147 results on '"Pisarek P"'
Search Results
2. Characterization of low molecular weight sulfur species in seaweed from the Antarctic continent
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Rondan, Filipe Soares, Pisarek, Paulina, de Maria, Mikel Bernabeu, Szpunar, Joanna, and Mesko, Marcia Foster
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- 2024
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3. DNA methylation at AHRR as a master predictor of smoke exposure and a biomarker for sleep and exercise
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Ewelina Pośpiech, Joanna Rudnicka, Rezvan Noroozi, Aleksandra Pisarek-Pacek, Bożena Wysocka, Aleksander Masny, Michał Boroń, Kamila Migacz-Gruszka, Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Magdalena Kobus, Dagmara Lisman, Grażyna Zielińska, Sandra Cytacka, Aleksandra Iljin, Joanna A. Wiktorska, Małgorzata Michalczyk, Piotr Kaczka, Michał Krzysztofik, Aneta Sitek, Magdalena Spólnicka, Andrzej Ossowski, and Wojciech Branicki
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Smoke exposure ,Sleep ,Exercise ,DNA methylation ,Epigenetic aging ,Lifestyle biomarkers ,Medicine ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background DNA methylation profiling may provide a more accurate measure of the smoking status than self-report and may be useful in guiding clinical interventions and forensic investigations. In the current study, blood DNA methylation profiles of nearly 800 Polish individuals were assayed using Illuminia EPIC and the inference of smoking from epigenetic data was explored. In addition, we focused on the role of the AHRR gene as a top marker for smoking and investigated its responsiveness to other lifestyle behaviors. Results We found > 450 significant CpGs associated with cigarette consumption, and overrepresented in various biological functions including cell communication, response to stress, blood vessel development, cell death, and atherosclerosis. The model consisting of cg05575921 in AHRR (p = 4.5 × 10–32) and three additional CpGs (cg09594361, cg21322436 in CNTNAP2 and cg09842685) was able to predict smoking status with a high accuracy of AUC = 0.8 in the test set. Importantly, a gradual increase in the probability of smoking was observed, starting from occasional smokers to regular heavy smokers. Furthermore, former smokers displayed the intermediate DNA methylation profiles compared to current and never smokers, and thus our results indicate the potential reversibility of DNA methylation after smoking cessation. The AHRR played a key role in a predictive analysis, explaining 21.5% of the variation in smoking. In addition, the AHRR methylation was analyzed for association with other modifiable lifestyle factors, and showed significance for sleep and physical activity. We also showed that the epigenetic score for smoking was significantly correlated with most of the epigenetic clocks tested, except for two first-generation clocks. Conclusions Our study suggests that a more rapid return to never-smoker methylation levels after smoking cessation may be achievable in people who change their lifestyle in terms of physical activity and sleep duration. As cigarette smoking has been implicated in the literature as a leading cause of epigenetic aging and AHRR appears to be modifiable by multiple exogenous factors, it emerges as a promising target for intervention and investment.
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- 2024
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4. DNA methylation at AHRR as a master predictor of smoke exposure and a biomarker for sleep and exercise
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Pośpiech, Ewelina, Rudnicka, Joanna, Noroozi, Rezvan, Pisarek-Pacek, Aleksandra, Wysocka, Bożena, Masny, Aleksander, Boroń, Michał, Migacz-Gruszka, Kamila, Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Paulina, Kobus, Magdalena, Lisman, Dagmara, Zielińska, Grażyna, Cytacka, Sandra, Iljin, Aleksandra, Wiktorska, Joanna A., Michalczyk, Małgorzata, Kaczka, Piotr, Krzysztofik, Michał, Sitek, Aneta, Spólnicka, Magdalena, Ossowski, Andrzej, and Branicki, Wojciech
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- 2024
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5. Polish pregnant women’s knowledge on early childhood caries prevention and oral hygiene in children
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Domosławska-Żylińska, Katarzyna, Łopatek, Magdalena, Krysińska-Pisarek, Magdalena, and Wiśniewska, Paulina
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- 2024
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6. Analysis of epigenetic clocks links yoga, sleep, education, reduced meat intake, coffee, and a SOCS2 gene variant to slower epigenetic aging
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Noroozi, Rezvan, Rudnicka, Joanna, Pisarek, Aleksandra, Wysocka, Bożena, Masny, Aleksander, Boroń, Michał, Migacz-Gruszka, Kamila, Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Paulina, Kobus, Magdalena, Lisman, Dagmara, Zielińska, Grażyna, Iljin, Aleksandra, Wiktorska, Joanna A., Michalczyk, Małgorzata, Kaczka, Piotr, Krzysztofik, Michał, Sitek, Aneta, Ossowski, Andrzej, Spólnicka, Magdalena, Branicki, Wojciech, and Pośpiech, Ewelina
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- 2024
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7. Vector-borne diseases imported to Poland between 2021 and 2023
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Adaszek Łukasz, Staniec Marta, Dokuzeylül Banu, Pisarek Maria, Skrzypczak Maciej, Żółkiewski Paweł, Rutkowska-Szulczyk Małgorzata, Deneka Łukasz, Or Mehmet Erman, and Winiarczyk Stanisław
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animal movements ,dogs ,vector-borne diseases ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
The aim of the study was to monitor the occurrence of selected vector-borne diseases in anaemic dogs arriving in or returning to Poland from areas endemic for these diseases.
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- 2024
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8. Insights into the High Catalytic Activity of Li‐Ion Battery Waste toward Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide
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Ph. D. Magdalena Warczak, Ph. D. Magdalena Osial, Ph. D. Weronika Urbańska, B. Eng. Natalia Sławkowska, Ph. D. Agnieszka Dąbrowska, Ph. D. Magdalena Bonarowska, Ph. D. Eng. Marcin Pisarek, Ph. D. Roman Minikayev, Prof. Michael Giersig, and Prof. Marcin Opallo
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Lithium-ion battery ,recycling ,electrocatalysis ,oxygen reduction ,hydrogen peroxide ,Industrial electrochemistry ,TP250-261 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Abstract Developing highly efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in aqueous media is crucial for energy conversion systems such as fuel cells or Zn‐air batteries. Electrode materials from spent devices such as lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs) are a serious environmental problem. One of the solutions is their reuse for other electrochemical processes. This work demonstrates the application of solid residues of carbon‐based powders left over from the hydrometallurgical recycling process of LIBs’ waste as efficient catalysts for ORR. Microscopic and spectroscopic studies of the residue disclosed their porous structure and various cobalt contents, depending on the recycling procedure. These battery wastes display ORR catalytic activity when deposited at the liquid‐liquid and solid electrode‐electrolyte interfaces. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) tests showed that assembling battery waste at the liquid‐liquid interface boosts the efficiency of H2O2 production by one to two orders of magnitude. The catalytic activity towards 2‐electron ORR strongly depends on waste powder compositions and structures, e.g., porosity, heteroatom presence, level of defects, and graphitization.
