Search results for: biological degradation
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Forest management
e-Learning CoursesThe last ice age ended in Scandinavia about 15 000 years ago. The land was gradually occupied by present tree species. Human settlement followed the vegetation. The first forest uses were hunting and gathering. Animal husbandry and forest grazing came later. Shifting cultivation was a wide spread form of agriculture, especially in Sweden and Finland. Wood was first used for domestic purposes and for construction, In the 18th century,...
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Chlorine-free extraction and structural characterization of cellulose nanofibers from waste husk of millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
PublicationThis study aims to extract cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from a sustainable source, i.e. millet husk, which is an agro-waste worthy of consideration. Pre-treatments such as mercerisation, steam explosion, and peroxide bleaching (chlorine-free) were applied for the removal of non-cellulosic components. The bleached millet husk pulp was subjected to acid hydrolysis (5% oxalic acid) followed by homogenization to extract CNFs. The extracted...
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Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Isochroman Derivatives
PublicationThe isochroman scaffold constitutes an important structural unit, which is present in various bioactive natural products and synthetic pharmaceutical compounds exhibiting wide arrays of biological properties. Hence the synthesis of this class of heterocyclic compounds in a stereoselective fashion is highly significant and desirable. In the last decade, a substantial advancement has been witnessed ln the catalytic asymmetric...
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Experience of hybrid constructed wetlands operation in Gdansk region
PublicationThe investigation were carried out at five local hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs), which secured biological treatment of domestic wastewater generated from 15 to 600 pe. Based on over two years monitoring it was indicated that HCWs ensured very effective removal of organic matter from 74.9 to 95.5 COD % in wild range of loadings (1.5 - 17.0g COD/ m3day). Efficiency of total nitrogen removal varied significantly from 23.4 two...
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Low-energy positron scattering from gas-phase uracil
PublicationQuantum scattering calculations are presented for the interaction of low energy positrons with the uracil molecule, an important component of biological systems. The rotational elastic and inelastic cross sections and vibrational inelastic cross sections are reported and compared with existing experiments, indicating a general trend of the cross sections different from the experimental findings and in line with what should be expected...
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Antioxidants: a premature scientific hypothesis that reshuffled the traditional food pyramid
PublicationAntioxidants present in substantial amounts in foods, plant-based products in particular, have been suggested as chemopreventive agents that can curb the development of undesirable health effects caused by oxidative stress simply by enriching diet in such compounds. This idea has been enthusiastically accepted by consumers, as well as food and pharmaceutical industry, and created great demand for products containing antioxidant...
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Scientific research in the Department of Machine Design and Automotive Engineering
PublicationShort descriptions of various research subjects taken up at the Department of Machine Design and Automotive Engineering are included in the paper. The subjects cover a wide range of bearing systems and tribology research and the research on tires and road surfaces. A third field of activity is biomedical engineering – with the attempts to improve methods of modelling biological materials in FEM calculations. The Department has...
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Taq DNA polymerase fused with DNA binding protein with increased resistance to inhibitors from clinical samples
PublicationNowadays PCR method is commonly used in molecular diagnostic. However, in many cases PCR is limited, by the presence of inhibitory substances in biological, soil or food samples Efficiency and fidelity of amplification is strongly connected with DNA polymerase and reaction conditions. To meet the requirements of modern diagnostic methods it is essential to seeking for new DNA polymerases with better properties useful in these field....
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Fiber optic microsphere with a ZnO thin film for potential application in a refractive index sensor – theoretical study
PublicationOptical fiber sensors of refractive index play an important role in analysis of biological and chemical samples. This work presents a theoretical investigation of spectral response of a fiber optic microsphere with a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film deposited on the surface and evaluates the prospect of using such a structure for refractive index sensing. A microsphere is fabricated by an optical fiber tapering method on the base of...
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Distribution and extent of benthic habitats in Puck Bay (Gulf of Gdańsk, southern Baltic Sea)
PublicationThe majority of the southern Baltic Sea seabed encompasses homogenous soft-bottom sediments of limited productivity and low biological diversity, but shallow productive areas in the coastal zone such as wetlands, vegetated lagoons and sheltered bays show a high variety of benthic habitat types offering favourable biotopic conditions for benthic fauna. Within Polish marine areas, semi-enclosed Puck Bay (the western part of the...
