Showing papers by "Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz published in 2021"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors systemize information on zearalenone and its major metabolites and show that it mainly has estrogenic effects on various organisms and can lead to huge economic losses and pose risks to animals and humans.
Abstract: Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and represent one of the most common groups of food contaminants with low molecular weight. These toxins are considered common and can affect the food chain at various stages of production, harvesting, storage and processing. Zearalenone is one of over 400 detected mycotoxins and produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium; it mainly has estrogenic effects on various organisms. Contaminated products can lead to huge economic losses and pose risks to animals and humans. In this review, we systemize information on zearalenone and its major metabolites.
99 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the carbonization of binary composites consisting of graphene nanoplatelets and melamine (GNP/MM), multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanometers (CNT/MM) and trinary composites containing GNP, CNT, and MM was investigated.
Abstract: In this paper, we show the carbonization of binary composites consisting of graphene nanoplatelets and melamine (GNP/MM), multi-walled carbon nanotubes and melamine (CNT/MM) and trinary composites containing GNP, CNT, and MM. Additionally, the manuscript presents results on the influence of structural factors for the electrochemical performance of carbon composites on their catalytic activity. This study contributes to the wide search and design of novel hybrid carbon composites for electrochemical applications. We demonstrate that intensive nitrogen atom insertion is not the governing factor since hybrid system modifications and porous structure sometimes play a more crucial role in the tailoring of electrochemical properties of the carbon hybrids seen as a noble metal-free alternative to traditional electrode materials. Additionally, HRTEM and Raman spectra study allowed for the evaluation of the quality of the obtained hybrid materials.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three different shapes of upconverting LiLuF4:2% Er3+,18% Yb3+ nanocrystals both with and without shells were studied.
Abstract: Recent technological developments require knowledge of temperature down to the micro- or even nano-scale. Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles became a popular tool to achieve this. Their temperature sensitive luminescence enables their application as remote thermometers and for mapping temperature profiles with high spatial resolution. Applicability of luminescence thermometry is, however, often limited at high temperatures. In nanoelectronics or chemical reactors, high temperatures above 500 K are common and new approaches for accurate high temperature sensing need to be developed. In this work, we report three different shapes of upconverting LiLuF4:2% Er3+,18% Yb3+ nanocrystals both with and without shells and study the influence of the shell on the thermometric properties. We observed peculiar behavior of the core–shell particles suggesting the presence of the dopants within the protective and ‘undoped’ shells. Coating the nanoparticles with a silica layer extends the operational temperature range. In an upconversion (UC) Yb3+–Er3+ system temperature sensing relies on thermal coupling between the 4S3/2 and 2H11/2 energy levels. At sufficiently high temperatures (>550 K), we observe additional thermal coupling involving the higher 4F7/2 energy levels. The larger energy gap allows to increase the relative sensitivity at elevated temperatures and to sustain a high temperature precision over a wider temperature range than for a two-level Boltzmann thermometer. The thermal coupling between the 4S3/2 and 2H11/2 energy levels is used for lower temperature sensing ( 550 K).
36 citations
TL;DR: A review of new methods for trace element elimination and their assessment to impact on aquatic organisms is presented in this article. But, the most common and important trace elements in aquatic ecosystem are Chromium, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and Copper.
Abstract: Trace elements contamination and accumulation in bottom sediment represents a risk to environment and aquatic biota. Their anthropogenic or natural discharge, extension and cumulation can cause large scale of ecological destructions. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification is capable of leading to toxic level of these chemical substances in fish and other fresh water organisms (benthos, zooplankton), even when the exposure is low. The fish contamination through trophic structure can cause serious consequences to human health. The aim of the manuscript was to assemble and summarize the latest literature on the environmental and the aquatic biota effects of trace element contamination of bottom sediments. The article is also a review of new methods for trace elements elimination and their assessment to impact on aquatic organisms. Based on collected scientific publications in last 20 years the most common and important trace elements in aquatic ecosystem are Chromium, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and Copper. These compounds are dangerous for living organisms and can disrupt their homeostasis as well as a cardiovascular, nervous and digestive system. Nowadays exist many instrumental methods, which are available to determine the trace element concentration such as PMF, INNA, BCR, XRF and bioassay. In searched studies the most preferred and used analyse of trace element concentration in aquatic bottom sediments is bioassay. This biological method is good complement to physical and chemical analyses in procedures of sediment quality assessment. Bioassay method can indicate sensitive response of planktonic organisms to various trace elements and provide information about the real risk to aquatic life.