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- 2024
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9. Polish pregnant women’s knowledge on early childhood caries prevention and oral hygiene in children
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Katarzyna Domosławska-Żylińska, Magdalena Łopatek, Magdalena Krysińska-Pisarek, and Paulina Wiśniewska
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Early childhood caries ,Health education ,Oral health promotion ,Pregnant women ,Children ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. In Poland 86.9% of six-year-olds have ECC. One of the factors determining adherence to ECC prophylaxis and oral hygiene is mothers’ knowledge. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge demonstrated by pregnant women about ECC prevention and oral hygiene, and to analyse the determinants of this knowledge. Methods A quantitative survey was conducted using Computer Assisted Telephone Interview technique on a randomly selected representative sample of 1,000 women over the age of 18 in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The significance level was established at 0.05 and p-values were presented as: p
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- 2024
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10. In vitro immune evaluation of adenoviral vector-based platform for infectious diseases
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Joanna Baran, Łukasz Kuryk, Teresa Szczepińska, Michał Łaźniewski, Mariangela Garofalo, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Diana Mikiewicz, Alina Mazurkiewicz, Maciej Trzaskowski, Magdalena Wieczorek, Katarzyna Pancer, Ewelina Hallmann, Lidia Brydak, Dariusz Plewczynski, Tomasz Ciach, Jolanta Mierzejewska, and Monika Staniszewska
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adenoviral vectors ,vaccine platform ,innate and adaptive immunity ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 - Abstract
New prophylactic vaccine platforms are imperative to combat respiratory infections. The efficacy of T and B memory cell-mediated protection, generated through the adenoviral vector, was tested to assess the effectiveness of the new adenoviral-based platforms for infectious diseases. A combination of adenovirus AdV1 (adjuvant), armed with costimulatory ligands (ICOSL and CD40L), and rRBD (antigen: recombinant nonglycosylated spike protein rRBD) was used to promote the differentiation of T and B lymphocytes. Adenovirus AdV2 (adjuvant), without ligands, in combination with rRBD, served as a control. In vitro T-cell responses to the AdV1+rRBD combination revealed that CD8+ platform-specific T-cells increased (37.2±0.7% vs. 23.1±2.1%), and T-cells acted against SARS-CoV-2 via CD8+TEMRA (50.0±1.3% vs. 36.0±3.2%). Memory B cells were induced after treatment with either AdV1+rRBD (84.1±0.8% vs. 82.3±0.4%) or rRBD (94.6±0.3% vs. 82.3±0.4%). Class-switching from IgM and IgD to isotype IgG following induction with rRBD+Ab was observed. RNA-seq profiling identified gene expression patterns related to T helper cell differentiation that protect against pathogens. The analysis determined signaling pathways controlling the induction of protective immunity, including the MAPK cascade, adipocytokine, cAMP, TNF, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The AdV1+rRBD formulation induced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF. RNA-seq of the VERO E6 cell line showed differences in the apoptosis gene expression stimulated with the platforms vs. mock. In conclusion, AdV1+rRBD effectively generates T and B memory cell-mediated protection, presenting promising results in producing CD8+ platform-specific T cells and isotype-switched IgG memory B cells. The platform induces protective immunity by controlling the Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell differentiation gene expression patterns. Further studies are required to confirm its effectiveness.
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- 2023
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11. The Museum as a Laboratory of Change
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Adam Pisarek
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museum’s ecology of knowledge ,museum as a laboratory ,temporary exhibitions ,Museums. Collectors and collecting ,AM1-501 - Abstract
The article deals with the impact of temporary educational exhibitions in Polish national museums on the nature of the knowledge they produce, protect and disseminate. Analysed data were collected during a year-long, qualitative research study with the use of such tools as in-depth interviews, focus groups, research walks and desk analysis of documentation produced during the creation of the Power of the Museum exhibition at the National Museum in Krakow. The primary research question is how the museum’s ecology of knowledge (Rahder, 2020) reacts when the decision-making order is transformed and a new type of meta-exhibition is built. The article aims to describe the mechanisms that stabilize museum knowledge traditions when the environment in which they operate is changed internally and externally.
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- 2023
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12. Insights into Iron Metabolism Parameters in Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study
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Joanna Boinska, Artur Słomka, Magdalena Sury, Małgorzata Wiszniewska, Ewa Pisarek, and Ewa Żekanowska
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ischemic stroke ,thrombolysis ,hepcidin ,hemojuvelin ,iron metabolism ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
The hemojuvelin–hepcidin regulatory axis may play a key role in the iron metabolism both systemically and locally. There is a pressing need to evaluate this tightly regulated network of iron parameters and their potential impact on the development of ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to assess iron metabolism biomarkers in patients after IS, evaluating changes over time and considering their clinical features. We studied 45 patients diagnosed with IS. We assessed major iron metabolism parameters, such as hepcidin, soluble hemojuvelin (sHJV), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and ferritin, using immunoenzymathic methods at two time points: on admission and on the 7th day post IS. We found increased ferritin levels on the 7th day post IS compared to admission, and this was observed in the entire study group (p = 0.03) and in the subgroup treated with thrombolysis (p = 0.02). The hepcidin levels, on the other hand, showed a significant decrease on the 7th day, though this difference was only evident in the entire study group (p = 0.04). We also discovered significantly elevated sHJV levels in patients with PACI stroke compared to other stroke locations, both on admission and on the 7th day post IS (p < 0.05). Significantly higher sHJV levels were observed in patients treated with thrombolysis compared to those receiving conventional treatment, regardless of the time point (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002, respectively). Our study revealed changes in the iron metabolism parameters during stroke. The patients with anterior cerebral infarction and those treated with thrombolysis presented significantly elevated sHJV levels.
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- 2024
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13. Introduction of a multiplex amplicon sequencing assay to quantify DNA methylation in target cytosine markers underlying four selected epigenetic clocks
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Pośpiech, Ewelina, Pisarek, Aleksandra, Rudnicka, Joanna, Noroozi, Rezvan, Boroń, Michał, Masny, Aleksander, Wysocka, Bożena, Migacz-Gruszka, Kamila, Lisman, Dagmara, Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Paulina, Kobus, Magdalena, Szargut, Maria, Dowejko, Joanna, Stanisz, Kamila, Zacharczuk, Julia, Zieliński, Piotr, Sitek, Aneta, Ossowski, Andrzej, Spólnicka, Magdalena, and Branicki, Wojciech
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- 2023
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14. Methodological considerations on real-world evidence studies of monoclonal antibodies against the CGRP-pathway for migraine: a systematic review
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Vandenbussche, Nicolas, Pisarek, Karolina, and Paemeleire, Koen
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- 2023
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15. Expression of the gene encoding blood coagulation factor VIII without domain B in E. coli bacterial expression system
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Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Alina Mazurkiewicz, Diana Mikiewicz, Piotr Baran, and Tomasz Ciach
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factor viii ,hemophilia type a ,recombinant coagulation factor viii ,prokaryotic expression system ,e. coli ,recombinant protein production system ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 - Abstract
In this article, we have demonstrated the feasibility of generating an active form of recombinant blood coagulation factor VIII using an E. coli bacterial expression system as a potential treatment for hemophilia type A. Factor VIII (FVIII), an essential blood coagulation protein, is a key component of the fluid phase blood coagulation system. So far, all available recombinant FVIII formulations have been produced using eukaryotic expression systems. Mammalian cells can produce catalytically active proteins with all the necessary posttranslational modifications. However, cultivating such cells is time-consuming and highly expensive, and the amount of the obtained product is usually low. In contrast to eukaryotic cells, bacterial culture is inexpensive and allows the acquisition of large quantities of recombinant proteins in a short time. With this study, we aimed to obtain recombinant blood coagulation factor VIII using the E. coli bacterial expression system, a method not previously explored for this purpose. Our research encompasses the synthesis of blood coagulation factor VIII and its expression in a prokaryotic system. To achieve this, we constructed a prokaryotic expression vector containing a synthetic factor VIII gene, which was then used for the transformation of an E. coli bacterial strain. The protein expression was confirmed by mass spectrometry, and we assessed the stability of the gene construct while determining the optimal growth conditions. The production of blood coagulation factor VIII by the E. coli bacterial strain was carried out on a quarter-technical scale. We established the conditions for isolation, denaturation, and renaturation of the protein, and subsequently confirmed the activity of FVIII.
