Search
Filters
total: 159
Search results for: water uptake
-
Endocrine disrupting compounds in the baby's world - A harmful environment to the health of babies
PublicationGlobally, there has been a significant increase in awareness of the adverse effects of chemicals with known or suspected endocrine-acting properties on human health. Human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) mainly occurs by ingestion and to some extent by inhalation and dermal uptake. Although it is difficult to assess the full impact of human exposure to EDCs, it is well known that timing of exposure is of importance...
-
Solubility of Carbon Dioxide in Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on 3-Amino-1-Propanol and Tetraalkylammonium Salts at Low Pressure
PublicationDeep eutectic solvents (DESs) became an object of a great interest as an alternative to ionic liquids (ILs) and commonly used in CO2 capture amine solutions. In the present study, five different DESs based on 3-amino-1-propanol as physical-chemical CO2 absorbents were used. The composition was chosen in order to estimate the effects of hydrogen bond acceptor:hydrogen bond donor (HBA:HBD) molar ratio, anion type and length of alkyl...
-
Nitrification, denitrification, and dephosphatation capability of activated sludge during co-treatment of intermediate-age landfill leachates with municipal wastewater
PublicationThis study focuses on the possible use and efficacy of the co-treatment of landfill leachate (intermediate-age) with municipal wastewater. The nitrification, denitrification, and dephosphatation capability of activated sludge acclimated with a mixture of raw municipal wastewater (RWW) with gradually increasing amounts of raw landfill leachate (RLL) (from 0.5 to 5% v/v) were tested. Biochemical tests were conducted simultaneously...
-
Peptide Permeases in Candida albicans
PublicationAims: The aim of this work was to characterize oligopeptide uptake in Candida albicans mutants in which the genes encoding putative peptide permeases were selectively disrupted. Initial velocities of transport of model oligopeptides, (Ala)2, (Ala)3, (Ala)4, and sensitivity of mutants to antifungal oligopeptides containing N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (FMDP) were determined and compared to those of the wild-type...
-
UK travel agents’ evaluation of eLearning courses offered by destinations: an exploratory study.
PublicationThis study aims to develop an understanding of the use of e-learning courses created for travel agents by Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). It explores agents’ perceptions of such courses. The research examines the views of 304 UK-based travel agents using online survey and investigates whether age, sex, type of agency, work experience, and educational level have influence on e-learning uptake. The satisfaction of travel...
-
Improving denitrification efficiency at the "Wschod" WWTP in Gdansk (Poland) - effects of different carbon sources
PublicationCelem badań było określenie wpływu dawkowania trzech różnych źródeł węgla (ścieków po oczyszczaniu mechanicznym, metanolu, ścieków gorzelnianych) na szybkość denitryfikacji, mierzoną w warunkach laboratoryjnych z osadem czynnym z oczyszczalni ścieków Gdańsk-Wschód. Największą szybkość procesu (4.8-5.2 mgN/(g*h)) zaobserwowano dla ścieków przemysłowych. Dodatkowo przeprowadzono badanie długości fazy adaptacji osadu do metanolu w...
-
Rhodotorulic Acid and its Derivatives: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
PublicationSiderophores are low molecular weight compounds produced by microorganisms to scavenge iron in iron-deficient environments. Rhodotorulic acid (RA), a natural hydroxamate siderophore, plays a vital role in iron acquisition for fungi and bacteria. As the simplest natural hydroxamate siderophore, RA exhibits a high affinity for ferric ions, enabling it to form stable complexes that facilitate iron uptake and transport within microorganisms....
-
To i-vote or not to i-vote: Drivers and barriers to the implementation of internet voting
PublicationThis paper investigates the drivers and barriers of internet voting and the implications of a global pandemic for the development of the respective technology. In contrast to the expected uptake in the early 2000s of internet voting, the technology is still rather seldomly used in election systems around the world. The paper at hand explores the different forces that drive or impede internet voting adoption from a political, social,...
-
Antifungal dipeptides incorporating an inhibitor of homoserine dehydrogenase
PublicationThe antifungal activity of 5‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐L‐norvaline (HONV), exhibited under conditions mimicking human serum, may be improved upon incorporation of this amino acid into a dipeptide structure. Several HONV‐containing dipeptides inhibited growth of human pathogenic yeasts of the Candida genus in the RPMI‐1640 medium, with minimal inhibitory concentration values in the 32 to 64 μg mL−1 range. This activity was not affected by multidrug...
