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Phytoremediation of soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons using the wild plants Scirpus sylvaticus and Cirsium oleraceum, supported by bioaugmentation
No full textThe research was aimed at determining the efficiency of phytoremediation supported by bioaugmentation using a microbial consortium based on autochthonous bacteria and wild plants naturally growing in an area of natural petroleum seeps (Scirpus sylvaticus and Cirsium oleraceum),transplanted for the cleanup of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. A six-month phytoremediation process resulted in a decrease in concentrations: TPH—from 4320 to 455–261 mg/kg dry mass, and PAHs—from 7.19 to 1.47–1.76 mg dry mass. The greatest reductions were observed for (91.9–99.8 %) and naphthalene (85.3–87.4 %), and the lowest for (62.0–87.3 %) and 4–6-ring PAHs (44.0–76.3 %). Intense growth of roots and shoots was found in plants from bioaugmented soils. Toxicological studies performed using biotests with varying sensitivity (Ostracodtoxkit < Microtox < MARA) and phytotoxicity test (Phytotoxkit) indicated a decrease in toxicity levels after phytoremediation supported by bioaugmentation, which correlated with the drop in TPH and PAHs contents in the treated soil. The study also evaluated the structure of the microbial community in the remediated soil. The presence of bacteria in the rhizosphere accelerated the degradation of contaminants and increased plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Additionally, changes in the community of soil ciliates were assessed, showingthat functional group responses, rather than species richness alone, may serve as sensitive indicators of soil recovery and ecological stability. This study highlights the novelty and ecological relevance of combining wild-adapted plants and microbial consortia for sustainable remediation, while also demonstrating the potential of ciliates as sensitive bioindicators of soil recovery
Age-dependent reprogramming of vascular metabolism compromises endothelial resilience to inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction
No full textChemR23 signalling as a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases
No full textLigand-controlled self-organization of 1D ZnSe nanocrystals in a model bulk heterojunction solar cell system
No full textTo overcome the current limitations of organic photovoltaic cells in efficiency and durability, systematic improvements across all mechanistic aspects are essential. This paper examines the impact of incorporating rod-shaped one-dimensional (1D) ZnSe nanocrystals (NCs) with various ligands on the morphology and photovoltaic (PV) performance of a model bulk heterojunction solar cells based on poly[N-9′-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzo-thiadia zole)] (PCDTBT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Ligands with aromatic or aliphatic characteristics, binding through amino or thiol groups, were selected to investigate both morphological and electronic effects. We successfully demonstrate control over the self-organization of 1D ZnSe NCs within the active layer of an organic solar cell. 1D ZnSe NCs were added to the donor–acceptor solution PCDTBT/PC70BM, and we show that tuning the ZnSe NCs surface stabilizer determines the final 3D film composition of PV devices. The 1D ZnSe NCs were synthesized with a simple hot injection method. The original insulating charge carrier ligands used for the synthesis of 1D ZnSe nanocrystals were replaced partially by non-insulating organic compounds containing the aromatic ring and a alkyl chain. With o-phenylenediamine, a surface-segregated interfacial buffer array of ZnSe NCs formed through self-organization during the spin-coating process of the active layer solution. The morphology of the devices and the distribution of individual compounds in the active layer were studied with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). These results indicated that ZnSe NCs mixed into the coating solution spontaneously accumulated on the surface of the active layer due to the low surface energy. The introduction of the 1D ZnSe NCs containing a surface modified with o-phenylenediamine in a model bulk heterojunction solar cells of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PCDTBT:PC70BM/Al resulted in a 20 % improvement of the power conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells from 1.87 % to 2.25 % on average. Only in this case, a self-organized buffer array of 1D ZnSe NCs formed in a single step between the polymer and the aluminum metal electrode, likely improving solar efficiency by suppressing charge carrier recombination at the organic/metal interface
Polish trajectories of resilience : exploring discourses on security and crisis response
Full text linkPoland formally acknowledged resilience as a constituent of its National Security Strategy and crisis-response approach in 2020, signifying its recent integration into the national policy framework. Its path towards resilience is intricate, guided by conservative and state-centric approach and the notion of resistance to shocks rather than flexibility and adaptability. This chapter employs policy frame analysis to delve into resilience-centred rhetorical frames embedded within Polish security discourse. Initially, the chapter outlines the key characteristics of Poland’s resilience approach, shedding light on the distinctive features of Polish resilience thinking. Moreover, the analysis explores the practical implementation of these conceptualisations within the broader contexts of national security and crisis-response policies. By closely examining the rhetoric and the underlying policy structures, this chapter seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of Poland’s evolving stance on resilience. It unravels the intricacies of integrating resilience into the nation’s strategic and crisis management landscape, offering valuable insights into the complexities of this relatively recent addition to Poland’s policy paradigm
Positive and negative risk-taking and decision-making in the Balloon Emotional Learning Task (BELT)
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