bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Investigation of Laser Glazed Mullite Thin Films on Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Coatings
Authors: Sanpo Noppakun , Tharajak Jirasak , Wang James , Berndt Christopher C.
Published: October 2015

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are used in the cooled parts of gas turbines to reduce the temperature of blades and hot engine components, allowing higher operating temperatures and yielding increased efficiency. The corrosive gases which come from combustion of low grade fuels can penetrate into the TBCs and reach the metallic components and bond coat and cause hot corrosion and erosion damage. Mullite thin films have been applied onto the top layer of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings by sol-gel dipping process in order to decrease the porosity as well as improve thermal stability of the coatings. Glazing the top layer by laser beam is an advanced approach to seal TBCs surface. The laser beam has the advantage of forming a dense thin layer composed of micrograins. CO2 laser beam assisted in the densification of the surface by remelting a thin layer of the exposed surface. The laser glazing converted the rough surface of TBCs into smooth micron-sized grains with size of 1-4 microns. Mullite compounds have remained on the surface after laser treatment since alumina and silica are still present, as indicated in EDX spectra. The results revealed that the roughness increases as the grain size decreases.
Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of 0-3 Cement/Rice Husk Ash-Lead Niobate Zirconate Titanate Ceramic Composites
Authors: Jaitanong Nittaya , Chaipanich Arnon
Published: October 2015

The microstructure and dielectric properties of lead niobate zirconate titanate (PNZT), rice husk ash (RHA) and Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) composites were investigated. Ordinary Portland cement was partially replaced with rice husk ash at 20% by weight of binder. The rice husk ash was ground for 180 minutes before using. PNZT of mid particle sizes (450μm) were used at 30%, 50% and 70% by volume to produce the composites. The composites were mixed and pressed together and cured with 97%RH in chamber water bath for 3 days before measurements. The dielectric properties were measured under room temperature at different frequency. The results indicated that the dielectric constant of the 0-3 PC/RHA-PNZT composites increased with increasing PNZT content.
Physical Properties of Cement Mortar Containing Waste Ash
Authors: Rukzon Sumrerng , Chindaprasirt Prinya
Published: October 2015

This research studies the potential for using waste ash from industrial and agricultural by-products as a pozzolanic material. Classified fly ash (FA) and ground rice husk ash (RA) were the materials used. Water requirement, compressive strength and porosity of cement mortar were investigated. Test results indicated that FA and RA (waste ash) have a high potential to be used as a good pozzolanic material. The water requirement of mortar mix decreases with the increases in fly ash content. For ground rice husk ash (RA), the water requirement of mortar mix increases with the increases in rice husk ash content. In addition, the reduction in porosity was associated with the increase in compressive strength.
The Fabrication of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Thin Film via Deposited Spray Pyrolysis Using for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Lertloypanyachai Prapon , Kaewnuam Eakgapon , Sreebunpeng Krittiya
Published: October 2015

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is coated onto the materials (e.g.glass ceramic) to inhibit the bacteria growth. TiO2has become a popular photocatalyst for both air and water purification. It has also shown to be very active for bacterial destruction even under UV light. The photocatalytic of TiO2involves the light-induced catalysis of reducing and oxidizing reactions on the surface of materials. The spray pyrolysis technique for material synthesis in thin-film configuration is an interesting option due to the use of inexpensive precursor materials and low-cost equipment suitable for large-area coatings. In this research, TiO2thin films were deposited onto glass substrates using spray pyrolysis technique. Escherichia coli (E.coli) was used as testing bacteria. TiO2thin films showed some antibacterial effect in the halo test.
UV-Protection Property of Silk Fabric Dyed with Natural Indigo by Using Padding Technique: A Focus on Effect of Ferrous Sulfate Mordant
Authors: Mongkholrattanasit Rattanaphol , Saiwan Chintana , Klaichoi Charoon , Rungruangkitkrai Nattadon , Sasivatchutikool Pornphanit
Published: October 2015

Silk fabric has been dyed with natural indigo (Indigofera tentoria) in absence and present ferrous sulfate mordant by using post-mordanting and pad dyeing processes. It was observed that with an increase in the dye concentration, the ultraviolet (UV) protection factor (UPF) values ranged between good and very good for the silk fabric. Silk fabrics dyed with natural indigo showed green shade. The level of fastness properties were ranged from good to very good. The results confirmed that natural dyes from natural indigo with ferrous sulfate have potential applications in fabric dyeing and in producing UV-protective silk fabrics.
A Reliable Homemade Tissue Culture Protocol for Dendrobium Orchid Cultivation
Authors: Nicomrat Duongruitai , Anantasaran Jackrit
Published: October 2015

Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, a common tissue culture media for orchids which is mostly supplemented with various natural organic substances with high nutritional values can accelerate the growth of plant tissues. Nevertheless, the knowledge of actual compositions of these natural added substances is limited, causing various culture results. In this study, we have investigated the effects of added natural organic nutrient ratios on 2 orchid tissue cultures, Dendrobium, Dendrobium farmeri Paxt. and Dendrobium griffithianum Lindl. Additionally, simple, affordable medium recipes, MS media supplemented with banana were thus economically sterilized by either a simple type steaming vapor boiler or an autoclave for reliability improvement. The results showed that the orchids grew better in medium supplemented with Namwa banana especially at 150 g/L for Dendrobiumfarmeri Paxt. and 75 g/L for Dendrobium griffithianum Lindl. The suitable steaming procedure at 100°C for 60 minutes was adequate for eliminating most pathogens from the media and helped both orchid seedlings cultivated very well. Moreover, the optimized homemade tissue culture protocol provides fast effectiveness, simplicity, consistently high nutritional values, and practically being suitable technique for ready transferring to the community.
The Effects of Cytokinins on Plant Regeneration of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria nemoralis A. Camus cv. Roiet)
Authors: Khunchuay Chonnikarn , Sompornpailin Kanokporn
Published: October 2015

The optimum ratios of auxin and cytokinin are necessary for callus induction and plant regeneration. This ratio is a key function involving in the promoting cell division and proliferation in tissue culture. The axillary buds of in vitro plantlets fromVetiveria nemoralisA. Camuscv. Roiet were used as explants for the callus induction experiment. These explants were cultured on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium [1] supplemented with various combinations of auxins and cytokinins. Under this experimental study, the highest frequency of callus induction was found on MS medium supplemented with 2 mgL-1α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 1 mgL-12-furanylmethyl-1H-purine-6-amine (kinetin) (62.5%). On the other hand the combination of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) was toxicity to this explants. All culturing explants were dead and no calli appearance. The calli derived from each medium were transferred into the same regeneration medium (MS with 1 mgL-1NAA and 2 mgL-1BAP). After culturing on regeneration medium, calli induced from the highest callus induction medium have shown high frequencies of regeneration and also shoot number per callus (58.33% and 7.1 shoots).
The Removal Mechanisms of Organic Compounds in Household Wastewater by Soil Sediment
Authors: Boonyaroj Varinthorn , Jinasam Jiraporn , Nachailan Warangkana
Published: October 2015

The main reasons which caused the water pollution in canals, especially in Khlong Prem Prachakorn, are untreated, and improperly treated household, accumulation from flood situation in Bangkok. Soil sediment accumulation in canal contain many types of organic compounds. However, contaminant that causes an increase health risk is the mostly concern. This research was performed to investigate the organic compounds in household wastewater removal under biodegradation, and adsorption mechanisms by using soil sediment taken from Khlong Prem Prachakorn, Bangkok, Thailand. For the adsorption experiment, inactivated sludge was used for determining adsorption capacity of soil sediment. The samples were slowly mixed at 30 rpm and taken at constant time intervals for the determination of biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction. The influent BOD, and COD concentration were found 63 mg/l, and 354 mg/l, respectively. The results indicated that the concentration of BOD, and COD were decreasing rapidly by both biodegradation and adsorption mechanisms within 12 h. In this research, the biological activity by microorganisms in soil sediment as an important role and helped to remove organic compound in household wastewater.
The Study of Fluid Flows in Difference Hydroponics System Arrangements
Authors: Pramuanjaroenkij Anchasa , Naiyanart Suratsawadee , Hintong Pattara , Sanbun Anusorn
Published: October 2015

This work studied fluid flow in the hydroponics systems to create 4 prototypes of the hydroponics systems; horizontal (traditional), inclined-flow, vertical-droplet and vertical-bowl systems, for a household application with initial conditions as low investment cost and easy installation. Red Oak was used to plant in all prototypes to investigate the prototype productivity. Fluid in the experimental investigation was the plant nutrient solution. All variables; fluid and ambient temperatures, fluid pH and sunlight intensity were measured 2 times a day from 4 systems placed in the same area and environment during 15 days of the experimental period in July 2013,. From results, the solution temperatures affected the productivity less than the fluid flow patterns did. The vertical-droplet system could not be used to grow Red Oak because the plants died during the experiment period. The vertical-bowl system could provide the highest productivity. We noticed that the fluid in the vertical-bowl system flowed transitionally while the flow in the other systems was laminar. Therefore, the fluid flow patterns could affect the productivity in the hydroponics systems.
Waste Management Education for Sustainable Islands
Authors: Navykarn Kanokrat , Muneenam Umaporn
Published: October 2015

Waste pollution is environmental problem on an international level that is particularly important to an island which is limited area, as well as where is little management capacity to carry the number of future wastes. This article aims to present the reviewed relevant documents about waste management education; a kind of tool in which to reach the environmental education objectives. These are an increasing of knowledge, awareness, attitude, skills, and participation for all stakeholders in order to reduce the number of waste volume. Two keywords were used to search from the secondary data which are environmental education (EE.) and waste management. The waste management was mainly focused to the education process only on island. The results found that waste management education conducted in all educational systems promoted both children and adults in different processes and settings. For example; educational set, waste management program, learning activities, and waste training manual. Moreover, the designed contents were varieties; such as, waste issues, effects from wastes, waste management, waste disposal, and waste separation by practice. However; not all of them reached the EE objectives. Consequently, this information will be useful for the future research about waste management education in island context.
Odor Control in the Standard Thai Rubber 20 (STR 20) Industry by Using a Wet Scrubber
Authors: Rattanapan Worapot
Published: October 2015

