Small-sized Equipment Research Articles

MicroVi: A Cost-Effective Microscopy Solution for Yeast Cell Detection and Count in Wine Value Chain.

In recent years, the wine industry has been researching how to improve wine quality along the production value chain. In this scenario, we present here a new tool, MicroVi, a cost-effective chip-sized microscopy solution to detect and count yeast cells in wine samples. We demonstrate that this novel microscopy setup is able to measure the same type of samples as an optical microscopy system, but with smaller size equipment and with automated cell count configuration. The technology relies on the top of state-of-the-art computer vision pipelines to post-process the images and count the cells. A typical pipeline consists of normalization, feature extraction (i.e., SIFT), image composition (to increase both resolution and scanning area), holographic reconstruction and particle count (i.e., Hough transform). MicroVi achieved a 2.19 µm resolution by properly resolving the G7.6 features from the USAF Resolving Power Test Target 1951. Additionally, we aimed for a successful calibration of cell counts for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We compared our direct results with our current optical setup, achieving a linear calibration for measurements ranging from 0.5 to 50 million cells per milliliter. Furthermore, other yeast cells were qualitatively resolved with our MicroVi microscope, such as, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, or bacteria, like, Lactobacillus plantarum, thus confirming the system's reliability for consistent microbial assessment.

Utilizing cost-effective portable equipment to enhance COVID-19 variant tracking both on-site and at a large scale.

Despite optimistic predictions on the eventual end of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), caution is necessary regarding the emergence of new variants to sustain a positive outlook and effectively address any potential future outbreaks. However, ongoing efforts to track COVID-19 variants are concentrated in developed countries and unique social practices and remote habitats of indigenous peoples present additional challenges. By combining small-sized equipment that is easily accessible and inexpensive, we performed SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) whole genome sequencing and measured the sample-to-answer time and accuracy of this portable variant tracking tool. Our portable design determined the variant of SARS-CoV-2 in an infected individual within 9 hours and 15 minutes without external power or internet connection, surpassing the speed of previous portable tools. It took only 16 minutes to complete sequencing run, whole genome assembly, and lineage determination using a single standalone laptop. We then demonstrated the capability to produce 289 SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences in a single portable sequencing run, representing a significant improvement over an existing throughput of 96 sequences per run. We verified the accuracy of portable sequencing by comparison with two other independent sequencing methods. We showed that our high-throughput data consistently represented the circulating variants in Los Angeles, United States, when compared with publicly available sequences. Our scheme is designed to be flexible, rapid, and accurate, making it a valuable tool for large-scale surveillance operations in low- and middle-income countries as well as targeted surveys for vulnerable populations in remote locations.IMPORTANCEThere have been significant efforts to track COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) variants, accumulating over 15 million SARS-CoV-2 sequences as of 2023. However, the distribution of global survey data is highly skewed, with nearly half of all countries having inadequate or low levels of genomic surveillance. In addition, indigenous peoples face more severe threats from COVID-19, due to their generally remote residence and unique social practices. Cost-effective portable sequencing tools have been used to investigate Ebola and Zika outbreaks. However, these tools have a sample-to-answer time of around 24 hours and require an internet connection for data transfer to an off-site cloud server. In our study, we rapidly determined COVID-19 variants using only small and inexpensive equipment, with a completion time of 9 hours and 15 minutes. Furthermore, we produced 289 near-full-length SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from a single portable Nanopore sequencing run, representing a threefold increase in throughput compared with existing Nanopore sequencing methods.

Evaluation and prediction of the effectiveness of the protective properties of woven materials of workwear in contact with microorganisms

The article deals with the main problems of choosing fabrics in the development of special clothing for workers employed in agriculture in industries associated with increased microbial contamination and indoor air humidity. To determine the number of microorganisms in the material of special clothing, we proposed a method that can significantly reduce the complexity of sampling through the use of non-destructive testing, the use of small-sized equipment and the repeated use of the Peltier element to obtain condensate.

