bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of the possibility of improving the ecological patency of the Bystrzyca river below Mietków in terms of increasing the capacity of the channel
Authors: Grzywna Henryk , Stodolak Radosław
Published: July 2018

The work contains an assessment of the possibility of improving the ecological patency of the river in terms of increasing the capacity of the channel. It is based on the analysis of the correction of the riverbed capacity by improving and optimizing the damming structure operation. The damming structures located in the riverbed have a negative impact on the aquatic environment and they have crossed the ecological corridors which are natural migration routes for fish. For the purpose of improving the ecological patency, a one-dimensional hydraulic model was built in the HEC-RAS program. Using stationary flow module, water table in each of the tested cross-sections was calculated. The model was used to build a module for optimizing gates of damming structure. Following the results, such a system variant of damming structure operation was proposed on the Bystrzyca river section to obtain the highest possible patency of the section and provide optimal conditions for fish migration. The study shows the relation between the hydraulic capacity of the watercourse and the ecological patency. It is also shown that these parameters depend on each other and an increase in the hydraulic capacity improves the ecological patency of the rivers. 1 Introduction The capacity of a stream is understood as such a state that allows free flow of water, ice and other materials carried by a river [1-3]. Streams are ecological corridors and are one of the most important places for living and reproduction of organisms. Damming structures adversely affect the patency of watercourses and they are also barriers disrupting migration and ecological corridors. These kinds of objects cause both an interruption of the ecosystem continuum and also change in physical, chemical and biological conditions of the watercourse. Due to the increase of accumulation and erosion of the material in the river channel, they also change the hydrological regime [4]. * Corresponding author: henryk.grzywna@upwr.edu.pl
Mass and number analysis of particles emitted during aircraft landing
Authors: Jasinski Remigiusz
Published: July 2018

Particles are products of burning fossil fuels and the basic mechanisms of their formation are widely known. The above issue draws more and more attention of scientists due to the negative impact of solid particles on human health and climate. The emission of particles from aircraft is considered mainly in the case of near airport operations, which results from the applicable homologation regulations. However, due to the impact of exhaust emissions on the climate, it is planned to extend the regulations on limiting exhaust gases at cruising altitudes. The measurement of exhaust emissions in real flight conditions is very difficult to perform from a technical point of view, which is why modelling the environmental effects of air operations and laboratory measurements is very important. The article presents the results of jet engine tests made on the engine dynamometer and the measurements results of particle number concentration in the air during the landing of an aircraft equipped with the same engine as on the dynamometer.
Performance analysis of the thermoacoustic refrigerator with the standing wave and air as a working fluid
Authors: Kajurek Jakub , Rusowicz Artur
Published: July 2018

Thermoacoustic refrigerator is a new and emerging technology capable of transporting heat from a low-temperature source to a high-temperature source by utilizing the acoustic power input. These devices, operating without hazardous refrigerants and owning no moving components, show advantages of high reliability and environmental friendliness. However, simple to fabricate, the designing of thermoacoustic refrigerators is very challenging. This paper illustrates the impact of significant factors on the performance of the thermoacoustic refrigerator which was measured in terms of the temperature difference generated across the stack ends. The experimental device driven by a commercial loudspeaker and air at atmospheric pressure as a working fluid was examined under various resonator length and operating frequencies. The results indicate that appropriate resonator’s length and operating frequency lead to an increase in the temperature difference created across the stack. The maximum values were achieved for operating frequency equalled to 200 and 300 Hz whereas resonator length corresponded to the half-length of the acoustic wave for these frequencies. The results of experiment also confirm that relationship between these parameters is strongly affected by the stack spacing, which in this research was equalled to 0.4 mm.
Analysis of PM10 high concentration episodes in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw in the years 2005–2017 with application of selected elements of information systems
Authors: Kobus Dominik , Nych Alicja , Sówka Izabela
Published: July 2018

The analysis and comparison of the situations of episodes of high PM10 concentrations in the air in three selected Polish agglomerations: Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw in the years 2005-2017 with application of selected elements of information systems (IT) is provided. The role of information systems (technologies) in high pollution episodes in the considered cities is described and the results of measurements performed under the State Environmental Monitoring as well as meteorological data and the dust concentration modelling results were used for the analysis. A set of indicators and methodology was developed to compare the occurrence of episodes in the area of selected cities.
Pilot study of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations in groundwaters of Roztocze region, Poland
Authors: Kowalska Agata , Domin Elżbieta , Przylibski Tadeusz A.
Published: July 2018

