Search

Processing of cast-iron castings by machining is associated with a large amount of post-production waste in the form of cast-iron chips, which constitute up to about 5% of the weight of the entire casting. In the case of serial production, this generates large amounts of post-production waste, constituting a constantly growing scale of environmental problems. The aim of this research was to develop a simple and cheap method of utilizing post-production waste of gray cast-iron chips from the machining process for the production of small structural elements of water supply fittings. The analysis of the state of knowledge indicates that the simplest method of managing waste chips is to use them as a starting material in the process of manufacturing polymer composites. The most frequently chosen material for the matrix of polymer composites reinforced with metal powders is epoxy resin. The epoxy composite was produced by the vacuum-assisted casting method. This paper presents the results of tests of morphological, mechanical, and corrosion properties of epoxy composites filled with grey cast-iron powder with a grain size below 0.075 mm and a mass content in the composite of 65%. The composite cured at 130 °C for 90 min had the best mechanical properties. The sample cured at 130 °C for 90 min was observed to have the optimum effect, with a tensile strength of 28.35 MPa, a flexural strength of 55.4 MPa, and a compressive strength of 53.8 MPa. All tested composites were characterized by very good thermal resistance and, in comparison to gray cast iron, over 2.5 times lower weight and an over three times lower corrosion rate in the tap water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article is to identify the feelings related to the development of automation, robotization and artificial intelligence, taking into account potential gender differences in the examined area. Design/methodology/approach: The goal was achieved by using theoretical analysis of the problem and empirical research. Empirical research was conducted in 2023 using an own survey in the Greater Poland Voivodeship among employees of various industries (n = 189). Findings: There are no significant differences between genders in feelings towards the development of artificial intelligence in the work environment. The results of the analysis of our own research did not confirm the fears and anxieties reported in the literature on the subject. Research limitations/implications: Due to the pilot study being conducted, certain limitations may be the small sample and the specificity of the industry and positions held (the study was conducted primarily on a group of so-called knowledge workers and administrative employees). Practical implications: Women feel a greater need for legal regulations regarding artificial intelligence than men, and they also show a more positive attitude towards the development of technology and artificial intelligence. It is worth using these conclusions when planning the implementation of new technologies in the company. Social implications: AI technology is developing at an unprecedented pace, opening up unlimited possibilities for people and significantly impacting their personal and professional lives. The lack of significant gender differences in the approach to modern technologies allows us to refute some gender stereotypes. Originality/value: While the issue of psychosocial occupational risks has been the subject of many studies and analyzes for years, the problem of gender differences in the discussed area constitutes a significant research gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several members of the cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae) have a great potential to take up highly hydrophobic compounds, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), from environmental matrices, and translocate them to the aboveground parts of the plants. Moreover, recent research showed that they can effectively enhance the removal of emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) from the environment. Several studies provided evidence that plant-associated microorganisms and root exudates (including plant secondary metabolites, PSMs) can enhance the effective removal of POPs and EOPs from environmental matrices (i.e. soil, sediments, water reservoirs) by cucurbits. Hence, the main aims of this chapter are: (i) to gather information about processes underlying an exceptional ability of cucurbits to accumulate hydrophobic compounds; (ii) to combine the most pronounced and recent data on the removal of POPs and EOPs using cucurbits; and (iii) to point out opportunities and challenges for the use of cucurbits as phytoremediators of polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multi-aspect analysis of whether it is feasible and practical to process natural (plant) fibers into fabrics and mats as homogeneous or hybrid reinforcement in polymer composites for use in various industrial sectors. The current, stringent environmental rules of safe recycling and/or disposal of worn or damaged products at the end of their lifetime require new reinforcing materials to be used in polymer composites that need to meet the criteria of energy and material recycling. The paper comparatively analyzed chemical compositions of some selected (plant) natural fibers and compared their physical and chemical properties relative to commonly used synthetic (mineral and carbon) fibers. The world production of respective species of natural fibers has been presented. Industrial hemp was singled out as the possible quality reinforcement to be used in polymer composites in Poland and in Europe. The paper also provided a broader historical perspective of hemp's importance for mankind over the past 28 thousand years. Hemp's history and its impact on human development have been discussed. Finally, the paper compiled knowledge on industrial hemp use, agriculture, and processing as well as its current legal status in Poland and abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of syringic acid (SA), a plant secondary metabolite (PSM), on the properties of soil contaminated with 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and the condition of two cucurbit species zucchini (C. pepo L. 'Atena Polka') and cucumber (C. sativus 'Cezar') grown on that soil. It was found that amendment with MCPA and MCPA + SA modified the soil physico-chemical properties. Content of N and K was significantly higher for variants amended with SA and/or MCPA, while P content was lower in variant amended with SA. The cucurbits demonstrated varied efficiencies in mitigating the phytotoxicity of the MCPA-treated soil. For soil amended with MCPA + SA, samples remediated with cucumber were characterized as slightly toxic or toxic (45.2%–81.5%), while those planted with zucchini were nontoxic or slightly toxic (−40.6%−47.8%). Development of cucumber seedlings was fully inhibited by MCPA, regardless of SA application, zucchini demonstrated enhanced growth in soil treated with MCPA + SA and no statistically significant differences between morphological parameters of MCPA + SA-treated zucchini in comparison to control plants were observed. The obtained findings suggest that the application of SA is a promising way to mitigate the toxic influence of MCPA in the soil, depending on the cultivated plant species. Novelty statement: The study meets the criteria of novelty and innovativeness. Most importantly, the study is focused on: phytotoxicity studies to inform about the limitations of phytotechnology based on PSMs. Additionally, this manuscript provides an interdisciplinary description of the effects of MCPA and naturally occurring PSM- SA on cucurbits and soil parameters. Such studies, which combine the interactions between cucurbits, their secondary metabolite (SA) and their role in mitigation of phytotoxicity in MCPA-contaminated soil, has not been performed before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of organic matter affects the quality and productivity of agricultural soils. Due to the shortage of manure as the basic source of organic matter for agricultural soils, alternative and commonly available exogenous sources of organic matter, such as sewage sludge and bottom sediments, are taken into account. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of various types of manure, municipal sewage sludge and bottom sediments on the enzymatic activity of soils (dehydrogenases, acidic and alkaline phosphatases). Manure and sludge were applied to the soil in two doses, corresponding to 20 and 40 tons of dry matter of material per ha. The control was soil fertilized with ammonium nitrate in the amount corresponding to 170 kg N per ha. The experiment included 2 different variants of the same fertilization combinations: without plants and with a test plant (Sinapis alba L.). The greenhouse experiment showed the stimulating effect of one of the municipal sewage sludge and poultry manure. On the other hand, the introduction of bottom sediments to the soil limited its enzymatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]