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Influence of Different Nanometals Implemented in PMMA Bone Cement on Biological and Mechanical Properties
PublicationCemented arthroplasty is a common process to fix prostheses when a patient becomes older and his/her bone quality deteriorates. The applied cements are biocompatible, can transfer loads, and dampen vibrations, but do not provide antibacterial protection. The present work is aimed at the development of cement with antibacterial effectivity achieved with the implementation of nanoparticles of different metals. The powders of Ag,...
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Electrochemistry/mass spectrometry (EC/MS) for fast generation and identification of novel reactive metabolites of two unsymmetrical bisacridines with anticancer activity.
PublicationThe development of a new drug requires knowledge about its metabolic fate in a living organism, regarding the comprehensive assessment of both drug therapeutic activity and toxicity profiles. Electrochemistry (EC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is an efficient tool for predicting the phase I metabolism of redox-sensitive drugs. In particular, EC/MS represents a clear advantage for the generation of reactive drug transformation...
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Nanoparticles and nanofiltration for wastewater treatment: From polluted to fresh water
PublicationWater pollution poses significant threats to both ecosystems and human health. Mitigating this issue requires effective treatment of domestic wastewater to convert waste into bio-fertilizers and gas. Neglecting liquid waste treatment carries severe consequences for health and the environment. This review focuses on intelligent technologies for water and wastewater treatment, targeting waterborne diseases. It covers pollution prevention...
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Electrochemical determination of neurotransmitter serotonin using boron/nitrogen co-doped diamond-graphene nanowall-structured particles
PublicationElectrode fouling is a major issue in biological detection due to the adhesion of the protein itself and polymerization of biomolecules on the electrode surface, impeding the electron transfer ability and decreasing the current response. To overcome this issue, the use of anti-fouling material, especially boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode, is an alternative way. However, the electrocatalytic activity of BDD is inadequate compared...
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Comparative Study of Balancing SRT by Using Modified ASM2d in Control and Operation Strategy at Full-Scale WWTP
PublicationDetailed knowledge on the composition of the influent going into the wastewater treatment system is essential for the development of a reliable computer model. In the context of WWTPs (wastewater treatment plants), the wastewater characteristics are not only important for activated sludge system modelling, but also have an impact on the appropriate control of single unit operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concepts...
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Synthesis, characterization, and interactions of single-walled carbon nanotubes modified with doxorubicin with Langmuir–Blodgett biomimetic membranes
PublicationThe synthesis, characterization, and the influence of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) modified with an anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOx) on the properties of model biological membrane as well as the comparison of the two modes of modification has been presented. The drug was covalently attached to the nanotubes either preferentially on the sides or at the ends of the nanotubes by the formation of hydrazone bond. The efficiency...
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Organic carbon fluxes of a glacier surface: a case study of Foxfonna, a small Arctic glacier
PublicationArctic glaciers are rapidly responding to global warming by releasing organic carbon (OC) to downstream ecosystems. The glacier surface is arguably the most biologically active and biodiverse glacial habitat and therefore the site of important OC transformation and storage, although rates and magnitudes are poorly constrained. In this paper, we present measurements of OC fluxes associated with atmospheric deposition, ice melt,...
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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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Phosphate and Thiophosphate Biphenyl Analogs as Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitors
PublicationIn the present work, we report convenient methods for the synthesis and biological evaluation of phosphate and thiophosphate biphenyl derivatives exhibiting steroid sulfatase (STS) activity. The described synthesis is based on straightforward preparation of biphenyl-4-ol and 40-hydroxybiphenyl- 4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester modified with various phosphate or thiophosphate moieties. The inhibitory effects of these compounds were...
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Evolution of Animats Following a Moving Target in an Artificial Ecosystem
PublicationMany biological animals, even microscopically small, are able to track moving sources of food. In this paper, we investigate the emergence of such behavior in artificial animals (animats) in a 2-dimensional simulated liquid environment. These "predators" are controlled by evolving artificial gene regulatory networks encoded in linear genomes. The fate of the predators is determined only by their ability to gather food and reproduce—no...
