bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural autoantibodies in healthy neonatals recognizing a peptide derived from the second conserved region of HIV-1 GP120
Authors: Djordjevic-Vujicic Ana , Gemovic Branislava , Veljkovic Veljko , Glisic Sanja , Veljkovic Nevena
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim. High sera reactivity with a peptide derived from human
immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 envelope protein gp120, NTM1, correlate with
non-progressive HIV-1 infection and also may have protective role in breast
and prostate cancer. We also detected a low NTM1 reactive antibodies titer in
healthy HIV negative sera and showed that antibody levels can be
significantly increased with vigorous physical activity. However, the immune
system seems to be unresponsive or tolerant to this peptide, implicating that
the NTM1 sequence encompasses or overlaps a certain innate immune epitope.
The aim of this study was to present evidences that NTM1 - binding antibodies
- are components of innate immune humoral response, by confirming their
presence in sera of newborn babies. For this purpose we collected a set of
225 innate antigen sequences reported in the literature and screened it for
candidate antigens with the highest sequence and spectral similarity to NTM1
derived from HIV-1 gp120. Methods. Sera from 18 newborns were tested using
ELISA, with peptide NTM1. Sequences from innate antigen database were aligned
by an EMBOSS Water bioinformatics tool. Results. We identified NTM1 reactive
antibodies in sera of HIV negative newborn babies. Further, in order to
identify which of already known innate antigens are the most similar to NTM1
peptide we screened innate immune antigen sequence database collected from
the literature. This screening revealed that the most similar sequence are
ribonucleoproteins RO60, in addition to previously identified Nterminus of
vasoactive intestinal peptide. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm
the hypothesis that NTM1 recognizing antibodies are a part of humoral innate
immune response. Further, computational similarity screening revealed a
vasoactive intestinal peptide and RO60 as the most similar sequences and the
strongest candidate antigens. In the light of the presented results, it is
appealing that testing blood reactivity at birth, with specific innate
antigens, particularly a vasoactive intestinal peptide, can reveal the
potential to develop or boost protective immune response in breast and
prostate cancer and HIV infection later in life.
Discussion on fuzzy decision making based on fuzzy number and compositional rule of inference
Authors: Chang Ping-Teng , Hung Lung-Ting
Published: April 2014

This paper provides an improved decision making approach based on fuzzy
numbers and the compositional rule of inference by Yao and Yao (2001). They
claimed to have created a new method that combines statistical methods and
fuzzy theory for medical diagnosis. Currently, numerous papers have cited
that work. In this study, we show that if we follow their matrix
multiplication operation approach, we will obtain the same result as the
original method proposed by Klir and Yuan (1995). Owing to a wellknown
property of (row) stochastic matrices, if the multiplication is closed, the
fuzzy and defuzzy procedure of Yao and Yao (2001) is redundant. Therefore, we
advise researchers to think twice before applying this approach to medical
diagnosis.
Reclaiming Ability of Spent Sands with Modified, Hydrated Sodium Silicate
Authors: Kamińska J. , Kmita A.
Published: April 2014

The presented in the paper investigations were aimed at the determination of the reclaimed material (obtained in the dry mechanical reclamation process) addition influence on properties of moulding sands with hydrated sodium silicate modified by colloidal suspension of zinc oxide nanoparticles in propanol. Nanoparticles originated from the thermal decomposition of alkaline zinc carbonate, were used. The results of the reclamation of the spent moulding sand with hydrated sodium silicate performed in the AT-2 testing reclaimer are presented in the paper. Both, spent sands from the Floster S technology and from the technology with the modified water-glass were subjected to the reclamation processes. The following determinations of the reclaimed material were performed: pH reaction, acid demand, ignition loss and Na2O content. The obtained reclaim was used as a matrix component of moulding sands with water-glass in the Floster S technology, in which it constituted 60% and 50% of the sand matrix. The strength properties of the prepared moulding sands were determined (bending strength Rgu, tensile strength Rm u) after samples storing times: 1h, 2h, 4h and 24 hours.
Microstructure Control of High-alloyed White Cast Iron
Authors: Kawalec M.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the results of studies of high-alloyed white cast iron modified with lanthanum, titanium, and aluminium-strontium. The samples were taken from four melts of high-vanadium cast iron with constant carbon and vanadium content and near-eutectic microstructure into which the tested inoculants were introduced in an amount of 1 wt% respective of the charge weight. The study included a metallographic examinations, mechanical testing, as well as hardness and impact resistance measurements taken on the obtained alloys. Studies have shown that different additives affect both the microstructure and mechanical properties of high-vanadium cast iron.
Highsilicone Austempered Ductile Iron
Authors: Kochański A. , Krzyńska A. , Radziszewski T.
Published: April 2014

