bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogênio e matéria orgânica em dois rios com diferentes graus de impactos no sistema estuarino de Santos (São Paulo, Brasil)
Authors: Sutti Bruno Otero , Borges Roberto Pereira , Guimarâes Luciana Lopes , Schmiegelow João Marcos Miragaia
Published: October 2016

Este estudo visou avaliar sazonalmente e espacialmente as principais formas de nitrogênio inorgânico dissolvido (NID) e matéria orgânica (MO) nas águas superficiais dos dois maiores rios da Ilha de Santo Amaro, o Maratuã e o Crumaú. Estes apresentam características físicas similares, porém com diferentes níveis de interferências antropogênicas. Foi definida uma estação oceanográfica na jusante de cada rio, e uma terceira a montante do Crumaú. Neste local, os baixos valores de oxigênio dissolvido (OD) e pH em meio as elevadas concentrações de N-amoniacal, estabeleceram elevada razão NID/MO, apontando assim o aterro sanitário como uma contribuição mais significativa de nitrogênio a essas águas do que os despejos de esgotos “in natura” (comunidade de palafitas), ambos existentes nos arredores da nascente deste rio. O acentuado declínio de NID nas águas a jusante do Rio Crumaú indicaram a volatização/desnitrificação como o principal processo de remoção. Por outro lado, a maior distancia dos efluentes/despejos e o bom estado de preservação do manguezal da região jusante do Rio Maratuã refletiram nas maiores concentrações de MO, onde a nitrificação provavelmente esteve significativa devido aos mais elevados teores de OD e percentuais de nitrato. Este íon obteve um aumento de 50% no período chuvoso, com concentrações máximas nas jusantes dos rios, onde as elevadas velocidades de correntes traz um alerta à eutrofizações também em águas do canal de Bertioga.
The Musculoskeletal Difficulties in Dental Professionals
Authors: Landim Lívia Maria Dos Santos , Lopes Jéssica Mariano Uchôa , Sousa Gledson Fernandes de , Oliveira Sidney Medeiros de , Vieira Anny Caroline Costa , Batista Hermes melo Teixeira , Fechine Elisian Macêdo
Published: October 2016

The appearance of musculoskeletal symptoms in dental professionals is increasing worldwide. In Brazil, has already begun acquires expressive and socially relevant numbers. Since the 80's, it has become a problem of public health and social, because of their scope and magnitude. These professionals are constantly subjected to a number of risks for the appearance of injuries attributed to their work. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms in musculoskeletal dental professionals in the city of Barbalha- Ceará, Brasil. This is a quantitative field study, with 25 dentists. The instrument was the Nordic questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms and another for verification of professional knowledge about MDRW (Musculoskeletal disorders related to work). The results were worrying because some work more than one shift, and 40% of them showed signs and musculoskeletal symptoms. The superior limbs seemed more affected and 36% was in column dorsal, lumbar and lower limbs. With regard to the procedure with a higher rate of pain, was extracted. For the pathologies, the tendonitis was the most diagnosed. It was concluded that the dental surgeons in Barbalha- Ceará, Brasil,  seemed very exposed to risk factors, with respect to the emergence of MDRW.                                          Keywords: MDRW, musculoskeletal, symptoms, pain.
Reflections on the Discipline of Psychology in the Law Course
Authors: Barros Filho Geraldo Carreiro de , Oliveira Gislene Farias de
Published: October 2016

This article discusses questions about the discipline of Psychology, taught in many law schools in the region of the state of Ceará and surroundings of Cariri region. While retaining certain tradition, almost unchanged in terms of teaching methodology, a situation which, in a way, paralyzes its didactic, not always allowing an evolutionary bias of the legal postpositivism and transdisciplinary. Both salutary to survival and necessary changes to an adjustment to the labor market and the contemporary higher graduation academies. The exercise of the function does not dispense with critical view of legal epistemology. That, even though incipient in our institutions of higher education, as in many cases, it requires "knowledge by heart" in many cases. The results indicate the need for greater investment in crosscutting legal education, where psychological science has a key space; although in reality only take part in a minimum of 1.78% percentage of class hours, on average, a total 4,500 class hours in undergraduate courses.
Co-Authorship Networks among DRDO Life Science Scientists
Authors: Babu Suresh , Yadav Gitanjali
Published: October 2016

The modern scientific ecosphere increasingly involves collaborative research, wherein diverse talent pools fuse to produce a research output, and ‘co-authorship’ can be treated a quantifiable measure of scientific collaboration. The present initiative of a Life Science Journal catering to the needs of life-science/bio-medical science researchers offers a suitable occasion to investigate the existing social structure of science in the defence life science research establishment in India. This short communication describes a meta-analysis of co-authorship networks of this community and we find very interesting inter-disciplinary connections that highlight the significance of this new journal for research impact in the long term.
Development of a Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Burkholderia mallei, a Potent Biological Warfare Agent
Authors: Pal Vijai , Singh Sandeep , Tiwari Arvind Kumar , Jaiswal Y.K. , Rai G.P.
Published: October 2016