34 citations
TL;DR: The bioburden in vacuumed settled dust from 10 Primary Health Care Centers was characterized by culture based and molecular methods and three out of 10 settled dust samples were contaminated by mycotoxins.
Abstract: The collection and analysis of settled dust samples from indoor environments has become one of several environmental sampling methods used to assess bioburden indoors. The aim of the study was to characterize the bioburden in vacuumed settled dust from 10 Primary Health Care Centers by culture based and molecular methods. Results for bacterial load ranged from 1 to 12 CFU.g-1 of dust and Gram-negative bacteria ranged between 1 to 344 CFU.g-1 of dust. Fungal load ranged from 0 CFU.g-1 of dust to uncountable. Aspergillus section Fumigati was detected in 4 sampling sites where culture base-methods could not identify this section. Mucorales (Rhizopus sp.) was observed on 1 mg/L voriconazole. Three out of 10 settled dust samples were contaminated by mycotoxins. Settled dust sampling coupled with air sampling in a routine way might provide useful information about bioburden exposure.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study aimed to evaluate mycotoxin contamination levels of raw materials and products for animals in Poland in the years 2015-2020, and showed that both feeding and raw materials are contaminated by mycotoxins, often by more than one.
20 citations
30 Jun 2021
TL;DR: The obligation to serve a ruler directly at war existed also in Poland until the first part of 13th century, however, with the passage of time it underwent significant changes and became subject to constant negotiations, which was mostly influenced by current relations between local Church and secular power.
Abstract: The obligation to serve a ruler directly at war existed also in Poland until the first part of 13th century, however, with the passage of time it underwent significant changes and became subject to constant negotiations, which was mostly influenced by current relations between local Church and secular power. The collapse of central power then, with simultaneous increase of papal influence in Poland, led to the emancipation of the Polish Church and it resulted, among others, in the lack of bishops’ participation in the military affairs of Piast princes. Although there were clear tendencies to change this attitude during the unification period, this did not result in the militarization of the episcopate in the likeness of neighboring countries. The bishops were re-included in the sphere of state activity, but neither the rulers, it seems, insisted on the personal military involvement of the hierarchs, nor did the latter voluntarily show any greater interest in warfare, which could have been a consequence of changing cultural norms and social expectations among the elites of the late medieval Kingdom of Poland.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authenticity of historical settings related to the player's immersion is investigated. But how is authenticity related to player immersion in historical settings in video games, and how can video games afford authentic heritage experiences, comparable to physical visits to a heritage site?
Abstract: Can video games afford authentic heritage experiences, comparable to physical visits to a heritage site? How is authenticity of historical settings related to the player’s immersion? This article e...
17 citations
TL;DR: This research can provide information for increasing the protection of the juniper forest and for counteracting the phenomenon of local extinctions caused by anthropic pressure and climate changes.
