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.
The purpose of the study was to study the activity of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) act- ing on FSHR and LHR in rat ovaries with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixty rats were di- vided into six groups. Rats in the dose group received genistein at a concentration of either 5 (low genistein dose group, L-gen), 10 (middle genistein dose group, M-Gen) or 20 (high genistein dose group, H-Gen) mg per kg of body weight per day. Estrogen group (EG, received 0.5 mg/kg Dieth- ylstilbestrol). Concentration of sex hormones in serum was quantified by enzyme-linked immuno- sorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and lutein- izing hormone receptor (LHR) protein were determined by immunohistochemistry. Treatment with genistein resulted in a strong stimulation of the concentration of sex hormone in serum. The concentration of progesterone and FSH was significantly higher in H-Gen when compared to the PCOS model control group (MG) (P < 0.01). In contrast, the concentration of testosterone, LH and the ratio of LH/FSH decreased in GEN treatment groups compared to MG, the effect was statistically significant, tested by the ANOVA test (p<0.01). For hormone receptor activity, treat- ment with genistein resulted in an improvement of ovarian function with LHR protein expression being enhanced and FSHR protein expression being suppressed. Our results demonstrate that Genistein played a significant role in regulating FSH and LH receptor expression to improve perimenopausal ovarian and uterine function.
The paper discusses issues related to the technology of melting and processing of copper alloys. An assessment was made of the impact of titanium and iron introduced in the form of pre-alloy - Ti73Fe master alloy on the microstructure and selected properties of pure copper and copper-silicon alloy. There are known examples of the use of titanium and iron additive to the copper alloy. Titanium as an additive introduced to copper alloys to improve their properties is sometimes also applicable. In the first stage of the study, a series of experimental castings were conducted with variable content of Ti73Fe master alloy entering copper in quantities of 5 %, 15 %, 25 % in relation to the mass of the metal charge. In the second stage, a silicon additive was introduced into copper in the amount of about 4 % by weight and 0.5 % and 1 % respectively of the initial Ti73Fe alloy. Thermodynamic phase parameters were modelled using CALPHAD method and Thermo-Calc software, thus obtaining the crystallization characteristics of the test alloys and the percentage of structural components at ambient temperature. Experiments confirmed the validity of the use of Ti73Fe master alloy as an additive. The pre-alloy used showed a favourable performance, both in terms of addition solubility and in the area of improvement of strength properties. Changes were achieved in the microstructure, mainly within the grain, but also in the developed dendrites of the solid solution. Changes occur with the introduction of titanium with iron into copper as well as to two-component silicon bronze.
Jednym z wyzwań Bayesjańskiej Teorii Potwierdzania jest rozwiązanie problemu wrażliwości miary. Dotyczy on relacji pomiędzy wyborem odpowiedniej miary potwierdzania oraz podatnością teorii na określone typy paradoksów. Jedną ze strategii przezwyciężenia powyższej sytuacji jest nałożenie dodatkowych warunków na miarę potwierdzania. Autorem jednej z propozycji jest Rudolf Carnap. Zaproponowane przez niego warunki bazują na symetryczności miary potwierdzania. Celem niniejszego tekstu jest analiza carnapowskich warunków symetryczności w kontekście problemu wrażliwości miary.
River water pollution has been reported globally. In suggestion to adapt sustainability approach, this study carry out to tests the structural equation model between sustainable development and water resources management in the Malacca River basin (Malaysia). The model consists of six latent constructs (anthropogenic activities; law, regulation and policy; land and water ecosystem; Malacca River; river water pollution; sustainability) and twenty four items based on 400 questionnaires which were completed and returned by the local residents of Malacca state. Selected study area is within Malacca River basin. The result show the Malacca River is influenced by water law-regulation-policy (β = 0.546, p < 0.001), anthropogen-ic activities (β = 0.145, p < 0.001), river water pollution (β = 0.142, p < 0.001), land and water ecosystem (β = 0.105, p < 0.01), as well as sustainable approach (β = 0.127, p < 0.5). It was found that a sustainable approach and water law-regulation-policy have a direct influence on anthropogenic activities, river water pollution, as well as the land and water ecosystem. In conclusion, this study suggests developing an earlier approach of the model involved with water resources management and sustainable development.