Influence of the rheological properties on the steel fibre distribution and orientation in self-compacting concrete

The interest in potential applications produced with self-compacting fibre reinforced concrete continues to grow, but in practice, problems associated with an uneven distribution and orientation of fibres in the concrete structure occur. It is not clear what exactly influences uneven distribution of fibres in self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures, especially during the casting and how different factors influence fibre orientation. The objective of this work was to investigate how rheological properties influence the steel fibre distribution in self-compacting concrete. This work also focuses on the investigation of steel fibre spatial orientation dependence on rheological properties of SCC, while keeping other casting parameters and the proportions of mixture components constant. Mixtures with three different rheological properties were chosen based on slump flow, slump flow time t₅₀₀ and static segregation values. The steel fibre orientation, volumetric concentration and spatial distribution values were determined in separate beam sections using three different non-destructive testing methods: electromagnetic induction, image analysis and computed tomography (CT scan). The comparison of the results is presented. The results show how different rheological properties of SCC affect the steel fibre orientation and distribution for the case of beams produced with the flow-induced casting method.     

Solution validation technique for optimal shakedown design problems

Modern computer technology allows conjoining shakedown theory, optimization and ever stricter standardized design requirements in a single mathematical problem formulation. However it raises a question of reliability: easily achieved solution should not be taken for granted but should be adequately assessed. This paper focuses on the physical validation technique for optimal shakedown design problem solution in the aspect of Melan theorem (statics) and residual deformation compatibility (kinematics). For that purpose Rosen gradient projection method is used. Optimization problem of bending circular, symmetric plate at shakedown, which is subjected by a variable repeated load, is considered for illustration of the validation technique.     

Risk assessment of Fusarium mycotoxins in Lithuanian small cereal grains

A total of 125 small grain samples, including 60 of winter crop and 65 of spring crop collected during 2006–2007 at harvesting in Lithuanian fields, were involved in the current study on co-occurrence of three Fusarium mycotoxins. All grain samples tested were found to be contaminated with mycotoxins. In 2006, winter cereal grain samples contaminated with one mycotoxin accounted for 16%, and those contaminated with three mycotoxins for 25%. No spring cereal grain samples containing only one toxin were found, while those contaminated with three toxins accounted for 91% of the total samples tested. In the year 2007 winter cereal grain samples contaminated with one toxin accounted for as little as 4%, and all spring cereal grain samples tested were found to be 100% contaminated with deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and T-2 toxin. Mycotoxin concentrations in grain samples, in most cases, were within the permissible range. A trend was revealed that spring barley grain samples tested contained higher T-2 concentrations irrespective of the test year.     

Effects of Regioselectivity and Lipid Class Specificity of Lipases on Transesterification,Exemplified by Biodiesel Production

Lipase-catalyzed ethanolysis of triolein was studied as a model for biodiesel production. Four lipases were immobilized on porous polypropylene, and ethanolysis reactions were carried out in methyl t-butyl ether. The reaction products were analyzed using gas chromatography. Three of the four lipases studied were efficient in the conversion of triolein to 2-monoolein, but slow in the final step of producing glycerol. However, Candida antarctica lipase B was slow in the conversion of triolein, but more efficient in the subsequent two steps than the other lipases. The 1,3-selectivity of the lipases was less pronounced for the monooleins than for triolein. Silica gel was investigated as a catalyst for acyl migration, showing an increase in biodiesel yield with three of the lipases, but a reduction in yield when C. antarctica lipase B was used. The highest biodiesel yield (96 %) was obtained with a combination of Rhizopus arrhizus lipase and C. antarctica lipase B.     

Trends and sustainability criteria of the production and use of liquid biofuels

Environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil fuels, rising prices, potential limitations in supply and concerns about regional and national security are driving the development and use of biomass for bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts. However, the use of biomass does not automatically imply that its production, conversion and use are sustainable. Conflicts between various ecosystem services (economic production of food, fodder and fuels, biodiversity, social and cultural values, etc.) that are provided by fertile land are increasing as well. Hence, a developed thinking on how to balance between these services is desirable.There is a significant amount of information available on biofuels and their sustainability. In this paper, different initiatives and sustainability criteria for biofuels are presented and assessed.35 criteria were found in emerging sustainability assessment frameworks. The majority of 12 criteria were focused on environmental issues, 4 were social and only 1 was economic. Energy balance and greenhouse gas balance were perceived as especially critical, social criteria ranked generally low. Although being perceived as important, food security ranked very low.     

Exposure of consumers to deoxynivalenol from consumption of white bread in Hungary

In view of the frequent occurrence of mycotoxins in cereals, a study was initiated to assess the exposure of the Hungarian adult population. Consumption data for 1360 individuals, based on a 3-day questionnaire, indicated that white bread accounted for the major intake of cereal-based products. Various cereal products were analysed for 16 mycotoxins by a LC/MS/MS multi-toxin method with LOD of 16 μg kg?1 and LOQ of 50 μg kg?1. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was most frequently detected, but no acetyl-deoxynivalenol was present in detectable concentrations. Consumer exposure was calculated with standard Monte Carlo probabilistic modelling and point estimates, taking into account bread consumption and DON contamination in independently taken wheat flour and wheat grain samples. Over 55% of cases the DON intake were below 15% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 1 μg/(kg bw)/day. However, in 5-15% of cases, the intake from bread consumption alone exceeded the PMTDI. Wheat grain data led to the higher percentage. Intakes estimated from both data sets were at or below the acute reference dose (ARfD) of 8 μg/(kg bw)/day in 99.94-99.97% of cases.