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- 2023
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16. Introduction of a multiplex amplicon sequencing assay to quantify DNA methylation in target cytosine markers underlying four selected epigenetic clocks
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Ewelina Pośpiech, Aleksandra Pisarek, Joanna Rudnicka, Rezvan Noroozi, Michał Boroń, Aleksander Masny, Bożena Wysocka, Kamila Migacz-Gruszka, Dagmara Lisman, Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Magdalena Kobus, Maria Szargut, Joanna Dowejko, Kamila Stanisz, Julia Zacharczuk, Piotr Zieliński, Aneta Sitek, Andrzej Ossowski, Magdalena Spólnicka, and Wojciech Branicki
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DNA methylation analysis methods ,High-throughput sequencing ,Target enrichment protocols ,Epigenetic age estimation ,Pace of aging ,Mortality risk score ,Medicine ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background DNA methylation analysis has proven to be a powerful tool for age assessment. However, the implementation of epigenetic age prediction in diagnostics or routine forensic casework requires appropriate laboratory methods. In this study, we aimed to compare the performance of large-scale DNA methylation analysis protocols that show promise in terms of accuracy, throughput, multiplexing capacity, and high sensitivity. Results The protocols were designed to target a predefined panel of 161 genomic CG/CA sites from four known estimators of epigenetic age-related parameters, optimized and validated using artificially methylated controls or blood samples. We successfully targeted 96% of these loci using two enrichment protocols: Ion AmpliSeq™, an amplicon-based method integrated with Ion Torrent S5, and SureSelectXT Methyl-Seq, a hybridization-based method followed by MiSeq FGx sequencing. Both protocols demonstrated high accuracy and robustness. Although hybridization assays have greater multiplexing capabilities, the best overall performance was observed for the amplicon-based protocol with the lowest variability in DNA methylation at 25 ng of starting DNA, mean observed marker coverage of ~ 6.7 k reads, and accuracy of methylation quantification with a mean absolute difference between observed and expected methylation beta value of 0.054. The Ion AmpliSeq method correlated strongly with genome-scale EPIC microarray data (R = 0.91) and showed superiority in terms of methylation measurement accuracy. Method-to-method bias was accounted for by the use of linear transformation, which provided a highly accurate prediction of calendar age with a mean absolute error of less than 5 years for the VISAGE and Hannum age clocks used. The pace of aging (PoAm) and the mortality risk score (MRS) estimators included in our panel represent next-generation clocks, were found to have low to moderate correlations with the VISAGE and Hannum models (R
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- 2023
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17. Methodological considerations on real-world evidence studies of monoclonal antibodies against the CGRP-pathway for migraine: a systematic review
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Nicolas Vandenbussche, Karolina Pisarek, and Koen Paemeleire
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Methodology ,Migraine ,CGRP ,Real-world evidence ,Clinical trials ,Medicine - Abstract
Abstract Background Real-world data are accumulating on the effectiveness, tolerability and safety of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway monoclonal antibodies for the preventive treatment of migraine. We performed a systematic review of the methodology of prospective, observational, clinic-based real-world evidence studies with these drugs in both episodic and chronic migraine. Methods The objectives were to evaluate the definitions and reported outcomes used, and to perform a risk of bias assessment for each of the different studies. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically queried for relevant scientific articles. Study quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the “National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Study Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group”. Results Forty-six studies fitted the criteria for the systematic review and were included in the analysis. Ten studies (21.7%) defined a migraine day for the study, while only 5 studies defined a headache day for the study (10.9%). The most common primary endpoint/objective of the studies was change in monthly migraine days (n = 16, 34.8%), followed by responder rate (n = 15, 32.6%) and change in monthly headache days (n = 5, 10.9%). Eight studies (17.4%) did not define the primary endpoint/objective. Thirty-three studies were graded as “good” quality and 13 studies were graded as “fair”. Conclusion Our analysis shows rather significant heterogeneity and/or lack of predefined primary outcomes/objectives, definitions of outcomes measures and the use of longitudinal monitoring (e.g. headache diaries). Standardization of terminology, definitions and protocol procedures for real-world evidence studies of preventive treatments for migraine are recommended. Trial registration This study was registered with PROSPERO with ID CRD42022369366.
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- 2023
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18. Cardiovascular disease threat and perceived efficacy of selected preventive behaviors among Polish men: an analysis based on the extended parallel process model
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Katarzyna Domosławska-Żylińska, Dorota Włodarczyk, and Magdalena Krysińska-Pisarek
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CVD ,communication ,prevention ,EPPM ,public health ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Considering the low rate of preventive behaviors (5%), it is important to increase the effectiveness of actions that motivate the public to engage in health-promoting behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the way in which Polish men perceive the threat of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the effectiveness of five preventive behaviors in the context of CVDs. We aimed to identify groups of recipients, based on the extended parallel process model (EPPM), for five preventive behaviors and to compare the identified groups in terms of selected characteristics. We conducted the survey in November 2022, using the computer-assisted web interviewing technique, on a representative sample of 1,000 men aged 18–65 years. Polish men showed relatively low levels of perceived susceptibility to CVDs (15.1%), but at the same time tended to perceive the consequences of CVDs as severe (54.2%). Segmentation of audiences according to the EPPM showed that regardless of the type of preventive behavior, the most numerous groups are responsive (31–37%) and indifferent (29–31%). This study revealed the need to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy diet to prevent CVDs among male population. Less than half of the men indicated that they would be able to implement effective stress management (49.8%) and smoking avoidance (39.4%), indicating the need to implement measures to increase self-efficacy in the areas.
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- 2023
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19. The Influence of Operational Exposure on Changes in Parameters of Effective Camouflage of Coatings Used in Military Technology
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Marek Michalski, Urszula Pisarek, Norbert Radek, Wojciech Przybył, and Marcin Szczepaniak
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aging ,colour ,reflectance ,gloss ,camouflage coating ,special paint ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
The paper presents an assessment of the effect of artificial aging conditions on the properties of varnish coating systems used for effective masking of military equipment and the service life of this type of coating protections was determined. As part of the research, operational exposures were simulated in the form of: accelerated corrosion tests in an artificial atmosphere in accordance with PN-EN ISO 12944-6, a continuous condensation environment at elevated temperature in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 6270-2 standard and short-term temperature impact up to 250 °C. The evaluation of the properties was carried out on the basis of measurements of the surface geometric structure and adhesion by the peel-off method. On the other hand, measurements of specular gloss, color in the range of 400-700 nm and reflectance in the range of 350-1200 nm were made in relation to the requirements of the Polish Defence Standard NO-80-A200. The operational durability of the paint coatings was assessed in terms of damage in accordance with PN-EN-ISO 4628.
