bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação da eficiência térmica entre soldagem A-TIG e TIG convencional
Authors: Donegá Thiago José , Costa Thonson Ferreira , Arencibia Rosenda Valdés , Vilarinho Louriel Oliveira
Published: May 2014

O processo A-TIG (soldagem TIG com fluxo ativo) consiste em depositar uma fina camada de fluxo sobre a superfície da peça antes da soldagem. A deposição da camada pode ser feita através de pincel ou spray, e a soldagem é realizada após a secagem. Verifica-se que com este processo é possível aumentar a produtividade (velocidade de soldagem) em até três vezes em comparação ao processo TIG convencional. Entretanto, os fenômenos físicos associados a este ganho prático de produtividade ainda permanecem sob discussão. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a eficiência térmica (rendimento térmico) e aporte térmico na soldagem com o processo A-TIG em comparação com o processo TIG convencional, utilizando-se de um calorímetro por nitrogênio líquido, como forma de contribuir para o melhor entendimento dos fenômenos físicos associados. Pelos resultados encontrados, se verifica que os efeitos da soldagem A-TIG sobre a geometria do cordão de solda se apresentaram de acordo com trabalhos anteriores. Em adição, de forma inédita, se destaca a menor eficiência térmica da soldagem A-TIG em comparação com a soldagem TIG convencional. A partir dos resultados encontrados, se nota que a constrição do arco é mais importante que a redução da eficiência térmica.
Synthetic strategies, sustainability and biological applications of malic acid–based polymers
Authors: King Sarah L. , Truong Vinh X. , Kirchhoefer Cathrin , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Dove Andrew P.
Published: May 2014

This review summarises the recent developments in the synthesis and applications of polymers derived from malic acid. There has been an increased interest in the design of sustainable and biodegradable polymers as a result of the drive to use renewable feedstocks as an alternative to petrochemicals in addition to their significant potential in biomedical applications. Synthetic strategies to access polymers from malic acid based on both condensation and ring-opening polymerization, across a broad range of conditions, are reviewed along with their advantages and limits. The role that such materials are studied for in biomedical applications is discussed, and their environmental impact based on the biodegradability of the malic polymer backbone is outlined.
Body Condition and Chronic stress in Urban and Rural Noisy Miners
Authors: Powell Chela , Lill Alan , Johnstone Christopher P.
Published: May 2014

Cities are potentially stressful environments for birds for numerous reasons, including their high volumes of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Native birds inhabiting cities tolerate such human disturbance, but may still potentially
incur some cost that is reflected in body condition and the level of chronic stress experienced, unless they are inherently
relatively insensitive to urban stressors. We compared body mass and condition, three erythrocyte variables and heterophil:
lymphocyte ratios (HL) of adult Noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) in urban Melbourne, Australia and its rural
hinterland. Urban individuals had a significantly higher HL (mean 0.995) than rural con-specifics (0.719), suggesting
that they may have been experiencing higher chronic stress levels. Body condition (mass-size residuals) and haematocrit
were similar in urban and rural individuals, but urban individuals were a little heavier (~ 1%) and rural individuals had a
0.6 g dl higher whole blood haemoglobin concentration. There were no significant relationships between body condition
indices and blood variables of the kind demonstrated in some bird species; their absence in Noisy miners may either reflect
a lack of winter fattening or confirm that the occurrence of these relationships is species-specific.
Peer Attachment and Loneliness Among Adolescents Who are Deaf: the Moderating Effect of Personality
Authors: Lu Aitao , Yu Yanping , Hong Xiuxiu , Feng Yi , Tian Haiping , Liao Jianhua
Published: May 2014

We conducted a study to explore whether or not 3 of the Big Five personality traits – namely, extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism – moderated the effects of peer attachment on loneliness among a group of adolescents who were deaf. The participants were 98 Chinese
adolescents who were pupils at 5 special schools for those who are deaf. They completed anonymous questionnaires regarding peer attachment (the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment-Revised), personality (the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire), and loneliness (the Loneliness and Social
Dissatisfaction Questionnaire). The results showed that extraversion moderated the relationship between peer attachment and loneliness, but neither neuroticism nor psychoticism had a moderating effect. Specifically, peer attachment predicted loneliness more strongly for highly extraverted
adolescents than for their introverted peers. These findings illustrate that the effects of peer attachment on a subjective mental state varied considerably across this group of adolescents who were deaf, depending on the level of extraversion of each individual.
User Acceptance of Business Intelligence Systems in Taiwan's Electronics Industry
Authors: Hou Chung-Kuang
Published: May 2014

There appears to be a trend toward companies investing in business intelligence (BI) systems to improve analytical capabilities to support decision making. In this study I investigated the determinants of user acceptance of BI systems. I compared 3 competing models, that is, the Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the decomposed TPB (DTPB), to determine which best explains users' intentions to adopt BI systems. Data collected from 330 Taiwanese electronics industry firms were tested using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate
that the DTPB model was the most parsimonious and had greater explanatory power than the TAM and TPB models.
The Relationships Among Sternberg's Triarchic Abilities, Gardner's Multiple Intelligences, and Academic Achievement
Authors: Ekinci Birsen
Published: May 2014

