The application of Cd Se/ZnS quantum dots and confocal laser scanning microscopy for three-dimensional imaging of nanfibrous structures

This paper reports a fast, accurate, and non-destructive three-dimensional imaging approach based on using quantum dots and confocal laser scanning microscopy to get three-dimensional images of internal pore structure of the nanofibrous materials. A practical method of making the fiber fluorescent using quantum dots was applied before three-dimensional imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Fibrous scaffolds with different porosity parameters produced by electrospinning and their three-dimensional pore structure was evaluated by this approach. Furthermore, the introduced approach can be used to measure the pore interconnectivity of the scaffold

Fabrication of polycarbonate microfluidic devices using a focusing and defocusing methods of CO2 laser system

Fabrication of microfluidic devices has always been a challenging endeavour due to its characteristics and cost involved. Recently, laser ablation using low cost engravers has been exploited for fast and cheap prototyping. In this paper, we explore the various parameters affecting the fabrication of polycarbonate microfluidic channels using CO2 laser ablation. The results show that, by manipulating the focus length of the laser beam, we can achieve good cross sectional profiles with low surface roughness. The results also show that various profiles can be fabricated by changing the laser parameters such as laser power, cutting speed and number of laser pulses.

Beware fast tracking high rise building

Currently, employers tend to fast rack works where construction can begin while design is still incomplete following three main phases of procurement. This session details a case study of a fast track overseas super high rise building, where an Australian firm acted as a technical expert to provide a detailed report on the failure of the shoring system, while construction of five basements had just started next to a marina. The lessons learnt from the case study are summarized with recommendations to have better practice of the fast track method in complex high rise buildings.