Search Results (5)

Atmospheric radon measurements assist in many aspects of climate and meteorological research, notably as an airmass tracer and for modelling boundary layer development, mixing heights and stability. Daughter products from radon decay are sometimes incorporated into the particle pollution measurements of commercially available beta-attenuation monitors (BAM). BAMs incorporating radon measurements are used in air quality monitoring networks and can supplement traditional radon measurements. Here we compare in-situ radon measurements from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Franklin, MA, USA) BAM instruments (Thermo Scientific 5014i, Thermo Scientific 5030 SHARP, Thermo Anderson FH62C14) at two air quality monitoring stations in New South Wales, Australia. Between systems we find strong correlations for hourly measurements (r = 0.97–0.99); daily means (r = 0.97–0.99); hour of the day (r = 0.84–0.98); and month (r = 0.82–0.98). The regression analysis for radon measurements between systems showed strong linear responses, although there are some variations in the slopes of the regressions. This implies that with correction BAM measurements can be comparable to standard measurement techniques, for example, from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) dual flow loop monitors. Our findings imply that BAM derived radon measurements are precise, although their accuracy varies. BAM radon measurements can support studies on boundary layer development or where radon is used as an atmospheric transport tracer. Full article

Muffins are sweet, high-calorie baked products with a typical porous structure and high volume, which confer a spongy texture. Because of this texture and good taste, these products are highly valued by consumers. However, muffins have low nutritional value. The aim of this study was to develop a technology of muffins as a functional product with hepatoprotective activity using defatted milk thistle powder (DMTP). The incorporation of this dietary supplement was carried out by the partial replacement of flour in the classic formulation. Physico-chemical and sensory analyses were performed to evaluate muffins with and without defatted milk thistle seed powder. The moisture sorption isotherms of the porous structure were determined by the gravimetric method with a MacBen microbalance over a 0.05–1.0 water activity range, and the data were fitted to Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) and Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) models. It was established that the addition of milk thistle powder reduces baking, increases the drying out of products and the water-holding capacity, and increases the volume and crumb density of muffins. The microstructure of the muffins was examined using a moisture sorption isotherm. The moisture sorption isotherms of muffin samples presented a sigmoid shape and belong to type II of classification. The hysteresis loops of the samples are almost the same, which indicates similar structural data. The capacity of the monolayer according to the BET models varied in the range of 1.63–2.15 mmol/g of the dried sample, showing a slightly decreasing trend for muffins with DMTP. The GAB model accurately fits the adsorption isotherms in the water activity range from 0.05 to 0.88. The sensory results from a consumer evaluation indicate that both samples were characterized by the traditional pleasant appearance of the muffin, without visible flaws and with a pleasant taste and a good flour aroma. The result is a muffin with the same texture and sensory characteristics but as a potential functional food. Full article

Metal Oxide Semiconductor or MOS-type gas sensors are resistive sensors which can detect different reducible or volatile gases in atmospheres with oxygen. These gas sensors have been used in different areas such as food and drink industries or healthcare, among others. In this type of sensor, the resistance value changes when it detects certain types of gases. Due to the electrical characteristics, the sensors need a conditioning circuit to transform and acquire the data. Four different electronic topologies, two different MOS-type gas sensors, and different concentrations of a gas substance are presented and compared in this paper. The study and experimental analysis of the properties of each of the designed topology allows designers to make a choice of the best circuit for a specific application depending on the situation, considering the required power, noise, linearity, and number of sensors to be used. This study will give more freedom of choice, the more adequate electronic conditioning topology for different applications where MOS-type sensors are used, obtaining the best accuracy. Full article

Stranded and recumbent equids often require emergency rescue, and a successful rescue often requires vertical lifting of the animal. Currently, the devices used for vertical lifting of equids are not readily available at an incident or urgent situation. The current study describes and evaluates the use of a simple lift device utilizing commercially available, and reasonably priced, equipment. The system, referred to as the Loop Vertical Lift System or Loops System, is basically composed of four round slings placed in such a way that utilizes the skeletal system for support. The study demonstrates the lifting of six standing, sedated adult horses for 3 min without adverse effects. In conclusion, this novel lift system is an affordable, practical and quick alternative to rescue a stranded or recumbent horse that requires a brief vertical lift of the animal. In contrast, for longer-term lifting and support, other devices such as the UC Davis Large Animal Lift, the Anderson Sling Support Device, or the Animal Rescue and Transport Sling (ARTS) should be used as deemed appropriate. Full article

We present a novel tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) scanning microscopeset-up capable of quantitatively imaging the magnetic stray field patterns of micron-sizedelements in 3D. By incorporating an Anderson loop measurement circuit for impedancematching, we are able to detect magnetoresistance changes of as little as 0.006%/Oe. By 3Drastering a mounted TMR sensor over our magnetic barcodes, we are able to characterisethe complex domain structures by displaying the real component, the amplitude and thephase of the sensor’s impedance. The modular design, incorporating a TMR sensor withan optical microscope, renders this set-up a versatile platform for studying and imagingimmobilised magnetic carriers and barcodes currently employed in biosensor platforms,magnetotactic bacteria and other complex magnetic domain structures of micron-sizedentities. The quantitative nature of the instrument and its ability to produce vector maps ofmagnetic stray fields has the potential to provide significant advantages over other commonlyused scanning magnetometry techniques. Full article