Emerging technologies for the non-invasive characterization of physical-mechanical properties of tablets

The density, porosity, breaking force, viscoelastic properties, and the presence or absence of any structural defects or irregularities are important physical-mechanical quality attributes of popular solid dosage forms like tablets. The irregularities associated with these attributes may influence the drug product functionality. Thus, an accurate and efficient characterization of these properties is critical for successful development and manufacturing of a robust tablets. These properties are mainly analyzed and monitored with traditional pharmacopeial and non-pharmacopeial methods. Such methods are associated with several challenges such as lack of spatial resolution, efficiency, or sample-sparing attributes. Recent advances in technology, design, instrumentation, and software have led to the emergence of newer techniques for non-invasive characterization of physical-mechanical properties of tablets. These techniques include near infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray microtomography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, terahertz pulsed imaging, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and various acoustic- and thermal-based techniques. Such state-of-the-art techniques are currently applied at various stages of development and manufacturing of tablets at industrial scale. Each technique has specific advantages or challenges with respect to operational efficiency and cost, compared to traditional analytical methods. Currently, most of these techniques are used as secondary analytical tools to support the traditional methods in characterizing or monitoring tablet quality attributes. Therefore, further development in the instrumentation and software, and studies on the applications are necessary for their adoption in routine analysis and monitoring of tablet physical-mechanical properties

A vertical path proposal on magnetic and electromagnetic phenomena and superconductivity based on hands-on experiments

Focusing on magnetic and electromagnetic phenomena offers a coherent teaching/ learning path in a vertical curriculum perspective. Primary students start exploring the space around a magnet, and secondary school students analyze the concept of flux of a magnetic field and electromagnetic induction, ending with the analysis of superconductivity phenomena with exploration of the magnetic field in matter. This learning environment at the workshop offers an experience of Conceptual Labs of Operative Exploration (CLOE Labs), engaging participants in working groups by means of semi-structured interviews and inquiry analyses to experience the way in which conceptual knots, known in literature, can be faced by means of inquirybased learning (IBL) strategies. The IBL approach adopted in the workshop is based on a set of hands-on/minds-on explorative experiments designed with simple apparatus and multimedia tools.peer-reviewe

Development of a Promotion Model on the Digitization of Education in K-12 : A Report on the Progress at a University : Affiliated Elementary School

This paper is a progress report on the digitization of education in a Shinshu University-affiliated elementary school. We became a promoter and set up a promotion team, studied the trends related to the digitization of education, listened to teachers, and designed and installed network and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hardware. In addition, we set up a project and completed the infrastructure for education using ICT for a short term of about three months. The last aim of this study is to develop a model for the digitization of education in schools. We will practice in an open class using ICT based on the network infrastructure and ICT hardware described in this paper by the end of this year.ArticleE-Learn 2012-World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 1.2012(1):1186-1191(2012)conference pape

The History of the iPad

The purpose of this paper is to review the history of the iPad and its influence over contemporary computing. Although the iPad is relatively new, the tablet computer is having a long and lasting affect on how we communicate. With this essay, I attempt to review the technologies that emerged and converged to create the tablet computer. Of course, Apple and its iPad are at the center of this new computing movement

British Geological Survey Annual Science Review 2012-13

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is part of the Natural Environment Research Council and is its principal supplier of national capability in geoscience. We advance understanding of the structure, properties and processes of the solid Earth system through interdisciplinary surveys, monitoring, modelling and research for the benefit of society. We are the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and knowledge for creating wealth, using natural resources sustainably, reducing risk and living with the impacts of environmental change. Our vision To be the world’s leading centre for geoscience impact

Self-Organizing Map Classification of the Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field Produced by Typical Tablet Computers

Abstract In this paper, the extremely low frequency magnetic field produced by the tablet computers is explored. The measurement of the tablet computers' magnetic field is performed by using a measuring geometry previously proposed for the laptop computers. The experiment is conducted on five Android tablet computers. The measured values of the magnetic field are compared to the widely accepted TCO safety standard. Then, the results are classified by the Self-Organizing Map method in order to create different levels of safety or danger concerning the magnetic field to which tablet computer users are exposed. Furthermore, a brief comparison of the obtained magnetic field levels with the ones from typical laptops is performed. At the end, a practical suggestion on how to avoid the high exposure to the low frequency magnetic field emitted by the tablet computers is given

Electromagnetic containerless processing requirements and recommended facility concept and capabilities for space lab

Containerless melting, reaction, and solidification experiments and processes which potentially can lead to new understanding of material science and production of new or improved materials in the weightless space environment are reviewed in terms of planning for spacelab. Most of the experiments and processes discussed are amenable to the employment of electromagnetic position control and electromagnetic induction or electron beam heating and melting. The spectrum of relevant properties of materials, which determine requirements for a space laboratory electromagnetic containerless processing facility are reviewed. Appropriate distributions and associated coil structures are analyzed and compared on the basis of efficiency, for providing the functions of position sensing, control, and induction heating. Several coil systems are found capable of providing these functions. Exchangeable modular coils in appropriate sizes are recommended to achieve the maximum power efficiencies, for a wide range of specimen sizes and resistivities, in order to conserve total facility power