DuPont (Norway)

This study investigated how workload and performance in high-speed ship navigation was affected by sleep deprivation using methods based on either paper charts or electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS). In two separate weeks, five navigators sailed 10 routes in high-fidelity simulators while undergoing progressive sleep deprivation for up to 60 h. Results showed that navigation performance was better using ECDIS, but was largely unaffected by sleep deprivation in both. There was significant interaction between speed, sleep deprivation and navigation method, indicating that navigators using ECDIS reduced their speed more while sleepy. Secondary task performance was reduced by sleep deprivation, but was equally affected in both conditions. Workload was higher in the ECDIS condition, as indicated by subjective ratings and heart rate variability. No significant differences in sleepiness were found, but electroencephalographic recordings indicated more frequent microsleep episodes in the ECDIS condition. This may be influenced by lower overall arousal while navigating with ECDIS.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potato clones previously selected for heat tolerance as to choose the most adapted and stable ones for use as parent varieties in future breeding programs or as new cultivars for the market. Ninety-one clones and eight controls were evaluated, among them three cultivars widely planted in the state of Minas Gerais and three cultivars considered to be heat tolerant. Six trials were carried out in different growing seasons in the southern region of Minas Gerais State (Brazil), in both mild and high temperatures. It was possible to identify genotypes which are highly stable when subjected to high temperatures and responsive under mild temperature conditions, especially the clones CBM 7-78 and SR2 50-04. The rank summation index allowed the greatest genetic gain for all traits together. The clones SR2 35-05 and CBM 4-48 have ideal traits for the fresh market. Clone SR2 53-02 has long shaped tubers and high tuber specific gravity, ideal traits for the frozen pre-fried products industry. For the chip industry, the clones CBM 7-12 and CBM 7-78 are most recommended, due to their rounded shape and high dry matter content.

Autologous fat grafting is hampered by unpredictable outcomes due to high tissue resorption. Hydrogels based on enzymatically pretreated tunicate nanocellulose (ETC) and alginate (ALG) are biocompatible, safe, and present physiochemical properties capable of promoting cell survival. Here, we compared in situ and ex situ crosslinking of ETC/ALG hydrogels combined with lipoaspirate human adipose tissue (LAT) to generate an injectable formulation capable of retaining dimensional stability in vivo. We performed in situ crosslinking using two different approaches; inducing Ca2+ release from CaCO3 microparticles (CMPs) and physiologically available Ca2+ in vivo. Additionally, we generated ex situ-crosslinked, 3D-bioprinted hydrogel-fat grafts. We found that in vitro optimization generated a CMP-crosslinking system with comparable stiffness to ex situ-crosslinked gels. Comparison of outcomes following in vivo injection of each respective crosslinked hydrogel revealed that after 30 days, in situ crosslinking generated fat grafts with less shape retention than 3D-bioprinted constructs that had undergone ex situ crosslinking. However, CMP addition improved fat-cell distribution and cell survival relative to grafts dependent on physiological Ca2+ alone. These findings suggested that in situ crosslinking using CMP might promote the dimensional stability of injectable fat-hydrogel grafts, although 3D bioprinting with ex situ crosslinking more effectively ensured proper shape stability in vivo.

Industries other than oil and gas in the Middle-East region have grown quickly over the last decades to meet the increase in demand of emerging local and international markets at competitive prices. Upgrades and modifications to these industrial processes under different international standards leads to situations in which heterogeneous and fragmented electrical systems are installed and operated without having proper electrical safety programs in place. Electrical hazards associated with high and low voltage systems are not fully understood, calculated, and mitigated for all personnel. This paper describes the process of implementing an electrical safety program for a large industrial plant in the Middle East region and cultural challenges faced in its implementation and that of similar regional industrial manufacturers. An approach to gap assessment, targeted hazard mitigation programs, electrical safety program development, and training of personnel is provided. This approach was used with the goal of establishing good foundations, capabilities, and processes to address electrical risk and sustain continuous improvement. The implementation of an Electrical Safety Program that pro-actively manages and mitigates arc flash and shock hazards and puts in place a corporate independent governance structure that includes electrical workers from different sites and production areas is described. In an effort to tackle the cultural and behavioral challenges in an established industry in a region where electrical safety has recently emerged as a serious industrial risk, the Electrical Safety Program developed integrates intensive trainings and communications to drive change in modus operandi.

Automatic daylight film processors may produce heavy electrostatic discharges on radiographic films when using other brands of film than those produced by the processor manufacturer. This is a disadvantage, as it can eliminate competition when purchasing film. By 1. earthing the processor feeder rollers, 2. coating them with aluminium paint, and 3. isolating the wheels with a conventional insulating spray for electric cables, the artifacts vanish, and various brands of film can be used.