Bavarian cream is a cold dessert made by mixing whipped cream with egg yolk-only custard. Its history is unclear, but it may have been developed by a famous French chef. It was a culinary triumph before refrigeration. To make it, heavy cream is boiled with vanilla, mixed with sugar and egg yolks, and then mixed […]
Electroslag welding uses an electric current passed between an electrode and workpiece, with a liquefied slag conducting the current. It is used to join thick steel plates and was patented in 1940 by Robert K Hopkins. The process was refined at the Paton Institute in the USSR and first introduced at the Brussels Fair in […]
Tricone bits are rock drilling tools with three rotating cone-shaped heads equipped with multiple rows of teeth. Developed in 1933, they are cost-effective and efficient due to their multi-axis cutting mechanism. The heads have two types of teeth, cutter, and insert, and are generally discarded once the teeth have worn or broken. A tricone bit […]
The fan disc is a critical part of a turbojet engine, securing the bypass fan blades and connecting them to the low-pressure compressor and turbine. It must support the blades and transfer rotation while withstanding foreign object impacts. Fan disc failure is a serious problem, so they are made from one-piece titanium alloy forgings. A […]
Anmitsu is a Japanese dessert bowl made of sweet red bean paste and small jelly cubes, called anko and mitsumame respectively. The jelly is made from seaweed agar, and the dish is often served with fruit and a sugar syrup called mitsu. Variants include different types of jelly and bean paste, and sometimes ice cream. […]
Emissions trading involves a government setting a global carbon emissions ceiling, with companies buying permits to emit a certain amount of carbon. Companies can buy extra permits if they exceed their limit, giving them flexibility to meet reduction targets. The plan is called cap and trade and can grant permits for free, auction them or […]
Nickel plating is a time-consuming process that produces a hard, lustrous finish on metal objects. It involves hazardous materials and strict regulations, but can be a lucrative business. The process involves multiple steps, including cleaning and plating with nickel and chromium. The thickness of the plating can range from 1 mil to 20 mil. The […]
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an eight-story tower in Italy that leans approximately 14.5 feet from the center. It was built in the 12th century and began to lean during construction. Attempts to correct the tilt caused it to lean in the opposite direction. Modern attempts to stabilize the tower caused it to sink […]
Hindu meditation has two types: one focuses on an object, while the other is mindfulness meditation. It is practiced with yoga and aims to achieve a meditative state, union with atman and Brahman, and clear the mind. Mantras and aids like breath control and insulating oneself from senses can also help. Hindu theological texts mention […]
The rupee is a currency used in several countries, including India, and was originally made of silver. It is divided into subunits and has its own symbol. English speakers in India use special terms to denote large numbers of rupees. The currency celebrates historical figures in its designs and is controlled by central banks. A […]
Barley malt syrup is a natural sweetener made from sprouted barley grains. It has a unique flavor and is used in cooking, baking, and brewing. Barley is a nutritious crop that can be eaten plain or ground into flour. The syrup is less sweet than sugar and slowly releases energy. It should be stored in […]
Credit risk management involves strategies to reduce the risk of default on loans, such as purchasing credit insurance, diversifying loans, reducing credit limits, and charging fees. Diversifying credit is safer than investing in a single area. Financial institutions employ risk management specialists to design and monitor credit risk protection plans. When financial institutions, investors, or […]
Vehicle diagnostics involves identifying and evaluating problems that affect a vehicle’s operation. Techniques range from physical checks to computer analysis. Electronic control units (ECUs) have simplified diagnostics, but an experienced mechanic is still crucial for resolving malfunctions. Vehicle diagnostics is the mechanics involved in identifying and evaluating problems that can adversely affect the normal operation […]
Greek rice is cooked in olive oil and flavorful broth with vegetables like onion, carrots, garlic, and spinach. It is often seasoned with fresh herbs, nuts, lemon juice, and feta cheese. It can be served hot or cold and is often paired with roasted or grilled meat. The most elaborate version is called gamopílafo, served […]
A flue is a pipe used to vent stoves and appliances that burn wood, coal, oil, or gas. It can be made from various metals and requires different types for specific appliances. A masonry chimney can also be considered a flue, and gas appliances require a “Type B” pipe. Flue kits are available for installation, […]
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was created to prevent accounting fraud in publicly traded companies. It includes provisions for the SEC to set new rules and established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to monitor reforms. The act increased accountability and transparency, but some critics argued that it would disproportionately impact small businesses. The Sarbanes-Oxley […]
V2G is a system where electric cars can take power from the grid and return unused power when parked. It could reduce the need for gas and protect the environment, but would require common cars, a control system, and a way to regulate power. Skeptics argue it could cause batteries to fail and requires an […]
Virtual bronchoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that creates a 3D rendering of a patient’s airway and surrounding structures using CT scans. It can detect lesions, tumors, narrow passages, and foreign bodies, and guide instruments for treatment or biopsy. It is useful for young children, elderly patients, and those who cannot tolerate invasive procedures. It can […]
Ship grounding can cause structural damage, loss of life, and environmental problems. Hazards vary depending on the vessel and situation, with oil spills being a major concern. Grounding can occur due to captain’s error or storms, and the severity of damage depends on various factors. Ship grounding occurs when a maritime vessel such as a […]
Air source heat pumps use outside air to heat buildings, reducing costs and carbon footprint. They require little maintenance and have minimal running costs. They are less efficient than ground source pumps but more efficient than gas, oil or electric heating. They can be installed in existing buildings, but installation during construction is more cost-effective. […]
