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Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2024

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  • Improving platelet‐RNA‐based diagnostics: a comparative analysis of machine learning models for cancer detection and multiclass classification
    • Maksym Albin Jopek
    • Krzysztof Pastuszak
    • Michał Sieczczyński
    • Sebastian Cygert
    • Anna J. Żaczek
    • Matthew T. Rondina
    • Anna Supernat
    2024 Full text Molecular Oncology

    Liquid biopsy demonstrates excellent potential in patient management by providing a minimally invasive and cost-effective approach to detecting and monitoring cancer, even at its early stages. Due to the complexity of liquid biopsy data, machine-learning techniques are increasingly gaining attention in sample analysis, especially for multidimensional data such as RNA expression profiles. Yet, there is no agreement in the community on which methods are the most effective or how to process the data. To circumvent this, we performed a large-scale study using various machine-learning techniques. First, we took a closer look at existing datasets and filtered out some patients to assert data collection quality. The final data collection included platelet RNA samples acquired from 1397 cancer patients (17 types of cancer) and 354 asymptomatic, presumed healthy, donors. Then, we assessed an array of different machine-learning models and techniques (e.g., feature selection of RNA transcripts) in pan-cancer detection and multiclass classification. Our results show that simple logistic regression performs the best, reaching a 68% cancer detection rate at a 99% specificity level, and multiclass classification accuracy of 79.38% when distinguishing between five cancer types. In summary, by revisiting classical machine-learning models, we have exceeded the previously used method by 5% and 9.65% in cancer detection and multiclass classification, respectively. To ease further research, we open-source our code and data processing pipelines (https://gitlab.com/jopekmaksym/improving-platelet-rna-based-diagnostics), which we hope will serve the community as a strong baseline.

  • Improving the prediction of biochar production from various biomass sources through the implementation of eXplainable machine learning approaches
    • Van Giao Nguyen
    • Prabhakar Sharma
    • Ümit Ağbulut
    • Huu Son Le
    • Dao Nam Cao
    • Marek Dzida
    • Sameh M. Osman
    • Huu Cuong Le
    • Viet Dung Tran
    2024 International Journal of Green Energy

    Examining the game-changing possibilities of explainable machine learning techniques, this study explores the fast-growing area of biochar production prediction. The paper demonstrates how recent advances in sensitivity analysis methodology, optimization of training hyperparameters, and state-of-the-art ensemble techniques have greatly simplified and enhanced the forecasting of biochar output and composition from various biomass sources. The study argues that white-box models, which are more open and comprehensible, are crucial for biochar prediction in light of the increasing suspicion of black-box models. Accurate forecasts are guaranteed by these explainable AI systems, which also give detailed explanations of the mechanisms generating the outcomes. For prediction models to gain confidence and for biochar production processes to enable informed decision-making, there must be an emphasis on interpretability and openness. The paper comprehensively synthesizes the most critical features of biochar prediction by a rigorous assessment of current literature and relies on the authors’ own experience. Explainable machine learning techniques encourage ecologically responsible decision-making by improving forecast accuracy and transparency. Biochar is positioned as a crucial participant in solving global concerns connected to soil health and climate change, and this ultimately contributes to the wider aims of environmental sustainability and renewable energy consumption.

  • In silico approaches for better understanding cysteine cathepsin-glycosaminoglycan interactions
    • Krzysztof Bojarski
    • Alexis David
    • Fabien Lecaille
    • Sergey A. Samsonov
    2024 Full text CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH

    Cysteine cathepsins constitute the largest cathepsin family, with 11 proteases in human that are present primarily within acidic endosomal and lysosomal compartments. They are involved in the turnover of intracellular and extracellular proteins. They are synthesized as inactive procathepsins that are converted to mature active forms. Cathepsins play important roles in physiological and pathological processes and, therefore, receive increasing attention as potential therapeutic targets. Their maturation and activity can be regulated by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), long linear negatively charged polysaccharides composed of recurring dimeric units. In this review, we summarize recent computational progress in the field of (pro)cathepsin-GAG complexes analyses.

