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IP In The Chemistry Industry

Guest Speaker: Dr Blake Prime - 21st February 2017

IP: Intellectual Property - Creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic work ( symbols, design, names and images)

The IP enables protection by the law and people can earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. The IP system aims to create an environment for which creation and innovation can flourish for the artist.

Figure 1. Patent Logo (Tech City UK, 2015)

There are various types of IPs within the chemistry industry such as:

- Patents (How things work)

- Trademark (Brand names and logos)

- Copyright (Software, artistic and literary work)

- Trade secrets (Confidential commercial information)

- Designs (How things look)

Patents A patent deal occurs with the state and enables an opportunity to recoup R + D costs.

The state gives 20yrs where only you (the inventor) can profit from the invention and it is unlawful for anyone else to exploit the invention. 

What can it protect?

The IP can protect novels (not known by anyone else previously) and inventions (not obvious to someone skilled in the art subjective).

For example Pyrazolopyrimidinone was used for impotence treatment and had its first patent on June 9th 1993, however sales decreased when the patent expired due to new found competition from other companies selling the same product.

Trademarks

A trademark is a sign which distinguishes goods and service from other traders. This includes words, logos, pictures and this has not time limits, unlike the patent act that us for 20 yrs.  Trademarks are also registered and is distinctive for goods and services that the customer is applying for.

Trade secrets within the chemistry industry involves confidentiality and commercially valuable information that provides a company competitive advantages. Examples of this involves production methods, customer lit, secret formula for product. Moreover it is legal to reverse engineer and copy trade secrets.

Premarin is a hormone replacement therapy drug on the market which is derived form the natural sources manufactured by the Wyeth company. A series of patents were issued on the drug in the 1940′s but after expiration there was still no generic competition market and as a result, Wyeth continued to keep the extraction process a trade secret for the therapy drug and no one currently has been able to reverse engineer the process.

Figure 2. Copyright reserved logo (Banerji, 2014)

Copyright

- Copyright IP is an act which relates to an expression of an idea and not the idea itself as a whole. The copyright act protects software codes, films, broadcasts, music, artwork and literary work. For example. the ‘ChemDraw’ software is copyrighted from other chemistry educational softwares.

Figure 3. Demonstration for creating molecular structures on ChemDraw (Richers, 2014)

References:

Banerji, R. (2014). Gandhi | REVOLUTIONS IN MY SPACE: A BLOG BY RITA BANERJI. Available: https://ritabanerjisblog.wordpress.com/tag/gandhi/. Last accessed 2nd March 2017.

Richers, S. (2014). ChemDraw | ITZ Blog. Available: https://blog.itz.uni-halle.de/2014/05/chemdraw/. Last accessed 3rd March 2017.

Tech City UK. (2015). IP Series #2: Patent Pending - Tech City UK. Available: http://www.techcityuk.com/blog/2015/07/ip-series-2-patent-pending/. Last accessed 2nd March 2017.

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EHS: An Industrial Perspective

Guest Speaker: Michael Boswell - 7th February 2017 

Why we need EHS?

- Keeps employees safe

- Protect our neighbours

- Protect company regulations

- Protect the environment

- Avoid the costs

An impact of an industrial incident occurred on the 10th July 1926, which caused TCDD to be released into the atmosphere and this caused chemical contamination in rain clouds. An approximate 22,000 animals were slaughtered and 1600 people hospitalised.

The most expensive chemical incident occurred in Pasadena, Texas (1989). The overall recovery cost was £1.3 billion.

Figure 1.  Explosion at Phillips Petroleum Co.’s chemical complex in Pasadena, Texas (Red, 2014)

How to operate...

          H = S (Hazard = Severity)

         R = S x P (Risk = Severity x Probability)

Activities that have a risked probability or 1/106 

- 3/4 cigarettes

- 500 ml of wine drinking

- 60 km by car

- 4000 km by plane

- living 1 day at age 12

- 1.5 min mountain climbing

There are three main factors that causes risk; Human, Mechanical and Design.

EHS involves:

- Leadership (clear vision and cohesive)

- Decision making and structure

- People (Individual talent, incentives aligned and objectives)

- Work processes and systems (superior execution)

- Culture (high performance, capacity to change and behaviour)

Inherent safety issues:

- Minimise (reduce amount of material)

- Substitute (replace hazardous material with safer chemicals)

- Moderate (reduce impact of an effect, e.g TP)

- Simplify (avoid complex solutions unless necessary)

Protection concept:

Various risks are assessed depending on three different categories, such as Primary measures, Secondary measures and catastrophe protection.

The performer level standard for rating

- Corporate (LTI, PS)

- Regional (Injury, environmental breaches)

- Local (Nuisance complaints)

Mechanism risk occur due to corrosion/ erosion from materials, ageing and weakening of the products being used in addition to stress as the machinery continues to do repetitive movement.

Human factors involve errors and violations as two sub categories that risks are assessed into. Expanding from errors,the cause of this could be from a mistake, slip or lapse.