Burkholderia mallei is the etiological agent of glanders, primarily a disease of equines. B. mallei is closely related to B. pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis. Therefore, detection of B. mallei and its differentiation from B. pseudomallei, has always been troublesome. In present investigation, a B. mallei specific DNA sequence was identified by performing BLASTn search using ~3000 ORFs of B. mallei NCTC 10229. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with internal amplification control (IAC) was developed for detection of B. mallei and its differentiation from B. pseudomallei. The PCR assay could amplify a specific 224-bp fragment from all the six B. mallei strains used in the study, whereas other closely related organisms were tested negative. The detection limit of the assay was found to be 10 pg of purified DNA of B. mallei. Incorporation of IAC in the assay makes the results reliable as false negative results which may arise due to presence of PCR inhibitors, can be avoided. For validation, the assay was tested on tap water, Bengal gram and grass artificially spiked with B. mallei. The developed assay can be used as a simple and rapid tool for detection of B. mallei.
Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Carbon Epoxy Composite
Authors: Dhanawade Ajit , Kumar Shailendra , Kalmekar R. V.
Published: October 2016

An experimental study of abrasive water jet machining of carbon epoxy composite is presented. Process parameters namely hydraulic pressure, traverse rate, stand-off distance and abrasive mass flow rate are considered for this study. Taguchi approach and analysis of variance are used to study the influence of process parameters on response characteristics including surface roughness and kerf taper. It is found that hydraulic pressure and traverse rate are most significant parameters to control surface roughness and kerf taper. Microscopic features of the machined surfaces are evaluated using scanning electron microscope and compared with sample surfaces machined by conventional method using diamond edge cutter.A set of process parameters is optimised to achieve minimum surface roughness and kerf taper. Confirmation tests are performed to verify the optimum set of process parameters. Defects like delamination, fibre pull out and abrasive embedment are also studied using scanning electron microscope.
A cross-cultural comparison of Turkish and Kyrgyz students’ belief in a just world
Authors: Çırak Karadağ Sevinc , Akgün Serap
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study is to compare Turkish and Kyrgyz students on their just world beliefs. One hundred and four Turkish and one hundred twenty Kyrgyz undergraduates participated in the study. The data was collected using the 13-item Just World Beliefs Scales by Dalbert (1999). To examine the differences a 2 (country) x 2 (sex) multivariate factorial analysis of variance was carried out. The results revealed that there were significant gender and country differences between the Turkish and Kyrgyz students’ general just world beliefs and personal just world beliefs. Also, the results showed that male students had a stronger just world beliefs than the female students and the Kyrgyz students had higher scores in the just world beliefs in comparison to the Turkish students.
The development of critical reflection skills: An application of school and teacher themed movies
Authors: Kaşkaya Alper , Selçuk Ziya
Published: October 2016

The present research aims to determine the effect of films including school and teacher whose learning processes are applied with “Critical Reflection Skills (CRS)” on the critical reflection skills of 4th primary education teachers. In accordance with this purpose, the research was carried out with 73 participants who were the 4th grade students in the Primary Education Teacher Training Department of Gazi Faculty of Education in Gazi University in 2012-2013 education year. The qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied together during the process. Data were collected with “The Critical Reflection Self-assessment Scale (CRSS)” - “Critical Team Application Focus Team Interview Form (CTAFTIF)” and “ Meta Team Observation Form”. During the data collection process, the participants watched the school and teacher containing films at first and then, “Critical Reflection Application (CRA)” adapted from “Critical Reflection Strategy with Teams” was applied. Content analysis was adopted in the analysis of the qualitative data gathered during the research process. In the analysis of the quantitative data, t-test and one-way variance analysis were used.  The results of the conducted research demonstrated that teachers started to generate thinking of critical reflection with school and teacher containing films and the CRA process. It was noticed that statistically a significant difference occurred between the control and experimental groups in terms of critical reflection skills.
Effects of TiO2 nanoparticles and water-deficit stress on morpho-physiological characteristics of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) plants
Authors: Mohammadi Hamid , Esmailpour Mohammad , GHERANPAYE Ali
Published: October 2016

Water-deficit stress is the most important environmental factors limiting plant growth, and production. Nano-titanium dioxide (nano anataseTiO2) can have various profound effects on the crop physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics. In the present research, the influences of different concentrations ofTiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (0, 10 and 40 ppm) and water-deficit stress on Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) were investigated in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that under normal irrigation, foliar application of 10 ppm TiO2 NPs increased plant shoot dry mass and essential oils content. Under water-deficit stress condition, plants treated with 10 ppm TiO2 NPs had more proline and much less H2O2 and malondialdehyde content as compared to untreated plants. Therefore, it can be concluded that proper concentration of TiO2 NPs probably can be used as an exogenous stimuli for improvement of shoot growth and essential oil content in plants. Furthermore, water-deficit stress-induced damages such as oxidative stress and membrane damage can be ameliorated by foliar application of TiO2 NPs at appropriate concentrations.
Volatile phenols in wine: Control measures of Brettanomyces/Dekkera yeasts
Authors: Šućur Sanja , ČADEŽ Neža , KOŠMERL Tatjana
Published: October 2016

