Search

The paper presents the photodegradation process of one-, two- and three-component dye mixtures by ZnO-SnO2 nanoparticles. After 60 min of running the processes, the dye removal efficiencies of 76.44, 72.69, 62.43, 77.00 and 92.46% for MB, RB, TB, MO and YQ degradation, respectively, were obtained. For binary and ternary systems, dye removal efficiencies for all cases exceeded 70%. When the binary and ternary dye mixtures were tested, the photodegradation efficiencies of ZnO-SnO2 were similar to those of the single mixtures, indicating that this material could be used in industrial applications in the future. The focus of the study was to investigate the effect of sorption on photodegradation efficiency and the presence of both cationic and anionic dyes on their degradation efficiency under UV light. The significance of the effect of sorption on the degradation efficiency allowing the interaction of the catalyst with the dyes removed was confirmed. The main factor influencing sorption and consequently photocatalysis was the nature of the dye. It was confirmed that the positively charged ZnO-SnO2 surface effectively sorbs the dyes and causes their degradation.

Kontrast leży u źródła postrzegania świata przez człowieka – próbując opisać otaczającą nas rzeczywistość, przedstawiamy dane zjawisko w opozycji do innego, zupełnie odmiennego. „Prawda potrzebuje kłamstwa – bo jakże ją zdefiniować bez kontrastu?” – pisał Paul Valéry, zauważając tę zależność. Według tej reguły można stwierdzić, że dobro i zło, światło i mrok, piękno i brzydota oraz wszystkie inne przeciwieństwa istnieją nierozerwalnie, w harmonii i równowadze, wzajemnie się definiują, a nawet uzupełniają, tworząc w ten sposób wszechświat, tak jak w koncepcji yin-yang. Zgromadzone w tomie analizy stanowią próbę uchwycenia wielowymiarowej istoty kontrastu w literaturze, języku i kulturze. Le contraste est aux sources de la perception humaine du monde : en essayant de décrire la réalité qui nous entoure, nous présentons un phénomène donné en opposition à un autre, complètement différent. « La vćritć a besoin d'un mensonge -car comment la dćfinir sans contraste ? » – a écrit Paul Valéry, constatant cetle dépendance. Selon cette règle, on peut dire que le bien et le mal, la lumière et l’obscurité, la beauté et la laideur, et tous les autres opposés existent inséparablement, en harmonie et en équilibre, se définissant mutuellement et même se complétant, créant ainsi un univers, comme dans le concept du yin-yang. Les analyses rassemblées dans ce volume tentent de saisir la nature multidimensionnelle du contraste dans la littérature, la langue et la culture.

Nowadays, the development of medicine is inextricably linked with the use of new products, often with unique features. Nanotechnology deals with the creation of materials with specific properties in order to meet the requirements. This paper addresses issues related to the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery carriers, with a particular focus on titanium dioxide nanoparticles. To reduce the release of harmful titanium ions from the carrier surface, the materials were modified. In the first stage of research work, TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method. Their surface was coated with an organic substance, i.e. glutathione. The properties of the obtained materials were then investigated, including particle size, specific surface area and microscopic morphology. In the next stage of the study, the amount of titanium ions released from the modified carriers was determined. For this purpose, leaching of nanoparticle samples in deionized water environment was performed. Another stage included the assessment of an active substance releasing froth the prepared materials loaded with tadalafil. In vitro studies were also performed. Cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of the obtained materials in relation to CHO cells were investigated. The results obtained confirmed a decrease in the amount of titanium ions released in comparison to the reference material in which no modifier was used. In addition, the obtained materials show satisfactory purity and surface morphology allowing the formation of carrier-drug interfaces. The results of in vitro studies let us to claim that the prepared modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles have a great potential for being applied as drug carrier.

Abstract Public places such as swimming pools, saunas and jacuzzis are at high risk of developing microorganisms and are a potential source of disease. Above all, increased temperature and humidity favour this. A relatively new but effective way to combat microorganisms is to subject them to metal or metal oxide nanoparticles. The paper presents a method of obtaining nanocompositions for direct application at the place of occurrence of the microorganisms. The advantage of nanocompositions is that they can easily be removed from the infected surface in the form of a film containing dead organic matter. The article investigates the biocidal properties against common microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans of nanocompositions containing silver nanoparticles and nanometric zinc oxide. The physicochemical properties of the nanocompositions were characterised and the antifungal properties of the preparations obtained determined using the suspension method. The results showed that the PVA-based compositions obtained were able effectively to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. Elongation of contact time between microorganism and nanoparticles which was changed from 5 to 60 min resulted in higher antimicrobial activity. It was manifested in reduced growth area. The same observation was made when the concentration of used nanoparticles was increased. When the concentration of nanosilver raised from 12.5 up to 200 ppm, the development of Aspergillus niger was slower. Increasing of zinc oxide nanoparticles concentration resulted in growth inhibition of Candida albicans strain. Graphic Abstract

