bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Humification of Soil Organic Matter by Microwave Irradiation and Hyperthermal Catalysts
Authors: Kim Baek Hoon , Son Seung Kyun , Lim Hee Jun , Kim Han Seung
Published: December 2014

Soil organic matter (SOM) is derived from dead biomass of animals and plants, and its formation process in which the precursor materials of SOM are transformed into macro organic molecules through geo-chemical and geo-biological reactions in the subsurface environment is referred to as humification. Carbon content increases, but oxygen content decreases along with marked increased in molecular weight and degree of condensation of SOM during humification. It has been known that humus materials evolve in the order of biopolymer, fulvic acid, humic acid, and humin. Humification process takes place in a geological time scale, but it can be accelerated at extremely high temperatures, which can be achieved by microwave (MW) with hyperthermal catalysts (HTCs). Thus, MW was irradiated to the mixture of soil and HTCs to stimulate humification of SOM and to enhance its binding capacity for recalcitrant organic contaminants in this study. MW irradiation with HTCs was optimized, and the characteristic changes of SOMs before and after the irradiation were assessed to confirm humification. Soils were collected from 4 different forest regions in Seoul, Korea (Konkuk University, Yongma Mountain, Surak Mountain, and Bukhan Mountain), and they were screened by wet-sieving. Each component of SOM was isolated by acid-base extraction/selective exchange resin, which was proposed by the International Humic Substance Society. Total organic carbon (TOC) content, specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA), E4/E6 ratio, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum of SOM before and after MW irradiation were examined. Soil of Surak Mountain exhibited the highest organic carbon content, but Yongma Mountain contained the highest amount of fulvic acid. Soils of Yongma Mountain and Konkuk University were chosen due to their high fulvic acid content, which supported that these soils are relatively geologically-young soils. Powdered and granulated activated carbon (PAC and GAC), graphite, charcoal, and carbon nanotube (CNT) were selected and screened with regard to their hyperthermal activity under MW irradiation. The temperature changes by MW with HTCs were monitored at various MW irradiation intensity and time. Graphite-and CNT-soil mixtures exhibited the optimum heating capacity at 600 W, resulting in heating HTC-soil mixtures to approximately 1,000oC within 10 min. TOCs, SUVAs, E4/E6 ratios, and FT-IR spectra of SOM supported effective humification of SOM after MW irradiation with HTCs, and notable increase in binding capacity with hydrophobic organic contaminants. The results of this study are expected to provide the fundamental information for developing the performance-efficient and cost-effective treatment process for the removal of persistent organic contaminants based on MW and HTC.
Bioaerosol Removal from Outpatient Clinic by Vaporized Water-Soluble Chitosan
Authors: Kuo Jong Tar , Chen Chih Yu , Wu Chia Jung , Chen Yen Tzu , Weng Nai Chu , Chung Ying Chien
Published: December 2014

Bioaerosol is commonly present indoors, which may affect human health. In this study, the feasibility of water-soluble chitosan as a biochemical environment protestant to remove bioaerosol from the outpatient clinic was evaluated. Results indicated the predominant bacteria existed in the outpatient clinic included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Corynebacterium callunae, Bacillus cereus and Moraxella sp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and inhibition zone of water-soluble chitosan against these strains ranged from 3500-6500 ppm and 2-6 mm, respectively. When the vaporized water-soluble chitosan (500-4000 ppm) was applied in removing bioaerosol from the outpatient clinic, >90% efficiency was achieved at 50 ml/h after 4 h treatment. However, the bioaerosol removal was also attained to 90% after 50 h continuous treatment by a diluted water-soluble chitosan solution (100 ppm). Based on the cost and efficiency consideration, the bioaerosol reduction using a diluted water-soluble chitosan solution for a long-term treatment was practical. These results clearly illustrated that water-soluble chitosan has a great potential as a biochemical environment protestant to remove bioaerosol.
The Development of Rural Domestic Wastewater Treatment in China
Authors: Chen Fang , Yao Qiang
Published: December 2014

Agriculture is one of the foundations of China’s national economy. The rural population is more than half of China’s total population. However, rural domestic wastewater treatment has not been solved, mostly household wastewater untreated directly discharged into nearby surface water bodies. With the development of rural economy, domestic wastewater treatment has become a serious problem in rural sustainable development in China. Emission characteristics and status of rural domestic wastewater treatment in China were presented in this paper. On this basis, several rural wastewater treatment technologies commonly used were reviewed in China rural area, including septic tanks, land treatment system, methane-generating pit, stabilization lagoon and constructed wetland. The current problems and future development in rural domestic wastewater treatment were discussed, and some suggestions proposed. On the one hand, new integrated technology should be actively developed in rural domestic wastewater. On the other hand, the management of rural domestic wastewater should be strengthened. Thus, effective protection will be provided for the sustainable development of rural areas in China.
Basic Characteristics and Application of Basalt Fiber in the Water Pollution Control
Authors: Jiang Xia , Wu Chun Du , Wu Zhi Ren , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2014

