Targets and methods for the detection of processed animal proteins in animal feedstuffs

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or ‘mad cow disease’, is one of several transmissable spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) known to affect certain mammals and is spread through the ingestion of infected animal tissue. It is believed that the inadvertent contamination of meat and bone meal (MBM) with infected animal tissue and the subsequent use of this material as a feed supplement contributed to the spread of the disease in cattle. As a result, the use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) in animal feeds is regulated in many parts of the world. Although feed testing is the only definitive means to certify compliance, regulatory compliance often relies solely on paper certification. Recently, rapid methods have become available that can be used by regulators to determine compliance during routine inspections. We describe a rapid, immunochromatographic strip test that can detect 0.1% MBM in animal feed. The test takes 15 min to perform and large numbers of samples can be screened for PAPs simultaneously.     

Optically generated electrical-modulation formats in digital-microwave link applications

We investigate a novel technique to generate the transmission signal in digital-microwave link applications. This technique is based on a photonic device that achieves both electrical modulation (QAM, PSK, ASK) and harmonic upconversion of the microwave carrier. Simulation results are provided for a seventh-harmonic 38.5-GHz transmission of a 2.5-Gbps signal through a 1-km fiber span. The impact of fiber chromatic-dispersion on the link bandwidth is also analyzed.     

An Eigen-Analysis of Compact Antenna Arrays and Its Application to Port Decoupling

Placing the radiators of antenna arrays closer than aggravates the problem of power mismatch. Based on efficiency considerations, a general analysis of this effect is presented, putting forward a simple tool to quantify, compare, and optimize the performance of antenna arrays. This analysis is not restricted with respect to the number of radiators or the degree of compactness. In order to improve power matching, a systematic approach for the design of lossless decoupling and matching networks based on 180 directional couplers is suggested for up to eight radiators. Implications of network losses, which have not yet received appropriate attention by researchers in the past, will be analyzed and discussed by means of a manufactured three-element prototype array.     

Cobalt doped glass for the fabrication of percolated glass–alumina functionally graded materials

The present research was focused on the development of a new glass to produce glass–alumina FGMs. The glass formulation, belonging to the CaO–ZrO₂–SiO₂ system, was doped with cobalt, by adding a small molar percentage (about 0.1 mol%) of CoO, in order to obtain a blue glass, which could be useful to appreciate the final compositional gradient. The glass was accurately characterized, evaluating its thermal behaviour, its mechanical properties, and its attitude to crystallize during a thermal treatment. Subsequently, the glass was used to produce glass–alumina FGMs via percolation and the so obtained specimens were analysed in order to evaluate the effect of the glass infiltration. The possible development of new crystal phases, in particular, was tested via micro X-ray diffraction and the elastic properties gradient associated with the compositional gradient was measured via depth-sensing Vickers microindentation.     

Phase composition and properties of solid solutions of GdFeO3–GdInO3 bulks

Solid solutions of the GdFeO₃–GdInO₃ system were prepared at 1550 °C by ceramic powder processing. The formulated composition was Gd(Fe_1−xIn_x)O₃ (GFI) with the indium contents at x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0. A stable phase of Gd(Fe_1/3In_2/3)O₃ in our system was identified by X-ray diffraction and phase composition analysis. Multi-phase morphologies were observed for GFI bulks with x = 0.5 and 0.75. Dielectric and electrical properties of the GFI bulks were investigated. The addition of 25% In³⁺ in GdFeO₃ had an obvious enhancement in polarization and led to an elevated resonance frequency. Dielectric properties of GFI bulks except GdInO₃ were strongly dependent upon the test frequency, which corresponded to the response of polarization mechanism. GdInO₃ displayed as a stable dielectric, which was frequency- and temperature-insensitive. GdInO₃ was thermally activated and became leaky until above 600 °C.     

Time‐dependent heat transfer coefficient of a wall

A time‐dependent coefficient of heat transfer is proposed for the computation of thermal power required, so that a room temperature reaches a desired value within a given time. A mathematical formulation of the room heating transient phenomenon is constructed in a dimensionless form. Using an integral approximate solution an analytical expression for this coefficient is provided and it is verified by diagrams adopted by DIN 4701. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Material removal and surface damage in EDM of Ti3SiC2 ceramic

Material removal and surface damage of Ti₃SiC₂ ceramic during electrical discharge machining (EDM) were investigated. Melting and decomposition were found to be the main material removal mechanisms during the machining process. Material removal rate was enhanced acceleratively with increasing discharge current, i_e, working voltage, u_i, but increased deceleratively with pulse duration, t_e. Microcracks in the surface and loose grains in the subsurface resulted from thermal shock were confirmed, and the surface damage in Ti₃SiC₂ ceramic led to a degradation of both strength and reliability.