This article aims to investigate the potential of using effluent wastewater (called raw wastewater) from wastewater treatment plant as a recirculation liquid in a wet scrubber to remove volatile fatty acid (VFA). This research was conducted in 2 steps. Firstly, surveys and interviews were carried out at STR 20 factory in order to obtain information about STR 20 production and odor control process. Secondly, a study of the potential of using the raw wastewater in a wet scrubber to absorb the VFAs was conducted. The exhausted gas with high VFAs causes malodor in Standard Thai Rubber 20 (STR20) industry. The wet scrubber with counter-current mode runs for 7 operational days. Pall ring is used as packing media without bacterial attachment. The study demonstrates that in these 7 operational days, the raw wastewater has the potential to absorb the VFA. This is indicated by higher VFA concentration 4,372.5 mg/l as acetic acid of a recirculation liquid compared to raw wastewater 75.38 mg/l as acetic acid fed. It increases efficiency of absorbing volatile fatty acid approximately by 24%. VFA concentration in effluent wastewater was found 1,734 mg/L as acetic acid compared to influent wastewater was found 1,395 mg/l as acetic acid fed. In addition, bacterial growth on packing media was observed with volatile solid (VS) and total bacteria count present due to biodegradation of VFA. This information will be useful for further research in the future about biodegradation of VFA by bacterial attachment in packing media.
Variations of the Precipitation Water Vapor by Using GPS Data Triggered Raining in the Summer of Thailand
Authors: Choosakul Nithiwatthn
Published: October 2015

The variation of water vapor can be detected from the Global Positioning System (GPS) data. The GPS signal was delayed when propagated through the wet atmosphere. The delayed signal can be retrieved into Precipitation Water Vapor (PWV) data. The GPS data of CUSV station from 2009 to 2012 were used in this research. The results showed that the PWV varied during the summer of Thailand. The PWV were slightly increased from 20 mm at the beginning of the season to 40 mm at the end of season. The increased PWV data were shown as linear line. A slope of the linear line may relate with the amount of the cumulative rain in the season. The steeper line might relate to the great number of raining in the end of the season, otherwise, the fairly gradual line might relate to the raining at any time in the season. The high level of PWV up to around 33 mm could induce the rain in the summer of Thailand.
Heating Energy Briquettes from Cashew Nut Shell
Authors: Sawekwiharee Sangwoei , Boonchoo Thanaporn , Kuttiyawong Anchana , Chathirat Naphat
Published: October 2015

We study the heating energy of briquettes from cashew nut shell (CNS), cultivated in south Thailand. CNS briquettes (CNSB) were produced by mixing CNS powder with the cassava starch ratio 5:1w/w. A chemical component analysis of the CNSB was performed, and the heat utilization efficiency was compared with firewood charcoal. CNSB were found to have a fixed carbon content of 49.2%, ash content of 4.2% (750°C°C at 6 hours), and moisture content of 6.6% (105°C for 24 hours). It was observed that CNSB consists of energy consumption at 0.440-0.456 KW/kg and high compressive strength of 60.2 kg/cm2.The value of heat utilization efficiency obtained inside the fuel briquette of 18.01%, attributed to the burn rate average at 11.90 g/min. CNSB could be used to replace firewood and reduce cost for heating manufacturing processes.
Novel Optical Trapping Micro-Sensor from PANDA Ring Resonator for Quantum Computer Processing
Authors: Sripakdee Chatchawal , Sarapat Napatasakon
Published: October 2015

We firstly present and analyze a feasible schematic optical sensor made from PANDA ring resonator which generates WGM of tunneling photons to be used in the atomic trapping process in quantum computer processing to teleport quantum states. A simulation done by launching electromagnetics of Gaussian soliton pulses into an optical tweezers device is given to obtain time dependent evolution of polarization qubit states. It shows that under very low temperature, an optimum photon resonant frequency of such qubit has sufficient stability lifetime to be used in quantum signal states transferring purposes.
The New Design of Fish Cake Making Machine
Authors: Wirotcheewan Prasert , Peanprasit Somjai
Published: October 2015

Fish cake is a popular cuisine among Thai people. However, the production process of pieces of raw fish cake still uses human labors so the production yield is quite low and it takes more consumption time. Moreover, the sizes of pieces of raw fish cake are not uniform. Therefore, the researchers aimed to design and construct a fish cake making machine to help improve the practical fish cake production process. The results showed that the fish cake making machine could manage raw fish cake into 20 even, round shaped pieces with a 50 mm diameter, 8 mm thickness within a minute. It required electrical power from an electric motor harboring 220 volt (AC), 60 watts, and speed at 28 rpm. The consumed electrical power was approximately 0.19 baht per hr. The results showed that with the qualification of fish cake making machine that can make several pieces of raw fish cake at the same size, the users satisfied it at least 70%. It is expected that more development of this fish cake machine will be tentatively worldwide applied in the food industry.
Influence of Multifunctional Monomers on Gamma Irradiated Polylactic Acid
Authors: Chaochanchaikul Kantima , Harnnarongchai Wanlop
Published: October 2015