This review focuses on the considerable amount of research regarding volatile phenols production by Brettanomyces and on microbiological and technological parameters that influence development of these compounds during all stages of grape processing and winemaking. Also, volatile phenols impact on wine aroma and quality and prevention methods were discussed. The yeast genus Brettanomyces is the major microorganism that has the ability to convert hydroxycinnamic acids into significant concentration of phenolic compounds, especially of 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol, in red wine. When volatile phenols reach concentrations above the sensory threshold in wine, it is then characterized as wine with fault. In order to control the growth of Brettanomyces and preclude volatile phenols production, it is helpful to keep good quality of grape, winery sanitation, control of oxygen and sulphite level, as well as orderly check physiochemical composition of wine.
POSSIBILITIES OF ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE CONTROL METHODS AGAINST ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT SLUGS WITH EMPHASIS ON THE RESULTS OF DOMESTIC RESEARCHES OF CONTROLLING ARIONIDAE SLUGS
Authors: Laznik Žiga , Trdan Stanislav
Published: October 2016

Slugs from the Arionidae and Limacidae families are classified as an important economic agricultural pests. They are omnivorous animals. Slugs are sensitive to drying out, so they are active at night and in cloudy, rainy weather. They cause economic damage to the vegetables, crops, fruit trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs and ornamental plants. First reports of slugs control are dating from the early 20th century. This was followed by an important discovery in the year 1934 when in South Africa metaldehyde was discovered. This discovery has brought significant progress in the protection of plants against slugs. The next major step in the development of molluscicides was achieved with the discovery of carbamates. Due to the proven non-target effect of metaldehyde and other substances with molluscicidal activity researchers are looking for alternative solutions in the protection of plants against slugs. In this paper we present a variety of environmentally acceptable methods of slugs control, such as proper soil cultivation, beer trapping, barriers and the use of so-called electrical fences against slugs.
Geometric features of pig airways using computed tomography
Authors: Azad Md K. , Mansy Hansen A. , Gamage Peshala T.
Published: October 2016

Accurate knowledge of the airway geometry is needed when constructing physical models of the airway tree and for numerical modeling of flow or sound propagation in the airways. Human and animal experiments are conducted to validate these models. Many studies documented the geometric details of the human airways. However, information about the geometry of pig airways is scarcer. Earlier studies suggested that the morphology of animal airways can be significantly different from that of humans. The objective of this study is to measure the airway diameter, length and bifurcation angles in domestic pigs using computed tomography. In this study, lungs of six pigs were imaged, then segmentation software tools were used to extract the geometry of the airway lumen. The airway dimensions were measured from the resulting 3‐D models for the first 24 airway generations. Results showed that the size and morphology of the airways of the six pigs were similar. The trachea diameters were found to be comparable to the typical human adult, but the diameter, length and branching angles of other airways were noticeably different from that of humans. For example, pig airways consistently had an early branching from the trachea that feeds the top right lung lobe and precedes the main carina. This branch is absent in the human airways. The results suggested that the pig airways geometry may not be accurately approximated by human airways and this approximation may contribute to increasing the errors in computational models of the pig chest.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 target regenerating islet‐derived 3γ expression is upregulated in cardiac inflammatory response in the rat heart
Authors: Säkkinen Hanna , Aro Jani , Kaikkonen Leena , Ohukainen Pauli , Näpänkangas Juha , Tokola Heikki , Ruskoaho Heikki , Rysä Jaana
Published: October 2016

Regenerating islet‐derived 3γ (Reg3γ) is a multifunctional protein, associated with various tissue injuries and inflammatory states. Since chronic inflammation is characteristics also for heart failure, the aim of this study was to characterize Reg3γ expression in cardiac inflammatory conditions. Reg3γ expression was studied in experimental rat models of myocardial infarction (MI) and pressure overload in vivo. For cell culture studies neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs) were used. In addition, adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer of upstream mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 3b and p38α MAPK in vivo and in vitro was performed. Reg3γ mRNA (12.8‐fold, P < 0.01) and protein (5.8‐fold, P < 0.001) levels were upregulated during the postinfarction remodeling at day 1 after MI, and angiotensin II (Ang II) markedly increased Reg3γ mRNA levels from 6 h to 2 weeks. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the Ang II‐induced expression of Reg3γ was localized into the cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts of the proliferating connective tissue in the heart. Stretching and treatments with endothelin‐1, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and fibroblast growth factor‐1 increased Reg3γ mRNA levels in NRCMs. SB203580, a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, markedly attenuated LPS and mechanical stretch‐induced upregulation of Reg3γ gene expression. Moreover, combined overexpression of MKK3bE and WT p38α increased Reg3γ gene expression in cultured cardiomyocytes in vitro and in the rat heart in vivo. Our study shows that cardiac stress activates Reg3γ expression and p38 MAPK is an upstream regulator of Reg3γ gene expression in heart. Altogether our data suggest Reg3γ is associated with cardiac inflammatory signaling.
Lack of replication of associations between multiple genetic polymorphisms and endurance athlete status in Japanese population
Authors: Yvert Thomas , Miyamoto‐Mikami Eri , Murakami Haruka , Miyachi Motohiko , Kawahara Takashi , Fuku Noriyuki
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to examine a polygenic profile related to endurance performance, based on current knowledge, in the Japanese population. We analyzed 21 genetic polymorphisms that have been reported to be associated with endurance performance and its related phenotypes in 175 endurance runners (60 international‐, 94 national‐, and 21 regional‐level) and 649 controls in the Japanese population. Then, we calculated the total genotype score (TGS) (maximum value of 100 for the theoretically optimum polygenic score) for endurance performance. There was no association between the TGS and endurance athlete status (Control: 49.0 ± 7.6, Regional: 47.3 ± 7.6, National: 49.1 ± 5.7, and International: 48.2 ± 7.0, P = 0.626). These results suggested that TGSs based on the 21 previously published endurance performance‐associated polymorphisms do not influence endurance running performance in the Japanese population. Nevertheless, some marginal tendencies have to be noted: the frequencies of the ACTN3 R577X rs1815739 RR+RX genotype and the GNB3 rs5443 CC+CT genotype were higher in international athletes than in controls (85% vs. 73.6%, P = 0.042 and 90% vs. 76%, P = 0.007, respectively), but not significantly different after Bonferroni correction.
Simultaneous measurement of mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in tissue homogenates and calculation of effective P/O ratios
Authors: Salin Karine , Villasevil Eugenia M. , Auer Sonya K. , Anderson Graeme J. , Selman Colin , Metcalfe Neil B. , Chinopoulos Christos
Published: October 2016

