Comparison of photocatalytic systems including silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles efficiencies for the E. coli removal from drinking water

The removal and destruction of organic contaminants in groundwater can be addressed through the impregnation of adsorbents with photoactive catalysts. In this paper removal trend of E. coli from drinking water examined by nano silver and nano titanium dioxide. To perform this, four different concentration of silver nano particles and titanium dioxide under UV radiation (with 247 nm- wavelength) used. The results showed the nano particles of silver and titanium reach to 100% disinfection efficiency at the concentrations of 0.4 mg/l (with 20 minutes contact time) and 0.8 mg/l (with 40 minutes contact time), respectively. For equal amounts of disinfectant and equal number of E. coli colonies in drinking water, disinfection potential for (nAg + V) is significantly higher than (nTiO2 + UV). When the nano particles concentration increases, the disinfection rate rises, and it was higher and faster done by the nano silver particles comparing to nano-titanium particles (Pvalue < 0.05, R²= 0.705)

The early bee catches the flower - circadian rhythmicity influences learning performance in honey bees, Apis mellifera

Circadian rhythmicity plays an important role for many aspects of honey bees’ lives. However, the question whether it also affects learning and memory remained unanswered. To address this question, we studied the effect of circadian timing on olfactory learning and memory in honey bees Apis mellifera using the olfactory conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex paradigm. Bees were differentially conditioned to odours and tested for their odour learning at four different “Zeitgeber” time points. We show that learning behaviour is influenced by circadian timing. Honey bees perform best in the morning compared to the other times of day. Additionally, we found influences of the light condition bees were trained at on the olfactory learning. This circadian-mediated learning is independent from feeding times bees were entrained to, indicating an inherited and not acquired mechanism. We hypothesise that a co-evolutionary mechanism between the honey bee as a pollinator and plants might be the driving force for the evolution of the time-dependent learning abilities of bees

Loss of C2orf69 defines a fatal autoinflammatory syndrome in humans and zebrafish that evokes a glycogen-storage-associated mitochondriopathy

Summary Human C2orf69 is an evolutionarily conserved gene whose function is unknown. Here, we report eight unrelated families from which 20 children presented with a fatal syndrome consisting of severe autoinflammation and progredient leukoencephalopathy with recurrent seizures; 12 of these subjects, whose DNA was available, segregated homozygous loss-of-function C2orf69 variants. C2ORF69 bears homology to esterase enzymes, and orthologs can be found in most eukaryotic genomes, including that of unicellular phytoplankton. We found that endogenous C2ORF69 (1) is loosely bound to mitochondria, (2) affects mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative respiration in cultured neurons, and (3) controls the levels of the glycogen branching enzyme 1 (GBE1) consistent with a glycogen-storage-associated mitochondriopathy. We show that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated inactivation of zebrafish C2orf69 results in lethality by 8 months of age due to spontaneous epileptic seizures, which is preceded by persistent brain inflammation. Collectively, our results delineate an autoinflammatory Mendelian disorder of C2orf69 deficiency that disrupts the development/homeostasis of the immune and central nervous systems

Current issues in medically assisted reproduction and genetics in Europe: research, clinical practice, ethics, legal issues and policy. European Society of Human Genetics and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

In March 2005, a group of experts from the European Society of Human Genetics and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology met to discuss the interface between genetics and assisted reproductive technology (ART), and published an extended background paper, recommendations and two Editorials. Seven years later, in March 2012, a follow-up interdisciplinary workshop was held, involving representatives of both professional societies, including experts from the European Union Eurogentest2 Coordination Action Project. The main goal of this meeting was to discuss developments at the interface between clinical genetics and ARTs. As more genetic causes of reproductive failure are now recognised and an increasing number of patients undergo testing of their genome before conception, either in regular health care or in the context of direct-to-consumer testing, the need for genetic counselling and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may increase. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) thus far does not have evidence from randomised clinical trials to substantiate that the technique is both effective and efficient. Whole-genome sequencing may create greater challenges both in the technological and interpretational domains, and requires further reflection about the ethics of genetic testing in ART and PGD/PGS. Diagnostic laboratories should be reporting their results according to internationally accepted accreditation standards (International Standards Organisation - ISO 15189). Further studies are needed in order to address issues related to the impact of ART on epigenetic reprogramming of the early embryo. The legal landscape regarding assisted reproduction is evolving but still remains very heterogeneous and often contradictory. The lack of legal harmonisation and uneven access to infertility treatment and PGD/PGS fosters considerable cross-border reproductive care in Europe and beyond. The aim of this paper is to complement previous publications and provide an update of selected topics that have evolved since 2005

Investigation of the relations between rock brittleness and drilling rate index

20th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey (IMCET 2007) -- JUN 06-08, 2007 -- Ankara, TURKEYWOS: 000248289300021In this study, unaxial compressive strength, indirect (Brazilian) tensile strength and dirilling rate index (DRI) have been carried out on the rock samples colected 16 different area. The drilling rate index of rocks was assessed on the basis of two laboratory tets, the brittleness test and Sievers' miniature drill test. Three brittleness concepts, which are used two brittlenes measurements acceppted (B1, 132) in literature, together with a new brittleness concept (B3) were used in order to determine of brittleness of rocks. A meaningful relationships between the measuring brittleness of B1 and B2 and drilling rate index were not found. A exponential relationship between brittleness of B3 and drilling rate index was found. The effect of brittleness on drillability can be clearly observationed by the time the third brittleness concept uses in drillability analyses.Sci & Technol Res Council Turkey, Turkish Coal Enterprises, Eti Mine Works Gen Management, Turkish Hardcoal Enterprises, Yildizlar Holding, Black Sea Copper Works, Eti Copper Corp, Dedeman Holding, Chamber Mining Engineers Turke

