2021 - Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2021

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Pulse-Width Modulation Template for Five-Level Switch-Clamped H-Bridge-Based Cascaded Multilevel Inverter
- Charles Ikechukwu Odeh
- Dmytro Kondratenko
- Arkadiusz Lewicki
- Marcin Morawiec
- Andrzej Jąderko
- Janusz Baran
2021 Full text ENERGIES
This article presents a carrier-based pulse-width modulation (PWM) template for a 5-level, H bridge-based cascaded multilevel inverter (MLI). The developed control concept generates adequate modulation template for this inverter topology wherein a sinusoidal modulating waveform is modified to fit in a single triangular carrier signal range. With this modulation approach, classical multiplicity and synchronization of the triangular carrier signals criterion for the extension of sinusoidal pulse-width modulation, SPWM, to several cascaded 5-level, H-bridge-based MLI topology are removed. The proposed template can be used on the inverter configuration of any level with no further control modification. Nearly even distribution of switching pulses and equalized individual cascaded cell output power were achieved with the proposed modulation scheme. Three 5-level, H-bridge-based MLI units were cascaded for 1-phase, 13-level inverter operation; simulation and experimental results are adequately presented.
Pyrolysis of Pruning Residues from Various Types of Orchards and Pretreatment for Energetic Use of Biochar
- Paweł Kazimierski
- Paulina Hercel
- Tomasz Suchocki
- Jakub Smoliński
- Agnieszka Pladzyk
- Dariusz Kardaś
- Justyna Łuczak
- Katarzyna Januszewicz
2021 Full text Materials
The routine pruning and cutting of fruit trees provides a considerable amount of biowaste each year. This lignocellulosic biomass, mainly in the form of branches, trunks, rootstocks, and leaves, is a potential high-quality fuel, yet often is treated as waste. The results of a feasibility study on biochar production by pyrolysis of residues from orchard pruning were presented. Three types of biomass waste were selected as raw materials and were obtained from the most common fruit trees in Poland: apple (AP), pear (PR), and plum (PL) tree prunings. Two heating rates and three final pyrolysis temperatures were applied. For the slow (SP) and fast pyrolysis (FP) processes, the heating rates were 15 °C/min and 100 °C/min, respectively. The samples were heated from 25 °C up to 400, 500, and 600 °C. Chemical analyses of the raw materials were conducted, and the pyrolysis product yields were determined. A significant rise of higher heating value (HHV) was observed for the solid pyrolysis products, from approximately 23.45 MJ/kg for raw materials up to approximately 29.52 MJ/kg for pyrolysis products at 400 °C, and 30.53 MJ/kg for pyrolysis products at 600 °C. Higher carbon content was observed for materials obtained by fast pyrolysis conducted at higher temperatures
QUALITY GAPS IN HIGHER EDUCATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF STUDENTS
- Piotr Grudowski
- Katarzyna, Szczepańska
2021 Full text Foundations of Management
The presented research work relates to the category of quality in higher education. This article aims to present the determinants of the quality of education in the context of international standards. The background of the considerations is the Bologna Declaration and the European Higher Education Area. The results of the research carried out with the use of the nominal group method and the data analysis carried out based on the SERVQUAL model for education revealed groups of quality determi-nants that are not included in the standards of internal quality assurance. It has been found that the prin-ciple of autonomy of universities in the European Higher Education Area is a sufficient basis to include the determinants of the quality of education identified by internal stakeholders of a given university in the internal quality of education assurance system.
Quality of Satellite Communication in Selected Mobile Android Smartphones
- Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski
2021 Full text Informatyka, Automatyka, Pomiary w Gospodarce i Ochronie Środowiska
Today, thanks to mobile devices, satellite communication is available to anyone and everywhere. Gaining information on one’s position using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), particularly in unknown urban environments, had become an everyday activity. With the widespread of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, each person can obtain information considering his or her location anytime and everywhere. This paper is focused on a study, considering the quality of satellite communication in case of selected mobile terminals. It describes a measurement campaign carried out in varying urban environments, including a set of Android-powered smartphones coming from different manufacturers. Based on this, respective conclusions and remarks are given, which can aid consumers as well as device manufacturers and application developers.
