bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamic changes of main cell types in the microenvironment of sciatic nerves following sciatic nerve injury and the influence of let-7 on their distribution
Authors: Qian Tianmei , Wang Pan , Chen Qianqian , Yi Sheng , Liu Qianyan , Wang Hongkui , Wang Shiyuan , Geng Wenqing , Liu Zihao , Li Shiying
Published: December 2018

Schwann cells (SCs), fibroblasts and macrophages are the main cells in the peripheral nerve stumps.
Inflow boundary conditions determine T-mixer efficiency
Authors: Schikarski Tobias , Trzenschiok Holger , Peukert Wolfgang , Avila Marc
Published: December 2018

We report on a comprehensive experimental–computational study of a simple T-shaped mixer for Reynolds numbers up to 4000.
Unraveling the interactions in fast co-pyrolysis of microalgae model compoundsviapyrolysis-GC/MS and pyrolysis-FTIR techniques
Authors: Gautam Ribhu , Vinu R.
Published: December 2018

The pyrolysate composition, product time evolution and kinetics of fast co-pyrolysis of protein, carbohydrate and lipid surrogates are investigated to unravel the interactions among microalgae components.
Illustration and application of enhancing effect of arginine on interactions between nano-clays: self-healing hydrogels
Authors: Li Shouchuan , Chen Chunyu , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Dong , Lv Shanshan
Published: December 2018

Enhanced interfacial interactions in nano-clay (NC)-based composite materials through intrinsic guanidinium groups (Gu+) of arginine (Arg).
pH-sensitive polymeric micelles assembled by stereocomplexation between PLLA-b-PLys and PDLA-b-mPEG for drug delivery
Authors: Guo Zhaoyuan , Zhao Ke , Liu Rong , Guo Xiaolan , He Bin , Yan JianQin , Ren Jing
Published: December 2018

pH-responsive stereocomplexed micelles based on poly(l-lactic acid)-b-polylysine/poly(d-lactic acid)-b-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (PLLA-b-PLys/PDLA-b-mPEG) were fabricated by stereocomplexation between enantiomeric PLA segments.
Zn2+/Cd2+-RNA-mediated intense white-light-emitting colloidal CdSe nanostructures in aqueous medium – enhanced photophysics and porous morphology induced by conformational change in RNA
Authors: Gupta Komal , Kumar Anil
Published: December 2018

Zn2+/Cd2+-bound RNA provides an effective template for synthesizing porous CdSe nanostructures that emit intense white light by inducing a conformational change in RNA.
Ca2+-dependent calmodulin binding to cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) calmodulin-binding domains
Authors: Brohus Malene , Søndergaard Mads T. , Wayne Chen Sui Rong , van Petegem Filip , Overgaard Michael T.
Published: December 2018

The Ca2+ sensor calmodulin (CaM) regulates cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2)-mediated Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. CaM inhibits RyR2 in a Ca2+-dependent manner and aberrant CaM-dependent inhibition results in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. However, the molecular details of the CaM–RyR2 interaction remain unclear. Four CaM-binding domains (CaMBD1a, -1b, -2, and -3) in RyR2 have been proposed. Here, we investigated the Ca2+-dependent interactions between CaM and these CaMBDs by monitoring changes in the fluorescence anisotropy of carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA)-labeled CaMBD peptides during titration with CaM at a wide range of Ca2+ concentrations. We showed that CaM bound to all four CaMBDs with affinities that increased with Ca2+ concentration. CaM bound to CaMBD2 and -3 with high affinities across all Ca2+ concentrations tested, but bound to CaMBD1a and -1b only at Ca2+ concentrations above 0.2 µM. Binding experiments using individual CaM domains revealed that the CaM C-domain preferentially bound to CaMBD2, and the N-domain to CaMBD3. Moreover, the Ca2+ affinity of the CaM C-domain in complex with CaMBD2 or -3 was so high that these complexes are essentially Ca2+ saturated under resting Ca2+ conditions. Conversely, the N-domain senses Ca2+ exactly in the transition from resting to activating Ca2+ when complexed to either CaMBD2 or -3. Altogether, our results support a binding model where the CaM C-domain is anchored to RyR2 CaMBD2 and saturated with Ca2+ during Ca2+ oscillations, while the CaM N-domain functions as a dynamic Ca2+ sensor that can bridge noncontiguous regions of RyR2 or clamp down onto CaMBD2.
Mechanism of metal ion-induced activation of a two-component sensor kinase
Authors: Affandi Trisiani , McEvoy Megan M.
Published: December 2018