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Comparative Analysis of Exoskeletal Actuators
PublicationSince the beginning of the development of exoskeletons in the early 1960s there was a constant need for improving their actuators technology. Requirements for high power and torque for the lower body and very high precision for the hand motion, while maintaining the flexibility of biological muscles, are still not fully satisfied. The problem lies not just in the lack of appropriate actuator technology, but also in the inability...
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Biocompatibility and Bioactivity of Load-Bearing Metallic Implants
PublicationThe main objective of here presented research is to develop the titanium (Ti) alloy base composite materials possessing better biocompatibility, longer lifetime and bioactivity behaviour for load-bearing implants, e.g. hip joint and knee joint endoprosthesis. The development of such materials is performed through: modeling the material behaviour in biological environment in long time and developing of new procedures for such evaluation;...
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The Role of Proteins in Food
PublicationThis chapter describes the effect of proteins on the sensory attributes and the biological value and safety of foods. The role of proteins depends on their amino acid composition and structure, on changes due to storage and processing, as well as on interactions with other food components. The effect on the sensory quality of foods is brought about by hydrophobicity, solubility, water holding capacity, gelling, film formation,...
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Crystal structures of (E)-3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)chroman-4-one and (E)-3-(3-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-phenylchroman-4-one
PublicationThe synthesis and crystal structures of (E)-3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)chroman-4-one, C16H12O3,I, and (E)-3-(3-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-phenylchroman-4-one,C22H16O3,II, are reported. These compounds are of interest with respect to biological activity. Both structures display intermolecular C—H---O and O—H---O hydrogen bonding, forming layers in the crystal lattice. The crystal structure of compound I is consolidated...
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Application of ionic liquids in microextraction techniques: Current trends and future perspectives
PublicationIonic liquids (ILs) with their unique properties found so far numerous analytical applications. Among them ILs both in their liquid form and immobilized on the surface or within the pores of a solid support were successfully utilized in microextraction techniques. The scope of this review will cover a comprehensive summarizing of available literature data on selected properties of ILs playing a key role in analytical purposes,...
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Label‐free optical detection of cyclosporine in biological fluids
PublicationIn this paper, a spectroscopic method for determination of cyclosporine concentrations in biological fluids is presented. Blood plasma and hemoglobin solutions are chosen for the experiment. For various cyclosporine concentrations in blood plasma and hemoglobin, absorbance measurements in spectra range from 600 to 1100 nm are performed. The measurement results are analyzed by the use of a dedicated algorithm. The obtained data...
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Efficient synthesis and antifungal investigation of nucleosides’ quaternary ammonium salt derivatives
PublicationQuaternary ammonium salts are a group of compounds with diverse biological properties, the most important of which are their antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The quaternization reactions of 5'-O-tosyl derivatives of uridine and thymidine with triethylamine, trimethylamine, 4-(N ,N -dimethylamino)pyridine, 2-methylpyridine, and pyridine are described in this article. Two of the synthesized compounds are exceptional...
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Kinetics of nitrogen removal processes in constructed wetlands
PublicationThe aim of this paper is to present a state-of-the-art review of the kinetics of nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands. Biological processes of nitrogen removal from wastewater can be described using equations and kinetic models. Hence, these kinetic models which have been developed and evaluated allow for predicting the removal of nitrogen in treatment wetlands. One of the most important, first order removal model, which is...
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On phase equilibrium of an elastic liquid shell with wedge disclination
PublicationBased on the six-parameter shell theory we consider the phase equilibrium of a two-phase liquid membrane containing a wedge disclination. The considered problems are related to modelling of phase transitions in biological or lipid membranes. In order to capture the membrane behaviour we consider a special case of elastic shells which energy is invariant under major transformations of a reference configuration and can be treated...
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Low-energy interactions related to atmospheric and extreme conditions
PublicationThis Topical Issue, entitled “Low-Energy Interactions Related to Atmospheric and Extreme Conditions”, showcases a collection of eighteen articles that reported recent theoretical and experimental findings pertaining to the following topics: – low-energy interactions of charged particles (electrons [1–7], protons [8], positrons [9]), and photons [10] with atoms and molecules of biological [1–4,7,8], astrochemical [10], industrial,...
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Bacterial nanocellulose as a microbiological derived nanomaterial
PublicationBacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a nanofibrilar polymer produced by strains such as Gluconacetobacter xylinus, one of the best bacterial species which given the highest efficiency in cellulose production. Bacterial cellulose is a biomaterial having unique properties such as: chemical purity, good mechanical strength, high flexibility, high absorbency, possibility of forming any shape and size and many others. Such a large number...