  • In silico epitope prediction of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato antigens for the detection of specific antibodies
    • Weronika Grąźlewska
    • Karolina Sołowińska
    • Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
    2024 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS

    Despite many years of research, serodiagnosis of Lyme disease still faces many obstacles. Difficulties arise mainly due to the low degree of amino acid sequence conservation of the most immunogenic antigens among B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies, as well as differences in protein production depending on the environment in which the spirochete is located. Mapping B-cell epitopes located on antigens allows for a better understanding of antibody-pathogen interactions which is essential for the development of new and more effective diagnostic tools. In this study, in silico B-cell epitope mapping was performed to determine the theoretical diagnostic potential of selected B. burgdorferi s.l. proteins (BB0108, BB0126, BB0298, BB0689, BB0323, FliL, PstS, SecD, EF-Tu). Bioinformatics software predicted 35 conserved linear and 31 conformational epitopes with the degree of identity among B. burgdorferi s.l. of at least 85%, which may prove to be useful in the development of a new tool for the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

  • In Silico Safety Assessment of Bacillus Isolated from Polish Bee Pollen and Bee Bread as Novel Probiotic Candidates
    • Ahmer Hafeez
    • Karolina Pełka
    • Randy Worobo
    • Piotr Szweda
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES

    Bacillus species isolated from Polish bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) were characterized for in silico probiotic and safety attributes. A probiogenomics approach was used, and in-depth genomic analysis was performed using a wide array of bioinformatics tools to investigate the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance properties, mobile genetic elements, and secondary metabolites. Functional annotation and Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZYme) profiling revealed the presence of genes and a repertoire of probiotics properties promoting enzymes. The isolates BB10.1, BP20.15 (isolated from bee bread), and PY2.3 (isolated from bee pollen) genome mining revealed the presence of several genes encoding acid, heat, cold, and other stress tolerance mechanisms, adhesion proteins required to survive and colonize harsh gastrointestinal environments, enzymes involved in the metabolism of dietary molecules, antioxidant activity, and genes associated with the synthesis of vitamins. In addition, genes responsible for the production of biogenic amines (BAs) and D-/Llactate, hemolytic activity, and other toxic compounds were also analyzed. Pan-genome analyses were performed with 180 Bacillus subtilis and 204 Bacillus velezensis genomes to mine for any novel genes present in the genomes of our isolates. Moreover, all three isolates also consisted of gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites.

  • In vitro biological evaluation of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier for C-2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in the treatment of human lung and prostate cancers
    • Joanna Pilch
    • Agnieszka Potęga
    • Patrycja Kowalik
    • Agata Kowalczyk
    • Piotr Bujak
    • Artur Kasprzak
    • Ewa Paluszkiewicz
    • Anna Maria Nowicka
    2024 Full text Pharmacological Reports

    Traditional small-molecule chemotherapeutics usually do not distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. However, nanotechnology creates nanocarriers that selectively deliver drugs to their site of action. This work is the next step in the development of the quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin−folic acid (QD−β−CD−FA) platform for targeted and selected delivery of C−2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in cancer therapy.Herein, we report an initial biological evaluation (using flow cytometry and light microscopy) as well as cell migration analysis of QD−β−CD(C−2028)−FA nanoconjugate and its components in the selected human lung and prostate cancer cells, as well as against their respective normal cells. C−2028 compound induced apoptosis, which was much stronger in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Conjugation of C−2028 with QDgreen increased cellular senescence, while the introduction of FA to the conjugate significantly decreased this process. C−2028 nanoencapsulation also reduced cell migration. Importantly, QDgreen and QDgreen−β−CD−FA themselves did not induce any toxic responses in studied cells. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the high potential of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier (QDgreen−β−CD−FA) for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Nanoplatforms increased the amount of delivered compounds and demonstrated high suitability.

