bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences from the full-scale implementation of a new two-stage vertical flow constructed wetland design
Authors: Langergraber Guenter , Pressl Alexander , Haberl Raimund
Published: January 2014

This paper describes the results of the first full-scale implementation of a two-stage vertical flow constructed wetland (CW) system developed to increase nitrogen removal. The full-scale system was constructed for the Bärenkogelhaus, which is located in Styria at the top of a mountain, 1,168 m above sea level. The Bärenkogelhaus has a restaurant with 70 seats, 16 rooms for overnight guests and is a popular site for day visits, especially during weekends and public holidays. The CW treatment system was designed for a hydraulic load of 2,500 L.d−1 with a specific surface area requirement of 2.7 m2 per person equivalent (PE). It was built in fall 2009 and started operation in April 2010 when the restaurant was re-opened. Samples were taken between July 2010 and June 2013 and were analysed in the laboratory of the Institute of Sanitary Engineering at BOKU University using standard methods. During 2010 the restaurant at Bärenkogelhaus was open 5 days a week whereas from 2011 the Bärenkogelhaus was open only on demand for events. This resulted in decreased organic loads of the system in the later period. In general, the measured effluent concentrations were low and the removal efficiencies high. During the whole period the ammonia nitrogen effluent concentration was below 1 mg/L even at effluent water temperatures below 3 °C. Investigations during high-load periods, i.e. events like weddings and festivals at weekends, with more than 100 visitors, showed a very robust treatment performance of the two-stage CW system. Effluent concentrations of chemical oxygen demand and NH4-N were not affected by these events with high hydraulic loads.
Study on the adsorption of bacteria in ceramsite and their synergetic effect on adsorption of heavy metals
Authors: Qiu Shan , Ma Fang , Huang Xu , Xu Shanwen
Published: January 2014

In this paper, heavy metal adsorption by ceramsite with or without Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) immobilization was studied, and the synergetic effect of ceramsite and bacteria was discussed in detail. To investigate the roles of the micro-pore structure of ceramsite and bacteria in removing heavy metals, the amount of bacteria immobilized on the ceramsite was determined and the effect of pH was evaluated. It was found that the immobilization of B. subtilis on the ceramsite was attributed to the electrostatic attraction and covalent bond. The scanning electron microscopy results revealed that, with the presence of ceramsite, there was the conglutination of B. subtilis cells due to the cell outer membrane dissolving. In addition, the B. subtilis immobilized ceramsite showed a different adsorption capacity for different heavy metals, with the adsorption capacity ranking of La3+ > Cu2+ > Mg2+ > Na+.
Sludge digestion instead of aerobic stabilisation – a cost benefit analysis based on experiences in Germany
Authors: Gretzschel Oliver , Schmitt Theo G. , Hansen Joachim , Siekmann Klaus , Jakob Jürgen
Published: January 2014

As a consequence of a worldwide increase of energy costs, the efficient use of sewage sludge as a renewable energy resource must be considered, even for smaller wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with design capacities between 10,000 and 50,000 population equivalent (PE). To find the lower limit for an economical conversion of an aerobic stabilisation plant into an anaerobic stabilisation plant, we derived cost functions for specific capital costs and operating cost savings. With these tools, it is possible to evaluate if it would be promising to further investigate refitting aerobic plants into plants that produce biogas. By comparing capital costs with operation cost savings, a break-even point for process conversion could be determined. The break-even point varies depending on project specific constraints and assumptions related to future energy and operation costs and variable interest rates. A 5% increase of energy and operation costs leads to a cost efficient conversion for plants above 7,500 PE. A conversion of WWTPs results in different positive effects on energy generation and plant operations: increased efficiency, energy savings, and on-site renewable power generation by digester gas which can be used in the plant. Also, the optimisation of energy efficiency results in a reduction of primary energy consumption.
Determination of rare earth elements in waters by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after preconcentration with 6-(2-thienyl)-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde functionalized Amberlite XAD-4 resin
Authors: Karadaş Cennet , Kara Derya
Published: January 2014

A new method has been developed for the determination of rare earth elements (REEs) (Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) in water samples based on preconcentration with a mini-column packed with 6-(2-thienyl)-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde functionalized Amberlite XAD-4 resin prior to their determination using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The optimum experimental parameters for preconcentration of REEs, such as pH of the sample, sample and eluent flow rates and sample volume, were investigated. The optimum pH values for quantitative (90–110%) sorption of the REE ions were between 6.0 and 8.0. The elution process was carried out using 2 mL of 1.0 mol L–1 HNO3 solution. Under the optimum conditions, detection limits between 0.032 and 0.963 μg L−1 for a 10 mL sample volume and 0.006 and 0.193 μg L−1 for a 50 mL sample volume were determined. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of REEs in water samples with recoveries in the range of 90.1–110.5%.
Comparison of aerobic granulation and anaerobic membrane bioreactor technologies for winery wastewater treatment
Authors: Basset N. , López-Palau S. , Dosta J. , Mata-Álvarez J.
Published: January 2014

An anaerobic membrane bioreactor and aerobic granulation technologies were tested at laboratory scale to treat winery wastewater, which is characterised by a high and variable biodegradable organic load. Both technologies have already been tested for alcohol fermentation wastewaters, but there is a lack of data relating to their application to winery wastewater treatment. The anaerobic membrane bioreactor, with an external microfiltration module, was started up for 230 days, achieving a biogas production of up to 0.35 L CH4L−1d−1 when 1.5 kg COD m−3d−1 was applied. Average flux was 10.5 L m−2 h−1 (LMH), obtaining a treated effluent free of suspended solids and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration lower than 100 mg COD L−1. In contrast, the aerobic granular sequencing batch reactor coped with 15 kg COD m−3d−1, but effluent quality was slightly worse. Aerobic granulation was identified as a suitable technique to treat this kind of wastewater due to excellent settleability, high biomass retention and a good ability to handle high organic loads and seasonal fluctuations. However, energy generation from anaerobic digestion plays an important role, favouring anaerobic membrane bioreactor application, although it was observed to be sensitive to sudden load fluctuations, which led to a thorough pH control and alkali addition.
Study on biodegradability of terephthalic acid in polyester fabric alkali-peeling process wastewater
Authors: Yang Qiyong , Wu Zhongwei , Tao Chunyuan
Published: January 2014

Terephthalic acid (TA) and ethylene glycol (EG) are the main pollutants in polyester fabric alkali-peeling process wastewater (PAP-wastewater). The biodegradability of TA is crucial to the deep treatment of PAP-wastewater. Batch and continuous experiments were adopted to study the biodegradation of TA in synthetic wastewater. In anoxic batch experiments TA began to degrade gradually after EG was depleted completely. However, in aerobic batch experiments the biodegradation curves of TA in the presence of EG were almost identical to those of TA in the absence of EG. The combined process of anoxic hydrolysis–acidification bioreactor (HABR) and aerobic hybrid membrane bioreactor (HMBR) was employed to treat synthetic PAP-wastewater in continuous experiments. When TA was fed as sole substrate, about 6.1% was removed in the anoxic HABR and 92.1% was biodegraded in the aerobic HMBR. When TA and EG were fed as substrate, only 1.9% of TA was biodegraded in the anoxic HABR and 96.6% of TA was removed in the aerobic HMBR. By contrast, most EG was removed in the anoxic HABR. The experimental results revealed that the combined process of anoxic HABR and aerobic HMBR was an attractive alternative for the treatment of PAP-wastewater and other similar wastewater.
A novel approach to explain the inactivation mechanism of Escherichia coli employing a commercially available peracetic acid
Authors: Flores Marina J. , Lescano Maia R. , Brandi Rodolfo J. , Cassano Alberto E. , Labas Marisol D.
Published: January 2014

The chemical inactivation of Escherichia coli employing a commercial mixture of peracetic acid (PAA) was studied. For this purpose, experiments were carried out using dilutions of the unmodified mixture, and also the same mixture but altered with hydrogen peroxide (HP) previously inhibited. Also, these results were compared to those obtained before employing HP alone. It was found that the mixture is much more efficient than HP and PAA acting separately. Furthermore, it was found that PAA without HP is much more efficient than HP alone. A plausible explanation is presented. The homolysis of PAA would give rise to a chain reaction that generates a significant number of highly oxidizing radicals. An attacking scheme to bacteria in two stages is proposed, where the initial step, mainly caused by PAA, is very fast and eliminates some specific components of the bacteria that would otherwise inhibit the parallel action of HP. Thereafter, the emergence of a potentiating synergetic action of the second oxidant seems to be immediately unveiled.
Upstream silver source mapping – a case study in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Amneklev Jennie , Bergbäck Bo , Sörme Louise , Lagerkvist Ragnar
Published: January 2014

Silver (Ag) can be a problem for wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and their capability to use sewage sludge as a soil fertilizer. Due to a high accumulation rate in soils, the levels of Ag in the incoming water at the WWTP must be reduced. This study aims to identify major diffuse emission sources in the technosphere through a comprehensive substance flow analysis of Ag in Stockholm, Sweden. Large inflows and stocks of Ag were present in electrical and electronic goods and appliances as well as in jewellery and silverware. The total inflow was 3.2 tonnes (4.2 g/person), the total stock was 100 tonnes (140 g/person) and the total outflow was 330 kg (430 mg/person). Major identified Ag sources with emissions ending up in the WWTP (total 26 kg, 34 mg/person) were food, amalgam and beauty products (via urine and faeces, 12 mg/person or 11% of incoming amount), and textiles (via washing, 17 mg/person or 16% of incoming amount). This study explains approximately 35% of the total 80 kg Ag in the incoming water at Henriksdal WWTP in Stockholm. Plastic, photography and beauty products were identified as possible sources of Ag that need to be examined further.
Adsorption of phenol and p-chlorophenol from aqueous solutions by magnetic nanopowder
Authors: Mihoc G. , Ianoş R. , Păcurariu C.
Published: January 2014

