Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Page settings

polski
Publications Repository
Gdańsk University of Technology

Publications from the year 2022

Show all
  • Study on the accuracy of axle load spectra used for pavement design
    • Dawid Ryś
    • Piotr Burnos
    2022 Full text International Journal of Pavement Engineering

    Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) systems are used in order to reduce the number of overloaded vehicles. Data collected from WIM provide characteristics of vehicle axle loads that are crucial for pavement design as well as for the development of pavement distress prediction models. The inaccuracy of WIM data lead to erroneous estimation of traffic loads and in consequence inaccurate prediction of pavement distress process. The objective of the paper is to present a new methodology of heavy traffic axle load spectra (ALS) correction due to weighing errors (systematic and random) that occur in WIM systems. The theoretical solution which is proposed in the paper was validated successfully. The method enables correction of erroneous data to make traffic load statistics used for pavement design more reliable and precise, with no necessity to remove high number of records, as it is used in other methods. The practical meaning of the newly developed method was emphasised by analysis of the effect of relative and random error of WIM data on pavement fatigue life estimation, as well as on the estimated percentage of overloaded vehicles. Mechanistic-empirical approach (M-EPDG) was used for this purpose.


  • Study on the Positioning Accuracy of the GNSS/INS System Supported by the RTK Receiver for Railway Measurements
    • Mariusz Specht
    • Cezary Specht
    • Andrzej Stateczny
    • Paweł Burdziakowski
    • Paweł Dąbrowski
    • Oktawia Lewicka
    2022 Full text ENERGIES

    Currently, the primary method for determining the object coordinates is positioning using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) supported by Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). The main goal of this solution is to ensure high positioning availability, particularly when access to satellite signals is limited (in tunnels, areas with densely concentrated buildings and in forest areas). The aim of this article is to determine whether the GNSS/INS system supported by the RTK receiver is suitable for the implementation of selected geodetic and construction tasks in railway engineering, such as determining the place and extent of rail track deformations (1 cm (p = 0.95)), the process of a rapid stocktaking of existing rail tracks (3 cm (p = 0.95)) and for design and construction works (10 cm (p = 0.95)), as well as what the impact of various terrain obstacles have on the obtained positioning accuracy of the tested system. During the research, one INS was used, the Ekinox2-U by the SBG Systems, which was supported by the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) receiver. GNSS/INS measurements were conducted on three representative sections varying in terms of terrain obstacles that limit the access to satellite signals during mobile railway measurements in Tricity (Poland). The acquired data allowed us to calculate the basic position accuracy measures that are commonly used in navigation and transport applications. On this basis, it was concluded that the Ekinox2-U system can satisfy the positioning accuracy requirements for rapid stocktaking of existing rail tracks (3 cm (p = 0.95)), as well as for design and construction works (10 cm (p = 0.95)). On the other hand, the system cannot be used to determine the place and extent of rail track deformations (1 cm (p = 0.95)).


  • Study on VR Application Efficiency of Selected Android OS Mobile Devices
    • Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski
    • Karol Fidurski
    2022

    Currently, the number of scenarios for using VR (Virtual Reality) technology grows every year. Yet, there are still issues associated with it, related with the performance of the mobile device itself. The aim of this work is to perform an analysis of the effectiveness of virtual reality applications in case of mobile platforms. We put the main emphasis on examining the performance and efficiency of four different hardware and software platforms, evaluated in a number of research scenarios, related with typical user activities. The performance of various consumer devices running Android OS was assessed using selected benchmark applications. Additionally, a custom-build environments was also created to facilitate further testing, including an enhanced HCI (Human-Computer Interface) linking the mobile device, head-mounted googles, and a powerful desktop PC. The performed tests and obtained results can aid any interested individual when choosing the right mobile device, as well as config uring the VR environment, for various UX (User Experience) purposes.


  • Subiektywny pomiar jakości programów radiowych strumieniowanych w sieci metodą crowdsourcingu
    • Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski
    2022 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    Obecnie słuchacze mają dostęp do swoich ulubionych programów i audycji radiowych za pośrednictwem naziemnego standardu analogowego FM (Frequency Modulation) oraz cyfrowego DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting plus). Należy podkreślić, że ten sam materiał nadawany jest jednocześnie w kilku technikach (tzw. simulcast), a znaczna większość rozgłośni udostępnia swoje programy także online. Niniejsza praca przedstawia wyniki badań dotyczących jakości transmisji programów radiowych strumieniowanych w sieci. Kampanię pomiarową przeprowadzono metodą tzw. crowdsourcingu przy udziale 45 słuchaczy.


