2019 - Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2019

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The development of an indirect ELISA for the detection of goose parvovirus antibodies using specific VP3 subunits as the coating antigen
- Karolina Tarasiuk
- Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
- Bartłomiej Ferra
- Andrzej Rapak
2019 Full text BMC Veterinary Research
In Poland, the leader in goose production in Europe, goose parovirus infection, or Derzsy’s disease (DD), must be reported to the veterinary administration due to the serious economic and epizootic threat to waterfowl production. Prophylactic treatment for DD includes attenuated live or inactivated vaccines. Moreover, the control of DD includes the monitoring of maternal derived antibody (MDA) levels in the offspring and antibody titers in the parent flock after vaccination. The aim of this study was to develop an ELISA for the detection of goose parvovirus (GPV) antibodies. Two recombinant protein fragments derived from VP3 (viral protein 3) GPV, namely VP3ep6 and VP3ep4–6 with a mass of 20.9 and 32.3 kDa, respectively, were produced using an Escherichia coli expression system. These proteins were purified by one-step nickel-affinity chromatography, which yielded protein preparations with a purity above 95%. These recombinant proteins were useful in the detection of serum anti-GPV antibodies, and this was confirmed by Western blotting. However, recombinant VP3ep4–6 protein showed a greater ability to correctly identify sera from infected geese. In the next stage of the project, a pool of 166 goose sera samples, previously examined by a virus neutralization test (VN), was tested. For further studies, one recombinant protein (VP3ep4–6) was selected for optimization of the test conditions. After optimization, the newly developed ELISA was compared to other serological tests, and demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, the VP3ep4–6 ELISA method described here can be used for the detection of antibodies to GPV in serum.
The difficult heritage. The reuse of former prison buildings
- Agnieszka Szuta
- Jakub Szczepański
2019 Full text Czasopismo Techniczne
In recent years, there has been a trend to reuse abandoned buildings. Adaptive re-use allows preservation of the original structure and implements a new function to it. Such activity could help to preserve the historic value of buildings; moreover, many other advantages can be found in educational, ecological and economic fields. However, the question arises of whether every object can be freely adapted. This article examines the case of old prisons which have, for instance, been adapted into hotels and museums. Knowledge of the history of prison architecture as well as experience in preserving and adapting prisons could help to identify the appropriate function for the abandoned penitentiary facilities.
The Dilemmas of Choosing a Suitable Technology for Low Energy and Passive Houses in the Context of their Overheating Issues
- Alicja Karaś
- Robert Idem
2019 Full text IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
In compliance with European Union directives, numerous countries are introducing increasingly stricter legal limits on the estimated energy consumption of newly designed residential buildings. However, the fact, that regulations and designers' efforts are focused on decreasing energy consumption (and consequently carbon dioxide emissions) only at the post-occupancy stage, may lead to a significant increase in the carbon footprint of the buildings during their entire life cycle. A frequent criticism levelled at low-energy and passive buildings is that they are susceptible to the phenomenon of overheating. The reduction of overheating through the choice of "massive" technologies, materials with high thermal capacity as well as a high heat dispersion coefficient, stands in opposition to the requirement to choose the technologies that ensure a low ecological footprint (i.e. timber frame technologies). The development of a tool facilitating decision making in this issue seems to be a challenge. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a well-known, optimal method for forecasting buildings' carbon footprint, however, it is an expensive and time-consuming method. Life Cycle Assessment is a method dedicated to large investments. In practice, such analysis are not carried out for residential buildings. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the foregoing problem on the example of detached single-family houses and to propose a method and tool that can assist architectural design in this regard.
The dimensions of national competitiveness: the empirical analysis based on The World Economic Forum’s data
- Hanna Adamkiewicz
2019 Full text Economics and Business Review
The aim of this research is to determine the minimum number of uncorrelated dimensions which can describe national competitiveness (NC). NC is thought of as the ability of a nation to provide a conducive environment for its firms to prosper. It is shown that the environment affects national productivity catalytically through the interactions with the production factors while itself remaining unchanged. Selected World Economic Forum’s indicators are used for determining the components of the environment. The Principal Component Analysis has revealed three orthogonal dimensions of NC. Countries are represented by the points in the three-dimensional space. The weighted Euclidean distance from the origin to the ith point is proposed as a novel measure of the ith country’s level of NC.
