapters below supports the mechanism via a series of applications, material characterization, and/or, smart engineering.

A study on the decontamination of insoles colonized by Trichophyton rubrum: effect of terbinafine spray powder 1% and terbinafine spray solution 1%.

PubMed

Feuilhade de Chauvin, M

2012-07-01

Shoes worn with bare feet function as a fungal reservoir and lead to persistent dermatophytosis. This study was designed to evaluate two formulations of terbinafine (1% spray powder or solution) to treat the insoles of shoes colonized by skin scales infected with Trichophyton rubrum and to determine the contact time necessary to achieve decontamination. Infected skin scales weighing 0.5 g, taken from the feet of patients with confirmed T. rubrum infection, was dispersed onto insoles pre-moistened with sterile saline solution (to mimic perspiration). Three types of insole were tested (felt, latex, leather). After inoculation, insoles were placed separately in new cardboard boxes at ambient temperature, and re-humidified with sterile normal saline solution for 48 h before being treated; untreated insoles served as controls. Scales were scraped off at 48 h or 96 h, and dropped into tubes of Sabouraud agar, incubated at 27°C and examined at 3 and 6 weeks. Cultures from all control insoles showed numerous T. rubrum colonies. In contrast, cultures from all insoles treated with a single application of terbinafine 1% spray solution or powder, and taken after 48 h or 96 h contact with the product, remained sterile at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. This study demonstrated the successful treatment of insoles colonized by T. rubrum-infected skin scales. Terbinafine 1% spray solution and powder showed good efficacy; the dermatophyte could no longer be cultured 48 h after a single application of terbinafine. © 2011 The Author. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Studies on Zinc and Copper Ion in Relation to Wound Healing in Male and Female West African Dwarf Goats.

PubMed

Olaifa, A K; Fadason, S T

2017-03-06

Wound healing remains a challenging clinical problem for which precise and efficient management is essential in order to curtail morbidity and mortality. Wound healing has been shown to depend upon the availability of appropriate trace elements like copper and zinc which serve as enzyme cofactors and structural components in tissue repair. This study aims at evaluating the distribution of zinc and copper found in the hair as well as skin during epidermal wound healing. Adult and healthy West African dwarf (WAD) goats of both sexes fed with concentrate, grass, cassava peel and water ad libitum were used. The animals were housed for three weeks before commencement of the experiments. Epidermal wounds were created on the trunks of all the goats using cardboard template of 1cm². Progressive changes in wound contraction were monitored grossly by placing clean and sterile venier calliper on the wound margin. Hair and skin elemental (copper and zinc) analyses were done using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Significant increases in Cu level were observed in the female hair compared with that of males. There were significant increases in the Zn levels of the females' hair compared with the males. The wound healed faster in female goat compared with the males. The ratio of copper to zinc is clinically more important than the concentration of either of these trace metals. The pattern of distribution between zinc and copper concentration in the skin and hair of the male and female goats observed in this study could be added factor responsible for early wound healing in female. Therefore, our findings suggest that the distribution in the Cu and Zinc level in skin and hair of both male and female goats could also be a factor for wound healing in the animals.

Impaired imprinting and social behaviors in chicks exposed to mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, during the final week of embryogenesis.

PubMed

Nishigori, Hideo; Kagami, Keisuke; Nishigori, Hidekazu

2014-03-15

The effects of glucocorticoid receptor dysfunction during embryogenesis on the imprinting abilities and social behaviors of hatchlings were examined using "fertile hen's egg-embryo-chick" system. Of embryos treated with mifepristone (0.4μmol/egg) on day 14, over 75% hatched a day later than the controls (day 22) without external anomalies. The mifepristone-treated hatchlings were assayed for imprinting ability on post-hatching day 2 and for social behaviors on day 3. The findings were as follows: imprinting ability (expressed as preference score) was significantly lower in mifepristone-treated hatchlings than in controls (0.65±0.06 vs. 0.92±0.02, P<0.005). Aggregation tests to evaluate the speed (seconds) required for four chicks, individually isolated with cardboard dividers in a box, to form a group after removal of the barriers showed that aggregation was significantly slower in mifepristone-treated hatchlings than in controls (8.7±1.1 vs. 2.6±0.3, P<0.001). In belongingness tests to evaluate the speed (seconds) for a chick isolated at a corner to join a group of three chicks placed at the opposite corner, mifepristone-treated hatchlings took significantly longer than controls (4.5±0.4/40 cm vs. 2.4±0.08/40 cm, P<0.001). In vocalization tests, using a decibel meter to measure average decibel level/30s (chick vocalization), mifepristone-treated hatchlings had significantly weaker vocalizations than controls (14.2±1.9/30s vs. 26.4±1.3/30s P<0.001). In conclusion, glucocorticoid receptor dysfunction during the last week embryogenesis altered the programming of brain development, resulting in impaired behavioral activities in late life. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mass, energy and material balances of SRF production process. Part 3: solid recovered fuel produced from municipal solid waste.

PubMed

Nasrullah, Muhammad; Vainikka, Pasi; Hannula, Janne; Hurme, Markku; Kärki, Janne

2015-02-01

This is the third and final part of the three-part article written to describe the mass, energy and material balances of the solid recovered fuel production process produced from various types of waste streams through mechanical treatment. This article focused the production of solid recovered fuel from municipal solid waste. The stream of municipal solid waste used here as an input waste material to produce solid recovered fuel is energy waste collected from households of municipality. This article presents the mass, energy and material balances of the solid recovered fuel production process. These balances are based on the proximate as well as the ultimate analysis and the composition determination of various streams of material produced in a solid recovered fuel production plant. All the process streams are sampled and treated according to CEN standard methods for solid recovered fuel. The results of the mass balance of the solid recovered fuel production process showed that 72% of the input waste material was recovered in the form of solid recovered fuel; 2.6% as ferrous metal, 0.4% as non-ferrous metal, 11% was sorted as rejects material, 12% as fine faction and 2% as heavy fraction. The energy balance of the solid recovered fuel production process showed that 86% of the total input energy content of input waste material was recovered in the form of solid recovered fuel. The remaining percentage (14%) of the input energy was split into the streams of reject material, fine fraction and heavy fraction. The material balances of this process showed that mass fraction of paper and cardboard, plastic (soft) and wood recovered in the solid recovered fuel stream was 88%, 85% and 90%, respectively, of their input mass. A high mass fraction of rubber material, plastic (PVC-plastic) and inert (stone/rock and glass particles) was found in the reject material stream. © The Author(s) 2014.

Laparoscopic skills training using a webcam trainer.

PubMed

Chung, Steve Y; Landsittel, Douglas; Chon, Chris H; Ng, Christopher S; Fuchs, Gerhard J

2005-01-01

Many sophisticated and expensive trainers have been developed to assist surgeons in learning basic laparoscopic skills. We developed an inexpensive trainer and evaluated its effectiveness. The webcam laparoscopic training device is composed of a webcam, cardboard box, desk lamp and home computer. This homemade trainer was evaluated against 2 commercially available systems, namely the video Pelvitrainer (Karl Storz Endoscopy, Culver City, California) and the dual mirror Simuview (Simulab Corp., Seattle, Washington). The Pelvitrainer consists of a fiberglass box, single lens optic laparoscope, fiberoptic light source, endoscopic camera and video monitor, while the Simuview trainer uses 2 offset, facing mirrors and an uncovered plastic box. A total of 42 participants without prior laparoscopic training were enrolled in the study and asked to execute 2 tasks, that is peg transfer and pattern cutting. Participants were randomly assigned to 6 groups with each group representing a different permutation of trainers to be used. The time required for participants to complete each task was recorded and differences in performance were calculated. Paired t tests, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and ANOVA were performed to analyze the statistical difference in performance times for all conditions. Statistical analyses of the 2 tasks showed no significant difference for the video and webcam trainers. However, the mirror trainer gave significantly higher outcome values for tasks 1 and 2 compared to the video (p = 0.01 and <0.01) and webcam (p = 0.04 and <0.01, respectively) methods. ANOVA indicated no overall difference for tasks 1 and 2 across the orderings (p = 0.36 and 0.99, respectively). However, by attempt 3 the time required to complete the skill tests decreased significantly for all 3 trainers (each p <0.01). Our homemade webcam system is comparable in function to the more elaborate video trainer but superior to the dual mirror trainer. For novice laparoscopists we believe that the webcam system is an inexpensive and effective laparoscopic training device. Furthermore, the webcam system also allows instant recording and review of techniques.

Relating sensory and chemical properties of sour cream to consumer acceptance.

PubMed

Shepard, L; Miracle, R E; Leksrisompong, P; Drake, M A

2013-09-01

Sour cream is a widely popular acidified dairy product. Volatile compounds and organic acids and their specific contributions to flavor or acceptance have not been established, nor has a comprehensive study been conducted to characterize drivers of liking for sour cream. The objective of this study was to characterize chemical and sensory properties of sour cream and to determine the drivers of liking for sour cream. Descriptive sensory and instrumental analyses followed by consumer testing were conducted. Flavor and texture attributes of 32 (22 full-fat, 6 reduced-fat, and 4 fat-free) commercial sour creams were evaluated by a trained descriptive sensory panel. Percent solids, percent fat, pH, titratable acidity, and colorimetric measurements were conducted to characterize physical properties of sour creams. Organic acids were evaluated by HPLC and volatile aroma active compounds were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with gas chromatography-olfactometry. Consumer acceptance testing (n=201) was conducted on selected sour creams, followed by external preference mapping. Full-fat sour creams were characterized by the lack of surface gloss and chalky textural attributes, whereas reduced-fat and fat-free samples displayed high intensities of these attributes. Full-fat sour creams were higher in cooked/milky and milk fat flavors than the reduced-fat and fat-free samples. Reduced-fat and fat-free sour creams were characterized by cardboard, acetaldehyde/green, and potato flavors, bitter taste, and astringency. Lactic acid was the prominent organic acid in all sour creams, followed by acetic and citric acids. High aroma-impact volatile compounds in sour creams were 2,3-butanedione, acetic acid, butyric acid, octanal, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 1-octene-3-one, and acetaldehyde. Positive drivers of liking for sour cream were milk fat, cooked/milky and sweet aromatic flavors, opacity, color intensity, and adhesiveness. This comprehensive study established sensory and instrumental properties of sour creams and their relationship to consumer acceptance. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Tunnels into the Treetops: New Lineages of Black Yeasts from Biofilm in the Stockholm Metro System and Their Relatives among Ant-Associated Fungi in the Chaetothyriales

PubMed Central

Hubka, Vit; Thureborn, Olle; Lundberg, Johannes; Sallstedt, Therese; Wedin, Mats; Ivarsson, Magnus

2016-01-01

Rock-inhabiting fungi harbour species-rich, poorly differentiated, extremophilic taxa of polyphyletic origin. Their closest relatives are often well-known species from various biotopes with significant pathogenic potential. Speleothems represent a unique rock-dwelling habitat, whose mycobiota are largely unexplored. Isolation of fungi from speleothem biofilm covering bare granite walls in the Kungsträdgården metro station in Stockholm yielded axenic cultures of two distinct black yeast morphotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from six nuclear loci, ITS, nuc18S and nuc28S rDNA, rpb1, rpb2 and β-tubulin, support their placement in the Chaetothyriales (Ascomycota). They are described as a new genus Bacillicladium with the type species B. lobatum, and a new species Bradymyces graniticola. Bacillicladium is distantly related to the known five chaetothyrialean families and is unique in the Chaetothyriales by variable morphology showing hyphal, meristematic and yeast-like growth in vitro. The nearest relatives of Bacillicladium are recruited among fungi isolated from cardboard-like construction material produced by arboricolous non-attine ants. Their sister relationship is weakly supported by the Maximum likelihood analysis, but strongly supported by Bayesian inference. The genus Bradymyces is placed amidst members of the Trichomeriaceae and is ecologically undefined; it includes an opportunistic animal pathogen while two other species inhabit rock surfaces. ITS rDNA sequences of three species accepted in Bradymyces and other undescribed species and environmental samples were subjected to phylogenetic analysis and in-depth comparative analysis of ITS1 and ITS2 secondary structures in order to study their intraspecific variability. Compensatory base change criterion in the ITS2 secondary structure supported delimitation of species in Bradymyces, which manifest a limited number of phenotypic features useful for species recognition. The role of fungi in the speleothem biofilm and relationships of Bacillicladium and Bradymyces with other members of the Chaetothyriales are discussed. PMID:27732675

Enabling Field Experiences in Introductory Geoscience Classes through the Use of Immersive Virtual Reality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moysey, S. M.; Smith, E.; Sellers, V.; Wyant, P.; Boyer, D. M.; Mobley, C.; Brame, S.

2015-12-01

Although field experiences are an important aspect of geoscience education, the opportunity to provide physical world experiences to large groups of introductory students is often limited by access, logistical, and financial constraints. Our project (NSF IUSE 1504619) is investigating the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies as a surrogate for real field experiences in introductory geosciences classes. We are developing a toolbox that leverages innovations in the field of VR, including the Oculus Rift and Google Cardboard, to enable every student in an introductory geology classroom the opportunity to have a first-person virtual field experience in the Grand Canyon. We have opted to structure our VR experience as an interactive game where students must explore the Canyon to accomplish a series of tasks designed to emphasize key aspects of geoscience learning. So far we have produced two demo products for the virtual field trip. The first is a standalone "Rock Box" app developed for the iPhone, which allows students to select different rock samples, examine them in 3D, and obtain basic information about the properties of each sample. The app can act as a supplement to the traditional rock box used in physical geology labs. The second product is a fully functioning VR environment for the Grand Canyon developed using satellite-based topographic and imagery data to retain real geologic features within the experience. Players can freely navigate to explore anywhere they desire within the Canyon, but are guided to points of interest where they are able to complete exercises that will be aligned with specific learning goals. To this point we have integrated elements of the "Rock Box" app within the VR environment, allowing players to examine 3D details of rock samples they encounter within the Grand Canyon. We plan to provide demos of both products and obtain user feedback during our presentation.

The effect of spray-drying parameters on the flavor of nonfat dry milk and milk protein concentrate 70.

PubMed

Park, Curtis W; Stout, Mark A; Drake, MaryAnne

2016-12-01

Unit operations during production influence the sensory properties of nonfat dry milk (NFDM) and milk protein concentrate (MPC). Off-flavors in dried dairy ingredients decrease consumer acceptance of ingredient applications. Previous work has shown that spray-drying parameters affect physical and sensory properties of whole milk powder and whey protein concentrate. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of inlet temperature and feed solids concentration on the flavor of NFDM and MPC 70% (MPC70). Condensed skim milk (50% solids) and condensed liquid MPC70 (32% solids) were produced using pilot-scale dairy processing equipment. The condensed products were then spray dried at either 160, 210, or 260°C inlet temperature and 30, 40, or 50% total solids for NFDM and 12, 22, or 32% for MPC70 in a randomized order. The entire experiment was replicated 3 times. Flavor of the NFDM and MPC70 was evaluated by sensory and instrumental volatile compound analyses. Surface free fat, particle size, and furosine were also analyzed. Both main effects (30, 40, and 50% solids and 160, 210, and 260°C inlet temperature) and interactions between solids concentration and inlet temperature were investigated. Interactions were not significant. In general, results were consistent for NFDM and MPC70. Increasing inlet temperature and feed solids concentration increased sweet aromatic flavor and decreased cardboard flavor and associated lipid oxidation products. Increases in furosine with increased inlet temperature and solids concentration indicated increased Maillard reactions during drying. Particle size increased and surface free fat decreased with increasing inlet temperature and solids concentration. These results demonstrate that increasing inlet temperatures and solids concentration during spray drying decrease off-flavor intensities in NFDM and MPC70 even though the heat treatment is greater compared with low temperature and low solids. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Explaining Away the Body: Experiences of Supernaturally Caused Touch and Touch on Non-Hand Objects within the Rubber Hand Illusion

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background In rubber hand illusions and full body illusions, touch sensations are projected to non-body objects such as rubber hands, dolls or virtual bodies. The robustness, limits and further perceptual consequences of such illusions are not yet fully explored or understood. A number of experiments are reported that test the limits of a variant of the rubber hand illusion. Methodology/Principal Findings A variant of the rubber hand illusion is explored, in which the real and foreign hands are aligned in personal space. The presence of the illusion is ascertained with participants' scores and temperature changes of the real arm. This generates a basic illusion of touch projected to a foreign arm. Participants are presented with further, unusual visuotactile stimuli subsequent to onset of the basic illusion. Such further visuotactile stimulation is found to generate very unusual experiences of supernatural touch and touch on a non-hand object. The finding of touch on a non-hand object conflicts with prior findings, and to resolve this conflict a further hypothesis is successfully tested: that without prior onset of the basic illusion this unusual experience does not occur. Conclusions/Significance A rubber hand illusion is found that can arise when the real and the foreign arm are aligned in personal space. This illusion persists through periods of no tactile stimulation and is strong enough to allow very unusual experiences of touch felt on a cardboard box and experiences of touch produced at a distance, as if by supernatural causation. These findings suggest that one's visual body image is explained away during experience of the illusion and they may be of further importance to understanding the role of experience in delusion formation. The findings of touch on non-hand objects may help reconcile conflicting results in this area of research. In addition, new evidence is provided that relates to the recently discovered psychologically induced temperature changes that occur during the illusion. PMID:20195378

Humber-in-a-Box : Gamification to Communicate Coastal Flood Risk in the Face of Rising Seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skinner, C. J.; van Rij, J. D.

2015-12-01

Humber-in-a-Box is an immersive visualisation of the Humber Estuary (on the east coast of the UK), designed to communicate coastal flood risk in the face of rising seas. It is designed for use in a busy festival-like setting. The user views the environment via an Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR) headset and is able to explore using an XBOX controller. A live simulation of tidal flows on a modelled version of the estuary can be viewed on a box in the centre of a virtual room. Using the controller, the user is able to raise sea levels and see what happens as the tide levels adjust. Humber-in-a-Box uses a numerical model built with data used for published research. The hydraulic component of the CAESAR-Lisflood model code was incorporated into the UNITY-3D gaming engine, and the model uses recorded tidal stage data, bathymetry and elevations to build the virtual environment and drive the simulation. Present day flood defences are incorporated into the model, and in conjunction with modelling tidal flows, this provides a better representation of future flood risk than simpler linear models. The user is able to raise and lower sea levels between -10 m and 100 m, in 1m increments, and can reset the simulation to present day levels with one button click. Humber-in-a-Box has been showcased at several outreach events and has proven to be very popular and effective in an environment where time with each user is pressured, and information needs to exchange quickly. It has also been used in teaching at Undergraduate level, although the full potential of this is yet to be explored. A non-interactive version of the application is available on YouTube which is designed for use with Google Cardboard and similar kit.

Determination of bisphenol-type endocrine disrupting compounds in food-contact recycled-paper materials by focused ultrasonic solid-liquid extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Pérez-Palacios, David; Fernández-Recio, Miguel Ángel; Moreta, Cristina; Tena, María Teresa

2012-09-15

Focused ultrasonic solid-liquid extraction (FUSLE) and reverse-phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF-MS) was applied to the determination of bisphenol-type endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in food-contact recycled-paper materials. Recycled paper is a potential source of EDCs. Bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF) and their derivatives bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) are used for the production of epoxy resins employed in the formulation of printing inks. The FUSLE of bisphenol-type EDCs from packaging is reported for the first time. First, different extraction solvents were studied and methanol was selected. Then, the main FUSLE factors affecting the extraction efficiency (solvent volume, extraction time and ultrasonic irradiation power) were studied by means of a central composite design. The FUSLE conditions selected for further experiments were 20 ml of methanol at ultrasonic amplitude of 100% for 5s. Finally, the number of extraction cycles necessary for complete extraction was established in two. The analysis of the FUSLE extracts was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS with electrospray ionization and the determination of the four analytes took place in only 4 min. The FUSLE and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS method was validated and applied to the analysis of different food-contact recycled-paper-based materials and packaging. The proposed method provided recoveries from 72% to 97%, repeatability and intermediate precision under 9% and 14%, respectively, and detection limits of 0.33, 0.16, 0.65 and 0.40 μg/g for BPA, BPF, BADGE and BFDGE, respectively. The analysis of paper and cardboard samples confirmed the presence of EDCs in these packaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The composition, heating value and renewable share of the energy content of mixed municipal solid waste in Finland

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Horttanainen, M., E-mail: mika.horttanainen@lut.fi; Teirasvuo, N.; Kapustina, V.

Highlights: • New experimental data of mixed MSW properties in a Finnish case region. • The share of renewable energy of mixed MSW. • The results were compared with earlier international studies. • The average share of renewable energy was 30% and the average LHVar 19 MJ/kg. • Well operating source separation decreases the renewable energy content of MSW. - Abstract: For the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from waste incineration it is essential to know the share of the renewable energy content of the combusted waste. The composition and heating value information is generally available, but the renewable energymore » share or heating values of different fractions of waste have rarely been determined. In this study, data from Finnish studies concerning the composition and energy content of mixed MSW were collected, new experimental data on the compositions, heating values and renewable share of energy were presented and the results were compared to the estimations concluded from earlier international studies. In the town of Lappeenranta in south-eastern Finland, the share of renewable energy ranged between 25% and 34% in the energy content tests implemented for two sample trucks. The heating values of the waste and fractions of plastic waste were high in the samples compared to the earlier studies in Finland. These high values were caused by good source separation and led to a low share of renewable energy content in the waste. The results showed that in mixed municipal solid waste the renewable share of the energy content can be significantly lower than the general assumptions (50–60%) when the source separation of organic waste, paper and cardboard is carried out successfully. The number of samples was however small for making extensive conclusions on the results concerning the heating values and renewable share of energy and additional research is needed for this purpose.« less

Development of a new approach based on midwave infrared spectroscopy for post-consumer black plastic waste sorting in the recycling industry.

PubMed

Rozenstein, Offer; Puckrin, Eldon; Adamowski, Jan

2017-10-01

Waste sorting is key to the process of waste recycling. Exact identification of plastic resin and wood products using Near Infrared (NIR, 1-1.7µm) sensing is currently in use. Yet, dark targets characterized by low reflectance, such as black plastics, are hard to identify by this method. Following the recent success of Midwave Infrared (MWIR, 3-12µm) measurements to identify coloured plastic polymers, the aim of this study was to assess whether this technique is applicable to sorting black plastic polymers and wood products. We performed infrared reflectance contact measurements of 234 plastic samples and 29 samples of wood and paper products. Plastic samples included black, coloured and transparent Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polylactic acid (PLA) and Polystyrene (PS). The spectral signatures of the black and coloured plastic samples were compared with clear plastic samples and signatures documented in the literature to identify the polymer spectral features in the presence of coloured material. This information was used to determine the spectral bands that best suit the sorting of black plastic polymers. The main NIR-MWIR absorption features of wood, cardboard and paper were identified as well according to the spectral measurements. Good agreement was found between our measurements and the absorption features documented in the literature. The new approach using MWIR spectral features appears to be useful for black plastics as it overcomes some of the limitations in the NIR region to identify them. The main limitation of this technique for industrial applications is the trade-off between the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor operating in standoff mode and the speed at which waste is moved under the sensor. This limitation can be resolved by reducing the system's spectral resolution to 16cm -1 , which allows for faster spectra acquisition while maintaining a reasonable signal-to-noise ratio. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

From the Tunnels into the Treetops: New Lineages of Black Yeasts from Biofilm in the Stockholm Metro System and Their Relatives among Ant-Associated Fungi in the Chaetothyriales.

PubMed

Réblová, Martina; Hubka, Vit; Thureborn, Olle; Lundberg, Johannes; Sallstedt, Therese; Wedin, Mats; Ivarsson, Magnus

2016-01-01

Rock-inhabiting fungi harbour species-rich, poorly differentiated, extremophilic taxa of polyphyletic origin. Their closest relatives are often well-known species from various biotopes with significant pathogenic potential. Speleothems represent a unique rock-dwelling habitat, whose mycobiota are largely unexplored. Isolation of fungi from speleothem biofilm covering bare granite walls in the Kungsträdgården metro station in Stockholm yielded axenic cultures of two distinct black yeast morphotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from six nuclear loci, ITS, nuc18S and nuc28S rDNA, rpb1, rpb2 and β-tubulin, support their placement in the Chaetothyriales (Ascomycota). They are described as a new genus Bacillicladium with the type species B. lobatum, and a new species Bradymyces graniticola. Bacillicladium is distantly related to the known five chaetothyrialean families and is unique in the Chaetothyriales by variable morphology showing hyphal, meristematic and yeast-like growth in vitro. The nearest relatives of Bacillicladium are recruited among fungi isolated from cardboard-like construction material produced by arboricolous non-attine ants. Their sister relationship is weakly supported by the Maximum likelihood analysis, but strongly supported by Bayesian inference. The genus Bradymyces is placed amidst members of the Trichomeriaceae and is ecologically undefined; it includes an opportunistic animal pathogen while two other species inhabit rock surfaces. ITS rDNA sequences of three species accepted in Bradymyces and other undescribed species and environmental samples were subjected to phylogenetic analysis and in-depth comparative analysis of ITS1 and ITS2 secondary structures in order to study their intraspecific variability. Compensatory base change criterion in the ITS2 secondary structure supported delimitation of species in Bradymyces, which manifest a limited number of phenotypic features useful for species recognition. The role of fungi in the speleothem biofilm and relationships of Bacillicladium and Bradymyces with other members of the Chaetothyriales are discussed.

Playing with stars and black holes : a way to understand the cosmology.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siellez, Karelle; Durst, Clémence; Suarez, Olga

Everyday, all around the world, millions of eyes watch the sky full of stars. There are many reasons to do that: just because it's beautiful, to feel really small in this big universe, or just to dream a bit... but some people, when doing so, are wondering: "How does all this work?". Many people would like to learn more about the universe, about science. This question is universal, no matter the age or the social condition of the person. In the framework of the “science week” that is organized in France each October, our team proposed an opening space for the public at the “science village” organized at the Campus of the University of Nice (France). We proposed several activities to help people understand cosmology. To show the relation between what we can see in the sky, and what is actually happening in the universe we made the public build their own constellations in 3D thanks to our “constellation machine”. They could, thus, understand that the stars belonging to the same constellation are not side by side, but far from each other. This activity attracteded young people as well as adults. We also explained the progress in our understanding of the universe through the development of theory and observations. We used a balance to “weight” the different theories confronted to the “weight” of our knowledge of the universe represented by the observations. We could introduce, by this way, cosmology, concepts as dark matter, or dark energy. We completed the explanation with a cardboard model, where the public could touch a black hole, and experiment the deformation of the space-time. They could understand that telescopes are space-time machines and they were presented the actual work on gravitational waves and its implication on the understanding of the Big Bang. These experiments were really appreciated by the public, and we are developing them to be used with whole classes.

A kidney from hell? A nephrological view of the Whitechapel murders in 1888.

PubMed

Wolf, Gunter

2008-10-01

In the poor Whitechapel district of the East End of London in the fall of 1888, at least five prostitutes were brutally murdered, and in all but one case, also mutilated. The murderer was never caught and became known by his nickname 'Jack the Ripper'. The left kidney and the uterus were cut out and taken away from one of the victims named Catherine Eddowes. A kidney was also cut out of the body from another victim, but not taken away. Two weeks later, George Lusk, president of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee, received a small cardboard box with half of a longitudinally divided kidney and a letter entitled 'From hell' claiming that the kidney inside the box was taken from the victim. The kidney was brought to Dr Thomas Horrocks Openshaw, the Curator of the London Pathological Museum, where the kidney could be microscopically examined. The press jumped on the topic and made a circumstantial case that this kidney had been indeed torn from the body of Catherine Eddowes. According to the later memoirs of Major Henry Smith of the City Police published more than 20 years after the incident, the kidney left in the corpse of Catherine Eddowes was in an advanced stage of Bright's disease and the kidney sent to George Lusk was in exactly a similar stage. Today, the majority of criminologists believe that the kidney sent to Mr Lusk was a hoax as were other letters signed with Jack the Ripper. However, the murderer took organs from his victims, and in the case of Catherine Eddowes, the kidney. Serial killers often mutilate their victims and abscond with the removed body parts as trophies. By removing the kidney from Catherine Eddowes, Jack the Ripper may have tried to take possession of the conscience, emotions and desires of one of his victims, attributes residing in the kidney as described in the Bible. Jack the Ripper was never caught; many suspects have been suggested, and the murder series ended as suddenly as it had begun. We will never know who this mentally disturbed 'nephrophilic' was. Today, the story of Jack the Ripper is part of contemporary culture.

From Geocaching to Virtual Reality: Technology tools that can transform courses into interactive learning expeditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moysey, S. M.; Lazar, K.; Boyer, D. M.; Mobley, C.; Sellers, V.

2016-12-01

Transforming classrooms into active learning environments is a key challenge in introductory-level courses. The technology explosion over the last decade, from the advent of mobile devices to virtual reality, is creating innumerable opportunities to engage students within and outside of traditional classroom settings. In particular, technology can be an effective tool for providing students with field experiences that would otherwise be logistically difficult in large, introductory earth science courses. For example, we have created an integrated platform for mobile devices using readily accessible "off the shelf" components (e.g., Google Apps, Geocaching.com, and Facebook) that allow individual students to navigate to geologically relevant sites, perform and report on activities at these locations, and share their findings through social media by posting "geoselfies". Students compete with their friends on a leaderboard, while earning incentives for completing extracurricular activities in courses. Thus in addition to exposing students to a wider range of meaningful and accessible geologic field experiences, they also build a greater sense of community and identity within the context of earth science classrooms. Rather than sending students to the field, we can also increasingly bring the field to students in classrooms using virtual reality. Ample mobile platforms are emerging that easily allow for the creation, curation, and viewing of photospheres (i.e., 360o images) with mobile phones and low-cost headsets; Google Street View, Earth, and Expeditions are leading the way in terms of ease of content creation and implementation in the classroom. While these tools are an excellent entry point to show students real-world sites, they currently lack the capacity for students to interact with the environment. We have therefore also developed an immersive virtual reality game that allows students to study the geology of the Grand Canyon using their smartphone and Google Cardboard viewer. Students navigate the terrain, collect rock samples, and investigate outcrops using a variety of tests and comparative analyses built into the game narrative. To enhance the realism of the game, real-world samples and outcrops from the Grand Canyon were scanned and embedded within the VR environment.

Observing of tree trunks and other cylindrical objects using GPR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jezova, Jana; Lambot, Sebastien

2016-04-01

Trees are a part of our everyday life, hence it is important to prevent their collapse to protect people and urban infrastructures. It is also important to characterize tree wood properties for usages in construction. In order to investigate internal parts of tree trunks non-invasively, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), or in this case, ultra-wideband microwave radar as a general tool, appears to be a very promising technology. Nevertheless, tree trunk tomography using microwave radar is a complicated task due to the circular shape of the trunk and the very complex (heterogeneous and anisotropic) internal structures of the trunk. Microwave sensing of tree trunks is also complicated due to the electromagnetic properties of living wood, which strongly depend on water content, density and temperature of wood. The objective of this study is to describe tree trunk radar cross sections including specific features originating from the particular circumferential data acquisition geometry. In that respect, three experiments were performed: (1) numerical simulations using a finite-difference time-domain software, namely, gprMax 2D, (2) measurements on a simplified laboratory trunk model including plastic and cardboard pipes, sand and air, and (3) measurements over a real tree trunk. The analysis was further deepened by considering: (1) common zero-offset reflection imaging, (2) imaging with a planar perfect electrical conductor (PEC) at the opposite side of the trunk, and (3) imaging with a PEC arc at the opposite side of the trunk. Furthermore, the shape of the reflection curve of a cylindrical target was analytically derived based on the straight-ray propagation approximation. Subsequently, the total internal reflection (TIR) phenomenon occurring in cylindrical objects was observed and analytically described. Both the straight-ray reflection curve and TIR were well observed on the simulated and laboratory radar data. A comparison between all experiments and radar configurations is presented. Future research will focus on the design of an adapted radar antenna for that application to optimize living tree trunk tomography. This research is funded by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS, Belgium) and benefits from networking activities carried out within the EU COST Action TU1208 "Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar".

Application of high rate, high temperature anaerobic digestion to fungal thermozyme hydrolysates from carbohydrate wastes.

PubMed

Forbes, C; O'Reilly, C; McLaughlin, L; Gilleran, G; Tuohy, M; Colleran, E

2009-05-01

The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a two-step, fully biological and sustainable strategy for the treatment of carbohydrate rich wastes. The primary step in this strategy involves the application of thermostable enzymes produced by the thermophilic, aerobic fungus, Talaromyces emersonii, to carbohydrate wastes producing a liquid hydrolysate discharged at elevated temperatures. To assess the potential of thermophilic treatment of this hydrolysate, a comparative study of thermophilic and mesophilic digestion of four sugar rich thermozyme hydrolysate waste streams was conducted by operating two high rate upflow anaerobic hybrid reactors (UAHR) at 37 degrees C (R1) and 55 degrees C (R2). The operational performance of both reactors was monitored from start-up by assessing COD removal efficiencies, volatile fatty acid (VFA) discharge and % methane of the biogas produced. Rapid start-up of both R1 and R2 was achieved on an influent composed of the typical sugar components of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Both reactors were subsequently challenged in terms of volumetric loading rate (VLR) and it was found that a VLR of 9 gCOD l(-1)d(-1) at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1 day severely affected the thermophilic reactor with instability characterised by a build up of volatile fatty acid (VFA) intermediates in the effluent. The influent to both reactors was changed to a simple glucose and sucrose-based influent supplied at a VLR of 4.5 gCOD l(-1)d(-1) and HRT of 2 days prior to the introduction of thermozyme hydrolysates. Four unique thermozyme hydrolysates were subsequently supplied to the reactors, each for a period of 10 HRTs. The applied hydrolysates were derived from apple pulp, bread, carob powder and cardboard, all of which were successfully and comparably converted by both reactors. The % total carbohydrate removal by both reactors was monitored during the application of the sugar rich thermozyme hydrolysates. This approach offers a sustainable technology for the treatment of carbohydrate rich wastes and highlights the potential of these wastes as substrates for the generation of second-generation biofuels.

Short communication: The influence of solids concentration and bleaching agent on bleaching efficacy and flavor of sweet whey powder.

PubMed

Jervis, M G; Smith, T J; Drake, M A

2015-04-01

Recent studies have demonstrated the effect of bleaching conditions and bleaching agent on flavor and functional properties of whey protein ingredients. Solids concentration at bleaching significantly affected bleaching efficacy and flavor effects of different bleaching agents. It is not known if these parameters influence quality of sweet whey powder (SWP). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of solids concentration and bleaching agent on the flavor and bleaching efficacy of SWP. Colored cheddar whey was manufactured, fat separated, and pasteurized. Subsequently, the whey (6.7% solids) was bleached, concentrated using reverse osmosis (RO) to 14% solids, and then spray dried, or whey was concentrated before bleaching and then spray dried. Bleaching treatments included a control (no bleaching, 50 °C, 60 min), hydrogen peroxide (HP; 250 mg/kg, 50 °C, 60 min), benzoyl peroxide (50 mg/kg, 50 °C, 60 min), lactoperoxidase (20 mg/kg of HP, 50 °C, 30 min), and external peroxidase (MaxiBright, DSM Food Specialties, Delft, the Netherlands; 2 dairy bleaching units/mL, 50 °C, 30 min). The experiment was repeated in triplicate. Sensory properties and volatile compounds of SWP were evaluated by a trained panel and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Bleaching efficacy (norbixin destruction) and benzoic acid were measured by HPLC. Differences in bleaching efficacy, sensory and volatile compound profiles, and benzoic acid were observed with different bleaching agents, consistent with previous studies. Solids concentration affected bleaching efficacy of HP, but not other bleaching agents. The SWP from whey bleached with HP or lactoperoxidase following RO had increased cardboard and fatty flavors and higher concentrations of lipid oxidation compounds compared with SWP from whey bleached before RO. The SWP bleached with benzoyl peroxide after RO contained less benzoic acid than SWP from whey bleached before RO. These results indicate that solids concentration at bleaching and bleaching agent affect quality of SWP. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sensory and Functionality Differences of Whey Protein Isolate Bleached by Hydrogen or Benzoyl Peroxide.

PubMed

Smith, Tucker J; Foegeding, E Allen; Drake, MaryAnne

2015-10-01

Whey protein is a highly functional food ingredient used in a wide variety of applications. A large portion of fluid whey produced in the United States is derived from Cheddar cheese manufacture and contains annatto (norbixin), and therefore must be bleached. The objective of this study was to compare sensory and functionality differences between whey protein isolate (WPI) bleached by benzoyl peroxide (BP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP). HP and BP bleached WPI and unbleached controls were manufactured in triplicate. Descriptive sensory analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were conducted to determine flavor differences between treatments. Functionality differences were evaluated by measurement of foam stability, protein solubility, SDS-PAGE, and effect of NaCl concentration on gelation relative to an unbleached control. HP bleached WPI had higher concentrations of lipid oxidation and sulfur containing volatile compounds than both BP and unbleached WPI (P < 0.05). HP bleached WPI was characterized by high aroma intensity, cardboard, cabbage, and fatty flavors, while BP bleached WPI was differentiated by low bitter taste. Overrun and yield stress were not different among WPI (P < 0.05). Soluble protein loss at pH 4.6 of WPI decreased by bleaching with either hydrogen peroxide or benzoyl peroxide (P < 0.05), and the heat stability of WPI was also distinct among WPI (P < 0.05). SDS PAGE results suggested that bleaching of whey with either BP or HP resulted in protein degradation, which likely contributed to functionality differences. These results demonstrate that bleaching has flavor effects as well as effects on many of the functionality characteristics of whey proteins. Whey protein isolate (WPI) is often used for its functional properties, but the effect of oxidative bleaching chemicals on the functional properties of WPI is not known. This study identifies the effects of hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide on functional and flavor characteristics of WPI bleached by hydrogen and benzoyl peroxide and provides insights for the product applications which may benefit from bleaching. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Characterisation of recently retrieved aerial photographs of Ethiopia (1935-1941) and their fusion with current remotely sensed imagery for retrospective geomorphological analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyssen, Jan; Gebremeskel, Gezahegne; Mohamed, Sultan; Petrie, Gordon; Seghers, Valérie; Meles Hadgu, Kiros; De Maeyer, Philippe; Haile, Mitiku; Frankl, Amaury

2013-04-01

8281 assemblages of aerial photographs (APs) acquired by the 7a Sezione Topocartografica during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1935-1941) have recently been discovered, scanned and organised. The oldest APs of the country that are known so far were taken in the period 1958-1964. The APs of the 1930s were analysed for their technical characteristics, scale, flight lines, coverage, use in topographic mapping, and potential future uses. The APs over Ethiopia in 1935-1941 are presented as assemblages on approx. 50 cm x 20 cm cardboard tiles, each holding a label, one nadir-pointing photograph flanked by two low-oblique photographs and one high-oblique photograph. The four APs were exposed simultaneously and were taken across the flight line; the high-oblique photograph is presented alternatively at left and at right; there is approx. 60% overlap between subsequent sets of APs. One of Santoni's glass plate multi-cameras was used, with focal length of 178 mm, flight height at 4000-4500 m a.s.l., which results in an approximate scale of 1:11 500 for the central photograph and 1:16 000 to 1:18 000 for the low-oblique APs. The surveyors oriented themselves with maps of Ethiopia at 1:400 000 scale, compiled in 1934. The flights present a dense AP coverage of Northern Ethiopia, where they were acquired in the context of upcoming battles with the Ethiopian army. Several flights preceded the later advance of the Italian army southwards towards the capital Addis Ababa. Further flights took place in central Ethiopia for civilian purposes. As of 1936, the APs were used to prepare highly detailed topographic maps at 1:100 000 scale. These APs (1935-1941) together with APs of 1958-1964, 1994 and recent high-resolution satellite imagery are currently being used in spatially explicit change studies of land cover, land management and (hydro)geomorphology in Ethiopia over a time span of almost 80 years, the first results of which will be presented.

Global warming potential of material fractions occurring in source-separated organic household waste treated by anaerobic digestion or incineration under different framework conditions.

PubMed

Naroznova, Irina; Møller, Jacob; Scheutz, Charlotte

2016-12-01

This study compared the environmental profiles of anaerobic digestion (AD) and incineration, in relation to global warming potential (GWP), for treating individual material fractions that may occur in source-separated organic household waste (SSOHW). Different framework conditions representative for the European Union member countries were considered. For AD, biogas utilisation with a biogas engine was considered and two potential situations investigated - biogas combustion with (1) combined heat and power production (CHP) and (2) electricity production only. For incineration, four technology options currently available in Europe were covered: (1) an average incinerator with CHP production, (2) an average incinerator with mainly electricity production, (3) an average incinerator with mainly heat production and (4) a state-of-the art incinerator with CHP working at high energy recovery efficiencies. The study was performed using a life cycle assessment in its consequential approach. Furthermore, the role of waste-sorting guidelines (defined by the material fractions allowed for SSOHW) in relation to GWP of treating overall SSOHW with AD was investigated. A case-study of treating 1tonne of SSOHW under framework conditions in Denmark was conducted. Under the given assumptions, vegetable food waste was the only material fraction which was always better for AD compared to incineration. For animal food waste, kitchen tissue, vegetation waste and dirty paper, AD utilisation was better unless it was compared to a highly efficient incinerator. Material fractions such as moulded fibres and dirty cardboard were attractive for AD, albeit only when AD with CHP and incineration with mainly heat production were compared. Animal straw, in contrast, was always better to incinerate. Considering the total amounts of individual material fractions in waste generated within households in Denmark, food waste (both animal and vegetable derived) and kitchen tissue are the main material fractions allowing GWP mitigation with AD when it is compared to incineration. The inclusion of other material fractions in SSOHW sorting guidelines may be considered of less importance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of multiple partners in a digestive mutualism with a protocarnivorous plant.

PubMed

Nishi, Aline Hiroko; Vasconcellos-Neto, João; Romero, Gustavo Quevedo

2013-01-01

The protocarnivorous plant Paepalanthus bromelioides (Eriocaulaceae) is similar to bromeliads in that this plant has a rosette-like structure that allows rainwater to accumulate in leaf axils (i.e. phytotelmata). Although the rosettes of P. bromelioides are commonly inhabited by predators (e.g. spiders), their roots are wrapped by a cylindrical termite mound that grows beneath the rosette. In this study it is predicted that these plants can derive nutrients from recycling processes carried out by termites and from predation events that take place inside the rosette. It is also predicted that bacteria living in phytotelmata can accelerate nutrient cycling derived from predators. The predictions were tested by surveying plants and animals, and also by performing field experiments in rocky fields from Serra do Cipó, Brazil, using natural abundance and enriched isotopes of (15)N. Laboratory bioassays were also conducted to test proteolytic activities of bacteria from P. bromelioides rosettes. Analyses of (15)N in natural nitrogen abundances showed that the isotopic signature of P. bromelioides is similar to that of carnivorous plants and higher than that of non-carnivorous plants in the study area. Linear mixing models showed that predatory activities on the rosettes (i.e. spider faeces and prey carcass) resulted in overall nitrogen contributions of 26·5 % (a top-down flux). Although nitrogen flux was not detected from termites to plants via decomposition of labelled cardboard, the data on (15)N in natural nitrogen abundance indicated that 67 % of nitrogen from P. bromelioides is derived from termites (a bottom-up flux). Bacteria did not affect nutrient cycling or nitrogen uptake from prey carcasses and spider faeces. The results suggest that P. bromelioides derive nitrogen from associated predators and termites, despite differences in nitrogen cycling velocities, which seem to have been higher in nitrogen derived from predators (leaves) than from termites (roots). This is the first study that demonstrates partitioning effects from multiple partners in a digestion-based mutualism. Despite most of the nitrogen being absorbed through their roots (via termites), P. bromelioides has all the attributes necessary to be considered as a carnivorous plant in the context of digestive mutualism.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers and Scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tambara, Kevin

2013-04-01

Students are usually not excited about abstract concepts, and teachers struggle to inject "pizzazz" into many of their lessons. K-12 teachers need opportunities and the associated pedagogical training to bring meaningful and authentic learning to their students. The professional educator community needs to develop a learning environment which connects desired content knowledge with science and engineering practices that students need to be successful future technology leaders. Furthermore, this environment must foster student exploration and discovery by encouraging them to use their natural creativity with newly acquired technical skills to complete assigned projects. These practices are explicitly listed in the US "Next Generation Science Standards" document that is due for final publication in the very near future. Education in America must unleash students' desires to create and make with their hands, using their intellect, and growing academic knowledge. In this submission I will share various student projects that I have created and implemented for middle and high school. For each project, students were required to learn and implement engineering best practices while designing, building, and testing prototype models, according to pre-assigned teacher specifications. As in all real-world engineering projects, students were required to analyze test data, re-design their models accordingly, and iterate the design process several times to meet specifications. Another key component to successful projects is collaboration between student team members. All my students come to realize that nothing of major significance is ever accomplished alone, that is, without the support of a team. I will highlight several projects that illustrate key engineering practices as well as lessons learned, for both student and teacher. Projects presented will include: magnetically levitated vehicles (maglev) races, solar-powered and mousetrap-powered cars and boats, Popsicle stick catapults and bridges, egg drop "lunar landers", egg-passenger car crashes, cardboard boat races (with human passengers), and working roller coasters made with only paper and tape. Each project requires minimal, low-cost materials commonly found at home or in local stores. I will share the most common student misperceptions about inquiry and problem-solving I have observed while working alongside my students during these projects.

Surface sampling for endotoxin assessment using electrostatic wiping cloths.