Authors selected 5 intakes of groundwaters outflowing from carbonate rocks in Roztocze region in Poland and measured activity concentrations of 222Rn and 222Ra. The average values of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations were: 5.3 (min. 2.0, max. 8.3 Bq/dm3) and 0.06 Bq/dm3 (from <0.06 to 0.07 Bq/dm3) respectively. To make a comparison authors made also investigations in groundwaters from other regions built of carbonate rocks in Poland (Sudetes, Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Lublin Upland, Tatra Mountains). In groundwaters from these regions, 222Rn activity concentration was from 2.2 to 47.8 Bq/dm3, while mean value was 16.0 Bq/dm3. All of 226Ra activity concentration values measured in these regions were below LLD (< 0.05 Bq/dm3). Results from Roztocze and other regions are comparable. All of investigated waters according to new polish regulations about limits of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations could be used as drinking waters (the limits of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations are 100 Bq/dm3 and 0.5 Bq/dm3 respectively).
Airtightness test of single-family building and calculation result of the energy need for heating in Polish conditions
Authors: Kowalski Piotr , Szałański Paweł
Published: July 2018

The article presents results of air permeability measurements carried out for envelopes of two entire typical single-family residential buildings and separately for envelopes of garages and residential zones of these buildings. The effect of taking into account separate air permeability measurements of building zones on the calculation results of infiltration heat losses and on the energy need for heating is analysed. The calculation results obtained in this way are then compared to calculation results obtained in the case of air permeability measurements of the entire building envelope.
Comparison of cooling load and air conditioning systems in a lecture hall located in Poland and Spain
Authors: Anna Krawczyk Dorota , Wądołowska Bernadetta , Rodero Antonio
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses issues related to cooling load and energy consumption for air conditioning systems and presents the results of calculations conducted for six different climate localizations: three in Poland (Bialystok, Warsaw, Wroclaw) and three in Spain (Burgos, Madrid, Cordoba). Analysis was conducted for a same lecture hall design for 100 users locates in the different cities. During cooling load calculations, we focused on gains from diverse type of heat sources: electrical devices, air infiltration, heat transfer trough envelope and occupants. Calculations were made for a comfort temperature that was set at 22°C in Poland and 24°C in Spain following previous studies [11]. The highest contributions to cooling load correspond to occupancy and solar gains which depends mainly on outdoor conditions. In Poland, cooling load was found similar for different locations, while in Spain, they are big differences between cities located in North and South of this country by effect of different outdoor conditions. The work also compares cost of air condition annual energy consumption costs for the air conditioning system. Highest cost for cooling was found in Spain (Cordoba) with value (2629 €) almost 378% higher than average Polish cost.
The application of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to monitor drought in surface and groundwaters
Authors: Kubicz Justyna
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the initial studies with the aim to assess the possibility to apply of Standardized Precipitation Index SPI to monitor drought in surface and groundwaters. The fact that data about precipitation are highly available allows for precise monitoring of the periods of occurrence and intensification of meteorological drought by determining the standardized SPI index. The evaluation of current water deficits in surface water courses and groundwaters is very difficult due to the fact that the measurement network is relatively scarce. In order to apply SPI to monitor hydrological and hydrogeological drought, it is required to assess the significance and level of the correlation between drought indices in the test area and then to calculate the probability of correct determination of drought in surface and groundwaters with use of SPI.
MARSplines method as a tool for failure frequency modelling
Authors: Kutyłowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the results of failure rate prediction using adaptive algorithm MARSplines. This method could be defined as segmental and multiple linear regression. The range of segments defines the range of applicability of that methodology. On the basis of operational data received from Water Utility two separate models were created for distribution pipes and house connections. The calculations were carried out in the programme Statistica 13.1. Maximal number of basis function was equalled to 30; so-called pruning was used. Interaction level equalled to 1, the penalty for adding basis function amounted to 2, and the threshold – 0.0005. GCV error equalled to 0.0018 and 0.0253 as well as 0.0738 and 0.1058 for distribution pipes and house connections in learning and prognosis process, respectively. The prediction results in validation step were not satisfactory in relation to distribution pipes, because constant value of failure rate was observed. Concerning house connections, the forecasting was slightly better, but still the overestimation seems to be unacceptable from engineering point of view.
Polycaprolactone – new insight into classic material
Authors: Leluk Karol , Sobczyk Karolina , Borowczak Maciej
Published: July 2018

An investigation on electrospinning of polycaprolactone polymer solution was provided in different process conditions. Although, in all attempts a structure of highly surface-to-mass ratio was achieved, alternation of spinning parameters resulted in products of different geometry. This opens a new way of controlled processing highly porous materials with broad field of application.
Impact of monitoring on the mean time to repair of the water supply network
Authors: Łój-Pilch Magdalena , Zakrzewska Anita
Published: July 2018

The introduction of monitoring to a water supply network results in reducing its failure rate, increasing its reliability as well as improving the quality of water supplied to consumers, reducing water losses and increasing work safety in a water distribution system. Monitoring enables detection of leakages that could go unnoticed without this system, facilitates detection of leakages and location of failures, i.e. it shortens the repair time — or rather its component — the awaiting-repair time. This paper presents the results of the reliability analysis for a city located in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region before and after the implementation of monitoring to the water supply network.
Risk identification on the example of municipal sewage treatment plant
Authors: Łój-Pilch Magdalena , Zakrzewska Anita , Zielewicz Ewa
Published: July 2018

