Studies on group separation using sorption and chromatographic techniques. Part I – Usefulness of thin layer chromatography (TLC) in conditions pre-selection for separation of fats and their conversion products using column techniques

Przeprowadzono badania wyjaśniające wpływ eluentu oraz fazy stacjonarnej na wartość parametrów elucji mono-, di-, triacylogliceroli oraz wolnych kwasów tłuszczowych, eluowanych w warunkach cienkowarstwowej chromatografii cieczowej (TLC). Celowo wykorzystano sorbenty inne niż kopolimer styrenu i di-winylobenzenu (SDVB). Starano się dobrać taki eluent, aby możliwe było rozdzielanie tłuszczów za pomocą chromatografii wykluczania z kontrolowaną sorpcją. W przyszłości rozwiązania te powinny zastąpić drogie kolumny z wypełnieniem SDVB. Modyfikując warunki rozdzielania można znacznie zmieniać rozdzielczość i selektywność układów rozdzielczych. Dobór optymalnego składu eluentu i programu elucji powinien być dokonywany z zastosowaniem techniki TLC, co znacznie przyspiesza dobór optymalnych warunków separacji.This paper shows results of investigations explaining influence of the type of the eluent and the nature of the stationary phase for elution parameters of model compounds eluted in the thin layer chromatography (TLC) conditions. Separation of mono-, di-, triglycerides and free fatty acids was performed using TLC plates dedicated to normal phase chromatography (silica gel “Si60 F 254”) and reversed phase chromatography (oktadecylosilan phase “RP18 F254”). Single-step elutions using eight selected eluents of varying elution strength were carried out. Performed studies revealed that certain modifications of separation conditions can lead to changes in resolution and selectivity of separation systems. Studies were conducted to create model separation systems and to examine which model system gives such good results of tested compounds separation that it is worth to transfer the best conditions to a larger scale – to studies using column liquid chromatography. Sorbents other than a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene (SDVB) were used intentionally, and the aim was to select an appropriate eluent which would allow for separation of fats using size exclusion chromatography with controlled sorption. In the future, this solution should replace expensive SDVB packed columns

The Silesian struggle for recognition : emancipation strategies of silesian ethnic leaders

Silesians, according to the number of declarations collected during the 2002 and 2011 censuses, are the most numerous ethnic minority in Poland. Since the early 1990s, they have been demanding state recognition and legal protection. Silesian leaders have chosen to pursue these aspirations through legal channels. They have established organizations that unite representatives of Silesians. They have contributed to draft bills to the Polish parliament aimed at having Silesian recognized as a regional language, and a citizens' initiative calling for an amendment to the law on national minorities proposing the addition of the Silesian minority to the list of ethnic minorities. These efforts have met with opposition from the state, which treats Silesians as part of the Polish nation and refuses to recognize their distinctness. The pursuit of ethnic minority status also has adversaries among Silesians who have chosen other identities (Polish or German). This chapter presents the identity politics of Silesian ethnic leaders. I examine external and internal political strategies, highlighting both the actions undertaken as part of the ongoing campaign for state recognition, and those addressed to members of their own community

Reaching Sustainability in Healthcare: Strategies for a Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Healing Environments

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the main topics in which governments are focusing. In architectures for health, several researches are reporting a growing number of data analysis and research works in order to improve users’ health. Although many studies have been conducted related to the biological and physical risks, the chemical risks have been less investigated and only in some specific functional areas of the hospitals. Starting from some systematic reviews and research works, the paper aims to identify and list the best healthy practices for an adequate IAQ in inpatient wards. In particular, the handbook lists the solutions and strategies related to chemical pollution, starting from design and management, with a focus on (1) localization of hospitals and inpatient rooms, (2) hospital room, (3) microclimatic parameters, (4) ventilation systems, (5) materials and finishing, (6) furniture and equipment, (7) cleaning products and activities, (8) maintenance and (9) management activities, and (10) users and specific training of the workers. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and skills aimed to find solutions able to protect users’ health status. The design and management decision-making, ranging from the adequate choices of construction site and hospital exposure, finishing materials, cleaning and maintenance activities, etc., which can affect the IAQ must be carried out based on scientific research and data analysis