Lime treatment program: an alternative cooling water treatment program for geothermal power plants in the philippines

The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) of the Philippines spends millions of pesos annually for treatment of cooling water and preventive maintenance work to ensure the efficient operation of its geothermal power plants supplied by liquid-dominated reservoirs. Therefore, NAPOCOR deemed it worthwhile to look for cheaper water treatment alternatives for the benefit not only of the geothermal power plants, but the whole country as well, in terms of lower power generation costs and improved plant operation. The results of tests on the use of lime in the cooling water of NAPOCOR geothermal power plants are presented in this paper. Initial results show substantial savings in water treatment costs and a significant decrease in corrosion rates on metal parts and equipment.     

Comparison between lipid and protein oxidation progress in the tail and claw muscles of signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)

Microbial activity and then oxidation progress are the most important freshness indicators during post-mortem. In this study, we monitored proteomic and microbial changes, as well as biochemical degradation, in the tail and claw muscles of crayfish stored for 12 days at +4 °C. One specified protein band at 107 kDa in the claw muscle and two specified protein bands in the tail muscle at 140 and 36–40 kDa were identified. Western blotting indicated a higher amount of oxidised proteins in the tail compared to the claw muscle. Tail muscle showed higher oxidation progress and calpain activity than claw one. Both muscles were spoiled after 12 days with respect to total viable counts. In the first days, calpain activity is the main reason for protein degradation, while protein oxidation dominates for the rest of the time. Lipid–protein oxidation progress showed probably, protein oxidation started earlier than lipid oxidation in both muscles.     

The influence of nitrate on the physiology of the yeast Dekkera bruxellensis grown under oxygen limitation

A previous study showed that the use of nitrate by Dekkera bruxellensis might be an advantageous trait when ammonium is limited in sugarcane substrate for ethanol fermentation. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of nitrate on the yeast physiology during cell growth in different carbon sources under oxygen limitation. If nitrate was the sole source of nitrogen, D. bruxellensis cells presented slower growth, diminished sugar consumption and growth‐associated ethanol production, when compared to ammonium. These results were corroborated by the increased expression of genes involved in the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and ATP synthesis. The presence of ammonium in the mixed medium restored most parameters to the standard conditions. This work may open up a line of investigation to establish the connection between nitrate assimilation and energetic metabolism in D. bruxellensis and their influence on its fermentative capacity in oxygen‐limited or oxygen‐depleted conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

钢丝骨架材料的粘合性能

钢丝骨架材料粘合层的质量取决于初始粘合强度、橡胶-钢丝粘合强度保持率、热老化、盐老化、湿老化和蒸汽老化等因素。钢帘线厂确定黄铜／青铜组成和分布、钢丝拉拔润滑剂、磷化作用和帘线几何形状等帘线参数。轮胎设计人员确定钢丝帘线附胶胶料的配方。生胶、炭黑、硫化体系和粘合剂的品种和质量是影响粘合性能的主要因素。     

Role of Bacillus species in biofilm persistence and emerging antibiofilm strategies in the dairy industry

Biofilm-forming Bacillus species are often involved in persistent contamination and spoilage of dairy products. They therefore present a major microbiological challenge in the field of dairy food quality and safety. Due to their substantial physiological versatility, Bacillus species can survive in various parts of dairy manufacturing plants, leading to a high risk of product spoilage and potential dissemination of foodborne diseases. Furthermore, biofilm and heat-resistant spore formation make these bacteria challenging to eliminate. Thus, some strategies have been employed to remove, prevent, or delay the formation of Bacillus biofilms in the dairy industry, but with limited success. Lack of understanding of the Bacillus biofilm structure and behavior in conditions relevant to dairy-associated environments could partially account for this situation. The current paper reviews dairy-associated biofilm formation by Bacillus species, with particular attention to the role of biofilm in Bacillus species adaptation and survival in a dairy processing environment. Relevant model systems are discussed for the development of novel antimicrobial approaches to improve the quality of dairy food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of cryogenic treatment and refrigerated air on tool wear when machining medium density fiberboard

Cooling of cutting tools with liquid coolants and lubricants is impractical when machining dry wood or wood composites. This study examines the combined effect of cryogenic tool treatment and using refrigerated air for cooling tools on reducing tool wear. A total of four, double-flute, solid, tungsten carbide router bits were used to machine medium density fiberboard with a CNC router. Three of the four tools were cryogenically treated to below −149 °C. During cutting, refrigerated air was applied to two tools, while the other two cut at ambient temperature. All tools were examined under the stereo light microscope to capture images in order to measure tool wear. Elemental analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy to determine the percentage of specific elements present on clearance faces of tools after cutting was completed. Results show that less tool wear occurs when using refrigerated air and cryogenic treatment, thereby increasing tool life when cutting medium density fiberboard.     

Effect of accelerations, additional weight load and hypokinesia on protein catabolism in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Activities of glutamate and xanthine dehydrogenases were measured in four groups of quails (coturnix coturnix japonica): 1) hypodynamic birds which were kept in an area which made 1/4 of the control, 2) birds exposed to an increased weight load, 3) birds exposed to 3g. and 4) control birds. The experimental birds were exposed to the above treatment for 1 to 6 hours a day during 8 days. The birds were fed on a forced basis to eliminate differences in food intake. The activity of glutamate dehydrogenase was measured in the liver and that of xanthine dehydrogenase was assayed in the liver, kidneys and femoral muscle. It was found that increased gravity, weight load and hypodynamics affected the first and last stages in protein catabolism.     

Ancient Sturgeons Possess Effective DNA Repair Mechanisms: Influence of Model Genotoxicants on Embryo Development of Sterlet,Acipenser ruthenus

DNA damage caused by exogenous or endogenous factors is a common challenge for developing fish embryos. DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways help organisms minimize adverse effects of DNA alterations. In terms of DNA repair mechanisms, sturgeons represent a particularly interesting model due to their exceptional genome plasticity. Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) is a relatively small species of sturgeon. The goal of this study was to assess the sensitivity of sterlet embryos to model genotoxicants (camptothecin, etoposide, and benzo[a]pyrene), and to assess DDR responses. We assessed the effects of genotoxicants on embryo survival, hatching rate, DNA fragmentation, gene expression, and phosphorylation of H2AX and ATM kinase. Exposure of sterlet embryos to 1 µM benzo[a]pyrene induced low levels of DNA damage accompanied by ATM phosphorylation and xpc gene expression. Conversely, 20 µM etoposide exposure induced DNA damage without activation of known DDR pathways. Effects of 10 nM camptothecin on embryo development were stage-specific, with early stages, before gastrulation, being most sensitive. Overall, this study provides foundational information for future investigation of sterlet DDR pathways.