Standard Equipment Research Articles

ASPYRE-Lung: validation of a simple, fast, robust and novel method for multi-variant genomic analysis of actionable NSCLC variants in FFPE tissue.

Genomic variant testing of tumors is a critical gateway for patients to access the full potential of personalized oncology therapeutics. Current methods such as next-generation sequencing are costly and challenging to interpret, while PCR assays are limited in the number of variants they can cover. We developed ASPYRE® (Allele-Specific PYrophosphorolysis REaction) technology to address the urgent need for rapid, accessible and affordable diagnostics informing actionable genomic target variants of a given cancer. The targeted ASPYRE-Lung panel for non-small cell carcinoma covers 114 variants in 11 genes (ALK, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, KRAS, RET, ROS1, MET & NTRK1/2/3) to robustly inform clinical management. The assay detects single nucleotide variants, insertions, deletions, and gene fusions from tissue-derived DNA and RNA simultaneously. We tested the limit of detection, specificity, analytical accuracy and analytical precision of ASPYRE-Lung using FFPE lung tissue samples from patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma, variant-negative FFPE tissue from healthy donors, and FFPE-based contrived samples with controllable variant allele fractions. The sensitivity of ASPYRE-Lung was determined to be ≤ 3% variant allele fraction for single nucleotide variants and insertions or deletions, 100 copies for fusions, and 200 copies for MET exon 14 skipping. The specificity was 100% with no false positive results. The analytical accuracy test yielded no discordant calls between ASPYRE-Lung and expected results for clinical samples (via orthogonal testing) or contrived samples, and results were replicable across operators, reagent lots, runs, and real-time PCR instruments with a high degree of precision. The technology is simple and fast, requiring only four reagent transfer steps using standard laboratory equipment (PCR and qPCR instruments) with analysis via a cloud-based algorithm. The ASPYRE-Lung assay has the potential to be transformative in facilitating access to rapid, actionable molecular profiling of tissue for patients with non-small cell carcinoma.

Self-cleavage of genetically encoded Zn2+-dependent deoxyribozymes for low-cost biotechnological production of programable responsive DNA hydrogels

Despite the emergence of sequence-programable responsive DNA hydrogels, their further development is still hampered by the limited availability of chemically synthesized nucleic acid constituents. We herein developed a cost-efficient biotechnological approach for general production of programable responsive DNA hydrogels by harnessing bacteria as cell factories. Programmable pseudogenes of responsive DNA hydrogels were designed by interleaving Y-unit strand sequences with Zn2+-dependent self-cleaving deoxyribozymes. After in vivo amplification, self-cleavage of these deoxyribozymes in extracted precursor ssDNAs were systematically investigated. The versatility of this approach was demonstrated by preparing a unitary Y-unit system of pH-responsive DNA hydrogel and a binary Y-unit system of Cas12a-responsive hydrogel. This low-cost biotechnological approach requires only standard molecular biology equipment and inexpensive consumables, which may encourage further exploration of responsive DNA hydrogels.

Augmented Reality Interface for Adverse-Visibility Conditions Validated by First Responders in Rescue Training Scenarios

Updating the equipment of the first responder (FR) by providing them with new capabilities and useful information will inevitably lead to better mission success rates and, therefore, more lives saved. This paper describes the design and implementation of a modular interface for augmented reality displays integrated into standard FR equipment that will provide support during the adverse-visibility situations that the rescuers find during their missions. This interface includes assistance based on the machine learning module denoted as Robust Vision Module, which detects relevant objects in a rescue scenario, particularly victims, using the feed from a thermal camera. This feed can be displayed directly alongside the detected objects, helping FRs to avoid missing anything during their operations. Additionally, the information exposition in the interface is organized according to the biometrical parameters of FRs during the operations. The main novelty of the project is its orientation towards useful solutions for FRs focusing on something occasionally ignored during research projects: the point of view of the final user. The functionalities have been designed after multiple iterations between researchers and FRs, involving testing and evaluation through realistic situations in training scenarios. Thanks to this feedback, the overall satisfaction according to the evaluations of 18 FRs is 3.84 out of 5 for the Robust Vision Module and 3.99 out of 5 for the complete AR interface. These functionalities and the different display modes available for the FRs to adapt to each situation are detailed in this paper.