PubMed

Thorne, Peter S; Metwali, Nervana; Avol, Ed; McConnell, Rob S

2005-07-01

Much of the cost of exposure assessment for studies of residential cohorts is in scheduling and travel time for field staff. One way to reduce costs is to simplify methods such that subjects can sample their own residence. Analysis of settled dust is being widely used for assessment of exposures to allergens, lead and pesticides and can also be used for endotoxins. While vacuum sampling is the most common surface sampling method, wipe sampling has the advantage that it can be readily performed by the resident when convenient and samples can then be mailed to researchers. Thus, we evaluated the feasibility of wipe sampling for endotoxin environmental assessment using electrostatic wipes with or without the use of disposable examination gloves. Multiple lots of six types of commercial wipes and eight types of gloves were extracted and analyzed for endotoxin content using the kinetic chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Wipes were compared across brands, between lots, within lots, between pairs depending on proximity to cardboard packaging, and in wipe tests with or without gloves. Collected dust samples of known concentration were also tested in spiking assays for endotoxin recovery. The most striking finding was the high variability of endotoxin contamination of both wipes and gloves across brands and between various lots. The content of endotoxin in unused gloves ranged from <1.5 to 5810 endotoxin units (EU). The range for unused wipes was 3.6-87.8 EU. Surfaces of equal loading and area were sampled using three types of cloths that had low initial endotoxin contamination. The cloths were very good at collecting dust and endotoxin could be assayed from aqueous extracts of the wipes. Samples collected using cloths with bare washed hands yielded higher endotoxin loading per mass of collected dust versus samples collected wearing endotoxin-free gloves. This demonstrated additional endotoxin loading from the subject's hand. This study shows that wipe sampling while wearing medical gloves can be an effective method for collecting and assessing endotoxin on surfaces, so long as each lot of wipes and gloves have been tested and determined to be low in endotoxin.

Pioneering new approaches. Educating girls in Africa.

PubMed

Namuddu, K

1993-01-01

In Africa, the education of girls has varied with the history and development of countries. For instance, botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland have higher enrollment of girls than boys, and in Nigeria the dropout rate for boys is higher than for girls. In Mozambique, girl's education is dependent on matrilineal or patrilineal family structure, urban or rural location, or religious preference. These and many other factors interfere with girl's access, survival, performance, and achievement in school. Strategies generally involve 1) improving access and increasing enrollment, 2) increasing survival in the school system, and 3) improving the quality of the learning environment. Most African countries are involved with the first strategy, but problems remain in selecting the appropriate age to begin school, retaining students and teachers, lowering absenteeism, providing adequate and appropriate teaching materials for students, and other factors that discourage female attendance. Solutions have involved establishing book banks and cardboard box libraries as a supplement to classroom learning. Gender stereotypes in curriculum materials are being introduced which show females in a positive and prominent way. In Zambia, an in-service training program aims to develop positive teacher attitudes toward girls, toward their work, and toward pupil's work. Program efforts in Kenya are attempting to educate parents about the importance of keeping their daughters in school, and about issues related to population, health, education, and a healthy environment. Traditional practices such as female circumcision, childhood marriages, early pregnancy, and nutritional taboos are discouraged. There are 43 district coordinators who conduct seminars and workshops to spread information to communities and households. Other countries are engaged in village meetings and workshops to persuade parents to examine their own interpersonal interaction with their daughters and the impact on their education. Women's groups are also questioning policies that bar girls from reentering school after a childhood pregnancy. Uganda has a program to help girls resume their studies after pregnancy, but not within the main educational system. Pioneering new approaches is occurring and the Rockefeller Foundation is taking the lead in an 18-member international donor group in supporting the promotion of female education.

Caminos a la Ciencia: Recruiting and Retaining Latina High School Students in the Geosciences and Other STEM Disciplines through Cohort Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michelsen, R. R. H.; Dominguez, R.; Marchetti, A. H.

2017-12-01

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a significant and growing Latinx population, however this population is underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. Hispanic American participation in STEM degrees is low, making up only 4.5% of all Geoscience Bachelor's degrees in 2008. This student population faces challenges including a high poverty rate, lack of family members or mentors who have attended college, and lack of placement in or availability of advanced high school science and math courses. Latina girls face additional challenges such as family responsibilities and overcoming stereotypes about science and math abilities. We have developed a program that is designed to recruit Latina high schoolers, expose them to and engage them in STEM disciplines, and facilitate their matriculation into college. There are two components: a multi-year, week-long summer residential program at Randolph-Macon College (RMC), where the participants live and work together, and special events at our partners during the school year. The residential program consists of science and technology activities with RMC faculty, such as field work focusing on hydrology and space science laboratories. Students also travel to non-profit partners such as the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and connect with Latinx scientists and engineers at local corporate partners such as WestRock, a paper/cardboard packaging company. The girls will return next summer for more in-depth research experiences and receive a college scholarship upon their completion of the program. During the school year, there will be monthly activities at our non-profit partners to keep the girls engaged and strengthen relationships in the cohort. Strengths of our program include 1) attention to engaging high schoolers' families with targeted programming for them on campus the first day of the program, 2) providing all materials in Spanish as well as English, and 3) a team consisting of academic, non-profit, and Fortune-500 corporate stakeholders. Here we report the successes of the first summer program as well as the attitudes of the participants towards STEM before and after the program.

Health care: a leader or a follower? Reducing disposable waste.

PubMed

Whitaker, M W

1992-08-01

We clearly have the means to examine and reduce the amounts and types of disposable medical waste that health care institutions are creating. Although there may be special circumstances that prevent specific hospitals, or specific departments within a hospital, from converting to alternative products, much improvement can still be made. There are several strong examples of hospitals across the United States with programs that have drastically cut the amount of waste they are generating. They have eliminated disposable cups and eating utensils from the cafeterias, shifted to reusable underpads and surgical linens, and established recycling programs for paper and cardboard. These few cases are not enough. We cannot be lulled into believing that these exceptional efforts on the part of a few institutions are all that is needed. We should remember that if Mother Nature had intended for us to pat ourselves on the back, our hinges would be different. What is needed is a clear statement from the health care industry of its responsibility to society with regard to managing its waste. Leadership begins with action. If the health care industry does not take steps to regulate its disposable waste, the government undoubtedly will. We do not need to wait for our supervisors or administrators to fashion credos for us. All staff members know there are numerous ways that they can affect the amount of waste produced at their hospitals. They can also begin to affect the attitudes of those working around them. The consequences of inaction are simply too great. As fictional as half-empty grocery stores may have sounded at the beginning of this article, the problems that we face with waste disposal are certainly as grim. If we wait for our state and federal governments to solve the problems, it may be too late; and if it is too late, the solutions that they develop will certainly be extreme. We have the technology and the ability to cut dramatically the amount of disposable waste that health care generates. In practically every case, the lower-waste options also save the institution money. It is time that we honestly challenged our need for today's convenience at the expense of tomorrow's quality of life.

Implementing Inclusive Design for Learning in an introductory geology laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robert, G.; Merriman, J. D.; Ceylan, G. M.

2013-12-01

As an expansion of universal design for learning, IDL provides a framework for opening up and adapting classroom interaction systems, minimizing barriers through promoting perception, engagement, expression, and accommodation for diverse learners. We implemented an introductory-level laboratory for communicating the concept of magma viscosity using the guidelines and principles of IDL. We developed the lab as a mini-implementation project for an IDL course offered by the University of Missouri (MU) Graduate School. The laboratory was subsequently taught during the summer session of Principles of Geology in our Department of Geological Sciences. Traditional geology laboratories rely heavily on visual aids, either physical (rocks and minerals) or representative (idealized cartoons of processes, videos), with very few alternative representations and descriptions made available to the students. Our main focus for this new lab was to diversify the means of representation available to the students (and instructor) to make the lab as equitable and flexible as possible. We considered potential barriers to learning arising from the physical lab environment, from the means of representation, engagement and expression, and tried to minimize them upfront. We centred the laboratory on the link between volcano shape and viscosity as an applied way to convey that viscosity is the resistance to flow. The learning goal was to have the students observe that more viscous eruptives resulted in steeper-sided volcanoes through experimentation. Students built their own volcanoes by erupting lava (foods of various viscosities) onto the Earth's surface (a piece of sturdy cardboard with a hole for the 'vent') through a conduit (pastry bag). Such a hands on lab exercise allows students to gain a tactile and visual, i.e., physical representation of an abstract concept. This specific exercise was supported by other, more traditional, means of representation (e.g., lecture, videos, cartoons, 3D models, online resources, textbook) in lecture and lab. We will discuss the details of the design, the implementation experience, and the insights for lab improvement in future iterations. This exercise represents the initial steps toward (re)designing introductory geoscience labs to more effectively include diverse learners.

Taking centre stage...

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1998-11-01

HAMLET (Highly Automated Multimedia Light Enhanced Theatre) was the star performance at the recent finals of the `Young Engineer for Britain' competition, held at the Commonwealth Institute in London. This state-of-the-art computer-controlled theatre lighting system won the title `Young Engineers for Britain 1998' for David Kelnar, Jonathan Scott, Ramsay Waller and John Wyllie (all aged 16) from Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh. HAMLET replaces conventional manually-operated controls with a special computer program, and should find use in the thousands of small theatres, schools and amateur drama productions that operate with limited resources and without specialist expertise. The four students received a £2500 prize between them, along with £2500 for their school, and in addition they were invited to spend a special day with the Royal Engineers. A project designed to improve car locking systems enabled Ian Robinson of Durham University to take the `Working in industry award' worth £1000. He was also given the opportunity of a day at sea with the Royal Navy. Other prizewinners with their projects included: Jun Baba of Bloxham School, Banbury (a cardboard armchair which converts into a desk and chair); Kobika Sritharan and Gemma Hancock, Bancroft's School, Essex (a rain warning system for a washing line); and Alistair Clarke, Sam James and Ruth Jenkins, Bishop of Llandaff High School, Cardiff (a mechanism to open and close the retractable roof of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff). The two principal national sponsors of the competition, which is organized by the Engineering Council, are Lloyd's Register and GEC. Industrial companies, professional engineering institutions and educational bodies also provided national and regional prizes and support. During this year's finals, various additional activities took place, allowing the students to surf the Internet and navigate individual engineering websites on a network of computers. They also visited the Millennium Dome site, constructing a model of the Dome and designing a range of Dome exhibits from innovative assembly kits. Details of the 1999 competition will be available from the Engineering Council at 10 Maltravers Street, London WC2R 3ER (tel: 0171 240 7891, http://www.engc.org.uk).

Flavor and stability of milk proteins.

PubMed

Smith, T J; Campbell, R E; Jo, Y; Drake, M A

2016-06-01

A greater understanding of the nature and source of dried milk protein ingredient flavor(s) is required to characterize flavor stability and identify the sources of flavors. The objective of this study was to characterize the flavor and flavor chemistry of milk protein concentrates (MPC 70, 80, 85), isolates (MPI), acid and rennet caseins, and micellar casein concentrate (MCC) and to determine the effect of storage on flavor and functionality of milk protein concentrates using instrumental and sensory techniques. Spray-dried milk protein ingredients (MPC, MPI, caseins, MCC) were collected in duplicate from 5 commercial suppliers or manufactured at North Carolina State University. Powders were rehydrated and evaluated in duplicate by descriptive sensory analysis. Volatile compounds were extracted by solid phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry. Compounds were identified by comparison of retention indices, odor properties, and mass spectra against reference standards. A subset of samples was selected for further analysis using direct solvent extraction with solvent-assisted flavor extraction, and aroma extract dilution analysis. External standard curves were created to quantify select volatile compounds. Pilot plant manufactured MPC were stored at 3, 25, and 40°C (44% relative humidity). Solubility, furosine, sensory properties, and volatile compound analyses were performed at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo. Milk proteins and caseins were diverse in flavor and exhibited sweet aromatic and cooked/milky flavors as well as cardboard, brothy, tortilla, soapy, and fatty flavors. Key aroma active compounds in milk proteins and caseins were 2-aminoacetophenone, nonanal, 1-octen-3-one, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, heptanal, methional, 1-hexen-3-one, hexanal, dimethyl disulfide, butanoic acid, and acetic acid. Stored milk proteins developed animal and burnt sugar flavors over time. Solubility of MPC decreased and furosine concentration increased with storage time and temperature. Solubility of MPC 80 was reduced more than that of MPC 45, but time and temperature adversely affected solubility of both proteins, with storage temperature having the greatest effect. Flavor and shelf stability of milk proteins provide a foundation of knowledge to improve the flavor and shelf-life of milk proteins. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[THE ADDED VALUE OF ART THERAPY FOR MOTHERS WITH POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION IN ARABIC SOCIETY IN ISRAEL].

PubMed

Afnan Hamed-Agbariah; Rosenfeld, Yaakov

2015-09-01

Post-partum depression (PPD) is a neurotic condition, which appears usually within two months after the delivery. This is the most common complication of pregnancy and puerperium, affecting about 15 to 20% of the mothers. In Israel, with some 150,000 deliveries annually, this relates to about 20,000 women each year. Routine treatment with psychotherapy (PT), helps about two thirds of these women. Continuation of the maternal symptoms affects the baby's development, and the rest of the family as well. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additional value of art therapy (AT), compared to standard therapy, with PT alone, to eradicate symptoms of depression. A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted. During the period 2011-2013, a total of 141 Arab mothers with symptoms of PPD, from the Um-El-Fahem region, were included in the study. A comparison was made between two groups: The control group receiving routine treatment with PT and the intervention group which received, in addition, AT. Both groups demonstrated a reduction in the level of depressive symptoms. In the intervention group, however, the reduction in the level of depressive symptoms was statistically more significant (p < 0.05). In our study, the combination of standard PT with AT enabled the vast majority of the mothers to recover from the depressive state. In a health care system with chronic budgetary constraints, the addition of some cardboard and plasticine to the "Health Basket", coupled with a few hours with a trained therapist, is probably a worthy alternative, considering the scope of the problem and its influence on the mother, the baby, and the family as a whole. The appearance of PPD symptoms is a common and significant medical condition. These attributes make this phenomenon a significant problem from the public health perspective. Routine treatment with PT, helps a lot of women. Many, however, remain symptomatic. The addition of AT enables most of them to resume a normal and healthy course of life.

Cold enzymatic bleaching of fluid whey.

PubMed

Campbell, R E; Drake, M A

2013-01-01

Chemical bleaching of fluid whey and retentate with hydrogen peroxide (HP) alone requires high concentrations (100-500 mg of HP/kg) and recent studies have demonstrated that off-flavors are generated during chemical bleaching that carry through to spray-dried whey proteins. Bleaching of fluid whey and retentate with enzymes such as naturally present lactoperoxidase or an exogenous commercial peroxidase (EP) at cold temperatures (4°C) may be a viable alternative to traditional chemical bleaching of whey. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum level of HP for enzymatic bleaching (both lactoperoxidase and EP) at 4°C and to compare bleaching efficacy and sensory characteristics to HP chemical bleaching at 4°C. Selected treatments were subsequently applied for whey protein concentrate with 80% protein (WPC80) manufacture. Fluid Cheddar whey and retentate (80% protein) were manufactured in triplicate from pasteurized whole milk. The optimum concentration of HP (0 to 250 mg/kg) to activate enzymatic bleaching at 4°C was determined by quantifying the loss of norbixin. In subsequent experiments, bleaching efficacy, descriptive sensory analysis, and volatile compounds were monitored at selected time points. A control with no bleaching was also evaluated. Enzymatic bleaching of fluid whey and retentate at 4°C resulted in faster bleaching and higher bleaching efficacy (color loss) than bleaching with HP alone at 250 mg/kg. Due to concentrated levels of naturally present lactoperoxidase, retentate bleached to completion (>80% norbixin destruction in 30 min) faster than fluid whey at 4°C (>80% norbixin destruction in 12h). In fluid whey, the addition of EP decreased bleaching time. Spray-dried WPC80 from bleached wheys, regardless of bleaching treatment, were characterized by a lack of sweet aromatic and buttery flavors, and the presence of cardboard flavor concurrent with higher relative abundance of 1-octen-3-ol and 1-octen-3-one. Among enzymatically bleached WPC80, lactoperoxidase-bleached WPC80 contained higher relative abundance of 2,3-octadienone, 2-pentyl furan, and hexanal than those bleached with added EP. Bleach times, bleaching efficacy, and flavor results suggest that enzymatic bleaching may be a viable and desirable alternative to HP bleaching of fluid whey or retentate. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of microfiltration on color, flavor, and functionality of 80% whey protein concentrate.

PubMed

Qiu, Y; Smith, T J; Foegeding, E A; Drake, M A

2015-09-01

The residual annatto colorant in fluid Cheddar cheese whey is bleached to provide a neutral-colored final product. Currently, hydrogen peroxide (HP) and benzoyl peroxide are used for bleaching liquid whey. However, previous studies have shown that chemical bleaching causes off-flavor formation, mainly due to lipid oxidation and protein degradation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of microfiltration (MF) on norbixin removal and to compare flavor and functionality of 80% whey protein concentrate (WPC80) from MF whey to WPC80 from whey bleached with HP or lactoperoxidase (LP). Cheddar cheese whey was manufactured from colored, pasteurized milk. The fluid whey was pasteurized and fat separated. Liquid whey was subjected to 4 different treatments: control (no bleaching; 50°C, 1 h), HP (250 mg of HP/kg; 50°C, 1 h), and LP (20 mg of HP/kg; 50°C, 1 h), or MF (microfiltration; 50°C, 1 h). The treated whey was then ultrafiltered, diafiltered, and spray-dried to 80% concentrate. The entire experiment was replicated 3 times. Proximate analyses, color, functionality, descriptive sensory and instrumental volatile analysis were conducted on WPC80. The MF and HP- and LP-bleached WPC80 displayed a 39.5, 40.9, and 92.8% norbixin decrease, respectively. The HP and LP WPC80 had higher cardboard flavors and distinct cabbage flavor compared with the unbleached and MF WPC80. Volatile compound results were consistent with sensory results. The HP and LP WPC80 were higher in lipid oxidation compounds (especially heptanal, hexanal, pentanal, 1-hexen-3-one, 2-pentylfuran, and octanal) compared with unbleached and MF WPC80. All WPC80 had >85% solubility across the pH range of 3 to 7. The microstructure of MF gels determined by confocal laser scanning showed an increased protein particle size in the gel network. MF WPC80 also had larger storage modulus values, indicating higher gel firmness. Based on bleaching efficacy comparable to chemical bleaching with HP, flavor, and functionality results, MF is a viable alternative to chemical or enzymatic bleaching of fluid whey. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adapting to an innovation: Solar cooking in the urban households of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toonen, Hilde M.

Most households in Sub-Saharan Africa rely on wood as primary energy source. The availability of wood is decreasing and deforestation is a major ecological problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. The scarcity of wood is demanding for a sustainable solution. The sun seems to provide a good alternative. Solar energy is free, without unhealthy smoke or chances to burns. The idea of using solar energy for cooking is not new: many different techniques have already been tested. Most variants are expensive, and therefore not available for most families in Sub-Saharan Africa. A cheap solar cooking device is the CooKit, a cardboard panel cooker covered with aluminium foil. In the adaptation to the CooKit, as to all innovations, it is important that the users are convinced of the advantages. An important step in the adaptation process is learning how to use the cooking device; the best way to do this is by home practice. Monitoring and evaluating the real use is needed, for it is interesting to know if the CooKit is actually used, and also to find out how women have implemented the new technique in their kitchens. In 2005, the SUPO foundation started a project in Burkina Faso: Programme Energie Solaire Grand-Ouaga (PESGO). The aim of PESGO is to introduce the CooKit in the urban households in Ouagadougou by providing training sessions and home assistance. In this paper, a mid-term review on this small-scale cooking project is presented. The possibilities and challenges of solar cooking are outlined, taking the urban context of Ouagadougou in account. In PESGO, dependence on weather conditions is found to be one of the challenges: if sunrays are blocked by clouds or dust in the air, the cooking will be slowed down. The CooKit cannot replace firewood entirely, and a complementary element has to be found. SUPO is exploring the use of Jatropha oil as a complement to the CooKit. The Jatropha plant is drought tolerant and its fruits contain oil which can be used as fuel substitute. Further research on its use is interesting, because the combination of the CooKit and Jatropha oil seems to have high potential in the kitchens of West-Africa.

The role of multiple partners in a digestive mutualism with a protocarnivorous plant

PubMed Central

Nishi, Aline Hiroko; Vasconcellos-Neto, João; Romero, Gustavo Quevedo

2013-01-01

Background and aims The protocarnivorous plant Paepalanthus bromelioides (Eriocaulaceae) is similar to bromeliads in that this plant has a rosette-like structure that allows rainwater to accumulate in leaf axils (i.e. phytotelmata). Although the rosettes of P. bromelioides are commonly inhabited by predators (e.g. spiders), their roots are wrapped by a cylindrical termite mound that grows beneath the rosette. In this study it is predicted that these plants can derive nutrients from recycling processes carried out by termites and from predation events that take place inside the rosette. It is also predicted that bacteria living in phytotelmata can accelerate nutrient cycling derived from predators. Methods The predictions were tested by surveying plants and animals, and also by performing field experiments in rocky fields from Serra do Cipó, Brazil, using natural abundance and enriched isotopes of 15N. Laboratory bioassays were also conducted to test proteolytic activities of bacteria from P. bromelioides rosettes. Key Results Analyses of 15N in natural nitrogen abundances showed that the isotopic signature of P. bromelioides is similar to that of carnivorous plants and higher than that of non-carnivorous plants in the study area. Linear mixing models showed that predatory activities on the rosettes (i.e. spider faeces and prey carcass) resulted in overall nitrogen contributions of 26·5 % (a top-down flux). Although nitrogen flux was not detected from termites to plants via decomposition of labelled cardboard, the data on 15N in natural nitrogen abundance indicated that 67 % of nitrogen from P. bromelioides is derived from termites (a bottom-up flux). Bacteria did not affect nutrient cycling or nitrogen uptake from prey carcasses and spider faeces. Conclusions The results suggest that P. bromelioides derive nitrogen from associated predators and termites, despite differences in nitrogen cycling velocities, which seem to have been higher in nitrogen derived from predators (leaves) than from termites (roots). This is the first study that demonstrates partitioning effects from multiple partners in a digestion-based mutualism. Despite most of the nitrogen being absorbed through their roots (via termites), P. bromelioides has all the attributes necessary to be considered as a carnivorous plant in the context of digestive mutualism. PMID:23131297

Environmental life cycle assessment of Italian mozzarella cheese: Hotspots and improvement opportunities.

PubMed

Dalla Riva, A; Burek, J; Kim, D; Thoma, G; Cassandro, M; De Marchi, M

2017-10-01

The present study investigated a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment to estimate the environmental impacts associated with Italian mozzarella cheese consumption. The differences between mozzarella produced from raw milk and mozzarella produced from curd were studied, and differences in manufacturing processes have been emphasized in order to provide guidance for targeted improvements at this phase. Specifically, the third-largest Italian mozzarella producer was surveyed to collect site-specific manufacturing data. The Ecoinvent v3.2 database was used for secondary data, whereas SimaPro 8.1 was the modeling software. The inventory included inputs from farm activities to end of life disposal of wasted mozzarella and packaging. Additionally, plant-specific information was used to assign major inputs, such as electricity, natural gas, packaging, and chemicals to specific products; however, where disaggregated information was not provided, milk solids allocation was applied. Notably, loss of milk solids was accounted during the manufacture, moreover mozzarella waste and transport were considered during distribution, retail, and consumption phases. Feed production and animal emissions were the main drivers of raw milk production. Electricity and natural gas usage, packaging (cardboard and plastic), transport, wastewater treatment, and refrigerant loss affected the emissions from a farm gate-to-dairy plant gate perspective. Post-dairy plant gate effects were mainly determined by electricity usage for storage of mozzarella, transport of mozzarella, and waste treatment. The average emissions were 6.66 kg of CO 2 equivalents and 45.1 MJ of cumulative energy demand/kg of consumed mozzarella produced directly from raw milk, whereas mozzarella from purchased curd had larger emissions than mozzarella from raw milk due to added transport of curd from specialty manufacturing plants, as well as electricity usage from additional processes at the mozzarella plant that are required to process the curd into mozzarella. Normalization points to ecotoxicity as the impact category most significantly influenced by mozzarella consumption. From a farm gate-to-grave perspective, ecotoxicity and freshwater and marine eutrophication are the first and second largest contributors of mozzarella consumption to average European effects, respectively. To increase environmental sustainability, an improvement of efficiency for energy and packaging usage and transport activities is recommended in the post-farm gate mozzarella supply chain. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of heating and acidification on the flavor of whey protein isolate.

PubMed

White, S S; Fox, K M; Jervis, S M; Drake, M A

2013-03-01

Previous studies have established that whey protein manufacture unit operations influence the flavor of dried whey proteins. Additionally, manufacturers generally instantize whey protein isolate (WPI; ≥ 90% protein) by agglomeration with lecithin to increase solubility and wettability. Whey protein isolate is often subjected to additional postprocessing steps in beverage manufacturing, including acidification and heat treatment. These postprocessing treatments may further influence formation or release of flavors. The objective of the first study was to characterize the effect of 2 processing steps inherent to manufacturing of acidic protein beverages (acidification and heat treatment) on the flavor of non-instant WPI. The second study sought to determine the effect of lecithin agglomeration, a common form of instantized (INST) WPI used in beverage manufacturing, on the flavor of WPI after acidification and heat treatment. In the first experiment, commercial non-instantized (NI) WPI were rehydrated and evaluated as is (control); acidified to pH 3.2; heated to 85°C for 5 min in a benchtop high temperature, short time (HTST) pasteurizer; or acidified to 3.2 and heated to 85°C for 30s (AH-HTST). In the second experiment, INST and NI commercial WPI were subsequently evaluated as control, acidified, heated, or AH-HTST. All samples were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Acidification of NI WPI produced higher concentrations of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and sensory detection of potato/brothy flavors, whereas heating increased cooked/sulfur flavors. Acidification and heating increased cardboard, potato/brothy, and malty flavors and produced higher concentrations of aldehydes, ketones, and sulfur compounds. Differences between INST and NI WPI existed before treatment; INST WPI displayed cucumber flavors not present in NI WPI. After acidification, INST WPI were distinguished by higher intensity of cucumber flavor and higher concentrations of E-2-nonenal. No perceivable differences were observed between INST and NI WPI after heating; sulfur and eggy flavors increased in both types of WPI. After treatment, AH-INST-HTST samples were differentiated from AH-NI-HTST by grassy/hay and grainy flavor and increased lipid oxidation products. Further processing of WPI in food applications has negative effects on the flavor contributions of WPI. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OPERATING THE WAND AND HERCULES PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

K. GRUETZMACHER; ET AL

2001-01-01

Two prototype systems for low-density Green is Clean (GIC) waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have been in operation for three years at the Solid Waste Operation's (SWOs) non-destructive assay (NDA) building. The Waste Assay for Nonradioactive Disposal (WAND) and the High Efficiency Radiation Counters for Ultimate Low Emission Sensitivity (HERCULES) are used to verify the waste generator's acceptable knowledge (AK) that low-density waste is nonradioactive. GIC waste includes all non-regulated waste generated in radiological controlled areas (RCAs) that has been actively segregated as ''clean'' (i.e., nonradioactive) through the use of waste generator AK. GIC waste that is verifiedmore » clean can be disposed of at the Los Alamos County Landfill. It is estimated that 50-90% of the low-density room trash from RCAs at LANL might be free of contamination. To date, with pilot programs at five facilities at LANL, 3000 cubic feet of GIC waste has been verified clean by these two prototype systems. Both the WAND and HERCULES systems are highly sensitive measurement systems optimized to detect very small quantities of common LANL radionuclides. Both of the systems use a set of phoswich scintillation detectors in close proximity to the waste, which have the capability of detecting plutonium-239 concentrations below 3 pCi per gram of low density waste. Both systems detect low-energy x-rays and a broad range of gamma rays (10-2000 keV), while the WAND system also detects high energy beta particles (>100 keV). The WAND system consists of a bank of six shielded detectors which screen low density shredded waste or stacked sheets of paper moving under the detectors in a twelve inch swath on a conveyor belt. The WAND system was developed and tested at the Los Alamos Plutonium Facility in conjunction with instrument system designers from the Los Alamos Safeguards Science and Technology group. The HERCULES system consists of a bank of three shielded detectors which screen low-density waste in two cubic foot cardboard boxes or in bags sitting on a turntable. Waste that does not pass the verification process can be examined within the facility to determine the type and quantity of the contamination and its origin within a waste container. The paper discusses lessons learned that have helped generators improve their AK segregation.« less

Modular life cycle assessment of municipal solid waste management.

PubMed

Haupt, M; Kägi, T; Hellweg, S

2018-05-31

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is commonly applied to examine the environmental performance of waste management systems. The system boundaries are, however, often limited to either one tonne of material or to specific waste treatments and are, therefore, lacking a systems perspective. Here, a framework is proposed to assess complete waste management systems based on actual waste flows, assessed with a detailed material flow analysis (MFA) in a modular MFA/LCA approach. The transformation of the MFA into a product-process-matrix facilitates a direct link between MFA and LCA, therefore allowing for the assessment of variations in flows. To allow for an up-to-date and geographically specific assessment, 190 LCA modules were set up based on primary industrial data and the ecoinvent database. The LCA modules show where there have been improvements in different recycling processes over the past years (e.g. for paper recycling) and highlight that, from an environmental perspective, closed-loop recycling is not always preferable to open-loop recycling. In a case study, the Swiss municipal solid waste management system, of which there is already a detailed MFA, was modeled using the new LCA modules and applying the modular MFA/LCA approach. Five different mass flow distribution scenarios for the Swiss municipal solid waste management system were assessed to show the environmental impact of political measures and to test the sensitivity of the results to key parameters. The results of the case study highlight the importance of the dominant fractions in the overall environmental impacts assessment; while the metal fraction has the highest impact on a per kilogram basis, paper, cardboard, glass and mixed municipal solid waste were found to dominate the environmental impacts of the Swiss waste management system due to their mass. The scenarios also highlight the importance of the energy efficiency of municipal solid waste incineration plants and the credits from material substitution as key variables. In countries with advanced waste management systems such as Switzerland, there is limited improvement potential with further increases in recycling rates. In these cases, the focus of political measures should be laid on (i) the utilization of secondary materials in applications where they replace high-impact primary production, and (ii) an increased recovery of energy in waste-to-energy plants. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy: follow-up evaluation of effects on the sphincter of Oddi.

PubMed

Geenen, J E; Toouli, J; Hogan, W J; Dodds, W J; Stewart, E T; Mavrelis, P; Riedel, D; Venu, R

1984-10-01

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) alters the structure and motor function of the sphincter of Oddi (SO). The magnitude and duration of these changes, however, have not been critically examined. Before ES, 22 patients with common bile duct stones were evaluated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The pressure gradient between the common bile duct and the duodenum, the SO basal pressure, and the SO peak phasic pressures were obtained. After ES, the electrosurgical incision length was determined using the extended papillotome and an inflated Fogarty balloon as reference. A high correlation existed between the endoscopist's estimate of ES incision size using this technique and the actual length of simulated incisions fashioned in cardboard mounts. These studies were repeated in all 22 patients at 1-yr follow-up and in 8 of these patients at 2-yr follow-up. At 12 mo and 24 mo after ES, the common bile duct (CBD) to duodenal pressure gradient and the sphincter of Oddi basal pressure were virtually eliminated. The amplitude of SO phasic contractions was significantly diminished 12 mo after ES (124 +/- 16 mmHg to 37 +/- 10 mmHg; p less than 0.001), but 24 mo after ES, SO phasic contraction amplitude was not significantly different from the values before ES. Incision length at 1-yr follow-up was reduced in the group of 22 patients from 11.6 +/- 0.8 mm to 8.3 +/- 0.5 mm (p less than 0.001), and in the group of 8 patients from 11.0 +/- 1.5 mm to 7.5 +/- 0.7 mm (p less than 0.025). After an additional 12 mo, however, i.e., 24 mo after ES, the incision length was 6.5 +/- 0.7 mm. There was no significant difference in incision length between the 12-mo and 24-mo examinations. We conclude that after ES, incision length decreases during the first year. There appears to be no further significant reduction in incision length at 2 yr. In addition, the reduction of the CBD to duodenal pressure gradient and the SO basal pressure remain unchanged for at least 2 yr. These manometric findings support the observation that after ES the enlarged opening of the CBD into the duodenum remains open for at least 2 yr.

A simple technique to prolong molding time during application of a fiberglass cast: An in vitro study

PubMed Central

Ayzenberg, Mark; Narvaez, Michael; Raphael, James

2018-01-01

Casting is routinely used for acute and post-operative immobilization and remains a cornerstone in the non-operative management of fractures and deformities. The application of a properly fitted and wellmolded cast, especially for a trainee, can be challenging. We present a simple method of prolonging cure time of fiberglass cast — placing ice in the dip water. Eight-ply, fiveinch fiberglass cast was circumferentially applied to an aluminum-wrapped cardboard cylinder. An electronic, 2-channel temperature sensor (TR-71wf Temp Logger, T&D Corporation, Matsumoto, Japan), accurate to 0.1ºC and accurate to ±0.3ºC, was placed between the fourth and fifth layers of fiberglass. Thirty total casts were tested using 9±1ºC (cold), 22±1ºC (ambient), and 36±1ºC (warm) dip water. Room temperature was maintained at 24±1ºC. Cast temperatures were measured during the exothermic reaction generated by the cast curing. Peak temperatures and cure times were recorded. Cure time was defined as the point of downward deflection on the timetemperature curve immediately after peak. Cure and peak temperatures were compared among groups using analysis of variance. Mean cure time was 3.5±0.1 minutes for warm water, 5.0±0.4 minutes for ambient water and 7.0±0.5 minutes for cold water. Peak temperature, measured between layers 4 and 5 of the cast material, was 36.6±0.8ºC for warm water, 31.1±1.4ºC for ambient water and 25.2±0.5ºC for cold water. Cold afforded, on average, an additional 2 minutes (40% increase) in cure time compared to ambient water and an additional 3.5 minutes (100% increase) compared to warm water. Cure time differences were significant (P<0.001) for all groups, as were peak temperature differences (P<0.001). Temperatures concerning for development of burns were never reached. Utilizing iced dip water when casting is a simple and effective method to prolong the time available for cast application. Orthopedic residents and trainees may find this useful in learning to fabricate a high quality cast. For the experienced orthopedic surgeon, this method eliminates the need to bridge longlimb casts and facilitates the application of complex casts. PMID:29770174

Laparoscopic surgical box model training for surgical trainees with no prior laparoscopic experience.

PubMed

Nagendran, Myura; Toon, Clare D; Davidson, Brian R; Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan

2014-01-17

Surgical training has traditionally been one of apprenticeship, where the surgical trainee learns to perform surgery under the supervision of a trained surgeon. This is time consuming, costly, and of variable effectiveness. Training using a box model physical simulator - either a video box or a mirrored box - is an option to supplement standard training. However, the impact of this modality on trainees with no prior laparoscopic experience is unknown. To compare the benefits and harms of box model training versus no training, another box model, animal model, or cadaveric model training for surgical trainees with no prior laparoscopic experience. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded to May 2013. We included all randomised clinical trials comparing box model trainers versus no training in surgical trainees with no prior laparoscopic experience. We also included trials comparing different methods of box model training. Two authors independently identified trials and collected data. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects models using Review Manager for analysis. For each outcome, we calculated the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on intention-to-treat analysis whenever possible. Twenty-five trials contributed data to the quantitative synthesis in this review. All but one trial were at high risk of bias. Overall, 16 trials (464 participants) provided data for meta-analysis of box training (248 participants) versus no supplementary training (216 participants). All the 16 trials in this comparison used video trainers. Overall, 14 trials (382 participants) provided data for quantitative comparison of different methods of box training. There were no trials comparing box model training versus animal model or cadaveric model training. Box model training versus no training: The meta-analysis showed that the time taken for task completion was significantly shorter in the box trainer group than the control group (8 trials; 249 participants; SMD -0.48 seconds; 95% CI -0.74 to -0.22). Compared with the control group, the box trainer group also had lower error score (3 trials; 69 participants; SMD -0.69; 95% CI -1.21 to -0.17), better accuracy score (3 trials; 73 participants; SMD 0.67; 95% CI 0.18 to 1.17), and better composite performance scores (SMD 0.65; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.88). Three trials reported movement distance but could not be meta-analysed as they were not in a format for meta-analysis. There was significantly lower movement distance in the box model training compared with no training in one trial, and there were no significant differences in the movement distance between the two groups in the other two trials. None of the remaining secondary outcomes such as mortality and morbidity were reported in the trials when animal models were used for assessment of training, error in movements, and trainee satisfaction. Different methods of box training: One trial (36 participants) found significantly shorter time taken to complete the task when box training was performed using a simple cardboard box trainer compared with the standard pelvic trainer (SMD -3.79 seconds; 95% CI -4.92 to -2.65). There was no significant difference in the time taken to complete the task in the remaining three comparisons (reverse alignment versus forward alignment box training; box trainer suturing versus box trainer drills; and single incision versus multiport box model training). There were no significant differences in the error score between the two groups in any of the comparisons (box trainer suturing versus box trainer drills; single incision versus multiport box model training; Z-maze box training versus U-maze box training). The only trial that reported accuracy score found significantly higher accuracy score with Z-maze box training than U-maze box training (1 trial; 16 participants; SMD 1.55; 95% CI 0.39 to 2.71). One trial (36 participants) found significantly higher composite score with simple cardboard box trainer compared with conventional pelvic trainer (SMD 0.87; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.56). Another trial (22 participants) found significantly higher composite score with reverse alignment compared with forward alignment box training (SMD 1.82; 95% CI 0.79 to 2.84). There were no significant differences in the composite score between the intervention and control groups in any of the remaining comparisons. None of the secondary outcomes were adequately reported in the trials. The results of this review are threatened by both risks of systematic errors (bias) and risks of random errors (play of chance). Laparoscopic box model training appears to improve technical skills compared with no training in trainees with no previous laparoscopic experience. The impacts of this decreased time on patients and healthcare funders in terms of improved outcomes or decreased costs are unknown. There appears to be no significant differences in the improvement of technical skills between different methods of box model training. Further well-designed trials of low risk of bias and random errors are necessary. Such trials should assess the impacts of box model training on surgical skills in both the short and long term, as well as clinical outcomes when the trainee becomes competent to operate on patients.

EDITORIAL: Microwave Moisture Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaatze, Udo; Kupfer, Klaus; Hübner, Christof

2007-04-01

Microwave moisture measurements refer to a methodology by which the water content of materials is non-invasively determined using electromagnetic fields of radio and microwave frequencies. Being the omnipresent liquid on our planet, water occurs as a component in most materials and often exercises a significant influence on their properties. Precise measurements of the water content are thus extremely useful in pure sciences, particularly in biochemistry and biophysics. They are likewise important in many agricultural, technical and industrial fields. Applications are broad and diverse, and include the quality assessment of foodstuffs, the determination of water content in paper, cardboard and textile production, the monitoring of moisture in sands, gravels, soils and constructions, as well as the measurement of water admixtures to coal and crude oil in reservoirs and in pipelines. Microwave moisture measurements and evaluations require insights in various disciplines, such as materials science, dielectrics, the physical chemistry of water, electrodynamics and microwave techniques. The cooperation of experts from the different fields of science is thus necessary for the efficient development of this complex discipline. In order to advance cooperation the Workshop on Electromagnetic Wave Interaction with Water and Moist Substances was held in 1993 in Atlanta. It initiated a series of international conferences, of which the last one was held in 2005 in Weimar. The meeting brought together 130 scientists and engineers from all over the world. This special issue presents a collection of some selected papers that were given at the event. The papers cover most topics of the conference, featuring dielectric properties of aqueous materials, electromagnetic wave interactions, measurement methods and sensors, and various applications. The special issue is dedicated to Dr Andrzej W Kraszewski, who died in July 2006 after a distinguished career of 48 years in the research of microwave applications. Dr Kraszewski was a pioneer in moisture content sensing and the founder of microwave aquametry. He organized the first conferences on electromagnetic wave interactions with water and moist substances and helped to maintain the progress of microwave aquametry research internationally. Andrzej Kraszewski is missed by the microwave moisture measurement community who appreciated both his unusual technical ability and his pleasant and endearing character. Andrzej W Kraszewski, 1933-2006 We hope you will enjoy reading these papers and will extend your scientific curiosity to this field. Finally, we would like to thank all the authors, referees and the staff of Measurement Science and Technology for their contributions and support which have made the publication of this special issue possible.

The international child growth chart.

PubMed

Chauliac, M

1986-01-01

This technical note describes and explains growth charts and their use, including growth charts for illustrative purposes. Growth charts provide a graphic representation of simple anthropometric measurements (weight and height). Thus, they provide better information on the health and nutritional status of children, as well as their evolution with time, for health workers and families. If anthropometric measurements are made regularly and noted on the card, health workers trained in the interpretation of curves established on the basis of these measurements then are able to make the appropriate decisions so as to ensure harmonious physical development for children. These charts also are a tool for the health education of families. Many experiments have shown that mothers who are illiterate are able to comprehend the meaning of the direction taken by a growth curve and then are more receptive to health education. Curves are useful at the individual level for the early detection of any anomaly in growth. At the collective level, the series of curves drawn for a group of children should be analyzed in order to follow growth in the group and to evaluate the impact of actions undertaken to improve the children's health status. In 1978, the World Health Organization (WHO) created a model chart, which may be adapted and reproduced by any country. No great financial investment or complicated material is necessary. The chart should be approximately 210 mm x 297 mm in size and be made of sufficiently thick cardboard to last 5 years. A protective plastic envelope of appropriate size to contain and protect the card is preferable. The model is composed of 2 elements: a chart for boys and a chart for girls. The 1st page includes some information on civil status, useful for finding the chart and for obtaining some idea of the health status of siblings. The dates of vaccination are listed at the bottom of the page. The inner side of the card contains the curves for weight and height. There are 5 curves, which define 6 spaces, noted as A, B, C, D, E, and F. These curves, called "reference curves," are the outcome of broad surveys performed on healthy, well nourished children. For the weight and height curves, the following should be done starting at the 1st consultation: copy the child's 1st and last name; note his/her birth weight; record the existence of any reason for special surveillance, such as low birth weight, twin birth, a short interval between births, a food problem, the death of a brother, a sister, or death of the mother. Following this, the months should be inscribed in the boxes at the bottom of the vertical columns. Specific instructions are included for noting a child's height and weight and interpreting height and weight curves.

An intensive insulinotherapy mobile phone application built on artificial intelligence techniques.

PubMed

Curran, Kevin; Nichols, Eric; Xie, Ermai; Harper, Roy

2010-01-01

Software to help control diabetes is currently an embryonic market with the main activity to date focused mainly on the development of noncomputerized solutions, such as cardboard calculators or computerized solutions that use "flat" computer models, which are applied to each person without taking into account their individual lifestyles. The development of true, mobile device-driven health applications has been hindered by the lack of tools available in the past and the sheer lack of mobile devices on the market. This has now changed, however, with the availability of pocket personal computer handsets. This article describes a solution in the form of an intelligent neural network running on mobile devices, allowing people with diabetes access to it regardless of their location. Utilizing an easy to learn and use multipanel user interface, people with diabetes can run the software in real time via an easy to use graphical user interface. The neural network consists of four neurons. The first is glucose. If the user's current glucose level is within the target range, the glucose weight is then multiplied by zero. If the glucose level is high, then there will be a positive value multiplied to the weight, resulting in a positive amount of insulin to be injected. If the user's glucose level is low, then the weights will be multiplied by a negative value, resulting in a decrease in the overall insulin dose. A minifeasibility trial was carried out at a local hospital under a consultant endocrinologist in Belfast. The short study ran for 2 weeks with six patients. The main objectives were to investigate the user interface, test the remote sending of data over a 3G network to a centralized server at the university, and record patient data for further proofing of the neural network. We also received useful feedback regarding the user interface and the feasibility of handing real-world patients a new mobile phone. Results of this short trial confirmed to a large degree that our approach (which also can be known as intensive insulinotherapy) has value and perhaps that our neural network approach has implications for future intelligent insulin pumps. Currently, there is no software available to tell people with diabetes how much insulin to inject in accordance with their lifestyle and individual inputs, which leads to adjustments in software predictions on the amount of insulin to inject. We have taken initial steps to supplement the knowledge and skills of health care professionals in controlling insulin levels on a daily basis using a mobile device for people who are less able to manage their disease, especially children and young adults. 2010 Diabetes Technology Society.