The drillability assessment of rocks using the different brittleness values

The brittleness is a fundamental rock property and effective in drilling and rock excavation. Knowing the relations between the drillability and the brittleness will help the rock engineers. For this reason, to investigate the relations between the drilling rate index (DRI) and the different brittleness values, 32 different rock types were tested in the laboratory. Uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength were determined for the brittleness calculations. The brittleness of B3 (the ratio of compressive strength minus tensile strength to compressive strength plus tensile strength), and the brittleness of B8 (the half of the product of compressive strength and tensile strength) were calculated from the test results. In addition, Sievers' J-miniature drill test and the brittleness test were carried out and DRI values were calculated. Then, B3 and B8 were correlated with DRI values. A good correlation between DRI and the brittleness of B3 could not be found. However, a strong exponential relation between DRI and the brittleness of B8 was found. Comparing the results with the literature showed that there was an agreement between this study and previous studies. It can be concluded that B8 can be used for the assessment of rock drillability. © 2010.104M437This study was supported by TUBITAK under the project number of 104M437. The authors gratefully acknowledge Prof. Dr. Nuh Bilgin (Mining Engineering Department of Istanbul Technical University, Turkey), Prof. Dr. Bjorn Nilsen (NTNU, Norway), Filip Dahl (SINTEF, Norway) and Prof. Dr. Amund Bruland (NTNU, Norway)

The effect of mechanical rock properties and brittleness on drillability

This paper examines the relationships between drilling rate index (DRI) and some mechanical properties of rocks in order to evaluate the effect of properties of strength, indexes, and brittleness of rock on rock drillability. For this purpose, some index properties (Shore scleroscope hardness (SSH), and point load strength (PLS) and geomechanical (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS)) values of 32 sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock samples were determined. Then, the brittleness concepts which use the uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength of rocks were determined for calculations. Four different brittleness concepts were used in the statistical analysis. In this study, a new brittleness concept (B4) which was found as a result of laboratory studies has proposed by authors for percussive drilling and rotary drilling. The relationships among of DRI and both mechanical rock properties and brittleness concepts were evaluated using regression analysis and statistical methods. As a result, decreasing linear relationships were found among of DRI and uniaxial compressive strength, shore scleroscope hardness, diametral and axial point load strength. In additional to meaningful relations were obtained between drillability of rocks and brittleness of B3 and B4. ©2011 Academic Journals

Assessment of relationships between drilling rate index and mechanical properties of rocks

This paper examines the relationships between drilling rate index (DRI) and some mechanical properties of rocks in order to evaluate the effect of strength and indexes of rock on rock drillability. For this purpose, some index properties (in situ Schmidt rebound hardness (SRH), Shore scleroscope hardness (SSH), and point load strength (PLS)) and strength properties (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS)) values of 32 sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock samples were determined. The relationships between DRI and both strength and indexes properties were evaluated using regression analysis and statistical methods. As a result, decreasing linear relationships were found between DRI and uniaxial compressive strength, Schmidt rebound hardness, Shore scleroscope hardness, diametral and axial point load strength. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.104M437This study was supported by TUBITAK under the project number of 104M437. The author authors gratefully acknowledge Prof. Nuh Bilgin (Mining Engineering Department of Istanbul Technical University, Turkey), Prof. Bjorn Nilsen (NTNU, Norway), Filip Dahl (SINTEF, Norway) and Prof. Amund Bruland (NTNU, Norway)

Comparison of drilling performance of chisel and button bits on the electro hydraulic driller

Electro hydraulic drillers have been widely used in mining for drilling and roof-bolting. In the drilling process, the performance of the machine is predicted by selecting an appropriate bit type prior to drilling operations. In this paper, a series of field drilling studies were conducted in order to examine and compare the performance of chisel and button bits including wear on the bits. The effects of taper angle on chisel bits, which are at angles of 105, 110 and 120, were investigated in terms of rate of penetration, instantaneous drilling rate and specific energy. The results of drilling and abrasivity tests performed in the laboratory supported the outcome of the field studies. Based on laboratory studies and field observations, it was proven that the conglomerate encountered, though it is very abrasive, is easy to drill. The cutter life in the encountered series is also longer in sandstone formation compared to the conglomerate. Additionally, button bits resulted in lower specific energy and higher penetration rates relative to chisel bits, regardless of their taper angles. The results were also supported with statistical analyses. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Wien

The relationships between coefficient of rock strength and schmidt rebound hardness of some igneous rocks [Bazi magmati·k kayaçlarin kayaç dayanim katsayisi ve schmidt sertli·gi· arasindaki· i·li·ski·ler]

This study presents the results of the laboratory measurements of the rock strength coefficient and the field measurements of the Schmidt rebound hardness conducted with 10 different igneous rocks from Zonguldak basin. Two different devices, classic and automatic, were used in the rock strength coefficient determinations. Test results from the two devices were compared and the differences were found to be linearly related. The field-determined Schmidt hardness and the rock strength coefficient were correlated with a second-order polynomial function