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Search results for: MEMBRANE PROCESS
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Biological processes modelling for MBR systems: A review of the state-of-the-art focusing on SMP and EPS
PublicationA mathematical correlation between biomass kinetic and membrane fouling can improve the understanding and spread of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, especially in solving the membrane fouling issues. On this behalf, this paper, produced by the International Water Association (IWA) Task Group on Membrane modelling and control, reviews the current state-of-the-art regarding the modelling of kinetic processes of biomass, focusing on...
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Role of cholesterol in substrate recognition by -secretase
Publication-Secretase is an enzyme known to cleave multiple substrates within their transmembrane domains, with the amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer’s Disease among the most prominent examples. The activity of -secretase strictly depends on the membrane cholesterol content, yet the mechanistic role of cholesterol in the substrate binding and cleavage remains unclear. In this work, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine...
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Macro-nutrients recovery from liquid waste as a sustainable resource for production of recovered mineral fertilizer: Uncovering alternative options to sustain global food security cost-effectively
PublicationGlobal food security, which has emerged as one of the sustainability challenges, impacts every country. As food cannot be generated without involving nutrients, research has intensified recently to recover unused nutrients from waste streams. As a finite resource, phosphorus (P) is largely wasted. This work critically reviews the technical applicability of various water technologies to recover macro-nutrients such as P, N, and...
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System of monitoring of the Forest Opera in Sopot structure and roofing
PublicationThe authors present a solution realized in Forest Opera (name in Polish: Opera Leśna) in Sopot (Poland) in connection with the modernization and construction of a new roof. The complicated structure of the roof of the facility and the used covering in form of membrane made of technical fabric required (for security reasons) to install the unit of devices allowing for the continuous geodetic monitoring of the facility. Monitoring...
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Photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus using protoporphyrin IX: the role of haem-regulated transporter HrtA
PublicationLight- and photosensitiser-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is a very promising approach to the control of microbial infections. How the phenotypic features of a microorganism affect its response to photosensitiser-based photokilling represents an area of substantial research interest. To understand the mechanisms governing the phenomenon of a strain-dependent response to photodynamic inactivation (PDI), we analysed the...
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Localization and Orientation of Xanthophylls in a Lipid Bilayer
PublicationXanthophylls (polar carotenoids) play diverse biological roles, among which are modulation of the physical properties of lipid membranes and protection of biomembranes against oxidative damage. Molecular mechanisms underlying these functions are intimately related to the localization and orientation of xanthophyll molecules in lipid membranes. In the present work, we address the problem of localization and orientation of two xanthophylls...
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Enzymatic electrodes nanostructured with functionalized carbon nanotubes for biofuel cell applications
PublicationNanostructured bioelectrodes were designed and assembled into a biofuel cell with no separating membrane.
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Polyether-block-amide PEBA membranes for gas separation and pervaporation; current design and applications
PublicationPolyether-block-amide (PEBA) membranes have attracted considerable attention for their exceptional efficacy in gas separation and pervaporation processes. This comprehensive review delves into the precise definition, distinguishing characteristics, and diverse applications of PEBA membranes over the past five years. A primary research objective focuses on enhancing gas separation efficiency, primarily through augmenting membrane...
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INVESTIGATION OF ACIDIC SOLUTIONS BY POTENTIOMETRIC TASTE SENSOR WITH ALL SOLID STATE ELECTRODES
PublicationPotentiometric taste sensors with electrodes containing lipophilic compound / polymer membranes were already used to distinguish commercial liquid products. In this paper a new potentiometric taste sensor consisting of six All Solid State Electrodes (ASSEs) has been presented. Each of the membrane contains a selected lipophilic compound. The set-up consists of a reference electrode and six ASSEs. The inner layer made of a conducting...
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Adsorption-assisted transport of water vapour in super-hydrophobic membranes filled with multilayer graphene platelets
PublicationThe effects of confinement of multilayer graphene platelets in hydrophobic microporous polymeric membranes are here examined. Intermolecular interactions between water vapour molecules and nanocomposite membranes are envisaged to originate assisted transport of water vapour in membrane distillation processes when a suitable filler-polymer ratio is reached. Mass transport coefficients are estimated under different working conditions,...
