Food, energy and water are the welfare of the whole mankind, but unfortunately they are often used to blackmail those who suffer from their lack. In this light the influence of the European Union Trading System in the field of mineral fertilizer production is analysed. Based on the available data for mineral fertilizer plant free allocation for the emission of greenhouse gases, predominantly carbon dioxide and in smaller part nitric oxide, is calculated. Determining of the internal mass and energy fluxes is very challenging due to the fact that required pieces of information are not publicly available. Thus, the volume of ammonia and natural gas used in the energy balance is assumed to allow the calculation of preliminary free emissions in the production of ammonia and nitric acid subsection and for heat and fuel. Also, benchmarks and carbon leakage exposure factors are set by the European Commission and taken for the fourth trading period. Historic activity level is calculated from available data. The discussion is aimed at assessing the impact of allotted and measured emissions and their financial impact to agricultural activity.

Orthoses are aids that compens ate for the loss of function of a p articul ar p art of the locomotor system, while prostheses are devices that compens ate for the loss of a p art of the body. Digital technologies have ena bled the me asurement and the production of such aids. The production technology is a CNC or robotics arm-based system comprising sever al modules that are rel atively positioned with a submillimetre precision. In practice, the implementation and c alibration of such systems are challenging, especi ally in c ases of adapting alre ady used hardw are or when the control unit is undocumented or closed to outside interventions. Our appro ach responds to sever al challenges, resulting in a unique visual solution for fast and affordable c alibration. This appro ach enables re ading the machine positions from an external computer without a physic al connection to the control unit, tracking the movement of the machine in ne ar real-time, and fin ally c alcul ating c alibration par ameters of the observed system.

Polymer nanocomposites consist of a polymer matrix and reinforcing particles that have at least one dimension under 100 nm. The processing of nanocomposite polymers is the most important stage, determining the final properties of nanocomposites. Nanocomposites are now preferentially prepared by melt-mixing using conventional compounding processes such as twin-screw extrusion. Many processing parameters (polymer matrix type, content and type of nanofiller, barrel temperature, screw speed, number and shape of extruder screws, etc.) affect the properties of nanocomposites. This research work represents an investigation of the influence of processing parameters (amount of nanoclay filler, the screw rotation speed, and extruder barrel temperature) on the flexural properties of polyamide 12/nanoclay-reinforced nanocomposite. From the test results, it is apparent that an increase in nanoclay content from 1 to 8% significantly increases flexural strength. The obtained nanocomposite has a 19% higher flexural strength and a 56% higher flexural modulus than pure PA12. Mathematical models that show the dependence of flexural strength and flexural modulus on the processing parameters used were obtained as a result of this analysis.

Injection molding of polymer moldings has proven to be a fast way of making products for medium and high series production for many years. In order to produce a quality product, all stages of the process must be under control (tools, materials, injection molding machine, etc.). In the last two decades, additive technology for the production of prototypes and, more recently, finished products has been developing intensively. The biggest disadvantage of additive technology is the limited choice of polymer materials and different mechanical properties of products compared to products produced by injection molding technology. Making a mold for the injection molding process is time consuming and expensive, and for smaller batches, an unprofitable process. By making molds for injection molding with additive technology, we accelerate the process of production of finished products. One of the disadvantages of making molds in this way is their durability. In order to increase the durability of the mold, the area of coating application will be investigated. The research was conducted as part of the application for a doctoral thesis. The paper will be divided into three key sections. The first part of the paper will explain the research conducted so far. In the second part, the examination of the surface parameters that are necessary for us to obtain the connection between the additive material and the coating will be presented. Taking into consideration the first two units, the third unit will explain: the selection of the experiment plan, input factors, output factors as well as the method of conducting the experiment.

This paper is about defining a different novel concept of a simple machine for producing spinal orthosis moulds. Should such a machine be developed, the required functionality with a special emphasis on low price is to be achieved. The paper considers the issues regarding the kinematics and feasibility confirmation as related to the concept. A CAD model made for the purpose of simulation and activities related to the software development for generating tool trajectories along with the belonging kinematics and trajectory visualization were carried out.

