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.

Kompozyty sztywnych pianek poliuretanowo-poliizocyjanurowych z korą dębu szypułkowego

Abstract: New polyurethane materials – rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foams modified with ground pedunculate oak bark were obtained. The amount of added bio-filler varied from 0 to 25 % of the sum of polyol and polyisocyanate masses. The thermal, mechanical, aging and flammable properties of the produced foams were investigated. The PUR-PIR foams modified by addition of oak bark were characterized by lower brittleness, compressive strength and water absorption than those of reference foam. The apparent density, aging properties and flammability of the modified foams were similar to those of reference foam.

PCR multiplexing of nuclear microsatellite loci inQuercus species

Abstract: Simple sequence repeats have become the tool of choice in a wide range of studies of forest trees. Despite frequent use of multicolor fluorescent labeling DNA fragment analyzers, there are few procedures that reduce time and cost of the analyses by PCR multiplexing. Here we present an example of 2 multiplexes of 7 unlinked nuclear microsatellite loci to increase the efficiency of genotyping of large samples of oaks, which is extremely useful in population genetic studies.

Morphological ontogeny, distribution and ecology of Edwardzetes edwardsii and Sphaerozetes orbicularis (Acari: Oribatida: Ceratozetidae)

Abstract: In this study the morphological ontogeny, distribution and ecology of Edwardzetes edwardsii (Nicolet, 1855) and Sphaerozetes orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1835) were investigated. The latter species looks strikingly similar to S. piriformis (Nicolet, 1855), and was recognized by a rounded distal part of lamellar cusp, which in S. orbicularis had an outer spine. However, the shape of the lamellar cusp varies in Norwegian adults of S. orbicularis being rounded or with one or two spines, which puts in question the validity of S. piriformis. Our study on the morphology of juveniles of these two morphological forms of S. orbicularis also indicates that they are identical, so we provisionally consider S. piriformis as a junior synonym of S. orbicularis (syn. nov.). The juveniles of E. edwardsii and S. orbicularis have a humeral organ and a humeral macrosclerite, which is common in Sphaerozetinae, and carry seta c1 on the humeral macrosclerite. In the juveniles of E. edwardsii most gastronotal setae are of medium size and blunt, but the gastronotal shield of the larva is divided in two parts, whereas in the nymphs this shield is uniform. In all juvenile stages of S. orbicularis the gastronotal setae are short and the gastronotal shield is uniform. The adult of E. edwardsii has a rounded rostrum and 10 pairs of long notogastral setae, including c2, whereas that of S. orbicularis has rostrum with two deep incisions and 11 pairs of short notogastral setae, including c2 and c3, which is typical of Sphaerozetes Berlese, 1885, but unique in Sphaerozetinae. Edwardzetes edwardsii has a holarctic distribution, whereas S. orbicularis is a Palaearctic species. The former species prefers forest litter, whereas the latter species prefers moss.

Mechanical properties and biodegradability of flax fiber-reinforced composite of polylactide and polycaprolactone

Abstract: The aim of this work was to produce a composite based on the blend of polylactide and polycaprolactone and reinforced with flax fiber, intended for processing by injection molding, with improved mechanical and biodegradation properties as compared to neat polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The material was prepared by mixing PLA, PCL and flax fibers (about 5 mm long), extrusion and granulation with subsequent injection molding to obtain test samples. The composites differed in the content of PCL (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 wt %) whereas the content of flax fibers was kept constant (20 wt %). The samples were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile and impact strength measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Biodegradation studies were carried out using proteinase K at laboratory conditions. It was found that a reduction of fiber lengths took place during the extrusion process and that addition of flax fibers to PLA/PCL blend resulted in an increase in elastic modulus and biodegradation rate. The composite impact strength was significantly improved at 30 wt % PCL fraction.

The effect of gymnastic training on muscle strength and co-activation during isometric elbow and glenohumeral flexion/extension.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the differences between non-athletes and gymnasts at the pre- and post-pubertal age in the development of peak torque and ensuing flexion/extension ratios at the elbow and the glenohumeral joints, as well as to assess the relevance of the above activities for the co-activation of selected muscles. METHODS The study involved 20 gymnasts and 20 non-athletes aged 8-9 years, in addition to 12 gymnasts and 16 non-athletes aged 18-25 years. Measurements of the isometric peak torque (PKTQ) were taken for flexion and extension at the elbow and the glenohumeral joints. The method of surface electromyography (EMG) was applied in order to determine the neurophysiological characteristics of the strength and capabilities of these joints. RESULTS In the group of older gymnasts the PKTQ ratio of the glenohumeral flexors to extensors was the lowest (0.72) and was significantly different from the other groups. This result was consisted with the 30% higher PKTQ values (P<0.01) of the glenohumeral extensors and a 41% reduction in their EMG in flexion in comparison to non-athletes. CONCLUSIONS Apart from demonstrating the effects of long-term gymnastic training, the results give information about the imbalance between the agonists and the antagonists of the arm, which can predispose to more frequent injuries. A disproportionately greater development of strength capabilities of extensor muscles in relation to arm flexors among experienced gymnasts can provide valuable information for physiotherapists and coaches on individuation of athletes' special preparation - essential in teaching many complex gymnastic exercises.