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  • A review on hydrophobic electrospun nanofibers-based materials and membranes for water treatment: Challenges, outlook, and stability
    • Farooque Janjhi
    • Imamdin Chandio
    • Dahar Janwery
    • Vahid Vatanpour
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    2025 SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

    Membrane technology is well recognized as a dependable means of supplementing the availability of potable water through processes such as water purification and desalination. Electrospun nanofiber membranes have garnered significant attention because of their advantageous features, including a greater specific surface area, increased porosity, reduced thickness, and popularity. Consequently, ENMs have emerged as an up-and-coming contender in several applications. The various methods employed for fabrication involve inorganic deposition, polymer coating, and interfacial polymerization. Electrospun nanofiber membranes’ efficacy in removing diverse water pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, and antibiotics, has been exceptional. The enhancement of polymer membrane performance can be achieved through the precise adjustment of polymer structure, manipulation of surface properties, and reinforcement of total membrane porosity. The study investigates the fundamentals of electrospun nanofibers and their utilization in electrospun nanofibrous membranes and composites for environmental remediation applications. The final section discusses the opportunities and significant challenges concerning the application of engineered nanomaterials in the water treatment sector. The advancement of engineered nanomaterials is anticipated to facilitate the growth and application of multiple industries, including water treatment and sustainability.

  • Activation of small molecules by ambiphilic NHC-stabilized phosphinoborenium cation: formation of boreniums with B–O–C, B–O–B, and B–O–P structural motifs
    • Tomasz Wojnowski
    • Anna Ordyszewska
    • Hanna Halenka
    • Iwona Anusiewicz
    • Jarosław Chojnacki
    • Kinga Kaniewska-Laskowska
    • Rafał Grubba
    2025 Pełny tekst DALTON TRANSACTIONS

    The reactivity of the phosphinoborenium cation supported by a 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazolin-2-ylidene ligand toward small molecules was explored. The phosphinoborenium cation exhibited dual Lewis acid–base properties due to the presence of the Lewis acidic boron center and the Lewis basic phosphido ligand connected by a covalent bond. The reaction of the title cation with CO2 led to the insertion of a CO2 molecule into the P–B bond. The obtained borenium CO2-adduct underwent hydrolysis, forming an N-heterocyclic carbene stabilized diborenium dication bearing a B–O–B functionality. The activation of N2O proceeded via the insertion of an oxygen atom into the B–P bond of the parent cation, yielding a borenium cation with a phosphinite moiety. An alternative synthetic pathway to borenium cations with a B–O–P skeleton was achieved via the activation of secondary phosphine oxides by the phosphinoborenium cation. Furthermore, borenium cations and diborenium dications with B–O–C structural motifs were obtained from the reaction of the title compound with perfluorinated tert-butyl alcohol and hydroquinone, respectively. The structure of the obtained borenium cations is discussed based on multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory calculations.

  • Active learning on stacked machine learning techniques for predicting compressive strength of alkali-activated ultra-high-performance concrete
    • Farzin Kazemi
    • Torkan Shafighfard
    • Robert Jankowski
    • Doo-Yeol Yoo
    2025 Pełny tekst Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

    Conventional ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has excellent development potential. However, a significant quantity of CO2 is produced throughout the cement-making process, which is in contrary to the current worldwide trend of lowering emissions and conserving energy, thus restricting the further advancement of UHPC. Considering climate change and sustainability concerns, cementless, eco-friendly, alkali-activated UHPC (AA-UHPC) materials have recently received considerable attention. Following the emergence of advanced prediction techniques aimed at reducing experimental tools and labor costs, this study provides a comparative study of different methods based on machine learning (ML) algorithms to propose an active learning-based ML model (AL-Stacked ML) for predicting the compressive strength of AA-UHPC. A data-rich framework containing 284 experimental datasets and 18 input parameters was collected. A comprehensive evaluation of the significance of input features that may affect compressive strength of AA-UHPC was performed. Results confirm that AL-Stacked ML-3 with accuracy of 98.9% can be used for different general experimental specimens, which have been tested in this research. Active learning can improve the accuracy up to 4.1% and further enhance the Stacked ML models. In addition, graphical user interface (GUI) was introduced and validated by experimental tests to facilitate comparable prospective studies and predictions.

  • Advanced genetic algorithm-based signal processing for multi-degradation detection in steam turbines
    • Marta Drosińska-Komor
    • Jerzy Głuch
    • Łukasz Breńkacz
    • Michał Piotrowicz
    • Paweł Ziółkowski
    • Natalia Ziółkowska
    2025 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING

    This research contributes to the field of reliability engineering and system safety by introducing an innovative diagnostic method to enhance the reliability and safety of complex technological systems. Steam turbines are specifically referred to. This study focuses on the integration of advanced signal processing techniques and engineering dynamics in addressing critical issues in the monitoring and maintenance of mechanical systems. By utilizing genetic algorithms, we improve the capability to detect, localize, and ascertain the causes of both singular and intricate degradations, including three-fold and four-fold faults, within steam turbine operations. We can detect degradation with accuracies of 72.6% for three-fold faults and 62.2% for four-fold faults. This significant advancement emphasizes the potential for improved machine and structural health monitoring, especially where non-stationary and random vibrations are common, such as in powertrain and drivetrain systems. This methodology is vital for the maintenance and oper- ational strategies of critical infrastructures like nuclear power plants, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities where steam turbines play a crucial role. The novelty of this approach lies in the use of genetic algorithms for thermal-flow diagnostics of steam turbines, which had been unaddressed in literature. Moreover, the merger of theoretical and experimental aspects in this study underscores its relevance to practical applications, thereby demonstrating an original contribution to engineering knowledge and showcasing significant advancements over estab- lished methods. The research underscores the method’s potential as a universal tool for diag- nosing complex systems, representing an advance in reliability engineering practices. By applying genetic algorithms, a noticeable link to improving the safety and reliability of technological systems is established, offering valuable insights into the design, maintenance, and extension of the lifespan of critical infrastructure.

  • AI-Driven Sustainability in Agriculture and Farming
    • Julian Szymański
    • Karolina Nurzyńska
    • Paweł Weichbroth
    2025

    In this chapter, we discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting sustainable agriculture and farming. Three main themes run through the chapter. First, we review the state of the art of smart farming and explore the transformative impact of AI on modern agricultural practices, focusing on its contribution to sustainability. With this in mind, our analysis focuses on topics such as data collection and storage, AI algorithms in agriculture, and optimization areas. We also present recent advances in agricultural technology and equipment used to develop a wide range of production methods used by modern farmers. We discuss agri-environmental monitoring, which refers to the real-time or periodic monitoring and assessment of environmental components in agricultural production. Specifically, five types of environmental monitoring are presented, viz: air quality monitoring, water sampling and analysis, noise level testing, soil quality testing, and microbial monitoring. We also discuss weather forecasting, one of the most challenging scientific endeavors. The chapter concludes with applications for monitoring and managing environmental impacts and explores future trends and innovations based on cutting-edge research and emerging technologies.

  • An experimental EEG study of brain activities underlying the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
    • Ali Mohammadi
    • Sahar Seifzadeh
    • Fatemeh Torkamani
    • Sina Salehi
    2025 IBRO Neuroscience Reports

    Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is an audio-visual phenomenon that has recently become popular. Many people have reported experiencing a tingling-like sensation through their body while watching audio/video clips known as ASMR clips. People capable of having such experiences have also reported improved overall well-being and feeling relaxed. However, the neural activity underlying this phenomenon is not yet well-studied. The present study aims to investigate this issue using electroencephalography (EEG) employing an exploratory approach. We recorded resting-state EEGs from twelve participants before and after watching an ASMR clip and a control video clip. We divided the participants into two groups capable of experiencing ASMR tingling (ASMR group) and not capable of experiencing ASMR tingling (Non-ASMR group), by performing “Jenks Natural Breaks” clustering method on the results of a self-report questionnaire. We calculated the spectral power of EEG recording and compared the resulting values between the groups and sessions. We demonstrated a decline in the power of EEG activities in the delta frequency band in all regions of the brain and an increase in alpha activity in the occipital area of the brain and increases in beta oscillations was noted over the left fronto-temporal region of the brain among ASMR group. We did not observe similar results among the Non-ASMRs participants or among ASMRs in the control group.

