bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STUDY INTO OCCURRENCE OF FIRE IN OPENCAST WORKINGS OVER DEVELOPED COAL PILLARS AND EVOLVING CONTROL PARAMETERS FOR ITS SAFE EXTRACTION / BADANIE PRZYPADKU WYSTĄPIENIA POŻARU W WYROBISKACH ODKRYWKOWYCH PONAD UDOSTĘPNIANYMI FILARAMI WĘGLOWYMI I OPRACOWANIE PARAMETRÓW KONTROLNYCH DLA ZAPEWNIENIA ICH BEZPIECZNEGO WYDOBYCIA
Authors: Panigrahi Durgacharan , Sinha Satish Kumar , Singh Garib Nath
Published: January 2014

In India, a number of opencast mines are being worked over the coal pillars developed by underground bord and pillar method of mining. In these cases, the fires have occurred in most of these opencast mines causing loss of the coal reserve, production, productivity and safety. In this research work, 13 such mines have been studied over a period of three years and critical parameters for occurrence of these fires have been identified. This paper presents the details of observations for two such mines and detailed statistical analyses have been carried out by using confidence interval (C.I.) and analysis of variance (ANOVA-Two-way classification) for finding out the range of these critical parameters which can be controlled to reduce the occurrence of these fires.
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE SORPTION PROPERTIES OF COAL FROM UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN, POLAND / WPŁYW ZMIAN TEMPERATURY NA WŁASNOŚCI SORPCYJNE NA PODSTAWIE BADAŃ WYBRANYCH WĘGLI Z GÓRNOŚLĄSKIEGO ZAGŁĘBIA WĘGLOWEGO
Authors: Wierzbicki Mirosław
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the results of studies on gas sorption performed by means of the gravimetric method. The tests were performed on two coal samples of different metamorphism degrees, came from two regions of Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. The changes in sorption capacity of coals were measured in the pressure range from 0.1 MPa to 17 MPa and in temperatures ranging from 291K to 333K. Coal of a lower coalification degree was a better methane sorbent. Changes in sorption capacity of tested coals were linearly dependent on the temperature. The increase in temperature of 10K reduces the Langmuir sorption of about 0.7-0.8 [cm3/g]. Such increase of temperature causes a nonlinear increase of the Langmuir pressure (b-1). These results showed that the rise of rock temperature, caused by geothermal gradient, can induce a significant increase of equilibrium pressure of methane in coal seam. An increase of coal seam temperature may cause an increase of gas and coal outburst risk in a coal mine.
ANALYTICAL METHOD OF DESIGNING AND SELECTING TAKE-UP SYSTEMS FOR MINING BELT CONVEYORS / ANALITYCZNA METODA PROJEKTOWANIA I DOBORU UKŁADÓW NAPINANIA DLA GÓRNICZYCH PRZENOŚNIKÓW TAŚMOWYCH
Authors: Kulinowski Piotr
Published: January 2014

This article presents a method developed to design and select tensioning systems which makes use of standard calculations. It describes procedures for selecting and analysing the operation of devices tensioning the belt, which procedures are based on the static characteristics of these devices, and a proposal for introducing a substitute belt elasticity modulus that would make the calculations of the tensioning stroke length account for the value of the initial force tensioning the belt and for its sag between sets of idlers. Static characteristics of tensioning systems have been used to describe their operation and present the advantages and disadvantages of individual design solutions
VISUALIZATION OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL DATA IN PURPOSE OF QUALITATIVE CLASSIFICATION OF VARIOUS TYPES OF COAL / WIZUALIZACJA WIELOWYMIAROWYCH DANYCH W CELU KLASYFIKACJI JAKOŚCIOWEJ RÓŻNYCH TYPÓW WĘGLA
Authors: Niedoba Tomasz , Jamróz Dariusz
Published: January 2014

Coal as energetic raw material features by many parameters determining its quality. In classification of coal types there are many of them with typical division of energetic, semi-coking and coking coal. The data concerning coal are usually treated as independent values while this kind of approach is not always right. Authors proposed new solutions in this aspect and performed the multidimensional analysis of three selected types of coal featuring by various properties which originated from three various hard coal mines located in Upper Silesia Region. The object of the research was so-called raw coal which was not processed before. For each type of coal the detailed statistical analysis of seven chosen properties of coal was performed. To perform adequate and complete statistical analysis it is necessary to analyze the chosen properties of coal together in multidimensional way. It was decided to apply new and modern visualizing methods of multidimensional data which were observational tunnels method and parallel coordinates method. The applied methods allowed to obtain visualization of seven-dimensional data describing coal. By means of these visualizations it was possible to observe the significant division of the features space between researched types of coal. These methods allowed to look at the investigated data from various perspectives and make possible to determine significant differences between researched materials. For the investigated coals such differences were determined clearly what proved that by means of these methods it is possible to successfully identify type of coal as well to analyze in details its individual properties and identify, for example, particle size fraction etc. The obtained results are innovative and are the basis for more detailed researches taking into consideration also other coal properties, including its structure and texture. This methodology can be also applied successfully for other types of raw materials, like ores.
Cumulative ventilation air drying potential as an indication of dry mass content in wastewater sludge in a thin-layer solar drying facility
Authors: Krawczyk Piotr
Published: January 2014