References:

Red. (2014). Today in Texas History – October 23. Available: https://paradiseinhell.net/2014/10/23/today-in-texas-history-october-23/. Last accessed 1st March 2017.

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Funding Science

Guest Speaker: David Wards - 29th November 2016

Figure 1. Inventions (May, 2009)

David introduces the session by explaining how the UK government, education and charities work together to introduce a higher platform for the scientific industry to enable better inventions to improve our way of living. 

Scientists and engineers in the UK can shape the national government policy in relation to science. For example, enabling a greener environment for reducing hazardous chemicals released into the atmosphere from industrial companies.

Moreover, David also explained how changed can impact us as individuals and how science has evolved for the better over the years.

For e.g. Irons (appliance) in the 21st century are electrical,however in the past the irons used were heated by gas stoves or had hot coals put inside of them.

Water bottles were once made from glass or pottery material in addition to only leather being sold for making shoes.

During the 1950′s -1960′s, this was the period for the introduction of DNA and its structure, which is now being taught within the UK education systems and influencing the younger generation on how various components within science works.

On the other hand, there are other changes within the environment that has affected us individually such as change of transport from steam trains to electrical trains,introduction of mobile phones and the way cars or being manufactured.

The world is constantly changing and it is your determination and drive that will predict your future.

References:

May, R. (2009). caveman invention geek By rmay | Nature Cartoon | TOONPOOL. Available: https://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/caveman%20invention%20geek_65301. Last accessed 1st March 2017.

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Current Issues In Occupational Safety, Health and Well-being

Guest Speaker: Carole Conroy - 15th November 2016 

Figure 1. Employee injured a work (Compare Compensation Claims Limited, 2013)

Aims of the talk:

- Relationship between work and health

- Occupational safety vs health

- The changing world of work

- Industry specific risk

Occupational health risks:

- Hazard chemicals: Irritation, harmful, toxic

- C.O.S.H. regulations

- Safe handling, use and or disposal of chemicals

- Radiation: microwave, isotopes,UV

- Stress & personal issues

- Physical injury: glass (sharps), electrical, stairs (Slips & Trips), spillage (clean up)

Background/History:

During 1700′s , Ramazzini an Italian doctor was the first person to study trade diseases and he advised doctors to ask patients about occupations in relations to health issues.

Industrial Revolution factors in health & Safety:

- Factories & mines

- Technology - Faster,mechanical, machinery (dangerous)

- Speed of work

- Physical hazards

- Chemical hazards

- Long hours 

Early Industrial diseases:

- Scrotal cancer - result of soot (chimney sweeper)

- Phossy Jaw - Making matches (inhaling cotton dust - lung diseases)

- Physical injuries and mental illness

Statistics for fatal injuries 2015/16 shows that there has been a total of 144 injuries within various occupations. The different types of accidents are:

- Fall from height (construction, window cleaners)

- Struck by moving vehicle/ object (warehouse)

- Trapped / something collapsing

- Drowning

Figure 2. Dangerous employee accident at work (Law, 2015)

However fatal injury statistics has shown that 62200 employees had been injured whilst at work and the injuries include:

- Injuries handling, lifting, carrying

- Slip, trips, falls

- Hit by a moving object

- Moving machinery

- Physical assault

- Fall from height

-other accidents etc..

Carole spoke into more detail of the types of different diseases that were related to the working environment such as lung cancer (diesel,engine exhaust), breast cancer, COPD (from gases, vapours or fumes). However, stress, depression,anxiety and multi skeletal disorders are also other factors within the working environment. Many employees can take long periods to recover in addition to people booking days off work. 

There are two main categories which can have an effect on health and safety issues for employees.

Psychological

- Difficult customers

- Time pressure

- Long irregular hours

- Communication

- Job insecurity (for example,Sports direct offers 0hr contract)

- Discrimination

Physical

- Lifting / moving

- Chemical / biological substances

- Slips, trips, falls

- Tools,machinery

- Painful positions

- Loud noises

High risk occupations include teaching within school education. 

Age and Work

Although there is no factual evidence for the statement being put forwards, it has been shown from previous employees that older employees are less productive than younger workers, however they're wiser and have wider understanding for the job’s work.

- Muscle strength declines after 30

- Working postures should be adjusted to prevent fatigue positions (Upper limb disorders, Manual handling and equipment design)

Legal Requirements

- Health and Safety work act 1974

- Management of health and safety at work regulations (risk assessment is done)

- Control of substances that is hazardous to health regulations and risk assessments.

Health and Safety at work

- Policy statement (This is given from the employer to the employees)

- Information, Instruction, training and supervision

References:

Compare Compensation Claims Limited. (2013). Accident Injury Claim - Reasons Why You Should File A Claim | Personal Injury | Compensation Claim. Available: http://comparecompensationclaims.com/news/2013/april/accident-injury-claim.html. Last accessed 1st March 2017

Law, M. (2015). Personal injury at work - What to do | M R Law Solicitors. Available: https://www.mrlaw.co.uk/personal-injury-at-work-what-to-do/. Last accessed 1st March 2017.