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- 2023
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20. Evaluation of the immunogenic properties of the recombinant Histophilus somni outer membrane protein 40 kDa (rOMP40)
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Joanna Bajzert, Katarzyna Szydłowska, Paulina Jawor, Adrianna Wawrzyniak, Maciej Pisarek, and Tadeusz Stefaniak
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Recombinant OMP 40 kDa protein ,Antibody cross-reactivity ,Histophilus somni ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Background Gram-negative bacterial infections are a serious problem in beef and dairy cattle. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs) play a pivotal role in cellular survival and the host-bacterium interaction. Histophilus somni OMP40 was identified as a porin with homology between its N-terminal amino acid sequence and the sequences of porins of other gram-negative bacteria The aim of this study was to produce recombinant H. somni OMP40 (rOMP40), optimize its production and evaluate its immunogenic properties in calves. The cross-reactivity of anti-rOMP40 antibodies were also checked. Results The highest overexpression of rOMP40 was demonstrated by Escherichia coli C41 using the autoinduction process. Double immunization of calves (20 μg rOMP40 per animal) induced a significant increase of anti-rOMP40 antibodies in the IgG1 (P ≤ 0.01) and IgG2 (P ≤ 0.01, after first immunization only) subclasses, but not IgM. ELISA revealed increased reactivity of the IgG against surface antigens of E. coli and Pasteurella multocida after the second immunization (P
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- 2022
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21. Mediation: Teachers’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Needs at European Universities in the Context of Eu Language Policy
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Kossakowska-Pisarek Sylwia, Siddall Roy, and Świerk Malgorzata
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language policy ,mediation ,university teacher ,needs ,attitudes ,Special aspects of education ,LC8-6691 ,Geography. Anthropology. Recreation - Abstract
Mediation is a novel concept in language teaching and learning, and the needs and attitudes of language teachers towards it are largely unexplored. This article provides a brief overview of European language policy and discusses the action-oriented approach in the context of this paradigm shift in language learning and teaching. Finally, an exploratory study is presented that examined the needs and attitudes of language teachers from four European universities regarding mediation, as it has been formulated in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) (Council of Europe, 2001) and redefined in the CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors (Council of Europe, 2018). The participating teachers were from the language centres of Charles University in the Czech Republic, Vytautas Magnus University in Lithuania, the University of Helsinki in Finland, and the University of Warsaw in Poland. The study survey measured the strength of (dis)agreement of the teachers with 12 statements concerning various aspects of mediation in the context of their teaching practice. These related to understanding what mediation is and its importance, mediating a text, mediating concepts, mediating communication, and mediation strategies. In addition, two open questions concerned the practice of promoting multilingual and intercultural education and the needs of teachers in the area of mediation. Although the vast majority of the 79 participating teachers (91%) agreed that mediation is vital in language learning and teaching, only a third of them claimed that they understood the concept. Furthermore, the findings indicate that some aspects of mediation are more challenging for the teachers to embrace than others and that some fundamental aspects of mediation do not seem to be part of the current teaching practice of all teachers. Overall, the present study confirmed some of the challenges with the implementation of the CEFR into teaching practice at the higher education level.
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- 2022
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22. Miejsca poza miejscami
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Adam Pisarek
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polskie parki narodowe ,laboratoria ,badania terenowe ,terytorializacja natury ,ochrona przyrody ,Philosophy. Psychology. Religion ,Anthropology ,GN1-890 - Abstract
Artykuł dotyczy wybranych typów naukowych i ochronnych praktyk przestrzennych. Autor interesuje się polskimi parkami narodowymi jako miejscami wytwarzania wiedzy o przyrodzie, zadaje pytania, w jaki sposób środowisko zostało przystosowane do tej funkcji i jak to przystosowanie było związane z dużo ogólniejszymi tendencjami do podejmowania pracy w terenie i wdrażania procedur laboratoryjnych w obrębie nauk przyrodniczych na przełomie XIX i XX w. Artykuł zawiera analizy wyselekcjonowanych projektów polskich przyrodników, działaczy i pracowników parków narodowych aktywnie dążących do nadania naukowego statusu działaniom z zakresu ochrony przyrody. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań pozwalają wyciągnąć wnioski mówiące, że parki narodowe to miejsca pogranicza, w których testowane są różne sposoby wytwarzania i wykorzystywania zdobytej wiedzy. Jawią się też jako złożone asamblaże, w których wybrane narzędzia i ramy epistemiczne technonauki okrzepły w znaturalizowanych formułach przestrzennych wypływających z przyjęcia określonych założeń ontologicznych w świecie składającym się z wielu światów. Autor dowodzi, że parki narodowe, będące wynikiem procesu terytorializacji przyrody, ukształtowały się jako miejsca poza miejscami, które mediują między terenowymi i laboratoryjnymi modalnościami produkcji wiedzy technonaukowej.
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- 2023
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23. Evaluation of the immunogenic properties of the recombinant Histophilus somni outer membrane protein 40 kDa (rOMP40)
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Bajzert, Joanna, Szydłowska, Katarzyna, Jawor, Paulina, Wawrzyniak, Adrianna, Pisarek, Maciej, and Stefaniak, Tadeusz
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- 2022
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24. Serum testosterone level correlates with left ventricular hypertrophy in older women
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Iwona Szadkowska, Agnieszka Guligowska, Anna Jegier, Marek Pawlikowski, Hanna Pisarek, Katarzyna Winczyk, and Tomasz Kostka
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sex hormones ,gonadotropins ,cardiac remodeling ,echocardiogram ,aging ,Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology ,RC648-665 - Abstract
IntroductionSex hormones may play an important role in age-related cardiac remodeling. However, their impact on cardiac structure and function in females of advanced age still remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sex hormones level and echocardiographic parameters in older women with concomitant cardiovascular diseases.Materials and MethodsThe study group included 52 community-dwelling women with mean age 79.5 ± 2.8 years, consecutive patients of an outpatient geriatric clinic. In all the subjects, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and serum testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and cortisol levels were determined.ResultsTestosterone level correlated positively with interventricular septum diastolic dimension (IVSd) (rS=0.293, p
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- 2023
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25. Effect of Cr Content on Corrosion Resistance of Low-Cr Alloy Steels Studied by Surface and Electrochemical Techniques
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Alicja Łukaszczyk, Jacek Banaś, Marcin Pisarek, Antoine Seyeux, Philippe Marcus, and Jolanta Światowska
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iron-chromium alloy ,low Cr-alloy steel ,oxide layer ,XPS ,ToF-SIMS ,passivation ,Industrial electrochemistry ,TP250-261 - Abstract
The electrochemical behavior of low alloyed Fe-Cr steels with 3 and 5% wt. of Cr in neutral Na2SO4 electrolyte combined with a detailed chemical and morphological characterization of these alloys performed by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy are presented here. The corrosion of low alloyed Fe-Cr steels proceeds in the prepassive range, with the formation of corrosion surface films having a duplex structure with outer iron oxide/hydroxide layer and inner Cr oxide-rich layer. The thickness, composition, and the morphology of the surface films vary as a function of chromium content in the alloy as well as conditions of electrochemical tests (temperature). Even a low chromium content shows a beneficial effect on the corrosion performances of the Fe-Cr steels. The chromium as a more active component than iron of ferrite increases the anodic activity of this phase, which results in a rapid saturation of the surface with the anodic reaction products forming a fine crystalline-like and compact layer of corrosion products. In this way, the chromium acts as a modifier of formation/crystallization of the iron-rich surface film (mainly magnetite) in the prepassive range.
