Search results for: material testing
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Non-Destructive Testing of the Longest Span Soil-Steel Bridge in Europe—Field Measurements and FEM Calculations
PublicationThe article describes interdisciplinary and comprehensive non-destructive diagnostic tests of final bridge inspection and acceptance proposed for a soil-steel bridge made of corrugated sheets, being the European span length record holder (25.74 m). As an effect of an original concept a detailed and precise information about the structure short-term response was collected. Periodic diagnostics of bridge deformations was done one...
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A five-year retrospective study shows increasing rates of antimicrobial drug resistance in Cabo Verde for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
PublicationObjectives Data on baseline drug resistance is important in informing future antimicrobial stewardship programs. So far, no data on the antimicrobial drug resistance of clinical isolates was available for the African archipelago of Cabo Verde. Methods We have performed a retrospective analysis over five-years (2013-17) of the antimicrombial drug susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates in the two main hospitals of Cabo Verde....
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Subjective tests for gathering konwledge for applaying color grading to video clips automatically
PublicationThe analysis of film music concerning caused emotions may allow for a more accurate adaptation of the color of the film in the context of color grading. Therefore, this paper aims to gather knowledge on the correlation between the applied color palette to a video clip, music associated with a particular shot,and emotions evoked. For that purpose, subjective tests are prepared in which several video clips are presented with...
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Subjective tests for gathering knowledge for applying color grading to video clips automatically
PublicationThe analysis of film music concerning caused emotions may allow for a more accurate adaptation of the color of the film in the context of color grading. Therefore, this paper aims to gather knowledge on the correlation between the applied color palette to a video clip, music associated with a particular shot, and emotions evoked. For that purpose, subjective tests are prepared in which several video clips are presented with or...
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Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of 95-Year-Old Concrete Built-In Arch Bridge
PublicationThis research aimed to determine the durability and strength of an old concrete built-in arch bridge based on selected mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the concrete. The bridge was erected in 1925 and is located in Jagodnik (northern Poland). Cylindrical specimens were taken from the side ribs connected to the top plate using a concrete core borehole diamond drill machine. The properties of the old concrete were...
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Mechanical Performance and Environmental Assessment of Sustainable Concrete Reinforced with Recycled End-of-Life Tyre Fibres
PublicationThe presented research’s main objective was to develop the solution to the global problem of using steel waste obtained during rubber recovery during the tire recycling. A detailed comparative analysis of mechanical and physical features of the concrete composite with the addition of recycled steel fibres (RSF) in relation to the steel fibre concrete commonly used for industrial floors was conducted. A study was carried out using...
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Detoxification of the tricyclic antidepressant opipramol and its analog – IS-noh by UGT enzymes before and after activation by phase I enzymes in rat liver microsomes
PublicationThe present studies were carried out to evaluate the simultaneous one-pot metabolism of opipramol (IS-opi) and analog (IS-noh) by phase I and phase II enzymes present in rat liver microsomes (RLM) as an alternative to separate testing with recombinant enzymes. This approach allows for more time-saving and cost-effective screening of the metabolism of newly discovered drugs. We also considered that the lack of results for phase...
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Lighting Design for the 21st Century Applied research in lighting practice
PublicationFor those who are unfamiliar with research, it’s important to know there are two categories. Fundamental (or basic) research and applied research. Basic research often discusses scientific ideas/theories, whereas, applied research explores testing these ideas in practice to develop technology or techniques. It’s applied research which most interests lighting practitioners. Great lighting design that creates a pleasant and beneficial...
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Methodology for determining the elemental composition, as well as energy and ignition properties of the low-sulfur marine fuels
PublicationThe key metrological issue of substance and energy balance in research engines is the precise determination of the elemental composition of the applied fuel and its net calorific value. This makes it possible to calculate the amount of heat brought with the fuel into the combustion chamber, as well as the amount and gas composition of the exhaust. However, to fully assess the energy quality of the fuel used, its ignition properties...
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Borrelia burgdorferi BmpA-BBK32 and BmpA-BBA64: New Recombinant Chimeric Proteins with Potential Diagnostic Value
PublicationCurrently, the diagnosis of Lyme disease is based mostly on two-tiered serologic testing. In the new generation of immunoenzymatic assays, antigens comprise whole-cell lysates of members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) species complex, with the addition of selected recombinant proteins. Due to the high diversity of members of the B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and the low degree of conservation among the amino acid...