Controlling low-temperature drying facilities which utilise nonprepared air is quite difficult, due to very large variability of ventilation air parameters - both in daily and seasonal cycles. The paper defines the concept of cumulative drying potential of ventilation air and presents experimental evidence that there is a relation between this parameter and condition of the dried matter (sewage sludge). Knowledge on current dry mass content in the dried matter (sewage sludge) provides new possibilities for controlling such systems. Experimental data analysed in the paper was collected in early 2012 during operation of a test solar drying facility in a sewage treatment plant in Błonie near Warsaw, Poland.
Analysis of the use of adsorption processes in trigeneration systems
Authors: Grzebielec Andrzej , Rusowicz Artur
Published: January 2014

The trigeneration systems for production of cold use sorption refrigeration machines: absorption and adsorption types. Absorption systems are characterized namely by better cooling coefficient of performance, while the adsorptive systems are characterized by the ability to operate at lower temperatures. The driving heat source temperature can be as low as 60-70 °C. Such temperature of the driving heat source allows to use them in district heating systems. The article focuses on the presentation of the research results on the adsorption devices designed to work in trigeneration systems.
Increase of power and efficiency of the 900 MW supercritical power plant through incorporation of the ORC
Authors: Ziółkowski Paweł , Mikielewicz Dariusz , Mikielewicz Jarosław
Published: January 2014

The objective of the paper is to analyse thermodynamical and operational parameters of the supercritical power plant with reference conditions as well as following the introduction of the hybrid system incorporating ORC. In ORC the upper heat source is a stream of hot water from the system of heat recovery having temperature of 90 °C, which is additionally aided by heat from the bleeds of the steam turbine. Thermodynamical analysis of the supercritical plant with and without incorporation of ORC was accomplished using computational flow mechanics numerical codes. Investigated were six working fluids such as propane, isobutane, pentane, ethanol, R236ea and R245fa. In the course of calculations determined were primarily the increase of the unit power and efficiency for the reference case and that with the ORC.
Exergy analysis of operation of two-phase ejector in compression refrigeration systems
Authors: Dudar Adam , Butrymowicz Dariusz , Śmierciew Kamil , Karwacki Jarosław
Published: January 2014

Paper deals with theoretical analysis of possible efficiency increase of compression refrigeration cycles by means of application of a twophase ejector. Application of the two phase ejector in subcritical refrigeration system as a booster compressor is discussed in the paper. Results of exergy analysis of the system operating with various working fluids for various operating conditions have been shown. Analysis showed possible exergy efficiency increase of refrigeration compression cycle.
Analysis of operation of the gas turbine in a poligeneration combined cycle
Authors: Bartela Łukasz , Kotowicz Janusz
Published: January 2014

In the paper the results of analysis of an integrated gasification combined cycle IGCC polygeneration system, of which the task is to produce both electricity and synthesis gas, are shown. Assuming the structure of the system and the power rating of a combined cycle, the consumption of the synthesis gas for chemical production makes it necessary to supplement the lack of synthesis gas used for electricity production with the natural gas. As a result a change of the composition of the fuel gas supplied to the gas turbine occurs. In the paper the influence of the change of gas composition on the gas turbine characteristics is shown. In the calculations of the gas turbine the own computational algorithm was used. During the study the influence of the change of composition of gaseous fuel on the characteristic quantities was examined. The calculations were realized for different cases of cooling of the gas turbine expander’s blades (constant cooling air mass flow, constant cooling air index, constant temperature of blade material). Subsequently, the influence of the degree of integration of the gas turbine with the air separation unit on the main characteristics was analyzed.
The effects of operating conditions on the performance of a direct carbon fuel cell
Authors: Kacprzak Andrzej , Kobyłecki Rafał , Bis Zbigniew
Published: January 2014

