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Search results for: EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
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Isolation and structure of a covalent cross-link adduct between mitomycin C and DNA
PublicationA DNA cross-link adduct of the antitumor agent mitomycin C (MC) to DNA has been isolated and characterized; the results provide direct proof for bifunctional alkylation of DNA by MC. Exposure of MC to Micrococcus luteus DNA under reductive conditions and subsequent nuclease digestion yielded adducts formed between MC and deoxyguanosine residues. In addition to the two known monoadducts, a bisadduct was obtained. Reductive MC activation...
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Magnetic Field Generated by Short Circuit Current in the 110 kV Power System
PublicationElectric fields within tissues induced by magnetic fields including transients or short-term peaks should not be time averaged and be regarded as instantaneous values as established in the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non - Ionizing Radiation Protection) guidelines. Measurements of power lines magnetic fields with regard to human beings exposure are carried out typically with maximum current load at current balance condition...
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Auxetic foams
PublicationThis paper presents a method of producing auxetic polyurethane foams (PUFs) and their unique properties. The experience was based on a synthesis of traditional flexible polyurethane foam and thermal conversion to auxetic foam. The foam specimens were transformed from conventional Poisson's ratio to auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) [1]. Basic research was performed to determine the mechanical properties and cell structure. Auxetic...
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Determination of hormones in water samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
PublicationOver the past few years, many synthetic (ethinylestradiol) and natural (estradiol,estriol, estrone) compounds present in the environment have been affecting the hormonalbalance of humans and animals. Steroid hormones are very often used for medical purposesand have high estrogenic activity what makes them endocrine disrupters. Most hormonalcompounds are released into the water as a result of their incomplete removal in wastewatertreatment...
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Silver nanoparticles induce premutagenic DNA oxidation that can be prevented by phytochemicals from Gentiana asclepiadea
PublicationAmong nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have the broadest and most commercial applications due to their antibacterial properties, highlighting the need for exploring their potential toxicity and underlying mechanisms of action. Our main aim was to investigate whether AgNPs exert toxicity by inducing oxidative damage to DNA in human kidney HEK 293 cells. In addition, we tested whether this damage could be counteracted...
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The importance of the shape of the protein-water interface of a kinesin motor domain for dynamics of the surface atoms of the protein
PublicationSingle kinesin motor domain immersed in water has been investigated using molecular dynamics. It has been found that local properties of water in solvation shell change along with the nature of neighboring protein surface. However, a detailed analysis leads to the conclusion that the geometrical features of hydrogen bonds and overall structure of kinesin hydration water is not very different from bulk water. The local values of...
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The importance of the shape of the protein–water interface of a kinesin motor domain for dynamics of the surface atoms of the protein
PublicationA single kinesin motor domain immersed in water has been investigated using molecular dynamics. It has been found that local properties of water in the solvation shell change along with the nature of the neighboring protein surface. However, a detailed analysis leads to the conclusion that the geometrical features of hydrogen bonds and overall structure of kinesin hydration water are not very different from bulk water. The local...
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Corrosion monitoring as a factor increasing the safety of hydrotechnical infrastructure
PublicationWater distribution systems at KGHM S.A. are of great importance for the efficient production of copper and environmental protection. For failures leading to perforation and leakage, the corrosion processes are responsible. This paper aims to assess corrosion on the basis of the analysis of the exposure of the Hydrotechnical Plant pipelines. To this end, the system of transfer and deposition of post-flotation waste as well as the...
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Optimum Choice of Randomly Oriented Carbon Nanotube Networks for UV-Assisted Gas Sensing Applications
PublicationWe investigated the noise and photoresponse characteristics of various optical transparencies of nanotube networks to identify an optimal randomly oriented network of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based devices for UV-assisted gas sensing applications. Our investigation reveals that all of the studied devices demonstrate negative photoconductivity upon exposure to UV light. Our studies confirm the effect of UV irradiation on the electrical...
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Evaluation of the Commercial Electrochemical Gas Sensors for the Monitoring of CO in Ambient Air
PublicationAir pollution is a growing concern of civilized world, which has a significant impact on human health and the environment. Recent studies highlight that the exposure to polluted air can increase the incidence of diseases and deteriorate the quality of life. Hence, it is necessary to develop tools for real-time air quality monitoring. For air pollution monitoring a wide range of stationary gas and particulate analysers can be used....
