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The authors own computer software, based on the Ueshima mathematical model with taking into account the back diffusion, determined from the Wołczyński equation, was developed for simulation calculations. The applied calculation procedure allowed to determine the chemical composition of the non-metallic phase in steel deoxidised by means of Mn, Si and Al, at the given cooling rate. The calculation results were confirmed by the analysis of samples taken from the determined areas of the cast ingot. This indicates that the developed computer software can be applied for designing the steel casting process of the strictly determined chemical composition and for obtaining the required non-metallic precipitates.

Traditional breeding of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) concentrates largely on the improvement of protein quality because of the importance of protein in end-product functionality, nutritional value, and economic impact. New, rapid, and inexpensive protein quality tests are required to identify premium quality families from large and diverse early-generation breeding populations. In this study, a simple method was designed using organic solvents to divide wheat proteins into monomeric-rich (single-chain, mostly gliadin), polymeric-rich (multichain, mostly low- and high-molecular weight glutenin), and total soluble protein (monomeric and polymeric protein). Monomeric-rich and total soluble protein fractions were quantified at 280 nm with an ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer. Protein fractions were expressed in terms of absolute concentration and as a proportion of total soluble protein. A strong linear relationship between the protein concentration in the fractions and the absorbance reading indicated that the method could accommodate a large range of protein fraction concentrations. The specific relationships between quantity and proportion of monomeric/polymeric protein fractions and dough quality tests allowed for the design of an algorithm eliminating poor quality lines from further breeding assessment. Simplicity, reliability, low cost, and a potential for automation could make this UV-spectrophotometric method suitable for routine use in wheat breeding programs.

The casting workshop was discovered with numerous artifacts, confirming the existence of the manufacturing process of metal ornaments using ceramic molds and investment casting technology in Lower Silesia (Poland) in 7-6 BC. The research has yielded significant technological information about the bronze casting field, especially the alloys that were used and the artifacts that were made from them. Based on the analyses, the model alloys were experimentally reconstructed. Taking advantage of the computer-modeling method, a geometric visualization of the bronze bracelets was performed; subsequently, we simulated pouring liquid metal in the ceramic molds and observed the alloy solidification. These steps made it possible to better understand the casting processes from the perspective of the mold technology as well as the melting and casting of alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment casting technology that utilizes lost-wax casting is one of the most-important achievements of ancient society. In Lower Silesia, Poland (Grzybiany, Legnica county), a 7-6 BC casting workshop was discovered with numerous artifacts, confirming the existence of the manufacturing process of metal ornaments using ceramic molds. The paper presents the research of molds and casts from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. Microscopic analyses of the casting molds were performed, along with radiographic and chemical composition tests of the artifacts (the latter employing the use of the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method). The clustering method was used for alloy classification. The microstructure was analyzed by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Conclusions from the research were utilized in further experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]