The influences of various operating conditions including cathode inlet air flow rate, electrolyte temperature and fuel particles size on the performance of the direct carbon fuel cell DCFC were presented and discussed in this paper. The experimental results indicated that the cell performance was enhanced with increases of the cathode inlet gas flow rate and cell temperature. Binary alkali hydroxide mixture (NaOH-LiOH, 90-10 mol%) was used as electrolyte and the biochar of apple tree origin carbonized at 873 K was used as fuel. Low melting temperature of the electrolyte and its good ionic conductivity enabled to operate the DCFC at medium temperatures of 723-773 K. The highest current density (601 A m−2) was obtained for temperature 773 K and air flow rate 8.3×106 m3s−1. Itwas shown that too low or too high air flow rates negatively affect the cell performance. The results also indicated that the operation of the DCFC could be improved by proper selection of the fuel particle size.
Optimizing management of the condensing heat and cooling of gases compression in oxy block using of a genetic algorithm
Authors: Brzęczek Mateusz , Bartela Łukasz
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the parameters of the reference oxy combustion block operating with supercritical steam parameters, equipped with an air separation unit and a carbon dioxide capture and compression installation. The possibility to recover the heat in the analyzed power plant is discussed. The decision variables and the thermodynamic functions for the optimization algorithm were identified. The principles of operation of genetic algorithm and methodology of conducted calculations are presented. The sensitivity analysis was performed for the best solutions to determine the effects of the selected variables on the power and efficiency of the unit. Optimization of the heat recovery from the air separation unit, flue gas condition and CO2 capture and compression installation using genetic algorithm was designed to replace the low-pressure section of the regenerative water heaters of steam cycle in analyzed unit. The result was to increase the power and efficiency of the entire power plant.
Identification of unmeasured variables in the set of model constraints of the data reconciliation in a power unit
Authors: Szega Marcin , Nowak Grzegorz Tadeusz
Published: January 2014

In generalized method of data reconciliation as equations of conditions beside substance and energy balances can be used equations which don’t have precisely the status of conservation lows. Empirical coefficients in these equations are traded as unknowns’ values. To this kind of equations, in application of the generalized method of data reconciliation in supercritical power unit, can be classified: steam flow capacity of a turbine for a group of stages, adiabatic internal efficiency of group of stages, equations for pressure drop in pipelines and equations for heat transfer in regeneration heat exchangers. Mathematical model of a power unit was developed in the code Thermoflex. Using this model the off-design calculation has been made in several points of loads for the power unit. Using these calculations identification of unknown values and empirical coefficients for generalized method of data reconciliation used in power unit has been made. Additional equations of conditions will be used in the generalized method of data reconciliation which will be used in optimization of measurement placement in redundant measurement system in power unit for new control systems
Experimental investigations of additional gas extraction inside a cyclone
Authors: Kępa Arkadiusz
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the results of investigations on a cyclone with additional gas extraction. The experiments were performed in the cyclone with a diameter of 0.2 m equipped with a truncated counter-cone situated in the dust bin inlet. The gas stream flowing through the countercone was 10 and 20% of the gas supplied to the cyclone. The separation efficiencies and pressure loss were measured. The experiment showed that the extraction of gas by the counter-cone deteriorated the cyclone efficiency and forcing the outflow of gas through the counter-cone requires the use of an additional outlet fan.
A model of hydrogen passive autocatalytic recombiner and its validation via CFD simulations
Authors: Orszulik Magdalena , Fic Adam , Bury Tomasz , Składzień Jan
Published: January 2014

Passive autocatalytic recombiners (PAR) is the only used method for hydrogen removal from the containment buildings in modern nuclear reactors. Numerical models of such devices, based on the CFD approach, are the subject of this paper. The models may be coupled with two types of computer codes: the lumped parameter codes, and the computational fluid dynamics codes. This work deals with 2D numerical model of PAR and its validation. Gaseous hydrogen may be generated in water nuclear reactor systems in a course of a severe accident with core overheating. Therefore, a risk of its uncontrolled combustion appears which may be destructive to the containment structure.
Cutting Properties of Olive Sucker
Authors: Sessiz Abdullah , Elicin Ahmet Konuralp , Esgici Resat , Ozdemir Gultekin , Nozdrovický Ladislav
Published: January 2014

The exact knowledge of olive suckers and branches cutting behaviour is one of the main parameters for optimizing the design of cutting elements in pruning machines. In this study, the cutting properties of five different varieties of the table olive, namely Halhali, Gullaki, Mavis, Belloti and Zoncuk respectively, were determined. The cutting properties were measured at three moisture content levels (17.05, 34.44, and 39.47 %) and four cross-sectional areas (12.56, 28.27, 50.26 and 78.54 mm2). The results showed that the cutting force and cutting energy requirement of olive suckers decreased with increasing moisture content in all of the olive varieties. However, these properties increased with increasing cross-sectional area. The maximum cutting force, cutting strength, cutting energy requirement and specific cutting energy of olive sucker were obtained at the Halhali variety as 869.15 N, 18.66 MPa, 4.29 J and 0.0875 J.mm-2, respectively, while the minimum cutting values were obtained at the Zoncuk variety as 619.19 N, 14.75 MPa, 2.44 J and 0.0531 J.mm-2, respectively. As a result, the data obtained from cutting tests of the olive sucker can be used in a new design and development of an experimental prototype of olive branch cutting and pruning machine.
Sambucus nigra (L.) liophylised extract as source of direct compression tablets obtaining
Authors: Roncea Florentina , Cazacincu Radu , Miresan Horatiu , Rosca Adrian Cosmin , Bratu Mihaela , Popescu Antoanela
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper is the valorization of a 10 % anthocyanins elderberries lyophilized extract standardized as cyanidin-3-glucoside in lozenges obtained by direct compression and quality lozenges evaluation according to Romanian and European pharmacopoeia tests. The resulting lozenges with a 600 mg concentration of a 10 % anthocyanins elderberries lyophilized extract standardized as cyanidin-3-glucoside were evaluated using the following tests: appearance and mass uniformity (20 lozenges) disintegration time (6 lozenges), hardness (10 lozenges), anthocyanins assay expressed as cyanidin-3-glucoside using a spectrometric method at pH differential values. The results are expressed as means± standard deviation. The tablets for the two formulas have the same appearance (flat, round, colored in purple - red, non gritty), the dimensional characteristics (height, thickness) are different, average mass complies the pharmacopoeia standards. The lozenges from formula 2 have a higher resistance (215.7 N) and a lower disintegration time (11 min.) according to the official recommended values, due to differences from carbopol polymers differences in properties at the same concentration used in the two formulas. Using the direct compressible products described in this study, the direct compression technique can be easily applied for the manufacture of lozenges, thus ensuring their stability by avoiding heat and humidity factors during the manufacturing process. The resulting lozenges from formula 1 respect the quality specifications provided by the Romanian Pharmacopoeia Xth edition, the European Pharmacopoeia. The lozenges presented a high mechanical resistance (110 N) and a good disintegration time (15 min.)
Changes in botanical diversity of sown grasslands due to naturalization and extensive management
Authors: Sendžikaitė Jūratė , Pakalnis Romas , Gudžinskas Zigmantas
Published: January 2014