Municipal sewage treatment plants are specific technical objects that have a serious impact on the environment and humans. Analysis and management of risk allow early detecting and eliminating threats and reduce the negative effects of risk-generating events. Only a properly conducted identification enables the correct functioning of this process. There are many methods of risk identification, some of them are of universal use, others are focused on a given type of company or activity. In the case of municipal sewage treatment plants, one should use several methods at the same time due to the complexity of processes taking place in these objects. The purpose of this paper is to present methods used to identify risks of municipal sewage treatment plants.
Fractions of heavy metals in the soil of the urban agglomeration with increased traffic
Authors: Łukawska Monika , Widłak Małgorzata , Widłak Agata
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the results of research on the content of selected heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni) depending on pH, organic carbon content and soil sorption in the direct location of busy streets around the campus of the Kielce University of Technology. Based on the conducted studies of the sequential fractionation of metals by the BCR method was found that the highest content of nickel fraction FI (exchangeable) was 142.75 mg/kg. However, the total nickel concentration in all research areas exceeded the value specified in the Journal of Laws approx. 2 times. The lowest content from the analyzed metals in the surface layer of soil was found for zinc, the content of which was 1.5% in relation to the standard. The average percentage share of the analyzed metals in the separated fractions, in relation to the total content, was in decreasing series for Ni: FIII > FI> FII> FIV; for Pb: FII > FI > FIV > FIII; for Cu: FII > FI > FIII > FIV and for Zn: FII > FIII > FI > FIV. The studied soils are characterized by a varied granulometric composition of sand fraction, from very thick (1000 μm–2000 μm) to very fine 2 μm–50 μm). Statistical calculations showed that the pH, Corg content and sorptivity of the studied soil correlate with each other.
Research of polystyrene floating material application parameters for wastewater treatment
Authors: Makisha Nikolay
Published: July 2018

The article reveals researches aimed to estimate if it is possible to intensify wastewater treatment processes by means of floating feed. There was a lab-scale experiment carried out in conditions of artificial wastewater treatment. Laboratory model to perform conventional treatment process was assembled and included aeration reactor and secondary clarifier. It is stated that optimal amount of floating material inside the reactors has to be no less 10% of volume; otherwise, it may not provide positive result. However, if this amount is higher than 30% of volume it may require higher costs. Three ratios were chosen for current lab-scale experiment: 10%, 20% and 30% of reactor volume. In this viewpoint there were four laboratory models in operation with three different amount of floating material inside. The fourth model has no floating media to compare the parameters of operation. The material in use is made of polystyrene to provide its floating ability and accumulation of sludge biomass. The samples of wastewater were investigated to according to the requirements of standard methods. Model with floating material provided 95% efficiency for BOD5 removal and 83% efficiency of nitrogen removal, comparing to efficiency of 92% and 55% correspondingly in the model with no floating material.
Using Solar Energy for Charging Electric Vehicles in Poland – a case study
Authors: Marańda Witold
Published: July 2018

The recent advancements in the fields of electric propulsion and battery technology have made possible the implementation of all-electric transport within the coming decades. However, the widespread use of electric cars could seriously threaten the existing capabilities of energy generation and the load of the utility grid. This work investigates the use of solar energy for producing energy for transportation locally, using energy buffering and minimizing grid energy transfers. A case-study of an electric car and dedicated PV-system is investigated for the duration of a full year in Polish climatic conditions.
Analysis of concentration trends and origins of heavy metal loads in stormwater runoff in selected cities: A review
Authors: Milik Julita , Pasela Rafał
Published: July 2018

The currently heavy metal pollution in rainwater is a huge problem, especially in industrial areas. Sediment from devices for stormwater runoff treatment, especially those located in city centers, industrial districts and within the area of highways is characterized by a high content of heavy metals and is found to be most contaminated. A significant fraction of these harmful chemicals are deposited on the surface of highways and urban roads and eventually transported into local waterbodies by stormwater runoff that is the primary source of water quality impairments in urban areas. This review analyzes and interprets the collected results of tests for the content of heavy metals in sediments from the urban drainage to determine the actual threat they pose to the environment. As a result of the combustion of liquid fuels, significant amounts of nickel, vanadium, cadmium and zinc get into the aquatic environment. Due to the amount of sediments accumulated in the rainwater drainage system, periodic pollution monitoring should be carried out leading to the determination of the method of management and utilization of sludge. The use of separators contributes to the reduction of the presence of heavy metals in the aquatic environment.
The application of Brij 35 in biofiltration of the air polluted with toluene vapours
Authors: Miller Urszula , Sówka Izabela , Adamiak Waldemar
Published: July 2018

