2016 - Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2016

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Implementing Sustainable Development Goals with Digital Government – Aspiration-capacity gap
- Tomasz Janowski
2016 GOVERNMENT INFORMATION QUARTERLY
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a commitment by all United Nations Member States to pursue development efforts, including ending poverty and hunger, promoting well-being and education, reducing inequalities, fostering peace, and protecting the planet. Member States and their governments are supposed to take ownership of the SDGs, strengthen the implementation means, and improve public governance as both the means and the end to development. Their capacity to undertake these tasks is critical for implementing SDGs. This editorial develops three lines of arguments: 1) that the Member States should strengthen the SDG implementation by building Digital Government capacity; 2) that according to the Digitization, Transformation, Engagement and Contextualization stages of the Digital Government Evolution model, 87% of the 169 SDG targets require Digital Government capacity at the highest Contextualization stage; and 3) that less than 31% of the Member States reached this stage and 55% did not advance beyond the lowest Digitization stage. The editorial concludes that Digital Government should play a key role in the implementation of the SDGs but, at present, the gap between aspiration (SDGs) and capacity (Digital Government) is affecting more than 69% of the Member States. Understanding and eventually addressing this gap requires further research efforts and adaptation of research results to different national circumstances and policy contexts.
Importance of the combined effects of dissolved oxygen and pH on optimization of nitrogen removal in anammox-enriched granular sludge
- Zhixuan Yin
- Carla Santos
- Jaime Vilaplana
- Dominika Sobotka
- Krzysztof Czerwionka
- Márcia Damianovic
- Li Xie
- Francisco Morales
- Jacek Mąkinia
2016 PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
The combined effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH on nitrogen removal were investigated in a laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with anammox-enriched granular sludge obtained from a nitritation/anammox system. The highest specific nitrogen removal rate (SNRR) (1.1 gN gVSS−1 d−1) was observed under non-aerated conditions, resulting in the nitrogen removal efficiency of 81.6%. Although nitrogen removal was readily inhibited under aerated conditions, an increased SNRR occurred at the DO concentration of 0.5 mg O2 L−1. This is in contrast with the directional DO suppression on nitrogen removal in the anammox process, indicating that other nitrogen conversion pathways, such as nitrification and endogenous denitrification, were also active in the studied reactor. The highest SNRRs were obtained within a pH range of 6.5–8.5, characterized by low concentrations of free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA). Oxygen-consuming bacteria (nitrifiers) were implicitly inhibited by the low pH so that less oxygen was utilized. In tests carried out using the optimum pH physiological range (6.5–8.5) for microorganisms, an explicit DO elbow was observed when the ammonium and nitrite were almost completely removed. This finding confirms the occurrence of nitrogen removal by the oxygen-consuming bacteria in the system studied.
Important Facts and Observations about Pairwise Comparisons (the special issue edition)
- Waldemar W. Koczkodaj
- Ludmil Mikhailov
- Grzegorz Redlarski
- Michael Soltys
- Jacek Szybowski
- Gaik Tamazian
- Eliza Wajch
- Kevin Kam Fung Yuen
2016 FUNDAMENTA INFORMATICAE
This study has been inspired by numerous requests for clarification from researchers who often confuse Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the pairwise comparisons (PC) method, taking AHP as the only representation of PC. This study should be regarded as an interpretation and clarification of past investigations of PC. In addition, this article is a reflection on general PC research at a higher level of abstraction: the philosophy of science. It delves into the foundations and implications of pairwise comparisons. Some results of this study are based on a recently published work by Koczkodaj and Szwarc. Finally, open problems have also been reported for future research.
Improved cytotoxicity and preserved level of cell death induced in colon cancer cells by doxorubicin after its conjugation with iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles
- Ewa Augustin
- Bartłomiej Czubek
- Anna Maria Nowicka
- Agata Kowalczyk
- Zbigniew Stojek
- Zofia Mazerska
2016 TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
A promising strategy for overcoming the problem of limited efficacy in antitumor drug delivery and in drug release is the use of a nanoparticle-conjugated drug. Doxorubicin (Dox) anticancer chemotherapeutics has been widely studied in this respect, because of severe cardiotoxic side effects. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effects, the uptake process, the changes in cell cycle progression and the cell death processes in the presence of iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles and doxorubicin conjugates (Dox-Nps) in human colon HT29 cells. The amount of Dox participated in biological action of Dox-Nps was determined by cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetric measurements. The cytotoxicity of Dox-Nps was shown to be two/three times higher than free Dox, whereas Nps alone did not inhibit cell proliferation. Dox-Nps were observed to penetrate cancer cells with higher efficacy than free Dox, what could be a consequence of Dox-Nps aggregation with proteins in culture medium and/or with cell surface. The treatment of HT29 cells with Dox-Nps and Dox at IC50 concentration resulted in G2/M arrest followed by late apoptosis and necrosis. Summing up, the application of iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles improved Dox-Nps cell penetration compared to free Dox and achieved the cellular response to Dox-Nps conjugates similar to that of Dox alone.