Validity of Wrist-Worn Activity Tracker Heart Rate Detection in Fontan Patients During Exercise.

Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle play an essential role in optimizing long-term health in patients with Fontan physiology. Wrist-worn activity trackers may be useful in medically directed exercise programs for patients with Fontan physiology. The objective of this study was to measure the validity of Garmin and Fitbit activity tracker heart rate detection in patients with Fontan circulation when compared to electrocardiogram (ECG) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). 47 Fontan patients undergoing CPET for clinical indications were included and wore activity trackers during CPET. Heart rate via the activity tracker was collected at baseline, maximal exercise, and recovery. Patient heart rates, peak VO2, and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were collected using standard CPET protocols and equipment. Heart rate at each time point was compared between the activity trackers and CPET ECG. Median age of participants was 17.1 years, 15.1 years since Fontan completion. Mean percent of predicted peak VO2 was 56.8%, z-score -3.2 with 61.7% of participants completing a maximal CPET (RER ≥ 1.09). Baseline oxygen saturation mean was 92.9%, 90.0% at maximal exercise. Activity trackers demonstrated mean absolute percentage error < 10% at most time points, comparable with other studies. Demographics, Fontan-associated comorbidities, and echocardiogram findings did not impact the accuracy. Consumer-oriented wrist-worn activity trackers show promising accuracy for heart rate monitoring in medically directed exercise programs for adolescents and young adults with Fontan physiology. Further validation across different exercise modalities is needed.

Safety research of textile materials with flame retardant properties

This article discusses the findings of a study that explored the use of new compositions containing tetraethoxysilane, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and hexamethylenediamine to improve the flame retardancy of cellulose fiber materials. The impact of different components and temperatures on the fire-resistant properties of the fabric was examined. In an untreated sample measuring 17*22 cm, ignition occurred in 15 seconds and the fabric burned completely within 60 seconds, whereas a treated sample showed signs of retardation. Increasing the concentration of flame retardant impregnation at a temperature of 150 degrees had minimal effects on the material's strength, air permeability, and appearance. With the help of electron scanning device it was found that on the surface of the fibers of the treated sample morphological changes were observed in the form of film, which in turn contain particles of Si (25.48%), P (17.61%), Na (1.70%). The optimum conditions of fabric processing are determined, the influence of concentration of working solution, impregnation and thermofixation temperature on flame retardant properties of fabrics investigated, also processing can be carried out on standard equipment of finishing enterprises and laboratories. Cotton materials treated with a compound based on tetraethoxysilane, sodium dihydrophosphate and hexamethylenediamine provides adequate fire resistance.

Unlocking Success: Strategies for Preventing and Managing Complications in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures

Complications in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in chronic total occlusion (CTO) cases, pose notable challenges, with a mortality rate of approximately 0.4% during hospitalization, mainly due to issues like perforation and tamponade. While risk assessment tools can aid in evaluating periprocedural complication risk, prevention and preparedness take precedence. Guided by the "3 Ps" framework—prevention, preparedness, and planning—we navigate the complexities of managing complications in CTO PCI procedures. This emphasizes the importance of comprehensive patient discussions, adherence to appropriateness use criteria, and ensuring a well-trained team equipped with standardized equipment. Furthermore, it is crucial to extract valuable insights from encountered complications, turning potential setbacks into invaluable learning opportunities. This positive approach not only fosters individual growth but also contributes to the advancement of CTO PCI practices. Various complications specific to CTO PCI are addressed, including donor vessel injury, equipment loss/entrapment, radiation injury and coronary perforation.

Cephalometric Evaluation of the Pre- and Posttreatment Changes after the Correction of Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with Twin Block Appliance in Mixed Dentition.

