Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for connecting two duct elements (12, 14) and a baffle (34) in an aircraft air conditioning system. The device (10) comprises a first (30) and a second connecting flange (32) which are in each case connected to one of the two duct elements (12, 14) to be connected. Further, at least one connecting means (38) is formed on the first connecting flange (30), which means interacts with at least one corresponding connecting means (40) formed on the second connecting flange (32) to establish the connection of the two duct elements (12, 14) and the baffle (34). The first (30) and/or second connecting flange (32) has/have an opening (44) for receiving the baffle (34), which is substantially disc-shaped and formed with at least one air passage (46, 48). In this respect the baffle (34) serves to control the flow of at least one air stream flowing through the connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising a zone for receiving a sample, an excitation source and a detector, wherein a portion of the zone allows transmission of energy at a required wavelength range and prevents transmission of energy at all other wavelengths and uses of the device in disposable on-chip fluorescent detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spore disruption and/or detection is provided. The method involves irradiating a sample with laser light, conveniently ultraviolet radiation, to disrupt any spores present and collecting any disrupted material for analysis. The disruption can involve breaking the spore open to release intrasporal DNA which is useful for fast screening and detection equipment. The disrupted material may be collected in a collection chamber which can be flushed with an extraction fluid to collect the disrupted material. The sample is preferably concentrated in a nanovial prior to being irradiated to give sample enrichment.