-
Double ZIF-L structures with exceptional CO2 capacity
PublicationCarbon dioxide emission is an emerging problem nowadays and new methods are designed for its control. In this article, a report on the formation of zeolitic imidazole framework with an apparent double leaf-like morphology DZIF-L is given. The special structure of the materials prevents from aggregation of the particles providing remarkable CO2 capacity. At 0.1 MPa the CO2 uptake was 2.99 ± 0.06 mmol/g. The capacity of synthesized...
-
Novel Tools for Comprehensive Functional Analysis of LDLR (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor) Variants
PublicationFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal-dominant disorder caused mainly by substitutions in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene, leading to an increased risk of premature cardiovascular diseases. Tremendous advances in sequencing techniques have resulted in the discovery of more than 3000 variants of the LDLR gene, but not all of them are clinically relevant. Therefore, functional studies of selected variants...
-
The metabolic activity of denitrifying microorganisms accumulating polyphosphate in response to addition of fusel oil
PublicationThe effect of distillery waste product (fusel oil) as an alternative external organic carbon source (EOCS) was investigated in terms of the metabolic properties of denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms (DPAOs). Samples of the non-acclimated biomass were collected from a local full-scale wastewater treatment plant employing A2/O type bioreactors. The acclimated biomass was obtained after cultivation (with fusel oil added)...
-
Measurement of benzene concentration in urban air using passive sampling
PublicationAbstract The concentration of benzene in urban air in theTri-City area of Poland (Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia, andTczew) was assessed using diffusive passive samplers (Rad-iello). Samples were collected during a four-year monitoringcampaign (2007-2010) at selected monitoring stations man-aged by the Agency of Regional Air Quality Monitoring inthe Gdańsk Metropolitan Area (ARMAAG) Foundation.The performance of the passive samplers was investigatedin...
-
The properties, functions and use of selenium compounds in living organisms
PublicationSelenium occurs in the environment in inorganic and organic compounds. For many years it was regarded as a toxic element, causing numerous illnesses and diseases. But research in the last 50 years has revealed a "bright side" to this element, especially as a component of selenoproteins, selenium makes a significant contribution to the health of humans and animals. The selenium content in an organism depends on its concentration...
-
Impact of enhanced pretreatment on biological nutrient removal in municipal wastewater treatment plants
PublicationThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of enhanced primary treatment on: increasing primary sludge production for increased biogas production; reducing the organic load on downstream biological treatment processes and thereby reducing energy consumption for aeration; denitrification and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) rates in the activated sludge system. For this purpose, three commercial organic polymers...
-
Chain Action - How Do Countries Add Value Through Digital Government?
PublicationThis study examineshow countries develop and benefit from Digital Government(DG).The literature proposes various conceptualizations of the value-adding logic of DG, but the benchmarking practice is not respondingto such proposals.For instance, the United Nations’E-Government Surveycombines the readiness and uptake indicatorsand failsto cover any impactindicators;thus,its diagnostic valueis limited. To overcome...
-
Hybrid cross-linked chitosan/protonated-proline:glucose DES membranes with superior pervaporation performance for ethanol dehydration
PublicationThis work explores a protonated L-proline:glucose (molar ratio 5:1) deep eutectic solvent (DES) in fabricating biopolymer membranes utilizing chitosan (CS). Initially, the miscibility of CS and DES to prepare homogeneous dense blend membranes has been investigated. Different techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, contact angle (CA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and swelling...
-
Rhodotorulic Acid and its Derivatives: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
PublicationSiderophores are low molecular weight compounds produced by microorganisms to scavenge iron in iron-deficient environments. Rhodotorulic acid, a natural hydroxamate siderophore, plays a vital role in iron acquisition for fungi and bacteria. As the simplest natural hydroxamate siderophore, it exhibits a high affinity for ferric ions, enabling it to form stable complexes that facilitate iron uptake and transport within microorganisms....
-
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,...