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Numerical investigation on dynamic performance of a multi-storey steel structure model and comparison with experimental results
PublicationShaking table testing is the most commonly adopted method to simulate earthquake forces. This approach allows us to analyze the dynamic performance and provides a valuable insight into the dynamics of building structures, which helps to improve their future safety and reliability. The present study aims to conduct a numerical evaluation of dynamic response of a multi-storey steel structure model, which was previously examined during...
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A universal NDT method for examination of low energy impact damage in CFRP with the use of TLC film
PublicationThe article presents an attempt to use a sheet of laminated thermochromic liquid crystal film (TLC film) for non-destructive testing of the impact damage (energy values: 1J, 2J, 3J and 4J) in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). This is a new, alternative NDT approach based on the thermo-optical effect. The main advantages of this method are a) the low cost of TLC film, b) the low cost of recording devices due to the usage of...
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Mathematical Models of Control Systems of Angular Speed of Steam Turbines for Diagnostic Tests of Automatic and Mechatronic Devices
PublicationAccurate modeling of physical processes of many automatics and mechatronics systems is often necessity. In power system such a process is control of angular velocity of power objects during connection to operation in parallel. This process is extremely dynamic. For this reason response of control system depends from changes of many physical parameters (temperature, pressure and flow of the medium, etc.). Precision modeling influences...
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Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Small Ruminants: Old Problems, and Current Solutions
PublicationToxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis of veterinary importance, with implications for public health. Toxoplasma gondii infection causes abortion or congenital disease in small ruminants. Moreover, the consumption of infected meat, cured meat products, or unpasteurized milk and dairy products can facilitate zoonotic transmission. Serological studies conducted in various European countries have shown the high seroprevalence of specific...
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A Comparison of the Efficiency of Deammonification under Different Aeration Strategies in a Laboratory-Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor
PublicationAn important source of nitrogen load entering the biological part of wastewater treatment plants (WWPTs) is derived from the anaerobic sludge digestion processes. Sludge digestion liquors constitute only 1-2% of the inflow to the plant, but the load of nitrogen directed with them to the main stream may be as high as 10-20% of the total nitrogen load. Therefore, numerous studies have focused on treatment of sludge digestion liquors...
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The role of time perspectives and impulsivity dimensions in coping styles
PublicationBoth time perspectives and impulsivity dimensions are groups of traits that are connected to self-control abilities and might be important for coping styles. However, to date, no study has systematically investigated their utility in predicting coping styles with regard to their multidimensional nature. The current study was correlational and exploratory, aiming to discover what amount of variance in each of the three coping...
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Consequences of New Approach of Chemical Stability Tests of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
PublicationThere is a great need of broaden look on stability tests of active pharmaceuticalingredients (APIs) in comparison with current requirements contained in pharmacopeia.By usage of many modern analytical methods the conception of monitoring the changesof APIs during initial stage of their exposure to harmful factors has been developed. Newknowledge must be acquired in terms of identification of each degradation...
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The Influence of Workpiece Hardness on Plate Temperature during One Side Lapping
PublicationLapping leads to a surface with low roughness and high precision. Because of required parts accuracy tool flatness is the key to the successful machining. To avoid its excessive thermal expansion, plate temperature research was taken. The goal was to determine the correlation between the basic lapping conditions and wheel temperature. In work Bulsara et al. authors developed model to estimate the maximum and average temperature...
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Design and investigations of a micro-turbine flow part
Publication-generative micro-power plant with the HFE7100 as a working medium was designed and built for experimental investigations. The heat output of the plant was assumed equal to 20 kW, while the electric output amounted to about 3kW.In the paper a multi-stage micro-turbine with partial admission of all the stages is described in detail and the results of the particular experimental investigations and numerical calculations are shown,...
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Verification of the new viscoelastic method of thermal stress calculation in asphalt layers of pavements
PublicationThe new viscoelastic method of thermal stress calculations in asphalt layers has been developed and published recently by the author. This paper presents verification of this method. The verification is based on the comparison of the results of calculations with results of testing of thermal stresses in Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test. The calculations of thermal stresses according to the new method were based on rheological...