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Application of Bladder Acellular Matrix in Urinary Bladder Regeneration: The State of the Art and Future Directions
PublicationConstruction of the urinary bladder de novo using tissue engineering technologies is the “holy grail” of reconstructive urology. The search for the ideal biomaterial for urinary bladder reconstruction has been ongoing for decades. One of the most promising biomaterials for this purpose seems to be bladder acellular matrix (BAM). In this review we determine the most important factors, which may affect biological and physical properties...
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Recognition and sensing of anions
PublicationMolecular ion recognition is one of the most intensively studied areas of supramolecular technology. The reason for this is the essential role that ions play in many biological as well as industrial processes. On the other hand, however, it has been proved that ions can have a negative impact on human health and the environment. For these reasons, it is extremly important to develop rapid and simple methods allowing the determination...
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Treatment Wetland for Overflow Stormwater Treatment: The Impact of Pollutant Particles Size
PublicationThe problem of stormwater treatment in urban areas has become increas- ingly crucial. It has been widely recognized that both mechanical and biological treatment of stormwater is necessary to protect surface water against pollution. Moreover, technology must be applied to ensure effective treatment in changing hydraulic conditions and to serve, to the extent possible, as a retention volume. Treatment wetland (TW) could be...
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The role of slowly biodegradable substrate in a full-scale biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems
PublicationThis paper contains futher results obtained at ''Wschod'' WWTP in Gdańsk under transient conditions (spring season) and comparation of similar experiments carried out at a recently upgraded ''Debogorze'' WWTP in Gdynia. The removal of colloidal and particulate fractions resulted in similar effects (reduced process rates) at both plants. For example, the initial denitrification rates (NUR1) were up to 30% lower during the ''conventional''...
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Innovative strategies: Combining treatments for advanced wastewater purification
PublicationWater scarcity is a pressing global challenge, driving the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment solutions. With untreated wastewater extensively employed, particularly in agriculture, the significance of proper treatment becomes evident, as it presents a more practical and ecologically responsible alternative. This chapter explores the diverse treatment approaches encompassing chemical, physical, and biological methods,...
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Non-Nutritive Bioactive Compounds in Food of Plant Origin
PublicationThe increasing knowledge on the health benefits of certain food ingredients, in particular, those of plant origin, opened the discussion of the possibility of using edible plants or their active components in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The health-promoting properties of plant foods are related to the presence of non-nutritive compounds, mainly plant secondary metabolites, which can affect many biological mechanisms...
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Efficiency of acoustic heating in the Maxwell fluid
PublicationThe nonlinear effects of sound in a fluid describing by the Maxwell model of the viscous stress tensor is the subject of investigation. Among other, viscoelastic biological media belong to this non-newtonian type of fluids. Generation of heating of the medium caused by nonlinear transfer of acoustic energy, is discussed in details. The governing equation of acoustic heating is derived by means of the special linear combination...
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Molecular Umbrellas Modulate the Selective Toxicity of Polyene Macrolide Antifungals
PublicationAntifungal polyene macrolide antibiotics Amphotericin B (AmB) and Nystatin (NYS) were conjugated through the ω-amino acid linkers with diwalled “molecular umbrellas” composed of spermidine-linked deoxycholic or cholic acids. The presence of “umbrella” substituents modulated biological properties of the antibiotics, especially their selective toxicity. Some of the AmB-umbrella conjugates demonstrated antifungal in vitro activity...
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Development of polyurethanes for bone repair
PublicationThe purpose of this paper is to review recent developments on polyurethanes aimed at the design, synthesis, modifications, and biological properties in the field of bone tissue engineering. Different polyurethane systems are presented and discussed in terms of biodegradation, biocompatibility and bioactivity. A comprehensive discussion is provided of the influence of hard to soft segments ratio, catalysts, stiffness and hydrophilicity...
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The use of HPLC-Q-TOF-MS for comprehensive screening of drugs and psychoactive substances in hair samples and several “legal highs” products
PublicationNon-targeted screening of drugs present in herbal products, known as “legal high” drugs and in hair as a biological matrix commonly used in toxicological investigations was accomplished with the use of high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS). In total, 25 and 14 therapeutical drugs and psychoactive substances/metabolites were detected in investigated hair samples...