A new magnetic iron oxide nanopowder (MNM) was prepared, characterized and tested as adsorbent for the removal of phenol and p-chlorophenol (PCP) from aqueous solution. The iron oxide was obtained by a new combustion method which allows the direct obtaining of magnetic nanopowder covered with some organic residues resulting from fuel combustion. The magnetic powder was characterized in terms of phase composition, structure, texture, magnetic properties and carbon content. The adsorption kinetics was examined by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models and the equilibrium data were fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results confirmed the good adsorption capacity of the new magnetic nanopowder for the removal of phenol and PCP from aqueous solutions and its great potential for practical applications.
Removal of chemical oxygen demand and dissolved nutrients by a sunken lawn infiltration system during intermittent storm events
Authors: Hou Lizhu , Yang Huan , Li Ming
Published: January 2014

Urban surface water runoff typically contains high but varying amounts of organic matter and nutrients that require removal before reuse. Infiltration systems such as sunken lawns can improve water quality. However, there is currently insufficient information describing the treatment efficiency of lawn-based infiltration systems. In this study, novel sunken lawn infiltration systems (SLISs) were designed and their pollutant removal effectiveness was assessed. The results revealed that SLISs with Poa pratensis and Lolium perenne effectively removed most chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) and dissolved nutrients. Average CODCr, total nitrogen (TN), ammonium–nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations were reduced by 78.93, 66.64, 71.86 and 75.83%, respectively, and the corresponding effluent concentrations met the standard for urban miscellaneous water consumption in China. The NH4+-N in the synthetic runoff was shown to be removed by adsorption during the stormwater dosing and nitrification during subsequent dry days, as well as through uptake by plants. Phosphorus was mainly removed by adsorption and chemical precipitation. The NH4+-N and phosphorus Langmuir isotherm model fitted the clay loam soil adsorption process better than the Freundlich model. Overall, these results indicate that an SLIS provides an alternative means of removing runoff pollutants owing to its efficiency, easy operation and maintenance.
Decreased Pulmonary Function Measured in Children Exposed to High Environmental Relative Moldiness Index Homes
Authors: Vesper Stephen J. , Wymer Larry , Kennedy Suzanne , Grimsley L. Faye
Published: January 2014

Background:

Exposures to water-damaged homes/buildings has been linked to deficits in respiratory health.
However, accurately quantifying this linkage has been difficult because of the methods used to assess water damage and
respiratory health.

Purpose:

The goal of this analysis was to determine the correlation between the water-damage, as defined by the
Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) value in an asthmatic child’s home, and the child’s pulmonary function
measured by spirometry, “forced expiratory volume in one second, percent predicted” or FEV1%.

Methods:

This analysis utilized data obtained from the “Heads-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana” (HEAL) study.
The children (n= 109), 6 to 12 years of age, who had completed at least one spirometry evaluation and a dust sample
collected for ERMI analysis from the home at approximately the same time as the spirometry testing, were included in the
analysis. Statistical evaluation of the correlation between ERMI values and FEV1% was performed using the Spearman’s
Rank Correlation analysis. The relationship between ERMI values and FEV1% was performed using B-spline regression.

Results:

The average ERMI value in the HEAL study homes was 7.3. For homes with ERMI values between 2.5 and 15,
there was a significant inverse correlation with the child’s lung function or FEV1% measurement (Spearman’s rho -0.23;
p= 0.03), i.e. as the ERMI value increased, the FEV1% value decreased.

Conclusions:

Measures of water-damage (the ERMI) and clinical assessments of lung function (FEV1%) provided a
quantitative assessment of the impact of water-damaged home exposures on children’s respiratory health.
Applying Factor Analyses of Statistics to Evaluate Habitat Biodiversity Index in Dry‐Season Creeks
Authors: Su Tzu‐Chieh , Wong Mu‐Han , Huang Hung‐Pin
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to analyze the habitat factors (environmental variables) affecting dry‐season creek fish, and evaluate habitat biodiversity index (HBI) in dry‐season creeks. This research determined HBI formula by 133 study sites in the creek flows in seven rivers in Taiwan from 2007 to 2008. This research considered 10 habitat factors: water depth, width, length, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, current velocity, rainfall, elevation, and substrate diversity. Using the principal component analysis (PCA), varimax rotated factor analysis (FA), and the simultaneous regression in product‐exponential model (PEM), fish total numbers and HBI were formulated by these 10 habitat factors. Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix and three‐factor loading plots reported that current flow velocity, rainfall, and elevation affected on fish numbers similarly; besides, water length (logarithmic) and width (logarithmic) had the positive and similar influences in fish numbers. Habitat evaluation levels were classified six groups, namely, excellent habitat, very good habitat, good habitat, fair habitat, poor habitat, and then very poor habitat. In brief, HBI was reasonable and calculated simply by 10 environmental variables of fish habitats. The results of this study can be applied extensively to evaluate the conditions of fish habitats in dry‐season creeks for habitat recovery projects.
Analysis of Trends and Changes in the Water Environment of an Inland River Basin in an Arid Area
Authors: Li Wei H. , Fu Ai H. , Zhou Hong H. , Zhu Cheng G. , Aji Dilinuer·
Published: January 2014