The use of tissue homogenate has greatly aided the study of the functioning of mitochondria. However, the amount of ATP produced per oxygen molecule consumed, that is, the effective P/O ratio, has never been measured directly in tissue homogenate. Here we combine and refine existing methods previously used in permeabilized cells and isolated mitochondria to simultaneously measure mitochondrial ATP production (JATP) and oxygen consumption (JO2) in tissue homogenate. A major improvement over existing methods is in the control of ATPases that otherwise interfere with the ATP assay: our modified technique facilitates simultaneous measurement of the rates of “uncorrected” ATP synthesis and of ATP hydrolysis, thus minimizing the amount of tissue and time needed. Finally, we develop a novel method of calculating effective P/O ratios which corrects measurements of JATP and JO2 for rates of nonmitochondrial ATP hydrolysis and respiration, respectively. Measurements of JATP and JO2 in liver homogenates from brown trout (Salmo trutta) were highly reproducible, although activity declined once homogenates were 2 h old. We compared mitochondrial properties from fed and food‐deprived animals to demonstrate that the method can detect mitochondrial flexibility in P/O ratios in response to nutritional state. This method simplifies studies examining the mitochondrial bioenergetics of tissue homogenates, obviating the need for differential centrifugation or chemical permeabilization and avoiding the use of nonmitochondrial ATPase inhibitors. We conclude that our approach for characterizing effective P/O ratio opens up new possibilities in the study of mitochondrial function in very small samples, where the use of other methods is limited.
Transcriptional coactivator NT‐PGC‐1α promotes gluconeogenic gene expression and enhances hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Chang Ji Suk , Jun Hee‐Jin , Park Minsung
Published: October 2016

The transcriptional coactivator PGC‐1α plays a central role in hepatic gluconeogenesis. We previously reported that alternative splicing of the PGC‐1α gene produces an additional transcript encoding the truncated protein NT‐PGC‐1α. NT‐PGC‐1α is co‐expressed with PGC‐1α and highly induced by fasting in the liver. NT‐PGC‐1α regulates tissue‐specific metabolism, but its role in the liver has not been investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the role of hepatic NT‐PGC‐1α in the regulation of gluconeogenesis. Adenovirus‐mediated expression of NT‐PGC‐1α in primary hepatocytes strongly stimulated the expression of key gluconeogenic enzyme genes (PEPCK and G6Pase), leading to increased glucose production. To further understand NT‐PGC‐1α function in hepatic gluconeogenesis in vivo, we took advantage of a previously reported FL‐PGC‐1α−/− mouse line that lacks full‐length PGC‐1α (FL‐PGC‐1α) but retains a slightly shorter and functionally equivalent form of NT‐PGC‐1α (NT‐PGC‐1α254). In FL‐PGC‐1α−/− mice, NT‐PGC‐1α254 was induced by fasting in the liver and recruited to the promoters of PEPCK and G6Pase genes. The enrichment of NT‐PGC‐1α254 at the promoters was closely associated with fasting‐induced increase in PEPCK and G6Pase gene expression and efficient production of glucose from pyruvate during a pyruvate tolerance test in FL‐PGC‐1α−/− mice. Moreover, FL‐PGC‐1α−/− primary hepatocytes showed a significant increase in gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production after treatment with dexamethasone and forskolin, suggesting that NT‐PGC‐1α254 is sufficient to stimulate the gluconeogenic program in the absence of FL‐PGC‐1α. Collectively, our findings highlight the role of hepatic NT‐PGC‐1α in stimulating gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production.
Numerical modelling of oil spill in New York Bay
Authors: Toz Ali Cemal , Koseoglu Burak , Sakar Cenk
Published: October 2016