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Defected Ag/Cu-MOF as a modifier of polyethersulfone membranes for enhancing permeability, antifouling properties and heavy metal and dye pollutant removal
PublicationIn this study, a novel bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) i.e. Ag/Cu-MOF was synthesized using a solvothermal method and later incorporated at different concentrations (0.1–2 wt%) using a phase inversion method for modification and antifouling property improvement of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. The resulting Ag/Cu-MOF characteristics were investigated using different techniques, such as FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM and EDX. The...
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A prototype of electrochemical sensor for measurement of carbonyl compounds in air
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigation on a prototype sensor for measurement of benzaldehyde and formaldehyde in air. Sensitivity, limit of quantification and coefficient of selectivity of the sensor have been determined as a function of membrane thickness and electrode type using square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique. The working and counter electrodes were made of platinum and gold. Ionic liquids 1-hexyl, 3-methylimidazolium...
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Recent Advances in Nanocomposite Membranes for Organic Compound Remediation from Potable Waters
PublicationWater treatment is one of the main approaches for producing drinking water from contaminated water sources which is challenging due to the presence of a variety of substances requiring removal. The fabrication of nanocomposite membranes relies either on filling nanomaterials into polymeric phases before membrane fabrication, or coating of nanomaterials on the fabricated membrane surface. The removal of organic compounds from potable...
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Pilicides effectively hinder chaperone-usher interactions in all Gram-negative bacteria
PublicationThe chaperone-usher pathway of adhesive structures biogenesis is highly conserved in all Gram-negative bacteria. Pili are polymers of thousands protein subunits that possess conserved immunoglobuline-like structure denoted by lack of the seventh G strand. The effect of this structural defect is a hydrophobic acceptor cleft. The folding of protein subunits is strictly dependent on the action of specific periplasmic chaperone protein...
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Case study of water vapour transmission properties of EPDM façade membranes
PublicationThis research aimed to investigate the water vapour transmission properties of chosen EPDM membranes applied in façade and window systems under laboratory tests. The applied procedure included in national and international standards utilized for the laboratory tests of water vapour transmission properties of EPDM membrane is described. Two main types (outside and inside types) of EPDM membranes are laboratory tested. The authors...
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Synthesis and properties of new 'N,'N-phenyltetrazole podand
PublicationThe synthesis of a new chromogenic N,N-phenyltetrazole receptor is reported here. The cationbinding properties of this receptor in solution were investigated by naked-eye colour change, electrochemical methods and UV-Vis spectroscopy in various solvents (CH3CN, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), DMSO/H2O, CH3CN/H2O and CH3CN/MeOH). In addition, the receptor was used as a sensing material in ion-selective membrane electrodes. The selectivity...
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Surface engineering of graphene oxide membranes for selective separation of perfluorooctanoic acids
PublicationPerfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) are environmental toxicants and their widespread detection and accumulation in the environment can be detrimental to the ecosystem. In this study, surface charge of GO membranes was engineered to enhance selectivity of graphene oxide (GO) membranes and for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA ∼400 Da) in real concentration ranges in wastewater streams. The structure and physicochemical properties...
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Equivalent 4-node enhanced assumed strain and hybrid stress shell elements in 6-parameter theory
PublicationWe discuss the equivalence of semi-enhanced assumed strain (EAS) and semi-hybrid stress (SEM) shell finite elements. We use the general nonlinear 6-field shell theory with kinematics composed of generalized displacements composed of the translation field and the rotation field. Due to the presence of rotation tensor the elements have naturally six nodal engineering degrees of freedom. We propose interpolation for a strain field...
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On phase equilibrium of an elastic liquid shell with wedge disclination
PublicationBased on the six-parameter shell theory we consider the phase equilibrium of a two-phase liquid membrane containing a wedge disclination. The considered problems are related to modelling of phase transitions in biological or lipid membranes. In order to capture the membrane behaviour we consider a special case of elastic shells which energy is invariant under major transformations of a reference configuration and can be treated...
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Application of g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposites for fabrication of anti-fouling polymer membranes with dye and protein rejection superiority
PublicationPolysulfone (PSf) membranes are privileged for water and wastewater treatment, but because of their hydrophobic nature, they suffer from fouling, which lowers their performance and lifetime. In this work, g-C3N4 and g-C3N4/ZnO nanomaterials were synthesized via a hydrothermal method to modify the PSf membrane for effective dye separation and reduction of organic fouling. Since g-C3N4/ZnO possesses –OH and –NH reactive groups, g-C3N4/ZnO/PSf...