Sendžikaitė J., Pakalnis R., Gudžinskas Z., 2013: Changes in botanical diversity of sown grasslands due to naturalization and extensive management [Sėtų pievų botaninės įvairovės kaitos dėl žolynų natūralėjimo ir ekstensyvaus naudojimo]. - Bot. Lith., 19(2): 99-110 The paper deals with sown grassland naturalization models related to changes in botanical diversity of extensively managed meadows under temperate climate conditions. The vegetation surveys were carried out in Sėliškės and Polyma Experimental Field Stations (Lithuania). Based on our research data and literature sources (on the investigation of Lithuanian natural meadows), we developed the following hypothetical models of sown grassland naturalization: vascular plant species constancy alteration chronocline, vascular plant species constancy and productivity alteration topocline and a scheme of sown grassland naturalization on hilly landscape. Here we consider extensive management and naturalization as one of most natural and requiring minor investments method for grassland restoration.
Space botany in Lithuania. I. Root gravisensing system formation during satellite “Bion-10” flight
Authors: Švegždienė Danguolė , Raklevičienė Danguolė , Koryznienė Dalia
Published: January 2014

Švegždienė D., Raklevičienė D., Koryzienė D., 2013: Space botany in Lithuania. I. Root gravisensing system formation during satellite “Bion-10” flight [Kosminė botanika Lietuvoje. I. Gravitaciją juntančių šaknų ląstelių formavimasis palydovo „Bion-10“ skrydžio metu]. - Bot. Lith., 19(2): 129-138. The paper deals with the results of space experiment, which was carried out on an original automatically operating centrifuge „Neris-5“ on board of the satellite „Bion-10“ in 1993. The peculiarities of gravisensing system formation in roots of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seedlings grown in microgravity under simulated and natural gravity of 1g in space and on the ground, respectively, are presented. Quantitative study on the growth of root columella cells (statocytes), the state of their intracellular components, and the location of amyloplasts was performed by light and electron microscopy. The growth of statocytes in microgravity and under 1g in space did not differ significantly though the location of amyloplasts experienced significant changes: it depended on the gravity and cell position in columella. Instead of the concentration of amyloplasts at the distal cell region of roots grown under 1g, most plastids in microgravity-grown roots were accumulated at the centre of statocytes. The obtained data on the formation and state of intercellular plastids confirm the supposition that the environment of microgravity alters the metabolism of plant cells; however, its alterations are not fateful for the formation of gravisensing cells and for the growth of the whole root.
Variations of microcystins in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Koreivienė Judita , Belous Olga , Kasperovičienė Jūratė
Published: January 2014

Koreivienė J., Belous O., Kasperovičienė J., 2012: Variations of microcystins in freshwater ecosystems [Mikrocystinai gėlavandenėse ekosistemose]. - Bot. Lith., 19(2): 139-148 Increased frequency, severity of harmful algae blooms and their extent worldwide have become a global challenge due to the production of toxins that are released to the water. Cyanotoxins are detected in 25-75% of blooms. Hazardous hepatotoxin-microcystin potential producers, spatial and temporal variations of toxins as well as their variations depending on environmental variables are discussed in this overview. The most common species among microcystin producers belong to the genera Dolichospermum and Microcystis. Variations of the amount of microcystins detected through the bloom are associated with the dominant cyanobacteria species or its genotype. The abundance of toxic cyanobacteria genotype and cyanotoxin values increase with the rise of water temperature and nutrient concentrations in the freshwaters. On the seasonal basis, cell-bound microcystin concentrations increase with bloom development, whereas extracellular cyanotoxin values rise with the senescing of bloom after cyanobacterial cell lysis.
The genus Normandina (Verrucariaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) in Lithuania
Authors: Motiejūnaitė Jurga , Uselienė Asta , Uselis Vytautas
Published: January 2014