  • In-ADC, Rank-Order Filter for Digital Pixel Sensors
    • Miron Kłosowski
    • Yichuang Sun
    • Waldemar Jendernalik
    • Grzegorz Blakiewicz
    • Jacek Jakusz
    • Stanisław Szczepański
    2024 Full text Electronics

    This paper presents a new implementation of the rank-order filter, which is established on a parallel-operated array of single-slope (SS) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The SS ADCs use an “on-the-ramp processing” technique, i.e., filtration is performed along with analog-to-digital conversion, so the final states of the converters represent a filtered image. A proof-of-concept 64 × 64 array of SS ADCs, integrated with MOS photogates, was fabricated using a standard 180 nm CMOS process. The measurement results demonstrate the full functionality of the novel filter concept, with image acquisition in both single-sampling and correlated-double-sampling (CDS) modes (CDS is digitally performed using ADCs). The experimental, massively parallel rank-order filter can process 650 frames per second with a power consumption of 4.81 mW.

  • Inclusive onboarding process and the specific organizational culture – a theoretical outline of the problem
    • Marta Szeluga-Romańska
    2024 Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska

    Purpose: The aim of this article is to indicate to what extent an organization hiring new employees is able to prepare an individualized, inclusive onboarding process for a diverse workforce; to what extent is it necessary, and to what extent is it possible, so that each new employee efficiently find themselves in the new workplace, but also has the feeling that the organization wants to use their potential and talents. Design/methodology/approach: The objectives are achieved by the analysis of existing scientific literature and research. The theoretical scope is to discuss the possibilities of introducing organizational culture efficiently during the process of onboarding and still make the process inclusive. Findings: It was found that to make the newcomer become truly included in the organization and connected to its social life it is necessary for the organization to pay attention to all four phases and prepare practical solutions to: compliance, clarity, culture and then connection. Practical implications: The implications for business comprise two ideas how to prepare inclusive onboarding in the organisations. Originality/value: The paper is addressed to HR specialists (practitioners) and also to researchers to check in practice the proposed approach.

  • Influence of an Interview Location on Opinions about the Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees
    • Piotr Matczak
    • Marcin Mielewczyk
    • Krzysztof Mączka
    • Patrycja Przewoźna
    • Adam Inglot
    2024 Full text Quaestiones Geographicae

    Collecting opinions regarding environmental management is essential, particularly in urban areas where space is limited, and interests often collide. However, the impact of the conditions in which the research is conducted on opinions and preferences elicited via surveys and interviews about the environment is usually taken for granted. The recent development of computer-aided survey methods allows a simulation of an environment, which can create an artificial environment for interviews. Therefore, examining whether direct access to the environment impacts opinions and preferences becomes a significant issue when considering environmental policies and management design and execution. This study examines whether the location of an interview, indoors or outdoors (in the vicinity of trees), influences the opinion on the ecosystem services (ES) trees provide. A quasi-experimental method with a map-aided computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) survey in two Polish cities, indoors and outdoors, in the vicinity of trees, shows that respondents' location did not significantly affect the opinion on the ES provided by trees. However, on average, respondents answering the survey inside buildings marked more trees on a map than those answering outside. We argue that although an interview location does not have a significant impact on the results, from the perspective of various stakeholder groups in participatory processes, the convenience of place is more important than the character of the place (i.e., in the vicinity of trees) as long as the survey method is mediated by a virtual representation of the subject of the study. © 2024 Piotr Matczak et al., published by Sciendo.

  • Influence of conductive carbon and MnCo2O4 on morphological and electrical properties of hydrogels for electrochemical energy conversion
    • Sylwia Pawłowska
    • Karolina Cysewska
    • Yasamin Ziai
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Piotr Jasiński
    • Sebastian Molin
    2024 Full text Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology

    In this work, a strategy for one-stage synthesis of polymer composites based on PNIPAAm hydrogel was presented. Both conductive particles in the form of conductive carbon black (cCB) and MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel particles were suspended in the three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel. The MCO particles in the resulting hydrogel composite acted as an electrocatalyst in the oxygen evolution reaction. Morphological studies confirmed that the added particles were incorporated and, in the case of a higher concentration of cCB particles, also bound to the surface of the structure of the hydrogel matrix. The produced composite materials were tested in terms of their electrical properties, showing that an increase in the concentration of conductive particles in the hydrogel structure translates into a lowering of the impedance modulus and an increase in the double-layer capacitance of the electrode. This, in turn, resulted in a higher catalytic activity of the electrode in the oxygen evolution reaction. The use of a hydrogel as a matrix to suspend the catalyst particles, and thus increase their availability through the electrolyte, seems to be an interesting and promising application approach.