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A review on hydrophobic electrospun nanofibers-based materials and membranes for water treatment: Challenges, outlook, and stability
PublicationMembrane technology is well recognized as a dependable means of supplementing the availability of potable water through processes such as water purification and desalination. Electrospun nanofiber membranes have garnered significant attention because of their advantageous features, including a greater specific surface area, increased porosity, reduced thickness, and popularity. Consequently, ENMs have emerged as an up-and-coming...
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Monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in atmospheric air. Part I. On-line gas analyzers
PublicationThe paper reviews the subject literature concerning the analytical instruments routinely used for monitoring volatile organic compounds in atmospheric air. The analyzers are classified as stationary or mobile according to their ease of transport. Stationary DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) analyzer is characterized, as are MIMS (Membrane Introduction Mass Spectrometry), MESI (Membrane Extraction with Sorbent...
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Facilitated water transport in composite reduced graphene oxide pervaporation membranes for ethanol upgrading
PublicationHigh purity ethanol is one of the most sought-after renewable energy sources. However, standard production methods yield ethanol of insufficient quality. Membrane processes such as pervaporation are recognized as a viable method for upgrading ethanol. Their performance and selectivity depend solely on membrane employed. Hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes are used industrially for this purpose, but there is a trade-off...
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Dual-Activity Fluoroquinolone-Transportan 10 Conjugates offer alternative Leukemia therapy during Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
PublicationHematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is often considered a last resort leukemia treatment, fraught with limited success due to microbial infections, a leading cause of mortality in leukemia patients. To address this critical issue, we explored a novel approach by synthesizing antileukemic agents containing antibacterial substances. This innovative strategy involves conjugating fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin...
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Isogeometric Shell FE Analysis of the Human Abdominal Wall
PublicationIn this paper a nonlinear isogeometric Kirchhoff-Love shell model of the human abdominal wall is proposed. Its geometry is based on in vivo measurements obtained from a polygon mesh that is transformed into a NURBS surface, and then used directly for the finite element analysis. The passive response of the abdominal wall model under uniform pressure is considered. A hyperelastic membrane model based on the Gasser-Ogden-Holzapfel...
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Lower Rim Substituted p-tert-Butyl-Calix[4]arene. Part 16. Synthesis of 25, 26, 27, 28-tetrakis(piperidinethiocarbonylmethylene)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene and its interaction with metal ions
PublicationThe synthesis, characterisation and X-ray crystal structures of p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arenethioamide L and its complex with lead L-Pb2+ is reported. The cation-binding properties in solution have been assessed by liquid-liquid extraction of the metal picrates from water into dichloromethane and by stability constants determination in acetonitrile using UV-absorption spectrophotometry or potentiometry. The compound was used as active...
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Cell-penetrating peptides – mechanism of transduction and synthesis – short review
PublicationPotential antimicrobial agents may be effective if they are delivered efficiently to their site of action. In many cases, lack of permeability through the cell membrane is the main problem. One of the possible solutions could be a novel intracellular delivery system involving cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which may improve the efficiency of many new biophar-maceuticals. Among other things, CPPs are capable of trans-porting...
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Splice variants of mitofusin 2 shape the endoplasmic reticulum and tether it to mitochondria
PublicationIn eukaryotic cells, different organelles interact at membrane contact sites stabilized by tethers. Mitochondrial mitofusin 2 (MFN2) acts as a membrane tether that interacts with an unknown partner on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this work, we identified the MFN2 splice variant ERMIT2 as the ER tethering partner of MFN2. Splicing of MFN2 produced ERMIT2 and ERMIN2, two ER-specific variants. ERMIN2 regulated ER morphology,...
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Recent advances in aqueous virus removal technologies
PublicationThe COVID-19 outbreak has triggered a massive research, but still urgent detection and treatment of this virus seems a public concern. The spread of viruses in aqueous environments underlined efficient virus treatment processes as a hot challenge. This review critically and comprehensively enables identifying and classifying advanced biochemical, membrane-based and disinfection processes for effective treatment of virus-contaminated...
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Influence of a lipid bilayer on the conformational behavior of amphotericin B derivatives - A molecular dynamics study.
