Wrocław University of Technology

About: Wrocław University of Technology is a education organization based out in Wrocław, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Laser & Fuzzy logic. The organization has 13115 authors who have published 31279 publications receiving 338694 citations.

Antiphage activity of sera during phage therapy in relation to its outcome.

Abstract: Aim: The aim was to study the association between the phage neutralization of patients’ sera and the clinical outcome of phage therapy (PT). Patients: About 62 patients with various bacterial infections receiving PT as well as 30 healthy volunteers were studied. Materials & methods: Antiphage activity of sera (AAS) was examined using the phage neutralization test of different types of phages before and during PT in relation to the route of phage administration and correlated with the results of PT. Results & conclusion: The analysis of the association between AAS level and clinical results indicated that the level of AAS is not correlated with the outcome of PT.

Market, innovation, competition: An evolutionary model of industrial dynamics

Abstract: A model is presented of the behavior of a number of competing firms producing functionally similar products. Each firm searches for new routines and new combinations of the routines, i.e. ‘technical and organizational ideas and skills associated with a particular economic context’. Decisions of a firm related to investment, modernization of production, price, etc. are based on the firm's evaluation of the behavior of other competing firms and the expected response of the market. Firms search for new combinations of routines in order to minimize the unit cost of production, maximize the productivity of capital, and maximize the competitiveness of their products in the market. Results of simulation of the model concerning investigation of price setting procedures, and long- and short-term firms' objectives are presented.

Release of Metal Ions from Orthodontic Appliances: An In Vitro Study

Abstract: In this paper, we report the results of an in vitro experiment on the release of metal ions from orthodontic appliances composed of alloys containing iron, chromium, nickel, silicon, and molybdenum into artificial saliva. The concentrations of magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, nickel, and chromium were significantly higher in artificial saliva in which metal brackets, bands, and wires used in orthodontics were incubated. In relation to the maximum acceptable concentrations of metal ions in drinking water and to recommended daily doses, two elements of concern were nickel (573 vs. 15 μg/l in the controls) and chromium (101 vs. 8 μg/l in the controls). Three ion release coefficients were defined: α, a dimensionless multiplication factor; β, the difference in concentrations (in micrograms per liter); and γ, the ion release coefficient (in percent). The elevated levels of metals in saliva are thought to occur by corrosion of the chemical elements in the alloys or welding materials. The concentrations of some groups of dissolved elements appear to be interrelated.

Potential applications of cyanobacteria: Spirulina platensis filtrates and homogenates in agriculture

Abstract: In the present paper, products obtained from a blue-green microalga Spirulina platensis filtrate (applied for seed soaking and for foliar spray) and homogenate (used for seed coating) were tested in the cultivation of radish. Their effect on length, wet mass, multielemental composition and the greenness index of the radish leaves was examined. Multi-elemental analyses of the algal products, and radish were also performed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The best soaking time, concentrations of filtrate and doses of homogenate were established. The longest and heaviest plants were observed for homogenate applied at a dose of 300 µL per 1.5 g of seeds and 15% of filtrate applied as foliar spray. The highest chlorophyll content was found in the group treated with 100 µL of homogenate and 5% of filtrate. In the case of soaking time, the longest plants were in the group where seeds were soaked for 6 h, but the heaviest and greenest were after soaking for 48 h. The applied algal products increased the content of elements in seedlings. Obtained results proved that algal extracts have high potential to be applied in modern horticulture and agriculture. The use of Spirulina-based products is consistent with the idea of sustainable agriculture that could help to ensure production of sufficient human food to meet the needs of rising population and protection of the environment.