  • An optimal nonlinear fractional order controller for passive/active base isolation building equipped with friction-tuned mass dampers
    • Morteza Akbari
    • Abbas-Ali Zamani
    • Mohammad Seifi
    • Bartolomeo Pantò
    • Tomasz Falborski
    • Robert Jankowski
    2025 Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation

    This paper presents an optimal nonlinear fractional-order controller (ONFOC) designed to reduce the seismic responses of tall buildings equipped with a base-isolation (BI) system and friction-tuned mass dampers (FTMDs). The parameters for the BI and FTMD systems, as well as their combinations (BI-FTMD and active BI-FTMD or ABI-FTMD), were optimized separately using a multi-objective quantum-inspired seagull optimization algorithm (MOQSOA). The seismic performances of the BI, FTMD, BI-FTMD, and ABI-FTMD systems for a 15-storey building subjected to two far-field (Loma Prieta and Landers) and two near-fields (Tabas and Northridge) earthquakes were evaluated. The results indicated that structures with BI, FTMD, BI-FTMD, and ABI-FTMD systems outperformed the uncontrolled structure in reducing structural responses during the design earthquakes (Loma Prieta and Tabas). However, under validation earthquakes (Landers and Northridge), the peak acceleration of the building with the FTMD system was worse than that of the uncontrolled structure during the near-field Northridge earthquake. To address this issue, we proposed a combination of the active BI system and the FTMD system. Time history analysis results demonstrated that for the building equipped with the ABI-FTMD system, the peak displacement, peak acceleration, and peak inter-storey drift were reduced by approximately 60%, 64%, and 78%, respectively, as compared to the uncontrolled structure.

  • Applications of nanosorbents in dispersive solid phase extraction/microextraction approaches for monitoring of synthetic dyes in various types of samples: A review
    • Wajid Ali Khan
    • Pakorn Varanusupakul
    • Hameed Haq
    • Muhammad Balal Arain
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2025 MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL

    Nanosorbents are frequently used in analytical chemistry for their various applications, including extraction and microextraction of synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes pose a threat to living organisms, particularly humans, due to their worldwide use in a variety of industries. The removal and quantification of synthetic dyes from various matrices is becoming increasingly important. The use of nanosorbents in dispersive solid phase extraction/microextraction (DSPE/DSPME) based approaches are considered the most sensitive and effective techniques for the preconcentration of synthetic dyes due to its high sample clean-up capability, low usage of solvents, high enrichment (preconcentration) factors assuring low detection limits (LOD) of the overall analytical procedures. This review describes widely used nanosorbents, their key properties, and sorption capability, as well as progress and challenges in popular DSPE/DSPME methods and their types, including magnetic solid phase extraction/microextraction (MSPE/MSPME), dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE), and ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction/microextraction (UA-DSPE/UA-DSPME) for extraction and quantification of dyes. Nanomaterials synthesis methods are typically divided into bottom-up and top-down methods. Bottom-up techniques include hydrothermal, sol–gel, laser pyrolysis, sonochemical, chemical reduction, inert gas condensation (IGC), co-precipitation, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Hydrothermal and CVD are the most commonly used. These methods have several advantages, including low cost, the ability to synthesize with a more controlled design, and the release of low waste. However, suffers from ensuring reproducibility and large-scale production. Top-down techniques involve reducing the size of the bulk material to create nanomaterials. The top-down approaches include electrospinning, laser ablation, etching, mechanical milling, thermal decomposition, and sputtering. The analytical instrumental technique is used to perform the final quantitative analysis step in these microextraction-based methods. The most common analytical instruments used with these sorbent-based microextraction techniques are UV–visible spectrophotometers, HPLC with UV/DAD , and LC-MS. Among the available methods, dedicated procedures for analysis of popular dyes such as Sudan dyes, sunset yellow, malachite green, methylene blue, crystal violet, tartrazine, and azo dye were developed.

  • CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs as an efficient nano-electrocatalyst for use in the anode of alcohol fuel cells
    • Mohammad Bagher Akari
    • Parisa Salarizadeh
    • Mohammad Taghi Tourchi Moghadam
    • Sadegh Azizi
    2025 DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS

    One of the most important challenges in commercializing Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells (DAFCs) is the significant expense of advanced catalysts used in their anodes and cathodes and the CO poisoning of these catalysts with alcohol oxidation by-products. Alcohols oxidation reaction occurred in the anode of DAFCs. Within this study, a tripartite catalyst, comprising cerium oxide (CeO2) and lanthanum oxide (La2O3) integrated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), was synthesized through the one-step hydrothermal. The lattice configuration and form of CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs and CeO2/La2O3 catalysts were scrutinized, alongside their efficacy in facilitating alcohol oxidation. In the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) processes, the CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs nanocatalyst demonstrated an oxidation current density of 74.4 mA/cm2 at 0.55 V and 52.1 mA/cm2 at 0.64 V in scan rate of 60 mV/s, respectively. CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs also demonstrated 98.6 % and 97.7 % stability in current density after 2000 CV cycles in the MOR and EOR processes. The inclusion of MWCNTs bolstered the catalytic reaction of the catalyst in terms of stability and current density. This proposed nano-electrocatalyst offers a novel, cost-effective, and stable alternative in contrast to methanol and ethanol oxidation.

  • Declarative ship arenas under favourable conditions
    • Filip Zarzycki
    • Mateusz Gil
    • Jakub Montewka
    • Rafał Szłapczyński
    • Joanna Szłapczyńska
    2025 Pełny tekst OCEAN ENGINEERING

    According to maritime regulations, a collision-avoidance action shall be taken at an “ample time” while strict interpretation of this term is ambiguous. Evasive manoeuvres, executed by marine navigators on a daily basis, are usually carried out well in advance, while the distance at which they decide to perform such a manoeuvre is mostly subjective and results, e.g., from the navigator's seagoing experience. A proper understanding of the decision-maker's behaviour under favourable conditions, when time pressure does not exist, seems to be essential for the future of maritime safety. This could enable the translation and quantification of seafarers' routine actions, taken many times a day, into collision-avoidance algorithms suitable for Decision Support Systems (DSS) or Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The literature lacks extensive research on this subject, as it focuses mainly on safety-critical actions, which are important but rare events. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by surveying practitioners and extracting their expert knowledge. Based on an online survey, the declarative ship arenas, reflecting the distance of evasive manoeuvre initiation, were determined and analysed. The findings revealed that, depending on the participants' profiles, a range of responses among the groups reaches up to 2 NM. The results indicated that navigators become less consistent with growing experience. Determined declarative arenas were consequently incorporated into a simulation-based case study of a passenger ship. The conducted simulations indicated that for several scenarios, the passing distances resulting from the execution of an evasive manoeuvre as per declarative arena were less than 0.5 NM, potentially leading to dangerous situations at close range. This results most likely from an overall problem of translating the distance of manoeuvre initiation into the final passing distance. The findings of this research may be found interesting by shipping companies preparing bridge procedures or for scholars and industry representatives preparing intelligent collision-avoidance solutions for maritime transportation.

  • Development of an asymmetric cellulose acetate-ionic liquid P6,6,6,14[PHOS] gel membrane for the perstraction of succinic acid from a model fermentation solution of yarrovia lipolytica
    • Elsie Zurob
    • Esteban Quijada-Maldonado
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    • Julio Romero
    • Andrea Plaza
    • René Cabezas
    2025 SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

    This study introduces a novel approach to separate succinic acid (SA) from fermentation mixtures using an asymmetric membrane based on the gelation of the ionic liquid [P6,6,6,14][PHOS] coated with two layers of cellulose acetate. The membrane was designed to explore the synergistic effect of polymer-ionic liquid interfaces according to the solution-diffusion theory. The gelation of the ionic liquid was achieved using 12-hydroxystearic acid at a concentration of 1.5%, allowing the use of ionic liquid gels as new materials for the generation of membranes. The perstraction performance of the membrane was evaluated over 5 h at two different temperatures (25°C and 37°C), with an initial feed solution concentration of 50 kg m−3 for SA and glycerol and pure water as a receiving phase., Several flow rates and phase-volume ratios were studied anda mass transfer model based on the resistance-in-series theory was assessed to understand the behavior of each mass transfer stage considering the distribution in each interphase. Interestingly, optimal perstraction results were obtained at 37°C, with an average transmembrane flux of 0.22 kg m-2h−1 for SA, an extraction percentage of 43.1% for SA and 0.7% for glycerol, and a SA/glycerol selectivity of 54.98. Besides presenting a novel composite membrane, this study reports pioneering perstraction outcomes, highlighting its potential as an innovative SA separation strategy and structured new materials for selective extractions.