PublicationAmphotericin B (AmB) is an effective but very toxic antifungal antibiotic. In our laboratory a series of AmB derivatives of improved selectivity of action was synthesized and tested. To understand molecular basis of this improvement, comparative conformational studies of amphotericin B and its two more selectivederivatives were carried out in an aqueous solution and in a lipid membrane. These molecular simulation studies revealed...
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Selective detection of F- by chromogenic tetrazole receptor
PublicationA chromogenic anion host 4, containing two amide functionalities linked to azo dye and tetrazole rings was synthesized and its complexes with various anions were investigated. The results show that receptor 4 can recognize selectively biologically important F- ion. The binding affinity for F- was investigated by naked-eye colour change, UV-Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Addition F- ion in CH3CN and DMSO to receptor 4 cause a colour...
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The Drop-in-Drop Encapsulation in Chitosan and Sodium Alginate as a Method of Prolonging the Quality of Linseed Oil
PublicationNowadays, the encapsulation of sensitive products by various techniques has become popular as a promising preservation method. In particular, this applies to oils with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and a high susceptibility to deterioration. This work presents the possibility of using a chitosan and sodium alginate in the form of a hydrogel membrane to protect food ingredients such as linseed oil, which is stored in...
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Potentiometric Solid-Contact Ion-Selective Electrode for Determination of Thiocyanate in Human Saliva
PublicationA new solid-contact potentiometric ion-selective electrode for the determination of SCN− (SCN-ISE) has been described. Synthesized phosphonium derivative of calix[4]arene was used as a charged ionophore. The research included selection of the ion-selective membrane composition, determination of the ISEs metrological parameters and SCN-ISE application for thiocyanate determination in human saliva. Preparation of the ISEs included...
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Municipal wastewater reclamation: Reclaimed water for hydrogen production by electrolysis – A case study
PublicationThis paper presents an analysis of a treatment system selection for municipal wastewater stream based on the DuPont Water Solutions WAVE software. The results obtained based on an analysis of 7 different processing cases studies (ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis) confirmed that the application of 2-pass membrane systems enables the reclamation of water from municipal wastewater that fulfills the requirements concerning the...
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Antimicrobial molecular nanocarrier–drug conjugates
PublicationMany antimicrobial drugs are poorly active against pathogenic microbes causing intracellular infections, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Plasmodium falciparum. On the other hand, several known antimicrobial agents are not effective enough because of their limited cellular penetration. A common feature of both challenges is the inability of an active agent to cross the biological membrane(s). One of the possible approaches...
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Specific Binding of Cholesterol to the Amyloid Precursor Protein: Structure of the Complex and Driving Forces Characterized in Molecular Detail
PublicationC99 is the C-terminal membrane-bound fragment of the amyloid precursor protein that is cleaved by γ-secretase to release Aβ peptides, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Specific interactions of C99 with cholesterol have been proposed to underlie the recognized role of cholesterol in promoting amyloidogenesis. By using molecular dynamics simulations, we studied cholesterol binding to C99 in a lipid bilayer. We determined...
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Investigation of solid polymer electrolyte gas sensor with different electrochemical techniques
PublicationIn this work solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) amperometric sulphur dioxide sensor is investigated. Nafion was used as a membrane electrode and 1M sulphuric acid as an internal electrolyte. Sensor response to sulphur dioxide was measured. Besides traditional constant voltage amperometry also different electrochemical techniques were used. Results obtained by these methods are compared.
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Structural change of carbon supported Pt nanocatalyst subjected to a step-like potential cycling in PEM FC
PublicationIn this paper we present detailed X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations of the changes in the local geometric and electronic structure of Pt nanoparticles used as a cathode catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), working under controlled potential cycling conditions.
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Challenges and Possibilities of Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Membranes
PublicationDeep eutectic solvents (DES) are a category of a new class of solvents that can overcome some of the main drawbacks of typical solvents and ionic liquids (ILs). DES have been widely investigated and applied by the research community in several applications since their invention. Over the past years, the use of DES has been directed to the production of new materials and items for new products and processes. This is the case for...
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Enhancing the Separation Performance of Chitosan Membranes Through the Blending with Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Pervaporation of Polar/Non-Polar Organic Mixtures
PublicationThis study explores the development of chitosan-based membranes blended with three distinct deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for the pervaporation separation of methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether. DESs were selected for their eco-friendly properties and their potential to enhance membrane performance. The chitosan (CS) membranes, both crosslinked and non-crosslinked, were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical composition,...
