Abstract: Dielectric ceramic samples in the BaO-Re2O3-TiO2
ternary system were synthesized with structural formula Ba2-
xRe4+2x/3Ti8O24 where Re= rare earth metal and Re= Sm and La where
x varies from 0.0 to 0.6 with step size 0.1. Polycrystalline samples
were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction technique. The
dielectric, electrical and impedance analysis of all the samples in the
frequency range 1KHz- 1MHz at room temperature (25°C) have been
done to get the understanding of electrical conduction and dielectric
relaxation and their correlation. Dielectric response of the samples at
lower frequencies shows dielectric dispersion while at higher
frequencies it shows dielectric relaxation. The ac conductivity is well
fitted by the Jonscher law. The spectroscopic data in the impedance
plane confirms the existence of grain contribution to the relaxation.
All the properties are found out to be function of frequency as well as
the amount of substitution.
Abstract: The article presents a plasma chemical technology for
processing solid fuels, using examples of bituminous and brown
coals. Thermodynamic and experimental investigation of the
technology was made. The technology allows producing synthesis
gas from the coal organic mass and valuable components (technical
silicon, ferrosilicon, aluminum, and carbon silicon, as well as
microelements of rare metals, such as uranium, molybdenum,
vanadium, etc.) from the mineral mass. The thusly produced highcalorific
synthesis gas can be used for synthesis of methanol, as a
high-calorific reducing gas instead of blast-furnace coke as well as
power gas for thermal power plants.
Abstract: A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of
safflower plant for phytoremediation of contaminated soils. The
experiment was performed on an agricultural fields contaminated by
the Non-Ferrous-Metal Works near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Field
experiments with randomized complete block design with five
treatments (control, compost amendments added at 20 and 40 t/daa,
and vermicompost amendments added at 20 and 40 t/daa) were
carried out. The quality of safflower seeds and oil (heavy metals and
fatty acid composition) were determined. Tested organic amendments
significantly influenced the chemical composition of safflower seeds
and oil. The compost and vermicompost treatments significantly
reduced heavy metals concentration in safflower seeds and oils, but
the effect differed among them. Addition of vermicompost and
compost leads to an increase in the content of palmitic acid and
linoleic acid, and a decrease in the stearic and oleic acids compared
with the control. A significant increase in the quantity of saturated
acids was observed in the variants with 20 t/daa of compost and 20
t/daa of vermicompost (9.1 and 8.9% relative to the control).
Safflower is a plant which is tolerant to heavy metals and can be
successfully used in the phytoremediation of heavy metal
contaminated soils. The processing of seeds to oil and using the
obtained oil for nutritional purposes will greatly reduce the cost of
phytoremediation.
Abstract: The secondary alloy A226 is used for many
automotive casting produced by mould casting and high pressure die
casting. This alloy has excellent castability, good mechanical
properties and cost-effectiveness. Production of primary aluminium
alloys belong to heavy source fouling of life environs. The European
Union calls for the emission reduction and reduction in energy
consumption therefore increase production of recycled (secondary)
aluminium cast alloys. The contribution is deal with influence of
recycling on the quality of the casting made from A226 in automotive
industry. The properties of the casting made from secondary
aluminium alloys were compared with the required properties of
primary aluminium alloys. The effect of recycling on microstructure
was observed using combination different analytical techniques (light
microscopy upon black-white etching, scanning electron microscopy
- SEM upon deep etching and energy dispersive X-ray analysis -
EDX). These techniques were used for the identification of the
various structure parameters, which was used to compare secondary
alloy microstructure with primary alloy microstructure.
Abstract: The arsenic and iron environments in different growth
stages have been studied with EXAFS and XANES using
Brookhaven Synchrotron Light Source. Collard Greens plants were
grown and tissue samples were harvested. The project studied the
EXAFS and XANES of tissue samples using As and Fe K-edges. The
Fe absorption and the Fourier transform bond length information
were used as a control comparison. The Fourier transform of the
XAFS data revealed the coexistence of As (III) and As (V) in the As
bonding environment inside the studied plant tissue samples,
although the soil only had As (III). The data suggests that Collard
Greens has a novel pathway to handle arsenic absorption in soil.