Two-component systems (TCSs) are essential for bacteria to sense, respond, and adapt to changing environments, such as elevation of Cu(I)/Ag(I) ions in the periplasm. In Escherichia coli, the CusS–CusR TCS up-regulates the cusCFBA genes under increased periplasmic Cu(I)/Ag(I) concentrations to help maintain metal ion homeostasis. The CusS histidine kinase is a homodimeric integral membrane protein that binds to periplasmic Cu(I)/Ag(I) and transduces a signal to its cytoplasmic kinase domain. However, the mechanism of how metal binding in the periplasm activates autophosphorylation in the cytoplasm is unknown. Here, we report that only one of the two metal ion-binding sites in CusS enhances dimerization of the sensor domain. Utilizing nanodisc technology to study full-length CusS, we show that metal-induced dimerization in the sensor domain triggers kinase activity in the cytoplasmic domain. We also investigated autophosphorylation in the cytoplasmic domain of CusS and phosphotransfer between CusS and CusR. In vitro analyses show that CusS autophosphorylates its conserved H271 residue at the N1 position of the histidine imidazole. The phosphoryl group is removed by the response regulator CusR in a reaction that requires a conserved aspartate at position 51. Functional analyses in vivo of CusS and CusR variants with mutations in the autophosphorylation or phosphoacceptor residues suggest that the phosphotransfer event is essential for metal resistance in E. coli. Biochemical analysis shows that the CusS dimer autophosphorylates using a cis mechanism. Our results support a signal transduction model in which rotation and bending movements in the cytoplasmic domain maintain the mode of autophosphorylation.
Rapid and high efficiency transformation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by square-wave electroporation
Authors: Wang Liang , Yang Lijing , Wen Xin , Chen Zhuoya , Liang Qiaoying , Li Jialing , Wang Wen
Published: December 2018

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the unicellular green algae, is the model organism for studies in various physiological processes and for bioindustrial applications. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological processes or to establish engineered cell lines, the exogenous DNA needs to be integrated into the genome for the insertional mutagenesis or transgene expression. However, the amount of selected marker DNA is not seriously considered in the existing electroporation methods for mutants library construction. Here, we reported a rapid-and-high-efficiency transformation technique for cell-walled strains using square-wave electroporation system. The final yield with this electroporation method was 2–6 × 103 transformants per μg exogenous DNA for cell-walled strains in a strain-dependent manner. In general, this electroporation technique was the easy and applicable way to build a mutant library for screening phenotypes of interest.
Parent-Implemented Communication Treatment for Infants and Toddlers With Hearing Loss: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Authors: Roberts Megan Y.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Despite advances in cochlear implant and hearing aid technology, many children with hearing loss continue to exhibit poorer language skills than their hearing peers. This randomized pilot trial tested the effects of a parent-implemented communication treatment targeting prelinguistic communication skills in infants and toddlers with hearing loss.

Method

Participants included 19 children between 6 and 24 months of age with moderate to profound, bilateral hearing loss. Children were randomly assigned to the parent-implemented communication treatment group or a “usual care” control group. Parents and children participated in 26, hour-long home sessions in which parents were taught to use communication support strategies. The primary outcome measures were the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (Wetherby & Prizant, 2003), a measure of child prelinguistic skills, and parental use of communication support strategies during a naturalistic play session.

Results

Parents in the treatment group increased their use of communication support strategies by 17%. Children in the treatment group made statistically significant more gains in speech prelinguistic skills (
d =
1.09,
p =
.03) as compared with the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in social and symbolic prelinguistic skills; however, the effect sizes were large (
d =
0.78,
p =
.08;
d =
0.91,
p =
.10).

Conclusions

This study provides modest preliminary support for the short-term effects of a parent-implemented communication treatment for children with hearing loss. Parents learned communication support strategies that subsequently impacted child prelinguistic skills. Although these results appear promising, the sample size is very small. Future research should include a larger clinical trial and child-level predictors of response to treatment.
Analysis of susceptibility of inflammable tobacco products dust to ignition from a heated surface
Authors: Półka Marzena
Published: December 2018

In the article was described combustible properties of tobacco product dust. Those properties decide about fire and explosion hazard for dust in layer and in cloud according to PN-EN 50281-2-1:2002 and PN-EN ISO/IEC 80079-20-2. There were determined protection against fire and explosion requirements of buildings structural elements and appliances used in space where dust accumulates. The article also consists safety requirements of using appliances in explosion hazard areas according to PN-EN 60079-14:2014. In the article are presented results of minimal ignition temperature of layer (MITL) and minimal ignition temperature of cloud dust (MTCD) as a function of dust layer thickness of chosen tobacco product and values of maximum acceptable surface temperature (MAST) of machines operating in the presence of dust cloud and chosen dust layer with thickness of 5 and 12.5mm.
Analysis of the influence of the heating process on the charring depth of wooden elements
Authors: Marciniak Andrzej
Published: December 2018

