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  • A facile synthesis by spark plasma sintering of mobile lithium ions into oxynitride glass-ceramic matrix: Insight and perspective
    • Sharafat Ali
    • Abbas Saeed Hakeem
    • Hussain Alslman
    • Natalia Wójcik
    2025 Journal of Materials Research and Technology-JMR&T

    The quest for efficient energy storage solutions has led to the development of solid-state Li-on batteries (SSBs), which utilize solid-state electrolyte (SSE) materials instead of organic liquid electrolytes. This study investigates the effect of increasing Li content in a Ca11Al14Si16O49N10 glass-ceramic material on its structural, thermal, physical, and electrical properties. Spark Plasma Sintered (SPS) glass-ceramic samples with varying Li content (6–21 wt% of Li₂O) were analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis exhibited amorphous patterns for both the oxynitride parent glass and the same undoped glass which was sintered via SPS. Furthermore, the XRD analysis revealed changes in the crystalline phases with varying Li content, indicating a complex relationship between Li concentration and crystallinity. With increase in Li content, the crystallinity in the samples decreases. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies demonstrate alterations in microstructural features, notably an increase in the number of Li-rich phases. Thermal analysis reveals fluctuating thermal expansion and conductivity trends, with significant increases observed up to a certain Li content threshold. Ionic conductivity studies indicate a complex relationship between Li content, activation energy, and conduction mechanisms, with optimal conductivity observed at specific Li concentrations. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of SSE materials for next-generation energy storage applications.

  • 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.

  • Active Polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) Films Loaded with Olive Leaf Extract for Food Packaging—Antibacterial Activity, Surface, Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation
    • Sylwia Grabska-Zielińska
    • Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska
    • Magdalena Gierszewska
    • Mohamed Bouaziz
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Anna Pałubicka
    • Anna Żywicka
    • Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska
    2025 Polymers

    As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; Olea europaea) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity. The results indicated a significant impact of the incorporation of OLE into this polymeric matrix, increasing hydrophobicity, decreasing surface free energy, and enhancing surface roughness, albeit with slight reductions in mechanical properties. Notably, these modified materials exhibited significant bacteriostatic, bactericidal and anti-adhesive activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PLA/PEG/OLE films demonstrated considerable potential for advanced food packaging, facilitating interactions between products and their environment. This capability ensures the preservation and extension of food shelf life, safeguards against microbial contamination, and maintains the overall quality, safety, and integrity of the packaged food. These findings suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable and effective food packaging films.

  • 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.

  • Anterior prefrontal EEG theta activities indicate memory and executive functions in epilepsy patients
    • Nastaran Hamedisheihani
    • Jesus Garcia Salinas
    • Brent Berry
    • Gregory Worrell
    • Michał Kucewicz
    2025 Pełny tekst EPILEPSIA

    Objective: Cognitive deficits are one of the most debilitating comorbidities in epilepsy and other neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental brain disorders. Current diagnostic and therapeutic options are limited and lack objective measures of the underlying neural activities. In this study, electrophysiological biomarkers that reflect cognitive functions in clinically validated batteries were determined to aid diagnosis and treatment in specific brain regions. Methods: We employed a CANTAB battery of neuropsychological tasks probing memory and executive functions in 86 epilepsy patients undergoing clinical EEG monitoring. EEG electrode signals during performance of particular battery tasks were decomposed to identify specific frequency bands and cortical areas that differentiated patients with impaired, normal, and good standardized performance according to their age and gender. Results: The anterior prefrontal cortical EEG power in the theta frequency band was consistently lower in patients with impaired memory and executive function performance (z-score < -1). This effect was evident in all four behavioral measures of executive, visual, spatial, and working memory functions and was confined to the cortical area of all four frontal pole electrodes (Nz, Fpz, Fp1, Fp2). Significance: Theta EEG power in the anterior prefrontal cortex provides simple, accessible, and objective electrophysiological measure of memory and executive functions in epilepsy. Our results suggest a feasible clinical biomarker for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of cognitive deficits with emerging targeted neuromodulation approaches.

  • 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.

  • Assessing Metal Distribution in Diverse Incineration Ashes: Implications for Sustainable Waste Management in Case of Different Incineration Facilities
    • Bartłomiej Cieślik
    • Joachim Emeka Arikibe
    2025 WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION

    Incineration contributes about 10% of metals emission in Europe and leaching of metals from reuse or landfilling of incineration products remains a global concern. Thus, evaluating metal distribution in incineration residues is critical. The present study highlights the distribution of selected metals, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, Al, Cu, and Pb, in incineration ashes in relation to incinerator capacities/sizes. Al was most distributed and Cd the least. Statistical evaluation with 2-factor ANOVA revealed significant variations (F > Fcrit, α = 0.05) were observed except in fluidised bed (FB) residues for Zn and Co. Also, except Co for samples of similar features from one location, and Pb in FB residues with no significant difference (p > 0.05), other metals varied statistically (p < 0.05). The degree of contamination (mCd), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) revealed all matrices had PLI > 1. Igeo revealed moderate to strong accumulation of Zn and Cu in all matrices except in 3 matrices for Cu while IMSW-BA showed strong Pb accumulation. Al, Mn and Fe showed low enrichment in all matrices except in 2 matrices for Cu. Zn and Pb were extremely enriched in IMSWA-BA. PERI placed FB-Gd and FB-Lz as ecologically low-risk, IMSW-BA and IMSW-APC as considerable ecological risk and other matrices were ecologically moderate risk. The study found that the content of metals in the incineration residues requires more sustainable ways of management and disposal of incineration products in Poland and elsewhere.