Titanium oxide nanoparticles modified with D-(+)-mannose were obtained. In the process of their formation, they were conjugated with an active substance (tadalafil). The physicochemical properties of the obtained products were assessed, and the size and electrokinetic potential were determined using a dynamic light scattering technique. X-ray diffractometry was applied in order to define the crystalline properties, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of the desired products. It was possible to obtain TiO2 coated with D-(+)-mannose. The average size of nanoparticles was between 230 and 268 nm. The release of the active substance from the product over a time period of three hours was assessed against the reference material, which was not modified by D-(+)-mannose. The results indicate that covering titanium oxide nanoparticles with the modifying substance favours a slower rate of release for the active substance, which is the desired effect from a pharmacological point of view. The releasing of active substance from modified products was even 68% slower than that from the reference product. These modified titanium oxides are promising materials that may have found an application as drug carriers. Graphic Abstract

The work presents the method for preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles with galactose coating. Bare zinc oxide nanoparticles are well-known and popular drug delivers. However, the fact that zinc ions may be released from their structure easily, they may pose a threat to the living organism. Thus the modification of such a product has been performed. The physicochemical properties of the products have been analysed. XRD technique revealed crystallographic structure of the products. Based on ATR-FTIR analysis it was confirmed that galactose has been successfully attached to the zinc oxide nanoparticles. TEM-EDS microscopy was applied in order to assess the shape of nanoparticles and also for the confirmation of galactose on the particles surface. The releasing of zinc ions from the modified products was compared to their releasing from basic, non-modified sample. Also, cytotoxicity and proliferation of obtained products have been analysed with using Chinese hamster ovary cells. It was found out that the proposed technology may lead to obtain stable forms of modified zinc oxide nanoparticles with limited toxicity.

Increases in diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms and their growing resistances to antibiotics rise the need for the development of new antimicrobial materials. Silver nanoparticles exhibit...

Courage, honneur, fidelite. Portrait du soldat napoleonien dans le roman de la fin du XIXe siecle : Georges d’Esparbes et quelques auteurs polonais

The popularity of nanotechnology results from the possibility of obtaining materials that have better chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, or optical properties. Nano-sized materials are characterized by an increased surface area, which improves their chemical reactivity and mobility. Due to their enhanced reactivity and appropriately small size, some nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Nanoparticles exhibit antimicrobial potential through multifaceted mechanisms. The adhesion of nanoparticles to microbial cells, and reactive oxygen species, and their penetration inside the cells, have been recognized as the most prominent modes of antimicrobial action. This review presents the mechanism of action of nanometals and oxide nanoparticles used as antimicrobials and the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to the toxic effects of nanoparticles. The article presents methods of forming microorganism resistance to the toxic effects of nanoparticles and the negative impact of nanoparticles on human health.

A series of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based liquid compositions with addition of zinc oxide, silver and copper nanoparticles has been prepared. The compositions also contained other consistency-forming organic components. The physico-chemical properties of the products have been determined. Their pH and density have been assessed. Also, the size of nanoparticles has been defined with using a dynamic light scattering technique. The compositions were subjected to XRD, FT-IR and microscopic analysis as well. Thanks to the incorporation of both metal oxide and metallic nanoparticles, it was possible to enrich the products with antibacterial properties. Their inhibiting properties in the growth of microorganisms have been confirmed against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains such as E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Thanks to the ability for solidification, the compositions may be applied on a bacterially contaminated surface, and after destroying the microorganisms and its solidification, it may be peeled off along with the dead bacterial film.