Motiejūnaitė J., Uselienė A., Uselis V., 2013: The genus Normandina ( Verrucariaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) in Lithuania. [Normandina gentis (Verrucariaceae, lichenizuoti aukšliagrybūnai) Lietuvoje]. - Bot. Lith., 19(2): 157-160. Normandina pulchella (Borrer) Nyl. is reported here as new to Lithuania and the Baltic states. It was found on moss-covered bark of Alnus glutinosa in a well-preserved swampy black alder stand. Distribution and status of N. pulchella and N. acroglypta in Lithuania are discussed.
Confirmation of Utricularia australis occurrence in Lithuania
Authors: Sinkevičienė Zofija
Published: January 2014

Sinkevičienė Z., 2013: Confirmation of Utricularia australis occurrence in Lithuania [Utricularia australis auga ir Lietuvoje]. - Bot. Lith., 19(2): 161-164. Occurrence of Utricularia australis R. Br. on the territory of Lithuania was confirmed by finding it in Lake Kampinis, Varėna district municipality. Morphological differences between similar species U. australis and Utricularia vulgaris as well as species composition of the association Utricularietum australis and accompanying communities are presented and discussed.
Performance Analysis and Benchmarking of Commercial Banks Operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a DEA Approach
Authors: Memić Deni , Škaljić-Memić Selma
Published: January 2014

Background: During the last four years, the banking sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been facing crisis which has caused the stagnation within the sector. Still, the results within the sector vary to a great extent from bank to bank. Objectives: The efficiency score is assessed for each bank and serves as a basis for further comparisons between banks in the period between 2008 and 2010. Methods: A modified model of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been used in order to combine several financial indicators simultaneously in a unique efficiency measure. The model provides a rounded judgement on a bank's relative efficiency. Results: Efficiency of individual banks varied throughout the observed period and not all of the banks were a part of the negative banking sector trend induced by the crisis. There is no significant difference between performance of banks in different entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and between smaller and larger banks. Conclusions: The results of the study can be used by bank managers to assess the performance of their banks, as observing financial ratios separately can result in a misleading conclusion. The most valuable practical implications of the findings are the provided feasible targets for the three observed years.
Expert System Approach to the Assessment of Spiritual Intelligence Impact for Decisionmaking Performance
Authors: Stupar Savo , Pilav-Velić Amila , Šahić Elvir
Published: January 2014

Background: In contrast to the rational (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ), spiritual intelligence (SQ) is often underestimated and insufficiently investigated. This type of intelligence refers to our approach to the issue of the meaning and value of life, in terms that our actions are placed in a wider context. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to investigate in which extent spiritual intelligence determines the decision making process. In this context, the success of business decision is assigned as its functionality as one of the most prominent feature of successful decision. Methods: The inductive method of building an expert system, i.e. a knowledge based system (Doctus Knowledge-Based Expert System Shell) and casebased concluding on the degree of informativeness (with a key impact on functionality of decision) of individual components (Case Based Reasoning) are used in testing this relationship. Results: The study demonstrates the fact that most of respondents (managers) have not been even familiar with attributes of SI as well as their relationship with decision making process. Conclusions: Identification of the most significant components of SI that affect effectiveness of decisions would allow managers to focus on those which mostly contribute to the functionality of their decisions.
Business Challenges and Design: Theory and Practice in the Furniture Industry in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Radović Romina
Published: January 2014

Background: A systematic and continuous product policy management is important for a company's competitiveness and the question is to what extent and in what way companies engaged in the furniture manufacturing sector actually apply them. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to explore to what extent the design profession is involved in the product policy and teams which define market properties of products in the furniture industry. Methods: In order to achieve the objectives of this paper, the Model for Exploring the Role of Design in Defining Market Properties and the Product Policy in the Furniture Industry has been devised. Two surveys have been conducted, measuring the level of involvement of the design profession in the product policy, as well as the involvement of designers in the work of teams which define market properties of products in the furniture industry. Results: The design profession is not systematically and continuously involved in the function of the product policy as the key component in programming a company's development and growth in the furniture industry. Conclusions: Companies engaged in furniture manufacturing should consider the possibility of involving design managers in coordination and management of product development, as well as in communication coordination on the manufacturer - designer level.
Habit Formation and Preference Change with Capital and Renewable Resources
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin
Published: January 2014