The basalt fiber is a new kind of high-performance environmental material, which has aroused widespread concern in recent years. Although it has been preliminary applied in construction, aerospace, national defense, petrochemical and other fields, there is few study in the field of environmental protection, especially in the water pollution control. This paper summarized the characteristics of basalt fiber and introduces the technology application programs in the centralized sewage water treatment, natural water body purification and as a catalyst carrier material used in the wastewater treatment. In order to enable basalt fiber to obtain further application in the area of water pollution control, correlated suggestions were put forward at the end of this article.
Isolation and Characterization of Benzene-Degrading Heterotrophic Nitrifying Strain
Authors: Li Yuan , Yue Xiu Ping , Wang Guo Ying , Li Hong Yan
Published: December 2014

An aerobic benzene-degrading heterotrophic nitrifying strain Pseudomonas sp.BN5 was isolated from the well domesticated microbes. Growth and nitrification characteristics were investigated with the benzene as the sole carbon and energy source and the NH+4-N as nitrogen source under aerobic condition. It was demonstrated that the favorite C/N ratio, temperature and speed of Pseudomonas sp.BN5 was 10, 30°C and 180rpm, respectively. About 70.86% of ammonium and 100% of benzene was removed after 72 h of incubation at initial benzene and ammonium concentration of 52.37mg/L and 16.13mg/L, respectively. Only trace accumulation of nitrate was observed during the process.
PM2.5 Emissions from Industrial Boilers and Control Technology
Authors: Liu Jia You , Sun Feng Zhong
Published: December 2014

Industrial boilers are important thermal power equipments. Soot, SOx and NOx, etc. generated from Industrial boilers are main sources of PM2.5. Based on the analysis of sources of PM2.5 emissions from industrial boilers, PM2.5 control technologies for industrial boilers such as dedusting technology, desulfurization technology and denitration technology are introduced and analyzed. According to the characteristics of current PM2.5 control technology and industrial boilers, technical route of PM2.5 emissions control for industrial boilers is recommended.
Information Technology Based Municipal Solid Waste Management in Shanghai, China
Authors: An Ying , Li Guang Ming , Wu Wen Qing , He Wen Zhi , Shi Xiang
Published: December 2014

The amounts of municipal solid waste (MSW) are increasing dramatically in metropolis, such as Shanghai in China, due to rapid economic development and urbanization, and it has brought a significant challenge to ecological situation of the city. It is concerned to establish an innovated management system for MSW reducing, recycling, and reusing (3Rs). Thus, information technologies are introduced with the objectives to establish an integrated, and cost-effective solid waste management system. In this system, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is applied to collection, transportation, and disposal of MSW. Meanwhile, source separation is also combined as a best practice for management of trash and recyclable materials. The paper infers that the establishment of information management system of MSW will offer opportunities to MSW management by reducing secondary pollution and improving efficiency of collection and transportation.
Influence of Na2CO3 on Thermal Degradation Process of Waste Printed Circuit Board in Air Atmosphere
Authors: Zhou Qiu Ping , Wang Bo
Published: December 2014

The influence of Na2CO3on RF4-type waste printed circuit board (PCB) thermal degradation process in air atmosphere was studied with thermogravimetric analysis, and the reaction kinetics was calculated based on the Coats – Redfern method. It is shown that the weight loss process of WPCB in air atmosphere includes three stages. Addition of Na2CO3decreases the initial temperature of the first weight loss stage of WPCB, which indicates the enhancement effect on the decomposition of the flame retardant. Addition of Na2CO3increases the initial temperature of the second and third weight loss stage of WPCB, which indicates the obstruction effect on oxidation reaction. From the different mechanism function, the optimal mechanism function is f (α)=2/3(1-α)[-ln (1-α) ]3and the range of activation energy is 30~185 kJ /mol.
Strength, ASR and Chloride Penetration of Mortar with Granite Waste Powder
Authors: Matos Ana M. , Ramos Telma , Sousa-Coutinho J.
Published: December 2014

Over the last decades, extensive research has been undertaken to minimize the use of Portland cement by increasing the amount of various supplementary cementing materials since currently global concrete production accounts for more than five percent of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. The granite cutting industry produces large amounts of wastes. Managing large amounts of sludge can be rather problematic for its producers, which must find appropriate places for storage and deposition. The experimental program carried out involved characterization of granite dust from a quarry in the north of Portugal, including chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser particle size analysis. Subsequently, mechanical and durability properties (alkali-silica reaction and resistance to penetration of chloride ions) were evaluated in mortar produced with different dosages of cement replacement, as well as, different levels of fineness of ground granite. It could be concluded that finely ground granite dust can originate a denser cement matrix and improve durability without compromising fresh behavior or strength.
Cool Façades - Thermal Performance Assessment Using Infrared Thermography
Authors: Matias Luís , Gonçalves Luís , Costa Alexandra , Santos Carlos Pina
Published: December 2014