  • Influence of Giant Reed (Arundo Donax L.) Culms Processing Procedure on Physicochemical, Rheological, and Thermomechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composites
    • Luis Suarez
    • Paul Hanna
    • Zaida Ortega
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Bronagh Millar
    • Eoin Cunningham
    2024 Full text Journal of Natural Fibers

    Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a plant species with a high growth rate and low requirements, which makes it particularly interesting for the production of different bioproducts, including natural fibers. This work assesses the use of fibers obtained from reed culms as reinforcement for a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. Two different lignocellulosic materials were used: i) shredded culms and ii) fibers obtained by culms processing, which have not been reported yet in literature as fillers for thermoplastic materials. A good stress transfer for the fibrous composites was observed, with significant increases in mechanical properties; composites with 20% fiber provided a tensile elastic modulus of almost 1900 MPa (78% increase versus neat HDPE) and a flexural one of 1500 MPa (100% increase), with an improvement of 15% in impact strength. On the other hand, composites with 20% shredded biomass increased by 50% the tensile elastic modulus (reaching 1560 MPa) and the flexural one (up to 1500 MPa), without significant changes in impact strength. The type of filler is more than its ratio; composites containing fibers resulted in a higher performance than the ones with shredded materials due to the higher aspect ratio of fibers.

  • Influence of iron content on water uptake and charge transport in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ triple-conducting oxides
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Maria Gazda
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2024 Full text Journal of Materials Chemistry A

    In this work, we studied the BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ system which belongs to the triple-conducting oxides (TCOs) group. The electrochemical properties of BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the water uptake was analyzed using thermogravimetry (TG). All investigated materials exhibited water uptake, with proton concentration increasing with decreasing iron content. BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.15Fe0.05O3−δ showed a significant electrical conductivity increase in wet air at low temperatures, indicating a hydration reaction occurring in these materials. The oxygen nonstoichiometry was determined using iodometric titration, revealing a linear decrease in oxygen vacancy concentration with increasing iron content in the materials. The partial oxygen ionic and electronic conductivity was determined at 600 and 800 °C. All compositions exhibited p-type electronic conductivity in air, and both types of partial conductivity decreased with increasing iron content. Water uptake kinetics was analyzed using electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR). Water uptake followed single-fold monotonic relaxation for BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.15Fe0.05O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1Fe0.1O3−δ across the entire temperature range and, in the case of BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ, below 550 °C. At 550 °C and above, a two-fold relaxation kinetics in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ was observed. The surface exchange coefficient and the chemical diffusion coefficient of water for different compositions were determined. The influence of water vapor on the oxidation and reduction kinetics in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1Fe0.1O3−δ was investigated. In both materials, a significant increase in the oxygen surface exchange and diffusion coefficients was observed in wet conditions in the case of oxidation.

  • Influence of operating pressure on the durability of a satellite hydraulic motor supplied by rapeseed oil
    • Paweł Śliwiński
    2024 Full text Scientific Reports

    This article describes the results of a durability test of a hydraulic satellite motor supplied by rapeseed oil. The tests were carried out on a test stand in a power recuperation system. The tests of the motor were carried out at a constant shaft speed for three fixed pressure drops in the motor. This made it possible to demonstrate the influence of the motor operating pressure on the durability of the satellite mechanism. The influence of the pressure drop in the motor and the influence of the operating time on the motor absorbency, on the torque on the motor shaft and the influence on the volumetric and hydraulic-mechanical efficiency are also shown. The basic relationship between the efficiency of the motor and the temperature rise in the motor is also described. The results of the calculations of the temperature rise in the motor are compared with the experimental results. The article also shows which components of the motor’s working mechanism wear out the fastest. The cause of the wear and failure is also explained.