To evaluate the pretreatment cephalometric records on the dental, skeletal, soft tissue, and incisor relationship with a twin block functional appliance in class II malocclusion patients in and around Mahe; evaluate the posttreatment cephalometric records on the dental, skeletal, soft tissue, and incisor relationship with a twin block functional appliance in class II malocclusion patients in these children; and to compare cephalometrically certain dental, skeletal, and soft tissue points in pretreatment and posttreatment cephalograms in them. This study was conducted on 20 class II patients in the mixed dentition period, who were treated with twin block therapy. Each had to meet the following criteria-(1) skeletal class II malocclusion with retrognathic mandible; (2) full cusp class II molar relationship; and (3) an angle of ANB of 50 or greater at the start of treatment. All patients wore the appliance 24 hours/day. The pretreatment cephalometric head films for the group were taken using standard cephalometric X-ray equipment. The length of time required to achieve a class I molar relationship was assessed. Appointments during the twin block phase were scheduled at intervals of 8 weeks. Lateral head films were obtained again at the posttreatment follow-up stage. There was a significant increase in effective mandibular length, ramus height, SNB, ANB, overjet, overbite, and I to NA (mm and degrees) after twin block therapy. The maxillary incisor position showed a decrease in its value by 4° in five cases. Thus, in the present study, evidence of skeletal and dentoalveolar changes leading to the correction of class II division 1 malocclusion with the twin block functional appliance has been established. However, further studies with a longer period of follow-up and a larger sample are required to substantiate the results of the present investigation. Bimalrag BR, Ephraim R, Ayilliath A, et al. Cephalometric Evaluation of the Pre- and Posttreatment Changes after the Correction of Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with Twin Block Appliance in Mixed Dentition. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):783-789.

Urban Sharing Logistics Strategies against Epidemic Outbreaks: Its Feasibility and Sustainability

Epidemic (e.g., COVID-19) outbreaks can seriously disrupt logistics, and the coordination of intercity logistics and urban distribution plays an important role in goods distribution. In previous studies, some scholars analyzed different sharing logistics mechanisms for cost reduction and efficiency improvement, while others analyzed the disruption problems in both logistics and supply chain management. In this study, we combine these two operational management philosophies and first develop a two-echelon logistics benchmark model (BM), with two intercity logistics companies and two urban distribution companies, taking into consideration the load ratio and the disruption factor. This is the first time that the load ratio is considered in research on logistics, and it will make the supply and demand as well as the cost structure of logistics services much more practical. We then develop three urban sharing logistics models with two intercity logistics companies and one urban sharing logistics distribution company, with the sharing mechanisms SM1 (only sharing logistics), SM2 (sharing logistics with revenue sharing), and SM3 (sharing logistics with equity investment). We compare the pros and cons of the three sharing mechanisms and identify the optimal and suboptimal Pareto improvements for the BM. We identify different sharing decisions with respect to different load ratios and the disruption ratio. Finally, we analyze the sustainability of the three sharing mechanisms from the load ratio, low-carbon, and low-disruption dimensions. The managerial implications drawn from the model and case study provide a practice framework for sharing logistics operations: vertical integration, the standardization of logistics technology and equipment, and coordination and sharing.

Facile Synthesis of a Reusable MoS2 Aerogel for Efficient HCl Gas Absorption

AbstractSolid rocket motors (SRMs), frequently used as primary boosters in rockets, employ ammonium perchlorate as the oxidizer and aluminum powder as the fuel. Upon combustion, the exhaust products from composite propellants primarily include hydrochloric acid (HCl), carbon monoxide (CO), aluminum oxide, and hydrogen (H2). About 95% of the ammonium perchlorate undergoes conversion to HCl, constituting nearly 20% of the combustion product by weight, significantly contributing to air pollution. To address this environmental concern, we have developed a reusable MoS2 aerogel specifically engineered for absorbing HCl gas. The fabrication process is straightforward and cost‐effective, utilizing nontoxic reagents and standard equipment, enhancing its practicality. Characterization of the aerogel was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The aerogel demonstrated a high absorptive capacity, achieving 65.88% absorption efficiency for HCl gas, which is noteworthy. Moreover, the aerogel samples exhibited exceptional recyclability over five cycles, highlighting their suitability for applications requiring HCl gas absorption. This research lays the foundation for advancing and scaling up innovative nanomaterial‐based aerogels, offering versatile solutions for a wide range of contemporary applications.