The aim of this work was to compare and discuss the influence of multifunctional monomers as crosslinking agent (Triallyl Isocyanurate; TAIC) and chain extender (Joncryl ADR4368) on the gamma irradiated Polylactic acid (PLA). The modified PLA samples with varying amount of TAIC and Joncryl were characterized by observing the molecular characteristics and mechanical properties. The results showed that irradiated PLA had lower average molar mass and mechanical properties compared to non-irradiated PLA due to irradiation induced chain scission. Gel content was observed and increased with increasing irradiation dose for the TAIC modified sample, indicating that the further crosslink of irradiated PLA was occurring. Crosslinking and chain extension were responsible for the improved modulus and tensile strength of irradiated PLA, however the decrease in tensile strength at high irradiation dose was observed for crosslinked PLA.
Non-Uniform Heat Source or Sink Effect on the Flow of 3D Casson Fluid in the Presence of Soret and Thermal Radiation
Authors: Sulochana Chalavadi , Payad Samrat S. , Sandeep Naramgari
Published: October 2015

This study deals with the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic Casson fluid flow, heat and mass transfer over a stretching surface in the presence of non-uniform heat source/sink, thermal radiation and Soret effects. The governing partial differential equations are transformed to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformation, which are then solved numerically using Runge-Kutta based shooting technique. We obtained good accuracy of the present results by comparing with the exited literature. The influence of dimensionless parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles along with the friction factor, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are discussed with the help of graphs and tables. It is found that the positive values of non-uniform heat source/sink parameters acts like heat generators and helps to develop the temperature profiles of the flow.
Optimization of Cutting Conditions Using Regression and Genetic Algorithm in End Milling
Authors: Koura Omar Monir , El-Akkad Ahmed Samy
Published: October 2015

End milling is a key machining operation in industrial world, particularly in manufacturing of dies and similar products. Although, such products require high degree of surface roughness, milling operation is taken to be the enough for the cost wise if considering further finishing operations. Thus optimizing the cutting conditions to achieve the optimal surface roughness is becoming a vital issue. Several authors tackled this problem. In this paper the same case is investigated but with an advanced algorithm using regression and genetic methodology. The results obtained which ended by deducing a general equation combining the effect of various parameters on surface roughness highlighted the factors involved in achieving the surface roughness and proved to be good tool to predict the optimal cutting conditions.
Thermo Diffusion and Hall Current Effects on an Unsteady Flow of a Nanofluid under the Influence of Inclined Magnetic Field
Authors: Janke Venkata Ramana Reddy , Sugunamma V. , Sandeep Naramgari
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we investigated the effects of hall current and thermal diffusion on an unsteady flow of a nanofluid in the presence of inclined magnetic field and volume fraction of nanoparticles. We considered copper nanoparticles with base fluid as water and presented dual solutions for water and Cu-water cases. An analytical solution of the problem was performed using perturbation technique. The effects of various non-dimensional governing parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration fields along with the friction factor, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are discussed and presented through graphs and tables. To validate the results of the present study we compared the present results with the existed results and found an excellent agreement. Moreover, through this study we observed that an increase in the Hall current parameter increases the velocity profiles and depreciates the friction factor. It is also observed that an increase in Soret number causes to enhance the velocity and concentration boundary layer thicknesses.
Stagnation-Point Flow of a Jeffrey Nanofluid over a Stretching Surface with Induced Magnetic Field and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Sandeep Naramgari , Sulochana Chalavadi , Animasaun Isaac Lare
Published: October 2015

With every passing day the heat transfer enhancement in the convectional base fluids plays a major role in several industrial and engineering processes. During these process nanofluids has attained its great importance to enhance the heat transfer rate in the convectional flows. Keeping this into view, in this study we investigated the stagnation point flow, heat and mass transfer behaviour of MHD Jeffrey nanofluid over a stretching surface in the presence of induced magneticfield, non-uniform heat source or sink and chemical reaction. Using similarity technique, the governing boundary layer partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations. The ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using Runge-Kutta-Felhberg scheme. An excellent agreement of the present results has been observed with the existed literature under some special cases. The effects of various dimensionless governing parameters on velocity, induced magneticfield, temperature and nanoparticle concentration profiles are discussed and presented through graphs. Also, friction factor, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are computed and discussed. Dual solutions are presented for suction and injection cases. It is found that dual solutions exist only for certain range of suction or injection parameter. It is also observed that an increase in the heat and mass transfer rate for higher values of Deborah number.
Studies on Concrete Incorporating Copper Slag as a Fine Aggregate
Authors: Terpakova Eva
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates the possibility of application of copper slag as a waste byproduct from metallurgical factory Krompachy (Slovakia Republic) as a fine aggregate in concrete up to 40-50% replacement of natural filler. Results of these studies confirmed that it is possible to produce concrete with a mean compressive strength of greater 50 MPa at 28 days hardening without any special additivies. Testing of mechanical properties of concrete samples was provided on the durability point of view up to 360 days. It can be concluded from the results, that use of copper slag as fine aggregate in concrete is technically viable for road construction engineering and have some economical benefits as soon as.
Development of Fly-Ash Based Hydraulic Backfilling Technology for the Final Closure of Underground Mines
Authors: Faitli Jozsef , Bőhm Jozsef , Mucsi Gabor , Gombkötő Imre , Weisz Robert
Published: October 2015