  • Automatic Cleaning of Time Series Data in Rural Internet of Things Ecosystems That Use Nomadic Gateways
    • Jerzy Dembski
    • Agata Kołakowska
    • Bogdan Wiszniewski
    2025 Pełny tekst SENSORS

    A serious limitation to the deployment of IoT solutions in rural areas may be the lack of available telecommunications infrastructure enabling the continuous collection of measurement data. A nomadic computing system, using a UAV carrying an on-board gateway, can handle this; it leads, however, to a number of technical challenges. One is the intermittent collection of data from ground sensors governed by weather conditions for the UAV measurement missions. Therefore, each sensor should be equipped with software that allows for the cleaning of collected data before transmission to the fly-over nomadic gateway from erroneous, misleading, or otherwise redundant data—to minimize their volume and fit them in the limited transmission window. This task, however, may be a barrier for end devices constrained in several ways, such as limited energy reserve, insufficient computational capability of their MCUs, and short transmission range of their RAT modules. In this paper, a comprehensive approach to these problems is proposed, which enables the implementation of an anomaly detector in time series data with low computational demand. The proposed solution uses the analysis of the physics of the measured signals and is based on a simple anomaly model whose parameters can be optimized using popular AI techniques. It was validated during a full 10-month vegetation period in a real Rural IoT system deployed by Gdańsk Tech.

  • Born Twice: The Role of Social Media in Identity Redefinition after Sudden Disability
    • Lena Cavusoglu
    • Russell Belk
    • Francesca Bonetti
    • Stefania Borghini
    • Nadzeya Sabatini
    2025 Pełny tekst

    From being attacked by a shark to being stricken by illness, people who acquire disabilities later in life have unique lived experiences. There is, however, a commonality that binds them: the loss of a former identity and a rebirth into another life. They may also struggle with self-acceptance as they shun societal stigmas and perceived deviance from cultural norms. Through a netnographic study, we examine how identities are redefined with the help of social media. We trace the journey of athletes, influencers, and others experiencing sudden disabilities as they transition from medical facilities to the comfort of their homes. We present the four critical phases toward acceptance of a disabled identity and show the role of social media as a transformative tool for navigating social exclusion and prejudice, as well as being a conduit for self-expression.

  • Calculations of Cross-Sections for Positron Scattering on Benzene
    • Małgorzata Franz
    • Anna Pastuszko
    • Jan Franz
    2025 Pełny tekst Applied Sciences-Basel

    In this work, we present a theoretical study on positron scattering by benzene molecules over a broad energy range (1–1000 eV). The aim of this work is to provide missing data from partial cross-sections for specific processes. In particular, calculations of cross-sections for direct ionization and electronic excitation were carried out for benzene molecules in the gas phase. An estimate for the cross-section for positronium formation is obtained from a comparison with the total cross-section from experiments. Theoretical methodologies used in the study for partial ionization cross-section calculations are based on the binary-encounter Bethe model and take into account an extension of the Wannier theory. The total cross-section shows good agreement with experimental data.

  • 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.

  • Challenges and Current Trends in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in EU Water Law Context
    • Justyna Rogowska
    • Grażyna Gałęzowska
    • Agnieszka Zimmermann
    2025 Antibiotics-Basel

    The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, and their improper disposal have resulted in both pharmaceuticals and their metabolites being released into the environment, where they pose a risk to both ecosystems and human health. One of the most serious threats to public health associated with the presence of antibiotics in the environment is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to combat AMR, the legal aspect of water protection becomes a critical area of action. This article analyzes the current challenges and legislative developments in the European Union (EU) aimed at mitigating pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments, particularly with regard to AMR. It traces the evolution of EU water protection policies from the initial surface and groundwater directives to the recent updates of the Water Framework Directive, Groundwater Directive and Environmental Quality Standards Directive, focusing on the integration of pharmaceutical contaminants into the regulatory framework. In addition, these changes include the update of the Watch List system for monitoring emerging contaminants, the adoption of effects-based methods (EBMs) in the assessment of water status and the streamlining of the legislative process to respond more quickly to emerging threats in the aquatic environment. The EU’s strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment is emphasized as a key framework for harmonizing the environmental standards and addressing the problem of AMR through more sustainable pharmaceutical practices. This study advocates for a proactive, integrated approach to water policy that aligns regulatory actions with scientific advancements to protect public health and ecosystem integrity.

  • Chemical insight into pros and cons of coffees from different regions
    • Elżbieta Grządka
    • Agnieszka Starek-Wójcicka
    • Marta Krajewska
    • Jakub Matusiak
    • Jolanta Orzeł
    • Marek Studziński
    • Michał Bonczyk
    • Izabela Chmielewska
    • Aleksandra Mieczkowska
    • Oskar Ronda
    • Bartłomiej Cieślik
    2025 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    The main aim of this work was to study the chemical composition of eighteen ground coffees from different countries and continents with regard to the content of hazardous substances as radioactive elements (40K, 226Ra, 228Ra, 234U, 238U and 137Cs), metals, including heavy metals, aluminum and some microelements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) as well as substances that have a positive effect on human health and well-being (polyphenols, proteins, fats and caffeine). The tests were carried out before and after the brewing process using the following techniques: gamma and beta spectrometry, a microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometer (MIP-OES), gravimetric method, UV–Vis spectrophotometry as well as thin-layer chromatography. The leaching percentage of certain elements/compounds in coffee infusions was also measured. The research showed clear differences between Arabica and Robusta coffees, and also allowed for identifying some differences between Arabica coffees depending on the place of their origin. The results presented can raise consumer awareness and help them make better food choices.

