Luminescence dating is based mainly on the dosimetric properties of quartz and feldspar. These minerals are among the most popular found on Earth, resulting in the possibility of using luminescence methods in practically any environment. Currently, quartz remains the best recognized mineral in terms of dosimetric properties, particularly with regards to results obtained for quartz grains, which are regarded as being the most reliable in luminescence dating. Supporters of luminescence methods are constantly growing, however, these groups do not always have sufficient knowledge to avoid even the most basic of issues that may be encountered overall – from the process of sampling through to the awareness of what a single luminescence result represents. The present paper provides an overview of several practical aspects of luminescence dating such as correct sampling procedures and all necessary information regarding the calculation of the dose rate and equivalent dose with particular reference to potential problems that occur when the age of the sample is being determined. All these aspects are crucial for obtaining a reliable dating result, on the other hand, they remain a potential source of uncertainty.

To date, only a few studies on the azithromycin (AZM) pharmacokinetics in ornamental birds have been published. In the current study AZM concentrations in domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) plasma samples were analyzed using a validated ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. The aim of the current study was to carry out an analysis of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after administration of a single oral dose of a sustained-release AZM formulation and to conduct a simulation of treatment based on selected minimal inhibitory values. The study was performed with 12 healthy adult pigeons, both sexes. The pigeons tolerated AZM very well and no adverse effects were observed in any animal during the study. Based on the observed characteristics of the pharmacokinetics/ /pharmaco dynamics profiles of AZM in pigeons, it should be noted that 35 mg/kg per os as a single starting dose and 25 mg/kg every 24 h are recommended for treatment of both suscep- tible and less susceptible pathogens.

The results of long-term continuous noise measurements in two selected schools are presented in the paper. Noise characteristics were measured continuously there for approximately 16 months. Measurements started eight months prior to the acoustic treatment of the school corridors of both schools. An evaluation of the acoustic climates in both schools, before and after the acoustic treatment, was performed based on comparison of these two periods of continuous measurements. The autonomous noise monitoring stations, engineered at the Multimedia Systems Department of the Gdańsk University of Technology were used for this purpose. Investigations of measured noise, especially its influence on hearing sense, assessed on ground of spectral analyses in critical bands, is discussed. Effects of occupational noise exposure, including the Temporary Threshold Shift simulation, are determined. The correlation of the above said measurement results with respective instantaneous noise levels is discussed, and concluding remarks are presented. Some additional indicators such as air pollution or video analysis aiming at the analysis of corridor occupancy are also measured. It should be remembered that excessive noise, or air pollution may be evidence of a dangerous event and may pose health risks.

Studies on the relative toxicity of different bio-rational insecticides against second instar larvae and adults of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci were carried out on Experimental Farm and in the laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Suez Canal. Eight insecticides Dipel 2x, BioFly, Agrin, BioGuard, Spinosad, Neemix, Mectin and Match were all evaluated for their relative toxicity towards T. tabaci with recommended dose, half of recommended dose and quarter of recommended dose in the laboratory and only recommended dose under field conditions. Spinosad was the most toxic among the tested insecticides followed by Mectin, Match and Agrin when used against thrips adults. The respective values of LC₅₀ of those insecticides were 0.048 cm/l, 0.070 cm/l, 0.079 cm/l and 0.137 g/l. Also, Spinosad was the most effective insecticide against second instar larvae followed descendingly by: Agrin, Match and Dipel 2x. Toxicity index values at LC₅₀ level show such superior efficiency of Spinosad (100%) when applied against adults and second instar larvae of onion thrips under labora tory conditions. All insecticides under field conditions caused reduction of infestations of thrips. For the residual effect post application, all insecticides gave significant reductions in thrips numbers at the 21 day post treatment except for: Agrin and Match. Spinosad, Mectin, Neemix and BioFly gave the best control and continued to suppress thrips populations till 21 days after treatment. Spinosad was non harmful and Dipel 2x, Agrin were slightly harmful, BioGuard was significantly harmful whereas BioFly, Match and Mectin were very harmful to Orius albidipennis.

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of sublethal doses of glyphosate on physiological parameters of a common ornamental plant Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta). The herbicide was applied in the following doses: 720 g ⋅ ha–1 (standard field dose), 144 g ⋅ ha–1, 28.8 g ⋅ ha–1, and 14.4 g ⋅ ha–1, in the form of a spraying treatment of plants in a specialist spraying chamber. The net assimilation rate and leaf greenness index were then determined. Herbicide application in the sublethal doses, i.e. below 720 g ⋅ ha–1, caused disorders in both analyzed physiological parameters of plants. The glyphosate dose of 144 g ⋅ ha–1 elicited transient disorders in the leaf greenness index. In turn, the use of the lower doses (28.8 g ⋅ ha–1 and 14.4 g ⋅ ha–1) caused a short-term increase in the net photosynthesis rate in the plants which was accompanied by a decreased value of the leaf greenness index. Study results demonstrated the effect of sublethal doses of glyphosate as a stress factor in parameters associated with the process of photosynthesis in plants.

The main goal of introducing Active Suspension System in vehicles is to reduce the vehicle body motion under road obstacles which improves the ride comfort of the passenger. In this paper, the Full Car Model (FCM) with seven Degrees of Freedom is considered and simulated by MATLAB/Simulink. The Terminal Sliding Mode Controller (TSMC) and Fractional Order Terminal Sliding Mode Controller (FOTSMC) are designed to enhance the ride quality, stability and passenger comfort for FCM. The designed FOTSMC has the ability to provide higher control accuracy in a finite time. The performances of the designed controllers are evaluated by measuring the vehicle body vibration in both angular and vertical direction under bump input and ISO-8608 random input against passive suspension system. The FrequencyWeighted Root Mean Square (FWRMS) and Vibration dose value of Body Acceleration as per ISO-2631 are evaluated for FOTSMC, TSMC and PSS. The stability of the FCM is proved by Lyapunouv theory. Further analysis with sprung mass and speed variation of FCM demonstrate the robustness of proposed controller. To investigate the performances of designed controllers, comparison is made with existing Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) which proves that the designed FOTSMC performs better than existing SMC.