Abstract: Aim The aim of this study is to model the past, current, and future distribution of J. phoenicea s.s., J. turbinata, and J. canariensis, based on bioclimatic variables using a maximum entropy model (Maxent) in the Mediterranean and Macaronesian regions. Location Mediterranean and Macaronesian. Taxon Cupressaceae, Juniperus. Methods Data on the occurrence of the J. phoenicea complex were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF.org), the literature, herbaria, and the authors' field notes. Bioclimatic variables were obtained from the WorldClim database and Paleoclim. The climate data related to species localities were used for predictions of niches by implementation of Maxent, and the model was evaluated with ENMeval. Results The potential niches of Juniperus phoenicea during the Last Interglacial period (LIG), Last Glacial Maximum climate (LGM), and Mid-Holocene (MH) covered 30%, 10%, and almost 100%, respectively, of the current potential niche. Climate warming may reduce potential niches by 30% in RCP2.6 and by 90% in RCP8.5. The potential niches of Juniperus turbinata had a broad circum-Mediterranean and Canarian distribution during the LIG and the MH; its distribution extended during the LGM when it was found in more areas than at present. The predicted warming in scenarios RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 could reduce the current potential niche by 30% and 50%, respectively. The model did not find suitable niches for J. canariensis during the LIG and the LGM, but during the MH its potential niche was 30% larger than at present. The climate warming scenario RCP2.6 indicates a reduction in the potential niche by 30%, while RCP8.5 so indicates a reduction of almost 60%. Main conclusions This research can provide information for increasing the protection of the juniper forest and for counteracting the phenomenon of local extinctions caused by anthropic pressure and climate changes.
17 citations
TL;DR: While the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea was completely free from parasites, parasite parameters of the other invader, Sinanodonta woodiana, were relatively high, indicating that the role of parasites can be invader-specific and urges further research.
Abstract: An increasing threat to local, native freshwater mussels (Unionida)—an ecologically important but globally alarmingly declining group—is the invasion by exotic bivalves. The Enemy Release Hypothesis predicts that introduced species should benefit from enemy-mediated competition because they are less likely to be harmed by natural enemies, such as parasites, than their native competitors. We investigated within-site differences in parasitism between sympatric native (tot. five spp.) and invasive (tot. three spp.) bivalves in eight northern European waterbodies, which harboured totally 15 parasite taxa. In paired comparisons using within-site averages, the mean number of parasite species in the native bivalves was 2.3 times higher, and the sum of parasite prevalences 2.4 times higher, than in the invasive bivalves. This may lead to enemy-mediated competitive release of invaders and contribute to the success of invasive freshwater bivalves, in general. However, while the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea was completely free from parasites, parasite parameters of the other invader, Sinanodonta woodiana, were relatively high, indicating that the role of parasites can be invader-specific and urges further research. Understanding the factors affecting success of freshwater bivalve invasions, such as parasitism, can aid invasion control and conservation of local, native (endangered) bivalves.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the specific relationship between the sense of coherence and strategies for coping with stress in a group of professionally active nurses and find that nurses with a stronger sense of self-awareness used more adaptive strategies to deal with stress than those with average or low levels.
Abstract: The nursing profession is associated with constant presence of difficult situations and stress, which arise from responsibility for the highest values – human life and health. With demographic changes in the society, the demand for nursing care increases. Looking after the health of nursing staff becomes a non-material investment in employees. One of the most important health potentials described in literature is the sense of coherence. It can significantly contribute to maintaining good health, modify one’s functioning in a stressful working environment and influence the choice of strategies for coping with stress. The aim of the study was to describe the specific relationship between the sense of coherence and strategies for coping with stress in a group of professionally active nurses. The study involved 91 nurses in central Poland, aged 22–52. The group was diversified in terms of: education, work system, marital status and place of residence. The study was conducted with the use of: Sense of Coherence Questionnaire SOC-29 and Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress - Mini-COPE. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of scientific research set out in the Helsinki Declaration. The sense of coherence value in the test group was M = 134.24 (SD = 19.55). In stressful situations nurses most often used active strategies to cope with stress: Planning M = 2.10 (SD = 0.54), Seeking Emotional Social Support M = 1.95 (SD = 0.68) and Seeking Instrumental Social Support M = 1.95 (SD = 0.69), and the least frequently: Alcohol/Drug Use M = 0.28 (SD = 0.48). The level of the sense of coherence and its components differentiated the strategies of coping with stress used in the examined group of nurses. The research confirmed that the sense of coherence serves as a health potential in a stressful working environment - a high sense of coherence translate into better mental health, correct functioning in the working environment, and using adaptive strategies of coping with stress. Nurses with a stronger sense of coherence used more adaptive strategies to deal with stress than those with average or low levels.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of the 4DSQ-2015 FCSQ-14, 4.5% of the participants reported that they were satisfied with the results.