  • Chemical Origins of Optically Addressable Spin States in Eu2(P2S6) and Eu2(P2Se6)
    • Uchenna V. Chinaegbomkpa
    • Xudong Huai
    • Michał Winiarski
    • Hugo Sanabria
    • Thao Tran
    2025 ACS Materials Au

    Lanthanide materials with a 4f7 electron configuration (8S7/2) offer an exciting system for realizing multiple addressable spin states for qubit design. While the 8S7/2 ground state of 4f7 free ions displays an isotropic character, breaking degeneracy of this ground state and excited states can be achieved through local symmetry of the lanthanide and the choice of ligands. This makes Eu2+ attractive as it mirrors Gd3+ in exhibiting the 8S7/2 ground state, capable of seven spin-allowed transitions. In this work, we identify Eu2(P2S6) and Eu2(P2Se6) as viable candidates for optically addressable spin states. The materials feature paramagnetic behavior at 2.0 ≤ T ≤ 400 K and μ0H = 0.01 and 7 T. The field-dependent magnetization M(H) curve reveals a single-ion spin with effective magnetic moments comparable to the expected magnetic moment of Eu2+. Seven well-defined narrow peaks in the excitation and emission spectra of Eu2+ are resolved. Phonon contributions to the Eu2+ spin environment are evaluated through heat capacity measurements. Insights into how the spin-polarized band structure and density of states of the materials influence the physical properties are described by using density functional theory calculations. These results present a foundational study of Eu2(P2S6) and Eu2(P2Se6) as a feasible platform for harnessing the spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom of Eu2+ for qubit design.

  • Chitosan-coated coconut shell composite: A solution for treatment of Cr(III)-contaminated tannery wastewater
    • Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
    • Fatima Batool
    • Ayesha Mohyuddin
    • Hui Hwang Goh
    • Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
    • Faissal Aziz
    • Abdelkader Anouzla
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Kit Wayne Chew
    2025 Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

    Tannery industry generates a large amount of Cr(III)-contaminated wastewater daily. Unless properly treated, not only this effluent contaminates the water body, but also damages the environment and threatens public health. This batch study investigates the feasibility of chitosan-coated coconut shells as a low-cost material for removing Cr(III) from tannery wastewater. Both chitosan and coconut shell (CS) waste are abundantly available from local agricultural and fishery industries. To enhance its treatment performance for Cr(III) removal, the CS was coated with chitosan as a composite. To sustain its cost-effectiveness, the saturated composite was regenerated with HNO3. Its performance for Cr(III) removal was evaluated and compared to other low-cost adsorbents in previous work. At the same initial concentration of 20 mg/L, it was found that the composite had a higher Cr(III) removal (97%) than the chitosan alone under the optimized conditions of 4 g/L of dose, pH 6.5, 200 rpm of agitation speed, and 1 h of reaction time. The isotherm of Cr(III) removal by the adsorbents followed the Langmuir model, while the pseudo-second order reaction was representative to simulate the adsorption data. The Cr(III) removal by the composite was based on attractive columbic forces between the negative charge of the adsorbent's surface and the positive charge of the metal cation. The negative value of ΔG thermodynamic parameter suggests the spontaneous nature of adsorption. The efficiency of machine learning regression (MLR) model was assessed in predicting the experimental data of adsorption. In spite of promising results, treated effluents still could not comply with the required limit of discharge standards of less than 0.5 mg/L mandated by local legislation. Therefore, a subsequent treatment using activated sludge is required. Overall, this work reveals a contribution of unused resources from the coconut and shrimp industries in the form of composite for protecting the aquatic environment.

  • Company culture matters! Knowledge-driven companies' way to innovations and sustainability
    • Wioleta Kucharska
    • Elżbieta Karwowska
    2025 Pełny tekst Social Sciences & Humanities Open

    Companies today aim to adapt to rapidly changing business environments by acquiring knowledge, developing dynamic capabilities, fostering market innovations, and ensuring sustainability. Achieving these goals requires a supportive company culture aligned with its structure and strategy. This study proves the critical role of company culture in sustainability based on a sample of 496 Polish knowledge workers, using structural equation modeling and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis methods. The results showed that KLC culture synergy fosters knowledge sharing (both tacit and explicit), which is vital for dynamic capabilities development and, in turn, influences organizational intelligence, innovativeness, and, f inally, sustainability. The given evidence that collective organizational intelligence is rooted in company culture and strengthened by the KLC approach changes the perception of company culture, transforms its apprehension into a precious organizational resource, and prioritizes new study paths regarding its implementation.

  • Compressive and tensile properties of polyurethane foam mimicking trabecular tissue in artificial femoral head bones
    • Krzysztof Żerdzicki
    • Aleksander Znaczko
    • Aleksandra Kondrusik
    • Wiktoria Korbut
    2025 Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

    The presented study aimed to examine the compressive and tensile behavior of the polyurethane foams mimicking trabecular tissue in the artificial human femurs and assess their potential to replicate osteoporotic type of human bone tissue. Two types of Synbone femur models: one of the normal density (model 2350) and one of the lower density (model LD2350), and three types of Sawbones femur models (model 1130-21-8, 1130-21-3, 1130-192) were investigated. Polyurethane foams were extracted in the form of slices cut in coronal plane from the femoral head. Cuboid samples were cut in three different directions and tested uniaxial for identification of compressive and tensile properties including elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, yield limit, and ultimate strength. The ANOVA test revealed that only SYNBONE LD2350 trabecular tissue exhibits anisotropy properties (p<0.001). In most cases, the tensile properties were greater than compressive ones (t-test, p<0.001). The obtained results are within the ranges suggested by other authors for mimicking the osteoporotic type of human tissue. The presented data broadens the range of data on mechanical properties provided by the producers. These data can serve as a reference for researches using composite femurs made of these particular polyurethane foams for conducting biomechanical studies and validation of accompanying numerical simulations.

  • Corrosion Resistance and Structure of Cr−O−N Coatings Formed in Vacuum Arc Plasma Fluxes With PIIID
    • Alexandr Kuprin
    • Hanna Rostova
    • Elena Reshetnyak
    • Bogdan Warcholiński
    • Adam Gilewicz
    • Ilya Klimenko
    • Konrad Trzciński
    • Maria Gazda
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Sawczak Mirosław
    2025 MATERIALS AND CORROSION-WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION

    Cr−O−N-based vacuum arc coatings are very promising for the wear and corrosion protection of various steel parts. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of frequency and amplitude of the pulsed bias voltage (UB) on the elemental and phase composition, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Cr−O−N coatings. They have an amorphous structure with embedded nanosized solid solution crystallites based on CrN with a cubic structure and Cr2O3 with a rhombohedral structure. The increase in the bias voltage results in a reduction in the grain size of the Cr2O3 and CrN phases by about four times to about 5 nm, as well as a change in the CrN phase content in the coating. The lattice parameter increases slightly for the Cr2O3 phase but decreases for the CrN phase. The increase in the pulse frequency results in an increase in the CrN phase content in the coating and the lattice constant of both phases and a slight decrease in the crystallite size. The hardness of Cr−O−N coatings slightly increased with the UB from 26 ± 1 GPa (DC) to 28 ± 1 GPa (−300 V, pulsed), and the elastic modulus ranges from 290 to 310 GPa. The greatest changes were observed in corrosion resistance. With an increase in the bias voltage and pulse frequency, the corrosion current of Cr−O−N coatings on steel in 3% NaCl solution decreased by three orders of magnitude compared to coatings deposited at DC voltage and by five orders of magnitude compared to the base steel. Therefore, the use of a pulsed bias voltage with a frequency of at least 10 kHz and an amplitude of 700 V can significantly increase the corrosion resistance of Cr−O−N coatings on steel substrates.

  • Cross-Section Calculations for Electron-Impact Ionization of Pyrimidine Molecule and Its Halogenated Derivatives: 2-Chloropyrimidine, 5-Chloropyrimidine, 2-Bromopyrimidine and 5-Bromopyrimidine
    • Bożena Żywicka
    • Paweł Możejko
    2025 MOLECULES

    The total cross-sections for the single electron-impact ionization of pyrimidine (C4H4N2), 2-chloropyrimidine (2-C4H3ClN2), 5-chloropyrimidine (5-C4H3ClN2), 2-bromopyrimidine (2-C4H3BrN2) and 5-bromopyrimidine (5-C4H3BrN2) molecules have been calculated with the binary-encounter-Bethe model from the ionization threshold up to 5 keV. The input data for the BEB calculations concerning electronic structure of the studied targets have been obtained with quantum chemical methods including the Hartree–Fock (H-F) and the outer valence Green function (OVGF) methods. The calculated cross-section for the ionization of the pyrimidine molecules due to electron impact is compared with available experimental and theoretical data. The question of the magnitude the pyrimidine ionization cross-section is also discussed, as is the efficiency of the ionization process of studied halogenated derivatives of pyrimidine.

  • Crystal Structures of d-Lyxono-1,4-lactone and Its O-Tosyl Derivative
    • Anna Sosnowska
    • Jarosław Chojnacki
    • Justyna Samaszko-Fiertek
    • Janusz Madaj
    • Barbara Dmochowska
    2025 MOLECULES

    γ- and δ-lactones were formed by bromine oxidation of commercially available D-lyxose, as confirmed by IR analysis. The former was isolated, and its structure was confirmed by NMR spectra and X-ray analysis. In this structure, the presence of both intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds was found. Intermolecular interactions in the crystal were illustrated using the Hirshfeld surfaces. Due to steric reasons, 3,5- O-isopropylidene-D-lyxono-1,4-lactone was formed, which in a further step led to the formation of a 2-O-tosyl derivative. Its structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The additional ring of the O-isopropylidene derivative caused the lactone ring to change conformation to 3E. In the crystal structure of this compound, only C-H···O intermolecular interactions were present, as confirmed by the Hirshfeld surface analysis.

  • 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.

  • Deep eutectic solvent enhances antibacterial activity of a modular lytic enzyme against Acinetobacter baumannii
    • Aleksandra Kocot
    • Tomasz Swebocki
    • Karolina Ciemińska
    • Adrianna Łupkowska
    • Malgorzata Kapusta
    • Dennis Grimon
    • Ewa Laskowska
    • Anna-Karina Kaczorowska
    • Tadeusz Kaczorowski
    • Rabah Boukherroub
    • Yves Briers
    • Magdalena Plotka
    2025 Scientific Reports