Use of Open Surface Plasmon Resonance (OpenSPR) to Characterize the Binding Affinity of Protein-Protein Interactions.

Surface Plasmon Resonance(SPR) is a label-free optical technique to assess protein-protein interaction kinetics and affinities in a real-time setting. Traditionally, Biacore SPR employs a continuous film of gold to detect any change in the angle of re-emitted light when the refractive index of a ligand conjugated to the flat gold surface is altered by its interaction with a local analyte. In contrast, the Nicoya Lifesciences' OpenSPR technology uses gold nanoparticles to detect small changes in the absorbance peak wavelength of a conjugated ligand after its engagement by an analyte. Specifically, when broadband white light is shone onto the gold nanoparticles, it produces a strong resonance absorbance peak corresponding to the refractive index of a ligand conjugated to the surface of gold nanoparticles. Upon its interaction with an analyte, however, the absorbance wavelength peak of the conjugated ligand will be changed and timely recorded as sensorgrams of dynamic ligand-analyte interactions. Thus, the improvement in the detection method (from traditional detection of changes in the angle of re-emitted light to the contemporary detection of changes in the wavelength of the absorbance peak) features OpenSPR as a cost-effective and user-friendly technique for in-depth characterization of protein-protein interactions. Here, we describe the detailed method that we used to characterize procathepsin L (pCTS-L) interactions with two putative pattern recognition receptors (TLR4 and RAGE) using the 1st generation of Nicoya Lifesciences' OpenSPR instrument with a 1-channel detection. Key features • Nicoya OpenSPR is a benchtop small-size equipment that provides in-depth label-free binding kinetics and affinity measurement for protein-protein interactions in real-time fashion. • This technology is relatively intuitive and user-friendly for scientists at any skill level. • OpenSPR sensors employ nanotechnology to reduce the cost of manufacturing complex optical hardware and Sensor Chips, and similarly reduce the consumption of precious analyte samples. • The manufacturer provides online training for OpenSPR (Catalog: TRAIN-REMOTE) and TraceDrawer (Catalog: TRAIN-TD) to customer scientists.

Comparison of magnetron sputtering systems for high-rate deposition of thick copper layers for microelectronic applications

Objectives. When designing production equipment for the implementation of metal film deposition processes, the selection of technological sources for providing the required quality (structure, appearance), maximum process efficiency, and productivity, poses a challenging task. Since laboratory results often differ from issues faced in production processes, this choice becomes even more difficult under real production conditions due to a lack of sources for comparison. The purpose of the present work is therefore to compare magnetron deposition methods under real industrial conditions (planar extended magnetron, liquid-phase magnetron and cylindrical magnetron with a rotating cathode), identify their advantages and disadvantages along with features of thus-formed metal films, analyze the economic feasibility of each variant, and give practical recommendations for selecting a source when implementing the described process.Methods. Films were deposited using magnetron sputtering system. Roughness was measured using a MarSurf PS1 profilometer. The structure of the films was studied using a Hitachi SU1510 scanning electron microscope. Film thicknesses were measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis using a Fisherscope X-RAY XDV-SDD measuring instrument.Results. Sources of magnetron sputtering for the high-rate deposition of metallization layers under industrial conditions are considered. Obtained samples were compared according to the following criteria: deposition rate while maintaining the required quality, surface defects, film grain size, roughness, uniformity of the deposited layer, deposition efficiency (the ratio of the metal deposited directly onto the substrate to the amount of metal produced during the process). A comparison of the characteristics showed that the deposition rate for the liquid-phase magnetron is commensurate with the similar parameter for the cylindrical magnetron, exceeding the rate for the classical planar magnetron by about 4 times while maintaining the uniform appearance of the samples. The samples deposited with a liquid-phase magnetron had the highest roughness and the largest grain size. Although the cheapest method, liquid-phase magnetron sputtering achieved the lowest sputtering efficiency.Conclusions. The choice of the deposition method depends on the problem to be solved. The rotatable magnetron system can be considered optimal in terms of cost, deposition rate, and quality of the deposited layers. Liquid-phase magnetron sputtering is recommended for low-cost high-speed deposition where there are no strict requirements for appearance, or in case of operation of small-sized equipment.