Abstract: В статье обсуждаются представления о многомерности конструкта алекситимии и проблемы ее изучения. Представлено исследование взаимосвязи алекситимических черт с когнитивной регуляцией эмоций (РЭ), эластичностью копинг-поведения (ЭКП) и психоэмоциональной симптоматикой. 109 молодых людей (82,6% женщин) в возрасте 19—34 лет заполняли следующие опросники: опросник алекситимии BVAQ, опросник когнитивной регуляции эмоций CERQ, опросник эластичного совладания со стрессом FCSQ-14 и Четырехмерный опросник для оценки дистресса, депрессии, тревоги и соматизации 4DSQ. Молодые люди с алекситимией III типа и лица с отсутствием алекситимии характеризуются благоприятной когнитивной РЭ и высокой ЭКП. Противоположная тенденция характерна для лиц с алекситимией I и II типа. Высокая эмоциональная реактивность и низкая способность к когнитивной переработке своих эмоций определяет низкую адаптивность личности и склонность к психоэмоциональным нарушениям. Слабое понимание эмоций способствует редкому использованию адаптивных когнитивных стратегий РЭ и снижению ЭКП. Низкая эмоциональная возбудимость способствует высокой ЭКП и наряду с конкретным мышлением — меньшему использованию неадаптивных стратегий РЭ.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the literature on the possibilities for electroplating of polymer materials was presented and discussed, and the main focus was the efficiency of metal electrodeposition.
Abstract: This work is a review of the literature on the possibilities for electroplating of polymer materials. Methods of metalizing polymers and their composites were presented and discussed. Information from various publications on the electrical properties of polymers and polymer composites was collected and discussed. The most important results on the electroplating of conductive polymers and conductive composites were presented and compared. This work especially focuses on the electrical conductivity of polymer materials. The main focus was the efficiency of metal electrodeposition. Based on the analyzed publications, it was found that electrically deposited metal layers on conductive polymeric materials show discontinuity, considerable roughness, and different layer thickness depending on the distance from the contact electrode. The use of metal nanoparticles (AgNWs) or nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) as a filler enables effective metallization of the polymer composite. Due to the high aspect ratio, it is possible to lower the percolation threshold with a low filler content in the polymer matrix. The presented review reveals many of the problems associated with the effectiveness of the electroplating methods. It indicates the need and direction for further research and development in the field of electroplating of polymer materials and modification of their electrical properties.
TL;DR: For infections with novel SARS-CoV-2, the precautionary principle applies: unless evidence suggests otherwise, that fever should be allowed to run its course, and the benefits of allowing fever to occur probably outweigh its harms.
Abstract: Although fever is one of the main presenting symptoms of COVID-19 infection, little public attention has been given to fever as an evolved defense. Fever, the regulated increase in the body temperature, is part of the evolved systemic reaction to infection known as the acute phase response. The heat of fever augments the performance of immune cells, induces stress on pathogens and infected cells directly, and combines with other stressors to provide a nonspecific immune defense. Observational trials in humans suggest a survival benefit from fever, and randomized trials published before COVID-19 do not support fever reduction in patients with infection. Like public health measures that seem burdensome and excessive, fevers involve costly trade-offs but they can prevent infection from getting out of control. For infections with novel SARS-CoV-2, the precautionary principle applies: unless evidence suggests otherwise, we advise that fever should be allowed to run its course. Lay summary: For COVID-19, many public health organizations have advised treating fever with medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Even though this is a common practice, lowering body temperature has not improved survival in laboratory animals or in patients with infections. Blocking fever can be harmful because fever, along with other sickness symptoms, evolved as a defense against infection. Fever works by causing more damage to pathogens and infected cells than it does to healthy cells in the body. During pandemic COVID-19, the benefits of allowing fever to occur probably outweigh its harms, for individuals and for the public at large.
