Standard Production Process Research Articles

Virus Detection Using Functionalized Graphene Oxide Composites

In this study, we explore the optimization of Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO)-based sensors for detecting respiratory viruses, employing an innovative thermal reduction process. Traditional methods of graphene oxide (GO) production often struggle with scalability and uniformity. Addressing these challenges, we utilize a common glass substrate within a controlled oven environment, achieving precise temperature regulation essential for consistent sensor properties. RGO produced at these specific conditions demonstrated significantly enhanced uniformity and electrical properties when compared to those produced under traditional, less controlled conditions. Expanding upon this base, we have now incorporated metals (such as Fe, Ag) into the graphene oxide matrix to create metal-graphene oxide composites. These composites were methodically synthesized and integrated into our existing Field-Effect Transistor (FET) sensors, allowing us to evaluate their enhanced responsiveness to Human Parainfluenza Virus types 2 and 3 (HPIV-2, HPIV-3), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Early experiments with these new composites show a marked improvement in sensor sensitivity and specificity, particularly against HPIV-3, suggesting a robust interaction between the virus and the sensor interface. The addition of metal composites not only fortifies the electrical and mechanical properties of the sensors but also significantly boosts their viral detection capabilities. This advancement confirms the reproducibility and reliability of the optimized RGO production process, reinforcing the importance of precise thermal control in producing not just stable and uniform RGO, but also highly effective biosensing platforms. These results pave the way for the potential mass production of RGO-based sensors, equipped with metal-graphene oxide composites, targeting high sensitivity and specificity in virus detection. This enhancement has profound implications for the broad applicability of RGO in diverse fields including electronics, chemical sensing, and gas sensing, contributing foundational knowledge for the advancement of graphene-based technologies. This research reaffirms the critical need for standardized production processes that ensure the consistency and efficiency of RGO and showcases the practical application of these processes in creating high-performance biosensors.

Developing an Ontology on Battery Production and Characterization with the Help of Key Use Cases from Battery Research

Materials science research faces challenges due to diverse and evolving measurements, materials, and methods. Managing research data in a way that is understandable, comparable, and reproducible is essential for high data quality, particularly for data science and machine learning applications. In Li‐ion batteries research data storage concepts and structures vary widely between institutions and researchers, leading to difficulties in data comparison and understanding. To address the issue of data structuring, battery production and characterization ontology (BPCO) is developed. The ontology builds on existing ontologies like the Platform MaterialDigital core ontology and quantities, units, dimensions, and types ontology to model standard battery production processes, characterization methods, and materials. The BPCO is based on a workflow structure to be accessible to nonexperts and, unlike highly specialized existing ontologies, models the whole production process removing the need for separate data structures and enabling the identification of dependencies between parameters. This work builds upon a previously published paper in which the taxonomy and fundamental strategies for ontology development are established. The article presents the developed ontology and its use for structuring research data in three key use cases, that is, different experiments performed to validate the ontology's capabilities, provide feedback, and ensure its applicability.

3D augmented reality-guided robotic partial nephrectomy

The present study aims to provide a contemporary overview of the use of augmented reality (AR) in robotic renal surgery from the renal pedicle management to the demolition and reconstructive phases thanks also to the preoperative planning obtained with three-dimensional virtual models (3DVMs). Recently, the increasing use of the robotic approach extends the indication to partial nephrectomy also in cases of complex or large renal masses and maximizing functional and surgical outcomes. With this goal, new imaging technologies have increased in popularity, especially for laparoscopic and robotic approaches. In this scenario, hyper-accuracy 3DVMs of the kidney and tumor, based on computed tomography (CT) scans, have been developed as a new tool for preoperative planning and intraoperative surgical navigation via AR technology. However, a standardized production process of 3DVMs and dedicated guidelines on their use and application are still needed. A recent systematic review and metanalysis has shed light on the impact of 3D models on minimally-invasive nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Specifically, lower rates of global ischemia and collecting system violation were observed within AR-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). However, these rates did not translate into significant improvements in terms of oncological or functional outcomes. This review provides a contemporary overview of the use of AR in robotic renal surgery from the renal pedicle management to the demolition and reconstructive phases thanks also to the preoperative planning obtained with 3DVMs.