IMPACT OF SENSOR DATA SAMPLING RATE IN GNSS/INS INTEGRATED NAVIGATION WITH VARIOUS SENSOR GRADES

Abstract. The fast-growing small-size equipment requires robust navigation with low power consumption and high positioning accuracy. However, as the mainstream robust navigation method against different environments, GNSS/INS causes excessive power dissipation. Considering downsampling is confirmed as a simple but efficient way to reduce energy usage, this paper focuses on the impact of sensor data sampling rate in GNSS/INS integrated navigation to give guidance for selecting proper GNSS/INS rates. Specifically, we first simulated data sequences with various sensor grades and then downsampled them into multiple sampling rates, followed by positioning accuracy evaluation. Experiment results have shown that GNSS interval caused more significant degradation of the navigation accuracy than the IMU rate. Meanwhile, the 5 sec GNSS interval with the 20 Hz IMU rate may be the most suitable for a power-accuracy trade-off solution in our experiments, which has a 16% reduction in positioning accuracy compared to the standard sampling rate combination (i.e, 1 sec GNSS interval and 200 Hz IMU sampling rate).

Верификация тепловой математической модели с сосредоточенными параметрами малого космического аппарата серии «АИСТ» на основе телеметрических данных, полученных в ходе его экспериментальной эксплуатации

The purpose of the study was to model a small spacecraft of the AIST series and verify this thermal mathematical lumped-parameter model using differential equations and relying on telemetry data obtained during the experimental operation of the spacecraft. Thermal lumped-parameter models are widely spread in designing small-sized onboard equipment for small spacecraft. The model calculation was done by Simulink, the MATLAB-based graphical programming environment for modeling multidomain dynamical systems. We developed a system of equations, consisting of equations for each zone from the outer and inner sides, as well as the equations for scientific equipment. The small spacecraft design is based on three-layer honeycomb panels with heat pipes. Photocells are installed on the outer sides of the panels of the spacecraft, thus making a significant contribution to its thermal state.

Technological development of an ergonomic trailer for fi re and rescue units

The use of fire-technical weapons for extinguishing landscape fi res and repairing equipment is analyzed. The modernization existing equipment is proposed by developing a universal trailer trolley, which solves two engineering and research tasks: providing fi re extinguishing and carrying out loading and unloading operations. The technological design of all stages of development from a sketch to a 3D model is described. A distinctive feature of the proposed design is its versatility: the ability to use both a trolley and a trailer for small-sized equipment, for example, an ATV, which serves as an addition to existing weapons and contributes to increasing the effectiveness of extinguishing landscape fi res and conducting reconnaissance and search operations.

DETERMINATION OF HYDRODYNAMIC PARAMETERS OF THE SEALED PRESSURE EXTRACTOR

The subject matter of the article: Sealed extractor with pressure. The goal of the work: Determination of hydrodynamic parameters of the sealed extractor with pressure. The following tasks were solved in the article: Theoretical research on the creation of a sealed extractor with pressure. It is need to development of ways of implementation and practical recommendations for the given technical solutions in the experimental sample. The following methods are used: Mathematical modeling, differential and integral calculus, experimental research methods. The following results were obtained: The processes occurring in sealed extractors are described mathematically. Parameters that affect the performance of aggregates are determined. Conclusions: As a result of the analysis of the technological process and equipment used in the factories for primary processing of wool, shortcomings and problems are identified and means for their elimination are proposed. It is proposed to use small-sized equipment to work on waste-free technology based on a hydrodynamic pressure extractor. Extraction as an efficient mass transfer process for removing organic components from aqueous solutions has the advantages of low operating temperatures and efficiency. The design features of the sealed pressure extractor are as follows: high angular velocities, the moment of inertia of rotating details, powerful pressure, the presence of nodes that provide a supply and discharge of liquids, tightness. The kinematic and geometric parameters of the rotor affect the sealed extractors’ performance). In sealed extractors, the heavy fraction in the field of centrifugal forces will accumulate on a large radius of the inner side of the rotor and for its movement it is necessary to create an excess pressure at the extractor inlet.