Removal of certain organic pollutants from the environment may be hindered due to their weak water solubility and high vapour pressure. In particular, these are factors that limit the application of biological methods in remediation since they have an influence on the bio-accessibility of the xenobiotics. For that reason, we carried out research on the use of surface-active agents that have impact on the increase in solubility of hydrophobic compounds. In this publication, we present the results of laboratory tests on the application of Brij 35 in purification of the air polluted with toluene vapours by the biofiltration method. Within the range of surfactant concentrations subjected to the research (200, 300, 400 mg/dm3), we observed an improvement of the removal efficiency as compared to the control series (without the surfactant).
Preliminary research for identification of bacteria useful in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation
Authors: Misiołek Katarzyna , Popielski Paweł , Affek Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

MICP (Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation) is a new biological method in soil stabilization. This cheap and eco-friendly technique improves strength parameters of the ground such as shear strength and decreases the permeability of gravelly and sandy soil. There are variety of microorganisms that can be used in calcite precipitation. The most popular method is precipitation of calcium carbonate by bacteria. The main purpose of the article is to present the results from Gram staining of bacteria isolated from construction sites, which is the first step of their identification. Gram’s method allows to find out which morphological groups of bacteria are adapted to conditions present in soil from construction sites and therefore are potentially able to produce calcite. The article describes the methodology of isolation, staining and determination of morphological types of bacteria.
The occurrence of specific markers of Bacteroides fragilis group, B. dorei and antibiotic-resistance genes in the wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Niestępski Sebastian , Harnisz Monika , Korzeniewska Ewa , Osińska Adriana
Published: July 2018

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the main transmission sources of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes in the natural environment. In this study, the presence of specific markers of Bacteroides fragilis group (BFG), B. dorei and genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams (cepA, cfxA), tetracyclines (tet(Q)), macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (MLS) mechanism (ermF, linA) was analyzed by standard PCR in the inflows and outflows from three wastewater treatment plants with the activated sludge process. Genetic material was isolated from wastewater samples with the use of two commercial kits for genomic DNA extraction, the Fast DNA SPIN Kit for Soil and the Genomic Micro AX Bacteria Gravity Kit. The quality of the isolated genetic material differed between the tested isolation kits. The Fast DNA SPIN Kit for Soil was more effective in detecting cfxA, ermF and linA genes. However, both extraction kits effectively identified tet(Q), bfr and HF183/BacR287 genes in all wastewater samples. The results of the study indicate that genes specific to BFG and B. dorei, and genes encoding resistance to MLS and tetracyclines are not completely eliminated during the wastewater treatment process.
Variability and course of occurrence of ice cover on selected lakes of the Gnieźnieńskie Lakeland (Central Poland) in the period 1976–2015
Authors: Nowak Bogumił , Nowak Dominik , Ptak Mariusz
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the analysis of the course of ice phenomena on four lakes (Lednica, Żnińskie Duże, Biskupińskie, Powidzkie) in central Poland in the period 1976–2015. The obtained results show changes in their ice regime that occurred over the last 40 years. An advance of the term of decline of ice cover was determined (by 2.5 day·dec-1on average for all lakes), as well as a reduction of duration of ice cover (by 4.4 day·dec-1on average for all lakes), and a decrease in its maximum thickness (by 2 cm·dec-1on average for all lakes). Such a situation should be associated with the observed warming, as confirmed by the course of air temperature for station Gniezno, where in the period of the winter half-year (November-April), an increase in temperature was recorded by 0.37°C·dec-1.
Impact of indirect evaporative air cooler type on the performance of desiccant systems
Authors: Pacak Anna , Cichoń Aleksandra , Pandelidis Demis , Anisimov Sergey
Published: July 2018

In this study, two different indirect evaporative coolers operating with a desiccant wheel are compared theoretically: System A with the regenerative Maisotsenko Cycle (M-Cycle) unit and System B with the cross-flow M-cycle unit. Each system component performance was simulated using the original ε-NTU model. The influence of selected operational factors, such as inlet air temperature, humidity and regeneration air temperature for two system configurations was analysed and compared. It was established, that System B obtains higher cooling capacities and is more sensitive on ambient air humidity changes than System A.
Possibility of obtaining wastewater heat from a sewage treatment plant by the means of a heat pump – a case study
Authors: Pochwała Sławomir , Kotas Paulina
Published: July 2018

