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PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF AIR PURIFICATION BY AERIAL PLANT BASED BIOFILTER
Get PDFThe air purification performance of an aerial plant based biofilter was investigated in this study, as an alternative option to the more common botanical biofilters that are mainly based on terrestrial plants. The experiments have been carried out by using a mixture of different plant species from Tillandsia genus for carbon dioxide (the model contaminant) removal from atmospheric air, under different operating conditions (air flowrate, plant density, lighting conditions). The CO2 removal efficiency was light dependent and significantly influenced by the air flowrate. Additionally, individual plant species (T. xerographica) was also assessed at a higher gas-plant contact time, reaching about 80% CO2 removal efficiency. Further exploring this CO2 capture potential, along with the possibility to remove other contaminants as well, can be envisaged in future studies for developing such biosystems for special applications (e.g., mitigation of gaseous pollutants from auto traffic etc.). Particularly, such aerial plant doesn’t require a soil substrate for growing, reducing the biofilter maintenance and allowing a better process control, which may make it an interesting candidate for space applications, as well
IN SILICO ASSESSMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS DRUGS AGAINST AMYLOID-Β AND TAU AGGREGATION-FORMING SEGMENTS (KLVFFA, VQIVYK, GGVVIA, VQIINK) FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Get PDFThis study reports in silico studies on approved type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drugs to combat aggregation-forming segments of tau and amyloid-β proteins in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The segments include 16-VQIVYK-21, 37-KLVFFA-42, 275-GGVVIA-280, 306-VQIINK-311. Ligand library includes only approved thirty-one small molecule species whose molecular weight is lower than 500 g/mol. The study aims to find one or more common small molecule inhibitors for four targets by adopting a multi- target drug design strategy. In this study, EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) has been chosen as a positive control compound compared to the T2DM drugs. According to molecular docking results, common for four targets, five lead drugs for drug repurposing are suggested further experimental examination with combination or single-drug therapy methods. Lead molecules have higher docking scores from EGCG. In the determined five drugs, which are linagliptin, glimepiride, teneligliptin, canagliflozin, and glipizide, linagliptin has the highest docking score and so is advised as the most potent inhibitor candidate of tau and amyloid-β fibrils
EFFECT OF BAKING TEMPERATURE ON THE ALUMINUM SUBSTRATE FORMABILITY AND CORRELATION BETWEEN SUBSTRUCTURE AND TEXTURE EVOLUTION
Get PDFIn the present study, the effect of baking (painting) temperature on 3104 cold-rolled sheets for body stock application in terms of substructure and formability was examined. The thermal treatment performed during banking process provided optimum results towards the coating response and therefore its effect on the Al sheet deep drawability is examined. Mechanical testing in three directions, hardness measurements and microstructural analyses with optical microscopy and EBSD were applied and evaluated. In the current examination different painting soaking times were selected (10-20 s)on a 3104 aluminum alloy sheet sample of 55% thickness reduction percentage and it was found that the optimum mechanical properties are succeeded after heat treatment for 20 s at 170oC, sample 4. In the resulting metallurgical condition the substructure was characterized by a high percentage of high angle grain boundaries (88%),while thee crystallographic deformation texture prevails an planar and vertical anisotropyexhibit acceptable results for the subsequent submission to a deep indentation process
BIOPOLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES WITH GRAPHENE FOR 3D PRINTING APPLICATIONS: PROPERTIES AND SAFETY ISSUES
Get PDFPolylactic acid-based nanocomposites incorporating graphene nanoplatelets were developed and characterized. A significant enhancement of mechanical, thermal and electrical properties were observed by increasing of nanofiller content around the percolation threshold. The 6 wt.% graphene- based nanocomposites are proposed as a promising novel material for 3D printing application by fused deposition modelling. The scratch properties enhancement and multifunctionality at lower filler content makes the nanocomposite films suitable for packaging application. However, the migration of graphene nanoplatelets may raise safety concerns at high temperature treatment of packaged foods, which needs of further investigations