Lake Bosten is the largest inland freshwater lake in China and plays a key role in the local arid‐area ecosystem. This study focuses on the dynamics of water salinity of Lake Bosten in the past 55 years (1955–2009) and intends to quantify the associations between the water salinity and the magnitudes of water level, inflow, outflow, total wastewater drainage into the lake, including industrial and residential wastewater. Correlation analysis reveals that the water salinity has strong associations with those six factors (R= −0.810, −0.510, −0.844, 0.903, 0.855, and 0.685, respectively). We predict that water level, inflow and water salinity of Lake Bosten will decline in 2010–2019. This study recommends a reduction in salt input to the Bosten River by reducing industrial wastewater discharge along the river and the development of clean production technology.
Advanced Treatment of Sodium Acetate in Water by Ozone Oxidation
Authors: Yang De‐min , Yuan Jian‐mei
Published: January 2014

Ozone oxidation is an advanced oxidation process for treatment of organic and inorganic wastewater. In this paper, sodium acetate (according to chemical oxygen demand [COD]) was selected as the model pollutant in water, and the degradation efficiencies and mechanism of sodium acetate in water by ozone oxidation were investigated. The results showed that the ozone oxidation was an effective treatment technology for advanced treatment of sodium acetate in water; the COD removal rate obtained the maximum value of 45.89% from sodium acetate solution when the pH value was 10.82, ozone concentration was 100 mg/L, reaction time was 30 minutes, and reaction temperature was 25 °C. The COD removal rate increased first and decreased subsequently with the bicarbonate () concentration from 0 to 200 mg/L, the largest decline being 20.35%. The COD removal rate declined by 25.38% with the carbonate (CO32−) concentration from 0 to 200 mg/L; CO32− has a more obvious scavenging effect to inhibit the formation of hydroxyl free radicals than. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) could enhance the COD removal rate greatly; they could reach 77.35 and 96.53%, respectively, after a reaction time of 30 minutes, which was increased by 31.46 and 50.64%, respectively, compared with only ozone oxidation. It was proved that the main ozone oxidation product of sodium acetate was carbon dioxide (CO2), and the degradation of sodium acetate in the ozone oxidation process followed the mechanism of hydroxyl free radicals.
AlgaeSim: A Model for Integrated Algal Biofuel Production and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Drexler Ivy L.C. , Joustra Caryssa , Prieto Ana , Bair Robert , Yeh Daniel H.
Published: January 2014

AlgaeSim, a dynamic multiple‐systems (C, N, P) mass balance model, was developed to explore the potential for algae biomass production from wastewater by coupling two photobioreactors into the main treatment train at a municipal wastewater resource recovery facility (WRRF) in Tampa, Florida. The scoping model examined the synergy between algae cultivation and wastewater treatment through algal growth and substrate removal kinetics, as well as through macroeconomic analyses of biomass conversion to bioproducts. Sensitivity analyses showed that biomass production is strongly dependent on Monod variables and harvesting regime, with sensitivity changing with growth phase. Profitability was sensitive to processing costs and market prices of products. Under scenarios based on current market conditions and typical algae production, AlgaeSim shows that a WRRF can potentially generate significant profit if algae are processed for biodiesel, biogas, or fertilizer. Wastewater resource recovery facilities could similarly save on operating costs resulting from the reduction in aeration (for nitrification) and chemicals (for denitrification).
Fault-tolerant ASIC: Design and implementation
Authors: Stamenkovic Z. , Petrovic V. , Schoof G.
Published: January 2014

The paper presents fault-tolerant CMOS ASICs which are immune to the single
event upsets (SEU), the single event transients (SET), and the single event
latchup (SEL). Triple and double modular redundant (TMR and DMR) circuits and
SEL protection switches (SPS) make the base for a modified fault-tolerant
ASIC design flow. The proposed design flow requires the standard design
automation tools and a few additional steps during logic synthesis and layout
generation. An extra step is necessary to generate the redundant design
net-list including voters. Other two extra steps (definition of the redundant
power domains and placement of the SPS) have to be performed in the layout
phase. The concept has been proven by design and implementation of the two
digital circuits: shift-register and synchronous counter.
Technology, performance and degradation characteristics of SLS ELA thin film transistors
Authors: Moschou Despina , Kouvatsos Dimitrios , Kontogiannopoulos Giannis , Farmakis Filippos , Voutsas Apostolos
Published: January 2014