The research was carried out in the mechanical and biological wastewater treatment plant of the city of Prószków in Poland. There is a demand for heat for hot tap water, heating and technological purposes. There is no gas network in the town, therefore it is necessary either to install solid fuel boiler or electrical equipment to generate heat. Instead, a system based on a heat pump (HP) was proposed, which is a pro-ecological and pro-economical alternative. The research involved the measurements necessary to develop energy balances and collection of local climate data. As a result, possible heat from sewage was determined for an exemplary heating season. For the assumed calculation conditions, the maximum amount of heat is 346 kW of which 98% will be used for heating up the sequential biological reactor (SBR) and 2% will be used for social needs. The current SBR temperature in the winter period is 8°C, which significantly limits the process of biological treatment. The optimum temperature range of sewage in SBR is 15–25°C. Based on the collected data, the concept of a HP-based system for generating heat was developed to maintain the optimum temperature. Sewage is a very effective heat source for the HP. This ensures the highest coefficient of performance (COP).
The influence of gas cookers on the concentration of hazardous substances in individual kitchens and in living rooms, including ventilation for the final air quality
Authors: Shkarovskiy Alexander , Maliszewska Agnieszka
Published: July 2018

In the near future, the development of gas infrastructure and the elimination of the "white spots" on the gas map of Poland will become a reality. Currently in Poland, the most popular is using cookers powered with natural gas (about 56%). Liquid gas is less popular - the number of households is estimated at about 14%. The wider availability of gas will certainly contribute to the increase in the number of gas cookers. We spend a large part of our lives in apartments, not realizing that we are directly exposed to toxic substances from the combustion of organic fuel. These substances are not inert to humans and even their relatively low concentrations can influence on health. The authors of the article try to research the evidences of damaging effects of toxic components from gas stoves, taking into consideration the impact of ventilation on the final air quality in individual kitchens and living rooms.
Biogas plant on an industrial farm as an effective way of utilizing animal waste
Authors: Smurzyńska Anna , Mioduszewska Natalia , Brzoski Michał , Chełkowski Dawid , Kozłowski Kamil , Kupryaniuk Karol
Published: July 2018

Industrial farms pose a serious threat to both people and the environment. The reason is that animal waste are produced in large quantities, which is a source of biogenic substances. Their irrational use, which is often common on industrial farms due to the limited area for fertilization, can lead to the eutrophication of water tanks and soils, and even to contamination with heavy metals and disease-causing microorganisms and pathogens. The economy of animal feces is accompanied by greenhouse emission and odors, the resulting emissions of volatile compounds also lead to the formation of acid rain. In view of the above, the possibilities of their management, which will be safe for ecosystems, are being sought for. While aeration, composting or fertilization of animal manure does not fully solve environmental protection or profitability issues, their anaerobic treatment allows not only for safe utilization, but also for energy production. Thus, the possibility of managing animal waste from a poultry, cattle and pig farms in biogas plants was presented. The presented calculations have slown that using them as a substrate in the fermentation process allows for effective utilization of animal manure being hazardous to the environment, in particular in the case of industrial farms.
An openwork like structures of polylactide – manufacturing and properties
Authors: Sobczyk Karolina , Leluk Karol
Published: July 2018

Poly(lactic acid) electrospinning tests were carried out under various process conditions. Openwork structures with a high surface area to weight ratio have been obtained. Changing the parameters of the PLA electrospinning process resulted in products with different fiber morphology.
The simple calibration procedure on the example of small town water supply system
Authors: Sowiński Jarosław , Hofman Adam , Dziubiński Marek
Published: July 2018

The practical application of the model of water supply network realized in the program Epanet 2 requires the calibration of the model. The proposed simple calibration procedure, allows for taking into account the changes in resistance caused by the aging process, to be substituted by resistance coefficient K. In order to determine the substitute resistance coefficient K, the fire hydrant flow tests could be used, which allows to determine the aging for a given material. Calibration of the water supply network model is shown on the example of a small urban network in central Poland..
Implementation of the Air Quality Plan guidelines for the Malopolska Region based on the example of the health resort Rabka Zdrój
Authors: Szulc Aleksandra , Tomaszewska Barbara
Published: July 2018

It is commonly known that Poland has for many years a lot of problems with air quality. However, Polish legal regulation provides the solutions to improve air quality. One of them is the most important local strategy documents – Air Quality Plan for Malopolska Region (MAQP). This programme assumes taking corrective actions in order to improve air quality in the Malopolska Region. The main objective of the work is analysis how the local government Rabka Zdrój implement the assumption of MAQP on the municipality area. In order to understand for the implementation of the procedures set in MAQP, a study of the energy structure was presented. The results of analysis shown that the main usage of heating systems, based on solid fuel boilers, is the cause of the low air quality. The final report on the implementation of MAQP in 2013–2015 made it clear, that local governments did not get involved enough in putting in place air quality activities. On the other hand, since 2016, the municipality of Rabka Zdrój has been taking more and more steps to engage in different actions to achieves emission reduction.
Ecological risk assessment of trace metals in the bottom sediments of the young water reservoir – Bardowskiego Lagoon (Warsaw) case study
Authors: Tytła Malwina , Dmochowska Anna , Dmochowski Dariusz , Jaworska Kinga
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to assess the ecological risk of five trace metals, i.e. Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, accumulated in bottom sediments of young water reservoir – Bardowskiego Lagoon located in Warsaw, Poland. In this case, several indices were used, i.e. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Contamination factor (CF), Potential ecological risk factor (ER), Degree of contamination (DC), Pollution load index (PLI) and Risk index (RI). The average trace metals concentrations in sediments, were as follow: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Ni. The obtained results revealed that bottom sediments were very highly to extremely high contaminated by Cd and the ecological risk related with this pollutant was the largest. They also indicated that water from the study area was characterized by a low ecological quality, especially due to the content of Cd and Pb. The research proves that problem of cadmium contamination in bottom sediments of young water reservoirs is real and poses a serious ecological risk.
Parameters affecting water hammer in metal pipelines
Authors: Urbanowicz Kamil , Firkowski Mateusz
Published: July 2018