High reflective paints (cool paints) can reduce solar heat gains, improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings in summer period. To evaluate the thermal performance of different reflective paints applied in façades (over ETICS like solution) a research study is being developed at LNEC using full-scale test cells built in LNEC’s campus.For this purpose, non-destructive infrared thermography method is being used. This method allows knowing the temperature distribution on façades by measuring infrared radiation emitted from its surfaces. Thermocouples placed on wall outside surfaces support thermographic diagnosis.Optical properties of cool paints (reflectance and emittance) used in this research study were achieved by additional laboratory tests.Comparative analysis between thermal performance of a white cool paint and a white conventional paint is presented in this paper. This research study also shows the potential of infrared thermography in the assessment of thermal performance of cool paints.
Use of Sugarcane Bagasse for Particleboard Production
Authors: Mendes Rafael Farinassi , Mendes Lourival Marin , Oliveira Stefânia Lima , Freire Ticyane Pereira
Published: December 2014

The use of agricultural residues for particleboard manufacturing increases their value-add and help meet the growing demand of raw materials for the panel industry. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of particleboards produced only with sugarcane bagasse or along with Pinus and Eucalyptus wood. The experimental design consisted of 5 treatments: T1) Eucalyptus panels, T2) Pinus panels, T3) sugarcane bagasse panels, T4) 50% Eucalyptus and 50% sugarcane bagasse panels, and T5) 50% Pinus and 50% of sugarcane bagasse panels. For each treatment, three panels were produced using 8% urea-formaldehyde adhesive, with 0.65 g/cm3 apparent density, 160°C pressing temperature, 4 MPa pressure, and 8 min of pressing time. The analyses revealed that use of sugarcane bagasse for particleboard manufacturing resulted in improved water absorption and thickness swelling properties after 2 h of immersion in water. In addition, the panels produced with bagasse only showed significant reductions in the mechanical properties. However, the use of sugarcane bagasse along with Pinus or Eucalyptus wood allowed the manufactured panels to meet all the conditions required by the CS 236-66 [1], ANSI A208.1 [2], and EN 312 [3] standards.
Evaluation of Soil, Cement and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) Mixtures for Use in Road Pavement Base and Sub-Base Applications
Authors: Reis Jeselay H.C. , Soares Silva Silvana , Ildefonso Jesner S. , Yshiba José K.
Published: December 2014

Environmental harm caused by construction and demolition waste (CDW) can be minimized by using it as a raw material in other products used in civil construction. In Brazil, there are several studies on the use of CDW as an aggregate in asphalt paving mixtures. However, this application is limited by the excess of fine aggregates present in these waste materials. Therefore, a technical feasibility study was done to evaluate the use of soil, cement and CDW mixtures for road pavement base and sub-base applications by determining the Unconfined Compressive Strength of cylindrical specimens molded with mixtures of soil, cement and CDW, with cement in proportions of 2%, 4% and 6% by dry weight of the mixture of soil and CDW with variations of: 100% soil and 0% CDW; 75% soil and 25% CDW; and 50% soil and 50% CDW. Soils were sourced from the cities of Maringá and Mandaguaçu in the state of Parana with the following granulometric characteristics, respectively: high clay content and high fine sand distribution. The construction debris, derived from the grinding of ceramic bricks and mortar, was composed of the fraction that passed through a #10 sieve (2.0mm). The soils, the debris and their mixtures were classified by determining their physical properties, compaction properties and unconfined compressive strength. Results showed that the addition of CDW to soil and cement mixtures improves compaction characteristics and increases compressive strength.
Leaching of Chromium in Red Ceramic Monolith by Immersion and Irrigation
Authors: Mariele Lunkes , Emilie C. Koste , Marlova P. Kulakowski , Feliciane A. Brehm
Published: December 2014

The use of waste to improve sustainability of construction materials has increased in recent years. However, in Brazil no specific official standard has been issued on the solidification/stabilization (S/S) technique for construction materials. Similarly, no leaching methodology to evaluate products that include waste, under common use conditions, has been developed. As a result, both waste and products developed based on the S/S technique are assessed following the same official standard, which considers the landfill as the only final disposal condition. This study presents a leaching methodology to analyze the S/S approach in construction materials. Red ceramic sample blocks were manufactured with the addition of 0.05% Cr2O3. Two leaching approaches were conceived: immersion and irrigation. Tests were carried out in four 7-day cycles. Total experimental time was shorter than the period stipulated in a Dutch standard for this purpose. The results had low coefficient of variation and proved the usefulness of the technique to simulate intense and prolonged contact with a leaching agent, as in floods, and exposure to acid rain.
Bamboo as Sustainable Material Used in Design and Civil Construction: Species, Management, Characterization and Applications
Authors: dos Reis Pereira Marco Antonio , Barata Tomas Queiroz Ferreira
Published: December 2014