    In this study, we evaluated the combined effect between MLE-15, a modular lytic enzyme composed of four building blocks, and reline, a natural deep eutectic solvent. The bioinformatic analysis allowed us to determine the spatial architecture of MLE-15, whose components were bactericidal peptide cecropin A connected via a flexible linker to the cell wall binding domain (CBD) of mesophilic 201ϕ2 − 1 endolysin and catalytic domain (EAD) of highly thermostable Ph2119 endolysin. The modular enzyme showed high thermostability with the melting temperature of 93.97 ± 0.38 °C, significantly higher than their natural counterparts derived from mesophilic sources. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MLE-15 was 100 µg/mL for a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the MIC of reline ranged from 6.25 to 25% v/v for the same strains. The addition of reline effectively reduced the MIC of MLE-15 from 100 µg/mL to 3.15–50 µg/mL. This combination displayed additive effects for most strains and synergism for extensively antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Bacillus subtilis. The subsequent evaluation revealed that MLE-15 eliminated planktonic cells of A. baumannii RUH134, but was ineffective against matured biofilms. However, combined with reline, MLE-15 reduced the bacterial load in the matured biofilm by 1.39 log units. Confocal fluorescence microscopy indicated that reline damaged the structure of the biofilm, allowing MLE-15 to penetrate it. Additionally, MLE-15 and its combination with reline eradicated meropenem-persistent cells of A. baumannii RUH134. Effectiveness in lowering the MIC value of MLE-15 as well as protection against antibiotic-tolerant persister cells, indicate that MLE-15 and reline combination is a promising candidate for effective therapies in bacterial infections, which is especially important in the light of the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance.

  • Defective TiO2 for CO2 photoreduction: Influence of alkaline agent and reduction temperature modulation
    • Rudolf Ricka
    • Agnieszka Wanag
    • Ewelina Kusiak-Nejman
    • Miroslava Filip Edelmannová
    • Martin Reli
    • Marcin Łapiński
    • Grzegorz Słowik
    • Antoni W. Morawski
    • Kamila Kočí
    2025 CATALYSIS TODAY

    This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Black TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2-x) through the sol-gel method combined with NaBH4 reduction at different temperatures (350 °C, 500 °C, and 650 °C). The photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction was evaluated, revealing that TiO2-x_500°C sample exhibited the highest efficiency. This enhanced performance is mainly attributed to a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies and successful nitrogen doping resulting from ammonia water addition during synthesis. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, and XPS confirmed the presence of defects and their correlation with increased photocatalytic activity. These findings confirm the importance of defect engineering and doping in optimizing TiO2-based photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction.

  • 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.

  • Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Maturity Model: Setting New Standards in Responsible Business Education – Evidence from PRIME Reports
    • Elżbieta Karwowska
    • Michał Tomczak
    2025 Social Responsibility Journal

    Purpose Creating diverse, equal and inclusive (DEI) environments is an important and relevant area of research on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This paper aims to identify recent trends in the business schools context, as they are primary sources of ethical management innovation. The paper also aims to identify business school DEI maturity levels. Design/methodology/approach The research design is qualitative. Using thematic analysis, the authors explored all the available and relevant (19) Principal for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champions’ reports regarding their activities in 2022 and 2023. Based on the data, the authors developed the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Maturity Model (DEIMM) in Business Schools, including the DEI maturity scale. The scale was used to explore the recent trends in four main areas: management, teaching, research and the third mission of the business schools. Findings The most prominent theme across the dataset is gender equality. The authors also identified new practices, including Indigenous people’s inclusion and decolonisation, neurodiversity, homelessness destigmatisation, period destigmatisation and scientific disciplines’ anti-discrimination. These activities were observed at various maturity levels, fitting all levels of our maturity model. Research limitations/implications This may suggest that business schools not only emulate business trends but also are prone to create their path to diversity, equality and inclusion. Originality/value This model can provide a starting point for developing tools for assessing the DEI maturity of business schools and other organisations, i.e. indicating the stage at which a school or a company is on its path to achieving DEI maturity, which creates an important contribution to the CSR research.

  • Dynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Galvanostatic Mode as a Tool for Passive Layer State Monitoring in a Chloride Solution Under a Mechanical Load
    • Mateusz Cieślik
    • Juliusz Orlikowski
    • Stefan Krakowiak
    • Krzysztof Żakowski
    2025 Materials

    Mechanical stress is one of the factors influencing the initiation of pitting corrosion and deterioration of the protective properties of the passive layer on stainless steel. The tests carried out on AISI 304L stainless steel showed that, in the 3.5% NaCl environment for samples loaded in the elastic and plastic range, no pitting corrosion initiation was observed. Only mechanical damage of the passive layer occurred. Galvanodynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (g-DEIS) was used as the measuring technique. This technique ensures the monitoring of corrosion processes at zero external current (IDC = 0) and no potential perturbation of the system. It also allows one to perform many measurements, so that short-term changes such as cracking of the layer and its repassivation are possible to monitor.

  • Effect of rPET Content and Preform Heating/Cooling Conditions in the Stretch Blow Molding Process on Microcavitation and Solid-State Post-Condensation of vPET-rPET Blend: Part II—Statistical Analysis and Interpretation of Tests
    • Waldemar Karaszewski
    • Paweł Wawrzyniak
    • Marta Safandowska
    • Rafał Idczak
    2025 Materials

    This research explores how varying proportions of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (vPET) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in vPET-rPET blends, combined with preform thermal conditions during the stretch blow molding (SBM) process, influence PET bottles’ microscopic characteristics. Key metrics such as viscosity, density, crystallinity, amorphous phase relaxation, and microcavitation were assessed using response surface methodology (RSM). Statistical analysis, including Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and its power, supported the interpretation of results. The first part of the work details the experimental design and statistical methods. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and amorphous phase density analysis revealed reduced free volume size, a substantial increase in free volume quantity, and a transformation toward ellipsoidal geometries, highlighting significant structural changes in the material. At the same time, the intrinsic viscosity (IV) and PALS studies indicate that the solid-state post-condensation effect (SSPC) is linked with microcavitation through post-condensation product diffusion. The conclusions, which resulted from the microstructure analysis, affected the material’s mechanical strength and were validated by pressure resistance tests of the bottles.