Compositional and Microstructural Investigations of Prehistoric Ceramics from Southern Romania (Middle Neolithic Pottery)

In this paper, based on our previous expertise on ceramic artifacts, several archaeometric methods applied to some samples collected from the Dudești archaeological site (Oltenia region, Romania) are reported for the first time in the literature. The chemical composition, and microstructural and morphological characterization of these samples offer important conclusions about the processing conditions. Some specific techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy provide compositional information about composition and the decay processes. Additionally, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method helps to estimate pore sizes and specific surface areas. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/TDG) was used to establish details regarding the production technology and also the raw materials source used to make the ceramics. The obtained results indicated that the ceramics are based on a paste of muscovite and feldspar, with high plasticity, together with quartz and hematite/goethite and calcite, the latter in very low concentrations. According to the obtained results, we could assume that clays from the investigated samples had a low concentration of calcium. Gypsum is present as paste in a very low concentration, identified by the presence of a sulphate group in WDXRF. In the same context, iron oxides have a significant impact on the firing atmosphere of iron-rich clay, resulting in blackening under reducing conditions and a reddish coloration under oxidative conditions. The use of hematite and gypsum as pigments further contributes to the color variations in the pottery. The consistent firing temperature range of 200–600 °C in Dudești pottery implies a standardized production process, the variation in color being dependent on the specific reducing/oxidative regime conditions (reducing atmosphere followed by rapid oxidation). This relationship between clay composition and local sources suggests a connection to Neolithic pottery production in the region and their color depending on the reducing/oxidative regime conditions.

Improving Packaging and Marketing of Local Products Through the Application of Technology and Packaging Innovation to Increase Community Income in Opak Village

Community service activities in the national combination program were conducted in Waqf Village, Sukaratu Village, and Majasari Pandeglang District, targeting partner groups of opak food craftsmen and waqf farmer groups. The problem with fostered partners is that no one needs to be able to implement business management, online marketing, or apply innovative technology in standard production processes. Community service in the national service program aims to increase the knowledge and skills of fostered partners in implementing business management, online-based marketing, and technological innovation in the production process. Activity methods include the socialization of national programs, the application of technology in the production process, training, mentoring, and evaluation. The results of this activity show that the two fostered partners can apply business management, online marketing (e-commerce), and the application of packaging technology with nitrogen injection as well as the application of production with solar dome dryers to dry opaque patches, which is very helpful during the rainy season, can still production. There was an increase in the business of the two fostered partners to reach 80%.

The impact of processing technology on microbial community composition and functional properties of Beninese maize ogi

Traditionally fermented maize starch, called ogi, is produced to prepare akpan, a yoghurt-like street food widely consumed in Benin. Current maize ogi production practices were compared to assess the impact of different processing technologies on the characteristics of the fermented product as a basis to determine best practices. Maize starch slurry samples were collected from processors in five municipalities in southern Benin and analysed before fermentation (starch samples) and after spontaneous fermentation (ogi samples). Four technological pathways for maize starch production were distinguished based on variations in the duration of steeping the grains, which ranged from 6 to 72 h, and whether or not kneading of the wet flour before filtration was practised. Six categories of maize ogi were derived from the four technology groups based on the duration of the fermentation, which lasted from 6 to 24 h. The average pH of maize starch varied from 3.2 to 5.3, with the lowest values for the two technology groups that also had the highest lactate concentrations (9–11.8 g/L). The six maize ogi categories had a pH ranging from 3.1 to 4.0. Viable plate counts of lactic acid bacteria were similar for maize starch samples and for ogi samples, whereas yeast counts showed clear differences. Members of the genera Limosilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, Weissella, Streptococcus and Ligilactobacillus, dominated the bacterial community in maize starch, and were also dominant in maize ogi. The members of the genera dominating the fungal community in maize starch were also dominant in maize ogi, except for Aspergillus and Stenocarpella spp., which decreased in relative abundance by fermentation. The highest total free essential amino acid concentration was 61.6 mg/L in maize starch and 98.7 mg/L in ogi. The main volatile organic compounds in maize starch samples were alcohols, esters, and carboxylic acids, which also prevailed in maize ogi samples. The results indicate that the characteristics of traditional maize ogi depend on the processing technologies used to produce the maize starch before the intentional fermentation into ogi, with no clear-cut connection with the production practices due to high variations between samples from the same technology groups. This revealed the importance of a standardized maize starch production process, which would benefit controlling the starch fermentation and the characteristics of maize ogi. Further research is needed to understand the hidden fermentation during maize starch production for determination of the best practices that support the production of quality maize ogi.