TL;DR: In this article, an extensive analysis of the correlations linking the structure with the electrical properties of hierarchical nanocomposites was conducted, focusing primarily on the determination and separation of the impact of iron (III) acetylacetonate (Fe(Acac)3) on the structure of core-eCNFs from the overall effect it exerts on the global ordering and electrical properties.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assessed the bioburden in Portuguese firefighters' ambulances with a multi-approach protocol using active and passive sampling methods, and S. aureus prevalence and resistance profile in ambulances' ambient and colonization in workers were also investigated.
TL;DR: In this article, a smoothing filter based on the Savitzky-Golay filter was proposed for the purpose of EEG signal filtering and compared with some other approaches to EEG data filtering.
Abstract: Off-the-shelf, consumer-grade EEG equipment is nowadays becoming the first-choice equipment for many scientists when it comes to recording brain waves for research purposes. On one hand, this is perfectly understandable due to its availability and relatively low cost (especially in comparison to some clinical-level EEG devices), but, on the other hand, quality of the recorded signals is gradually increasing and reaching levels that were offered just a few years ago by much more expensive devices used in medicine for diagnostic purposes. In many cases, a well-designed filter and/or a well-thought signal acquisition method improve the signal quality to the level that it becomes good enough to become subject of further analysis allowing to formulate some valid scientific theories and draw far-fetched conclusions related to human brain operation. In this paper, we propose a smoothing filter based upon the Savitzky–Golay filter for the purpose of EEG signal filtering. Additionally, we provide a summary and comparison of the applied filter to some other approaches to EEG data filtering. All the analyzed signals were acquired from subjects performing visually involving high-concentration tasks with audio stimuli using Emotiv EPOC Flex equipment.
TL;DR: In this article, an overview of the possibilities of end-of-life plastics management was made, and the meaning of shredding in the end-to-life pathways was described, with special emphasis given to quasi-cutting as the dominant mode of comminution of polymeric materials.
Abstract: Recently, a dynamic increase in the number of polymer elements ending their life cycle has been observed. There are three main ways of dealing with polymer waste: reuse in an unchanged form, recycling (both material and energy), and disposal (mainly in the form of landfilling or incineration). The legislation of European countries promotes in particular two forms of waste management: reuse and recycling. Recycling processes are used to recover materials and energy especially from contaminated waste, which are structurally changed by other materials, friction, temperature, machine, process, etc. The recycling of polymers, especially of multi-plastic structural elements, requires the use of special technological installations and a series of preparatory operations, including crushing and separating. Due to the universality and necessity of materials processing in recycling engineering, in particular size reduction, the aim of this study is to organize and systematize knowledge about shredding in the recycling process of end-of-life polymeric materials. This could help properly design these processes in the context of sustainable development and circular economy. Firstly, an overview of the possibilities of end-of-life plastics management was made, and the meaning of shredding in the end-of-life pathways was described. Then, the development of comminution in recycling processes was presented, with special emphasis given to quasi-cutting as the dominant mode of comminution of polymeric materials. The phenomenon of quasi-cutting, as well as factors related to the material, the operation of the shredding machine, and the technological process affecting it were described. Research conducted on quasi-cutting as a phenomenon when cutting single material samples and quasi-cutting as a machine process was characterized. Then, issues regarding recycling potentials in the context of shredding were systematized. Considerations included the areas of material, technical, energy, human, and control potentials. Presented bases and models can be used to support the innovation of creative activities, i.e., environmentally friendly actions, that produce specific positive environmental results in the mechanical processing of recycled and reused materials. The literature survey indicates the need to explore the environmental aspect of the shredding process in recycling and connect the shredding process variables with environmental consequences. This will help to design and control the processes to get the lowest possible environmental burdens.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a chromosome-level assembly of the more than 300 year-old reference individual, Bhaga, from the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (Germany), which was resolved into 12 chromosomes varying in length between 28 Mb and 73 Mb.