An Intensive Insulinotherapy Mobile Phone Application Built on Artificial Intelligence Techniques

PubMed Central

Curran, Kevin; Nichols, Eric; Xie, Ermai; Harper, Roy

2010-01-01

Background Software to help control diabetes is currently an embryonic market with the main activity to date focused mainly on the development of noncomputerized solutions, such as cardboard calculators or computerized solutions that use “flat” computer models, which are applied to each person without taking into account their individual lifestyles. The development of true, mobile device-driven health applications has been hindered by the lack of tools available in the past and the sheer lack of mobile devices on the market. This has now changed, however, with the availability of pocket personal computer handsets. Method This article describes a solution in the form of an intelligent neural network running on mobile devices, allowing people with diabetes access to it regardless of their location. Utilizing an easy to learn and use multipanel user interface, people with diabetes can run the software in real time via an easy to use graphical user interface. The neural network consists of four neurons. The first is glucose. If the user's current glucose level is within the target range, the glucose weight is then multiplied by zero. If the glucose level is high, then there will be a positive value multiplied to the weight, resulting in a positive amount of insulin to be injected. If the user's glucose level is low, then the weights will be multiplied by a negative value, resulting in a decrease in the overall insulin dose. Results A minifeasibility trial was carried out at a local hospital under a consultant endocrinologist in Belfast. The short study ran for 2 weeks with six patients. The main objectives were to investigate the user interface, test the remote sending of data over a 3G network to a centralized server at the university, and record patient data for further proofing of the neural network. We also received useful feedback regarding the user interface and the feasibility of handing real-world patients a new mobile phone. Results of this short trial confirmed to a large degree that our approach (which also can be known as intensive insulinotherapy) has value and perhaps that our neural network approach has implications for future intelligent insulin pumps. Conclusions Currently, there is no software available to tell people with diabetes how much insulin to inject in accordance with their lifestyle and individual inputs, which leads to adjustments in software predictions on the amount of insulin to inject. We have taken initial steps to supplement the knowledge and skills of health care professionals in controlling insulin levels on a daily basis using a mobile device for people who are less able to manage their disease, especially children and young adults. PMID:20167186

Field detection capability of immunochemical assays during criminal investigations involving the use of TNT.

PubMed

Romolo, Francesco Saverio; Ferri, Elida; Mirasoli, Mara; D'Elia, Marcello; Ripani, Luigi; Peluso, Giuseppe; Risoluti, Roberta; Maiolini, Elisabetta; Girotti, Stefano

2015-01-01

The capability to collect timely information about the substances employed on-site at a crime scene is of fundamental importance during scientific investigations in crimes involving the use of explosives. TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) is one of the most employed explosives in the 20th century. Despite the growing use of improvised explosives, criminal use and access to TNT is not expected to decrease. Immunoassays are simple and selective analytical tests able to detect molecules and their immunoreactions can occur in portable formats for use on-site. This work demonstrates the application of three immunochemical assays capable of detecting TNT to typical forensic samples from experimental tests: an indirect competitive ELISA with chemiluminescent detection (CL-ELISA), a colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on colloidal gold nanoparticles label, and a chemiluminescent-LFIA (CL-LFIA). Under optimised working conditions, the LOD of the colorimetric LFIA and CL-LFIA were 1 μg mL(-1) and 0.05 μg mL(-1), respectively. The total analysis time for LFIAs was 15 min. ELISA proved to be a very effective laboratory approach, showing very good sensitivity (LOD of 0.4 ng mL(-1)) and good reproducibility (CV value about 7%). Samples tested included various materials involved in controlled explosions of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as hand swabs collected after TNT handling tests. In the first group of tests, targets covered with six different materials (metal, plastic, cardboard, carpet fabric, wood and adhesive tape) were fixed on top of wooden poles (180 cm high). Samples of soil from the explosion area and different materials covering the targets were collected after each explosion and analysed. In the second group of tests, hand swabs were collected with and without hand washing after volunteers simulated the manipulation of small charges of TNT. The small amount of solution required for each assay allows for several analyses. Results of immunoassays confirmed that they were suitable to detect post-blast residues in soil and target materials and post transfer residues on hands, allowing further confirmation by more selective techniques. ELISA and LFIAs results obtained from the same solution were consistently in good agreement, and were confirmed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The reported immunoassays data demonstrates the suitability of LFIAs as on-site rapid and effective assays to detect TNT traces. The CL-ELISA proved useful in obtaining very sensitive detection in forensic investigations and testing, while CL-LFIA had performances in between LFIA and CL-ELISA. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Testing limits to airflow perturbation device (APD) measurements.

PubMed

Lopresti, Erika R; Johnson, Arthur T; Koh, Frank C; Scott, William H; Jamshidi, Shaya; Silverman, Nischom K

2008-10-31

The Airflow Perturbation Device (APD) is a lightweight, portable device that can be used to measure total respiratory resistance as well as inhalation and exhalation resistances. There is a need to determine limits to the accuracy of APD measurements for different conditions likely to occur: leaks around the mouthpiece, use of an oronasal mask, and the addition of resistance in the respiratory system. Also, there is a need for resistance measurements in patients who are ventilated. Ten subjects between the ages of 18 and 35 were tested for each station in the experiment. The first station involved testing the effects of leaks of known sizes on APD measurements. The second station tested the use of an oronasal mask used in conjunction with the APD during nose and mouth breathing. The third station tested the effects of two different resistances added in series with the APD mouthpiece. The fourth station tested the usage of a flexible ventilator tube in conjunction with the APD. All leaks reduced APD resistance measurement values. Leaks represented by two 3.2 mm diameter tubes reduced measured resistance by about 10% (4.2 cmH2O.sec/L for control and 3.9 cm H2O.sec/L for the leak). This was not statistically significant. Larger leaks given by 4.8 and 6.4 mm tubes reduced measurements significantly (3.4 and 3.0 cm cmH2O.sec/L, respectively). Mouth resistance measured with a cardboard mouthpiece gave an APD measurement of 4.2 cm H2O.sec/L and mouth resistance measured with an oronasal mask was 4.5 cm H2O.sec/L; the two were not significantly different. Nose resistance measured with the oronasal mask was 7.6 cm H2O.sec/L. Adding airflow resistances of 1.12 and 2.10 cm H2O.sec/L to the breathing circuit between the mouth and APD yielded respiratory resistance values higher than the control by 0.7 and 2.0 cm H2O.sec/L. Although breathing through a 52 cm length of flexible ventilator tubing reduced the APD measurement from 4.0 cm H2O.sec/L for the control to 3.6 cm H2O.sec/L for the tube, the difference was not statistically significant. The APD can be adapted for use in ventilated, unconscious, and uncooperative patients with use of a ventilator tube and an oronasal mask without significantly affecting measurements. Adding a resistance in series with the APD mouthpiece has an additive effect on resistance measurements, and can be used for qualitative calibration. A leak size of at least the equivalent of two 3.2 mm diameter tubes can be tolerated without significantly affecting APD measurements.

The effect of acidification of liquid whey protein concentrate on the flavor of spray-dried powder.

PubMed

Park, Curtis W; Bastian, Eric; Farkas, Brian; Drake, MaryAnne

2014-07-01

Off-flavors in whey protein negatively influence consumer acceptance of whey protein ingredient applications. Clear acidic beverages are a common application of whey protein, and recent studies have demonstrated that beverage processing steps, including acidification, enhance off-flavor production from whey protein. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of preacidification of liquid ultrafiltered whey protein concentrate (WPC) before spray drying on flavor of dried WPC. Two experiments were performed to achieve the objective. In both experiments, Cheddar cheese whey was manufactured, fat-separated, pasteurized, bleached (250 mg/kg of hydrogen peroxide), and ultrafiltered (UF) to obtain liquid WPC that was 13% solids (wt/wt) and 80% protein on a solids basis. In experiment 1, the liquid retentate was then acidified using a blend of phosphoric and citric acids to the following pH values: no acidification (control; pH 6.5), pH 5.5, or pH 3.5. The UF permeate was used to normalize the protein concentration of each treatment. The retentates were then spray dried. In experiment 2, 150 μg/kg of deuterated hexanal (D₁₂-hexanal) was added to each treatment, followed by acidification and spray drying. Both experiments were replicated 3 times. Flavor properties of the spray-dried WPC were evaluated by sensory and instrumental analyses in experiment 1 and by instrumental analysis in experiment 2. Preacidification to pH 3.5 resulted in decreased cardboard flavor and aroma intensities and an increase in soapy flavor, with decreased concentrations of hexanal, heptanal, nonanal, decanal, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide compared with spray drying at pH 6.5 or 5.5. Adjustment to pH 5.5 before spray drying increased cabbage flavor and increased concentrations of nonanal at evaluation pH values of 3.5 and 5.5 and dimethyl trisulfide at all evaluation pH values. In general, the flavor effects of preacidification were consistent regardless of the pH to which the solutions were adjusted after spray drying. Preacidification to pH 3.5 increased recovery of D₁₂-hexanal in liquid WPC and decreased recovery of D₁₂-hexanal in the resulting powder when evaluated at pH 6.5 or 5.5. These results demonstrate that acidification of liquid WPC80 to pH 3.5 before spray drying decreases off-flavors in spray-dried WPC and suggest that the mechanism for off-flavor reduction is the decreased protein interactions with volatile compounds at low pH in liquid WPC or the increased interactions between protein and volatile compounds in the resulting powder. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of International Commodity Shipping Data and the Shipment of NORM to the United States

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baciak, James E.; Ely, James H.; Schweppe, John E.

As part of the Spreader Bar Radiation Detector project, PNNL analyzed US import data shipped through US ports collected over the 12 months of 2006 (over 4.5 million containers). Using these data, we extracted a variety of distributions that are of interest to modelers and developers of active and passive detection systems used to 'scan' IMCCs for potential contraband. This report expands on some of the analysis presented in an earlier report from LLNL, by investigation the foreign port distribution of commodities shipped to the US. The majority of containers shipped to the United States are 40 ft containers ({approx}70%);more » about 25% are 20 ft; and about 3.6% are 45 ft containers. A small fraction (<1%) of containers are of other more specialized sizes, and very few ports actually ship these unique size containers (a full distribution for all foreign ports is shown in Appendix A below). The primary foreign ports that ship the largest fraction of each container are shown in the table below. Given that 45 ft containers comprise 1 of out every 27 containers shipped to the US, and given the foreign ports from which they are shipped, they should not be ignored in screening; further testing and analysis of radiation measurements for national security with this size container is warranted. While a large amount of NORM is shipped in IMCCs, only a few specific commodities are shipped with enough frequency to present potential issues in screening IMCCs at ports. The majority of containers with NORM will contain fertilizers (5,700 containers), granite (59,000 containers), or ceramic (225,000 containers) materials. Fertilizers were generally shipping in either 20- or 40 ft containers with equal frequency. While granite is mostly shipped in 20 ft containers, ceramic materials can be shipped in either 20- or 40 ft containers. The size of container depended on the specific use of the ceramic or porcelain material. General construction ceramics (such as floor and roofing tiles) tend to be shipped in 20 ft containers. Consumer products made from ceramic materials (e.g., tableware, sinks, and toilets) are generally shipped in 40 ft containers. This distinct discrepancy is due in large part to the packaging of the commodity. Consumer products are generally shipped packed in a box loaded with Styrofoam or other packing material to protect the product from breakage. Construction ceramic materials are generally shipped in less packing material, many times consisting of only a cardboard or wooden box. Granite is almost always shipped in a 20 ft container, given its very high density.« less

Wood-Derived Materials for Green Electronics, Biological Devices, and Energy Applications.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongli; Luo, Wei; Ciesielski, Peter N; Fang, Zhiqiang; Zhu, J Y; Henriksson, Gunnar; Himmel, Michael E; Hu, Liangbing

2016-08-24

With the arising of global climate change and resource shortage, in recent years, increased attention has been paid to environmentally friendly materials. Trees are sustainable and renewable materials, which give us shelter and oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees are a primary resource that human society depends upon every day, for example, homes, heating, furniture, and aircraft. Wood from trees gives us paper, cardboard, and medical supplies, thus impacting our homes, school, work, and play. All of the above-mentioned applications have been well developed over the past thousands of years. However, trees and wood have much more to offer us as advanced materials, impacting emerging high-tech fields, such as bioengineering, flexible electronics, and clean energy. Wood naturally has a hierarchical structure, composed of well-oriented microfibers and tracheids for water, ion, and oxygen transportation during metabolism. At higher magnification, the walls of fiber cells have an interesting morphology-a distinctly mesoporous structure. Moreover, the walls of fiber cells are composed of thousands of fibers (or macrofibrils) oriented in a similar angle. Nanofibrils and nanocrystals can be further liberated from macrofibrils by mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. The obtained nanocellulose has unique optical, mechanical, and barrier properties and is an excellent candidate for chemical modification and reconfiguration. Wood is naturally a composite material, comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Wood is sustainable, earth abundant, strong, biodegradable, biocompatible, and chemically accessible for modification; more importantly, multiscale natural fibers from wood have unique optical properties applicable to different kinds of optoelectronics and photonic devices. Today, the materials derived from wood are ready to be explored for applications in new technology areas, such as electronics, biomedical devices, and energy. The goal of this study is to review the fundamental structures and chemistries of wood and wood-derived materials, which are essential for a wide range of existing and new enabling technologies. The scope of the review covers multiscale materials and assemblies of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as well as other biomaterials derived from wood, in regard to their major emerging applications. Structure-properties-application relationships will be investigated in detail. Understanding the fundamental properties of these structures is crucial for designing and manufacturing products for emerging applications. Today, a more holistic understanding of the interplay between the structure, chemistry, and performance of wood and wood-derived materials is advancing historical applications of these materials. This new level of understanding also enables a myriad of new and exciting applications, which motivate this review. There are excellent reviews already on the classical topic of woody materials, and some recent reviews also cover new understanding of these materials as well as potential applications. This review will focus on the uniqueness of woody materials for three critical applications: green electronics, biological devices, and energy storage and bioenergy.

Wood-Derived Materials for Green Electronics, Biological Devices, and Energy Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Hongli; Luo, Wei; Ciesielski, Peter N.

With the arising of global climate change and resource shortage, in recent years, increased attention has been paid to environmentally friendly materials. Trees are sustainable and renewable materials, which give us shelter and oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees are a primary resource that human society depends upon every day, for example, homes, heating, furniture, and aircraft. Wood from trees gives us paper, cardboard, and medical supplies, thus impacting our homes, school, work, and play. All of the above-mentioned applications have been well developed over the past thousands of years. However, trees and wood have much moremore » to offer us as advanced materials, impacting emerging high-tech fields, such as bioengineering, flexible electronics, and clean energy. Wood naturally has a hierarchical structure, composed of well-oriented microfibers and tracheids for water, ion, and oxygen transportation during metabolism. At higher magnification, the walls of fiber cells have an interesting morphology--a distinctly mesoporous structure. Moreover, the walls of fiber cells are composed of thousands of fibers (or macrofibrils) oriented in a similar angle. Nanofibrils and nanocrystals can be further liberated from macrofibrils by mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. The obtained nanocellulose has unique optical, mechanical, and barrier properties and is an excellent candidate for chemical modification and reconfiguration. Wood is naturally a composite material, comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Wood is sustainable, earth abundant, strong, biodegradable, biocompatible, and chemically accessible for modification; more importantly, multiscale natural fibers from wood have unique optical properties applicable to different kinds of optoelectronics and photonic devices. Today, the materials derived from wood are ready to be explored for applications in new technology areas, such as electronics, biomedical devices, and energy. The goal of this study is to review the fundamental structures and chemistries of wood and wood-derived materials, which are essential for a wide range of existing and new enabling technologies. The scope of the review covers multiscale materials and assemblies of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as well as other biomaterials derived from wood, in regard to their major emerging applications. Structure-properties-application relationships will be investigated in detail. Understanding the fundamental properties of these structures is crucial for designing and manufacturing products for emerging applications. Today, a more holistic understanding of the interplay between the structure, chemistry, and performance of wood and wood-derived materials is advancing historical applications of these materials. This new level of understanding also enables a myriad of new and exciting applications, which motivate this review. There are excellent reviews already on the classical topic of woody materials, and some recent reviews also cover new understanding of these materials as well as potential applications. This review will focus on the uniqueness of woody materials for three critical applications: green electronics, biological devices, and energy storage and bioenergy.« less

Atmospheric radiation measurement program facilities newsletter, April 2001.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holdridge, D. J.

Intensive Observation Period Projects Scheduled--Several IOP projects have been scheduled for the SGP CART site this spring. These projects either have already begun or will begin shortly. Radiosondes--The RS-90 Transition IOP is currently under way. The RS-90 model radiosonde is gradually replacing the older RS-80 model. Radiosondes are instrument packages attached to and launched by weather balloons. The instruments measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity as the balloon rises through the air. The new RS-90 model is a high-performance radiosonde with fast-response sensors capable of providing data for each variable every second. The relatively environmentally friendly package is constructedmore » of cardboard and steel rather than Styrofoam, and it has a water-activated battery that contains no toxic substances. The RS-90 Transition IOP is taking place during April. Operators will launch both the old RS-80 and the new RS-90 radiosondes simultaneously once each day to obtain duplicate vertical profiles of the atmosphere for comparison. This procedure will also allow data users to test the output from the old and new radiosondes in models. Narrow Field of View (NFOV) Solar Spectrometer Cloud Optical Depth Retrieval Campaign--The NFOV IOP is scheduled to take place on May 7-August 31, 2001. A researcher from Pennsylvania State University will be deploying a dual-spectrometer instrument that measures the hemispheric flux and zenith NFOV radiance over a wavelength range of 300- 1000 nanometers. (One nanometer equals 1 billionth of a meter or 0.000000039 inches.) This wavelength range includes the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectra. These measurements are used to estimate cloud optical depth--a quantity related to the amount of solar radiation intercepted by a cloud--for broken cloud fields over vegetated surfaces. The IOP measurements will be compared with optical depth measurements made by SGP instruments. Precision Gas Sampling (PGS) Validation Campaign--Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California will be deploying instruments at the CART site in May. Portable micrometeorology towers will be used to measure fluxes of carbon dioxide, water, and heat between the surface and the atmosphere. The exchange of these constituents varies with regional climate, soil type, and surface vegetation. Greater knowledge will improve the accuracy of computer models (and hence predictions) of the exchanges. Measurements made with the portable instruments will be compared with measurements being collected by instruments at the central facility. AWS Campaign--The State University of New York at Albany will deploy an oxygen A-band and water vapor band spectrometer (AWS) at the CART site on May 20-June 30, 2001. Measurements made by the AWS will be used to determine absorption of radiation by water vapor within clouds, a quantity important to understanding the behavior of solar radiation as it passes through clouds.« less

Demonstration of the greenhouse effect for elementary school students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radovanovic, Jelena

2014-05-01

The school where I work is part of the "Step by step towards the sustainable development school" project. Project activities are partly directed towards the popularization of science. As a physics teacher, I have had the opportunity to engage in designing interactive workshops, aiming to introduce younger students to simple experiments which illustrate different natural phenomena, and also in organization, preparation and implementation of school and city science festival (in 2012 and 2013). Numerous displays, workshops and experiments served to introduce a large number of visitors to different topics in the area of science and technology. One of the subjects of forthcoming science festival, planned for May of 2014, is the climate change. To that effect, eight grade students will hold a demonstration and explanation of the greenhouse effect. Although the terms greenhouse effect and global warming are widely used in media, most of the elementary school students in Serbia have poor understanding of the underlying scientific concepts. The experiment with analysis and discussion will first be implemented in one eight-grade class (14 years of age). After that, a group of students from this class will present their newly-acquired knowledge to their peers and younger students at the science fair. Activity objectives: • Explain how atmosphere affects the surface temperature of Earth • Conduct an experiment to demonstrate the greenhouse effect • Analyze the consequences of climate changes Experiment description: Take two empty, transparent containers and add a layer of garden soil. Use cardboard or similar material to make housings for the thermometers. Hang them in the containers, so that they don't touch the soil. Cover one container with a glass panel, and leave the other one open. Place identical incandescent light bulbs at the same distance above each container. Turn the light bulbs on. The students should mark the thermometer readings every 2 minutes, for 20 minutes in total. Turn the light bulbs off and continue the measurements in the same way. Use the acquired data to plot a graph of temperature against time for both containers. Analyze and discuss the results. Although the experiment itself is simple, conducting it and subsequently analyzing the results contributes to numerous goals listed in the official physics curriculum, such as: development of functional literacy; understanding of phenomena, processes and natural relationships based on physical laws; development of active learning through research; understanding of methods behind experiments and importance of measurements; development of ability to apply knowledge of physics; understanding of interconnections between physics and ecology and increasing awareness of the need to protect, restore and improve the environment. Physics classes are an appropriate place to conduct this experiment, because it builds on knowledge of heat transfer methods, with the potential to gain new insights into the properties of electromagnetic spectrum, and is highly correlated to other disciplines, most notably with chemistry, mathematics and ecology.

Characterization of the Campbell-Stokes sunshine duration recorder and its ability to derive direct solar radiation by using digital image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez-Romero, Alejandro; González, Josep-Abel; Calbó, Josep; Sanchez-Lorenzo, Arturo

2014-05-01

The World Meteorological Organization defines the sunshine duration (SD) as the time that, along a given period, direct solar irradiance (DSI) exceeds the threshold level of 120 W/m2. Since the end of 19th century, the Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder (CSSR) has been the most commonly used instrument used for measuring SD. Due to the large number of long records that exist worldwide, valuable climatic information can be extracted from them. Many authors have used the daily SD (as obtained from the measurement of the length of burn for a given card) to obtain additional information about solar radiation, by using Ångström-Prescott type formulas. Contrarily, the burn width has not been systematically used. Theoretically, the burn is wider (narrower) when the direct insolation is stronger (weaker). The aim of this research is to show the relationship between burn width and DSI, and to prove whether this relationship depends on the type of CSSR and burning card. The research has been carried out in Girona (NE Spain) for a period of two years (from January 2012 to January 2014). Two different models of CSSR (which use different types of cards) and a pyrheliometer from Kipp&Zonen were used to measure SD and DSI, respectively. A semi-automatic method based on image processing of digital scanned images of burnt cards is presented. The method can be summarized in four steps: (i) scan each band on a green background; (ii) apply a digital process to increase the contrast of the burn; (iii) define two/three points in the image, depending of the geometry of the card, to point the center of the day (12.00 TST) on the image and define the trajectory of the sun with 1-minute intervals; and (iv) apply a program to make cross-sections every minute and measure the width of burn. So, after all of this process, we obtain a temporal evolution of the burn width with 1-minute resolution and distinguishing between morning and afternoon. The results show that there is a good correlation between the burn widths obtained from the two types of CSSR. We also observe a quite good correlation with DSI, which is consistent with our hypothesis. However, if we study the threshold value, we obtain a wide range of values that are almost always higher than 120 W/m2, with a significant difference between the morning and afternoon records. Consequently, we consider that the behaviour of cards may also depend on other meteorological variables (temperature, humidity…) affecting the burn. The physical characteristics of the heliograph and of the cardboard from which the bands are made may also have an important role in this relationship. The method was applied to a limited series of cards, but could offer a practical way to exploit the worldwide sets of long-term CSSR data to create long time series of DSI. As there are methods to extract atmospheric aerosol content based on DSI (Linke turbidity factor, Ångström's turbidity coefficient, etc.), SD may become a proxy measurement for turbidity and atmospheric aerosol loading since the late 19th century.

The effect of a self-constructed material on children's physical activity during recess.

PubMed

Méndez-Giménez, Antonio; Cecchini, José-Antonio; Fernández-Río, Javier

2017-06-26

To analyze whether an intervention supported by free play with a self-constructed material increases the level of physical activity of students during recess. The participants were 166 children of third to sixth grade, between nine and 12 years old (average = 10.64; SS = 1.13). An experimental project was conducted with pre-test and post-test measurement, and a control group. Experimental group participants built cardboard paddles (third and fourth) and flying rings (fifth and sixth), a material they used freely for one week during recess. ActiGraph-GT3X accelerometers were used to measure physical activity. An ANOVA of repeated measures was used to find differences between groups and genders. Significant intervention effects were found in the analyzed variables: sedentary activity (F = 38.19; p < 0.01), light (F = 76.56; p < 0.01), moderate (F = 27.44; p < 0.01), vigorous (F = 61.55; p < 0.01), and moderate and vigorous (F = 68.76; p < 0.01). Significant gender differences were shown (time × group × gender) for moderate (F = 6.58; p < 0.05) and vigorous (F = 5.51; p < 0.05) activity. The self-constructed material is effective to increase the physical activity levels of children during recess; it decreases sedentary activity and light physical activity and increases the time devoted to moderate physical activity and vigorous physical activity, both in boys and in girls. The boys had an increase in vigorous physical activity and the girls in moderate physical activity. Due to its low cost, this strategy is recommended for administrators and teachers to increase the physical activity of children during recess. Analizar si una intervención basada en el juego libre con material autoconstruido aumenta el nivel de actividad física de los escolares durante el recreo. Participaron 166 niños de tercero a sexto de educación primaria, de entre nueve y 12 años de edad (media = 10,64; DE = 1,13). Se realizó un diseño experimental con medidas pretest y postest, y un grupo control. Los participantes del grupo experimental construyeron palas de cartón (tercero y cuarto) y aros voladores (quinto y sexto), material que usaron libremente durante una semana en los recreos. Se utilizaron acelerómetros ActiGraph-GT3X para medir la actividad física. Se usó un ANOVA de medidas repetidas para investigar las diferencias entre grupos y sexo. Se encontraron efectos de intervención significativos en las variables analizadas: actividad sedentaria (F = 38,19; p < 0,01), ligera (F = 76,56; p < 0,01), moderada (F = 27,44; p < 0,01), vigorosa (F = 61,55; p < 0,01), y moderada y vigorosa (F = 68,76; p < 0,01). Emergieron diferencias significativas de sexo (tiempo x grupo x sexo) para la actividad moderada (F = 6,58; p < 0,05) y vigorosa (F = 5,51; p < 0,05). El material autoconstruido es eficaz para aumentar los niveles de actividad física de los niños en el recreo; disminuye la actividad sedentaria y la actividad física ligera, y aumenta el tiempo dedicado a la actividad física moderada y actividad física vigorosa, tanto en varones como en mujeres. Los varones aumentaron más la actividad física vigorosa y las mujeres, la actividad física moderada. Por su bajo coste, se recomienda esta estrategia a gestores y profesores para incrementar la actividad física de los niños durante el recreo.

Annual Site Environmental Report Calendar Year 2010

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kayser, Dan

This report summarizes the environmental status of Ames Laboratory for calendar year 2010. It includes descriptions of the Laboratory site, its mission, the status of its compliance with applicable environmental regulations, its planning and activities to maintain compliance, and a comprehensive review of its environmental protection, surveillance and monitoring activities. In 2010, the Laboratory accumulated and disposed of waste under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued generator numbers. All waste is handled according to all applicable EPA, State, Local regulations and DOE Orders. In 2006 the Laboratory reduced its generator status from a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) to a Smallmore » Quantity Generator (SQG). EPA Region VII was notified of this change. The Laboratory's RCRA hazardous waste management program was inspected by EPA Region VII in April 2006. There were no notices of violations. The inspector was impressed with the improvements of the Laboratory's waste management program over the past ten years. The Laboratory was in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and DOE regulations and orders in 2010. There were no radiological air emissions or exposures to the general public due to Laboratory activities in 2010. See U.S. Department of Energy Air Emissions Annual Report in Appendix B. As indicated in prior SERs, pollution awareness, waste minimization and recycling programs have been in practice since 1990, with improvements implemented most recently in 2010. Included in these efforts were battery and CRT recycling, miscellaneous electronic office equipment, waste white paper and green computer paper-recycling and corrugated cardboard recycling. Ames Laboratory also recycles/reuses salvageable metal, used oil, foamed polystyrene peanuts, batteries, fluorescent lamps and telephone books. Ames Laboratory reported to DOE-Ames Site Office (AMSO), through the Laboratory's Performance Evaluation Measurement Plan, on its Affirmative Procurement Performance Measure. A performance level of 'A-' was achieved in 2010 for Integrated Safety, Health and Environmental Protection. As reported in Site Environmental Reports for prior years, the Laboratory's Environmental Management System (EMS) has been integrated into the Laboratory's Integrated Safety Management System since 2005. The integration of EMS into the way the Laboratory does business allows the Laboratory to systematically review, address and respond to the Laboratory's environmental impacts. The Laboratory's EMS was audited in April 2009 by DOE-CH. There were four 'Sufficiently in Conformity' findings as a result of the audit. All four findings were tracked in the Laboratory's corrective action database for completion. Beryllium was used routinely at Ames Laboratory in the 1940's and 1950's in processes developed for the production of highly pure uranium and thorium in support of the historic Manhattan Project. Laboratory metallurgists also worked on a process to produce pure beryllium metal from beryllium fluoride. In the early 1950's, beryllium oxide powder was used to produce shaped beryllium and crucibles. As a result of that work, beryllium contamination now exists in many interstitial spaces (e.g., utility chases) and ventilation systems in Wilhelm, Spedding and Metals Development buildings. Extensive characterization and remediation efforts have occurred in 2009 and 2010 in order to better understand the extent of the contamination. Analysis of extensive sampling data suggests that a fairly wide dispersion of beryllium occurred (most likely in the 1950's and 60's) in Wilhelm Hall and in certain areas of Spedding Hall and Metals Development. Area air-sampling results and work-area surface characterizations indicate the exposure potential to current workers, building visitors and the public remains extremely low. This information is now used to guide cleaning efforts and to provide worker protection during remodeling and maintenance activities. Results were shared with the DOE's Former Worker Program to support former worker medical testing and compensation programs. A complete discussion of the Laboratory's beryllium characterization and remediation efforts can be found at: http://www.ameslab.gov/operations/esha/beryllium-information.« less

Investigating Langmuir films at the air-water interface using a planar array infrared reflection-absorption spectrograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young Shin

In this work, a new planar array infrared reflection-absorption spectrograph (PA-IRRAS) was developed to investigate a broad range of Langmuir films at the air-water interface. This instrument is capable of recording sample and reference spectra simultaneously with an optical setup that is the same as that of a single-beam instrument but splits the incident infrared beam into two sections on a plane mirror (H) or a water trough. With this design, the instrument could accommodate large infrared accessories, such as a water trough. In addition, water bands were subtracted to obtain a high quality spectrum for a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) Langmuir film on the water subphase with a resolution of about 8 cm-1 in 10.8 sec. With this instrument, two types of monolayer systems were studied; polymeric and lipid Langmuir films at the air-water interface. For the polymeric monolayer system, PA-IRRAS was used as a probe to follow the real-time conformational changes associated with intermolecular interactions of the polymer chains during the compression of the monolayers. It was found that the mixture of poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) (D/L) formed a stereocomplex when the mixed solution developed the two-dimensional monolayer at the air-water interface. The stereocomplexation occurred before film compression, indicating that there is no direct correlation between film compression and stereocomplexation. For the lipid monolayer system, PA-IRRAS was also used as a probe to investigate the origin of the disruption of a lipid monolayer upon protein adsorption at the air-water interface. Analysis of the time-resolved PA-IRRAS spectra revealed that Cu(II) ion-chelated DSIDA lipid monolayer (Cu 2+-DSIDA) was readily disrupted by myoglobin adsorption as demonstrated by a blue shift of 1.7 cm-1 and a lower intensity in the vas(CH2) stretch mode of the lipid monolayer over a period of five hours. To find the origin of the disruption of the lipid monolayer, a postulated model, employing a DSIDA monolayer-deposited ZnSe window, was investigated. An FT-IR spectroscopic study demonstrated that the Cu(II) ion formed stronger chelation with an iminodiacetatic acid (IDA) lipid head group than that formed with a Zn(II) ion. In addition, no distinct difference was observed in the secondary structures of myoglobin as myoglobin was adsorbed to Cu2+-DSIDA over a period of five hours. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) data revealed that, by the addition of Cu(II) or Zn(II) ion, lysozyme was rapidly aggregated and readily precipitated. However, the hydrodynamic volume of myoglobin was not responsive to the addition of Zn(II) ion. When Cu(II) ion was added, aggregation of myoglobin was sustained without precipitation over a period of five hours. Therefore, these results strongly suggest that the disruption of Cu2+-DSIDA lipid monolayer upon myoglobin adsorption is due to myoglobin aggregation, mediated by the chelated Cu(II) ion, rather than a conformational change in adsorbed myoglobin. Besides the above monolayer systems, PA-IRRAS is used for the rapid detection of a low concentration of aqueous species. The previous designs for a PA-IR spectrograph were not applicable to detect a low concentration of aqueous species due to the contribution from a stray light and high relative humidity (in the vicinity of 25-40%). To overcome this problem, newly designed PA-IRRAS optical setup was purged with dry nitrogen gas to keep the relative humidity at approximately 15%. In addition, baffles constructed from corrugated cardboard were placed throughout the optical setup to prevent any stray light from reaching the detector. The PA-IRRAS results obtained from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) revealed that solutions down to a concentration of 0.005% w/w could be successfully studied. These results are quite remarkable, given the acquisition time of only 10 seconds and the direct overlap of the Amide I band of PNIPAM and the H-O-H stretch of H2O. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Low Temperature Surface Carburization of Stainless Steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Collins, Sunniva R; Heuer, Arthur H; Sikka, Vinod K

2007-12-07

Low-temperature colossal supersaturation (LTCSS) is a novel surface hardening method for carburization of austenitic stainless steels (SS) without the precipitation of carbides. The formation of carbides is kinetically suppressed, enabling extremely high or colossal carbon supersaturation. As a result, surface carbon concentrations in excess of 12 at. % are routinely achieved. This treatment increases the surface hardness by a factor of four to five, improving resistance to wear, corrosion, and fatigue, with significant retained ductility. LTCSS is a diffusional surface hardening process that provides a uniform and conformal hardened gradient surface with no risk of delamination or peeling. The treatmentmore » retains the austenitic phase and is completely non-magnetic. In addition, because parts are treated at low temperature, they do not distort or change dimensions. During this treatment, carbon diffusion proceeds into the metal at temperatures that constrain substitutional diffusion or mobility between the metal alloy elements. Though immobilized and unable to assemble to form carbides, chromium and similar alloying elements nonetheless draw enormous amounts of carbon into their interstitial spaces. The carbon in the interstitial spaces of the alloy crystals makes the surface harder than ever achieved before by more conventional heat treating or diffusion process. The carbon solid solution manifests a Vickers hardness often exceeding 1000 HV (equivalent to 70 HRC). This project objective was to extend the LTCSS treatment to other austenitic alloys, and to quantify improvements in fatigue, corrosion, and wear resistance. Highlights from the research include the following: • Extension of the applicability of the LTCSS process to a broad range of austenitic and duplex grades of steels • Demonstration of LTCSS ability for a variety of different component shapes and sizes • Detailed microstructural characterization of LTCSS-treated samples of 316L and other alloys • Thermodynamic modeling to explain the high degree of carbon solubility possible in austenitic grades under the LTCSS process and experimental validation of model results • Corrosion testing to determine the corrosion resistance improvement possible from the LTCSS process • Erosion testing to determine the erosion resistance improvement possible from the LTCSS process • Wear testing to quantify the wear resistance improvement possible from the LTCSS process • Fatigue testing for quantifying the extent of improvement from the LTCSS process • Component treating and testing under simulated and in-line commercial operations XRD verified expanded austenite lattice, with no evidence of carbide precipitation. Carbon concentration profiles via Auger and electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) showed carbon levels in excess of 12 at. % in treated, type 316 SS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of pulled-to-failure treated tensile specimens showed slip bands and no de-cohesion of the treated layer, verifying that the layer remains ductile. Compressive stresses in excess of 2 GPa (300 ksi) have been calculated at the surface of the case. Phase diagram (CALPHAD) (ThermoCalc) and Wagner dilute solution thermodynamic models were developed that calculate the solubility of carbon in austenite as a function of alloying content for the process time and temperature. Several commercial alloys have been modeled, and the model has been used to design experimental alloys with enhanced affinity for carbon solubility at treatment temperatures. Four experimental alloys were melted, rolled, and manufactured into test specimens, and the LTCSS treatment indicated successfully enhanced results and validated the predictions based on thermodynamic modeling. Electrochemical polarization curves show a 600 to 800 mV increase in pitting potential in treated (900-1000 mV) versus non-treated (200-300 mV) type 316 in chloride solutions. Treated 316L showed crevice-corrosion behavior similar to that of Ti-6Al-4V and Hastelloy C22. Cavitation tests showed significant increases in cavitation resistance for treated materials as compared to the non-treated materials. Standard ASTM pin-on-disk sliding friction and reciprocating friction wear tests also indicate significant enhancement in wear properties. Fatigue testing showed an order of magnitude improvement for treated versus non-treated Type 316 at the same maximum stress level (R = -1). The maximum stress at 107 cycles and the endurance stress for infinite life, improved by approximately 50%, from 30 to 45 ksi. The energy savings from this project is estimated at 21.8 trillion Btu/year by 2020. This energy savings will be associated with a CO2 reduction of 1.3 million ton/year. One application of this technology in a sludge pump of a cardboard recycling plant during the course of this project has resulted in an energy savings of 84. 106 Btu and cost savings of $900.« less

Obituary: Frank J. Low (1933-2009)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, Don

2011-12-01

Frank James Low was born on November 23, 1933, in Mobile, Alabama. He received his undergraduate degree in physics from Yale University in 1955, and his Ph.D. in physics from Rice University in 1959. He worked at Texas Instruments, NRAO, Rice University, and spent most of his career at The University of Arizona with Steward Observatory and the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. To honor his fundamental insight and innovations that revolutionized the fields of infrared and airborne astronomy, Frank received the Helen B. Warner Prize (1968), the Joseph Weber Award (2003), shared the Rumford Prize in physics (1986), the Karl Jansky Lectureship (2006), and the Bruce Medal (2006) for lifetime contributions in astronomy. This year the world celebrates the International Year of Astronomy, commemorating the accomplishments of Galileo. There are great parallels between Frank and Galileo. After developing a revolutionary low-temperature detector, Frank re-engineered and optimized telescopes for infrared performance. He not only oriented them to the heavens but also placed them there throughout Earth's atmosphere and to the Moon. He made fantastic new discoveries from the Sun throughout the Universe. He radically changed the way the entire world looks at the Universe and impacted generations of new scientists as well as the general public. Frank's level of innovation is stunning and diverse. Chopping and undersized secondary mirrors, cold baffling, cryogenic designs, "Low Dewars," Helium-3 systems, JFET amplifiers for the IRAS satellite, airborne astronomy, the silver-coated 28-inch survey telescope, the MMT, the 36-foot radio dish, Apollo 17 radiometer, television detector systems, infrared microscopes, and on and on. His insights enabled the IRAS and Spitzer missions and contributed to Spacelab2, KAO, SOFIA, NICMOS/HST, JWST, etc. He also established a small business (Infrared Laboratories Inc.) that for more than 40 years has supplied instrumentation to astronomers and semi-conductor industries around the world, in some cases literally giving it away. Frank applied his new tools to a wide variety of scientific fields. He measured the Sun's brightness at millimeter wavelengths, discovered the internal energy sources in Jupiter and Saturn, mapped the Milky Way in the far-infrared, discovered the Kleinmann-Low nebula of star formation in Orion, and investigated the infrared emission from active galaxies. He was especially excited about dust disks around stars such as HD 98800 and helped make the fist direct spatial measurements of circumstellar dust emission in Betelgeuse and non-spherical dusk structures around IRC +10216, VY CMa, etc. He helped initiate the first direct detection of low mass stellar companions to nearby stars. I first noticed Frank while in David Wilkinson's office at Princeton. Frank was pictured on the cover of an aviation magazine near the NASA Learjet and 12-inch telescope. That image of a new frontier attracted me to Arizona. As a graduate student, I wanted to be challenged by a great person. The pioneering nature of infrared astronomy caught my interest as did Frank's mapping-radiometer on Apollo 17, and then the opportunity to pioneer interferometry. For some reason, Frank took me on even though I was not the most talented student. Working with him was pure exploration and pioneering, always involving hands-on construction and observing. I was invigorated by his constant creativity and innovation as well as by his depth of insight not only in technical matters but also in how people think and behave. He continually provided new opportunities to learn and improve. His cutting insights and constant drive for optimization changed the way I think and how I approach life in general. Frank was a compassionate teacher and coach. He would console after defeat while urging on to the next level. He patiently taught me how to write meaningfully and concisely. He challenged me to write my first NSF proposals and scientific papers and guided me through the process. Like a good coach, Frank had a knack for finding flaws or weak points in my performance so, even when we disagreed, he was motivating me to improve my thinking and arguments for another round of discussion. He provided first-author opportunities when many professors might not. We swam and hiked together, mixed concrete and laid bricks, cut cardboard baffles for the 61-inch telescope, appeared live from the KPNO 4-meter telescope on "Good Morning America" after VB-8b, ate lunches at Eric's, and so on. I am honored to have worked with Frank, who in my mind has the stature of Galileo. The level of his accomplishments, combined with his deep enjoyment of life with a wonderful family, are amazing to me. I am happy to have opportunities to share his pioneering and insightful approach to life with new generations of students who need this perspective badly. I am proud to have been one of his students.

BOOK REVIEW: A Student's Guide to Einstein's Major Papers A Student's Guide to Einstein's Major Papers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janssen, Michel

2013-12-01

The core of this volume is formed by four chapters (2-5) with detailed reconstructions of the arguments and derivations in four of Einstein's most important papers, the three main papers of his annus mirabilis 1905 (on the light quantum, Brownian motion, and special relativity) and his first systematic exposition of general relativity of 1916. The derivations are given in sufficient detail and in sufficiently modernized notation (without any serious distortion of the originals) for an undergraduate physics major to read and understand them with far less effort than it would take him or her to understand (English translations of) Einstein's original papers. Each of these four papers is accompanied by a detailed introduction, which covers the conceptual development of the relevant field prior to Einstein's contribution to it and corrects some of the myths surrounding these papers that still have not been fully eradicated among physicists. (One quibble: though Kennedy correctly points out that the goal of the light quantum paper was not to explain the photoelectric effect, it is also not quite right to say that 'it was written to explain the Wien region of blackbody radiation' (p. xv). Einstein used this explanatory feat as the central argument for his light quantum hypothesis.) These four chapters then are the most valuable part of the volume. They could be used, independently of one another, but preferably in conjunction with Einstein's original texts, in courses on quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, electrodynamics, and general relativity, respectively, to add a historical component to such courses. As a historian of science embedded in a physics department who is regularly called upon to give guest lectures in such courses on the history of their subjects, I can highly recommend the volume for this purpose. However, I would not adopt this volume as (one of) the central text(s) for a course on the history of modern physics. For one thing, chapter 1, which in just 26 pages (not counting six pages of notes and references) covers everything from Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton to Maxwell and Lorentz to Einstein's early biography to a cardboard version of Popper versus Kuhn, is too superficial to be useful for such a course. To a lesser extent, this is also true for chapter 6, which compresses the development of quantum theory after Einstein's 1905 paper into 20 pages (plus seven pages of notes and references) and for chapter 7, a brief epilogue. However, this is not my main worry. One could easily supplement or even replace the bookends of the volume with other richer sources and use this volume mainly for its excellent detailed commentaries on some Einstein classics in the four chapters in between. My more serious reservation about the use of the volume as a whole in a history of physics course, ironically, comes from the exact same feature that made me whole-heartedly recommend its core chapters for physics courses. This is especially true for the chapters on special and general relativity. How useful is it for a student to go through, in as much detail as this volume provides, the Lorentz transformation of Maxwell's equations in vector form? I can see how a student in an E&M class (with a section on special relativity) might benefit from this exercise. The clumsiness of the calculations in vector form by Lorentz and Einstein could help a student encountering Maxwell's equations in tensor form for the first time appreciate the advantages of the latter formalism. Similarly, it would be useful for a student in a GR class to go through the basics of tensor calculus in the old-fashioned but not inelegant mathematical introduction of Einstein's 1916 review article on general relativity. This could reinforce mastery of material that a student in a GR class will have to learn anyway (though Einstein's presentation of the mathematics of both special and general relativity in The Meaning of Relativity would seem to be more suitable for these purposes). It is not so clear what benefit a student in a history of physics course rather than a E&M course or a GR course would derive from the exhaustive coverage of the papers on special and general relativity in this volume. In the case of the history of special relativity, it would seem to make sense to leave out the details of the Lorentz transformation of Maxwell's equations to make room for a discussion, even if only qualitatively, of Minkowski's four-dimensional formalism and Minkowski diagrams. In the case of the history of general relativity, coverage of tensor calculus could profitably be curtailed to make room for discussion of how Einstein found his field equations or how GR failed to make all motion relative. Chapter 3 on Brownian motion also contains its share of detailed calculations that may be useful for students in a class on Stat Mech but not for those in a class on history of physics. Chapter 2 on the light quantum paper does not suffer from this problem. However, whereas the other three papers covered in detail in the volume can serve as representative of Einstein's broader efforts in those fields, the light quantum paper is only the first in a series of remarkable contributions that Einstein made to early quantum theory. Several of these contributions (specific heat, wave-particle duality, stimulated emission, Bose--Einstein statistics) are covered very briefly in chapter 6. I would have liked to see a presentation of Einstein's 1917 derivation of the Planck law for the spectral distribution of black-body radiation with the famous A and B coefficients as detailed and as easy to follow as many less important derivations in the chapters on relativity and Brownian motion. This derivation is much easier yet much more illuminating than, say, the original proofs of the Lorentz invariance of Maxwell's equations. I hope the author will consider such changes in emphasis for a second edition, for his reconstructions and commentaries certainly do open up these four classic Einstein papers to interested undergraduates in physics and other disciplines in ways that the scholarly literature on Einstein does not.