. The use of bamboo as construction and raw material for producing products can be considered a feasible alternative to the abusive use of steel, concrete and oil byproducts. Its use can also reduce the pressure on the use of wood from native and planted forests. Although there are thousands of bamboo species spread about the world and Brazil itself has hundreds of native species, the use and basic knowledge of its characteristics and applications are still little known and little disseminated. This paper's main objective is to introduce the species, the management phases, the physical and mechanical characteristics and the experiences in using bamboo in design and civil construction as per the Bamboo Project implemented at UNESP, Bauru campus since 1994. The results are divided into: a) Field activities - description of the technological species of interest, production chain flows, types of preservative treatments and clump management practices for the development, adaptation and production of different species of culms; b) Lab experiments - physical and mechanical characterization of culms processed as laminated strips and as composite material (glue laminated bamboo – glubam); c) Uses in projects - experiences with natural bamboo and glubam in design, architecture and civil construction projects. In the final remarks, the study aims to demonstrate, through practical and laboratory results, the material's multi-functionality and the feasibility in using bamboo as a sustainable material.
Study in Real Conditions and in Laboratory of the Application of Expanded Agglomerated Cork as Exterior Wall Covering
Authors: Roseta Maria , dos Santos Carlos Pina
Published: December 2014

The interest of the study on the implementation of expanded agglomerated cork as exterior wall covering derives from two critical factors in a perspective of sustainable development: the use of a product consisting of a renewable natural material – cork – and the concern to contribute to greater sustainability in construction. The study aims to assess the feasibility of its use by analyzing the corresponding behaviour under different conditions. Since this application is relatively recent, only about ten years old, there is still much to learn about the reliability of its long-term properties. In this context, this study aims to deepen and approach aspects, some of them poorly studied and even unknown, that deal with characteristics that will make the agglomerate a good choice for exterior wall covering. The analysis of these and other characteristics is being performed by testing both under actual exposure conditions, on an experimental cell at LNEC, and on laboratory. In this paper the main laboratory tests are presented and the obtained results are compared with the outcome of the field study.
Effect of Treatment of Sisal Fiber on Morphology, Mechanical Properties and Fiber-Cement Bond Strength
Authors: de Jesus Santos Rogério , Lima Paulo Roberto Lopes
Published: December 2014

The dimensional instability of vegetable fibers due to hygroscopicity results in a gradual loss of adherence in cement based composites which, when in service, are submitted to a natural variation of humidity. Such an effect reduces the contribution of the fiber as a reinforcement and can cause the early rupture of the material. In this work, a treatment of the sisal fibers is performed with the applying of wetting-drying cycles in order to alter their crystalline structure and improve the dimensional stability of the fiber to withstand the variation of humidity: 6, 10, 20, 30 and 34 cycles were applied in order to evaluate the effect on the properties of fiber; a tensile test, the morphological characterization (MEV) and the evaluation of the chemical structure of fiber were carried out. The effect of the treatment on fiber-matrix behavior was evaluated using the pull-out test. Embedded lengths of 16, 20, 30, 40 and 44 mm were defined through a factorial design and used in the test. It is verified that the use of 10 wetting-drying cycles causes less damage to the tensile strength and the elastic modulus of the fiber and contributes to a better adherence with the matrix, with an increase of up to 23 % compared with the untreated fiber. The statistical analysis of the interaction effect between the studied factors, using 2Kfactorial design with central composite design, indicates that the number of cycles can be decreased when using a longer length of the embedded fiber.Keywords: wetting-drying cycles, pull out test, tensile strength..
Mechanical Behavior of Self-Compacting Soil-Cement-Sisal Fiber Composites
Authors: Martins A.P.S. , Silva F.A. , Toledo Filho R.D.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this research is the development and mechanical characterization of self-compacting soil cement composites with the incorporation of fly ash, metakaolin and sisal fibers. The mentioned composites, based on natural raw materials (raw earth and vegetable fibers), which are abundant in nature and have low cost and low environmental impact could be used as a more sustainable alternative than conventional industrialized materials for applications that don ́t require high structural performance (minimum strength equals to 2 MPa). A residual soil, constituted by 35% of fines and 65% of granular material was selected and the matrix was designed using a computational routine, based on the compressible packing model (CPM). The rheology of the matrix was adjusted by the slump flow test having as a target the spreading value of 600 mm. The matrix presented uniaxial compression strength of about 3.3 MPa after 28 days of curing. After 240 days of curing it was noticed an increase in the compressive strength to 7.5 MPa. This can be traced back to the pozzolanic reactions that takes place in the system. The soil cement composites were produced with three different sisal fiber contents: 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% (in relation to the weight of dry soil) and a fiber length (Le) of 20 mm. Under compression, the incorporation of fibers has significantly influenced the post-peak behavior, increasing the toughness and the strain capacity. Under four point bending loading, the presence of fibers have contributed to increase the peak strength and the residual strength with expressive gains of toughness. The composites presented strength values as high as 1.8 MPa (1.0% of fibers) when they were subjected to bending loads. The use of sisal fibers as reinforcement modified the fracture mechanisms of the composites, changing it from a brittle to a ductile behavior.
Changes of Mechanical Properties of AlSi7Mg0.3 Cast Alloy through Filtration
Authors: Tillová Eva , Chalupová Mária , Hurtalová Lenka
Published: December 2014