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF TECHNOLOGIES AND TECHNICAL MEANS OF QUALITY CONTROL RESTORATION OF SMALL-SIZED ENGINES

Mechanization of labor on small farms and individual farms is a very important issue of modern agriculture. The use of small agricultural machinery with a capacity of up to 16 kW is quite relevant today. Small-sized machinery is divided into: small 4-wheeled tractors, 2-wheeled motoblocks, cultivators, machines and equipment. With the help of this technique perform various agricultural and other types of work in crop production, horticulture, gardening on small plots, livestock and more. Despite its rather small size, small equipment also has various mechanisms that fail over time. Most often, the parts of the internal combustion engine fail. In general, the cost of repairing the internal combustion engine during operation may exceed the total cost of the engine by 5-6 times. Thus, there is a question of improving the system of technical service of engines of small tractors. This article considers the issue of increasing the efficiency of operation of internal combustion engines for small tractors, due to the effective conduct of after-sales or post-repair running-in and improving the maintenance system. Types of small-sized equipment are presented. The analysis of possible loading and speed modes of cold and hot running-in of internal combustion engines and means for their realization is carried out. Technical means for running-in and testing of internal combustion engines are analyzed. The following formulas are given for determination: smoke of exhaust gases at running-in of engines; light transmission of exhaust gases; speed control range; load torque; the content of harmful substances (Q) in the exhaust gases on the j-th components. The necessity of bench running-in of engines of small-sized agricultural machinery is substantiated. The functional scheme of the stand for running-in and testing of internal combustion engines is considered. The stages of cold and hot running-in of small-sized engines are described. With the help of the received information, the results are made and the analysis of methods of running-in of internal combustion engines of small-sized agricultural machinery is carried out.

Повышение эффективности мультифункциональных машин для ведения интенсивного лесного хозяйства

The method of intensification of forestry by means of integrated mechanization of forestry and logging operations is considered. It is proposed to use manipulator-type machines, such as harvesters, forwarders and excavators, as a technical basis. Improving the efficiency of manipulator-type machines can be achieved through using a set of optional interchangeable equipment. This will allow to create crops by planting seedlings with open and closed root systems, to carry out soil cultivation, seed sowing, thinning of young plants and to carry out pest control, mulching of skidding tracks after major work in the logging site, as well as earthworks during the construction of forest roads. The use of optional interchangeable equipment transforms a manipulator-type machine into a multifunctional machine. It has been shown that the purchase of optional equipment for forestry and logging is a cost-effective investment even for a small amount of works. Intensive forestry is primarily based on the measures of mature and overmature stands cutting, forest tending, and reforestation. Several technological schemes with the use of the multifunctional machine for felling both in the harvester and feller buncher modes are offered. In the latter option, tree length bucking and branch pruning ensure the concentration of all logging residues at the upper depot and create favorable conditions for their processing into raw material for biofuel production and reduce woodwaste in cutting areas. An option of using small size equipment for hauling trees into the area of operation of a multifunctional machine with an installed harvester head is offered when performing selective felling using wide-strip technology of harvesting. Preliminary preparation of the cutting area with small sized equipment (harvesting of small-sized, dead and fallen trees) is proposed. This will significantly reduce the damage to plantation components and provide a greater degree of preservation of the natural environment during the main work of the multifunctional machine. Its use in the most favorable terms due to the work execution on a quarter-block scheme, reducing the number of downtime due to naturalproduction conditions and the number of relocations and, accordingly, increasing the number of machine hours, will minimize total costs of the range of forestry and harvesting works.