Improving Packaging and Marketing of Local Products Through the Application of Packaging Technology and Innovation to Increase the Income of the Community in Opak Village

Community service activities in the national combination program are conducted in Waqf Village, Sukaratu Village, and Majasari Pandeglang District, with target partners of opaque food artisan groups and waqf farmer groups. The problem of the target partners is that neither partner has been able to implement business management, online marketing, or the application of innovation technology in standard production processes. The purpose of community service in the national service program is to improve the knowledge and skills of target partners in implementing business management, online-based marketing and the application of innovation technology in the production process. The method of activities in community service is socialization of national programs, application of technology in the production process, training, mentoring and evaluation. The results of this activity show that the two target partners can apply business management, online marketing (e-commerce), and the application of packaging technology with nitrogen injects and the application of production with a solar dome dryer to dry opaque fillings, which is very helpful during the rainy season, they can continue production, and there is an increase in the business of both target partners to reach 80%.

Application areas of artificial intelligence in publishing activities

In this study, the experiences of publishers and researchers in implementing machine processing measures for publishing information are examined, focusing on the development and enhancement of tools for automating editorial processes, as well as the creation of personalized training programs and trend analysis systems in publishing. The stages of the production cycle for types of paper and electronic publications using machine processing systems for publishing information are proposed, giving the learner an understanding of practical and effective publishing tools associated with a standardized production process. Specifically, these stages include planning, content creation, layout, personalization of layouts for various devices and formats, marketing and distribution, project management, resource, and budget management. Examples of using artificial intelligence to improve the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of education are shown, particularly for the adaptability of educational programs, the automation of tasks traditionally performed by teachers, and the creation of interactive elements in electronic publications, such as animation, video, sound, and games, for translating electronic publications into other languages, thereby providing accessibility to a broad audience. Theoretical proposals and software tools for the successful integration of artificial intelligence in the preparation of competitive and highly qualified publishing specialists in the face of rapid technological changes are offered. The importance of using artificial intelligence to ensure high-quality personnel training in the publishing industry amidst the fast development of information technologies and systems is emphasized.

Heavy metals, macro-minerals and human health risk assessment of spiced and unspiced tiger nut drink commercialized in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The need for cheap, nutritional, refreshing and local content development has increased the demand and consumption of Tiger nut drink by residents of Port Harcourt and its environs in recent years. However, the inadequate nutritional information and without nutritional facts label has made it difficult for the Tiger nut consuming populace to ascertain its health benefits. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Zn), macro-minerals (Mg and Ca) and human health risk assessment of spiced and unspiced Tiger nut drink commercialized in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria using standard analytical techniques after mixed acid digestion. The mineral elements were found in the order of Mg (79.87 mg/L) > Ca (50.79 mg/L) and Mg (96.82 mg/L) > Ca (68.18 mg/L) in unspiced and spiced tiger nut drinks respectively [< WHO: Mg (150 mg/L), Ca (200 mg/L)] while heavy metals concentrations in the samples analyzed were Fe (1.82 mg/L) > Zn (1.16 mg/L) > Cu (0.4160 mg/L) and Fe (2.12 mg/L) > Zn (1.51 mg/L) > Cu (0.45 mg/L) in unspiced and spiced tiger nut drinks respectively. Pb and Ni were undetected (< 0.00 mg/l) in both unspiced and spiced gingered tiger nut drinks studied. Only Fe and Cu concentrations exceeded WHO standards (0.3 and 0.02 mg/L). However, intake of these heavy metals is unlikely to pose any non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers (target hazard quotient (THQ) < 1, HI<1 for adults and children) in both spiced and unspiced tiger nut drink. Generally, results from this study showed higher concentrations of metals in spiced tigernut drink than in the unspiced tiger nut drink. This could be attributed to the combined bioaccumulated levels of heavy metals in the tiger nut tubers and in the spice used. Frequent consumption of spiced tiger nut drink may rapidly increase the levels of heavy metals in the human body and pose chronic risk to human health and also beneficially increase the levels of macrominerals in the body. Standard production processes and regulated spicing of tiger nut drink needs to be provided by regulatory agencies (NAFDAC) and made available to producers of tiger nut drink.