Natural gas is one of the most important energy sources of the modern age. Gas network delivers gas from the exploitation site to the end user. Flow meters are used to measure quantity of gas supplied and they must meet firm standards regarding measurement. G4 gas meters used in housholds are investigated in test laboratory. Experimental results are analyzed in this paper and conclusions about correlations between measurement error and gas meter type, years in operation and flow dialer reading are given. Error measurement is also expressed as amount of natural gas delivered to end users.

There is often a need to more precisely identify the extent of pathology and the fine elements of intracranial anatomic features during the diagnostic process and during many operations in the nose, sinus, orbit, and skull base region. In two case reports, we describe the methods used in the diagnostic workup and surgical therapy in the nose and paranasal sinus region. Besides baseline x-ray, multislice computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, operative field imaging was performed via a rapid prototyping model, virtual endoscopy, and 3-D imaging. Different head tissues were visualized in different colors, showing their anatomic interrelations and the extent of pathologic tissue within the operative field. This approach has not yet been used as a standard preoperative or intraoperative procedure in otorhinolaryngology. In this way, we tried to understand the new, visualized "world of anatomic relations within the patient's head" by creating an impression of perception (virtual perception) of the given position of all elements in a particular anatomic region of the head, which does not exist in the real world (virtual world). This approach was aimed at upgrading the diagnostic workup and surgical therapy by ensuring a faster, safer and, above all, simpler operative procedure. In conclusion, any ENT specialist can provide virtual reality support in implementing surgical procedures, with additional control of risks and within the limits of normal tissue, without additional trauma to the surrounding tissue in the anatomic region. At the same time, the virtual reality support provides an impression of the virtual world as the specialist navigates through it and manipulates virtual objects.

The main objective of this research was to determine the deviations and evalu-ate the dimensional accuracy of 3D printed camera casing models compared to the original models in the STL format. The study sample consisted of the 3D printed camera casing models and the same models in the STL format. The STL format came from Mcor in a set of sample models shipped with the 3D printer. The models were 3D printed on Mcor IRIS and then scanned with ATOS 3D scanner. A comparison between the scanned and original STL models was made in the GOM Inspect software. The results indicate that the maximum deviation occurred on the scanned front camera cover and it is 0.82 mm in the direction z. The average deviation of scanned front camera cover is 0.0845 mm and the average deviation of scanned back camera cover is 0.0722 mm. The analysis of the results proves that the three-dimensional printed paper-based parts have the dimensions close to the original CAD models.

The nanocomposites are multiphase materials where at least one phase is in nanoscale, less than 100 nm, whereby a higher specific interfacial area is achieved. Due to their characteristic properties, the nanocomposites are nowadays being increasingly used for the engineering applications, and certainly will have a significant role in the materials production in the future. An important class of nanocomposite materials are polymer layered silicates, in which the layered filler (mostly modified natural clay minerals) is dispersed in the polymer matrix. Many of parameters (i.e., type of polymer matrix, type and amount of nanofiller, and a number of process parameters as melting temperature, screw speed, number and shape of mixing screws, etc) affect properties of nanocomposites. As part of the paper, the samples of PA12/nanoclay nanocomposite mixture were made by adjusting various parameters (content of nanoclay, the screw rotation frequency and mixture temperature). Afterward, the tensile properties of obtained specimens were analysed. The mathematical models that show dependence of tensile properties on the mixture parameters were obtained as the result of analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:684–691, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

The main goal of this research is to estimate the reconstructive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to the computed tomography (CT) for the knee bones. The digital models of knee joint bones were generated from the MRI and CT images using the 3D-Doctor software. The surface deviations were obtained with the GOM Inspect software. An average surface deviation between the CT and MRI generated models is 1.489 mm. The models were additionally 3D printed on ZPrint 310 and then scanned with the Artec Eva 3D scanner to evaluate the deviations added by the manufacturing and scanning technologies. The 3D scanned CT model reveals an average deviation bellow 1.5 mm compared to the CT generated model, while for the MRI models, it was analyzed for each part of the knee joint separately due to the fracture of 3D printed model. The average surface deviation between the 3D scanned MRI model and the MRI generated model was 0.382 mm.