Improved magnitude estimation of complex numbers using alpha max and beta min algorithm
- Robert Smyk
- Maciej Czyżak
2016 Full text Zeszyty Naukowe Wydziału Elektrotechniki i Automatyki Politechniki Gdańskiej
The paper presents an improved algorithm for calculating the magnitude of complex numbers. This problem, which is a special case of square rooting, occurs for example, in FFT processors and complex FIR filters. The proposed method of magnitude calculation makes use of the modified alpha max and beta min algorithm. The improved version of the algorithm allows to control the maximum magnitude approximation error by using an adequate number of approximation regions. In this way it is possible to reduce the maximum error to 3.95% for one region, and 0.24% and 0.06% for four and eight regions, respectively. This algorithm in its basic form requires only two multiplications by a constant and one addition which are preceded by the choice of greater of two arguments with respect to their absolute values. The improved version requires one general division to determine the proper approximation region. The algorithm implementation issues are considered in the accompanying paper.
Improving listeners' experience for movie playback through enhancing dialogue clarity in soundtracks
- Kuba Łopatka
- Andrzej Czyżewski
- Bożena Kostek
2016 DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
This paper presents a method for improving users' quality of experience through processing of movie soundtracks. The dialogue clarity enhancement algorithms were introduced for detecting dialogue in movie soundtrack mixes and then for amplifying the dialogue components. The front channel signals (left, right, center) are analyzed in the frequency domain. The selected partials in the center channel signal, which yield high disparity between left and right channels, are detected as dialogue. Subsequently, the dialogue frequency components are boosted to achieve an increased dialogue intelligibility. Techniques for reduction of artifacts in the processed signal are also introduced. It is done through smoothing in the time domain and in the frequency domain, applied to reduce unpleasant artifacts. The results of objective and subjective tests are provided, which prove that an increased dialogue intelligibility is achieved with the aid of the proposed algorithm. The algorithm is particularly applicable in mobile devices while listening in changing conditions and in the presence of noise.
Improving the CPX method by specifying reference tyres and including corrections for rubber hardnes and temperature
- Ulf Sandbegr
- Erik Buhlmann
- Marco Conter
- Piotr Mioduszewski
- Reinhard Wehr
2016
Recently completed work in the EU project ROSANNE and in working group ISO/TC43/SC1/WG33 has allowed substantial improvements to measurements made by the Close-Proximity (CPX) method, intended for measurement of noise properties of road surfaces.The paper summarizes the experimental work and describes the conclusions and implementation in ISO/FDIS 11819-2 (CPX method) and in the supporting ISO (draft) Technical Specifications 11819-3 about Reference Tyres and 13471-1 about Temperature Corrections.In the Reference Tyre Specification, two reference tyres are defined, of which one is the 16” SRTT specified in ASTM 2493-14 and the other is a commercial light truck tyre. Both tyres have been tested with respect to correlations with SPB (pass-by) measurements and found to represent car and truck tyres, respectively, in this particular application. To account for reasonable ageing and minor production differences, a correction for rubber hardness is specified, in order to normalize measurement results to tyres having reference hardness.The Temperature Correction Specification includes temperature coefficients that can be used for normalizing noise levels to an air reference temperature of 20 degrees C. The coefficients relate to driving speed by a simple equation which is different for three categories of road surfaces, which are specified in the document.
In search for new urban planning education and research formulas
- Dorota Dominika Kamrowska-Załuska
- Hanna Obracht-Prondzyńska
2016
This paper shows research and educational urban planning projects based on international and mutlicultural cooperation including innovative elements to conduct research on built environment. Their common aim is to search for a new perspective on the city development and challenges resulting from changing conditions.