- Published
- 2021
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26. Antimicrobial Peptides: Challenging Journey to the Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Cosmeceutical Use
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Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Joanna Baran, and Tomasz Ciach
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antimicrobial peptides ,biofilm disruption ,drug development ,healthcare ,immunomodulatory effects ,multidrug-resistant pathogens ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defence peptides, are short proteins in various life forms. Here we discuss AMPs, which may become a promising substitute or adjuvant in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmeceutical uses. Their pharmacological potential has been investigated intensively, especially as antibacterial and antifungal drugs and as promising antiviral and anticancer agents. AMPs exhibit many properties, and some of these have attracted the attention of the cosmetic industry. AMPs are being developed as novel antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens and as potential treatments for various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and viral infections. In biomedicine, AMPs are being developed as wound-healing agents because they promote cell growth and tissue repair. The immunomodulatory effects of AMPs could be helpful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In the cosmeceutical industry, AMPs are being investigated as potential ingredients in skincare products due to their antioxidant properties (anti-ageing effects) and antibacterial activity, which allows the killing of bacteria that contribute to acne and other skin conditions. The promising benefits of AMPs make them a thrilling area of research, and studies are underway to overcome obstacles and fully harness their therapeutic potential. This review presents the structure, mechanisms of action, possible applications, production methods, and market for AMPs.
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- 2023
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27. The Health Behaviours of Students from Selected Countries—A Comparative Study
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Małgorzata Lesińska-Sawicka, Ewa Pisarek, and Małgorzata Nagórska
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health ,lifestyle ,students ,health behaviour ,Nursing ,RT1-120 - Abstract
Health behaviour defined as any behaviour that may affect an individual’s physical and mental health or any behaviour that an individual believes may affect their physical health. It is strongly related to their culture and plays a major role in shaping all health and illness-related behaviour. The purpose of the study was to compare and evaluate the lifestyles of students from multiple countries. The proposed work will determine the deficits in health behaviors undertaken by students. The survey was carried out from December 2016 to March 2017 comprising 532 students from Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and Greece. The sample was selected using the snowball method: a link to the online questionnaire was sent to students from the given countries via the Internet. For some participants, who did not have access to the online questionnaire, printed copies were used instead. As a method was used a diagnostic survey and the survey technique. The opinions of students were measured using the 5-level Likert scale with a neutral option. Students undertook health-promoting activities, but also list behaviours that did not contribute to strengthening their health. Students were shown to have the greatest problems with physical health behaviours and health prevention. There were noticeable differences in the lifestyle of students from different countries.
- Published
- 2021
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28. Mast Cells as a Target—A Comprehensive Review of Recent Therapeutic Approaches
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Joanna Baran, Anna Sobiepanek, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Marta Rogalska, Aleksander Gryciuk, Lukasz Kuryk, Soman N. Abraham, and Monika Staniszewska
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mast cells ,cytokines ,degranulation ,anaphylaxis ,cancer ,therapy ,Cytology ,QH573-671 - Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are the immune cells distributed throughout nearly all tissues, mainly in the skin, near blood vessels and lymph vessels, nerves, lungs, and the intestines. Although MCs are essential to the healthy immune response, their overactivity and pathological states can lead to numerous health hazards. The side effect of mast cell activity is usually caused by degranulation. It can be triggered by immunological factors, such as immunoglobulins, lymphocytes, or antigen–antibody complexes, and non-immune factors, such as radiation and pathogens. An intensive reaction of mast cells can even lead to anaphylaxis, one of the most life-threatening allergic reactions. What is more, mast cells play a role in the tumor microenvironment by modulating various events of tumor biology, such as cell proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, invasiveness, and metastasis. The mechanisms of the mast cell actions are still poorly understood, making it difficult to develop therapies for their pathological condition. This review focuses on the possible therapies targeting mast cell degranulation, anaphylaxis, and MC-derived tumors.
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- 2023
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29. Portable Surface Plasmon Resonance Detector for COVID-19 Infection
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Maciej Trzaskowski, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Jakub Waldemar Trzciński, Marcin Drozd, Rafał Podgórski, Anna Zabost, and Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć
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surface plasmon resonance ,COVID-19 ,point-of-care detection ,portable devices ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 - Abstract
Methods based on nucleic acid detection are currently the most commonly used technique in COVID-19 diagnostics. Although generally considered adequate, these methods are characterised by quite a long time-to-result and the necessity to prepare the material taken from the examined person—RNA isolation. For this reason, new detection methods are being sought, especially those characterised by the high speed of the analysis process from the moment of sampling to the result. Currently, serological methods of detecting antibodies against the virus in the patient’s blood plasma have attracted much attention. Although they are less precise in determining the current infection, such methods shorten the analysis time to several minutes, making it possible to consider them a promising method for screening tests in people with suspected infection. The described study investigated the feasibility of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based detection system for on-site COVID-19 diagnostics. A simple-to-use portable device was proposed for the fast detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in human plasma. SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative patient blood plasma samples were investigated and compared with the ELISA test. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 was selected as a binding molecule for the study. Then, the process of antibody detection using this peptide was examined under laboratory conditions on a commercially available SPR device. The portable device was prepared and tested on plasma samples from humans. The results were compared with those obtained in the same patients using the reference diagnostic method. The detection system is effective in the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 with the detection limit of 40 ng/mL. It was shown that it is a portable device that can correctly examine human plasma samples within a 10 min timeframe.
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- 2023
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30. Comparative Studies of g-C3N4 and C3N3S3 Organic Semiconductors—Synthesis, Properties, and Application in the Catalytic Oxygen Reduction
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Ewelina Wierzyńska, Marcin Pisarek, Tomasz Łęcki, and Magdalena Skompska
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g-C3N4 ,C3N3S3 ,band diagrams ,oxygen reduction ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
Exfoliated g-C3N4 is a well-known semiconductor utilized in heterogenous photocatalysis and water splitting. An improvement in light harvesting and separation of photogenerated charge carriers may be obtained by polymer doping with sulfur. In this work, we incorporate sulfur into the polymer chain by chemical polymerization of trithiocyanuric acid (C3N3S3H3) to obtain C3N3S3. The XRD measurements and TEM images indicated that C3N3S3, in contrast to g-C3N4, does not exist in the form of a graphitic structure and is not exfoliated into thin lamellas. However, both polymers have similar optical properties and positions of the conduction and valence bands. The comparative studies of electrochemical oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution indicated that the overpotentials for the two processes were smaller for C3N3S3 than for g-C3N4. The RDE experiments in the oxygen-saturated solutions of 0.1 M NaOH have shown that O2 is electrochemically reduced via the serial pathway with two electrons involved in the first step. The spectroscopic experiments using NBT demonstrated that both polymers reveal high activity in the photocatalytic reduction of oxygen to superoxide anion radical by the photogenerated electrons.