Special Features of Using Universal Technological Sets of Small-sized Equipment for Renovation of Buildings

Nowadays, old utility lines are the most critical issue of society. Emergency condition of these utility lines results in their destruction and pollution of ecosystem and imposes threat to life of people residing within risk area. This article offers variants of mobile universal sets of small-sized equipment that allows restoration of destructed and emergency buildings through wet-mix shotcreting process. The universal nature of these sets of equipment allows performance of entire scope of renovation works from preparation of damaged surfaces to applying anti-corrosive coatings. Upon the use of such sets of equipment, it is possible to prepare and lay construction mixtures of different purpose directly at the place of works. Combination of process operation in time enhances the efficiency of equipment and reduces power consumption.

Formless concreting new small-size equipment universal technological set energy consumption features determination

A scheme for the implementation of shotcrete work in a construction site using a new technological kit is presented. The basic machine of this kit is a hose concrete pump.The design of a pump with a hydraulic drive is considered, which makes it possible to adjust the rotation frequency of the working body of the concrete pump in a wide range and reduce the level of pulsation of the mixture at the outlet of the concrete pump. Energy consumption is considered as a universal set of new small-sized equipment, the structure and circuit diagram of which are presented in the article. The dependencies for determining the power required for machines - modules of this kit are given. The effectiveness of the kit for continuous concreting using the wet gunning method in a building site due to the combination of separate operations over time is shown.

FEATURES OF THE UNIVERSAL TECHNOLOGICAL SET OF SMALL-SIZED EQUIPMENT FOR FORMWORKLESS CONCRETING

The article deals with the technological set of small-sized equipment for shotcrete works taking into account the influence on its operation of the coefficient of filling the volume of the concrete mixer bin. The concrete mixer in this set is accepted as the base machine.The kit consist of the dosing unit, the concrete mixer unit, the universal hose concrete pump, the hydraulic drive unit, the control panel, equipment for shotcrete works. The basis for the creation of such a kit is a structural scheme: “the dosing unit - a component weighing bin - a concrete mixer - a receiving tray - a hose concrete pump - a pipeline with a working nozzle that has a ring nozzle”.The first experience of using separate technological kits emphasized their versatility of use directly at the construction site.In this regard, it is possible to determine their use for:- transportation of wet building mixes and carrying out of the shotcrete works;- repair and reconstruction of existing buildings and structures;- concreting floors, safes;- carrying out formworkless concreting when laying monolithic reinforced concrete and the manufacture of reinforced concrete structures and products.The dependence for determining the coefficient of filling the volume of the bin of the mixer Кзо is proposed based on the peculiarities of the work of the proposed set, in which all technological operations are combined in time.At the same time, the capacity of the mixer Птехн. бзм is equal to the capacity of the universal concrete pump Птехн. бн, which is a prerequisite for the stable operation of the kit.The results of the planned experiment are presented, which is used in the research of the dependence of Кзо= f (dшл., n1, n2, R). The efficiency of operation of the offered kit with the maximum productivity at maintenance of Кзо=0,70…0,71 is justificated.

Wet Shotcrete Process Using a New Set of Small-Sized Equipment for Concreting Formless Computer Simulation

The article discusses the new all-purpose small equipment process usage. On example of the proposed equipment process analysis was maiden computer simulation. Basic machine determining dependences unevenness values are given - concrete pump hose and the value of its reliable operation. Full automation of wet shotcrete working process controlling algorithm developed.