The 26th International Physics Olympiad: On top down under!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1996-01-01

As they opened the plane door on arrival at Canberra it was like stepping inside a freezer. I had escaped from the heatwave in Britain to experience winter in Australia. I have not found anyone who believes that there was really frost! The Australian welcome did its best to combat the cold, however, and Professor Rod Jury had soon introduced our guides and got us settled in on the campus of Canberra University. The British team of five students, selected through the British Physics Olympiad, were: Alan Bain of Birkenhead School, Chris Blake of King Edward VI School, Southampton, Richard Davies of Dulwich College, Tom Down of Embley Park School, Romsey and Chris Webb of Royal Grammar School, Worcester. The two Leaders of the party were Cyril Isenberg of the University of Kent and Guy Bagnall of Harrow School. Chris Robson of St Bee's School and myself from Stoke on Trent Sixth form College were interested Observers and Guy's wife, Jenny, completed the party. For the old hands there were many friendships stretching back years to renew, and with 51 countries this year many new ones to be made. Â Photo Figure 1. Photograph taken by C Robson of the British Physics Team immediately after the Awards Ceremony in Canberra in July 1995. From left to right: Chris Webb, Richard Davies, Tom Down, Alan Bain and Chris Blake. In addition to the confusion caused by the Sun being in the North and the Moon appearing to lie on its back, we had to get used to the flocks of chattering parrots browsing on the lawns and the kangaroos on campus! Everyone was presented with a boomerang and there were several sessions introducing the art of throwing them, even in the dark! The Opening Ceremony was colourful and a good mix of ceremony and fun with the Aboriginal entertainment and the Flame of Science to be lit. This was followed by my first examiners' meeting. Once the questions have been introduced no one is allowed to leave the group until ten hours later when the students are in bed! The room was most impressive with 51 tables for the leaders and observers. Each table was set out with the name of the country. The examiner presents his question and any ambiguity in the wording or doubtful parts of the solution and mark scheme are questioned and tidied up until everyone is satisfied. This year the meeting lasted longer than hoped (typically) as the third question was considered too mathematical in nature and the reserve question produced was in rather an unpolished state. At 11 pm I retired thankfully for the night. For the majority the important task of translating the questions into their own language began and lasted most of the night before the papers could be photocopied for the early morning exam. When we next saw our team they looked ashen after their five-hour theory paper. 'I was quite incoherent for the last hour of the paper', said one. The adults visited the research labs of the Australian National University, where we saw some impressive work on plasma etching, plasma stability, ion implantation and laser research. By that evening the first rough marking of the papers was complete and there was a chance for the leaders to look at the scripts in preparation for the moderation meeting. Evidently all our boys had done well and the prospect of two gold medals was in view. The next day there was a second long meeting to finalize the practical paper and translate it. The students had a day's sightseeing in Canberra followed by a noisy science quiz in mixed country teams. The practical paper was another five-hour ordeal but at least there was a walk between buildings halfway through to change experiments. All the adults were banned from the campus for the day - many whisked off on coach trips. During our stay we had visits to the National Parliament building and Art Gallery, where the Matisse exhibition was drawing to a close. We also visited the Aquarium and Nature Park, where a black swan objected, in no uncertain terms, to his mate being photographed on the nest. We learnt about Wattles (Australia's national flower), Bottle brush trees and saw Kookaburras in the Botanic Gardens. Most of the students had time to visit the Science Museum. We were taken to Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station - in the week when Galileo's Jupiter probe was released - and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. We travelled across the Southern Tablelands and through dramatic mountain passes to the coast. Our students were happy with the 'cylinders falling in glycerol' experiment but not so sure that they had estimated the reduction in intensity correctly in the laser/diffraction experiment. Some of them felt that there had been less emphasis on practical work as they neared the end of their A-level courses. They would have appreciated some more preparation for this. There was a range of hospitality shown to us; receptions were held by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory and the Vice-Chancellor of Canberra University, and we were guests of the Rotary Club members in their own homes. Some students spent a day with an Australian family. The British High Commissioner took the British party out to dinner. All of this was much appreciated! Soon it was time to discuss the marking of the practical, and our students seemed to have held their positions. The formula for the medals is Gold for 90 Until the top mark was settled at an incredible 95 that they were happy with the scores we knew the results. Alan Bain and Richard Davies had tied with identical marks on each of the two papers and would receive Gold medals. They were about 19th out of the 255 students competing. The other three students were close together and gained Bronze medals, although Chris Webb was only two points away from a Silver! There was considerable discussion at the International meeting of Leaders about the mounting cost of hosting the International Physics Olympiad. The number of countries entering had increased and could potentially exceed 100. Twenty-five countries made an informal commitment to pay towards the cost of students and leaders. Britain is host to the competition in the year 2000 and is looking for sponsors and grants to make it possible. Suddenly it was nearly all over and we were boarding the buses to the Closing Ceremony. We were delighted when Richard Davies was awarded an additional prize for the Best Mathematical Solution. Again the Ceremony was colourful, musical and moving but had its lighter moments when all the gold medallists were given bush hats that swamped some and perched atop others! The Flame of Science was extinguished and we were sitting down for our final meal together - a Banquet! 'Chef' (from North London) had triumphed again, feeding over 600 people excellently. Several countries and the team of examiners gave impromptu entertainment. Many had to board a bus for Sydney at 3 am, but we were allowed a last night's sleep. By the morning the IPhO office had removed itself, leaving a pile of cardboard boxes, and what had seemed a living organism had disappeared. Throughout, we found the Australians so friendly and helpful and the coach drivers were extremely informative. Rod's team of previous Olympiad students (green blazers) and Summer Science School students (blue blazers) had performed their organizational tasks so patiently and efficiently, I'm sure everyone's stay was enjoyable and successful. Thanks to all the companies whose sponsorship made the trip possible. Celia Bloor City of Stoke-on-Trent, Sixth Form College

Book Review: Beitraege zur Astronomiegeschichte, Band 5 (Acta Historica Astronomiae Vol. 15)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duerbeck, H. W.; Dick, W. R.; Hamel, J.

2002-12-01

The 15th volume of the Acta Historica Astronomiae is at the same time the fifth collection of essays on the history of astronomy (Beitraege zur Astronomiegeschichte, Band 5), edited by the historians of astronomy W.R. Dick (Potsdam) and J. Hamel (Berlin). Besides a few short notices and book reviews, the book contains 11 major articles, which deal with astronomical topics covering the time from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The first article, on the analysis and interpretation of historical horoscopes as a source of the history of science, is based on the inaugural lecture of its author, Guenther Oestmann. After a general introduction, which deals with the principles of horoscope making, the author discusses the horoscope of Count Heinrich Ranzau (1526-1598), the Danish governor of Schleswig-Holstein, who was a friend of Tycho Brahe. Oestmann shows that the astronomical-mathematical basis of such a horoscope can be reconstructed and interpreted. However, it is hardly possible to gain an insight in the process how the interpretation of a horoscope was done in detail. The second and third articles, by Franz Daxecker, deal with Athanasius Kircher and Christoph Scheiner, two catholic astronomers of the 17th century. Kircher's Organum Mathematicum is a calculating device that can be used in the fields of arithmetic, geometry, chronology, astronomy, astrology and others. The author provides extracts of the description of the Organum taken from a book by Caspar Schott, which deal with chronology and astronomy. A photograph of the Organum indicates that this tool consists of a set of tables glued on wooden or cardboard, but details of its contents and applications remain pretty obscure for the reader - a few elaborated examples would have been helpful. The second paper deals with the life of Christoph Scheiner SJ, the co-discoverer of sunspots (next to Galileo), after leaving Rome in 1633 - the year of the Galileo trial. Scheiner spent his later years in the Austrian and Bohemian (Jesuit) provinces, mainly in Vienna and Neisse (the present Nysa in Silesia, Poland), but no traces of further astronomical activity have survived, if they ever existed. The fourth article, by Hans Gaab, is a very thoroughly researched biography of Johann Philipp von Wurzelbau (1651-1725), an merchant turned astronomer from Nuremberg. Wurzelbau started his activities at Christoph Eimmart's (the director of the painters' academy in Nuremberg) private observatory, and his first published work deals with observations of the great comet of 1680. Furthermore, he observed solar eclipses, Mercury transits, and determined the geographical latitude of Nuremberg. The article also contains a detailed description of Wurzelbau's observatory and its instruments. The fifth paper, by Klaus-Dieter Herbst, deals with Gottfried Kirch's idea of founding an astronomical society - being a vehicle to publishing astronomical observations. Kirch (1639-1710) was a well-known astronomer and calendar manufacturer. Around 1700, Kirch was appointed first astronomer at the Brandenburg society of sciences, and director of the observatory that was to be established with the new Berlin Academy. Herbst shows that Kirch's religious attitude that converged on pietism was a driving force to establish a scientific society. However, the final failure of such a project is due to the emergence of the scientific journal Acta Eruditorum, issued since 1682 in Leipzig, which could serve as an outlet for the publication of astronomical data by Kirch and others, thus fulfilling an essential task of the projected academy. Kirch's occupation with the composition of calendars, which took most of his time, was another reason. The following three shorter articles deal with 19th century astronomy. Peter Brosche describes an early visual photometer employed by Johann Gottfried Koehler (1745-1801) in Dresden, Alberto Meschiari edits and comments letters by Franz Xaver von Zach (1754-1832) to the physicist Gerbi in Pisa and the librarian Pozzetti at Bologna, and Karin Reich describes and edits Bessel's book critique of Gauss' Theoria Motus. How many one-time astronomers have to earn their living in other ways, become distracted from astronomical research, and vanish from the horizon of astronomical history? In the ninth paper, Hans-Joachim Ilgauds has traced the life of Georg Koch (1851-1905), who started his career as an astronomer at Leipzig Observatory in 1874. Later Koch worked at Hamburg Observatory, and then became an employee at the statistical office in Kiel, and finally director of the statistical office of the Hamburg revenue service. He was a collaborator for the statistical yearbook of German cities, and also contributed to a book investigating the causes and the impact of the cholera epidemic of 1892 in Hamburg. The last two papers deal with the circumstances of the discovery of the first Near-Earth asteroid (433) Eros. It was recorded on photographic plates taken at the Urania-Sternwarte Berlin and at Nice Observatory. The Berlin observer Witt announced the discovery, and only later, the Nice observer Charlois published a position of Eros. While all plates have disappeared, the authors Hans Scholl and Lutz D. Schmadel could prove that the Nice plate was poorly guided and Charlois would have been unable to discover the object. From a copy of the Berlin plate, published 50 years after the discovery by Witt's co-observer F. Linke, the exact position was determined, and the time of observation (which had not been published) was derived. The second article, by Lutz D. Schmadel, deals with the life of the Eros co-discoverer Felix Linke (1879-1959), who later worked in statistic offices, was a frequent writer of popular scientific articles, and later the editor of a journal, "Technik im Hotel'', and author of a book of the same title. As can be seen from the summaries given above, this collection of essays deals mainly with historical events that occurred in Germany and neighboring countries, and is focussed mainly on events in the 17th to 19th centuries. Except for the Eros article by Scholl and Schmadel, which is written in English, all contributions are written in German. The editors have taken care that generally a high standard was kept. The series appears to be a complement to the Journal for the History of Astronomy, in spite of the fact that its scope is somewhat narrower and somewhat less international. Of course, the use of the German language and the Germany-based small publishing company hampers a wide distribution of this series (but an all-English edition would turn away potential German readers). Nevertheless, it should be noted that English is not necessarily the "lingua franca'' in all cultural fields, and students of the history of science should have at least a cursory knowledge of several languages at their command. It would be nice to see that such a history of astronomy series would also be published in other countries, focussing on the historical events in these regions (French, Italian, Spanish - it should be mentioned that a series Istoriko-astronomicheskie issledovaniia has appeared since 1955 in Moscow). In any case, the editors should be congratulated in having established (with a lot of personal engagement) a flourishing book series. I hope that their venture may serve as an example for others.

News & Announcements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2000-02-01

News from Journal House

• Guy Anderson
• Jim Becvar
• Jerry Bell
• Jim Birk
• Diane Bunce
• Ann Cartwright
• Thomas Clark
• Jane Crosby
• Maria Dean
• Art Ellis
• Donald Elswick
• Tommy Franklin
• Babu George
• Paul Heath
• Angela Hoffman
• Lynn Hogue
• J. J. Lagowski
• Frank Lambert
• Dorothy Lehmkuhl
• George Lelevre
• Scott Luaders
• Jane McMullen
• Marci Merritt
• Carl Minnier
• Richard Narske
• Ron Perkins
• Gabriel Pinto
• Dick Potts
• Herb Retcofsky
• Jerry Sarquis
• Elke Schoffers
• Sara Selfe
• Uni Susskind
• J. Mark Tolman
• John Varine
• Dawn Wakeley
• Marla White

Awards Announced

Award Deadlines

Courses, Seminars, Meetings, Opportunities

• Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) June 5, 2000 (anticipated)
• NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships Program (CSEMS) TBA
• Advanced Techological Education (ATE) Preliminary April 13, 2000 (anticipated) Formal Oct. 13, 2000 (anticipated)
• NSF Graduate Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12) TBA (anticipated late spring 2000)
• Online DUE forms available at http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/documents/general/forms/forms.htm
• NSF Documents Online available at http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/pubsys/browser/odbrowse.pl

• Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program: November 15, 2000
• Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program: June 30, 2000
• New Faculty Awards Program: May 15, 2000
• Faculty Start-up Grants for Undergraduate Institutions: May 15, 2000
• Scholar/Fellow Program for Undergraduate Institutions: June 30, 2000
• Special Grant Program in the Chemical Sciences: Preliminary Proposals: June 15, 2000 Complete Proposals: September 1, 2000
• Postdoctoral Program in Environmental Chemistry: March 1, 2000
• Senior Scientist Mentor: September 1, 2000

• Cottrell College Science Awards: May 15 and November 15
• Cottrell Scholars: First regular business day in September
• Research Opportunity Awards: May 1 and October 1
• Research Innovation Awards: May 1

HISTORICAL MEMOIR: The play of light in crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharchenya, Boris Petrovitch

2008-11-01

And God said: 'Let there be light', and there was light. Genesis 1 3 When trapped in a crystal, light interacts with electrons, phonons (crystal lattice vibrations) and defects, generating many effects which are important not only for pure physics, by broadening our comprehension of nature, but also for practical applications. These include: photo-galvanic effects; discrete light scattering on lattice vibrations; laser radiation, first observed in ruby crystals; nonlinear effects resulting in generation of harmonics, so that under incidence of an intense coherent light beam onto a crystal it emits (or reflects) light of different wavelengths; transformation of the electron avalanche in semiconductors and semiconductor microstructures into the flow of coherent 'laser' light; and the capability of polarized light to magnetize electrons and nuclei in a crystal. This is far from being a complete list of the remarkable optical effects that scientists have observed and studied in crystals. Countless scientific papers and monographs have been devoted to these investigations, with quite a number of them leading to the award of Nobel Prizes. Here I'm going to speak very briefly, simplifying the problem as best I can, about a remarkable optical phenomenon in crystals: the generation by light of a quasiparticle called an 'exciton'. Why is it a 'quasiparticle', i.e. 'as if' a particle, and not a true particle? Because it exists in a crystal and not in vacuum and moves in a periodically changing field created by the atoms (ions) of the crystal lattice. In this respect, an electron in a crystal is also a quasiparticle. The idea of the exciton dawned upon Yakov Ilyich Frenkel, the well-known physicist of the Physico-Technical Institute (PhysTech), in 1931. Omitting the details that would require knowledge not only of quantum physics, but also of the history of its development, I'll say only that the Frenkel exciton is the excited state of the crystal, which is created, for instance, by light and which, arising in one of the crystal cells, spreads over the whole crystal, because the cells differ absolutely in no way from one another. Physicists call such a situation translation symmetry. Without going into the mechanism of the energy transfer from cell to cell, note only that the whole crystal, like a gigantic molecule, assumes in the excited exciton state. The word 'exciton' was coined by Frenkel himself, who had formed it from old Greek exito, meaning 'I excite'. Yakov Ilyich liked to give names to newly-discovered particles, and it was he who invented the name 'phonon' for the vibrational quantum of the crystal lattice. Few physicists know that the godfather of this term, forever established in physics, was Frenkel. When Frenkel reported his study on the exciton at PhysTech, one of his young colleagues couldn't help joking: 'Yasha, why didn't you name this particle in Russian---vozbudon'? (From the Russian vozbudit, meaning 'to excite'.) In contrast to the electron, which can also be excited by light in a crystal, the exciton is electrically neutral. Moving in the crystal it transfers energy, but not a charge. A neutral exciton is very much like an atom. But this 'atom' is generated by light within a crystal. The model of such a quasi-atom is particularly obvious in semiconductor crystals, where it can be conceived as an electron and a positively charged hole bound by Coulomb interaction. It is very much like the Dirac electron--positron pair, whose existence ensues from the well-known Dirac equation taking into account relativistic invariance---the same equation that has revealed to mankind the existence of antimatter. I think that it was under the influence of Dirac's ideas that the Englishman Mott and the American Wannier suggested an exciton model analogous to the positronium atom (an electron and a positron bound to each other by Coulomb interaction). It should be noted that both Mott and Wannier worked at Bristol University where Dirac had worked. Usually, the Wannier--Mott exciton is called hydrogen-like, bearing in mind its similarity to the hydrogen atom (a positively charged nucleus and an electron rotating around it). Yet a hole is not the same as a nucleus: its effective mass is a factor of thousands less than the mass of a proton. Wannier and Mott had conceived their model before the Second World War, when the concept of the hole was introduced into semiconductor physics from electrical measurements, which were really not very precise at that time. In the mid-1950s, two groups of Americans, at Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, proved by beautiful experiments the existence of different types of holes, due to their complex energy spectrum in the crystal; accordingly, excitons can be different, too. An electron may be bound either to a light or a heavy hole, which subsequently was indeed observed. The experiments on cyclotron resonance are technically very similar to the experiments of the physicist Zavoysky of Kazan University, who discovered right after the war the remarkable physical phenomenon of paramagnetic resonance. Strange as it may seem, the war had favoured the discovery since it had encouraged the rapid development of radar, which generated the technology of very high radio frequencies, and which was used brilliantly in those experiments. As has been mentioned, an electron and a hole are bound by Coulomb interaction, which physicists call a long-range interaction. As the force is proportional to the inverse square of the distance between interacting particles, 1/r^2, an electron and a hole become bound into a pair, i.e. an exciton, at very long distances. Yet all this occurs in crystals, and the crystalline medium is characterized by a rather high dielectric constant ɛ. Thus interaction in a crystal is a factor of ɛ weaker compared with that in vacuum. The exciton is enlarged, the orbit in which the electron--hole pair is moving encompasses a great number of crystal cells, and such an exciton may be called a mega-atom. How can we observe this mega-atom in a crystal? One might think we could do so simply by observing the hydrogen-like exciton spectrum. By virtue of the well-known behaviour of a hydrogen-like atom in a Coulomb potential well, the exciton is expected to show a series of lines, getting characteristically closer and closer towards the continuous absorption boundary where the motion of electrons and holes has become free. In this region the exciton is ionized. So a series of narrow lines of the spectrum of the exciton (mega-atom in a crystal) must be observed at the absorption edge, which corresponds to electron transfer into the conduction band by light. This series should be similar, for instance, to the Balmer series of the hydrogen atom---well known from school textbooks. One might think all this is simple. But nobody had ever observed anything like it. The semiconductor spectra looked very trivial---exactly the same as the spectrum of a light filter, transparent on the long wavelength side (low-energy light quanta) and having rather intense absorption in the short-wavelength region. It is simple: at first the energy of photons is insufficient for electron transfer into the conduction band, but eventually their energy becomes high enough for such a transfer and the crystal absorbs light strongly. But why, when observing an absorption edge and the photo-current associated with it, did nobody see the hydrogen-like lines of the exciton? The answer is simple and cannot be expressed better than in Pushkin's words: 'We all are lazy and incurious.' As soon as Evgeny Feodorovich Gross, of the Physico-Technical Institute of Leningrad, took a thin plate of cuprous oxide (a ruby-coloured semiconductor), cooled it down to liquid nitrogen temperature (-196 °C) and, above all, used a spectral device with great dispersion, he saw at once a series of hydrogen-like exciton lines. Of course, Gross was lucky that it was a cuprous oxide crystal that had fallen into his hands, because in that crystal everything occurs in the visible region, easily amenable to spectroscopy, and the parameters of that crystal band structure permit a great number of exciton lines (rather than one or two) to be observed. And I, Gross' first 'exciton disciple' was also lucky; I saw opening before me the gigantic untapped field of the spectroscopy of semiconductors---the branch of science that would give inestimable knowledge about the interaction of light with electrons and even nuclei in semiconductors. I well remember that moment when, upon cooling a cuprous oxide crystal down to liquid helium temperature (-269 °C), I saw more than ten narrow exciton lines. Gross was in raptures; he was a man of emotions and expressed his feelings impetuously: 'Boris! It is a wonder! A series of narrow lines in a crystal! You and I, we must become famous by investigating the exciton! I'm sure this is a phenomenon common for all semiconductors; it will help us to understand in detail a lot of things---photoconductivity, luminescence, and even that which we cannot even guess as yet!' The exultant trumpets from all his beloved Wagner operas were at once singing in the soul of my teacher. It was to him, Gross, that the gods had sent the 'Rheingold', and ahead of him Valhalla shone in an iridescent play of colours where his scientific life and glory would last forever. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but perhaps only a little, for I knew his exuhuberant nature. Besides, Gross' father, Lieutenant-General Theodor Gross, the manager of the Izhora works (at that time the largest state munitions factory in Tsarist Russia), was a German, and his mother, Fanny Gross, a Dane. Time and again the short and plumpish Evgeny Feodorovich in his rather tight short coat and old-fashioned 'tyubeteika' on his head, would say to me: 'Boris, I'm a Viking, and I like to have enemies and fight them!' And so it was. But most of all Gross loved science, music and painting, and he appreciated the bold imaginative speculation in all those kinds of creative activity. In Gross' small laboratory at PhysTech, new exciton effects poured down as if from a cornucopia. In 1952, two exciton series were observed. One of them was an electron and a light hole, the other, an electron and a heavy hole. This suggested the existence of a fundamental phenomenon in semiconductors, namely, the spin--orbit splitting of energy bands. Soon we were able to observe the influence of external electric fields on excitons, something like the Stark effect for atoms. It seemed to be a wonder. Nobody had yet managed to observe the effect of electric fields on the spectra of crystals, because the intracrystalline fields are many times larger than the external one that we can apply to the crystal. But an exciton, as has already been mentioned, is a mega-atom of large size and is polarized easily in small external fields. I remember how amazed Abram Feodorovich Ioffe was by that experiment. Tapping me on the shoulder in a friendly way, he repeated: 'What a good work you've done!' The father of Soviet physics was then 73. The gigantic radius of exciton orbits allowed the diamagnetic shift of energy states to occur in a magnetic field. Generally speaking, it was a relativistic effect, which had been observed earlier by E Segre and E Amaldi for free atoms in a very cumbersome experiment. Notwithstanding these experimental fireworks, the exciton was scarcely believed in. Sceptical colleagues declared that Gross had observed a trivial impurity spectrum. I remember that, at one of the seminars, academician Alexander Nikolayevich Terenin, a very estimable man of science, came up to me and said: 'Young man, don't believe in Gross' ventures! The exciton is the same as phlogiston.' It will be recalled that a hypothetic substance 'phlogiston', or 'teplorod' in Russian, had been disproved by experiments carried out by Lavoisier and Lomonosov almost two and a half centuries previously. However, many admired the fact itself of observing a hydrogen-like series of narrow spectral lines in a semiconductor crystal. Once, in the mid-1950s, Lev Landau visited our laboratory. Speaking with Gross and me, he said that he did not doubt the exciton nature of the spectrum in question, as an immobile impurity cannot yield narrow lines in optical impurity-band transitions. His considerations were based on Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Many years later, some American physicists developed and published an analogous idea. Lev Davydovich was a genius: he could not only understand but 'feel' physics, much as Isaak Stern does with his violin. I recall delivering a lecture on exciton effects in Moscow at was a session of the Physics Division of the Academy of Sciences, chaired by Ioffe. How brilliant that audience was: Kurchatov, Zeldovich, Semionov, Kapitsa, Artsimovich, the brothers Lifshitz, .... I was shaking with fear at seeing such an abundance of stars of our physics. The exciton theory was severely criticized in the speeches of my opponents. But in conclusion Ioffe said, replying to a particularly aggressive female professor: 'After all, be that as it may---impurity or particle in a crystal---it can be asserted that the observation of a series of narrow lines in a semiconductor marks the beginning of the optics and spectroscopy of these crystals.' There is no doubt that Abram Feodorovich was a visionary! Soon a number of experiments proved the motion of excitons, and even their velocity distribution was estimated. Those experiments and their theoretical basis were performed mostly by Soviet and American physicists. I could mention a great number of names connected with these and many other achievements in the spectroscopy of excitons in semiconductors, but I won't do so for fear of forgetting someone and so wounding their feelings. But I can't help recalling two American colleagues, the brilliant scientists D Thomas and J Hopfield. Remarkable theorists and experimentalists were taking part in the development of the concept of so-called polaritons in semiconductors, i.e. mixed states, when the 'mechanical' particle exciton mixes with the light wave. Pekar and Rashba of Kiev, Ginzburg and Agranovich of Moscow, Kaplyansky, Razbirin and Uraltsev of Leningrad, and also the above-mentioned American researchers, made the greatest contribution to the development of this sophisticated problem. Recalling the exciton physics of crystals of the 1950s and 1960s, I should call that time, after Schiller and Goethe, a period of Sturm und Drang. But even later on, the stormy waves of exciton spectroscopy did not calm down. There appeared lasers, which permitted Yaroslav Pokrovsky of the Institute of Electronics in Moscow to observe the hyperfine structure of exciton impurity complexes. The intense sources of light were also used for observation of the electron--hole condensate in semiconductors. But the initial idea of these investigations was stimulated by the existence of excitons: Bose particles and the attempt to observe their condensation. Veniamin Keldysh, Alexander Rogachev and a number of other Russian and foreign physicists contributed greatly to the solution of that problem. My friend, Carson Jeffries of Berkeley, a physicist and a painter, observed a gigantic (about a millimeter in size) electron--hole droplet in a crystal of germanium, and the results of his experiments were even mentioned in the New York Times. The 'exciton wave' rolled around the world, but its birthplace was Gross' small laboratory at the Physico-Technical Institute. It is most vexatious to read in a great many foreign textbooks on solid state physics that the Strasbourg professor S Nikitin was first to observe the exciton in cuprous oxide. That is not true at all! Nikitin bears no relation whatever to the discovery of the exciton. Gross first discovered a hydrogen-like series in a semiconductor in 1951 and published his findings in the Russian journal Doklady AN SSSR in 1952. Nikitin, knowing Russian and having read Gross' papers, performed the same experiment and published it in far more accessible European journals, but did so considerably later---clearly an act of misappropriation. Also astonishing are the references made to a short notice in 1951 by Japanese physicists from Hokkaido University, which is frequently cited as the first observation of the exciton but seemingly without actually having been read. It describes an observation of certain absorption edges at the fundamental absorption edge, but not a word on lines, nor on hydrogen-likeness, nor on excitons can be found there, whereas the first paper of Gross and his postgraduate student Karryev was clearly and boldly entitled The optical spectrum of the exciton. Young co-workers joining Gross' laboratory often asked me: 'What will happen with an exciton in a micro-crystal the size of which is comparable with the radius of exciton orbits?' I knew the answer to this question, since at the very start of the exciton saga I had investigated the behaviour of excitons in magnetic fields. The orbits of electrons and holes forming excitons shrink in a magnetic field, and their motion approximates a one-dimensional one. This one-dimensionality is caused by a strong magnetic field. The situation is similar to what occurs in the structure which is nowadays called a quantum wire (a kind of semiconductor microstructure). But in such a quasi-one-dimensional potential well the exciton binding energy increases (it is already a so-called magneto-exciton). Indeed, in modern semiconductor microstructures (quantum wells, quantum wires, superlattices, quantum dots) the binding energy of the exciton increases, and in many cases it can be observed at room temperature. There is no conference on nanostructures that does not include exciton optics. Countless new investigations and discoveries have been accomplished owing to the exciton spectroscopy of these structures, so important for modern microelectronics. Here I will mention just one: the discovery of trions, where a hole interacts with not one but two electrons. It is on the existence of trions that the hopes of creating quantum computers depend. I cannot count myself among the ardent followers of this idea, but who knows? Exciton spectra have been observed not only in semiconductors but also in ionic crystals (e.g. rock-salt, NaCl), molecular crystals, rare-earth and actinoid salt crystals, and in polymers (biological ones included). Nevertheless, it was only after the works of Gross and his colleagues that experimentalists became aware that those are the spectra of the quasiparticle exciton. That is strange, since the theory of such excitons was developed at the end of the 1940s by A Davydov who had been working in Kiev alongside experimentalists who were struggling to comprehend his ideas. Concluding my brief account of excitons, I would like to recall Gross once more. He taught me to love not only science, but music and art as well. Most of all, in painting he valued innovation and quest. He was attracted by avant-gardism as was Don Quixote by windmills. When I happen to visit New York, I always go to the Museum of Modern Art and often appreciate, as if with Gross' eyes, the unlooked-for 'moves' and 'tricks' of the avant-gardists. I've always been amazed that, sometime no later than 1920, our Alexander Rodchenko created a composition entitled Planes reflecting light. This is a three-dimensional piece made of copper and cardboard strips rendering our notion of the planetary model of the atom from which quanta of light fly out like Nabokov's butterflies. Bohr and Sommerfeld had suggested the planetary atomic model only in 1916, so how could the artist perceive the structure of microcosm before the majority of physicists did? As Shakespeare knew long ago, the world of human knowledge is full of wonders.

