Study washboarding phenomenon in frame sawing machines

The paper concerns washboarding phenomenon where for every kind of sawing a very regular pattern is characterised by a sinusoidal – like variation in board thickness. That pattern is an effect of the saw blade lateral vibrations. It is palpable that these vibrations are detrimental to the cutting process, and lead to poor surface quality and dimensional accuracy, and raw material waste. For band saws in the contemporary literature models explaining a washboarding phenomenon are supported on self-excited (self-induced) vibration theories. However, these explanations cannot be simply broadened into the washboarding phenomenon in frame sawing machines. In this work based on theoretical and experimental investigation the washboard pattern formation is clarified by the authors with the use of a theoretical model, in which the rugged surface is an effect of vibrations generated by lateral cyclic loading and lagged wave formation. The authors hope that their obtained results contribute significantly to further understanding of this important but complicated phenomenon.     

ICP-MS multi-element profiles and HPLC determination of furanic compounds in commercial tequila

In this work, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determination of Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V, Zn, Th and U in commercial tequila has been accomplished. The samples were tenfold diluted (1% HNO₃), ethanol (4% v/v) was added to multi-element calibration solutions and possible spectral interferences were controlled by the use of collision/reaction cell technology. The results obtained in the analysis of 40 brands showed low concentration levels of the elements, in agreement with actual Mexican regulations, except for copper. Statistically significant differences were found between the concentration levels of copper, molybdenum, mercury and thorium in 100% agave and mixed tequila brands. In search of parameters useful for discrimination between 100% and mixed tequila categories, 5-hydroxy-methylfuraldehyde, 2-furoic acid (2-FAC), 2-furaldehyde (2-FAL), 2-furylmethylketone (2-FMC), 5-methylfuraldehyde (5-MFA), syringaldehyde (SIR) were also determined, using simple and fast reversed phase chromatographic procedure. Principal component analysis was used as the variable reduction procedure. In the multivariate model obtained, a natural separation of 100%, mixed and aged tequilas has been observed in the space defined by the first three principal components that accounted for 94% of total system variability. The analysis of correlation revealed statistically significant direct relationship between 100% tequila and 2-FAL, 5-MFA, Cu (β = 0.781, p = 0.028; β = 0.688, p = 0.042; β = 0.664, p = 0.046, respectively), between mixed tequila and Hg, Th, Mo (β = 0.948, p = 0.000; β = 0.905, p = 0.002; β = 0.867, p = 0.012, respectively) and between aged tequila and SIR, 2-FAC (β = 0.937, p = 0.000; β = 0.889, p = 0.000, respectively). In conclusion, among 25 parameters initially selected, the above 8 (2-FAL, 5-MFA, Cu, Hg, Th, Mo, SIR, 2-FAC) could be useful in the multivariate discrimination between tequila categories.     

Lattice and Grain‐Boundary Diffusion of Al in Tetragonal Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Polycrystalline Ceramics (3Y‐TZP) Analyzed Using SIMS

Aluminum oxide was deposited on the surface of 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y‐TZP). The samples were annealed at temperatures from 1523 to 1773 K. Diffusion profiles of Al in the form of mean concentration vs. depth in B‐type kinetic region were investigated by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The experimental results for the lattice diffusion (D_B) and grain boundary diffusion (D_GB) are as follows: and where δ is the grain‐boundary width and s is the segregation factor.     

Evaluation of corrosion inhibition of brass-118 in artificial seawater by benzotriazole using Dynamic EIS

The paper presents the results of corrosion behaviour of brass-118 in artificial seawater and the inhibitor effect of benzotriazole (BTA) by using a novel method called dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS). This method allows the tracing of the dynamics of the corrosion and the inhibition process based on the evaluation of electrical parameters of the equivalent circuit. Instantaneous impedance spectra recorded up to 10 h show that an exposure of few hours is not enough for the determination of inhibition efficiency. The results indicate the usefulness of DEIS technique in the field of inhibitor research.     

Drainage and economic utilization of methane from coal seams in the Jastrzebie mining-field

The paper presents the resources and present status of coal-seam methane from the mining field of JSW S.A., as well as trends in its application both in JSW S.A. plants and elsewhere. For the period 1999–2001, the dynamics of growth of methane utilization are shown. Perspectives of methane drainage are considered, with regard to both work and the realization of restructuring programs in the mining industry. Demand and supply of methane are discussed, taking into account real and potential opportunities. An assessment was made of the emissions to the atmosphere both of methane and of other pollutants. An evaluation of the influence exerted by these measures on the performance of cogeneration of heat and electricity has been prepared. Several projects in progress are described, namely the increase of gas-firing in existing boiler installations, investment projects referring to the installation of gas engines for cogeneration of heat and electricity, utilization of the distribution network for the maximum utilization of gas and the designs of power-generation systems (using methane) for air conditioning in the mines.     

Superelasticity of NiTi Ring-Shaped Springs Induced by Aging for Cranioplasty Applications

This paper concerns the application of titanium-nickel rings in modeling the cranium. After being fixed to the osseous margins, the ring’s expansion at the same time broadens and shortens the cranium vault. The rings formed from a straight superelastic wire, flattened to an ellipse, do not show the presence of a typical force plateau but rather a pseudoelastic loop during loading-unloading in the relationship between the force and the deflection. Based on the idea that superelasticity in more complex shape-springs may be induced by the precipitation hardening process, the further studies were carried out on alloys with higher nickel contents (51.06 at.% Ni). The rings that had been formed were welded and aged at an optimal temperature and time. The improved superelastic behavior during compression and unloading the rings was obtained by introducing small deformation by drawing the quenched wires before forming the rings and aging. Very positive clinical reshaping by long-term distraction with the superelastic ring-shaped springs was achieved in young children under one year and a less spectacular effect was observed in the group of older children.     

