Search Results (20)
Thermal and non-thermal factors affecting regional blood flow regulation
Whilst the interaction of multiple vascular mechanisms under various stressors is a well-documented topic, how this interaction effects the regional regulation of blood flow is less well known. In order to assess this phenomenon, a series of successive studies were conducted: I. Assessing the regional blood flow and haemodynamic response …
Microstructure design and multifunctionality of barium zirconate titanate-barium calcium titanate thin films prepared by chemical solution deposition
Barium zirconate titanate-barium calcium titanate 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT-BCT) ceramic exhibits a high piezoelectric response in the vicinity of room temperature. It is an environment-friendly alternative to Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3 (PZT), the most used ceramic material in piezoelectric applications. Thin films meet the requirements related to the miniaturization of electronic components such as in …
Interplay between autophagy and lipid droplets in starving cancer cells
Lipid droplets (LDs) are intracellular organelles that store lipids, mainly triacylglycerols (TAGs) and sterol esters. LDs were initially considered just inert fat reservoirs but have now been identified as critical players in the cellular stress response, especially in cancer cells. In response to various kinds of stress, including nutrient deprivation …
Intra- and inter-trophic interactions of generalist forest predator
We are witnessing major shifts in ecosystems due to intense anthropogenic pressures on the environment in recent decades, including rapid climate change, which is one of the strongest drivers of a global biological response. Raptors, which are at the top of the trophic web, are important indicators of ecosystem health. …
Biotechnological production of insect sex pheromones and potato virus Y infectious clone as tools in plant protection
Rising demands for food, instigated by population growth and urbanization, are calling for advanced agricultural approaches to increase crop yields. However, the expansion of food production should not come with an unmanageable environmental cost. Plant science is therefore challenged to provide sustainable innovations for combating the detrimental effects of unfavourable …
Assessment of individual-level exposure to air pollutants using personal monitoring
A paradigm shift is occurring in the assessment of exposure to urban environmental stressors. Improved accuracy of personal monitors has enabled researchers to study exposure at the individual level. Monitoring stations are the primary reference point for air quality in urban environments, although there is a need to assess exposure …
Characterization of Spirulina microalgae as a new alternative food source
A reduction in agricultural productivity associated with water scarcity and land degradation, combined with the growing world population and malnutrition highlights the need for new alternative food sources. In this challenging field, Spirulina microalgae emerges as a promising candidate thanks to its high nutritional value and beneficial effect on human …
An intelligent cognitive system for computational psychotherapy with a conversational agent for attitude and behavior change in stress, anxiety and depression
The increasing prevalence of mental health issues worldwide has amplified the significance of computational psychotherapy, which includes creating computational tools for the mental healthcare and tools to support existing mental health professionals. This work presents a computational psychotherapy system that predicts and forecasts mental health issues in users, and utilizes …
Topology-induced phenomena and caloric effects in condensed matter
The first part of the thesis deals with the impact of surface-functionalized nanoparticles (NP) can have on the stability of liquid crystal (LC) phases. Experimental data of NP concentration-driven phase transition between the isotropic and nematic phase in 5OO8 LCs were used to create a minimal mathematical model that would …
Lead magnesium niobate titanate thick films prepared by aerosol deposition method
The miniaturization of electronic devices requires the fabrication of functional components in the form of μm-sized thick films. Some of the most promising functional materials are relaxor-ferroelectric (1-x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN–100xPT), as they exhibit versatile dielectric, piezoelectric and relaxor-ferroelectric properties. However, the integration of functional ceramic thick films with non-conventional substrates such …