IN SEARCH OF A NEW EXHIBITION SPACE
- Dorota Wojtowicz-Jankowska
2016 Full text Procedia Engineering
The buildings considered as raising the prestige and promoting cities are those related to culture. Their impact on urban life is undeniable, which is reflected in a continuous increase in the number of new museum buildings. Apart from places intrinsically linked with culture, which, as such, may be considered as standard - like museum, theatres or galleries - there also appear alternative places of development and promotion of cultural activities. Currently, among cultural spaces, with particular emphasis on exhibition places, it is possible to distinguish two directions of development. The first of those is a traditional one represented by museums and galleries and the other one is modified, represented by different, alternative spaces. Both directions are developing in parallel and are not mutually exclusive. Non-traditional exhibition places are worthy of particular attention. Their emergence is related to seeking new, sometimes surprising, methods of drawing attention to the exhibition. In the case of museums, especially in recent years, one can observe that both the museum architecture and collections presented there are equally perceived as exhibition space. It so happens, at times, that the quality of the exhibition space and its architecture is so significant that the presented exhibits pale in comparison. In the case of space initially designated for other purposes than exhibitions and currently used to that end, a unique, often surprising visual effect is achieved. Art transgressing the borders and entering alternative spaces makes exhibits interact with exhibition places and become an integral part of the exhibition itself.
IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF RHODODENDRON TOMENTOSUM - AN ENDANGERED ESSENTIAL OIL BEARING PLANT FROM PEATLAND
- Anna Jesionek
- Adam Kokotkiewicz
- Paulina Włodarska
- Natalia Filipowicz
- Adam Bogdan
- Renata Ochocka
- Aleksandra Szreniawa-Sztajnert
- Bożena Zabiegała
- Adam Buciński
- Maria Łuczkiewicz
2016 Full text ACTA BIOLOGICA CRACOVIENSIA SERIES BOTANICA
Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja (formerly Ledum palustre L.) is a medicinal peat bog plant native to northern Europe, Asia and North America. This plant has a distinctive aroma thanks to the presence of essential oil, to which it also owes its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. However, in Europe R. tomentosum is classified as an endangered species, mainly due to degradation of peatlands. In the present work, the micropropagation protocol for R. tomentosum was established for the first time, providing both an ex situ conservation tool and a means of continuous production of in vivo and in vitro plant material for further studies. R. tomentosum microshoots were initiated from leaf explants and further multiplied using Schenk-Hildebrandt (SH) medium supplemented with 9.84 μM 2iP and 1.00 μM TDZ. The shoots were elongated on the SH medium supplemented with 24.6 μM 2iP and subsequently rooted using the perlite substrate saturated with half-strength Woody Plant medium supplemented with 1.0% sucrose and 4.92 μM IBA. The regenerated plants were hardened on the phytohormone-free SH medium and acclimatized using 3:1:1 deacidified peat:perlite:gravel substrate. The identity of the mother plant was confirmed at morphological and molecular levels and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was implemented to assess the genetic fidelity of the regenerants. The essential oil content of the maternal plant, in vitro shoots and the regenerants was determined by steam-distillation, and the obtained volatile fractions were analyzed by GC/MS.
Increased Certification of Semi-device Independent Random Numbers using Many Inputs and More Postprocessing
- Piotr Andrzej Mironowicz
- Armin Tavakoli
- Alley Hameedi
- Breno Marques
- Marcin Pawłowski
- Mohamed Bourennane
2016 Full text NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
Quantum communication with systems of dimension larger than two provides advantages in information processing tasks. Examples include higher rates of key distribution and random number generation. The main disadvantage of using such multi-dimensional quantum systems is the increased complexity of the experimental setup. Here, we analyze a not-so-obvious problem: the relation between randomness certification and computational requirements of the postprocessing of experimental data. In particular, we consider semi-device independent randomness certification from an experiment using a four dimensional quantum system to violate the classical bound of a random access code. Using state-of-the-art techniques, a smaller quantum violation requires more computational power to demonstrate randomness, which at some point becomes impossible with today's computers although the randomness is (probably) still there. We show that by dedicating more input settings of the experiment to randomness certification, then by more computational postprocessing of the experimental data which corresponds to a quantum violation, one may increase the amount of certified randomness. Furthermore, we introduce a method that significantly lowers the computational complexity of randomness certification. Our results show how more randomness can be generated without altering the hardware and indicate a path for future semi-device independent protocols to follow.