The Discrete-Continuous, Global Optimisation of an Axial Flow Blood Pump
- Krzysztof Tesch
- Katarzyna Kaczorowska-Ditrich
2019 Full text FLOW TURBULENCE AND COMBUSTION
This paper presents the results of the discrete-continuous optimisation of an axial flow blood pump. Differential evolution (DE) is used as a global optimisation method in order to localise the optimal solution in a relatively short time. The whole optimisation process is fully automated. This also applies to geometry modelling. Numerical simulations of the flow inside the pump are performed by means of the Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes approach. All equations are discretised by means of the finite volume method, and the corresponding algebraic equation systems are solved by the open source software for CFD, namely Open-FOAM. Finally, the optimisation results are presented and discussed. The objective function to be maximised is simply pressure increase. The higher pressure increase the lower angular velocities required. This makes it possible to minimise the effect of haemolysis because it is mainly caused by high shear stresses which are related, among others, to angular velocities.
The early failure of the gamma nail and the dynamic hip screw in femurs with a wide medullary canal. A biomechanical study of intertrochanteric fractures
- Marcin Ceynowa
- Krzysztof Żerdzicki
- Paweł Kłosowski
- Rafał Pankowski
- Tomasz Mazurek
2019 Full text CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
Background: Intertrochanteric fractures may occur in a bone with a wide medullary canal that may lead to significant mobility of a intramedullary nail, contrary to an extramedullary device. This study evaluates the Dynamic Hip Screw and the gamma nail in AO 31.A2.1 fractures in these circumstances. Methods: Synthetic femora with canals drilled to 18 mm were used. Five fixation types were examined: a 2 - hole and a 4 – hole Dynamic Hip Screw with a 2 - hole plate, a standard gamma nail with dynamic and static distal locking and a long gamma nail. The specimens were tested with cyclic axial loading, from 500 N increasing of 50 N increments in each cycle. Force at failure, overall stiffness, stiffness at the fracture site, location and mode of failure were recorded. Findings: The short gamma nails dislocated into varus under preload because the nail migrated laterally. The Dynamic Hip Screw was initially stable, but some specimens rotated around the lag screw. The gamma nail was rotationally stable. Both implants failed through femur fracture. The long gamma nailed failed by screw cut – out at forces lower than the ultimate force of the short gamma nail. Interpretation: This study shows that the gamma nail is unstable in a large medullary canal but offers better rotational stability of the proximal fragment. A modification of the nail design or the operative technique may be considered.
The E-Cohomological Conley Index, Cup-Lengths and the Arnold Conjecture on T 2n
- Maciej Starostka
- Nils Waterstraat
2019 Full text ADVANCED NONLINEAR STUDIES
We show that the E-cohomological Conley index, that was introduced by the first author recently, has a natural module structure. This yields a new cup-length and a lower bound for the number of critical points of functionals on Hilbert spaces. When applied to the setting of the Arnold conjecture, this paves the way to a short proof on tori, where it was first shown by C. Conley and E. Zehnder in 1983.
The effect of agro-waste co-digestion and sludge disposal on carbon footprint in municipal wastewater treatment plants
- Mojtaba Maktabifard
- Ewa Zaborowska
- Jacek Mąkinia
2019
The study presents analysis of the carbon footprint (CF) in 6 wastewater treatment plants in northern Poland with a special focus on the effect of co digestion of sewage sludge and food waste. Although co-digestion increases the on-site energy production, but it has a negative effect on the total CF. To overcome the negative effect, several sludge disposal scenarios were analysed and their effect on the CF reduction was determined. Farmland distribution was found to be the best scenario with the total CF drop up to 7%.
The effect of an active force while slide diamond burnishing of wooden shafts upon process quality
- Michał Dobrzyński
- Lubomir Javorek
- Kazimierz Orłowski
- Włodzimierz Przybylski
2019 Full text Journal of Machine Construction and Maintenance
The quality of the surface of wooden elements that have been turned and burnished has got a crucial meaning in the whole production process flow, since the obtained effects affect the quality of the wooden surface after finishing (coating, painting). In the paper, selected results of the investigation of the effect of the burnishing process on the surface quality of the elements after turning are presented. Research experiments were conducted on a lathe with a slide diamond burnisher and active (loading) forces: 30 N, 50 N, and 70 N. The elements under treatment were of great maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). The following report presents measuring results of the surface layer condition as well as some profile samples, and dimensional and geometrical deviations analysis.