  • Distinct cellular uptake patterns of two anticancer unsymmetrical bisacridines and their metabolic transformation in tumor cells.
    • Joanna Frąckowiak
    • Paweł Kubica
    • Michał Kosno
    • Agnieszka Potęga
    • Katarzyna Owczarek-Grzymkowska
    • Julia Borzyszkowska-Bukowska
    • Tomasz Laskowski
    • Ewa Paluszkiewicz
    • Zofia Mazerska
    2025 JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS

    Unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs) represent a novel class of anticancer agents. Their high cytotoxicity towards multiple human cancer cell lines and inhibition of human tumor xenograft growth in nude mice signal their potential for cancer treatment. Therefore, the mechanism of their strong biological activity is broadly investigated. Here, we explore the efflux and metabolism of UAs, as both strongly contribute to the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. We tested two highly cytotoxic UAs, C‑2028 and C‑2045, as well as their glucuronic acid and glutathione conjugates in human cancer cell lines (HepG2 and LS174T). As a point of reference for cell-based systems, we examined the rate of UA metabolic conversion in cell-free systems. A multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-mass spectrometry (MS) method was developed in the present study for analysis of UAs and their metabolic conversion in complex biological matrices. Individual analytes were identified by several features: their retention time, mass‑to‑charge ratio and unique fragmentation pattern. The rate of UA uptake and metabolic transformation was monitored for 24 h in cell extracts and cell culture medium. Both UAs were rapidly internalized by cells. However, C‑2028 was gradually accumulated, while C‑2045 was eventually released from cells during treatment. UAs demonstrated limited metabolic conversion in cells. The glucuronic acid conjugate was excreted, whereas the glutathione conjugate was deposited in cancer cells. Our results obtained from cell-free and cell-based systems, using a uniform MRM‑MS method, will provide valuable insight into the mechanism of UA biological activity in diverse biological models.

  • Diverse roles, advantages and importance of deep eutectic solvents application in solid and liquid-phase microextraction techniques – A review
    • Wajid Ali Khan
    • Pakorn Varanusupakul
    • Hameed Ul Haq
    • Muhammad Balal Arain
    • Mateusz Marchel
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2025 SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

    Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of promising green solvents used as an alternative to traditional organic solvents in various scientific fields. The high biodegradability, biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, tunable properties, and presence of active groups in DESs make them the preferred solvent in a variety of solid- and liquid-phase microextraction techniques. Aside from these benefits, the use of DESs in microextraction techniques results in increased selectivity, extraction efficiency, recovery, analyte stabilization capability, and detection compatibility. Furthermore, the ease of preparation, low cost, readily available components, separation, and applications for a wide range of samples drew significant attention. Based on these benefits, the chemists investigate the application of DESs in separation science for various roles. Based on the advantages of DESs in separation science, this review investigates and describes the various roles of DESs, including sorbent functionalization, desorption solvent, dispersing solvent, reaction media, extraction solvent, solvent for supported liquid membrane (SLM), and acceptor phase in various solid- and liquid-phase microextraction techniques for a variety of matrices, including food, water, soil, plants, beverages, medicinal supplements, and biological samples. Aside from the numerous advantages, the use of DESs for various roles in sorbent-based microextraction techniques reduces extraction performance due to variable complex interaction with the analyte, instability in extreme pH and high-temperature conditions, and insufficient analyte solubility. Furthermore, some physiochemical properties of DESs, such as viscosity, conductivity, and leakage into sample and acceptor solvents, limited their use in membrane-based microextraction methods. Future research should concentrate on developing comprehensive models that accurately describe the physiochemical properties of DESs and their intended role in microextraction techniques. The authors also suggest stabilizing agents in conjunction with DESs to improve extraction stability.

  • Effects of aggregate crushing and strain rate on fracture in compressive concrete with a DEM-based breakage model
    • Michał Nitka
    • Andrzej Tejchman-Konarzewski
    2025 Pełny tekst GRANULAR MATTER

    W tym artykule zbadano, w jaki sposób kruche kruszywa wpływają na mezoskopowe zachowanie dynamiczne betonu w warunkach jednoosiowego ściskania. Przeprowadzono obszerne dynamiczne obliczenia dwuwymiarowe (2D), aby zbadać wpływ kruszenia kruszywa i szybkości odkształcania na dynamiczną wytrzymałość betonu i wzory pęknięć. Wykorzystując model pękania oparty na DEM, beton symulowano jako materiał czterofazowy składający się z kruszywa, zaprawy, ITZ i makroporów. Mezostrukturę betonu uzyskano z laboratoryjnych testów mikro-CT. Zbiory kulistych cząstek wykorzystano do imitacji pękania kruszywa o różnych rozmiarach i kształtach, umożliwiając między nimi pękanie wewnątrzziarniste. Zaprawę opisano w kategoriach niełamliwych kul o różnych średnicach. W porównaniu z zaprawą wytrzymałość kruszywa była zawsze większa. Uzyskano jakościową spójność wyników DEM z dostępnymi danymi eksperymentalnymi. Dynamiczna wytrzymałość betonu na ściskanie wzrosła znacząco wraz ze szybkością odkształcania i nieznacznie wraz z wytrzymałością kruszywa. Proces pękania był znacząco zależny od kruszenia kruszywa i szybkości odkształcenia. Liczba zerwanych styków rosła wraz ze wzrostem szybkości odkształcenia i spadkiem wytrzymałości kruszywa.

  • Electrifying the bus network with trolleybus: Analyzing the in motion charging technology
    • Mikołaj Bartłomiejczyk
    • Priscilla Caliandro
    2025 APPLIED ENERGY

    Currently, electric buses are becoming more and more popular, and their number in operation is increasing. The range of electric buses is also increasing and solutions that seem to be working almost without fixed infrastructure are being promised. However, this requires the use of high-capacity batteries, which increases the weight and price of the vehicle and causes high costs of battery replacement during operation. Moreover, if we take into account the growing demand for batteries, limited raw material resources, and the environmental impact of the battery production process, the optimization of battery capacity in vehicles may turn out to be a key issue. In this light, trolleybus becomes a sustainable and economically efficient bus electrification technology, if considered in an international scope and a medium- to long-term approach. The article provides a comprehensive study of challenges and potential solutions related to electric buses, which covers the theoretical analysis, technical aspects and practical applications, thus making a valuable resource for readers interested in sustainable urban transport systems. It presents the trolleybus technology, especially with modern solutions, as a sustainable and economically efficient tool for bus electrification. The article shows that the In Motion Charging (IMC) system reduces the need for high-capacity batteries under 100 kWh, which allows to extend their service life up to 15 years and, consequently, to reduce the number of buses needed for operation. The research was based on real measurement data from the transport system in Gdynia (Poland).

  • Enhanced electrochemical capacitance of TiO2 nanotubes/MoSe2 composite obtained by hydrothermal route
    • Mariusz Szkoda
    • Anna Ilnicka
    2025 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    This study presents the hydrothermal synthesis of a novel TiO2 nanotubes/MoSe2 nanocomposite and investigates its enhanced electrochemical capacitance properties. The composite material was fabricated through a hydrothermal method, embedding MoSe2 onto TiO2 nanotubes. The resulting composite, termed Ti/TiO2/MoSe2, exhibited significantly improved electrochemical capacitance compared to TiO2 nanotubes alone. The synthesized composite was comprehensively characterized using solid-state physics techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These analyses provided detailed insights into the structural and chemical composition of the TiO2/MoSe2 nanocomposite. The investigation revealed that the TiO2/MoSe2 nanocomposite displayed superior electrochemical performance, as determined by various electrochemical methods. Notably, the composite exhibited a capacitance approximately 10 times higher than that of pristine TiO2 nanotubes. These findings underscore the significant enhancement in energy storage capabilities achieved through the hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2/MoSe2. The observed enhancement in capacitance positions the TiO2/MoSe2 nanocomposite as a promising candidate for high-performance energy storage applications.

  • Evaluation of overstrength-based interaction checks for columns in steel moment frames
    • Tomasz Falborski
    • Greta Murtas
    • Ahmed Elkady
    • Dimitrios Lignos
    • Amit Kanvinde
    2025 JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIONAL STEEL RESEARCH

    Current design guidelines in the United States require a check for only column axial force under overstrength seismic loads for capacity-designed steel moment frames. A study is presented to examine the implications of this guidance, which disregards the column interaction check (including both axial force and moment) under overstrength seismic loads. A set of thirteen steel moment frames are designed using multiple rules that apply and disregard overstrength, drift, and cross-sectional compactness checks in various combinations. The frames are subjected to a suite of simulations including linear elastic, nonlinear static pushover, nonlinear response history, and continuum finite element simulations that are able to represent a range of physical behavior modes in the columns including interactive nonlinear geometric instabilities that could trigger loss of the load carrying capacity of the member. The simulations indicate no significant distinction between the seismic performance of steel moment resisting frames designed as per current code-based provisions (i.e., disregarding the column interaction check for overstrength seismic loads), and those designed with the use of the interaction check, with each providing acceptable response without failure. The simulations also indicate that design checks for drift and cross-sectional compactness play a significant role ensuring acceptable response, providing additional margin of safety beyond the member strength checks.

