Recent Biblical and Oriental Archaeology

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Wastewater Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 on College Campuses: Initial Efforts, Lessons Learned, and Research Needs

Wastewater surveillance for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging approach to help identify the risk of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. This tool can contribute to public health surveillance at both community (wastewater treatment system) and institutional (e.g., colleges, prisons, and nursing homes) scales. This paper explores the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from initial wastewater surveillance efforts at colleges and university systems to inform future research, development and implementation. We present the experiences of 25 college and university systems in the United States that monitored campus wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 during the fall 2020 academic period. We describe the broad range of approaches, findings, resources, and impacts from these initial efforts. These institutions range in size, social and political geographies, and include both public and private institutions. Our analysis suggests that wastewater monitoring at colleges requires consideration of local information needs, sewage infrastructure, resources for sampling and analysis, college and community dynamics, approaches to interpretation and communication of results, and follow-up actions. Most colleges reported that a learning process of experimentation, evaluation, and adaptation was key to progress. This process requires ongoing collaboration among diverse stakeholders including decision-makers, researchers, faculty, facilities staff, students, and community members

Spectroelectrochemistry at free-standing carbon nanotubes electrodes

A versatile and low-cost methodology for fabricating free-standing carbon nanotubes (CNT) electrodes for electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical applications is described. The uniformity, flexibility and resistance to bending of these films make them one of the most interesting membranes in a wide range of applications. CNT electrodes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and their electrochemical performance was assessed employing various redox species such as ferrocenemethanol, hexacyanoferrate (II) and dopamine. Free-standing single-walled CNT electrodes exhibit good conductivity and transparency to UV–vis radiation, making them suitable as optically transparent electrodes. This is exemplified by monitoring, using UV–vis absorption spectroelectrochemistry, the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on one face of the free-standing CNT electrodes, while the other face remained unmodifiedMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad (CTQ2014-55583-R, CTQ2014-61914-EXP, CTQ2015-71955-REDT) and Junta de Castilla y León (BU033U16)Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CTQ2014-55583-R, CTQ2014-61914-EXP, CTQ2015-71955-REDT) and Junta de Castilla y León (BU033U16

Friction coefficient determination based on the results of ball – on - flat test

The interaction of contacting surfaces in relative motion is basic for every engineering design. The transmission of load from one rubbing surface to its mating surface under conditions of dry contact is taken into account. Microlocal or global models of friction are used to describe this phenomenon. In global approach, frictional force is proportional to normal load. A coefficient of external friction depends on the type, shape, and precision of finishing the surfaces of mating elements. The aim of the paper is analysis of a friction coefficient for 2024T3 aluminium alloy during cyclic tangential loading. Experimental tests are carried out on a ball-on-flat wear-testing machine Ducom. Tests of reciprocating friction are carried out using the following friction pairs of specimens: the ball specimen is made of high strength aluminium alloy PA25 and the plane specimen is made of 2024T3 alloy. Finally, graphs of temporary friction coefficients versus time in the form of fluctuated periodical functions are obtained. Two phases of friction are detected. However, during the first stage, the friction coefficient is relatively small while in the second period it rapidly increases and tends to become more irregular. Static and dynamic friction coefficients are estimated. In order to determine the dynamic coefficient the Discrete Fourier Transformation is used. The calculation of the dominant amplitude (corresponding to test frequency) of the studied functions is possible due to this method. An increase of the friction coefficient with an increase of normal load is observed. A cladding layer also causes an increase of friction, especially in the second phase