  • Successive cytotoxicity control by evolutionary surface decorated electronic push-pull green ZnCr-LDH nanostructures: Drug delivery enlargement for targeted breast cancer chemotherapy
    • Mahsa Kiani
    • Mojtaba Bagherzadeh
    • Yousef Fatahi
    • Hossein Daneshgar
    • Moein Safarkhani
    • Ghazal Salehi
    • Pooyan Makvandi
    • Mohammad Saeb
    • Eder C. Lima
    • Navid Rabiee
    2022 Full text OpenNano

    The reason for the increasing bioavailability and biocompatibility of the porous nanomaterials in the presence of different (bio)molecules is still unknown. The role of difference functional groups and their interactions with the potential bioavailability and biocompatibility is of great importance. To investigate the potential contribution of the electronic effects (especially on the surface of the porous nanomaterials) on their biomedical behavior, a series of surface-decorated green ZnCr-layered double hydroxide (LDH) porous nanocarriers is developed as a non-viral vector. Different conjugations investigated these porous LDHs for optimizing and minimizing the cytotoxicity for targeted breast cancer therapy. Quick low-temperature synthesized ZnCr-LDH nanocarriers method with enlarged drug delivery windows decorated with leaf extracts and benzamide-like molecules revealed a push-pull electronic synergistic effect on cytotoxicity and enhanced cell viability, biocompatibility, aggregations, and interactions with the cell membranes. The pre-defined model drug, doxorubicin (DOX), unraveled chemotherapy performance in response to MCF-7 cell lines, with ≈ 60% drug payload contributed from functional groups of leaf extracts. Moreover, electron-poor and electron-rich benzamide-like molecules attached to the ZnCr-LDH surface enhanced the relative cell viability up to 29% and 32%, respectively. The in vivo experiments on breast cancer of treated mice (H&E) revealed unaggregated cellular arrays and antibacterial activity against E. coli (gram-negative) and S. aureus (gram-positive) bacteria. Benzamide-like ZnCr-LDH nanocarriers showed a suitable zone of inhibition beyond 10 mm, compared to the standard. Cytotoxicity control achieved herein seems promising for the future ahead of nanomedicine.


  • SUICIDES FOR ECONOMIC REASONS AS A MEASURE OF THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY: THE CASE OF POLAND
    • Jarosław Ziętarski
    • Agnieszka Pobłocka
    2022 Full text Współpraca Europejska

    Suicides are a phenomenon observed in many countries. The causes of a decision so drastic as far as consequences are concerned include i.a. economic reasons. The question arises whether the changing number of suicides reflects the state of the economy. The direct link between the state of the economy and suicides has not been sufficiently studied so far. The authors of this article attempted to identify the links between selected economic indicators and the number of suicides using statistical and econometric methods. The end result is a description of the connection between indicators determining economic tendencies and suicides for economic reasons. Finding such a connection constitutes an alternative, much cheaper method of assessing the tendencies (climate) of the economy compared to the methods used currently by the Central Statistical Office in Poland or the Ipsos company. In addition, the results of the study allowed to propose an original linear regression model taking into account new variables, compared to the available studies of other authors. The authors' model is an expansion of rather modest scientific discourse on the impact of the economy on the number of suicides. More than 10 years have passed since the beginning of the global financial crisis. In the years 2008–2009, Poland was considered to be 'a green island', i.e. the only country in Europe that did not experience a decline in GDP. The image of this country from the perspective of the consumer looks very different. The increasing number of suicides for economic reasons prompts the analysis of the reasons for this kind of decision. There are relatively few available research papers that would illustrate the link between the state of the economy and the phenomenon of suicides. The authors of this publication, using statistical methods (statistical description and statistical inference), attempted to link the number of suicides for economic reasons to selected economic indicators. The result of the research was the indication of an alternative method for the measurement of selected economic tendency indices of the Polish Central Statistical Office and the Economic Climate Indicator published by Ipsos Polska Sp. z o.o. In addition, a single-equation linear regression model was proposed which not only explains the association of selected indicators describing the condition of an economy with the phenomenon of suicides but can also serve as an early-warning indicator of future suicides


  • Sulfonamides with hydroxyphenyl moiety: Synthesis, structure, physicochemical properties, and ability to form complexes with Rh(III) ion
    • Małgorzata Gawrońska
    • Mateusz Kowalik
    • Joanna Duch
    • Katarzyna Kazimierczuk
    • Mariusz Makowski
    2022 Full text POLYHEDRON

    Sulfonamides are the first successfully synthesized antimicrobial drugs. The mechanism of sulfonamides’ antimicrobial action involves competitive inhibition of folic acid synthesis and prevention of the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Even though they have been applied in therapy for more than 75 years, sulfonamides are still the drugs of choice for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this work was to synthesize and characterize two new sulfonamides hydroxyphenyl moiety and investigate their ability to form complexes with Rh(III). The results of recent studies indicate an increased interest in the application of potential platinum-group metal ion complexes as an alternative, promising candidates for anticancer and antimicrobial drugs.