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Semiconductor Industry

Figure 1. Intel Semiconductor chip (McCall, 2015)

Guest Speaker: Richard Pilkington - 1st November 2016

Mr Richard Pilkington delivered a talk on the uses of semiconductors in industry and the effect that they have in ‘everyday life.’ Richard gave a background insight of the first semiconductors which initiated in the 1950′s. The semiconductor industry is now worth £18 billion for the Intel company and 1.3 billion transistors has been produced for the most current chip from Intel. A popular chip is called the 48 core cloud chip containing 48 layers to make up its surface, as there a no single layers.

A demonstration of a DAB radio containing a transistor (switch) was shown and how the processing chip works in addition to a ‘6 Transistor’ radio which was produced in 1965.

The semi conductor process was also demonstrated with a walk through tutorial in steps of how it is produced.

Step 1 - Raw Silicon

Step 2 - Diffusion (grow / deposits layers)

Step 3 - Photo spins/ Photoresist 

Step 4 - Etch (removal of film layer)

Step 5 - Implant (give ions into material)

Step 6 - Metal / Films (correct devices electrically and isolates circuit pathways

Step 7 - Probe / Test (testing of device function)

Silicone substrate:

The process starts with sand as the stating material. A heat requirement of 1900°c is necessary to remove oxygen to give the metallurgical grade Si. Some steel product is produced and the rest of the substance is purified.

SiO2 + C ---> SiCO2

Si + 3HCl ---> SiHCl3 + H2

SiHCl3 + H2 ---> Si + 3HCl

The final product is refined to reduce impurities and after purification the Silicone cylinder is removed and pulled out, then polished into smaller disks to be sold. Each disk has a single layer of atoms across the surface. On the other hand, there are various process gases involved within the semiconductor process.

Process gases:

Silicone Precursors - Silane, Silontetrachloride, Disilane, Dichlorosilane

Dopants - A type, P type, N type

Etchants - C2F6, CF4, C3F8, CH2F2, C4F8

Atmospherics - Ammonia, CO2, Sulphur dioxide

Precursor Material: CVD material categories

Halides - TiCl4, TaCl5, WF6 etc

Hydroxide - SiH4, AlH3(NMe3)2, NH3 wtc

Metal Alkyls - AlMe3, Ti(CH2 + Bu)4 etc

Metal Alkoxides - Ti(OiP)4 etc

Metal Diketonates - Cu(acac)2 etc

Other semiconductor materials = III - V Semiconductors used for LEDs

Solar Cells

Widely used within film technology and employ as main functional semiconductor. 

H - rich, doped, amorphous Si(a -Si : H)

H - rich, doped, micro-crystalline Si(μc - Si : H)

There are various types such as CIS and CLGS & CdTe based solar cells,however CLGS is a rare, thin film and cheap material which lasts forever!

References:

McCall, M. (2015). Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (ETF:SMH), SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (ETF:XSD) - Potential Intel Deal Boosts Chip ETFs. Available: https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/15/03/5367638/potential-intel-deal-boosts-chip-etfs. Last accessed 16th November 2016.

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Networking...

Figure 1. LinkedIn profile logo (Copywriter Pro, 2015)

Guest Speaker: Jenny Warburton - 18th October 2016

I was very fortunate to encounter a talk given by Jenny Warburton, informing my peers & I about the importance of having a LinkedIn account.

The hour long talk first proceeded with an introduction to what LinkedIn is all about and why it would be useful for students to create a profile.

LinkedIn founded December 2002, is a social networking site that was designed specifically for connecting business professional people.The website also allows users to share work-related information with other users and keep an online list of professional contacts.

LinkedIn is an alternative social networking site for Twitter, Facebook etc..

Jenny Warburton went into detail of what the benefits where of having a LinkedIn profile.

- Able to showcase what skills I have as an individual to potential employers

- Online platform, able to share relevant content with others who have similar interests

- Increases exposure for job opportunities

- Facilitating conversation with people within the industry that I have an interest in.

However, Jenny did mention that a LinkedIn disadvantage would be personal security for information used online, that is imported from a more personal social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter.

Facebook is a personal platform for sharing pictures and opinions. If your LinkedIn is connected to your Facebook, it is advised to be aware of the type of content being posted. It is recommended to keep both personal and professional networking sites separate to prevent any unintended controversy from “inappropriate” contents.

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Why do employers use Social Media?

- Save money from recruiting online

- Target specific Job levels

- Increase company / brand recognition

- Target specific set of skills from employee

- Recruit candidates who may not apply directly to the company or have no knowledge of the current vacancy.

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Some key points when making a new profile is to remember to include all the essential skills and personal interesting information such as who I am, education, work hobbies and other interests.When you have a complete profile, other people such as followers, may endorse you to their followers and this will help to build a bigger network of exposure for your account.

The main aim of LinkedIn is to make yourself visible!

References:

Copywriter Pro. (2015). WRITING YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE | Copywriter Pro. Available: http://www.copywriternorthampton.co.uk/linkedin-profiles. Last accessed 10th Feb 2017.