In this study I investigated the relationships among Sternberg's Triarchic Abilities (STA), Gardner's multiple intelligences, and the academic achievement of children attending primary schools in Istanbul, Turkey. Participants were 172 children (93 boys and 81 girls) aged between 11
and 12 years. STA Test (STAT) total scores were significantly and positively related to linguistic, logical-mathematical, and intrapersonal test scores. Analytical ability scores were significantly positively related to only logical-mathematical test scores, practical ability scores were only
related to intrapersonal test scores, and the STAT subsections were significantly related to each other. After removing the effect of multiple intelligences, the partial correlations between mathematics, social science, and foreign language course grades and creative, practical, analytical,
and total STAT scores, were found to be significant for creative scores and total STAT scores, but nonsignificant for practical scores and analytical STAT scores.
Heuristic Bias in Children's Reasoning in the Personal Domain
Authors: Zhao Le , Chen Xu
Published: May 2014

Human reasoning is often biased by heuristic thinking, but the nature of heuristic bias is yet to be exactly explained. As the focus of most relevant experiments on heuristic bias in reasoning has been exclusively on adults, we conducted a study with children aged between 7 and 16 years
(N = 129). Our aim was to identify which element in the reasoning process fails and thus underlies the heuristic bias in children's reasoning in the personal domain. We explored the probability of judging violation among this group of children in reasoning tasks involving personal domain
rules and by measuring their lexical decision times. The results showed that the heuristic bias in children's reasoning in the personal domain was caused by monitoring failure among those who were of junior school age and by inhibition failure among those who were of middle school age. As
most of the children of senior school age were able to complete the inhibition process, they had less heuristic bias.
Development of Preschoolers' Emotion and False Belief Understanding: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Yifang , Liu Hongyun , Su Yanjie
Published: May 2014

To explore the developmental trajectory of emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, and fear) and false belief understanding (an unexpected-location and an unexpected-contents task), we measured the performance of 3- and 4-year-olds 4 times at approximately half-yearly intervals. The results
indicated that the children's ability to understand emotions and false beliefs increased significantly at each time point in the first year and a half, but no significant increases were found in the last 6 months. The developmental trajectories of the understanding of emotions and false beliefs
were similar during the 2 years, however, the developing track of the emotions of happiness, sadness, fear, and anger were different. Understanding of happiness developed earlier and faster than understanding of sadness, fear, and anger. In regard to understanding false beliefs, the children
performed better in the unexpected-contents task than in the unexpected-location task. We found that a developmental relationship existed between emotion and false belief understanding.
The Mediating Effect of Cooperative Goals on the Relationship Between Team Orientation and Team Member Exchange
Authors: Wang Zhen , Li Chaoping , Wu Jieqian , Liu Liu
Published: May 2014

We examined the relationships among team orientation, team member exchange (TMX), and cooperative goals. We predicted that, at the group level, average team orientation would be positively associated with TMX, and that cooperative goals would mediate that relationship. Over a 6-week
period we conducted a 2-wave survey among 540 Chinese college students who were living in 93 dormitories. Results showed that, at the group level, team orientation at Time 1 significantly predicted TMX at Time 2, through the mediation of cooperative goals at Time 2. Implications of this research
and future directions are discussed.
Wet milling versus co-precipitation in magnetite ferrofluid preparation
Authors: Almásy László , Creanga Dorina , Nadejde Claudia , Rosta László , Pomjakushina Ekaterina , Ursache-Oprisan Manuela
Published: May 2014

Various uses of ferrofluids for technical applications continuously raise the
interest in improvement and optimization of preparation methods. This paper
deals with preparation of finely granulated magnetite particles coated with
oleic acid in hydrocarbon suspensions following either chemical
co-precipitation from iron salt precursors or wet milling of micron size
magnetite powder with the goal to compare the benefits and disadvantages of
each method. Microstructural measurements showed that both methods gave
similar magnetite particle size of 10-15 nm. Higher saturation magnetization
was achieved for the wet-milled magnetite suspension compared to relatively
rapid co-precipitation synthesis. Different efficacies of ferrophase
incorporation into kerosene could be related to the different mechanisms of
oleic acid bonding to nanoparticle surface. The comparative data show that
wet milling represents a practicable alternative to the traditional
co-precipitation since despite of longer processing time, chemicals impact on
environment can be avoided as well as the remnant water in the final product.
Occurrence of black Aspergilli in indoor environments of six countries
Authors: Varga János , Kocsubé Sándor , Szigeti Gyöngyi , Baranyi Nikolett , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Jakšić Despot Daniela , Magyar Donát , Meijer Martin , Samson Robert A. , Šegvić Klarić Maja
Published: May 2014