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- 2023
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31. Upcycling of Acid-Leaching Solutions from Li-Ion Battery Waste Treatment through the Facile Synthesis of Magnetorheological Fluid
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Magdalena Abramowicz, Magdalena Osial, Weronika Urbańska, Mikołaj Walicki, Sławomir Wilczewski, Agnieszka Pregowska, Katarzyna Skórczewska, Piotr Jenczyk, Magdalena Warczak, Marcin Pisarek, and Michael Giersig
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environment protection SPION ,battery waste ,toxic waste management ,direct recycling ,sustainability ,circular economy ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
The rapidly growing production and usage of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dramatically raises the number of harmful wastes. Consequently, the LIBs waste management processes, taking into account reliability, efficiency, and sustainability criteria, became a hot issue in the context of environmental protection as well as the scarcity of metal resources. In this paper, we propose for the first time a functional material—a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) from the LIBs-based liquid waste containing heavy metal ions. At first, the spent battery waste powder was treated with acid-leaching, where the post-treatment acid-leaching solution (ALS) contained heavy metal ions including cobalt. Then, ALS was used during wet co-precipitation to obtain cobalt-doped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and as an effect, the harmful liquid waste was purified from cobalt. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized with SEM, TEM, XPS, and magnetometry. Subsequently, superparamagnetic nanoparticles sized 15 nm average in diameter and magnetization saturation of about 91 emu g−1 doped with Co were used to prepare the MRF that increases the viscosity by about 300% in the presence of the 100 mT magnetic fields. We propose a facile and cost-effective way to utilize harmful ALS waste and use them in the preparation of superparamagnetic particles to be used in the magnetorheological fluid. This work describes for the first time the second life of the battery waste in the MRF and a facile way to remove the harmful ingredients from the solutions obtained after the acid leaching of LIBs as an effective end-of-life option for hydrometallurgical waste utilization.
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- 2023
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32. A longitudinal study of e-commerce diversity in Europe
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Sadowski, Adam, Lewandowska-Gwarda, Karolina, Pisarek-Bartoszewska, Renata, and Engelseth, Per
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- 2021
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33. Selection of the Technological Ceramic Layer Thickness in an HPDC Machine Plunger in the Aspect of its Strength
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Jacek Jankowski, Dariusz Kołakowski, and Bogusław Pisarek
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pressure pistons ,casting machine ,thermal stresses ,axially symmetrical thermal stress stat ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
A way how to select the ceramic coating thickness with respect to axially symmetrical thermal stresses in a casting machine piston with a horizontal shot sleeve has been discussed. An application of a technological ceramic outer layer in the piston enhances its tribological properties. The condition that stresses in tension in the outer ceramic layer are lower than the tensile strength has been proposed as a selection criterion.
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- 2020
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34. Hydrogen peroxide generation catalyzed by battery waste material
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Magdalena Warczak, Magdalena Osial, Weronika Urbanska, Marcin Pisarek, Wojciech Nogala, and Marcin Opallo
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Hydrogen peroxide ,Lithium-ion battery waste ,Oxygen reduction ,Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) ,Liquid–liquid interface ,Industrial electrochemistry ,TP250-261 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Lithium-ion battery (LiB) waste powder is a valuable source of various materials, including carbon and metals. Although this material exhibits electrical conductivity, nanostructured morphology, and may contain metal oxides, it has not been used as an electrocatalyst. Here, we demonstrated the application of LiB waste powder as a catalyst for electrochemical H2O2 generation. The powder was both immobilized on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode and assembled at a liquid–liquid interface formed by decamethylferrocene (DMFc) solution in trifluorotoluene and aqueous perchloric acid in the presence of oxygen. The electrochemistry was studied by cyclic voltammetry and also with a rotating disk electrode (RDE), and a 2-electron ORR pathway was confirmed. H2O2 generation at the liquid–liquid interface and oxidation of DMFc were detected by colorimetry, UV–vis spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The use of LiB waste powder reduces the ORR onset potential by ca. 0.3 V compared to an unmodified GC. When assembled at a liquid–liquid interface the waste powder increases the efficiency of H2O2 generation by ca. 20 times.
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- 2022
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35. Rheological Effects in the Bridges Constructed with Cantilever Method
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Pisarek Bartosz and Machelski Czesław
- Subjects
cantilever bridges ,deflections and bending moments. ,rheological effects ,tests ,long-term deflection ,Transportation engineering ,TA1001-1280 - Abstract
A characteristic feature of bridges made using cantilever concreting technology is their excessive deflections, which are a result of rheological processes in concrete and prestressing steel. These deflections can be caused by the destruction of the material, e.g. concrete cracking, as well as the changing of the static scheme of the bridge structure, such as the subsidence of supports. The final result of a structure’s operation is changes in its grade line, which in this paper are considered as the deflection line of a bridge’s span.
- Published
- 2020
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36. Structure and Morphology of Indole Analogue Crystals
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Joanna Pisarek and Maura Malinska
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Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2020
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37. The use of mineral materials for salinity control in roadside soils
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Katarzyna Łuczak, Izabella Pisarek, and Grzegorz Kusza
- Subjects
urban soils ,readily soluble salts ,desalination ,Environmental protection ,TD169-171.8 - Abstract
This paper presents the results of a fi eld study on using mineral materials (fine-grained sand and medium-grained gravel) to reduce the concentration of readily soluble salts in a roadside environment. The investigated soils were Rendzic Sceletic Leptosols from an urban area characterized by a shallow humus horizon with a high content of skeletal parts, as well as a lack of homogeneity of the material in the soil profile. All soil samples were taken from five plots located along the main streets in the city of Opole (Southern Poland). It was revealed that the use of fine-grained sand and medium-grained gravel improved the structure of the surface soil layer, and thus favoured the migration of Na+ and Cl- ions into the soil profile. In comparison to control surfaces readily soluble salts were reduced with gravel and sand application. Furthermore, the mineral materials introduced on the soil surface for salinity neutralization did not affect the quality of the tested roadside calcareous soils. The results indicate that the use of mineral materials reduces soil salinity caused by NaCl. They also show the need to find new methods of salt neutralization, especially of roadside soils in order to improve and protect the quality of the environment.
- Published
- 2020
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38. Immobilization of Cubic Silver Plasmonic Nanoparticles on TiO2 Nanotubes, Reducing the Coffee Ring Effect in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Applications
- Author
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Robert Ambroziak, Jan Krajczewski, Marcin Pisarek, and Andrzej Kudelski
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Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2020
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39. Mechanical and Thermal Stresses in an HPDC Machine Plunger During the Dosing and Filling Process
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Jacek Jankowski, Dariusz Kołakowski, and Boguslaw Pisarek
- Subjects
plunger ,hpdc machine ,mechanical and thermal stresses ,flat thermal stationary state ,equivalent stresses ,different tensile and compression strength ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
Distributions of mechanical and thermal stresses in a plunger of the high pressure die casting machine with a horizontal shot sleeve have been considered for a flat thermal stationary problem. An axial pressure of the plunger pressing in the technological process has been accounted for as well. Principal and equivalent stresses have been determined within two different hypotheses on the strength of materials, including one theory covering various allowable stresses in tension and compression. Four plunger material variants have been analysed.
- Published
- 2020
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40. The influence of edible potato cultivar on yield size and quality
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Krochmal-Marczak B., Górka M., Ślusarczyk B., Dykiel M., Pisarek M., Bienia B.