The active mining of the Mátraszentimre (Hungary) underground base-metal mine was halted in 1985. So far enormous research and efforts have been taken for the final closure of the mine. The technology of fly-ash based hydraulic backfilling was selected. About 95 000 tons of fly-ash backfilling is necessary to close the mine. A suitable technology have been developed, installed and put into operation. So far about 14 400 tons fly ash have been backfilled.This paper summarizes the main results and elements of the process engineering part of this work. The pozzolanic activity of fly-ash from the Mátra Power Station was examined in order to develop a new hydraulic binder with the addition of lime. As results of the different examinations it had been decided that the backfilling material should be lignite fly-ash from the tailings pond of the nearby Mátra Power Plant. The fly-ash hydraulic transport system of the Mátra Power Station was designed by our institute back in 1998. This system is still operating and now serving the material for backfilling. The knowledge of designing the power station pipeline system was utilized at designing the hydraulic backfilling system. The main technical parameters of the solid – liquid pipe flow were designed based on the Tarján – Faitli: coarse mixture flow in fine suspension flow model then and now as well. The design covered many other aspects of the task such as material characterization and mixing, settling behavior of the backfill, dewatering and mechanical properties of the backfill, water permeability and so on...
Chemical Compositon of PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and Influence of Meteorological Conditions on them in Zilina Self-Governing Region, Slovakia
Authors: Ďurčanská Daniela , Jandačka Dušan
Published: October 2015

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the striking pollutants and causes appreciable degradation of the environment and therefore the quality of life of the population. PM may originate in various natural resources or anthropogenic sources. Among the natural sources sea salt is to be counted on, dust of the earth crust, pollen and volcanic ashes. Anthropogenic sources do include, predominantly, burning fossil fuels in the fossil-fuel power plants, local heating of households, burning liquefied fossil fuels in the combustion engines of vehicles, non-combustion related emissions as a result of vehicular traffic, resuspension of the road-traffic-related dust. Their harmful effect and impact on the ambient environment is determined predominantly by the aerodynamic diameter of PM and by the presence of various chemical substances and elements. The subject of this presentation is monitoring particulate matter along the cycle of its creation in the vicinity of highway in rural area and an evaluation of fraction ratios PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 with regard to meteorological conditions and traffic volume. Wind speed and temperature appear to be the most significant meteorological factors with proven impact on particulate matter in ambient air. The fine fraction PM2.5 is determining for the total measured fraction PM10. It has also been monitored the chemical composition of PM, in particular the presence of metals in fractions of PM. Some chemical elements (metals) are characteristic for fine fraction PM2.5 and some for coarse fraction PM2.5-10. It depends primarily on measuring seasons, the distribution of potential sources of particulate matter and metals in the time and space.
Removal of Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption onto Natural Bentonites
Authors: Melichová Zuzana , Handzušová Michaela
Published: October 2015

The removal of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions using the adsorption process onto natural Slovak bentonites from deposits Jelšový potok, Hliník nad Hronom and Lieskovec has been investigated in this study. The adsorption experiments were carried out under batch process with initial concentration Cu (II) ions, time and temperature as the variables. A flame atomic absorption spectrometer was used for measuring the copper concentration before and after adsorption. Adsorption was very fast at low coverage and equilibrium was approached within 30 min. The results best fitted the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied and isotherm coefficients were computed. The Langmuir isotherm was found to fit better the experimental data measured for used bentonites. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbents was from 13.4 to 43.1 mg g−1. The effect of temperature on the equilibrium adsorption of copper from aqueous solution using natural bentonites was investigated at three different temperatures (293, 303 and 313 K). Thermodynamic parameters, such as standard free energy changes (ΔGo), standard enthalpy change (ΔHo) and standard entropy change (ΔSo), were calculated using adsorption equilibrium constant obtained from the Langmuir isotherm. The copper adsorption on bentonite was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results suggested that natural bentonites are suitable as a adsorbent material for recovery and adsorption of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Comparing the measured results for used bentonites is evident that for the removal of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions is more suitable the bentonite from Jelšový potok.
General Comment on Particle Size Analysis
Authors: Jesenák Karol , Kadlečíková Magdaléna , Breza Juraj
Published: October 2015

This article summarizes the main topics related to the issue of particle size analysis. It provides a discussion of the term ’particle’ and briefly describes the advantages and disadvantages of the most important particle size analysis methods.
Steel Slag as a Substitute for Natural Aggregate in the Production of Concrete
Authors: Václavík Vojtěch , Dvorský Tomáš , Šimíček Vojtěch , Ondová Marcela , Valíček Jan , Kušnerová Milena , Gola Lukáš
Published: October 2015