In accordance with European standards in the field of designing wooden structures in the design process and in fire safety engineering, differentiated fire impacts should be applied, depending on the expected scenario of its development. These interactions describe the time-temperature relationship. Fire resistance is generally related to the thermal interaction determined by a logarithmic relationship called a standard curve describing a fire developed in a room in the form. It is possible to use other, more realistic scenarios characterizing the thermal impact determined by the so-called nominal curves covering the effects of fire emanating from a window or hydrocarbon fires (eg in fuel depots). Individual fire scenarios can also be used. The basis for determining the time to the loss of the load bearing capacity of the wooden structure (fire resistance due to the load capacity criterion for a given temperature course over time) is the geometric characteristics of the uncut core of the cross-section. The dimensions of the uncut, working cross section are determined so far only for rods heated according to the standard curve, assuming a charring speed for glued laminated timber of 0.50 -0.80 mm / min depending on the type of wood and product. For other curves, research in this area is lacking.
Analysis of the influence of the spraying angle on the distribution of sprinkling intensity by a selected Turbo water nozzle
Authors: Piątek Piotr , Gałaj Jerzy
Published: December 2018

The article describes the influence of the spraying angle on the distribution of the sprinkling intensity in the spray generated by the water nozzle Rosenbauer SELECT FLOW RB 101 EN. A partially modified laboratory stand normally used for testing of water nozzles was applied to carry out the experiments. Measurements of sprinkling intensity were made using the refined test method derived from the old Polish standard PN-89/M-51028. This parameter was determined in a weight-volume manner using measuring containers. The paper presents only the results of tests carried out for a flow rate of 400 dm3/min and three spraying angles: 30°, 60° and 90°. The obtained results clearly indicate that the spraying angle is a very important parameter affecting the distribution of sprinkling intensity in spray jets generated by Turbo water nozzles. It has been observed that along with the change of the spraying angle, the values of many parameters adopted for analysis describing the distribution of the sprinkling intensity, such as the spraying surface and its dimensions (shape), the maximum length of the spray jet and the maximum sprinkling intensity, are changed. Finally, important conclusions were formulated both in the theoretical and practical aspects.
Analysis of the use for Fire Protection Water Supply Systems in public utility buildings and residential buildings
Authors: Binio Joanna , Kieliszek Sylwester
Published: December 2018

Regulation of the Minister of Interior and Administration of 7 June 2010 on the fire protection of buildings, other construction objects and areas, presents a number of requirements that must be met by public buildings and residential buildings requirements, among others, for fire-fighting water supply installations. The article presents an analysis of current requirements for water supply installations in public buildings and residential buildings included in Polish legal acts. In addition, statistical data on the size of the fire are presented and real water consumption in the activities of fire protection units during events. These data were obtained from the SWD PSP program, which is the basic tool for supporting the actions of rescue and fire-fighting units. It turns out that for the objects in question statistically the largest amount of fires are small fires, where relatively little water is used. On the basis of the comparison of the actual water consumption needed to extinguish the fire by the fire department with the requirements in force in relation to the analyzed buildings, too restrictive requirements for these facilities were noticed. Appropriate efficiency of the external hydrant network ensures the possibility of carrying out extinguishing activities. In connection with the above, one should consider the legitimacy of applying high requirements for the efficiency of fire protection installations in facilities.
Children exposure to PM2.5 in kindergarten classrooms equipped with air purifiers - a pilot study
Authors: Gayer Anna , Mucha Dominika , Adamkiewicz Łukasz , Badyda Artur
Published: December 2018

Children exposure to PM2.5 is associated with several negative health effects. Particulate air pollution in the ambient and indoor air could lead to exacerbation of respiratory diseases and even influence cognitive function in children. One of the methods to improve indoor air quality is to use electronic air purifiers. Such an equipment is still not commonly used in Polish kindergartens and homes. The aim of the study was to assess changes in children exposure to particulate air pollution in kindergarten classrooms due to the occurrence of air purifier. Automatic PM2.5 concentration monitors were used to assess the air quality changes in the indoor and ambient air. As it was a pilot study, four kindergartens in Warsaw has been chosen as research fields. Concentration measurements were conducted in cold season. In each kindergarten measurements of the PM2.5 concentration were made in two classrooms - one with air purifier switched on and the other one without air purification. Changes in air quality were observed due to opening windows and the presence of the children. Air quality in classrooms with air purification was on average almost 40%-50% better than in those without any procedures to decrease air pollutants concentration.
Efficiency of sorbents used to restore the grip of the surface of the oily road
Authors: Sobolewski Mirosław , Gancarczyk Dominika , Książek Piotr
Published: December 2018