Quantitative fluorescent determination of DNA – Ochratoxin a interactions supported by nitrogen-vacancy rich nanodiamonds
- Wioleta Białobrzeska
- Maciej Głowacki
- Monika Janik
- Mateusz Ficek
- Krzysztof Pyrchla
- Sawczak Mirosław
- Robert Bogdanowicz
- Natalia Malinowska
- Sabina Żołędowska
- Dawid Nidzworski
2021 Full text JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a hazardous contaminant of a large variety of plant and animal originated food. Herein, we report an interaction of OTA with calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) on the nanodiamond surface. We employed multispectroscopic techniques to elucidate the binding mechanism of OTA with ct DNA. The fluorescence and UV–Vis spectroscopy results show that OTA binds to ds ct DNA and forms complexes. We obtained the binding constants of OTA and ct DNA using fluorescence quenching and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The binding constant (Kb) for the interaction of OTA with ct DNA was determined using spectroscopic methods and was determined as 3.27 × 105 M−1 (UV–Vis) and 8.12 × 105 M−1 (fluorescence) for nanodiamond in green tea beverage OTA. Performed analyses directly indicate that OTA can interact with calf thymus DNA in a groove-binding mode as proved by the hyperchromic effect of the absorption spectra. This study of OTA–ct DNA interaction may provide novel insights into the toxicological effect of the mycotoxins.
Quantitative Risk Assessment in Construction Disputes Based on Machine Learning Tools
- Hubert Anysz
- Magdalena Apollo
- Beata Grzyl
2021 Full text Symmetry-Basel
A high monetary value of the construction projects is one of the reasons of frequent disputes between a general contractor (GC) and a client. A construction site is a unique, one-time, and single-product factory with many parties involved and dependent on each other. The organizational dependencies and their complexity make any fault or mistake propagate and influence the final result (delays, cost overruns). The constant will of the parties involved results in completing a construction object. The cost increase, over the expected level, may cause settlements between parties difficult and lead to disputes that often finish in a court. Such decision of taking a client to a court may influence the future relations with a client, the trademark of the GC, as well as, its finance. To ascertain the correctness of the decision of this kind, the machine learning tools as decision trees (DT) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are applied to predict the result of a dispute. The dataset of about 10 projects completed by an undisclosed contractor is analyzed. Based on that, a much bigger database is simulated for automated classifications onto the following two classes: a dispute won or lost. The accuracy of over 93% is achieved, and the reasoning based on results from DT and ANN is presented and analyzed. The novelty of the article is the usage of in-company data as the independent variables what makes the model tailored for a specific GC. Secondly, the calculation of the risk of wrong decisions based on machine learning tools predictions is introduced and discussed
Quantum and carbon dots conjugated molecularly imprinted polymers as advanced nanomaterials for selective recognition of analytes in environmental, food and biomedical applications
- Monika Sobiech
- Piotr Luliński
- Piotr Paweł Wieczorek
- Mariusz Marć
2021 TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Samples with complex matrix analyzed during explanation of pathogenesis of various diseases and food or environmental monitoring request advanced analytical and instrumental devices. Among the materials used for described purposes, quantum (QDs) or carbon dots (CDs) layered by molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shells have gained widespread attention. Unique optical and physicochemical properties of QDs/CDs together with high MIPs selectivity make the QD/CD-MIP conjugates capable of adsorbing specific target molecules e such a binding event is then transduced as the optical signal of the response by the QDs/CDs. This review includes brief introduction on principles of imprinting process, QD/CD properties and QD/CD-MIP preparation techniques. Then, recent advancement of QD/CD-MIP in bioanalysis including environmental, biological and food samples investigations are summarized and emphasized. Finally, current limits of QD/CD-MIPs are defined and prospects are outlined to intensify the capability of QD/CD-MIP in future bioanalytical procedures
Quantum Dots as a Good Carriers of Unsymmetrical Bisacridines for Modulating Cellular Uptake and the Biological Response in Lung and Colon Cancer Cells
- Joanna Pilch
- Patrycja Kowalik
- Piotr Bujak
- Anna M. Nowicka
- Ewa Augustin
2021 Full text Nanomaterials
Nanotechnology-based drug delivery provides a promising area for improving the efficacy of cancer treatments. Therefore, we investigate the potential of using quantum dots (QDs) as drug carriers for antitumor unsymmetrical bisacridine derivatives (UAs) to cancer cells. We examine the influence of QD–UA hybrids on the cellular uptake, internalization (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope), and the biological response (flow cytometry and light microscopy) in lung H460 and colon HCT116 cancer cells. We show the time- dependent cellular uptake of QD–UA hybrids, which were more efficiently retained inside the cells compared to UAs alone, especially in H460 cells, which could be due to multiple endocytosis pathways. In contrast, in HCT116 cells, the hybrids were taken up only by one endocytosis mechanism. Both UAs and their hybrids induced apoptosis in H460 and HCT116 cells (to a greater extent in H460). Cells which did not die underwent senescence more efficiently following QDs–UAs treatment, compared to UAs alone. Cellular senescence was not observed in HCT116 cells following treatment with both UAs and their hybrids. Importantly, QDgreen/red themselves did not provoke toxic responses in cancer or normal cells. In conclusion, QDs are good candidates for targeted UA delivery carriers to cancer cells while protecting normal cells from toxic drug activities.