  • 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.

  • Efficacy of modal curvature damage detection in various pre-damage data assumptions and modal identification techniques
    • Milena Drozdowska
    • Marek Szafrański
    • Anna Szafrańska
    • Agnieszka Tomaszewska
    2025 Pełny tekst Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences-Technical Sciences

    The efficacy of modal curvature approach for damage localization is discussed in the paper in the context of input data. Three modal identification methods, i.e., Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA), Natural Excitation Technique with ERA (NExT-ERA) and Covariance Driven Stochastic Subspace Identification (SSI-Cov), and four methods of determining baseline data, i.e., real measurement of the undamaged state, analytical function, Finite Element (FE) model and approximation of current experimental mode shape, are considered. Practical conclusions are formulated based on analysis of two cases. The first is a laboratory beam with a notch and the second is a stone masonry historic lighthouse with modern restoration in its upper part. The analysis shows that NExT-ERA and SSI-Cov in combination with approximation of current mode shape provide high efficacy in damage localization alongside relatively straightforward determination of baseline data. It proves that the construction of advanced FE models of a structure can be replaced with a much simpler method of baseline data acquisition. Furthermore, the research shows the structural mode shapes identified with ERA may not always indicate the presence of damage.

  • Ekspertyz techniczne zabytkowych obiektów budowlanych . Wybrane zagadnienia
    • Maciej Niedostatkiewicz
    2025

    Współczesna tendencja do skracania czasu realizacji prac remontowo- naprawczych obiektów budowlanych będących zabytkami nieruchomymi, przy jednoczesnym ograniczaniu zakresu oraz stopnia szczegółowości dokumentacji projektowej, jak również często realizowane zmiany sposo- bu użytkowania obiektów zabytkowych wymagają zwrócenia szczególnej uwagi na zagadnienie właściwej oceny stanu technicznego tego typu obiek- tów prowadzonej na etapie przygotowywania opracowań o charakterze eksperckim, określanych powszechnie jako ekspertyzy techniczne. W książce omówiono najważniejsze elementy i zagadnienia na które należy zwrócić uwagę podczas realizacji opracowań eksperckich dotyczących zabytków nieruchomych

  • 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.

  • Enhanced sorption of inhibitory compounds from fermentation broth using a MOF@pseudo-DES composite
    • Zhila Honarmandrad
    • Seyed Soroush Mousavi Khadem
    • Karolina Kucharska
    • Massoud Kaykhaii
    • Justyna Łuczak
    • Jacek Gębicki
    2025 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS

    The increase in biorefinery processes underscores the need for effective biofuel generation; nevertheless, inhibitors such as hydroquinone (HQ), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural (FF), and vanillin (VAN) resulting from biomass degradation impede microbial growth and process efficiency. Herein, a deep eutectic solvent (DES)-like substance was in-situ generated on the surface of NH2-UiO-66 via a post-synthetic coating process using an amine-functionalized UiO-66 MOF and choline chloride (ChCl). ChCl, selected for its low cost and non-toxic properties as a hydrogen bond acceptor, enabled the formation of the thin layer of pseudo-DES on NH2-UiO-66 under solvent-free, thermal conditions, resulting in the composite material NH2-UiO-66@ pseudo-DES. The Zr6O4(OH)4 nodes and NH2 groups in NH2-UiO-66 are capable of forming robust hydrogen bonds with ChCl, enhancing the stability and functionality of the pseudo-DES coating. Various parameters influencing the removal efficiency, including pH, adsorbent amount, initial inhibitor concentration, and vortex time, were systematically investigated and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the removal efficiency of HQ, HMF, FF, and VAN was 62.08%, 56.09%, 45.29%, and 83.46% respectively, for a synthetic sample. These values for real samples after hydrolysis and prior to fermentation were exceeded 51.73%, 53.21%, 42.69%, and 37.59%, for HQ, HMF, FF, and VAN, respectively. Inhibitor removal is driven by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, van der Waals forces, and π-π stacking with the inhibitors. This method demonstrates effective reusability for inhibitor removal up to four cycles. This groundbreaking research is the first of its kind to employ a MOF in conjunction with a pseudo-DES for this purpose; the results are simple, very effective, environmentally friendly, quick to react, and highly selective, making it ideal for biomass hydrolysis purification.

  • Enhancing Internal Cooling Channel Design in Inconel 718 Turbine Blades via Laser Powder Bed Fusion: A Comprehensive Review of Surface Topography Enhancements
    • Cho-pei Jiang
    • Masrurotin Masrurotin
    • Alvian Toto Wibisono
    • Wojciech Macek
    • Maziar Ramezani
    2025 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing

    Inconel 718, a widely utilized Ni-based superalloy in the aerospace industry, is renowned for its exceptional mechanical properties, high-temperature corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, making it an ideal material for turbine blades operating under extreme conditions of up to 2200 °C and high-pressure. Traditional single crystal casting, the prevalent manufacturing method for turbine blades, poses inflexibility challenges. Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing (LPBF-AM) emerges as a disruptive alternative, providing flexibility and intricate design possibilities. However, LPBF-fabricated turbine blades face challenges, notably low thermal stability due to the polycrystalline microstructure. To address this, implementing an internal cooling channel to the turbine blade geometry can overcome this challenge. The flow of cooling fluid inside the cooling channel absorbs the heat of turbine, and maintains the turbine at low-temperature. The performance of internal cooling channel can be improved by implementing controllable surface texture to provide the heat sink mechanism. Nowadays, the LPBF has opportunity to fabricate the complex geometry of turbine blade with surface-textured internal cooling channel. This review delves into the specific requirements for the next generation of turbine blades featuring surface-textured internal cooling channels. It covers considerations such as geometric design, LPBF parameters, metallurgical aspects of processing Inconel 718, and quality testing encompassing material properties and geometric accuracy. Additionally, the review outlines existing challenges and research prospects in LPBF of Inconel 718 for advancing turbine blade components. In conclusion, the review inspires further development in high-performance Inconel 718 turbine blades, emphasizing advancements in surface textures and internal cooling channels via LPBF.

  • 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.

  • Exergy analysis and thermodynamic optimization of a bioenergy with carbon capture and storage gas power plant using Monte Carlo simulation of sewage sludge composition
    • Kamil Stasiak
    • Ivar Ståle Ertesvåg
    • Paweł Ziółkowski
    • Dariusz Mikielewicz
    2025 APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING

    An exergy analysis is performed on the negative CO2 emission gas power plant (nCO2PP), which integrates the fuel preparation, power generation and carbon capture process sections. The cycle is modeled in Aspen Plus coupled with REFPROP, combining deterministic and Monte Carlo stochastic approaches, the latter being a novelty in this work. In all cases studied, the simulations maintain the complex thermodynamic relationships. Exergy losses with areas of potential improvement are identified, while Monte Carlo simulation in Python generates sewage sludge composition, improving cycle realism. In the deterministic approach, the exergies are calculated for a single sewage sludge composition under ambient air conditions with relative humidity of 40 %, 50 % (base case) and 60 % and CO2 air concentration of 375 ppm, 417 ppm (base case) and 1000 ppm, representing a worst case scenario of CO2 increase until the year 2100. For the deterministic base case nCO2PP, the largest exergy losses are observed in the wet combustion chamber (127 kW, 62 % efficiency), gasification process (43 kW, 89 % efficiency), and water condensation in the gas scrubber (43 kW, 87 % efficiency), while the nCO2PP exergy efficiency, related to the chemical exergy of the sewage sludge, is 33.3 %. Sensitivity analysis on turbine vacuum and spray-ejector condenser suction pressure results in an increase of the nCO2PP efficiency by 0.3 % to 33.6 %. Monte Carlo results are incorporated into the Aspen Plus model after the base case optimization. These yield in a range of nCO2PP exergy efficiencies from 33.6 % to 39.7 % with a mean of 37.5 %.

  • Experimental and Theoretical Study on Electron Interactions with Acetic Acid Molecules
    • Natalia Tańska
    • Kuba Wójcik
    • Thiago Corrêa Freitas
    • Márcio H F Bettega
    • Czesław Szmytkowski
    • Paweł Możejko
    2025 JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A

    The absolute total cross section for electron collisions with acetic acid has been measured using an electrostatic electron spectrometerand linear transmission method for collision energies ranging from 0.4 to 300eV. Elastic electron scattering from acetic acid within a low-energy range has also been studied theoretically using the Schwinger multichannel and R-matrix methods, in the static-exchange and static-exchange plus polarization levels of approximation for energies up to 15 eV. The absolute total and the integralelastic cross sections display a π* shape resonance at around 1.7 eV and abroad structure spanned between 4 and 10 eV, which can be associated with a superposition of overlapping σ* resonances. We compared the obtained results with data available in the literature regarding the interaction ofelectrons with acetic acid. The results of electron collisions with acetic acid,methyl formate, and formic acid are also compared and discussed.

  • Expert system against machine learning approaches as a virtual sensor for ventricular arrhythmia risk level estimation
    • Sebastián García-Galán
    • Jose A. Cabrera-Rodriguez
    • Francisco Javier Maldonado-Carrascosa
    • Nicolás Ruiz-Reyes
    • Małgorzata Szczerska
    • Pedro Vera-Candeas
    • Francisco D. Gonzalez-Martinez
    • Francisco J. Canadas-Quesada
    • Alfonso J. Cruz-Lendinez
    2025 Biomedical Signal Processing and Control

    Recent advancements in machine learning have opened new avenues for preventing fatal ventricular arrhythmia by accurately measuring and analyzing QT intervals. This paper presents virtual sensor based on an expert system designed to prevent the risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmias associated with QT-prolonging treatments. The expert system categorizes patients into three risk levels based on their electrocardiogram-derived QT intervals and other clinical data, such as age or sex, facilitating informed decision-making and reducing the workload for healthcare professionals. Expert systems, known for their effectiveness in classifications with limited data, are particularly advantageous in this context. They not only achieve better standard metrics but also offer interpretability that other machine learning models lack. The proposed system’s performance has been rigorously compared against various machine learning algorithms, demonstrating superior efficiency as evidenced by confusion matrices, standard classification metrics, and receiver operation point curves. With an accuracy of 96.5%, the expert system proves to be the best option among the models evaluated, optimizing patient care and treatment outcomes by enabling more frequent and precise electrocardiogram assessments.