Abstract: Background The European Beech is the dominant climax tree in most regions of Central Europe and valued for its ecological versatility and hardwood timber. Even though a draft genome has been published recently, higher resolution is required for studying aspects of genome architecture and recombination. Results Here we present a chromosome-level assembly of the more than 300 year-old reference individual, Bhaga, from the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (Germany). Its nuclear genome of 541 Mb was resolved into 12 chromosomes varying in length between 28 Mb and 73 Mb. Multiple nuclear insertions of parts of the chloroplast genome were observed, with one region on chromosome 11 spanning more than 2 Mb of the genome in which fragments up to 54,784 bp long and covering the whole chloroplast genome were inserted randomly. Unlike in Arabidopsis thaliana, ribosomal cistrons are present in Fagus sylvatica only in four major regions, in line with FISH studies. On most assembled chromosomes, telomeric repeats were found at both ends, while centromeric repeats were found to be scattered throughout the genome apart from their main occurrence per chromosome. The genome-wide distribution of SNPs was evaluated using a second individual from Jamy Nature Reserve (Poland). SNPs, repeat elements and duplicated genes were unevenly distributed in the genomes, with one major anomaly on chromosome 4. Conclusions The genome presented here adds to the available highly resolved plant genomes and we hope it will serve as a valuable basis for future research on genome architecture and for understanding the past and future of European Beech populations in a changing climate.
TL;DR: In this article, the carbon co-doping of Ce-doped garnets, an efficient scintillation material and white light phosphor, was investigated and the composition and properties of carbon-c...
Abstract: This paper addresses the carbon co-doping of Ce-doped garnets, an efficient scintillation material and white light phosphor. The composition and the optical and scintillation properties of carbon-c...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored demographic and biogeographical processes that shaped the genetic diversity of Scots pine in the Caucasus ecoregion and its probable future distribution under different climate scenarios and found that the high genetic variability of the Caucasian populations mirrors a complex glacial and postglacial history that had a unique evolutionary trajectory compared to the main range in Europe.
Abstract: Scots pine is one of the most widely occurring pines, but future projections suggest a large reduction in its range, mostly at the southern European limits. A significant part of its range is located in the Caucasus, a global hot-spot of diversity. Pine forests are an important reservoir of biodiversity and endemism in this region. We explored demographic and biogeographical processes that shaped the genetic diversity of Scots pine in the Caucasus ecoregion and its probable future distribution under different climate scenarios. We found that the high genetic variability of the Caucasian populations mirrors a complex glacial and postglacial history that had a unique evolutionary trajectory compared to the main range in Europe. Scots pine currently grows under a broad spectrum of climatic conditions in the Caucasus, which implies high adaptive potential in the past. However, the current genetic resources of Scots pine are under high pressure from climate change. From our predictions, over 90% of the current distribution of Scots pine may be lost in this century. By threatening the stability of the forest ecosystems, this would dramatically affect the biodiversity of the Caucasus hot-spot.
TL;DR: In this paper, the diversity of mtDNA in honey bees from East-Central Europe was determined by sequencing the COI-COII region in 427 bees sampled along two 900 km transects (17.5° N and 23° E).
Abstract: In Europe, protecting the genetic diversity of Apis mellifera is usually perceived in the context of limiting the spread of the evolutionary C-lineage within the original range of the M-lineage. However, due to climate change and large-scale ongoing movement of breeding individuals, the expansion of bees from the African A-lineage could represent another threat. This issue has not yet been investigated in detail, although A-mitotypes occur in South-West and South Europe due to natural gene flow. Here, we determine the diversity of mtDNA in honey bees from East-Central Europe. We sequenced the COI-COII region in 427 bees sampled along two 900 km transects (17.5° N and 23° E). We found that 1.64% of bees (95% CI: 0.66–3.35 %) had A-mitotypes. It is unlikely that their presence in the area resulted from natural migration but instead human driven introductions of hybrids of African ancestry. This expansion deserves more attention, as it may contribute to the dissemination of undesirable traits, parasites and diseases.