  • Super tough interpenetrating polymeric network of styrene butadiene rubber‐poly (methyl methacrylate) incorporated with general purpose carbon black ( N660 )
    • Jose James
    • George Vazhathara Thomas
    • Krishanagegham Sidharathan Sisanth
    • Hanna Joseph Maria
    • Didier Rouxel
    • Michał Strankowski
    • Nandakumar Kalarikkal
    • David Laroze
    • Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
    • Tatiana Volova
    • Sabu Thomas
    2022 JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE

    A classic set of polymeric interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) microcomposites has been fabricated using an elastomer—styrene butadiene rubber [SBR], a thermoplastic poly(methyl methacrylate)-PMMA and with carbon black (CB)-N660 as a filler and reinforcing agent. This synthesized IPN composite can be promisingly employed as a toughened plastic and vibrational damper in a wide service range with excellent thermal stability, optimum storage modulus, and co-continuous morphological pattern. transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman imaging are successfully employed for the morphological characterization. Mechanical, thermal, viscoelastic, and damping features of IPN composites have been carefully studied in detail and compared with parent polymers, corresponding IPN, and composites. The double network formation of filler CB and plastic component PMMA form an intercalated morphological pattern in the SBR matrix with 20 times enhancement in toughness value compared with neat SBR. The fabrication and characterization adopted in this work can definitely act as a platform for the design of new toughened material with excellent performance and cost-effectiveness.


  • Superconductivity and appearance of negative magnetocaloric effect in Ba1–xKxBiO3 perovskites, doped by Y, La and Pr
    • Paweł Pęczkowski
    • Maciej Łuszczek
    • Elżbieta Szostak
    • Naveen Kumar Chogondahalli Muniraju
    • Anna Krztoń-Maziopa
    • Łukasz Gondek
    2022 Full text ACTA MATERIALIA

    Recently, substantial attention is given to the bismuth-based perovskites for variety of electronic applications. The perovskites are used for quantum dots displays (QLED), photovoltaic systems and superconducting (HTS) devices. In this paper comprehensive studies of Ba1–xKxBi1–yREyO3 bismuth perovskites (REBKBO, RE = Y , La or Pr) are reported. Apart from structural anomalous behavior at low temperatures, the electronic properties of the REBKBO can be easily tailored by doping. For instance, critical current den- sities differ by 3 orders of magnitude from 0.07 kA/cm2 (LaBKBO) to 65 kA/cm2 (BKBO). To explain the above behavior, microstructural, magnetic, calorimetric, spectroscopic (FT-IR) studies and ab-initio electronic structure calculations were carried out. The FT-IR shows that the biggest difference in the spectrum compared to the undoped sample was recorded for PrBKBO, due to magnetic contribution of the Pr3+ multiplet. Electronic structure calculations revealed that the BKBO compound shows the highest DOS(EF) compared to the other samples, however, the electronic structure of PrBKBO is very different. The negative magnetocaloric effect observed below 30 K is a highlight of the peculiar properties of that sample. These findings extend possible usage of bismuth-based perovskites towards new applications.


  • Superhydrophobic sponges based on green deep eutectic solvents for spill oil removal from water
    • Patrycja Makoś-Chełstowska
    • Edyta Słupek
    • Aleksandra Małachowska
    2022 Full text JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    The paper described a new method for crude oil-water separation by means of superhydrophobic melamine sponges impregnated by deep eutectic solvents (MS-DES). Due to the numerous potential of two-component DES formation, simple and quick screening of 156 non-ionic deep eutectic solvents using COSMO-RS (Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents) computational model was used. DES which were characterized by high solubility of hydrocarbons and the lowest water solubility were synthesized and embedded on melamine sponges. The new sponges were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and goniometer. Several parameters affecting the crude oil-water separation (i.e. type and amount of DES, density and porosity of sponges, water contact eagle) were thoroughly studied. In order to studies of MS-DES affinity to the selected groups of crude oil i.e. Saturated, Aromatic, Resins, Asphaltenes (SARA) the thin layer liquid chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) was used. The obtained results indicate that the melamine sponges impregnated by DES composed of eucalyptol and menthol in 1:5 molar ratio have high real crude oil absorption capacity in the range of 96.1 – 132.2 g/g and slightly depends on crude oil compositions, superhydrophobic properties (water contact angle 152°), low density of 9.23 mg/cm3, high porosity of 99.39%, and excellent reusability which was almost not changing even after 80 cycles. The outcomes indicate that new MS-DES materials could be excellent alternatives as absorbents for the cleanup of crude oil-polluted water.