  • Follow-up assessment of the microvascular function in patients with long COVID
    • Marzena Romanowska-Kocejko
    • Alicja Braczko
    • Agata Jędrzejewska
    • Marta Żarczyńska-Buchowiecka
    • Tomasz Kocejko
    • Barbara Kutryb-zając
    • Marcin Hellmann
    2025 MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH

    Long COVID is a complex pathophysiological condition. However, accumulating data suggests that COVID-19 is a systemic microvascular endothelial dysfunction with different clinical manifestations. In this study, a microvascular function was assessed in long COVID patients (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 30) using flow-mediated skin fluorescence technique (FMSF), based on measurements of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide fluorescence intensity during brachial artery occlusion (ischemic response, IR) and immediately after occlusion (hyperemic response, HR). Microcirculatory function readings were taken twice, 3 months apart. In addition, we quantified biochemical markers such as the serum L-arginine derivatives and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) to assess their relation with microvascular parameters evaluated in vivo. In patients with long COVID, serum HIF1α was significantly correlated to IRindex (r = −0.375, p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a significant inverse correlation of serum asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine levels to both HRmax (r = −0.343, p < 0.05) and HRindex (r = −0.335, p < 0.05). The IR parameters were found lower or negative in long COVID patients and recovered in three-month follow-up. Hypoxia sensitivity value was significantly higher in long COVID patients examined after three months of treatment based on the combination of ACE-inhibitors and beta-adrenolytic compared to baseline condition (85.2 ± 73.8 vs. 39.9 ± 51.7 respectively, p = 0.009). This study provides evidence that FMSF is a sensitive, non-invasive technique to track changes in microvascular function that was impaired in long COVID and recovered after 3 months, especially in patients receiving a cardioprotective therapy.

  • Gold(III) complexes with chloride and cyanopyridines: Facilitated hydrolysis of nitrile ligand to amide and antibacterial activity
    • Maciej Ejnik
    • Piotr Bruździak
    • Karolina Gutmańska
    • Anna Ciborska
    • Magdalena Malik
    • Dietrich Gudat
    • Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska
    • Anna Dołęga
    2025 SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

    A range of novel simple gold(III) compounds has been synthesized in their monocrystalline form, including two previously unknown chloro-complexes of Au3+ with 2-cyanopyridine or 3-cyanopyridine, respectively. Our investigations have revealed the intricate nature of the reaction between 2-cyanopyridine and tetrachloroauric acid, yielding at least three distinct products. The main product, obtained in high yield, is a salt featuring a tetrachloroauric anion and a pyridinium cation stabilized by a hydrogen bond to a further 2-cyanopyridine molecule. Moreover, we observed the in-situ formation of a 2-cyanopyridine-AuCl3 complex, which undergoes hydrolysis of the nitrile bond to yield a picolinamide-Au(III) complex. The complexes were characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopies, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal XRD studies. Additional computational studies were conducted to explain unusual spectral features, the observed disparities in the complexation reactions of the three isomeric cyanopyridine ligands and the distinct reactivity of the complex with 2-cyanopyridine. Based on these studies, we propose a mechanism for the catalyzed hydrolysis of the nitrile bond within the Au(III) complex. Finally, we assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized gold(III) complexes against a spectrum of bacteria and fungi.

  • Investigating the suitability of the matched fiber Bragg grating approach for guided wave based structural health monitoring
    • Rohan Soman
    • Farzam Omidi Moaf
    • Piotr Fiborek
    • Pawel Kudela
    • Marzena Kurpińska
    2025 MEASUREMENT

    Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are thought to be ideal sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM). Amplitude based techniques such as matched filters and the edge-filtering have been proposed to fulfill the high sampling rates necessary for guided waves (GW) sensing. The current research for the first time shows the inherent robustness the matched filter technique provides to the sensing system. The matched system is realized through a FBG deployed on a low cost micrometer screw gauge which allows flexibility in matching the reflected wavelengths of the FBGs. Based on the results it is shown that, in the remote configuration the matched FBG approach is robust under changing temperature conditions. This concept has been shown analytically and experimentally. Furthermore, the approach is then extended for multiplexing of the sensors and the deployed system is used for detecting and localizing damage in the plate.

  • Investigation of structural, thermal, and electrical properties of sodium-doped oxynitride glass-ceramics
    • Natalia Wójcik
    • Abbas Saeed Hakeem
    • Zuzanna Mielke
    • Sharafat Ali
    2025 MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS

    This study aimed to investigate the influence of Na2O addition on the structural, thermal, and electrical characteristics of oxynitride glass-ceramics within the Na–K–Mg–Ca–Al–Si–O–N system. Oxynitride glass-ceramic samples were prepared via spark plasma sintering (SPS) with sodium oxide doping levels ranging from 0 wt% to 12 wt%. FESEM analysis revealed changes in sample morphology with increasing sodium content, indicating the formation of granular structures and sodium-rich clusters in the glass matrix. XRD revealed the presence of nanocrystalline phases in doped samples, primarily (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)4O8. IR spectroscopy demonstrated changes in the glass network structure due to sodium, affecting both silicate and aluminum units. Increasing sodium content led to higher crystallinity and a corresponding decrease in sample density. The thermal expansion increased notably with sodium content, attributed to the disruptive effect of sodium ions on the glass-ceramics structure, while thermal conductivity decreased also attributed to this disruption. AC conductivity increased significantly with sodium, indicating enhanced ionic conductivity, while DC conductivity was observed in doped samples at higher temperatures, with activation energies consistent with ionic conduction mechanisms. The exponent-dependent (s) parameter decreased with higher sodium content, suggesting limited ion diffusion.

  • Investigation of the thrust generated by active isolated hydrofoils via wave-induced ship motion
    • Mohammad Sadeghi
    • Hamid Zeraatgar
    • Mohammad Ghaemi
    • Vernengo Giuliano
    2025 OCEAN ENGINEERING

    Wave Augmented Hydrofoil Technology (WAHT) aims to convert hydrofoil movement, induced by ship motion, into thrust force, and ship's resistance reduction in waves. Despite the growing interest in WAHT, a significant research gap remains in understanding the complex interactions between hydrofoil design parameters and wave-induced thrust generation. A hydrofoil attached to a ship serves dual roles; reducing the ship resistance in waves and generating thrust force. To distinguish the resistance reduction to the thrust generation, this study considers an isolated active hydrofoil without the ship's hull. This approach captures the critical interactions driven by ship motion, while allowing for a focused analysis on thrust generation. The active hydrofoil orientation is harmonically adjusted according to the flow vertical velocity that results in a suitable angle of attack. The generated thrust is studied by varying the hydrofoil rotation angle, aspect ratio, wavelength, and forward speed. The vertical velocity of KRISO Container Ship (KCS) in a range of regular waves is already available where KCS model alone (without WAHT) was simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Simulation of isolated hydrofoil reveals increase of the vertical velocity, span-to-chord ratio, and forward speed of the hydrofoil enhances thrust force. For the studied cases, a 2.5% enhancement of mean generated power relative to required power in waves is concluded.

  • ISO test track influence on the EU tyre label noise value
    • Truls Berge
    • Piotr Mioduszewski
    • Maciej Hałucha
    • Janusz Bohatkiewicz
    2025 APPLIED ACOUSTICS

    In 2009, the European Union (EU) introduced a directive governing the labelling of tyres, which underwent revision in 2020. This labelling system encompasses three key parameters related to tyre performance: wet grip (safety), rolling resistance (energy consumption), and external rolling noise (environmental impact). These label values serve as crucial information for customers seeking to purchase replacement tyres for their vehicles. However, the accuracy and reliability of noise measurements have been a concern. Testing conducted across various ISO-standardized tracks has revealed significant inconsistencies in noise levels, with variations of 4–5 dB between tracks. Such discrepancies directly impact the labelling process, introducing uncertainty. This paper presents results of tyre noise measurements conducted on a limited number of ISO test tracks and proposes a methodology to mitigate track-to-track variability. The study exclusively focuses on passenger car tyres. By addressing these inconsistencies, this research aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of tyre noise labelling, thereby facilitating informed consumer decision-making and promoting environmental sustainability.