The use of sorbents is one of the methods most commonly used by the fire departments to remove spilled hydrocarbon liquids. Sorbents approved for use by fire brigades must meet the requirements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, this requirement does not include the assessment of the degree of roughness of the road surface after removal of oily spills. The high degree of restoration of road surface grip is extremely important for the safety of road users. The article presents the results of research on the effectiveness of restoring the coefficient of friction by different sorbents. The tests were carried out for three different asphalt pavements, determining the coefficients of friction for dry, wet and oily surfaces and after applying sorbents. Static friction coefficients were determined by measuring the angle of the inclination of the tested surface specimen, at which the probe imitating the car tire slid. It turned out that none of the used sorbents fully restored the initial coefficient of friction on the asphalt surface. The use of professional sorbents allowed for the restoration of about 80% of the initial coefficient of friction of the dry surface. Significantly poorer results were obtained for the most commonly used sorptive replacement materials, i.e. sand or sawdust.
Evacuation of people to a medium-high public buildings
Authors: Cisek Marcin , Ciszewski Kamil , Piec Robert
Published: December 2018

Evacuation of people into the building that is not classified as dedicated protective one is not a conventional solution. However, the experiment described in the study shows that with the appropriate identification of a threat and proper alerting this type of evacuation can be an effective way to preserve the health and lives of people at risk. Examination of the possibility of using a medium-high public building for this purpose is the subject of this study. The study focuses on the verification of potentially safe building areas that can be used to save people, as well as traffic conditions and capacity in these spaces. A research experiment was carried out with use of computer simulation in the Pathfinder software. For the purpose of this study, the possibility of staying in a area relatively easily accessible in buildings was considered. Places generally intended for possible stay of people were: staircases and underground garages. The conducted experiment showed that it is possible to quickly evacuate people into the buildings in case of specific danger occurring. Simulations confirmed that in less than 12 minutes it is possible to evacuate over 500 people from outside to empty spaces such as staircase or a garage of a nearby building.
Hazards associated with municipal waste storage Vol. II
Authors: Dmochowska Anna
Published: December 2018

Municipal waste storage leads to many threats to all elements of the environment. Among other things, are suspended dusts. Before closing the plot designated for storing a given portion of waste, the unprotected volatile parts contained in it are emitted, including dusts. They can be a serious pathogenic agent, transferring microtoxins, heavy metals and other pollutants. Depending on the size, they settle on the walls of the alveoli, making gas exchange difficult, causing irritation to the epidermis and mucous membranes, inflammation of the upper respiratory tracts and cause allergic diseases such as asthma. They can also cause lung, throat and larynx cancer. The aim of the research was to measure the concentration of suspended dust in the areas adjacent to the landfill. The DustTrak II dust meter was used for the tests. Dust concentrations measurements were made for orientation purposes (to plan measurements in subsequent years). The obtained results indicate that the permissible dust concentrations are exceeded even though the landfill is already closed, and the landfill top and side escarpments were being reclamation.
Health hazards from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bound to submicrometer particles in Gliwice (Poland)
Authors: Kozielska Barbara
Published: December 2018

Even though there is an eminent reduction of emission of pollution, there is still a serious danger to health caused by atmospheric aerosol. Studies show that particles with aerodynamic diameters not greater than 1 μm (PM1) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5) are especially dangerous as they have the ability to easily penetrate into the alveoli and then into the circulatory system. What is more, absorbed on their surface for example persistent organic compounds, among them polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) they have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. The paper presents concentrations polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bound to submicrometer particles (PM1). Samples were collected at the point in southern Poland (Gliwice) with a low volume sampler. Afterwards, they were chemically analysed with a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (Perkin Elmer Clarus 500). The average concentration values of the PAH sum (ΣPAH) and particular PAHs; the percentages of carcinogenic PAHs in total PAHs (ΣPAHcarc/ΣPAH); toxic equivalent (CEQ); mutagenic equivalent (MEQ); TCDD-toxic equivalent (TEQ). Their high values express the significance of health hazard from PM1 and PM1-bound PAH in Silesia Region.
Industry 4.0 and explosion prevention
Authors: Woliński Marek
Published: December 2018

Industry 4.0 creates so called “smart factory”, what involves cyber - physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing and cognitive computing. One of design principles in Industry 4.0 is technical assistance, understood as the ability of cyber - physical systems to support humans physically by conducting a range of tasks that are unpleasant, too exhausting or unsafe for their human co - workers. Such new approach to production will affect, among others, area of workplace safety and machine safety - also, at the field of explosion safety for works performed in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres. At present, this important issue is regulated in EU by Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX Worker Directive), Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX Directive), harmonized national law and technical standards. However, one of important challenges in implementation of idea of Industry 4.0 is lack of regulations, standards and forms of certification. Presented paper discusses problem if existing regulations concerning explosion safety are adequate for such new conditions, sometimes referred to as the fourth industrial revolution.
Influence of post weld heat treatment for weld joint of P355GH
Authors: Parzych Sławomir , Dziurka Rafał
Published: December 2018