The paper reviews the process of surface layer development with the use of carbonitriding and carbonitriding with oxidation. Employed for that purpose was a modern and ecological method called ZeroFlow. Research was carried out using HS 6-5-2 steel. Single-component nitrifying atmosphere of ammonia NH3 was applied. The temperature of the processes was 570 degrees C. Diffusion layers were obtained on the steel. The thickness of the layers achieved during the microstructural research equalled from about 125 mu m after carbonitriding with oxidation to about 187 mu m after carbonitriding. Surface hardness HV1 was the highest for the carbonitrided layer - 1027 HV1, whereas in the case of carbonitriding with oxidation it amounted to 1018 HV1. As far as surface hardness HV30 is concerned, it was at the level of 813 HV30 for the carbonitrided layer and 795 HV30 for carbonitriding with oxidation. Surface hardness test results indicate surface layer hardening.

Additive Manufacturing (AM), the relatively young manufacturing technology of layer-based automated fabrication process for making three-dimensional physical objects directly from 3D CAD data set was originally called Rapid Prototyping (RP) when the first commercial process – Stereolitography was entered the market in 1987. This technology is still frequently called Rapid Prototyping. The main objective of research was to determine the impact of sample's structure on the tensile strength of 3D printed samples. Test samples were prepared on a Z Corporation's 3D printer model Z310, with variations of internal geometrical structure. Results of tensile test revealed that the honeycomb structured samples exhibit the highest strength.

The paper presents the results of investigation of the influence of conditions of forming emulsion and oil mist on the chip shape and surface roughness of X10CrNi18-8 stainless steel during turning. In the tests, the following machining operations have been compared: dry machining, cooling by the MQCL (Minimal Quantity Cooling Lubricat) method, cooling by the MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubricat) method. The tests have been performed in two stages. In the first stage, the influence of the mass flow of the active medium on the chip shape and on the Ra and Rq roughness parameters of the machined surface have been determined. The purpose of stage two was to determine the influence of the MQL and MQCL method on the selected indices of the machining process as compared to dry machining as a function of variable cutting speed. It has been found that, under MQCL and MQL conditions, the area of formation of elemental chips and ones with the shape of short spirals is wider as compared to dry turning. With increased mass flow of emulsion and oil, tangled chip is formed. Cooling by the MQCL and MQL method results in reduction of the selected roughness parameter values by 2 % to 42 % as compared to dry machining.

Polymers that are created by the chemical polymerization of naturally occurring monomers are attracting considerable commercial interest in the last few years because of their non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility, and use of feedstock that is renewable. The development of specialized lignin compounds, such as electrically conducting polymers, engineering plastics, and polyurethane, is an area of highest interest and growth. The paper will present the comparison of the mechanical and thermal properties of conventional polyurethane and bio-based polyurethane, i. e. polyurethane based on polyols produced by liquefaction of waste wood biomass.

In the paper we are introducing guidelines and suggestions for use of 3D image processing SW in head pathology diagnostic and procedures for obtaining physical medical model by additive manufacturing/rapid prototyping techniques, bearing in mind the improvement of surgery performance, its maximum security and faster postoperative recovery of patients. This approach has been verified in two case reports. In the treatment we used intelligent classifier-schemes for abnormal patterns using computer-based system for 3D-virtual and endoscopic assistance in rhinology, with appropriate visualization of anatomy and pathology within the nose, paranasal sinuses, and scull base area.

Nanocomposites are materials, which have been studied since 90th years of last century, but manufacture of nanoscale materials is at least a 100-year-old industry (particles of carbon black as fillers in automotive tires). The field of nanotechnology is one of the most popular areas for current research and development in virtually all technical disciplines. Seeking for new materials with better properties, scientists are lately more and more dealing with nanocomposites. Important class of nanocomposite materials are polymer layered silicates, in which layered filler (mostly modified natural clay minerals) is dispersed in polymer matrix. Many of parameters (i.e. type of polymer matrix, type and amount of nanofiller, and a number of process parameters as melting parameters, screw speed, number and shape of mixing screws etc.) affect properties of nanocomposites. The paper deals with mechanical properties of polyamide 12/clay nanocomposites prepared by a melt-intercalation technique. The aim of the investigation was to determine the influence of compounding conditions, screw rotation speed and mixing temperature on tensile properties of PA12/clay nanocomposites.