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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...
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Home Sweet Home. Connecting the dots for healthy evening residential illumination
PublicationDuring the twentieth century, lighting designers would commonly use incandescent light sources for residential homes as they provided a visual comfort, with high quality colour rendering properties, along with relaxing ambient atmosphere. Unfortunately, it’s now difficult to buy incandescent light sources because they have been banned in many countries (https://bit.ly/2GwN2Wv). This article addresses some of the challenges in regards...
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Sensing the onset of epoxy coating degradation with combined Raman spectroscopy/atomic force microscopy/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigation on epoxy resin durability upon 12-week exposure to UV radiation. The aim was early determination of the onset of epoxy degradation and for this purpose an epoxy film on steel substrate systems were periodically inspected using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The behaviour of examined polymer could be divided into three periods: immunity,...
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Fluctuation-enhanced and conductometric gas sensing with nanocrystalline NiO thin films: A comparison
PublicationNanocrystalline thin films of NiO were prepared by advanced reactive gas deposition, and their responses to formaldehyde, ethanol and methane gases were studied via fluctuation-enhanced and conductometric methods Thin films with thicknesses in the 200–1700-nm range were investigated in as-deposited form and after annealing at 400 and 500 °C. Morphological and structural analyses showed porous deposits with NiO nanocrystals having...
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Generation-recombination and 1/f noise in carbon nanotube networks
PublicationThe low-frequency noise is of special interest for carbon nanotubes devices, which are building blocks for a variety of sensors, including radio frequency and terahertz detectors. We studied noise in as-fabricated and aged carbon nanotube networks (CNNs) field-effect transistors. Contrary to the majority of previous publications, as-fabricated devices demonstrated the superposition of generation-recombination (GR) and 1/f noise...
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Long-term comparative evaluation of an acoustic climate in selected schools before and after the acoustic treatment
PublicationThe results of long-term continuous noise measurements in two selected schools are presented in the paper. Noise characteristics were measured continuously there for approximately 16 months. Measurements started eight months prior to the acoustic treatment of the school corridors of both schools. An evaluation of the acoustic climates in both schools, before and after the acoustic treatment, was performed based on comparison of...
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Road safety performance indicators and their explanatory value: A critical view based on the experience of Central European countries
PublicationCounts of road crashes and their victims represent essential information for road safety practitioners allowing them to analyse their spatial and temporal aspects. However, they cannot provide details on the factors causing road crashes. As a result, various road safety performance indicators (RSPIs) were introduced, making it possible to gather information on the effectiveness of interventions on road safety in given areas. However,...
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Issues related to noise and protection against noise against the background of hazards present in the working environment
PublicationNoise is one of the physical factors that poses the greatest threat in the working environment. In order to reduce the noise exposure, noise reduction at the source should be considered. Next, the engineering and administrative controls are being developed. Finally, hearing protectors are used. Issues related to protection against noise are part of the topics in the field of occupational...
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IMPACT-TOUGHNESS INVESTIGATIONS OF DUPLEX STAINLESS STEELS
PublicationDuplex stainless steels are very attractive constructional materials for use in aggressive environments because of their several advantages over austenitic stainless steels. Duplex steels have excellent pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, are highly resistant to chloride stress-corrosion cracking and are about twice as strong as common austenitic steels. Better properties are associated with their microstructures consisting...
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Visible-light-driven lanthanide-organic-frameworks modified TiO2 photocatalysts utilizing up-conversion effect
PublicationHighly efficient and quite stable composite with core-shell-like architecture reported herein, responds to the challenge of sunlight-driven photocatalysts. The Ln(ndc)/TiO2 photocatalytic system comprises active lanthanide-carboxylate coordination networks (Nd, Er, Ho, and Tm as metal ions, and 2,6-naphthalene dicar-boxylic acid as the organic linker) and inert titanium dioxide and allow to convert incompatible visible radiation...
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Synthesis of eosin modified TiO2 film with co-exposed {001} and {101} facets for photocatalytic degradation of para-aminobenzoic acid and solar H2 production
PublicationOwing to the increasing photosensitivity and DNA damage properties of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), concerns have been raised over the exposure of humans to PABA. Solar light-driven photocatalysis (SPC) provides a promising solution for the effective removal of organic pollutants especially when directed towards sulfate radical (SO4−) production. Herein, we have developed a sulfite-enhanced SPC using Eosin-Y sensitized TiO2/Ti...