Quantum randomness protected against detection loophole attacks
- Piotr Mironowicz
- Gustavo Cañas
- Jaime Cariñe
- Esteban S. Gómez
- Johanna F. Barra
- Adán Cabello
- Guilherme B. Xavier
- Gustavo Lima
- Marcin Pawłowski
2021 Quantum Information Processing
Device and semi-device-independent private quantum randomness generators are crucial for applications requiring private randomness. However, they are vulnerable to detection inefficiency attacks and this limits severely their usage for practical purposes. Here, we present a method for protecting semi-device-independent private quantum randomness generators in prepare-and-measure scenarios against detection inefficiency attacks. The key idea is the introduction of a blocking device that adds failures in the communication between the preparation and measurement devices. We prove that, for any detection efficiency, there is a blocking rate that provides protection against these attacks. We experimentally demonstrate the generation of private randomness using weak coherent states and standard avalanche photo-detectors.
QUASI-DISTRIBUTED NETWORK OF LOW-COHERENCE FIBER-OPTIC FABRY-PÉROT SENSORS WITH CAVITY LENGTH-BASED ADDRESSING
- Katarzyna Karpienko
- Marcin Marzejon
- Adam Mazikowski
- Jerzy Pluciński
2021 Full text Metrology and Measurement Systems
Distributed measurement often relies on sensor networks. In this paper, we present the construction of low coherent fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot sensors connected into a quasi-distributed network. We discuss the mechanism of spectrum modulation in this type of sensor and the constraints of assembly of such sensors in the network. Particular attention was paid to separate the signals from individual sensors, which can be achieved by cavity length-based addressing. We designed and built a laboratory model of a temperature sensors network. The employed sensors are lowcoherence Fabry-Pérot interferometric sensors in fiber-optics configuration. The extrinsic sensor cavity utilizes the thermal expansion of ceramics, and the sensors are addressed by the different lengths of the cavities. The obtained test results show that the signal components from each sensor can be successfully separated, and the number of sensors could be expanded depending on the FWHM of the light source
Quasistatic and fatigue behavior of an AISI H13 steel obtained by additive manufacturing and conventional method
- José F. Garcias
- Rui F. Martins
- Ricardo Branco
- Zbigniew Marciniak
- Wojciech Macek
- Cândida Pereira
- Cyril Santos
2021 Full text FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS & STRUCTURES
This work aims to compare the mechanical behavior of an AISI H13 steel obtained by additive manufacturing with that obtained by conventional manufacturing methods. The average values of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ductility obtained for the specimens produced by the conventional method were equal to 658 MPa and 18%, respectively, which compares with 503 MPa and 0.75% registered for the selective laser melting (SLM) specimens. Inversely, the average hardness value determined for the SLM specimens was higher, 450 HV, than the observed for the conventional, 200 HV. In addition, the maximum applied stress corresponding to a fatigue limit's endurance of 2 x 106 cycles was equal to 340 and 85 MPa for conventional and SLM specimens, respectively. Therefore, from a fatigue design point of view, it was possible to infer that σmax/UTS = 0.17 for the SLM specimens tested. Porosity and lack of fusion influenced the static and the fatigue strength negatively in the SLM specimens.
Quest for the Molecular Basis of Improved Selective Toxicity of All-Trans Isomers of Aromatic Heptaene Macrolide Antifungal Antibiotics
- Julia Borzyszkowska-Bukowska
- Justyna Górska
- Paweł Szczeblewski
- Tomasz Laskowski
- Iwona Gabriel
- Jakub Jurasz
- Katarzyna Kozłowska-Tylingo
- Piotr Szweda
- Sławomir Milewski
2021 Full text INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Three aromatic heptaene macrolide antifungal antibiotics, Candicidin D, Partricin A (Gedamycin) and Partricin B (Vacidin) were subjected to controlled cis-trans to all trans photochemical isomerization. The obtained all-trans isomers demonstrated substantially improved in vitro selective toxicity in the Candida albicans cells: human erythrocytes model. This effect was mainly due to the diminished hemotoxicity. The molecular modeling studies on interactions between original antibiotics and their photoisomers with ergosterol and cholesterol revealed some difference in free energy profiles of formation of binary antibiotic/sterol complexes in respective membrane environments. Moreover, different geometries of heptaene: sterol complexes and variations in polyene macrolide molecule alignment in cholesterol- and ergosterol-containing membranes were found. None of these effects are of the crucial importance for the observed improvement of selective toxicity of aromatic heptaene antifungals but each seems to provide a partial contribution.