hwhap_Ep21_Microgravity University

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-01

>> HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PODCAST. WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL PODCAST OF THE NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, EPISODE 21: MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY. I’M GARY JORDAN AND I’LL BE YOUR HOST TODAY. SO THIS IS THE PODCAST WHERE WE BRING IN THE EXPERTS-- NASA SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, ASTRONAUTS, SOMETIMES EDUCATORS-- ALL TO LET YOU KNOW ALL THE COOLEST INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON IN SPACE. SO TODAY WE’RE TALKING ABOUT THE WAY STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS ARE INVOLVED AT NASA WITH MIKE McGLONE. HE’S AN EDUCATION SPECIALIST HERE AT THE JOHNSON SPACE CENTER HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. AND WE HAD A GREAT DISCUSSION ABOUT THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS HERE AND HOW THEY INFLUENCE STUDENTS TO PURSUE CAREERS IN STEM AND STEAM FIELDS, INCLUDING CAREERS HERE AT AMERICA’S SPACE AGENCY. SO WITH NO FURTHER DELAY, LET’S GO LIGHTSPEED AND JUMP RIGHT AHEAD TO OUR TALK WITH MR. MIKE McGLONE. ENJOY. [ MUSIC ] >> T MINUS FIVE SECONDS AND COUNTING-- MARK. [ INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER ] >> HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PODCAST. [ MUSIC ] >> OKAY, WELL THERE’S SOME-- IS MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY-- SO I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH, JUST TO UNDERSTAND KIND OF THE WHOLE THING. MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY IS LIKE A PARENT BRAND SORT OF? >> YES. >> THAT KIND OF OVERARCHES? AND MICRO-G NExT IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS, RIGHT? >> THAT’S RIGHT. MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY IS AN OVERARCHING-- IT’S JUST AN UMBRELLA. IT’S NOT REALLY AN ORGANIZATION, BUT IT ACTUALLY STARTED SEVERAL YEARS AGO WITH-- CALLED RGOs-- REDUCED GRAVITY OPPORTUNITIES. >> AH. >> IT WAS WHERE TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS AND EVEN STUDENTS DESIGNED EXPERIMENTS TO THEN COME FLY ON THE C-9 AIRCRAFT, THE VOMIT COMET. >> YEAH! >> AND DO THOSE KINDS OF TESTS. BUT AS THAT PROGRAM PHASED OFF, THEY LOOKED AT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES, AND THAT’S WHY WE’VE LOOKED AT LIKE MICRO-G NExT WITH THE MBL, OR NOW MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY FOR EDUCATORS, WHICH OUR CURRENT ACTIVITY HAS BEEN FOCUSED OVER ON THE PRECISION AIR BEARING FLOOR, THE PABF OVER IN BUILDING 9, THE SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY. >> AH, OKAY. SO WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THAT FACILITY, THEN, THAT LETS YOU DO THE CHALLENGES, I GUESS? >> WELL, THE PRECISION AIR BEARING FLOOR, IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, IS-- IF YOU’VE BEEN OVER THERE, IT’S A LARGE… STEEL PLATE, IT LOOKS LIKE. >> OKAY. >> POLISHED, HIGHLY FLATTENED TO WITHIN-- I DON’T KNOW HOW MANY MICROMETERS FLAT IT IS FOR THE DISTANCE IT IS, BUT IT BASICALLY WORKS LIKE A REVERSE AIR HOCKEY TABLE, IF YOU EVER PLAYED ON ONE OF THOSE. >> YEAH! >> YEAH, AT AN ARCADE OR SOMETHING. BUT INSTEAD OF AIR BLOWING UP THROUGH THE FLOOR, WHATEVER ITEM YOU HAVE SITS ON PADS, THAT THE AIR IS THEN BLOWN DOWN TO LIFT IT UP AND GIVE IT A NEAR FRICTIONLESS KIND OF SURFACE. SO THAT ALLOWS US TO DO MICROGRAVITY IN TWO DIMENSIONS. >> OH, OKAY. VERY COOL. SO WHAT-- I’M TRYING TO IMAGINE WHAT KIND OF MICROGRAVITY YOU CAN DO IN THAT TWO-DIMENSIONAL ENVIRONMENT. WHAT’S A CHALLENGE THAT YOU CAN DO? >> WELL, THE CHALLENGE THAT WE’VE COME UP WITH, WE USED LAST YEAR-- WE’RE USING IT AGAIN THIS YEAR-- IS WE’RE DOING A SIMULATION THAT’S VERY SIMILAR TO ONE THING THAT WE DO ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, WHERE WE’RE LAUNCHING SMALL CUBESATS INTO ORBIT AROUND EARTH. WE’RE TAKING IT A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY IN THAT WE’RE LOOKING AT A MOVING SATELLITE TRYING TO LAUNCH A SMALL SATELLITE INTO ORBIT AROUND MARS. IT’S AN ORBITAL INSERTION. SO IF YOU CAN IMAGINE A MOVING OBJECT THAT HELD YOUR SATELLITE MOVING AWAY FROM A TARGET THAT’S MOVING ALMOST LEFT TO RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU, AND FIRING AN OBJECT TO HIT A TARGET-- VERY CHALLENGING. >> YEAH. SO IT’S KIND OF LIKE TARGET PRACTICE, I GUESS, BUT IN TWO DIMENSIONS AND IN MICROGRAVITY KIND OF THING? >> RIGHT. AND OTHER THAN STANDING STILL AND HITTING A TARGET, YOU’RE MOVING AS WELL. >> OH. >> SO YOU’VE GOT THREE DIFFERENT MOTIONS ACTUALLY GOING ON. >> WOW. AND IT’S REALLY TO SIMULATE REAL ORBITAL INSERTIONS, THAT KIND OF THING? >> YES, VERY SIMILAR. >> OKAY, VERY COOL. >> AND ADDING IN THE ROBOTICS TO IT, BECAUSE IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE AUTONOMOUS-- ONCE THEY SAY, “GO, TURN ON THE AIR,” EVERYTHING BEGINS TO MOVE, THEN IT HAS TO RESPOND ON ITS OWN. SO THERE’S ROBOTICS INVOLVED WITH IT AS WELL. >> ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT, LET’S PULL BACK JUST A LITTLE BIT, BECAUSE MICROGRAVITY-- WE’RE KIND OF GETTING INTO THE-- LIKE ALREADY SOME OF THE CHALLENGES, BUT I WANT TO GET LIKE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY-- JUST WHAT IT IS, AND WHO DOES IT, WHO PARTICIPATES, THAT KIND OF THING. SO WHAT’S LIKE THE OVERARCHING DESCRIPTION OF MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY? >> OKAY, WELL, MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY FOR EDUCATORS-- MGUE-- I’LL TRY TO REFER TO IT AS THAT-- >> ALL RIGHT. >> --IS AN OPPORTUNITY-- WELL, ACTUALLY-- ANYWAY, IT’S IN THE SECOND YEAR. LAST YEAR WAS OUR INAUGURAL YEAR. WE’VE ONLY MADE A FEW CHANGES TO IT THIS YEAR, AND I’M TALKING ABOUT THOSE. BUT IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATORS AND NOW STUDENTS INVOLVED THIS YEAR TO BRING THIS DEVICE TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE I JUST TALKED ABOUT. >> MM-HMM. >> TO DESIGN AND BUILD THAT BACK HOME AND THEN SEND A VISITING TEAM HERE TO JOHNSON SPACE CENTER TO TEST IT THERE ON THE PABF. SO THAT DESIGN CHALLENGE REALLY BRINGS IN ALL ACROSS ALL THE COMPONENTS OF STEM-- SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS. WE’RE REALLY TRYING TO REACH OUT AND ENGAGE STUDENTS WITH. >> YEAH. >> AND GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING ALL THAT TO BEAR ON A VERY CHALLENGING, AUTHENTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE, AND THEN BRING A TEAM HERE TO ACTUALLY TEST IT IN OUR UNIQUE FACILITY. SO IT’S A BIGGER TEAM BACK HOME THAN GETS TO COME, BUT IT’S-- WE’RE INVITING ACTUALLY TWO EDUCATORS AND FOUR STUDENTS-- HIGH SCHOOL AGED STUDENTS-- TO ACTUALLY COME HERE AND DO THE TESTING. >> HMM. AND IT’S THE EDUCATORS FROM THAT SCHOOL ON THE CENTER? >> EDUCATORS FROM THAT SCHOOL. I USE THE TERM EDUCATOR AS OPPOSED TO TEACHER BECAUSE IT’S OPEN TO-- IT COULD BE A SCHOOL, SCHOOL DISTRICT. IT COULD BE TIED IN WITH INFORMAL EDUCATION AS WELL, SO IT COULD BE WITH A SCIENCE MUSEUM OR LIKE A 4-H OR A SCOUTING UNIT, BECAUSE THOSE ARE EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT HAVE STEM OUTREACH AS WELL. SO OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO TAKE THAT ON. >> ALL RIGHT, COOL. SO WHAT KINDS OF-- WHAT WAS LAST YEAR LIKE? WHAT-- HOW WAS THE SETUP? WHO CAME, AND THEN WHO PARTICIPATED? WHAT WAS THE CHALLENGE? >> THE CHALLENGE WAS VERY SIMILAR, AGAIN, SO WHAT WE’RE DOING AGAIN THIS YEAR. WHAT WAS DIFFERENT WAS THAT THE TEAMS THAT CAME WERE ONLY EDUCATORS-- TEAMS OF FIVE EDUCATORS CAME. WE HAD THEM FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I BELIEVE-- IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, WE HAD 9 STATES REPRESENTED-- NO, THAT’S NOT CORRECT-- 12 STATES WERE REPRESENTED, INCLUDING PUERTO RICO. >> ALL RIGHT. >> AND THOSE WERE WORKING-- WE HAD A VARIETY OF TEAMS. SOME OF THEM WERE WORKING WITH ONE SCHOOL OR ONE PROGRAM. WE HAD SOME THAT WERE WORKING ACROSS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. AND WE WOULD HAVE ONE TEAM THAT WAS MADE UP OF FIVE TEACHERS, CAME FROM FIVE DIFFERENT SCHOOLS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY-- FROM CALIFORNIA TO NEW YORK. >> HMM. >> YEAH, THAT WAS AN INTERESTING CHALLENGE FOR THEM-- NOT ONLY WHAT THEY WERE DOING FOR US ON THE ENGINEERING, BUT JUST THEIR LEARNING HOW TO COLLABORATE TOGETHER WAS A BIG CHALLENGE FOR THEM. WE HAD A LOCAL TEAM HERE FROM CLEAR LAKE ISD AS WELL, SO IT WAS QUITE A DIVERSE GROUP. >> YEAH, DEFINITELY, ALL ACROSS THE BOARD. SO THEN, THE WHOLE THING WAS-- ONCE YOU GOT-- I GUESS YOU PUT FORWARD A PROPOSAL OR SOMETHING, RIGHT, TO PARTICIPATE? IS THAT KIND OF HOW IT STARTS? >> RIGHT, THAT’S HOW IT STARTS. WE SEND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHALLENGE AND THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS. AND YOU KNOW, THERE’S A LOT OF SAFETY THAT THEY HAVE TO COVER TO BE ABLE TO COME WORK IN BUILDING 9, THE SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY, AND WORK ON THE PABF. SO WE SEND OUT ALL THAT INFORMATION AND INVITE TEAMS, AND I GUESS SCHOOLS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, INFORMAL GROUPS, OR SOME COMBINATION THEREOF TO SEND IN A PROPOSAL. AND THEN WE REVIEW THOSE. WE REVIEW THEM FROM BOTH A TECHNICAL STANDPOINT, SOME OF OUR SUPPORT FOLKS IN BUILDING 9 WILL READ IT FROM A TECHNICAL STANDPOINT. AND THEN WE’LL ALSO READ THE EDUCATION SIDE, BECAUSE IT IS AN EDUCATION EVENT AND OUTREACH AND THOSE THINGS. SO WE READ IT FROM AN EDUCATOR POINT OF VIEW, AND OUR TOP TEN TEAMS WILL GET THE INVITATION TO COME DOWN AND PARTICIPATE. >> OH, OKAY. SO ANYONE WRITES THE PROPOSAL, ANYONE KIND OF PUTS THIS TOGETHER, AND THEN IT’S UP TO YOU TO DECIDE WHO’S GOING TO COME DOWN HERE FOR THE COMPETITION. >> THAT’S RIGHT. IT’S A NATIONWIDE COMPETITIVE PROPOSAL PROCESS. WE READ THEM, WE DO A NICE-- WE GIVE THEM A RUBRIC SO THEY KNOW WHAT WE’RE EXPECTING AND WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR, ALL THOSE CRITERIA. AND THEN WE DO THE READING-- WE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE’S TWO PEOPLE THAT READ IT IN EACH SECTION JUST TO MAKE IT FAIR. AND THEN THEY JUST GET SIMPLY RANKED, AND THE TOP TEN WILL GET THE INVITE. >> ALL RIGHT. SO THEN ONCE THEY COME HERE, WHAT’S THAT WHOLE SETUP? NOW YOU’VE GOT IT NARROWED DOWN TO LIKE THE BEST OF THE BEST TEAMS. SO ONCE THEY COME HERE, WHAT’S THAT WEEK LOOK LIKE? >> OH, THAT WEEK IS VERY, VERY FUN AND VERY, VERY BUSY, AS YOU CAN IMAGINE. THEY WILL COME IN, WE’LL GIVE THEM A CHANCE-- WE’VE GOT TO GET THEM ORIENTED, OF COURSE, TO JOHNSON SPACE CENTER AND THE ENVIRONMENT HERE. SO THEY’LL GET A SAFETY BRIEFING THEY HAVE TO GO TO. AND EVEN THOUGH WE’VE READ ABOUT IT, NOW EVERYBODY CAN ACTUALLY GET HANDS-ON AND LOOK AT IT. SO THEY’LL GO THROUGH A QUICK SAFETY REVIEW. WE’LL MAKE SURE THEY CAN WORK ON THE PRECISION AIR BEARING FLOOR, AND THEN WE’LL GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO TEST THOSE. WE’LL GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO GO BACK AND MAYBE MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS, AND COME BACK AND TEST IT AGAIN OVER THE WEEK. THAT’S THE GIST OF WHY WE WANT THEM TO BE HERE, IS TO ACTUALLY GO THROUGH THAT PROCESS. >> TO TEST IT OUT FOR LIKE THE REAL THING, RIGHT? >> RIGHT, YEAH, GET A REAL TEST. NOT IN A COMPETITIVE NATURE FROM ONE TO ANOTHER, BUT FOR THEMSELVES, JUST TRYING TO BE SUCCESSFUL, GOING THROUGH THAT ENGINEERING PROCESS. BUT THE OTHER THINGS WE’LL DO THROUGHOUT THE WEEK-- WE’LL GIVE THEM TOURS OF THE OVERALL JSC FACILITY. >> OH. >> WE’LL WANT TO GIVE THEM SOME UNIQUE EXPERIENCES-- I’M NOT SURE WHAT WE’RE GOING TO DO THIS YEAR, BUT LAST YEAR WE GAVE THE TEACHERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO A SIMULATION IN BUILDING 16 ON ONE OF THE DOCKING SIMULATORS. THEY GOT TO RIDE ON THE MARS EXPLORATION VEHICLE. THEY ALSO GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET ON THE PARTIAL GRAVITY SIMULATOR, OR POGO, OVER IN BUILDING 9, WHICH IS THE OLD PNEUMATIC-- THEY PUT YOU IN A HARNESS AND TAKE THE LOAD OFF SO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE ON A SPACEWALK. >> WOW. >> SO THEY DID A LOT OF THINGS I’VE NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO DO MYSELF. IT WAS A WONDERFUL WEEK. I HAD FUN JUST WATCHING THEM. >> YEAH, SOUNDS LIKE THE MICROGRAVITY PART OF MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY YOU’RE TAKING TO THE FULLEST EXTENT, RIGHT, REALLY PUTTING THEM IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY’RE EXPERIENCING IT, WHERE WHATEVER THEY’RE DESIGNING IS EXPERIENCING THIS MICROGRAVITY, IT’S SIMULATING IT, RIGHT? >> EXACTLY. AND EVEN BEYOND THAT, USING IT BACK IN THEIR CLASSROOM, TEACHING ABOUT MICROGRAVITY IN THAT ENVIRONMENT. AND THAT BRINGS IN SO MANY THINGS FOR TEACHERS AS FAR AS NEWTON’S LAWS, AND FORCE, AND MOTION, AND ENERGY, AND ALL THOSE THINGS THEY HAVE TO TEACH, BUT THINKING ABOUT IT FROM A STANDPOINT THAT THEY OFTEN DON’T THINK ABOUT IN THE CLASSROOM, IS FROM THAT MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENT. >> YEAH, THAT’S TRUE, BECAUSE MAYBE THEY DON’T, YOU KNOW-- EVEN WITHOUT STUDYING IT, IT’S KIND OF HARD TO GRASP, RIGHT? THE IDEA THAT, YOU KNOW, YOU JUST KNOW THAT EVERYTHING GOES DOWN. YOU JUST KNOW THAT YOU HAVE, YOU KNOW, APPLES FALL ON YOUR HEAD. AND WHEN I’M SITTING IN THIS CHAIR, THE CHAIR’S GOING TO STAY ON THE GROUND, RIGHT, IT’S NOT GOING TO FLOAT UPWARDS AND GO TOWARDS THE CEILING. BUT IT’S THIS WHOLE DIFFERENT MINDSET WHEN IT COMES TO MICROGRAVITY AND HOW THAT APPLIES TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. >> IT REALLY IS, AND IT REALLY HAS TO PUT THEM IN THAT MINDSET. YOU KNOW, YOU-- LIKE WHAT YOU SAID. IN OUR DAY TO DAY SITUATION, WE DON’T DEAL WITH THAT. HERE ON CENTER, WE MAY EVEN TALK TO ASTRONAUTS AND WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS THAT COME DOWN FROM THE ISS, OR-- BUT UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY WORK AND HAVE TO WORK IN THAT ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE FRICTION-- THE THINGS THAT WE DEAL WITH KIND OF UNMASK THAT REAL MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENT, IT’S HARD TO DO. YOU KNOW, YOU MAY KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, BUT UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY START TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING WORK IN ONE OF THOSE SIMULATED ENVIRONMENTS WHERE-- I’M SURE I’M ON BOARD AS WELL-- IT’S A REAL CHALLENGE. >> OH, YEAH. AND KIND OF, YOU KNOW, AS PART OF THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY’RE HERE. ACTUALLY, IS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE KIND OF STUDYING WHAT THE ASTRONAUTS ARE DOING ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AS PART OF MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY? ARE YOU CONNECTING WITH THEM, OR STUDYING VIDEOS, OR DOING ANYTHING THAT SORT OF EMULATES WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON STATION? >> WELL, NOT DIRECTLY WITH THIS PARTICULAR EXPERIMENT-- OR EXPERIENCE, PARDON ME. IN A WAY, IT IS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT THE ASTRONAUTS ARE EXPERIENCING, BECAUSE THEY ARE ONBOARD WORKING THROUGH-- THEY’RE THE PERSON UP THERE THAT IS ACTUALLY OPERATING ALL THE EXPERIMENTS THAT ARE ONBOARD, OR DOING EXPERIMENTS-- OFTENTIMES, THOUGH, THEY EXPERIMENT THEMSELVES WITH THE HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY THAT GOES ON. SO IN ESSENCE, THAT’S KIND OF WHAT OUR VISITING TEAM IS. AND WE DO TRY TO MAKE THIS PARALLEL IS THEY’RE REPRESENTING THIS WHOLE TEAM, WHETHER IT’S BACK AT THEIR SCHOOL, OR DISTRICT, OR THEIR ORGANIZATION. SO THEY HAVE THIS TEAM THAT IS COMING HERE TO DO THIS TEST AND MAKE WHAT ADJUSTMENTS-- AND I PROBABLY SHOULD’VE MENTIONED THIS BEFOREHAND, BUT THEY’RE REALLY GOING TO CONTINUE THAT COMMUNICATION THROUGHOUT. SO IF THEY-- WHEN THEY GO THROUGH THEIR FIRST ROUNDS OF TESTS, AND MAYBE THEY FIND THAT IT DOESN’T QUITE WORK THE WAY THEY THOUGHT IT WAS, WE WANT TO GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO FIX IT, BUT NOT JUST THE TEAM HERE. WE WANT THEM COMMUNICATING WITH THE TEAM BACK HOME TO ACTUALLY MAKE SOME OF THOSE ADJUSTMENTS. AND THAT WAS SOMETHING LAST YEAR THAT THE TEACHERS FOUND-- IT’S GOING TO BE INTERESTING THIS YEAR WITH THE STUDENTS INVOLVED, HOW THIS IS GOING TO WORK OUT. BUT WITH THE TEACHERS LAST YEAR, IT WAS FUN TO WATCH THEM COMMUNICATING WITH THEIR CLASSES BACK HOME. BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT WAS THE STUDENT THAT WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT KNEW HOW TO REALLY PROGRAM IT OF HOW IT WAS GOING. IT WASN’T JUST THE TEACHERS. SO THEY WERE HAVING TO TELL THEM TO CHANGE THIS PARAMETER OR THIS SETTING AND THEN DOWNLOAD IT TO THEIR DEVICE AND THEN DO IT. IT WAS SOME INTERESTING FACETIME CONVERSATIONS THAT I OVERHEARD AND WATCHED THEM DOING, AND HOLDING UP THEIR CAMERAS, SHOWING THE DEVICES AND HEARING ALL THE STUDENTS-- “YOU SHOULD DO THIS.” “NO, YOU SHOULD DO THIS.” “NO, LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.” BECAUSE THEY’RE TRYING TO DO IT VERY QUICKLY, SO SOMETIMES IT SEEMED LIKE CHAOS, BUT IT REALLY WORKED OUT WELL AND WAS VERY EXCITING TO WATCH HOW ENGAGED THOSE STUDENTS WERE. BECAUSE WE WERE ALSO LIVE STREAMING IT BACK TO THEM AS WELL SO THEY COULD WATCH THROUGH USTREAM AN OVERHEAD VIEW OF EACH ONE OF THOSE TESTS. >> WHOA, OKAY. THERE’S A LOT MORE GOING ON HERE. >> OH, THERE’S TONS OF STUFF. IT’S HARD TO EVEN THINK OF ALL THE LAYERS THAT ARE GOING ON WITH THIS AS WELL. >> YEAH, YEAH, I’M TRYING TO GET A FULL PICTURE. SO NOW YOU HAVE-- WHAT’S THE SETUP OF THIS GIANT AIR HOCKEY TABLE? IS IT JUST LIKE A BIG SQUARE? IS THAT KIND OF HOW IT IS? >> IT’S A LARGE RECTANGLE. >> OKAY, ALL RIGHT. >> PROBABLY THE SIZE… I WISH I COULD REMEMBER THE DIMENSIONS OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. IT IS-- OH, I’D SAY IT’S ROUGHLY 20 BY 40 FEET, ROUGHLY. >> OKAY, OKAY. SO DEFINITELY RECTANGULAR. AND THEN ALL OF THE TEAMS ARE AROUND IT? ARE THEY-- >> WELL, THERE’S ONLY REALLY ROOM TO BRING ONE TEAM UP AT A TIME WITH THE OPERATORS, THE FOLKS IN BUILDING 9 THAT ACTUALLY OPERATE IT. >> OKAY. >> THE OTHER TEAMS ARE SITTING ON THE FLOOR THERE IN BUILDING 9 JUST OFF THERE, BUT WE’RE ACTUALLY USING THAT VIDEO STREAM SO THEY CAN WATCH IT ON A TV. IT’S JUST DOWN BELOW-- THEY’RE NOT TOO FAR AWAY, BUT THERE’S JUST NOT ENOUGH ROOM. BECAUSE IT’S ELEVATED-- IT’S ABOUT FOUR FEET UP OFF THE MAIN FLOOR. >> OH, OKAY. >> SO THE CATWALK ALONG THERE, THERE’S REALLY ROOM FOR ONE TEAM AT A TIME. SO-- YOU KNOW, WE REALLY WISH WE HAD A LARGE GALLERY AND COULD GET LOTS OF FOLKS UP THERE, BUT IT’S RATHER HARD TO DO. >> I SEE. YEAH, AND THEN SO ON THE FLOOR, THEY HAVE THEIR PHONES OUT OR SOMETHING AND ARE SKYPING OR FACETIMING REAL TIME. >> EXACTLY. >> LIKE THEY’RE MISSION CONTROL, I GUESS. >> A PHONE, OR AN iPAD, OR I’VE HAD THEM HOLDING UP WHOLE LAPTOPS TRYING TO GET THE RIGHT ANGLE TO GET IT ON THEIR CAMERA AS WELL. SO YEAH, IT WAS FUN TO WATCH THE DIFFERENT APPROACH EACH TEAM TOOK TO KEEPING UP WITH THAT CONNECTION. AND LAST YEAR, ONE THING WE WERE ABLE TO DO-- UNFORTUNATELY WE WON’T THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE RESOURCES ARE UNFORTUNATELY NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO US, BUT ONCE THEY COMPLETED THEIR TEST, THEY GOT A CHANCE TO DO A DIRECT VIDEO CONFERENCING LINK WITH THEIR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS BACK HOME AFTERWARDS. AND I KNOW A NUMBER OF THOSE SCHOOLS HAVE WHOLE ASSEMBLIES DURING THAT HOUR OF TESTING THAT THEY HAD-- AT LEAST ON DAY ONE. >> OH, WOW. >> SO ONE DAY WE GO BACK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW IT FELT TO BE THERE, ABOUT THE WHOLE ENVIRONMENT, AND THAT WAS REALLY A FUN THING TO ADD LAST YEAR. >> YEAH, TO ADD THAT-- I GUESS TO GET A LARGER AUDIENCE TO KIND OF EXPERIENCE IT. >> IT WAS, AND WE HOPE THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN THIS YEAR. BUT WITHOUT THAT DIRECT VIDEO CONFERENCING RESOURCE WE HAVE, WE’RE REALLY RELYING ON THE TEAMS TO MAKE THAT UP WITH THEIR OWN. THEY WERE DOING IT SOMEWHAT LAST YEAR, WHICH IS [ INDISTINCT ]. WE’VE ASKED THEM THIS YEAR JUST TO MAKE IT MORE PART OF THEIR PLAN, AND TO PLAN ON THAT KIND OF CONNECTION. >> YEAH, REALLY, BECAUSE IT’S ALMOST LIKE PLANNING FOR JUST AN OPERATION, LIKE A REAL MISSION HERE AT MISSION CONTROL, TOO, BECAUSE YOU’VE GOT THE FOLKS ON THE GROUND, RIGHT, QUOTE “THE GROUND” SUPPORTING THE ASTRONAUTS UP IN SPACE. KIND OF LIKE THAT, RIGHT? YOU’VE GOT YOUR MISSION TEAM UP HERE DOING THIS TO MICROGRAVITY TEAM, BUT THEN YOU’VE GOT FOLKS BACK HOME HELPING YOU OUT. >> EXACTLY, IT IS EXACTLY LIKE THAT SETUP WE HAVE HERE BETWEEN MISSION CONTROL AND THE FOLKS ON STATION. AND REALLY, IT TOOK SOMEONE BETWEEN THEIR FIRST DAY ONE OF TESTING TO THEIR DAY TWO TO ACTUALLY FIGURE SOME OF THAT OUT WITH THEIR TESTS. YOU KNOW, WE DIDN’T LAY IT ALL OUT IN FRONT OF THEM. IT WAS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE. >> YEAH. >> SO A LOT OF THEM MADE THAT CONNECTION THE SECOND TIME AROUND, AND YOU SAW CHANGES LIKE KIND OF RANDOMLY CHANGING THIS, AND IT CAME DOWN-- ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU SAW THEM WORKING WITH CHECKLISTS AND ALL THESE OTHER THINGS THAT YOU-- YOU KNOW, WE KIND OF EXPECT TO HAVE ON A MISSION. SO THEY LEARNED ON THE FLY, WHICH WAS GREAT. >> YEAH, AND THAT’S EXACTLY RIGHT. SO IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF IT IS-- YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY IT’S PLANNED AHEAD OF TIME, RIGHT? HOW LONG UNTIL YOU START PLANNING THE MISSION UNTIL THE MISSION ACTUALLY HAPPENS? LIKE, HOW LONG IS THAT STRETCH OF TIME FOR MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY? OR MAYBE APPLICATION TO MISSION. >> WELL, THE APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN OUT. THEY’LL BE DUE DECEMBER 13th FOR THIS NEXT GO AROUND. >> ALL RIGHT. >> GIVE US THE HOLIDAYS, A COUPLE WEEKS TO READ THEM AND EVALUATE THEM. WE HOPE TO HAVE EVERYBODY LINED UP WITH THEIR ACCEPTANCE LETTERS BY MID-JANUARY, ABOUT THE 15th. SO FROM THERE UNTIL MARCH 15th, THEY HAVE ABOUT TWO MONTHS IS ALL, TO DESIGN AND-- TO FINISH BUILDING IT. SO THEY’VE GOT A PROPOSAL ALREADY. >> SURE. >> OF COURSE, EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT FROM PAPER TO ACTUALLY BUILDING, THERE’S ALWAYS CHANGES. >> YEAH, YEAH. >> BUT SO THEY HAVE IDEAS IN MIND, BUT THEY’VE REALLY GOT EIGHT WEEKS, PROBABLY, TO JUST FINISH DESIGNING, BUILD IT, AND SEND IT DOWN HERE TO US AND BE PREPARED FOR ALL THIS. SO IT TURNS AROUND PRETTY QUICKLY. THE END OF-- EACH TEAM THEN GETS A CHANCE TO COME FOR ONE WEEK. WE ACTUALLY HAVE TWO TEST WEEKS, SO FIVE TEAMS EACH OF THOSE WEEKS OF THE TEN THAT ARE INVITED. AND SO-- YEAH, IT’S A VERY FAST TURNAROUND. AND THEN EVEN-- THERE’S FOLLOW-UP, BECAUSE WE EXPECT THEM TO GO BACK, PULL EVERYTHING THEY DID, THEIR NOTES, ANY DATA THAT THEY TOOK, TO PULL THAT ALL TOGETHER INTO A SUMMARY REPORT WHICH THEN THEY’LL SHARE BACK WITH US AS WELL. WE’LL DO THAT REMOTELY AFTER THE EXPERIENCE. >> ALL RIGHT, SO IT’S GOING TO BE PRETTY QUICK AFTER THE HOLIDAYS HERE. >> IT IS. >> 2018’S GOING TO BE RAPID, LIKE A REALLY QUICK START TO THE YEAR. >> IT IS-- IT’S COME VERY QUICKLY, AND GETTING ALL THAT STUFF SET UP, YOU KNOW, WORKING WITH BUILDING 9 AND GETTING THE WORD OUT. YEAH, IT’S A VERY BUSY TIME FOR ME RIGHT NOW. >> YEAH, FOR SURE. ALL RIGHT, WELL, WE’RE GOING TO PUT THIS OUT BEFORE THAT DECEMBER 13th DATE FOR SURE SO MAYBE YOU’LL GET A COUPLE EXTRA APPLICATIONS. >> WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. >> YEAH, I’M HOPING YOU’RE HAPPY, OTHERWISE YOU KNOW, SITTING OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND READING ALL OF THESE PROPOSALS. I HOPE I’M NOT PUTTING TOO MUCH WORK ON YOU. BUT WHERE’S THAT WEBSITE THEY CAN GO TO SUBMIT THEIR PROPOSAL? >> THE WEBSITE IS A VERY SIMPLE ONE TO GO TO. IT IS GO.NASA.GOV\\NASAMGUE. THAT’S N-A-S-A-M-G-U-E. >> ALL RIGHT, MGUE IS MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY, BUT JUST CONDENSED? >> CONDENSED, YEAH. >> ALL RIGHT, MGUE. OR YOU COULD PROBABLY JUST-- YOU COULD PROBABLY JUST SEARCH MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY, RIGHT? >> MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY FOR EDUCATORS WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO US. YOU DO WANT TO ADD THAT FOR EDUCATORS, BECAUSE IF NOT, YOU’LL WANT TO PUT THAT OVERARCHING-- YOU CAN FIND IT FROM THERE AS WELL. >> OKAY. [ LAUGHTER ] >> WE WANT TO MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE. >> OH, YEAH, DEFINITELY. WOW, ALL RIGHT, WELL, IT’S GOING TO BE A FUN TIME FOR THEM. SO, OKAY, WE TALKED ABOUT THE CHALLENGE ITSELF, AND WE DID KIND OF ALLUDE TO SOME OF THE STUFF THEY’RE GOING TO SEE. I KIND OF WANT TO GO BACK THERE, BECAUSE SOME OF THE THINGS I’M KIND OF JEALOUS. I FEEL LIKE I HAVEN’T EVEN DONE SOME OF THESE THINGS THAT THE STUDENTS ARE GOING TO DO. SO WHAT’S THE-- THE FIRST ONE WAS THE SIMULATOR, RIGHT? WHAT WAS THAT ONE? >> THEY WORKED WITH BUILDING 16, ONE OF THE ENGINEERING SIMULATORS THERE, LAST YEAR. I BELIEVE THE ONE-- BECAUSE I DIDN’T GET TO GO DO IT, EITHER, SO I’M JEALOUS AS WELL. BUT THEY GOT TO DO, I BELIEVE, ONE OF THE DOCKING SIMULATORS. >> AS IF YOU WERE LIKE DRIVING IT, OR AS IF LIKE YOU WERE TRYING TO CAPTURE A CARGO VEHICLE? >> I BELIEVE THIS WAS ONE WHERE IT WAS TRYING TO CAPTURE A CARGO VEHICLE OVER THERE. AND I DON’T KNOW IF YOU’VE BEEN OVER IN BUILDING 16 WHERE THEY DO THE-- THEY HAVE THE DOME PROJECTION OF THE-- IT’S KIND OF LIKE A VR SETTING, TO A DEGREE. >> OKAY. >> NOT WITH THE GOGGLES, BUT JUST TRYING TO PUT YOU IN THAT ENVIRONMENT. YOU’RE AT A STATION THAT LOOKS LIKE ONBOARD, AND THEN THEY SURROUND YOU WITH A DOME OF PROJECTIONS. >> OH, YEAH. WE ACTUALLY JUST TALKED ABOUT THAT LAST WEEK ON LAST WEEK’S EPISODE WITH SHANE KIMBROUGH. WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THAT VERY SIMULATOR, BECAUSE THAT’S THE SAME SIMULATOR THAT HE USED TO PRACTICE ROBOTIC ARM OPERATIONS. >> EXACTLY. >> SO IT WAS THAT? THAT’S WHAT IT WAS? >> YEAH, I MEAN, THESE FACILITIES ARE THE SAME ONES THAT OUR ASTRONAUTS TRAIN IN. >> THERE YOU GO. HOW ABOUT THAT? IT’S PRETTY COOL, FROM WHAT THEY DESCRIBE. AGAIN, IT’S ON THE BUCKET LIST FOR ME HERE. I STILL HAVEN’T DONE IT, BUT IT’S LITERALLY A PROJECTION OF THE EARTH, SO IT LOOKS LIKE WHENEVER YOU’RE TRAINING YOU’RE INSIDE THE CUPOLA. YOU’RE INSIDE THE SAME MODULE ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION WITH RELATIVELY THE SAME VIEW THAT THEY HAVE. OBVIOUSLY, AS SHANE KIMBROUGH SAID, IT WAS NOT THE REAL THING, BUT IT IS PRETTY CLOSE. >> IT IS PRETTY CLOSE. WELL, AS I WAS SAYING, I HAVEN’T SEEN IT RECENTLY, BUT IT’S A VERY NICE SIMULATION. >> YEAH, AND THEN YOU PRACTICE DOING THE ROBOTIC ARMS THINGS. AND THEY GET NO TRAINING, RIGHT? DO THEY ACTUALLY GO IN AND DRIVE IT? DO THEY ACTUALLY RUN THE SIMULATION? OR DO THEY JUST WATCH IT? >> NO, THEY ACTUALLY GO IN AND GET A CHANCE TO-- NOT FOR A LONG AMOUNT OF TIME. THEY USUALLY GO IN, THEIR WHOLE TEAM OF FIVE OR SIX, SO THEY’LL EACH TAKE A QUICK TURN ON DOING IT. SO THEY EACH GET THAT HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITY. >> YEAH. WOW, ALL RIGHT. AGAIN, SUPER JEALOUS. >> I AGREE. LIKE I SAID, I DIDN’T HAVE A CHANCE TO DO THOSE, EITHER. >> OKAY, SO WHAT’S SOME OF THE OTHER COOL STUFF THEY’RE GOING TO SEE? >> WELL, DEFINITELY WHEN THEY COME DOWN HERE, WE WANT TO GIVE THEM THE CHANCE TO SEE MISSION CONTROL. >> OH, YEAH. >> BUILDING 9-- OF COURSE, THEY’RE ALWAYS WORKING THERE. I MEAN, I THINK IT’S ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS. IF YOU GO ON THE TOUR FROM SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON OR ANYWHERE, IT’S ALWAYS ON THE TOUR. BUT THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF DIFFERENCE FROM BEING UP ON THE CATWALK WHERE THE VISITORS ARE AND BEING ACTUALLY ON THE FLOOR WORKING FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS. >> YEAH. >> SO MISSION-- THEY ALSO GET TO DO POGO THERE, THE PARTIAL GRAVITY SIMULATOR. >> THAT’S RIGHT. >> THIS IS ONE THAT WE’VE DONE IN THE PAST. THE ROBOTICS GROUP, WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN THERE, HAS BEEN GREAT TO WORK WITH. AS I SAID, LAST YEAR THEY GAVE THE PARTICIPANTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A RIDE-- THEY DIDN’T GET TO DRIVE, BUT IT’S STILL A FUN RIDE IN THE MARS EXPLORATION VEHICLE-- YOU KNOW, THE LITTLE CAR THAT WAS A JOINT PROJECT WITH, I BELIEVE, GM THAT CAN DRIVE SIDEWAYS OR SIT AND SPIN IN ONE SPOT. >> OH, YEAH, THE MRV, YEAH. YEAH, THE MRV. SO THAT’S A FUN ONE, BECAUSE IT’S LITERALLY OMNI-DIRECTIONAL DRIVING. >> EXACTLY. >> SO YOU CAN SPIN, AND GO SIDEWAYS, AND-- THAT’S A COOL CAR. >> THEY GIVE EVERYBODY A CHANCE TO RIDE IN THAT. YOU KNOW, PERHAPS WE’LL DO THAT AGAIN, OR GET A CHANCE AT ONE OF THE SUVs THAT ARE OVER THERE. >> AH, YEAH. >> DON’T KNOW-- AGAIN, WE’RE STILL NOT-- A FEW THINGS WE’VE STILL GOT TO NAIL DOWN BETWEEN NOW AND MARCH, BUT THERE’S DEFINITELY SO MANY NEAT THINGS TO DO HERE. WE’LL GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO SEE THE SATURN V OVER IN THE SATURN V BUILDING, WHICH IS ALWAYS IMPRESSIVE. BECAUSE WE’VE FOUND THAT MOST OF THE FOLKS THAT ARE COMING HAVE NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE. >> YEAH. >> SO AS I SAID, LAST YEAR WE DID HAVE A TEAM FROM THE LOCAL CLEAR CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, EVERYBODY WAS REALLY THEIR FIRST TIME TO JOHNSON SPACE CENTER. >> YEAH. >> SO IT’S AMAZING. >> WE MIGHT TAKE THAT A LITTLE BIT FOR GRANTED, BECAUSE WE GO INTO WORK EVERY DAY AND PASS LITERALLY ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST ROCKETS IF NOT THE LARGEST ROCKET-- I’M GOING TO HAVE TO DOUBLE CHECK ON THAT. BUT THAT WAS THE ROCKET THAT TOOK US TO THE MOON, JUST LAYING ON ITS SIDE, JUST-- YOU KNOW, AS WE’RE DRIVING BY. AND IT’S SO COOL TO-- IT’S LIKE A HIKE TO WALK FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER AND SEE THE WHOLE THING. BUT IT’S DEFINITELY ONE OF THE COOL THINGS TO SEE. MISSION CONTROL, DEFINITELY. POGO, THAT’S A GOOD ONE, TOO, BECAUSE YOU’RE KIND OF SUSPENDED ON A STRING THAT SORT OF SIMULATES, RIGHT, SIMULATES-- >> IT DOES. IT USES-- THE [ INDISTINCT ] AND TAKES THE LOAD OFF SO THAT YOU’RE SUSPENDED AND ACTUALLY FEELING WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE ON A SPACEWALK. >> RIGHT. >> AND THEY SET UP A NICE LITTLE SIMULATION TO USE HANDHOLDS AND MOVE THROUGH TWO OR THREE PLACES AND DO A-- TRY TO MAKE A CONNECTION OF A CABLE INTO A SOCKET, WHICH, AGAIN, IF YOU’RE NOT USED TO THAT-- YOU KNOW, WHEN WE’RE SITTING HERE SOMEWHERE, OH, LET’S JUST GRAB IT AND PUT IT IN THERE. WELL, YOU’RE PUSHING AGAINST THE FLOOR AND ALL THESE OTHER THINGS THAT AREN’T MOVING. WELL, ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERYTHING’S MOVING. YOU TAKE THE TINIEST PUSH ON THAT, AND YOU’RE GOING THE OTHER DIRECTION ALL OF A SUDDEN. >> THAT’S RIGHT. MICROGRAVITY. >> MICROGRAVITY AT WORK. IF YOU’RE NOT USED TO IT, IT’S DIFFERENT, WHICH I’M SURE YOU VISIT WITH SOME ASTRONAUTS, THEY’LL ALWAYS TELL YOU THAT. BUT-- SO THIS GIVES US FOLKS DOWN HERE ON EARTH A LITTLE PEEK INTO WHAT THAT’S LIKE. >> THAT’S PRETTY COOL. YEAH, NO, THAT’S TRUE. YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT TAKING IT BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM-- NEWTON’S LAW OF ANYTHING IN MOTION WILL STAY IN MOTION UNLESS ACTED ON BY ANOTHER FORCE. >> THAT’S RIGHT, OR THAT ACTION AND REACTION-- THAT’S THE ONE THAT REALLY GETS YOU ON THAT SPACEWALK. >> AH, I SEE. >> A LITTLE PUSH HERE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, YOU’RE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM IF YOU’RE NOT CAREFUL. >> THAT’S TRUE. YOU KNOW, TALKING WITH DIFFERENT ASTRONAUTS, OBVIOUSLY, BUT THEN EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY SPECIALISTS, TOO, THE TRICK IS THE SLOWER, THE BETTER, RIGHT? BECAUSE IF YOU MOVE TOO FAST, THEN IT’S EXACTLY THAT-- YOU’RE ALREADY IN MOTION. NOW YOU HAVE TO STOP. >> RIGHT. >> SO YOU KNOW, UNDERSTANDING THAT WHOLE THING. AND NOW YOU’VE GOT THIS 300-POUND SPACESUIT THAT EVEN IN MICROGRAVITY DOESN’T WEIGH THAT MUCH, BUT IT’S STILL A MASS THAT YOU’VE GOT TO CARRY WITH YOU WHENEVER YOU’RE MOVING. >> GOT TO CARRY WITH YOU, GOT TO STOP IT, GOT TO START IT. >> YEAH. >> YEAH, MASS IS STILL MASS NO MATTER WHERE YOU’RE AT. >> EXACTLY. DOES THAT KIND OF TRANSLATE INTO THE CHALLENGE, TOO? IS THERE