  • Isolation Improvement in MIMO Antenna with a Simple Hybrid Technique of Orthogonal and Inverse Currents
    • Manzoor Elahi
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Leifur Leifsson
    2025 AEU-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS

    This paper presents a compact high-isolation multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna developed using a hybrid approach. The proposed technique combines induced orthogonal currents and self-inverse currents to enhance the antenna's performance. Orthogonal currents are generated by strategically etching open slots on the antenna patches, while self-inverse currents are introduced by integration of annular vias. By carefully adjusting the radius and position of the annular vias and optimizing the patch geometry, the design achieves optimal resonance frequency alignment and signicantly improved isolation. The fabricated prototype exhibits an exceptional isolation of 55 dB at 5.75 GHz, accompanied by a realized gain of 6.7 dB. Measured radiation patterns in the ϕ = 0◦ and ϕ = 90◦ planes show excellent agreement with simulated results. The proposed low-prole antenna design has a substantial potential for enhancing MIMO applications in contemporary wireless communication systems.

  • Magnetic deep eutectic solvents for vortex-assisted liquid phase microextraction method for selective and green extraction of patulin from fruits and fruit juices
    • Hameed Ul Haq
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    • Nail Altunay
    2025 MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL

    In this study, a vortex assisted magnetic deep eutectic solvent based liquid phase microextraction (VA-MDES-LPME) technique was developed for the extraction of patulin prior to its determination by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis). For this purpose, the use of a magnetic deep eutectic solvent (MDES) consisting of trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride, MnCl2, and octanoic acid (molar ratio 1:2:2) was tested to perform an efficient extraction. Important experimental parameters (MDES-3 vol, pH, vortex time, and ethanol volume) were optimized using Box-Behnken Design. Under optimum conditions (MDES-3 vol 560 µL, pH 3.5, vortex time 300 s, and ethanol volume 300 µL), the limits of detection for the model solution and matrix-matched solution were 0.06 ng mL−1 and 0.37 ng mL−1, and the calibration ranges were 0.2–400 ng mL−1 and 1.2–300 ng mL−1, respectively. Furthermore, the extraction recovery was calculated to be 96.3–97.4 % with a low relative standard deviation (2.1–2.5 %). The VA-MDES-LPME technique was successfully applied for the determination of patulin from fruit and juice samples with an enrichment factor between169 and 185.

  • Metamodel-based optimization of a high-tension cable barrier in crash tests with a large SUV
    • Dawid Bruski
    • Hongbing Fang
    2025 ENGINEERING STRUCTURES

    Road safety barriers play an important role in improving road safety. Cable barriers are one of the types of road barriers. Cable barriers have favorable collision-related properties, especially in terms of the safety of the vehicle occupants. Despite the continuous development of road barrier systems, the current European standard EN1317, which is used to evaluate the performance of road barriers, does not take into account all possible crash scenarios and all possible types of impacting vehicles. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are one of the types of vehicles that the EN1317 standard does not consider. SUVs are widely used on European roads. The work aims to optimize a high-tension 3-cable barrier system in crash tests with a large SUV. The research utilized the methods related to the design of the experiment, numerical simulations of crash tests, metamodeling, and multi-objective optimization (MOO) algorithms – WSF and NSGA-II. In the optimization, two aspects of the barrier were considered, economical and structural. The primary result of the study was the determination of four optimized designs for the cable barrier. These designs represent different trade-offs between the objective functions, offering various solutions depending on the specific engineering needs. The proposed barrier designs are characterized, among others, by a reduction in barrier mass, a reduction in the lateral deflections of the barrier, and a reduction in the number of posts that would need to be replaced after an SUV collision. The methodology used and the results achieved may be useful in the process of designing, testing, and optimizing other road safety barriers.

  • Methods and Instruments | Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
    • Gunther Wittstock
    • Marius Muhle
    • Monika Wilamowska-Zawłocka
    2025

    Scanning electrochemical microscopy is based on the recording of electrolysis currents (Faradaic currents) at a microelectrode (ME) probe that is scanned over the sample. Different working modes are available to couple the electrolysis at the ME to reactions at the sample. The article explains their principles and provides examples of their application. The feedback mode, the sample-generation/tip collection mode, the redox-competition mode and the surface interrogation mode are most frequently applied to the characterization of interphases and interfaces occurring in electrochemical power sources.

  • MHD Casson flow across a stretched surface in a porous material: a numerical study
    • Sadia Irshad
    • Shah Jahan
    • Jose Mendes Machado
    • Paweł Śliwiński
    • Krzysztof Kędzia
    • Zubair Ahmed Jan
    2025 Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design

    In this study, we examine the nature of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Casson flow of fluid across a stretched surface in a porous material. It studies how the behaviour of Casson fluids is affected by a number of variables, including thermal radiation, chemical processes, Joule heating, and viscosity dissipation. The Keller box strategy, based on the finite difference method (FDM), is used to tackle the complex numerical problem. Graphical representations are used to show the effects of different system parts. Comprehensive tables displaying surface transfer of mass, heat, and drag rates are given for your convenience. The study focuses on how particle motion transforms kinetic energy into heat. Increased Brownian motion leads to a higher temperature profile and a reduced concentration profile. Thicker concentration profiles are created by increased Lewis number ( ) values and rates of chemical reactions, resulting in changes in mass transfer across fluids. This in-depth investigation focuses on the complicated interactions between various variables and how they influence the Casson fluid's behaviour in the system under study.

  • Modeling the effect of external load variations on single, serie and parallel connected microbial fuel cells
    • Szymon Potrykus
    • Janusz Nieznański
    • Filip Kutt
    • Francisco-Jesus Fernandez-Morales
    2025 BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY

    This paper presents a microbial fuel cell (MFC) model designed to analyze the effect of the external load on MFC performance. The model takes into account the voltage and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) dependence on the external load. The value of the model parameters were calibrated by means of the voltage relaxation method tests using a controlled load current. Laboratory measurements and MATLAB Simulink model computations were used to validate the proposed model. The tests results demonstrated that the proposed model accurately predicts the voltage and COD evolution during the batch cycle of the MFC. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used to assess the fitting goodness of the model. The RMSE of COD and voltage generation was in all the cases lower than 4%, predicting accurately the behaviour of single MFC as well as MFC connected in series or parallel.

  • Monitoring of absorptive model biogas purification process using sensor matrices and gas chromatography
    • Edyta Słupek
    • Dominik Dobrzyniewski
    • Patrycja Makoś-Chełstowska
    • Bartosz Szulczyński
    • Jacek Gębicki
    2025 MEASUREMENT

    This study examined the process of purifying model biogas using a new type of absorbent based on a Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) and a commercially available absorbent (Genosorb) to remove acetone, toluene, and cyclohexane. The main aim of the research was to control the purification efficiency using gas chromatography (GC) and an alternative method based on sensor matrices (SM). As a result of comparing the multidimensional SM signals with the GC result, the lowest difference between SM and GC (3.69%) was achieved with the DES. When using Genosorb, the differences between the methods were slightly more pronounced, reaching 10.26%. The studies also confirmed that SM results showed significant agreement, accuracy, precision, and equivalence compared to GC results. Nowadays, the literature has not reported this issue. The presented research fills the current gap in the literature and contributes to the development of knowledge in the practical application of SM.

  • MXene-based materials as adsorbents, photocatalysts, membranes and sensors for detection and removal of emerging and gaseous pollutants: A comprehensive review
    • Mohammad Hadi Dehghani
    • Nadeem Hussain Solangi
    • Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak
    • Natarajan Rajamohan
    • Subrajit Bosu
    • Amina Othmani
    • Md. Ahmaruzzaman
    • Soumya Ranjan Mishra
    • Baishali Bhattacharjee
    • Vishal Gadore
    • Talib Hussain Banglani
    • Nawab Waris
    • Ali Hyder
    • Ayaz Ali Memon
    • Khalid Hussain Thebo
    • Payal Joshi
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    • Rama Rao Karri
    2025 Pełny tekst Arabian Journal of Chemistry

    2D materials have garnered significant attention as potential solutions to various environmental challenges. Graphene, molybdenum disulfide, MXenes, and boron nitride have emerged as the most popular candidates among these materials. This article presents a comprehensive review and discussion on the emerging applications of MXenes in environmental engineering. MXenes have demonstrated immense potential as future materials for adsorption purposes. They have proven to be highly effective in removing emerging pollutants (heavy metals and organic pollutants) through the adsorption phenomenon. The effectiveness of MXenes in removing lead (Pb2+), chromium (Cr6+), copper (Cu2+), uranium (U6+), and mercury (Hg2+) has been confirmed, with a sorption capacity ranging from 100 to 250 mg g−1. Furthermore, MXenes have effectively removed several radionuclides, including uranium, europium, strontium, barium, and thorium. MXenes have proven to be highly efficient in treating water through adsorption in emerging organic pollutants, even for various organic dyes such as methylene blue, acid blue, congo red, methyl orange, and rhodamine B (RhB). Additionally, MXenes exhibit high treatment performance in adsorbing several pharmaceuticals like cloxacillin (CLX), ampicillin (AMP), amoxicillin (AMX), ciprofloxacin (CPX), amitriptyline (AMT), verapamil (VRP), carbamazepine (CBM), 17 α-ethinyl estradiol, ibuprofen (IBP), and diclofenac (DCF). Overall, MXenes offer several advantages, such as good conductivity, thermal performance, high surface area, and selectivity of intermolecular interactions. However, their application requires thoroughly evaluating their environmental impact and life cycle assessment.