Ключові засади та передові підходи забезпечення якості фітофармацевтичних препаратів

Due to the specificity of the composition and production of herbal medicines, ensuring their quality is particularly important, but at the same time an extremely difficult task. Purpose - to review the key problems, principles and aspects of the quality of herbal medicines and generalize advanced approaches to ensure their quality using the example of a phytoneering drug for the treatment of cough in acute bronchitis and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. The concept of the quality of the phytoneering drug was considered and analyzed. The central role belongs to the well-founded choice of starting plant material, the use of cultivated subspecies of plants and own seed material, which is of critical importance for ensuring the optimal and stable phytochemical composition of the extracts. In addition, the quality of the phytoneering medicines is determined by strict compliance with the GACP guideline, a standardized production process in accordance with GMP using the latest patented technologies, leading procedures for continuous quality control and the possibility of analyzing the multicomponent composition of the obtained extracts. Thus, the concept of phytoneering provides a thorough and comprehensive methodological basis for establishing quality at each stage of the life cycle of the drug and the reproducibile and consistent quality of extracts from batch to batch. Together with a thorough evidence base of preclinical and clinical research all this is an absolute competitive advantage of the phytoneering medicine over other herbal drugs. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Applications of CMOS image sensors: Applications and innovations

As semiconductor production processes continue to advance, CMOS image sensors are becoming increasingly popular and are gradually replacing traditional CCD sensors as the mainstream option in the market. Because CMOS image sensors adopt the standard CMOS semiconductor production process, which provides advantages such as low static power consumption, large noise tolerance, strong anti-interference ability, and fast working speed. This article is going to provide an overview of CMOS image sensors and examine their various applications. To achieve this, this article will provide some background information on CMOS image sensors, including a discussion of their structure, components, and working principles. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the characteristics and benefits of CMOS image sensors in applications such as intelligent surveillance systems (ISS), space, and medical. This paper also discusses recent advances in CMOS image sensor technology, namely backside illumination, global shutter, and 3D imaging, and their impact on various industries. Despite the advantages of CMOS image sensors, they still have some limitations and shortcomings. Therefore, further progress in industrial development is necessary to improve the quality of these products.

Latest Developments in the Hardspot Inspection of heavy plates

Hard Spots are local areas with increased hardness on the surface of semi-finished or end products in steel manufacturing. The cause of these hard spots is attributed to effects in the casting or rolling process. In general, the occurrence of hard spots cannot be avoided completely in production of heavy plates. Therefore, in various current line-pipe specifications the topic ‘hard spots’ is discussed and there is actually a strong request for a suitable test method from end users as well as manufacturers of line pipes. The current presentation should give an update on the ongoing developments. Basis of all current approaches are electromagnetic inspection methods, based on the correspondence in between electrical and magnetic material properties and physical hardness. To be able to integrate an inspection into the production process, the so called rolling skin or mill scale, a thin surface layer of different iron oxides with different material properties to the base material, should not influence the inspection results. The inhomogeneities of this rolling skin, especially in conductivity and permeability, normally render standard eddy current inspection impossible. Additionally in the standard production process, the products were handled by large cranes, manipulating the plates by strong magnets. These magnets leave behind a significant residual magnetization. To overcome both problems the method uses a strong alternating magnetization to measure different resulting micro magnetic parameters. By combining these parameters, the mill scale as well as the residual magnetization effects can be minimized, so it gets possible to measure small local hardness variations on the plates. The presented paper describes the actual progress of the inspection method itself including the theoretical background as well as the calibration on artificial hard spots. Furthermore, an outlook will be given to the implementation in an automatic inline inspection system for plate mills.

Life cycle assessment of an integrated xylitol biorefinery with value-added co-products

PurposeThis manuscript comprises a detailed life cycle assessment of an integrated xylitol biorefinery with value-added co-products. The biorefinery utilizes wheat straw as lignocellulosic feedstock and employs bio-based processes to produce xylitol as the main product and succinic acid as a co-product. The biorefinery was conceptually designed in an optimization-based framework and assessed through a techno-economic analysis published in the authors’ prior publications.MethodsThe goal is to determine the environmental impacts of the xylitol biorefinery and to compare the effects of bio-based production in the biorefinery to the current chemical production processes of xylitol. The scope is set as cradle-to-gate to allow a direct comparison of the chemical processes. The presented life cycle assessment was performed according to the standardized ISO procedure.ResultsThe reference unit is related to the feedstock as multiple products are produced, and an economic allocation is chosen. The life cycle inventory is based on secondary data from process simulations stemming from earlier published work. The impact assessment is performed with the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint H V1.05 method and the IMPACT2002 + method since the available data of the life cycle assessment for the chemical processes was obtained with the latter. The characterization of the impacts shows high impacts for the terrestrial, marine, and human carcinogenic toxicity impact categories and a comparatively low impact on global warming.ConclusionsThe results are interpreted and assessed with an additional sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, the results are compared with the two chemical production processes. The comparison shows lower impacts of the xylitol biorefinery compared to the standard chemical production process but slightly higher impacts compared to the proprietary production process of DuPont, which employs a high level of process integration. These results are further discussed and contextualized.