From steel designed to work under pressure and exposed to high temperature apart from the good weldability, good mechanical properties are required. The guidelines set by the regulations require post welding heat treatment above 35mm thick. An important factor affecting the microstructure and properties of the joint made of thick-walled elements is heat treatment after welding. All welding operations must be properly planned before performing welding work. Welding procedure specification (WPS) is a document describing these operations, it is essential for proper determining of basics in planning welding operations and quality control in welding. The purpose of this paper is to compare the properties of joints made by 121 welding method in combination with and without post welding heat treatment.
Statistical analysis of State Fire Service intervention during chemical, radiation and biological hazards
Authors: Matuszkiewicz Rafał
Published: December 2018

Contemporary civilisation is inherently accompanied by diverse disasters, industrial accidents, infectious diseases and increasingly frequent terrorist attacks, especially those arising from religious beliefs. Those phenomena will unfortunately keep happening as civilisation and modern industrial branches develop, even though increasingly advanced protection means are developed and deployed. The risk of occurrence of unexpected emergencies connected with the use of chemical, biological or radiation substances requires constant hazards monitoring by the State Fire Service (SFS). The paper presents a review of statistical data pertaining to the SFS interventions with respect to the above mentioned types of hazards. The executed quantitative and qualitative analysis of potential hazards allowed determination of the most frequent hazards occurring on the territory of the Republic of Poland. The binding legal regulations provide that the SFS is the leading service for counteracting those hazards, and therefore it is of importance to monitor hazardous factors and to foresee any change trends. The review takes into account statistical data for chemical and radiological hazards from the years 2013-2017 and biological hazards in the years 2015-2017.
The behaviour of alkali activated materials based on calcium clay at elevated temperatures
Authors: Łach Michał , Mierzwiński Dariusz , Korniejenko Kinga , Stanek Artur , Mikuła Janusz
Published: December 2018

Growing environmental awareness and importance of development of sustainable construction materials for decreasing environmental impact of construction industry are main motivators to research work on new, innovative materials’ solutions. The most promise alternative solutions are technologies based on alkali-activated. This process allows to obtain the fire-resistant materials. However, it is a rather complex process, when using waste materials. Nevertheless, waste-based Alkali Activated Materials AAMs can be optimized and tailored to desired applications. The main objective of the article is to analyse the possibilities of using calcium clay from the city called Raciszyn, Poland for the AAMs manufacturing and the properties of the obtained material, including thermal resistance. The results show that new materials have good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The materials were tested at 800°C, depending on the used alkaline activator, they were characterized by bending strength in the range: 2.7-6.2 MPa. A permanent change in dimensions due to heating was also determined. Due to the very high fire resistance, materials referred to as AAMs, also produced from waste such as calcium clay, can find a variety of applications in construction and where it is necessary to ensure the passive fire protection.
The determination of basic fire-fighters rescue operations of key practical importance
Authors: Jarosz Wojciech , Kowalczyk Przemysław , Marciniak Andrzej
Published: December 2018

According to the act of the State Fire Service fire-fighters are obligated to perform variety of activities in the field of technical, chemical, ecological or other rescue. All these activities require mental and psychical resistance as well as good general health and physical fitness. The aim of the present study was to identify the key rescue activities. Separation of key rescue activities performed by fire-fighters was made in order to evaluate their sensorimotor abilities and to create an unified plan of practical exercises used in training phase. Method of choosing activities that should be included to the “key activities” for practical exercises at the training stage was based not only by their incidence, but also by difficulty level. On the basis of the fire-fighting operations, 39 key rescue operations were selected.
The effect of selected inhibitors on the characteristics of wood dust explosion
Authors: Zubek Łukasz , Sobolewski Mirosław
Published: December 2018

The mass concentration of four inhibitors which is required to suppress pine dust explosion were measured in laboratory-scale system. Measurements were conducted using four commercially available additives commonly used to decrease the fire and explosion hazards, three extinguishing powders: BC FOREX C, ABC Favorit X90, BC 101K and rock dust powder consisting calcium carbonate CaCO3 and magnesium carbonate MgCO3. The inhibition effect was investigated by measuring explosion pressure of various dust/powder mixtures using a 20 dm3 sphere by PN-EN 14034. On the basis of pressure-time curves the derivatives of pressure with respect to time (dp/dt), maximum explosion pressure pmax and maximum rate of explosion pressure rise (dp/dt)max were determined. It was found that inhibiting dust explosions with additives of various dry powders is a very effective way to decrease explosion effects. The experimental results have also shown that inhibiting effectiveness is strictly related to chemical composition of the powder. The order of effectiveness was monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and rock dust.
The impact of fog nozzle type on the distribution of mass spray density
Authors: Wąsik Wiktor , Walczak Agata , Węsierski Tomasz
Published: December 2018

This study was undertaken to analyze the influence of nozzle type on a mass spray density. The results indicated that the most uniform droplet distribution and spraying area was observed for the impact nozzle P 54. The highest mass spray density and the lowest spraying were noticed for the spiral nozzle TF 6. The high values of mass spray density for TF 6 nozzle were associated with the high K-factor value and the low spray angle. The results also showed that the construction of spiral nozzles influence the stream structure. The value of average mass spray density was twice as low for CW-50 F nozzle compared to TF 6.
The influence of the fire source location on the load-bearing capacity of timber beam exposed to fire
Authors: Kmiecik Kamil
Published: December 2018