  • On a fully three-dimensional bending analysis of very thick smart composite cube-like bulk structures
    • Mohammad Malikan
    • Shahriar Dastjerdi
    • Victor Eremeev
    • Mehran Kadkhodayan
    2025 Pełny tekst COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

    Here we discuss the behaviour of very thick composite plates considering electro-magneto-elastic coupling of various types using fully three-dimensional (3D) kinematics. Published research highlights a lack of studies on the 3D mechanics of smart composite plates that integrate both higher-order (flexoelectric/flexomagnetic) and lower-order (piezoelectric/piezomagnetic) multiple physical fields (electro-magneto-elastic). The common approach to achieving the targeted and desired mechanical behavior within such composites could involve using structural elements. This gap can potentially be addressed by amalgamating the term ∂/∂z with the 2D governing equations of plates. This expression indicates alterations in thickness, in which z is the coordinate dedicated to the thickness. The governing equations can be created by operating on the variational method which enables us to establish and settle the 3D bending equations of the bulk structure. The pointed-out equations have been influenced by the implementation of additional hypotheses, such as von Kármán’s strain and complicated 3D tensor relations. Inserting the term ∂/∂z into the mathematical model renders that the analytical solution techniques are unable to assist us in obtaining numerical results. Consequently, a semi-analytical solving method grounded on the polynomial phrases facilitates the acquisition of the required solution. This fully 3D bending study of very thick piezocomposite cube-like bulk structures (CBS) can be an original reference in the field of mechanics of intelligent plate-like structures.

  • On nonlinear 3D electro-elastic numerical modeling of two-phase inhomogeneous FG piezocomposites reinforced with GNPs
    • Mohammad Malikan
    • Shahriar Dastjerdi
    • Magdalena Rucka
    • Mehran Kadkhodayan
    2025 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE

    The novelty here comes from not only the perfect nonlinear three-dimensional (3D) electro-elasticity investigation but also the mixed material itself. The literature widely showed mechanical assessments on the piezoelectric structures; however, a lack of nonlinear three-dimensional elasticity studies has been witnessed on these kinds of smart materials. Therefore, a nonlinear 3D elasticity-piezoelectricity coupling is considered in this study. What is more, this research brings about an era in the field of sensing manufacturing such as sensors and actuators by proposing the construction of these devices in an advanced composite framework. The piezoelectric medium can be electro-mechanically improved with the aggregation of graphene platelets/nanoplatelets (GPLs/GNPs) based on the functionally graded (FG) composition. The assumption for such a smart composite has been made to provide higher flexibility smart tools while their elastic strength can also get further. To accomplish this, the derivation of a rigorous mathematical model has come out for a transversely isotropic inhomogeneous FG-piezoelectric beam-like sensor/actuator using 3D kinematic displacements, geometrically nonlinear strains, Lagrange technique, 3D stress-strains tensors, linear elastic material, and in particular Halpin-Tsai micro-mechanic model. Numerical modeling has been built by the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) technique. A comprehensive parametric study has also been established for intelligent FG beams.

  • Spectrophotometric determination of chlorpyrifos in foodstuffs after vortex-assisted surfactant-enhanced emulsification microextraction using magnetic deep eutectic solvents: Analytical greenness profile
    • Nail Altunay
    • Adil Elik
    • Hameed Haq
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2025 JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

    In this work a novel and green vortex-assisted surfactant-enhanced emulsification microextraction (VA-SEEME) based on magnetic deep eutectic solvents (MDESs) was developed for the determination of chlorpyrifos in foodstuffs by UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. MDES (trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride: MnCl2: octanoic acid) was used as the extractant, non-ionic surfactant Tween-80 was used as an extraction medium, and ethanol as the eluent solvent. In the VA-MDES-SEEME procedure, a vortex was applied for agitation, and a neodymium magnet was used to separate the MDES from the aqueous solution. Under optimized conditions, a linear dynamic range was obtained in the range of 0.3–260 µg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.09 µg L−1. The intraday and interday precisions of the method, defined as relative standard deviation, ranged from 1.3 % to 2.5 %. The recovery of the spiked sample after the VA-MDES-SEEME procedure ranged from 88±6 % to 98±1 %, and the enrichment factor was obtained as 91-fold. The VA-MDES-SEEME procedure was validated by analysis of the certified reference materials including 7507a-Green Onion and 7508a-Cabbage. The VA-MDES-SEEME procedure is based on inexpensive equipment and green chemicals and is compatible with UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis. The green profile of the VA-MDES-SEEME procedure within the scope of the current study was calculated as 0.71 using AGREE.

  • Stabilization Method for Speed Observer of Induction Machine
    • Marcin Morawiec
    • Lelisa Wogi
    • Piotr Kołodziejek
    2025 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS

    This article proposes the speed estimation principles dedicated to the observer structures based on the machine mathematical model. The rotor speed is reconstructed based on the mathematical model of a machine by using both adaptive and nonadaptive schemes. The presented principle is generalized to the classical nonlinear system in the vector form and can be applied to induction machines. The proposed rotor speed reconstruction approach is based on an algebraic relationship, and the observer system mathematical model has the same rank as the induction machine. The speed observer structure can be unstable due to the challenge of stabilizing the sensorless control of the induction machine at low-speed, near zero speed, or in the low-speed regenerating mode of operation. As a result, the new stabilizing functions based on Lagrange identity are proposed in this work to improve the range of observer stability. The proposed approach includes newly developed stabilization mechanisms that ensure observer stability under both motoring and regenerating modes of operations at the low rotor speed and improve the observer range of stability. The Lyapunov theorem is used during the design procedure for stability purposes. The simulation and experimental studies are carried out for an induction machine adaptive and nonadaptive full-order observer. The experimental results show that stable operation of the system is obtained, and the range of observer stability is improved, especially at low-speeds and in a regenerating mode of operation, concluding that the proposed solution is suitable for use in industrial applications.

  • The influence of chitosan's molecular weight, concentration, and dissolution method on the properties of electrophoretically deposited coatings on the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy surface
    • Łukasz Pawłowski
    • Szymon Mania
    • Adrianna Banach-Kopeć
    • Karol Staszczyk
    • Aleksandra Mirowska
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Robert Tylingo
    2025 MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS

    In this study, the effects of molecular weight (high, medium, and low), concentration (0.1 and 0.5 %) and dissolution method (in a rarely used hydroxyacetic acid and utilizing a novel CO2 saturation) of chitosan on the microstructure, chemical composition, wettability, surface roughness, adhesion, corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity of chitosan coatings electrophoretically deposited (10 V, 1 min) on β titanium alloy Ti13Nb13Zr were investigated. Microstructural analysis showed that low molecular weight chitosan at low concentrations formed uniform coatings while increasing these parameters resulted in uneven coatings with agglomerates. Energy-dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of chitosan on all coated samples. Higher concentrations of chitosan yielded thicker coatings. Wettability tests confirmed hydrophilic properties for all samples, with contact angles around 70°. Surface roughness varied with chitosan concentration, showing increased roughness for higher concentrations. Adhesion tests showed the highest critical load for high molecular weight chitosan coatings with a concentration of 0.1 %. Corrosion tests revealed that low molecular weight chitosan coatings provided the best protection. Antimicrobial assays showed that chitosan coatings prepared using acid dissolution had strong bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while those prepared using CO2 saturation showed limited bacteriostatic activity. These findings suggest that chitosan coatings, especially those prepared using acid dissolution, hold promise for biomedical applications requiring corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties.