The water hammer related to rapid wave pressure changes in hydraulic systems have been subjected to intensive research for more than a hundred years. Nevertheless, a large number of new papers appear each year. Current literature indicates model differences resulting from the used material of the pipe. In the hydraulic machinery, elastic (metal) pipes are usually used, while water transport in water supply system is currently realized with pipes whose deformation of the walls is viscoelastic. In this paper, the individual and group impact of all parameters influencing the results of numerical modelling of the water hammer occurring in the pipes will be analysed. The method of characteristics will be used to solve partial differential equations describing the flow.
The application of biomass ashes in sewage sludge management – a SWOT analysis
Authors: Wójcik Marta , Stachowicz Feliks
Published: July 2018

Biomass plays an important role amongst renewable energy sources and for this reason, it is sometimes called as “future fuel”. According to different statistics, the share of biomass in renewable energy production is in excess of 50% and rising. The main disadvantage of biomass combustion in power plants is the production of combustion by-products, namely fly and bottom ash. In line with the sustainable development and waste hierarchy, biomass combustion by-products should be managed in different sectors of economy. Due to the specific properties, biomass ash might be applied as an effective reagent in sewage sludge management. This article shows the SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) associated with the use of biomass combustion by-products in sewage sludge treatment. The presented analysis could constitute the initial stage in implementation of new method in a big way in treatment plants.
Disinfection of rainwater as a way to their microbiological stability and safe use
Authors: Zdeb Monika , Zamorska Justyna , Pietrzyk Andżelika
Published: July 2018

Research on the microbiological quality of rainwater collected from roof surfaces indicates their significant contamination with microorganisms, including potentially pathogenic ones. The aim of the research was to attempt disinfection of rainwater with chemical methods and to evaluate the effectiveness of this disinfection. The research was carried out with the use of appropriate means in the case of decontamination of large volumes of water, when it is important to maintain their biological stability - chlorination and ozonation. After the disinfector was administered for 4 weeks, bacterial microflora (stability) was observed in stored water. The control was carried out by determining the total amount of bacteria at 37°C and the total amount of bacteria at 22°C on the reference medium (agar A) and on the non-standard substrate (R2A agar). The number of indicator bacteria was also determined: fecal streptococci and Escherichia coli (on the chromogenic medium). Changes in the amount of microorganisms after disinfection processes were also monitored by flow cytometry. The research results clearly indicate better chlorinating disinfection effects. It allows the removal of indicator microorganisms in a relatively short time (1 hour), and the effect of the disinfectant lasts up to about a half month.
Development of an analytical method for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) determination in water samples using gas chromatography
Authors: Ziembowicz Sabina , Kida Małgorzata , Koszelnik Piotr
Published: July 2018

The aim of the work described here was to develop and validate a method by which dibutyl phthalate may be subject to determinations using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography. Optimization of the chromatographic method was based on the selection of working conditions for both the chromatograph and the detector. Following the optimization of extraction and separation parameters, the method was validated by evaluating specificity, the analytical curve, linearity, limits of detection and quantification and recovery. The proposed method has been evaluated in terms of linearity, over a range of concentrations from 0 to 7.5 mg·L-1.The analytical curves show values for correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. Mean recoveries from samples ranged from 97 to 127%, with relative standard deviation lower than 11%. Limit of detection LOD and limit of quantification LOQ values were 0.02 and 0.053 mg·L-1 respectively.
POD-Kriging Reduced Method's Application in Tandem Cylinders' Flow
Authors: Wang Chen , Bai Junqiang , Hesthaven Jan S , Qiu Yasong , Qiao Lei , Han Xiao
Published: July 2018