Molten aluminium alloy is so active that it an easily chemically react with O2and H2O to form Al2O3 inclusions and H during melting practice. However, some other inclusions form by process. Under turbulent flow conditions, the inclusions are distributed unevenly in molten aluminium alloy. They may associate with crack or by the location of crack initiation in solidified casting. Castings containing these inclusions will probably exhibit poor ductility or toughness. Therefore, the purification of the molten aluminium alloy is one of the most important processes for improving the quality of Al-products. The inclusions in molten secondary AlSi7Mg0.3 cast alloy (without refining or modification; grain refined with 55 ppm AlTi5B1 and modified with 20, 40 and 60 ppm AlSr10) were removed using depth filtration by ceramic foam and pressed filter. The results showed that the mechanical properties through filtration changes. Ductility and UTS of the filtered tensile specimens increases. The better mechanical properties were measured by the using of pressed ceramic filter. Highest UTS and ductility was observed for samples modified with 40 ppm of Sr. Filtration with ceramic filters have very significant influence on the porosity decreasing; in the process the better effect has a pressed filter. In samples modified with 60 ppm of Sr were observed effect of over modification (mechanical properties decreased; porosity increased).
Influence of the Strain Rate and Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Steel Sheets
Authors: Micheľ Ján , Buršák Marián , Lacková Petra
Published: December 2014

The paper analyses the influence of the strain rate on the behaviour of unalloyed steels with Re 210 – 550 MPa in the deformation process. It presents and analyses the results of the influence of the strain rate ranging from 10-3 to 2.5.102 s-1 on the yield point, the tensile strength, the elongation and the reduction of area. It analyses the non-homogeneity of development of plastic deformation from both the macroscopic and microscopic points of view, as well as the influence of the strain rate on the development of plastic deformation. Since the intensity of the influence of the strain rate on the properties of materials depends on their internal structure, the tested steels are divided into three groups based on their yield point and yield point to tensile strength ratio.
Calibration Process and Constructions of Extrusion Calibrators
Authors: Garbacz Tomasz , Dulebova Ľudmila
Published: December 2014

In the cellular extrusion process, the extrusion head gives the extrudate the desired cross-section shape and dimensions, taking into account the Barus effect and the shrinkage effect. However, if strict requirements are imposed with regard to cross-section shape and dimensions, it is necessary to fix the shape and dimensions by calibrating the extrudate obtained. The aim of this study is to present methods and constructional solutions of calibration tooling (calibrators) and to present the new calibrator that constitutes a significant element of the adapted and modernized technological extrusion line.
Influence of Welding Parameters on the Quality of Resistance Spot Welded Joints of DP600 Steels
Authors: Kaščák Ľuboš , Spišák Emil , Gajdoš Ivan
Published: December 2014

Advanced high-strength dual-phase steel was developed specifically for automotive industry in order to benefit from its excellent formability and great crash absorption ability in comparison with conventional AHSS. Resistance spot welding is the dominant and effective method of joining metal sheets in automobile industry. After spot welding, important changes occur in mechanical and metallurgical properties of the spot welded areas and heat affected zones. The investigation into these changes is very important for safety, which depends on the strength of the welded joints. Weldability of the DP steel is one of the key factors governing its application in automotive industry. The influence of the primary welding parameters, especially welding current, on the weld quality was investigated by testing microhardness and tensile shear load bearing capacity of resistance spot welds of DP600 steel sheets.
A Study of Thickness Change of Spherical Cup Made from TRIP Steel after Hydraulic Bulge Test
Authors: Spišák Emil , Majerníková Janka
Published: December 2014

The article deals with the comparison of thickness change of spherical cup made from TRIP steel RAK40/70 after hydraulic bulge test. The thickness has been measured by timing gauge and by apparatus Argus. Experimental material thickness has been 0.75 mm. From measured values of thickness of experimental material has been calculated the dependence stress-strain by models of several authors.
Corrosion Characteristics of Transit Pipeline API 5L X60
Authors: Cervová Jana , Hagarová Mária
Published: December 2014

The paper deals with the determination of corrosion rate to the natural gas pipeline API 5L X60 in Trnava region. Linear polarisation resistance method (exposure time 1 hour) was used for investigation the corrosion rate of exposed samples in the environment (top, middle and lower part of soil excavation and distilled water). The corrosion rate was also determined by measuring the weight loss of the steel samples. The exposure time for the measurement method of the weight loss of metallic materials accounted 120, 288, 528 hours. These outputs helped to identify the most suitable environment for the tested metallic material. Top and middle part of soil excavation was situated in the least aggressive environment. On the other hand, the lower part of soil excavation was situated in the most aggressive environment for API 5L X60.
The Wear Evaluation of Blasting Machine’s Blades
Authors: Brezinová Janette , Draganovská Dagmar , Guzanová Anna , Vojtko Marek
Published: December 2014