This article presents the results of an experimental research dealing with the use of steel slag as a partial substitute for natural aggregates in the production of concrete composite. Comparative mixture based on natural aggregates was prepared from the fractions of 0/4, 4/8 and 8/16 mm, which were represented in the volume ratio of 40:30:30. During the experimental research, natural aggregates with the fractions of 4/8 mm, 8/16 mm were replaced with steel slag of the same faction. We have tested the input properties of natural aggregates and steel slag for the designed experimental mixtures (grain size, density, specific weight, powder density, absorption capacity, resistance to crushing, shape index). In case of concrete mixture prepared according to the experimental recipes, we have monitored the following characteristics: density of fresh concrete mixture, consistency of concrete mixture, strength characteristics - cube strength after 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 90 days, prism strength after 28 days. The research has discovered that substitution of natural aggregates with steel slag of the same fraction in concrete mixture is possible, without significantly affecting the strength properties of the concrete based on steel slag in comparison with the concrete based on natural aggregates.
Alkali Activation of Blast Furnace Slag by Various Types of Activators
Authors: Mec Pavel , Boháčová Jana , Koňařík Josef , Závrský Petr
Published: October 2015

Alkali-activated systems, formed by the alkaline activation are inorganic materials characterized by the potential of ecological use. The objective of experiment was to investigate the influence of different activators on selected properties of alkali-activated systems based on granulated blast furnace slag. At the beginning of the experiment, 21 different samples prepared of 12 types of activators were tested to the basic properties. Then, selected samples with the best potencial to use were tested to compressive and flexural strength, frost resistance and surface resistance to chemical de-icing substances. The initial setting time achieved 25 - 95 minutes and final setting time achieved 30 - 105 minutes, compressive strengths were in the range 40 - 100MPa, frost resistance and resistance of surface to water and defrosting chemicals were confirmed.
Development and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Mouse and Human Fcγ Receptors
Authors: Tutt Alison L. , James Sonya , Laversin Stéphanie A. , Tipton Thomas R. W. , Ashton-Key Margaret , French Ruth R. , Hussain Khiyam , Vaughan Andrew T. , Dou Lang , Earley Alexander , Dahal Lekh N. , Lu Chen , Dunscombe Melanie , Chan H. T. Claude , Penfold Christine A. , Kim Jinny H. , Potter Elizabeth A. , Mockridge C. Ian , Roghanian Ali , Oldham Robert J. , Cox Kerry L. , Lim Sean H. , Teige Ingrid , Frendéus Bjorn , Glennie Martin J. , Beers Stephen A. , Cragg Mark S.
Published: October 2015

FcγRs are key regulators of the immune response, capable of binding to the Fc portion of IgG Abs and manipulating the behavior of numerous cell types. Through a variety of receptors, isoforms, and cellular expression patterns, they are able to fine-tune and direct appropriate responses. Furthermore, they are key determinants of mAb immunotherapy, with mAb isotype and FcγR interaction governing therapeutic efficacy. Critical to understanding the biology of this complex family of receptors are reagents that are robust and highly specific for each receptor. In this study, we describe the development and characterization of mAb panels specific for both mouse and human FcγR for use in flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunocytochemistry. We highlight key differences in expression between the two species and also patterns of expression that will likely impact on immunotherapeutic efficacy and translation of therapeutic agents from mouse to clinic.
Associations of theA66GMethionine Synthase Reductase Polymorphism in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pabalan Noel , Singian Eloisa , Tabangay Lani , Jarjanazi Hamdi , Singh Neetu
Published: October 2015

Inconsistency in the reported associations between the A66G polymorphism in the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene and colorectal cancer (CRC) prompted a meta-analysis, so that we could obtain a more precise estimate. Databases searches of the published literature yielded 20 case-control studies from 17 articles (8,371 cases and 12,574 controls). We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals in three genetic comparisons (A allele, G allele, and A/G genotype). We found no evidence of overall associations between MTRR A66G and CRC risk (OR 0.96–1.05, P = 0.12–0.44). This was materially unchanged when reanalyzed without the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE)-deviating studies (OR 0.97–1.06, P = 0.11–0.65). In the A allele comparison, however, outlier treatment generated significant protection (OR 0.91, P = 0.01). Combined removal of the outliers and HWE-deviating studies reflected this summary effect (OR 0.90, P = 0.01) as did the pooled OR from high-quality studies (OR 0.90, P = 0.01). Only the Asian subgroup showed significant (both at P = 0.05) A allele (OR 1.13) and A/G genotype (OR 0.88) associations. In conclusion, post-outlier A allele effects were protective. Our study also suggests ethnic-specific associations with Asian susceptibility and protection in the A allele and A/G genotype comparisons, respectively. Folate status showed no association of this polymorphism with CRC.
Effectiveness and Usability of Bioinformatics Tools to Analyze Pathways Associated with miRNA Expression
Authors: Mullany Lila E. , Wolff Roger K. , Slattery Martha L.
Published: October 2015