Non-Reciprocal MEMS Periodic Structure

In recent years, active periodic structures with in-time modulated parameters have drawn ever-increasing attention due to their peculiar (and sometimes exotic) wave propagation properties. Although many experimental works have shown the efficacy of time-modulation strategies, the benchmarks proposed until now have been mostly proof-of-concept demonstrators, with little attention to the feasibility of the solution for practical purposes. In this work, we propose a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) periodic structure with modulated electromechanical stiffness featuring non-reciprocal band-gaps that are frequency bands where elastic waves are allowed to travel only in one direction. To this aim, we derive a simplified analytical lumped-parameter model, which is then verified through numerical simulations of both the lumped-parameter system and the high-fidelity multiphysics finite element model including electrostatic effects. We envision that this system, which can easily be manufactured through standard MEMS production processes, may be used as a directional filter in MEMS devices such as insulators and circulators.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Recombinant eCG and Comparative Studies with PMSG Commercial Preparations.

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a glycoprotein hormone widely used in timed artificial ovulation (TAI) and superovulation protocols to improve the reproductive performance in livestock. Until recently, the only eCG products available in the market for veterinary use consisted in partially purified preparations of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Here, a bioactive recombinant eCG (reCG) produced in suspension CHO-K1 cells was purified employing different chromatographic methods (hydrophobic interaction chromatography and reverse-phase (RP)-HPLC) and compared with a RP-HPLC-purified PMSG. To gain insight into the structural and functional characteristics of reCG, a bioinformatics analysis was performed. An exhaustive characterization comprising the determination of the purity degree, aggregates and nicked forms through SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC and SEC-HPLC was performed. Higher order structures were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and SEC-HPLC. Isoforms profile were analyzed by isoelectric focusing. Glycosylation analysis was performed through pulsed amperometric detection and PNGase F treatment following SDS-PAGE and weak anion exchange-HPLC. Slight differences between the purified recombinant hormones were found. However, recombinant molecules and PMSG exhibited variations in the glycosylation pattern. In fact, differences in sialic acid content between two commercial preparations of PMSG were also obtained, which could lead to differences in their biological potency. These results show the importance of having a standardized production process, as occurs in a recombinant protein bioprocess. Besides, our results reflect the importance of the glycan moieties on eCG conformation and hence in its biological activity, preventing denaturing processes such as aggregation.

ОТРАБОТКА РЕЖИМОВ СТАЦИОНАРНОГО КУЛЬТИВИРОВАНИЯ ШТАММА EHV-1/К ВИРУСА РИНОПНЕВМОНИИ ЛОШАДЕЙ

The purpose of these studies is to develop stationary cultivation regimes to determine the most effective ways of viral antigen accumulation while controlling the accumulation kinetics. The novelty of the conducted research is the use of modern methods for analyzing the kinetics of accumulation of the equine rhinopneumonia virus in various modes. Modern production of immunobiological preparations and diagnostic test systems relies primarily on cost-effectiveness. Traditionally, for the accumulation of virus-containing material, a stationary cultivation method is used, which has a number of advantages, primarily associated with the absence of the need for expensive equipment, consumables, and great opportunities for controlling fungal and bacterial contamination, with low staff qualifications. Virological, microbiological, technological and analytical methods of management and control of stationary cultivation of the EHV-1 strain of equine rhinopneumonia virus were used in the work. As a result of the research, a mathematical model of stationary cultivation of the EHV-1 strain was developed, based on the influence of external and internal factors on the kinetics of virus accumulation, with subsequent implementation of the results into the production process. With a standard production process, the biological activity of the virus was 5.75 lg TCID50/cm3, which, when recalculated, is 500 thousand viral particles per 1 cm3, and when the production process was modified using a mathematical model, the virus activity was raised to 6.5 lg TCID50/cm3 , which, when recalculated, is 3 million viral particles per 1 cm3.

