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Copyright of Ruch Prawniczy, Ekonomiczny i Socjologiczny (0035-9629) is the property of Adam Mickiewicz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rapid growth of the world economy contributed to environmental damage resulting in global warming and climate change as well as worsening air and water quality. Moreover, the tendency to increase environmental threats caused by population growth, agriculture and heavy pollution industries proves the importance of the Environmental Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (EFMEA) method. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness and popularize its use. The aim of the study was to recognize the directions and trends in the development of papers and research worldwide on the application of the Environmental FMEA method. The study was based on the reporting system of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). The review of the literature showed that EFMEA is used in various industries. The number of publications on EFMEA is growing, but the low number overall proves that there is still insufficient experience in this field. Due to the lack of studies from the area of Central Europe, the recommendations need to be based on the experience of other foreign centres, mainly from Iran. Studies from this country were the most prevalent among those selected for this review. The majority of papers are related to the environmental risk assessment in the energy and petrochemical industries. There are isolated cases of using the EFMEA method in the chemical or food industry. The vast majority of the studies undertaken are very extensive, paying attention to a wide spectrum of threats contributing to the occurrence of a given environmental risk. It was observed that EFMEA is integrated with other methods, which gives a synergy effect, contributing to the acquisition of better and more comprehensive knowledge about researched problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new synthetic carbonaceous adsorbents has been prepared via physical and chemical activation of residue of alcoholic fermentation of corn starch. Two different variants of thermal treatment procedure - microwave and conventional heating have been applied for preparing of the activated biocarbons. All the samples under investigation were characterised by elementary analysis, surface area measurements as well as determination of the number of surface functional groups. The electrokinetic properties of examined materials were studied using potentiometric titration and electrophoresis methods, which enabled determination of the surface charge density and zeta potential of activated biocarbon particles. Moreover, sorption properties of the carbonaceous materials towards two organic dyes - methylene blue and malachite green were tested. The final products were activated biocarbons of medium developed surface area ranging from 21 to 879 m2/g, showing acidic character of the surface and various content of surface functional groups. More favourable textural parameters as well as sorption properties toward both organic dyes were revealed by chemically activated samples. The obtained results indicated also considerable effect of adsorbed dye molecules on the structure of electrical double layer formed at the solid/liquid interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of highly dispersed Ho2O3–Yb2O3/SiO2 nanocomposites was synthesized using a liquid-phase method and examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) confirmed a similar amount of weight percentage of Ho, Yb and Si oxides in the prepared samples. Samples HoYbSi1 (Ho2O3:Yb2O3:SiO2 = 0.5:10:89.5, wt. %), HoYbSi2 (Ho2O3:Yb2O3:SiO2 = 1:10:89, wt. %) and HoYbSi3 (Ho2O3:Yb2O3:SiO2 = 2:10:88, wt. %) calcined at 550 °C are amorphous. TEM and SEM analysis confirm a sphere-like morphology with a quite homogeneous size and shape. As compared with the initial silica, the agglomerated particles of nanocomposites in the aqueous medium are in the range from 200 to 850 nm according to PCS data. The effect of anionic polyacrylic acid (PAA) adsorption on fumed silica (SiO2) and Ho2O3–Yb2O3/SiO2 nanocomposite surfaces on suspension stability was studied. The turbidymetry method was used to monitor the initial silica and triple nanooxides suspensions stability as a function of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present the results of consumer research in terms of the self-reported levels of recognition, sourcing, self-preparation and consumption of certain types of fermented food products in Polish households and to investigate the traditions of making these products at home in two macro-regions. Design/methodology/approach: Recognition of products, household consumption habits, sourcing of products (RHS) in Northern and Eastern Poland were explored. On-line questionnaire survey was conducted in households located in these macro-regions (n = 600). Data were analysed with Statistica 13.1 PL software, which included descriptive statistics and Chi-squared χ2 test. Findings: Pickled cucumbers and sauerkraut were the most recognized fermented vegetable products. These products are rooted in the culinary tradition of the households surveyed. Regional differences in terms of consumption, commitment