THE INFLUENCE OF ALKOXY SIDE-CHAINS ON THE CONFORMATIONAL FLEXIBILITY OF OLIGOTHIOPHENES AND POLYTHIOPHENES

Alkoxy-substituted thiophenes have been shown to yield polymers with a reduced bandgap. An X-ray investigation of two symmetrical pentoxy-substituted 2,2′-bithienyls is reported, and their structure and packing described. It is suggested that the extra rigidity and packing stability of the alkoxythiophene oligomers and polymers accounts for their lower solubility and higher melting points compared to their alkyl-substituted analogues

Non-intrusive torque measurement for rotating shafts using optical sensing of zebra-tapes

Non-intrusive, reliable and precise torque measurement is critical to dynamic performance monitoring, control and condition monitoring of rotating mechanical systems. This paper presents a novel, contactless torque measurement system consisting of two shaft-mounted zebra tapes and two optical sensors mounted on stationary rigid supports. Unlike conventional torque measurement methods, the proposed system does not require costly embedded sensors or shaft-mounted electronics. Moreover, its non-intrusive nature, adaptable design, simple installation and low cost make it suitable for a large variety of advanced engineering applications. Torque measurement is achieved by estimating the shaft twist angle through analysis of zebra tape pulse train time shifts. This paper presents and compares two signal processing methods for torque measurement: rising edge detection and cross-correlation. The performance of the proposed system has been proven experimentally under both static and variable conditions and both processing approaches show good agreement with reference measurements from an in-line, invasive torque transducer. Measurement uncertainty has been estimated according to the ISO GUM (Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement). Type A analysis of experimental data has provided an expanded uncertainty relative to the system full-scale torque of ±0.30 % and ±0.86 % for the rising edge and cross-correlation approaches, respectively. Statistical simulations performed by the Monte Carlo method have provided, in the worst case, an expanded uncertainty of ±1.19 %

Multisocieties position paper: Microbiological surveillance on flexible endoscopes

Transmission with endoscopes, particularly duodenoscope, of potential lethal infections prompted different scientific societies to deliver recommendations aimed reducing this risk. Some International societies extended recommendations on microbial surveillance to all the endoscopes and devices used in the reprocessing procedure. Considering the relevance of the topic, 8 Italian scientific societies of physicians, nurses and technical operators prepared a concerted document taking into account Institutional advisories and facilities in Italy. The rules for a correct microbial surveillance on endoscopes were detailed in term of what, how and when to perform the procedure, also suggesting behaviors in case of contamination