The configuration of Tandem Cylinders is a typical one in researching noise and interactions between different components, where the distance-diameter ratio is a very significant parameter with which the flow form varies a lot. To clearly research the ratio's effect on tandem cylinders flow as well as the unsteady flow physics, a reduced-order model is built where Proper orthogonal Decomposition(POD) is usedto extract reduced basis modes, and Kriging model is used to train sample data and interpolate projection coefficents for each reduced basis. To ensure the snapshots' accuracy, the scale-adaptive simulation (SAS) model based on SST turbulence model is used to predict time-dependent flow field. By comparing with solutions provided by the numerical solver as well as experimental data, the reduced model presents a good accuracy and efficiency. And then based on the reduced basis, the change regulation of the time-average flow is summarized.
A BP Network Control Approach for QoS-Aware MAC in Cloud Robotics
Authors: Gao Ang , Hu Yansu , Li Lixin , Duan Weijun , Zhang Huisheng
Published: July 2018

The basic idea of Cloud Robotics is dynamically uploading the compute-intensive applications to the cloud, which greatly enhances the intelligence of robots for the high processing and parallel ability of cloud. However, for the nature of uncertainty of mobility, different kinds of applications on robot may have different Quality of service (QoS). The paper proposes a BP network for QoS-aware MAC(BPFD-MAC) in Cloud Robotics form a view control theory, which can support both absolute and relative QoS guarantees while the energy saving. The hard and soft QoS constraints are de-coupled by normalized into a two-level cascade feedback loop. The former is Active Time Loop (AT-Loop) to enforce the absolute QoS guarantee for real-time application and the later is Contention Window Loop (CW-Loop) to enforce the relative QoS guarantee for Best Effort traffics. Finally, the Back-propagating (BP) neuron network based PID is used for self-tuning parameters and controller design. The hardware experiments demonstrate the feasibility of BPFD-MAC. Comparing with FD-MAC, BPFD-MAC has new feature of absolute QoS support and further developed two advantages:In the condition of heavy loads, BPFD have about 18% great throughput and 14% great power efficient; and in light load, BPFD have lower total energy consumption.
Study on the High-Speed and Close of the UVA Cooperative Formation Controller Design
Authors: Zhang Jialong , Yan Jianguo , Zhang Pu , Qi Xiaoqiao , Lü Maolong
Published: July 2018

Aiming at the high-speed flight of the UAVs cooperative formation, when a single UAV has occurred, need to exit the formation flight and be close or super close to form of the formation quickly. A fast close cooperative formation controller design method is proposed to make up for low the fighting robustness, and be shortcomings of timeliness poorly and analyze the dynamic characteristic of UAV formation flight. Taking the external factors known into consideration, setting up for the longitude maneuver of nonlinear thrust vector and unsteady aerodynamic model, according to the formation velocity, flat tail rudder angle and thrust vector and pitch angle velocity for corresponding input commend signals for the controller to research the dynamic characteristic of UAV formation flight. Meanwhile, the formation flight distance error is the convergence to a fixed value, and the stability of the cooperative formation flight is good. The simulation of results show that the controller can effectively improve the speed of the close or super close to formation, and maintain the stability of the formation flight, which provides a method of the close or super close formation flight controller design.
Application and Research of Scheduling Mechanism for UAV Cluster Launching Control System
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Shengbing , Zhang Xiaolin , Xi Bowen , Tian Yunpeng
Published: July 2018

This paper discussed the necessity of network scheduling method in UAV cluster launch control system by analyzing the phenomenon of data congestion. The characteristics of sequential, real-time and fairness of the control system were analyzed. The SnPWFQ scheduling method was proposed to solve the problem. The result from theoretical analysis and simulation show that the SnPWFQ scheduling method could meet the requirements of characteristics of the UAV cluster launcher data by comparing with the WFQ algorithm and EDF algorithm.
Attitude Stabilization and Trajectory Tracking Control Strategy for Civil UAV
Authors: Feng Junhong , Xu Kaijun , Lin Na
Published: July 2018

To remove the funitional payload variation, the attitude oscillation and trajectory tracking error of civil UAV in complex environment, a combined inner and outer control strategy for the civil UAV is designed based on the interval system control theory and dynamic tracking error minimization principle, which can guarantee the attitude stabilization in inner loop and the heading tracking in outer loop, thus solving the control effect deterioration and trajectory error drawback of the existing UAV with large scale model variation. The simulation results show that, the proposed combined control strategy can keep flight state's stabilization and effective trajectory tracking with good closed-loop robustness. This study is useful to develop effective and automatic civil UAV system's flight control strategy.
Das größte Unglück? Demenz zwischen persönlichem Erleben und gesellschaftlicher Repräsentation
Authors: Schweda Mark
Published: July 2018

Demenz gilt weithin als größtes denkbares Unglück im Leben einer Person: Ein Zustand, der als so furchterregend angesehen wird, dass ihm sogar der Tod selbst vorzuziehen wäre. Der Beitrag nimmt solche Beurteilungen kritisch unter die Lupe. Er beleuchtet zunächst, wie es Menschen mit Demenz tatsächlich geht, was wir also über das Wohlergehen der Betroffenen wissen (können). Sodann geht er der Frage nach, aus welchem Grund das Syndrom heute gemeinhin derart negativ bewertet wird. Dabei ist insbesondere auf die Deutung demenzieller Erkrankungen im Lichte gesellschaftlich verbreiteter Wertvorstellungen einzugehen.
The Recovery of Factor VIII from Fresh-Frozen, Indated and Outdated Human Plasma
Authors: Whitman Daniel E. , Switzer Mary Ellen , McKee Patrick A.
Published: July 2018