The fire development in timber buildings may have a different intensity depending on the location in which the fire originated. The large-space timber buildings are characterized by a large area with a comparatively low height, which makes fire-gas evacuation and air circulation difficult. This paper presents an investigation on the influence of the fire source location on the load-bearing capacity of timber beam exposed to fire. The finite element software Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) was used for numerical fire modelling, specifying the time-varying spatial maps of the fire-plume-gas temperature on the basis of the equations taken from the fluid dynamics methodology with aerodynamic and thermodynamic variables. The obtained results from the FDS were used to determine the load-bearing capacity of timber beam using the SAFIR software. The results of numerical simulations showed that the fire source location has a significant influence on the load-bearing capacity of timber beam exposed to fire.
The usefulness of Gram staining method for analysis of the effectiveness of decontamination of firefighter’s protective outfit
Authors: Polanczyk Andrzej
Published: December 2018

Introduction: This study was undertaken to analyze the effectiveness of different decontamination techniques of firefighters’ outfit. Methods and findings: Firefighter’s outfit used for one month in field conditions was tested for biological contamination using Gram staining. Biological samples from pantleg above the ankle, on the knee and, in the groin were analyzed. Swabbed places were cut out and sterilized mechanically using tap water, 20% soap or 70% ethanol by rubbing for 20. Swabs were taken before sterilization and right after sterilization. Each time smears were made on sterile glass, fixed in pure ethanol and stained using Gram method. This staining method is used to visualize bacteria and distinguish gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. After staining samples were air dried and photographed under a light microscope at magnification 100x. Each smear was made in triplicates and the relative number of biological contamination was analysed using ImageJ software. The results indicated that the highest level of contamination was visible on the knee. Decontamination decreased the number of bacteria in all analyzed places right after cloth patch washing. The most effective decontamination fluid was 70% ethanol followed by 20% soap. The Gram staining combined with numerical analysis may be successfully used to verify the effectiveness of decontamination method for firefighter’s outfit utilized at field.
Effect of Thickness Reduction on Cold Rolling Process to Microstructure and Brass Hardness
Authors: Darmawan Agung Setyo , Febriantoko Bambang Waluyo , Anggono Agus Dwi , Riyadi Tri Widodo Besar , Hamid Abdul
Published: December 2018

Brass is an alloy between copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) where the majority of the elements are copper. Brass that undergoes a cold rolling process will experience changes in microstructure and mechanical properties. This study aims to find out the effect of cold rolling process on changes in microstructure and hardness of brass. The composition of brass is analyzed by using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy technique, while microscope optic is used to obtain microstructure photograph of brass. The hardness of brass is measured before and after cold rolling process. The test results show that cold rolling process causes the increase of hardness on brass, change of grain shape, and the appearance of deformation bands on brass.
Design and Production of Rotary Type Machine for Chop Up Organic Waste Plantation
Authors: Marthiana Wenny , Duskiardi  , Arman Rizky , Mahyoedin Yovial , Wardiyanto Dedi
Published: December 2018

Agricultural organic waste chopping machine are tools that can be used to chop leaves, twigs and could be used to help farmers in processing of the agricultural disposal products such as stalks and corn stalks, cassava stems, rice stalks in order to accelerate farmers in processing of those disposal in order that the plantation land can be prepared immediately for subsequent cultivation, as well as the chopped products can be reused for various purposes such as animal feeds and composts fertilizer. The research of this engineering method is carried out with the following stages: (1) study of the characteristics of several organic wastes to be enumerated, (2) analysis of the Chopping machine elements, consists of Chopping Blades, the house of the chopper blades, hopper, frame and transmission system. (3) A Prototype chop up mechanism manufacturing. And (4) Functional testing machine. The Copping Machine design resume as follows: Production capacity of enumeration 220 kg / hour. The cutting mechanism uses 2 static blades and 6 rotary blades. Transmission system using Belt-Pulley mechanism. The 24 Hp Diesel engine is used.
Strain-Stress Formation and Deformation of Molded Materials by Drying-Induced Shrinkage
Authors: Itaya Yoshinori
Published: December 2018

