What’s a silt barrier?

A silt barrier is a device used in construction to prevent soil, silt, and pollutants from draining into nearby waterways. It is made of a geotextile fabric and is installed along a probable erosion path. Specialized silt fences are used in areas with heavy runoff, and underwater barriers are used in underwater construction. Regulatory agencies […]

What’s Nowruz?

Nowruz is the Iranian New Year celebrated by Zoroastrians, Parsees, and others in countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. It begins on the vernal equinox and lasts several weeks, involving traditions and rituals such as house cleaning, germinating seeds, and collecting seven symbolic items. Haji Firuz troubadours sing and dance, […]

What’s innovative thinking?

Innovative thinking is a structured problem-solving approach that aims to find dramatic solutions to overcome current limitations. It involves setting boundaries, depersonalizing discussions, and limiting group sizes to avoid production blocking. The approach requires accurate information, involvement from everyone, and setting deadlines for implementation. Innovative thinking is a type of structured problem solving, halfway between […]

What’s a swashplate?

A wobble plate can convert circular motion to reciprocating motion and vice versa, and is used in various applications such as helicopter swashplates and mechanical pumps. It consists of a rotating disk attached to a spindle, which when angled, causes a secondary plate to convert circular motion to reciprocating motion. It can be used in […]

What’s Roll Compacted Concrete?

Roll Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a dry mix of cement, aggregate and water that generates less heat during curing. It can be used for large castings and paving due to its lack of collapse and ability to support weight soon after being poured. Roll Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a relatively dry mix of cement, aggregate […]

What’s Spark Plasma Sintering?

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is a fast and cost-effective technique that uses direct current pulses to create spark energy between particles of a material, resulting in high-density structures. It can be applied to ceramics, composites, and nanostructures, and produces uniform heating and density. SPS has low operating costs, short completion times, and can be used […]

What’s a maint. superintendent?

A maintenance superintendent oversees the upkeep of a physical plant and manages a team to delegate maintenance tasks. They establish protocols and may call in outside professionals for complicated tasks. They are present during daylight hours and may live on site. Salary varies depending on experience and benefits. A maintenance superintendent is an individual in […]

What’s a Micrometer?

Micrometers are precise measuring instruments used in engineering and mechanical tasks. They come in different types, including outside, inside, and depth micrometers, each with a specific purpose. Micrometers can measure dimensions down to 0.001 inch or 0.01 millimeter, and some have a built-in vernier scale for even greater accuracy. A micrometer, often called simply a […]

What’s a Pelletizer?

Pelletizers crush rock and coal into pellets for other applications. The original hydraulic system is over 30 years old, but modern designs use an electric motor and water slide to reduce operator handling. Water jets and a centrifugal water separator remove moisture from the resulting pellets. Underwater designs are popular and have a low polymer […]

What’s an industrial vacuum?

Industrial vacuum cleaners remove various contaminants without spreading particles. Types include canister, HEPA, venturi, portable/backpack, ESD, and cockpit. They have different features, such as triple filtration and anti-static properties. Industrial vacuum cleaners are used across a variety of industries to remove toner, developer, lead, mold spores, soot, and other contaminants without spreading the deadly particles. […]

What’s the Intl. Justice Mission?

International Justice Mission is a Christian organization that addresses social justice issues in developing countries, focusing on victims of violent crime, sex crimes, human trafficking, land seizure, forced labor, and police brutality. It aims to inspire Christians and promote fundamental changes in policies and infrastructure. The organization has 14 field offices in Asia, Africa, and […]

What’s doc-patient privilege?

Doctor-patient privilege means doctors can refuse to testify against their patients in court, but there are exceptions, such as when a patient confesses a desire to harm themselves or others. Mandatory reporting of certain diseases and injuries, such as gunshots, can also nullify the privilege. Some argue for complete confidentiality, while others argue doctors have […]

What’s a whetstone?

Whetstones are tools used to sharpen bladed tools, available in varying degrees of hardness and grit. They can be made of stone, carbon steel, diamond, or other substances. Hand stones are good for fine honing work, while electric grinders can be used for sturdier blades. Sharpening techniques vary depending on the blade, and a bad […]

What’s a Relic?

Relics are objects of religious veneration, from bones of saints to items that touched martyrs. They are common in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. Relics are kept in ornate containers and displayed to pilgrims and visitors, believed to have tremendous power in some cultures. The sale of relics is banned by the Catholic […]

What’s a Workplace Bully?

Workplace bullying, which can include physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, is often carried out by those in positions of authority and can create a hostile work environment. Employers may struggle to deal with the issue, but victims have the right to file complaints with relevant parties. Bullying is not limited to neighborhoods or elementary school […]

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