Seismic Refraction Method

Seismic methods are applied primarily in order to determine quasi-homogeneous zonesaccording to parameters of fragmentation, physical and chemical weathering anddeformability of rock masses and cohesionless soil. Applied seismic methods comprisesending impulses underground and registering the resulting refracted arrivals from subsurfaceinterfaces on a number of receivers positioned on or near the surface. Times elapsed fromsending to receiving seismic waves depend on depths of studied structures and propagationvelocities of seismic waves along paths of their propagation from the source to the refractor(or reflector) to the receiver.This paper presents two examples of preparation of seismic sections as a basis forgeotechnical design of foundations. Both examples are presentations of an optimum programof exploratory boring supplemented by results of deep seismic refraction studies.Results of geophysical investigations should be included in the data obtained bygeological mapping, which will in correlation with drilling results complete the picture ofgeological structure of terrain and facilitate categorization of materials and rocks for thepurpose of developing the engineering and hydrogeological profile as a base for designers inthe project execution stage

Electrical microcurrent to prevent conditioning film and bacterial adhesion to urological stents

Long-term catheters remain a significant clinical problem in urology due to the high rate of bacterial colonization, infection, and encrustation. Minutes after insertion of a catheter, depositions of host urinary components onto the catheter surface form a conditioning film actively supporting the bacterial adhesion process. We investigated the possibility of reducing or avoiding the buildup of these naturally forming conditioning films and of preventing bacterial adhesion by applying different current densities to platinum electrodes as a possible catheter coating material. In this model we employed a defined environment using artificial urine and Proteus mirabilis. The film formation and desorption was analyzed by highly mass sensitive quartz crystal microbalance and surface sensitive atomic force microscopy. Further, we performed bacterial staining to assess adherence, growth, and survival on the electrodes with different current densities. By applying alternating microcurrent densities on platinum electrodes, we could produce a self regenerative surface which actively removed the conditioning film and significantly reduced bacterial adherence, growth, and survival. The results of this study could easily be adapted to a catheter design for clinical us

Evaluating the Attractiveness and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destinations (Atd) Balkan Mountain Centers

Model for evaluating the attractiveness and competitiveness of a tourist destinations (ATD) is developed and applied to six competitive mountain destinations in the Balkans, which have not been the subject of similar research. Authors proposed a 15 indicators of ATD model, and classified them into two basic value groups: tourist and functional values. The model is based on survey research with focus on respondents -tourists, who are familiar with all destinations that are the subject of the survey. This study, in addition to the scientific contribution reflected in the presented indicators for assessing the attractiveness of mountain tourist destinations and the developed ATD model, also has a practical contribution. It is seen in the results, which should clearly indicate the attractiveness of the destination, their mutual competitiveness, as well as the segments to which the tourist destinations management should focus in the future when planning and creating a tourist offer, The results indicate differences and similarities among the analyzed tourist destinations, and could help define the development strategies for the destinations, The positioning of mountain tourist destinations in the same field of tourist attraction on the ATD Matrix, indicates that these destinations are competitive

Evaluating the Attractiveness and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destinations (Atd) Balkan Mountain Centers

Model for evaluating the attractiveness and competitiveness of a tourist destinations (ATD) is developed and applied to six competitive mountain destinations in the Balkans, which have not been the subject of similar research. Authors proposed a 15 indicators of ATD model, and classified them into two basic value groups: tourist and functional values. The model is based on survey research with focus on respondents -tourists, who are familiar with all destinations that are the subject of the survey. This study, in addition to the scientific contribution reflected in the presented indicators for assessing the attractiveness of mountain tourist destinations and the developed ATD model, also has a practical contribution. It is seen in the results, which should clearly indicate the attractiveness of the destination, their mutual competitiveness, as well as the segments to which the tourist destinations management should focus in the future when planning and creating a tourist offer, The results indicate differences and similarities among the analyzed tourist destinations, and could help define the development strategies for the destinations, The positioning of mountain tourist destinations in the same field of tourist attraction on the ATD Matrix, indicates that these destinations are competitive

Electrical microcurrent to prevent conditioning film and bacterial adhesion to urological stents

Long-term catheters remain a significant clinical problem in urology due to the high rate of bacterial colonization, infection, and encrustation. Minutes after insertion of a catheter, depositions of host urinary components onto the catheter surface form a conditioning film actively supporting the bacterial adhesion process. We investigated the possibility of reducing or avoiding the buildup of these naturally forming conditioning films and of preventing bacterial adhesion by applying different current densities to platinum electrodes as a possible catheter coating material. In this model we employed a defined environment using artificial urine and Proteus mirabilis. The film formation and desorption was analyzed by highly mass sensitive quartz crystal microbalance and surface sensitive atomic force microscopy. Further, we performed bacterial staining to assess adherence, growth, and survival on the electrodes with different current densities. By applying alternating microcurrent densities on platinum electrodes, we could produce a self regenerative surface which actively removed the conditioning film and significantly reduced bacterial adherence, growth, and survival. The results of this study could easily be adapted to a catheter design for clinical use