Using human-centered design to improve the assault rifle.

The objective of the present study was to interview infantry soldiers to determine their preferences with respect to rifle design and to examine the effect of buttstocks on shooting performance. Factor analysis showed that seven main factors should be considered in rifle redesign including tactics necessary, interface design, saving weight, bullpup configuration, sight design, other devices, and bayonet lug. For the shooting experiment, a total of four shooting trials were performed with the T-91 rifle, with buttstock lengths of 26 mm, 34 mm, self-adjusting stock, and bullpup stock.

Removal of high concentrations of NH(3) by a combined photoreactor and biotrickling filter system.

Average emission levels as high as 800 ppm(v) NH(3) have often been found during the anaerobic fermentation process. At these levels, NH(3) is regarded as an environmental toxic compound. High concentrations of NH(3) gas are difficult to treat in a single treatment process, suggesting that, in terms of economic cost and treatment performance, a coupled system may be a feasible technological alternative.

Influence of hand grenade weight, shape and diameter on performance and subjective handling properties in relations to ergonomic design considerations.

Three hand-grenade design factors, namely shape (ball, oval, can), diameter (55, 60, and 65 mm) and weight (300, 400, and 500 g), were assessed. The objective criteria were (1) throwing distance from the grenade stop point to throwing point, and (2) error distance from the grenade stop point to the target. The subjective criteria were (3) the overall rating of handling (to hold and control) properties and (4) the rating of perceived exertions of throwing strength.

Preparation and important functional properties of water-soluble chitosan produced through Maillard reaction.

The objective of this research was to improve the solubility of chitosan at neutral or basic pH using the Maillard-type reaction method. To prepare the water-soluble chitosans, various chitosans and saccharides were used under various operating conditions. Biological and physicochemical properties of the chitosan-saccharide derivatives were investigated as well.