Background: Although there are many formal models about interactions among habit formation, preference change and the economic growth, only a few formal models examine implications of habit formation and preference change for the economic growth with resources. Objectives: This paper builds an economic growth model with endogenous physical capital, renewable resources, habit formation and preference. Methods: Although it is influenced by the Ramsey growth theory with time preference and habit formation, the paper applies a new approach to the household behaviour. Results: We plot the motion of the economy and conduct a comparative dynamic analysis with regard to certain parameters to obtain insights into interactions between the preference and the economic structural changes. Conclusions: We have shown that habit formation and preference change have significant effects on the economic grow and resources utilization both with regard to the transitional paths and the long-run equilibrium.
Discussion: the development of this skill in inquiry-based science teaching methodologies / Kształcenie umiejętności prowadzenia dyskusji zgodnie z metodologią nauczania przez odkrywanie
Authors: Szostak Elżbieta , Odrowąż Ewa
Published: January 2014

ESTABLISH - European Science and Technology in Action: Building Links with Industry, School and Home is a four year pan-European project funded by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). A specific aims of this project is to reinforce the links between school education and external world, so as to raise the level of scientific knowledge of teachers and their students, and increase students’ intrinsic motivation to science and technology. Inquiry-based science education (IBSE) has been selected as the methodology to facilitate this type of teaching and learning. In order to achieve this set aim, it is necessary to prepare the teaching staff to be involved in IBSE. Across Europe teachers and students have begun to adopt the IBSE methodology, facilitated by many projects including ESTABLISH. In Poland, the ESTABLISH teachers training included inter alia, two summer schools during which teachers can deepen the knowledge and understanding of how to apply the IBSE strategy into their own teaching practices. Selected because of their importance in contemporary society life, are the abilities to discuss, to argue and to draw connections. Those skills require the use of specific rules. During the ESTABLISH training, teachers were tasked with creating a list of rules to help them lead a “good discussion” in their classroom. They tried to follow those rules discussing many hot and current topics, for example nuclear energy or use of supplements to lose weight (Chitosan). The advantages and disadvantages of developing this skill (discussion) as part of this teaching method were examined by participants of summer school. At the end of classes teachers shared their experiences of working with proposed method and collectively created a list of discussion topics they thought would be interesting for students that can be implemented in Polish schools. In the presentation, our experiences, remarks and conclusions from working with summer schools' teachers of the ESTABLISH project will be shared.
Microbiological and physico-chemical composition of sewage sludge derived from the food industry / Skład mikrobiologiczny i fizykochemiczny osadów ściekowych pochodzących z przemysłu spożywczego
Authors: Błaszczyk Katarzyna , Krzyśko-Łupicka Teresa
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to analyze the microbiological and physico-chemical composition of sewage sludge from the food industry. The research material was dewatered sewage sludge with and without lime, derived from the water and drink production plant in the Opole region, obtained for testing in March 2013. Physico-chemical analysis included the determination of: pH, temperature of sludge, sedimentation properties, the dry weight, mineral substances, biogenic elements and heavy metals. Microbiological evaluation included quantitative and qualitative determination of mesophilic, psychrophilic and potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Sewage sludge with and without lime characterized similar physico-chemical parameters. However, the addition of lime to the sludge led to a change in ratios of different groups of microorganisms. In the sludge with lime, we observed reduction in the number of mesophilic bacteria and yeast, and total inhibition of psychrophilic bacteria and fungi. Knowledge of the physico-chemical parameters and microbiological composition of the sewage sludge is needed to determine the directions of their development
The dynamics of vitamin C content in fresh and processed cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) / Dynamika zmian zawartości witaminy C w ogórku świeżym (Cucumis sativus L.) i jego przetworach
Authors: Grzelakowska Agnieszka , Cieślewicz Joanna , Łudzińska Małgorzata
Published: January 2014

The objective of the proposed experiment was to determine changes in the content of vitamin C in the vegetable material (fresh and processed) during a certain period of time, and to determine the optimal expiry date of a product (in terms of the vitamin C content), as well as to introduce students to common factors adversely affecting the content of vitamin C in food products (with a special emphasis on oxidizing enzymes). The research revealed that regardless of the type of cucumbers (fresh, pickled in brine or in vinegar), the content of vitamin C is rapidly dropping after the destruction of the cellular structure (grating, slicing etc.). In the case of fresh cucumbers, it is a process determined by two factors: release and activation of ascorbinase from the destroyed cellular structure and availability of oxygen. Low pH values in the remaining cases reduce the effect of ascorbinase, and a decrease in the vitamin C content is related to the process of oxidation with atmospheric oxygen.
Effect of temperature on toxicity of selected insecticides to forest beetle Anoplotrupes Stercorosus / Interakcja temperatury z wybranymi insektycydami chrząszcza leśnego Anoplotrupes stercorosus
Authors: Piechowicz Bartosz , Grodzicki Przemysław
Published: January 2014

In 2007 and 2008 research on the impact of temperature, ranging from 14 to 39°C on the survivability of an adult Anoplotrupes stercorosus intoxicated by insecticide preparations from the group of phosphoorganic insecticides (diazinon), carbamate (pirimicarb), quinazolines (fenazaquin), oxadiazine (indoxacarb), benzoyl urea insecticides (teflubenzuron), neonicotinoids (acetamiprid) and pyrethroids (beta-cyfluthrin) was carried out. The results obtained indicate that all preparations used in tests had a positive temperature coefficient.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING AND STATIONARY CHARACTERISTICS OF A TWO-PHASE FLUIDISED-BED BIOREACTOR WITH EXTERNAL AERATION
Authors: Tabiś Bolesław , Stryjewski Wojciech S.
Published: January 2014