Black Aspergilli (Aspergillus section Nigri) are widely distributed in various habitats. They act as food spoilage organisms, human pathogens, and mycotoxin producers and are frequently encountered in indoor environments. Black Aspergilli, specifically A. niger, A. welwitschiae, and A. carbonarius, produce different ochratoxins and fumonisins. Ochratoxins are known to induce renal disorders following inhalation, which necessitates the determination of potential mycotoxin-producing species in our environment. This paper aimed to compare the diversity and species distribution of black Aspergilli in the indoor environments of six different countries using morphological and molecular methods. A total of 178 black Aspergillus isolates were identified from six countries. In contrast with results from previous studies, A. niger was not the only black Aspergillus detected in indoor air. Species distribution differed among countries, although the distribution in European countries (Croatia, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Turkey) with a temperate climate was considerably similar. The highest species diversity was observed in indoor samples from Thailand, while the lowest was found in Algeria. Potentially ochratoxin- and fumonisin-producing fungi were detected in the indoor air of all six countries. Further studies need to clarify the effect of these fungi and their mycotoxins on human and animal health.
Using SSR to Evaluate the Genetic Diversity of Potato Cultivars from Yunnan Province (SW China)
Authors: Liao Hong , Guo Huachun
Published: May 2014

The genetic diversity of potato cultivars collected from Yunnan Province was evaluated using 24 pairs of SSR markers. SSR analysis of 24 pairs of primers showed varying degrees of polymorphism among the 85 cultivars: 297 of the 304 bands were polymorphic. The primers yielded between 5 (STM2028) and 19 (StI029) bands (mean 12). The ratio of polymorphic bands ranged from 83.33% to 100% (mean 97.75%). Polymorphism information content (PIC) varied from 69.31% to 93.67% (mean 86.47%). Genetic similarity ranged from 0.5987 to 0.7632, indicating relatively low genetic diversity in the potato cultivars from Yunnan Province. Cluster analysis by UPGMA and PCA clearly delineated the genetic relationships of all cultivars; 83 of the 85 cultivars could be discriminated by only two pairs of primers, STM0030 and STM1104. The high polymorphism and good resolution of the primers used in this study make them good tools for discriminating potato cultivars.
Evaluation of genotypic response of kabuli chickpea (cicer arietinum l.) cultivars to irrigation regimes in northwest of iran
Authors: Pasandi Mokhtar , Janmohammadi Mohsen , Karimizadeh Rahmatollah
Published: May 2014

Water deficiency is commonly the most important yield -restraining factor in semi-arid and Mediterranean environments. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), which is one the main legume crops of the region, often experiences terminal drought. To investigate the response of chickpea genotypes to different irrigation levels, experiments were conducted in Maragheh, Northwest Iran. Three levels of irrigation including zero (rain-fed condition), full irrigation (enough water to fill the root zone profile) and two supplement irrigations (SIs) during flowering and grain filling stages were evaluated over 2013 growing season. Results revealed that plant height, canopy spread, primary and secondary branches, chlorophyll content, day to maturity, grain yield and yield components were significantly affected by irrigation regimes. However, there was no statistically significant difference between full irrigation and SI for number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-grain weight, grain yield per unit area and grain filling rate. The seed yield of the genotypes when grown under the full irrigation condition increased at a rate of 58% over those in rain-fed condition. Investigation of grain yield and drought resistance indices revealed that FLIP 98-106C and Arman can be selected as the best tolerant genotypes to rain-fed condition. In general, under semi-arid conditions and where some limited water resources are available, SI could be an efficient management practice for alleviating the unfavourable effects of soil moisture stress on the yield of rain-fed chickpea during crucial reproductive growth stages.
On a Third Order Rational Systems of Difference Equations
Authors: Touafek N. , Elsayed E.M.
Published: May 2014

In this paper we investigate the form of the solutions of the following systems of difference equations of order three

with a nonzero real numbers initial conditions.
On some Nonlinear Integral Inequalities for Volterra Integral Equations
Authors: Kendre S.D. , Latpate S.G.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we have stated and proved some results on nonlinear integral inequalities and its applications which provide an explicit bound on unknown function and can be used as a tool in the study of certain nonlinear retarded Volterra integral equations.
ENERGY USAGE OPTIMISATION IN SOUTH AFRICAN MINES
Authors: Hasan Ali , Twala Bhekisipho , Ouahada Khmaies , Marwala Tshilidzi
Published: May 2014

