Ministry of Supply

About: Ministry of Supply is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Polarography & Bacillus (shape). The organization has 416 authors who have published 355 publications receiving 8951 citations. The organization is also known as: MoS.

Some observations on bactericidal paint films

Abstract: SUMMARY: A method is described for testing the self-sterilizing activity of surfaces coated with paints containing bactericidal agents. The most active coating consisted of 10% (w/w) Cetavlon dissolved directly in urea-formaldehyde:alkyd resin. The recovery of viable organisms from such surfaces infected with Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Aerobacter aerogenes and Chromobacterium prodigiosum was less than 10% of that from painted control surfaces after exposure for 1 hr at atmospheric relative humidity of 70% and temperature of 20°. Bacillus subtilis spores were not affected until they became heat-sensitive. The self-sterilizing activity was markedly diminished at 40% r.h. and the inclusion of blood in the deposited bacterial particle was then completely protective. Repeated washing in water with gentle rubbing quickly inactivated Cetavlon paint films.

A Method of Calibrating Centimetric Radiometers Using a Standard Noise Source

Abstract: In order to compare radio-astronomical measurements of power flux observed on different occasions at different wavelengths, special attention must be paid to methods of calibration. A method is described which is suitable for a centimetric radiometer measuring antenna temperature over a range of 0 to 1000°K or more with an accuracy of about 1°K. The power received by the radiometer is compared with that from a CV1881 argon discharge tube fed through a precision attenuator. An additional fixed amount of power is added to that of the radiometer to ensure that the effective temperature is above that of the room. The intensity of solar radiation at ? = 10.5 cm was measured by this method during the eclipse of June 30, 1954. The scale of the chart recording the radiometer output was effectively increased by adjusting the attenuator in steps each time maximum deflection was attained corresponding to about 20°K change of antenna temperature. Finally, to measure the brightness temperature of the uneclipsed sun, the received power from the sun was compared with that from a known external noise source consisting of a horn radiator fed by a CV1881 argon discharge tube.

Experiments with insecticidal smokes for indoor use.

Abstract: Insecticidal smoke generators were tested in the laboratory and in practice. Each generator contained 110–120 g. of crude insecticide, either D.D.T. or benzene hexachloride. Over half the insecticide was evolved unchanged as a smoke of particles less than 1 μ in diameter, by a slow combustion mixture. In the laboratory tests, the generators were used at the rate of one to 1800–2500 cu.ft. (50–70 cu.m.). Benzene hexachloride had a greater initial insecticidal effect and a better residual action up to a week after treatment; thereafter (1 and 6 months) the D.D.T. was more effective. The residual effects of horizontal surfaces were good against bedbugs, but the deposits on vertical surfaces were not highly efficient. Residual action against mosquitoes of vertical surfaces a week after treatment was fair, but effects of inverted surfaces were poor. The deposits of active insecticide on horizontal surfaces were about 15–30 mg./sq.ft.; on vertical surfaces, 3–10 mg./sq.ft.; and on inverted surfaces, 2–6 mg./sq.ft. A field trial was conducted between August and November in kitchens infested by flies and cockroaches. The generators were used at the rate of one per 64 cu.ft. (18 cu.m.). A substantial reduction of flies for 11 weeks was obtained by D.D.T., but for only 2 weeks with benzene hexachloride. Both treatments reduced heavy cockroach infestations to negligible proportions for 2–3 months. There was evidence of some repellent effect. Thermal generators require careful precautions to prevent indirect tainting of food or beverages. They are very wasteful of insecticide especially since two or perhaps three treatments per season might be necessary. This would use twenty times as much insecticide as a spray treatment. On the other hand, labour and equipment costs are somewhat lower, and ease of operation very much greater, with smoke generators.

Performance dress sock

Abstract: A sock having a low pressure area made of a first knit density and at least one high pressure area made of a variable knit density portion. The variable knit density has portions that are made of a second knit density greater than the first knit density. The at least one variable knit density portion is arranged transverse to an orientation of major strain. A sock may also have hydrophobic fibers located substantially across a surface of the sock adapted to be adjacent to skin when worn and hydrophilic fibers located substantially across the hydrophobic fibers and extending therefrom to form loop structures adapted for wicking moisture away from the hydrophobic fibers.