  • Thermoelectric and electrical properties of triple-conducting multicomponent oxides based on substituted barium cerate-zirconate
    • Martyna Czudec
    • Daniel Jaworski
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Tamilarasan Subramani
    • Maria Gazda
    • Alexandra Navrotsky
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2025 Pełny tekst DALTON TRANSACTIONS

    Multicomponent oxides often have exceptional thermal stability and interesting electronic properties. The present work presents the thermoelectric and electrical properties of the Ba(Zr0.2Hf0.2Sn0.2Ti0.2Fe0.2)O3−δ and Ba(Zr0.1Hf0.1Sn0.1Ti0.1Co0.1Ce0.1Bi0.1Fe0.1Y0.1Zn0.1)O3−δ multicomponent perovskites. Single-phase cubic perovskites were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. They were characterized using X-ray diffraction, drop-solution calorimetry, and thermogravimetry methods. The total electrical conduc tivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements were performed in dry and wet air at temperatures between 600 and 1050 K. It was found that Ba(Zr0.1Hf0.1Sn0.1Ti0.1Co0.1Ce0.1Bi0.1Fe0.1Y0.1Zn0.1)O3−δ is thermo dynamically less stable than Ba(Zr0.2Hf0.2Sn0.2Ti0.2Fe0.2)O3−δ. Moreover, this oxide incorporates a higher amount of water and exhibits higher conductivity and lower Seebeck coefficient. Charge transport in both perovskites can be assigned to the small-polaron hopping process via electron holes. An interesting temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient was found and, at temperatures above 750 K, related to hopping between energetically inequivalent states

  • Thermoelectric and electrical transport properties of mixed-conducting multicomponent oxides based on Ba(Zr,Ce)O3-δ
    • Konrad Kuc
    • Martyna Czudec
    • Daniel Jaworski
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Maria Gazda
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2025 JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS

    In this work, the chosen physicochemical properties of single-phase multicomponent oxides BaTi1/8Fe1/8Co1/8Y1/8Zr1/8Sn1/8Ce1/8Hf1/8O3-δ and BaTi1/9Fe1/9Co1/9Y1/9Zr1/9Sn1/9Ce1/9 Hf1/9Bi1/9O3-δ were studied. The microstructure of the compounds strongly depended on the presence of bismuth in the structure. The electrical transport studies showed a level of electrical conductivity of ∼10−3 - 10−2 S/cm in the temperature range 673–1073 K. Electrical conductivity was thermally activated and the dominant conduction mechanism was the hopping of small polarons. Moreover, total electrical conductivity changes in the dry and humidified atmosphere at lower temperatures due to the presence of protonic defects in the structure. Thermoelectric measurements showed a relatively high value of the Seebeck coefficient for studied ceramics. Its values ranged between 50 and 250 μV/K depending on the sample and temperature. The Seebeck coefficient sign was positive, meaning that electron holes and/or oxygen vacancies were predominant charge carriers in oxidizing atmospheres. Additionally, the Seebeck coefficient was found to be different in the humidified atmosphere which indicates an influence of protonic defects on thermoelectric transport. The obtained power factor Pf turned out to be low and dependent on the presence of protonic defects in the structure. This indicates, that the efficiency of the MOs-based operating thermoelectric generators can be controlled by changing the partial pressure of water vapor

  • UV light-activated gas mixture sensing by ink-printed WS2 layer
    • Katarzyna Drozdowska
    • Janusz Smulko
    • Artur Zieliński
    • Andrzej Kwiatkowski
    2025 Pełny tekst SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL

    We fabricated a sensing layer from ink-printed WS2 flakes and utilized it for UV-activated gas sensing. The optical imaging of the structure made by repeated printing revealed the continuous layer comprising sub-µm flakes, confirmed independently by small-area AFM images (1×1 µm2). The activity of the sensing surface was investigated locally via AFM scanning of the surface with a polarized probing tip. The results indicated that the applied UV light amplifies the existing conducting paths in the dark. These hot spots are associated with the sensing activity of the WS2 surface (local adsorption-desorption centers). Gas sensing experiments revealed that the DC resistance of the WS2 sensor changes in the opposite direction for increasing concentrations of NO2 and NH3, which correlates with the electron-accepting and electron-donating properties of these species. On the contrary, low-frequency noise intensifies gradually in both gases, and relative changes in noise responses are higher than DC resistance responses for all investigated concentrations. The lowest detection limit obtained was 103 ppb from DC responses for NO2 and 168 ppb from noise responses for NH3. The studies of sensing responses for mixtures of the mentioned target gases revealed that the amplitude of resistance fluctuations is not a direct summation of spectra obtained for pure compounds. Such an effect observed for mixed gases indicates that the intermittent reactions between both species before adsorbing at the sensing surface or in the adsorption centers impact their detection.

  • 3-D Printable Metal-Dielectric Metasurface for Risley Prism-Based Beam-Steering Antennas
    • Md Yeakub Ali
    • Ali Lalbakhsh
    • Khushboo Singh
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Łukasz Gołuński
    2024 Pełny tekst IEEE Access

    A 3-D printable, planar, metal-dielectric metasurface-based, 2-D beam-steering system for aperture-type antennas is presented in this paper. This beam steering system, also known as the near-field meta-steering system, comprises two fully passive phase-gradient metasurfaces placed in the antenna’s nearfield region to steer the radiation beam. To address the non-uniform electric field phase of the aperture antenna, phase correction is also incorporated into the bottom metasurface placed on top of the antenna aperture in its near-field to enhance the far-field radiation of the antenna. Near-field phase transformation and phased array antenna theory concepts are applied to design the proposed metasurfaces. Two types of metal-dielectric unit cells are implemented to provide a phase range of 360◦ . The height of each metasurface is only 6.25 mm (0.25λ0), and the height of the whole system is only 1.56 λ0 at 12 GHz. The proposed beam steering system with a resonant cavity antenna can steer the beam to a maximum of ±44◦ in the elevation plane and 360◦ in the azimuth plane with only a 1.4 dB deviation in directivity over the full steering range.

  • 3D-Breast System for Determining the Volume of Tissue Needed for Breast Reconstruction
    • Gabriela Małyszko
    • Julia Czałpińska
    • Andżelika Janicka
    • Katarzyna Ostrowska
    • Mariusz Kaczmarek
    2024

    3D imaging systems can be used to effectively determine breast volumes for surgical applications. This article presents methods for surface reconstruction and volume determination based on the point cloud created by 3D imaging. Such a system would be used to accurately estimate breast volume in patients classified for breast reconstruction surgery at plastic surgery centers. To develop such a system, various methods of determining volume, based on images from the Intel D435i camera, were tested. In addition, an application and a measuring station tailored to clinical needs were developed

  • 9,10-Dioxoanthracenyldithiocarbamates effectively inhibit the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting multiple protein tyrosine kinases
    • Mateusz Olszewski
    • Maryna Stasevych
    • Viktor Zvarych
    • Natalia Maciejewska
    2024 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

    Anthraquinones have attracted considerable interest in the realm of cancer treatment owing to their potent anticancer properties. This study evaluates the potential of a series of new anthraquinone derivatives as anticancer agents for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The compounds were subjected to a range of tests to assess their cytotoxic and apoptotic properties, ability to inhibit colony formation, pro-DNA damage functions, and capacity to inhibit the activity of tyrosine kinase proteins (PTKs). Based on the research findings, it has been discovered that most active derivatives (i84, i87, and i90) possess a substantial capability to impede the viability of NSCLC while having mostly a negligible effect on the human kidney cell line. Moreover, the anthraquinones displayed pro-apoptotic and genotoxic attributes while blocking the phosphorylation of multiple PTKs. Collectively, our findings indicate that these derivatives may demonstrate promising potential as effective anticancer agents for lung cancer treatment.

  • A 0.5 V Nanowatt Biquadratic Low-Pass Filter with Tunable Quality Factor for Electronic Cochlea Applications
    • Jacek Jakusz
    • Waldemar Jendernalik
    2024 Pełny tekst Electronics

    A novel implementation of an analogue low-power, second-order, low-pass filter with tunable quality factor (Q) is presented and discussed. The filter feature is a relatively simple, buffer-based, circuit network consisting of eleven transistors operating in a subthreshold region. Q tuning is accomplished by injecting direct current into a network node, which changes the output resistance of the transistors and, as a result, modifies the filter network’s loss, and thus its Q. Q tuning is independent of a filter cut-off frequency (ω0). The filter, with a nominal ω0 of 1 kHz, was fabricated using a 0.18 μm CMOS technology, and features a Q range of 2–11, power consumption of up to 52 nW, and a 59 dB dynamic range when using a 0.5 V supply. The ω0 can be tuned from 0.5 to 2.5 kHz using a traditional method by changing the transistor transconductances, but this process partially affects the quality factor.

  • A business simulation method in educating architects
    • Michał Kwasek
    • Piotr Konwicki
    2024 World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education

    In this article, the authors analyse the application of the business simulation method as a support tool in educating undergraduate architecture students. While running a fictional architectural practice, students learn about the role of an architect in the investment process and are introduced to economic aspects of running a small practice, including the importance of cash flow. They are also made aware about the importance of employability soft skills. The article is based on a simulation tested for several years in teaching classes during which students learn the practical aspects of managing their own architectural design practice, including cost management. A questionnaire survey has been used to assess both the prior knowledge of business principles among the students, as well as the effectiveness of this business simulation method as a learning tool for undergraduate students. Findings indicate that the applied method has improved the employability skills of graduates, in particular with respect to their actual knowledge of practical business skills, including legal, tax and financial issues.