New York Bay is one of the most important transition regions of ships trading to east America. The region plays an important role in the commerce of the New York metropolitan area. The area is surrounded with the coasts that have various levels of environmental sensitivity. The area accommodates high diversity of native ecosystems and species that are rather vulnerable in case of oil spill. Thus getting well informed about the likelihood, or fate, of oil spills around this region is of great importance so that proactive measures can be taken. The purpose of this study is to investigate the oil spill and predict the future accidents likely to be encountered around the Bay of New York. Two trajectory models have been conducted for the study. ADIOS (Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills), has been conducted for natural degradation calculations, and, GNOME (General NOAA Operational Modeling Environment), has been conducted for surface spread simulation. The results gained through these efforts are hoped to be useful for many organizations dealing with oil spill response operations and contribute to an effective and efficient coordination among the relevant institutions.
NH4+ adsorption and adsorption kinetics by sediments in a drinking water reservoir
Authors: Suna Hongyan , Wanga Xiaoyun
Published: October 2016

The sorption isotherm and sorption kinetics of NH4+by the Fen River reservoir sediment were investigated for a better understanding of the NH4+sorption characteristics and parameters. The results showed that Q (adsorption content) increased with the increase of Ceq(equilibrium concentration), sorption isotherms could be described by Freundlich equation (R2from 0.97 to 0.99). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) had a significant correlation with the parameters K and n (R2was 0.85 and 0.95, respectively). The ENC0(Ceqas Q was zero) of S1, S2, S3 and S4 was 1.25, 0.57, 1.15 and 1.14 mg L-1, respectively, and they were less than the NH4+concentrations in reservoir water. The sediments released NH4+to the Fen River reservoir water and acted as a pollution source, in the form of complex and heterogeneous adsorbents. The NH4+adsorption kinetic process was composed of ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ reaction patterns and could be fitted using both Elovich equation and Pseudo second-equation. More than one-step may be involved in the NH4+sorption processes, and interior diffusion was not dominant ion action.
Activity and functional diversity of microbial communities in long-term hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminated soils
Authors: Markowicz Anna , Płaza Grażyna , Piotrowska-Seget Zofia
Published: October 2016

The impacts of long-term polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metal pollution on soil microbial communities functioning were studied in soils taken from an old coke plant. The concentrations of PAHs in the tested soils ranged from 171 to 2137 mg kg-1. From the group of tested heavy metals, concentrations of lead were found to be the highest, ranging from 57 to 3478 mg kg-1, while zinc concentrations varied from 247 to 704 mg kg-1and nickel from 10 to 666 mg kg-1. High dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were observed in the most contaminated soil. This may indicate bacterial adaptation to long-term heavy metal and hydrocarbon contamination. However, the Community Level Physiological Profiles (CLPPs) analysis showed that the microbial functional diversity was reduced and influenced to a higher extent by some metals (Pb, Ni), moisture and conductivity than by PAHs.
Exploring the potential of fungal-bacterial consortium for low-cost biodegradation and detoxification of textile effluent
Authors: Lade Harshad , Kadam Avinash , Paul Diby , Govindwar Sanjay
Published: October 2016

In the present study, the enrichment and isolation of textile effluent decolorizing bacteria were carried out in wheat bran (WB) medium. The isolated bacterium Providencia rettgeri strain HSL1 was then tested for decolorization of textile effluent in consortium with a dyestuff degrading fungus Aspergillus ochraceus NCIM 1146. Decolorization study suggests that A. ochraceus NCIM 1146 and P. rettgeri strain HSL1 alone re moves only 6 and 32% of textile effluent American Dye Manufacturing Institute respectively in 30 h at 30 ±0.2°C of microaerophilic incubation, while the fungal-bacterial consortium does 92% ADMI removal within the same time period. The fungal-bacterial consortium exhibited enhanced decolorization rate due to the induction in activities of catalytic enzymes laccase (196%), lignin peroxidase (77%), azoreductase (80%) and NADH-DCIP reductase (84%). The HPLC analysis confirmed the biodegradation of textile effluent into various metabolites. Detoxification studies of textile effluent before and after treatment with fungal-bacterial consortium revealed reduced toxicity of degradation metabolites. The efficient degradation and detoxification by fungal-bacterial consortium pre-grown in agricultural based medium thus suggest a promising approach in designing low-cost treatment technologies for textile effluent.
Genus-level versus species-level extinction rates
Authors: Trammer Jerzy
Published: October 2016

The average extinction rates of index species per m. y. are computed by means of a count-of-biozones metric (Trammer 2014). These rates and the average extinction rates of genera belonging to biostratigraphically important groups, calculated according to three different methods, show congruent rises and falls from the Cambrian to the Neogene. The extinction rates of genera are, thus, a relatively good predictor of species extinction rates.
The oldest rocks of the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland – biostratigraphy of the Cambrian Czarna Shale Formation in the vicinity of Kotuszów
Authors: Szczepanik Zbigniew , Żylińska Anna
Published: October 2016

