Quality Control Measures Research Articles

Strategic Quality Control Measures to Reduce Defects in Composite Wind Turbine Blades

Wind turbine blades are made from polymer composites to provide high specific stiffness, strength, and good fatigue performance. However, large composite structures are prone to manufacturing defects such as delamination and adhesive failure, which can lead to crack initiation and propagation under cyclic stresses. National renewable energy laboratory, USA statistics shows 26% fatigue failure modes are created by laminate and adhesive joint manufacturing errors. A range of manufacturing processes are used to construct wind turbine blades. Resin transfer infusion is one of the most frequently used methods in wind turbine blade manufacturing industry. This paper provides assessment on regular defects occurring in resin transfer infusion processes which lead to poor quality in wind turbine blade manufacture. The assessment is based on the existing literature and the know-how generated from manufacturing wind turbine blades. The effect of these defects for the structural failure of composite wind turbine blades is analysed. The final phase of the study provides manufacturing quality control measures which can be implemented to improve the composite wind turbine blade manufacturing process.

Hazardous elements in plastic and rubber granules as infill material from sports facilities? Field Portable-XRF spectroscopy as ‘white analytical technique’ reveals hazardous elements in fall sports facilities in Rzeszów (Podkarpackie, Poland)

Plastic and rubber granules are commonly used as infill material in all-weather sports facilities, providing an ideal activity surface for millions of Europeans on a daily basis. However, concerns have been raised about the presence of hazardous elements in these granules, which can pose risks both to the environment and human health. Our study focusses on the elemental composition of rubber granules used in fall sports facilities in Rzeszów, (Podkarpackie, Poland) using field portable X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF) as a non-destructive and ‘white analytical technique’. The results show the content of Zn, Fe, Cr, Ba, Br, Ti, Cu, Cd, As, Au, Bi, Pb, Ni, Sb, and Sn in the rubber granule samples. This study highlights the need for stringent quality control measures and regulations to ensure the safety of all-weather sports facilities and protect the well-being of sportsman. When modern FP-XRF spectrometry is employed as a “white analytical technique,” for the first time it becomes possible to identify the presence of hazardous elements, addressing the pressing concerns highlighted by the ECHA and enabling proactive measures to mitigate potential risks. This approach ensures the protection of the health and sustainability of sports facilities, contributing to the ongoing hot topics in the field.

Quality assessment of black ginseng materials utilizing chemometrics and modeling inflammation in Zebrafish

Black ginseng is a novel variant of processed ginseng that is produced by subjecting ginseng to a series of nine steaming and drying cycles. However, the precise connection between the processing cycle and the quality of black ginseng remains uncertain, and further investigation is required to establish the association between quality markers and biological activity. In this research, high-performance liquid chromatography was employed to analyze the composition of 17 ginsenosides present in samples of black ginseng. The anti-inflammatory properties of black ginseng saponin extract were tested utilizing a zebrafish tail fin amputation model. The findings indicate that the concentrations of Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1 in black ginseng samples exhibited their highest levels following the seventh processing cycle, hence demonstrating the most effective regulatory impact on neutrophils and macrophages. This study posits that the correlation between these three ginsenoside and biological activities could potentially serve as a crucial factor in ensuring the quality control of black ginseng, thereby contributing to the advancement of quality control measures for health foods and dietary supplements that utilize black ginseng as their primary constituent.

Historical and future health burden attributable to PM2.5 exposure in China

PM2.5 is one of the major pollutants in China and poses threats to human health. To better estimate the health burden caused by long-term PM2.5 exposure, we use PM2.5 data from high-resolution TAP (Tracking Air Pollution in China) database and CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) models to quantify premature mortalities attributed to PM2.5 pollution in China during the historical (2001–2019) and future (2030, 2045 and 2060) periods. Sensitivity experiments are also designed to explore the respective impacts of baseline mortality, population size, age structure, and PM2.5 concentration on health burden. Results show that population-weighted PM2.5 concentration in China over the last 19 years is 57.5 μg m−3, significantly higher than the unweighted value of 33.4 μg m−3. The national average premature mortalities attributable to long-term exposure to PM2.5 during 2001–2019 are 2363 (95%CI: 1991–2712) thousand, with severe health damage over Central China (454 (95%CI: 384–519) thousand), North China Plain (442 (95%CI: 375–503) thousand), and Yangtze River Delta (406 (95%CI: 343–465) thousand). The significant increase in premature mortalities in China during 2001–2005 (+213 thousand yr−1) is attributed to the growth in population size and the exacerbation of PM2.5 pollution, while the decrease in premature mortalities during 2013–2019 (−59 thousand yr−1) is primarily owing to the improvement in PM2.5 air quality. Future improvements in medical care and decreases in PM2.5 concentrations will help to alleviate the health burden in China. However, compared to 2019, national premature mortalities are projected to increase, especially during 2030–2060 with significant trends of +116∼+181 thousand yr−1 under different scenarios. The severe aging population in the future is the primary factor contributing to the increased health risks. In conclusion, severe PM2.5 pollution in China during the last 19 years has resulted in a large number of premature deaths, which will be further aggravated by population aging in the future. Therefore, it is imperative to implement more stringent air quality control measures to mitigate future health hazards associated with PM2.5 pollution.

