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Objective: This study aimed to improve the accuracy and feeding speed of the cap arranging unit. Methods: Using SolidWorks to build a virtual model and manufacture a real object, and the kinematic simulation of bottle cap and capping machine was carried out in Adams. Moreover, the results of different speeds were compared and analyzed. ANSYS Workbench was used to carry out engineering simulation of the device components and obtain their natural frequency and vibration mode, and the structural performance was optimized. Results: The cap arranging unit had the minimum damage to the caps at the optimum speed. The optimal speed of the designed new cap sorter mechanism was 15 r/min, and the average number of caps unscrambling was 402 pieces/min. Conclusion: The operation of the new cap sorter mechanism exceeds the scheduled workload stably, which meets the operation requirements of the cap sorter mechanism.

BACKGROUND Mineral identification is the basis of all types of geological work, and its appraisal level and quality directly affect the depth and degree of research of a study. Conventional identification methods are significantly influenced by experience level, optical microscope resolution, and other factors. It is difficult to accurately identify fine rare minerals and clay minerals that need to be studied. Additionally, most of the technical methods relying on high-precision large-scale instruments have special requirements for sample preparation, which is not conducive to the reuse of the samples. It is also inconvenient to explore and observe specific fine transparent minerals under high multiple reflected lights, such as scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe. OBJECTIVES To develop a more rapid and accurate method for identifying fine minerals. METHODS The laser Raman high-resolution large-area fast imaging method (StreamLineHR) was applied to the whole-area large-area scanning spectrum of two standard rock slices. RESULTS The transparent minerals were identified as alkali feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, amphibole, biotite, calcite, sphene, apatite, zircon, and epidote. The opaque mineral was identified as magnetite. Some of the minerals were closely associated (e.g., quartz and feldspar as well as sphene and hornblende), and some minerals showed secondary alterations (e.g., feldspar was transformed to calcite). Based on the content statistics, the two thin sections were named fine-grained amphibolite monzonite and fine-grained biotite plagioclase amphibolite. CONCLUSIONS Experimental results showed that this method was more accurate than the conventional methods used for the identification of fine minerals with very low content. However, the interference caused by the fluorescence effect, similarity in peak positions of similar minerals (feldspar, amphibole), and shift of the peak position of altered minerals during mineral identification and spectral fitting were solved by combining the optical characteristics under the mineral objective lens when necessary. In addition, the smaller the setting of the surface sweep step size, the more accurate the analysis, and the time cost correspondingly increased. This method realized the rapid identification of fine minerals over a large range, which was convenient, intuitive, and accurate. It compensated for the shortcomings of conventional rock and ore identification and other technical methods and expanded the application scope of Raman spectroscopy in geological studies.

BACKGROUND Carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonates are commonly used in geology and climate studies. Reference materials for these isotopes are an important basis for analysis and data comparison. Understanding the differences in the characteristics of different standard materials is helpful for the selection and use of standards, improvement of heterogeneity, and establishment of optimal experimental conditions. OBJECTIVES To investigate the influence of the characteristics of carbon and oxygen isotope standard materials of carbonates on isotope analysis and preservation of the standards. METHODS In this study, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray scanning electron microscopy (EDX-SEM) were used to analyze carbonate carbon and oxygen isotope reference materials with different properties, such as provenance, particle size, particle morphology and structure, and purity. The δ13C and δ18O values of some carbonate reference materials were determined by the continuous flow phosphoric acid method to explore their characteristics and their influence on isotope analysis and standard preservation. RESULTS Natural carbonate reference materials generally contain non-calcium carbonate components, such as small amounts of quartz and other particles with obvious differences in properties. There are also differences in particle size, morphology, microstructure, and mineral composition between different standard materials and between standard material particles. The δ13C and δ18O values of different standard materials were determined, and most results were consistent with the recommended values. The standard deviations of the δ13C and δ18O values of IAEA-CO-8 were larger than those of other standard materials, which is attributable to their complex composition and homogeneity. The standard deviation of the δ18O value of NBS20 was large, while the δ18O value of 7902 deviated from the recommended value. It is inferred that their powdery and fine particles are more likely to be affected by carbon dioxide and water in air. CONCLUSIONS Based on previous research as well as the current study, it is believed that under the recommended usage amount, the properties of natural carbonate reference materials have a limited impact on the accuracy of analysis. To ensure the accuracy of microanalysis and research, while selecting the standard and the particles in the standard, it is recommended to combine the characteristics of standards and materials based on the purpose of the analysis and research. At the same time, the preparation and storage of powdery and fine-grained standard materials require more attention. This study supplements information regarding the properties of carbonate carbon and oxygen isotope standard materials, which helps in the analysis and research of trace carbonate carbon and oxygen isotopes, and provides a reference for standard preservation and preparation.

The U.S. military's non-commissioned officers (NCOs), often regarded as the " backbone of the armed forces" ,epitomize innovation and expertise in NCO development. Employing Grounded Theory, this study investigates the U.S. military NCO corps construction system. Analyzing 30 documents, including policy papers and official reports, yields a comprehensive framework.Comprising four domains— professional competence, professional development, professional norms, and professional care— interconnected to forge a resilient NCO corps. With 17 sub-domains and 77 concepts, this system underscores competence, guided development, norm adherence, and holistic care. Insights gleaned inform strategies to enhance NCO readiness in the complex landscape of contemporary warfare.

Artificial diets for silkworms overcome the seasonal limitations of traditional rearing methods with fresh mulberry leaves. However, the current wet artificial diets, steamed at high temperatures, are not favored by silkworms, and they are cumbersome and challenging to preserve. These conditions adversely affected the development of artificial diet-based sericulture production. In this study, we disinfected dry powder diets with radiation and added distilled water without steaming before use. Then, the nutritional value of finished diets and their impact on silkworm development was assessed. Compared with steamed diets, nonsteamed diets were more attractive to silkworms. Chemical assays showed significantly more essential nutrients for silkworms, including l -ascorbic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and urease in nonsteamed diets than in steamed diets. Feeding fifth-instar silkworm larvae with nonsteamed diets significantly improved the ammonia utilization efficiency of the diet and increased the cocoon shell rate and diet/silk protein conversion efficiency by 5.9% and 13.3%, respectively. When fed with nonsteamed diets, the abundance of aerobic microorganisms in silkworm intestines increased and the abundance of pathogenic bacteria decreased. Furthermore, the vitality of the silkworm, measured by the dead worm cocoon rate, significantly improved by 16.90%. In summary, preparing sterile wet diets without high-temperature steaming effectively improved the nutritional value of the diet and enhanced silkworm growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present investigation reports, for the first time, the properties of the polybenzoxazine bio-based furfurylamine reinforced using the hybrid short carbon fibers and tungsten particles. The results revealed good compatibility between the matrix and the filers using scanning electron microscopy, due to the use of the silane treatment that led to enhanced interfacial bonding. In addition, the mechanical data disclosed that the bending and impact values were respectively increased to 210 MPa and 9 KJ/m2 for the composites containing 20%wt of the short carbon fibers and 20%wt tungsten particles. The hybrid composite shielding properties were evaluated using the cobalt-60 as an irradiation source, and the nuclear results depicted that the half-value length and the tenth-value length were increased as compared to those of the pure polymers. Based on the thermal stability studies, the reinforced hybrid composites also showed excellent thermal resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]