-
Selective adsorption of BTEX on calixarene-based molecular coordination network determined by 13C NMR spectroscopy
PublicationBenzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), a class of volatile organic compounds, are harmful pollutants but also very important precursors in organic industrial chemistry. Among different approaches used for the BTEX treatment, the adsorption technology has been recognized as an efficient approach because it allows to recover and reuse both adsorbent and adsorbate. However, the selective adsorption of the components is...
-
Aiming at methods’ wider adoption: Applicability determinants and metrics
PublicationNumerous computer science methods and techniques have been proposed by the scientific community. However, depending on the domain, only their minor fraction has met wider adoption. This paper brings attention to the concept of applicability - the notion that is well acknowledged in the scientific field but have not been analysed with respect to determinants, metrics and systematisation. The primary objective of the study was to...
-
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,...
-
The Hydrolysis of Slowly Biodegradable Substrate in Activated Sludge
PublicationIn a present work a novel procedure, based on the standard batch tests and pretreatment of wastewater sample with coagulation-flocculation method, was proposed to evaluate the effects of hydrolysis of slowly biodegradable substrate (Xs) on biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes in activated sludge systems. The study was conducted at two large BNR wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in northern Poland: "Wschod" in Gdansk and...
-
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...
-
T cell Activation Is Driven by an ADP-Dependent Glukosinase Linking Enhanced Glycolysis with Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
PublicationMitochondria-originating reactive oxygen species control T cell receptor (TCR)-induced gene expression. Here, we show that TCR-triggered activation of ADP-dependent glucokinase (ADPGK), an alternative, glycolytic enzyme typical for Archaea, mediates generation of the oxidative signal. We also show that ADPGK is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and suggest that its active site protrudes toward the cytosol. The ADPGK-driven...
-
Effects of different external carbon sources and electron acceptors on interactions between denitrification and phosphorus removal in BNR processes
PublicationThe effects of two different external carbon sources (acetate, ethanol) and electron acceptors (dissolved oxygen, nitrate and nitrite) were investigated under aerobic and anoxic conditions with non-acclimated process biomass from a full-scale biological nutrient removal activated sludge system. When acetate was added as an external carbon source, phosphate release was observed even in the presence of electron acceptors. The release...
-
Special techniques and future perspectives: Simultaneous macro- and micro-electrode recordings
PublicationThere are many approaches to studying the inner workings of the brain and its highly interconnected circuits. One can look at the global activity in different brain structures using non-invasive technologies like positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measure physiological changes, e.g. in the glucose uptake or blood flow. These can be very effectively used to localize active patches...
-
Cancer-selective, single agent chemoradiosensitising gold nanoparticles
PublicationTwo nanometre gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), bearing sugar moieties and/or thiol-polyethylene glycol-amine (PEG-amine), were synthesised and evaluated for their in vitro toxicity and ability to radiosensitise cells with 220 kV and 6 MV X-rays, using four cell lines representing normal and cancerous skin and breast tissues. Acute 3 h exposure of cells to AuNPs, bearing PEG-amine only or a 50:50 ratio of alpha-galactose derivative and...
-
Molecularly targeted nanoparticles: an emerging tool for evaluation of expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in a murine model of peripheral artery disease
PublicationAbstract Background: Molecular imaging with molecularly targeted probes is a powerful tool for studying the spatio-temporal interactions between complex biological processes. The pivotal role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in numerous pathological processes, aroused the demand for RAGE targeted imaging in various diseases. In the study, we evaluated the use of a diagnostic imaging agent for RAGE quantification...
-
The potential of enhancing denitrification in the activated sludge process with by-products from the alcohol production
PublicationIn this study, by-products from the alcohol production were examined in terms of their potential application as external carbon sources for enhancing denitrification in biological nutrient removal systems. Three kinds of experimental assays were used to compare the effects of the by-products with other external carbon sources (ethanol and acetic acid) and the settled wastewater. Based on the results obtained, it appears that one...
-
Acclimation of denitrifying activated sludge to a single vs. complex external carbon source during a start-up of sequencing batch reactors treating ammonium-rich anaerobic sludge digester liquors
PublicationIn this study, denitrification of ammonium- reach anaerobic sludge digester liquor was investigated during start-up periods of two laboratory- scale ‘‘fill-and-draw’’ reactors. One reactor was fed with a single carbon source (ethanol), whereas the other reactor was fed with a complex carbon source (fusel oil). During two acclimation experiments, the structure of microbial community involved in denitrification was analyzed using...