The effect of convective heating and microwave heating on antioxidant enzymes in pooled mature human milk
- Dorota Martysiak-Żurowska
- Małgorzata Puta
- Bogumiła Kiełbratowska
2019 Full text INTERNATIONAL DAIRY JOURNAL
The effects of convective and microwave heating at constant temperature (62.5, 66 and 70 °C) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione peroxidase, GPx) in pooled mature human milk were compared. Activities of the enzymes were determined using spectrophotometric kits. Activity of GPx decreased significantly in the first stage of heating when milk samples were warmed to pasteurisation temperature. CAT was the most thermolabile enzyme but microwave heating induced a smaller decrease in CAT activity than convective heating. SOD was most resistant to thermal pasteurisation, regardless of the heating method. SOD and GPx activity temporary increased during microwaves heating. Considering shorter pasteurisation period and lower demand for energy, it can be concluded that microwaves pasteurisation enjoys special merits. However, still there is no clear answer as to whether the microwave field itself can affect the antioxidant enzymes of human milk.
The effect of exogenous application of methyl jasmonate on the lipid and carbohydrate content and composition of winter triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) grain and the severity of fungal infections in triticale plants and grain
- Kazimierz Zalewski
- Lesław Lahuta
- Dorota Martysiak-Żurowska
- Adam Okorski
- Bartosz Nitkiewicz
- Łukasz Zielonka
2019 JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
Kernels of winter triticale (Triticosecale Wittm. cv. Dinaro) were analyzed. In the autumn of 2015, the effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on the germination of triticale kernels and the development of triticale seedlings was analyzed in a laboratory before kernels were sown in experimental plots. Kernels harvested from plots in August 2016 were analyzed to determine their lipid and carbohydrate content and composition and the severity of fungal infections. Triticale grain was harvested at full maturity. The plots were sprayed with MJ at concentrations of 10-6 M to 10-3 M in the stem elongation stage (200 L/ha) and in the early milk stage (300 L/ha). Other preventive treatments, fungicides, pesticides or foliar fertilizers were not applied. Lipids of triticale kernels contained 20 fatty acids (FAs) with the highest proportion of linoleic acid. Methyl jasmonate did not exert a significant effect on the FA composition of kernel lipids treated with the plant hormone during the growing season. Statistical analysis did not reveal significant (p<0.05) differences in the total content of soluble carbohydrates in control kernels and in the kernels collected from triticale plants treated with MJ. Methyl jasmonate applied at a concentration of 10-3 M in BBCH stages 54 24 and 73 reduced the prevalence of stem base, leaf and spike diseases. However, the severity of grain infections caused by mycotoxin-producing fungi increased in treatments where MJ was applied at a concentration of 10-5 M relative to the control treatment. The study describes the results noted in naturally infected plants and provides valuable inputs for agricultural practice, but further research is required to validate the presented findings.
The effect of imidazolium ionic liquid on the morphology of Pt nanoparticles deposited on the surface of SrTiO3 and photoactivity of Pt–SrTiO3 composite in the H2 generation reaction
- Julia Zwara
- Marta Paszkiewicz-Gawron
- Justyna Łuczak
- Anna Pancielejko
- Wojciech Lisowski
- Grzegorz Trykowski
- Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
- Ewelina Grabowska
2019 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
Photocatalytic water splitting has great potential in solar-hydrogen production as a low-cost and environmentally friendly method. Different unique techniques used to obtain photocatalysts with various modifications to improve H2 generation have been introduced. In the present work, SrTiO3 was successfully synthesized via the solvothermal method in the presence of ionic liquid (IL) - 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([BMIM][Br]) followed by surface decoration with Pt particles using the photodeposition method. The effect of the noble metal content and presence of IL on the morphology, optical and surface properties of SrTiO3, thereby the effectiveness of hydrogen generation, has been thoroughly examined and presented. Unexpectedly, the presence of [BMIM][Br] at the SrTiO3 surface affected the interaction between the semiconductor surface and platinum particles formed throughout photodeposition. Platinum particles at the surface of SrTiO3_IL were found to be in the form of 2D clusters with a size of 1 nm. In comparison, Pt deposited on SrTiO3 photocatalyst without application of IL created larger, three-dimensional structures with a diameter exceeding 5 nm. This is the reason why the total amount of platinum deposited on the SrTiO3_IL sample is smaller than that on SrTiO3 and justifies a higher efficiency of hydrogen generation of Pt modified SrTiO3 photocatalyst in comparison to SrTiO3 prepared in the presence of IL. The mechanism of H2 generation in the water-splitting reaction in the presence of SrTiO3_Pt photocatalyst was discussed.