In recent years, South Africa has encountered a critical electricity supply which necessitated the implementation of demand-side management (DSM) projects. Load shifting and energy (EE) efficiency projects were introduced in mining sector to reduce the electricity usage during day peak time. As the compressed air networks and the water pumping systems are using large amounts of the mines’ electricity, possible ways were investigated and implemented to improve and optimise the energy consumption and to reduce the costs. Implementing DSM and EE in four different mines resulted in achieving the desired energy savings and load-shifting.
ACCURACY ASSESSMENT OF GEOMETRICAL ELEMENTS FOR SETTING-OUT IN HORIZONTAL PLANE OF CONVEYING CHAMBERS AT THE BAUXITE MINE »KOSTURI« SREBRENICA
Authors: Milutinović Aleksandar , Ganić Aleksandar , Tokalić Rade
Published: May 2014

Setting-out of objects on the exploitation field of the mine, both in surface mining and in the underground mines, is determined by the specified setting-out accuracy of reference points, which are best to define spatial position of the object projected. For the purpose of achieving of the specified accuracy, it is necessary to perform a priori accuracy assessment of parameters, which are to be used when performing setting-out. Based on the a priori accuracy assessment, verification of the quality of geometrical setting- -out elements specified in the layout; definition of the accuracy for setting-out of geometrical elements; selection of setting-out method; selection at the type and class of instruments and tools that need to be applied in order to achieve predefined accuracy. The paper displays the accuracy assessment of geometrical elements for setting-out of the main haul gallery, haul downcast and helical conveying downcasts in shape of an inclined helix in horizontal plane, using the example of the underground bauxite mine »Kosturi«, Srebrenica.
PREDICTING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEM VIBRATION WITH ROCK BRITTLENESS INDEXES IN ROCK SAWING PROCESS
Authors: Mikaeil Reza , Ataei Mohammad , Ghadernejad Saleh , Sadegheslam Golsa
Published: May 2014

The system vibration is a very significant measure of the sawing performance, because it indicates the amount of energy required to saw the rock. The maintenance cost of system is also dependant on system vibration. A few increases in system vibration cause a huge increase in the maintenance cost of the system. In this paper, the vibration of system in terms of RMSa was investigated and models for estimation of vibration by means of rock brittleness indexes and operational specifications were designed via statistical models and multiple curvilinear regression analysis. In this study, the relationships between rock brittleness indexes and operational specifications were investigated by regression analysis in statistical package for social science (SPSS) and the results of determination coefficients have been presented. In the second part, the diagrams show that a point lying on the line indicates an exact estimation. In the plot for model, the points are scattered uniformly about the diagonal line, suggesting that the models are good. It is very useful to evaluate the vibration of system and select the suitable operational characteristics by only some mechanical properties of rock.
WATERPROOF ANTI-EXPLOSIVE POWDERS FOR COAL MINES
Authors: Buczek Bronisław , Vogt Elżbieta
Published: May 2014

Limestone powder characterized by hydrophobic properties is used as an anti-explosive agent in coal mining industry. Unfortunately, the standard method of producing such powder by milling limestone with stearic acid is practically unprofitable in many modernized quarries and plants, and sometimes literally impossible due to the introduction of technological changes and implementation of modern mills. Then new methods of hydrophobization of limestone surfaces ought be searched. In the work two methods hydrophobization: from the stearic acid vapour phase and from silicone solutions are proposed.

Lime dust from the Czatkowice Quarry of Lime was used as a raw material during investigations. It is a good agent for research because it is possible to compare the properties of samples modified in this work to the properties of anti-explosive lime powder (Polish Standard, 1994) used in mining industry in Poland.

The first technique of limestone powder hydrophobization was carried out in an apparatus of own design (Vogt, 2008, 2011), and it consisted in free sedimentation of the powder layer dispersed by stearic acid vapour in powder counter current flow. The second way of modification consisted in mixing in the evaporating dish substrates: limestone powder and dope - silicone solution - Sarsil® H-15 (Vogt & Opaliński, 2009; Vogt & Hołownia, 2010). Evaluation of properties so-obtained waterproof powders was carried out according to the Polish Standard, as well as using original powder determination ways, with the Powder Characteristic Tester (Index tables, Tablets & Capsules, 2005). Moreover water vapour adsorption isotherms were obtained and the thermal decomposition of powder was made. All modified samples acquired the hydrophobic character. Therefore we can state that the both proposed methods of hydrophobization of the limestone powder are useful. The parameters obtained with the use of Powder Characteristics Tester enable us to make a characterization of limestone properties not only as a water resistant material but also from the cohesion point of view. On the base of TG, DTG or DTA and EGA curves for all investigated materials was stated that the character of the thermal decomposition of modified samples is the same as this one for raw powder, what is profitable for application of hydrophobized powders as an anti-explosive agent.
ESTIMATION OF THE COST OF EQUITY FOR MINING COMPANIES USING THE P-LEFAC METHOD
Authors: Ranosz Robert
Published: May 2014