Commercializing Asian and Australasian Herbal Medicines: Market Potential and Strategies

This review explores the market potential for herbal medicines from Asia and Australasia and develops strategies for their effective commercialization in the biopharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. We have discussed the complex terrain of these products. Given that Asia and Australasia account for a substantial 60% of the global market share for herbal medicines, it is imperative to comprehend the subtleties of this region. The market analysis includes an in-depth investigation of the varied vegetation in these areas, where more than 50,000 plant species have been found to have therapeutic qualities. Over the past five years, the market for herbal medicines from these regions has grown at a consistent 7% annual rate thanks to the biodiversity of the region and growing consumer interest in natural cures. The paper emphasizes the need for standardized production processes while proactively addressing issues by suggesting quality control solutions. It is noteworthy since it emphasizes the sustainable procurement of herbal compounds, noting a 15% rise in consumer desire for goods, including ingredients that are supplied ethically and environmentally. As the review navigates integration into well-established industries, it becomes clear that herbal treatments are becoming more and more accepted. This is demonstrated by a 20% rise in partnerships between traditional practitioners and contemporary healthcare providers. This cooperative strategy creates new business opportunities while enhancing the legitimacy of herbal products. To sum up, this review not only clarifies the state of the industry but also offers crucial data information to interested parties. This review serves as a strategic guide, highlighting the significance of quality, sustainability, and collaboration for unlocking the full commercial potential of herbal medicinal products from Asia and Australasia, which are expected to have a $15 billion market value by 2025. The global healthcare landscape is constantly changing.

VIDEO PRODUCTION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The spread of the COVID-19 has affected numerous industries throughout the globe, and these industries must adapt to these changes in order to sustain themselves. One of the industries that is affected greatly from this pandemic is the video production industry as it limits communications and mobility to produce a video due to the COVID-19 safety guidelines which causes some production works to be delayed or cancelled due to multiple restrictions that comes with this event. In order to overcome these limitations several methods can be done. This research is done to discuss on how video production is possible to be produce in times of COVID-19 pandemic despite the restrictions. This topic will discuss regarding the standard video production process which are pre-production, production, and post-production and how it is adapted during the pandemic with the limitations present. The video production that will be the focus of this research is the production of a documentary titled “My Reasons: For Coming to Malaysia” which was produced during the pandemic. It will discuss on how the idea came about, the planning, the talent recruitment, and the production. This research hopefully will be able to explain on how the video production industries can overcome the hindrances that was caused by this unfortunate event through adapting and creating new solutions by utilizing other alternatives that allows the flow of production to run smoothly.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING: A NEW CONCEPT FOR END USERS. THE CASE OF MAGNETIC MATERIALS

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology is growing up as a technology. Although up today slower and less reliable than traditional production methods, AM systems are showing to be very successful when producing parts with unconventional topologies or in small quantities. In addition, it is showing its capability to produce components with chemical compositions which should not be realized with standard production processes. In this paper some examples are reported of magnetic materials specifically designed for AM. In this work, powder of FeSi electric steel, with 6.5 wt.% Si content is considered to produce samples by AM. Aim of this paper is to investigate the microstructural and texture evolution of FeSi steels, with 6.5% Si, following annealing heat treatment, with the aim of identifying the conditions under which it could be possible to obtain the best magnetization behavior of the alloys.

Manufacturing Features and Characteristics of Uranium Dioxide Pellets for Subcritical Assembly Fuel Rods

The influence of technological processes and manufacturing of uranium dioxide fuel pellets for fuel elements for experimental fuel assembly (FA-X) which was designed as an alternative fuel for the nuclear research installation (NRI) "Neutron Source Controlled by Electron Accelerator" were investigated. Unlike standard production processes of UO2 pellets, the special feature fabrication process of this nuclear fuel type is production of uranium dioxide powder with enrichment of 4.4 %wt. of 235U achieved by mixing of two batches of powders with different uranium contents: 0.4 %wt. 235U and 19.7%wt. 235U, as well as ensuring the required tolerance of fuel pellets without the use of machining operations. A set of design and process documentation were developed in the R&D Center at NSC KIPT. Experimental stack of fuel pellets, fuel elements and a pilot fuel assembly FA-X were fabricated and designed to be compatible and interchangeable with VVR-M2 fuel assembly adopted as a standard assembly for the first fuel loading at the "Neutron Source Driven by an Electron Accelerator" FA. As opposition to the variant of VVR-M2 fuel assembly which consisted of three fuel rods of tubular shape with dispersion composition UO2‑Al, FA-X accommodates six fuel rods of pin-type with UO2 pellet which located in the zirconium cladding (E110) as the closest analogue of fuel rods of VVER-1000 power reactor. Inside cladding locate a 500 mm high fuel stack which is secured against displacement by a spacer. In the basic variant of FA-X the fuel pellets are made of UO2 with 235U enrichment near 4.4 %wt.