Low temperature polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors (LTPS poly-Si
TFTs) are essential for large area electronics and high performance flat
panel displays. In recent years, LTPS TFT performance has substantially
increased due to the important breakthroughs in the field of polycrystalline
silicon crystallization and also due to the optimization of the process
steps that differ from those of typical MOSFETs, mainly because of the
requirement for low temperature procedures. In this review we present the
electrical characteristics of polycrystalline silicon TFTs, crystallized
with different variations of the advanced SLS ELA technique, and the
determination of process technological parameters that affect the device
performance, in order to further optimize the production of such high
performance transistors, in terms of poly-Si microstructure, channel
dimensions and topology. Also, the effect of these fabrication parameters on
device degradation characteristics is studied, with an attempt to model and
predict degradation characteristics.
Peculiarities of time-dependent-dielectric breakdown characteristics of pure and doped Ta2O5 stacks
Authors: Atanassova E. , Paskaleva A.
Published: January 2014

The effect of both the process-induced defects and the dopant on the
time-dependent-dielectric breakdown in Ta2O5 stacks is discussed. The
breakdown degradation is analyzed in terms of specific properties of high-k
stacks which make their dielectric breakdown mechanism completely different
from that of classical SiO2. The relative impact of a number of factors
constituting the reliability issues in Ta2O5-based capacitors (trapping in
pre-existing traps, stress-induced new traps generation, the presence of
interface layer at Si and the role of the dopant) is clarified.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry combined with the ultra high performance liquid chromatography in the analysis of in vitro formation of chlorophyll complexes with copper and zinc
Authors: Zvezdanovic Jelena , Petrovic Sanja , Markovic Dejan , Andjelkovic Tatjana , Andjelkovic Darko
Published: January 2014

The aim of this work was to give more accurate insight in the interaction of
major photosynthesis pigment, chlorophyll (Chl), with copper (II) and zinc
(II) in solution by flow injection analysis with electrospray ionization mass
spectrometry (FIA-ESI-MS) method, as well as combined with ultra high
performance liquid chromatography with DAD detection (UHPLC-DAD). These
interactions may potentially, but not necessarily lead to formation of Cu-Chl
and Zn-Chl complexes of two different types, which has a lot of - at least -
disfunctional implications in plant world. The results based on analysis of
full-scan and MS/MS spectra - with or without the UHPLC chromatograms -
confirm formation of ?central type? Cu-Chl complex, and ?central type? Zn-Chl
complex as well, along with a proof for formation of ?peripheral? Zn-Chl
complex, the latter one originating from a very week coordinative interaction
at the edge of Chl structure. The used techniques appeared to be an efficient
and reliable tool for studying formation and stability of heavy metals
complexes with chlorophyll, at least in vitro, with a considerable
possibility for assessment of real bio-environmental behavior.
A graph theoretical approach to cis/trans isomerism
Authors: Furtula Boris , Lekishvili Giorgi , Gutman Ivan
Published: January 2014

A simple graph-theory-based model is put forward, by means of which it is
possible to express the energy difference between geometrically
non-equivalent forms of a conjugated polyene. This is achieved by modifying
the adjacency matrix of the molecular graph, and including into it
information on cis/trans constellations. The total ?-electron energy thus
calculated is in excellent agreement with the enthalpies of the underlying
isomers and conformers.
An Update on the Molecular Actions of Fenofibrate and Its Clinical Effects on Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Microvascular End Points in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Noonan Jonathan E. , Jenkins Alicia J. , Ma Jian-Xing , Keech Anthony C. , Wang Jie Jin , Lamoureux Ecosse L.
Published: January 2014

The drug fenofibrate has received major attention as a novel medical treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other diabetes-induced microvascular complications. This interest stems from two recent large, well-designed clinical trials that demonstrated large reductions in the progression of DR and the need for laser intervention, in addition to a reduction in renal and neurological outcomes, in patients with type 2 diabetes. In both trials, the greatest benefit on DR progression was observed in those patients with DR at baseline. Originally considered a lipid-modifying drug, it now appears that multiple mechanisms may underpin the benefit of fenofibrate on diabetic microvascular end points. Fenofibrate regulates the expression of many different genes, with a range of beneficial effects on lipid control, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell apoptosis. These factors are believed to be important in the development of DR regardless of the underlying diabetes etiology. Cell experiments have demonstrated improved survival of retinal endothelial and pigment epithelial cells in conjunction with reduced stress signaling under diabetic conditions. Further, fenofibrate improves retinal outcomes in rodent models of diabetes and retinal neovascularization. Given the results of these preclinical studies, further clinical trials are needed to establish the benefits of fenofibrate in other forms of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes. In DR management, fenofibrate could be a useful adjunctive treatment to modifiable risk factor control and regular ophthalmic review. Its incorporation into clinical practice should be continually revised as more information becomes available.
NEW WEIGHTED OSTROWSKI AND OSTROWSKI-GRÜSS TYPE INEQUALITIES ON TIME SCALES
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Tuna Adnan , Jiang Yong
Published: January 2014

In this paper we derive new weighted Ostrowski and Ostrowski-Grüss type inequalities on time scales. Some other interesting inequalities on time scales are also given as special cases.
Risk Analysis of Production Process for Automotive and Electrical Engineering Industry using FMEA
Authors: Bujna Marián , Prístavka Miroslav
Published: January 2014

