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Search results for: ENERGY CONSUMPTION
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Evaluation of respiration capacity of VF in hybrid constructed wetland systems.
PublicationThree VF-beds operating in hybrid constructed wetlands in configuration HF-VF-HF were analysed. These hybrid constructed wetlands provide the II stage biological treatment. They are located in Pommerania voivodship, in Sarbsk, Wiklino and Wieszyno, and their capacities are 29.5, 14.2 and 21.6 m3/d, respectively. The article focuses on performance and operation of VF-CW plants during one year. Based on removal of organic matter...
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The effect of using jug-type water filters on selected metals concentration in tap water – a case study
PublicationIn this study, the effect of the filtration process on Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn concentration in water, using filters from one of the leading European manufacturers, was investigated. The increase in Na (up to 300%) and K concentration (up to 320%) at the beginning of jug filter usage was reported. A decrease in Ca, Fe and Zn concentration was observed. Standard filters remove 80–90% of Mg from tap water at the beginning of the...
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Sustainable Management of Food Wastes Through Cavitation-Assisted Conversion into Value-Added Products
PublicationMore than 30% of worldwide food consumption is thrown out as food wastes causing serious environmental, economic, and social problems. Therefore, it is required to develop sustainable food waste management methods leading to an enhancement in social and economic benefits and mitigation of environmental impacts. Anaerobic digestion can be regarded as one of those effective methods that can be employed for the conversion of food...
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Vascular stents - materials and manufacturing technologies
PublicationThe objective of this article is to present materials and technology for the manufacture of vascular stents with appropriate design requirements. The use of the right material is very important in implantology. A biomaterial introduced into the circulatory system must be biocompatible and hemocompatible. At the same time, it should not initiate toxic, mutagenic, or immunological reactions. Currently, 316L stainless steel (316L...
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Analysis of bisphenols and their derivatives in infant and toddler ready-to-feed milk and powdered milk by LC MS/MS
PublicationReady-to-feed milk and powdered milk packed in different types of packaging lined with resin are chosen as the primary or complementary diet for infants and toddlers. An HPLC–MS/MS method was established and validated for the determination of nineteen bisphenols and their derivatives in such samples. The recoveries were from 31% to 120%, while the values of limit of detection and quantification were in the range of 0.24–0.40 and...
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Rapid method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in fish muscle samples by microwave-assisted extraction and analysis of extracts by GC-ECD
PublicationA procedure for the multiresidue determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fish muscle samples has been developed. The method is based on the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of food samples from an acetonitrile-water (95 + 5, v/v) mixture followed by SPE cleanup of the extracts and analysis by GC with an electron capture detector. MAE operational parameters, such as the extraction solvent,...
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Trophic Transfer of Mercury in a Temperate Marine Food Web, Southern Baltic Sea
PublicationMercury (Hg) is considered to be one of the most dangerous global environmental pollutants. The toxicity and bioavailabilityof Hg depend on its chemical form, and the greatest hazard is posed by the organomercurial compounds. Hg is introduced into the human body primarily through the consumption of fish and seafood. Despite numerous studies on Hg in marine organisms, there is still a gap in the knowledge on Hg uptake and...
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Ionic liquids-based microextraction techniques
PublicationIn recent years, the development of highly efficient analytical techniques is of great importance, however, the direct analysis of complex sample matrix is still impossible in many cases. Therefore, the step of sample preparation is commonly involved in an analytical procedure. Over the years, it has been realized that the major source of inaccuracy and imprecision on general analysis results from the operations associated to sample...
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Transparency of publicly available information about fiscal and monetary policy in Poland
PublicationResearch background: The quality of information provided by fiscal and monetary authorities are important in a democratic state. Ensuring fiscal policy transparency reduces fiscal risk and corruption and promotes public acceptance of fiscal reforms. Ensuring transparency in monetary policy allows market participants to anticipate central bank responses and take their effects into account when making investment and consumption decisions. Aim...
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Preference-based evolutionary multi-objective optimization in ship weather routing
PublicationIn evolutionary multi-objective optimization (EMO) the aim is to find a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. Such approach may be applied to multiple real-life problems, including weather routing (WR) of ships. The route should be optimal in terms of passage time, fuel consumption and safety of crew and cargo while taking into account dynamically changing weather conditions. Additionally it must not violate any navigational constraints...