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Experimental review of the performances of protective coatings for interconnects in solid oxide fuel cells
PublicationFerritic stainless steel interconnects are used in solid oxide fuel cells; however, coatings are required to improve their performance. Although several types of coatings have been proposed, they have been scarcely investigated under similar conditions. This study compares the characteristics of uncoated Crofer 22 APU and eight different coatings on Crofer 22 APU for up to 3000 h at 800 ◦C. The coatings were deposited at various...
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COMPARISON OF NOISE EMISSION OF HCT AND CLASSIC VEHICLE COMBINATIONS FOR TIMBER TRANSPORTATION IN SWEDEN
PublicationBy means of a special simulation tool, the noise emission of a high-capacity heavy vehicle (11 axles) was compared to that of a classic heavy vehicle (a truck-dolly-semitrailer with 8 axles). The two cases are designated “Extended vehicle” versus “Classic vehicle” in this study, having total lengths of 34 and 25 m, respectively. The Classic vehicle represents the most common articulated heavy vehicle configuration for transport...
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Non-Gaussian Resistance Fluctuations in Gold-Nanoparticle-Based Gas Sensors: An Appraisal of Different Evaluation Techniques
PublicationVolatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde, can be used as biomarkers in human exhaled breath in order to non-invasively detect various diseases, and the same compounds are of much interest also in the context of environmental monitoring and protection. Here, we report on a recently-developed gas sensor, based on surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles, which is able to generate voltage noise with a distinctly non-Gaussian...
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Determination of cyanide in urine and saliva samples by ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection
PublicationCommonly known as a highly toxic chemical, cyanide is also an essential reagent for many industrial processes. It naturally occurs in plant seeds as a cyanogenic glycosides. Another relatively common mode of cyanide exposure is inhalation of environmental tobacco smoke. This study concerns importance to determine cyanide ion in human biological samples. Urine and saliva samples were collected healthy volunteers exposed to tobacco...
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Development of Safirinium dyes for new applications: fluorescent staining of bacteria, human kidney cells, and the horny layer of the epidermis
PublicationLow-molecular synthetic fluorophores are convenient tools in bioimaging applications. Several derivatives of Safirinium dyes as well as their reactive N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters bearing diverse substituents were synthesized and evaluated experimentally in terms of their lipophilicity by means of reverse-phase and immobilized artificial membrane high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, the selected compounds...
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An NO2 sensor based on WO3 thin films for automotive applications in the microwave frequency range
PublicationA microwave system dedicated to the detection of nitrogen dioxide in the harsh environment of the Norway highways is proposed. An optimized transmission line type of sensor coated with a tungsten trioxide thin film that changes its electrical properties under NO2 gas exposure is developed. The sensors' response (S) is given in °/GHz and it is calculated based on wideband measurements. The advantage of wideband measurements in comparison...
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Investigation of the 0.4C-35Cr-45Ni-Nb Alloy after Service in High-Temperature Steam and Hydrocarbons Environment
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigation of the 0.4C-35Cr-45Ni-Nb alloy, which operated in the cracked hydrocarbon feeds and dilution steam at 1125 C. The material originated from the pyrolytic furnace coil tubes, of which internal walls were in contact with the aforementioned medium, whereas the external walls were in contact with the flue gases. The examination included metallographic and mechanical tests on the material...
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IoT for healthcare applications
PublicationThis chapter summarizes IRACON contributions related to the application of IoT in healthcare. It consists of the following three sections. Section 8.1 presents the measurement campaigns and the related statistical analysis to obtain various channel models for wearable and implantable devices. In addition, the importance of physical human-body phantoms used for channel, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and Electromagnetic (EM) exposure...
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Modulation of carcinogen metabolizing cytochromes p450 in rat liver and kidney by cabbage and sauerkraut juices: comparison with the effects of indole-3-carbinol and phenethyl isothiocyanate
PublicationThis study investigated the effect of raw cabbage and sauerkraut juices on the activity and expression of CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1 and 2B in Wistar rat liver and kidney. The results were compared with those of two commercially available products of glucosinolates degradation: indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC). Significant differences in the effect of the cabbage juices as well as I3C and PEITC between the liver...