Increased inspiratory resistance alters the cardiac contribution to the dynamic relationship between blood pressure and pial artery pulsation oscillations in healthy subjects
- Paweł J. Winklewski
- Jacek Wolf
- Magdalena Wszędybył-Winklewska
- Ewa Świerblewska
- Katarzyna Kunicka
- Kamila Mazur
- Marcin Gruszecki
- Wojciech Gumiński
- Andrzej F. Frydrychowski
- Leszek Bieniaszewski
- Krzysztof Narkiewicz
2016
There is increasing evidence that heart performance directly influences cerebral perfusion. We hypothesised that increased inspiratory resistance will affect the cardiac contribution to the relationship between blood pressure and pial artery pulsation oscillations.
Independence in uniform linear triangle-free hypergraphs
- Piotr Borowiecki
- Michael Gentner
- Christian Löwenstein
- Dieter Rautenbach
2016 Full text DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
The independence number a(H) of a hypergraph H is the maximum cardinality of a set of vertices of H that does not contain an edge of H. Generalizing Shearer’s classical lower bound on the independence number of triangle-free graphs Shearer (1991), and considerably improving recent results of Li and Zang (2006) and Chishti et al. (2014), we show a new lower bound for a(H) for an r-uniform linear triangle-free hypergraph H with r>=2.
Indirect Determination of MCPD Fatty Acid Esters in Lipid Fractions of Commercially Available Infant Formulas for the Assessment of Infants’ Health Risk
- Renata Marcinkowska
- Agnieszka Głowacz-Różyńska
- Justyna Gromadzka
- Adam Kloskowski
- Jacek Namieśnik
2016 Food Analytical Methods
MCPD esters are intensively investigated food lipid contaminants for over a decade. Concern related to their presence in various types of food products is related to the fact that possible free MCPD release from its esterified form during digestion may lead to elevated daily intake of these toxicants.Special attention should be devoted into powdered infant formulas, which contain significant amounts of refined vegetable oils, likely to contain high amounts of both 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD esters. Infants being fed with this type of food products only may intake risky amounts of these contaminants, which is a matter of great concern. This paper presents the quality assessment of commercially available powdered infant formulas with regard to MCPD esters presence. For estimating the levels of 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD fatty acid esters in lipid fractions of baby foods, methodology involving accelerated solvent extraction (optimized by response surface methodology) followed by SGS “3-in-1” procedure was applied. MCPD esters were detected in 23 per 24 investigated various types of powdered formulas (basic types, anticolic, antireflux, hypoalergic, lactose free, enriched with DHA, for prematures) offered by several suppliers. Detected levels of MCPD esters varied in the range of 0.13–4.80 mg kg−1.
Indywidualizm czy zespołowość - w jakich kategoriach myślimy o przedsiębiorczości
- Beata Krawczyk-Bryłka
2016 Full text Edukacja Ekonomistów i Menedżerów
Przedsiębiorczość to pojęcie, które zwykle rozpatruje się w kategoriach działań indywidualnych, realizowanych indywidulanie procesów czy przedsięwzięć. Jednocześnie podkreśla się rolę przedsiębiorcy, jako osoby zarządzającej zespołem i przy jego udziale uzyskującym założone cele. W literaturze pojawiają się zagadnienia związane z przedsiębiorczością zespołową i zespołami przedsiębiorczymi, których miejsce w tworzeniu firm i osiąganiu innowacyjnych efektów pracy jest bardzo istotna. Celem artykułu jest analiza znaczenia pojęcia przedsiębiorczość w zakresie indywidualizmu vs zespołowości w grupie studentów kierunków menedżerskich. Przeprowadzone badanie pokazuje, że nie są to kategorie istotne dla badanej grupy, zaś dostrzeganie kapitału przedsiębiorczego współpracy pozostaje na niskim poziomie. Artykuł zawiera rekomendacje dotyczące promowania kooperacji w działalności przedsiębiorczej.