Ductile iron casts with a higher silicone content were produced. The austempering process of high silicone ductile iron involving different austempering times was studied and the results presented. The results of metallographical observations and tensile strength tests were offered. The obtained results point to the fact that the silicone content which is considered as acceptable in the literature may in fact be exceeded. The issue is viewed as requiring further research
The Influence of Pressure Die Casting Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of AlSi11/10 Vol.% SiC Composite
Authors: Konopka Z. , Pasieka A.
Published: April 2014

The paper presents the method of preparing a composite slurry composed of AlSi11 alloy matrix and 10 vol.% of SiC particles, as well as the method of its high-pressure die casting and the measurement results concerning the tensile strength, the yield point, the elongation and hardness of the obtained composite. Composite castings were produced at various values of the piston velocity in the second stage of injection, diverse intensification pressure values, and various injection gate width values. There were found the regression equations describing the change of mechanical properties of the examined composite as a function of pressure die casting process parameters. The conclusion gives the analysis and the interpretation of the obtained results.
Numerical Modelling of Fluid Flow and Thermal Phenomena in the Tundish of CSC Machine
Authors: Sowa L.
Published: April 2014

The mathematical and numerical simulation model of the liquid steel flow in a tundish is presented in this paper. The problem was treated as a complex and solved by the finite element method. The single-strand slab tundish is used to continuous casting slabs. The internal work space of the tundish was modified by the following flow control devices. The first device was a striker pad situated in the pouring tundish zone. The second device was a baffle with three holes and the third device was a baffle without hole. The main purpose of using these devices was to cause a quiet liquid mixing as well as give directional metal flow upwards which facilitated inclusion floatation. The interaction of flow control devices on hydrodynamic conditions was received from numerical simulation. As a result of the computations carried out, the liquid steel flow and steel temperature fields were obtained. The influence of the tundish modification on velocity fields in the liquid phase of steel was estimated, because these have an essential influence on high quality of a continuous steel cast slab.
Castings Dimensions Influence on the Alloyed Layer Thickness
Authors: Szajnar J. , Baron C. , Walasek A.
Published: April 2014

The paper presents the results of simulation of alloy layer formation process on the model casting. The first aim of this study was to determine the influence of the location of the heat center on alloy layer’s thickness with the use of computer simulation. The second aim of this study was to predict the thickness of the layer. For changes of technological parameters, the distribution of temperature in the model casting and temperature changes in the characteristic points of the casting were found for established changes of technological parameters. Numerical calculations were performed using programs NovaFlow&Solid. The process of obtaining the alloy layer with good quality and proper thickness depends on: pouring temperature, time of premould hold at the temperature above 1300°C. The obtained results of simulation were loaded to authorial program Preforma 1.1 in order to determine the predicted thickness of the alloy casting.
Effect of Core Thickness and Intermediate Layers on Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Honeycomb Multi-Layer Sandwich Structures
Authors: Arbaoui J. , Schmitt Y. , Pierrot J.-L. , Royer F.-X.
Published: April 2014

Sandwich structures are widely used in lightweight construction especially in aerospace industries because of their high specific strength and stiffness. This paper investigates the effect of core thickness and intermediate layers on the mechanical properties of a polypropylene honeycomb core/composite facing multilayer sandwich structure under three points bending. We developed a theoretical model which makes it possible to calculate the shear properties in multi-cores. The results obtained by this model are agreed with our experimental results, and the results obtained with bending test showed that the mechanical properties of the composite multilayer structures increase with core thickness and intermediate layers.
Recognition of Monochrome Thermal Images of Synchronous Motor with the Application of Binarization and Nearest Mean Classifier
Authors: Glowacz A. , Glowacz A. , Korohoda P.
Published: April 2014

This article discusses the recognition method of imminent failure conditions of synchronous motor. The proposed approach is based on a study of thermal images of the motor. Studies were carried out for four conditions of motor with the application of binarization and nearest mean classifier with Manhattan distance. Pattern creation process used 40 monochrome thermal images. Identification process was carried out for 160 monochrome thermal images. The experiments show that the method can be useful for protection of synchronous motor. Moreover, this method can be used to diagnose equipments in steelworks and other industrial plants.
Determination of the Optimal Structure of Repowering a Metallurgical CHP Plant Fired with Technological Fuel Gases
Authors: Ziebik A. , Warzyc M. , Gładysz P.
Published: April 2014

CHP plants in ironworks are traditionally fired with low-calorific technological fuel gases and hard coal. Among metallurgical fuel gases blast-furnace gas (BFG) dominates. Minor shares of gaseous fuels are converter gas (LDG) and surpluses of coke-oven gas (COG). Metallurgical CHP plant repowering consists in adding a gas turbine to the existing traditional steam CHP plant. It has been assumed that the existing steam turbine and parts of double-fuel steam boilers can be used in modernized CHP plants. Such a system can be applied parallelly with the existing steam cycle, increasing the efficiency of utilizing the metallurgical fuel gases.