A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is the most often used (and required by customers) tool for quality planning. The FMEA examines possible errors with their consequences for customers as well as their possible causes. This analysis can be realized on several levels (structure or process), and thus it may become a subject of various teams, from engineers of whole parts to those dealing with individual units, from workers preparing the manufacturing processes as a whole to those who prepare (or control or even perform) individual operations. The aim of this work is the analysis of risks using the FMEA for a selected production process and proposal of measures to eliminate risks.
Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity of Biodiesel And Bioethanol Samples
Authors: Božiková Monika , Hlaváč Peter
Published: January 2014

This article deals with thermal properties of selected biodiesel and bioethanol samples (biodiesel No 1, No 2 and bioethanol No 1, No 2). Biodiesel is renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel vehicles. Biodiesel‘s physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, but it is a cleaner-burning alternative fuel. Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is a clear liquid. Also known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, and EtOH, the molecules in this fuel contain a hydroxyl group (OH-) bonded to a carbon atom. Ethanol is made of the same chemical compound regardless of whether it is produced from starch and sugar-based feedstocks, such as corn grain, sugar cane, etc. The hot wire method was used for thermal parameters measurements. The experiment is based on measuring the temperature rise vs. time evaluation of an electrically heated wire embedded in the tested material. Thermal conductivity is derived from the resulting change in temperature over a known time interval. For two samples of biodiesel and two samples of bioethanol, there were determined basic thermophysical parameters - thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. Two series of measurements were made for each sample of biodiesel and bioethanol. In the first series, there were measured the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity at constant room temperature 20 °C. Every thermophysical parameter was measured 10 times for each sample. The results were statistically processed. In the second series of measurements, there were measured the relations of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity to temperature in temperature range 20-29 °C. It was evident from results that all measured dependencies are nonlinear. Polynomial functions described by polynomial coefficients were obtained for both thermophysical parameters. The type of function was selected according to statistical evaluation based on the coefficient of determination for every thermophysical parameter graphical dependency. All obtained results are presented in Figures 1-4 and in Tables 1-4. The results of thermophysical parameters measurements of biodiesel and bioethanol could be compared with the values presented in literature.
Unscented and extended Kalman filters study for sensorless control of PM synchronous motors with load torque estimation
Authors: Zawirski K. , Janiszewski D. , Muszynski R.
Published: January 2014

This paper describes a study and the experimental verification of sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motors using Kalman filters. There are proposed two structures, extended and unscented Kalman filters, which use only the measurement of the motor current for on-line estimation of speed, rotor position and load torque reconstruction. The Kalman filter is an optimal state estimator and is usually applied to a dynamic system that involves a random noise environment. These structures are described in detail, starting with the selection of the variables state vector, the filters structure, and ending with in-depth laboratory tests. It has become possible, without using position and torque sensors, to apply these control structures as a cost-effective solution. Experimental results confirm the validity of the proposed estimation techniques.
Interval arithmetic-based fuzzy discrete-time crane control scheme design
Authors: Smoczek J.
Published: January 2014

In many manufacturing segments, container terminals and shipping yards the automation of material handling systems is an important element of enhancing productivity, safety and efficiency. The fast, precise and safe transfer of goods in crane operations requires a control application solving the problems, including non-collision trajectory planning and limitation of payload oscillations. The paper presents the interval arithmetic-based method of designing a discrete-time closed-loop anti-sway crane control system based on the fuzzy interpolation of linear controller parameters. The interval analysis of a closed-loop control system characteristic polynomial coefficients deviation from their nominal values is proposed to define a minimum number of fuzzy sets on the scheduling variables universe of discourse and to determine the distribution of triangular-shaped membership functions parameters, which satisfy the acceptable range of performances deterioration in the presence of the system’s parameters variation. The effectiveness of this method was proved in experiments conducted using the PAC system on the laboratory scaled overhead crane.
Robustness of schedules for project scheduling problem with cash flow optimisation
Authors: Klimek M. , Łebkowski P.
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the resource-constrained project scheduling with cash flow optimisation. New project models with bonuspenalty system and payoff in stages have been proposed. For the models presented, the application of proactive scheduling is analysed, as designed to improve project execution under uncertainty. Next, schedule robustness is discussed and measures of robustness are proposed.
Interpretation of Geoheritage for Geotourism – a Comparison of Chinese geoparks and National Parks in the United States
Authors: Ren Fang , Simonson Louis , Pan Zhixin
Published: January 2014

This study presents an interpretation system model of geoheritage to facilitate the understanding of geoscience knowledge by the common lay person. Interpretation system construction is crucial to geoparks and is a shared value. The improvement of the effectiveness of geoheritage interpretation is still under exploration. Therefore, the interpretation systems of two global geoparks in China are outlined and compared with the interpretation system in Zion National Park in the United States. From lessons and experiences, this paper suggests utilizing geotourism as a complete contextual communication system, in which a geopark (source) delivers information about its unique cultural and natural values to target tourists (receivers) through tourism activities (channels). The communication effect of geotourism is monitored by feedback from tourists through the post-travel surveys or activities. We expect that this model will provide a better interpretation of geoheritage with a new perspective.
WATER SAFETY PLANS FROM THE ENGINEER’S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Dombay Gábor
Published: January 2014

