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.

Effect of New Eco-Polyols Based on PLA Waste on the Basic Properties of Rigid Polyurethane and Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Foams.

Abstract: The aim of the presented research was to obtain two new eco-polyols based on waste polylactide (PLA) and to check the effect on the properties of rigid polyurethane (RPU) foams and, based on these, rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams. The synthesis of eco-polyols was based on the transesterification reaction of melted PLA with diethylene glycol in the presence of an organometallic catalyst. Properties of the obtained eco-polyols were examined for their potential as raw materials for synthesis of rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams, i.e., hydroxyl value, acid value, density, viscosity, pH, water content. Spectroscopic studies (FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR) were also carried out. Results of these tests confirmed the assumed chemical structure of the new polyols. RPU and RPU/PIR foam formulations were developed based on the obtained analytical results. Partial replacement of petrochemical polyol by eco-polyols in RPU and RPU/PIR foams decreased the value of apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness and water absorption. Moreover, all foams modified by eco-polyols showed higher resistance to aging. All RPU/PIR foams and most PRU foams modified by eco-polyols from waste PLA had better functional properties than the reference foams based on petrochemical polyol.

Neuromuscular and Torque Kinetic Changes After 10 Months of Explosive Sport Training in Prepubertal Gymnasts.

Abstract: Purpose: To determine neuromuscular and torque kinetic changes after 10 months of explosive sport training in the elbow of prepubertal gymnasts compared with untrained age-matched controls. Methods: In 15 young gymnasts (9.02 [0.41] y) and 15 age-matched untrained males (8.76 [0.51] y), the rate of torque development (RTD) using the Biodex System 4 and the coactivation index were evaluated using electromyography. Explosive strength variables were normalized to the peak torque. Measures were determined twice: before and after a 10-month period of gymnastic training. Covariation analysis was used to account for differences in baseline values between gymnasts and controls. Results: After 10 months of training, gymnasts demonstrated a significantly (P < .05) greater increase in normalized peak RTD values in elbow flexion compared with controls (7.76% vs 0.65%). Covariation analysis also revealed a significantly (P < .05) greater reduction in the coactivation index of elbow extension in the gymnasts (−7.81% [5...

Transformation of a Water Network in a Moraine Upland-Outwash Plain-Valley Landscape

Abstract: The area under study in this paper was subject to landscape transformations, including changes in hydrographical networks. These changes were especially intense in the second half of the 19 th century during the Prussian partition, when extensive hydrotechnical works were conducted. Based on a comparison of cartographic materials at a scale of 1:25,000, Prussian topographic maps from 1874, and Polish maps from the second half of the 20 th century, it was found that the hydrographic network has changed significantly. A characteristic anthropogenic pattern of water structures was observed that correlates with certain individual morphological units. In the bottoms of the valleys and hollows there is a dense irrigation network, and in the moraine areas, numerous reservoirs of anthropogenic origin were found that are characterized by a rather small size and circular shape. The drainage density in the area under study has increased from 0.7 to 1.95 km·km -2 , but the lake percentage has only increased from 1.81 to 1.93%. However, the number of reservoirs has increased from 36 to 675. The anthropogenic water reservoirs were found first and foremost in the area of the uplands, where the reservoir frequency has increased from 0.3 km·km -2 to 7.7 km·km -2 . The results of the conducted research can be used to perform an automatic analysis of the transformations of the water network in Tuchola Forest and other areas of the last glacial extent. The results of the study presented in this paper should also be used when taking any decisions and actions that may lead to changes in water network and water management. The discussed “anthropogenic lakeland” located in the area of poor industrial and urban development, the Tuchola Forest, may also be the premise for verifying views on a large number of lakes situated in kettle holes within the Polish Lowland (Niz Polski).

Drinking Green Tea: Despite the Risks Due to Mycotoxins, Is It Possible to Increase the Associated Health Benefits?

Abstract: Tea has been consumed for thousands of years Despite the different varieties, particular emphasis has been placed on green tea (GT), considering the associated health benefits following its regular consumption, some of which are due to its polyphenol constituents, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) Tea is not prone to the growth of microorganisms, except fungus, when proper storage, handling, and packing conditions are compromised Consequently, mycotoxins, secondary metabolites of fungi, could contaminate tea samples, affecting human health In the present study, we aimed to assess the balance between risks (due to mycotoxins and high levels of EGCG) and benefits (due to moderate intake of EGCG) associated with the consumption of GT For this, 20 GT samples (10 in bulk and 10 in bags) available in different markets in Lisbon were analyzed through a LC-MS/MS method, evaluating 38 different mycotoxins Six samples revealed detectable values of the considered toxins Current levels of mycotoxins and EGCG intake were not associated with health concerns Scenarios considering an increasing consumption of GT in Portugal showed that drinking up to seven cups of GT per day should maximize the associated health benefits The present study contributes to the future establishment of GT consumption recommendations in Portugal