Rime samples characterization and comparison using classical and fuzzy principal components analysis

The main objective of this paper is to introduce principal component analysis and two robust fuzzy principal component algorithms as useful tools in characterizing and comparing rime samples collected in different locations in Poland (2004–2007). The efficiency of the applied procedures was illustrated on a data set containing 108 rime samples and concentration of anions, cations, HCHO, as well as pH and conductivity. The fuzzy principal component algorithms achieved better results mainly because they are more compressible than classical PCA and very robust to outliers. For example, a three component model, fuzzy principal component analysis-first component (FPCA-1) accounts for 62.37% of the total variance and fuzzy principal component analysis-orthogonal (FPCA-o) 90.11%; PCA accounts only for 58.30%. The first two principal components explain 51.41% of the total variance in the case of FPCA-1 and 79.59% in the case of FPCA-o as compared to only 47.55% for PCA. As a direct consequence, PCA showed only a partial differentiation of rime samples onto the plane or in the space described by different combination of two or three principal components, whereas a much sharper differentiation of the samples, regarding their origin and location, is observed when FPCAs are applied.      

The solution existence and convergence analysis for linear and nonlinear differential-operator equations in Banach spaces within the Calogero type projection-algebraic scheme of discrete approximations

The projection-algebraic approach of the Calogero type for discrete approximations of linear and nonlinear differential operator equations in Banach spaces is studied. The solution convergence and realizability properties of the related approximating schemes are analyzed. For the limiting-dense approximating scheme of linear differential operator equations a new convergence theorem is stated. In the case of nonlinear differential operator equations the effective convergence conditions for the approximated solution sets, based on a Leray-Schauder type fixed point theorem, are obtained.     

Application of new synthesized zwitterionic surfactants as hair shampoo components

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to applicate new synthesized zwitterionic surfactants as hair shampoo components. Hair shampoos formulated for the study contained newly synthesized sulfobetaines at a concentration of 2%. The above additives were evaluated to determine their effect on shampoo dynamic viscosity, texture, yield stress, foaming properties and surface tension of aqueous shampoo solutions. The viscosity of the sulfobetaine-enriched hair shampoos ranged between 6,000 and 21,000?mPa·s, which ensures the required application properties of the formulated products. The yield stress in three prototypical shampoos was equal to approximately 10?Pa, which represents the minimum value that should characterize cosmetics of this type. The sulfobetaines added to the formulations were not found to significantly affect the parameters of hardness and adhesive force. All the formulations under study, except for the shampoo containing N-dodecyl-N-piperidinium-1-propanesulfonate, exhibited good foaming properties. The incorporation of sulfobetaines into hair shampoos contributes to an effective decrease in the surface tension of their aqueous solutions, which may indicate beneficial washing properties. The use of the proposed sulfobetaines in hair shampoos favorably modifies their physicochemical and functional properties. The findings of the study can provide useful insights for the formulation of hair shampoos containing zwitterionic surfactants.     

Application of linear discriminant analysis to the study of dew chemistry on the basis of samples collected in Poland (2004–2005)

This paper presents the results of determination of selected characteristics (anions, cations, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, phenols, TC, TIC, TOC and metals) in dew samples collected in six different sites in Poland. The influence of local parameters (e.g. wind speed, humidity) was investigated. Discriminant analysis was applied to the study of several dew samples collected from different sampling sites covering six agglomerations in Poland. Discriminant function analysis was used not only for classifying samples into different groups with a better than chance accuracy, but also for detecting the most important variables that discern between the groups of samples considered. In this way it was possible to identify which ions or other physicochemical features are responsible for the similarities or differences observed between different groups of dew samples. A good agreement with their origin and location was observed. It is interesting to note that the classification of all samples was dominated by pH, wind direction, pressure and temperature with a significant contribution of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.      