  • Influence of silver nanoparticles addition on antibacterial properties of PEO coatings formed on magnesium
    • Yevheniia Husak
    • Jan Olszaniecki
    • Justyna Pykacz
    • Agnieszka Ossowska
    • Agata Blacha-Grzechnik
    • Natalia Waloszczyk
    • Dorota Babilas
    • Viktoriia Korniienko
    • Yuliia Varava
    • Kateryna Diedkova
    • Sergiy Kyrylenko
    • Aden Hodzic
    • Manfred Krichbaum
    • Xiaopeng Lu
    • Bohdan Dryhval
    • Maksym Pogorielov
    • Wojciech Simka
    2024 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    Magnesium is a biodegradable material and thus could be a choice for bone fixation devices and implants with a specific purpose. This study aims to enhance the anti-corrosive, biocompatible, and antibacterial properties on magnesium-based materials through ceramic coatings formation. To achieve this the silicate-based electrolyte was used to create of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) coatings. During investigation the bioactive surfaces were presented by highly developed morphology with pore size from 0.008 ± 0.01 to 0.098 ± 0.14 μm2. The thickness of the coatings reached 7 μm, which provides better corrosive behaviour. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) added during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) into a silicate electrolytic bath allowed for achieving enhanced bioactive properties of coating. It increased hydrophilicity from 118° to 62° and showed no cytotoxic effects, which made the coatings promising for further biomedical investigations. Moreover, incorporation of AgNPs into the PEO coating led to release of silver during immersion test, which enhanced antibacterial properties of the surfaces.

  • Influence of Ultrasound on the Characteristics of CaP Coatings Generated Via the Micro-arc Oxidation Process in Relation to Biomedical Engineering
    • Balbina Makurat-Kasprolewicz
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Anna Ronowska
    • Grzegorz Gajowiec
    • Marlena Grodzicka
    • Stefan Dzionk
    • Agnieszka Ossowska
    2024 Full text ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering

    Over the past decade, bone tissue engineering has been at the core of attention because of an increasing number of implant surgeries. The purpose of this study was to obtain coatings on titanium (Ti) implants with improved properties in terms of biomedical applications and to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US) on these properties during the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process. The influence of various process parameters, such as time and current density, as well as US mode, on the properties of such coatings was evaluated. Novel porous calcium-phosphate-based coatings were obtained on commercially pure Ti. Their microstructure, chemical composition, topography, wettability, nanomechanical properties, thickness, adhesion to the substrate, and corrosion resistance were analyzed. In addition, cytocompatibility evaluation was checked with the human osteoblasts. The properties of the coatings varied significantly, depending on applied process parameters. The US application during the MAO process contributes to the increase of coating thickness, porosity, roughness, and skewness, as well as augmented calcium incorporation. The most advantageous coating was obtained at a current of 136 mA, time 450 s, and unipolar rectangular US, as it exhibits high porosity, adequate wettability, and beneficial skewness, which enabled increased adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts during in vitro studies. Finally, the conducted research demonstrated the influence of various UMAO process parameters, which allowed for the selection of appropriate Ti implant modification for specific biomedical utilization.

  • Influence of User Mobility on System Loss and Depolarization in a BAN Indoor Scenario
    • Manuel M. Ferreira
    • Filipe D. Cardoso
    • Sławomir Ambroziak
    • Mariella Särestöniemi
    • Kenan Turbić
    • Luis M. Correia
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION

    In this article, an analysis of system loss and depolarization in body area networks (BANs) for body-toinfrastructure (B2I) communications based on a measurement campaign in the 5.8 GHz band in an indoor environment is performed. Measurements were performed with an off-body antenna transmitting linearly polarized signals and dual-polarized receiving antennas carried by the user on the body. A normal distribution with a mean of 2.0 dB and a standard deviation of 4.3 dB is found to be the best fit for modeling cross-polarization (XP) discrimination. The average correlation between the signals received by the orthogonally polarized antennas is below 0.5, showing that polarization diversity can be used. A model for the average value of the standard deviation of the XP discrimination ratio as a function of the transmitted polarization, the mobility of users, and the link dynamics is presented, together with a detailed description of the methodology being used.