This article describes one of the methods of estimating the cost of equity, namely the LEFAC method. The name of the method is an acronym of the names of individual financial categories: L - Liquidity, E - Earnings, F - Franchise, A - Assets, C - Capital. It is a scoring method similar to the way used by ING Financial Markets to estimate share prices. A review of literature shows that this method is not widely known and used by enterprises, but it has certain advantages which justify its use. Its main advantages include its easy use and the stability of the results obtained: the calculated cost of equity is never lower than the adopted risk-free rate. The method is particularly useful for companies (enterprises) not listed on stock exchanges. This article is divided into five parts: an introduction, the LEFAC method, the parameterization of the LEFAC method (P-LEFAC), an example calculation and a summary. The second part of this article characterises the LEFAC method. In the third part, the method is parameterized to obtain a function described by formula 22. The following section contains an example calculation for KGHM S.A. and also presents results which mining companies would achieve if they used the discussed method to calculate the cost of their equity. The calculations were performed for mining companies listed on the Warsaw Stocks Exchange and unlisted ones. This part of the article also contains a short comparison of results obtained using the CAPM method and the discussed model. The last section consists of a summary presenting final conclusions. The article ends in a list of the literature referred to.
METHODOLOGY OF CALCULATION THE TERMINAL SETTLING VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION OF SPHERICAL PARTICLES FOR HIGH VALUES OF THE REYNOLD’S NUMBER
Authors: Surowiak Agnieszka , Brożek Marian
Published: May 2014

The particle settling velocity is the feature of separation in such processes as flowing classification and jigging. It characterizes material forwarded to the separation process and belongs to the so-called complex features because it is the function of particle density and size. i.e. the function of two simple features. The affiliation to a given subset is determined by the values of two properties and the distribution of such feature in a sample is the function of distributions of particle density and size. The knowledge about distribution of particle settling velocity in jigging process is as much important factor as knowledge about particle size distribution in screening or particle density distribution in dense media beneficiation.

The paper will present a method of determining the distribution of settling velocity in the sample of spherical particles for the turbulent particle motion in which the settling velocity is expressed by the Newton formula. Because it depends on density and size of particle which are random variable of certain distributions, the settling velocity is a random variable. Applying theorems of probability, concerning distributions function of random variables, the authors present general formula of probability density function of settling velocity for the turbulent motion and particularly calculate probability density function for Weibull’s forms of frequency functions of particle size and density. Distribution of settling velocity will calculate numerically and perform in graphical form.

The paper presents the simulation of calculation of settling velocity distribution on the basis of real distributions of density and projective diameter of particles assuming that particles are spherical.
The surface texture of hardened 18crmo4 steel after turning with plunge feed
Authors: Pytlak Bogusław
Published: May 2014

A research results of surface texture after finish turning operation with plunge feed of hardened 18CrMo4 steel with use of cubical boron nitride (CBN) inserts having Wiper geometry are presented in this paper. The research was conducted according to Taguchi methodology, especially for mating of the machined surface with radial shaft seals. Next, the surface after finish turning with plunge feed was compared with the surface after plunge grinding, while assessment indicators used to this purpose testify a substantial similarity of the two surfaces.
Effect of selenium supplementation in pig feed on slaughter value and physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat
Authors: Lisiak Dariusz , Janiszewski Piotr , Blicharski Tadeusz , Borzuta Karol , Grześkowiak Eugenia , Lisiak Beata , Powałowski Krzysztof , Samardakiewicz Łukasz , Batorska Martyna , Skrzymowska Katarzyna , Hammermeister Anna
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to examine the assimilability of organic and inorganic selenium supplied as an additive to pig feed. The influence of both selenium forms on pig slaughter value as well as on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat was also examined (experiment I). An attempt to establish the distribution of selenium in the body of experimental fatteners was made (experiment II). Experiment I was performed on 20 carcasses of crossbred pigs of (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace) × Duroc genotype and experiment II was carried out on 45 samples of longissimus and semimembranosus muscles taken from fatteners of the same genotype (PLW × PL × Duroc). The results obtained indicated that selenium supplementation in the diet had no impact on slaughter performance, meat quality and most physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat. Selenium was found to have no significant effect on meat colour. The meat water holding capacity (WHC) was lower in the group of pigs fed organic selenium. The highest selenium concentration was found in the semimembranosus muscle of fatteners receiving the inorganic selenium additive.
Effect of Biolactin administered per os on survivability and body weight of piglets
Authors: Gajda Barbara , Szczęśniak-Fabiańczyk Barbara , Mandryk Izabela , Poniedziałek-Kempny Katarzyna , Ryszka Florian , Dolińska Barbara , Leszczyńska Lucyna , Smorąg Zdzisław
Published: May 2014