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The influence of road surface unevenness on tyre rolling resistance
PublicationThe geometric characteristics of road surface substantially affect the interaction between tyre and road. Depending on pavement texture wavelength, the texture chiefly affects tyre/road friction, rolling resistance, interior and exterior noise, tyre wear, and ride comfort. The article presents results of investigations on the influence of road surface unevenness on the rolling resistance of passenger car and truck tyres. The tests...
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Active IR-Thermal Imaging in Medicine
PublicationIn this paper we summarize results of several research projects devoted to development of new diagnostic methods and procedures based on quantitative infrared thermography in medical applications. First, basics of active dynamic thermography are presented. Described are both, instrumentation and software comprising measurement procedures including collection of series of IR-images after external excitation, data treatment with...
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Computer Simulation in Predicting Biochemical Processes and Energy Balance at WWTPs
PublicationNowadays, the use of mathematical models and computer simulation allow analysis of many different technological solutions as well as testing various scenarios in a short time and at low financial budget in order to simulate the scenario under typical conditions for the real system and help to find the best solution in design or operation process. The aim of the study was to evaluate different concepts of biochemical processes and...
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Laboratory fatigue assessment of large geocomposite-reinforced double-layered asphalt concrete beams
PublicationGeosynthetic reinforcement of asphalt layers has been used for several decades. Evaluation of the influence of these materials on pavement fatigue life is still ongoing, especially for new types of geocomposites. This paper presents the evaluation of fatigue performance of large asphalt concrete beams reinforced with a new type of composite in which square or hexagonal polypropylene stiff monolithic paving grid with integral junctions...
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Cellular Effects of Selected Unsymmetrical Bisacridines on the Multicellular Tumor Spheroids of HCT116 Colon and A549 Lung Cancer Cells in Comparison to Monolayer Cultures
PublicationMulticellular tumor spheroids are a good tool for testing new anticancer drugs, including those that may target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Therefore, we applied this model in our studies of highly active antitumor unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs). We investigated the cellular response induced by UAs in 2D and 3D cultures of HCT116 colon and A549 lung cancer...
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Examination of epigenetic inhibitor zebularine in treatment of skin wounds in healthy and diabetic mice
PublicationDNA methyltransferase inhibitor zebularine was proven to induce regeneration in the ear pinna in mice. We utilized a dorsal skin wound model to further evaluate this epigenetic inhibitor in wound healing. Full-thickness excisional wounds were made on the dorsum of 2 and 10-month-old healthy BALB/c and 3 and 8-month-old diabetic (db/db) mice, followed by topical or intraperitoneal zebularine delivery. Depending on the strain, age,...
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Study on some of the strength properties of soft clay stabilized with plastic waste strips
PublicationIt is well known that if plastic wastes are not well managed, it has a negative impact on the environment as well as on human health. In this study, recycling plastic waste in form of strips for stabilizing weak subgrade soil is proposed. For this purpose, a weak clay soil sample was mixed with 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% of plastic strips by weight of soil, and the experimental results were compared to the control soil sample with 0%...
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Laboratory fatigue assessment of large geocomposite-reinforced double-layered asphalt concrete beams
PublicationGeosynthetic reinforcement of asphalt layers has been used for several decades. Evaluation of the influence of these materials on pavement fatigue life is still ongoing, especially for new types of geocomposites. This paper presents the evaluation of fatigue performance of large asphalt concrete beams reinforced with a new type of composite in which square or hexagonal polypropylene stiff monolithic paving grid with integral junctions...
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Coda wave interferometry in monitoring the fracture process of concrete beams under bending test
PublicationEarly detection of damage is necessary for the safe and reliable use of civil engineering structures made of concrete. Recently, the identification of micro-cracks in concrete has become an area of growing interest, especially using wave-based techniques. In this paper, a non-destructive testing approach for the characterization of the fracture process was presented. Experimental tests were made on concrete beams subjected to mechanical...
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Deep neural networks for human pose estimation from a very low resolution depth image
PublicationThe work presented in the paper is dedicated to determining and evaluating the most efficient neural network architecture applied as a multiple regression network localizing human body joints in 3D space based on a single low resolution depth image. The main challenge was to deal with a noisy and coarse representation of the human body, as observed by a depth sensor from a large distance, and to achieve high localization precision....
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Mechanical and structural investigations of wings of selected insect species
PublicationThis paper presents research and measurements leading to obtaining the Young’s modulus of wing bearing structures of selected insect species. A small testing machine intended for three-point bending and equipped with instruments registering low forces was constructed for the needs of the experiment. The machine was used to perform numerous bending tests of wings of three species of insects (obtained from a breeding farm): Attacus...
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SiC-Based Power Electronic Traction Transformer (PETT) for 3 kV DC Rail Traction
PublicationThe design of rolling stock plays a key role in the attractiveness of the rail transport. Train design must strictly meet the requirements of rail operators to ensure high quality and cost-eective services. Semiconductor power devices made from silicon carbide (SiC) have reached a level of technology enabling their widespread use in traction power converters. SiC transistors oering energy savings, quieter operation, improved reliability...
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Real-time hybrid model of a wind turbine with doubly fed induction generator
PublicationIn recent years renewable sources have been dominating power system. The share of wind power in energy production increases year by year, which meets the need to protect the environment. Possibility of conducting, not only computer simulation, but also laboratory studies of wind turbine operation and impact on the power system and other power devices in laboratory conditions would be very useful. This article presents a method...
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Glass-ceramic sealants and steel interconnects: accelerated interfacial stability and reactivity tests at high temperature
PublicationHigh-temperature reactions between glass-ceramic sealants and Fe-Cr alloy interconnects may lead to the formation of undesirable phases, and consequently degradation of solid oxide fuel/electrolyser devices. In this work, three different glass-ceramic sealants (Na-containing, Ba-containing, Sr-containing compositions) and Fe22Cr stainless steel powders (raw and pre-oxidised) are considered in order to test their chemical reactivity...
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The Influence of Antitumor Unsymmetrical Bisacridines on 3D Cancer Spheroids Growth and Viability
PublicationThe culture of 3D spheroids is a promising tool in drug development and testing. Recently, we synthesized a new group of compounds, unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs), which exhibit high cytotoxicity against various human cell lines and antitumor potency against several xenografts. Here, we describe the ability of four UAs—C-2028, C-2041, C-2045, and C-2053—to influence the growth of HCT116 and H460 spheres and the viability of HCT116...
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Indoor accelerated controlled corrosion degradation test of small- and large-scale specimens
PublicationThe work presented here is a part of a long-term project analysing the structural behaviour of ageing marine structures. An accelerated corrosion degradation set-up was developed to reproduce corroded marine structural specimens of different degrees of degradation, controlling various natural factors, i.e., temperature, oxygen content, salinity, and flow velocity. The nine stiffened plates of 1.2 m length and 30 small scale specimens...
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Interrelationship between total volatile organic compounds emissions, structure and properties of natural rubber/polycaprolactone bio-blends cross-linked with peroxides
PublicationNatural rubber/polycaprolactone (NR/PCL) bio-based blends with different organic peroxides were prepared using an internal batch mixer and subsequently cross-linked at 170°C. Two types of commonly used organic peroxides, dicumyl peroxide and di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene peroxide, were applied as free-radical initiator. Cross-linking efficiency of NR/PCL blends were investigated using oscillating disc rheometer measurements,...
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Digits Recognition with Quadrant Photodiode and Convolutional Neural Network
PublicationIn this paper we have investigated the capabilities of a quadrant photodiode based gesture sensor in the recognition of digits drawn in the air. The sensor consisting of 4 active elements, 4 LEDs and a pinhole was considered as input interface for both discrete and continuous gestures. Index finger and a round pointer were used as navigating mediums for the sensor. Experiments performed with 5 volunteers...
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Machine learning-based prediction of preplaced aggregate concrete characteristics
PublicationPreplaced-Aggregate Concrete (PAC) is a type of preplaced concrete where coarse aggregate is placed in the mold and a Portland cement-sand grout with admixtures is injected to fill the voids. Due to the complex nature of PAC, many studies were conducted to determine the effects of admixtures and the compressive and tensile strengths of PAC. Considering that a prediction tool is needed to estimate the compressive and tensile...
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How to enhance perception of reassembled but incomplete works of ancient art? Eye-tracking study of virtual anastylosis.
Publicationn 1964 the Venice Charter described anastylosis as the only acceptable method of reassembly of architectural remains. Although the scientific community has agreed with the Charter’s decision, many questions pertaining to the technical and aesthetic aspects of anastylosis remain unanswered. Virtual anastylosis seems one of the most promising digital solutions to finding at least some answers, as it permits testing various solutions...
