Improved dataset for establishing novel relationships between compaction characteristics and physical properties of soils

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - In the past, several studies were performed for assessment of compaction properties of different types of soils. A comprehensive evaluation of...     

Methods to improve efficiency of four stroke, spark ignition engines at part load

The four stroke, spark ignition (SI) engine pressure–volume diagram (p–V) contains two main parts. They are the compression–combustion–expansion (high pressure loop) and the exhaust-intake (low pressure or gas exchange loop) parts. The main reason for efficiency decrease at part load conditions for these types of engines is the flow restriction at the cross sectional area of the intake system by partially closing the throttle valve, which leads to increased pumping losses and to increased low pressure loop area on the p–V diagram. Meanwhile, the poorer combustion quality, i.e. lower combustion speed and cycle to cycle variations, additionally influence these pressure loop areas. In this study, methods for increasing efficiency at part load conditions and their potential for practical use are investigated. The study also includes a review of the vast literature on the solution of this problem. This investigation shows that the potential for increasing the efficiency of SI engines at part load conditions is not yet exhausted. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Among these, the most promising methods to decrease the fuel consumption at part load conditions are stratified charge and variable displacement engines. When used in combination, the other listed methods are more effective than their usage alone.     

Carcass measurements and meat quality characteristics of dairy suckling kids compared to an indigenous genotype

Effects of genotype on carcass measurements and meat quality were investigated by using 24 suckling kids from Turkish Saanen, Gokceada and Maltese breeds. Carcass quality characteristics of indigenous kids (Gokceada) were lower than those of dairy type (Turkish Saanen and Maltese) kids. Breed effect on ultimate meat pH, cooking loss, drip loss and Warner Bratzler shear force values were not significant. Meat samples from Turkish Saanen kids had higher redness (at 0, 1 and 24 h) and yellowness (at 24 h) values than Gokceada kids (P < 0.05). Breed had no significant effect on sensory characteristics except flavour intensity. Flavour intensity scores given to meat samples of Maltese kids were higher than those of Turkish Saanen and Gokceada kids (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dairy type breeds should be considered for meat production as well, with meat from Maltese kids potentially offering better colour and flavour intensity than that of Turkish Saanen kids.     

Silica‐Supported Dendrimer‐Palladium Complex‐Catalyzed Selective Hydrogenation of Dienes to Monoolefins

The selective hydrogenation of cyclic and acyclic dienes to monoolefins occurs under very mild conditions, in the presence of silica‐supported PAMAM‐Pd complexes. The activity and selectivity of this reaction is sensitive to the dendrimer structure. These dendritic complexes display excellent recycle properties, retaining activity for up to eight recycles.     

Eco-friendly approach on wool pretreatment and effect on the wool structure and dyeability

This research investigated the effect of various proteolytic enzymatic pretreatment on morphological and chemical features and the dyeability properties of wool fibres. Scoured merino wool fibres are treated with protease, papain, trypsin, and pepsin in specified conditions. Each enzyme activity measurement was provided by appropriate methods such as Bradford, BAPNA (N-benzoyl-1-arginine-p-nitroanilide), and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin). Enzymatic processes were carried out for 24 h in the incubator set at 40°C, 100 rpm, and specified pH with 1 mg/ml enzyme concentration. Whiteness index (Stensby) and yellowness index (ASTM D 1925) were examined after enzymatic pretreatment. Pepsin and trypsin-treated wool fibres showed the highest whiteness index as 61.3 and 61.1, respectively whilst untreated wool fibres had 52.2. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the increase in the intensity of amide-related bands and hydroxyl bands after enzymatic treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs manifested the cuticle layer is partially removed in enzyme-treated fibres. Elemental identification was provided by SEM–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It appears that the sulphur bonds decreased after the treatment and the pepsin-treated fibres have fewer bonds of all. To examine the damage to the structure, photomicrographs were taken using fluorescence and light microscopes. The alkali solubility test (ASTM D1283) was also conducted to compare different enzyme types. Wool fibres were dyed in 2.0% concentration with reactive dyestuff. Dyeability and colorimetric features of fibres were measured by a spectrophotometer. The washing fastness test showed that all the samples have good results and the colour change after washing was better in enzyme-treated samples (grade 5) compared to untreated wool fibres (grade 4–5).     

The technical and economical feasibility study of offshore wind farms in Turkey

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - A large part of the electricity generation is from imported fossil fuels, which makes Turkey heavily dependent on fossil fuels. For this reason, Turkey...     

Impacts of wind turbines on vegetation and soil cover: a case study of Urla,Cesme, and Karaburun Peninsulas,Turkey

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The study presents a GIS- and RS-based diagnostic model to determine the changes in the existing vegetation in the Urla, Çeşme, and Karaburun...     

Additive Manufacturing of Engineered Living Materials with Bio-Augmented Mechanical Properties and Resistance to Degradation

Engineered living materials (ELMs) combine living cells with polymeric matrices to yield unique materials with programmable functions. While the cellular platform and the polymer network determine the material properties and applications, there are still gaps in the ability to seamlessly integrate the biotic (cellular) and abiotic (polymer) components into singular materials, then assemble them into devices and machines. Herein, the additive-manufacturing of ELMs wherein bioproduction of metabolites from the encapsulated cells enhanced the properties of the surrounding matrix is demonstrated. First, aqueous resins are developed comprising bovine serum albumin (BSA) and poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA) with engineered microbes for vat photopolymerization to create objects with a wide array of 3D form factors. The BSA-PEGDA matrix afforded hydrogels that are mechanically stiff and tough for use in load-bearing applications. Second, the continuous in situ production of l -DOPA, naringenin, and betaxanthins from the engineered cells encapsulated within the BSA-PEGDA matrix is demonstrated. These microbial metabolites bioaugmented the properties of the BSA-PEGDA matrix by enhancing the stiffness (l -DOPA) or resistance to enzymatic degradation (betaxanthin). Finally, the assembly of the 3D printed ELM components into mechanically functional bolts and gears to showcase the potential to create functional ELMs for synthetic living machines is demonstrated.     

Electro-oxidation of pistachio processing wastewater using Ti/Pt mesh-type anodes in batch system

In this study, the treatment of pistachio processing wastewater (PPW) by electro-oxidation method was investigated. Ti/Pt-plated electrodes were used for the anode material, and stainless steel electrodes were used for cathode material. Experimental studies were carried out in batch mode. Stirring speed, supporting electrolyte species and concentration, initial pH value, current density, temperature and dilution ratio were selected as experimental parameters effecting removal efficiency. In Ti/Pt electrode experimental studies on the optimum conditions, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and total phenols (TP) removal efficiencies were obtained, respectively, as 99.98%, 70.74% and 100%, and energy consumption value was obtained as 297.5 kW-h/m³ (12.39 kW-h/kg COD, 51.29 kW-h/kg TOC and 64.68 kW-h/kg TP). As a result of the experimental studies, the PPW can be treated by electro-oxidation. Given the results of removal efficiency and energy consumption values, it was concluded the electro-oxidation using Ti/Pt anode very appropriate treatment of PPW.