Abstract: The relationship between the state and the religion is
different based on the fact that how powerful is the religion faith in a
state and of the influences that affected the views of the constitution
drafters according to the constitutional system they were based to
draft their constitution. This paper aims at providing, through a
comparative methodology, how it is regulated by the constitution the
relationship between the state and the religion. The object of this
study are the constitutions of Italy as a nation with catholic religious
tradition, Greece as a nation with orthodox religion tradition, and
Turkey as a nation which represents Muslim religion, while Albania
as a nation known for its religious plurality. In particular, the analysis
will be focused on the secular or religious principle provided in the
constitution of each respective state. This comparative overview
intends to discern which of the states analyzed is more tolerant and
fully respects the freedom of religion. It results that most of the states
subject of this study, despite their religious tradition have chosen the
secular principle in their constitutions, but the religious freedom is
differently guaranteed.
Abstract: Microscopic simulation tool kits allow for
consideration of the two processes of railway operations and the
previous timetable production. Block occupation conflicts on both
process levels are often solved by using defined train priorities. These
conflict resolutions (dispatching decisions) generate reactionary
delays to the involved trains. The sum of reactionary delays is
commonly used to evaluate the quality of railway operations, which
describes the timetable robustness. It is either compared to an
acceptable train performance or the delays are appraised
economically by linear monetary functions. It is impossible to
adequately evaluate dispatching decisions without a well-founded
objective function. This paper presents a new approach for the
evaluation of dispatching decisions. The approach uses mode choice
models and considers the behaviour of the end-customers. These
models evaluate the reactionary delays in more detail and consider
other competing modes of transport. The new approach pursues the
coupling of a microscopic model of railway operations with the
macroscopic choice mode model. At first, it will be implemented for
railway operations process but it can also be used for timetable
production. The evaluation considers the possibility for the customer
to interchange to other transport modes. The new approach starts to
look at rail and road, but it can also be extended to air travel. The
result of mode choice models is the modal split. The reactions by the
end-customers have an impact on the revenue of the train operating
companies. Different purposes of travel have different payment
reserves and tolerances towards late running. Aside from changes to
revenues, longer journey times can also generate additional costs.
The costs are either time- or track-specific and arise from required
changes to rolling stock or train crew cycles. Only the variable values
are summarised in the contribution margin, which is the base for the
monetary evaluation of delays. The contribution margin is calculated
for different possible solutions to the same conflict. The conflict
resolution is optimised until the monetary loss becomes minimal. The
iterative process therefore determines an optimum conflict resolution
by monitoring the change to the contribution margin. Furthermore, a
monetary value of each dispatching decision can also be derived.
Abstract: The article represents the results of research of
antitumor activity of different structural types of plant flavonoids
extracted by authors from Polygonum L. plants in commercial
reserves at the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For the first
time ever the results comparative research of antitumor activity of
plant flavonoids of different structural groups and their synthetic
derivatives have been represented. The results of determination of
toxicity of flavonoids in single parenteral infusion conditions have
been represented. Experimental substantiation of possible
mechanisms of antiproliferative and cytotoxic action of flavonoids
has been suggested. The perspectives of usage of plant flavonoids as
medications and creation of effective dosage forms of antitumor
medicines on their basis have been substantiated.
Abstract: The effect of additional magnesium oxide (MgO) was
investigated by using the tungsten oxide supported on silica catalyst
(WOx/SiO2) physically mixed with MgO in a weight ratio 1:1. The
both fresh and spent catalysts were characterized by FT-Raman
spectrometer, UV-Vis spectrometer, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and
temperature programmed oxidation (TPO). The results indicated that
the additional MgO could enhance the conversion of trans-2-butene
due to isomerization reaction. However, adding MgO would increase
the amount of coke deposit on the WOx/SiO2 catalyst. The TPO
profile presented two peaks when the WOx/SiO2 catalyst was
physically mixed with MgO. The further peak was suggested that
came from coke precursor could be produced by isomerization
reaction of undesired product. Then, the occurred coke precursor
could deposit and form coke on the acid catalyst.