Definisanje osnovnih parametara kompleta male opreme za pripremu suvog maltera za različitu namenu

Based on the conducted information retrieval and review of the scientific literature, unsolved issues have been identified in the process of preparation of dry construction mixtures in the conditions of a construction site. The constructions of existing technological complexes for the production of dry construction mixtures are considered and their main drawbacks are identified in terms of application in the conditions of the construction site.On the basis of the conducted research, the designs of technological sets of small-sized equipment for the preparation of dry construction mixtures in the construction site are proposed. It is found out that the basis for creating the proposed technological kits are new designs of concrete mixers operating in cascade mode. A technique for calculating the main parameters of technological sets of equipment is proposed, depending on the use of the base machine of the kit.

Small-Size Equipment of Final Water Treatment with Partial Demineralization for Laboratory Needs

Small-Size Equipment of Final Water Treatment with Partial Demineralization for Laboratory Needs

Increasing the reliability of engineering buildings and strengths of use of new small-based equipment for concrete works

The article considers the possibility to increase the reliability of engineering buildings and facilities due to the use of new small-based equipment both in the operating conditions of technological complexes and in the conditions of technological sets. An example of the use of a technological complex with a universal hose concrete pump for strengthening the supporting columns of a medical centre being built by the wet concrete spraying method is given. The structural scheme of energy consumption by technological sets of small-based equipment is given. The variants of using the technological set of small-sized equipment for concrete work in various ways. One of the universal technological kits of effective small-based equipment is shown. As part of the proposed kit, the base machine can successfully be used universal non-piston hose concrete pump. Dependencies for determining the productivity of a hose concrete pump and the cost of its power for transporting a concrete mixture are proposed.

Ultrasonic piezoceramic module and technology for stimulating low-productivity wells

An ultrasonic oil well module based on piezoceramic radiators and an ultrasonic technology are developed to restore or increase the productivity of marginal wells (also known as stripper wells) and to enhance the oil recovery factor. Model calculation of the effect of ultrasonic treatment in the near-wellbore area on the oil recovery factor and the dynamics of oil production is performed. The field tests of the ultrasonic piezoceramic oil well module and technology in the Samotlor oil field in Western Siberia (Russia) have shown a high efficiency: the average increase in the daily production rate is 75%, the increase in the well productivity index is on average 40%, and the decrease in the water cut of the well fluid is on average 8.2%. The advantages of the technology are also as follows: it is not more complex than the geophysical study of wells, mobile small-size equipment, the selectivity of treatment, low operating costs, the absence of a negative effect on the production string and the cement sheath, and the absence of a negative impact on the environment and the health of operators. The developed ultrasonic module and technology are offered to oil-producing companies for the stimulation of marginal wells and enhanced oil recovery.

THE THERMOELECTRIC VACUUM CROCK-POT AND THE AUTOMATED WORKPLACE FOR ITS RESEARCH AS A CONTROL OBJECT

The technologies of thermal treatment in vacuum are widely used in various fields of production, in particular in the food industry, but their application at farms, hotels or a for domestic purposes is limited because of the big sizes, high cost of processing equipment and complexity of its management at realization of foodstuff processing. Products, made with use of vacuum technologies, keep much more useful substances because they aren't exposed to high-temperature processing and oxidation while preparation. Development and production of the small-sized equipment for realization of heat treatment processes of foodstuff in vacuum would create technical and economic conditions for implementation of temperature processing processes of foodstuff at farms, hotels and even at home that would promote creation of new food, development of new recipes and, in general, development of the new direction in cookery. So the article describes the problem of equipment construction for the process of thermal processing of food in vacuum such as cooking jam, concentration of juices and dairy products, distillation, drying, pickling, and the possibility of building inexpensive compact vacuum unit for the implementation of these processes (crock-pot) for use at hotels, farms and even for domestic purposes. The analysis of technological schemes for energy efficient evaporation process in vacuum crock-pot is provided. The developed technological scheme of vacuum crock-pot with thermoelectric converters and principle of its operation are considered. Microprocessor block diagram of a multichannel data acquisition system consisting workstation for investigation of thermoelectric vacuum crock-pot as a control object is presented and control algorithms helping to reduce energy consumption and to increase operational reliability in implementing processes and the quality of ready-made products are provided.