Indywidualna przedsiębiorczość alternatywą dla bezrobotnych po 50. roku życia
- Anita Richert-Kaźmierska
2016 Full text Przedsiębiorczość i Zarządzanie
Celem opracowania jest próba odpowiedzi na dwa pytania: jaka jest motywacja osób po 50. roku życia do stania się przedsiębiorcą oraz jaka jest efektywność działań wspierających indywidualną przedsiębiorczość wśród bezrobotnych w wieku 50 lat i więcej w Polsce. Odpowiedzi na tak sformułowane pytania umożliwiła analiza i systematyka wyników badań dotyczących przedsiębiorców w wieku powyżej 50. roku życia oraz analiza statystyczna danych Ministerstwa Pracy i Polityki Społecznej na temat efektywności zatrudnieniowej i efektywności kosztowej działań aktywizujących, realizowanych przez powiatowe urzędy pracy w ramach programów na rzecz promocji zatrudnienia, łagodzenia skutków bezrobocia i aktywizacji zawodowej.
Influence of Additional Loads on Chosen Gait Parameters and Muscles Activity
- Michał Ludwicki
- Bartłomiej Zagrodny
- Wiktoria Wojnicz
- Jerzy Mrozowski
- Jan Awrejcewicz
2016 Full text Vibrations in Physical Systems
This paper is devoted to human motion analysis and comparison of chosen kinematics parameters during normal gait with and without additional load in a form of backpack. A stability in both cases were compared in both frontal and sagittal planes, by applying a video tracking system. Experimental tests performed on treadmill, passive markers, placed on volunteers bare skin were used. Additionally, an infra-red camera was employed to evaluate muscle activity and its groups involved in the movement. The change of body temperature and distribution of the thermal maps were observed. Analysing these thermograms, loading of different muscle groups was evaluated. During the experiment, an attempt to correlate a results obtained from a thermal imaging camera and video tracking system were made. It is shown that thermal imaging can help to evaluate an asymmetry in muscle load and in some cases can help to detect pathological cases, what was confirmed with motion analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of this method were also described.
Influence of Aggregating Window Size on Disparity Maps Obtained from Equal Baseline Multiple Camera Set (EBMCS)
- Adam Kaczmarek
2016
This paper is concerned with obtaining disparity maps on the basis of images from Equal Baseline Multiple Camera Set (EBMCS). EBMCS consists of a central camera and side cameras. Algorithms for obtaining disparity maps with the use of EBMCS take advantage of aggregating windows similarly to stereo matching algorithms for a stereo camera, a camera matrix or a camera array. The paper analyzes the influence of aggregating window size on the quality of disparity maps. Experiments presented in this paper include Sum of Sum of Squared Differences (SSSD) and Sum of Sum of Absolute Differences (SSAD) matching cost functions. Results show that for EBMCS with five cameras the highest quality of disparity maps is obtained when the size of the aggregating window is on average over 55 % smaller than the size of the most effective window for a pair of cameras.
Influence of datasets decreased by applying reduction and generation methods on Digital Terrain Models
- Wioleta Błaszczak-bąk
- Anna Sobieraj-Żłobińska
- Katarzyna Pająk
2016 Full text Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia
The number of point clouds provided by LiDAR technology can be sometimes seen as a problem in development and further processing for given purposes (e.g. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generation). Therefore, there is still a need to reduce the obtained big datasets. Reducing can be done, inter alia, by reducing the size of the set or by generating the set. This paper presents two variants of the reduction of point clouds in order to effectively generate the DTM. There is also a comparison of two DTMs generated on the basis of sets reduced by various methods
Influence of dissolved organic nitrogen on surface waters
- Krzysztof Czerwionka
2016 Full text OCEANOLOGIA
The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) contained in biologically treated wastewater disposed from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to biodegradability and bioavailability in a water environment. Additionally an evaluation was performed of the participation of this organic nitrogen fraction, including bioavailable DON (bDON), in the nitrogen balance for the Baltic Sea.Based on the samples of secondary effluent taken from two large municipal WWTPs located in Northern Poland DON bioavailability and biodegradability tests were carried out. It was concluded that DON concentration in the tested samples was on average from 1.5 to 2.0 g N m−3. This fraction constituted as much as 50% of organic nitrogen and 15–18% of total nitrogen contained in treated wastewater.The participation of biodegradable DON (brDON) in activated sludge tests was on average 24–35%. In the bioavailability tests Selenastrum capricornutum were able to use from 19 to 26% of DON, however taking into account the results of the control test, these values are reduced to 3–4%. On the other hand, taking into account the combined effect of bacteria and algae it was possible to reduce the DON concentration by nearly 40%.The estimated annual bDON load introduced to Baltic Sea waters from Poland through disposal of treated biological wastewater in 2010 reached up to 1.7 thousand tons of N year−1.