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Recent developmentsinthesynthesisand biological activityofacridine/acridoneanalogues
PublicationMany people in the world struggle with cancer or bacterial, parasitic, viral, Alzheimer's and other diseases. Therefore, many scientists seek new, more effective, more selective and less toxic drugs. Acridine/acridone derivatives constitute a class of compounds with a broad spectrum of biological activity and are of great interest to scientists. Todate, many acridine/acridone analogues have been obtained,which, inter alia, exhibit...
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Use of Brassica plants in the phytoremediation and biofumigation processes
PublicationIn recent decades, serious contamination of soils by heavy metals has been reported. It is therefore a matter of urgency to develop a new and efficient technology for removing contaminants from soil. Another aspect to this problem is that environmental pollution decreases the biological quality of soil, which is why pesticides and fertilizers are being used in ever-larger quantities. The environmentally friendly solutions to these...
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Efficiency of acoustic heating in the Maxwell fluid
PublicationThe nonlinear effects of sound in a fluid describing by the Maxwell model of the viscous stress tensor is the subject of investigation. Among other, viscoelastic biological media belong to this non-newtonian type of fluids. Generation of heating of the medium caused by nonlinear transfer of acoustic energy, is discussed in details. The governing equation of acoustic heating is derived by means of the special linear combination...
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A mechanistically approached review upon assorted cell lines stimulated by athermal electromagnetic irradiation
PublicationThe probable influence of electromagnetic irradiation on cancer treatment has been deduced from the interaction of artificial electromagnetic emissions with biological organisms. Nonetheless, the suspected health effects induced by electromagnetic-based technology imply that such a treatment may contaminate the adjacent healthy cells. Thus, gaining mechanistic insights into the problem is required to avoid athermal health hazards....
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Polysaccharide nanocomposites in wastewater treatment: A review
PublicationIn modern times, wastewater treatment is vital due to increased water contamination arising from pollutants such as nutrients, pathogens, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues. Polysaccharides (PSAs) are natural, renewable, and non-toxic biopolymers used in wastewater treatment in the field of gas separation, liquid filtration, adsorption processes, pervaporation, and proton exchange membranes. Since addition of nanoparticles...
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Integrating conventional nitrogen removal with anammox in wastewater treatment systems: Microbial metabolism, sustainability and challenges
PublicationThe various forms of nitrogen (N), including ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2−), and nitrate (NO3−), present in wastewaters can create critical biotic stress and can lead to hazardous phenomena that cause imbalances in biological diversity. Thus, biological nitrogen removal (BNR) from wastewaters is considered to be imperatively urgent. Therefore, anammox-based systems, i.e. partial nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PN/anammox)...
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The Simulation of Activated Sludge System for Optimization of Predictive Aeration at Large WWTP
PublicationEffective use of biodegradable substrates as an internal carbon sources (ICS) for denitrification and EBPR and predicting performance of aeration systems during nitrification in activated sludge bioreactors, may be useful in realization the sustainable development by potentially saving energy consumption at WWTPs. A large number of WWTPs use activated sludge systems with an integrated removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus...
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Determination of trace levels of eleven bisphenol A analogues in human blood serum by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
PublicationChemicals showing structural or functional similarity to bisphenol A (BPA), commonly called BPA analogues, have recently drawn scientific attention due to their common industrial and commercial application as a substitute for BPA. In the European Union, the use of BPA has been severely restricted by law due to its endocrine disrupting properties. Unfortunately, it seems that all BPA analogues show comparable biological activity,...
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Novel 2-(2-alkylthiobenzenesulfonyl)-3-(phenylprop-2-ynylideneamino)guanidine derivatives as potent anticancer agents – Synthesis, molecular structure, QSAR studies and metabolic stability
PublicationA series of new 2-(2-alkylthiobenzenesulfonyl)-3-(phenylprop-2-ynylideneamino)guanidine derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro by MTT assays for their antiproliferative activity against cell lines of colon cancer HCT-116, cervical cancer HeLa and breast cancer MCF-7. The obtained results indicated that these compounds display prominent cytotoxic effect. The best anticancer properties have been observed for derivatives...