to culinary heritage, engagement with traditional production at home and openness to new market propositions were observed. The region and place of residence influence the consumption of pickles, as well as related behaviours, customs and culinary traditions. Research limitations/implications: The use of a convenience sampling method limits the conclusions and the generalisability of the results. The findings have theoretical implications as they bring new knowledge about consumer behaviour that is mediated by home heritage and tradition, and region of origin. Practical implications: The results can be a starting point for food promotion agencies and for importers of ethnic food. The regional differences should be taken into account by food business operators. Originality/value: There has been little empirical study on the subject. The designed RHS model can be replicated in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Management Issues / Problemy Zarządzania is the property of Problemy Zarzadzania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of nanostructured montmorillonite surface modification by the cationic polyacrylamide and the lead(II) ions on the thermal and aggregation properties of solid particles covered with mixed adsorption layers. The effects of cationic groups content in the polymeric macromolecules, the order of individual adsorbates addition, and lead(II) ions concentration were determined. Using spectrophotometry, potentiometric titration, microelectrophoresis, turbidimetry, DCS (Differential Centrifugal Sedimentation) and thermal analysis methods, the adsorption, electrokinetic, aggregation properties, as well as the thermal stability of studied montmorillonite—CT PAM—Pb(II) systems were established. It was shown that applied polymeric substance (soil flocculant) causes accumulation of lead(II) ions, which are hazardous at very low concentrations. Nevertheless, the chemical nature of these interactions may limit the bioavailability of this heavy metal for plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sorption properties of Na-A-type synthetic zeolite, obtained from fly ash with regard to the phosphate(V) ions, were determined. The Na-A zeolite was prepared using hydrothermal conversion of fly ash with aqueous sodium hydroxide. The effects of solution pH and zeolite surface modification by ionic polyacrylamide (PAM) were examined. Both anionic and cationic forms of PAM were applied. The adsorption and electrokinetic data were obtained by means of spectrophotometric measurements, potentiometric titrations and zeta potential determination. It was shown that the presence of ionic polyacrylamide adsorption layers modifies the surface properties of the solid. The resulting composite material (zeolite/polymer) can be applied for effective removal of phosphate(V) ions from the liquid medium. Its regeneration possibilities are also considerable. Additionally, the use of fly ash for zeolite preparation leads to management of hazardous waste material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Heavy metal soluble forms pose a threat to plants, soil microflora, and microfauna. To limit their toxicity and mobility, various immobilizing additives are being developed. The main aim of the study was to determine the influence of soil flocculant (cationic polyacrylamide (CtPAM)) on the hexavalent chromium ion reduction and accumulation on the kaolinite surface. In this way, the efficiency of the selected polymer conditioner in the soil remediation was determined. Materials and methods: The adsorbed amounts of Cr(VI) and CtPAM on the kaolinite surface was determined spectrophotometrically (spectrophotometer UV/Vis) using specific indicators. The structure of electrical double layer formed on the kaolinite surface in the mixed system of cationic polyacrylamide and Cr(VI) ions was described based on the adsorptive measurements, zeta potential measurements, as well as potentiometric titration. The kaolinite aggregation in the presence of CtPAM and/or Cr(VI) ions was determined spectrophotometrically and proved using SEM microscopy. The reduction process of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) occurring in the adsorption layer was determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Results and discussion: The obtained results indicated that cationic polyacrylamide contributes to Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) form in the kaolinite suspension. This heavy metal ions are strongly adsorbed by the applied clay mineral, especially at pH 5 (then the Cr(VI)-adsorbed amount equals 5.42 mg/g). The CtPAM addition favors the Cr(VI) ion immobilization on the kaolinite surface. In the conditioner presence, the heavy metal-adsorbed amount is even at 7.34 mg/g. The adsorption of CtPAM and chromium(VI) ions induces changes in the kaolinite surface charge density and electrokinetic potential. What is more, both substances favors the kaolinite aggregation. Conclusions: Cationic polyacrylamide may be considered a substance reducing the toxicity of chromium(VI) ions in the natural environment and decreasing their availability for soil organisms. It can improve the soil structure (by stimulating aggregation) and reduce environment pollution with heavy metals simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]