Abstract: A method of validating a test for estimating the organic carbon content of soil or changes in organic carbon content of soil over time in which a first sample of soil is taken from a selected location and heated using Loss On Ignition (LOI) to remove organic carbon, the method comprising the steps of taking a further sample of soil from an adjacent location, the sample having minimal organic material content. A predetermined quantity of an organic material is added to the further sample to provide a second sample which is heated using Loss On Ignition (LOI) with the change of weight of the second sample determining whether the test of the first sample yielded a valid estimate of the organic carbon content of the first sample. Apparatus (10) for use in performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter media is formed into a filter bag for fluid filter elements. A long tube of filter media is formed into a helix or a pleated structure with a corrugated cross-section to increase the surface area of filter media area that can fit into a given volume. A retaining structure can be used to maintain the shape of the filter media.

Abstract: A Shigella flexneri O-antigen of a first serotype or subserotype are provided for use in raising an immune response against one or more Shigella flexneri O-antigen of a different serotype or subserotype, together with associated binding moieties, pharmaceutical compositions, kits, uses or methods.

Abstract: The provided technology is in the field of conjugating native, non-detergent extracted, outer membrane vesicles (nOMV) to antigens to form nOMV-linker-antigen conjugates, which are particularly useful for immunogenic compositions and immunisation; processes for the preparation and use of such conjugates is also provided.

Abstract: Graphene-modified polymeric foam materials are provided that are amenable to conventional foams to yield articles with superior properties relative to like articles absent the graphene cell modifier. Graphene-based cell modifiers are incorporated in the polymer before or during the foaming process to not only improve the mechanical, thermal, electrical, fire retardant, or barrier properties of the polymer matrix itself, but also help modify the size, density, and morphology of cells in the foam, thereby tailoring the properties of the final foam articles. The graphene-modified polymeric foam materials may be utilized for the manufacturing of articles for mechanical, thermal, noise reduction, or sound absorption applications. The graphene-modified foams and articles made thereof have the advantages higher mechanical strength, better thermal stability, and better sound absorption properties as compared to the conventional polymeric foams such as materials made by copolymer polyol.

Abstract: The provided technology is in the field of conjugating native, non-detergent extracted, outer membrane vesicles (nOMV) to antigens to form nOMV-antigen conjugates, which are particularly useful for immunogenic compositions and immunisation; processes for the preparation and use of such conjugates is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of estimating the organic carbon content of soil or changes in organic carbon content of the soil over time using Loss On Ignition (LOI) in which a first sample of the soil is taken from a selected location and heated by forcing heated oxygen-containing gas through the soil sample, monitoring the temperature of the sample by using at least one temperature sensing means within the soil sample and varying the supply of the gas to the sample in accordance with the temperature of the sample as sensed by the sensing means to remove organic materials including organic carbon from the soil sample by burning off or oxidising the organic materials.

Abstract: A ball coupling device includes a socket assembly, configured to assume an operative condition in which it defines a socket to capture a tow ball such that there is formed a sliding fit, permitting relative rotation, between the tow ball and socket or assembly and to assume an inoperative condition whereby the tow ball and assembly can be decoupled. The assembly being configured to define in the operative condition an opening, disposed about a neck via which the tow ball is supported, having a width, parallel to a rotational axis extending centrally through the tow ball and perpendicular to a central axis of the tow ball that extends top-to-bottom therethrough, sufficient that the neck passes through the opening, and a length sufficient to permit relative displacement between the neck and assembly and thus relative rotation between the tow ball and the assembly or device about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A rollator to aid mobility is described. The rollator comprises an A-frame with two pairs of uprights, each pair of uprights connected by at least one respective hinge to allow each pair of uprights to be folded or pivot front-to-back and a seat disposed between the two pairs of uprights, the seat foldable side-to-side. To fold compactly the rollator comprises an X-shaped cross-linkage comprising four linkage members. A method of manufacturing the rollator is also disclosed. The four linkage members may extend from a respective upright to a central hub underneath the seat. The cross-linkage may fold or pivot at the central hub in both front-to back and side-to-side dimensions when the rollator is folded away.

Abstract: Solar tracking installation includes first movement assembly which functionally engages with the primary axis shaft to cause rotation of the primary axis shaft around the primary axis for moving the plurality of planar modules of solar collector elements in a first rotational direction around the primary axis. The installation further includes a second movement assembly which functionally engages with the secondary movement member to cause tilting of each of the plurality of planar modules of solar collector elements around each respective pivotal mount. In this way the movement of the multitude of solar collection elements is a combination of the rotation of first movement assembly and the tilting motion caused by the second movement assembly.

Abstract: A formwork system for supporting forming panels to form a horizontal concrete surface. The system includes a height-adjustable support having a central upstanding member providing a vertical abutment surface and a support arm having an inclined portion extending up and away from said central upstanding member. The system also includes a beam having a transverse bar proximate an end. The transverse bar is supported by the inclined portion of the support arm so that said transverse bar moves laterally relative to the inclined portion as the support arm is moved vertically. The beam also has a foot extending from the end of the beam and abutting the abutment surface. The abutment surface opposes lateral movement of the beam relative to the upstanding member.

Abstract: A formwork system includes a height-adjustable support for supporting a beam in substantially horizontal or slightly inclined position that includes a support with a central upstanding member and a support arm. The support arm has a rounded socket, and the beam has a cylindrical mounting pin proximate its end. The socket and mounting pin are shaped and sized so that the mounting pin is retained within the socket and they together form a hinge joint. As the mounting pin is retained by the socket of the support arm, it does not shift laterally relative to the support arm as the support arm is vertically adjusted. The variance in the gap between laterally secured forming panels as a response to vertical shift of the support is dependent on the incline angle of the beam and the dimensions of the beam and the support arm. This is predictable within a defined tolerance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of conjugating native, non-detergent extracted, outer membrane vesicles (nOMV) to multiple antigens to form multi functionalized nOMV-antigen conjugated derivatives, which are particularly useful for immunogenic compositions and immunisation; processes for the preparation and use of such conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: A method of validating a test for estimating the organic carbon content of soil or changes in organic carbon content of soil over time in which a first sample of soil is taken from a selected location and heated using Loss On Ignition (LOI) to remove organic carbon, the method comprising the steps of taking a further sample of soil from an adjacent location, the sample having minimal organic material content. A predetermined quantity of an organic material is added to the further sample to provide a second sample which is heated using Loss On Ignition (LOI) with the change of weight of the second sample determining whether the test of the first sample yielded a valid estimate of the organic carbon content of the first sample. Apparatus (10) for use in performing the method is also disclosed.