Three lower Cambrian acritarch assemblages recognized in four outcrops in the vicinity of Kotuszów in the southernmost part of the Palaeozoic inlier of the Holy Cross Mountains span a stratigraphic interval from the uppermost part of the Asteridium tornatum-Comasphaeridium velvetum Assemblage Zone to the Skiagia ornata- Fimbriaglomerella membranacea Assemblage Zone (most probably its lower part). According to current views (Moczydłowska and Yin 2012), this interval corresponds to the upper part of the Fortunian and to Stage 2 of the Terreneuvian Series. The strata yielding the oldest assemblage are thus the oldest precisely documented rocks in the Palaeozoic succession of the Holy Cross Mountains, and the oldest Cambrian rocks exposed on the surface in Poland. The current biostratigraphic scheme for the pre-trilobitic part of the Cambrian System in the Holy Cross Mountains should be modified so that it is based on local acritarch interval subzones.
Electrochemical Characteristics of a Cobalt Alloy with a Protective Passive Layer
Authors: Reimann L.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the passive layer formed on the surface of a CoCr alloy used on dentures to see the effect on resistance to pitting corrosion and electrochemical parameters. Studies were performed using on potentiodynamic tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The passive layer was formed spontaneously and by electrochemical method on samples after casting and after simulation porcelain firing on metal. Samples of the passivation electrochemical characterized by the improvement in corrosion resistance. Prolonging the passivation time from one to 24 hours and increasing the potential value from 0 to 200 mV improved the quality of the passive layer and all characteristics of electrochemical parameters.
Evaluation of the Cutting Force Components and the Surface Roughness in the Milling Process of Micro- and Nanocrystalline Titanium
Authors: Habrat W. , Motyka M. , Topolski K. , Sieniawski J.
Published: October 2016

Nanocristalline pure titanium in comparison to microcrystalline titanium is characterized by better mechanical properties which influence its wider usability. The aim of the research was to evaluate whether the grain size of pure titanium (micro- and nanocrystalline) has influence on the cutting force components and the surface roughness in the milling process. Models of cutting force components for both materials were prepared and differences between the results were examined. The feed rate effect on selected parameters of surface roughness after milling of micro- and nanocrystalline pure titanium was determined.
Fundamentals of Manufacturing Technologies for Aircraft Engine Parts Made of TiAl Based Alloys
Authors: Szkliniarz W. , Szkliniarz A.
Published: October 2016

The study presents fundamentals of manufacturing technologies for aircraft engine construction elements, made of light, intermetallic TiAl based alloy, which is characterized by high relative strength and good creep and oxidation resistance. For smelting of alloy, the vacuum metallurgy methods were used, including application of induction furnace equipped with special crucibles made of isostatic-pressed, high-density graphite. To produce good quality construction element for aircraft engine, such as low-pressure turbine blade, there were methods of gravity casting from a very high temperature to the preheated shell moulds applied.
Contribution of Titanium, Chromium and Carbon Buffer Interlayers to Bio-Tribological Properties of Multilayer Composites
Authors: Major Ł , Janusz M. , Lackner J. M. , Major B.
Published: October 2016

Research studies on bio-tribological protective coatings of titanium, chromium and carbon based have been performed. Thin films were fabricated by hybrid PLD technique (PLD supported by magnetron sputtering). Coatings consisted of two parts; the inner part (first from the substrate) in each case was formed by titanium or chromium/titanium nitride or chromium nitride (Ti/TiN or Cr/Cr2N). The outer part was formed by pure DLC or multilayer DLC/Ti or Cr. No delamination was found at the interface. Titanium or chromium metallic layer was deposited as a first layer directly on the metallic substrate to avoid delamination. All individual layers were built of columnar nano-crystallites. Mechanisms of the mechanical wear of analyzed systems were presented, focusing on the cracking propagation in ball-on-disc tests using an 1 N and 5 N applied loads for 5 000 cycles. Complex microstructure analysis of presented nano-multilayer coatings, before and after mechanical tests, were performed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The highest stress concentration during mechanical uploading was moved through the multilayer coating by breaking only one layer at the time. The microstructure characterization revealed that cracking propagating in the outer part of the coating was stopped at the interface. In the case of the inner part of the coating Ti/TiN; Cr/Cr2N, ceramic layers showed brittle cracking, while metallic (Ti or Cr) ones deformed plastically. Fabricated coatings were subjected under the analysis in the biomechanical system optimized to test for the direct contact with a human whole blood. The study considered physiological conditions mainly related to the temperature and humidity and the frequency of cyclic deformation of the artificial vessel into which the tested sample was introduced.
Influence of the Annealing Time After Welding on the Mechanical Properties of Welded Joint of T91 Steel
Authors: Wojsyk K. , Golański G. , Jasak J. , Słania J. , Zieliński A. , Urbańczyk P.
Published: October 2016

The paper presents the results of research on the influence of the time of annealing after welding at the temperature of 750°C on the mechanical properties of a homogeneous welded joint of T91 steel. The welded joints were annealed at 750°C for 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 hours. The research scope included the basic study, i.e. the measurement of hardness, the test of impact energy, the static tensile test, bending test, as well as the accelerated creep test. The results of the tests of mechanical properties indicate the possibility of using shorter annealing times for thin-walled welded joints, and thus the possibility of savings as a result of flexible heat treatments.
Low Temperature Broad Band Dielectric Spectroscopy of Multiferroic Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 Ceramics
Authors: Lisińska-Czekaj A. , Rerak M. , Czekaj D. , Lubina M. , Garbarz-Glos B. , Bąk W.
Published: October 2016