The paper presents a method and the final results of analyzing the repowering of an existing metallurgical CHP plant fired with low-calorific technological fuel gases mixed with hard coal. The introduction of a gas turbine cycle results in a better effectiveness of the utilization of metallurgical fuel gases. Due to the probabilistic character of the input data (e.g. the duration curve of availability of the chemical energy of blast-furnace gas for CHP plant, the duration curve of ambient temperature) the Monte Carlo method has been applied in order to choose the optimal structure of the gas-and-steam combined cycle CHP unit, using the Gate Cycle software. In order to simplify the optimizing calculation, the described analysis has also been performed basing on the average value of availability of the chemical energy of blast-furnace gas. The fundamental values of optimization differ only slightly from the results of the probabilistic model.

The results obtained by means of probabilistic and average input data have been compared using new information and a model applying average input data. The new software Thermoflex has been used. The comparison confirmed that in the choice of the power rating of the gas turbine based on both computer programs the results are similar.
Thermal, Structural and Electrical Properties of Some Bi-Cu-Ni Alloys
Authors: Marković B. , Živković D. , Manasijeyić D. , Sokić M. , Minić D. , Talijan N. , Stajić-Trošić J.
Published: April 2014

The Bi-Cu-Ni ternary system belongs to the group of potential Cu-Ni-based advanced lead-free solder materials for high temperature application. In this study microstructure investigation of the slow-cooled Bi-Cu-Ni samples was done using SEM-EDS analysis. The samples compositions were chosen along three cross-sections with molar ratio Cu:Ni=1:3, 1:1 and 3:1. The experimentally obtained phase structure was compared with the results of thermodynamic calculation according to CALPHAD method. Also, new results regarding thermal and electrical properties investigations of these alloys are presented in this paper, based on DSC and electroconductivity measurements.
The Prediction of Hardenability using Neural Networks
Authors: Knap M. , Falkus J. , Rozman A. , Konopka K. , Lamut J.
Published: April 2014

The objective of the research that has been presented was to model the effect of differences in chemical composition within one steel grade on hardenability, with a very broad and heterogeneous database used for studying hardness predictions. This article presents the second part of research conducted with neural networks. In the previous article [1] the most influential parameters were defined along with their weights and on the basis of these results, an improved model for predicting hardenability was developed.

These developed neural networks were applied to model predictions of hardenability for three steel grades VCNMO150, CT270 and 42CrMoS4.

The results proved that the correlation between the chemical composition differences within a chosen steel grade and the hardness changes can be modeled. If the database is big enough, predictions would be accurate and of high quality. But for a less comprehensive database, the differences in hardness predictions for various chemical compositions of the steel grade concernedwere observable.
Fatigue and Static Properties of Friction Stir Welded Aluminium Alloy 6082 Lap Joints Using Triflute-Type and Smooth Tool
Authors: Krasnowski K.
Published: April 2014

Due to numerous advantages, the FSW process more and more frequently used in different industries. Presently 99% of the FSW applications are connected with welding of aluminium alloys and most of FSW connections are butt joints, for which the very good mechanical properties are proved in many research. Instead of butt joints also a few types of shape joints can be friction stir welded, e.g. lap joints, multiple lap joints, fillet joints and T-joints.

This study presents the results of investigation into the impact of the FSW tool type on the structure of FSW lap joints made of aluminium 6082 and their mechanical properties under static and dynamic load. The study also presents the influence of different welding speeds and toll pin lengths on structure of lap joints. The paper also describes and demonstrates the negative influence on joints properties of some common defects that usually occurs in lap joints welded by means of FSW.
Semi-Solid State of Blast Furnace Slag Admixtures of AL2O3
Authors: Migas P. , Korolczuk-Hejnak M.
Published: April 2014

The nature and properties of liquid solutions - metallurgical slags (used in the pig iron and steel production) affect the quality of the final product and processing time. The main object of the study was slag system: CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3, when the content of Al2O3 was raised to ca. 25% in liquid and semi-liquid state.

Measurements were performed using Searle’s method of concentric cylinder systems. Graphite measuring systems were used for testing with two types of bobs: smooth and perforated. Rheological measurements were carried out for five slag systems in the temperature range between 1310-1500°C, shear rate values were changed in the wide range between 1s-1 to 150/180s-1. FactSage application was used to calculate the mass of solid phases precipitating from the slag volume for different chemical compositions at various temperatures. In the temperature range in which the solid phases occurred in the slag the analysed systems show non-Newtonian behaviour.
Influence of Processing Parameters and Different Content of Tib2 Ceramics on the Properties of Composites Sintered by High Pressure -High Temperature (HP-HT) Method
Authors: Sulima I. , Jaworska L. , Figiel P.
Published: April 2014

In this paper the properties of the austenitic stainless steel reinforced with various volume fractions of TiB2 ceramics have been studied. The high pressure- high temperature (HP-HT) method of sintering was applied to the formation of composites. Samples were sintered at pressure of 5 and 7 ±0.2 GPa and temperatures of 1273 K and 1573 K. For the tested materials, the relative density, Young’s modulus and hardness were measured. In order to investigate the structure changes, the scanning electron microscope was used. The obtained results show that the temperature and pressure influence on the mechanical and physical properties of the investigated composites.
Cavitation Erosion Resistance of Alloys Used in Cathodic Protection of Hulls of Ships
Authors: Jasionowski R. , Przetakiewicz D. , Przetakiewicz W.
Published: April 2014

Seawater is an aggressive environment which causes the necessity of using corrosion protection of hulls of ships. Cathodic protection is an effective prevention method which has been applied in this area for many years. In this method, potential of the ship’s hull is reduced by using galvanic anodes (so-called protectors), which are additionally exposed to cavitation erosion.