Water safety plans are public health related risk management plans, covering the entire water supply system, based on the theorem of prevention. Risk evaluation is fundamental for setting up a risk management system. A modified risk assessment equation is shown which takes into account the severity of consequences of the hazard an accentuated way. This method was used successfully n a number of practical water safety system applications. Water safety plans are practical tools for water utility operators which can be applied in different fields of operation, from water quality improvement of decision support tool of developments. The role of the distribution system and its operation is clarified from water quality deterioration and risk mitigation point of view.
CLIMATE PARAMETERS IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT FROM ENERGETIC POINT OF VIEW – TOWARDS CLIMATE SEVERITY INDEX IN HUNGARY
Authors: Talamon Attila
Published: January 2014

The building energy sector is not immune from the physical impacts of climate change and must adapt. The impacts are more gradual, such as changes to heating and cooling demand. Disruptions to the energy system can also have significant knock-on effects on other critical services. To improve the climate resilience of the building energy system, governments need to design and implement frameworks that encourage prudent adaptation, while the private sector should assess the risks and impacts as part of its investment decisions. Comprehensive studies covering the impact of climate change on the building energy sector are still lacking, though some regional and sector-specific analysis exists. The buildings sector has been examined in more depth than most, with studies finding that temperature increases are expected to boost demand for air conditioning, while fuel consumption for space heating will be reduced. For the follow-up research activity the question has been posed: How can the climate changing trends and the building sector rising energy demand meet in urban environment? As an outlook this present paper can be defined as an ex-ante document in the DENZERO Project towards generating the Hungarian Climate Severity/Energy Index.
CONCRETE CANOE: A COMPLEX CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Leczovics Péter , Sugár Viktória
Published: January 2014

The Concrete Canoe Competition has been organized second time in Hungary in 2013. The main point of the competition is to design and create a floating concrete object with specified dimensions, which does not contain statically rigid frame. A speed-trial is also part of the contest. The team of Szent István University, Ybl Miklós Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering attended both the first (2012) and the second (2013) competition. In both years the main part of designing and creation of the canoe was under the direction of employees of Building Materials division of the Insitute. Building a concrete canoe proved to be a complex challenge. Knowledge of different engineering fields was required to solve the task - questions about material properties, hydrodynamics, statics, technologies were needed to be solved.

Present paper introduces the authors’ experience, investigations, and means of realization of the concrete canoe.
The palaeogeographical background of Late Devonian storm events in the western part of the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland)
Authors: Vierek Aleksandra
Published: January 2014

Late Devonian coarse-grained carbonate deposits in the Holy Cross Mountains were studied for possible storm depositional systems and catastrophic tsunami events, as it must be assumed that the investigated area was strongly affected by tropical hurricanes generated in the open ocean North of Gondwana. This assumption appears consistent with diagnostic features of carbonate tempestites at several places in the Holy Cross Mountains. Sedimentary structures and textures that indicate so are, among other evidence, erosional bases with sole marks, graded units, intra- and bioclasts, different laminations and burrowing at the tops of tempestite layers.

It has been suggested before that a tsunami occurred during the Late Devonian, but the Laurussian shelf had an extensional regime at the time, which excludes intensive seismic activity. The shelf environment also excluded the generation of tsunami waves because the depth was too shallow. Additionally, the Holy Cross Mountains region was surrounded in the Devonian by shallow-marine and stable elevated areas: the Nida Platform, the Opatkowice Platform and the Cracow Platform to the South, and the elevated Lublin-Lviv area to the NE. Thus, tsunami energy should have been absorbed by these regions if tsunamites would have occurred.
SOLID BIOMASS CONSUMPTION IN HOUSEHOLDS AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION IN LATVIA / CIETĀS BIOMASAS PATĒRIŅŠ UN SILTUMNĪCEFEKTA GĀZU EMISIJU SAMAZINĀŠANAS PERSPEKTĪVA LATVIJAS MĀJSAIMNIECĪBĀS
Authors: Kudrenickis I. , Klavs G.
Published: January 2014

Utilisation of biomass is an important factor in reducing emission of greenhouse gases (GHG); at the same time, high efficiency of biomass combustion technologies is to be ensured to minimise the methane (CH4) emission thus achieving the most efficient reduction in the total GHG emission. The authors analyse the GHG emission breakdown in Latvia among the sectors not included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and, in the context of emission reduction, evaluate the energy supply in the Latvian household sector, the types of combustion technologies and the used fuels. The trend is considered for the CH4 emission factor during 1990-2010 in the household sector of EU countries, and the numerical index is calculated which illustrates decoupling the consumption of biomass fuel from CH4 emission. To evaluate the perspective of CH4 emission reduction in the Latvian household sector, two scenarios are investigated for efficiency improvement as related to the central heating equipment based on wood fuel.
AGRICULTURE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN THE 21ST CENTURY: FROM PRODUCTIVISM TO POST-PRODUCTIVISM
Authors: Věžník Antonín , Král Michael , Svobodová Hana
Published: January 2014