LIKE UNDERSTANDING MASS AND HOW IT INTERACTS WITH THIS WHOLE SETUP HERE? >> IT REALLY DOES BECAUSE MOMENTUM-- YOU GET INTO FORCE OF MOTION, YOU GOT ALL THESE OTHER THINGS-- MOMENTUM AND ENERGY-- THAT GO INTO IT AS WELL. AND THAT’S ONE THING THAT THEY DO GET A CHANCE TO WORK WITH. OF COURSE, THE WHOLE DEVICE HAS SOME MASS TO IT, BUT SINCE THEY’RE-- IF YOU THINK ABOUT FROM AN OLD PHYSICS CLASS ABOUT-- TALKING ABOUT MOMENTUM, YOU KNOW, MAYBE SHOOTING A CANNON AND THE BIGGER CANNON WILL SHOOT THE SAME SIZE BALL FURTHER JUST BECAUSE OF THE MASS DIFFERENCES. >> OH, YEAH. >> THEN YOU GET A CHANCE TO ADJUST SOME OF THE MASSES ON THE LAUNCHING DEVICE, THAT THEIR SLED IS CONNECTED TO. SO THEY HAVE TO TAKE THAT INTO ACCOUNT. YOU KNOW, LIKE YOU MENTIONED EARLIER, THERE’S A LOT OF DIFFERENT FACETS TO THIS THAT THEY REALLY THINK THROUGH. >> YEAH. >> AND THAT’S ALSO WHY WE FOCUSED THAT HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL FOR THEM TO TAKE THAT THOSE THAT MAY HAVE HAD THE PHYSICS OR TECHNOLOGY CLASS THAT AT LEAST HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS AT A LITTLE HIGHER LEVEL. >> DEFINITELY. >> DOESN’T MEAN MIDDLE SCHOOL CAN’T BE INVOLVED, BUT IT’S-- THERE’S SOME PRETTY GOOD SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IN HERE. >> SO THAT-- I KIND OF WANT TO EXPLORE THOSE LAYERS A LITTLE BIT MORE ACTUALLY, BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE-- WHAT ARE THEY DESIGNING? WHAT ARE THEY BRINGING TO THE TABLE? AND THEN, WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT ARE HERE THAT THEY HAVE TO INTERACT WITH? LIKE, WHAT’S THE WHOLE CHALLENGE THEN? >> WELL, THE DEVICE THAT THEY’RE BRINGING-- WE PROVIDE THEM WITH A-- AND THIS IS SIMILAR TO A NUMBER OF DESIGN CHALLENGES THAT ARE OUT THERE IN DIFFERENT PLACES, IS WE PROVIDE THEM WITH A KIT OF SOME BASIC SIMPLE MATERIALS. THAT IS FROM CARDBOARD, TO SOME DOWEL RODS, SOME SMALL PIECES OF WOOD, SPRINGS, RUBBER BANDS, BUNGEE CORDS. THING THAT’LL GIVE YOU THE BASICS OF A DEVICE BECAUSE IN ESSENCE YOU’RE PUTTING TOGETHER THIS LAUNCHING DEVICE. WE CALL IT THE SATELLITE LAUNCHING EXPERIMENTAL DEVICE, OR SLED. >> OH, SO YOU’RE BUILDING A LAUNCHING DEVICE? >> THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE BUILDING. >> GOT IT. >> THE DEVICE IS ACTUALLY GOING TO SHOOT A SATELLITE. IN THIS CASE, WE USE A-- ONE OF THOSE LITTLE AIR HOCKEY BALLS YOU CAN KIND OF LIKE BOUNCE AROUND THE KITCHEN. >> LIKE A DISK? >> YEAH, THE DISK THAT’S ABOUT 6-INCHES ACROSS, IT BLOWS AIR DOWN, AND YOU CAN BAT IT AROUND. >> YEAH. >> THAT’S THE SATELLITE THAT THEY’RE TRYING TO LAUNCH FROM THEIR DEVICE INTO THE TARGET. THAT’S ACTUALLY OUR SATELLITE IN THIS. >> THE SATELLITE IS THE HOCKEY DISK? >> IT’S THE HOCKEY DISK. >> OKAY, COOL. >> SO IT’S GOING TO MOVE VERY EASILY ACROSS THAT HIGHLY POLISHED STEEL FLOOR OF THE PABF. SO THEY’RE BUILDING A DEVICE THAT’S GOING TO LAUNCH THAT, TRYING TO HIT THIS SMALL INSERTION TARGET THAT’S MOVING. >> OH, THE INSERTION TARGET IS MOVING! >> YEAH, IT’S MOVING AT THEM, MOVING-- HITTING A MOVING TARGET. THAT’S WHY IT’S-- THERE’S A LOT TO THIS. >> YEAH. WOW! OKAY. >> SO THEY’VE GOT TO DECIDE, YOU KNOW, HOW TO LAUNCH THIS, HOW FAST IT NEEDS TO GO, WHICH DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH ENERGY THE INPUT IS SO THEY WANT TO USE RUBBER BANDS OR SPRINGS OR SOMETHING MORE HEAVY DUTY. THEY DO GET A CHANCE TO ENHANCE THAT KIT THAT WE GIVE THEM WITH SOME THINGS THEY HAVE THERE AS WELL, ABOUT 20%. IT’S 80/20 ROUGH GUIDELINE FOR THEM TO USE WHAT WE’VE PROVIDED AND THEN DESIGN FROM THEIR OWN MATERIALS THAT THEY HAVE. >> MM-HMM. >> AND TO ME, THE HARDEST PART FOR THEM IS TO DECIDE HOW TO MAKE THAT AUTONOMOUS. YOU KNOW, DECIDE WHAT MECHANISM THEY’RE GOING TO USE TO RELEASE IT AT THE RIGHT TIME AT THE RIGHT SPEED TO HIT THAT TARGET. LAST YEAR, WE HAD SOMEONE THAT BUILT HER OWN BREADBOARDS. WE HAD SOME THAT USED THE LEGO MINDSTORM ROBOT TO ACTUALLY LAUNCH IT-- SOMETHING THEY ALREADY HAD AT THEIR SCHOOL. >> YEAH. >> AND THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS THAT OTHER TEAMS OUT THERE WILL FIND TO MAKE USE OF. USUALLY ONE OF THE FUNNEST PARTS FOR ME IS SEEING THE DIFFERENT DESIGNS THAT THESE TEAMS COME UP WITH. >> YEAH. A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT DESIGNS FOR EXACTLY THE SAME TASK. >> EXACTLY. >> BUT, MAY THE BEST DESIGN WIN, I GUESS. >> EXACTLY. AND, ONCE YOU ACTUALLY-- IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN IN ONE OF THESE, IT’S NOT JUST THE DESIGN IT’S EXECUTING THAT DESIGN. SO IT’S ALSO BUILDING IT SO THAT IT WILL WITHSTAND THAT LAUNCH AND ET CETERA. SO YOU’VE GOT TO PUT SOME DURABILITY INTO IT AS WELL. >> KIND OF HARD WITH CARDBOARD AND RUBBER BANDS. >> IT IS, BUT THEY FIND MORE WAYS. >> ALL RIGHT. >> WE HAD A TEAM LAST YEAR THAT TOOK THE CARDBOARD BOX WE SENT THEM, WHICH WE DIDN’T REALLY HAVE IN MIND AT THE TIME FOR THEM TO USE, BUT THEY USED IT AS THEIR BASES AND FIBERGLASSED IT. >> OH! ALL RIGHT, THERE YOU GO. WAY MORE STRUCTURALLY SOUND. EXACTLY. SO, USING THAT-- USING THEIR OWN CREATIVITY IS REALLY KEY TO THIS. >> YEAH, DEFINITELY. WOW. SO THE FIRST-- SO THEY’RE HERE FOR A WHOLE WEEK THEN, AND THIS CHALLENGE IS-- IS IT-- YOU SAID THERE’S A LOT OF TESTING INVOLVED IN THE BEGINNING, RIGHT? YOU’RE KIND OF-- JUST KIND OF PRACTICING AND-- >> THERE IS. IT’S OVER A WEEK, SO THEY COME IN ON A MONDAY. >> YEAH. >> THEY GET A CHANCE THAT FIRST DAY, ONCE THEY GO THROUGH THE SAFETY REVIEWS, SPEND AN HOUR TESTING IT ON THE FLOOR. WHICH DEPENDING ON HOW WELL IT PERFORMS, WHAT KIND OF ADJUSTMENTS THEY MAKE. THEY CAN GET 1 SHOT IN TO 20 OR 30, DEPENDING ON HOW WELL IT WORKS. >> YEAH. WE’VE GOT TO WORK IN THAT TIME FOR THEIR EXPERIENCES AS WELL. TOURS, THE THINGS THAT WE WILL DO. >> YEAH. >> AND THEN, A CHANCE TO DOING THE MODIFICATIONS THEY NEED. AND THEN, THEY ALSO GET A CHANCE THEN-- AND THAT’S PROBABLY ON WEDNESDAY. THEN ON THURSDAY, THEY’LL GET A CHANCE TO WORK THROUGH IT AGAIN AND SEE IF THE MODIFICATIONS THEY’VE MADE WORK BETTER AND THEY’LL HAVE A BETTER-- ANOTHER HOUR ON THE FLOOR TO GET AS MANY SHOTS IN AS THEY CAN AND SEE WHAT SUCCESSES THEY HAVE. >> MM-HMM. >> BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IS NOT THAT THEY CAN DO IT ONCE, BUT THAT YOU CAN DO IT REPEATEDLY, YOU KNOW, FAIRLY QUICKLY. >> YEAH. >> WE GET THEM COMPETING AGAINST THEMSELVES, HOW MANY TIMES CAN THEY HIT THE TARGET, SO TO SPEAK. >> YEAH. >> AND THEN, WE’LL ASK THEM TO DO A QUICK SUMMARY HERE LOCALLY, SHARE KIND OF A SHOWCASE WHAT THEY’VE LEARNED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, WHICH WE’LL INVITE THE JSC COMMUNITY TO COME AND PARTICIPATE IN AS WELL. >> OH, REALLY? >> LIKE WE DO WITH A LOT OF THESE ACTIVITIES, YEAH. >> COOL. SO, REAL SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS FROM HERE AT THE CENTER COME AND CHECK IT OUT. >> THEY’LL HAVE THAT OPEN INVITE. >> ALL RIGHT, COOL. SO THEY HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO KIND OF REFINE EVERYTHING AND PRACTICE, BECAUSE THEY COME HERE ON A MONDAY AND BY-- >> BY FRIDAY, THEY’RE DONE AND HEADED HOME [ INDISTINCT, 33:33] THAT SHOWCASE. >> YEAH. >> SO THEY-- REALLY, THEY GET TO SPEND ABOUT OUT OF THAT 2-3 HOURS ON THE FLOOR. >> WOW. >> SO BETWEEN ALL THE TEAMS IT’S A LOT OF TIME, BUT AN INDIVIDUAL TEAM GETS ABOUT 2 HOURS ON THE FLOOR IS ALL. >> OH, THAT’S RIGHT, BECAUSE-- OH, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO SHARE. I DIDN’T THINK ABOUT THAT. >> GOT TO SHARE. YEAH, GOT TO SHARE. >> YOU GOT TO SHARE THE FLOOR. OKAY. WOW, THAT’S SUCH A COOL EXPERIENCE. YEAH, I HAD NO IDEA THAT THAT WAS SOMETHING-- YOU KNOW, BECAUSE I-- WHEN I-- IN HIGH SCHOOL, I REMEMBER DABBLING IN ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT FIELDS, RIGHT? >> RIGHT. >> BECAUSE HIGH SCHOOL IS KIND OF THE TIME WHERE YOU TRY TO FIGURE THAT OUT, RIGHT? “OKAY, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?” >> EXACTLY. >> SO YOU KIND OF DO SOME CHALLENGES OVER HERE, SOME THINGS. DO YOU FIND THAT THE STUDENTS ARE MORE SORT OF SET ON, “YEAH, YOU KNOW WHAT? SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IS FOR ME?” OR DO YOU FIND THEM KIND OF THIS IS ANOTHER STEP ON THEIR EXPLORATORY MISSION OF WHAT THEY WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES? >> BEING THE FIRST TIME WE’LL HAVE STUDENTS HERE, MY GUESS IS THAT WE WILL FIND MOST OF THE ONES THAT ARE COMING HERE ARE REALLY INTERESTED IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. >> YEAH. >> BUT, I’M SURE THAT THERE ARE A LOT THAT ARE ON THE TEAM BACK HOME THAT ARE STILL CHECKING THINGS OUT. >> YEAH. >> AND I’M ALSO SAYING THAT FROM MY EXPERIENCE. I’M A FORMER CLASSROOM TEACHER. I TAUGHT PHYSICS AND WAS A ROBOTICS COACH. >> ALL RIGHT. >> SO THERE’S SO MANY FACETS TO THIS PROGRAM AS WELL. YOU KNOW, WE GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO DESIGN THEIR OWN TEAM PATCH, YOU KNOW, OR LIKE A MISSION PATCH AND SUCH THAT YOU CAN REALLY BRING IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS. MATTER OF FACT, I WAS-- ONE OF OUR TEACHERS LAST YEAR WAS ACTUALLY THE FRENCH TEACHER THAT WAS INVOLVED. >> HUH. >> BUT SHE WAS ALSO INTERESTED IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AND SHE FOUND WAYS THOUGH TO WORK THIS INTO HER FRENCH CURRICULUM AND ALL SORTS OF THINGS. YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU GET CREATIVE THERE’S LOTS OF CONNECTIONS YOU CAN MAKE, BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. >> OUI. >> BUT YOU KNOW, FOR THE STUDENTS, IT’LL BE INTERESTING TO SEE THIS YEAR AS WE-- BECAUSE WE WILL SURVEY THEM BEFORE AND AFTERWARDS IF THIS CHANGES THEIR FEELING ABOUT STEM CAREERS OR-- BE IT SCIENCE, OR ENGINEERING, OR TECHNOLOGY, OR WHATEVER IT MIGHT BE, WE WILL ASK THAT QUESTION SO WE’LL HAVE SOME BETTER DATA LATER. >> DEFINITELY. NO, THIS IS-- IT’S KIND OF THE MISSION OF WHY WE DO NASA-- EDUCATION HERE AT NASA IS TO KIND OF-- IS THAT FAIR TO SAY? IS THAT THIS KIND OF HELPS INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION? >> THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO DO. I MEAN, THAT’S WHAT THESE ARE ALL ABOUT, NOT ONLY INSPIRE THOSE STUDENTS, BUT GIVE THE TEACHERS THAT ARE WORKING WITH THEM THE TOOLS TO HELP NOT ONLY THE STUDENTS THEY BRING THIS TIME BUT STUDENTS IN THE FUTURE. >> YEAH. >> THEY GET A CHANCE TO DO THIS, OR THEY CAN GO DO SOMETHING SIMILAR ON THEIR OWN. >> YEAH. SO THAT’S-- MAYBE LESSON PLANS ARE A PART OF THIS, RIGHT? OR IS THAT ANOTHER PART OF NASA EDUCATION, THERE ARE LESSON PLANS? >> IT REALLY IS-- WE DON’T NECESSARILY DESIGN A LOT OF LESSON PLANS HERE PER SE. >> OH. >> WE DO PROVIDE A LOT OF [ INDISTINCT, 36:21] AND MATERIAL. WE TALKED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, MICROGRAVITY EARLIER AND LEARNING ABOUT THAT. >> YEAH. >> AND WE HAVE AN ENTIRE LESSON GUIDE ON MICROGRAVITY, DEMONSTRATIONS AND LESSONS THAT THEY CAN USE, WHICH WE’LL BE SHARING WITH THE EDUCATORS, OF COURSE. >> COOL. >> BUT, WHAT WE’RE REALLY TRYING TO DO IS GET THEM ENGAGED IN THESE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AND REALLY GIVE THEM THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM AND THEIR STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE IT AND WORK THAT INTO THEIR LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT AS AN EDUCATOR. >> YEAH. OH, OKAY. RIGHT, BECAUSE YOU GOT EDUCATORS HERE, RIGHT? THE FRENCH TEACHER. >> THAT’S RIGHT. >> AND YOU GOT OTHER FOLKS COMING THAT ARE GOING TO APPLY THIS, RIGHT? >> THAT’S RIGHT. >> THAT’S VERY COOL. >> AND THAT’S ONE OF THE THINGS WE FOUND LAST YEAR IS THAT THEY FOUND SO MANY WAYS TO DO-- THIS IS SOMETHING IN EDUCATIONS THAT’S CALLED THE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING. >> HMM. >> AND A LOT OF THEM ARE NOT, YOU KNOW, THEY MAY DO THIS ON A SMALL SCALE, BUT THEY FOUND THIS IS A WAY THAT THEY CAN DO MORE LARGER PROBLEM-BASED LESSONS BACK HOME. IT GAVE THEM THE COURAGE TO GO HOME AND DO THAT, THE KNOWLEDGE TO DO IT. IT WAS QUITE A DEAL. ONE STORY I WANT TO SHARE THAT I THOUGHT WAS JUST SO MOTIVATING TO ME AS WELL THAT IT’S IMPORTANT WE DO THESE IS WE HAD A TEACHER DOING A GREAT JOB, HAVING FUN, IT WAS OBVIOUS. BUT WAS, FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, WAS ACTUALLY SHOCKED THAT THEY-- IN THE WEEK, HE’S GIVING US A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT HE’D LEARNED IS, YOU KNOW, ALMOST-- I CAN’T QUOTE HIM EXACTLY, BUT BASICALLY WHAT HE WAS SAYING WAS HE HAD HAD SUCH A TREMENDOUS EXPERIENCE HERE AND LEARNED SO MUCH MORE ABOUT WHAT HE COULD SHARE WITH STUDENTS THAT HE DECIDED NOT TO RETIRE AND CONTINUE TO TEACH. >> WOW! HOW ABOUT THAT. >> YEAH, IT IS VERY INSPIRING WHAT THEY’RE ABLE TO DO HERE AND WHAT THEY’RE ABLE TO TAKE BACK AND SHARE. >> A NEW WAVE OF INSPIRATION. >> EXACTLY. >> THAT’S PRETTY COOL. >> SO IT’S NOT JUST THE YOUNG KIDS WE’RE INSPIRING, IT’S THOSE DEDICATED EDUCATORS OUT THERE AS WELL. >> YEAH, DECIDED TO STICK AROUND. THAT’S AWESOME, NOT EVEN RETIRE. THAT’S REALLY COOL. I COULD TOTALLY AGREE WITH THE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING, TOO, BECAUSE I’M THINKING-- WHILE YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THAT I WAS THINKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES IN HIGH SCHOOL AND EARLIER THAN THAT EVEN WHERE-- I THINK THE LESSONS, WHEN IT COMES TO LIKE ACTUAL LESSONS THAT I LEARNED AND THINGS I LEARNED IN SCHOOL. THE THINGS I TAKE AWAY THE MOST ARE WHENEVER THERE WAS SOMETHING VERY SPECIFIC THAT I HAD TO DO. IT WAS A TASK, RIGHT, THAT YOU HAD TO START AND THEN FINISH. AND THROUGH THAT WHOLE THING YOU SORT OF CAN PULL BACK AND LEARN THAT BROADER PIECE OF INFORMATION, THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF WHY YOU WERE DOING THAT PROJECT. >> RIGHT. THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT. WE ALL KNOW IT WORKS BEST, BUT SOMETIMES MAKING IT-- PUTTING IT IN ACTION IS NOT THE EASIEST THING TO DO. >> YEAH. >> SO THIS GIVES EDUCATORS A CHANCE TO LEARN HOW TO DO IT AND GIVES STUDENTS A LARGE IMMERSION INTO THIS KIND OF ACTIVITY. >> DEFINITELY. WELL, WHAT ABOUT YOU, MIKE? BECAUSE YOU-- YOU’RE HERE AS A-- ARE YOU CONSIDERED A NASA EDUCATOR, IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE? OR DO YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT JOB TITLE? >> THAT’S BASICALLY MY JOB TITLE, A NASA EDUCATION SPECIALIST. >> EDUCATION SPECIALIST, YEAH. >> DO A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS, DESIGN THIS EXPERIENCE THAT WE’RE GETTING READY TO PUT TOGETHER, WHICH WILL INVOLVE SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS, COORDINATE ALL OF THAT. SO I’M KIND OF A PROGRAM MANAGER IN A WAY. >> YEAH. >> BUT, HAVE TO BRING THE EDUCATION VALUE TO IT, WHICH IS I THINK WHY AS A FORMER CLASSROOM EDUCATOR IT’S-- EXCUSE ME, THAT’S A REQUIREMENT FOR MY JOB. >> YEAH. HOW’D YOU-- HOW DID THAT CAREER PATH GO? HOW’D YOU GET FROM HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR TO THE PHYSICS TEACHER ALL THE WAY TO NASA? HOW’D THAT GO? >> WELL, ACTUALLY, I WAS TRAINED AS AN EDUCATOR IN COLLEGE, BUT WENT OFF IN ANOTHER DIRECTION WITH A NON-PROFIT FOR A WHILE. BUT I WAS COMING BACK INTO EDUCATION I KNEW THAT I NEEDED TO REFINE MY SCIENCE SKILLS AGAIN. YOU KNOW, ANYTHING GETS A LITTLE RUSTY WHEN YOU DON’T USE IT. SO I WAS LOOKING FOR SOME SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES TO-- I DIDN’T WANT TO JUST GO BACK TO SCHOOL, BUT I KNEW IF I LOOKED I COULD PROBABLY FIND SOME OPPORTUNITIES. AND FORTUNATELY, ACTUALLY JOHNSON SPACE CENTER THERE WERE SOME OPPORTUNITIES TO COME DOWN AND BE A MENTOR FOR ACTUALLY THAT-- SPEND A WEEK HERE AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER AND WORK WITH STUDENTS AND THAT’S WHEN I FOUND ALL OF THE NEAT THINGS THAT WERE GOING ON HERE. >> YEAH. >> AND DID THAT, GOT ME HOOKED ON NASA, AGAIN. BECAUSE I REMEMBER THE MOON LANDING, SO YOU KNOW, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN THERE IN THE BACK OF MY MIND, BUT WHAT COULD IT DO FOR EDUCATION? >> RIGHT. >> EXCUSE ME. AND ONCE I FOUND OUT THERE WERE OPPORTUNITIES I STARTED LOOKING FOR MORE AND I FOUND THEM. I HAD OPPORTUNITIES TO GO INTO DIFFERENT THINGS. AND FINALLY, I FOUND OUT, “HEY, THERE’S A JOB. I CAN ACTUALLY GO DO THIS.” I APPLIED AND A COUPLE YEARS LATER I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH AND HERE I AM. YOU KNOW, IT WAS A JOURNEY ITSELF. >> YEAH. >> BUT I’M GLAD I’M HERE. IT IS VERY INSPIRING TO GET TO WORK WITH ALL THESE EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS OUT THERE. >> DEFINITELY. YEAH, I WAS A STUDENT MYSELF WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE AND TRANSITIONED MORE TOWARDS THE MENTOR ROLE. AND SO, I CAN APPRECIATE ALL THIS STUFF THAT YOU’RE DOING, BECAUSE I LIVED IT. I WAS THERE. I WAS DEFINITELY INSPIRED TO COME WORK HERE THROUGH THE INTERNSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS AND ALL THE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES, TOO. I WORKED WITH-- DID A ROTATION IN EDUCATION, ACTUALLY WORKING ON VARIOUS PROGRAMS THERE. >> OKAY. >> WHAT WAS-- AND I ACTUALLY DID REDUCED GRAVITY. THAT WAS ONE OF THE PROGRAMS I WORKED WITH. >> OKAY. >> HAS WAS ANOTHER ONE. SO WHAT’S-- DO YOU WORK WITH HAS AT ALL? >> I REALLY WORK WITH THEM JUST A LITTLE BIT, USUALLY HELPING THEM DURING THE SUMMER WHEN THEY HAVE SOME STUDENTS HERE WHEN THEY NEED EXTRA ESCORTS FOR SOME OF THEIR TOURS AND ALL. BUT, AS I MENTIONED, THAT PROGRAM THAT I FIRST HAD THE SUMMER TO COME AND WORK FOR A WEEK, THAT WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THEY DID HAS. >> REALLY? >> IT WAS, AND I WAS A MENTOR FOR ONE OF THOSE WEEKS DURING THAT INITIAL YEAR FOR HIGH SCHOOL AEROSPACE SCHOLARS. SO YEAH, I’VE WORKED WITH THEM OFF AND ON THROUGHOUT THE YEARS AS WELL. >> ALL RIGHT. HAS IT CHANGED? HAVE YOU NOTICED SINCE ITS INCEPTION? >> IT HAS. A LOT OF IT IS THE SAME. THEY’VE REFINED REALLY WHAT’S TO ME THE DIFFERENCE IS, THEN IT WAS A CHANCE TO-- STUDENTS JUST CAME AND SPENT THE WEEK HERE AND HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE. BUT THEY’VE ADDED A LOT OF PRE-WORK THAT THE STUDENTS NEED TO DO, AN ONLINE COURSE, ACTUALLY, AND PREPARATION FOR COMING HERE. >> THAT’S RIGHT. >> AND THAT’S MADE IT A DEEPER EXPERIENCE FOR THE STUDENTS. THAT’S BEEN A GREAT ADDITION TO IT. >> YEAH. AND JUST TO PULL BACK EVEN FURTHER JUST FOR THE LISTENERS SAKE, IT’S HIGH SCHOOL AEROSPACE SCHOLAR, RIGHT? >> RIGHT. >> THAT’S HAS. AND IT’S ANOTHER-- IT’S KIND OF LIKE MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY WHERE IT’S A CHALLENGE BASED COURSE AND YOU COME HERE FOR A WEEK AND DO THE CHALLENGE, RIGHT? >> THAT’S RIGHT. IT’S A SERIES OF SMALLER CHALLENGES THAT THEY DO. LIKE, IT’S DESIGNING AND BUILDING A ROCKET, A SMALL ROBOT. SO IT’S A BUNCH OF SMALL CHALLENGES THAT THEY DO. I BELIEVE ALMOST A DAILY KIND OF FOCUS CHALLENGE THAT THEY DO. AGAIN, NOT WORKING WITH IT DIRECTLY I DON’T WANT TO TALK TOO MUCH. >> OH, YEAH. >> BUT, IT DEFINITELY DOES HAVE THOSE ELEMENTS LIKE OUR LARGE CHALLENGE FOR MGUE HAS BUT JUST ON A LITTLE SMALLER SCALE. >> YEAH, JUST FROM MENTORING IT, I KNOW THAT THEY-- AT LEAST FOR WHEN I WAS MENTORING IT, THEY DID LIKE A MARS ROBOTICS CHALLENGE AND YOU HAD TO DESIGN A ROVER. AND THEN, DO THIS COMPETITION WHERE YOU KIND OF HAD THIS MAT THAT WAS YOUR MARS, RIGHT. >> RIGHT. >> YOUR MARTIAN SURFACE AND THEY HAD ROCKS AND LITTLE SHINY PIECES OF WATER, I GUESS. AND YOU HAD TO COLLECT AS MUCH AS YOU COULD, BRING IT BACK TO YOUR HOME BASE, AND THEN HOWEVER MUCH YOU COLLECTED THEN THAT’S HOW YOU WON. AND THAT WAS THE COMPETITION. IT WAS PRETTY COOL. >> IT IS, AND THAT SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO THE-- THERE’S A VERSION THAT’S FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS. >> OH. >> AND THAT’S DEFINITELY WHAT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AEROSPACE SCHOLARS DOES, OR WHAT WE REFER TO AS NCAS. >> NCAS, OKAY. >> YEAH. >> IS THAT FOR TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR IS THAT ACROSS-- >> THAT ONE’S NATIONWIDE. >> NATIONWIDE. ALL RIGHT, COOL. >> AND ACTUALLY, THEY DO THAT ONE IN MULTIPLE NASA CENTERS. >> WOW. EDUCATION HAS QUITE A FEW PROGRAMS GOING ON, HUH? >> IT SURE DOES. >> YEAH, THAT’S QUITE A FEW. I KNOW JUST UNDER THE MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY, WE TALKED ABOUT THIS COMPETITION HERE. BUT THEN ALSO, WE KIND OF SKIMMED IT OVER, BUT MICRO-G NExT IS ANOTHER ONE, RIGHT? THAT’S-- >> RIGHT, MICRO-G NExT IS ANOTHER ONE. THAT ONE’S AGAIN FOCUSED AT GRADUATE OR UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE LEVEL STUDENTS. >> OH, OKAY. >> AND IT IS FOCUSED ON-- THEY WORK WITH THE ENGINEERING TEAM THAT WORKS ON SPACEWALKING TOOLS. >> ALL RIGHT. >> SO THEY’RE GIVEN A CHALLENGE OR TWO. THEY CHOOSE WHICH ONE THAT THEY WANT, BUT USUALLY THERE’S TWO OPTIONS THAT GO OUT IN THE PROPOSAL. THEY CHOOSE WHICH ONE THEY WANT TO WORK ON, THEY DEVELOP THAT, AND THEN THEY GET A CHANCE TO BRING IT HERE AND THEY WORK UP A TEST THAT’S ACTUALLY PERFORMED IN THE NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LAB. >> MM-HMM. >> STUDENTS DON’T GET TO GO ACTUALLY DIVE IN PUT IT-- THEY WORK WITH THE DIVERS OUT THERE. >> DARN. >> AGAIN, ONE OF THOSE, “AH, SHUCKS, CAN’T DO THAT.” BUT THEY’RE THERE, THEY’RE WATCHING IT RIGHT ON THE MONITORS, THEY’RE GETTING FEEDBACK FROM THE DIVERS ABOUT HOW WELL IT WORKED, HOW EASILY-- WHAT THE EASE WITH WHICH THEY WERE ABLE TO UTILIZE THE TOOL. >> YEAH. >> SO THEY GET ALL THAT SAME ENGINEERING FEEDBACK VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT THE ENGINEERS HERE DO. >> YEAH. WOW, OKAY, COOL. SO YEAH, A LOT OF THESE CHALLENGES ARE KIND OF BASED OFF OF LITERALLY WHAT IS DONE HERE AT NASA. >> OH, DEFINITELY. IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE TIED INTO WHAT WE’RE DOING, EITHER RUNNING PARALLEL, LIKE WE MENTIONED WHAT WE’RE DOING IS VERY SIMILAR TO LAUNCHING THE CUBESATS ON THE ISS. >> YEAH. >> AND IT’S VERY SIMILAR TO A MISSION, WORKING WITH MISSION CONTROL. BUT AS YOU GET INTO THE MICRO-G NExT AND SOME OF THE OTHERS, IT IS VERY MUCH WHAT THEY’RE-- WHAT THEY’RE GOING TO BE DESIGNING IS A TOOL THAT MAYBE THAT DESIGN WORKS ITS WAY INTO A REAL TOOL. >> OH, WOW. HAVE YOU SEEN-- HAVE YOU SEEN EXAMPLES OF THAT? HAVE YOU SEEN EXAMPLES OF STUDENT RUN PROJECTS THAT GOT FIT INTO LIKE REAL-- >> ACTUALLY, THERE’S SEVERAL, AND LET ME THROW IN ANOTHER PROGRAM, THROW IT OUT THERE. >> YEAH. >> IT’S CALLED HUNCH. >> OKAY. >> I CANNOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT THAT ACRONYM STANDS FOR, BUT IT’S BASICALLY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DESIGNING SPACE HARDWARE. >> OKAY. >> AND A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS. THEY’VE ACTUALLY DONE SOME DIFFERENT CHALLENGES ON SPACE HARDWARE. THEY’VE ALSO DONE A FOOD CHALLENGE WHERE THEY ACTUALLY COME UP WITH A NEW RECIPE WORKING WITH THE FOOD LAB ON THAT. >> SWEET. >> ONE THING THEY’RE TESTING RIGHT NOW ON BOARD SPACE STATION ARE-- IS FOOTWEAR. >> OH. >> TO-- I’M NOT SURE WHAT YOU WOULD CALL IT, A SLIP-ON BOOTY, A MOCCASIN-- A SPACE MOCCASIN, WHATEVER IT MIGHT BE. >> SPACE MOCCASIN SOUNDS PRETTY COOL. >> YEAH, THERE YOU GO. BECAUSE YOU GOT TO PROTECT YOUR FEET UP THERE, BUT SOME OF THE-- BUT WHEN YOU’RE-- WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM IS, WHEN THEY LOCK IN ON SOME OF THE HANDHOLDS OR FOOTHOLDS, WE’RE NOT USED TO HAVING THE TOPS OF OUR FEET IN THAT SITUATION, RUBBING SOME SORE SPOTS. SO THEY’VE DEVELOPED THESE SPACE MOCCASINS, WE’LL GO AHEAD AND USE THAT TERM. AND THEY’RE TESTING THOSE RIGHT NOW ON BOARD TO SEE HOW WELL THEY WORK AND THEY’LL GET FEEDBACK FROM THE GUYS ON ORBIT-- THE GUYS AND GALS ON ORBIT AND SEE HOW WELL THEY WORK OR MAKE MODIFICATIONS AND TRY IT AGAIN. >> THAT IS SO TRUE, BECAUSE THEY DO A TON OF SCIENCE ALL THE TIME, THEY’RE WORKING ALL THE TIME, 200 EXPERIMENTS GOING ON IN ANY 6 MONTH INCREMENT. THERE’S JUST SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE, INCLUDING MAINTENANCE AND ALL THAT, BUT YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOU’RE-- YOU KNOW, YOU’RE NOT WALKING, YOU’RE WORKING WITH YOUR HANDS AND YOUR FEET ARE LOCKED INTO THESE HANDRAILS ALL THE TIME, CONSTANTLY JAMMING INTO THESE METAL HANDRAILS. OF COURSE THEY’RE GOING TO GET SORE. >> RIGHT. >> THAT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE. WOW, ALL RIGHT. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THESE SPACE MOCCASINS ARE GOING TO BE. >> YEAH, THAT’S WHAT-- I KNOW THEY’VE WORKED ON THE DINING TABLES AND A NUMBER OF OTHER-- DIDN’T BRUSH UP ON THAT, BUT THAT’S A GREAT PROJECT AS WELL, AND IT'S CALLED HUNCH. >> COOL. YEAH. ALL RIGHT, YEAH. THE DAY TO DAY STUFF, THAT SOUNDS PRETTY COOL TO WORK ON THAT. >> THAT’S RIGHT. >> ALL RIGHT. >> THERE’S ONE THING YOU MENTIONED EARLIER, IF I CAN THROW OUT THERE. >> YEAH, SURE. >> YOU TALKED ABOUT WHEN YOU WERE AN INTERN AND OTHERS HOW YOU WERE MENTORED. >> YEAH. >> YOU WENT THROUGH THAT PROGRAM. AND THAT’S ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT WE GET WITH THE MICROGRAVITY TEAMS THAT’LL BE INVITED TO COME DOWN HERE DURING THEIR DESIGN AND BUILDING. AND ACTUALLY, WHILE THEY’RE TESTING HERE, WE’RE RECRUITING NASA JSC PERSONNEL TO BE MENTORS TO WORK WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THAT PROCESS, TO BE A TECHNICAL ADVISOR, COACH, YOU KNOW, MENTOR THROUGHOUT THIS AS WELL. OF COURSE, WHEN THEY’RE WORKING DESIGNING THEY’LL BE VISITING WITH THEM VIRTUALLY, YOU KNOW, EMAIL, OR WHATEVER THEY ARE DOING THERE. BUT WHEN THEY’RE ACTUALLY ON SITE THROUGHOUT THAT WEEK, ESPECIALLY DURING TESTING, WE’LL INVITE THEIR MENTORS TO BE THERE WITH THEM AND GO THROUGH THAT. AND THE MENTORS HAVE A LOT OF FUN WITH THAT AS WELL. >> I CAN IMAGINE, ESPECIALLY-- I MEAN, YOU’RE WORKING THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES TOGETHER. JUST ANY KIND OF CHALLENGE-BASED THING, I CAN SEE ANYONE GETTING CHARGED ABOUT THAT KIND OF STUFF. THAT’S REALLY COOL. >> THEY ARE. YOU KNOW, THEY VOLUNTEER FOR IT. YO UKNOW, WE ASK FOR VOLUNTEERS, WE’RE IN THAT PROCESS RIGHT NOW. >> YEAH. >> SO WE JUST SHOUT IF ANYBODY WANTS TO VOLUNTEER FOR THAT. BUT, YEAH, THAT’S JUST ANOTHER LAYER THEY EXPERIENCE TO HAVE THAT NASA CONNECTION WITH A MENTOR AS WELL. >> YEAH. HEY, THAT’S PRETTY COOL. YOU’RE COMING TO NASA, YOU’RE SEEING ALL THE COOL STUFF, DOING REAL NASA CHALLENGES THAT ARE PERFECTLY APPLICABLE TO REAL SPACE FLIGHT, AND TALKING WITH NASA SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ALONG THE WAY. >> RIGHT. >> AND DOING IT IN REAL NICE FACILITIES. >> AND DOING IT IN REAL NICE-- >> ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I MEAN, WHAT ELSE COULD WE ADD TO THIS? >> ALL RIGHT, WELL, MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO IF YOU REALLY WANT THE TRUE NASA EXPERIENCE. SO I WANT TO KIND OF END WITH JUST THE OVERARCHING IDEA OF EDUCATION AT NASA. YOU KNOW, JUST TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THIS SEEMS PRETTY APPARENT, BUT IF YOU CAN KIND OF PUT LIKE A LITTLE-- I GUESS, BECAUSE OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT COMING UP, A LITTLE STAR ON TOP OF THIS TREE, OR A LITTLE CHERRY ON THE FRUITCAKE. NOBODY LIKES FRUITCAKE, COME ON. YOU KNOW, WHAT IS THE WHOLE IDEA OF NASA EDUCATION, THE PURPOSE OF WHY WE DO IT? >> WELL, THE PURPOSE IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE. WE WANT-- IF WE’RE WILLING TO CONTINUE WITH EXPLORATION OF THE UNIVERSE IT’S GOING TO TAKE AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE WITH LOTS OF CREATIVE IDEAS AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT TAKES TO WORK OUT THERE, BECAUSE IT’S NOT EASY. IT’S NOT LIKE BEING HERE. IT’S A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT, IT’S LOTS OF DIFFERENT CHALLENGES THAT WE’RE LEARNING MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY. WE MAY THINK WE’VE SOLVED ONE, BUT WHEN WE DO WE DISCOVER THERE’S 20 MORE THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH. WHEREVER WE’RE GOING, BE IT TO LUNAR ORBIT OR TO MARS OR BEYOND, WHATEVER IT’LL BE WE’VE GOT TO HAVE PEOPLE THAT DO THAT THAT ARE INTERESTED IN THIS. SO THAT’S OUR JOB IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE AND GET THOSE FOLKS IN THE PIPELINE SO THAT THEY CAN BE INVOLVED DOWN THE ROAD. >> ALL RIGHT. THAT WAS A PERFECT WAY OF WRAPPING IT UP, MIKE. >> I HOPE SO. >> VERY COOL. ALL RIGHT, WELL, STICK AROUND UNTIL AFTER THE MUSIC HERE AND WE’LL RECAP THAT WEBSITE FOR YOU OF WHERE YOU CAN APPLY TO SIGN-UP AND SEND YOUR PROPOSALS TO MIKE HERE FOR MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY AND ALL THE OTHER COOL STUFF. THERE’S MORE THAN JUST MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY, SO WE’LL KIND OF SHARE THAT, TOO. BUT, MIKE, THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING ON AND DESCRIBING ALL OF THIS-- THESE COOL CHALLENGES AND THE GREAT EXPERIENCE THAT THE STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS ARE GOING TO COME DO. >> MY PLEASURE. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. >> VERY COOL. [ MUSIC ] >> HOUSTON, GO AHEAD. >> TOP OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE. >> ROGER, ZERO-G AND I FEEL FINE. >> SHUTTLE HAS CLEARED THE TOWER. >> WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND. >> IT’S ACTUALLY A HUGE HONOR TO BREAK THE RECORD LIKE THIS. >> NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE EASY, BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE HARD. >> HOUSTON, WELCOME TO SPACE. >> HEY, THANKS FOR STICKING AROUND. SO AS PROMISED, HERE IS THE MAGIC LINK WHERE YOU CAN SUBMIT ALL OF YOUR GOOD IDEAS, YOUR PROPOSALS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY NEXT YEAR, AS MIKE SAID, IN MARCH. IF YOU GO TO GO.NASA.GOV/NASAMGUE, AND THAT’S N-A-S-A-M-G-U-E. MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY. SO THAT’S WHERE YOU CAN GO AND SUBMIT THE PROPOSAL AND FIND THAT EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAM. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW-- OH, AND BY THE WAY, THAT’S DECEMBER 13th-- DECEMBER 13th IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THOSE PROPOSALS. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ALL OF THE OTHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS GOING ON, SOMETIMES THEY’RE KIND OF SCATTERED, SO YOU GOT THEM GOING ON ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. SOME OF THEM ARE IN MARCH, LIKE THE MICROGRAVITY UNIVERSITY. I KNOW HAS, HIGH SCHOOL AEROSPACE SCHOLARS, IS IN MORE OF THE SUMMER. BUT THEY KIND OF GOT SPREAD OUT. BUT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ALL OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND MAYBE YOU’RE GOING TO MISS THE DEADLINE HERE BUT YOU WANT PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT UPCOMING ONE GO TO NASA.GOV/EDUCATION AND YOU CAN GET A PRETTY GOOD LIST OF ALL THE ONES HERE AT THE JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, BUT ALSO ALL ACROSS THE SPACE AGENCY AT DIFFERENT CENTERS ACROSS THE U.S. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW SOME OF THE THINGS GOING ON TO SEE SOME PICTURES, IF YOU KIND OF DIDN’T REALLY UNDERSTAND KIND OF THE VISUALS-- MIKE DID A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF ACTUALLY DESCRIBING THE VISUALS OF HOW EVERYTHING WAS SET UP, BUT IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOME OF THE PROGRAMS HERE JUST GO TO, ON SOCIAL MEDIA, @JSCEDUCATION. ON FACEBOOK IS WHERE YOU CAN FIND ALL THE STUFF GOING ON HERE AT THE JOHNSON SPACE CENTER. @NASAEDU ON TWITTER IS WHERE YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAMS GOING ON ACROSS THE AGENCY. AND THEN, ALSO, WE’D LIKE TO SHARE THINGS ON THE JOHNSON SPACE CENTER ACCOUNTS, SO LIKE WE SAY IN PREVIOUS EPISODES, NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER ON FACEBOOK, AND THEN @NASAJOHNSON ON INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER IT’S THERE, TOO. SO IF YOU WANT TO ASK A QUESTION ABOUT THE SHOW, JUST USE THE HASHTAG #ASKNASA, OR IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT HOW TO APPLY OR ANY OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAMS USE #ASKNASA ON ANY ONE OF THOSE PLATFORMS AND GO AHEAD AND ASK A QUESTION. AND IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR THIS SHOW JUST MAKE SURE TO MENTION IT THROUGH “HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PODCAST.” THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 20th, 2017. THANKS TO ALEX PERRYMAN, DYNAE FULLWOOD, AND STACEY WELCH. THANKS AGAIN TO MR. MIKE McGLONE FOR COMING ON THE SHOW. WE’LL BE BACK NEXT WEEK.