  • Superstitions and customs in construction - a contribution to the discussion on the disappearance of this tradition
    • Maciej Niedostatkiewicz
    2022 Full text Modern Engineering

    Construction is one of the most important, but also the most extensive areas of the economy. That is why we encounter superstitions and customs related to this discipline of the economy quite often:we blew and repeat them, not even knowing what their origin is and what according to old beliefs resulted in their lack of application. This situation applies in practice to all buildings, including residential buildings implemented at different times of time, including today. The aim of the article is to indicate the genesis of selected exaggerations, describe the customs that arose on their basis and present the alleged effects of not cultivating them. Due to the criterion of time in relation to the period of construction of the building, the article discusses superstitions and customs specific to the following stages of the investment: preparatory works and designa, direct implementationand operation and operationand.


  • Supervised-learning-based development of multi-bit RCS-reduced coding metasurfaces
    • Muhammad Abdullah
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2022 Full text IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES

    Coding metasurfaces have been introduced as efficient tools allowing meticulous control over the electromagnetic (EM) scattering. One of their relevant application areas is radar cross section (RCS) reduction, which principally relies on the diffusion of impinging EM waves. Despite its significance, careful control of the scattering properties poses a serious challenge at the level of practical realization. This article is concerned with (global) design optimization of coding metasurfaces featuring broadband RCS reduction. We adopt a two-stage optimization procedure involving data-driven supervised-learning, sequential-search strategy, and direct EM-based design closure of the entire metasurface oriented toward maximizing the RCS reduction bandwidth. Our framework is then used to develop a two-bit coding metasurface. To handle the combinatorial explosion at the concurrent meta-atom optimization stage, a sequential-search strategy has been developed that enables global search capability at low computational cost. Finally, EM-based optimization is executed to maximize RCS reduction bandwidth at the level of entire metasurface. The properties of the coding metasurface are demonstrated using monostatic and bistatic RCS performance. The 10-dB RCS reduction can be obtained in the frequency range of 14.8 GHz to 37.2 GHz, in a monostatic configuration. Also, 15-dB RCS reduction can be maintained in the frequency range of 16.7 GHz to 37 GHz. Simulations are validated using physical measurements of the fabricated prototypes. Finally, the performance of the structure is benchmarked against recently reported designs.


  • Supramolecular deep eutectic solvents and their applications
    • Patrycja Janicka
    • Massoud Kaykhaii
    • Justyna Płotka-Wasylka
    • Jacek Gębicki
    2022 GREEN CHEMISTRY

    In recent years, the growing awareness of the harmfulness of chemicals to the environment has resulted in the development of green and sustainable technologies. The compromise between economy and environmental requirements is based on the development of new efficient and green solutions. Supramolecular deep eutectic solvents (SUPRADESs), a new deep eutectic solvent (DES) subclass characterized by inclusion properties, are a fresh discovery that could have a significant impact on the development of green chemistry. SUPRADESs known in the literature consist of green ingredients, their physicochemical properties are similar to those of conventional DESs, and their supramolecular nature allows for selective binding of numerous chemical compounds – for many applications SUPRADESs show much higher efficiency compared with DESs. Because of the inclusion of cyclodextrins in their structure, these solvents are able to bind to many compounds through the formation of hydrogen bonds (typical of DESs) and at the same time interact with them in a host–guest mechanism. The combination of the environmentally friendly properties of DESs with those of cyclodextrins could be a breakthrough in the context of green chemistry. This review paper summarizes the available knowledge about SUPRADESs – their composition, physicochemical properties, applications and perspectives. SUPRADESs described in the work are fully green, non-toxic, and biodegradable solvents which are capable of efficiently absorbing many substances. So far, few SUPRADESs are known, but some of them are classified as low melting mixtures (LMM). It is very important to systematize the data available on these green solvents and properly classify them. We hope that identifying their potential and green characteristics will support further promising discoveries.