TL;DR: In this paper, the possibility of using waste distillery stillage after dilute acid pretreatment, as a medium for the preparation of beet molasses mash, for ethanol production according to the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) technology, was assessed.
Abstract: The possibility of using waste distillery stillage (first-generation technology) after dilute acid pretreatment, as a medium for the preparation of beet molasses mash, for ethanol production according to the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) technology, was assessed. The combination of lignocellulosic hydrolysates made from acid-pretreated stillage with sugar-rich beet molasses is an effective way of utilizing the first-generation ethanol production by-products in the second-generation ethanol production technology. It was demonstrated that the final ethanol concentration could be as high as 90 g/L. The process yield was over 94% of the theoretical yield when the molasses was diluted using acid-pretreated maize distillery stillage. An attempt to increase the pool of fermentable sugars by using cellulases to hydrolyze cellulose failed due to product inhibition in the fermentation medium with a high glucose concentration. A more than threefold increase in the concentration of ethyl acetate (even up to 924.4±11.8 mg/L) was observed in the distillates obtained from the media incubated with cellulases. The use of beet molasses combined with the hydrolysate of pretreated distillery stillage also changed the concentration of other volatile by-products. An increase in the concentration of aldehydes (mainly acetaldehyde to a concentration of above 1500 mg/L), methanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol was observed, while the concentration of higher alcohols (isobutanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol) decreased. Interestingly, the use of cellulases in fermentation media from molasses and stillage hydrolysates resulted in an average fourfold increase in the concentration of this ester to a maximum level of 924.4±11.8 mg/L. Hydrolysates made from acid-pretreated distillery stillage, combined with sugar-rich beet molasses to boost the efficiency of the conversion process, can be successfully used in the production of second-generation fuel ethanol. However, further optimization of the cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis process is required for efficient use of the raw material.
TL;DR: HICT induced improvement of cognitive function and quality of life, and these changes were accompanied by an increase of BDNF and shifts in CATB concentration, which was modified by age and insulin sensitivity.
TL;DR: In this article, the structural properties of the TbAG:Ce SCF/YAG epitaxial structures were investigated for the development of a novel generation of phosphor converters for white LEDs and the dependence of photoconversion properties on the film thicknesses was studied to construct the prototype of efficient warm white LEDs.
Abstract: The possibility of development of an efficient phosphor converters (PC) for white LED (WLED) based on single crystalline films (SCF) of Ce3+ doped Tb3Al5O12 garnet (TbAG:Ce), grown using liquid-phase epitaxy method onto Y3Al5O12 (YAG) substrates, is evidenced for the first time in this work. The detail investigation of the structural properties of the TbAG:Ce SCF/YAG epitaxial structures was performed. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and composition analysis revealed an interface with high structural quality including the formation of a transition layer with a 5–7 nm thickness between TAG:Ce SCF and YAG substrate. The transition layer consisted of solid solutions between Tb3Al5O12:Ce and Y3Al5O12 garnets gradually changing from undoped YAG in substrate towards TbAG:Ce in the film and allowed to reduce the mismatch-stress. The absorption, cathodoluminescence, photoluminescence properties of TbAG:Ce SCFs were investigated as well. Furthermore, the dependence of photoconversion properties on the film thicknesses was studied to construct the prototype of efficient warm white LEDs. The change in the crystal thickness enabled tuning of the white light tons from cold white/daylight to neutral white. These results can be useful for the development of a novel generation of phosphor converters for white LEDs.
TL;DR: The spatio-temporal distribution of antibiotic-resistant strains (ARS) indicated a high concentration of drug-resistant Escherichia coli in the summer season at the sampling site located in the last part of the river.