Perspectives from teachers and managers on STEM classrooms and STEM teaching equipment

Abstract This study examines the perceptions of teachers and educational managers regarding the significance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms and the effectiveness of STEM educational tools in enhancing practical skills, fostering creativity, and promoting interdisciplinary understanding. A survey was administered to 300 teachers and managers from schools in Nghe An Province, Dak Lak Province, and Hanoi, where STEM education programs have been implemented. The study employed a convenience sampling method, utilizing two questionnaires to assess the perceived importance of STEM classrooms and the effectiveness of STEM teaching equipment. The findings indicate that a substantial majority of respondents (96.67%) believe that STEM classrooms play a crucial role in enhancing students' practical skills, while 96% assert that these classrooms promote creativity through hands-on projects. Additionally, 95.34% of participants emphasized the importance of STEM classrooms in advancing interdisciplinary scientific knowledge. However, the survey also identified limitations in the adequacy of STEM teaching equipment, with technical compatibility (71.67%), connections between general and practical equipment (71.34%), and clear labeling and information (71.00%) rated as particularly significant. This research supports the prevailing view that STEM classrooms are essential for developing practical skills, creativity, and interdisciplinary knowledge. Nonetheless, the study suggests that improvements are needed in the effectiveness of STEM teaching equipment, such as ensuring alignment with curriculum objectives, enhancing interdisciplinary integration, and providing clear labeling and usage guidelines. It is recommended that policymakers prioritize investments in standardized and comprehensive STEM equipment and design classrooms that support practical, creative, and interdisciplinary learning.

Obtaining Phenolic-Enriched Liquid Fractions and Compostable Pomace for Agriculture from Alperujo Using Standard Two-Phase Olive Oil Mill Equipment

Olive oil extraction by two-phase systems generates a by-product called “alperujo” which presents several difficulties for its valorization. The present work evaluated an industrial approach, based on the application of thermal treatments to alperujo followed by solid/liquid separation using standard two-phase olive oil mill equipment. Treatments consisted of the thermo-malaxation of alperujo at 70 °C for 45 or 90 min, with or without acid addition, followed by solid/liquid separation in an industrial decanter. The solid was characterized concerning subsequent use for composting, while total and hydrophilic phenolics were analyzed in liquid for their recovery. Additionally, a laboratory-scale trial to compare phenolic purification by ethylic acetate extraction with chromatographic procedures was also included. The static respiration index showed that solid fractions presented higher susceptibility to biodegradation processes than raw alperujo. The phenolic content of treated liquid fractions was higher than in raw alperujo. Total phenolics were maximum at the longest exposure time without acid addition, while hydrophilic phenolics were highest at the shortest exposure time in acidified samples. The use of non-ionic resins seemed attractive for obtaining highly concentrated phenolic fractions. The proposed thermal treatments can be applied in olive oil industries, allowing in situ pomace valorization and the recovery of phenolic-enriched liquid fractions.

Designing the Prolonged Field Care Kit (PFAK) to Address the Logistical Challenges of Future Combat Casualty Care.

Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC) is a military adaptation aimed at providing pre-hospital care in austere settings when evacuation is delayed or even impossible. Current lack of standardized medical equipment and size/weight restrictions of military packs during dismounted operations hinder effective PCC. We sought to design a standardized, practical, and effective prolonged field care kit (PFAK) to enable widespread implementation of PCC. We reviewed Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines to generate a list of potential contents of the PFAK. We obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) exemption and then conducted stakeholder surveys of combat casualty care experts across the Joint Trauma System using a modified Delphi survey approach. We established a civil-military working group that provided in-depth qualitative feedback on the PFAK contents and provided an initial design of a long-range medical rucksack (LMR) to house it. Responses were analyzed using mean rank scores to help determine initial components of the PFAK. Tactical subject-matter experts tested and evaluated the PFAK and LMR prototype in austere conditions to refine the design. Review of the PCC Clinical Practice Guidelines generated 49 medications and 301 potential supplies as potential PFAK contents. The first Delphi survey was sent to 100 stakeholders (overall response rate of 60%). After the first survey, contents were narrowed to a list of the most essential 27 medications and 105 other components. Iterative prototypes of the PFAK and LMR were tested to determine ergonomics, portability, flexibility, and equipment compartmentalization to facilitate use in emergencies. The prototype was optimized to address the clinical, logistical, and tactical requirements of PCC across a variety of platforms and environmental conditions. Given the changing battlefield environment, efficient and effective PCC will play an increasingly important role in the management of combat trauma. The PFAK can meet this need by providing a practical and standardized resuscitation kit generated by expert military and trauma personnel consensus, carried conveniently in the LMR.