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Optimization of a Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction protocol for the isolation of six bisphenols from juice pouches to be analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector
PublicationFabric Phase Sorptive Extraction (FPSE) combined with high pressure liquid chromatography using to diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was applied for the simultaneous determination of bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPC, BPE, BPF, BPS) in juice pouches. The FPSE procedure was optimized with regards to the critical parameters that affect the performance of the method including the selection of the FPSE membrane type and size, adsorption time,...
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The influence of dynamic load changes on temporary impedance in hydrogen fuel cells, selection and validation of the electrical equivalent circuit
PublicationTo achieve optimal performance of a fuel cell, a reliable monitoring and diagnostic method is required. The currently utilized methods give limited information or they are impossible to use under dynamic working conditions. To obtain comprehensive information about the fuel cell operation we utilized novel dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Impedance measurements in dynamic mode were performed on a hydrogen fuel cell,...
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Molecular Targets for Anticandidal Chemotherapy
PublicationA relatively small number of anticandidal chemotherapeutics used in clinical practice is at least in part consequence of a limited number of their molecular targets: ergosterol in the membrane, lanosterol demethylase, b(1!3) glucan synthase, and DNA/RNA biosynthesis. Much more potential novel targets have been revealed by the comparative genomic studies identifying essential genes unique for Candida albicans or resulted from recognition...
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Chapter 4. Electricity generation from glucose microbial fuel cell
PublicationThe microbial fuel cell was constructed to generate electricity with simultaneous digestion of a glucose fuel by a bacterial biofilm. The decomposition of glucose resulted in releasing of electrons to an anode and to production of some by-products, e.g. metane or organic acids. It was found that maximum electric power density strongly depended on the proton transport through the proton exchange membrane seperating the anolyte and...
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Calix[4]arenes appended with thioamide moieties as powerful tool for heavy metals recognition
PublicationSelectivity of new thioamide derivatives was assessed using those ligands as sensor materials in ion-selective membrane electrodes and tested towards Pb2+ - selectivity. The influence of the nature of the thioamide function (linear, branched or cyclic substituents) on their ionophoric properties was investigated. Electrodes based on cyclic thioamide moieties are promising analytical tools for monitoring Pb2+ concentration in natural...
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Pharmaceutical applications of surfactants
PublicationIn this study we focused on biological activity of various surfactants. According to our research, they con act both as carriers as well as therapeutic agents. Depending on their concentration, they can create different structures in a solution, which influence their properties. Liposomes have a significant role in drug delivery system. Surfactants in from of bilayer are analogous to natural biological cell membrane.
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O-substituted tetrahydroxamate derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene as receptors for transition and heavy metal cations
PublicationTetrasubstituted O-hydroxamate derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene were applied as active materials in ion-selective membrane electrodes and were tested towards Pb-selectivity. The electrodes gave near-Nernstian characteristics for Pb2+ cations. The selectivity coefficients were determined. The influence of plasticizer on the electrode behaviour was studied. The dependence of the chemical structure on selectivity coefficients...
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Elastoplastic material law in 6-parameter nonlinear shell theory
PublicationWe develop the elastoplastic constitutive relations for nonlinear exact 6-parameter shell theory. A J2-type theory with strain hardening is formulated that takes into account asymmetric membrane strain measures. The incremental equations are solved using implicit Euler scheme with closest point projection algorithm. The presented test example shows the correctness of the proposed approach. Influence of micropolar material parameters...
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SIMULATION OF PROCEED® SURGICAL MESH APPLIED TO VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR
PublicationIn the present research, Proceed® implant is considered. The system is subjected to short-time dynamic pressure load, similar to post-operative cough naturally occurring in human abdomen. The model refers to a clinical case of 5cm of hernia operated by Proceed implant fixed by 15 joints every 3cm around the orifice. The simulations of the implanted mesh are performed by means of the Finite Element Method. The implant is modelled...
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New bis(azobenzocrown)s with dodecylmethylmalonyl linkers as ionophores for sodium selective potentiometric sensors
PublicationNovel biscrowns 1 and 2 were synthesized from 13-membered azobenzocrown ethers containing bromoalkylenoxy chains in para position relative to the azo group. The synthesized diester molecules are dodecylmethylmalonic acid derivatives differing by the linker length. The synthesized compounds have the potential of being used as sodium ionophores in ion-selective electrodes. They were characterized and used as ionophores in classic...