-
Local Structure and Stability of SEI in Graphite and ZFO Electrodes Probed by As K-edge Absorption Spectroscopy
PublicationThe evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the first Li uptake in advanced Li-ion electrodes is studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The As atoms present in the electrolyte solution were used as a local probe for monitoring the SEI growth on different electrodes. High-quality As K-edge spectra were collected in fluorescence mode for a set of graphite and carbon-coated ZnFe2O4 electrodes. XAS measurements...
-
Study on surface termination of boron-doped diamond electrodes under anodic polarization in H2SO4 by means of dynamic impedance technique
PublicationAnodic oxidation is a popular way to modify termination bonds at boron doped diamond electrodes altering their electrochemical and physicochemical properties. Our studies, performed with dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique, supported with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry analysis prove its utility in continuous on-line monitoring of impedance changes on the electrode surface under polarization...
-
Escherichia coli Strains with Virulent Factors Typical for Uropathogens were Isolated from Sinuses from Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis—Case Report
PublicationEscherichia coli were isolated from three patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by intraoperative sinus tissue biopsy. Taking into account the unusual replicative niche and previous treatment failures, it was decided to focus on the virulence and drug resistance of these bacteria. The strains turned out to be multi-sensitive, but the rich virulence factors profile of bacteria typical for phylogenetic group B2 deserved attention....
-
Is the Solid Electrolyte Interphase an Extra-Charge Reservoir in Li-Ion Batteries?
PublicationAdvanced metal oxide electrodes in Li-ion batteries usually show reversible capacities exceeding the theoretically expected ones. Despite many studies and tentative interpretations, the origin of this extra-capacity is not assessed yet. Lithium storage can be increased through different chemical processes developing in the electrodes during charging cycles. The solid electrolyte interface (SEI), formed already during the first...
-
Determination of COD Fractionation as a Key Factor for Appropriate Modelling and Monitoring of Activated Sludge Processes
PublicationAn operation of wastewater treatment plant is usually controlled by global parameters such as flow, solids retention time, sludge age, concentration of ammonia and dissolved oxygen, etc. It is considered that, together with the chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD), those parameters indirectly exhibit the effectiveness of activated sludge processes. Especially the BOD indicate the amount of organic pollution that...
-
How pesticides affect neonates? - Exposure, health implications and determination of metabolites
PublicationThis review covers key information related to the effects of pesticides on fetal and child health. All humans are exposed to environmental toxicants, however child's health, due to their high vulnerability, should be of special concern. They are continuously exposed to environmental xenobiotics including a wide variety of pesticides, and other pollutants. These compounds can enter the child's body through various routes, both during...
-
Cellulosic bionanocomposites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and Cuscuta reflexa: adjusting structure-properties balance for higher performance
PublicationDesign and manufacture of cellulosic nanocomposites with acceptable performance is in the period of a transition from fantasy to reality. Typically, cellulosic nanofillers reveal poor compatibility with polymer matrices. Thus, adjusting the balance between structure and properties of cellulosic bionanocomposites by careful selection of parent ingredients is the first priority. Herein, we incorporated Cuscuta reflexa derived cellulose...
-
Acid–Base Equilibrium and Self-Association in Relation to High Antitumor Activity of Selected Unsymmetrical Bisacridines Established by Extensive Chemometric Analysis
PublicationUnsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs) represent a novel class of anticancer agents previously synthesized by our group. Our recent studies have demonstrated their high antitumor potential against multiple cancer cell lines and human tumor xenografts in nude mice. At the cellular level, these compounds affected 3D cancer spheroid growth and their cellular uptake was selectively modulated by quantum dots. UAs were shown to undergo metabolic...
-
Towards azeotropic MeOH-MTBE separation using pervaporation chitosan-based deep eutectic solvent membranes
PublicationDeep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a new class of solvents that can offset some of the major drawbacks of common solvents and ionic liquids. When dealing with the preparation of dense membranes, the use of DESs is still challenging due to their low compatibility with the polymer phase. In this research, a novel L-proline:sulfolane (molar ratio 1:2) DES was synthesized and used for the preparation of more sustainable bio-based membranes...