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN BRANDED DAIRY PRODUCTS SOLD IN NIGERIA USING ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (AAS)

Quantitative analysis of heavy metals and nutrients in food helps indicate the safety and quality of food for final consumers. The present study was conducted to assess the presence of heavy metals (arsenic, copper, mercury, chromium, and lead) and the nutritional value of calcium in branded milk and yogurt to evaluate health risks for consumers. Ten (10) samples of branded milk and dairy products manufactured in Nigeria were purchased. The metal contents of the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of calcium in the milk samples were between 9.33 ± 0.0023 and 18 ± 0.0071 ppm and were detected in all samples. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.45 ± 0.00042 to 2.48 ± 0.00064 ppm in eight branded samples but were undetected in two samples. Chromium levels were undetected in most samples, except for two with concentrations of 0.12±0.00049 ppm and 0.23±0.00021 ppm, respectively. Copper ranged from 0.032±0.00021 ppm to 0.129±0.00021 ppm in six samples. Mercury levels were detected in six samples at a concentration of 1.0±1.0 ppm. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.15±0.00064 to 0.29±0.00028 ppm in three samples. The study found heavy metals above the ideal concentration in branded milk and dairy products in Nigeria, highlighting the need for quality control measures during production to prevent contamination.

Revisiting non-invasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical reality.

441 Background: Current guidelines emphasize the use of CT or MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis, with strict regulation of biopsies. However, Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC), a liver cancer variant displaying histological elements of both HCC and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC), typically exhibits radiological features of both HCC and CCC on imaging studies. Additionally, platinum drugs represent the most promising initial treatment option for patients with unresectable or advanced cHCC-CC, deviating significantly from the treatment approach for HCC. Consequently, our study aims to assess the efficacy of imaging techniques in distinguishing between HCC, CCC, and cHCC-CC, highlighting its clinical significance. Methods: We conducted a database search to identify patients diagnosed with HCC, CCC, and cHCC-CC from June 2010 to September 2020. After implementing quality control measures, our study comprised 68 MRI scans from patients, including 30 with HCC, 23 with CCC, and 15 with cHCC-CC. Histological evidence confirming the diagnoses was obtained within a maximum of four weeks before or after the MRI scans. Subsequently, seven radiologists from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, including abdominal imaging experts (AIEs) and non-abdominal imaging experts (NIEs) or trainees, independently and blindly assessed the MRI scans. They evaluated various MRI features and established a differential diagnosis encompassing HCC, CCC, and cHCC-CC. Results: The AIEs demonstrated high proficiency in utilizing MRI images exclusively for diagnosing HCC (70%-100%) and CCC (73.9%-91.3%). They significantly outperformed NIEs/trainees (all p values < 0.01), achieving accuracy rates of 26.7%-66.7% for HCC and 21.7%-60.9% for CCC. However, their ability to accurately distinguish cHCC-CC (6.7%-53.3%) was limited and comparable to NIEs/trainees (26.7%-46.7%). Additionally, there was greater consistency in MRI feature assessment among AIEs for HCC and CCC when compared to cHCC-CC. Notably, no significant differences were observed in the impact of a cirrhotic background on the diagnosis of HCC and cHCC-CC among AIEs. Furthermore, there was no significant intercontinental variability in overall liver cancer diagnosis and the diagnosis rates of the three types of liver cancer by AIEs. Conclusions: MRI imaging demonstrated effective differentiation between HCC and CCC, especially when interpreted by experts in abdominal imaging. Nevertheless, the ability to accurately detect cHCC-CC was notably constrained across all participating radiologists. Consequently, liver biopsy continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring diagnostic precision and facilitating the selection of appropriate medical treatment strategies.

