Rolling stock refers to all wheeled vehicles owned by a railroad or government that can be rolled on railroad tracks, including locomotives in some countries. There are four main types of railway rolling stock: revenue-generating cargo and passenger cars, non-revenue cars used by the railway itself, and military cars. All railway cars are built to […]
Electrochemical Machining (ECM) is a metalworking process that removes material from a workpiece by electrochemical erosion. A high current charge passes from the workpiece to the cathode, eroding the workpiece at a molecular level to form a cut that follows the shape of the cathode. ECM offers benefits such as cutting complex internal contours and […]
Flat glass is used for windows, tables, and doors. It is made from sand, heated in a kiln, stretched, and cut. Defective glass is recycled. Custom cuts can be made at the main or secondary plant. Flat glass is a type of glass usually produced for windows and other types of applications where flat glass […]
Drake Passage is a treacherous stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica, known for its rough waters and frigid currents. It was named after Sir Francis Drake, but was likely discovered by Francisco de Hoces. Despite being the largest passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it has limited vessel traffic due to the […]
The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode technology used on consumer goods and grocery items, allowing for faster and more accurate payment processing. The UPC system uses a 12-digit code, with a six-digit company prefix and a five-digit product identifier. The technology was proposed in the 1940s but was not commercialized until the 1970s […]
Minivans, popular with families for their passenger space and car-like efficiency, have been around since the 1980s. They typically have three rows of seats and sliding doors, and are now often made with V6 or V8 engines. Some automakers are developing hybrid minivan models to meet demand for fuel efficiency. A minivan is a vehicle […]
Ticky tacky is a term used to describe substandard materials used in mass-built housing, often associated with uniformity and lack of quality. It originated from a 1960s American folk song satirizing post-WWII tract housing projects. Despite variations introduced over time, ticky tacky remains a popular term for shoddy workmanship and materials in residential construction. Ticky […]
The Indian parliament enacted the Information Technology Act in 2000, legalizing digital signatures on most commercial agreements and contracts and creating mechanisms to prevent identity theft and fraud during digital transactions. The act was based on the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce. An amendment in 2008 added tougher penalties for companies that fail […]
Clinical data management systems are used to manage and verify data from clinical trials. They track subjects, report adverse events, and view lab test results. These systems help reduce data entry errors and keep information confidential. They also include a calendar to track the trial schedule. Clinical trials to test drugs and other treatments generate […]
Arabic transcription replaces Arabic letters with Roman letters or combinations to approximate the correct sound. Challenges include limited Roman equivalents and variations in results. Vowel sounds must be added, and specialized companies offer transcription services. Arabic transcription is the act of transcribing Arabic text into romanized form. The core of the method is to replace […]
Crepe rubber is a versatile and inexpensive material used for shoe soles and other applications. It is made by combining coagulated latex with natural clot and passing it through crepers to achieve the desired texture. Different grades are available, with higher grades used for upscale footwear. Crepe rubber is a raw form of natural rubber […]
Tilt wheelchairs allow for frequent position changes to prevent pressure sores and offer greater comfort. They come in manual and electric models and are suitable for patients with limited movements. They also have applications in sports, where lightweight materials and mobility are critical. A tilt wheelchair is a type of mobile pressure relief device in […]
Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is a process in business management where executive managers review supply and demand projections and make decisions to ensure short-term plans align with overall business goals. Two approaches to S&OP are top-down planning and bottom-up planning, with different production plans generated based on the chosen approach. The final deliverables of […]
Ribbon casting is a process used by companies to create dense and flexible ceramics for industrial use. A slurry mix is poured onto a conveyor belt and passed through an oven, producing ceramic tape with various properties. The process can be monitored remotely for safety. Companies with strip casting facilities may also produce other ceramic […]
Shtetls were small Jewish communities in Eastern Europe that were forced to live in poverty in the Pale of Settlement. They were vibrant, pious communities that revolved around the Jewish calendar, but were also a form of segregation. The May Laws discriminated against the Jewish community, leading to emigration and the decimation of shtetls during […]
Mashed rutabaga is a nutritious dish made by boiling and mashing the root vegetable with butter and sometimes milk. It has a slightly chunky texture due to its fiber content and can be combined with other vegetables and seasonings. Rutabaga is related to cabbage, has a sweet taste, and is a good source of fiber […]
A CNC punch press is a machine that uses computer programs to form or die-cut shapes from thin stock material. It consists of a motorized press turret, a worktable that moves in two dimensions, and a set of controls. The process involves moving the workpiece into position and instructing the die to form or cut […]
A CNC punch press is a machine that uses computer programs to form or die-cut shapes from thin stock material. It consists of a motorized press turret, a worktable that moves in two dimensions, and a set of controls. The process involves moving the workpiece into position and instructing the die to form or cut […]
The Headless Pyramid in Saqqara, Egypt was rediscovered in 2008 after being lost for over 150 years. It was first located by German archaeologist Karl Lepsius in the 1800s, but was covered by quicksand shortly after. The pyramid is badly eroded and believed to have been built to honor King Kenkauhor in the Old Kingdom. […]
Pedalos are human-powered watercraft designed for use on inland waters and calm lakes. They rely on a paddle wheel for propulsion and come in various designs, from practical to whimsical. Pedalos are a popular tourist attraction and offer a good workout. They can be rented or purchased for personal use. A pedalo is a type […]