Abstract: Heat transfer of leaves is a crucial factor in optimal
operation of metabolic functions in plants. In order to quantify this
phenomenon in different leaves and investigate the influence of leaf
shape on heat transfer, natural convection for pine, orange and olive
leaves was simulated as representatives of different groups of leaf
shapes. CFD techniques were used in this simulation with the
purpose to calculate heat transfer of leaves in similar environmental
conditions. The problem was simulated for steady state and threedimensional
conditions. From obtained results, it was concluded that
heat fluxes of all three different leaves are almost identical, however,
total rate of heat transfer have highest and lowest values for orange
leaves, and pine leaves, respectively.
Abstract: We evaluate the performance of a numerical method
for global optimization of expensive functions. The method is using a
response surface to guide the search for the global optimum. This
metamodel could be based on radial basis functions, kriging, or a
combination of different models. We discuss how to set the cyclic
parameters of the optimization method to get a balance between local
and global search. We also discuss the eventual problem with Runge
oscillations in the response surface.
Abstract: A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy
of lavender for phytoremediation of contaminated soils. The
experiment was performed on an agricultural fields contaminated by
the Non-Ferrous-Metal Works near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The
concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd in lavender (roots, stems, leaves and
inflorescences) and in the essential oils of lavender were determined.
Lavender is a plant which is tolerant to heavy metals and can be
grown on contaminated soils, and which can be referred to the
hyperaccumulators of lead and the accumulators of cadmium and
zinc, and can be successfully used in the phytoremediation of heavy
metal contaminated soils. Favorable is also the fact that heavy metals
do not influence the development of the lavender, as well as on the
quality and quantity of the essential oil. The possibility of further
industrial processing will make lavender economically interesting
crops for farmers of phytoextraction technology.
Abstract: The effect of N2 pretreatment on the catalytic activity
of tungsten-based catalysts was investigated in the metathesis of
ethylene and trans-2-butene at 450oC and atmospheric pressure. The
presence of tungsten active species was confirmed by UV-Vis and
Raman spectroscopy. Compared to the WO3-based catalysts treated
in air, higher amount of WO4 2-tetrahedral species and lower amount
of WO3 crystalline species were observed on the N2-treated ones.
These contribute to the higher conversion of 2-butene and propylene
selectivity during 10 h time-on-stream. Moreover, N2 treatment led to
lower amount of coke formation as revealed by TPO of the spent
catalysts.
Abstract: In the present work, Electrochemical Impedance
Spectrocopy (EIS) is applied to study the transport of different metal
cations through a cation-exchange membrane. This technique enables
the identification of the ionic-transport characteristics and to
distinguish between different transport mechanisms occurring at
different current density ranges. The impedance spectra are
dependent on the applied dc current density, on the type of cation and
on the concentration.
When the applied dc current density increases, the diameter of the
impedance spectra loops increases because all the components of
membrane system resistance increase. The diameter of the impedance
plots decreases in the order of Na(I), Ni(II) and Cr(III) due to the
increased interactions between the negatively charged sulfonic
groups of the membrane and the cations with greater charge. Nyquist
plots are shifted towards lower values of the real impedance, and its
diameter decreases with the increase of concentration due to the
decrease of the solution resistance.
Abstract: Non contact evaluation of the thickness of paint
coatings can be attempted by different destructive and nondestructive
methods such as cross-section microscopy, gravimetric mass
measurement, magnetic gauges, Eddy current, ultrasound or
terahertz. Infrared thermography is a nondestructive and non-invasive
method that can be envisaged as a useful tool to measure the surface
thickness variations by analyzing the temperature response. In this
paper, the thermal quadrupole method for two layered samples heated
up with a pulsed excitation is firstly used. By analyzing the thermal
responses as a function of thermal properties and thicknesses of both
layers, optimal parameters for the excitation source can be identified.