Enzymatic detection of glucose using fluoride-selective electrodes with polymeric membranes

The feasibility of using polymeric membrane fluoride-selective electrodes based on zirconium(IV) 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin as a detector in a flow-injection analysis (FIA) system for glucose determination was examined. The optimization of enzymatic reactions, FIA system configuration and enzyme-immobilization process was performed. It was shown that the resulting flow-injection system exhibits good working parameters, such as reproducibility, linear range of glucose concentration (3 × 10⁻³–10⁻¹ M), sampling rate (60 samples per minute) and lifetime (over 1 month). The performance of the polymeric membrane electrode was similar to that of a crystalline LaF₃ electrode. The results of glucose determination in synthetic samples with the proposed system show good agreement with real glucose concentrations.     

Identification of the Primary Structure of Selenium-Containing Polysaccharides Selectively Inhibiting T-Cell Proliferation

We previously described the biosynthesis, isolation, and immunosuppressive activity of the selenium-containing polysaccharide fraction isolated from the mycelial culture of Lentinula edodes. Structural studies have shown that the fraction was a protein-containing mixture of high molar mass polysaccharides α- and β-glucans. However, which of the components of the complex fraction is responsible for the immunosuppressive activity non-typical for polysaccharides of fungal origin has not been explained. In the current study, we defined four-polysaccharide components of the Se-containing polysaccharide fraction determined their primary structure and examined the effect on T- and B-cell proliferation. The isolated Se-polysaccharides, α-1,4-glucan (M_w 2.25 × 10⁶ g/mol), unbranched β-1,6-d-glucan, unbranched β-1,3-d-glucan and β-1,3-branched β-1,6-d-glucan (M_w 1.10 × 10⁵ g/mol), are not typical as components of the cell wall of L. edodes. All are biologically active, but the inhibitory effect of the isolated polysaccharides on lymphocyte proliferation was weaker, though more selective than that of the crude fraction.     

Application of Blue Honeysuckle Powder Obtained by an Innovative Method of Low-Temperature Drying in Skincare Face Masks

Traditional technologies applied for obtaining plant raw materials for cosmetic production are based primarily on high-level processing, which is reflected in the qualitative composition of the resulting materials. By using low-temperature drying, it is possible to retain in the raw materials a range of valuable ingredients. In this study, blue honeysuckle powder was used as an ingredient of cosmetic face masks. The stability of the masks was evaluated. Dynamic viscosity, yield point and texture analysis of the cosmetics was performed. The color of the emulsions and the level of skin hydration after face mask application was determined. Emulsions were found to be stable. A decrease in dynamic viscosity of the emulsions as a function of increasing concentrations of the additive and under the conditions of rising rotational speed were observed. Similarly, an increase in the concentration of blue honeysuckle in the emulsions resulted in a decrease in the value of the yield point. Based on the results, it can be stated that the addition of blue honeysuckle caused a decrease in hardness of the masks, while the opposite trend was observed for adhesive force. It was found that an increase in the concentration of blue honeysuckle gave a reddish-yellow color to the samples. Corneometric assessment confirmed proper skin hydration after the application of the emulsions.     

Effect of New Surfactants on Biological Properties of Liquid Soaps

Liquid soaps are the basic cosmetics used to clean the skin of the hands. Frequent hand washing prevents viral contamination but may damage the skin’s hydro-lipid layer, leading to various types of irritation. Therefore, four liquid soap formulas were developed with three amphoteric surfactants: Cocamidopropyl Betaine (LS II), CocamidopropylHydroxysultaine (LS III), and newly synthesized Evening PrimroseaamidopropylSulfobetaine (LS IV). We evaluated the skin irritating potential (zein number, bovine albumin test) and cytotoxicity (AlamarBlue™, Cell viability, and Cell cycle assays) on HaCaT cell line. We observed lower values of the zein number and bovine albumin tests after adding soaps with surfactants (the highest differences in LS IV) compared to the base soap (LS I). However, LS I and LS II did not differ in cytotoxic assays. Therefore, adding LS III and LS IV seems potentially more dangerous to the cells. However, it should be noted that cells were continuously exposed to liquid soaps for more than 24 h, so its cytotoxic effects after dermal use in humans may be unnoticeable. Concluding, results suggest that the newly synthesized LS IV should improve the safety of liquid hand washing soaps.