Ep7_Total Eclipse over America

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-08-18

>> Houston, we have a podcast. Welcome to the official podcast of the nasa johnson space center, episode 7: total eclipse over america. I m gary jordan and i ll be your host today. So this is the podcast where we bring in the experts-- nasa scientists, engineers, astronauts-- all to tell you the coolest stuff about nasa. So today we re talking about eclipses with mark matney. He s a space debris scientist here at the nasa johnson space center in houston texas, and he also has degrees in astronomy and space physics, and is an avid eclipse aficionado. We had a great discussion about what an eclipse is, some of the history of eclipses, and some of the science that we ve learned and continue to learn from them. This is an exciting conversation, especially because on august 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will sweep across america. Mark and i talked about where the eclipse will pass through and how you ll be able to see it. They don t happen very often-- the last time a total solar eclipse happened over the states was back in 1991, and we won t see another until 2024. Anyway, we ll get into all that good stuff during this episode. So with no further delay, let s go light speed and jump right ahead to our talk with dr. Mark matney. Enjoy. [ Music ] >> t minus five seconds and counting. Mark. [ Indistinct radio chatter ] >> houston, we have a podcast. [ Music ] >> all right, well, mark, thank you for coming on the podcast today. Perfect timing, because very soon we re going to have a total solar eclipse that s going to pass over the united states. And so i think this is a good chance for us to sit down and talk about eclipses. And you went above and beyond for this one, mark, because you have a lot of different things. I mean, we re talking a lot of science, we re talking a long and detailed history of eclipses. You know, this is not just a, ooh, look at that. Pretty eclipse. No, nasa s going all out for this-- is that fair to say? >> Well, i think this is-- i mean, eclipses have been part of human history as far back as we can record. People have been fascinated, scared, terrified by eclipses. >> Oh, sure. >> And a lot of important scientific discoveries have been driven by eclipses. I think today-- we re doing some science today, but much of the important science was done in the past. But this kind of links us in some sort of way to those early scientists who were trying to puzzle out the mysteries of the universe by using this amazing sight in the sky. So we have some science that s going on, we have some citizen science that s going on, and there s going to be a whole lot of people traveling to see this eclipse. In fact, i was reading that this eclipse is the first cross continent eclipse across the united states since the interstate system was built. >> Oh, wow. >> And so we might see one of the largest migrations of americans in a short period of time that we ve ever seen. [ Laughter ] because there s going to be a lot of people, perhaps tens of millions of people, traveling to see this eclipse. >> That s very true, and they re all going to be, i mean, closer to that nice, thin line-- we re talking about that path of totality, and we ll get into that really shortly, but you know, let s go and start at the very beginning, right? So we re talking about a total solar eclipse-- this is great-- passing over the united states. But what is that? What is a total solar eclipse? >> So a total eclipse is when the disk of the sun is completely covered by the moon. So the moon s size is maybe slightly larger than the sun, so we can get complete coverage. This particular eclipse is going to be about two and a half minutes of totality. Some eclipses are as high as seven minutes. Some of them are just a few seconds. >> And it s just the way things are aligning? >> Well, it turns out that the moon is actually not on a perfectly circular orbit. It s in a slightly elliptical orbit. So sometimes it s a little closer, and sometimes it s a little farther. >> Oh, i see. >> And so [ indistinct ] a little farther, it doesn t quite cover the surface of the sun. And what you end up with is a narrow ring all around. That s called an annular eclipse. And if the moon s a little larger-- in other words, a little closer, it appears a little larger in the sky, you get a total eclipse. And sometimes we actually have what s called a hybrid eclipse where you get an annular eclipse, but the mountains on the moon make it so it s actually a broken ring in the sky. It s so close, because actually, the mountains peeking up cover part of that sun ring. >> So can you see some of the sun peeking through those alleys, i guess? >> That s right, yes. >> Oh, interesting. >> And then that one, turns out if you could get higher in the altitude, in a balloon or plane, you might see a total eclipse in those kinds. But that s a special kind of eclipse that s actually quite rare. >> Wow. >> And then we also have a partial eclipse, and that s what-- it turns out this eclipse is interesting-- as far as i can tell, anyone in any of the 50 united states-- weather permitting-- should be able to see a partial eclipse, including alaska and hawaii. The partial eclipse is where the disk of the moon covers part of the sun but doesn t actually get to-- it s off to one side. >> Okay. >> And so you-- we re going to get a pretty good partial eclipse here from houston, but i think everybody, like i said, somewhere in the united states, one of the 50 states, should be able to see a partial eclipse. >> That ll be cool. >> So by the way, it s august 21st-- we didn t say the date. >> Yeah, so august 21st. And this will come out august 18th, so this ll be like-- >> oh, okay-- perfect. >> This ll be right next to it, yeah, absolutely. So a partial eclipse-- is there-- how-- is there a way that is very apparent to observe that? Like, will the sky get a little bit darker, or-- >> it depends on the percentage. When it s like about 50%, it s hard to notice. But once you get on to 60, 70, 80, 90%, the sky takes on an unusual color. And in fact, that s one of the things i m going to recommend eclipse observers-- just kind of note how the sky changes color, because it s a very interesting phenomenon. >> Yeah. >> But unless it s really-- in ancient times, people did not even notice a partial eclipse unless it was like 80, 90% because they started to see the sun dim, and they would look up at the sun and see there was no longer a disk in the sky. >> Wow. Okay, so from here in houston, what are we expecting percentage-wise? >> Well, i tried-- it s about somewhere around 70%. I don t know the exact area, but there s several tables. Also, that s another thing, is where you are, where the maximum eclipse changes on the clock. So there are computer resources where you can look and put in your location or your city and find out when the maximum eclipse is and how much. >> Oh, okay. Very cool. That s a lot of good stuff. All right, so that s 70%. We ll be able to see-- >> something like 70, yeah. >> A somewhat noticeable change in the sky, then, at least here from houston. That s really cool. So yeah, you said total versus partial. This is the solar eclipse, though, right? >> Right. >> This is when the moon is going in between the earth and the sun. >> Right. >> Like you said, they re relatively the same size in the sky, just based on distance and size, and so it only blocks off this tiny little strip of shadow that s going to go across the united states. And it goes-- you said it happens quite often, but just i guess at different parts of the world. >> Correct. >> It just so happens that it s going to line up this time going from coast to coast. >> And sometimes it s an annular, and sometimes-- but it turns out we get from three to five eclipses, solar eclipses, every year. >> Oh, okay. >> Which is actually kind of surprising. >> We meaning the earth. >> Someone on the earth, in other words, can see an eclipse. We actually have fewer-- there s another kind of eclipse called a lunar eclipse, and the lunar eclipse is when the earth gets between the moon and the sun. >> Right. >> And so as the moon moves into the shadow, it starts to turn dark, and sometimes has an interesting red color. >> Yeah. >> It turns out there are actually fewer of those than solar eclipses. >> Really? >> But because a whole hemisphere can see it, they re much-- you can see them much more often than solar eclipses. >> Oh, that-- okay. >> Because you re looking up in the sky and seeing the moon eclipse, so anybody on that side of the earth can see it-- weather permitting, of course. >> Wow. Why is it that color, though? >> Well, that s an interesting phenomenon. As you know, the sky is blue from the scattering of particles in the atmosphere-- it scatters the blue light. But the red is transmitted just like we see in a red sunset. Well, the earth s atmosphere actually refracts the red light, and so if you were standing on the moon during a lunar eclipse, the earth, of course, would block the sun, but you would see this red ring around the earth, which is the atmosphere refracting the light of the sun. >> So that s the red ring of the earth refracting off the surface of the moon? >> No, no, it s-- the light is coming through the atmosphere and refracting slightly to your position on the moon. >> Oh. >> So you would see this narrow, narrow red glowing ring around the earth. >> Oh, wow. >> So it s-- but of course, no one s ever seen that. >> Yeah. >> Maybe someday when we have a base on the moon. >> Oh, and so wait-- okay, so this is assuming that-- yeah, you re assuming that you are an observer on the moon. >> You re an astronaut standing on the moon, right. >> I see, and there s a red ring. So what about the lunar eclipse-- the perception from the earth? Doesn t a lunar eclipse-- the moon looks a little orange? >> Yeah, it s orange-ish, sometimes. It actually depends on-- it depends on what s happening in the atmosphere. >> Oh, okay. >> For instance, i saw an eclipse in 1982. We were expecting the red moon, but in fact, the moon looked charcoal gray. And that was right after the el chichon volcano in mexico erupted. And so the dust from the volcano had changed the dust in the atmosphere, so we didn t get much red. >> Oh. >> So it actually-- you never know what you re going to see when you see a lunar eclipse, but they re often red. And again, that s the red light that is bent by the earth s atmosphere and shines on the moon. >> Yeah, and it s reflecting-- interesting. So it s all entirely about perception, then, it s about the-- so you re a person on the earth, and this is what you perceive from the perspective of earth. If you were outside floating millions of miles away just observing it from afar, it would just look like the earth and the moon-- the moon wouldn t look a certain color. >> Well, you could see the color, because it s lit up with that color. Let me-- let s change it around. Let s say you were on the moon looking at the earth during a solar eclipse. And we have some photographs from the iss of previous eclipses, and you actually see a-- you can actually see the dark shadow. You can t see the sharp edge of the shadow, but you see this fuzzy black thing on the surface of the earth. And so you would see-- but instead of being the whole earth swallowed up, you just see this black fuzzy spot moving across the earth from space. >> Interesting. >> So hopefully-- it depends on where the iss will be at the time of the eclipse, but hopefully they ll be able to photograph it from-- they probably will not be in the eclipse path, but they could look down on the earth and see the shadow, hopefully, of the eclipse. >> Yeah, i think-- i think they are predicting that the iss is going to be somewhere over canada but will have a nice view of the states whenever it s actually the solar eclipse. >> It would be very, very coincidental if we happened to fly through the shadow, because the shadow is very narrow. It could happen, but i mean-- >> the odds are against us. >> The odds are against us. So a lunar eclipse happens at the full moon. >> Okay. >> When, of course, the sun is on the other side of the earth and the moon is-- if you re standing on the earth, the sun is behind you, because it s nighttime, and you see the-- and a solar eclipse happens at a new moon, when the moon is-- you can t really see it in the sky, because you re seeing the dark side of the moon. >> So you ll never see a crescent moon in a lunar eclipse? >> No, no, it s definitely a full moon, so as full as it gets. Another thing is lunar and solar eclipses are often paired, because that tilt of the moon s orbit, the point when it crosses the earth-sun orbit plane, is on both sides. And so usually we get an accompanying lunar eclipse with a solar eclipse. And in fact, the accompanying lunar eclipse for this eclipse is on august 7th, and will be visible from europe, africa, asia, and australia. >> Oh, okay. Well, there you go. >> Or was visible, i guess. >> August 7th, yeah. I guess-- aw. >> You want me to say that again? [ Laughter ] >> if we could go back in time okay, so i mean, that s kind of from the perspective of earth, right? We ve got solar eclipses, and when the moon is in between us here on earth and the sun, and then the opposite for the lunar eclipse. In general, if you had to give like a general overview, where else in the universe do eclipses happen? >> Everywhere. >> How about that. >> Anywhere where you have bodies moving around, one will often eclipse the view of another. But usually, what you-- you won t get to see the amazing sight on earth, because it s very rare that the object eclipsing looks in the sky the same size as the sun. >> Oh. >> So we know, for instance, there are eclipses caused by jupiter s moons as it orbits jupiter, and you can see the shadow on the surface of jupiter-- or the clouds, actually, of jupiter. >> Right. >> And in fact, there was a fellow named ole r mer-- if i m pronouncing correctly-- back in the 1600s that first detected the finite speed of light by looking at the timing of those eclipses on jupiter. So that s one of those science things that eclipses have allowed us to do. >> That s amazing-- just by looking at shadows across the universe, you can get all this crazy science. >> And sometimes-- i know we ve done occultations of stars, where a planet moves between us and the starlight of a star, and by measuring that star, we ve seen, like-- we ve found the rings of uranus, as the star would twinkle or would blink out just before uranus crossed the star. >> Oh. >> So you can actually do things like look for difficult to see rings, or also, as the light comes through the atmosphere, sometimes you can see the absorption of different chemicals in the atmosphere of the planet. >> And then understand the composition of the planet itself. >> Exactly. >> That s amazing. >> Let me add one thing we hadn t talked about. >> Yeah, sure. >> I found an interesting statistic, and it said that if you picked a random spot on the earth and you just stayed right there, you would see a solar eclipse about once every 375 years, on average. >> Okay, so you should move a little bit. >> Yeah, well-- you re not following. [ Laughter ] so during a normal person s long lifetime-- say, 70 years-- we re looking at a 20-25% chance that you would sometime in your lifetime see an eclipse, a total eclipse of the sun. So yes, it s rare, but not totally unknown. >> Yeah. >> So i just know that one never comes by my house, so i have to go chase it down. [ Laughter ] >> well, that s the great thing, is we have nasa-- we folks at nasa are actually looking at this stuff and making predictions. We know exactly where it s going to be on august 21st. >> That s correct, that s right. >> Yeah, so that kind of will help you see it a little bit, too. [ Laughter ] i think one of my favorites, though, when it comes to eclipses across the universe, is kepler, right? So if you think about-- you said occultations as one of them. That s when something passes in front of a star and changes the light that we re receiving. >> Right. >> That s how we are detecting planets outside of our solar system, correct? >> That s correct, yeah. The kepler mission is looking at a large group of stars and monitoring them constantly. And it has very, very sensitive instruments, so they can look at very small dips in the light as a planet-- a previously unknown planet-- transits the face of that star. And we ve been able-- and when they see them repeating, they can work out the relative sizes of the planets and their period, and work out where they are in orbit around that star. And we ve seen-- i don t know what the count is-- a thousand? >> Yeah, yeah. We keep finding more and more. >> There s a bunch of them. So this is actually one of the most interesting discoveries, i think, astronomers have made in the last several years, is that our galaxy is full of stars with planets. And it s pretty exciting-- it s kind of star trek stuff. >> It is! Especially just recently, the discovery of the trappist-1 system. >> Yes, indeed. >> And those-- we re talking about earth-like planets, and some of which are in what we like to call the goldilocks zone, right? >> That s right. >> And that s-- you know, water doesn t freeze, it doesn t-- >> that s right, it s not too hot, not too cold. >> Not too cold, right, and liquid water can exist. And that s conditions for life, and it s very exciting. >> It is. >> That s what we re looking for, right-- life outside of the universe. >> And i ll also mention we also have transits here, just like what we see with kepler, of the planets mercury and venus, which are inside the orbit of earth. And we recently had a venus transit visible from the us. >> Yeah, 2012, right?? >> That s right, i think it was 2012. And i ve also seen mercury transits as well. Those have an interesting history, because scientists in the 18th century were trying-- they d figured out the relative distance to the different planets, but they didn t know an absolute distance. And they were actually going to use different observers on the earth to measure the transit of venus to try and get an absolute scale. And so that was the cutting edge science in the 18th century. >> Wow. [ Laughter ] >> but so that s another point where transits and eclipses have been an important part of the history of science. >> Amazing. I mean, that s kind of a big theme here, right, especially for eclipses, is the science that we can get from observing these phenomena. >> That s right. >> So i mean, from here on the ground, what are some of the things that we can learn-- and i guess in the instance of a solar eclipse, but you know, eclipses in general-- what are some of the things that we can learn from studying these? >> Well, let s kind of go through some of the discoveries that were made with eclipses. >> Sure. >> So from ecl-- we all look up at the sun and see a bright disk. That s called the photosphere. It s very, very bright, and we ll talk about that a little bit. That s the part we re familiar with. It s about 10,000 degrees fahrenheit-- it s nice and hot. But during eclipses, astronomers notice some red layer-- a thin red layer around the sun. And that s known as the chromosphere. And that was discovered by eclipses, and it turns out chromosphere is due to emissions from atomic hydrogen in the sun s atmosphere. >> Okay. >> And so if you-- the soho spacecraft sometimes show-- i mean-- the soho spacecraft show-- is constantly monitoring the sun. And one of its instruments is a hydrogen alpha filter, and you can see what that chromosphere looks like. It s a very thin layer of the sun, again, that we discovered by looking at eclipses. The next section-- oh, by the way, some scientists-- in 1868, there was a new instrument that was developed called the spectroscope. And the spectroscope splits light into its component colors. And they had discovered that there were specific lines, almost like a fingerprint, that defined-- that were unique to each chemical, to each chemical element. >> Okay. >> And so there were-- some scientists were very excited to use the spectroscope to look at the eclipse. And in the chromosphere, they saw some lines from an element that they had never seen before. And they couldn t figure out what it was. So one of the scientists named it after the greek word for the sun-- helios. They named it helium. >> Oh! [ Laughter ] >> and it was several decades before helium was finally isolated and studied on the earth, but it was first discovered in the sun s atmosphere. >> How about that. That s-- is it called spectroscopy? >> Spectroscopy, yeah. They use a spectroscope for spectroscopy. >> Yeah, yeah, and studying the-- i guess there s little gaps in the light, and they look like gaps in the-- >> sometimes there s bright lines, sometimes there s dark lines. >> Okay. >> It depends on the situation. But the point is these lines are like a fingerprint. And that s how we understand the components of stars millions of lightyears away. We can-- >> so you said photosphere, and then you discovered the chromosphere, right? >> Chromosphere. >> So what s the difference between those? >> Well, the chromosphere is actually a very thin layer-- it s actually-- starts as cooler than the photosphere, and then it heats up again. >> Ooh. >> Solar astronomers are always trying to figure out the exact details, but what gets interesting is when you look up at the eclipse when it s total eclipse, there s what looks like a halo, or a garland, or a crown around it, and that s called the corona. So the chromosphere s a transition between the hot photosphere and the much hotter corona. And the corona is up to-- it s more than 100 times hotter than the photosphere. It s very, very hot. >> Wow. >> And that s, like i said, this halo that you see around the sun. That is actually very important-- to monitor that part of the sun-- in predicting solar storms. >> Oh. >> And solar storms affect things like satellites and our communication and our power systems. And so there are solar astronomers who are constantly monitoring the sun looking for these types of solar storms. But the corona was discovered by looking at eclipses. >> Wow. >> And in fact, it s so important that we ve launched satellites that create artificial eclipses. They put a little obstacle in the way so that we can monitor the chromosphere-- i m sorry, the corona-- at all times. >> So i guess, are they hard to predict, solar storms? >> They re getting better at it. The big thing is they need to be able to see on the far side of the sun. So we ve actually launched a couple of spacecraft called stereo, and they re now on the far side of the sun-- not totally-- they re part way around the earth s orbit, but they can see the other parts of the sun, and we can see storms developing as the sun rotates around. The sun actually rotates, also. >> Wow. So what happens if-- say there s an instance, if there s a solar storm, and it does disrupt satellite communications coverage, whatever it is. What can we expect if that were to happen? Are you talking about cell phones? Are you talking about-- what would happen here on earth? >> Well, one of the worst things we re worried about is a really, really big solar storm which could knock out power grids in certain areas. >> Wow. >> And so you could actually have power outages. >> That s heavy. >> But usually satellites, they put them in safe mode. But it can damage satellites. And as you know, telecommunications is a multi-million dollar business. >> Right. >> So there s a lot of interest in solar storms. >> But they have a safe mode to-- >> yep, that s right. >> That s amazing, okay. So they just put it in there if they see something bad coming. >> It s still dangerous, but they can put it in a safer mode. [ Laughter ] one other thing that was observed during eclipses is there s sometimes these little arcs-- they re not little-- they re bigger than the earth, but these little arcs of plasma jutting off the sun. And you ve probably seen pictures of them. They look like arches or flames coming off the sun. >> Yeah. >> They re called prominences, and they re plasma in the strong magnetic field of the sun moving through the atmosphere. And they re really quite spectacular. >> Yeah, i ve seen some images and videos of them-- they really are. It s amazing. >> Again, those were discovered by eclipses. And i ll tell you another set of experiments. It turned out that by the mid 1800s, scientists had started working out the mathematics of planets, and had noticed when a planet gets perturbed and sort of gets nudged a little bit, they said, well, that must mean another planet that s tugging on it with its gravity. And that s how neptune was discovered. They saw the perturbation in the motion of uranus. And they noticed that there was a slight perturbation in the orbit of mercury. So scientists began speculating that that was due to another planet even closer in to the sun, which they nicknamed vulcan. So what happened was they then sent-- in the 1860s and 1870s, scientists deployed around the world for some eclipses to try and look for vulcan. And they didn t find anything, which puzzled them. They looked at multiple eclipses, multiple times-- no vulcan. But in 1915, albert einstein began publishing-- began communicating his work on the general theory of relativity. And einstein had postulated that gravity is caused by the bending of spacetime. And one of his-- one of his-- one of the predictions of his theory was that you would see this perturbation of the orbit of mercury. So he explained that with his general theory of relativity. But another prediction was that this bending of spacetime would actually bend light. So he showed why there wasn t a vulcan, but then he said, if you look at an eclipse of the sun, and look at the light of stars very, very close to the disk of the sun, you should be able to see the light bent in a way that it displaces the apparent position of the star. In 1919, arthur eddington, the british astronomer, deployed for an eclipse out on an island in the atlantic ocean. And they actually measured this slight change in the apparent position of the stars. And it was a huge event, because when einstein postulated his theory of general relativity, it was crazy. It was overturning newton. And here they actually-- his prediction turned true, and that s sort of what propelled einstein into his fame, was that discovery. So that was perhaps the most important scientific discovery ever during an eclipse, was showing how the light of stars is bent by the presence of the mass of the sun. >> And that-- so it was just the mass of the sun. >> That's right. >> And there was no vulcan. >> No vulcan. [ Laughter ] although, there are two eclipse stories related, sort of quasi-related to the same thing there. >> But everything comes together, right? That s why we re-- like, going back to the general theme here, a lot of science to learn from eclipses. >> A lot of science. Let me talk about a couple things that are going on with the science this time around. >> Okay. >> We have one group that s going to have a series of telescopic cameras set up along the eclipse path. And they re going to try and take video of the inner corona, which is very difficult to see except during the eclipse. And the idea is one camera will record a little segment of the inner corona, and the next camera will record the next segment, and they can stitch them together and have a rather extended video of the corona. >> Oh. >> So for scientists who study the interaction of the corona. Another one is some other scientists are going to be studying the polarization. Some light is polarized in different directions that tells us information about the magnetic fields and other things. But they re going to be looking at the spectrum and the polarization of the-- again, the inner corona, which is difficult to measure in other ways, because it s difficult to get so close-- to measure such dim phenomena so close to the disk of the sun. >> And this is-- going back, i m sorry-- you might ve already addressed this, but these are nasa telescopes, or these are others? >> It s a variety of-- nasa s cooperating on some of these, and some of them are universities, and some of them are amateur. So it s actually a whole team of different kinds of people. >> Wow, okay. >> Nasa s helping to coordinate some of these. >> Yeah, all working together, okay. Cool. >> We ve got another group that are actually going to repeat the general theory of relativity experiment with some more modern digital equipment with more sensitive cameras to look for some very dim stars, again, to try and fine tune those measurements to see how close einstein got to the prediction. >> Wow. >> And then, we also have some radio enthusiasts who are-- during the daylight, the sun ionizes gas in the upper atmosphere and we have an ionosphere. And it, both enhances and sometimes interferes with radio communications. So these scientists are going to look at how the ionosphere changes as the sun gets eclipsed, and the sunlight starts to drop off, and then go back up again. So, they re going to observe how the ionosphere changes. >> Interesting. >> So lots of interesting experiments. And of course-- and many of these are by these amatuer citizen scientists, which is kind of a fun thing, too. >> Yeah, absolutely. So, we re measuring the earth s atmosphere, we re measuring a lot of about the sun. >> Mm-hmm. >> I know out of here, the wb-57, those high altitude planes, they re going to be flying above most of the atmosphere, about 90% of it, and they re going to take a look at the sun and study the sun s corona. >> Yeah, a bit. >> And measure how energy goes through the sun s atmosphere, but then also take a look at mercury. >> Oh, that s right. >> Yeah. >> I wanted to tell you, when you see the eclipse you will see a number of planets visible in the sky. >> Oh. >> So, if you get a chance, you ll see stars. Venus is off to the west, mars is even closer. It s-- venus is about 35 degrees to the west, mars is about 10 degrees to the west, mercury s about 10 degrees to the east, and jupiter s way over on the other side of the sky at 60 degrees to the east. And the star, regulus, which is a bright star, will be about 5 degrees to the east of the sun, so you can see if you can see that. >> And this will happen during totality, right? >> During totality, because the stars will come out. >> Wow, amazing. So you ll be able to see all of these, and you re talking about from the perspective if you re looking up and-- the sun-- >> right. >> Once it goes to totality-- and we can get to safety in a minute, but i do know, once it gets to totality you can take off your glasses for about that two minutes, right? >> That s right. Yeah. >> And then, that s when you ll be able to see all those different parts. >> Yes. >> That s really cool. >> Yeah, that s it. Let s talk a little about the history, because there s some interesting history, of course. >> Sure, yeah. >> The most famous story, which is probably legendary, but the story about a chinese astronomer, or possibly two chinese astronomers, named xi he, who was hired by the king. He was the high astronomer, the head astronomer. >> Mm-hmm. >> To make predictions about primarily with astrology to make sure that nothing bad was going to happen to the king. Well, apparently there was a solar eclipse he did not predict. >> Oh. >> And apparently, he had had a little too much to drink and he wasn t on the job when the time came. >> Oh. >> And the chinese actually thought, and a lot of ancient cultures thought, that something bad was happening. The chinese thought a dragon was swallowing the sun, and they would bang on pots and pans to scare the dragon away. And that s actually still practiced in many parts of the world, the bang on pots and pans. >> Yeah, they don t know the-- like, the science behind this total solar eclipse, so they re-- >> that s right. >> Yeah, right, go ahead. >> I think part of this tradition is passed on. >> Yeah, tradition, yeah. >> Well, unfortunately, this poor chinese astronomer that didn t do his job, he got executed. >> Oh. >> So, fortunately, we don t hold our scientists to this same level there. >> I m very thankful of that. >> Yes. >> I m sure we are. Yeah. >> But, lots of ancient people were scared of eclipses because they thought they-- i mean, it s a very amazing thing to happen in the sky and they were worried about it. It s warning of some tragedy. >> Mm-hmm. >> So early scientists in multiple cultures-- the mayans, the babylonians, the chinese-- studied eclipses and tried to understand and predict when they would occur. It turned out there was a greek by the name of thales who predicted an eclipse in 585 b.c. And this was recorded and the greek historian, herodotus, there was a big battle going on between two countries. There were the medes and the lydians, in what s now turkey. >> Hmm. >> And there was a war going on and they had lined up for battle. And they were about to do battle and suddenly there was a solar eclipse. >> Oh. >> Os, needless to say, the two generals met in the middle of the field and said, maybe we ought not to fight today. And so they drew up a peace treaty and those two countries never fought again. So just a-- >> all right. So an example of solar eclipse saving lives. >> That s right. Indeed, indeed. And so, but what happened was, a lot of these-- as people began to learn to write things down-- the babylonians on clay tablets, and the chinese court records, and the greek historians-- people began to pull together this information to understand how to predict eclipses and understand how the cycles occur. And that helped the-- that sort of spawned the whole science of astronomy. How do you-- how d the mathematics occur on these objects. >> Hmm. >> And one of the things they discovered was called the saros cycle, and this actually-- edmond halley named it the saros cycle. They didn t-- they had different names in ancient times. But what they discovered was that an eclipse will recur approximately every 6,585.3 days, which is 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours. So it turns out that the eclipse we re about to have is part of a saros cycle that occurred-- the last one was in europe in august 11, 1999, and the next one will be in asia and the pacific one september 2nd, 2035. And it looks almost exactly the same except shifted by 8 hours around the other, 123 degrees in longitude. >> Oh. >> So these repeating cycles were how the ancients were able to predict eclipses. >> How about that. Wow. >> And it s just all the different cycles of the sun and the moon add up to this repeating cycle of eclipses. >> Interesting. >> Another thing that science that was done in ancient times was the greeks looked up at a lunar eclipse-- when we re talking about how the moon moves into the shadow of the earth. And what they discovered is when the moon is near the horizon and eclipsed the shadow of the earth is not a line, if the earth were flat. It s still round. So the greeks realized that the earth must be a sphere based on-- based on the shadow of the earth on the moon under an eclipse. >> Oh, wow. >> So that was the first scientific discovery that the earth was indeed a sphere. >> Back in the mayan-- wow, okay. >> Back in the greek times, that was. >> Oh, that was greek times. >> Yeah, it was. >> Okay, okay. Interesting. Wow! >> There s a lot of interesting history associated with eclipses. >> Absolutely. >> That-- so we ve learned a lot through history. I mean, we re talking about, yeah, the shape of the earth. We re talking about-- it stopped a battle. >> Nature of the sun, yeah. >> The nature of the sun. >> Yup. The earliest eclipse that was-- that, as far as we know, was recorded, that chinese eclipse was probably about 2000 b.c. And there was maybe the one in 2137 b.c. But, the one we re sure about was there was an eclipse recorded in the town of ugerit, or ugarit, on-- in what is now, i believe, syria. >> Hmm. >> It was may 3rd, 1375 b.c. It was recorded that the sun grew dark. >> Oh. >> So there s a number of those recorded in ancient texts and tablets. >> Okay. So, wait, so the chinese one was not recorded? It was just-- >> well, just know it s actually probably semi legendary. We re not sure. >> Got it, okay. >> But this is the one we know for sure we can date the eclipse. >> Yeah. >> And actually-- oh, that was what i was going to tell you, is we have a number of these dated eclipses-- eclipse of thales, we talked about. >> Mm-hmm. >> Eclipse in ugarit. And what happens if you just run-- if you just take your computer models and putting gravity and everything and just run the sun and moon backwards in time, it turns out the eclipse is in the wrong place. So, from that, what we ve learned is that the earth rotation very, very gradually starting to slow down. >> Hmm. >> Starting to, it s been a long time. It s mainly due to the tidal effects of the moon. It s actually dragging the earth slightly down. So it s actually in those several thousand years the earth has slowed down a little bit, a fraction of an-- a fraction of a rotation. >> Oh. >> But, keep in mind, we re talking about-- we re talking about 800,000 rotations or something like that since those times. And so, we ve-- the earth s rotation has changed just a little bit in those times. But, that s another discovery we ve made that you need that long time scale to see this very gradual slowing down of the earth s rotation. >> So, over that long period of time, you said a fraction of a day, is it like an hour? Couple of hours? >> A couple of hours i think, yeah. >> Wow. >> But, and recently, some scientists have gone back and looked at chinese records, and again, been able to fine tune that. So that s a-- that s using ancient records to fine tune some modern science, so. >> All right. Cool. Okay, so let s go to this eclipse coming up on the 21st. >> All right, do you want to talk about safety or what to expect? >> All of it. Let s do it. >> All right. All right, let s talk about-- >> however you want to start. >> Let s talk about safety a little bit. >> Okay, safety. >> Okay, everybody has heard, don t look at an eclipse, you ll go blind, right? We ve all heard that. >> Yeah. >> And i remember as a boy, puzzling and puzzling over that. What is it about an eclipse that makes it so dangerous? >> Mm-hmm. >> Well, it turns out, you don t want to stare at the sun ever. It s bad for your eyes. Your eyes are not designed to be-- handle direct sunlight for any length of time. >> I feel like it s a good general rule. >> It s a good general rule. And when our kids go outside, we say, now, kids, don t look at the sun, you ll go blind. It s true, you don t want them looking at the sun. >> Yeah, yeah. >> The reason why-- the eclipse is not any different. It s just you're more likely to stare at the sun during an eclipse because you want to see what s happening. >> Oh. >> So, this really-- there s people that think there is some sort of mysterious rays coming off the sun. The only thing is just the sun like we're normally familiar with, you just don t want to stare at it. Okay. >> Okay. >> All right, so that s the first thing. So any time the bright disk, that photosphere of the sun, any time the bright disk is visible, even just a little sliver, you really don t want to look at the sun with your unaided eye. It s dangerous. You want to keep your eye for a long -- your eyes for a long time, right? >> Yeah, i would hope so. >> But we have special-- nowadays, we have special eclipse glasses that you can get in museums and different places. >> Yeah. >> That are-- it s perfectly safe to put those on and look. By the way, don t do what i did. I was checking my eclipse glasses the other day. I looked up at the sun, i said, yeah. And i pulled the eclipse glasses off before i stopped looking at the sun, so then i had a bright blob. Just for a second, i had a bright blob in my eyes for a little while. So be careful with them. They re often made of aluminized mylar and they look-- they re kind of silvery. >> Okay. >> And also, don t put any pinholes or anything in them. That-- you want to-- you want to keep them like they are. >> Keep them-- so what are the special eclipse glasses? They have-- they re just like really intense sunglasses? Is that kind of what i think? >> Yeah, it s kind of super sunglasses. >> Okay. >> Which here s the thing, you want to avoid any homemade glasses. >> Oh. >> Don t put on multiple sunglasses or something. Don t use smoked glass, or photographic film, or neutral density filters, or anything like that. You re not sure there s enough there to block the light to make it safe. >> Okay. >> So stick with the-- with the-- with the kind that you can get. They re not very expensive and you can-- you can get them online and other places. >> Okay. >> One exception is number 14 welder s glass is safe, because that s designed also for very bright. Like the welders use. >> Oh, okay. >> All right, so that s okay. And the-- and even more important part is don t look at the sun-- don t look at the bright disk of the sun with any instruments, with telescopes or binoculars without proper filters on them, because those things actually magnify the strength of the sun. >> Ooh. They ll your-- >> and just like when i was a boy, i used to use the magnifying glass on the ants, you know? That could do that to your eye, so you need to be very, very careful. >> Yeah. >> So i would avoid-- i would avoid those, unless you have properly designed equipment. Now, don t like take your binoculars and put your sunglasses at the eyepiece, because it s so intense it could burn right through your special glasses. So there s-- be very, very careful unless you know what you re doing with binoculars and telescopes. Don t even use those. >> Right, and that s, again, that s only a two minute eclipse. >> It s only a two and a half minute at the most. >> Yeah. >> So, that s-- that little window of time during totality, after the moon has completely covered the disk of the sun-- >> mm-hmm. >> --That is the only time you can look safely without glasses. >> Okay. >> And it-- and the brightness of the-- of the eclipsed sun and the corona-- it s like the brightness of a full moon, so there s no dangerous rays. You just don t want to be staring at the sun when the sun re-emerges. So, okay. So, just good rules of thumb. >> So, when you re looking at it-- say you have the glasses on. >> Mm-hmm. >> Is there a specific amount of time that we can say is safe to have the glasses on and be looking at the moon about to cover the sun? >> Well, what s going to happen-- >> you don t want to stare at it for hours. >> No, no. Well, what you re probably looking for is as the sun-- as the very last piece of the sun starts to disappear, you ll see actually little dots that form, and those are called baily s beads. >> Hmm. >> And it s an interesting phenomena of what-- it has to do with the different brightnesses on the edge of the sun, and also the mountains on the moon. >> Mm-hmm. >> When those disappear, that s the time you can take your glasses off and-- so you don t want to be-- because that s actually tiny little pieces of the photosphere of the sun. >> Right. >> Oh, there s the other way-- if you don t have the glasses, there s some other ways you can look at-- and it s-- by the way, if you re seeing a partial eclipse, you just want to use the glasses. You don t want to look at the sun directly. >> Will you be able to see the moon partially covering the sun with the glasses? >> Yes, it ll look like a cookie with a bite taken out of it. >> How about that. That s cool. >> That s pretty cool. One method you probably heard of is a pinhole projector, and it s very easy to make. You need some opaque material, like cardboard, and you make a pinhole, and then you project onto like a white sheet of paper an image of the sun. A pinhole acts like a lens. And i think it s important, don t actually look through the pinhole with your eye. It s not intended to look inside. It s a projector. It s a little projector. >> You look at the paper. >> You look at the paper and you ll see a little image of the sun with that. And you can see the progress of the eclipse. Another method i used to do when i was in high school, is if you take a very small mirror or a large mirror with a piece of paper with a circular hole cut out, and you can reflect the image on the sun-- of the sun onto a shaded wall, and you can watch the eclipse that way. >> Oh. >> And i tell the story, i was in-- i was in history class when there was an eclipse of the sun when i was in high school, and i asked the teacher, i said, is it okay if i put this in the window and we can watch the eclipse during class time? The teacher said, okay. So we put it in the window and it put an image of the sun during the eclipse up on the ceiling. We just went along with class and you could watch the progress of the eclipse. >> All right. >> So those are-- so the mirror, there s the projector, or your glasses are the three ways to watch the eclipse. And then, the only time, again, to watch the sun-- watch the eclipse unaided is during totality, that little short period of time. >> Okay, and totality is by far the most narrow section of the u.s. >> That s right. >> So you really have to be in that spot and we-- you can go to the website eclipse2017.nasa.gov and find out exactly where that s going to be passing through. >> That s right. And it starts-- i think i started this, but it comes on the west coast. >> Oh, right. >> It arrives in oregon, it goes across oregon, idaho, wyoming, nebraska, missouri, kentucky, tennessee, south carolina. It s a nice path that goes right through the middle of the united states. >> All right. >> And it s a relatively narrow-- relatively narrow path and, of course, it s actually moving. It s a round shadow that s moving across the surface of the earth. >> Mm-hmm. >> And if you re actually anywhere in that band you will see a total eclipse. The closer you are to the center, the longer it will last. Up to a max of two and a half minutes. >> All right. >> The other thing though is the weather. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. So, it turns out that what eclipse aficionados like to do is they ll look at the historical weather at that point in the u.s. At that time of year and it turns out some of the areas are more likely to have-- to have clouds than others. So it turns out, eastern oregon is a really good place. They tend to have nice clear weather at that time of year. >> Okay. >> Wyoming, nebraska, missouri, all the way to tennessee, tend to be pretty cloud free at that time of year. And then, there s another-- as it goes over the appalachians, they tend to be cloudier. And then the little section of south carolina will also have, hopefully, less clouds than other places. But again, you never know. It;s the weather. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. >> All you can do is roll the dice and figure-- and hope that you re lucky, because if-- there have been many eclipses that people have gone-- scientists have gone specific trips to see and it s been interfered-- the weather interferes. >> Yeah, that s just-- yeah, poor luck. But that s based on data of this day over time at this place. >> That s right. How often has it been cloudy on this day at this place. >> Yeah, and so you re really rolling the dice, but playing the odds. But those based on statistical data are better off than others. >> Right. >> Very cool. Is there any particular spot during the path of totality that may be would be better? Like, for example, is it better to go to like a state park and be away from city lights or anything? Or is being in the city just as fine? >> It s just as fine. >> Okay. >> It doesn t get totality dark during an eclipse. >> Okay. >> It gets dark, but i don t think that s-- i don t think that part of it is particularly important. >> Okay. >> The main thing, it s actually much more practical, you want to be somewhere where you re close to restrooms. >> Okay. >> The eclipse itself lasts three hours and there may be a lot of traffic, so the ability to get around maybe limited. >> Ooh, yeah. >> So, just very practical things-- are you close to food> are you close to supplies? Things like that. >> Mm-hmm. >> So let s talk a little bit about what to expect. >> Yeah. >> As i said, there may be a lot of heavy traffic so you want to get to where you want to go early. >> Okay. >> And bring things that you re going to need-- your glasses-- your eclipse glasses, a camera if you re going to bring a camera, chairs, sunscreen, water, food, toilet paper, anything that you think you might need while you re on the road. >> Wow, yeah. >> I once had to evacuate here in houston during hurricane rita, and it s maybe a little bit like that and may be stuck on the road with heavy traffic if you re not careful. >> Wow! Are you talking about people stopping on the highway just to-- >> no, just talking about large numbers of people moving to see the eclipse. >> To see-- to be in the path of totality. >> If you re traveling-- for instance, i m going to be in the carolinas. >> Mm-hmm. >> And every eclipse watched on the atlantic coast is going to be headed for south carolina. >> Yeah. >> So the interstates are going to be pretty full. >> Wow. >> So just allow plenty of time. The total eclipse-- i mean, the entire eclipse lasts about three hours, so it s about an hour and a half leading up to totality and an hour and a half until the moon completely uncovers the sun. >> Okay, okay. >> But again, i-- and one of the things i thought was interesting was the eclipse veterans gave some very sage advice. They said, if this is your first eclipse, don t try to photograph it. Don t try to take telephotos of it. You ll be so worried about your camera, you ll miss the spectacular nature of the eclipse. So i think that s good advice. And so, if you re a veteran eclipse guy and you want to-- and you want to make photographs of things, that s fine. >> Yeah. >> Let the professionals do it. Just enjoy the experience. >> Yeah. >> I think that s a good idea. >> I m sure there s going to be plenty of imagery coming out from all over the u.s. >> Oh, there will. I bet there s going to be lots of selfies with people with the moon and the eclipsed sun behind them. But that s fine. >> Do you think selfies will come out, at least during totality? Maybe when it s dark enough it ll be okay. >> You may need a flash on yourself. >> Oh, okay. A flash on yourself, okay. >> A couple of suggestions to do, so a little citizen science you can do. >> Okay. >> One of them is, notice how the sky colors change. >> Hmm. >> They re very unusual colors that you don t normally see, so that s an interesting thing. Also, when there s a tree casting shadows, there are lots of little tiny holes between the leaves that act like pinhole cameras. So sometimes you can see little crescent suns during the partial eclipse on the ground. So you can look for that. It s kind of fun to take pictures of that. >> Oh, that s really cool. >> Does the temperature change? Does it feel cooler during the eclipse? Does the wind pick up or calm down during the eclipse? Just some kind of scientific things you can observe. >> Just is there-- are there things that we know of that-- what atmospheric changes in the earth? Like-- >> it will-- it does change the heating of the earth from the sun. >> Oh, it does? >> Yeah, and you will feel colder. And people actually have noticed it feels considerably cooler, which will be pleasant probably on august 21st, especially in south carolina. So just things to notice. Again, the other thing is as totality approaches observers have sometimes noticed what s called shadow bands, and these are alternating light and dark bands that quickly move across the ground, especially where you have light colored surfaces. >> Hmm. >> They occur just before totality and after totality. They re-- actually, we don t fully understand how they work. They probably have something to do with the atmosphere, the same reason the stars twinkle. But if you can see them-- sometimes they re seen, and sometimes they re not. Something to look for. >> Hmm. >> Another thing to observe is right a s the totality is beginning, there s just a tiny little sliver of the sun, and it looks very much like a diamond ring in the sky, and it s called the diamond ring effect. And that s definitely when the diamond ring occurs at the end of the eclipse. So the baily s beads-- that s the time to put your sunglasses-- your special eclipse glasses back on. >> Oh, okay. >> But, as the eclipse is about to happen you ll see the diamond ring effect, and then the diamond will go away, the baily s beads will go away, and then you ll see the full totality. And again, you can take your eclipse glasses off during totality, but be ready to put them back on. >> Yeah. >> And another thing you can look around is take a moment-- while you re enjoying the eclipse, take a moment to observe people around you. See how people react to it. >> Yeah. >> The expressions on their face. Another thing, is sometimes animals behave strangely during eclipses. >> Chicken shave been known to roost, birds behave differently. Even wasps and bees sometimes behave strangely. >> Wow. >> Cows, insect-- dogs, insects, anything you can think of that s close by, just for fun, observe and see if you notice anything. >> It is a strange and rare phenomenon to them. >> It is strange and they re confused by it. >> Yeah, yeah. >> And by the way, after totality, the whole sequence will reverse it. So you have all those sequence of things, the partial eclipse, the diamond ring, the baily s beads. >> Mm-hmm. >> And that will reverse as the moon uncovers the sun. >> Wow. Amazing. >> So if you miss this eclipse, or the weather doesn t cooperate, we have another chance in 7 years from now. >> All right. >> In 2024, there will be an eclipse that will move through texas and up through new england, and it will be another total eclipse of the sun. So we have two in a very short period of time, but it s been a long time since we ve had an eclipse. >> All right, yeah. >> So, we re due. We re due. We get two-- so, two chances, and my wife said, well, why don t we just go to the one in 7 years? And i said, well, we don t know what our lives are going to be like in 7 years. >> Yeah. >> So i said, carpe eclipsum. Seize the eclipse. So this is your chance. >> Fantastic. Yeah, no, i mean, i m-- if anything, why not both, right? >> Well, why not? We can try both. I may become an eclipse junkie, i guess. >> Yeah, yeah. No, i mean, it s so cool. And the fact that we re able to predict them, and we can go and-- we have a bunch of best practices on how you can observe the eclipse, the best that you can possibly do it. >> Yeah. >> I know, going back, just one quick thing. Well, you said early. Arrive to your destination early. >> Yeah, if you can, yes. >> How early are you-- are you talking about like days, or day, or hours? >> Well, it s difficult to arrive days early now, because virtually every hotel is booked along the eclipse path. >> Oh. >> We re going to be some distance away from the eclipse, so we re going to have to start early. The eclipse is maximum in south carolina about 2:30, so i figure if we get off at 8:00 in the morning that gives us about 6 hours to get there. And that may or may not be enough time. We ll just have to do the best we can. That was just where we-- i m staying with relatives, so that s-- >> okay. >> But, a lot of people i know have their hotel rooms booked in the-- at-- underneath the eclipse, so they can just step outside and watch it. >> Yeah, that s the-- oh, i wish i planned ahead there. That would ve been nice just get a nice, like, resort or something and just lay by the pool, watch the eclipse go by. That d be pretty cool. >> Actually, what i had originally planned-- i ve been planning for this eclipse since i was in graduate school many, many years ago. >> Wow. >> And i noticed that it would actually go through grand teton national park. And i thought, that s what i ll do. I ll go to the grand tetons and see the eclipse. But it turns out, the weather s not so-- it s a higher probability of clouds there, so i backed away from that. >> Wow. >> Good luck to those of you that-- the tetons. But that would be a beautiful photograph, actually, to see the eclipse over the grand tetons. >> Oh, absolutely. Let s keep our fingers crossed for that good weather all across the board. >> Hopefully it ll be clear all across the united states. >> Yeah. >> And everybody will be able to enjoy the eclipse. >> That would be fantastic. Well, i think that s all the time we have, unless you have one more story. But-- anything? >> I have other stories, but-- there are lots of good stories. >> Well, hey, yeah. Actually, we have a website and if you stay tuned until after the music here, we ll tell you where you can go and check out some more info on the eclipse and learn a little bit more about the history, the science, and all kinds of cool stuff, including the citizen science that mark was talking about here and how you can-- what you can do to observe some phenomena about this eclipse. So stay tuned for after the music there. Mark, thank you so much for coming on the podcast today. >> You re welcome. >> I feel like that was-- i m not going to say everything about the eclipse, because like you said, there s definitely more. But that s the-- i feel like i have a good understanding about eclipses and the science that goes behind it. So there s a lot about eclipses and a lot that we can learn just from shadows, and it s just amazing that there s so much behind it. So thanks for coming on the podcast and talking all about it. And everyone, i hope you enjoy the eclipse on the august 21st. So thanks again, mark. >> Thank you. [ Music ] >> houston, go ahead. >> I m on the space shuttle. >> Roger, zero-g and i feel fine. >> Shuttle has cleared the tower. >> We came in peace for all mankind. >> It s actually a huge honor to break the record like this. >> Not because they are easy, but because they are hard. >> Houston, welcome to space. >> Hey, thanks for sticking around. So, once again, this monday, august 21st, a total solar eclipse will sweep across america. If you want to know all the information that we have, if this podcast was not enough for you, go to eclipse2017.nasa.gov. You can find out all the science of eclipses, even more than we talked about with mark matney today, where it will be, and then how to safely view it from the ground. Just be sure to make sure that you check the glasses and make sure that they are nasa certified. After talking with mark matney after the show, we found out that the shadow itself is going to be 68 miles wide, and then that shadow travels faster than 1,000 miles per hour. So, he went back and he was trying to find the width of the shadow. It s actually a little bit smaller than you would imagine, but how fast it travels-- i mean, we re talking about some of those planes that are going to be following the shadow and studying it, they re only going to get only a few extra minutes out of it because the shadow s traveling so fast. But, if you think about it, it s the moon going around the earth, so it s probably going to be a little bit faster than you would think. Anyway, you can find out more about the eclipse by following us on social media. Obviously, our nasa accounts will be talking about this, but also here at the nasa johnson space center you can follow our accounts there. We ll be talking about it. If you follow international space station you can see some of the imagery. You ll get from there 250 miles above the earth. And then also, aries astral materials research, you ll find them on multiple accounts and you can talk-- they will be talking mostly about the science of eclipses, and they are also based here in the johnson space center. All of these are on either facebook, twitter, and instagram. If you want to join the conversation for-- and maybe submit some pictures that you are taking from wherever you re going to be observing the eclipse, and then also sort of see what everyone else is doing, the official hashtag for this event is #eclipse2017. Just use that on your favorite platform and share your experience and maybe ask a couple questions in case all of the information we told you today and anything you can t find on the website we can still answer even more questions that you have. So this podcast was recorded on july 19th, 2017. Thanks to alex perryman, john stoll, and tracy calhoun. And thanks again to dr. Mark matney for coming on the show. We ll be back next week.

