A new methodological contribution for the geodiversity assessment: applicability to Ceará State (Brazil)

The concept of geodiversity aggregates the abiotic elements of nature and promotes the geoconservation. The main objective of this work is to contribute to the upgrade of the method for the assessment and quantification of geodiversity proposed by Pereira et al. (2013). The method is based on the superposition of a regular grid of 12 × 12 km on different maps (lithology, geomorphology, soil, paleonthology, mineral and geological energy resources) at scales of 1:250,000 to 1:600,000. In addition to other up- grades, the water resources are regarded here as a new com- ponent to consider when quantifying geodiversity. The sum of these maps generated the quantitative Map of Geodiversity Indices and the Map of Geodiversity Assessment, ranging from very low to very high geodiversity. The analysis of the geodiversity map of the State of Ceará (Brazil) shows the applicability and advantage of this method, highlighting two regions with higher levels of geodiversity (Northwest and South) and another region with the lowest levels (Sertões Cearenses). The results also allowed the characterization of the State of Ceará concerning the individual components of the geodiversity, especially the water resources. Geodiversity indices and maps are comprehensive and user-friendly data in the territorial planning, considering the geodiversity either as a whole, or each of its components, especially the more sensi- tive such as fossil conservation, and water, mineral, and non- renewable energy resources management.The authors express their gratitude to the Brazilian research fostering institution "Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior" (CAPES) for awarding the Ciência Sem Fronteiras (CsF) PhD scholarship that enabled this work. This work was partially co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/ 2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia

Wybuchowe platerowanie stopów tytanu i aluminium na przykładzie połączenia Ti6Al4V-AA2519

Explosive cladding is currently one of the basic technologies of joining metals and their alloys. It enables manufacturing of the widest range of joints and in many cases there is no alternative solution. An example of such materials are clads that include light metals such as titanium and aluminum. ach new material combination requires an appropriate adaptation of the technology by choosing adequate explosives and tuning other cladding parameters. Technology enabling explosive cladding of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and aluminum AA2519 was developed. The clads were tested by means of destructive and nondestructive testing, analyzing integrity, strength and quality of the obtained joint.Platerowanie wybuchowe jest obecnie jedną z podstawowych technologii łączenia metali i ich stopów. Pozwala ona na wytwarzanie najszerszej gamy połączeń i w wielu przypadkach nie ma alternatywy. Przykładem takich materiałów są platery z udziałem metali lekkich, jak: tytan, aluminium. Każda nowa kombinacja materiałowa wymaga odpowiedniej adaptacji technologii poprzez dobór właściwych materiałów wybuchowych i pozostałych parametrów spajania. Opracowano technologię wybuchowego łączenia stopów tytanu Ti6Al4V i aluminium AA2519. Platery przebadano przeprowadzając testy nieniszczące i niszczące, oceniając spójność, wytrzymałość i jakość uzyskanego połączenia

The assessment of the applicability of shear wave elastography in modelling of the mechanical parameters of the liver

The development of haptic technology in laparoscopic simulations indicates a demand of constant upgrade of tactile feedback, which is currently considered to be unsatisfactory. Presumably, one of its causes may be insufficiently examined and described mechanical parameters of soft tissues in vivo, including liver tissue. The aim of the following work was the attempt at assessing the applicability of data from shear wave elastography in organ modelling by correlating the mechanical parameters of the liver obtained by this noninvasive method, with the mechanical parameters obtained by indentation. Methods: Each one out of 12 porcine livers, was subjected to elastography and subsequently to the indentation test. The mean Young’s modulus for each liver lobe was obtained using elastography, while in indentation Young’s moduli in three different strain ranges and maximum load were calculated. Results: Differences between mechanical parameters of lobes were not found but the parameters were calculated for different methods and strain ranges. Conclusions: The limitations of both methods prevent the unambiguous assessment of the applicability of elastography in liver modelling for laparoscopic simulations, at the presented stage of research. Nevertheless, the presented study provides a valuable introduction to the development of a methodology for testing the mechanical parameters of liver tissue

Geodiversity: an integrative review as a contribution to the sustainable management of the whole of nature

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aiming to achieve a better world for the entire human population. In spite of the fact that human development is dependent on nature and its resources, the non-living (abiotic) natural resources and processes are persistently neglected in international and national policies that foster sustainable development. This paper reviews the geodiversity concept and makes the links with well-established concepts and strategies, namely the ones related with natural capital and ecosystem services, to demonstrate that the UN SDG can only be achieved if the elements and processes of geodiversity are definitely considered in the global agenda.This work is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145- FEDER-007690 and Portuguese national funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio