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Search results for: trace elements
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Green Aspects of Miniaturized Sample Preparation Techniques
PublicationCorrect monitoring and control of the state of the environment and scientific research on the subject of environmental protection often require that determinations of compounds present at very low concentrations be made in samples characterized by a matrix of complex composition (e.g., biological samples, water and soil samples). Moreover, due to the limited number of analytical techniques which are sufficiently sensitive to conduct...
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Understainding solid-phase microextraction: key factors influencing the extraction process and trends in improving the technique
PublicationAnalytical chemists are faced with the daunting challenges of accurately monitoring the state of the environment and the processes taking place in it and of determining an enormous range of analytes often present in trace and ultratrace amounts in sample matrixes with complex or variable compositions. Further challenges are presented by the need to introduce new methodologies into current analytical practice and equipment to comply...
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Virtual reality technology in architectural education
PublicationContemporary virtual reality (VR) technology allows the recreation of non-existent architectural objects of which there may be no trace remaining. Virtual reality applications allow access to digital models, which visualise the lost architecture. The popularity of VR has resulted in it being applied not only to computer games, but also in visualising the past. Maps allow movement through historical trails and 3D models of architecture...
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Detection, identification and determination of chiral pharmaceutical residues in wastewater: Problems and challenges
PublicationChiral pharmaceuticals (CPs) are widely used in different areas of human life, thus they are frequentlydetected in different ecosystems. However, before CPs reach the environment, wastewater is subjected todifferent treatment processes in order to remove them. Nevertheless, such processes may affect thechirality of CPs, thus it is very important to monitor CP levels during the wastewater treatment.This review addresses the present...
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Application of bismuth film electrode for determination of heavy metals by stripping voltammetry
PublicationWhen Wang's research group introduced a new type of a working electrode: bismuth film plated electrode (BiFE), it has started attracting increasing attention in the field of electrochemical stripping analysis. These electrodes are shown to be very attractive alternative to common mercury-based electrodes, which are predominantly used in analysis of trace heavy metals.For the determination of heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu) used square...
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Application of ferric chloride for arsenic removal in the integrated process: coagulation/microfiltration
PublicationThe study presents results of using iron coagulation integrated with microfiltration to remove arsenic from water. Tested samples of natural groundwater contained approximately 32 μg/L of arsenic, 0.13 mg/L of iron and 0.085 mg/L of manganese. As a coagulant the aqueous solution of ferric chloride was dosed in portions from 1.0 to 10.5 mg/L. In the research microfiltration membranes with 400 kDa MWCO were used. Tests indicated...
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Study of Cloud Water Samples Collected over Northern Poland
PublicationThe paper gives the results of the first studies on the chemistry of cloud water collected during 3 mo (Aug.–Oct. 2010) in the free atmosphere over the area to the south of the Tri-City (Gdansk-Sopot-Gdynia) conurbation on the Gulf of Gdansk, Poland. Taken from cumulus, stratus, and stratocumulus clouds by means of an aircraft-mounted collector, the water samples were analyzed for the following contaminants: anions (chlorides,...
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The accessibility, necessity, and significance of certified reference materials for total selenium content and its species to improve food laboratories' performance
PublicationMicronutrients are one of the most important groups of nutrients that our body needs daily in trace amounts to tackle deficiencies. Selenium (Se) is a mineral that occurs naturally in foods and is an essential component of selenoproteins that support the healthy functioning of the human body. Therefore, monitoring dietary Se concentrations must be a higher priority to meet daily intakes. Fulfillment can be addressed through applying...
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Coastline change-detection method using remote sensing satellite observation data
PublicationCoastal zones are not only the fundaments for local economics based on trade, shipping and transport services, but also a source of food, energy and resources. Apart from offering diverse opportunities for recreation and tourism, coastal zones provide protection against storms and other meteorological disturbances. Environmental information is also essential because of the direct influence on a country’s maritime zones, which are...
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Comparison of different techniques for extracting Polychlorinated Biphenyls from bottom sediment samples using Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry
PublicationIn this work, problems that may occur during determination of trace levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in sediment samples are described. The main error sources are connected with extraction of analytes prior to final determination. During model studies, polychlorinated biphenyls have been extracted from sediment reference material (METRANAL 2) with the use of different solvents (dichloromethane, hexane, and toluene); the process...
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LC-MS and LC-NMR as Complementary Techniques for the Determination of Pharmaceuticals in Dosage Formulations
PublicationPharmaceuticals contain not only pharmacologically active compounds but also a range of excipients. The danger exists that impurities may also be present in such drugs, which may adversely affect their efficacy and even endanger patient health and life. Monitoring the composition of pharmaceutical products is therefore essential. The trace amounts of such impurities in pharmaceuticals are often identified and determined with liquid...
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Synthesis, microstructure and electrical properties of nanocrystalline calcium doped lanthanum orthoniobate
PublicationThe single phase lanthanum orthoniobate with tetragonal structure has been synthesized by the means of mechanosynthesis method. The studies have shown the crystal structure of La0.98Ca0.02NbO4 depends on the synthesis stage. The samples were predominantly in the tetragonal phase with a trace amount of the monoclinic phase. The SEM studies of morphology and microstructure have shown nanocrystallinity of the materials. The Raman...
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Ion Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection for Determining Cyanide in Urine and Meconium Samples
PublicationThe parents’ addictions and eating habits have a significant influence on the child’s growth. The first stool of a newborn baby provides a large amount of information about xenobiotics transmitted by the mother’s body. The analytical technique used in the study is ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). The biological samples, which were obtained from women staying in a maternity ward and their partners,...
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Sample preparation procedure for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in petroleum vacuum residue and bitumen
PublicationThis paper describes a novel method of samplepreparation for the determination of trace concentrations ofpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in high-boilingpetroleum products. Limits of quantitation of the investigatedPAHs in materials of this type range from tens ofnanograms per kilogram to <20 μg/kg. The studies revealedthat in order to separate most of interferences from theanalytes without a significant loss of PAHs, it...
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Determining pesticide contamination in honey by LC-ESI-MS/MS - Comparison of pesticide recoveries of two liquid-liquid extraction based approaches
PublicationHoney, a valuable food product, may be contaminated by xenobiotics during its production and/or harvest. The determination of trace levels of contaminants in a complex matrix like honey still presents a challenge to analytical chemists. The aim of this work was to assess and compare the extraction efficiencies of 30 pesticide residues (acaricides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides), belonging to over 15 different chemical classes....
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The Analysis of Vodka: A Review Paper
PublicationVodka is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Poland, Russia and other Eastern European countries, made from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin that has been produced via fermentation of potatoes, grains or other agricultural products. Despite distillation and multiple filtering, it is not possible to produce 100 % ethanol. The solution with a minimum ethanol content of 96 %, which is used to produce vodkas, also contains trace amounts...
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New Trends in Sample Preparation Techniques for the Analysis of the Residues of Pharmaceuticals in Environmental Samples
PublicationPharmaceutical residues in the environment is a field of special interest due to the adverse effects to either human health or aquatic and soil environment. Pharmaceuticals have been already detected in underground, surface and wastewaters, soils, manure and sediments. The growing awareness of environmental pollution arising from human activity forces the need for their comprehensive determination. Environmental samples are complex...
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Open Strategy for Digital Business. Managing in ICT-Driven Environments
PublicationThis book offers the reader a novel perspective on how digital contexts and open strategy approaches – the act of opening up strategic initiatives beyond company managers to involve front-line employees, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs – are related. Going beyond the claim that digital media drives open strategy by containing a detailed analyses of the interrelations between the two, the authors examine how ICT have diffused globally...
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Physical properties and electronic structure of La3Co and La3Ni intermetallic superconductors
PublicationLa3Co and La3Ni are reported superconductors with transition temperatures of 4.5 and 6 K, respectively. Here, we reinvestigate the physical properties of these two intermetallic compounds with magnetic susceptibility χ, specific heat Cp and electrical resistivity ρ measurements down to 1.9 K. Although bulk superconductivity is confirmed in La3Co, as observed previously, only a trace of it is found in La3Ni, indicating that the...
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Molecular targets for antifungals in amino acid and protein biosynthetic pathways
PublicationFungi cause death of over 1.5 million people every year, while cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in the world. Mycoses vary greatly in severity, there are long-term skin (ringworm), nail or hair infections (tinea capitis), recurrent like vaginal candidiasis or severe, life-threatening systemic, multiorgan infections. In the last few years, increasing importance is attached to the health and economic problems...
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Application of ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection for the determination of trace cyanide in biological samples, including breast milk
PublicationCyanide (CN) is the biomarker of exposure to the components of tobacco smoke, although its presence in biological samples is also due to the consumption of products containing cyanogenic glycosides. In this work, we determine the concentration of the free cyanide in urine, saliva and breast milk matrices, using ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). IC-PAD is an emerging method, with only few documented...
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Application of safirinium N-hydroxysuccinimide esters to derivatization of peptides for high-resolution mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and fluorescent labeling of bacterial cells
PublicationMass spectrometry methods are commonly used in the identification of peptides and biomarkers. Due to a relatively low abundance of proteins in biological samples, there is a need for the development of novel derivatization methods that would improve MS detection limits. Hence, novel fluorescent N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-2-ium carboxylates (Safirinium P dyes) have been synthesized. The...
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Preconcentration and Analytical Methods for Determination of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether and Other Fuel Oxygenates and Their Degradation Products in Environment: A Review
PublicationFuel oxygenates (FOs) are mainly ethers or alcohols which are added to gasoline either to boost the octane number or to make the fuel burning process more "cleaner" with increasing the oxygen content, or to obtain a combination of both effects. FOs are water soluble with high mobility in the environment which presence even at very low concentrations lower the quality of water making it unsafe or unpleasant due to their objectionable...
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Exchange-Traded Funds on European Markets: Has Critical Mass been Reached? Implications for Financial Systems.
PublicationExchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the most rapidly expanding categories of financial products in Europe. One of the key yet still unanswered questions is whether European ETF markets have reached the size at which they could affect the financial systems. In our study, we examine 13 European countries during the period 2004–2017 in order to trace whether the share of ETFs in the total assets of investment funds has reached...
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ESCASA : Analytical estimation of atomic coordinates from coarse‐grained geometry for nuclear‐magnetic‐resonance ‐assisted protein structure modeling. I. Backbone and Hβ protons
PublicationA method for the estimation of coordinates of atoms in proteins from coarse-grained geometry by simple analytical formulas (ESCASA), for use in nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) data-assisted coarse-grained simulations of proteins is proposed. In this paper, the formulas for the backbone Hα and amide (HN) protons, and the side-chain Hβ protons, given the Cα-trace, have been derived and parameterized, by using the interproton distances...
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Nonlinearity shaping in nanostructured glass-diamond hybrid materials for optical fiber preforms
PublicationNanodiamond integration with optical fibers has proved a compelling methodology for magneto-optics. We reveal that the applicability of nanodiamonds in nonlinear optics goes beyond the previous demonstrations of frequency converters. Instead, we exploit the recently reported volumetric integration of nanodiamonds along the optical fiber core and show that the nonlinear response of glasses can be manipulated by nanodiamonds. By...
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Properties of dimension witnesses and their semidefinite programming relaxations
PublicationIn this paper we develop a method for investigating semi-device-independent randomness expansion protocols that was introduced in Li et al. [H.-W. Li, P. Mironowicz, M. Pawłowski, Z.-Q. Yin, Y.-C. Wu, S. Wang, W. Chen, H.-G. Hu, G.-C. Guo, and Z.-F. Han, Phys. Rev. A 87, 020302(R) (2013)]. This method allows us to lower bound, with semi-definite programming, the randomness obtained from random number generators based on dimension...
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Development of a simple biogas analyzer module (BAM) for real-time biogas production monitoring
PublicationAnaerobic digestion (AD) relies on the cooperation of specific microbial communities, making it susceptible to process disruptions that could impact biogas production. In this regard, this study presents a technological solution based on the Arduino platform, in the form of a simple online monitoring system that can track the produced biogas profile, named as biogas analyzer module (BAM). The applicability of the BAM focused on...
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Structure and properties of the exopolysaccharides produced by Pseudomonas mutabilis T6 and P. mutabilis ATCC 31014
PublicationThis paper presents a study on the purification, primary structure, and rheological properties of exopolysaccharides isolated from cultures of Pseudomonas mutabilis T6 and P. mutabilis ATCC 31014. Both polymers are exopolysaccharides of D-mannose. The mannan isolated from P. mutabilis T6 contains on average about 5% of residual b-D-glucose, in contrast to the mannan from P. mutabilis ATCC 31014, which contained only trace amounts...
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Self-assembly, stability and conductance of amphotericin B channels: bridging the gap between structure and function
PublicationAmphotericin B (AmB), one of the most powerful but also toxic drugs used to treat systemic mycoses, is believed to selectively permeabilize fungal cell membranes to ions in a sterol-dependent manner. Unfortunately, the structure of the biologically active AmB channels has long eluded researchers, obstructing the design of safer alternatives. Here, we investigate the structural and thermodynamic aspects of channel formation, stability,...
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Electrochemical determination of nitroaromatic explosives at boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes: 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole in liquid effluents
PublicationThe study is devoted to the electrochemical detection of trace explosives on boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes (B:DGNW). The electrodes were fabricated in a one-step growth process using chemical vapour deposition without any additional modifications. The electrochemical investigations were focused on the determination of the important nitroaromatic explosive compounds, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole...
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Deep eutectic solvent based method for analysis of Niclosamide in pharmaceutical and wastewater samples – A green analytical chemistry approach
PublicationThe paper presents a simple, but very effective and sensitive spectrophotometric method for trace analysis of Niclosamide based on liquid–liquid microextraction using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) prior to its quantification. Here, different DES systems, such as Choline chloride (ChCl) + Urea, ChCl + Citric acid, ChCl + Ethylene glycol and ChCl + Phenol, were synthesized and evaluated at different molar ratios, selecting ChCl + Phenol...
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Identification of Emotional States Using Phantom Miro M310 Camera
PublicationThe purpose of this paper is to present the possibilities associated with the use of remote sensing methods in identifying human emotional states, and to present the results of the research conducted by the authors in this field. The studies presented involved the use of advanced image analysis to identify areas on the human face that change their activity along with emotional expression. Most of the research carried out in laboratories...
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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 eutectic solvents with solid supports used in microextraction processes applied for endocrine-disrupting chemicals
PublicationThe determination of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has become one of the biggest challenges in Analytical Chemistry. Due to the low concentration of these compounds in different kinds of samples, it becomes necessary to employ efficient sample preparation methods and sensitive measurement techniques to achieve low limits of detection. This issue becomes even more struggling when the principles of the Green Analytical Chemistry...
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L'industria e la Storia. La lezione di Giorgio Mori
PublicationThe wide contribution of Giorgio Mori for a better understanding of the long-term historical relationships between history and industry is the focus of this chapter. By analysing the long list of books and articles written all along his scientific and academic life it is possible to trace a sort of fil rouge that permits to appreciate the huge effort made by this scholar in offering a fresh and never banal interpretation of the...
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Oxide nanoparticle exsolution in Lu-doped (Ba,La)CoO3
PublicationThis study investigated Lu doping of Ba0.5La0.5CoO3 and its influence on the exsolution of oxide nanoparticles (NPs). As a result of Lu doping, we observed the phase segregation into the main Ba0.4La0.6Co0.85Lu0.15O3 (BLCO–Lu) phase and the secondary Ba0.85La0.15Co0.75Lu0.25O3 (BCO–Lu) phase. We noticed the exsolution of BCO–Lu nanoparticles on the main BLCO–Lu phase. Moreover, the BLCO–Lu phase exsolved in the form of nanoparticles...
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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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Narracje o świeżej traumie. Upamiętnianie ataków terrorystycznych w krajobrazie codziennym miast
PublicationRecent trauma Narratives: commemorating terrorist attacks in Everyday cityscape Contemporary city incidentally becomes a non-accidental target of acts violating the primary sense of security and safety. The fundamental assumptions about so- cial and interpersonal interactions that guarantee social life are severely disturbed. These events, primarily the ones related to terrorist attacks, leave in social memo- ry traces associated...
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Ultrasound assisted solvent extraction of porous membrane-packed samples followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for determination of BADGE, BFDGE and their derivatives in packed vegetables
PublicationThe problem of the presence of trace organic pollutants in food is of growing importance due to increasing awareness about their impact on newborns, infants and adults of reproductive age. Despite the fact that packaged food products offer many advantages, packaging can be a source of contamination for stored food. Thus, monitoring such pollution in food is of high importance. In this work, a novel methodology based on the solvent...
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Evolution of charge density wave order in continuous solid solutions Lu(Ni1-xCox)C2
PublicationPseudo-ternary solid solutions, Lu(Ni1-xCox)C2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), were studied by means of powder X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis as well as electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements. The crystal structure of the Lu(Ni1-xCox)C2 series, as investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction, is of structure type CeNiC2, space group Amm2, Pearson symbol oS8. The structural analysis reveals a non-monotonous evolution,...
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Automated Reasoning Based User Interface
PublicationMotivation: The ability to directly trace how requirements are implemented in a software system is crucial in domains that require a high level of trust (e.g. medicine, law, crisis management). This paper describes an approach that allows a high level of traceability to be achieved with model-driven engineering supported by automated reasoning. The paper gives an introduction to the novel, automated user interface synthesis in...
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An evaluation of sucrose as a possible contaminant in e-liquids for electronic cigarettes by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
PublicationThe influence of sucrose combustion products on smoking and nicotine addiction is still controversial because the presence of the sucrose may be treated as a source of aldehydes and organic acids. In e-liquids used as refills for electronic cigarettes, which are made primarily of poly(propylene glycol), glycerine and ethanol, sucrose may be present at trace levels, and its impact on mainstream smoke formation, and hence on human...
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Development and Validation of SPE-HPLC-MS/MS Method for Determining Cyclophosphamide in Surface Waters
PublicationA rapid and selective method for trace amounts determination of cyclophosphamide in surface water samples has been developed. A solid phase extraction SPE method for extraction and clean-up procedure has been optimized for determination by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The analyses proceed in the positive ion mode by means of the electrospray ionization method (ESI). Clean...
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LIGHT POLLUTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THREATS TO THE WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
PublicationAccess to remote sensing night-time imagery allows for modeling of light pollution Increasingly, data on the propagation of artificial light are a source of interesting information for different fields of science and affect the planning of economic development. The article presents the problem of light pollution in the context of threats to the wildlife corridors in Poland. Wildlife corridors are areas that allow safe migration...
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Ionic Liquid Assisted Dissolution of Dissolved Organic Matter and PAHs from Soil Below the Critical Micelle Concentration
PublicationIncreased use and production of ionic liquids (ILs) may result in emissions into the environment. Particularly vulnerable are industrial areas and landfills where ILs are utilized and ultimately disposed of. This study investigates how IL contamination can affect soil properties and the sorption of pre-existing contaminants. The commonly used IL 1-methyl-3-octyl imidazolium chloride ([OMIM][Cl]) was added at various quantities...
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Impact of a newly-formed periglacial environment and other factors on fresh water chemistry at the western shore of Admiralty Bay in the summer of 2016 (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica)
PublicationThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the inorganic chemistry of flowing water at the western shore of Admiralty Bay. In the water samples, ions, and major and trace metals (and B)were detected and quantified. Additionally, the parameters of pH, specific electrolytic conductivity (SEC25) and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined. Moreover, multivariate data set was created and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was...
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Pharmaceuticals and another groups of emerging contaminants: Occurrence and sources in Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica)
PublicationEveryday live activities may introduce a wide range of chemicals into wastewater systems. In this study presence of selected types of pharmaceuticals from cardiovascular system group, nervous and muscolo-skeleton system group, antimicrobial agents, genitourinary and sex hormones were tested in the wastewater from H. Arctowski Antarctic station. Moreover, the receiver of discharged wastewater (Admiralty Bay) were also studied. Considering...
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Emerging strategies for enhancing detection of explosives by artificial olfaction
PublicationExplosives detection systems need to be able to reliably detect a wide range of explosive materials and their vapours. The continued development and improvement of artificial olfaction techniques, including electronic nose (EN), remains important to overcome existing challenges and meet requirements posed by new improvements in the field of explosives. There is an increasingly popular trend aimed at improvement of fundamental metrological...
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Comparative molecular dynamics study of dimeric and monomeric forms of HIV-1 protease in ligand bound and unbound state
PublicationHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease (HIV-1 PR) is a viral-encoded enzyme that forms a homodimer. HIV-1 PR is essential for replication and assembly of the virus and inactivation of HIV-1 PR enzyme causes production of immature, noninfectious viral particles and thus HIV-1 PR is an attractive target in anti-AIDS drug design. In our current work, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) calculations (500 ns) for two different...