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Effect of Some Sulphur Additives on The Degradation of 9Cr-1Mo Steel After Its 10 Years Service in The CCR Platforming Unit
PublicationThe work shows the results of the tests of 9Cr-1Mo steel, which was for 10 years operated in the CCR platforming unit in Group Lotos SA in Gdańsk, and then in the laboratory was sulphidised during 166 h at a temperature of 600 °C. Sulphidation was performed in a mixture of H2-H2S gases at the vapour pressure of sulphur 4.1·10-14 atm, so the order of magnitude of vapour pressure was less than that of the dissociation pressure of...
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The impedance of hydrogen oxidation reaction in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell in the presence of carbon monoxide in hydrogen stream
PublicationEvaluation of performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which is affected by carbon monoxide that pollutes the hydrogen stream, was presented. This influence was studied for carbon monoxide concentration of 125–325 ppb, which are close to values specified in ISO 14687:2019 standard. Performed studies provided crucial information for further development of fuel cell as an energy source for automotive application. Impedance...
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The Effect of Posaconazole, Itraconazole and Voriconazole in the Culture Medium on Aspergillus fumigatus Triazole Resistance
PublicationTriazoles are the only compounds used as antibiotics in both medicine and agriculture. The presence of triazoles in the environment can contribute to the acquisition of azole resistance among isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of A. fumigatus exposure to triazoles on susceptibility to these compounds. Seventeen triazole-resistant and 21 triazole-sensitive A. fumigatus isolates...
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Employees With Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Digitized Work Environment: Perspectives for the Future
PublicationThe aim of this article is to examine the opportunities for employees with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), arising from digital technology (DT) development. The author discusses assistive technology (AT) as a mean of creating a better work environment, making the digitized workplace more friendly for people with ASD. A possible solution of communication problems is replacing the interpersonal communication between employees with...
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Degradation of electrical performance of a crystalline photovoltaic module due to dust deposition in northern Poland
PublicationThe reduction in power output caused by the accumulation of dust on the photovoltaic module surface is an important problem and should receive much more attention in the literature. This study was an evaluation of the performance degradation of crystalline photovoltaic modules due to natural and simulated dust deposition. Dust is created from powdered grains of sand and particles of different bodies. Dust originates from different...
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The imidazoacridinone C-1311 induces p53-dependent senescence or p53-independent apoptosis and sensitizes cancer cells to radiation
PublicationC-1311 is a small molecule, which has shown promise in a number of preclinical and clinical studies. However, the biological response to C-1311 exposure is complicated and has been reported to involve a number of cell fates. Here, we investigated the molecular signaling which determines the response to C-1311 in both cancer and non-cancer cell lines. For the first time we demonstrate that the tumor suppressor, p53 plays a key role...
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Analytical chemistry in technical approaches: immobilization of biosorbent waste containing heavy metals in cemented materials
PublicationAn ecologically safe and economically justified method of stabilization of the used biosorbents was developed. Sorbent contaminated with heavy metals has been successfully solidified/stabilized using a hydraulic binder. The test results indicated that up to 1% of the biosorbent residue used could be added without compromising the compressive strength of the mortar. The compressive strength of the modified mortars did not change...
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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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An investigation of selected monoaromatic hydrocarbons released from the surface of polystyrene lids used in coffee-to-go cups
PublicationA consumer trend towards the fast preparation of beverages has increased the popularity of hot beverages (especially coffee and tea) available in disposable containers called coffee-to-go cups with fitted polystyrene lids. Lids in contact with hot beverages may release low molecular weight organic compounds into the gaseous phase causing direct exposure of consumers to these compounds during drinking. The paper describes in detail...
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Influence of service ageing on polyester-reinforced polyvinyl chloride-coated fabrics reported through mathematical material models
PublicationIn this paper the coupled service (constructional tension) and environmental (sunlight, rainfalls, temperature variations) ageing influence on the polyester-reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated fabric VALMEX is studied. Two cases of the same fabric have been analyzed: one USED for 20 years on the real construction of the Forest Opera in Sopot (Poland), and one kept as a spare material (NOT USED). The following tests have...
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Computed aided system for separation and classification of the abnormal erythrocytes in human blood
PublicationThe human peripheral blood consists of cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets) suspended in plasma. In the following research the team assessed an influence of nanodiamond particles on blood elements over various periods of time. The material used in the study consisted of samples taken from ten healthy humans of various age, different blood types and both sexes. The markings were leaded by adding to the blood unmodified...