hwhap_Ep38 Stories of Her Strength

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-30

Gary Jordan (Host): Houston, We Have a Podcast. Welcome to the official podcast of the NASA Johnson Space Center, Episode 38: Stories of Her Strength. I'm Gary Jordan, and I'll be your cohost today along with Jenny Turner, International Space Station flight controller and the chair of the Women Excelling in Life and Leadership employee resource group, more commonly known as WELL here on site. Jenny, thanks for coming on. Jenny Turner: Yeah, of course, thanks for having me. Host: So, Jenny, tell us more about these employee resource groups and their purpose and the one you chair as well. Jenny Turner: Yeah. So employee resource groups are here at JSC to help promote inclusion and innovation. So there's nine total. They focus on the experiences of different racial backgrounds, age, human systems integration, veterans, the LGBT community, employees with disabilities, and caregivers, and gender for WELL in particular. So at JSC and everywhere, really, the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and skills that we bring to work every day are, really, I think, what makes us so competitive and successful. So we really want to work to highlight that aspect of our community and just provide that resource for people in those groups, as well as allies. So for WELL in particular we are focused on promoting and supporting women at JSC. We provide mentoring opportunities so that women in management and entering into mid-level employees can connect. We do some outreach with the committee -- I'm sorry, the community, especially when it comes to girls and STEM. And we also have professional development luncheons with all sorts of topics that just also include personal development. Of course, being the women's group, we do tackle some harder subjects that are sometimes uncomfortable. But our intent is always, you know, never to accuse but just to make aware and kind of provide that forum for issues that affect us and the ones we love. Recently, especially with today's climate, we've also worked with our employee assistance program counselors here to provide a safe space for discussion on harassment in the workplace and just provide resources for victims and witnesses. Overall, yeah, it's just a great privilege we have to support the phenomenal women at the center. Host: Yeah. You guys are doing great things around here. I love it. So let's kick it off with today's theme. What's today's podcast all about? Jenny Turner: So it is -- it's just that, it's this focus that helps us highlight the tenacity of women everywhere. As the National Women's History Project site summarizes, honoring women who fight all forms of discrimination against women. So for WELL, we are doing a whole range of events or we have done. We have a couple of outreach events that we did. We did some with a first robotics group locally here with about 100 high school students and 13 women from NASA going out just to talk about our careers. We've also done a joint event with the fitness center on site to promote wellness. But our flagship event is actually the Wikipedia Editathon. So we initially got this idea from an article on a similar event at the University of Houston. So right now on Wikipedia there's -- only about 17% of biographies are women at all. So what we're doing is collecting information and biographies of women at NASA and in STEM fields to create new pages or just update them with more information. That way we can just help contribute to the presence of inspiring stories that women everywhere can have easy access to and say, "Yes, my goals are possible and they're there within reach." So we're really excited about that. We're getting a lot of good feedback and a lot of good entries. So it's looking good. Host: Exactly. And we're going to expand on that in today's episode. So Houston, We Have a Podcast is teaming up with WELL for Women's History Month to tackle this theme. And we've wrangled four guests, all who are leaders here at the Johnson Space Center of different divisions across the center -- International Space Station, flight operations, engineering, and then finally human health and performance. And we'll get to hear their story of how they got to NASA, how they persevered and rose to a leadership role. So Jenny, who is the first guest on our list? Jenny Turner: So first up is Dana Weigel. She's from the International Space Station Vehicle Office. She's the current manager. And she is also one of our executive sponsors for WELL. So she helps to give us advice and support all of our activities here at JSC. Host: Great. Let's right into it. Producer Alex, cue the music. [ Music ] Host: Dana, thank you so much for coming on the show today to sort of tell your story. Dana Weigel: Sure. Host: All right. I wanted to start with just your childhood because becoming -- for you coming to NASA was almost normal, right, since you live so close? Dana Weigel: Yeah. I was a couple towns over. And, of course, we had family coming in from all across the United States. And what they wanted to do was go to NASA. And I remember telling my parents, "No, do I have to go again? We go there all the time. I'm always going to NASA." I've got these pictures of me as a kid. Back in the day, by the way, you used to be able to come on site. So there wasn't a Space Center Houston, you just came directly to NASA. Host: Oh, there was no gates or anything? Dana Weigel: Nope, completely open. You could wander around kind of whenever you wanted. But they did have this public area where they had this cardboard or a wooden spacesuit cutout. And so I've got these pictures through the years of me poking my head through this spacesuit. So I can't say I grew up imagining that I'd ever work [Laughs] -- work at NASA. Host: Maybe it was more subtle. Maybe because you were here, it was just sort of ingrained in your childhood. Maybe this is something I want to do. Dana Weigel: Maybe so. It was familiar for sure, I'll say that. Host: So then what got you -- was it maybe coming here that you got interested in STEM? Or was it parental influence that got you interested in, like, a technologies, science, math -- anything like that? Dana Weigel: You know, both my parents are biochemists, and my grandfather was a chemical engineer. And he's really the one what introduced me to engineering, talked to me about what it was. He was influential in starting early chapters of Society of Women Engineers, SWE. So he talked to me about that. And I thought, "Hey, this is something a female could do. I could go do this." So I went off to go become a mechanical engineer. And then I was heading down a path to go design prosthetics. So I thought I'd be a mechanical engineer and then go be a doctor, and then go work in a clinic and do something related to designing legs or whatnot. [ Laughter ] Dana Weigel: After I graduated, I started taking night classes to finish all of the biologies and all the things I hadn't had as an engineer that I would need to do the MCAT. And I met a biomedical engineer who worked at NASA. She worked in Mission Control and she talked about her job, and I thought, "Wow, that sounds pretty interesting." Host: Biomedical, Mission Control, yeah. Yeah. Dana Weigel: So I decided, "You know, I got a few more years or maybe two more years, I think, of night classes I had to take to qualify for med school. Why don't I see if I can work at NASA while I'm doing that?" So I applied and I became a contractor with Barrios Technology, working in Mission Operations Directorate is what it was called at the time. And ended up with a job doing extra-vehicular activity, EVA, the spacesuits, the same suits I poked my head through, you know, for years as a kid. Host: Ah, coming full circle. Dana Weigel: Yeah. And then I fell in love with it and decided, "Why am I trying to go be a physician? I'll just stay here and be a flight controller and work for NASA." Host: Did you end up finishing those two years or did you say, "No, NASA's for me"? Dana Weigel: I finished the classes. Host: All right. Dana Weigel: I did not take the MCAT. By then I was hooked. Host: [Laughs] Really? Dana Weigel: Decided to stay, yeah. Host: So what were you doing in space suits specifically? What were you working on? Dana Weigel: In mission operations there were kind of two functions. One was being an instructor, so I would teach crew and teach other flight controllers about the spacesuit. And then I also worked in Mission Control and was very fortunate I got to work Shuttle missions, Hubble missions, and Space Station missions as an EVA flight control. Host: Oh. So okay, when you heard flight controlling, sitting in Mission Control, that sounds pretty cool -- that's exactly what you pursued. You pursued sitting in Mission Control? Dana Weigel: I did. Host: All right. Dana Weigel: I did, and it was very cool. Host: [Laughs] What sorts of challenges did you have to get before you can sit in the main room? Dana Weigel: They've kind of got like a hierarchy. It's interesting, it's set up like a pyramid. There's what's called a back room. And there were folks there who were looking at very detailed procedures and schematics. And you go through a certification process, a lot of training, lot of certification, a lot of practice in simulations to get certified there. And then typically have two different back room positions that you have to conquer before you can try to sit in the front room, the big front room. Host: What are those positions? Dana Weigel: So for the EVA office, which is where I was, there was one that was focused on the suit -- the spacesuit -- on the systems-side focused. And then there was the what we call the test side, which is what you're actually doing. So, like, for repairing the Hubble space telescope, understanding the tools, the requirements, what you have to do to change out boxes. So those were the two big pieces for the area I was in. Host: And you, I guess, touched both then, right? Dana Weigel: I did. Host: All right. Did you actually get to work on some of the -- I guess beyond the procedures, were you working on the hardware at all or was it mainly Mission Control-based? Dana Weigel: That's a good question. So I think one of unique things about the area I was in with EVA, because it's such a -- it requires such a physical skill to do the job, we did spend a lot of time a couple years before the mission doing development runs in the neutral buoyancy lab to help figure out what types of tools would be needed, what types of crew aides, for example, and then depending upon who we were doing the work with, station program or Hubble, you'd go work with providers to help design and help figure out what you needed for the mission. Host: Okay. So you were doing a little bit of both. Did you get to actually suit up and go in the neutral buoyancy laboratory, anything cool like that? Dana Weigel: I did. Host: Oh, awesome. Dana Weigel: I am height-challenged. So I'm actually on the smaller end of the scale. So many years ago they were entertaining having what they call an extra small hard upper torso and they needed test subjects. So I fit the bill. I have very short arms. So I did a large number of runs very early on, trying to help them figure out, you know, how you can optimize reach for the smaller end of the crew spectrum. [ Laughter ] Host: How did that work with the shorter arms? Dana Weigel: It's very frustrating. Host: I can imagine. Dana Weigel: Very frustrating. Host: What was some of the more uncomfortable parts of it? Was it the chest area where you could, I guess, with shorter arms trying to reach in front of you? Or was it maybe the pressure that was causing maybe some strain on your fingers or something? Dana Weigel: You know, it's both. The reaching in front of you, getting two hands in front of you on a work site is difficult, but also the way the vehicle is built, there's a certain handrail spacing that is designed in. And so in a lot of cases even just the reach from one place to another could be challenging. [ Laughter ] Yes, you don't want to let go. You don't want to let go -- that's key. Host: That's right, that's right. Well, you're tethered, so you got that. But still, you definitely want to hang on with both hands. So then where did your path take you then? Is it -- I know you became a flight director, but was it immediately there or were there some extra steps? Dana Weigel: Let's see, in 2004, I became a civil servant. So that was probably maybe eight or nine years I had done the job. And then a year after that, in 2005 I applied to be a flight director. And I was selected, I was the first specialist discipline that had ever been selected to become a flight director. Host: So that means EVA then, right? Dana Weigel: Yeah. I mean, historically the flight director office had pulled from disciplines or from what we call core disciplines, things like life support system or thermal, someone who's there all the time, 24/7, tons of hours in Mission Control, tons of time. They understand the spacecraft. They interact with all the other major kind of infrastructure systems. Whereas a specialist is someone who comes in just for a certain activity, like robotics or EVA. You come in to prep the spacesuits, do you the space walk, and then you leave. So you have more limited time in Mission Control. Host: Yeah. Okay. So they wanted someone to lead Mission Control who was sort of used to being there all the time and knew how things worked all the time? Dana Weigel: It was the comfort zone. That's just what had been done before. And so this, I think, in their mind was a little bit of gamble. There wasn't as much direct opportunity to watch a specialist on console and see how they perform. You get many, many more opportunities with someone who's there all the time. Host: So how did you sell it? You being in a specialist discipline, how did you sell it like, "Yes, I'm the person you want to be in this flight director class"? Dana Weigel: Yeah, that -- that's interesting. Because the interview, I thought it would kind of be a generic vanilla interview, but it was very customized to how am I going to compensate for coming in as a specialist? Every question was related to compensation for coming from EVA as a discipline and a specialist area. So we talked a lot about that. And, you know, anyone who can lead or has a certain set of capabilities, you can apply that in any number of different areas, right? So knowledge is only one piece of the puzzle, you know? Coming in with a certain set of knowledge, it will only get you so far, right? So what you're really looking for is the rest of the adaptable skillset that someone else has. Host: So how did you build those skillsets, then, over time, over your time as an EVA, the skillsets to show that you were a leader, that you could lead the flight control team? Dana Weigel: I had a handful of unique opportunities. One was after the Columbia accident I became the overall lead for operations for trying to figure out how we'd repair the Shuttle's thermal protective system. So I ended up with a pretty large team, maybe 15 or so people in my area. And we were working, of course, with engineering, and safety, and other directorates, too, trying to figure out how to solve that. So I was fortunate in that I was involved in, you know, something that was pretty complex and had more, you know, in-depth kind of leadership responsibilities. Host: Yeah, I'm sure you sort of set that in the interviews, "No, I'm very used to leading teams for very important things like that." So then once you were sitting in the seat, I'm sure it wasn't just, "All right, now you're accepted. Let's lead the teams, please." I'm sure you still had some struggles. Dana Weigel: Yeah, I think the first year that I was in the office was a challenge for the management team. They didn't know -- they didn't know if they should just assign me the normal things they would assign someone else who had a core kind of discipline background. So they did a number of odd things like customizing assignments and trying to keep it close to the EVA realm. It was actually quite frustrating. I was treated differently than the rest of my class of nine. We were a class of nine. So I actually thought at one point, "Should I quit? Should I leave? Are they not ready for this?" And then I thought, "Nah, I can do this job. And I want to do this job. I'm going to stay, I'm going to do it. I'll show them." I put my head down, okay, whatever assignments you want to give me, I'll knock them out. I'll do it, even though I thought it was odd how they were managing that. And then about a year into it, to my surprise, they gave me the largest assignment -- the first big assignment, really, of the whole class and everything changed. Host: Really? Wow. Okay. So you had to prove -- basically putting your head down and saying, "Okay, sure, give me whatever you want. But whatever you give me, I'm going to own it." And I guess that sort of showed. It showed that you could take on this large responsibility. Dana Weigel: Exactly. Host: What was the large responsibility out of curiosity? Dana Weigel: Yeah. So I actually ended up being assigned to the first increment. So I think most people are familiar -- at least who work Space Station -- with what our increments are, but basically we've got a set of crew members who fly up on a Soyuz and come back on a Soyuz. And so we've got a period of time that is an increment. So I was assigned to lead the first increment and then also assigned to lead the first Shuttle assembly mission for my class. Host: Wow, all right. [Laughs] Yeah. Very big task and very new, too. So how long were you a flight director, then? Dana Weigel: I did that for about ten years total in the office. The last three years I was the deputy of that office. Host: Oh, wow. All right. So flight directors leading more flight directors? [Laughs] Dana Weigel: That's something else, too. Host: Yeah [Laughs] really. So then what made you want to -- what opportunities came up next that you wanted to not be a flight director anymore or lead flight directors? Dana Weigel: So this next change wasn't really my choice necessarily. Host: Oh, okay. Dana Weigel: During one of the space walks -- it was EVA 23 -- we had crew members Chris Cassidy and Luca Parmitano doing a space walk. And about an hour into the space walk, Luca started noticing that his -- his com cap, which is kind a spandex cut-type cap that's on his head felt a little moist, felt wet. And as the EVA went on, it started getting wetter and wetter. And it became apparent that he had water in his helmet. It's pretty scary. Most of your contingency we've ever had on Space Station, the water ended up on the back of his head and worked its way across his eyes and over his nose. Host: Oh. Dana Weigel: And luckily, his mouth -- he still could breathe. Could have drowned. He was very calm. And the actions he took saved his life. But after that major failure, the program manager at the time, Mike Suffredini, kind of tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Hey, I need you to go lead this investigation." Host: It was because you had the EVA background? Dana Weigel: Because I had the background, but also he had worked with me on a number of other contingency situations in Mission Control. Host: Okay. Dana Weigel: And had had kind of seen me leading the teams. Host: Knew you could do it? Dana Weigel: He knew I could, I didn't know I could. [ Laughter ] Host: All right. So then this was -- I guess it took you away from this deputy role. And now you were leading this investigation, a failure investigation. What -- so I'm guessing you had a lot of challenges there, too? Dana Weigel: I did. When he first asked me to do it, I said, "Surely you have someone else who's qualified to lead a failure investigation." I come from operations. I don't build fault trees. I don't -- I've never seen someone go all the way down to root cause in an investigation. And, you know, he made the point that what's more important is having a strong leader, not having someone with the right knowledge, right? Host: Because you surround yourself with people -- Dana Weigel: Yeah, that's the point as a leader, right? It's not about what you know, it's about what you can draw out of people. Host: Yeah. Dana Weigel: So I led that. It was about a year-long investigation. A lot of hard work, fantastic team. We've got a lot of expertise, not just here but at other centers that helped us out. Host: Wow. Dana Weigel: Learned a lot about errors we had made with water behavior on the ground versus on orbit. Host: Hmm. Okay. And then so I guess that was your new job, then, for a whole year? And I guess you didn't go back to flight directing then after that? Dana Weigel: No, after that the program manager -- we happened to have an opening in the Space Station program and he asked me to come in and lead one of the offices there, which is what I'm currently doing now. Host: The vehicle office, right? Dana Weigel: Yes. Host: So what do you do in the vehicle office? Dana Weigel: So the vehicle office is responsible for building all the vehicle hardware, the system hardware, thermal systems, power systems. There's a lot of building and maintaining that hardware. And then also payload facilities. So there are a lot of multiuser payload facilities that we have on the vehicle to do science club boxes, and combustion racks, fluid racks, a lot of other things. So we build and maintain that hardware. Host: Okay. So basically the vehicle being the International Space Station, you just got to make sure the gas is going, it's running? Dana Weigel: Yes [Laughs]. Yes, that's a nice, simplified way of saying. Well, one of the other really neat things we're doing, though, with the vehicle, we are working on building the exploration-grade life support systems that could take us to Mars. Host: Oh. Dana Weigel: And it's really important that we test those in microgravity and in a relevant environment. So you can't really emulate that on the ground. Host: Yeah, you got to make sure it's working in this. Okay. So that's on the International Space Station right now then? Dana Weigel: We're starting the build. In fact, the first piece of hardware should go up this summer. And we'll continue adding over the next three or so years, three to four years. And then we're hoping to test it for a few years and get ourselves in a much better position for having reliable life support systems that could take us on to Mars. [ Laughter ] Host: Extremely important job. That's really, really cool. So along this path that you're talking about from maybe starting with, you know, space is there but it's maybe I want to go into prosthetics, to eventually working your way up the management chain. And now leading groups, leading teams, doing things that you didn't think you were going to do, leading failure investigation teams. What sort of traits did you have or maybe work on to get you to be able to do these things? Dana Weigel: I mean, one thing for sure is being persistent. If you want to do something, don't give up. Put your head down, keep working towards it. You know, I built my career on assignments that were not necessarily the most interesting or sexy assignments. It doesn't matter what it is, if you do it well, people will recognize it. You know, a lot of times I took the harder jobs that people just didn't want to touch because they didn't look fun. And those can be some of your biggest successes. The bigger the challenge, the more you're going to grow. If you want to grow as a leader, you've got to put yourself into positions where you don't know everything, right? You've got to really stretch really far so that you have to rely on the team. You've got to kind of make that stretch from individual contributor to leading and being reliant on the team. I mean, that's key. A leader is only as good as the team that's following them. Host: So it seems like you weren't looking for -- no, that's not fun, I don't really want to do that. It seems like you were almost seeking the challenge. You're like, "Yeah, I want to do that. This is going to be hard, but that's something that I want to do." Dana Weigel: If something's broken and you can go fix it, you know, that -- you'll learn a ton. You'll grow a lot from that. Host: All right. I love this idea of persistence, of [Laughs] even if it's hard, someone's got to do it. And I think I can do it, I'm going to challenge myself and improve my skills to get me to that point. Very cool. Dana, thanks so much for coming on and telling your story and really inspiring this idea of persistence. So I appreciate you coming on. Dana Weigel: Thank you very much. [Spacey Sound Effect] Host: Okay. That was Dana Weigel talking about her journey and her current role as a leader in the International Space Station program. So Jenny, who do we have next? Jenny Turner: So next we have Ginger Kerrick. She's from the Flight Operations Directorate. And she's currently the chief of the flight integration division. Host: Okay, through the worm hole we go. [Spacey Sound Effect] Host: Ginger, thank you so much for coming on the podcast today to talk about your story. Ginger Kerrick: Thanks for having me. Host: Of course. So I kind of wanted to start from the beginning, just kind of establish the baseline of how you first even got into, I guess, your interest NASA but just STEM in general -- what was the inspiration there? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, sure. I used to check out books from the library every Friday. And I brought home one book when I was five years old called Astronomy and Astronauts. And I read that book cover to cover and proudly went into the living room and proclaimed to my parents that yea verily, I know what I needed to do for the rest of my life. And I absolutely needed to be an astronaut. Host: Wow. So whatever course was going to take you there, that's the one you were going to go with. Ginger Kerrick: Mm-hmm. Host: Okay. So then you started pursuing physics, right? Ginger Kerrick: Yes. Host: And that's when you started going to -- I guess it transitioned into university, right? So you started taking classes there? Ginger Kerrick: Yes. Early on in childhood we didn't have honors classes. And so my mom would meet with each one of my teachers and tell them that Ginger was special. So they would give me extra work and projects. And so that worked out well early on. And then eventually in high school got into honors classes, and then I zeroed in on I wanted to major in physics. So I started off at the University of El Paso in physics and then eventually transferred to Texas Tech. Host: Okay. Did you -- did you -- was it this goal that you had in the back of your mind that really helped you kind of excel? Because you graduated in the second of your class in high school, right? Ginger Kerrick: Yes, yes, by 1/1000 of a point, not that I carry that with me to this day. [ Laughter ] Yeah, it was the goal, but it was also my upbringing. My dad died when I was 11 years old and my mom explained to me that I was not going to be able to go to college unless I had scholarships. And so she explained the way to get scholarships was you do really well in sports or you do really well in school. And so I thought, "Well, okay, I need to go to college. So I better do really well in both." So when I graduated, I had a lot of different academic scholarships to choose from and some athletic scholarships to choose from. Host: Really? What did you play? Ginger Kerrick: Basketball. Host: Oh, all right. Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, I was voted El Paso's Female Athlete of the Year for the city the year that I graduated, too. So I played basketball and volleyball, and I had offers in both to go play at different places. Host: Okay. So what made you choose the academic route over the sports route? Ginger Kerrick: Bigger scholarships and bigger schools. Host: Oh, okay. Ginger Kerrick: So four-year schools that I knew I could get a reputable degree from that NASA would recognize. Host: Okay. Oh, that's right. Because the ultimate goal is this astronaut, right? So you were doing a lot of things to get to NASA particularly, right? Ginger Kerrick: Yes. I actually wrote to them when I was 11. Host: Really? Ginger Kerrick: And I asked what it took to get here. And they wrote me back, there's a few -- and they said, you know, stay in school, stay out of trouble, listen to your parents. And I had my little letter, so proud. [ Laughter ] Host: That's very cool. Ginger Kerrick: Yeah. Host: Hey, that would inspire me, too, if I got a letter from NASA. Oh, NASA saying I need to stay in school? I will do that [Laughs]. So in school, what -- how did that go? Did it just -- going through physics classes and working your way to get to NASA? Ginger Kerrick: Well, early on it was pretty easy, to be honest. I was at University of Texas El Paso. I was taking 22 hours a semester, and I had a 4.0. By then -- and I was living at home -- but then when I moved away, my first time away from home, I kind of, you know, got into a little bit of trouble because I stayed out too late, I hung out with my friends, I did things that my mom wouldn't allow me to do when I was living at home. And I wound up with a fat 2.7 my first semester. So I remember calling NASA and asking if that was good enough for their co-op program. Host: You called them back? Ginger Kerrick: After they stopped laughing, they said, "Why don't you call us back when you get it above a 3.0 and we'll think about it." And so I wound up losing one of my scholarships at Texas Tech and I had to get another part-time job. So I worked three part-time jobs for the remainder of my college years. But I got it back up to a 3.2, and that was good enough to qualify for NASA's -- it was a one-shot summer internship program. So that's how I got my foot in the door. Host: Wow, so this goal in the back of your mind was really driving you? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, absolutely. Host: Yeah. I mean, that's the only thing. Because to work three part-time jobs, plus have that school that you got to maintain and you got to get -- you got to increase your GPA? Ginger Kerrick: Yes. Host: All at the same time. That's an insane amount of time. I'm sure your social life was pretty much -- Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, it was suffering and I was hungry. [ Laughter ] Because I couldn't afford a lot of food. Host: Yeah. Ginger Kerrick: So my mom would fly in every once in a while and take me to Sam's. I'd be like, "Yay." Host: But it got you there, right? Then you ended up getting the summer internship at NASA? Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, yeah. So I got the summer internship here. And I remember working for this gentleman named Jose [inaudible] in the safety office. And I met him very first day, and I said, "Look, here's the deal. This is a one-shot deal and I want that internship." Back then it was called the co-op program, what is now known as the Pathways intern. I said, "I want a co-op position. And I don't know how to get it. Do you have any ideas?" And he didn't. And I said, "Look, how about this? I have friends that are working in other orgs. What if I finish my work for you and then I go help them on their projects? And then maybe their bosses will see me and maybe can I get their bosses to write me a letter of recommendation. So if I get multiple letters, maybe then at the end of the summer you can walk down to the co-op office with me and all these letters saying that I've done good work everywhere and get converted." And he's like, "Okay." And so that's what we did. Toward the end of the summer I was like, "Come on. We got to go." So he went to the co-op office. I'm like, "Tell him Ginger did a really good job this summer." And I said yes, and not only him and these other individuals think that, too. And he says, "I think you should move her into the co-op program." And they said okay. Host: So what was so intriguing about the co-op program that you worked so hard to get there? Ginger Kerrick: Because that was a promise. So the internship, I come work here, I go back to school, NASA doesn't owe me anything. But if I got into the co-op program, then it's a partnership. I work for NASA a semester, I go to school; I work for NASA a semester. And back then upon graduation, you're pretty much guaranteed a job. More so than if I had just been a one-shot intern. So that was my way of making sure that I got into a recognized agreement with NASA. Host: Okay. So you worked hard in the summer internship to short of get into this almost sealed deal. Ginger Kerrick: More stable, yes. Host: A sealed deal. And then you get hired on as a civil servant, too, right? Ginger Kerrick: Yes -- yeah, yeah. Host: So you get to do a lot of different things as a civil servant, right? It seems like whenever you did get to NASA eventually, you moved around quite a bit? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, yeah. So when I first got back, when I first started, that was May of '94. And I was hired by safety, reliability, and quality assurance, and I worked in the bolts testing laboratory and the calibration laboratory. And then after about a year doing that, I was converted to a materials research engineer where I just supervised the quality of some of the production that was going into the Space Shuttle and early on in the Space Station. And after a year of doing that, my boss knew that I wanted to be an astronaut. And so I went down and turned in my astronaut application. And Duane Ross suggested that I get out of the area that I was in and get some exposure to operations. And so Duane Ross introduced me to the concept of a rotational assignment in NASA where your organization will allow to go do some other job in a different organization for about a six-month period to get some exposure. So I convinced my boss, I said, "Hey, the guy that's the selecting official for the astronauts said I should do this, that you should sign here." And so he let me go off, and I went to the Mission Operations Directorate as an instructor for the Space Station life support systems. Host: Oh, wow. Okay. So, [Laughs] again, not only NASA -- we should go back on this -- not only NASA was the goal but astronaut. Astronaut is part of this picture. And it has to do with when you were a kid saying, "This is what I want to do." Ginger Kerrick: Exactly. Host: So eventually what other paths did you get? Did you get to start applying to be an astronaut? Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, well, that was the story that that I was telling you there. So I -- Host: Yeah, yeah. Ginger Kerrick: In order to be -- to apply to be an astronaut, you need a master's degree and one year of technical experience. Host: Oh, okay. Ginger Kerrick: So when I hired on at NASA in '94 -- in May of '94 -- by May of '95 I had my one-year and I filled out that app. And it just so happened they were having a selection that year. So when he told me to change jobs to get some different experience, I went ahead and did that. And I think I was 26 years old. And I thought, "All right, I'm going to get the coolest rejection letter ever on NASA letterhead to go with my one that I got when I was 11." But it didn't what that way. So I got a call right around, you know, October, November I guess from Duane and he said, "Hey, we received 3,000 applications this year and we are choosing to interview 120. And you are one of the 120." Host: Whoa. Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, that was my thought exactly. So, you know, I just about lost my mind. So I was ready. Because back then the interviews were one week long. So the actual roundtable talk part of the interview was only an hour. But they had physical tests, psychological tests, and the medical tests that you had to go through for the whole week. But I was ready to rock those out. And I wound up getting -- my interview was scheduled in December of 1995. Host: Okay. And then what happened? Ginger Kerrick: Well, during the interview they did a scan of my lower abdomen with an ultrasound, saw something, asked me to come back in for an X-ray, saw something and asked me to come back in for a CT scan. And on the CT scan was clear that there were six white dots on one side and seven white dots on another. I had kidney stones. And I'd never passed one. So I didn't even know that I had them. But what I did know is that year NASA was instituting a new medical disqualification that if your body showed the capacity to form a single stone, that is lifetime disqualification from consideration as an astronaut. Host: Wow. So just the medical -- you know, you had the qualifications, but this medical thing stopped it in its tracks. Wow. So then what happened? I'm sure you were devastated? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, I was. Yeah, I was dead inside. I don't remember the last day of that interview week. I remember being at home crying all day Saturday, all day Sunday. I didn't go to work Monday, and I was contemplating quitting NASA altogether. And Duane Ross called me Monday afternoon and he's like, "Hey, I heard you weren't at work today." I'm like, "Man, that whole big brother thing really does -- he doesn't even work in my building. How does he know?" They know everything But so he called me and I said, "No, I couldn't bring myself to go to work." And he says, "How are you?" And I lost it. I'm like, "How do you think I am? My life is over." And so it's just this horrible response that was coming out of my mouth. And I -- like, I took a step back and I heard myself and I thought, "Golly, what a wuss. That is not me." When I was 11, I mentioned my dad died. I watched him die right in front of me. Host: Oh. Ginger Kerrick: And so I'm thinking, "Okay, this little 11-year-old girl that watched her die right in front of her and picked herself up and managed to get to where she is today is now going to be defeated by a few kidney stones?" I'm like, "Oh, no, I'm not having that." So we hung up the phone. And I'm like, "All right, this is one of the worst things that's ever happened to me. I will acknowledge that. But like when my dad died, there's nothing I can do about it." And I did ask. I'm like, "Hey, my mom has two perfectly good kidneys. We can swap these bad boys out and pretend." Yeah, and they're like, "No, you weirdo." So I just said there's absolutely nothing I can do. So I have to get past this. And at the time I was teaching astronauts. And I thought, "Wow, this is a cool job." So maybe -- maybe I am 26 years old and I don't know everything. And maybe there are other job opportunities here that are going to be equally as rewarding or more rewarding than I ever imagined. But to get myself out of that bed, I said, "All right, I'm going to go to work and I'm going to say that I can't go into space. But as an instructor for the astronauts I can teach the astronauts a little something." So in an indirect way a little part of me would be going up with each one of those. Okay. Yeah, I can sell that to myself. And I said I sell it to myself because I woke up every morning crying and wanting to quit. So I'd sell myself this story and I would go to work. Then I'd start having a little bit of fun. And then I'm like, "Oh wait, I'm supposed to be depressed. I can't have fun." But as the days went on or weeks went on, I didn't have to sell that story to myself anymore. And I really started enjoying it and being open to new opportunities. And it was after that mental mind shift that all kind of crazy opportunities came -- you know, were offered to me here at NASA. Host: Unbelievable. Because the history, you know, your whole goal was defined by this astronaut thing. So understanding that, you kind of have to redefine where can I find meaning? And then you kind of described this process, that there are other places that I can find meaning in NASA and make a contribution -- a good contribution -- to human space flight. And that's where you -- you know, some of the stuff you did, like, what was the -- you were the first non-astronaut CAPCOM? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, yeah. So that was kind of crazy. Host: Yeah. Ginger Kerrick: So right after, you know, these interviews, about a year later I was assigned to the Expedition 1 crew. So the first crew that would fly onboard the International Space Station. And I was assigned as a Russian training integration instructor was the title, but big picture is they were getting the majority of their training in Russia, about 70% and about 30% in the US. And because I was assigned directly to them, I went wherever they went. So if they were in the service module as it was being constructed in the plant at -- in the facility in Moscow, I was in the service module with them. If they were in Florida as the laboratory module was being constructed, I was in the laboratory module with them. Every class that they took, I was there. So in a weird way I got my astronaut training. And so I did that for four years. And then after they flew and I came back here and moved back to the US -- I was really living in Russia for the majority of those four years -- I talked to Randy Stone, who was head of the missions operations directorate at the time. And I'm like, "I have a very unique skillset now and I want to be able to contribute. Where do you think would be the best spot for me? I'm looking at existing jobs and it doesn't seem like it maximizes it." And so I kind of leaned back in his chair and he's like, "Well, have you ever thought about being a CAPCOM?" You know, short for capsule communicator, the people that talk to the crew. I'm like, "Well, those are always astronauts. And so hello, I can't be an astronaut." And he says, "Well, do you know why they've always been astronauts?" And I had no. And he says, "Well, the people in space always wanted to talk to somebody on the ground that had flown in that vehicle, that had -- knew, you know, the tasks that they were assigned inside and out, understood the way the ground team were supposed to operate." He's like, "Look what would you have been doing for the last four years. Have there been any other astronauts there with you that know the vehicle? This is the first crew that's flown." He says, "So there isn't anybody like that. But you have a leg up on that." And I thought well, okay. Sow called the chief of the astronaut office. And they're like, "Oh yeah, Ginger, sure. Yeah. We'll give it a try." So he's like, "All right, if you don't screw this up, maybe other people can do it, too." And I'm like, "Copy, don't screw it up." And so my first day I remember being so nervous because the flight director on console that day was Norm Knight. And he's now -- he was chief of the flight director office. And he looked exactly like Gene Kranz with the haircut and everything. And he was pretty scary. And he was, like, "What are you doing in here?" I thought, "Oh my goodness." But I won him over that day with both the familiarity I had with the crew. And there was -- I think we had a Freon leak in the Russian air-conditioner that week. And I'm like, "Oh, yeah, here's a copy of the air-conditioner, and here's what it looks like, and he's where it's leaking. And all the Freon could leak out and it's still safe for the crew because it would be below these limits." And he's like, "Who are you?" But it was great. And I loved that job. I love that job so much. And I would never have thought that I could do that. Host: Wow. So now you're in this leadership role, talk about the transition from this operational role to now you're starting to be a part of the leadership of flight operations? Ginger Kerrick: Yeah. So four years as a CAPCOM, I sat next to the flight director. And I thought, "Huh, they're in charge. I could be in charge." And people -- that's about as much thought as went into it. And people were telling me, "No, you can't be a flight director because no CAPCOM has ever been a flight director." And I'm like, "Well, heck, you know." Host: No astronaut has ever been a CAPCOM. Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, no astronaut's ever been a CAPCOM. So I'm going to roll the dice. So I applied and I got selected as a flight director in 2005. So, the leader of Mission Control. And the ironic thing in being selected in that position is if I'd have been picked as an astronaut, I would have been one of over 550 people to fly in space because that's how many we've had fly in space so far. But to date, there's only been 92 flight directors in the history of NASA. And at the time I was number 60. So I had actually joined a more elite leadership team than I had envisioned for myself. But I loved working that position. I was also the first female Hispanic flight director ever selected. Host: Wow. Ginger Kerrick: And I loved being in charge. I loved having that responsibility of the lives of the crew, the integrity of the spacecraft, and execution of the mission. I loved having that on my shoulders. And did I that for eight years. And I worked both Space Station and Shuttle. And I could have done that job forever. But my boss came in and pretended to ask me a question, but it was really a reassignment in disguise. And he asked me to join his management team with the Mission Operations Directorate, initially managing the budget, the people. So budget of roughly $200 million and about 1,100 people that contributed to the International Space Station success in the Mission Operations Directorate. Host: Do you think it's a place that maybe you not necessarily envisioned your ending up but you're happy in? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, each job is, like, the coolest job ever. Every time I get a new job, I'm like, "All right, all right, nothing could be better. Oh, wait, okay, now I have a new job. And this actually is better than the last job." So that job was awesome. The flight director -- the CAPCOM was awesome, flight director was awesome. And then I did this other management job for four years and that was awesome. And then a year and a half ago, my boss again -- I should get nervous when he comes around -- asked me to start up a brand new division in the Flight Operations Directorate, which we hadn't stood up a new division in a number of years. But with us returning to launching and landing vehicles from US soil, we realized we were a little bit behind the power curve in ensuring that everything we needed to ensure the safety of the crew members associated with those tenacities was in place. So we formed a brand new division from scratch. He wanted it up and running in 45 days. And I got it up and running in 45 days. And we're about a year and a half old now. And now this is the coolest position ever [Laughs]. Because I get to manage 160 of the brightest minds. I have -- I'm responsible for operation safety of all these brand new vehicles that they're building, the training on the vehicles, the hardware inspections, the software testing. And I just -- I love it. Host: Wow. I just -- I really appreciate the fact that despite setbacks and despite not meeting these original goals that you set for yourself earlier in your life, you can still find meaning and you can still contribute in a big way that makes you happy. Ginger Kerrick: Yeah, I think a lot of people just fall into the pit of despair. Host: Yeah. Ginger Kerrick: And while it's fine to spend a few days in there, mourning the loss of a dream you had, you need to pick yourself back out of that. Because there are -- you know, we don't always they everything. There are other things that we have not considered that could bring us great joy. And I am a living example of that. Host: [Laughs] Well, I wanted to end. So the theme of this episode is Nevertheless She Persisted. And it has to do with this idea that maybe there are setbacks, maybe there are obstacles along the way. Do you have a piece of advice that you want to give maybe to women trying to do exactly what you were doing, maybe achieve a goal and trying to push through despite many setbacks? Some kind of piece advice that we can walk away with? Ginger Kerrick: Oh, sure. You know, for each case that you're confronted with, ask yourself if there is something under your control that you can do. So, like, with the examples that I had with my dad dying, no. With the kidney stones, no. But there were other encounters that I had, you know, a teacher who told me that little girls shouldn't study science when I was 13. And I could have just said, "Oh, okay," and just withdrawn from the class instead of, you know, "What is your problem, dude? I love science." And so there are times in your life. So you just need to ask yourself that question. And if there is do, do it and get creative. Sometimes there won't be a process for it, like, there wasn't a process for how I could turn my summer internship into a permanent co-op position but invent one. And if you're passionate enough about what you want to do, you will find that. But if you find yourself in a case where there is nothing you can do, allow yourself that time to mourn that loss. That is human nature. That is normal. But don't get stuck there. So whether it's asking for help from friends or family, pick yourself back up and dust yourself off and look around and see if there is something else out there for you. Host: Wow. Your passion for what you do is extremely inspiring. Thank you so much for coming on today. Ginger Kerrick: Thank you very much. [Spacey Sound Effects] Host: And that was Ginger Kerrick talking about her journey to her current role as the leader in -- as one of the leaders, actually, in Flight Operations. So Jenny, who do we have next? Host: So up next we have Julie Kramer White. She is the deputy director of engineering for all of Johnson Space Center. Host: Okay getting a little dizzy flying through these wormholes. But let's do it anyway. Producer Alex, bring us through. [Spacey Sound Effects] Host: Julie, thanks so much for coming on the podcast today to talk about your story and kind of how you are now one of the leaders in engineering, right? Julie Kramer White: Yeah, it's my pleasure. It's great to be here. Thanks for having me. Host: Fantastic. I kind of want us to start with your inspiration for getting into this field, STEM. You said that you didn't really have a lot of, I guess, engineering influencers, but you ended up in engineering. Julie Kramer White: Right, yeah. I grew up in the Midwest, I grew up in Indiana, didn't have any engineers in my family but sort of a product of a 1970s push to put -- match up women who had aptitudes in science and math to STEM-type fields. And of course we didn't call it that then, but that's essentially what it was. And so I was very good at math and definitely had a mechanical aptitude. And the teachers saw that, and they started saying things to me like, "Gee, you ought to go into medicine or you ought to go into engineering." This thing engineering that I didn't really know too much about what it was. Medicine didn't really interest me, too glory. So I decided to start to understand more about engineering. Luckily, growing up in Indiana, Purdue was a local school for me, it was a local option. So in-state tuition, couple hours from home, you know, mom would do my laundry on the weekends. So I wound up pursuing an engineering degree at Purdue kind of not really knowing what that really meant in terms of connection to NASA. But I knew really early from high school that if I was going to go into engineering, I wasn't just going to go into engineering, I wanted to go work at NASA. Shuttle was starting, you know, in the 80s, and so I saw Shuttle program start up. And I thought, "Wow, what a great way to do engineering would be to work at NASA." So that's what I had decided when I was in high school, what I wanted to do. Host: So I guess it was watching some of the shuttle launches, and were you, I guess, a Trekkie at that point? Julie Kramer White: I was, I was definitely a Trekkie. I was really hard-core, old-school Star Trek. Not this new stuff. You know, the old-school Star Trek. Scotty, big fan, you know, James Doohan fan club. Yeah, I was that nerdy. And so, yeah, I was a big Star Trek fan. Host: Cool. So I guess these sequence of events, this influence in the Shuttle mission, and the Trekkie-ness, and then going to Purdue, which ultimately had a great NASA connection, kind of let you to, I guess -- when did you start thinking, "Okay, now is the time to apply to NASA"? Julie Kramer White: Yeah, it did. It sort of stumbled in actually. It's kind of embarrassing to admit now in retrospect, but kind of growing up in Indiana I really didn't appreciate the connection that Purdue had to NASA. I mean, obviously I went to Purdue, I studied in Grissom Hall. That probably should have clued me in, you know, given the first man that walked on the moon was from Purdue. You know, those things, those connections I probably should have made. But I really didn't go at it that way. I mean, I wound up at Purdue through a combination of circumstances. Really glad I did. Wound up in the co-op program because when I started expressing to my professors an interest in working at NASA, they said, "Hey, you got to check out this co-op thing. You'll love it," right? So you go off and you work some, and then you get school work. And so I wound up hiring in -- at Purdue you do five co-op terms. So I hired in as a freshman. And so came here as a co-op literally having had only three semesters of college, basically my first couple classes in calculus and my first class in physics, and they sent me to NASA. Host: Okay, now build a spaceship. Julie Kramer White: Yeah, so build a spaceship. So that certainly led to its own combination of interesting circumstances. But when they assigned me to my first assignment -- and it was a lot of old Apollo engineers that worked in the group that I was in. And one of my favorite stories is the first office they assigned me to, it was three Apollo guys. And one of them, his favorite thing to do to co-ops -- I know now -- is to drop a bunch of differential equation books on their desk and tell them this is what they need to know to work at NASA. Now, of course, I've had two classes in calculus, so it was horrible, horrible, horrible. I went home and I cried. I did cry. I went home and called my mom. It was just awful. Now, you know, so -- now it's fine, but it was a little bit shocking at first. Host: Yeah, that will definitely make your eyes go wide. You're like, "Oh, man, I'm so not ready." Julie Kramer White: I'm so not ready. I am so not ready for this. Right? So a lot of it was just not being intimidated really. And I think I look back on a lot of my experiences early on in NASA -- and I'm sure we'll talk a little bit more about them -- but that was a lot of it was just not being intimidated, right? You couldn't be intimidated, you could never let somebody's rank or their age or things kind of throw you off point. You had to stick with it so. Host: Did you have a mentor that sort of helped you along or was it like this was like an internal decision, like, "I'm not going to let this bother me"? Julie Kramer White: Yeah, absolutely. I definitely had several mentors, but probably my biggest early career mentor was a guy name Stan Weiss. He was a structural engineer, he worked Apollo, he had worked the lander, and then had come into the early shuttle Orbiter program and was in Orbiter, subsystem manager in primary structure, which was what I would eventually become. I was his protege. I was told that I was number six, and that he'd been through five and so far they've all kind of cried and gone home. So I was sort of the, you know -- I was the sixth one. Host: He didn't tell you that on day one, did he? Julie Kramer White: Couldn't make a match. No, they told me that afterwards. They told me afterwards that it was a good thing that I had finally stuck because he was getting close to retirement and they couldn't find a good match. But I stayed with him for a couple years until he retired. Showed me the ropes you know, introduced me to all his connections, sort of a ready-made network, which is hugely important. I think one of the things we struggle with today with how lean the budgets are and how lean the staffing profiles are, it's hard to double up in a lot of these areas and put people in the kind of relationship that I had with Stan. But it's so fundamental because, I mean, basically when he retired, I inherited his network, right? So I started with a 52-year-old man's network at the age of 25. Host: Wow, okay. Julie Kramer White: So it was a pretty amazing step in terms of breadth of ability to talk to people and get information and influence decision-making. I really kind of picked up where he left off rather than having to start fresh on my own. So when I do a lot of my discussions with young folks, I talked to them, people say, "Hey, your mentors are important, developing these networks are important." You can't even imagine at 25 how important that is because it gives you just a massive, massive leg up in terms of your ability to solve problems and gather information and perspectives. Host: But you had to put the work in as a co-op, too. You had to have the drive, I guess, to follow your mentor and say, "Yes, these are relationships that I want to maintain even while he's still here." And then look how it turned out, now he's retiring and you have this network of people. Julie Kramer White: You bet. And by the time he retired, I probably had about a -- probably almost a decade of works across the various organization. I was mostly in structural mechanics division, but I have spent time in the machine shops and I had spent time in all the branches of ES. So I had worked all different aspects of the product line that our structural mechanic division supports, so I had done thermal and I had done materials and failure analysis, I had done loads and dynamics, I'd done stress, I'd done mechanical design and test. So I'd done all those things and then spent, you know, again, several years with him before he retired. You kind of have to have -- you have to have the domain knowledge first. Host: Right. Julie Kramer White: Right? And then be able to have the network to apply that domain knowledge, right? Host: Yeah. Julie Kramer White: Right, so -- Host: So how do these -- how do these elements sort of come together to really test your knowledge in order to eventually move up the ladder? Julie Kramer White: Right. So there have been a couple sort of seminal events in my career. Once I had worked my way up through instruction mechanics division and was ready to start working out broader, I sort of joke that all failures are ultimately structures and materials related other than software. So -- and so as a structures and material guy with a background and a failure analysis background, I did a lot of cross-division work. I worked with our power and propulsion group in engine failures. I worked with our mechanical systems folks in mechanism failures. And so I got a chance to kind of branch out and apply some of these things mostly on Orbiter. Host: Okay. Julie Kramer White: But on the Shuttle Orbiter. But then eventually in 2003 I was in the vehicle engineering office, and 2003 is when we had the Columbia accident. And I just happened to be in the right place at the right time as sort of -- it's odd to attribute that sort of saying to something that's such a tragedy for the NASA family. But for me professionally I was able to bring together my background in structures because I'd grown up with the Orbiters. I knew each one sort of intimately from a structures perspective. I could have told you by looking at the primary structure which Orbiter you were talking about and the history about that particular vehicle. Host: Wow. Julie Kramer White: So I had a very strong background in the primary structure, specifically in the wings, which were one of my areas of the vehicle. I had a failure analysis background. I had a materials background. I'd done a lot of accident investigation-type work. So I was familiar with a lot of the technique and just sort of happened to be in the right place at the time. Columbia happened, I came home to JSC and was sent immediately into the field to go do debris recovery. Because of my background with the primary structure, I was able to work with the USA and the Boeing representatives to gather together the key debris to be sent on to Barksdale and then down to Kennedy for the investigation. Then I returned to JSC and happened to be in the mission management team meetings related to Columbia and found that as people were trying to describe what was going on with Columbia, they just didn't really have a very good knowledge of what was happening at KSC and didn't have any knowledge of the debris. So they would describe scenarios that basically were physically impossible because the debris existed and was on the grid -- what we called the grid, where we laid out the debris down at KSC. So through the process of those meetings where I was able to describe to them why scenarios were not valid because of the physical evidence that was available to us, management recognized there was this missing link between what was going on at KSC and what was going on at JSC. And so I was sent to KSC to help make that linkage. Host: Yeah. Julie Kramer White: And eventually became the lead for the failure analysis side of the debris reconstruction. So I had a team of greybeards, old NASA and Rockwell guys that worked with me to synthesize thousands of failure analysis reports that were coming in from the failure analysis team, from the materials engineers, and the labs all across the agency, and then some academic labs outside the agency -- to bring that data in, synthesize it, and then corroborate theories about what had happened or did not happen based on the physical evidence. So we were that linkage for the MMT and then ultimately for the [inaudible] to help interpret what was going on with the debris. So it's just to me it's always amazing when I look at that scenario, I would have never thought as I established my professional career, and worked in primary structure, and had an interest in failure analysis, and had an interest in accident investigation, and had this MMP background, and just happened to be the wing guy/gal, right, that when this thing happened and I happened to be in the right place at the right time to be able to say, "Hey, I have a skillset that's kind of unique -- a unique combination of these things, and I can really help you move forward what you need to do in the investigation." And management just basically plucked me up and put me down at KSC and said, "Okay, help us figure out what happened." Host: Yeah. That's fantastic. All this work that you're putting into building yourself and kind of moving along in your professional career leads to this movement where they need exactly you. Because you have that background knowledge and you have the connection that they're missing. That's fantastic. That must have opened up a bunch of doors and led to where you are right now. Julie Kramer White: Yeah, absolutely. I did wind up shortly after Columbia taking a brief break because I had my daughter. I happened to be pregnant during the Columbia investigation as well, which -- Host: Oh, wow. Julie Kramer White: -- I kept to myself because I didn't think they'd be real keen [Laughs] -- real keen on knowing that. So I did just kind of keep that one to myself. But showed back up at JSC seven months pregnant, which was kind of interesting for my boss. But anyway, then I took a leave of absence. But while I was on this leave of absence, I got a call that basically said, "Hey, as a byproduct of the Columbia investigation, we're standing up this thing called the NASA Engineering Safety Center where our goal is to be able to bring together these technical experts to offer sort of hired gun expertise into programs, not just manned space flight but all of NASA's high value programs and to offer a resource to the engineering teams and the programs that support those projects and be able to bring more resources and more engineering support." And so I went and did that. And I was there loads and dynamics what they call a TDT, sort of their lead in that discipline, technical discipline area. Built up a team at that time, helped stand up the NESC and built this team across the ten centers. Because the intent was that the teams would draw upon the best expertise from all ten centers. So I had to basically go cold call, you know? I had very good relationships with Marshall Space Flight Center based on previous experience and very good connections at Kennedy, the manned space flight centers. But I had virtually no exposure to the robotic centers or to the satellite centers, research and development. I did have a pretty good relationship with Langley because growing up in structures here at JSC we have a very sort of tight relationship with Langley. So those were good. But I mean, basically cold calling six other centers, going, "Hey, I'm this new guy at the NESC. And can I get some resources to go work these things?" And we built up these teams and then started taking these teams of people and really forging them into a team that has sort of common objectives and to be able to bring sort of the best attributes of each center. Because each center approaches things culturally and technically just a little bit different just based on well, hey, this is a human space flight center, this is a robotics center, this is a satellite or more of a research and development -- kind of how they grow up, they approach problems a little bit differently. So you're trying to harness sort of the best of all those ways of looking at things to get a better answer. But it causes some interesting conflicts, too, because the centers do think differently. So we worked our way through that whole process to sort of build these functioning -- highly functioning teams. And that was a great experience. I did that for about three years. And then that wound up providing the next opportunity was as Orion was being formulated -- it wasn't Orion at the time, it was CEV was being formulated -- the administrator at the time, Mike Griffin, had a very specific objective of it being supported by ten centers -- all ten centers, which required key leaders that had experience at all ten centers. And so NESC became one of the places where they looked for potential people to put into leadership positions. And when they were looking for the chief engineer, I'm absolutely 100% convinced -- you know, I never asked Mike if this was the case, but I'm absolutely 100% convinced that if I had not had the experience with all ten centers, I would never have gotten the Orion chief engineer job. Because even though I had a lot of the good technical background pieces of it, he really needed somebody who could make a collaborative environment with ten centers work since the engineering was being drawn from matrix at all the different centers. Host: Seems like you're working so hard towards -- I guess, going back to this point of kind of improving your career. And then all of a sudden there just comes this need for you, for specifically you and your background. Like, you're working with all ten centers. Hey, we need someone with an engineering background that has worked with all ten centers -- here you are. So how much do you think of it -- Julie Kramer White: Hey, I'm here. I could do that. Could I have that job? Yeah. Host: So how much do you think of it as persistence and hard work versus right place, right time? Julie Kramer White: Sure, sure. Well, I think it's a little bit of both, right? Host: Yeah. Julie Kramer White: Because you can always be at the right place at the right time, but if you don't have the qualifications, right, you're never the right choice, right? So first and foremost, absolutely what has to come is the qualifications, the engineering background or for whatever it is you're trying to be able to do. And then, you know, so that's where I think more the persistence part of it comes in. And sometimes it's really difficult because it's not like if you'd asked me at year number seven in my career, "Well, what exactly are you developing yourself towards, right?" To me, I was just taking one step right after the other, trying to do more challenging things, trying to broaden my own skills and sort of naturally with those, taking on each of those challenges, and persisting through different challenges, you sort of built this portfolio of experience that you could never really have anticipated, "Wow, okay, I'm going to show up at this point on the timeline and I'm going to be just the right person that can fill the need." But I think it does happen that way more often than people think. If you really prepare yourself, you know, that it tends to happen that way. Host: So if you had to leave our listeners with just a piece of advice to sort of get to whatever goal that you're trying to do. It sounds like this was -- it was a goal to just try to advance your career, I guess, would be the ultimate goal. What was the thing that was driving you along that way? Julie Kramer White: Right. So I think, you know, every -- I think every -- well, I won't say every engineer. I think a lot of engineers enter the engineering field sort of seeing a chief engineer function as sort of a pinnacle of that career. It's sort of recognized as wow, this is what I would like to be when I grow up. You know, some people aspire to program management, some people aspire to flight directors or astronauts. But sort of in the engineering field you kind of look at that job and you go, "Wow, if you're a chief engineer, somebody thinks you must know a lot about engineering, and a lot about systems engineering, and a lot about dealing with teams," which were all things I was interested in and had sort of worked on my career. So I was kind of climbing towards that -- climbing towards that end goal. And so just in the process, it can take just a lot of persistence and sticking with it. It's funny that you would say persistence because when I talk out in universities or even in grade schools, that's probably the thing I talk most to students about. I mean, I don't consider myself the world's best engineer. I mean, I'm a good engineer. I have a solid academic background. Purdue was great. I've got great life experience, but I have a ton of subject matter experts that worked with me on Orion and propped up every decision we made in Orion. I was never the best pyro guy, or the best structures guy, or the best engine guy, right? I had these a lot of really good experts, but I had great team skills, right, to be able to solicit from then, you know, the information they need, to be able to advocate for them. And so for me, to be a chief engineer was sort of to be able to exercise those aspects of the job, sort of the soft skills of the job. And so when I talk to people at the grade school, college level I say, "Hey, your fundamental expertise is absolutely important. That's where you've got to start. But these other soft skills, right, the teamwork, the being able to work in teams, being able to communicate," right? People talk in school about how important communication is, but it's really no joke, right? I think honestly the difference between people that wind up in leadership positions and people that wind up being subject matter experts, there are places for both. But when you're the one that's advocating for that broader team, you know, your communication skills are absolutely imperative. Because if you screw up on -- there's somebody else that's feeding you all the right technical data, right? I mean, that's their job is they're feeding you the right lines. But if you screw it up in the delivery, right, it can really make a difference on how the decision is made. So I always felt like it was my job to make sure I could extract that data and synthesize it, right, and be able to provide it in a way that program managers could make decisions. So there's just so many different aspects of the job and so much of it has to do with just flat-out persistence, right? Just flat-out you don't give up, you just keep at it, and you keep at it, and you keep it, and you keep at it. And that's sort of -- in Orion that was always a buzzword, right? We've been at it for a while. I know, you know? So I -- I mean, I was there for 11 and a half years actually, was recently moved up into the engineering directorate management. So now I'm deputy director up in engineering. But I was in Orion for 11 years -- that's persistence right there [Laughs]. So but watched Orion go through really hard times, through a cancellation sort of [inaudible] quote unquote "cancellation" and then a resurrection as MPCV. And then through the flight test and getting ready now for the second flight test. So takes a lot of persistence to hang in with some of these long-term human space flight programs that can last decades. So yeah. Host: Yeah, I can definitely sense your passion for it, though. And that's much appreciated. It's really inspiring to hear your story. So Julie, thank you so much for coming on -- Julie Kramer White: Great, my pleasure. Host: -- and just telling your story. Julie Kramer White: Thank you. [Spacey Sound Effect] Host: And that was Julie Kramer White talking about her journey through her current role as a leader in engineering. So one more to go, Jenny. Who do we have as our last guest? Jenny Turner: All right. Last but not least is Cathy Koerner. She's the director of Human Health and Performance. And as a special shout out from WELL, she was our -- one of our executive sponsors for the past two years. So we're really excited to hear her story. Host: Oh, very cool. All right. Let's go to that talk with Cathy. Alex, let's do the thing. [Spacey Sound Effect] Host: Cathy, thank you so much for coming on the podcast today. Cathy Koerner: Glad to be here. Host: Let's start from the very beginning, where does your story begin? Cathy Koerner: So -- goodness. So when I was in school, I was really good in science and math. And so my father strongly encouraged me to get into engineering. And so I went to the University of Illinois. I ended up an aeronautical and astronautical engineering degree. Did undergrad work. And then I had a professor who said, "Hey, you should consider grad school." I did grad school, got a master's degree. And somewhere along the way space became something that I was very interested in. And I got an opportunity to intern with a company to learn more about space stuff and to do some work for them. And eventually ended up working at JPL. I actually started my sort of -- sort of NASA career because they're a NASA center at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California doing lunar Mars missions. Was there for a little while and then came here to the Johnson Space Center and was hired right away into Mission Operations. So what is now Flight Operations originally when I got here was called Mission Operations. I did Shuttle flight control for many years. I was a propulsion expert -- that's my background. And then after spending several years doing that and working my way through certifications and working lots and lots and lots of Shuttle missions -- over 50 of them, actually, in my career -- I ended up with the privilege of becoming a flight director. I spent seven years as a flight director for both Space Shuttle and International Space Station, got my opportunity to do both of those when the Columbia accident happened. My portion of the investigation was completed as a Shuttle flight director. And I had the opportunity to train and become an ISS flight director. So I got to do that as well. So I have been here at the Johnson Space Center for over 25 years. Most of my background is in operations. I kind of worked my way up through missions operations organization and was on staff to the director. And then my husband became my boss. And they said, "How can we help you find a new job, Mrs. Koerner?" [ Laughter ] Which actually was really great. And it's one of the things that I like to encourage people about: If you get in a situation where you have to step out of your comfort zone because mission operations clearly was my comfort zone, take advantage of that and try something new and different. Which is what I did, I ended up going to the Space Station program office. And I worked in the Space Station program office for seven years in varying roles and having different responsibilities, most of them having to do with the International Space Station as a vehicle or with the visiting vehicles that approach the International Space Station. And then after doing that for a while, I was really traveling lot and I had some kids that were at an age where they were very active. And I thought, I don't want to deal with this job where I have to travel every other week. I want to be more available to my children. And so I was looking for other opportunities. And someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Hey, you should consider Human Health and Performance directorate. They're looking for a deputy director, maybe you should go there." Which is, again, completely outside of my comfort zone because I don't have any background in anything medical. And my perception of the organization was that it was strictly a medical organization. And I was wrong about that perception. The Human Health and Performance directorate does medical, but it also does human performance-related activities, which has an engineering flare to it. So I was fortunate enough to have been selected as the deputy and then a year later to be given the opportunity to be the director of the Human Health and Performance directorate. Host: How about that? So I mean, if you were being considered as deputy directory for HHP, you, when you said you were in the International Space Station program kind of moving around, that's when you started keep of moving up. Because obviously to be considered as a deputy director, you have to have some level of management experience. Cathy Koerner: I did, yeah. I -- when I went to the space station program, and actually, if you looked at it from an [inaudible] perspective, it actually looked like I took a couple steps backwards because I went from being on a director staff to being a deputy division chief, so to speak. So down several layers in the organization or in a different organization. But that really gave me the opportunity to rely on different skills, on my management skills and my leadership skills. It gave me an opportunity to go back and to be a supervisor and to help develop other people. And I really get a lot of joy out of doing that for people. I enjoy developing individuals, helping them reach their goals. I get tremendous joy from just seeing them be successful. And so the opportunities that I had in the Space Station program really set me up for being at a direct level and on senior staff here at the Johnson Space Center, mostly base it gave me both supervisory experience but also budget experience in dealing with the varying international players that we have now with the International Space Station. And really, with anything we do in space exploration these days, it's going to have to have international partnerships. So I really learned a lot in those years. Host: Do you find that managing people is something that you just found you were kind of naturally good at? You just kind of got thrown into the world and you were like, "Huh, this is something that I really like." Or was it something that maybe through your engineering experience you sort of maybe learned from mentors or developed those skills throughout that process? Cathy Koerner: I think it was probably a little bit of both. I had some amazing mentors throughout my career who really told me in no uncertain terms that the limitations that I put on myself was really self-imposed, right? That I really could do things that were outside of my comfort zone, that I had skillsets that weren't necessarily just technical. And that's something when you grow up in a technical organization is really hard to see sometimes in yourself. And then I, you know, poured a lot into the people around me in learning from them, and that paid off when it came to trying to figure out what I liked and what resonated with me. Host: It's important to sort of go for things that you think are something that interests you, too, but also as this level of sort of developing your skills, I'm finding myself doing it right now. Because it's so easy to kind of fall back and say, "I like this. This is my comfort zone. I'm very knowledgeable in this specific area. If I go outside, you know, it's going to make me uncomfortable and I'm going to feel weird. And it's not my thing." So how do you push yourself? Cathy Koerner: It's actually harder for women than it is for men, actually. There's studies that show that for a woman to apply for a position, for instance, they have to feel like they have 90% or more percent of the skills required to execute that position. Whereas men, if they are in the 20% to 30% range, they think, "Yeah, I could probably stretch and maybe do that." And they're more likely to actually apply for jobs than women are. And so one of the things I like to encourage women to do, especially the ones that I mentor, is to really try something new and different. You don't know necessarily what your capabilities are outside of your comfort zone. None of us really have a good self-awareness when it comes to that. And you might find that doing something different actually help