Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

About: Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz is a education organization based out in Bydgoszcz, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Luminescence & Population. The organization has 1109 authors who have published 2923 publications receiving 19548 citations. The organization is also known as: Casimir the Great University & Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy.

The molecular structure ordering and orientation of the metallophthalocyanine CoPc, ZnPc, CuPc, and MgPc thin layers deposited on silicon substrate, as studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract: In this article, we present orientation study of metallophthalocyanine (MPcs) (CoPc, ZnPc, CuPc, and MgPc) thin films deposited on silicon substrate The MPc’s thin layers were obtained by the quasi-molecular beam evaporation The micro-Raman scattering spectra of MPc’s thin films were investigated in the spectral range 550–1650 cm−1 using 488 nm excitation wavelength Raman scattering studies were performed at room temperature before and after annealing process Annealing process of thin layers was carried out at 200 °C for 6 h From polarized Raman spectra using surface Raman mapping, the information on polymorphic phase of MPc’s layers has been obtained The chosen Raman modes A1g and B1g are connected with different polymorphic phases of MPc (α and β form) thin layers Moreover, the obtained results showed the influence of the annealing process on the ordering of the molecular structure Following the annealing process, it was observed arrangement of the thin layers structure being revealed in Raman spectra The obtained results indicate that the annealing process has a significant influence on the structure of thin layers being under study

Defuzzification Functionals of Ordered Fuzzy Numbers

Abstract: Defuzzification functionals, which play the main role when dealing with fuzzy controllers and fuzzy inference systems, for convex as well for ordered fuzzy numbers, are discussed. Three characteristic conditions for them are formulated. It is shown that most of the known defuzzification functionals satisfy them. Motivations for introducing the extended class of convex fuzzy numbers are presented, together with operations on them.

Adiponectin as a Biomarker of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: Controversies

Abstract: The literature reports indicating a link between plasma levels of adiponectin and body fat, bone mineral density, sex hormones, and peri- and postmenopausal changes, draw attention to the possible use of adiponectin as an indicator of osteoporotic changes, suggesting that adiponectin may also modulate bone metabolism. In this study, we attempted to analyze the available in vitro and in vivo results which could verify this hypothesis. Although several studies have shown that adiponectin has an adverse effect on bone mass, mainly by intensifying resorption, this peptide has also been demonstrated to increase the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, and reduce bone resorption. There are still many ambiguities; for example, it can be assumed that concentrations of adiponectin in plasma do not satisfactorily reflect its production by adipose tissue, as well as conflicting in vitro and in vivo results. It seems that the potential benefit in the treatment of patients with osteoporosis associated with the pharmacological regulation of adiponectin is controversial.

The Importance of Structural Factors for the Electrochemical Performance of Graphene/Carbon Nanotube/Melamine Powders towards the Catalytic Activity of Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

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.

Occupational Exposure to Mycotoxins in Swine Production: Environmental and Biological Monitoring Approaches.

Abstract: Swine production workers are exposed simultaneously to multiple contaminants. Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in Portuguese swine production farms has already been reported. However, besides AFB₁, data regarding fungal contamination showed that exposure to other mycotoxins could be expected in this setting. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure to multiple mycotoxins of swine production workers. To provide a broad view on the burden of contamination by mycotoxins and the workers' exposure, biological (urine) samples from workers (n = 25) and 38 environmental samples (air samples, n = 23; litter samples, n = 5; feed samples, n = 10) were collected. The mycotoxins biomarkers detected in the urine samples of the workers group were the deoxynivalenol-glucuronic acid conjugate (60%), aflatoxin M₁ (16%), enniatin B (4%), citrinin (8%), dihydrocitrinone (12%) and ochratoxin A (80%). Results of the control group followed the same pattern, but in general with a lower number of quantifiable results (