In this review, the problem of microbiological infestation of buildings was discussed. The techniques of detection were described as well, with special attention drawn to the rapid-early detection methods based on gas sensor arrays. The physical and chemical conditions of the building environment conducive to the development of microorganisms and the technical conditions influencing the problem of microbiological infestation were investigated. Additionally, the harmful effects on human health caused by the microbiological contamination were discussed, with a short review of particular groups of microorganisms causing sick building syndrome. Among the detection techniques, the traditional microbiological techniques as well as the molecular and chemical methods were presented. Different designs of the gas sensor arrays together with the various techniques of analyzing the received multidimensional signal were described, analyzed, and compared in detail.

Jedną z głównych przyczyn pogarszania się stanu środowiska naturalnego są zanieczyszczenia powietrza, rozumiane jako wprowadzenie do atmosfery w ilości lub natężeniu szkodliwym dla środowiska substancji stałych, ciekłych, gazowych lub energii falowej. Substancja lub energia wprowadzona mają zdolność do utrzymywania się w atmosferze przez określony odcinek czasu, przez co istotnie zmieniają jej skład, a także mogą wywoływać negatywne skutki na biosferę lub inne elementy środowiska. Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia za

Background Increased blood pressure in the varicose veins (VV) can contribute to the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), affecting the endothelium, smooth muscle, and extracellular matrix of the vein wall. Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), hypoxia, and inflammation occurring in the VV wall contribute to the increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Aims Our objective was to analyze the concentration of gelatinases and VEGF in the great saphenous VV wall and plasma of patients. Methods In total, 65 patients (2nd degree according to clinical state classification, etiology, anatomy, and pathophysiology—CEAP classification) aged 22 to 70 were enrolled. Control veins (n = 10) were collected from the patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Control plasma (n = 20) was obtained from healthy individuals. Gelatinases and VEGF levels were measured with the usage of ELISA method. Results A significant increase in MMP-9 (11.2 vs. 9.98 ng/mg of protein) and VEGF (41.06 vs. 26 ng/g of protein) concentration in VV wall compared with control veins was observed. A positive correlation between VEGF versus MMP-2 (p = 0.03, r = 0.27) was found in the VV wall. However, no correlation was found between the concentration of VEGF and MMP-9 (p = 0.4, r = 0.11) in the VV wall. In addition, no statistical differences between MMP-9, MMP-2, and VEGF levels in plasma of VV patients compared with controls were noticed. Conclusions The results of the present study confirm that VV’s patients have altered expression of MMPs and VEGF. Overexpression of MMP-9 and VEGF in the VV wall may contribute to the spreading of inflammatory process and suggests the intense remodeling of extracellular tissue within the VV wall.

The article concerns the electric techniques of moisture detection that are based on the evaluation of the apparent permittivity of the tested medium. The main goal of the research was to evaluate the non-invasive Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensors’ sensitivity by measuring the span of elements and material moisture. To that aim, two non-invasive sensor designs were investigated for their sensitivity in the evaluation of the apparent permittivity value of aerated concrete. Sensors A and B were characterized by the spacing between the measuring elements equal to 30 mm and 70 mm, respectively. The tested samples differed in moisture, ranging between 0 and 0.3 cm3/cm3 volumetric water content. Within the research, it was stated that in the case of the narrower sensor (A), the range of the sensor equals about 30 mm, and in the case of the wider design (B), it equals about 50 mm. Additionally, it was stated that material moisture influences the range of sensor influence. In the case of the dry and low-saturated material, it was not possible to evaluate the range of sensor sensitivity using the adopted method, whereas the range of sensor signal influence was visible for the moist material.

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