Racjonalność (w) ekonomii. Mapa problemu
- Andrzej Lisak
2021
Praca analizuje racjonalność zjawisk ekonomicznych w perspektywie całości funkcjonowania systemu społecznego, racjonalność podmiotu (homo oeconomicus), racjonalność samych zjawisk ekonomicznych oraz racjonalność ekonomi jako nauki. Stwarza to szerszą filozoficzną perspektywę rozumienia sensu zjawisk ekonomicznych w ludzkim życiu jak i lepsze zrozumienie problemu racjonalności.
Radar and Sonar Imaging and Processing (2nd Edition)
- Andrzej Stateczny
- Witold Kazimierski
- Krzysztof Kulpa
2021 Full text Remote Sensing
The 14 papers (from 29 submitted) published in the Special Issue “Radar and Sonar Imaging Processing (2nd Edition)” highlight a variety of topics related to remote sensing with radar and sonar sensors. The sequence of articles included in the SI deal with a broad profile of aspects of the use of radar and sonar images in line with the latest scientific trends, in which the latest developments in science, including artificial intelligence, were used.
Radiative lifetime of a BODIPY dye as calculated by TDDFT and EOM-CCSD methods: solvent and vibronic effects
- Rengel Cane Sia
- Ruben Arturo Arellano-Reyes
- Tia E. Keyes
- Julien Guthmuller
2021 Full text PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
The radiative emission lifetime and associated S1 excited state properties of a BODIPY dye are investigated with TDDFT and EOM-CCSD calculations. The effects of a solvent are described with the polarizable continuum model using the linear response (LR) approach as well as state-specific methods. The Franck–Condon (FC), Herzberg–Teller (HT) and Duschinsky vibronic effects are evaluated for the absorption and emission spectra, and for the radiative lifetime. The transition energies, spectra shapes and radiative lifetime are assessed with respect to experimental results. It is found that the TDDFT transition energies are overestimated by about 0.4–0.5 eV, whereas EOM-CCSD improves the vertical emission energy by about 0.1 eV in comparison to TDDFT. The solvatochromic and Stokes shifts are better reproduced by the state-specific solvation methods, which show that these methods are more suited than the LR model to describe the solvent effects on the BODIPY dye. The vibronic effects lead to an increase of the radiative lifetime of about 0.4 to 1.0 ns depending on the theoretical approach, which highlights the importance of such effects. Moreover, the HT effects are negligible on both the spectra and lifetime, which demonstrates that the FC approximation is accurate for the BODIPY dye. Finally, the comparison with experimental data shows that the radiative lifetimes predicted by EOM-CCSD and TDDFT have comparable accuracy.
Rapid determination of multiple aminoglycoside antibiotics in veterinary formulations by ion-pair chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection
- Marta Glinka
- Andrzej Wasik
2021 Full text MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
A fast and simple method for simultaneous determination of eight aminoglycoside antibiotics using ion-pairing liquid chromatography (IPLC) coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) has been developed and validated. Separation of amikacin, apramycin, gentamicin (as a sum of gentamicin C1, C2 and C1A), kanamycin A, neomycin B, paromomycin, streptomycin and tobramycin was achieved using C18 column with H2O and MeOH/acetone, both with addition of nonafluoropentanoic acid. Limits of detection ranged between 1.2 μg/mL and 2.8 μg/mL. The total analysis time was 9.5 min. The developed method showed the suitability for the routine quality control of veterinary drugs (drops, powders and paraffin-based suspensions).
Rapid development of the photoresponse and oxygen evolution of TiO2 nanotubes sputtered with Cr thin films realized via laser annealing
- Łukasz Haryński
- Jakub Karczewski
- Jacek Ryl
- Katarzyna Grochowska
- Katarzyna Siuzdak
2021 JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
Recently, earth abundant transition metal oxides have gained particular attention as potential catalyst candidates due to their availability and low-cost comparing to substrates containing precious Pt or Au species. Herein, we present characterization of morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of pulsed 532 nm laser treated TiO2 nanotubes (NT) sputtered by the thin film of chromium. Scanning electron microscopy enables verification of the diameter and length of titania while Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies were used to evaluate crystalline phase and the oxidation state of elements, respectively. The recorded polarization curves clearly indicate that the optimized laser-treatment enhances activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of the TiO2 NT decorated with very small amount of Cr species. The analysis of Mott-Schottky plot shows significant increment in donor density (Nd) for the laser irradiated sample comparing to the one before annealing and pristine titania resulting from the effective manipulation of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Moreover, the impact of the processing parameters including energy fluence of laser beam and the thickness of sputtered Cr layer on the current density was evaluated by the electrochemical measurements performed under vis and UV–vis light. The results show promising application of direct interaction of laser beam with the surface of material exhibiting initially both poor OER activity and visible light response.