Drying-induced strain-stress and deformation was modeled for molded materials such as ceramics and foods. The transient three-dimensional problem of strain-stress and heat and moisture transfer was solved simultaneously by the finite element method. The behaviors of internal strain-stress formation and deformation are compared among three modes of hot air heating, intermittent heating and internal heating for a ceramic slab. The concepts of the mass transfer potential and a linear viscoelasticity were introduced to consider the different sorption isotherm for layered foods consisting of two ingredients and creep phenomenon. The tensile and compressive stresses fluctuate and fall remarkably during lower heating period when the slab is heated intermittently. In the internal heating mode, drying proceeds fastest as well as stress formation is maintained at the lowest level in the three modes. This effectiveness of the internal heating is investigated experimentally by employing the microwave heating as well. The combination of different foods influences significantly not only the drying characteristic but also the internal strain-stress generation. The drying behavior could be analyzed with a high accuracy even if only heat and moisture transfer were solved without strain-stress analysis. This fact results in that heat and mass transfer and strain-stress are not always necessary to be analyzed simultaneously for saving the CPU time.
Study of Capacitor Bank Switching Transient in Distribution Network
Authors: Nisja Indra , Zoni Mirza , Arnita
Published: December 2018

The power factor improvement has a great concern in the distribution system due to large motor installed in industrial system. The capacitor bank was installed to improve the power factor in the distribution system. Due to frequently capacitor bank switching has create transient phenomena in the distribution system and their effects the power quality. The aims of this research to study and simulate the effects of capacitor bank switching in the distribution system. The simulation has been conduct with PSIM software by modelled the system which contain of supply, load and three capacitor bank. The simulation was conducted with two conditions which are single bank and bank to bank switching. For single bank switching peak voltage of phase R reached about 60.9 kV and peak inrush current is reached about 6.7 kA. While for bank to bank switching the peak voltage of phase R reached as high as 59 kV and the peak inrush current is almost 8.2 kA.
Online Position Control Performance Improving Applying Incremental Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Hanafi Dirman , Ribuan Mohamed Najib , Abas Wan HamidahWan , Hidayat  , Johana Elmy , Wahid Herman , Ghazali Rozaimi , Rahman Hisyam Abdul
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the online control system application for improving the DC motor performance. DC motor widely used in industries and many appliances. For this aim fuzzy logic controller is applied. The type of fuzzy controller use is an incremental fuzzy logic controller (IFLC). The IFLC is developed by using MATLAB Simulink Software and implemented in online position control system applying RAPCON board as a platform. The experimental results produced the best gains of the IFLC are 1.785, 0.0056955 and 0.01 for error gain (GE), gain of change error (GCE) and gain of output (GCU) respectively. Its produce smaller rise time, peak time, 0% overshoot and smaller settling time. Beside that the IFLC response also able to follow the set point. The controller response parameters values are also acceptable. It means that the IFLC suitable to be use for improving the position control system performance.
Determining Criteria of Human Resource Information System that Affect Human Resource Performance in Companies Using DEMATEL-Based ANP Method
Authors: Siregar Eveline , Dachyar M.
Published: December 2018

Decision making in HR activities is delayed because of insufficient information. Human Resources (HR) and information system are the important roles in helping company HR works. Objective of this study is toidentifycriteria of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) that affect human resources in companies by using DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) method.HRIS criteria are collected from several studies to be validated by experts in HR of manufacturing companies. The survey was conducted with 5 experts and their judgments are calculated in limit supermatrix. The limit supermatrix of DANP showed that 18 criteria in HRIS. This study obtained five most important criteria of HRIS in HR performance are high quality data presentation, quick and precise, accessible, information need in time, and fulfill needs of HR.
The Benefit of Wind Distribution Analysis for Coastal Construction Design in East Java Province
Authors: Hermawan Surya , Purnomo Joko , Tjandra Daniel
Published: December 2018

To create a safe and durable coastal structures design, a comprehensive data including minimum, maximum, and significant sea wave’s height are needed. Normally, to obtain such massive data, engineers need to elaborate specialized consultant to carry out direct measurement on site, which typically consumes enormous financial resources and involves exceptionally rare experts. In such case, engineers can use a set of 10 to 20 years’ wind data as a substitution. The suggested duration is expected to ensure that the set of data has sufficient information, which includes extreme wind speed and its fluctuation along the respective years. Therefore, it is common to adopt available data at the nearest wind stations, such as airports and harbors, to estimate the wind features on site. This paper presents a normative wind speed distribution model based on 16 years’ wind data at a location obtained from National Oceanic and Atmospheric U.S. Department of Commerce (NOAA). The outcomes of the research show that the maximum sea wave height prediction in Sidoarjo Regency East Java with respect to analytical and graphical method are 0,465 m and 0,840 m, respectively. The results are considered satisfactorily reliable to be used as primary data to design coastal structures.
A Novel of Internal Corrosion Assessment Methods on Drinking Water Distribution Pipelines
Authors: Septe Edi , Jalinus Nizwardi , Refdinal
Published: December 2018

Various methods of corrosion assessment on drinking water distribution pipelines have been reviewed in this paper. Five methods of corrosion assessment consisting of sampling method, scanning method, ultrasonic testing method, electromagnetic inspection method and corrosion index assessments described provide valuable information regarding their implementation mechanisms. Since each method has its advantages and limitations, the application of methods on the pipeline must consider the environmental conditions of the pipeline to be inspected, as well as the equipment and resources available.
Comparative study of spark plasma sintering features on the densification of Ni-Cr binary alloys
Authors: Babalola B J , Shongwe M B , Obadele B A , Olubambi P A , Ayodele O O , Rominiyi A L , Jeje S O
Published: December 2018