The contribution deals with the evaluation of wear blades continuous blasting machine. The current state of wear of blades and a description of the blasting process is analyzed. In the experimental part of this work the quality of the blades is evaluated by measuring the hardness of materials, chemical analysis of the samples and their structural analysis. Abrasive wear was evaluated in loose fill abrasive and in the environment with firmly bonded abrasives. The results of the measurements showed that the material of the blades is hypoeutectic white cast iron with different carbon and alloying, especially Chromium.
Analysis of New Generation Material Solutions of Lower Structure for Energy Efficient Buildings
Authors: Sedláková Anna , Vilčeková Silvia , Kridlova-Burdova Eva , Ťažký Ladislav
Published: December 2014

The goal of this paper is to calculate of thermal physical and environmental parameters of lower structure to support decision at the design phase of the project. The solutions are towards reduced embodied environmental impacts and improved energy performance. This study uses life cycle analysis in system boundary from Cradle to Gate and focuses on environmental indicators such as embodied energy and emissions of CO2eq. and SO2eq. The selection and combination of materials influence amount of energy consumption and associated production of emissions during building operation phase.
The Parameters Affecting Strength Calculation of Gears
Authors: Medvecká-Beňová Silvia , Frankovský Peter , Janeková Iveta
Published: December 2014

Safety and traffic flow of production facilities also depends upon the reliability of technical security equipment. Gearing in the transmission mechanisms must satisfy the conditions of strength calculation. This calculation consists of checking of the gear teeth on bend and contact. From the stress of gears is show that the basic requirements of the material are high hardness of works surfaces and bending strength. Steels best meet these conditions. Used steel with surface hardness up to 350 HBW, or heat treated steel with hardness of 500-650 HBW. The advantage of these materials is the high value of the contact pressure in the tough centre core of the tooth. As a final heat treatment are used surface hardening, cementation and hardening, nitridation and carbo-nitridation. Good properties of heat-treated steels are at the correct thickness of the heat-treated layer of the tooth. This paper considers the appropriate choice of parameters to obtain the desired level of safety of gears in a gearbox to drive the conveyor in the metallurgical industry under increased load.
The Analysis of Chosen Material Properties at Thermal Drilling
Authors: Sobotová Lydia , Králiková Ružena , Badida Miroslav
Published: December 2014

The contribution deals with joining of materials and creating of bushes from aluminum materials, with using of new joining technologies by thermal drilling, it means by Flowdrill method. This method is using at joining of materials such as sheets, pipes, hollow profiles, where the thickness of material does not allow to make the drilling with enough number of threads. Also we can compare this thermal drilling technology with production of smooth cylindrical and conical bushings by forming technologies. This paper was made with cooperation with firm Commerc Service spol.s.r.o., Prešov.
Cyclic Test of DP600 Steel under Tension-Compression Load for Different Pre-Strain Levels
Authors: Slota Ján , Jurčišin Miroslav , Tomáš Miroslav , Spišák Emil
Published: December 2014

Modeling sheet metal forming operations requires understanding of the plastic behavior of the sheet metal along the non-proportional strain paths. Measurement of hardening under reversed uniaxial loading is because of its simplicity very effective mechanical test to achieve several important features of material behavior. With the reversed uniaxial loading can be examined features as Bauschinger effect, work hardening stagnation, permanent softening etc., which are necessary to defined kinematic hardening in the numerical simulations. The biggest problem of uniaxial reversed loading is buckling of the sheet metal during the compression phase. In this article is described development of the simple fixture, used for the reversed uniaxial loading and results of tension-compression test for the steel DP 600 in various pre-strain levels are specified.
The Fractography Analysis of IN 718 Alloy after Fatigue Test
Authors: Belan Juraj
Published: December 2014

The Inconel’s alloy IN 718 has been developed by International Nickel Company in early 50-ties of 20thcentury. It is high-strength; corrosion-resistant nickel chromium material used at temperature range from-250°C up to 705°C. In this study, the high cycle fatigue (HCF) and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) properties of IN718 superalloy with given chemical composition were investigated under push-pull high frequency fatigue test at room temperature. A S – N curve was obtained after testing. With the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM), fractography analyses were performed to disclose the fracture features of specimens in different life ranges.
IL-17A–Mediated Protection against Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Suryawanshi Amol , Cao Zhiyi , Sampson James F. , Panjwani Noorjahan
Published: December 2014