Rapid Multi-Criterial Antenna Optimization by Means of Pareto Front Triangulation and Interpolative Design Predictors
- Sławomir Kozieł
- Anna Pietrenko-Dąbrowska
2021 Full text IEEE Access
Modern antenna systems are designed to meet stringent performance requirements pertinent to both their electrical and field properties. The objectives typically stay in conflict with each other. As the simultaneous improvement of all performance parameters is rarely possible, compromise solutions have to be sought. The most comprehensive information about available design trade-offs can be obtained through multi-objective optimization (MO), typically in the form of a Pareto set. Notwithstanding, MO is a numerically challenging task, in a large part due to high CPU cost of evaluating the antenna properties, normally carried out through full-wave electromagnetic (EM) analysis. Surrogate-assisted procedures can mitigate the cost issue to a certain extent but construction of reliable metamodels is hindered by the curse of dimensionality, and often highly nonlinear antenna characteristics. This work proposes an alternative approach to MO of antennas. The major contribution of our work consists in establishing a deterministic machine learning procedure, which involves sequential generation of Pareto-optimal designs based on the knowledge gathered so far in the process (specifically, by triangulation of the already obtained Pareto set), and local surrogate-assisted refinement procedures. Our methodology allows for rendering uniformly-distributed Pareto designs at the cost of a few hundreds of antenna EM simulations, as demonstrated by means of three verification case studies. Benchmarking against state-of-the-art MO techniques is provided as well.
Reactivity of bulky aminophosphanes towards small molecules: Activation of dihydrogen and carbon dioxide by aminophosphane/borane frustrated Lewis pairs
- Magdalena Siedzielnik
- Kinga Kaniewska-Laskowska
- Natalia Szynkiewicz
- Jarosław Chojnacki
- Rafał Grubba
2021 POLYHEDRON
A series of mono- and bisaminophosphanes with formulas R2NPR’R’’ and (R2N)2PR’ (R = iPr, Cy; R’ = Ph, Cy; R’’ = iPr) were characterized by X-ray analysis, NMR spectroscopy and computational methods. The common structural futures of these species are short and polarized PAN bonds, a pyramidal geometry at the P atom and an almost planar geometry at the N atoms. According to DFT calculations, these compounds are highly nucleophilic, with nucleophilic centers located on the N and P atoms. Except for species containing a PPh2 moiety, the obtained aminophosphanes are air-stable and do not react with water. They form stable frustrated Lewis pairs with BPh3 or B(C6F5)3. Mono- and bisaminophosphanes in the presence of B(C6F5)3 activate dihydrogen and carbon dioxide at room temperature
Real-time isothermal DNA amplification monitoring in picoliter volumes using an optical fiber sensor
- Monika Janik
- Seyed Vahid Hamidi
- Marcin Koba
- Jonathan Perreault
- Ryan Walsh
- Wojtek J. Bock
- Mateusz Śmietana
2021 LAB ON A CHIP
Rolling circle amplification (RCA) of DNA can be considered as a great alternative to the gold standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR), especially during this pandemic period, where rapid, sensitive, and reliable test results for hundreds of thousands of samples are required daily. This work presents the first research to date on direct, real-time and label-free isothermal DNA amplification monitoring using a microcavity in-line Mach–Zehnder interferometer (μIMZI) fabricated in an optical fiber. The solution based on μIMZI offers a great advantage over many other sensing concepts – making possible optical analysis in just picoliter sample volumes. The selectivity of the biosensor is determined by DNA primers immobilized on the microcavity's surface that act as selective biorecognition elements and trigger initiation of the DNA amplification process. In this study, we verified the sensing concept using circular DNA designed to target the H5N1 influenza virus. The developed biosensor exhibits an ultrahigh refractive index sensitivity reaching 14 000 nm per refractive index unit and a linear detection range between 9.4 aM and 94 pM of the target DNA sequence. Within a 30 min period, the amplification of as little as 9.4 aM DNA can be effectively detected, with a calculated limit of detection of as low as 0.2 aM DNA, suggesting that this methodology holds great promise in practical disease diagnosis applications in the future.