Prolactin (PRL) is a protein hormone synthesized in and secreted predominantly by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone has been found to stimulate the immune system in animals. Because prolactin secreted in milk by the mother’s body is often insufficient, the administration of exogenous prolactin may significantly contribute to improving the health and growth of piglets. The aim of the study was to determine the dose of prolactin administered to newborn piglets to improve their survivability and growth rate. The study used Biolactin solution, produced on a semi-technical scale by FZNP Biochefa, which was administered per os to newborn piglets at a dose of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg PRL/kg body weight. NaCl physiological saline was used as a control. The number of piglets born alive, piglet body weight and mortality from birth to 21 and 28 days of age (weaning) were monitored. The study involved 98 litters (1197 piglets), which were divided into 3 experimental and 3 control groups. The experiment showed a positive effect of exogenous prolactin administered to newborn piglets on reducing their mortality and on increasing their birth to weaning growth rate. A dose of 0.5 mg PRL/kg body weight turned out to be optimal.
Ammonia emissions from dairy cattle manure under variable ventilation rates
Authors: Bagdonienė Indrė , Bleizgys Rolandas
Published: May 2014

The effect of variable ventilation rates on ammonia emission rates from manure was determined through mass flow measurements in a laboratory test unit and the possibility of reducing ammonia emissions by regulating the intensity of the ventilation in cowsheds. The air exchange rate represents an important determinant of ammonia emissions. A 4.5 times increase in ventilation rate causes ammonia emission to increase by 1.7-2.5 times. The effect of ventilation rate on ammonia emission from manure was found to increase under the condition of extremely high airflow rates, i.e. over 250 m3 h-1 m-2. Under the recommended ventilation rate of 105-420 m3 h-1 per cow, ammonia emission will vary from 2016 to 3195 mg h-1, respectively. The ammonia emissions can be significantly reduced in dairy cattle barns by reducing ventilation rates provided the air quality indicators remain in conformity with the requirements. The ammonia emissions can also be reduced in barns by controlling and diverting air flows inside the barns by preventing the clean air from reaching fresh manure as much as possible while reducing the vertical concentration gradient of ammonia.
Preliminary study on serological, molecular, histological and clinical evidence of Chlamydia spp. in Polish swine herds
Authors: Rypuła Krzysztof , Porowski Mateusz , Nowak Marcin , Kumala Aleksandra , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Płoneczka-Janeczko Katarzyna , Szymańska-Czerwińska Monika , Pejsak Zygmunt
Published: May 2014

The main objective of this study was to assess the occurrence of Chlamydia spp. in Polish swine herds by using serological, molecular, and histological methods as well as by clinical manifestation of the suspected infection when reproductive disorders were taken into account. The seroprevalence among examined animals was 5.65% (96/1698), whereas molecular assessment of the pathogen was negative (0/298). The results of our investigation showed that Chlamydia spp. infection in swine may be suspected more often based on clinical manifestation or histological examination than serological or molecular methods.
Enhancing The Nutritional Value of Poultry Feedstuffs Using The Example of Rapeseed Products – A Review
Authors: Kozłowski Krzysztof , Jeroch Heinz
Published: May 2014

This paper outlines the main goals and methods for improving the nutritional value of poultry diets. The benefits of various processing techniques are demonstrated using the example of rapeseed and rapeseed by-products, i.e. rapeseed cake and rapeseed meal. The progress made in plant breeding in the past decades led to a significant reduction in the content of anti-nutritional factors and ingredients which reduce the nutritional value of feed. Rapeseed by-products have become a valuable source of protein for feedstuffs, and they can be safely used in poultry rations at high inclusion rates. Mechanical treatments, such as rapeseed hulling, and enzyme supplementation (phytases, carbohydrases) also significantly increase the nutritional value of feed ingredients. Further research is needed to tap into the new opportunities for improving the nutritional value of feedstuffs
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Biomass for Energy and Crop Production
Authors: Reza M. Toufiq , Andert Janet , Wirth Benjamin , Busch Daniela , Pielert Judith , Lynam Joan G. , Mumme Jan
Published: May 2014

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a thermochemical pretreatment process where biomass is treated under hot compressed water to produce hydrochar. Hydrochar is a stable, hydrophobic, friable solid product, which has a fuel value similar to that of lignite coal. Among its other advantages, its capability to handle wet feed makes the HTC process most attractive. The complex reaction chemistry of HTC offers a huge potential for producing a variety of products, from fuel to supercapacitors, from carbon nanospheres to low cost adsorbents, from fertilizers to soil amenders. Hydrochar opens possibilities for replacing coal in existing coal-power plants. Its high surface area and adsorption characteristics make it compatible for use in supercapacitors. Hydrochar also contains high amounts of stable carbon and other nutrients, which are essential for soil amendment. Moreover, the HTC process liquid, especially if a short retention time is used, contains potentially toxic substances like phenols, furfurals, and their derivatives, which open opportunities for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. This review paper gives an overview of the HTC process parameters, reactions, and the use of hydrochar for energy and crop production
Effect of Selected Ecological Lubricants on the Wear of Defined Sliding Bearing
Authors: Tóth František , Rusnák Juraj , Kadnár Milan , Čavojský Pavol
Published: May 2014