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IFI16 Impacts Metabolic Reprogramming during Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
PublicationCellular lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, as increased lipogenesis in HCMV-infected cells favors the envelopment of newly synthesized viral particles. As all cells are equipped with restriction factors (RFs) able to exert a protective effect against invading pathogens, we asked whether a similar defense mechanism would also be in place to preserve the metabolic compartment from HCMV...
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Framework of an Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimisation Method for Planning a Safe Trajectory for a Marine Autonomous Surface Ship
PublicationThis paper represents the first stage of research into a multi-objective method of planning safe trajectories for marine autonomous surface ships (MASSs) involved in encounter situations. Our method applies an evolutionary multi-objective optimisation (EMO) approach to pursue three objectives: minimisation of the risk of collision, minimisation of fuel consumption due to collision avoidance manoeuvres, and minimisation of the extra...
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The protection and monitoring of a distribution piping network for potable water supply
PublicationPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to implement the corrosion protection method for steel pipes used in a municipal water-pipe network. Results of an inhibitor protection system installed on the system are presented. Inhibitor protection was required due to the high corrosivity of the water collected by a surface intake, which had resulted in a large number of failures and low water quality, due to the presence of corrosion...
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Tyre/road noise reduction by a poroelastic road surface
PublicationLow noise road surfaces of existing types may in favourable cases and in new conditions provide up to 7 dB of noise reduction. For higher noise reductions, innovative solutions must be sought. Poroelastic road surfaces (PERS) may be such a solution, which currently is studied in the EU project PERSUADE. This paper presents results of trials with a PERS version prefabricated by one of the project partners. Tests were made in a laboratory...
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Tailoring of SiOC composition as a way to better performing anodes for Li-ion batteries
PublicationPolymer derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics are investigated as potential anodes for lithiumion batteries. Different SiOC ceramics are prepared by pyrolysis (1000 °C and 1400 °C under controlled argon atmosphere) of polysiloxanes ceramic precursors. Preceramic polymers are synthesized using the sol–gel method. Phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) have been used as starting precursors and mixed with...
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Silicon oxycarbide ceramics as anodes for lithium ion batteries: influence of carbon content on lithium storage capacity
PublicationWe report here on the synthesis and characterization of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) in view of its application as a potential anode material for Li-ion batteries. SiOC ceramics are obtained by pyrolysis of various polysiloxanes synthesized by sol–gel methods. The polysiloxanes contain different organic groups attached to silicon, which influence the chemical composition and the microstructure of the final ceramic product. The structure...
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Analysis of volatile fraction selected hybrid fruits using chromatographic techniques
PublicationAt present, "healthy eating" is gaining in popularity. Many people associate this term with eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. The basic elements influencing the selection of fruit are their appearance and smell. Of course, their origin and impact on human health are also very important. In recent years, exotic fruits have become increasingly accessible, making them gaining popularity, even among Poles. You can also meet plants...
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Capillary Electrophoresis in determination of short - chain carboxylic acids in aqueous samples
PublicationAnalysis of pollution is extremely important especially in areas directly adjacent tothe residential district. Studies show that short- chain carboxylic acids are a group ofcompounds widespread around sewage treatment plants, landfills, livestock farms. The mostcommon techniques for determination of short - chain carboxylic acids are chromatographictechniques, especially gas chromatography, whose main limitation is that only volatilemonocarboxylic...
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Challenges in determination of pesticides from various chemical groups in fruits and vegetables applying QuEChERS method
PublicationPesticides are a large group of compounds with different physical and chemical properties, which place some of them among the most toxic, environmentally stable, and mobile substances. Nevertheless, their number, use, and application are continuously expanding. A consequence of their use is the possible presence of residues in treated food products. To protect consumers from exposure to unacceptable levels of pesticides Maximum...
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Challenges and Current Trends in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in EU Water Law Context
PublicationThe increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, and their improper disposal have resulted in both pharmaceuticals and their metabolites being released into the environment, where they pose a risk to both ecosystems and human health. One of the most serious threats to public health associated with the presence of antibiotics in the environment is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to combat AMR, the legal...
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Simulation-Based Approach to a More Efficient Handling Strategy for a Container Terminal Storage Yard: Case Study of the Baltic Hub Container Terminal
PublicationThe primary objective of this research was to implement a more efficient handling strategy in the container terminal storage yard at the Baltic Hub Container Terminal (BHCT). Following an analysis of the current logistics system associated with starboard-side mooring, an attempt was made to shift the mooring to the port side. Two routing strategies corresponding to the analysed mooring operations were tested using a developed model....
