The aim of the paper is to improve the phytoremediation features of the metallophyte Silene vulgaris through photo-stimulation of seeds using a semi-conductive laser. Seeds of two Silene vulgaris ecotypes were used in the experiment. One type of seeds – “Wiry” ecotype – originated from a site contaminated with heavy metals (a serpentinite waste heap), and the other ecotype – “Gajków” – was collected on a site with naturally low heavy metal content. The seeds of both types were preconditioned with laser light with previously fixed doses: C(D0), D1, D3, D5, D7, D9. The basic radiation dose was 2.5·10-1 J·cm-2. The soil for the experiment was serpentinite weathering waste. The seeds and plants were cultivated in the controlled conditions of a climatic chamber. Laser light indeed stimulated seed germinative capacity but better effects were obtained in “Wiry” ecotype, originating from a location contaminated with heavy metals. In the case of morphological features, a significant differentiation of stem length was found for different ecotypes, dosages and the interactions of these factors. The study showed a strong influence of laser radiation on selected element concentrations in above-ground parts of Silene vulgaris, though “Wiry” ecotype clearly accumulated more heavy metals and magnesium than the “Gajków” ecotype.
The project called “Polish Cardiosurgical Robot” has been developed by Foundation for Cardiac Surgery Development since year 2000. Within the project the telemanipulator to perform the endoscopic cardiosurgical operations has been designed, manufactured and examined. In the following paper the development of construction of arms for RobIn Heart 0, RobIn Heart 1, RobIn Heart 3 versions of the robot as well as the fixing system has been presented. In the preliminary phase of the project the requirements for mechanical construction were analyzed. Additional requirements enhancing functionality of the construction were also defined. Analyses of the planned development of the construction and ways of its possible applications were performed.