- Subjects
Economic growth, development, planning ,HD72-88 - Published
- 2020
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41. Plasma Nitriding of TiO2 Nanotubes: N‑Doping in Situ Investigations Using XPS
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Marcin Pisarek, Mirosław Krawczyk, Marcin Hołdyński, and Wojciech Lisowski
- Subjects
Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2020
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42. Analysis of Mechanical and Thermal Stresses in a Pressure Casting Machine Plunger
- Author
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Jacek Jankowski, Dariusz Kolakowski, and Boguslaw Pisarek
- Subjects
plunger ,cold chamber pressure machine ,thermo-mechanical stresses ,equivalent stresses ,different tensile and compressive strength ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
The study discusses the thermo-mechanical stress distribution in the plunger of a cold chamber casting machine with a horizontal casting chamber in the stationary aspect. The main stresses as well as the reduced stresses were determined for four different strength hypotheses, two of which took into account different acceptable maximal tensile and compressive stresses. For comparative purposes, the calculations were performed for three different construction materials used for cold chamber pressure machine plungers: grey pearlitic cast iron, high silicon bronze and beryllium bronze, as well as one more type of bronze, which has not been used for plungers so far, i.e. aluminium-iron-nickel bronze, constituting the initial alloy for the newly-developed complex bronzes with high wear resistance and elevated strength.
- Published
- 2020
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43. The Influence of Sewage Sludge and Fly Ash Fertilization on the Total Number of Bacteria (TNB) and Bradyrhizobium Species in Soybean Agroecosystem
- Author
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Izabella Pisarek and Katarzyna Grata
- Subjects
soybean agroecosystem ,Bradyrhizobium species ,magnetic susceptibility ,humic substances ,Agriculture (General) ,S1-972 - Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different chemical properties in soil, including changes in magnetic susceptibility and the impact of humic substances from sewage sludge and fly ash on the microbial community in the soybean agroecosystem. A field experiment was carried out using the random plot method on Cambisol with a texture of silt loam. The experiment consisted of 24 plots (six treatments and four replications) using different dozes of sewage sludge and fly ash. The following physicochemical and chemical analyses were performed in the soil samples: pH in KCl, conductivity (λ), total content of heavy metal, magnetic measurements and fractional composition of organic matter. The TNB and the number of the species of Bradyrhizobium in the field cultivation of the soybean variety Lissabon were evaluated using the spread plate method. The total content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Hg, Fe) in the analyzed treatments showed a significant difference between them. The study of the magnetic parameter χ indicated a significant differentiation between treatments from 34.0 to 65.8 × 10−8·m3·kg−1. High correlation coefficients between χ and Fe (r = 0.789), Zn (r = 0.653), Cr (r = 0.617) and TOC (r = 0.949) indicated that the source of these elements was external organic matter. Biological tests (TNB and species of Bradyrhizobium) in different experimental treatments indicated significant relationships between them and showed the resistance of the microbial community in the field cultivation of Lissabon soybean to heavy metal contamination from sewage sludge and fly ash. The study confirmed that external organic matter, such as sewage sludge, can be used as an alternative to natural fertilizers for soybean production.
- Published
- 2023
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44. Molecular dissection of the replication system of plasmid pIGRK encoding two in-frame Rep proteins with antagonistic functions
- Author
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Paweł Wawrzyniak, Agnieszka Sobolewska-Ruta, Piotr Zaleski, Natalia Łukasiewicz, Paulina Kabaj, Piotr Kierył, Agata Gościk, Anna Bierczyńska-Krzysik, Piotr Baran, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Andrzej Płucienniczak, and Dariusz Bartosik
- Subjects
Overlapping genes ,Plasmid replication ,Replication system ,Rep protein ,In-frame proteins ,Transcription regulation ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Abstract Background Gene overlapping is a frequent phenomenon in microbial genomes. Excluding so-called “trivial overlapping”, there are significant implications of such genetic arrangements, including regulation of gene expression and modification of protein activity. It is also postulated that, besides gene duplication, the appearance of overlapping genes (OGs) is one of the most important factors promoting a genome’s novelty and evolution. OGs coding for in-frame proteins with different functions are a particularly interesting case. In this study we identified and characterized two in-frame proteins encoded by OGs on plasmid pIGRK from Klebsiella pneumoniae, a representative of the newly distinguished pHW126 plasmid family. Results A single repR locus located within the replication system of plasmid pIGRK encodes, in the same frame, two functional polypeptides: a full-length RepR protein and a RepR’ protein (with N-terminal truncation) translated from an internal START codon. Both proteins form homodimers, and interact with diverse DNA regions within the plasmid replication origin and repR promoter operator. Interestingly, RepR and RepR’ have opposing functions – RepR is crucial for initiation of pIGRK replication, while RepR’ is a negative regulator of this process. Nevertheless, both proteins act cooperatively as negative transcriptional regulators of their own expression. Conclusions Regulation of the initiation of pIGRK replication is a complex process in which a major role is played by two in-frame proteins with antagonistic functions. In-frame encoded Rep proteins are uncommon, having been described in only a few plasmids. This is the first description of such proteins in a plasmid of the pHW126 family.
- Published
- 2019
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45. Gonadotropins at Advanced Age - Perhaps They Are Not So Bad? Correlations Between Gonadotropins and Sarcopenia Indicators in Older Adults
- Author
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Agnieszka Guligowska, Zuzanna Chrzastek, Marek Pawlikowski, Malgorzata Pigłowska, Hanna Pisarek, Katarzyna Winczyk, and Tomasz Kostka
- Subjects
sarcopenia ,muscle mass ,handgrip strength ,TUG ,SPPB ,LH ,Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology ,RC648-665 - Abstract
Many hormones fluctuate during the aging process. It has been suggested that gonadotropins, which increase with age, contribute to the occurrence of many diseases and syndromes in older life, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, frailty syndrome and osteoporosis. This study aims to assess the relationship between circulating gonadotropins and other hormones potentially contributing to age-related functional decline and sarcopenia indicators in 39 male and 61 female community-dwelling seniors, mean age 80 years. According to the definition developed by the second European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), the following indicators of the sarcopenia were assessed: bioimpedance-measured body composition, gait speed, handgrip strength, timed up and go test (TUG), chair stand test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and cortisol were also measured. In the men, FSH and partially LH correlated positively with muscle mass percentage, gait speed, handgrip strength and SPPB, and negatively with percent body fat. Additionally, testosterone and DHEAS correlated negatively with the percentage of fat mass in men. Whereas in the women, FSH and LH were mainly negatively associated with body mass and adipose tissue measures. Cortisol did not show any relationship with the examined indicators. The study shows that the indicators of sarcopenia are strongly associated with levels of gonadotropins, sex hormones and DHEAS, especially in older men. The obtained results, after being confirmed in a larger group, may modify prevention and treatment strategies of sarcopenia.