In the present research the tool of broadband dielectric spectroscopy was utilized to characterize dielectric behavior of Bi6Fe2Ti3O18(BFTO) Aurivillius-type multiferroic ceramics. Dielectric response of BFTO ceramics was studied in the frequency domain (Δν=0.1Hz – 10MHz) within the temperature range ΔT=-100°C – 200°C. The Kramers-Kronig data validation test was employed to validate the impedance data measurements and it was found that the measured impedance data exhibited good quality justifying further analysis. The residuals were found to be less than 1%, whereas the “chi-square” parameter was within the range χ2~10−7−10−5. Experimental data were analyzed using the circle fit of simple impedance arc plotted in the complex Z”-Z’ plane (Nyquist plot). The total ac conductivity of the grain boundaries was thus revealed and the activation energy of ac conductivity for the grain boundaries was calculated. It was found that activation energy of ac conductivity of grain boundaries changes from EA=0.20eV to EA=0.55eV while temperature rises from T=-100°C up to T=200°C. On the base of maxima of the impedance semicircles (ωmτm=1) the relaxation phenomena were characterized in terms of the temperature dependence of relaxation times and relevant activation energy was calculated (EA=0.55eV).
Sacrificial Paste for Fabrication of Ceramic Materials by Layer-By-Layer Method
Authors: Falkowski P. , Scisel K.
Published: October 2016

The aim of the work was to develop a sacrificial paste suitable for securing channels during shaping of ceramic materials with internal structures via combination of tape casting and soft lithography. Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether and polyethylene glycols with different molecular weight were selected as a main components of a sacrificial paste due to their compatibility to UV curable dispersion. The research shows that sacrificial paste should be characterized by proper melting point. This goal was achieved by using a composition of PEG600 with 15wt.%PEG20000 and 10wt.% carbon. The invented sacrificial paste solidify beyond 27°C (melting point). After heating up to 80°C the viscosity of paste is low enough and easily fills the channels with diameter of 150-300μm. What is more, the operational time during free cooling from 80°C to solidification is around 8 minutes what gives enough time for application. Carbon was added as a modifier of rheological properties and as a black dye that helps in visual evaluation of a degree of filling channel. The first test proved that proposed method of preparation of ceramic samples with application of invented sacrificial paste is reliable and can be practically applied.
Fracture Statistics Using Three-Parameter and Two-Parameter Weibull Distributions for Fe-0.4C-1.5Cr-1.5Ni-0.8Mn-0.2Mo Structural Sintered Steel
Authors: Fiał Ch. , Ciaś A. , Czarski A. , Sułowski M.
Published: October 2016

A statistical analysis is presented of tensile and bending strengths of a porous sintered structural steel which exhibits non-linear, quasi-brittle, behaviour. It is the result of existing natural flaws (pores and oxide inclusions) and of the formation of fresh flaws when stress is applied. The analysis is by two- and three-parameter Weibull statistics. Weibull modulus, a measure of reliability, was estimated by the maximum likelihood method for specimen populations < 30. Probability distributions were compared on the basis of goodness to fit using the Anderson-Darling tests. The use of the two-parameter Weibull distribution for strength data of quasi-brittle sintered steels is questioned, because there is sufficient evidence that the 3-parameter distribution fits the data better.
The Effect of Friction Stir Processing (FSP) on the Microstructure and Properties of AM60 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Iwaszko J. , Kudła K. , Fila K. , Strzelecka M.
Published: October 2016

The samples of the as-cast AM60 magnesium alloy were subjected to Friction Stir Processing (FSP). The effect of FSP on the microstructure of AM60 magnesium alloy was analyzed using optical microscopy and X-ray analysis. Besides, the investigation of selected properties, i.e. hardness and resistance to abrasion wear, were carried out. The carried out investigations showed that FSP leads to more homogeneous microstructure and significant grain refinement. The average grain size in the stirred zone (SZ) was about 6-9 μm. in the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ), the elongated and deformed grains distributed along flow line were observed. The structural changes caused by FSP lead to an increase in microhardness and wear resistance of AM60 alloy in comparison to their non-treated equivalents. Preliminary results show that friction stir processing is a promising and an effective grain refinement technique.
Identification of Yield Point of Polymer-Based Composite Material in the Conditions of Increased Temperatures
Authors: Arustamian A. , Sołek K. , Kalisz D.
Published: October 2016

Theoretical and practical research on the influence of temperature on mechanical characteristics of the composite material MM “Steel 1018” has been conducted. Both laboratory equipment used to measure of mechanical properties, the technique of material preparation and the experimental procedure were described. The analysis of the the obtained results revealed that with temperature increase the material yield point goes down.
Processing of Copper by Hydrostatic Extrusion – Studies of Microstructure and Properties
Authors: Leszczyńska-Madej B. , Richert M. W. , Nejman I. , Zawadzka P.
Published: October 2016