During last two decades Czech agriculture has gone through significant changes: the transition of agriculture in the 1990s and the entrance of the Czech Republic into the EU and its commitment to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Both of these changes contributed to the structural and regional differentiation of Czech agriculture and exposed it to competition with the whole of Europe. Furthermore, CAP exposed Czech agriculture to uneven conditions for farmers within the EU. The most significant results of these changes have been a decrease in the agricultural sector output, a reduction in farm animals bred, and shrinkage of arable land. On the other hand, many non-productive and non-agricultural activities in the rural areas are subsidised, which offers farmers new possibilities of development. The aim of this paper is to analyse the structural and spatial change in Czech agriculture between 2000 and 2010 on the basis of Agrocenzus data supplemented by opinions of farmers gained in a series of interviews.
METHODS EMPLOYED IN RESEARCH ON THE SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF AGRICULTURE
Authors: Kołodziejczak Anna
Published: January 2014

The research conducted in the field of agricultural geography concerns both, the conditions and factors controlling the spatial structure of rural areas. It includes several lines of study, like an assessment of the natural environment for agricultural purposes, designing land-use maps, examining agricultural suburban zones, model approaches to agriculture, the spatial structure of agriculture, methods of the typology and regionalisation of agriculture, or multi- functionality of agriculture. They make use of a great variety of methods. This article presents methods employed in research on the spatial structure of agriculture. It defines the notion of a spatial structure, the consequences that follow from it, and methodological assumptions. The methods discussed embrace statistical methods of studying the spatial structure of agriculture, those used to determine elements predominating in this structure and to describe its heterogeneity, as well as mathematical and spatial-econometric models.
Almanac 2013: acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Meier Pascal , Lansky Alexandra J. , Baumbach Andreas
Published: January 2014

Unstable coronary artery plaque is the most common underlying cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and can manifest as unstable angina, non-ST segment elevation infarction (NSTE-ACS), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but can also manifest as sudden cardiac arrest due to ischaemia induced tachyarrhythmias. ACS mortality has decreased significantly over the last few years, especially from the more extreme manifestations of ACS, STEMI, and cardiac arrest. This trend is likely to continue based on recent therapeutic progress which includes novel antiplatelet agents such as prasugrel, ticagrelor and cangrelor.
Almanac 2013: cardiac arrhythmias and pacing
Authors: Liew Reginald
Published: January 2014

Important advances have been made in the past few years in the fields of clinical cardiac electrophysiology and pacing. Researchers and clinicians have a greater understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF), which has transpired into improved methods of detection, risk stratification, and treatments. The introduction of novel oral anticoagulants has provided clinicians with alternative options in managing patients with AF at moderate to high thromboembolic risk and further data has been emerging on the use of catheter ablation for the treatment of symptomatic AF. Another area of intense research in the field of cardiac arrhythmias and pacing is in the use of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) for the treatment of patients with heart failure. Following the publication of major landmark randomised controlled trials reporting that CRT confers a survival advantage in patients with severe heart failure and improves symptoms, many subsequent studies have been performed to further refine the selection of patients for CRT and determine the clinical characteristics associated with a favourable response. The field of sudden cardiac death and implantable cardioverter defibrillators also continues to be actively researched, with important new epidemiological and clinical data emerging on improved methods for patient selection, risk stratification, and management. This review covers the major recent advances in these areas related to cardiac arrhythmias and pacing.
Quality of 3D Models Generated by SFM Technology
Authors: Marčiš Marián
Published: January 2014

Using various types of automation in digital photogrammetry is associated with questions such as the accuracy of a 3D model generated on various types of surfaces and textures, the financial costs of the equipment needed, and also the time costs of the processing. This topic deals with the actual technology of computer vision, which allows the automated exterior orientation of images, camera calibration, and the generation of 3D models directly from images of the object itself, based on the automatic detection of significant points. Detailed testing is done using the Agisoft PhotoScan system, and the camera configuration is solved with respect to the accuracy of the 3D model generated and the time consumption of the calculations for the different types of textures and the different settings for the processing.
An Adaptive Displacement Detection Algorithm
Authors: Bezručka Juraj
Published: January 2014

During permanent GNSS observations a displacement of the network’s station may occur. Not all changes are significant enough to raise an alarm. However, the critical value of the station’s position change may vary significantly for various reasons, such as the antenna model, receiver or observation interval. The coordinates gained by GNSS methods are also usually characterized by a higher degree of precision of the horizontal components than those of the vertical ones. It is virtually impossible to set a single critical value for each component of each station of the network; therefore, an automatic algorithm evaluating the estimates should be used. The paper suggests an adaptive algorithm using a combination of the Kalman filter and a modified moving average technique to reveal sudden changes in a GNSS station’s position, while allowing it to adapt to long-term changes.