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High resolution X-ray diffractometry and reflectometry of semiconductor nano- and micro- structures based on X-ray refractive optics
PublicationIn this thesis proposed, discussed and studied novel synchrotron X-ray diffractometry and reflectometry methods based on a refractive optics. The experimental results obtained from the ID06 beamline at ESRF, Grenoble, France are presented and analyzed in this work to demonstrate a high angular and space resolution in addition to the opportunity to manage in situ and on operando experiments with the help of proposed X-ray optical...
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Real-time monitoring of the emission of volatile organic compounds from polylactide 3D printing filaments
PublicationEstablishing the emission profile of volatile organic compounds generated during fused deposition modeling 3D printing using polymer filaments is important in terms of both understanding the processes taking place during thermal degradation of thermoplastics, and assessing the user's exposure to potentially harmful volatiles. However, obtaining detailed, real-time qualitative and quantitative results poses a challenge. In this...
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Antibacterial properties of laser-encapsulated titanium oxide nanotubes decorated with nanosilver and covered with chitosan/Eudragit polymers
PublicationTo provide antibacterial properties, the titanium samples were subjected to electrochemical oxidation in the fluoride-containing diethylene glycol-based electrolyte to create a titanium oxide nanotubular surface. Afterward, the surface was covered by sputtering with silver 5 nm film, and the tops of the nanotubes were capped using laser treatment, resulting in an appearance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of around 30 nm in diameter...
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Enhanced stability of electrochemical performance of few-layer black phosphorus electrodes by noncovalent adsorption of 1,4-diamine-9,10-anthraquinone
PublicationIn this paper, the novel noncovalent functionalisation strategy of few-layer black phosphorus by 1,4-diamine-9,10-anthraquinone electrode was proposed and studied. The degradation of few-layer black phosphorus under exposure to oxygen and water is a significant obstacle to its use as an electroanalytical electrode. The anthraquinone compound adsorbed at black phosphorus flakes results in improved prevention of the phosphorus surface...
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Utilizing Morphological and Physiological Parameters of Lemna minor for Assessing Tetracyclines’ Removal
PublicationAntibiotics with significant environmental toxicity, e.g., tetracyclines (TCs), are often used in large quantities worldwide, with 50–80% of the applied dose ending up in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and minocycline hydrochloride (MIN) on L. minor. Our research evaluated the phytotoxicity of the TCs by analyzing plant growth and biomass and evaluating...
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A Surrogate-Assisted Measurement Correction Method for Accurate and Low-Cost Monitoring of Particulate Matter Pollutants
PublicationAir pollution involves multiple health and economic challenges. Its accurate and low-cost monitoring is important for developing services dedicated to reduce the exposure of living beings to the pollution. Particulate matter (PM) measurement sensors belong to the key components that support operation of these systems. In this work, a modular, mobile Internet of Things sensor for PM measurements has been proposed. Due to a limited...
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Tuning of the Electrochemical Properties of Transparent Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide Electrodes by Microwave Pulsed-plasma Polymerized Allylamine
PublicationWe report here the dry, one-step, and low-temperature modification of FTO surfaces using pulsed plasma polymerization of allylamine (PPAAm). PPAAm/FTO surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and contact angles to understand the morphological, structural, and optical properties. FTO were coated with a very thin layer of adherent cross-linked, pinhole-, and additive-free allylamine...
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Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust samples collected in air conditioning filters of different usage – method development
PublicationThis study presents the results of studies aimed at the development of an analytical procedure for separation, identification, and determination of PBDEs compounds in dust samples collected from automotive cabin air filters and samples collected from filters installed as part of the air purification system in academic facilities. Ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction (UA-dSPE) was found to perform better in terms...
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Multifrequency Nanoscale Impedance Microscopy (m-NIM): A novel approach towards detection of selective and subtle modifications on the surface of polycrystalline boron-doped diamond electrodes
PublicationIn this paper, we describe the modification of Nanoscale Impedance Microscopy (NIM), namely, a combination of contact-mode atomic force microscopy with local impedance measurements. The postulated approach is based on the application of multifrequency voltage perturbation instead of standard frequency-by-frequency analysis, which among others offers more time-efficient and accurate determination of the resultant impedance spectra...