Abstract: This paper presents the spatio-temporal distribution of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in the river section subject to anthropogenic stress and describes spread patterns of antibiotic resistance in the studied bacterial groups. The analysis involved 58 strains of Escherichia coli and 61 strains of enterococci. Antibiotic resistance profiles were prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The results indicated a correlation between the location of a sampling site and the concentration of faecal bacteria. The highest average concentrations were recorded at the site located in the city centre, where the river is used mainly for recreation. Antibiotic resistance profiles showed that Escherichia coli had 100% sensitivity to tigecycline, levofloxacin and imipenem. The highest percentaage of strains (17%) were resistant to piperacillin. Enterococci were 100% sensitive to levofloxacin. No strains were vancomycin-resistant (VRE). The highest percentage of strains was resistant to imipenem (23%), and the lowest, to ampicillin (2%). The spatio-temporal distribution of antibiotic-resistant strains (ARS) indicated a high concentration of drug-resistant Escherichia coli (47%) in the summer season at the sampling site located in the last part of the river. At the same time, drug resistance in enterococci increased along the river course and was considerably higher in spring. There were no significant relationships between physico-chemical parameters of water and the levels of faecal bacteria. On the other hand, strong relationships were observed between the percentage of strains showing resistance to the applied antibiotics and physico-chemical and biological parameters of water. The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (r = − 0.9; p < 0.001) and BOD5 (r = − 0.85; p < 0.05). The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of enterococci was most strongly correlated with water pH (r = − 0.92; p < 0.001).
15 Mar 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate whether the sustainability of 3D printing processes can be supported by computational intelligence (CI) and artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions, and present a new AI-based software to evaluate the amount of pollution generated by 3D print systems.
Abstract: Technological and material issues in 3D printing technologies should take into account sustainable development, use of materials, energy, emitted particles, and waste. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the sustainability of 3D printing processes can be supported by computational intelligence (CI) and artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions. We present a new AI-based software to evaluate the amount of pollution generated by 3D printing systems. We input the values: printing technology, material, print weight, etc., and the expected results (risk assessment) and determine if and what precautions should be taken. The study uses a self-learning program that will improve as more data are entered. This program does not replace but complements previously used 3D printing metrics and software.
TL;DR: The Polish government has announced that it will not be holding a presidential election on 10 May 2020, despite the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the peak being expected at the end of April 2020.
Abstract: Despite the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the peak being expected at the end of April 2020, Poland initially decided to go ahead with a presidential election scheduled for 10 May 2020. The ...
TL;DR: The supplementation applied to footballers showed no effects under the influence of the applied exercise stress test, which may be the result of both the players’ adaptation to the applied Exercise loads and the insufficient antioxidant capacity of the supplement used.
Abstract: Background Intensive physical exercise that competitive sports athletes participate in can negatively affect their pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance. Compounds with high antioxidant potential, such as those present in chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), can prevent these adverse changes. We here investigated the effect of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress balance in young footballers. Methods The study was designed as a double-blind randomized trial. Diet of a group of young football players (male; n = 20; mean age, 15.8 years-old) was supplemented with 200 ml of chokeberry juice per day, for 7 weeks. The players were randomly assigned to the experimental (supplemented, FP-S; n = 12) and control (placebo, FB-C; n = 8) groups. Before and after the supplementation period, the participants performed a beep test. Venous blood was sampled for serum analysis before, immediately after, 3 h, and 24 h after the beep test. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, total antioxidant capacity, iron, hepcidin, ferritin, myoglobin, and albumin, and morphological blood parameters (red blood cells, (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and lactic acid) were determined. Results Chokeberry juice supplementation did not significantly affect the outcome of the beep test. The supplementation did not significantly affect any of the morphological, biochemical, or performance parameters analysed. Conclusions Chokeberry juice supplementation did not affect the measured parameters in the studied population, which may indicate insufficient antioxidant capacity of the juice.