Genetic association of circulating interleukins and risk of colorectal cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Previous studies have reported that inflammation, especially interleukin family members, plays an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, because of various confounders and the lack of clinical randomized controlled trial, the causal relationship between genetically predicted level of interleukin family and CRC risk has not been fully explained. Bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted to investigate the causal association between interleukin family members and CRC. Several genetic variables were extracted as instrumental variables (IVs) from summary data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for interleukin and CRC. IVs of interleukin family were obtained from recently published GWAS studies and the summary data of CRC was from FinnGen Biobank. After a series of quality control measures and strict screening, six models were used to evaluate the causal relationship. Pleiotropy, heterogeneity test, and a variety of sensitivity analysis were also used to estimate the robustness of the model results. Genetically predicted higher circulating levels of IL-2 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.92; p = .0043), IL-17F(OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62-1.00; p = .015), and IL-31 (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.98; p = .023) were suggestively associated with decreased CRC risk. However, higher level of IL-10 (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.18-1.65; p = .000094) was causally associated with increased risk of CRC. Reverse MR results indicated that the exposure of CRC was suggestively associated with higher levels of IL-36α (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01-1.49; p = .040) and IL-17RD (OR: 1.22; 95% CI, 1.00-1.48; p = .048) and lower level of IL-13 (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65-0.95; p = .013). The overall MR results did not provide evidence for causal relationships between other interleukins and CRC (p > .05). We offer suggestive evidence supporting a potential causal relationship between circulating interleukins and CRC, underscoring the significance of targeting circulating interleukins as a strategy to mitigate the incidence of CRC.

Investigate How CEAT Manages its Raw Materials, Production Processes, and Distribution Channels

The research paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of CEAT's supply chain management practices, focusing on three critical areas: raw materials management, production processes, and distribution channels. The combination of primary and secondary data collection methods ensures a robust and nuanced exploration of these aspects. The primary data collection involves interviews with key personnel directly engaged in CEAT's supply chain operations. This approach offers firsthand insights into the company's strategies, challenges, and successes in managing raw materials, optimizing production, and streamlining distribution channels. These interviews provide a qualitative dimension to the research, offering a deeper understanding of the day-to-day decision-making processes within CEAT's supply chain. Complementing the primary data, secondary data collection involves an extensive review of existing literature, company reports, and industry publications. This approach allows for a broader contextualization of CEAT's practices within the global tire manufacturing sector. By benchmarking against industry best practices, the study can identify areas where CEAT excels and areas for potential improvement. The paper's structure facilitates a systematic exploration of CEAT's supply chain, starting with an overview of the company's supply chain structure. This sets the stage for a detailed examination of how CEAT manages its raw materials, delving into procurement strategies ensuring a stable and reliable supply chain. The investigation then shifts to production processes, assessing the adoption of technology, implementation of quality control measures, and the overall operational efficiency in tire manufacturing.

Genetic causal association between frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome: a two-sample mendelian randomization

ObjectiveObservational studies have suggested an association between frozen shoulder (FS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, due to challenges in establishing a temporal sequence, the causal relationship between these two conditions remains elusive. This study, based on aggregated data from large-scale population-wide genome-wide association studies (GWAS), investigates the genetic causality between FS and CTS.MethodsInitially, a series of quality control measures were employed to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely associated with the exposure factors. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was utilized to examine the genetic causality between FS and CTS, employing methods including Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, Weighted Median, Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode approaches. Subsequently, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the MR analysis results.ResultsIVW analysis results indicate a positive causal relationship between CTS and FS (p < 0.05, OR > 1), while a negative causal relationship between the two conditions was not observed. Heterogeneity tests suggest minimal heterogeneity in our IVW analysis results (p > 0.05). Multivariable MR testing also indicates no pleiotropy in our IVW analysis (p > 0.05), and stepwise exclusion tests demonstrate the reliability and stability of the MR analysis results. Gene Ontology (GO) pathway analysis reveals enrichment of genes regulated by the associated SNPs in the TGFβ-related pathways.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the genetic causal association between frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome and provides new insights into the genetics of fibrotic disorders.

The USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis Database and the National Register of Champion Trees — A Potentially Symbiotic Relationship

Abstract This article shows how probability sampling and citizen science efforts can complement each other, using the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and the ongoing search by the National Register of Champion Trees (NRCT) for the largest specimen of each naturally occurring tree species in the United States as an example. We develop a ratio statistic (Zs) that uses the difference in size of the largest tree of a species from each database to order the tree species according to the assumed ease with which a larger specimen than the current national champion might be found. Our results show ninety-two candidate species that have been recorded by FIA for which there is no national champion and sixty-five species for which a new champion should be easy to find. In a supplemental table, we show ninety-four species listed as observable by FIA in the NRCT but not recorded in the FIA sample. Study Implications: An interest in forests and forestry is always accompanied by an interest in trees, especially very big trees. Two very different ways of learning about trees are analyzed concurrently in a way that reveals their complementarity. The two efforts are the probability sample, conducted by the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program, and the citizen science effort known as the National Register of Champion Trees (NRCT). We develop a statistic that will help tree sleuths find champion trees and provide FIA practitioners with a quality control measure and an indication of which species would benefit from an increase in sample intensity.

Air pollution exposure and its effects on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: clinical worsening, lung function decline, and radiological deterioration.

Major urban pollutants have a considerable influence on the natural history of lung disease. However, this effect is not well known in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to investigate the effects of air pollution on clinical worsening, lung function, and radiological deterioration in patients with IPF. This exploratory retrospective cohort study included 69 patients with IPF, monitored from 2011 to 2020. Data on air pollution levels, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μM (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), were collected from the nearest air quality monitoring stations (<3.5 km from the patients' homes). Patient outcomes such as clinical worsening, lung function decline, and radiological deterioration were assessed over various exposure periods (1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months). The statistical analyses were adjusted for various factors, including age, sex, smoking status, and treatment. There was an association between higher O3 levels and an increased likelihood of clinical worsening over 6 and 36 months of exposure (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16 [1.01-1.33] and OR and 95% CI = 1.80 [1.07-3.01], respectively). Increased CO levels were linked to lung function decline over 12-month exposure periods (OR and 95% CI 1.63 = [1.01-2.63]). Lastly, radiological deterioration was significantly associated with higher CO, NO2, and NOx levels over 6-month exposure periods (OR and 95% CI = 2.14 [1.33-3.44], OR and 95% CI = 1.76 [1.15-2.66] and OR and 95% CI = 1.16 [1.03-1.3], respectively). This study suggests that air pollution, specifically O3, CO, NO2, and NOx, could affect clinical worsening, lung function, and radiological outcomes in patients with IPF. These findings highlight the potential role of air pollution in the progression of IPF, emphasizing the need for further research and air quality control measures to mitigate its effects on respiratory health.

Setting up the first human milk bank in Uganda: a success story from Nsambya hospital.

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends the use of donor human milk (DHM) for low birth weight infants when mother's own milk is unavailable or insufficient. However, the use of DHM requires the availability of human milk banks (HMBs), the majority of which are in middle and high-income countries. Developing countries offer multiple opportunities and challenges regarding the establishment and operationalization of HMBs. This study describes the experience in setting up the HMB in Uganda at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya. The establishment of the first HMB in Uganda followed a step-wise approach using the PATH's Resource Toolkit for Establishing and Integrating Human Milk Banks. The steps included: performing a facility readiness assessment, implementing quality control measures, forming and training a committee for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, establishing a monitoring and evaluation system, developing a communication strategy, engaging with the Ministry of Health, providing staff training by a Human Milk Bank consultant, and maintaining regular coordination by a dedicated technical team. A total of 170 donors have been screened and of these 140 have donated milk with a mean age of 26 years since the establishment of the bank in November 2021. A total of 108 admitted neonates have received the milk; majority (88%) are preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 34 weeks. A total of 90 liters have been collected and 76 distributed. The challenges in establishment of the Human Milk bank included: lack of guidelines on human milk banking, use of unpasteurized milk, lack of communication strategy, lack of clear model infrastructure and lactation training. We addressed the challenges: by drafting guidelines, set up a human milk bank and had training on use donor pasteurized milk, designed communication messages through videos and brochures, visited Pumwani hospital and remodeled the Human Milk Bank according to the model at Pumwani, all the health workers in the human milk bank had a training on Lactation. Assessing the experiences and attitudes of mothers, donors, healthcare providers, and hospital leaders revealed concerns about milk safety and fear about potential attachments or acquired traits through the donated milk to the babies that may receive it. Donors viewed milk donation as a life-saving act, although fears of breast cancer and lumps arose from misconceptions. To address these perspectives, creative media, such as videos and messages, were designed to raise awareness, promote behavioral change, and create demand for the HMB services. The establishment and integration of HMB services at hospitals in Uganda is feasible.

