Influence of local loads on the stress state of the shell appears as the consequence of pressure, external forces, and moment influence. Loads which act directly upon the shell surface or the parts (nozzles) connected to the shell appear in their proximity, especially in the welded joint influence zones. The influence of the torque moment affecting the free end of a slanted branch on the pressure vessel cylindrical shell is considered in this article. The stress on the cylindrical shell was analysed on 245 models of different geometrical characteristics. Stress calculated by applying the finite element method was classified by maximum stress criteria. For every considered model, maximum stress envelope has been prepared. The regressive analysis enabled the determination of correlation functions, which allow calculation of stress maximum values on the cylindrical shell according to which the shell dimensions may be determined. Result analysis shows that the percentual error is within limits as follows: from −13.4 per cent to +12.7 per cent.

Agricultural and waste biomasses present viable solutions for utilization in the energy sector, achieving sustainable and long-term transformation into energy and fuel. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the competing applications for these feedstocks, considering both short- and long-term stability. Biomass for biogas production in agriculture and waste management is used due to its availability and ease of handling. Considering everything mentioned, evaluating the most suitable raw materials for biogas production is crucial for meeting sustainability criteria and promoting biomass as an energy source. In this paper, an examination of different biomass sources as possible feedstock to produce biogas by applying a theoretical approach to the proximate and final analysis results of those materials is presented. Based on data from the raw material analysis, the theoretical biochemical methane potential (TBMP) for the considered samples was calculated. Furthermore, the mass and energy balance for the case study biogas plant was also performed. According to the obtained results, the considered feedstocks show the validity of their use for biogas production considering the fulfillment of the raw material minimum quantity, mandatory residue arrangement, and achieving higher efficiency of the energy conversion process.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of fracture mechanics parameters of thin-walled pipeline components using 3D printing and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. The experimental study is conducted on 3D-printed polymer specimens made of PLA (polylactide acid) using the FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) process. All specimens were tested on a universal materials testing machine, with strain measurements by the Aramis 2M system based on DIC. This setup allowed for the accurate analysis of key fracture mechanics parameters, including crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD-delta5). A new test geometry - the Pipe Ring Notched Tension (PRNT) was compared to standard single-edge notched tension (SENT) specimens and their properties were compared to provide a more realistic assessment of the mechanical behaviour of pipeline materials. This research is particularly important given the increasing use of additive manufacturing to produce functional spare parts, which are increasingly integrated into pressure-containing process equipment, highlighting the importance of accurate fracture mechanics assessment in ensuring component reliability and safety.

Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is an emerging virus of interest in both domestic and wild carnivores that is scarcely reported in southeastern Europe. This study examined the presence, genetic diversity, and evolutionary characteristics of CanineCV in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus) from northwestern Serbia, a region marked by expanding mesopredator populations overlapping with human habitats. Out of 98 sampled animals, circoviral DNA was detected in 31.6%. Jackals were mostly positive for CanineCV genotype 4, while genotype 5, associated with wild carnivores, was dominant in foxes. Mixed genotype 4/genotype 5 infections were only found in jackals. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses indicated that most jackal-derived CanineCV strains clustered along sequences from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, while genotype 5 sequences grouped separately from other genotype representatives. A recombinant strain was identified as a divergent lineage, and several sequences showed evidence of recombination between Rep and Cap genes. Despite Cap protein amino acid differences, purifying selection dominated, suggesting functional constraints on viral evolution. The results indicate that jackals may act as recombination hotspots and bridging hosts between viral lineages. This study provides insight into the molecular epidemiology of CanineCV in the Balkans, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance.