Anatomska, kemijska i mehanička svojstva bukova drva degradiranoga gljivama roda Pleurotus

The aim of this study was to determine the destructive capabilities of the two white rot fungi Pleurotus cornucopiae (Pc) and P. eryngii (Pe) compared with the standard fungus Trametes versicolor (Tv) on beech wood samples after 60 days of incubation. Understanding of the white rot decay is important as it is necessary for the development of effective solutions for wood protection. Measurements of mass loss, chemical, mechanical properties and light microscopical investigations were conducted prior to and after incubation. Mass loss of samples was found to be 9-22 % depending on fungi species. Impact bending strength is not as sensitive as presumed in classical literature. Light microscopy analysis revealed that decay patterns were similar for both fungi. Wood cell wall thinning, fungal colonization hyphae were also the same for both fungi. Results indicated considerable wood attack by both Pleurotus species, Pc being more destructive than Pe.Cilj rada bio je utvrditi učinak dviju gljiva bijele truleži – Pleurotus cornucopiae (Pc) i P. eryngii (Pe) – na uzorcima bukova drva nakon 60 dana inkubacije u usporedbi s učinkom standardne gljive Trametes versicolor (Tv). Razumijevanje degradacije drva zbog bijele truleži iznimno je važno za razvoj učinkovitih rješenja zaštite. U pokusu su prije i nakon inkubacije drva provedena mjerenja gubitka mase, kemijskih i mehaničkih svojstava te je obavljeno ispitivanje svjetlosnim mikroskopom. Utvrđeno je da je gubitak mase uzoraka iznosio 9 – 22 %, ovisno o vrsti gljive. Čvrstoća drva na savijanje nije toliko osjetljiva na utjecaj gljiva kao što se navodi u klasičnoj literaturi. Analiza slika dobivenih svjetlosnim mikroskopom pokazala je da su procesi propadanja drva pri zarazi objema gljivama slični. Stanjivanje stijenki drvnih stanica i hife kolonizacije obiju gljiva također su bile jednake. Rezultati su pokazali znatnu degradaciju drva napadnutoga gljivama roda Pleurotus, s tim da je gljiva Pc destruktivnija od gljive Pe

Optimal Design of Steel Curved Roof Frames by Enhanced Vibrating Particles System Algorithm

The paper presents an optimal design of steel curved roof frames with its roof being part of a circular arc. The elements of frames are tapered I-section members. In the objective function for optimization, two factors affecting the weight of frames are considered simultaneously. First, the roof slope angle as an effective variable on the values of the structural loading and second, the cross-section of members that are considered as continuous and discrete variables, respectively. In the range of 3 to 70 degrees, the optimum range of roof slope angles for steel curved roof frames, as well as precise value of the best roof slope angle, will be reported. Enhanced Vibrating Particles System (EVPS) algorithm is utilized for the optimal design of steel curved roof frames with tapered members. The performance and efficiency of the EVPS algorithm is compared with six other recently developed optimization algorithms including VPS, GWO, HS, SSA, ECBO and GOA algorithms. The effectiveness and performance of EVPS algorithm is proven. Frames design are performed using ANSI/AISC 360-05 specifications which strength, displacement and stability constraints are imposed on the frames

Tailored Approaches in Drug Development and Diagnostics: From Molecular Design to Biological Model Systems

Approaches to increase the efficiency in developing drugs and diagnostics tools, including new drug delivery and diagnostic technologies, are needed for improved diagnosis and treatment of major diseases and health problems such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, chronic wounds, and antibiotic resistance. Development within several areas of research ranging from computational sciences, material sciences, bioengineering to biomedical sciences and bioimaging is needed to realize innovative drug development and diagnostic (DDD) approaches. Here, an overview of recent progresses within key areas that can provide customizable solutions to improve processes and the approaches taken within DDD is provided. Due to the broadness of the area, unfortunately all relevant aspects such as pharmacokinetics of bioactive molecules and delivery systems cannot be covered. Tailored approaches within (i) bioinformatics and computer-aided drug design, (ii) nanotechnology, (iii) novel materials and technologies for drug delivery and diagnostic systems, and (iv) disease models to predict safety and efficacy of medicines under development are focused on. Current developments and challenges ahead are discussed. The broad scope reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the field of DDD and aims to highlight the convergence of biological, pharmaceutical, and medical disciplines needed to meet the societal challenges of the 21st century