The effect of laser on metal surfaces for multidisciplinary usage in material and thermal engineering
- Ewa Kozłowska
2019 Full text
The subject of heat transfer and cooling systems is still a matter of contention in many different fields of science and industry. Infrigidation is much more difficult than warming, and so, much more needed in more and more different devices, starting from massive industrial machinery and air conditioning in commercial buildings, up to micro and nano-surgery tools. In fact, the size of many cooling systems is still a problem. It needs to be minimized in order to make these systems more suitable for small devices and limited usable space. Using laser to modify metal’s surface is supposed to increase the heat change capacity and efficiency.
The effect of nitrogen on the structure and thermal properties of beryllium-containing Na-(Li)-Si-O-N glasses
- Natalia Wójcik
- B Jonson
- D Möncke
- E Kamitsos
- H Segawa
- Jakub Karczewski
- S Ali
2019 Full text JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
Two oxynitride glass series with the composition of 35Na2O-5BeO-(60-x)SiO2-xSi3N4 and 9Li2O- 27Na2O-5BeO-(59-x)SiO2-xSi3N4, were prepared. The glasses' topography and structure were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The composition was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer, SEM-EDS and nitrogen and oxygen elemental analyzer. Na-(Li)-Be-silicate glasses were found to contain up to approximately 3.4 (or 5.2 for EDS measurements) at.% of N, respectively. The samples were homogenous in their topography and compositions of their cross-sections. The presence of three-fold coordinated nitrogen atoms in Na-Be-Si-O-N glasses results in higher degree of polymerization as was observed by Raman spectroscopy. The spectrum of analogous glasses with lithium did not show a significant decrease in Q2 units but exhibit the presence of Q4 units which also indicates a polymerization of the network. The incorporation of nitrogen in these glasses leads to the increase of the glass transition temperature and thermal stability.
The Effect of Online Reviews on Consumer-Based Brand Equity: Case-Study of the Polish Restaurant Sector
- Magdalena Brzozowska-Woś
- Bruno Schivinski
2019 Full text Central European Management Journal
Purpose: This paper focuses on the effects of positive and negative online reviews (eWOM) on the metrics of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) in the context of the Polish restaurant sector. Methodology: The dedicated online survey was completed by 777 consumers, which we then analyzed with structural equation modeling. Each catering outlet was to allow to order meals online. We used descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and path analysis to test the hypotheses. Findings: The findings suggest that positive online reviews affect each CBBE variable in the online catering outlet’s context. In the case of known catering establishment’s offering in the option of placing orders via online platforms, negative eWOM only affects the perceived quality and brand loyalty. However, it does not change brand awareness and brand association. Implications: This paper contributes to the body of literature on eWOM, which to date offers very little understanding of the topic of positive and negative online reviews and CBBE dimensions. Moreover, in terms of practical and managerial applications, this study can be used to delineate strategy in terms of management of eWOM to optimize brand strategies.
The Effect of Polyurethane Glycolysate on the Structure and Properties of Natural Rubber/Carbon Black Composites
- Marcin Włoch
- Urszula Ostaszewska
- Janusz Datta
2019 Full text JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
In this work the use of polyurethane chemical recycling product (i.e. glycolysis of polyurethane waste realized with the mass excess of polymer) as a plasticizer for natural rubber-based composites was proposed. The effect of plasticizer type (napthenic oil and polyurethane foam glycolysate) and amount (2, 4, 6 or 8 parts per 100 parts of natural rubber) on the processing properties of rubber mixtures and chemical structure, swelling, mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of natural rubber/carbon black composites was investigated. The effect of applied plasticizer was studied in the context of accelerated thermal aging (thermo-oxidative aging) which was applied for the prepared natural rubber-based composites. The obtained results confirm that the polyurethane foam glycolysate can be successfully used as a plasticizer for the preparation of natural rubber composites. Moreover, it was found that glycolysate acts as a vulcanization accelerator and reduces decreasing of mechanical properties during the accelerated thermal aging.