Accuracy of Patient-Collected Vital Signs.

Introduction: Telehealth has emerged as an important clinical setting for managing acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs), potentially reducing emergency department and urgent care overcrowding, and reducing nosocomial transmission. Many current algorithms for ARI management incorporate information on patient vital signs. However, the accuracy of vital signs collected by patients using readily available home devices and techniques has not been studied. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of patients seen for urgent conditions at a hospital emergency and urgent care center were given instructions and low-cost, readily available devices to collect their vital signs. A trained research coordinator collected a parallel set of vital signs using standard hospital equipment, serving as the gold standard. We analyzed the performance of patient-collected vital signs compared with vital signs collected by a trained research coordinator. Results: A total of 300 patients completed the study. Patient-collected vital signs were highly specific for traditional levels of abnormalities (HR >100 beats per min, RR >24 breaths per min, temperature >100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, oxygen saturation <94 percent); however, sensitivity was poor for elevated heart rate by pulse estimation (25%) and elevated respiratory rate (60%). Heart rate and oxygen saturation by pulse oximeter and oral temperature had higher sensitivity. Conclusions: Vital signs measured and provided by patients are not uniformly accurate, particularly when using manual techniques rather than automated devices. Telehealth algorithms that rely on these values could provide incorrect triage and management advice.

The Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT) test: A clinical spectro-temporal modulation detection test

Over the last decade, multiple studies have shown that hearing-impaired listeners’ speech-in-noise reception ability, measured with audibility compensation, is closely associated with performance in spectro-temporal modulation (STM) detection tests. STM tests thus have the potential to provide highly relevant beyond-the-audiogram information in the clinic, but the available STM tests have not been optimized for clinical use in terms of test duration, required equipment, and procedural standardization. The present study introduces a quick-and-simple clinically viable STM test, named the Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT™) test. First, an experimenter-controlled STM measurement paradigm was developed, in which the patient is presented bilaterally with a continuous audibility-corrected noise via headphones and asked to press a pushbutton whenever they hear an STM target sound in the noise. The patient's threshold is established using a Hughson-Westlake tracking procedure with a three-out-of-five criterion and then refined by post-processing the collected data using a logistic function. Different stimulation paradigms were tested in 28 hearing-impaired participants and compared to data previously measured in the same participants with an established STM test paradigm. The best stimulation paradigm showed excellent test-retest reliability and good agreement with the established laboratory version. Second, the best stimulation paradigm with 1-second noise “waves” (windowed noise) was chosen, further optimized with respect to step size and logistic-function fitting, and tested in a population of 25 young normal-hearing participants using various types of transducers to obtain normative data. Based on these normative data, the “normalized Contrast Level” (in dB nCL) scale was defined, where 0 ± 4 dB nCL corresponds to normal performance and elevated dB nCL values indicate the degree of audible contrast loss. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that the ACT test may be considered a reliable, quick-and-simple (and thus clinically viable) test of STM sensitivity. The ACT can be measured directly after the audiogram using the same set up, adding only a few minutes to the process.

A conceptual framework-based architecture strategy for implementing industry 4.0 enabling technologies in Indian commercial vehicle manufacturing plant

ABSTRACT From the first industrial revolution to the era of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), Indian manufacturing sectors have undergone significant transformations. The global market’s competitiveness has surged due to the rising demand for customized consumer goods, prompting industries to adopt advanced manufacturing models to maintain their edge. This paper introduces a novel Conceptual Framework-Based Architecture (CFA) using a real-life case study of an Indian commercial vehicle manufacturing plant. The proposed CFA aims to minimize barriers to implementing I4.0 technologies by developing a standardized architecture customized to the Indian manufacturing context. It addresses existing technological requirements and implementation challenges in three phases, considering existing production systems, current technologies, and system needs. The CFA enhances productivity, and transparency through real-time data monitoring, automated system communication, and responsiveness. It also tackles I4.0 implementation challenges between physical and cyber systems, employee adaptability to new technologies, the absence of global standards, and the need for uniform standards in tools, equipment, systems, and data services. The CFA elements were validated for system readiness in an existing manufacturing plant. This framework serves as a reference tool for industrial strategists, decision-makers, policymakers, and researchers, aiding in the integration and configuration of I4.0 technologies in the Indian manufacturing sector.