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User experience evaluation study on the quality of 1K, 2K, and 4K H.265/HEVC video content
PublicationNowadays, most content creators focus on distributing rich media at the highest possible resolution. Currently, the majority of sold consoles, media players, computer hardware, as well as displays and TVs are advertised as 4K-compatible. The same trend is observed in the case of popular online streaming services and terrestrial TV broadcasts. Generally speaking, it is assumed that higher bitrates provide higher subjective judgements....
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Wastewater reuse in agriculture: Prospects and challenges
PublicationSustainable water recycling and wastewater reuse are urgent nowadays considering water scarcity and increased water consumption through human activities. In 2015, United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (UN SDG6) highlighted the necessity of recycling wastewater to guarantee water availability for individuals. Currently, wastewater irrigation (WWI) of crops and agricultural land appears essential. The present work overviews...
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An overview of fermentation in the food industry - looking back from a new perspective
PublicationFermentation is thought to be born in the Fertile Crescent, and since then, almost every culture has integrated fermented foods into their dietary habits. Originally used to preserve foods, fermentation is now applied to improve their physicochemical, sensory, nutritional, and safety attributes. Fermented dairy, alcoholic beverages like wine and beer, fermented vegetables, fruits, and meats are all highly valuable due to their...
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Simulation-Based Approach to a More Efficient Handling Strategy for a Container Terminal Storage Yard: Case Study of the Baltic Hub Container Terminal
PublicationThe primary objective of this research was to implement a more efficient handling strategy in the container terminal storage yard at the Baltic Hub Container Terminal (BHCT). Following an analysis of the current logistics system associated with starboard-side mooring, an attempt was made to shift the mooring to the port side. Two routing strategies corresponding to the analysed mooring operations were tested using a developed...
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Renewable Resources for Polyurethanes and Polyurethane Composites: A Review
PublicationEach year, more than two million tons of polyurethane is produced in the EU by reacting isocyanates with polyols made from fossil fuel. In addition, there are appreciable quantities of petroleum based functional additives applied in the industry nowadays for both polyols and polyurethane materials. It is therefore of key importance to develop sustainable economically viable polyols with enhanced functionalities, and thereby reducing...
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Membrane separation processes for the extraction and purification of steviol glycosides: an overview
PublicationSteviol glycosides (SGs), as natural sweeteners from Stevia rebaudiana, are currently employed for replacing sugar and its derivatives in several food products and formulations. Such compounds play an essential role in human health. Their usage provides a positive effect on preventing diseases related to sugar consumption, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, and lipid metabolism disorders. The traditional extraction of SGs is...
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Performance and Emission Modelling and Simulation of Marine Diesel Engines using Publicly Available Engine Data
PublicationTo analyse the behaviour of marine diesel engines in unsteady states for different purposes, for example to determine the fuel consumption or emissions level, to adjust the control strategy, to manage the maintenance, etc., a goal-based mathematical model that can be easily implemented for simulation is necessary. Such a model usually requires a wide range of operating data, measured on a test stand. This is a time-consuming process...
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Effect of Processing Parameters on Strength and Corrosion Resistance of Friction Stir-Welded AA6082
PublicationThe friction stir welding method is increasingly attracting interest in the railway sector due to its environmental friendliness, low cost, and ease of producing high-quality joints. Using aluminum alloys reduces the weight of structures, increasing their payload and reducing fuel consumption and running costs. The following paper presents studies on the microstructure, strength, and corrosion resistance of AA6082 aluminum alloy...
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In vivoevaluation of the CB1allosteric modulator LDK1258 reveals CB1-receptor independent behavioral effects
PublicationIn the present study, we examined whether LDK1258, which produces strong CB1receptor allosteric effects ininvitroassays, would elicitin vivoeffects consistent with allosteric activity. In initial studies, LDK1258 reducedfood consumption and elicited delayed antinociceptive effects in the chronic constrictive injury of the sciaticnerve (CCI) model of neuropathic pain, which unexpectedly emerged 4 h post-injection. UPLC-MS/MS analysisquantified...
