Rapid detection and quantitation of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in experimentally challenged rainbow trout by real-time RT-PCR

A quantitative real-time RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) was developed to detect and determine the amount of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in organs of experimentally infected rainbow trout. Primers and TaqMan probes targeting the glycoprotein (G) and the nucleoprotein (N) genes of the virus were designed. The efficiency, linear range and detection limit of the Q-RT-PCR were assessed on cell cultured virus samples. VHSV N gene amplification was more efficient and more sensitive than the VHSV G amplicon. On cell culture grown virus, samples could be accurately assayed over a range of seven logs of infectious particles per reaction. To demonstrate the utility of Q-RT-PCR in vivo, bath infection trials were carried out and samples from fish spleen, kidney, liver and blood were harvested and tested for VHSV. Q-RT-PCR was a more reliable method than either conventional RT-PCR or the cell culture assay for virus diagnosis. Results of VHSV RNA detection in fish shortly after infection as well as on asymptomatic fish several weeks after experimental challenge are presented here. This is the first report showing the utility of Q-RT-PCR for VHSV detection and quantitation both in vitro and in vivo. The suitability of this method to test the efficacy of antiviral treatments is also discussed

Ball-burnishing process influence on hardness ans residual stresses of aluminium A92017

The ball-burnishing process is done firstly, to improve the surface finish of workpieces that have been previously machined and secondly, to obtain a harder surface with a compressive residual stress map. In this way we will obtain a surface that is more resistant to wear and fatigue. In this paper we present results of tests performed with this process that was applied to workpieces with a convex surface of aluminium A92017. An experiment to do tests was designed. Measurement results of surface hardness and residual stress are presented in this paper as well. These results are compared to those measured in the workpieces before being burnished. Finally conclusions are drawn about the improvement of these properties applied to workpieces through the ball burnishing process. The main innovation of this paper is that we work on convex geometries. We also obtain a table of recommended parameter values for the process

Effects of a ball-burnishing process assisted by vibrations in G10380 steel specimens

This paper explores the effects on the surface roughness, hardness and residual stress of G10380 steel specimens milled and treated with a ball-burnishing process assisted by vibrations. These vibrations are incorporated through the attachment of an induced coil module to a conventional burnishing tool, with forces transmitted through a pre-loaded spring. A positive effect of vibrations on the improvement and efficiency of the burnishing treatment is demonstrated, empirically proving that the vibrations introduce additional energy into the system that aids with displacements along the surface of the material to reallocate the crystalline structure. Significant results are found in terms of final surface roughness, which is highly improved in comparison to conventional burnishing treatments, even with fewer passes and a significant time reduction. Less robust results are observed in terms of specimen hardness and residual stress, but future improvements could be derived with a thorough development of the vibration system

Activation of stylolites as conduits for overpressured fluid flow in dolomitized platform carbonates

This research was developed with funding provided by the Spanish Government I+D+I Research Projects CGL2015-69805-P and CGL2015-66335-C2-1-R, and the Generalitat de Catalunya (2014SGR251). The research also benefited from a grant of the Geological Society of London (Elspeth Matthews Fund 2015) to EGR. The authors would like to thank M. Aston and O. P. Wennberg for the editorial work, and F. Laponi and an anonymous reviewer for their critical and constructive comments.Peer reviewedPostprin

Study of a ball-burnishing vibration-assisted process

This study refers to the study of the ball-burnishing process assisted by vibration. This study begins by considering that this vibration helps to make the development of this finishing process easier because it helps to deform the workpiece material more easily. Because a similar tool is not available in the market, a tool that can perform the study needed to be designed, characterised and manufactured to conduct the study by considering the critical components that are involved in the design and the physical model that characterises the operation. For these criteria, the tool operation is also characterised by evaluating the surface roughness that remains after the process occurs. Workpieces of aluminium and steel were used for the experimental validation. These results were compared to those obtained using the same tool without vibration. The roughness results obtained using the ball-burnishing vibration-assisted process improve compared to those obtained using the process without assistance for both materials tested

Experimental Study on the Mechanical Effects of the Vibration-Assisted Ball-Burnishing Process

Burnishing processes are effective methods for treating pieces to increase their durability and roughness. Studies reveal that traditional burnishing can be strongly improved with the assistance of external energy sources. A vibrating module was attached to a classical burnishing tool and was tested on aluminum specimens to find the optimal vibrationassisted burnishing parameters. Vibration caused roughness improvements of the specimens and decreased the processing time by fivefold compared to traditional burnishing. At the tested frequency, no significant consequences were found on hardness and residual stresses

Does digital transformation increase firms' productivity perception? The role of technostress and work engagement

Purpose – To understand how organizations, public or private, must increase their productivity perception (PP), independently of the sector. This article aims to analyze PP in the digital transformation (DT) process to determine how it is affected by technostress (TS) and work engagement (WE), two concepts that seem to be forces opposing PP. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use data from a questionnaire addressed to personnel in two organizations (public and private). The analysis applies partial least squares technique to the 505 valid responses obtained from these organizations. This analysis is based not on representativeness but on uniqueness. Findings – The results suggest a positive, significant relationship between DT and PP. This article integrates DT and its effects on aspects of people's health, PP and WE. The model thus includes interactions of technology with human elements. In both business and administrative environments, PP is key to optimizing resources and survival of organizations. Research limitations/implications – DT processes are different and complex because every organization is different. The authors recommend expanding this study to other sectors in both spheres, public and private. Aligning the objectives of the institutions for aid with DT is also quite complicated. Practical implications – This study contributes to improving participating organizations. It also provides government institutions with a clear foundation from which to encourage actions that promote the health and WE of their workforce without reducing productivity. In addition, this study adds novelty to the research line. Originality/value – The authors have deepened this line of research by developing fuller knowledge of the relationships among novel and necessary variables in organizations. The authors provide complementary, different and inspiring value in addressing this line of research