Scalable and Non-Destructive Analysis of Battery Degradation and Performance

Electrochemical processes occurring during battery operation are highly complex. Thermodynamic, kinetic and transport-based phenomena all play a significant role in the dynamic evolution of the time-based electrochemical response of any battery system. Researchers have long sought to quantify these various interconnected phenomena, but to-date elucidating the role these mechanisms play in the performance of battery systems has been challenging or impossible. To aid researchers in uncovering the mechanistic behavior of their systems, we have developed a novel testing protocol and corresponding data analysis method that is scalable and non-destructive (SAND). This protocol and analysis can be applied to any battery system, in any form factor, at any point in the battery life cycle; including R&D, manufacturing, and second life battery screening to name a few.The testing protocol is based on a series of galvanostatic current pulses at a variety of currents and/or times. By utilizing the natural differences in time-constant of the various electrochemical phenomena inside a battery, this technique can probe each mechanism to glean novel insight using standard battery cycling equipment. Specifically, the insights this technique can provide include: the electrochemical potential of each phase during lithiation and delithiation quantification of electrode kinetics at various states-of-charge (including exchange current density estimation from the Butler-Volmer model)quantitative estimation of transport-based polarization losses from both the electrodes and the electrolyte. This analysis provides an un-parallelled level of mechanistic insight into the inner workings of any battery, at any point, spanning small-scale R&D cells to large format cells in mass production.To demonstrate the capabilities of this technique this presentation will focus on the analysis of multiple cells (same model) from a Tier 1 supplier containing a lithium transition metal oxide cathode material cycled at various temperatures. These results have led to an extensive set of conclusions. For brevity a few of these conclusions are: The initial exchange current density of these cells is calculated to be 25.5 A/m2. The H2→H3 phase transition during charging is the least efficient phase, exhibiting the largest power loss during chargingThe inefficiencies in the H2→H3 phase transition are dominated by solid-state lithium atom diffusion within the electrodes. At low current densities the overpotential associated with transport is the dominant source of losses, while at higher currents kinetic overpotentials become the dominant source. In summary, we have developed a novel characterization technique requiring only standard battery cycling equipment that can be easily and quickly performed by researchers around the world. Whether on small-scale coin cells or large-format pouch cells, the analysis from this technique will give the battery community insight into the thermodynamic, kinetic, and transport properties of their system. Moreover, this technique can be applied in a variety of contexts related to battery development, including understanding degradation mechanisms, performing root-cause analysis of manufacturing defects, or providing more accurate parameters for computational modeling.

Design and Performance Evaluation of a Specialized Bubbler System for Accurate and Repeatable Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) Testing

Accurate assessment of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) performance demands standardized testing conditions, particularly in stable steam delivery. Fluctuations in steam concentration and flow rate can significantly impact measured open-circuit voltage (OCV) and polarization behavior. Although direct steam injection is straightforward, it is often hindered by instability resulting from intermittent liquid water flux, pressure fluctuations, and fractional distillation effects. Bubbler humidification systems have the potential to offer consistent steam, but tailored designs for SOEC testing are currently absent.This study introduces a specialized bubbler system designed to deliver stable steam to SOEC test stands accommodating both oxygen-conducting (O-SOEC) and proton-conducting (H-SOEC) cells. The bubbler components include a refill water reservoir, a level control module, heating elements, pressure relief valves, check valves, tubing, and fittings integrated with the test stand. The system humidifies the sweep gas, transporting steam to the cell test fixture situated within a high-temperature furnace.The design process involved meticulous considerations of materials compatibility, hydrogen safety, and overtemperature protection. All wetted components employ stainless steel, glass, or PTFE materials in their construction construction. Redundant thermocouples ensure safe process temperatures with automated overtemperature shut off. The refill reservoir and bubbler headspace operate near ambient pressure, facilitated by an exhaust line vent sized for minimal backpressure.In various executed O-SOEC tests, the bubbler maintained OCV stability within ±5 mV over several hundred hours for each cell operating at 750°C, eliminating spikes caused by steam fluctuations observed with direct injection methods. This facilitates precise electrochemical analysis and determination of area-specific resistance losses. Polarization curves align with expected behavior based on the Nernst equation. The system has demonstrated safe and stable functionality for over thousands of hours across various operating conditions.The bubbler design presents researchers with notable advantages over existing steam supply options for SOEC test stands, addressing performance, safety, and flexibility concerns. Online instrumentation enables closed-loop control of steam conditions, enhancing stability. Standardization of test equipment is crucial for quality results, and this work contributes progress toward reproducible protocols in the international SOEC community. The modular bubbler approach, integrated with safety features, also signifies safer methodology choices for lab-scale experimental research.