Simulations show that a pulsed excitation with duration of ten
milliseconds allows obtaining a substrate-independent thermal
response. Based on this result, an experimental setup consisting of a
near-infrared laser diode and an Infrared camera was next used to
evaluate the variation of paint coating thickness between 60 μm and
130 μm on two samples. Results show that the parameters extracted
for thermal images are correlated with the estimated thicknesses by
the Eddy current methods. The laser pulsed thermography is thus an
interesting alternative nondestructive method that can be moreover
used for nonconductive substrates.
Abstract: This study is about the structural transformations of
aluminium examining with the Dynamic Mechanical Thermal
Analyzer (DMTA). It is a faster and simpler measuring method to
make consequence about the metal’s structural transformations. The
device measures the changing of the mechanical characteristics
depending on the heating rate, and concludes certain transformations.
This measuring method fast and shows clean-cut results comparing
the conventional ways.
Applying polymer measuring devices for metal investigations is
not widespread method. One of the adaptable ways is shown in this
study. The article compares the results of the small specimen test and
the DMTA method, considering the temperature and the forming
dependence of recrystallization temperature.
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the adverse
effect of industrial wastewater on surface water quality in Gebeng
industrial estate, Pahang, Malaysia. Surface water was collected from
six sampling stations. Physicochemical parameters were
characterized based on in-situ and ex-situ analysis according to
standard methods by American Public Health Association (APHA).
Selected heavy metals were determined by using Inductively Coupled
Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS). The results revealed that the
concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Hg were
high in samples. The results also showed that the value of Pb and Hg
were higher in the wet season in comparison to dry season.
According to Malaysia National Water Quality Standard (NWQS)
and Water Quality Index (WQI) all the sampling station were
categorized as class IV (highly polluted). The present study revealed
that the adverse effects of careless disposal of wastes and directly
discharge of effluents affected on surface water quality. Therefore,
the authorities should implement the laws to ensure the proper
practices of wastewater management for environmental sustainability
around the study area.
Abstract: Investigations on the accumulation of heavy metals in
water and sediments of river Ogbese were carried out between
December 2010 and February 2011 using Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer. Etheria elliptica a sessile organism was also used
to determine the concentration of heavy metal in the aquatic
environmental. In water, Cu had the highest concentration (0.55 –
0.13 mg/l ±0.1) while in sediments, the highest value obtained was in
Fe (1.46-3.89mg/l±0.27). The minimum concentrations recorded
were in Pb; which was below detectable level. The result also
revealed that the shell accumulate more heavy metals than the flesh
of the mussel with Cu in the shell exhibiting a negative correlation
with all the metals in the flesh. However, the condition factor (K)
value is 6.44, an indication of good health. The length-weight
relationship is expressed as W = -0.48 x L 1.94 (r2 = 0.29) showing the
growth pattern to be negatively allometric.
Abstract: We investigate relaxation dynamics of a quantum
dipole emitter (QDE), e.g., a molecule or quantum dot, located near a
metal nanoparticle (MNP) exhibiting a dipolar localized surface
plasmon (LSP) resonance at the frequency of the QDE radiative
transition. It is shown that under the condition of the QDE-MNP
characteristic relaxation time being much shorter than that of the
QDE in free-space but much longer than the LSP lifetime. It is also
shown that energy dissipation in the QDE-MNP system is relatively
weak with the probability of the photon emission being about 0.75, a
number which, rather surprisingly, does not explicitly depend on the
metal absorption characteristics. The degree of entanglement
measured by the concurrency takes the maximum value, while the
distances between the QDEs and metal ball approximately are equal.
Abstract: Propylene self-metathesis to ethylene and butene was
studied over WOx/SiO2 catalysts at 450oC and atmospheric pressure.
The WOx/SiO2 catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness
impregnation of ammonium metatungstate aqueous solution. It was
found that, adding nano-sized extra supports (SiO2 and TiO2) by
physical mixing with the WOx/SiO2 enhanced propylene conversion.
The UV-Vis and FT-Raman results revealed that WOx could migrate
from the original silica support to the extra support, leading to a
better dispersion of WOx. The ICP-OES results also indicate that
WOx existed on the extra support. Coke formation was investigated
on the catalysts after 10 h time-on-stream by TPO. However, adding
nano-sized extra supports led to higher coke formation which may be
related to acidity as characterized by NH3-TPD.