  • Surface and Trapping Energies as Predictors for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Aromatic Organic Pollutants
    • Szymon Dudziak
    • Marta Kowalkińska
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Marcin Pisarek
    • José D. Gouveia
    • José R. B. Gomes
    • Anna Zielińska-Jurek
    2022 Full text Journal of Physical Chemistry C

    In this study, anatase samples enclosed by the majority of three different crystal facets {0 0 1}, {1 0 0}, and {1 0 1} were successfully synthesized. These materials were further studied toward photocatalytic degradation of phenol and toluene as model organic pollutants in water and gas phases. The obtained results were analyzed concerning their surface structure, reaction type, and surface development. Moreover, the regression model was created to find the correlation between the possible predictors and the photodegradation rate constants (k). From the studied factors, the trapping energy of charge carriers at the surface was found to be the most significant one, exponentially affecting the observed k. This resulted in the overall per-surface activity between the samples being in the order {1 0 1} > {1 0 0} > {0 0 1}. Further introduction of the surface energy (Esurf) to the regression model and the number of possible trapping centers per number of pollutant’s molecules (ntrap·n–1) improved the model accuracy, simultaneously showing the dependence on the reaction type. In the case of phenol photocatalytic degradation, the best accuracy was observed for the model including Esurf ·(ntrap·n–1)1/2 relation, while for the toluene degradation, it included Esurf2 and the S·n–1 ratio, where S is the simple surface area. Concerning different surface features which influence photocatalytic performance and are commonly discussed in the literature, the results presented in this study suggest that trapping is of particular importance.


  • Surface engineering of graphene oxide membranes for selective separation of perfluorooctanoic acids
    • Hasan Khorramdel
    • Meysam Omidvar
    • Milad Tajaddini
    • Yang Huang
    • Mohammad Saeb
    • Farzad Seidi
    • Huining Xiao
    2022 JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE

    Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) are environmental toxicants and their widespread detection and accumulation in the environment can be detrimental to the ecosystem. In this study, surface charge of GO membranes was engineered to enhance selectivity of graphene oxide (GO) membranes and for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA ∼400 Da) in real concentration ranges in wastewater streams. The structure and physicochemical properties of the GO and modified GO nanosheets and their corresponding membranes were assessed using several characterization techniques. The modified GO membranes showed a water flux of 83.1 ± 1 L m−2 h−1 together with maximum rejection efficiency of 98.4% for 50 ppm PFOA at pressure of 0.45 MPa, which is the highest value reported to date. Compared to the GO membrane, the modified GO membrane exhibited higher water flux and PFOA rejection efficiency by 300% and 70%, respectively. The high surface charged and electron rich GO nanosheets reduce the interlayer spacing in the modified membrane and simultaneously enhance the surface hydrophilicity which leads to increased PFOA retention and enhanced water permeation. These results point to the potential of the modified GO membranes for wastewater treatment.


  • Susceptibility to Degradation in Soil of Branched Polyesterurethane Blends with Polylactide and Starch
    • Joanna Brzeska
    • Grzegorz Jasik
    • Wanda Sikorska
    • Barbara Mendrek
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Marek Kowalczuk
    • Maria Rutkowska
    2022 Full text Polymers

    A very important method of reducing the amount of polymer waste in the environment is the introduction to the market of polymers susceptible to degradation under the influence of environmental factors. This paper presents the results of testing the susceptibility to degradation in soil of branched polyesterurethane (PUR) based on poly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (R,S-PHB), modified with poly([D,L]-lactide) (PLA) and starch (St). Weight losses of samples and changes in surface morphology (SEM, OM and contact angle system) with simultaneously only slight changes in molecular weight (GPC), chemical structure (FTIR and 1HNMR) and thermal properties (DSC) indicate that these materials are subject to enzymatic degradation caused by the presence of microorganisms in the soil. Chemical modification of branched polyesterurethanes with R,S-PHB and their physical blending


  • Sustainability reporting in justice systems: a comparative research in two European countries
    • Floriana Fusco
    • Renato Civitillo
    • Paolo Ricci
    • Sylwia Morawska
    • Katarzyna Pustułka
    • Przemysław Banasik
    2022 Meditari Accountancy Research