Biochar-concrete: A comprehensive review of properties, production and sustainability

The utilisation of biochar in concrete has attracted considerable attention due to its potential in enhancing the properties and sustainability of this construction material. This in-depth review delves into various aspects of biochar-concrete composites. It commences by defining biochar and exploring its production methods, physical and chemical properties. Additionally, the review provides an overview of concrete, emphasising its composition, properties and the challenges associated with traditional production methods. The incorporation of biochar in concrete brings forth several benefits, such as improved strength and durability, enhanced thermal properties and the potential for carbon sequestration. The paper examines the production process of biochar-concrete composites, covering aspects like incorporation methods, biochar selection, mixing techniques and quality control measures. Furthermore, the sustainability aspects of biochar-concrete are evaluated, considering its environmental impact, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint reduction and economic feasibility. The review also addresses the challenges and future perspectives of biochar-concrete composites, along with opportunities for research and development. This comprehensive review presents valuable insights into the properties, production and sustainability of biochar-concrete composites. It serves as a guide for further advancements in the realm of sustainable construction.

The importance of quality control validation and relationships with total error quality goals and bias in the interpretation of laboratory results.

The objective of a quality system is to provide accurate and reliable results for clinical decision-making. One part of this is Quality Control (QC) validation. QC validation is not routinely applied in veterinary laboratories. This leads to the inappropriate usage of random QC rules without knowing the Probability of error detection (Ped ) and Probability of false rejection (Pfr ) of a method. In this paper, we will discuss why QC validation is important, when it should be undertaken, why QC validation is done, and why it is not commonly done. We will present the role of total analytical error (TEa) in the QC validation process and the challenges when a consensus TEa has not been published. Finally, we will also discuss the possibilities of 'gray zone' determinations and mention the effects of bias on the quality of results. Reasons for the low prevalence of performing QC validation may include (a) lack of familiarity with the concept, (b) lack of time and resources needed to conduct QC validation, and (c) lack of TEa goal for some measurands. If no TEa is available, the user may elect to use a 'reverse approach' to QC validation. This uses the CV and bias generated from the evaluation of QC measurements, specifying Ped , Pfr , and N (number of QC measurements/run). This identifies the lowest total error that can be controlled under these defined conditions, thus enabling the laboratory to have an estimate of the 'gray zone' associated with results generated with a specific assay.

Service Quality and Client Satisfaction in Calamba City Civil Registry

The study conducted at the Calamba City Civil Registry Office aimed to evaluate service quality and client satisfaction using quantitative methods, focusing on marriage certificate registration and marriage license application services in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines. The research employed a descriptive correlational design with quota sampling, involving 22 employees, 71 marriage license applicants, and 52 marriage registration clients. Data collection was carried out through a survey instrument with a high reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.790), assessing service quality dimensions such as tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, personnel, process, equipment and facilities, and value for money. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions, Likert scale interpretations, t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Key findings revealed significant differences between employee and client assessments in terms of reliability, responsiveness, and assurance (p &lt; 0.05), whereas tangibility and empathy showed no significant differences. Additionally, a positive relationship was identified between service quality and client satisfaction, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.25 to 0.60 (p = 0.000). These results highlight the importance of enhancing service quality to improve client satisfaction. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into specific areas where the Calamba City Civil Registry Office can focus its improvement efforts. The findings suggest that initiatives such as regular staff training, system upgrades, fee transparency, quality control measures, and a one-stop-shop approach are crucial for enhancing service delivery and increasing client satisfaction. These conclusions are significant for policymakers and managers seeking evidence-based strategies to improve public service quality and client experiences at governmental service centers like civil registry offices.

The Art, Microbial Quality, Safety, and Physicochemical Characteristics of Jikita: A Traditional Ethiopian Fermented Beverage.