The present study attempts to apply HE to 99.99% pure copper. The microstructure of the samples was investigated by both light microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Additionally, the microhardness was measured, the tensile test was made, and statistical analysis of the grains and subgrains was performed. Based on Kikuchi diffraction patterns, misorientation was determined. The obtained results show that microstructure of copper deformed by hydrostatic extrusion (HE) is rather inhomogeneous. The regions strongly deformed with high dislocation density exist near cells and grains/subgrains free of dislocations. The measurements of the grain size have revealed that the sample with an initial in annealed-state grain size of about 250 μm had this grain size reduced to below 0.35μm when it was deformed by HE to the strain ε=2.91. The microhardness and UTS are stable within the whole investigated range of deformation.
Microstructure and Chemical Composition of Fe-Cr Alloy Tempered in High Temperature and Atmosphere Containing Ar-SO2
Authors: Radziszewska A. , Kranzmann A. , Dörfel I. , Feijoo M. Mosquera , Solecka M.
Published: October 2016

The paper presents the microstructure, chemical and phase composition of thin scale, obtained as a result of high-temperature corrosion of X20Cr13 stainless steel. Samples were exposed to gas atmosphere of the following composition: 0.25 vol.% of SO2and 99.75 vol.% of Ar at 600 °C for 5 h. As a consequence, thin compact scale was formed on steel surface. This scale consisted of three different zones. An amorphous zone was formed close to steel surface. Then, nanocrystalline zone could be observed. Finally, larger grains were formed during the corrosion process. The analysis of the chemical composition revealed higher concentration of chromium near steel surface. In contrast, to chromium, the content of iron, increased near the scale surface. It was found out that the (Cr, Mn, Fe)5O12phase appeared in the thin scale.
Thermomechanical States in Arc Weld Surfaced Steel Elements
Authors: Winczek J. , Skrzypczak T.
Published: October 2016

The paper presents a model of temperature, phase transformation and stresses fields in a steel element during single-pass Gas Metal Arc Weld (GMAW) surfacing.

Kinetics of phase transformations during heating is limited by temperature values at the beginning and at the end of austenitic transformation, while the progress of phase transformations during cooling is determined on the basis of TTT-welding diagram and Johnson-Mehl-Avrami and Kolomogorov law for diffusive transformations and Koistinen-Marburger for martensitic transformation. Stress state of a bar subjected to thermo-mechanical loads is described assuming the plane cross section hypothesis and using integral equations of stress equilibrium of a bar as well as simple Hook’s law. Stresses in the elastic-plastic state are determined by iteration using solutions with a variable elastic modulus of elasticity, conditioned by tensile curves. Dependence of stresses on strains is assumed on the basis of tensile curves of particular structures, taking into account the influence of temperature. There were performed calculations of the temperature field, phase transformations, strains and stresses for GMAW surfacing of a cuboid element made of S235 steel. Authors’ programs, made in Borland Delphi, were used for calculations.
The Effect of Cooling Rate after Homogenization on the Microstructure and Properties of 2017a Alloy Billets for Extrusion with Solution Heat Treatment on the Press
Authors: Woźnicki A. , Leśniak D. , Włoch G. , Pałka P. , Leszczyńska-Madej B. , Wojtyna A.
Published: October 2016

The influence of cooling rate after homogenization on the 2017A alloy microstructure was analysed. The capability of the θ (Al2Cu) particles, precipitated during various homogenization coolings, for rapid dissolution was estimated. For this purpose, the DSC test was used to determine the effect of the cooling rate after homogenization on the course of melting during a rapid heating. Moreover, the samples after solution heat treatment (with short time annealing) and ageing, were subjected to the microstructure investigations and the microhardness of grains interiors measurements. It was found that cooling after homogenization at 160 °C/h is sufficient for precipitation of fine θ phase particles, which dissolve during the subsequent rapid heating. The cooling at 40 °C/h, causes the precipitation of θ phase in the form of large particles, incapable of further fast dissolution.
The Microstructure and Phase Composition of 35CrSiMN5-5-4 Steel After Quenching and Partitioning Heat Treatment
Authors: Skołek E. , Wasiak K. , Świątnicki W.A.
Published: October 2016

The aim of the study was to characterise the microstructure of 35CrSiMn5-5-4 steel which was subjected to a new heat treatment technology of quenching and partitioning (Q&P). The parameters of the treatment were chosen on the basis of computer simulations and dilatometric studies of phase transformations occurring in steel. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of steel microstructure after the Q&P treatment revealed the presence of martensite as well as significant amount of retained austenite in form of layers between the martensite laths. The rod-like carbides in the ferritic areas were also observed, which indicates the presence of lower bainite in steel. It was found that the retained austenite content measured by means of TEM was about 28% for partitioning at 400°C and 25% for partitioning at 260°C. These results are in good agreement with the phase composition calculated theoretically as well as those determined experimentally by use of dilatometric tests.
Mechanical Modification of Al-6%Si By Semisolid Process
Authors: Sarajan Z.
Published: October 2016

In this study by semisolid processing of Al-6%Si alloy, it has been found that small additions of Ti-6Al-4V shift the liquidus temperature up and the recalescence decreases. The nucleation event takes place at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the rate at which growth temperature increases is less than that of nucleation temperature and therefore more nuclei form with less potential for growth. In this processing refiner increases the α-Al percentage and reduces globule size. Improvement of mechanical property and microstructure characterization are the main advantages of this study.