A mathematical model for a two-phase fluidised bed bioreactor with liquid recirculation and an external aerator was proposed. A stationary nonlinear analysis of such a bioreactor for an aerobic process with double-substrate kinetics was carried out. The influences of a volumetric fraction of solid carriers in the liquid phase, the rate of active biomass transfer from the biofilm to the liquid, the concentration of carbonaceous substrate, the mean residence time of the liquid and the efficiency of the external aerator on the steady state characteristics of the bioreactor were described. A method for determination of the minimal recirculation ratio related to oxygen demand and fluidised bed conditions was presented. On the basis of the obtained results, it is possible to choose reasonable operating conditions of such plants and to determine constraints, while considering acceptable concentrations of a toxic substrate being degraded.
INFLUENCE OF SUBSTRATE LOADING AND DETACHMENT CONDITIONS ON A PLANE BIOFILM BEHAVIOUR
Authors: Blatkiewicz Michał , Tabiś Bolesław , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: January 2014

A mathematical model of a plane, steady state biofilm, with the use of a single substrate kinetics, was proposed. A set of differential equations was solved. In order to analyse the biofilm’s behaviour, a number of simulations were performed. The simulations included varying process parameters such as detachment coefficient and substrate loading. Two detachment models were taken into consideration: one describing the detachment ratio as proportional to the thickness of the biofilm, and the other one proportional to the thickness of the biofilm squared. The results provided information about substrate and live cell distribution in biofilm and the influence of certain parameters on biofilm behaviour.
COPPER/ZINC CATALYSTS IN HYDROGENATION OF CARBON OXIDES
Authors: Kulawska Maria , Madej-Lachowska Maria
Published: January 2014

Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Chemical Engineering, 44-100 Gliwice, Bałtycka 5, Poland A review concerning main processes of hydrogenation of carbon oxides towards synthesis of methanol, mixture of methanol and higher aliphatic alcohols and one-step synthesis of dimethyl ether as well as methanol steam reforming is given. Low-temperature methanol catalysts and lowtemperature modified methanol catalysts containing copper as primary component and zinc as secondary one are described.
Air-Core Sensors Operation Modes for Partial Discharge Detection and On-line Diagnostics in Medium Voltage Networks
Authors: Kütt Lauri , Shafiq Muhammad , Lehtonen Matti , Mõlder Heigo , Järvik Jaan
Published: January 2014

In this paper, sensors for the application of high voltage networks insulation diagnostics are focused on. For detection and localization of the components with insulation deterioration, observing the partial discharge transients is one of the main methods. However, as the partial discharge traces are transients of extremely short duration, monitoring of such transients is also a challenging task. This paper presents the inductive sensors that would be suitable for the on-line partial discharge monitoring and the selection of operating mode and characteristics are discussed. The issues of resonance and signal processing are analyzed for the targets of reaching highest accuracy of the measurements. Operation criteria and performance limits such as sensitivity and upper bandwidth are particularly discussed. It is presented that in order to reach highest accuracy and sensitivity the sensor should be used in damped mode. Applying the accurate air-core inductive sensors would allow the condition monitoring systems to be cheaper and thus mounted for permanent and continuous condition monitoring in various locations in the power distribution networks.
Simulation Study of Nonlinear PI-Controller with Quasi-Z-Source Derived Push-Pull Converter
Authors: Chub Andrii , Husev Oleksandr , Vinnikov Dmitri
Published: January 2014

This paper is focused on the control issues of the quasi-Z-source derived push-pull converter with integrated magnetic elements. The proposed converter is intended for applications that require a high gain of the input voltage and galvanic isolation, i.e. power conditioning systems for renewable energy sources, such as variable speed wind turbines with direct driven permanent magnet synchronous generators. Magnitude and frequency of the output voltage of such turbines are variable due to intermittent nature of the wind power. Despite number of advantages converter has complicated dynamic behavior. Simulations showed change of stability margin depending on current operation point of the wind turbine and output load. Closed loop control system should provide fast response and stable operation in the wide range of wind speeds. Simulations showed that the conventional PI-controller with saturation cannot satisfy those requirements. Nonlinear PI-controller was derived by adding adjustment block to the conventional PI-controller. Adjustment block is drastically changing proportional and integral gains of the controller according to sign of the output voltage error. Proposed controller is compared with conventional one by means of simulation in PSIM. Simulation results prove that proposed nonlinear control system has improved regulator performance.
ECTOHYDRICITY OF LICHENS AND ROLE OF CORTEX LAYER IN ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS
Authors: Jóźwiak Małgorzata Anna
Published: January 2014