  • Exploration of Behavioral Patterns and Cognitive Biases among Stock Market Investors
    • Maciej Tkacz
    • Celina Olszak
    • Jozef Zurada
    • Paweł Weichbroth
    2025 Pełny tekst

    This study aims to explore behavioral patterns and cognitive biases among stock market investors. By analyzing investor behavior through a stock market simulator, the research seeks to understand the impact of cognitive biases on investment decisions. The methodology encompasses a detailed analysis of transaction data to identify prevalent patterns and biases. Findings suggest that biases such as overconfidence, representativeness heuristic, gambler’s fallacy, and herd mentality significantly influence investor behavior.

  • Fatigue Damage Evolution in SS316L Produced by Powder Bed Fusion in Different Orientations with Reused Powder Feedstock
    • Mateusz Kopec
    • U. Gunputh
    • G. Williams
    • Wojciech Macek
    • Zbigniew Kowalewski
    • Paul Wood
    2025 Pełny tekst EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS

    Background Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion Melting (LPBF-M) is considered economically viable and environmentally sustainable because of the possibility of reusing the residual powder feedstock leftover in the build chamber after a part build is completed. There is however limited information on the fatigue damage development of LPBF-M samples made from reused feedstock. Objective In this paper, the stainless steel 316 L (SS316L) powder feedstock was examined and characterised after 25 reuses, following which the fatigue damage development of material samples made from the reused powder was assessed. Methods The suitability of the powder to LPBF-M technology was evaluated by microstructural observations and measurements of Hall flow, apparent and tapped density as well as Carr’s Index and Hausner ratio. LPBF-M bar samples in three build orientations (Z – vertical, XY – horizontal, ZX – 45° from the build plate) were built for fatigue testing. They were then subjected to fatigue testing under load control using full tension and compression cyclic loading and stress asymmetry coefficient equal to -1 in the range of stress amplitude from ± 300 MPa to ± 500 MPa. Results Samples made from reused powder (25 times) in the LPBF-M process exhibited similar fatigue performance to fresh unused powder although a lower ductility for vertical samples was observed during tensile testing. Printing in horizontal (XY) and diagonal (ZX) directions, with reused powder, improved the service life of the SS316L alloy in comparison to the vertical (Z). Conclusions Over the 25 reuses of the powder feedstock there was no measurable difference in the flowability between the fresh (Hall Flow: 21.4 s/50 g) and reused powder (Hall Flow: 20.6 s/50 g). This confirms a uniform and stable powder feeding process during LPBF-M for both fresh and reused powder. The analysis of fatigue damage parameter, D, concluded cyclic plasticity and ratcheting to be the main mechanism of damage.

  • Finite Element Analysis of Occupant Risk in Vehicular Impacts into Cluster Mailboxes
    • Emre Palta
    • Łukasz Pachocki
    • Dawid Bruski
    • Qian Wang
    • Christopher Jaus
    • Howie Fang
    2025 Pełny tekst Computation

    The deployment of cluster mailboxes (CMs) in the U.S. has raised safety concerns for passengers in potential vehicular crashes involving CMs. This study investigated the crashworthiness of two types of CMs through nonlinear finite element simulations. Two configurations of CM arrangements were considered: a single- and a dual-unit setup. These CM designs were tested on flat-road conditions with and without a curb. A 2010 Toyota Yaris and a 2006 Ford F250, both in compliance with the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), were employed in the analysis. The simulations incorporated airbag models, seatbelt restraint systems, and a Hybrid III 50th percentile adult male dummy. The investigations focused on evaluating the safety of vehicle occupants in 32 impact scenarios and under MASH Test Level 1 conditions (with an impact speed of 50 km/h). The simulation results provided insights into occupant risk and determined the primary failure mode of the CMs. No components of the mailboxes were found intruding into the vehicle’s occupant compartment. For all considered cases, the safety factors remained within allowable limits, indicating only a marginal risk of potential injury to occupants posed by the considered CMs.

  • 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.

  • Genetic Determinants and Biofilm Properties Useful in Estimation of UTI Pathogenicity of the Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Free-Living Birds
    • Bartosz Rybak
    • Tomasz Jarzembowski
    • Agnieszka Daca
    • Beata Krawczyk
    • Lidia Piechowicz
    2025 Antibiotics-Basel

    Background/Objectives: According to the One Health concept, wild birds can be indicators of ecosystem pollution and disease incidence. Escherichia coli strains are widespread worldwide, but there are still few reports on the association of human infections with a potential reservoir of highly pathogenic human strains in wild birds. Fecal E. coli with uropathogenic potential (UPEC) can be transmitted between birds and humans and may be a risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Results: The results showed that above 50% of the isolates were grouped as highly pathogenic, according to Clermont phylogroup classification. Such strains were found to be stronger biofilm producers, with a higher adherence of monocytes than low pathogenic. However, the highest cytotoxicity was observed for strains described as aquatic environmental. Convergence of the results of the analysis of monocyte activation by E. coli strains and the ability to form biofilm by individual phylogroups of the strains tested was demonstrated. Genetic determinants of the uropathogenicity of E. coli (UPEC) correlate with the evidence of strain pathogenicity during monocyte activation in in vitro assays. Methods: In this study, we assessed the virulence potential of environmental strains isolated from wild waterfowl using genetic analysis (Clermont phylogroup classification) and phenotypic methods, including analysis of the human monocyte response to biofilm formation. The estimation of the ability to form biofilms was tested using crystal violet, and the pathogenic potential of strains by monocyte activation assay including changes in morphology, adhesion and cytotoxicity. Conclusions: In conclusion, the virulence of E. coli strains isolated from free-living birds is significant, and they can be considered environmental reservoirs of pathogenic strains. According to our observations, they can be responsible for the dissemination of uropathogenic strains among humans.