Results of cavitation erosion resistance investigation of alloys commonly used in cathodic protection of hulls of ships, are presented in this paper. The tests were carried out on the three, most often applied materials which are zinc, aluminium and magnesium alloys. The investigated samples were subjected to cavitation conditions in a jet-impact laboratory stand. Destruction mechanism of the surface layer affected by working liquid was described. The highest cavitational erosion resistance among all studied alloys was exhibited by AlMg alloy.
The Effect of PVD and CVD Coating Structures on the Durability of Sintered Cutting Edges
Authors: Staszuk M. , Dobrzanski L.A. , Tanski T. , Kwasny W. , Musztyfaga-Staszuk M.
Published: April 2014

In the work it was demonstrated that the exploitative stability of edges from tool ceramics and sintered carbides coated with gradient and multilayer PVD and CVD coatings depends mainly on the adherence of the coatings to the substrate, while the change of coating microhardness from 2300 to 3500 HV0.05, the size of grains and their thickness affect the durability of the edges to a lesser extent. It was found that some coatings showed a fine-grained structure. The coatings which contained the AlN phase with hexagonal lattice showed a considerably higher adhesion to the substrate from sialon ceramics rather than the coatings containing the TiN phase. Better adherence of the coatings containing the AlN phase with hexagonal lattice is connected with the same kind of interatomic bonds (covalent) in material of both coating and ceramic substrate. In the paper the exploitative properties of the investigated coatings in the technological cutting trials were also determined. The models of artificial neural network, which demonstrate a relationships between the edge stability and coating properties such as: critical load, microhardness, thickness and size of grains were worked out.
Kinetic Analysis of Aluminium Evaporation from the Ti-6Al-7Nb Alloy
Authors: Blacha L. , Golak S. , Jakovics A. , Tucs A.
Published: April 2014

In the present paper, kinetics of aluminium evaporation from the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy during smelting by means of the VIM method at 5 to 1000 Pa has been discussed. To determine the liquid titanium meniscus area and the liquid titanium mean velocity for the experimental conditions of the study, a methodology based on the coupled model of the electromagnetic field and the hydrodynamic field of liquid metal was applied.
Consolidation by Continuous Rotary Extrusion of Aluminium Alloys Cast by the Melt Spinning Process
Authors: Szymański W. , Bigaj M. , Gawlik M. , Mitka M. , Szymanek M.
Published: April 2014

One of the methods to produce aluminium alloys of an uncommon composition and structure is by the combined process of casting with rapid solidification and the following plastic forming.

When modern advanced methods of rapid cooling of the melt are used, the alloy structure solidifies as a powder in the atomiser or as ribbons when cast onto a rapidly rotating copper wheel. If optimum conditions for the process of casting and rapid consolidation are satisfied, it is possible to control some structure parameters like the size of the particles, the size of the precipitates, etc. Additionally, the production of aluminium alloys by rapid solidification allows introducing the alloying constituents that are incompatible with the state of equilibrium. The consolidation of material made by rapid solidification is achieved in one of the numerous variations of the plastic forming processes, among which the most commonly used are the direct extrusion and continuous rotary extrusion (CRE).

This paper presents the results of the consolidation in the process of continuous rotary extrusion (CRE) of selected aluminum alloys with an unusually high content of alloying elements cast in the process of rapid solidification by melt spinning and crushed in a high-speed cutting mill to as ”chips”.
Effect Of Cathodic Current Density on Microstructure and Properties of Nickel Composite Coatings
Authors: Nowak M. , Opyrchał M. , Boczkal S. , Zelechowski J. , Najder A. , Karas M.
Published: April 2014

Studies were carried out to characterise the nickel composite coatings deposited on a 2xxx series aluminium alloy. The composite coatings were prepared in a Watts bath with the addition of fine-dispersed particles of Al2O3 powder introduced in an amount of 100 g/l using current densities of 2, 4, 6 and 8 A/dm2. The morphology, structure, thickness and microhardness of the obtained composite coatings were described. The volume fraction of Al2O3 particles in composite coating was determined. The corrosion resistance of thus produced coatings was examined. Based on the results of the conducted studies it was stated that all the produced coatings were characterised by good adhesion to the substrate, but coatings produced at high current densities were characterised by a lower content of the Al2O3 reinforcing phase present in the composite.
Aluminium Alloys with Zirconium Additions, in the Range from 0.05 To 0.32%, Intended for Applications in the Overhead Electrical Power Engineering
Authors: Knych T. , Piwowarska-Uliasz M. , Uliasz P.
Published: April 2014