Heavy metal and dust pollution absorption through lichen thallus occurs on the surface, that is by means of ectohydric sorption . Protective mechanisms, among which there is heterometric (layered) structure of lichens, play a significant role in limiting this process. The aim of this research was to determine the way the pollution penetrates inside lichen thallus and to determine the role of dermal layer in stopping heavy metals on the thallus surface . Lichen thalli exposed to transport pollution near Krakow-Katowice motorway for half a year were analyzed. With the use of Electron Scanning Microscope Quanta 250 and microanalyser EDEX accumulation of pollutions depositing on the outer lichen surface, on the surface of algal cells, in subcortex layer, on the fungal hyphae surface and intercellular spaces of crack bottom of pseudocyphella were determined. The results of the analysis show an important role of pseudocyphella in the process of pollution penetration inside lichen thallus and protective effectiveness of the upper cortex whose tight structure and thickness of chitinous cell walls of mycelium, relatively thicker in comparison to parenchyma layer, influence its dermal properties. Heavy metal accumulation (Al, Fe, Cu) on the thallus surface, on algal cell surface, on the fungal hyphae surface and deep layers of pseudocyphella cracks is presented by the order: crack > alga > fungi > subcortex layer > thallus surface.
SEASONAL VALUES OF THE GASEOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF AIR QUALITY RATINGS IN A RURAL AREA
Authors: Olszowski Tomasz
Published: January 2014

This study presents the quantities of immission of the selected gas pollutions in the area of a compact development village. Within a range of a one-year research project (2012), the yearly average, seasonal and daily profiles of concentrations of the gas compounds in the air had been determined (SO2, NO2 and BTEX). Measures were executed in the area of a rural development and in the areas adjacent to the administrative village periphery. In the seasonal researches a passive method and a GC analytic technique had been used along with an automatic analyser to determine daily NO2 concentrations. It was found out that an air quality in a rural area is determined by the influence of the local sources (unstructured emission from domestic and farm buildings as well as a communication emission) and a toxicants’ quantity, enriching environment, depends on cyclic weather states, characteristic for a moderate climate. It has been proved that the maximum concentrations of the tested compounds occur in the center of a village development. It has been proved that it was winter emission that influenced the value of a yearly average concentration of pollutions in the air in a most significant manner. Theory concerning parity of a natural and anthropogenic sources affecting the aerosanitary parameters of rural compact settlement area, has been questioned. It has been proposed to introduce an obligatory, temporary indicator monitoring of a compound, which might prove be a nitrogen dioxide
A REVIEW OF MODELS FOR THE ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION OF HEAVY GASES. PART II. MODEL QUALITY EVALUATION
Authors: Markiewicz Maria T.
Published: January 2014

This is the second paper of a two part review. In its first part mathematical models for atmospheric dispersion of heavy gases are classified and the distinguished groups of models are characterised. In this part procedures for the model quality evaluation are described and the main results of model evaluation exercises and databases with experimental data related to the subject are summarised. The quality of a model is clearly of great importance since the decisions concerning the safety of people, environment are based on model calculations. Attention is focused on activities carried out in the European Union countries and in the USA. These include the work of the groups of researchers called MEG, HGDEG, projects known under the names REDIPHEM, SMEDIS, DATABASE and the model evaluation exercise carried out by the Sigma Research Corporation.
The Role of Vegetation in the Urban Policies of European Cities in the Age of the Sustainable City
Authors: Alexandre Frédéric
Published: January 2014

The emergence of the modern concept of the sustainable city raises afresh the longstanding issue of the place and role of vegetation in urban and peri-urban areas in Europe. The awareness of biodiversity and the exploration of the services provided by ecosystems both lead to the development of ecological networks based on green spaces in and around the city. The establishment of these networks converges with the control of urban growth and urban sprawl, with the ‘green belts’.

Drawing on the development of public policy governing the place of vegetation in Berlin, London and Paris, this article seeks to show the correspondences that have developed in the discussions of urban policy carried on in the major industrialized countries, and also the conflicting goals which these policies are meant to implement.
The Model’s Limitations. What ‘Urban Sustainability’ for Port-au-Prince? European Urban Projects Put to the Test by the Haitian City
Authors: Redon Marie
Published: January 2014

In 2010, the capital of Haiti was devastated by an earthquake that seemed to provide the opportunity for the country, as well as foreign donors, to put Port-au-Prince on the track of an ordered, planned urban policy, in line with its multi-risk context. Prior to the earthquake, the lack of a legal framework for urban planning was called into question. In its wake, speeches making the capital the emblem of a new ‘sustainable’ start have flourished. The European Union, the main donor of funds for Haiti, has embarked on a programme of support for reconstruction, but with what results three years later? The paper proposes to approach the limitations of the ‘sustainable city’ model, conditioned by spatiotemporal continuity. The systemic functioning underlying urban sustainability clashes with the context of Port-au-Prince, where spatial division and temporal discontinuity are determinant. In spite of itself, aid and its operation by projects, seems to enforce urban fragmentation and dissonance.