The presented contribution deals with the comparison of selected ecological oils of the same viscosity class in terms of wear of the sliding bearing B 60 M4 as part of the matched sliding pair lubricated by ecological lubricant. The wear of the sliding bearing is monitored using the parameters; the change of geometric tolerance cylindricity having the most indicative capability about the size and location of wear. The second parameter is weight loss, and the third parameter is the change of surface roughness at the contact point of friction elements. Results are statistically processed and presented in the form of graphs and tables.
Using Selected Transient Methods for Measurements of Thermophysical Parameters of Building Materials
Authors: Cviklovič Vladimír , Paulovič Stanislav
Published: May 2014

This article deals with thermophysical properties of red and white bricks. If we want to protect the high standard of quality building materials, we need to know the physical parameters which can evaluate the quality. The most important for building materials are mainly thermophysical, mechanical parameters and parameters which can determine the structure of materials. The article presents results of thermophysical parameters measurements of red and white bricks during the temperature stabilization for different values of moisture content. For our measurements, we have chosen a hot wire method and a dynamic plane source method. Both methods are classified as transient methods and they are very convenient for measurements of thermophysical parameters of materials with a compact structure. The results of measurements show that temperature and moisture content have a significant effect on thermophysical parameters of bricks.
Effect of Geometry on Performance of Interlacer
Authors: Hua Qiu , Yu ye Fu , Mingqiao Ge
Published: May 2014

Interlacer is the key part of interlacing technology that is adopted to improve the cohesion between loose multifilaments. Aimed at finding the interlacers with better performance, the present research designed five interlacers that can be classified into round type and cornered type. These five interlacers are different in cross-sectional shapes of yarn channel but are the same in the cross-sectional area. The evaluation of the performance of the interlacer includes the number and the strength of the tangles of the interlaced yarn it produces. Experiments are carried out at various supplied air pressures, yarn speeds and feed ratios. It was found that the interlacer with round cross-sectional shape of yarn channel is capable of producing an interlaced yarn with a large number of tangles and the cornered cross-sectional shape is effective in improving the strength of tangles. Among these five interlacers, the interlacer with an elliptical or an inverse-triangular shape has the best processing performance
Footwear Use at Workplace and Recommendations for the Improvement of its Functionality and Hygiene
Authors: Irzmańska Emilia
Published: May 2014

In protecting themselves against different dangerous and noxious factors at the workplace, workers are often faced with the necessity of using footwear that puts a significant strain on the human body. Such footwear is frequently not accepted by the users due to wearing discomfort and difficulties with performing one’s tasks efficiently. The paper describes requirements concerning the evaluation of protective footwear functionality and hygiene as well as formulates recommendations for the improvement of these footwear properties. Based on own studies it was observed that the use of appropriate textiles in protective footwear increases its functionality and hygiene.
Antioxydant response to biotic and abiotic inducers for the resistance against fusarium wilt disease in eggplant (solanum melongena l.)
Authors: Altinok Hacer H. , Dikilitas Murat
Published: May 2014

Acibenzolar-S-methyl as an abiotic plant activator and a non-host isolate of Fusarium oxysporum on eggplant (F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis) as a biotic inducer were applied to eggplant seedlings in order to confer increased resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. melongenae, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of eggplant. Acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis were applied 72 h before pathogen inoculation and the development of disease symptoms was assessed with a Fusarium yellow rating at 7th, 11th, 14th, 17th and 21th day after inoculation. Pretreatment of eggplants with Acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis significantly reduced the severity of Fusarium wilt disease. The severity of the disease in positive control plants reached to 92.50% whereas that of acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis-pretreated seedlings of eggplants was only 32.21% and 21.13%, respectively, 21 days after inoculation. Acibenzolar-S- -methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis pretreatments resulted in a hypersensitive reaction and triggered the elaboration of histological barriers such as callose and H2O2 synthesis. In situ studies demonstrated that the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and the callose deposition as responses to the pathogen attack started 24 h after inoculation. Acibenzolar- S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis-pretreated plants also showed significant increases in the activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes along with the increase of proline and H2O2 content when compared to F. oxysporum f. sp. melongenae-infected plants.
Interactions with mycorrhizal fungi in two closely related hybridizing orchid species
Authors: Luca Alessia , Bellusci Francesca , Pellegrino Giuseppe
Published: May 2014

The nuclear ribosomal DNAwas used to identify the orchid mycorrhizal fungi found in roots of Orchis xbivonae and its parental species Orchis anthropophora and Orchis italica. Polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and identified using the expanded database.We determined that closely related Tulasnellaceae are mycorrhizal in the three orchid taxa, suggesting that the mycorrhizal partner does not impair hybrid survival. This study demonstrates that O. xbivonae displays few differences in comparison with its two parental species in identity of its associated mycorrhizal fungi, it is a short- -term by-product of the hybridizing behavior of common pollinators, and thus it will not easily origin descendents with potential new genetic combinations and/or ecological preferences.
CFD Prediction of Gas-Liquid Flow in an Aerated Stirred Vessel Using the Population Balance Model
Authors: Kálal Zbyněk , Jahoda Milan , Fořt Ivan
Published: May 2014