The main scientific challenge of the study was the selection of the zirconium amount, which will allow achieving high electric and strength properties of the alloy. The analysis of chemical compositions of the thermal resistive, conducting AlZr alloys allowed to estimate the most advantageous amount of zirconium, which was found to be within the range: from 0.05 to 0.32 wt % of Zr. The main aim of the study was the investigation of electric properties of alloys of the selected chemical compositions, being within the above given range. The endeavours were focused on determining the heat treatment influence (artificial ageing) on the resistivity of the AlZr alloys in the cast form. On these bases the ranges of obtainable electrical properties were estimated for the investigated alloys, which enabled the selection of optimal conditions of the heat treatment.
Comparison of the Properties of Nickel Coatings Reinforced with Dispersion SiC Particles of Micrometric, Submicrometric and Nanometric Size Deposited on the 5xxx Series Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Najder A. , Nowak M. , Bigaj M. , Zelechowski J. , Opyrchał M. , Karas M.
Published: April 2014

In this study, Ni-SiC composite coatings were electroplated on the 5xxx series aluminium alloy substrate. The effect of the quantity (25g/l i 50g/l) and the size (3μm, 0,41μm and 50nm) of SiC particles introduced into the bath as a dispersed phase on properties of the coatings was tested. The influence of these parameters on thickness, microhardness, surface structure, abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance of nickel composite coatings was determined.
Friction Stir Welding of Elements Made of Cast Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Rams B. , Pietras A. , Mroczka K.
Published: April 2014

The article presents application of FSW method for joining elements made of cast aluminium alloys which are hardly weldable with other known welding techniques. Research’s results of plasticizing process of aluminium and moulding of seam weld during different FSW process’ conditions were also presented. Influence of welding parameters, shape and dimensions of tool on weld structure, welding stability and quality was examined. Application of FSW method was exemplified on welding of hemispheres for valves made of cast aluminium alloy EN AC-43200.
New Rolled Aluminium Alloy Products for the Automotive Industry
Authors: Kłyszewski A. , Żelechowski J. , Frontczak A. , Rutecki P. , Szymanski W. , Zamkotowicz Z. , Nowak M.
Published: April 2014

Clad aluminium strips are used in the automotive industry to manufacture parts of heat exchangers. They are characterised by favourable strength properties, good corrosion resistance and susceptibility to plastic deformation, and can undergo surface brazing at a temperature of about 600°C. As a result of studies, the properties of alloys for the production of clad strips have been optimised. Optimising covered the alloy chemical composition and selected parameters such as the metal condition, the mechanical properties and anti-corrosion behaviour, including the methods for corrosion potential equalisation and sacrificial protection. The obtained technological results of the clad aluminium strip production were verified under the industrial conditions of Impexmetal Huta Aluminium Konin S.A. In a laboratory of the Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals (IMN), the clad strips were tested for the pre-assumed functional properties. Mechanical properties were tested, and the structure and corrosion behaviour were characterised. The reactivity of the clad layer was analysed under different technological conditions. The thermal bond produced by these clad layers was tested by simulation of the heat exchanger manufacturing process. As a result of the conducted research it has been found that all the essential characteristics of the clad strips produced under domestic conditions are in no way different from the properties of imported strips, while modification of the alloy chemical composition has contributed to the effective sacrificial protection of heat exchangers made from these strips. Clad aluminium strips are now successfully produced by the domestic aluminium industry. The improvement of materials used for the heat exchangers can contribute to the reduced overall dimensions of these products and increased efficiency, thus leading to energy savings. The results were obtained within the framework of the Task No. ZPB/38/66716/IT2/10 executed as part of the „IniTech” Project.
Phytoplankton dominance structure and abundance as indicators of the trophic state and ecological status of Lake Kortowskie (northeast Poland) restored with selective hypolimnetic withdrawal
Authors: Jaworska Bożena , Dunalska Julita , Górniak Dorota , Bowszys Magdalena
Published: April 2014