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Bee Pollen and Bee Bread as a Source of Bacteria Producing Antimicrobials
PublicationThe principal objective of the study was the isolation and identification of bacteria that are present in mature bee bread (BB) and dried (ready for selling and consumption) bee pollen (BP). Obtained isolates were screened for their potential to inhibit select human pathogenic bacteria and their ability to produce enzymes of particular industrial importance. Four and five samples of BP and BB, respectively, were used for the study....
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Interspecies distances between propionic acid degraders and methanogens in syntrophic consortia for optimal hydrogen transfer
PublicationA mixed culture from an anaerobic biowaste digester was enriched on propionate and used to investigate interspecies hydrogen transfer in dependence of spatial distances between propionate degraders and methanogens. From 20.3 mM propionate, 20.8 mM acetate and 15.5 mM methane were formed. Maximum specific propionate oxidation and methane formation rates were 49 and 23 mmol mg−1day−1, respectively. Propionate oxidation was inhibited by...
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Comparison of GC–MS and MEKC methods for caffeine determination in preworkout supplements
PublicationIn this study, GC–MS- and MEKC-based methods for determination of caffeine (CAF) in preworkout supplements were developed and validated. The proposed protocols utilized minimal sample preparation (simple dilution and syringe filtration). The developed methods achieved satisfactory validation parameters, i.e. good linearity (R2 0.9988 and R2 0.9985 for GC–MS- and MEKC-based method, respectively), satisfactory intraand interaccuracy...
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Towards sustainable catalyst-free biomass-based polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC): From valorization and liquefaction to future generation of biocomposites
PublicationA substantial aspect of materials engineering lies in the responsible process of designing polymer-based materials. Due to environmental pollution, excessive consumption of natural resources, and increasing environmental awareness of society, there is a massive need for polyurethane (PU) materials with reduced environmental impact. To date, research on catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC) has demonstrated a huge potential...
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Application of Smart IoT Technology in Project Management Scenarios
PublicationThe report presents a low-cost and flexible solution to control and monitor home and industrial appliances. The popularity of automation devices has increased greatly in recent years due to higher affordability and simplicity through IoT phone and tablet connectivity. For this purpose, we have developed the IoT Outlet: a stand-alone communication unit, used to connect outlets to the internet. The IoT Plug is a power switch which...
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Bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers’ behavior towards rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb meat: A comparative review
PublicationIn bodybuilders’ diets, protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle growth and repairing damaged muscle tissue. These individuals meet their protein needs by combining dietary sources with supplements. Animal-based proteins are often preferred over plant-based proteins because they are believed to better support muscle protein synthesis. This review explores the meat consumption patterns of bodybuilders and high-level meat...
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Enhancing the bioconversion rate and end products of black soldier fly (BSF) treatment – A comprehensive review
PublicationFood security remains a pressing concern in the face of an increasing world population and environmental challenges. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity continue to impact agricultural productivity, traditional livestock farming faces limitations in meeting the growing global demand for meat and dairy products. In this context, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable...
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TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CHEMICAL EMISSIONS OF A MARINE DIESEL ENGINE EXHAUST IN OPERATION
PublicationThe article briefly describes the problem of air pollution caused by sea-going ships and the resulting restrictions on the emission of toxic and harmful chemical compounds in the exhaust of marine engines, introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the International Convention for the Prevention of Sea Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78). Such emissions provide a significant metrological problem, not only...
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The Effect of Increasing the Amount of Indium Alloying Material on the Efficiency of Sacrificial Aluminium Anodes
PublicationAl-Zn-In alloys having 4.2% zinc content and various indium content in the range of 0.02–0.2% were tested with respect to the most important electrochemical properties of sacrificial anodes in a cathodic protection, i.e., the current capacity and potential of the operating anode. The distribution of In and Zn in the tested alloys was mapped by means of the EDX technique, which demonstrated that these elements dissolve well in the...
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Combined partial denitrification/anammox process for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment
PublicationRecently, the combined partial denitrification and anammox (PD/anammox) has received special attention as a viable alternative for N removal using organic matter present in municipal wastewater. In comparison with conventional nitrification-denitrification, PD/anammox provides enormous opportunities to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment due to the lack of dissolved oxygen (DO) demand, a smaller amount of organic carbon (C)...