Findings of more efficient energy recovery methods are focused on composite fuels consisting of coal, water, and waste materials. The use of such slurry fuels has enormous environmental benefits due to the potential for waste utilization and low emissions of harmful oxides to the atmosphere during the combustion process. In this study, we report the effect of waste glycerol on the rheological properties of coal-water fuel (CWS). The addition of glycerol to CWS increases the viscosity (from 45.5 to 184.2 mPa·s at a shear rate of 100 rpm) and density (from 1.08 to 1.11 g/cm3) of these suspensions. The utility of choice of the most favorable parameters is equal to 0.85 for both CWS and CWS with added glycerol. Due to the fact that CWS is dosed to heated chamber, its modification with glycerol results in easier nebulization into the combustion chamber, lowering of the solidification temperature and increasing the calorific value of the resulting fuel. During combustion of CWS with glycerol, the amount of SO2 and NOx emitted is reduced by half as compared to the emission of these gases during hard coal combustion.

The paper presents the possibility of obtaining poly(vinyl alcohol)-based coatings containing zinc oxide nanoparticles. The research part has been divided into three steps. At the beginning, nanometric zinc oxide was produced by the hydrothermal method and its physicochemical properties were characterized. The second part of the research included the creation of a reference composition. Next, three independent variables were determined: the mixing temperature of composites, the concentration of glycerine and the concentration of nanometric zinc oxide that could affect the properties of products. In the last stage, the compositions were tested for physicochemical, utility and microbiological properties. Based on the conducted tests it was found that the composites have antimicrobial properties. Nanocrystalline zinc oxide is eluted from the composites in trace amounts and thus the products are safe for the environment. Among the independent variables, only the temperature affects utility properties of the obtained products. A product with the best functional properties is intended to be applied in a suspension form on the surface that is microbially infected and, after its solidification, it can be removed together with dead biological material.

Attempts to obtain stable phenol-formaldehyde resins with silver nanoparticles embedded in their structure were performed in the study. Silver nanoparticles were formed in situ in the process of obtaining resole resins. The conditions of their formation allowed for effectively reducing silver ions and stabilising the creation of nanoparticles. Tannic acid was used as a reducing and stabilising substance and gelatin served as a supporting stabiliser. The possibility of using the obtained product as a wood binder was studied. It was confirmed that their adhesive properties are strong enough to bind blocks of pine wood. Thanks to the presence of silver nanoparticles, the product also exhibited antimicrobial activity which was confirmed against the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain.

The rapid development of medicine has forced equally rapid progress in the field of pharmaceuticals. In connection with the expensive and time-consuming process of finding new drugs, great emphasis is put on the design and use of metal and metal oxides nanoparticles in nanomedicine. The main focus is on comprehensive presentation of both physicochemical properties and the possibilities of using, in particular, silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles, as well as zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as drug carriers and in the treatment of cancer. An important element of this subject is the possibility of occurrence of toxic effects of these nanoparticles. For this reason, possible mechanisms of toxic actions are presented, as well as methods used to reduce their toxicity to ensure the safety of drug carriers based on these nanostructures.

In the second half of the 20th century, asbestos extraction was up to 4 Mt/year. Due to its high strength and insulation properties, this mineral was used as an additive in building materials. Over time these materials were destroyed by the process of weathering and leaching. Asbestos fibers in dust form penetrate the respiratory system causing diseases. This article proposes the binding of hazardous asbestos fibers in a polymer matrix formed from waste cooking oil. Compact materials were produced by heating catalyzed waste cooking oil and asbestos waste, and the process of obtaining these materials was optimized and their physicochemical and strength properties were determined. Oil-asbestos blocks contained sulfuric acid in a mass ratio of 0.05–0.30, being the mass of waste cooking oil, invariable mass of filling and 20% of waste cooking oil to the mass of the whole mixture. The materials were characterized by a compact structure and high hardness. The best mechanical strength above 140 N/mm was obtained for blocks with low acid to oil mass ratio ranging from 0.05 to 0.1125.

Recently there has been an increase in consumption of meat, especially poultry. This results in an increase in the quantity of waste, including waste feathers. Waste from the meat industry are hazardous, which must be disposed of in accordance with the law. Wastes from the meat industry normally consist of valuable elements such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium (macronutrients), and iron, copper, zinc, manganese (micronutrients), which after suitable processing can be used for the purposes of fertilization. The paper presents the results of thermal treatment of feathers with meat and bone meal and feathers with poultry litter in a high scale rotary kiln. Mixtures of wastes were incinerated in temperature range from 600 to 900 °C for about 20–25 min. The resulting ashes were characterized by a high content of phosphorus (4–17%), calcium (17–30%) and potassium (0.6–3.6%). The study revealed that the selection of process parameters allows for obtaining ash with controlled and desired composition of macro and micronutrients, moreover, it is safe in terms of sanitary.