The main topic of this study is the experimental measurement and mathematical modelling of global gas hold-up and bubble size distribution in an aerated stirred vessel using the population balance method. The air-water system consisted of a mixing tank of diameter T = 0.29 m, which was equipped with a six-bladed Rushton turbine. Calculations were performed with CFD software CFX 14.5. Turbulent quantities were predicted using the standard k-ε turbulence model. Coalescence and breakup of bubbles were modelled using the homogeneous MUSIG method with 24 bubble size groups. To achieve a better prediction of the turbulent quantities, simulations were performed with much finer meshes than those that have been adopted so far for bubble size distribution modelling. Several different drag coefficient correlations were implemented in the solver, and their influence on the results was studied. Turbulent drag correction to reduce the bubble slip velocity proved to be essential to achieve agreement of the simulated gas distribution with experiments. To model the disintegration of bubbles, the widely adopted breakup model by Luo & Svendsen was used. However, its applicability was questioned.
Hollow Fibre Membrane Oscillations Against Fouling Process – a Numerical Study
Authors: Gac Jakub M. , Gradoń Leon
Published: May 2014

The modelling of colloidal fouling and defouling of hollow fibre membranes in the presence of membrane oscillations is analysed by means of numerical simulations as an effect of complex coupling between hydrodynamic and surface forces. To describe the latter the Derjaguin-Landau- Vervey-Overbeek (DLVO) model has been employed. We have investigated the influence of various parameters of the process like flow rate, mean particle diameter, amplitude and frequency of the oscillations, and others, on the efficiency of the defouling process. The investigated parameters is close to that of a silica suspension in , a typical system modelling used to investigate membrane separation. On the basis of numerical simulation results e have defined an optimal set of parameters preventing membrane fouling.
Vilnius eastern partnership summit: milestone in EU-Russia relations – not just for Ukraine
Authors: Havlik Peter
Published: May 2014

The Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit on 28-29th November 2013 represents a milestone in EU relations not just with respect to the six Eastern Partnership countries (EaP Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and particularly Ukraine), but also with the EU’s ‘strategic partner’ Russia. The turbulence and numerous speculations regarding expectations about the signature of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (comprising a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement - AA/DCFTA), as well as progress in initialling similar future agreements with Georgia and Moldova, have been escalating before the summit. The association agreementswould bring EaP signatory countries closer to the EU not really closer to EU membership, but closer to the application of various EU norms and standards (takeover of the ‘acquis communautaire’) and - significantly - out of the Russian orbit, for the beginning at least symbolically. The last minute postponement of the EU-Ukraine AA/DCFTA signature announced by Ukraine’s government just one week before the summit represents a serious setback for the EU. Though the EU has no ‘Plan B’ and was stunned after Ukraine’s announcement, life will continue after the summit and new initiatives will have to be started. What are the relevant issues and challenges and what is at stake? This note attempts to evaluate the consequences (economic and otherwise) of alternate decisions following the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit, reviews some of the disputed arguments and discusses selected relevant economic issues.
Mesophilic-thermophilic fermentation process of waste activated sludge after hybrid disintegration
Authors: Grűbel Klaudiusz , Machnicka Alicja , Nowicka Ewelina , Wacławek Stanisław
Published: May 2014

The previously received results of individual processes of hydrodynamic and alkaline disintegration were decisive significant for the conducted research task. The combination of hydrodynamic cavitation (30 minutes duration of the process) and alkaline (pH ≈ 9) to the destruction of activated sludge caused a significant release of organic matter about 1383 mg/dm3 in comparing to individual processes. Such increase in the SCOD value resulted in a significant growth the efficiency of biogas yield in a two-stage mesophilic-thermophilic processes. The increase in yield was from 26 to 38% depending on the volume of disintegrated sludge. The effect of the two-stage fermentation resulted activated sludge hygienisation. The microbiological analysis of the influence of the fermentation with the different volume of hybrid disintegrated sludge was based on microbiological indicators: Salmonella spp. and coliphages. The obtained results prove the effectiveness of the two-stage digestion process compared to single mesophilic fermentation which not always completely eliminates the above indicators.
Analog Reconfigurable Circuits
Authors: Malcher Andrzej , Falkowski Piotr
Published: May 2014

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of a new branch of analog electronics represented by analog reconfigurable circuits. The reconfiguration of analog circuits has been known and used since the beginnings of electronics, but the universal reconfigurable circuits called Field Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAA) have been developed over the last two decades. This paper presents the classification of analog circuit reconfiguration, examples of FPAA solutions obtained as academic projects and commercially available ones, as well as some application examples of the dynamic reconfiguration of FPAA