Jikita is a traditional fermented beverage popular among the Oromo ethnic groups in Ethiopia. It is made from cereal and has a high alcohol content and thick texture. Jikita is widely consumed in the Western Oromia region of Ethiopia and holds significant socioeconomic and cultural importance. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the microbial quality and safety of Jikita, as well as its physicochemical and proximate composition. This study is aimed at assessing the current state of Jikita production and consumption. Samples were collected from two districts in the West Shewa Zone, where Jikita is most prevalent. A survey was conducted to gather information on production methods, sanitary conditions, ingredient composition, and the socioeconomic importance of Jikita. The samples were then analyzed for microbial counts, identification, and dynamics, as well as for pH, titratable acidity (TA), moisture, total solid, alcohol, carbohydrate, fat, and protein contents. The results showed that the majority of producers and sellers were middle-aged women who did not use protective clothing. Microbial counts revealed that the levels of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were below the WHO/FDA standards, and no Salmonella spp. were detected. The samples exhibited varying pH, TA, moisture, total solid, alcohol, carbohydrate, fat, and protein contents. The microbial dynamics during fermentation showed that different groups of bacteria and yeasts dominated different stages. The overall microbial quality of Jikita was indicative of spoilage microorganisms. However, the duration of fermentation inhibited the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and extended the shelf life of the product to more than 2 months. This study provides valuable insights into traditional fermented beverages and their implications for public health. It also suggests the need for improved hygiene practices and quality control measures in Jikita production and consumption.

AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON DEVELOPMENT OF BIOCHAR CONCRETE TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT

The utilization of biochar in concrete has attracted considerable attention due to its potential in enhancing the properties and sustainability of this construction material. This in-depth review delves into various aspects of biochar-concrete composites. It commences by defining biochar and exploring its production methods, physical and chemical properties. Additionally, the review provides an overview of concrete, emphasizing its composition, properties and the challenges associated with traditional production methods. The incorporation of biochar in concrete brings forth several benefits, such as improved strength and durability, enhanced thermal properties and the potential for carbon sequestration. The paper examines the production process of biochar-concrete composites, covering aspects like incorporation methods, biochar selection, mixing techniques and quality control measures. Furthermore, the sustainability aspects of biochar-concrete are evaluated, considering its environmental impact, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint reduction and economic feasibility. The review also addresses the challenges and future perspectives of biochar-concrete composites, along with opportunities for research and development. This comprehensive review presents valuable insights into the properties, production and sustainability of biochar-concrete composites. It serves as a guide for further advancements in the realm of sustainable construction.

Structured spine fellowship programs in India: Current trends and perceptions

Abstract Introduction: The present study aimed to assess the quality of training provided during Structured Spine Fellowships (SSF) and explore the expectations of candidates. The study sought to investigate the utility of SSFs and emphasized the importance of evaluating the fellowship center’s curriculum as well as trainees’ surgical and theoretical competency. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 100 spine surgeons, 66 from Fellow of the National Board and 34 from the Association of Spine Surgeons of India, using a questionnaire. The survey had three parts, assessing pre-fellowship demographics, feedback on the fellowship conducted, and post-fellowship settlement. Results: The hands-on experience was the most important factor affecting the choice of center, and the average work time was 14 h per day. Nearly 50% of fellows were doing independent cervical dorsal and lumbar surgeries by the end of the fellowship. Academics were mainly in the form of regular case presentations for 55% of fellows, and the average number of publications done was 1.6. Most fellows settled near their native city, practiced exclusive spine surgery, and did a mean of 2.6 additional fellowships. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the structured spine fellowship programs in India. The findings highlight the need for standardization and quality control measures in these programs to ensure that they provide a comprehensive and uniform education to the fellows. The study also underscores the importance of ongoing evaluation and assessment to improve the effectiveness of these programs in producing skilled and competent spine surgeons.

Building the Geodesic Network for the City of Gramsh through GNSS Surveys

This study presents the methodology and results of establishing a geodesic network for the urban area of Gramsh, Albania, utilizing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveys. The development of an accurate geodetic framework is essential for various applications including urban planning, infrastructure development, and cadastral mapping. The research focuses on deploying GNSS receivers strategically across Gramsh to collect precise positioning data, which is subsequently processed using differential correction techniques to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. Ground control points are established throughout the city to facilitate georeferencing and validation of the network. Additionally, quality control measures such as redundancy checks and error analysis are implemented to ensure the reliability of the geodesic network. The resulting network provides a reliable spatial reference system for the city of Gramsh, enabling efficient and accurate geospatial data collection, analysis, and decision-making processes for urban development projects. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of GNSS surveys in establishing geodetic infrastructure in urban environments and highlights their significance in supporting sustainable urban growth and management.

Organ-Specific Microsomes from Dark-Grown Hypocotyls of Arabidopsis thaliana.

In this book chapter, we present a method for microsome isolation from the hypocotyl tissue of dark-grown Arabidopsis thaliana. Microsomes are heterogeneous, vesicle-like membranes, which are, not exclusively, derived but enriched with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we describe the experimental setup, including sample preparation, homogenization, differential centrifugation steps, and quality control measures after microsome isolation.