The objective of the study was to identify seasonal changes in phytoplankton taxonomic structure and development rates to characterize phytoplankton communities as determinants of the trophic and ecological conditions of Lake Kortowskie in northeast Poland which has been undergoing restoration with selective hypolimnetic withdrawal. The lake was designated as being of high trophic state and bad ecological status based on intense phytoplankton growth, the strong dominance and persistent occurrence of blue-green algae, and seasonal modifications in phytoplankton taxonomic structure and assemblage growth rates. The ecological status of the lake assessed in 2011 corresponds to that determined in 1987-1990 and 1999 and indicates that eutrophication in Lake Kortowskie is progressing.
Phytoplankton in an ecological status assessment of the vendace-type Lake Dejguny (northeastern Poland)
Authors: Napiórkowska-Krzebietke Agnieszka , Hutorowicz Andrzej
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was to perform an ecological status assessment based on the phytoplankton in the vendace-type Lake Dejguny in accordance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The phytoplankton analyses were conducted during three growth seasons in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The phytoplankton multimetric Phytoplankton Metric for Polish Lakes (PMPL) was used to assess the lake’s ecological status. The average total biomass of phytoplankton ranged from 1.6 to 3.9 mg dm-3, while the average biomass of Cyanoprokaryota ranged from 0.4 to 1.4 mg dm-3, with the minimum noted in 2008. The phytoplankton assemblages were dominated mainly by filamentous Cyanoprokaryota and pennate Bacillariophyceae in 2006 and 2008, or exclusively by pennate Bacillariophyceae in 2007. The relatively low total biomass and Cyanoprokaryota biomass, as well as seasonal phytoplankton dynamics with the dominant taxa of Tabellaria flocculosa, Dinobryon sociale, and D. divergens confirmed the lake’s mesotrophic state and some of the features of reference conditions in this lake, whereas the predominance of filamentous species Planktothrix agardhii and Planktolyngbya limnetica was characteristic of eutrophic conditions. However, a clear tendency towards progressive eutrophication stemming from the significant domination of filamentous Cyanoprokaryota was observed, and according to the PMPL the assessment indicated that Lake Dejguny had a good ecological status in 2006 and 2007 and even a high one in 2008.
Vertical distribution of cyanobacteria biomass and cyanotoxin production in the polymictic Siemianówka Dam Reservoir (eastern Poland)
Authors: Grabowska Magdalena , Mazur-Marzec Hanna
Published: April 2014

The summer-autumn dominance of the toxic cyanobacterium Planktothrix agardhii was described in the lowland polymictic Siemianowka Dam Reservoir (SDR) in 2010 and 2011. The study was conducted at a station located in the deepest part of the reservoir. The species composition of phytoplankton was very similar at the four depths analyzed. Microcystins were continually present in the cyanobacterial biomass. Demethylated microcystin-RR (dmMC-RR) and microcystin-RR (MC-RR) were identified as the major microcystin variants in most samples, while demethylated microcystin-LR (dmMC-LR) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) were each recorded only once. The concentration of microcystin-RR correlated strongly with the biomass of P. agardhii. The effect of environmental factors on cyanobacterial biomass the production of microcystins by cyanobacteria was minor, but increased water temperatures and pH favored the production of microcystins. Phytoplankton biomass was also influenced by how water outflow from the reservoir was regulated; the biomas increased with depth when the upper flaps were opened, but it was very similar throughout the water column when they were closed. According to the Polish phytoplankton-based index (IFPL), the ecological potential of the reservoir was determined to be poor.
Phytoplankton of artificial ecosystems – an attempt to assess water quality
Authors: Napiórkowska-Krzebietke Agnieszka
Published: April 2014

Phytoplankton changes in canals were described in light of communities in chosen lakes of the Konin lakes system, and links were identified between these changes and water quality assessments based on different biological indexes. Seasonal phytoplankton studies were performed in the Warta-Goplo (WG) and Konin Power Plant (EK) canals. 258 and 223 taxa from six divisions were identified that comprised a maximum biomass of 13.4 mg dm-3 in the EK canal and 9.3 mg dm-3 in the WG canal. The communities in the canals were co-dominated by diatoms, cryptomonads, and chlorophytes. Blooms of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae were only noted in the WG canal. The phytoplankton in the EK canal and Lake OElesinskie were closely similar. Consistent water quality assessments were obtained with the saprobic system (moderately polluted and good quality), while the results of the algal genus pollution index indicated there was a high degree of pollution. Classifications using the Shannon-Weaver and indexes (IT) indicated the water quality in the EK canal was good, while in the WG canal the water had low levels of pollution and was at a poor ecological potential. Classification modifications based on the Shannon-Weaver index permit assessing canal water quality analogously to the saprobity index. Using these indexes is proposed as a phytoplankton-based alternative to multi-metric assessments of ecological status or potential in small rivers, streams, and canals. The possibility of performing comprehensive, five-degree classifications was confirmed, thus, permitting the recommendation of this method for water quality assessments.
SEM studies of ore minerals in skarns from Garby Izerskie, Karkonosze-Izera block, south-western Poland
Authors: Rybicki Maciej , Karwowski Łukasz , Banasik Kamila
Published: April 2014

In “Stanisław” quarry, that is located on Garby Izerskie, ore minerals-bearing calcsilicate skarns were found in 2009. The samples were studied using microscopical method of reflected light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on SEM study, the predominant ore minerals in investigated samples are chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, bismuth telluride and native bismuth. Moreover, acanthite, native gold and native silver were also identified. Our studies are the first report of above mentioned minerals from the Garby Izerskie area.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Epimedium pinnatum
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese , Kazempour Nastaran , Hosseini Hossein , Mahboubi Mona
Published: April 2014