    Purpose – That on accountability in public organizations is quite an old debate. Its introduction in judicial systems is, however, still viewed with some suspicion, due to its potential trade-off with independence and impartiality. Nevertheless, the need to respond to the demands for greater transparency and accountability has also pushed judicial organizations to establish a dialogue with a wide range of subjects. This study aims to explore the understanding and the current practices of sustainability reporting currently in place in judicial systems. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a comparative approach, conducting an online survey in two European countries (Italy and Poland). The survey was built around the research questions and literature and administered between February and March 2020. Specifically, 804 courts were involved, of which 430 are in Italy and 374 in Poland. Findings – Findings show that the current practices are still not widespread and there is still a lack of understanding of what sustainability reporting is, and therefore, of what its potential usefulness within the courts could be. Moreover, many differences between the two countries are pointed out, so it is possible to assume that the different cultural and institutional settings influence sustainability reporting practices. Finally, some interesting implications for policymakers are provided. Originality/value – Judicial organizations are still poorly investigated in the literature, despite being at the center of a wide public and political debate. Moreover, the international comparative perspective adopted constitutes a further aspect of novelty.


  • Sustainability reporting in the airline industry: Current literature and future research avenues
    • Małgorzata Zięba
    • Eljas Johansson
    2022 Full text TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

    Sustainability reporting (SR) allows organisations to communicate their non-financial impacts to stakeholders. It has also become a widespread business practice in aviation, a transport sector that contributes significantly to global warming. Academia has begun to examine SR in the context of airlines surprisingly late, and no comprehensive reviews of its respective developments have been made so far. Consequently, a systematic literature review was performed with an exclusive focus on airline SR to synthesise its associated scholarly research and distinguish the common concerns and gaps that have emerged from it. The analysed publications indicate that the industry has lacked a unified policy and common understanding of how to define and measure sustainability, which has led to inconsistent SR practices. This causes ambiguity between the real actions and promotional communication through which airlines may legitimise their operations. Academia and various airline stakeholders would benefit from more in-depth studies examining the stakeholder views and quality of disclosures, helping the industry improve its SR.


  • Sustainable Knowledge Sharing Model for IT Agile Projects
    • Edward Szczerbicki
    • Rodrigo Oliveira de Castro
    • Cesar Sanin
    2022 Full text

    In order to overcome work environment challenges and remain competitive in the market, organisations must adapt. An organisation's competitiveness can be improved through knowledge sharing; however, improvement without responsibility can have a negative impact on the sociotechnical environment which people cannot fully comprehend. According to researchers, business involvement in sustainable development goals remains minimal [51]. As a result, a sustainable consciousness is crucial to improve the business. In the project profession, sustainability is a business approach that balances the environmental, social, economic, and political aspects of project-based work to fulfil the demands of stakeholders without jeopardising or overburdening the availability of natural resources for future generations [33]. This study goes a step further and proposes a theoretical design that aims to ensure sustainable development during conceptual knowledge transfer in Agile IT projects.


  • Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans: implementation process and indicators to evaluate effects on physical activity
    • Romanika Okraszewska
    • Noah Peters
    • Lucia Reisch
    • Marion Flechtner-Mors
    • Carlijn B.M. Kamphuis
    • Janine Wendt
    • Daniel Scheller
    • Karolina Konsur
    • Joanna Żukowska
    2022 Full text EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

    Background: Active mobility and public transport increase physical activity (PA) levels. With varying intensity and effectiveness, European cities implement Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) to spur transport-related PA. Therefore, we aim to examine drivers and barriers to SUMP implementation and assess its influence on PA across European cities. Methods: We screened policy reports to gain insights into SUMP implementation in one Danish, two German and two Polish cities. Further, we conducted semi-structured interviews with SUMP stakeholders in these cities to explore their experiences with SUMP implementation. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was applied to identify similarities and differences across cities. To assess the effect of SUMP implementation on PA, we searched for data on indicators of transport-related PA. Results: All investigated cities are committed to sustainable mobility. Nonetheless, complex institutional structures, the dominant role of motorized traffic as well as complex regional and local policy integration hamper SUMP implementation. Danish, German and Polish cities face different contexts in terms of financing, national guidelines and the prominence of sustainability as a policy objective. Each city adopts unique indicators for monitoring the effects of SUMPs on transport-related PA. The variety of indicators and limited data availability impede a comparative evaluation across cities. Constrained by this restriction, we identified motorization rate, modal split and public transport ridership as suitable indicators. Conclusions: Local idiosyncrasies need to be accounted for when assessing the implementation of SUMPs. Nonetheless, consistent indicators and data transparency are essential for comparing the effectiveness of SUMPs and their impact on PA.