Pretreatment of Bamboo by Ammonium Sulfite for Efficient Enzymatic Hydrolysis

In order to find out the potential effect of ammonium sulfite pretreatment on bamboo for efficient enzymatic saccharification, various ammonium sulfite loadings were conducted to pretreat bamboo at 180 °C for 1–8 h with the solid–liquid ratio of 1:6, respectively. The results verified that ammonium sulfite pretreatment could effectively disrupt the recalcitrance of bamboo and create highly enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yield for further utilization. The contents of lignin in the substrates decreased significantly (from 22.94% to 1.21%) after pretreated and the higher lignin removal with higher chemical loading and longer reaction time during pretreatment. The cellulose-to-glucose conversion yield of pretreated bamboo substrates could achieve almost 100% within 48 h by enzymes loading of 15 FPU of cellulase and 30 IU of β-glucosidase per gram glucan. Therefore, ammonium sulfite pretreatment is argued to be a potential alternative technology for pretreatment of bamboo.

A centrifuge-based stepwise chemical loading disc for the production of multiplex anisotropic metallic nanoparticles

We have proposed a novel rotary microdevice in which multiplex anisotropic Au NPs could be synthesized under diverse conditions in a high-throughput manner.

Zoosporic fungi in the ice of some water reservoirs

The presence of 65 zoosporic fungi species was noted in the water obtained from melting ice from five water (3 ponds and 2 rivers). In the water of the all basins the number of zoosporic fungus species decreases along with the increasing chemical loading (more eutrophic water). Out of these 65 species, 18 are known as necrotrophs of fish. The following fungi were recorded for the first time from Poland: <em>Achlya conspicua</em>, <em>Apodachlyella completa</em>, <em>Pythiomorpha undulata</em>, <em>Pythium butleri</em>, <em>Pythium carolinianum</em>, <em>Pythium gracile</em>, <em>Pythium imperfectum</em>, <em>Pythium indicum</em>, <em>Pythium irregulare</em>, <em>Pythium myriotylum</em>, <em>Pythium papillatum</em>, <em>Pythium pyrilobum</em> and <em>Pythium rostratum</em>.

Hydrogen Accelerated Classical Rolling Contact Fatigue and Evaluation of the Residual Stress Response

The accelerating effect of absorbed hydrogen on subsurface rolling contact fatigue is studied by bearing rig testing under HF electric current passage. The additional chemical loading enhances dislocation mobility and microplasticity. Structural changes occur in a premature stage, as shown by comparative XRD residual stress analysis. Dark etching regions appear to be a precursor for phase transformation in regular white etching bands. Fatigue crack initiation is demonstrated.

Irrigation Water and Nitrate-nitrogen Loss Characterization in Southern Florida Nurseries: Cumulative Volumes, Runoff Rates, Nitrate-nitrogen Concentrations and Loadings, and Implications for Management

Enrichment of surface water with nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) is a significant problem throughout the world. In support of developing a method for removing NO3-N from water using denitrification, this project characterized runoff events at two nurseries in southern Florida to provide information needed for designing capacity. Specifically, estimates of runoff rates and volumes, NO3-N concentrations and loadings were profiled during intensively sampled fertigation events at a foliage plant nursery and a bedding plant nursery. Discharge volumes and rates varied with event, ranging from 2,487 to 20,935 L and 59.2 to 126 L·min−1, respectively, per event. NO3-N concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 386.4 mg·L−1, and event loadings ranged from 51 to 3024 g, indicating that significant losses may be realized. This project provided valuable hydraulic and chemical loading information needed for the development and design of bioremediation tools for the horticultural industry.