The availability of factor VIII concentrates is frequently a limitation in the management of classical hemophilia. Such concentrates are prepared from fresh or fresh-frozen plasma. A significant volume of plasma in the United States becomes “indated”, i. e., in contact with red blood cells for 24 hours at 4°, and is therefore not used to prepare factor VIII concentrates. To evaluate this possible resource, partially purified factor VIII was prepared from random samples of fresh-frozen, indated and outdated plasma. The yield of factor VIII protein and procoagulant activity from indated plasma was about the same as that from fresh-frozen plasma. The yield from outdated plasma was substantially less. After further purification, factor VIII from the three sources gave a single subunit band when reduced and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These results indicate that the approximately 287,000 liters of indated plasma processed annually by the American National Red Cross (ANRC) could be used to prepare factor VIII concentrates of good quality. This resource alone could quadruple the supply of factor VIII available for therapy.
Properties of Human Tissue Thromboplastins from Brain, Lung, Arteries, and Placenta
Authors: Gonmori H , Takeda Y
Published: July 2018

Properties of purified and delipidated human tissue thromboplastins (TTPs) from brain (BTTP), lung (LTTP), arteries (ATTP) and placenta (PTTP) were studied. The extinction coefficients were closely similar with a mean value of 8.3 ± 0.01 (SD). The molecular weights were 200,000 ± 3,000 (SD) (BTTP), 90,000 ± 2,000 (SD) (LTTP), 110,000 ± 3,000 (SD) (ATTP) and 250,000 ± 4,000 (SD) (PTTP). The maximum activity of each delipidated TTP after relipidation was obtained when phospholipid-delipidated TTP ratio was 2.0, and the maximum specific activity was 440 units per mg BTTP, 270 units per mg LTTP, 80 units per mg ATTP and 600 units per mg PTTP. Ouchterlony analysis with anti-delipidated PTTP antibody showed the reaction of partial identity between delipidated TTPs and the antibody. Studies of the reactivity of I-125-delipidated TTPs with the antibody gave the following average values for % bound I-125-TTPs in 2 hours: 3.6± 0.2 (SD) % (I-125-BTTP), 11.0± 0.3 (SD) % (I-125-LTTP), 4.4±0.2 (SD) % (I-125-ATTP) and 13.7±0.3 (SD) % (I-125-PTTP). It was also found that the antibody markedly neutralized the coagulant activity of saline extracts of brain, lung and placenta. These results indicate that delipidated BTTP, LTTP, ATTP and PTTP are different while being similar in some aspects and that complete TTPs are not coated with lipids in a manner inaccessible to anti-delipidated PTTP antibody.
Comparison between a Modified Ethanol Gelation Test and Protamine Sulfate Test. Experimental Studies
Authors: Zielinsky Ariel , Altman Raul , Rouvier Jorge
Published: July 2018

A comparative experimental study has been made to correlate the protamine sulfate test and a modified ethanol gelation test, based on clinical observations of the solubility of a gel formed at 20° C (Godal and Abildgaard procedure) when it was transferred to a bath at 37° C. Two different results were obtained: the gel remained insoluble at 37° C or it became completely soluble, with intermediate degrees of partial solubility.

Our studies indicate that this is due to the amount of fibrin monomers formed and the level of fibrinogen: the first are responsible for the insolubility of the gel and the second for its solubility. This furnishes us with useful information for diagnostic purposes.

We found the protamine sulfate test more sensitive than the ethanol gelation test, and its sensitivity increased when fibrinogen level decreased.

An insoluble gelation test is a sure indication of the presence of fibrin monomers, but a soluble gel calls for the protamine sulfate test to confirm this or the existence of high fibrinogen level.
Sedimentation and Adhesion of Platelets onto a Horizontal Glass Surface
Authors: Ruckenstein E , Marmur A , Rakower S. R
Published: July 2018

An experimental method for measuring platelet adhesion to a glass surface and platelet sedimentation rate is described. Anticoagulated platelet-rich plasma is placed on a horizontal glass slide for various contact periods. The number of platelets adhering to the slide per unit area is recorded as a function of time. The experimental results are used to verify theoretical predictions which account for the effect of the slow sedimentation rate of the platelets and for their escape over the potential barrier between them and the solid surface. By a least-squares fit of the theoretical equation to the experimental data, both the platelet adhesiveness, in terms of P the probability to overcome the potential barrier, and the platelet sedimentation rate V are evaluated. A range of values of P and V for healthy humans is presented.