MiRNAs are small, nonprotein-coding RNA molecules involved in gene regulation. While bioinformatics help guide miRNA research, it is less clear how they perform when studying biological pathways. We used 13 criteria to evaluate effectiveness and usability of existing bioinformatics tools. We evaluated the performance of six bioinformatics tools with a cluster of 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in colorectal tumors and three additional sets of 12 miRNAs that are not part of a known cluster. MiRPath performed the best of all the tools in linking miRNAs, with 92% of all miRNAs linked as well as the highest based on our established criteria followed by Ingenuity (58% linked). Other tools, including Empirical Gene Ontology, miRó, miRMaid, and PhenomiR, were limited by their lack of available tutorials, lack of flexibility and interpretability, and/or difficulty using the tool. In summary, we observed a lack of standardization across bioinformatic tools and a general lack of specificity in terms of pathways identified between groups of miRNAs. Hopefully, this evaluation will help guide the development of new tools.
Harm to Others from Substance Use and Abuse: The Underused Potential in Nationwide Registers
Authors: Lund Ingunn Olea , Bukten Anne
Published: October 2015

This article considers the potential in using nationwide registers to study harm to others from substance use and abuse. The advantages of using registry data include the opportunity to include the data on the entire population nationwide and continuously updated longitudinal datasets; they allow for studying small subpopulations and have little missing data. Personal identification numbers and family numbers enable linkage of data from different registers. Such datasets can include extensive information on individual and family levels. In this article, we provide an introduction to nationwide registers and explain how they can be applied to investigate two types of third-party harms: harm to children and harm to partners/spouses from substance use and abuse in parents and partners/spouses. Finally, we discuss challenges, benefits, and ethical considerations regarding the use of such data.
Immersions associated with holomorphic germs
Authors: Némethi András , Pintér Gergő
Published: October 2015

A holomorphic germ

\Phi: ( \mathbb C^2, 0) \to ( \mathbb C^3, 0)

, singular only at the origin, induces at the links level an immersion of

S^3

into

S^5

. The regular homotopy type of immersions

S^3\looparrowright S^5

are determined by their Smale invariant, defined up to a sign ambiguity. In this paper we fix a sign of the Smale invariant and we show that for immersions induced by holomorphic gems the sign-refined Smale invariant

\Omega

is the negative of the number of cross caps appearing in a generic perturbation of

\Phi

. Using the algebraic method we calculate

\Omega

for some families of singularities, among others the A-D-E quotient singularities. As a corollary, we obtain that the regular homotopy classes which admit holomorphic representatives are exactly those, which have non-positive sign-refined Smale invariant. This answers a question of Mumford regarding exactly this correspondence. We also determine the sign ambiguity in the topological formulae of Hughes–Melvin and Ekholm–Szűcs connecting the Smale invariant with (singular) Seifert surfaces. In the case of holomorphic realizations of Seifert surfaces, we also determine their involved invariants in terms of holomorphic geometry.
Flat cycles in the homology of $\Gamma$ \ SL$_m \mathbb R$ / SO($m$)
Authors: Avramidi Grigori , Nguyên Phan T. Tâm
Published: October 2015

In this paper we show that flat (

m-1

)-dimensional tori give nontrivial rational homology cycles in congruence covers of the locally symmetric space SL

_m \mathbb Z

\ SL

_m \mathbb R

/ SO(

m

). We also show that the dimension of the subspace of

H_{m-1} (\Gamma

\ SL

_m \mathbb R

/ SO(

m

);

\mathbb Q)

spanned by flat

(m-1)

-tori grows as one goes up in congruence covers.
On the character variety of the four-holed sphere
Authors: Maloni Sara , Palesi Frédéric , Tan Ser Peow
Published: October 2015

We study the (relative) SL$(2, \mathbb C) character varieties of the four-holed sphere and the action of the mapping class group on them. We describe a domain of discontinuity for this action, and, in the case of real characters, show that this domain of discontinuity may be non-empty on the components where the relative Euler class is non-maximal.
Ergodic actions of countable groups and finite generating partitions
Authors: Seward Brandon
Published: October 2015

We prove the following finite generator theorem. Let

G

be a countable group acting ergodically on a standard probability space. Suppose this action admits a generating partition having finite Shannon entropy. Then the action admits a finite generating partition. We also discuss relationships between generating partitions and f-invariant and sofic entropies.
Homological and Bloch invariants for $\mathbb Q$-rank one spaces and flag structures
Authors: Kim Inkang , Kim Sungwoon , Kuessner Thilo
Published: October 2015

We use group homology to define invariants in algebraic K-theory and in an analogue of the Bloch group for

\mathbb Q

-rank one lattices and for some other geometric structures. We also show that the Bloch invariants of CR structures and of ag structures can be recovered by a fundamental class construction.
Stability properties for quasilinear parabolic equations with measure data
Authors: Bidaut-Véron Marie-Françoise , Nguyen Quoc-Hung
Published: October 2015

Let

\Omega

be a bounded domain of

\mathbb{R}^{N}

, and

Q=\Omega \times(0,T).

We study problems of the model type

\begin{cases}
u_t-\Delta_pu=\mu\qquad&\text{in }Q,\\
u=0\qquad &\text{on }\partial\Omega\times(0,T),\\
u(0)=u_0\qquad&\text{in }\Omega,
\end{cases}

where

p>1

,

\mu\in\mathcal{M}_{b}(Q)

and

u_{0}\in L^{1}(\Omega).