-
Improved cytotoxicity and preserved level of cell death induced in colon cancer cells by doxorubicin after its conjugation with iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles
PublicationA promising strategy for overcoming the problem of limited efficacy in antitumor drug delivery and in drug release is the use of a nanoparticle-conjugated drug. Doxorubicin (Dox) anticancer chemotherapeutics has been widely studied in this respect, because of severe cardiotoxic side effects. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effects, the uptake process, the changes in cell cycle progression and the cell death processes in the...
-
The role of biodegradable particulate and colloidal organic compounds in biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems
PublicationThe efficiency of denitrification and enhanced biological phosphorus removal in biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems is strongly dependent on the availability of appropriate carbon sources. Due to high costs of commercial compounds (such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, etc.) and acclimation periods (usually) required, the effective use of internal substrates is preferred. The aim of this study was to determine...
-
Foliate-Targeting Quantum Dots-β-Cyclodextrin Nanocarrier for Efficient Delivery of Unsymmetrical Bisacridines to Lung and Prostate Cancer Cells
PublicationTargeted drug delivery by nanocarriers molecules can increase the efficiency of cancer treatment. One of the targeting ligands is folic acid (FA), which has a high affinity for the folic acid receptors, which are overexpressed in many cancers. Herein, we describe the preparation of the nanoconjugates containing quantum dots (QDs) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with foliate-targeting properties for the delivery of anticancer compound...
-
The evaluation of COD fractionation and modeling as a key factor for appropriate optimization and monitoring of modern cost-effective activated sludge systems
PublicationA study was conducted to characterize the raw wastewater entering a modern cost effective municipal WWTP in Poland using two approaches; 1) a combination of modeling and carbonaceous oxygen demand (COD) fractionation using respirometric test coupled with model estimation (RTME) and 2) flocculation/filtration COD fractionation method combined with BOD measurements (FF-BOD). It was observed that the particulate fractions of COD obtained...
-
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...
-
Removal of lead ions from wastewater using lanthanum sulfide nanoparticle decorated over magnetic graphene oxide
PublicationIn this study, the new lanthanum sulfide nanoparticle (La2S3) was synthesized and incorporated onto magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) sheets surface to produce potential adsorbent (MGO@LaS) for efficient removal of lead ions (Pb2+) from wastewater. The synthesized MGO@LaS adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The...
-
Graphene oxide aerogels for adsorptive separation of aromatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes
PublicationEfficient separation of benzene and cyclohexane has critical importance for production of commodity chemicals, and is one of the most challenging separations in the industry. Physisorption by recyclable, porous solids has a significant potential in substituting energy-intensive azeotropic or extractive distillation methods. Reduced graphene oxide aerogels (rGOAs) are emerging materials holding great promise for connecting unique...
-
ADAPTATION OF THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE TO THE DIGESTATE LIQUORS DURING THE NITRIFICATION AND DENITRIFICATION PROCESSES
PublicationThe activated sludge process of the digestate liquors after chemical separation was conducted using a 10 L lab-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and a 0.50 m3 pilotscale SBR independently (with pH control). Due to the relatively high concentration of free ammonia (FA), clear inhibitory effects of the digestate liquors on the nitrifying bacteria were observed. The adaptation of the activated sludge to the toxicity was evaluated...
-
New approach for e-cigarette aerosol collection by an original automatic aerosol generator utilizing melt-blown non-woven fabric
PublicationCurrently, there is lack of standardized conditions for the collection and analysis of e-cigarette (EC) aerosol. Considering the urgent need for the development of these guidelines, a procedure for EC aerosol analysis was developed. A novel automatic e-cigarette aerosol generator was designed. For the first time, melt-blown non-woven fabric was applied for the effective uptake of compounds released from vaporized e-liquid. The...
-
Nitrogen removal in vertical flow constructed wetlands: influence of bed depth and high nitrogen loadings
PublicationThe aim of the study was to evaluate the nitrogen removal and its effects on the plant’s growth and leaves morphology. using two subsurface vertical flow (VF bed), with different depths (0.24 m2 × 0.70 m; 0.24 m2 × 0.35 m) and nitrogen load increments. The VF bed were planted with Vetiveria zizanioides, filled with light expanded clay aggregates (Leca®NR 10/20) and fed in parallel mode with synthetic wastewater. High ammonium nitrogen...