<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Anaerobic co-digestion of dairy cow manure (DCM) and separated tomato greenhouse waste (tomato stalks and leaves (TSL) and rotten and damaged tomato fruits – TF) was conducted under batch thermophilic conditions (<italic>T</italic> = 55 °C) for period of 45 days. Concentrations of substrates (tomato waste) were 5 and 10% (w/v). Each substrate, as well as experimental mixtures, was analysed in order to specify the content of pH, total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), total extractable nitrogen (TN) and total organic carbon (TOC). Biogas yield and composition, as well as cumulative biogas curves, were reported. In comparison to DCM monodigestion (329.5 cm3·g−1 VS), biogas yield was significantly improved in experiment C (365.1 cm3·g−1 VS) (with 5% (w/v) TF added), whereas methane yield did not show any significant difference. Experiment D (with 10% (w/v) TSL added) resulted in significantly lower biogas and methane yields in contrast to the rest of experiments performed. Average methane content in all analysed experimental samples ranged from 65 to 69%. It is evident from the results that biogas production can be improved by addition of separated tomato greenhouse waste to DCM process and issue of organic waste disposal could be effectively solved.</abstract>

An Assessment of Anaerobic Thermophilic Co-Digestion of Dairy Cattle Manure and Separated Tomato Greenhouse Waste in Lab-Scale Reactors

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Rice straw remains almost unutilised in the majority of cases and is usually burned. Data on rice residue production under European conditions are extremely limited. A detailed assessment of rice biomass yield, partitioning and straw collection was carried out in Spain. Eleven commercial rice varieties were evaluated in 2015, and two baling trials were performed in 2014 and 2015. The average straw yield was 9.7 t·ha−1. Straw yield, biomass partitioning indices and fibre composition varied significantly according to rice variety. Straw to grain ratio and harvest index were 1.00 and 0.50 on average for rough grain, and 1.25 and 0.41 for husked grain. Biomass partitioning indices significantly correlated with grain yield. Mean content of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash of rice straw was 32.5%, 19.8%, 6.5% and 13.7%, respectively. Straw amount of less than 3.0 t·ha−1 can be collected during the baling trials. Rice straw could represent an eco-friendly source of lignocellulosic biomass in Europe, however, in order to achieve this, baling machine improvements and special crop management should be carried out.</abstract>

Evaluation of Rice Straw Yield, Fibre Composition and Collection Under Mediterranean Conditions

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Proposed paper deals with experimental tests performed on the Nieman M01 FZG test rig. Experiments were carried out in accordance with STN 65 6280 standard for FZG scuffing tests, from which load values for each load level were obtained. HCR gears made of 16MnCr5 material were utilized during experimental tests. Gear surface was deposited by PVD coatings of nACRo4 and TiAlN + DLC. Conventional lubricant MADIT PP 90H and biological lubricant OMW Biogear S150 were selected for lubrication environments. Aim of the experimental tests lied in application and comparison of PVD coatings deposited on HCR gears. Values of the maximum height of the assessed profile <italic>Rz</italic> for tip and reference diameters were measured after each load level. Results of experimental tests were statistically processed and relations between the maximum height of assessed profile <italic>Rz</italic> and load levels for both utilized coatings in both environments were established on the basis of these results.</abstract>

Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

Comparison of PVD Coatings Nacro4 and TIALN + DLC Deposited on High Contact Ratio Gearing Interacting With Conventional and Ecological Lubricants

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This paper deals with the issue of welding two different materials – titanium and stainless steel (UNS N50400 + X5CrNi 18-10). These two materials have completely different chemical compositions and mechanical properties; therefore, process of their mutual welding is complicated. Melting temperature of both materials is also different. An innovative MIG LSC arc welding method with an additional material has been selected for this purpose. A protective atmosphere was used in order to avoid galvanic corrosion of materials that would preclude the welding process. Aforementioned atmosphere contained 100% Ar. The MIG LSC welding method was designed by Fronius. Presented experiment compares utilization of following 4 different electrodes (additional material) for the welding of titanium and stainless steel: Ti, Fe, corrosion-resistant Fe and CuSi3 electrode. Tensile test was utilized for evaluation of weldment mechanical properties. Measured results were supplemented with a metallographic analysis snapshot and tensile diagram.</abstract>

Titanium and Stainless Steel MIG LSC Welding

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Usage of modern technical means for sunflower harvesting, due to their construction designs, inevitably involves yield losses reaching up to 10–11%, as well as increasing of seed injury. Aim of the research presented was to develop a header for a breeding plot combine for sunflower harvesting. As a result, an experimental four-row header for the Delta plot combine for sunflower harvesting was developed and manufactured. The main values of the adjustable parameters are given, depending on the biometric characteristics of the plants being harvested. Using this experimental header, seed injury did not exceed 1.51% at a moisture content of 5.1% and seed losses did not exceed 1%.</abstract>

The Header for a Breeding Plot Combine for Sunflower Harvesting

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Cultural practices and control of diseases and insects are widely used for cultivation of <italic>Olea europea</italic> L. These are considered potential contaminants. Aim of this investigation lies in determination of concentrations of contaminants in several edible olive oils. All test samples were purchased in three consecutive seasons. They were analysed in compliance with standardized international protocols of wet digestion methods. Ion concentrations were determined in three replicates using method of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. We have registered a positive correlation between storage time and heavy metals contents. It was particularly high in Iranian brands and varied significantly. Investigation results show that all obtained heavy metals contents in pepper-flavoured olive oil samples were significantly lower than in other samples. Considering the fungi-flavoured samples, levels of Pb and Cd were prominent and exceeded the maximum permissible level set in the majority of cases. The further monitoring is needed as all these metals are toxic and their detrimental effect becomes obvious only after several years of exposure.</abstract>

Nutrition and Food Sciences Research Center

Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University

Determination of Toxic Metals Content in Iranian and Italian Flavoured Olive Oil

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Acta Technologica Agriculturae

 Acta Technologica Agriculturae (ATA) is an international scientific journal focused on agricultural engineering. The journal is multidisciplinary and publishes a wide range of original research and review articles in engineering, agricultural and biological sciences, and materials science. All submitted articles considered suitable for ATA are subjected to rigorous double-blind peer review to ensure the highest levels of quality.  The journal Editorial Board welcomes manuscripts in both fundamental and applied research areas and encourages submissions which contribute novel and innovative insights to the field of agricultural engineering. Original papers which provide an important contribution to the development of agricultural engineering and report on significant developments in the field are encouraged.  Aims and Scope  ATA aims to advance the understanding of agricultural engineering by providing a platform for the publication of unique contributions in the field of agricultural engineering across a variety of topics, including, but not limited to:   agricultural and biosystems engineering;  machines and mechanization of agricultural production;  information and electrical technologies;  agro-product and food processing engineering;  physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil caused by tillage and field traffic, soil working machinery and terramechanics;  renewable energy sources and bioenergy;  rural buildings;  agricultural waste management and disposal;  related issues from applied physics and chemistry, ecology, economy and energy.    Rejection Rate   40 %   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 