Epimedium pinnatum (Berberidaceae family) is used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of E. pinnatum extracts (ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts). Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) of each extract were assessed by spectrophotometric methods. It was exhibited that methanol extract had better antimicrobial activity than those of ethanolic extract or aqueous extract. The TPC and TFC of E. pinnatum extracts was higher in methanol extract (149 and 36.6 mg/g) than that of ethanolic extract (137.2 and 19.5 mg/g) and aqueous extract (86.2 and 8.4 mg/g). The methanol extract had lower IC50 value (200 µg/ml) than ethanolic (250 µg/ml) and aqueous extract (400 µg/ml). There was a positive correlation between TPC, TFC in E. pinnatum extract and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
Preliminary study on the impact of methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber Linn. on hair growth promoting effect in rats
Authors: Bhusan Sahoo Himanshu , Sagar Rakesh , Bhattamisra Subrat Kumar , Bhaiji Amrita
Published: April 2014

Methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber leaves was investigated for its role in hair growth in experimental rats. The 2% and 5% solution of prepared formulation using methanolic extract was studied for hair growth on wistar rats for 30 days. Minoxidil (2% solution) was taken as a reference standard. The prepared hair oil formulation of methanolic extract significantly (p<0.01) potentiated the hair growth initiation and completion time with dosedependent improvement in skin biopsy, hair length and hair weight. In vitro hair follicles development study showed the significant (p<0.05) improvement in the initiation of new hair follicles. Above mentioned results indicated that the methanolic extract of E. scaber rendered significant hair growth promotive effect
Anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal plants mixture used by Bedouin people in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elsharkawy Eman , Elshathely Mona , Jaleel Gehad Abdel , Al-Johar Haya Ibrahim
Published: April 2014

Due to toxic and adverse side effects of synthetic drugs, traditional herbal medicine has the potential as a source of new bioactive molecules. That is why we investigated this research, searching new anti-inflammatory drugs from plants growing around us. The anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture of different plants used in traditional medicine (Alkanna tinctoria, Rubia tinctorum and Artemisia herba alba) were studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema (oil mixture extract 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg). These material reduces carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats and shows inhibition after 4 h especially at a concentration 200 mg/ kg. Oil mixture extract were investigated by capillary GC and GC-MS in combination with retention indices revealed the presence of about 17 compounds: artemisol, epiglobulol and α-bisabolol are the main constituents as well as volatile oil and other triterpenes: taraxasterol, stigmasterol, ursan-12-ene, olean-12-ene, betulin, germincol, lupeol acetate and lupeol. Other heterocyclic compounds: moropholine and piperidinol were also identified
Physico-chemical properties of Rhododendron honey produced in Turkey
Authors: Rasgele Pinar Goc , Kekecoglu Meral
Published: April 2014

Rhododendron honey is a monofloral honey and it is collected from the flowers of Rhododendron species widely spreading over many countries, mainly in America, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia. It is belived that Rhododendron honey treats several disorders and is used traditionally as an alternative medicine. The determination of the chemical characteristics of the Rhododendron honey is essential for public health. In this research, the physicochemical characteristics of Rhododendron, chestnut and flower honey samples collected from beekeepers in Turkey were determined and compared. Physico-chemical parameters such as moisture, acidity, sucrose, invert sugar, fructose/glucose, conductivity, diastase and hydroxymethylfurfural were analysed in each honey sample. According to the results obtained, no differences were found in physico-chemical properties of Rhododendron, honey samples, except from moisture and acidity compared with those of chestnut and flower honeys. In order to differentiate Rhododendron honeys, new methods should be developed. This honey should be reintroduced to medicine and used in pharmaceutical industry
Comparison of saturated areas mapping methods in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic
Authors: Kulasova Alena , Beven Keith J. , Blazkova Sarka D. , Rezacova Daniela , Cajthaml Jiri
Published: April 2014

Understanding and modelling the processes of flood runoff generation is still a challenge in catchment hydrology. In particular, there are issues about how best to represent the effects of the antecedent state of saturation of a catchment on runoff formation and flood hydrographs. This paper reports on the experience of mapping saturated areas using measured water table by piezometers and more qualitative assessments of the state of the moisture at soil surface or immediately under it to provide information that can usefully condition model predictions. Vegetation patterns can also provide useful indicators of runoff source areas, but integrated over much longer periods of time. In this way, it might be more likely that models will get the right predictions for the right reasons.
Local scour around complex pier groups and combined piles at semi-integral bridge
Authors: Akib Shatirah , Jahangirzadeh Afshin , Basser Hossein
Published: April 2014