- Published
- 2021
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46. Effect of Degassing Parameters on Mechanical Properties of EN AC-46000 Gravity Die Castings
- Author
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Grzegorz Gumienny, Bogusław Pisarek, Tomasz Szymczak, Jakub Gawroński, Paweł Just, Ryszard Władysiak, Cezary Rapiejko, and Tadeusz Pacyniak
- Subjects
degassing ,Al-Si alloys ,mechanical properties ,hydrogen content ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
The article is devoted to the optimization of the degassing parameters of the AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy. The alloy was degassed with a solid degasser (Ecosal) and nitrogen or argon. The variable parameters were time and type of degasser. The test castings were made in permanent molds with an internal diameter of 25 mm and a length of 150 mm. The effect of the degassing time and the amount of degasser on the mechanical properties, as well as the hydrogen content and density index were investigated. The ALU SPEED TESTER developed by FMA was used to test the hydrogen content and the density index. Magmasoft software was used to design the geometry of the test castings. A significant effect of the solid degasser and degassing time on both the density index and the hydrogen content was demonstrated. Replacing nitrogen with argon did not bring any significant improvement in the above-mentioned parameters. The effect of degassing parameters on the mechanical properties of the EN AC-46000 alloy was much less significant, but was still visible. The optimal degassing parameters needed to obtain the highest strength parameters of the EN AC-46000 gravity die castings were determined.
- Published
- 2022
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47. Growth characteristics and physicochemical properties of nanoporous hafnium oxide layers prepared by anodic oxidation of Hf
- Author
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Szczerba, Mateusz, Mohapatra, Biswaranjan D., Pisarek, Marcin, and Sulka, Grzegorz D.
- Abstract
Well defined nanostructures of doped or undoped HfO2with unique physicochemical properties are crucial for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and biomaterials. In this context, we have studied the fabrication of nanoporous anodic hafnium oxide (AHO) thin layers in ethylene glycol-based electrolytes containing NH4F. Although some earlier works have described the formation of nanoporous/nanotubular AHO layers in F−containing electrolytes, the key factors affecting the porosity, pore diameter, and thickness of synthesized materials have yet to be systematically investigated. We explored the feasibility of tuning unordered nanopores to ordered nanopores by varying the NH4F concentration in the electrolyte. We demonstrated that at constant anodizing voltage and time (30 or 60 V, 30 min), the mean porosity for the ordered porous AHO layer increases with NH4F concentration up to 0.10 M. We investigated the exclusive effects of anodizing time and NH4F concentration on the mean pore diameter, porosity, and thickness of AHO layer. The maximum mean porosity of 24.5 %, pore diameter of 39.8 nm, and the layer thickness of 24.6 μm were observed for AHO layers produced for 60 min at 60 V. Post-treatment thermal studies revealed the nanoporous AHO layer remained structurally stable up to 500 °C. X-ray diffraction studies showed a significant enhancement in crystallinity for thermally treated AHO layers. The composition and chemical environment of core elements at the top and bottom of AHO layer were thoroughly investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, we elucidated the rate limiting step of AHO growth by applying growth models.
- Published
- 2024
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48. Ecological Scheme: Straw - Mushrooms - Biomass - Straw, Meaning from the Field to the Mushroom Farm and Back to the Field
- Author
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Pisarek, Izabella
- Abstract
This study demonstrates that the process of mushroom production, from straw acquisition through substrate preparation to mushroom harvesting, and the utilisation of the remaining biomass as a valuable soil conditioner allows for minimising residue and reducing the use of mineral fertilisers It helps fill the gaps in the currently deficient manure in agricultural production, which has a significant positive impact on the natural environment as well as the economic aspect of production. Because of the biotransformation of organic matter in straw with the addition of nitrogen (from poultry litter) and calcium compounds (gypsum) in the mushroom cultivation process, a biomorphic mass with high fertiliser values is produced, as confirmed by research. The above fits into the framework of carbon farming, enabling maximum, fully ecological, and climate-friendly use of post-production agricultural biomass. The presented solution of “from the field to the mushroom farm and back to the field” seems decidedly more beneficial than straw fertilisation as it allows for a much broader assurance of continuity in the carbon cycle.
- Published
- 2024
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49. How sensitive are epiphytic and epixylic cryptogams as indicators of forest naturalness? Testing bryophyte and lichen predictive power in stands under different management regimes in the Białowieża forest
- Author
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Janusz Czerepko, Radosław Gawryś, Rafał Szymczyk, Włodzimierz Pisarek, Magdalena Janek, Andżelika Haidt, Agnieszka Kowalewska, Amelia Piegdoń, Adam Stebel, Martin Kukwa, and Cecilia Cacciatori
- Subjects
Ecological indicators ,Forest naturalness gradient ,Forest management regimes ,Primeval forest relics ,Red-listed species ,Species richness ,Ecology ,QH540-549.5 - Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the sensitivity of epiphytic and epixylic bryophytes and lichens as indicators of forest naturalness, by comparing their diversity patterns with forest structural, compositional and historical features associated with different management/protection regimes and protection time spans. The study was carried out in the Białowieża Forest (Poland). Out of 1370 pre-existing inventory plots established all across the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest, we randomly selected 10 plots for each of the 18 plot aggregation groups resulting from the combination of 3 management/protection regimes and 6 habitat types, for an overall number of 180 plots. At each of them, we carried out bryophyte and lichen sampling on four substrates (coarse woody debris – CWD, standing dead trees, stumps, living trees). The management/protection regimes exemplifying the gradient of forest naturalness were: the 100 years-old Białowieża National Park (BNP), a set of more recently established nature reserves and managed forests. We tested differences in mean species richness values among management/protection regimes, protection time spans, habitat types and stand age classes by analysis of variance and calculated coefficients of correlation with 45 selected structural and compositional features of forest stands. Differences in species composition of epiphytic and epixilic bryophytes and lichens among management/protection regimes were tested by ordination methods. Lastly, we compared frequency of red-listed species and primeval forest relics among management/protection regimes. Species richness of lichens was significantly correlated with the degree of forest naturalness assessed by structural and historical features along the naturalness gradient, with the highest number of species recorded in BNP and the lower in managed stands, while bryophyte number did not exhibit a clear dependence on the management regimes. Relic species of primeval forests and red-listed species occurred with significantly higher frequency in protected areas than in managed forests for both lichens and bryophytes, with the highest frequency observed in BNP for lichens and in nature reserves for bryophytes. Volume of deadwood, particularly of CWD in advanced decays stage, species richness of undergrowth vascular plants, tree layer diversity, shrub cover and herb layer cover exhibited the strongest correlation with cryptogam species richness and cover on the various substrates. Response to light availability strongly differenciated bryophyte and lichens optimal niches. The results of this study clearly show that cryptogams, and lichens in particular, are indeed reliable ecological indicators of forest status, since they sensibly intercepted the environmental changes observable along the tested naturalness gradient.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Effect of Intensive Cooling of Alloy AC-ALSI7MG with Alloy Additions on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
- Author
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B. Pisarek, C. Rapiejko, and T. Pacyniak
- Subjects
solidification process ,aluminum alloy ,alloy additions ,intensive cooling ,mechanical properties ,Mining engineering. Metallurgy ,TN1-997 ,Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials ,TA401-492 - Abstract
The work presents results of the investigations of effect of intensive cooling of alloy AC-AlSi7Mg with alloy additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of the obtained casts. The experimental casts were made in ceramic molds preliminarily heated to 180°C, into which AC-AlSi7Mg with alloy additions was poured. Within implementation of the research, a comparison was made of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the casts obtained in ceramic molds cooled at ambient temperature and the ones intensively cooled in a cooling liquid. Kinetics and dynamics thermal effects recorded by the TDA method were compared. Metallographic tests were performed with the use of optical microscope and strength properties of the obtained casts were examined: UTS, Elongation and HB hardness.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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