Micro-solid phase extraction with in-lab-packed columns for cost-efficient drug extraction from urine samples

This study introduces a miniaturised solid-phase extraction (µ-SPE) method coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous quantification of 23 compounds, including psychoactive drugs, narcotics and their metabolites, in urine samples. The µ-SPE method, using standard laboratory equipment such as a centrifuge, was developed and validated, offering a practical and economical alternative to more traditional SPE methods. The key extraction parameters: elution solvent composition, sample and elution volumes, and sorbent mass were optimized to enhance performance. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with detection limits between 0.06 and 0.41 ng cm−3 and quantification limits from 0.19 to 1.24 ng cm−3. The precision was confirmed with an intra-day precision ranging from 0.2% to 7.5% and an inter-day precision from 1.2% to 13.4%. Recovery rates ranged from 84.2% to 109.4%, with minimal matrix effects observed for most analytes (|ME|< 10%). The relative error remained below 5%, indicating good accuracy. The method was also evaluated in terms of greenness, practical, and analytical aspects using the WAC model. Based on the validation results, it was concluded that the developed method could be a good confirmatory method for results obtained by immunochemical tests and could also be used in both clinical analyses and forensic toxicology.Graphical abstract

Reduction Potential of Gaseous Emissions in European Ports Using Cold Ironing

Providing electrical power to ships while they are docked, cold ironing allows ships to turn off their engines and reduces emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. This study identifies and assesses ship and port emissions and analyzes the potential for emission reduction achievable by cold ironing in European ports. It includes (1) a review of the current state of cold ironing in European ports; (2) an analysis of the time spent in ports by ships; (3) a quantification of emissions potentially avoided by means of a larger-scale use of cold ironing in Europe; (4) an estimation of the benefits achievable and the perspective to play a role in meeting emission reduction targets, improving air quality in port cities; (5) an analysis of the challenges and limitations of larger-scale cold ironing implementation; (6) potential solutions to overcome them. The results of this study could have important implications for (a) the shipping industry, which could benefit from the need for additional standardized electrical equipment onboard; (b) port authorities, which could benefit from providing additional services to the ships; (c) policymakers working to reduce emissions and promote energy efficiency, who could better approach their local and global targets.

Experimental Study of Soil Compaction with Proctor Standard Test Equipment

Soil is the surface layer of the earth which consists of minerals, organic materials, air, living things. Clay soil is one type of soil that is important in determining the bearing capacity of subgrade required for construction. The bearing capacity of the soil is obtained by compacting it, using the TS-365 Automatic Standard Proctor. Soil compaction is the process of removing air from the pores of the soil, and is effective for improving soil properties in order to increase the density (density) of the soil so that shear strength increases, soil settlement decreases, and soil permeability decreases. The standard proctor test uses 5 separate soil samples weighing 2 kg, with a mixture of 16%, 19%, 22%, 25% and 28% air respectively. The test results show that the soil obtained from the Pojok sub-district area. Mojoroto, East Java obtained the results of soil compaction data using a standard proctor test, it was obtained that the optimum dry volume weight of the soil was 1,630 gr/cm3 and the optimum water content was 32%. So that the results of soil testing in the laboratory can be used as a reference for controlling soil compaction in construction.