  • Infographics in Educational Settings: A Literature Review
    • Sameer Ahmad Bhat
    • Suzan Alyahya
    2024 Full text IEEE Access

    Infographics are visual representations of data that utilize various graphic elements, including pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and histograms. Educators and designers can maximize the potential of infographics as powerful educational tools by carefully addressing challenges and capitalizing on emerging technologies. However, current education systems showcase the need for development guidelines and the best practices targeted at designing and developing infographics while exploring the major economic and social impacts of infographics on education. This study examines the concept and role of infographics in education, methodologies, trends, and obstacles. It evaluates potential economic implications and gives insights to design and development experts. The study is based on a scoping literature review methodology, uncovering the conceptual background and the role of infographics. The study emphasizes the unique functions of infographics in data visualization for educational purposes and investigates the current trends and practices in infographics creation. The key challenges associated with the use of infographics are also discussed. Furthermore, the study attempts to identify the cutting-edge frameworks for infographic creation and development while evaluating their economic implications for the role of global education. Finally, the potential recommendations for creating successful infographics while focusing on professional design and development are also covered. The guided literature review will be vital for understanding and using infographics in education.

  • Informal Workplace Learning and Employee Development. Growing in the Organizational New Normal
    • Małgorzata Rozkwitalska-Welenc
    • Beata Basińska
    • Alicja Dettlaff
    2024

    The new paradigm in employee development assumes that employees should proactively direct their learning and growth. Most workplace learning is basically informal and occurs through daily work routines, peer-to-peer interactions, networking, and typically brings about significant positive outcomes to both individuals and organizations. Yet, workplace learning always occurs in a pre-defined context and this context has recently changed, and hereafter many people have been delegated to work from home or any other remote locations. Many employees would like to maintain remote or hybrid work design in the future, as well. In this research monograph, the authors explore an unexplored topic in social science research concerning proactive employee development through informal learning in new ways of working (NWW). The authors are esteemed experts in organizational studies, organizational psychology, and human resource management. The monograph will be of interest to students and researchers in organizational studies, organizational behavior, organizational psychology and organizational learning, as well as human resource professionals concerned with employee development and the changing nature of work.

  • Injectable bone cement based on magnesium potassium phosphate and cross-linked alginate hydrogel designed for minimally invasive orthopedic procedures
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Rafał Jesiołkiewicz
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Dawid Kozień
    • Anna Ronowska
    • Justyna Kozłowska
    • Uwe Gbureck
    2024 Scientific Reports

    Bone cement based on magnesium phosphate has extremely favorable properties for its application as a bioactive bone substitute. However, further improvement is still expected due to difficult injectability and high brittleness. This paper reported the preparation of novel biocomposite cement, classified as dual-setting, obtained through ceramic hydration reaction and polymer cross-linking. Cement was composed of magnesium potassium phosphate and sodium alginate cross-linked with calcium carbonate and gluconolactone. The properties of the obtained composite material and the influence of sodium alginate modification on cement reaction were investigated. Our results indicated that proposed cements have several advantages compared to ceramic cement, like shortened curing time, diverse microstructure, increased wettability and biodegradability and improved paste cohesion and injectability. The magnesium phosphate cement with 1.50% sodium alginate obtained using a powder-to-liquid ratio of 2.5 g/mL and cross-linking ratio 90/120 of GDL/CC showed the most favorable properties, with no adverse effect on mechanical strength and osteoblasts cytocompatibility. Overall, our research suggested that this novel cement might have promising medical application prospects, especially in minimally invasive procedures.

  • Innovative strategies: Combining treatments for advanced wastewater purification
    • Roberta Anjos de Jesus
    • Natalia Łukasik
    • Ajay Kumar
    • Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira
    2024

    Water scarcity is a pressing global challenge, driving the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment solutions. With untreated wastewater extensively employed, particularly in agriculture, the significance of proper treatment becomes evident, as it presents a more practical and ecologically responsible alternative. This chapter explores the diverse treatment approaches encompassing chemical, physical, and biological methods, shedding light on the processing steps within an effluent treatment station. Additionally, the study examines the promising potential of hybrid technologies in wastewater treatment, highlighting their efficiency and effectiveness as viable solutions. This chapter addresses these crucial aspects and contributes to a deeper understanding of wastewater treatment's pivotal role in alleviating water scarcity and promoting sustainable practices.