Poly(o-toluidine) as the matrix for incorporation of palladium species from PdCl2 aqueous solutions

Reactivity of poly(o-toluidine) in the emeraldine base form (POT) and protonated with HCl (POT/HCl) in PdCl₂ aqueous solutions of various HCl concentrations has been studied. Using elemental analysis, FTIR, UV–Vis, XPS and EXAFS spectroscopies as well as XRD and SEM it has been established that POT/HCl is more reactive than POT. The course of reactions is influenced by the type of the PdCl₂ solution. Thus, protonation of POT with incorporation of palladium (II) chloro–and/or aquachloro–and/or chlorohydroxycomplexes counterions is the main process occurring in the PdCl₂ solutions of higher HCl concentration. A redox reaction resulting in the oxidation of the polymer chain with simultaneous formation of metallic palladium takes place in the PdCl₂ solution of lower HCl concentration. POT/HCl shows enhanced reducing properties with respect to POT. Lowering of the protonation level (i.e. some deprotonation) of POT/HCl has been also observed. Coordination of palladium (II) ions by nitrogen atoms of the polymer chain can be also postulated.     

Application of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for control of irradiated food

Four groups of foodstuffs were irradiated in a ⁶⁰Co source with doses from 0.3 to 10kGy and subsequently measured by EPR spectrometry at room temperature in air: (1) poultry bones and fins, scales and bones of carp. (2) seeds of selected fruits, (3) dehydrated mushrooms, and (4) a selected set of spices and herbs. Qualitative and, in some cases, quantitative data related to the absorbed dose of radiation were collected. In the irradiated bones from poultry and carp an asymmetric singlet (g_I = 2.0030, g_II =1.9973; ΔH_pp = 0.85 mT) was detected which was stable at room temperature and was similar to that previously found in irradiated mammalian bones. Another stable EPR signal (g₀ = 2.0024, ΔH_pp = 0.56 mT) was found in the fins and scales of carp which was about five times more intense in fins than in scales. In pips of pears irradiated with a dose of 3 kGy. a signal which was about twice as intense as the endogenous signal was recorded. A multicomponent EPR signal derived from the stones of dates differed from the endogenous signal even when a low dose (0-5 kGy) was applied. A multicomponent EPR signal is also observed in dried mushrooms irradiated with a dose of 3 kGy. In white mustard, paprika and chilli no native EPR signal exists and a radiation-induced stable EPR signal can still be observed after a period of 3 months. The radiation-induced EPR signal in black pepper was highly sensitive to moisture and disappeared, yet the native signal survived. The pilot experiments performed with irradiated stones of cherries, plums, lemons, apple pips, raspberries, cranberries, red currants, blackcurrants, gooseberries and tomatoes showed the induction of short-lived EPR signals of no practical use for the control of food irradiation.     

Protective Role of a Donepezil-Huprine Hybrid against the β-Amyloid (1-42) Effect on Human Erythrocytes

Aβ(1-42) peptide is a neurotoxic agent strongly associated with the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current treatments are still of very low effectiveness, and deaths from AD are increasing worldwide. Huprine-derived molecules have a high affinity towards the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), act as potent Aβ(1-42) peptide aggregation inhibitors, and improve the behavior of experimental animals. AVCRI104P4 is a multitarget donepezil-huprine hybrid that improves short-term memory in a mouse model of AD and exerts protective effects in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans that express Aβ(1-42) peptide. At present, there is no information about the effects of this compound on human erythrocytes. Thus, we considered it important to study its effects on the cell membrane and erythrocyte models, and to examine its protective effect against the toxic insult induced by Aβ(1-42) peptide in this cell and models. This research was developed using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on molecular models of the human erythrocyte membrane constituted by lipid bilayers built of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE). They correspond to phospholipids representative of those present in the external and internal monolayers, respectively, of most plasma and neuronal membranes. The effect of AVCRI104P4 on human erythrocyte morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed a protective effect of AVCRI104P4 against the toxicity induced by Aβ(1-42) peptide in human erythrocytes and molecular models.     

Piezoelectric polymer films as power converters for human powered electronics

Piezoelectric polymer film material allows for conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be used for supplying electronic devices. While this method does not allow obtaining large useful power, recent advances in electronic technology, in particular wide availability of submicron low-power CMOS processes, have made feasible the idea of using piezoelectric polymers as power converters for human powered electronics. This concept allows to overcome the necessity of using battery as a power source, which is one of the main obstacles to widespread adoption of wearable computing devices. Of particular interest is harvesting energy from walking, which can be achieved by using piezoelectric polymers. In this paper maximum power has been calculated that can be drawn from walking energy owing to application of the copolymer polyethylene–polypropylene (PE–PP) shoe insole. The amount of electric energy obtained from a PE–PP foil of a thickness of 11 μm for a single step of a duration of 1 s – that is equivalent to a frequency of 1 Hz – amounts to 340 nJ.