TIMBER-CONCRETE COMPOSITE – A CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVED SUSTAINABILITY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Get PDFTimber-concrete composite (TCC) members consist of timber beams connected with a reinforced concrete slab by specialized shear connectors providing the bond between the timber and the concrete shares of the composite section. Main TCC applications are floor systems, either for reconstruction of existing timber beam ceilings or for construction of new buildings. The paper reports the basic design requests according to next generation of Eurocodes and recent developments in TCC. Particular attention is paid to the various design opportunities for the concrete slab in TCC members. TCC is a valuable compromise regarding load-bearing capacity, fire resistance and sustainability issues in comparison to ordinary reinforced concrete slabs. Based on their improved sustainability, it is to expect that the application of TCC will strongly increase in future construction practice
PREPARATION OF ELASTOMERIC COMPOSITES FILLED WITH MODIFIED CELLULOSE AND STUDY THEIR PROPERTIES
Get PDFNatural polymers are one of the alternative options and are gaining more and more prominence in various fields of application. The main advantage of natural polymers is their biodegradability and the ability to obtain them from available natural sources. Research into new possibilities for the use of natural polymers in elastomeric composites is still ongoing in the rubber industry. One of the biopolymers often used as a filler in elastomeric composites is cellulose [1- 4]. This work is focused on preparing elastomeric composites filled with cellulose, which was modified chemically with SiO2 (CELsil) and physically with plasma (CELplasma). Impact of physically modified cellulose as a filler was studied on thermal properties of elastomer composites. Natural rubber (NR) composites with different amount (30; 35; 40; 45; 50 and 55 phr) of cellulose (CEL) were prepared. On prepared composites thermal properties were studied. Physical-chemical properties were evaluated, too
NON-CONVENTIONAL RAW MATERIALS FOR BEER PRODUCTION
Get PDFBeer is one of the oldest fermented drinks in the world. It is made from malted barley, hops, brewing water and yeast, and these ingredients were regulated in the well-known Beer Purity Law. Nevertheless, a number of other raw materials containing starch and fermentable sugars, i.e. cereal grains, pseudo- cereals, potatoes, glucose-fructose and maltose syrups, are used worldwide. Part of these raw materials can be malted, whereas others are used in their unmalted form. They change the conditions of the beer wort, the balance of the fermentable sugars, hence the organoleptic profile of the beverages obtained. In recent years, the focus has been placed on these raw materials, especially with the progress of craft brewing. Craft brewing has also introduced a new niche into beer production, namely, the change in the organoleptic profile of the beverages produced with the addition of cereals other than the traditional ones. Recently, there has been increasing use of different fruits, essential oil crops and other additives intended to appeal to new beer consumers. Special attention is being paid to new yeast cultures which can carry out the fermentation process. The aim of the present study was to make a brief review of the main characteristics and application of non-conventional raw materials to beer production
THE EFFECT OF PROPAMOCARB AND ITS COMBINATIONS WITH THE OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN CONTROL OF PYTHIUM DEBARIANUM - IN VITRO STUDY
Get PDFPythyum debarianum is the most common causing agent of the damping off disease in the tobacco seedlings production. Propamocarb was a dominant in the suppression of this pathogen, but now, there are fungicides with its different content, but also in combination with other active ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Propamocarb and its combinations with other active substances, in vitro. These are: Propamocarb 722 g / l (trade name Proplant 722 SL); Propamocarb 530 g / l + Fosetyl-Al 310 g / l (Previcur Energy); Propamocarb 400 g / l + Cymoxanil 50 g / l (Proxanil); Propamocarb 625 g / l + Fluopicolid 62.5 g / l (Infinito). The fungicidal / fungistatic effect (in an appropriate degree) of the tested fungicides was also determined. The study was performed using Poisoned food technique. The experiment was repeated 3 times, with 5 replications for each variant, with daily measurements of the colony՚s diameter. The efficacy and the corresponding effect were evaluated on the third but also, on the seventh day. The fungicide Infinito achieved excellent results in control of P. debarianum - 92% effectiveness. The weakest results were achieved by Proxanil, i.e. only 47% effectiveness. Proplant 722 SL and Previcur Energy gave average results (69.00 and 73%, respectively). No combination of Propamocarb has any in vitro fungicidal action. The fungicide Infinito has a strong fungistatic effect which is only slightly reduced during the test period. Proplant 722 SL and Previcur Energy showed a weak (and very weak) fungistatic effect on this pathogen. The obtained results would be of particular importance in determining the effect of Propamocarb and / or the most effective combination with other active ingredients in the control of this pathogen. At the same time, it would be in addition to expanding the list of fungicides that can be used to protect tobacco seedlings from the damping off disease caused by P. debarianum
MUTAGENIC ELEMENTS IN MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS OF TWO BRANDS ON THE SLOVAK MARKET
Get PDFThe aim of the work was to determine the concentration of mutagenic elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in various types of milk and dairy products from two manufacturers from the supermarket in Slovakia. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) monthly for six months. Cd was below the level of detection in all products and the same for Cr in all types of milk. In the cheese, we found significant differences between the producers in the concentration of Mn, Cu, Cr, and Se. In other dairy products, we have found differences in the concentration of Se and Cu between producers of creamy white yogurt. Some of the elements were present in concentrations that, given the nature of the metals, could be hazardous. Arsenic in butter reached 2.244 and 2.603 mg/kg, which are very close to the limits and within the range of concentrations causing cancer. Cr concentrations in molten cheese were at the TDI level at normal daily consumption of 50 g of cheese and Pb values of 0.032 mg/kg in UHT whole milk exceeded the limit set by the European Commission (EC). Other elements do not pose any risk with the regular intake of these products. In the case of Co, Cu, Fe, and Mn they rather occurred in low concentrations. The concentration of Se in UHT semi-skimmed milk represents up to 500% of the daily requirement for an adult. Relationships between individual elements in milk and dairy products are rare in the literature. Therefore, the results of the work will contribute to the knowledge in this area. Several significant strong correlations between elements were found. The most common correlations were between Fe, Cu, and Ni. As milk and dairy products are among the staple foods consumed by the most vulnerable groups of people, namely children and the elderly, their presence in milk and dairy products needs to be monitored
INFLUENCE OF FOUNDERS ON INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS TYPES
Get PDFThe innovation ecosystems are important drivers of research, development and innovation activities in a region. Collaborative systems that contribute to the strengthening of high value-added activities have especial significance in the currently changing technological environment. Based on the findings of the researches, it can be seen that term innovation ecosystem is not an absolute concept, as several forms of its appearance can be found in the practice. Certain aspects of the current R&D&I challenge open new research questions in view of the different types of innovation ecosystems. The features and functions of a given ecosystem are influenced by several factors; they may take different forms depending on the characteristics of the regions, industry, way of cooperation and culture originated from the way of establishment. The present study builds on earlier research findings, while focusing on further circumstances of founding of innovation ecosystems. There are assumptions that observable correlations can be identified between the characteristics of the actors involved in the establishment of an innovation ecosystem and the type of ecosystem that will emerge later. After introduction of relevant researches, the paper gives an overview on innovation ecosystems types classified by the authors. The aim of the paper is to assess the typical patterns of the identified five types of innovation ecosystems from the perspective of the stakeholders involved into the establishment. The related research examined data from 93 European innovation and science parks. In the course of the research, the origins of the different ecosystem types were evaluated. The analysis drawn conclusions about the possible relationships between the origins of an innovation ecosystem and the nature of the subsequent ecosystem. Finally, the authors make suggestions for future research directions and processing options for the topic