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a very painful and vision-impairing infection of the cornea that is difficult to treat. Although past studies have indicated a critical role of neutrophils and macrophages in AK, the relative contribution of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-17A, that is essential for migration, activation, and function of these cells into the cornea is poorly defined. Moreover, the role of the adaptive immune response, particularly the contribution of CD4+ T cell subsets, Th17 and regulatory T cells , in AK is yet to be understood. In this report, using a mouse corneal intrastromal injection-induced AK model, we show that Acanthamoeba infection induces a strong CD4+ T effector and regulatory T cell response in the cornea and local draining lymph nodes. We also demonstrate that corneal Acanthamoeba infection induces IL-17A expression and that IL-17A is critical for host protection against severe AK pathology. Accordingly, IL-17A neutralization in Acanthamoeba-infected wild-type mice or Acanthamoeba infection of mice lacking IL-17A resulted in a significantly increased corneal AK pathology, increased migration of inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation, and a significant increase in the effector CD4+ T cell response in draining lymph nodes. Thus, in sharp contrast with other corneal infections such as herpes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis where IL-17A exacerbates corneal pathology and inflammation, the findings presented in this article suggest that IL-17A production after Acanthamoeba infection plays an important role in host protection against invading parasites.
Transcriptome Assessment Reveals a Dominant Role for TLR4 in the Activation of Human Monocytes by the Alarmin MRP8
Authors: Fassl Selina K. , Austermann Judith , Papantonopoulou Olympia , Riemenschneider Mona , Xue Jia , Bertheloot Damien , Freise Nicole , Spiekermann Christoph , Witten Anika , Viemann Dorothee , Kirschnek Susanne , Stoll Monika , Latz Eicke , Schultze Joachim L. , Roth Johannes , Vogl Thomas
Published: December 2014

The alarmins myeloid-related protein (MRP)8 and MRP14 are the most prevalent cytoplasmic proteins in phagocytes. When released from activated or necrotic phagocytes, extracellular MRP8/MRP14 promote inflammation in many diseases, including infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The involvement of TLR4 and the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products as receptors during MRP8-mediated effects on inflammation remains controversial. By comparative bioinformatic analysis of genome-wide response patterns of human monocytes to MRP8, endotoxins, and various cytokines, we have developed a model in which TLR4 is the dominant receptor for MRP8-mediated phagocyte activation. The relevance of the TLR4 signaling pathway was experimentally validated using human and murine models of TLR4- and receptor for advanced glycation end products–dependent signaling. Furthermore, our systems biology approach has uncovered an antiapoptotic role for MRP8 in monocytes, which was corroborated by independent functional experiments. Our data confirm the primary importance of the TLR4/MRP8 axis in the activation of human monocytes, representing a novel and attractive target for modulation of the overwhelming innate immune response.
Mutation in the CD45 Inhibitory Wedge Modulates Integrin Activation and Leukocyte Recruitment during Inflammation
Authors: Germena Giulia , Volmering Stephanie , Sohlbach Charlotte , Zarbock Alexander
Published: December 2014

Neutrophil recruitment to the site of inflammation plays a pivotal role in host defense. Src family kinases (SFKs) activation is required for integrin and chemokine signaling as well as immune cell function. The receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 positively regulates chemoattractant signaling acting on SFK activity. To further investigate the role of CD45 in neutrophil recruitment and function, we analyzed transgenic mice carrying a single point mutation (CD45E613R), which constitutively activates CD45. By using intravital microscopy experiments, we demonstrated that different steps of the leukocyte recruitment cascade were affected in CD45E613R mutant mice. The rolling velocity of CD45E613R mutant neutrophils was decreased compared with wild-type neutrophils that subsequently resulted in an increased number of adherent cells. The analysis of β2 integrins LFA-1 and macrophage-1 Ag (Mac-1) showed that in CD45E613R mutant neutrophils LFA-1 adhesiveness was impaired, and avidity was enhanced, whereas Mac-1 adhesiveness was increased. Because of the increased Mac-1 adhesiveness, neutrophil crawling was impaired in CD45E613R mutant compared with wild-type neutrophils. In an Escherichia coli lung infection model, CD45E613R mice displayed a decreased neutrophil recruitment into the alveolar compartment, which resulted in an increased number of CFUs in the lung. Our data demonstrate that the CD45E613R mutation modulates integrin activation and leukocyte recruitment during inflammation.
A case of chronic progressive Lyme encephalitis as a manifestation of late Lyme neuroborreliosis
Authors: Verma Vivek , Roman Matthew , Shah Disha , Zaretskaya Marina , Yassin Mohamed H.
Published: December 2014

A 54-year-old female living in Europe presented with gait ataxia, dizziness, and bilateral hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed non-specific white matter changes. The patient’s condition gradually deteriorated over two years without diagnosis. The patient continued to decline cognitively and neurologically with worsening ataxia and upper motor neuron signs. Repeat MRI showed worsening white matter changes. Lumbar puncture, not previously done, showed positive Lyme testing. Treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone resulted in marked neurological improvement. Four years after symptom, the patient has short-term memory deficits and chronic fatigue, but is otherwise neurologically, cognitively, and functionally intact. Follow up MRI findings remain largely unchanged. Because cases of intraparenchymal or encephalopathic neuroborreliosis in America are lacking, so are treatment options. We present a rare case and discuss our experience with antibiotic treatment. This case lends evidence to define optimal treatment of this disease, imperative for hastening neurological recovery.
Psychological capital, job demands and organisational commitment of employees in a call centre in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Pillay Kreshona , Buitendach Johanna H. , Kanengoni Herbert
Published: December 2014

