Publications by authors named "G M Rak"

This study investigates the effect of hydraulic shock waves on inactivation of MS-2 bacteriophage, a norovirus surrogate. A falling circular jet of water spiked with the MS-2 (∼1000 PFU/mL) was repeatedly impacted by a rotating blade, resulting in occurrence of hydraulic shock waves within the liquid region adjacent to the impact. The proof-of-concept rotational generator of hydraulic shock treating 9 L of water spiked with viruses was able to achieve 3 logs reduction of viral plaque count within 80-100 liquid passes at moderate blade impact velocities (namely, 70 and 88 m/s) despite the water temperature not exceeding 40 °C and no detectible cavitation.

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The study investigated the methane production efficiency in a semi-continuous laboratory experiment with periodic feeding of wastewater sludge (WWS) as primary substrate and addition of whey (CW) and cow manure (CM). The short-term behavior of a real-scale anaerobic digester with WWS and the methane production improvements with different feeding mixtures of WWS, CW and CM were addressed. Gradual addition of CW to WWS (WWS:CW:CM = 70:20:0 to 70:55:0) increased the average daily methane production to 48.

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In a rapidly changing thermal environment, reptiles are primarily dependent on in situ adaptation because of their limited ability to disperse and the restricted opportunity to shift their ranges. However, the rapid pace of climate change may surpass these adaptation capabilities or elevate energy expenditures. Therefore, understanding the variability in thermal traits at both individual and population scales is crucial, offering insights into reptiles' vulnerability to climate change.

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Article Synopsis
  • * After 30 cavitation passes, the sludge showed significantly poorer dewaterability and a two-fold increase in Capillary Suction Time (CST), while particle sizes were reduced and surface tension slightly increased.
  • * The cavitated sludge exhibited distinct viscosity behavior compared to untreated sludge, but HC did not enhance methane yield; some correlations between physical properties and viscosity at low shear stress were noted, indicating potential for further research. *
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Turbulent free-surface flows are encountered in several engineering applications and are typically characterized by the entrainment of air bubbles due to intense mixing and surface deformation. The resulting complex multiphase structure of the air-water interface presents a challenge in precise and reliable measurements of the free-water-surface topography. Conventional methods by manometers, wave probes, point gauges or electromagnetic/ultrasonic devices are proven and reliable, but also time-consuming, with limited accuracy and are mostly intrusive.

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