  • A Case Study of Electric Vehicles Load Forecasting in Residential Sector Using Machine Learning Techniques
    • Sheetal Deshmukh
    • Atif Iqbal
    • Mousa Marzband
    • Mohammad Amir
    • Jarosław Guziński
    2024

    Electric vehicles (EVs) have been widely adopted to prevent global warming in recent years. The higher installation of Level-1 and Level-2 chargers in residential areas soon poses challenges to the distributed network. However, such challenges can be mitigated through the adoption of smart charging or controlled charging schemes. To facilitate the implementation of smart charging, accurate forecasting of EV charging demand in residential sectors is essential. This study focuses on utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques to predict EV charging demand based on charging data from Trondheim, Norway. A key contribution of this research is its systematic approach, providing a step-by-step implementation process of EV load forecasting using ML algorithms. By addressing the pressing issues surrounding the increasing demand for EV charging in residential areas, this paper offers valuable insights into sustainable transportation energy management. The results, obtained through Linear SVM, Wide Neural Network, Naive Bayes, and K-Nearest Neighbors algorithms implemented in MATLAB software, emphasize the effectiveness of ML techniques. This paper serves as an intelligent-based residential EV load forecast approach for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking effective strategies to mitigate the impact of EV charging on distributed networks.

  • A case study on the rotomolding behavior of black tea waste and bio-based high-density polyethylene composites: Do active compounds in the filler degrade during processing?
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Zaida Ortega
    • Paweł Piaskowski
    • Joanna Aniśko
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Joanna Szulc
    2024 Composites Part C: Open Access

    This study verified the possibility of using waste material from the food industry (black tea) as functional filler of rotomolded biobased high-density polyethylene-based composites. As part of the experimental work, the influence of the materials preparation, i.e., dry blending versus twin-screw extrusion, on the effectiveness of the stabilizing antioxidant effect of the black tea was analyzed. The aim of the work was to verify whether, despite the initial degradation of the structure of the lignocellulosic filler, it would be possible to keep its antioxidant capacity and the stabilizing effect on the polyethylene matrix. The research showed that the filler allowed to stabilize the polymeric matrix during the rotomolding process, despite the appearance of numerous defects in the form of pores and a reduction in mechanical properties, more significant for composites prepared by dry blending, obtaining elastic modulus drops of about 50 %. Furthermore, the pre-processing step by melt mixing results in a significant improvement of the composite's thermo-oxidation stability, with increases in the oxidation induction time (OIT), from 25 min for the HDPE to over 70 min for composites with 5 % black tea, and improved rheological behavior, preventing the crosslinking of the matrix, indicative of its thermo-oxidative degradation. The tea brewing process caused the decrease of antioxidant activity of the filler; however, it did not significantly affect the antioxidant behavior, maintaining its influence on the polymeric matrix when the material is prepared via twin-screw compounding, which was proved to provide better stability, increasing OIT by approximately 20 min later when compared to dry blending.

  • A Closed Bipolar Electrochemical Cell for the Interrogation of BDD Single Particles: Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation
    • Anna Dettlaff
    • Joshua Tully
    • Georgia Wood
    • Deep Chauhan
    • Ben Breeze
    • Lijiang Song
    • Julie V. Macpherson
    2024 Pełny tekst ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA

    A closed bipolar electrochemical cell containing two conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD) particles of size  250 – 350 m, produced by high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis, has been used to demonstrate the applicability of single BDD particles for electrochemical oxidative degradation of the dye, methylene blue (MB). The cell is fabricated using stereolithography 3D printing and the BDD particles are located at either end of a solution excluded central channel. Platinum wire electrodes placed in each of the two outer solution compartments are used to drive electrochemical reactions at the two BDD particles, which, under bipolar conditions do not require direct electrical connection to a potential source. Experiments using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) show that the anodic pole BDD particle is able to electrochemically remove > 99% of the dye (originally present at 1  10-4 M) to undetectable UHPLC-MS products in 600 s. Monitoring of the time dependant change in MB peak area, from the UHPLC chromatograms, enables a pseudo first order rate constant of 0.54 min-1 to be determined for MB removal. Given the large scale at which such particles can be produced (tonnes), such data bodes well for scale up opportunities using HPHT-grown BDD particles, where the particles can be assembled into high surface area electrode formats.

  • A closer look at how the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method works. Investigation of the effect of solvent mixture composition on the quality and stability of the cloudy state
    • Serhii Zaruba
    • Michaela Ovšonková
    • Patrycja Makoś-Chełstowska
    • Vasil Andruch
    2024 Pełny tekst Frontiers in Chemistry

    The dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) is one of the most popular miniaturized extraction procedures. In this paper, the degree of dispersion and dispersion stability were studied with the aim to assess the correlations of these parameters with efficiency for the selected analytical application. The dependence between the degree of dispersion (cloudy state quality) and its stability obtained by various emulsification procedures, such as solvent-assisted emulsification (using various dispersive solvents) and mechanical emulsification (using auxiliary energies), is investigated and discussed. It was found out that the degree of dispersion depends on the type of emulsification procedure and decreases in the series: solvent-assisted (SA-) = ultrasound-assisted (UA-) > air-assisted (AA-) > vortex-assisted (VA-) emulsification. The emulsion stability depends on the degree of dispersion and there were 1810 and 2070 s for the most effective emulsification procedures, such us solvent-assisted and ultrasound-assisted emulsification, respectively. A comparison between the sensitivity of the analytical methods (using spectrophotometric determination of the anionic surfactants) and the degree of dispersion have been made. The sensitivity of the methods was ranked as follows: DLLME > UA-LLME > VA-LLME > AA-LLME.

  • A Compact Circularly Polarized Dielectric Resonator Antenna with MIMO Characterizations for UWB Applications
    • Shahid Khan
    • Owais Khan
    • Syed Ahson Shah
    • Bilal Malik
    • Neelam Gohar
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2024 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is extensively used in indoor navigation, medical applications, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices due to its low power consumption and resilience against multipath fading and losses. This paper examines a multiple input multiple-output (MIMO), circularly polarized (CP) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) for UWB systems. Compact form factor, high gain, wideband response, improved port isolation, and high data rates are the major design goals. This arrangement consists of two identical DRAs with self-decoupled orthogonal orientations eliminating the need for extra decoupling structures while achieving an impressive maximum isolation of 43 dB. The corner-edge feeding mechanism of the extended feedline generates two orthogonal E-fields, facilitating circular polarization. Additionally, a printed hook-shaped stub integrated with the ground plane enhances CP performance across the two operating bands without altering the DR structure. Fabrication and testing exhibit an impressive 133% impedance bandwidth (2.5-14 GHz) with high port isolation. For a 3 dB axial ratio reference, the single-element design exhibits axial ratio bandwidths (ARBW) of 1.2 GHz (3.6–4.8 GHz) and 0.8 GHz (9.3–10.1 GHz). Remarkably, the MIMO configuration achieves a single ARBW of 0.5 GHz (3.9–4.4 GHz). Detailed investigations of MIMO performance parameters, including diversity gain (DG), envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), channel capacity loss (CCL), and total active reflection coefficient (TARC), underscore the design’s efficacy, making it a good choice for UWB wireless applications.

  • A comparative analysis of methods and tools for low impact development (LID) site selection
    • Khansa Gulshad
    • Michał Szydłowski
    • Andaleeb Yaseen
    • Rana Waqar Aslam
    2024 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

    The site selection for Low Impact Development (LID) practices is a significant process. It affects the effectiveness of LID in controlling stormwater surface runoff, volume, flow rate, and infiltration. This research paper presents a comprehensive review of various methods used for LID site selection. It starts by introducing different methods and tools. Three main methods: index-based methods, GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and multi-criteria models and tools, are discussed in detail. A comparative analysis of these methods is then conducted based on ten different criteria. These criteria include the number of variables, data properties, the scale of analysis, benefits maximization approach, multi-attribute decision analysis, user-friendliness, community and stakeholder participation, and the validation methods. This comparison reveals limitations in each method. These include inadequate data availability and quality, lack of evaluation methods, comprehensive assessment criteria and spatial explicitness. These challenges underscore the need for future research to prioritize spatial clarity, broaden criteria, improve data quality through standardization, incorporate field visits and remote sensing for robust results, integrate big data, and develop web-based, open-source tools for enhanced accessibility. These key strategies provide valuable insights for advancing LID site selection methods.