The Effect of Surface Modification of Ti13Zr13Nb Alloy on Adhesion of Antibiotic and Nanosilver-Loaded Bone Cement Coatings Dedicated for Application as Spacers
- Magda Dziaduszewska
- Marcin Wekwejt
- Michał Bartmański
- Anna Pałubicka
- Grzegorz Gajowiec
- Tomasz Seramak
- Anna Maria Osyczka
- Andrzej Zieliński
2019 Full text Materials
Spacers, in terms of instruments used in revision surgery for the local treatment of postoperative infection, are usually made of metal rod covered by antibiotic-loaded bone cement. One of the main limitations of this temporary implant is the debonding effect of metal–bone cement interface, leading to aseptic loosening. Material selection, as well as surface treatment, should be evaluated in order to minimize the risk of fraction and improve the implant-cement fixation the appropriate manufacturing. In this study, Ti13Zr13Nb alloys that were prepared by Selective Laser Melting and surface treated were coated with bone cement loaded with either gentamicin or nanosilver, and the effects of such alloy modifications were investigated. The SLM-made specimens of Ti13Zr13Nb were surface treated by sandblasting, etching, or grounding. For each treatment, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), contact profilometer, optical tensiometer, and nano-test technique carried out microstructure characterization and surface analysis. The three types of bone cement i.e., pure, containing gentamicin and doped with nanosilver were applied to alloy surfaces and assessed for cement cohesion and its adhesion to the surface by nanoscratch test and pull-off. Next, the inhibition of bacterial growth and cytocompatibility of specimens were investigated by the Bauer-Kirby test and MTS assay respectively. The results of each test were compared to the two control groups, consisting of commercially available Ti13Zr13Nb and untreated SLM-made specimens. The highest adhesion bone cement to the titanium alloy was obtained for specimens with high nanohardness and roughness. However, no explicit relation of adhesion strength with wettability and surface energy of alloy was observed. Sandblasting or etching were the best alloys treatments in terms of the adhesion of either pure or modified bone cements. Antibacterial additives for bone cement affected its properties. Gentamicin and nanosilver allowed for adequate anti-bacterial protection while maintaining the overall biocompatibility of obtained spacers. However, they had different effects on the cement’s adhesive capacity or its own cohesion. Furthermore, the addition of silver nanoparticles improved the nanomechanical properties of bone cements. Surface treatment and method of fabrication of titanium affected surface parameters that had a significant impact on cement-titanium fixation.
THE EFFECT OF WOOD DRYING METHOD ON THE GRANULARITY OF SAWDUST OBTAINED DURING THE SAWING PROCESS USING THE FRAME SAWING MACHINE
- Kazimierz Orłowski
- Daniel Chuchała
- Tomasz Muziński
- Jacek Barański
- Adrian Banski,
- Tomasz Rogoziński
2019 Full text ACTA FACULTATIS XYLOLOGIAE ZVOLEN
The experimental results of the study focused on the effect of drying processes of warm air drying at the temperature of 6580°C and warm air-steam mixture drying at the temperature of 105°C of pine and beech wood to the size of sawdust grains created by cutting using RPW 15M frame saw is presented in the paper. Particle size analysis of dry sawdust was performed using two methods - screening method and optical method based on image analysis obtained from a microscope. The results showed that the drying mode did not affect the particle size distribution of the pine sawdust, but sawdust from beech wood dried with steam mixture at 105°C was characterized by finer particles.
The Effects of Roadside Hazards on Road Accident Severity
- Marcin Budzyński
- Kazimierz Jamroz
- Łukasz Jeliński
- Anna Gobis
2019 Full text Journal of KONBiN
The risk of becoming involved in an accident emerges when elements of the transport system do not operate properly (man – vehicle – road – roadside). The road, its traffic layout andsafety equipment have a critical impact on road user safety. This gives infrastructural work a priority in road safety strategies and programmes. Run-off-road accidents continue to be one of the biggest problems of road safety with consequences including vehicle roll-over or hitting a roadside object. This type of incident represents more than 20% of rural accidents and about 18% of all road deaths in Poland. Mathematical models must be developed to determine how selected roadside factors affect road safety and provide a basis for new roadside design rules and guidelines.
The effects of selected factors on regional road fatalities – analysis of the Łódź region
- Joanna Wachnicka
- Marcin Budzyński
- Wojciech Kustra
- Anna Gobis
2019 Full text MATEC Web of Conferences
Analysis of regional accident records shows that a country’s national road safety programme does not have the same effect in each of its regions. What may be a serious problem in one region may be of marginal significance in another. Polish and international experience shows that main risk groups and types of accidents related to the level of development and quality of the road network differ from region to region. The conclusion is that a centrally run road safety policy does not always produce the expected outcomes. This suggests that more can be achieved with a combination of strategic (national) road safety management and tactical (regional) and operational (local) road safety efforts. Poland’s regional road safety programmes were found to lack an analysis of the effects of selected factors on safety or fatality forecast based on mathematical models. This calls for a scientific tool to support regional road safety management. The article uses the example of the region of Łódź to present the main road safety problems, analyse safety based on risk assessment, present the effects of selected factors on road user safety and forecast fatalities for different scenarios of treatments.