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) has been widely regarded as an advanced powder consolidation technique hich helps in the development of array of engineering materials. Many have been reported in the literature about sintering parameters such as temperature, pressure, heating rate and holding time. However, little or no reports has been made on some of the intricate features such as process time(s), power SPS (KW), pressing speed (mm/min), and average pressing force (KN) on which intering parameters are directly related to. This study aims to investigate the behaviour of spark plasma sintered Ni-17Cr binary alloys with emphasis on the densification, hardness value and spark plasma sintering features such as process time (s), power SPS (KW), pressing speed (mm/min), and the average pressing force (KN). Nickel and chromium powders were milled individually using High energy ball milling for durations of 5hr, 10 hr prior to mixing and subsequent sintering. The sintered 5 hr and 10 hr milled Ni-17Cr binary alloys attained relative densities of 98.72 % and 99.1 % respectively. The Microstructural morphology was examined using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sintered 10 hr milled Ni-17Cr binary alloy revealed the higher hardness.
Titanium-based thin films for protective coatings prepared by TVA (Thermionic Vacuum Arc) technology
Authors: Vladoiu R , Mandes A , Dinca V , Prodan G
Published: December 2018

The aim of the present work is to achieve the controlled synthesis of Ti and Mg thin films, with compact structure and extremely smooth surface, by using the Thermionic Vacuum Arc (TVA) technology, from elemental powder of titanium and magnesium. The thin film exhibits an amorphous structure, with polycrystalline grain mainly being Mg hexagonal phase and small amount of hexagonal Ti. Grain mean size was estimated to be ~120nm by statistical analysis of measured Feret diameter of projected area of grain. The phases were tested by mean of Cohen method applied to electron diffraction results. No oxide (MgO, TiO2,) lines could be identified from electron diffraction. Debye-Scherrer dimension, estimated from electron diffraction profile is ~4 nm. The analysis of amorphous part from diffraction profile show different coordination number for Mg and Ti atoms.
Aging behaviour of particular stainless-steels and NiFeCr alloy suitable for heat exchangers
Authors: Podany Pavel , Koukolikova Martina , Chvostova Eva
Published: December 2018

This paper deals with the testing of three materials for special heat exchanger for short-time application. Mechanical and microstructural properties after aging at 650 and 850 °C were tested and analysed. The results will serve as an input data for the design and construction of plate heat exchanger.
Damage detection in grinding of steel workpieces through ultrasonic waves
Authors: Alexandre F , Aguiar P R , Götz R , Fernandez B O , Lopes W N , Viera M A A , Bianchi E C , D’addona D
Published: December 2018

The quality control of the workpieces through reliable tests is of utmost importance in the manufacturing of a precision component. In this context, the monitoring of damages towards automation of the grinding process is essential for the manufacturing industry and of great interest for researchers of the area. This work proposes a technique for monitoring damages in steel parts in the grinding process, using low-cost piezoelectric diaphragms in the emitter and receiver configuration. The tests were performed in a surface grinding machine with aluminum oxide grinding wheel and SAE 4340 steel workpiece. The hardness measurements of the workpieces were carried out to identify the changes occurred from the grinding process. The signals from the transducers were sampled at a rate of 2 MHz. A spectrum analysis of the obtained signals was performed with the aim at characterizing the frequency ranges that were most related to the workpiece surface condition. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is effective to detect surface damage in steel parts in the grinding process.
A dynamic machine tool circle test calibration method by R-test
Authors: Qian dehou , Bi qingzhen
Published: December 2018

With the continuous popularization of automation in the manufacturing industry and continuous improvement of production efficiency, new requirements have been put forward for the error detection of machine tool. As a new automated detection tool, R-test has been widely studied by scholars. This paper proposes a dynamic test method for R-test, and analyses the influence of three main error sources of servo error, pitch error and reading error. The corresponding elimination methods are also introduced. An experiment on a double turntable machine tool was conducted to verify the analysis. In addition, the selection of feed rate and initial position in circle test is also studied.
A Tuning Method for PID Controller for an Integrating System with Time Delay
Authors: Sun Haitao , Mnati Mohannad Jabbar , Ibrahim Mohamed N. , Bossche Alex Van den
Published: December 2018

A proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is the most commonly used in integrating process, where the time delay is inevitable. In order to tune a PID controller, several factors should be taken into account such as time delay, mathematic model and the feedback signals. Some existed tuning methods failed to obtain the correct parameters with all the factors. The proposed tuning method presents some formulas, which considers all the factors. The proposed tuning method is also tested by practical circuit, which proved that the method can be applied for several cases, especially for the inductor current control.