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Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants of emerging concern in Admiralty Bay as a result of untreated wastewater discharge: Status and possible environmental consequences
PublicationConsidering how the impact of human activity in Antarctica is growing, the aim of this study was to conduct the first assessment of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), other emerging contaminants (ECs), and antibiotic resistance genes present in the western shore of the Admiralty Bay region of King George Island. In total, more than 170 substances were evaluated to assess the potential environmental risks they pose...
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Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Properties of Bioactive Compounds in Organic and Conventional Growing Kiwifruit
PublicationThe bioactivity of two kiwifruit’s cultivars growing under organic and conventional conditions were studied and compared. The bioactive compounds were extracted with water and ethanol using similar conditions which are applied in pharmaceutical applications and for daily fruit consumption such as tea drink. Antioxidant radical scavenging assays [ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP); cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC);...
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Application of analytical methods for the determination of bioactive compounds in some berries
PublicationFluorometry, ESI-MS, FTIR, and radical scavenging assays were used for characterization of bioactive compounds and the levels of their antioxidant activities. Polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid and the level of antioxidant activity of water extracts of “Murtilla-like” [Myrteola nummularia (Poiret) Berg.], and other widely consumed berries were determined and compared. The contents of bioactive compounds and...
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Estimation and modeling hydrolysis of slowly biodegradable substrate based on the batch respirometric tests in activated sludge systems
PublicationNowadays, appropriate determination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation together with degradation kinetics of organic compounds have a prime importance on the design and operation of activated sludge systems. Batch respirometric tests based on the oxygen uptake rates (OUR) and corresponding COD is accepted method to reflect the consumption of biodegradable substrates. The influence of the readily biodegradable (Ss) fraction...
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Determination of Surfactants in Environmental Samples. Part III. Non-Ionic Compounds
PublicationNon-ionic surface active agents are a diverse group of chemicals which have an uncharged polar head and a non-polar tail. They have different properties due to amphiphilic structure of their molecules. Commercial available non-ionic surfactants consist of the broadest spectrum of compounds in comparison with other types of such agents. Typically, non-ionic compounds found applications in households and industry during formulation...
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First report of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in Pomerania, northern Poland
PublicationIntroduction and objective. Toxoplasmosis is parasitic disease which has economic relevance for both veterinary and human medicine. In sheep, toxoplasmosis is a major cause of abortion and can thus cause reproductive problems. The current study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in sheep from 13 districts of northern Poland and thereby obtain actual data about T. gondii seroprevalence in...
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LED Light Sources and Their Complex Set-Up for Visually and Biologically Effective Illumination for Ornamental Indoor Plants
PublicationOrnamental plants are often used in indoor environments as part of biophilic design to improve the health and wellbeing of occupants, and to support sustainable, green architecture. Unfortunately, many plants do not thrive and need to be continuously replaced, which is economically unsustainable. The wavelengths and spectrum ratio of commonly used light sources such as light emitting diode (LED), and the lack of an appropriate...
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Evaluation of the Safety and Potential Benefits of Beetroot‑Based Dietary Supplements According to Their Elemental Composition
PublicationThe study aimed to assess the health value and safety associated with the consumption of the chosen 37 beetroot-based dietary supplements (DSs). An optimized and validated analytical procedure, using a method called microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES), was developed to determine the profiles of 19 elements (Na, K, Fe, Ca, Pt, Zn, Cd, Cu, V, Co, Ni, Pb, Mo, Mg, Al, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ba) in the DSs. The products were...
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AVAILABILITY CONDITIONS AS A CRITICAL FACTOR IN PRODUCT CATEGORY MANAGEMENT IN SHAPING THE OFFER OF NON-ALCOHOLIC EQUIVALENTS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
PublicationPurpose: To determine the availability of non-alcoholic wines and spirit substitutes in various distribution channels and understand the factors shaping store assortments to identify potential product strategies in category management. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review using desk research and a two-part study on the availability of non-alcoholic substitutes, utilizing observation and interview methods. Findings:...
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Drinking water safety evaluation in the selected sub-Saharan African countries: A case study of Madagascar, Uganda and Rwanda
PublicationIn the sub-Saharan region of Africa, access to safe drinking water remains limited in many countries. This study provides an overview of the quality of surface water and groundwater in rural and peri-urban areas of Madagascar, Uganda, and Rwanda. Selected physico-chemical parameters, inorganic species (including inorganic ions), and organic pollution indicators, such as total organic carbon, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, anionic...