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Ultra-rare ultra-care: The unique burden of ultra rare disease caregiving
PublicationBackground: We sought to assesses the impact of caring for children with ultra rare diseases (URDs) on familycarers and to analyse the way these experiences differ among the caregivers of children diagnosed throughprenatal or newborn screening, and those with symptom-based diagnosis.Methods: A total of 200 caregivers of 219 URDs children completed an on-line survey regarding the challengesand experiences...
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Curing characteristics, mechanical properties and morphology of butyl rubber filled with ground tire rubber (GTR)
PublicationThe results on testing application of ground tire rubber (GTR), as potential filler for butyl rubber, are pre- sented. The GTR content variation, within the range of 10–90 phr, was studied with respect to the vulcanization process, static mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation-at-break, hardness and resilience), dynamic mechanical properties and the morphology of the obtained vulcanizates. Butyl rubber was characterized...
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Efficiency of thermomechanical reclaiming of ground tire rubber conducted in counter-rotating and co-rotating twin screw extruder
PublicationIn this article the results of research on a continuous thermomechanical reclaiming process of ground tire rubber (GTR) conducted in a twin screw extruder are presented. The effects of the rotation direction (co-rotating/counter-rotating), design of co-rotating plasticizing units and the rotational speed of the screws on the extruder working parameters, sol fraction and the degree of reclaiming in the obtained products were described....
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Inhibiting activity of HIV-1: protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase all together by novel compounds using computational approaches (flexible and rigid docking)
PublicationAcquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, is one of the most challenging diseases in recent decades. Nevertheless the shortcomings of chemical drugs such as toxicity, lack of curative effects, the search for more potent anti-HIV agents have been focused in our study. In current study, novel scaffold was designed having a benzyl and imidazole in it which are very...
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Multi-layered tissue head phantoms for noninvasive optical diagnostics
PublicationExtensive research in the area of optical sensing for medical diagnostics requires development of tissue phantoms with optical properties similar to those of living human tissues. Development and improvement of in vivo optical measurement systems requires the use of stable tissue phantoms with known characteristics, which are mainly used for calibration of such systems and testing their performance over time. Optical and mechanical...
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Interactive Prototypes in Teaching User-Centred Design and Business Process Modelling
PublicationThis publication describes experiences gathered during the use of interactive prototyping in two areas: design of user interfaces for a touch screen information kiosk and interactive prototyping of business processes. Prototyping is promoted here as a technique useful for both visualizing design concepts and for stimulating communication within relevant teams. Developing interactive prototypes of use interfaces is discussed here...
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Large hydrodynamic thrust bearing: Comparison of the calculations and measurements
PublicationHydrodynamic thrust bearings, used to carry axial loads in heavily loaded shafts of water power plants hydro turbines, can reach outer diameters even exceeding 5 m. In such large objects scale effect could be observed. According to this, allowable bearing specific load assuring safe operation of the bearings has to be decreased, which increases thrust bearing dimensions. This effect is caused by excessive thermal deflections of...
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A novel in vitro assay for assessing efficacy and toxicity of antifungals using human leukaemic cells infected with Candida albicans
PublicationAims: This study describes a novel in vitro assay that simultaneously determines antifungal efficiency and host cell toxicity using suspensions of human leukaemic cells (HL-60) infected with Candida albicans. Methods and Results: The effect of Candida infection on host cell viability was evaluated by the microscopy of trypan blue-stained cells and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. The in vitro ‘drug potency assay’ utilized...
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Design and experimental investigations of a cylindrical microjet heat exchanger for waste heat recovery systems
PublicationCompact heat exchangers have more and more applications in many areas, including the HVAC, food and petrochemical industry. This paper describes the development of heat exchanger technology for waste heat recovery (WHR) from a range of processes. Case-study testing shows that the proposed heat exchanger can successfully enhance heat transfer and recover waste heat in a range of applications making them economically, environmentally and...
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Investigations on the immunosuppressive activity of derivatives of mycophenolic acid in immature dendritic cell
PublicationThe main activity of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its analogs is the inhibition of proliferation of T cells. Here, we hypothesized that MPA and its conjugates inhibits also the activity of antigen-presenting cells (APC) including dendritic cells (DCs). We tested the effect of novel amino acid derivatives of MPA and conjugates of MPA with acridines/acridones on DCs by flow cytometry, ELISA and MLR assay. Both acridines/acridone derivatives...