Our main result is a
stability theorem
extending the results of Dal Maso, Murat, Orsina, Prignet, for the elliptic case, valid for quasilinear operators

u\longmapsto\mathcal{A}(u)=

div

(A(x,t,\nabla u))

.
A strong maximum principle for the Paneitz operator and a non-local flow for the $Q$-curvature
Authors: Gursky Matthew J. , Malchiodi Andrea
Published: October 2015

In this paper we consider Riemannian manifolds

(M^n,g)

of dimension

n \geq 5

, with semi-positive

Q

-curvature and non-negative scalar curvature. Under these assumptions we prove (i) the Paneitz operator satisfies a strong maximum principle; (ii) the Paneitz operator is a positive operator; and (iii) its Green's function is strictly positive. We then introduce a non-local flow whose stationary points are metrics of constant positive

Q

-curvature. Modifying the test function construction of Esposito-Robert, we show that it is possible to choose an initial conformal metric so that the flow has a sequential limit which is smooth and positive, and defines a conformal metric of constant positive

Q

-curvature.
Topological classification of multiaxial $U(n)$-actions (with an appendix by Jared Bass)
Authors: Cappell Sylvain , Weinberger Shmuel , Yan Min
Published: October 2015

This paper begins the classification of topological actions on manifolds by compact, connected, Lie groups beyond the circle group. It treats multiaxial topological actions of unitary and symplectic groups without the dimension restrictions used in earlier works by M. Davis and W. C. Hsiang on differentiable actions. The general results are applied to give detailed calculations for topological actions homotopically modeled on standard multiaxial representation spheres. In the present topological setting, Schubert calculus of complex Grassmannians surprisingly enters in the calculations, yielding a profusion of “fake” representation spheres compared with the paucity in the previously studied smooth setting.
Edge-reinforced random walk, vertex-reinforced jump process and the supersymmetric hyperbolic sigma model
Authors: Sabot Christophe , Tarrès Pierre
Published: October 2015

Edge-reinforced random walk (ERRW), introduced by Coppersmith and Diaconis in 1986 [8], is a random process which takes values in the vertex set of a graph

G

and is more likely to cross edges it has visited before. We show that it can be represented in terms of a vertex-reinforced jump process (VRJP) with independent gamma conductances; the VRJP was conceived by Werner and first studied by Davis and Volkov [10, 11], and is a continuous-time process favouring sites with more local time. We calculate, for any finite graph

G

, the limiting measure of the centred occupation time measure of VRJP, and interpret it as a supersymmetric hyperbolic sigma model in quantum field theory, introduced by Zirnbauer in 1991 [35].

This enables us to deduce that VRJP and ERRWare positive recurrent on any graph of bounded degree for large reinforcement, and that the VRJP is transient on

\mathbb Z^d , d \geq 3

, for small reinforcement, using results of Disertori and Spencer [15] and Disertori, Spencer and Zirnbauer [16].
Spreading and vanishing in nonlinear diffusion problems with free boundaries
Authors: Du Yihong , Lou Bendong
Published: October 2015

We study nonlinear diffusion problems of the form

u_t=u_{xx}+f(u)

with free boundaries. Such problems may be used to describe the spreading of a biological or chemical species, with the free boundary representing the expanding front. For special

f(u)

of the Fisher-KPP type, the problem was investigated by Du and Lin [DL]. Here we consider much more general nonlinear terms. For any

f(u)

which is

C^1

and satisfies

f(0)=0

, we show that the omega limit set

\omega(u)

of every bounded positive solution is determined by a stationary solution. For monostable, bistable and combustion types of nonlinearities, we obtain a rather complete description of the long-time dynamical behavior of the problem; moreover, by introducing a parameter

\sigma

in the initial data, we reveal a threshold value

\sigma^*

such that spreading (

\lim_{t \to \infty}u= 1

) happens when

\sigma > \sigma^*

, vanishing (

\lim_{t \to \infty}u=0

) happens when

\sigma < \sigma^*

, and at the threshold value

\sigma^*

,

\omega(u)

is different for the three different types of nonlinearities. When spreading happens, we make use of "semi-waves" to determine the asymptotic spreading speed of the front.
High-order phase transitions in the quadratic family
Authors: Coronel Daniel , Rivera-Letelier Juan
Published: October 2015

We give the first example of a transitive quadratic map whose real and complex geometric pressure functions have a high-order phase transition. In fact, we show that this phase transition resembles a Kosterlitz-Thouless singularity: Near the critical parameter the geometric pressure function behaves as

x \mapsto \mathrm {exp} (– x^{–2})

near

x = 0

, before becoming linear. This quadratic map has a non-recurrent critical point, so it is non-uniformly hyperbolic in a strong sense.
Singular localization of $\mathfrak{g}$-modules and applications to representation theory
Authors: Backelin Erik , Kremnitzer Kobi
Published: October 2015

We prove a singular version of Beilinson–Bernstein localization for a complex semi-simple Lie algebra following ideas from the positive characteristic case settled by [BMR06]. We apply this theory to translation functors, singular blocks in the Bernstein–Gelfand–Gelfand category O and Whittaker modules.