The study was conducted in order to implement the principles of Clean Production (CP) in the production of coal-water fuel. Promoting environmentally friendly technologies impact on the reduction of systemic waste, emissions and inputs, which in turn is beneficial to the environment, health and social security. Coal-water suspensions can be a substitute for fuel oil, which from an ecological point of view, is very advantageous with respect to reduced emissions of CO 2 , SO 2 and NOx during the combustion of fuel. To improve the rheological properties of coal-water suspensions, various kinds of additives are used. Coal materials that belong to different assortments: jaret and fine coal and waste soot were used to prepare stable coal-water suspensions. The tests were performed on a laboratory scale in a disc mill. On the basis of the results, the most favourable parameters of process have been chosen (type of raw material and additive content and grinding time). The resulting suspensions are characterised by low viscosity and density, small equivalent diameters and high stability. Gas analysis of burning process of coal-water suspensions with (and without) soot (determination of O 2 , CO, NO, NO 2 , SO 2 , H 2 S, H 2 , CH 4 and CO 2 ) were conducted and compared.

Due to the protection of the environment, one should seek to rationally use conventional fuels and explore new ways to obtain more energy per unit of fossil fuel. For this reason, attempts have been made to prepare coal-water slurries. Coal materials that belong to different assortments: a qualified steam coal (q. s. coal), fine coal and sludge coal were used. The tests were performed on a laboratory scale in a ball mill. The suspensions contained coal material, water and a stabilising agent: sodium methacrylate, Triton X-405 or rapeseed oil. On the basis of the results, the most favourable parameters of process have been chosen (type of raw material and additive, additive content and grinding time). The most favourable process parameters of preparing coal-water suspensions were as follow: q. s. coal with sodium methacrylate as an additive in an amount of 8.0 g/kg and 60 min milling time. These parameters enabled to obtain suspension characterised by stability at 9.4 mm, the equivalent diameter of particles had 6.3 μm, density was equal to 1.16 g/cm 3 and viscosities values were 22.2 mPa·s (shear speed of 100 rev/min) and 12.7 mPa·s (shear speed of 200 rev/min). The resulting suspensions are characterised by low viscosity and density, small equivalent diameters and high stability.

The wide use of glass results from its easy accessibility, plasticity and the possibility of modifications that change its strength and functional properties. In order to reduce the transparency of the glass, the material is subjected to a matting process. The aim of the research was to select the components of the matting mixture so that the glass surface was modified to give the "frosted glass" effect. Cluster analysis, Pareto diagrams of parameters significantly affecting the size of the pits formed during the chemical etching of glasses, profiles of approximated values and the usefulness of the chemical etching analysis of the glass surface were presented. The use of HCl and NH4F enables even matting of the glass surface. The addition of Na2CO3 did not significantly affect the matting process of the glass surface and the higher concentration of BaSO4 causes the formation of crystallites on the glass surface.

Prezentowana publikacja stanowi kolejną antologię przekładów dramatów francuskich z przełomu XIX i XX wieku, z nurtu tzw. teatru społecznego. Zawiera pierwsze polskie tłumaczenia tych, nieznanych rodzimemu Czytelnikowi, tekstów. Towarzyszy im esej wstępny redaktora tomu przedstawiający spolszczone dramaty. Poprzednie tomy z cyklu to: Francuski teatr społeczny na przełomie XIX i XX wieku. Antologia przekładów. Twarze i maski kultury mieszczańskiej (2017); Farsy i moralitety Octave’a Mirbeau (2015); Anarchia i francuski teatr sprzeciwu społecznego 1880–1914 (2014).

The rapid development of the production of materials containing metal nanoparticles and metal oxides is a potential risk to the environment. The degree of exposure of organisms to nanoparticles increases from year to year, and its effects are not fully known. This is due to the fact that the range of nanoparticle interactions on cells, tissues and the environment requires careful analysis. It is necessary to develop methods for testing the properties of nanomaterials and the mechanisms of their impact on individual cells as well as on entire organisms. The particular need to raise public awareness of the main sources of exposure to nanoparticles should also be highlighted. This paper presents the main sources and possible routes of exposure to metal nanoparticles and metal oxides. Key elements of research on the impact of nanoparticles on organisms, that is, in vitro tests, in vivo tests and methods of detection of nanoparticles in organisms, are presented.