This research presents an experimental study on the scouring mechanism at semi-integral bridge piers. Based on laboratory experiments, this study focuses on the relationship between scour depth in complex pier groups and combined piles bridge and various parameters including the variation of inflow velocity, distance, and time. 1 200 data were collected for flow velocity and scour. The flow pattern and scour were analyzed for different flow discharges and flow depths. The results showed that the scour development with respect to time was greater for higher flow depth and bigger flow discharge at semi-integral bridges. In addition, the equilibrium scour depth increased with the approach flow depth around piers at semi-integral bridges. Velocity distribution also affected the scour development. It decreased when approaching the bridge but increased from upstream to downstream of the flume.
Relationships between soil water repellency and microbial community composition under different plant species in a Mediterranean semiarid forest
Authors: Lozano Elena , García-Orenes Fuensanta , Bárcenas-Moreno Gema , Jiménez-Pinilla Patricia , Mataix-Solera Jorge , Arcenegui Victoria , Morugán-Coronado Alicia , Mataix-Beneyto Jorge
Published: April 2014

Soil water repellency (SWR) can influence many hydrological soil properties, including water infiltration, uneven moisture distribution or water retention. In the current study we investigated how variable SWR persistence in the field is related to the soil microbial community under different plant species (P. halepensis, Q. rotundifolia, C. albidus and R. officinalis) in a Mediterranean forest. The soil microbial community was determined through phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA). The relationships between microbiological community structure and the soil properties pH, Glomalin Related Soil Protein (GRSP) and soil organic matter (SOM) content were also studied. Different statistical analyses were used: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ANOVA, Redundancy Analysis and Pearson correlations. The highest concentrations of PLFA were found in the most water repellent samples. PCA showed that microorganism composition was more dependent of the severity of SWR than the type of plant species. In the Redundancy Analysis, SWR was the only significant factor (p<0.05) to explain PLFA distributions. The only PLFA biomarkers directly related to SWR were associated with Actinobacteria (10Me16:0, 10Me17:0 and 10Me18:0). All the results suggest that a strong dependence between SWR and microbial community composition.
Water stable aggregates of Japanese Andisol as affected by hydrophobicity and drying temperature
Authors: Leelamanie D.A.L. , Karube Jutaro
Published: April 2014

Hydrophobicity is a property of soils that reduces their affinity for water, which may help impeding the pressure build-up within aggregates, and reducing aggregate disruption. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of soil hydrophobicity and drying temperature to water stability of aggregates while preventing the floating of dry aggregates using unhydrophobized and hydrophobized surface Andisol. Soil was hydrophobized using stearic acid into different hydrophobicities. Hydrophobicity was determined using sessile drop contact angle and water drop penetration time (WDPT). Water stability of aggregates (%WSA) was determined using artificially prepared model aggregates. The %WSA increased as the contact angle and WDPT increased. Contact angle and WDPT, which provided maximum %WSA showing less than 1 s of floating, was around 100° and 5 s, respectively. Although the %WSA gradually increased with increasing contact angle and WDPT above this level, high levels of hydrophobicity initiated aggregate floating, which would cause undesirable effects of water repellency. Heating at 50°C for 5 h d-1 significantly affected %WSA and hydrophobicity in hydrophobized samples, but did not in unhydrophobized samples. The results indicate that the contact angle and wetting rate (WDPT) are closely related with the water stability of aggregates. The results further confirm that high levels of hydrophobicities induce aggregate floating, and the drying temperature has differential effects on hydrophobicity and aggregate stability depending on the hydrophobic materials present in the soil.
Lean manufacturing – results of selected implementation projects
Authors: Bednarek Mariusz
Published: April 2014

Lean Manufacturing is a structured program whose objective is to maximize the effectiveness of the company. It is based on the practices and methods of KAIZEN / LEAN applied by the world’s best companies. The experiences from the Author led us to the conclusion that the Lean Manufacturing is based , among others, on the following concepts: - Total Productive Maintenance TPM - Single Minute Exchange Die SMED The Lean Manufacturing focuses on the systematic pursuit and elimination of waste and losses. The losses identified are analyzed, evaluated in adequate manner to the attribute processes. The result of the analysis determines where and how to intervene. In the paper has been presented the bases of Lean Manufacturing. The results of the implementation of Lean Manufacturing in different companies have been described. The main issues of Lean Manufacturing implementation have been characterized.
The model and role of online communication in intercultural management
Authors: Tarabasz Anna
Published: April 2014

Communication via the Internet, regardless use of available tools, contributed significantly in reduced time of data flow and feedback reception. This is particularly important in case of companies with a complex structure and branches around the world. Information is available here for almost „at fingertips”, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless the time zone. Internet has also shortened the distance between message sender and recipient - in the form of direct information exchange (i.e. email exchange), as well as simplified the issue of indirect reach (i.e. via social networking sites or online campaigns). Although in literature of the subject many authors performed the analysis of mass communication models, but to no avail would seek for the flow chart strictly dedicated to the electronic exchange information. This article aims to present the model of online communication, drawing on best practices of mass communication and at the same time implementing components of the electronic promotion. The paper is also contributed to show the universality of such model application in the exchange of information within electronic means, which seems important in case of intercultural management.