Orientation: The South African call centre industry is growing as call centres are increasingly used as a means of service delivery to customers. Positive psychologists posit that psychological capital could lead to positive outcomes such as organisational commitment of call centre staff.Research purpose: This study investigated the relationship between psychological capital, job demands and organisational commitment and intended to determine whether psychological capital and job demands predict call centre employees’ organisational commitment.Motivation for the study: The study aimed to explore potential links between psychological capital, job demands and organisational commitment of call centre employees. It is premised on previous research that call centre job demands may be related to commitment to the organisation.Research approach, design and method: This cross-sectional study sampled 117 call centre employees from Durban, South Africa, and used a biographical questionnaire, psychological capital questionnaire, the job-demands-resources scale and the organisational commitment questionnaire to collect data.Main findings: Findings indicated a statistically significant relationship between psychological capital and work overload, as well as a practically and statistically significant relationship (medium effect) between psychological capital and continuance organisational commitment. The results showed that psychological capital has predictive value for continuance organisational commitment.Practical/managerial implications: Psychological capital has predictive value for continuance organisational commitment. Organisations can develop initiatives to enhance positive psychological states and address this relationship.Contribution: The findings could be beneficial to management and employees in considering ways to boost psychological capital in order to improve organisational commitment.
In Silico Detection of Virulence Gene Homologues in the Human Pathogen Sphingomonas Spp.
Authors: Saeb Amr T. M. , David Satish Kumar , Al-Brahim Hissa
Published: December 2014

There is an ongoing debate about the clinical significance of Sphingomonas paucimobilis as a virulent bacterial pathogen. In the present study, we investigated the presence of different virulence factors and genes in Sphingomonas bacteria. We utilized phylogenetic, comparative genomics and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the potentiality of Sphingomonas bacteria as virulent pathogenic bacteria. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) phylogenetic tree showed that the closest bacterial taxon to Sphingomonas is Brucella with a bootstrap value of 87 followed by Helicobacter, Campylobacter, Pseudomonas, and then Legionella. Sphingomonas shared no virulence factors with Helicobacter or Campylobacter, despite their close phylogenic relationship. In spite of the phylogenetic divergence between Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas, they shared many major virulence factors, such as adherence, antiphagocytosis, iron uptake, proteases, and quorum sensing. In conclusion, Sphingomonas spp. contains several major virulence factors resembling Pseudomonas sp., Legionella sp., Brucella sp., and Bordetella sp. virulence factors. Similarity of virulence factors did not match phylogenetic relationships. These findings suggest horizontal gene transfer of virulence factors rather than sharing a common pathogenic ancestor. Sphingomonas spp. is potential virulent bacterial pathogen.
Novel methods for predicting gas–particle partitioning during the formation of secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Wania F. , Lei Y. D. , Wang C. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Goss K.-U.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Several methods have been presented in the literature to predict an organic chemical's equilibrium partitioning between the water insoluble organic matter (WIOM) component of aerosol and the gas phase, Ki,WIOM, as a function of temperature. They include (i) polyparameter linear free energy relationships calibrated with empirical aerosol sorption data, as well as (ii) the solvation models implemented in SPARC and (iii) the quantum-chemical software COSMOtherm, which predict solvation equilibria from molecular structure alone. We demonstrate that these methods can be used to predict Ki,WIOM for large numbers of individual molecules implicated in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, including those with multiple functional groups. Although very different in their theoretical foundations, these methods give remarkably consistent results for the products of the reaction of normal alkanes with OH, i.e. their partition coefficients Ki,WIOM generally agree within one order of magnitude over a range of more than ten orders of magnitude. This level of agreement is much better than that achieved by different vapour pressure estimation methods that are more commonly used in the SOA community. Also, in contrast to the agreement between vapour pressure estimates, the agreement between the Ki,WIOM estimates does not deteriorate with increasing number of functional groups. Furthermore, these partitioning coefficients Ki,WIOM predicted SOA mass yields in agreement with those measured in chamber experiments of the oxidation of normal alkanes. If a Ki,WIOM prediction method was based on one or more surrogate molecules representing the solvation properties of the mixed OM phase of SOA, the choice of those molecule(s) was found to have a relatively minor effect on the predicted Ki,WIOM, as long as the molecule(s) are not very polar. This suggests that a single surrogate molecule, such as 1-octanol or a hypothetical SOA structure proposed by Kalberer et al. (2004), may often be sufficient to represent the WIOM component of the SOA phase, greatly simplifying the prediction. The presented methods could substitute for vapour-pressure-based methods in studies such as the explicit modelling of SOA formation from single precursor molecules in chamber experiments.