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Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2023

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  • Employee Well-Being and its Potential Link With Human Knowledge Risks
    • Martyna Gonsiorowska
    • Małgorzata Zięba
    2023 Full text

    Employee well-being is an essential component of any organisation organisation. Conscious companies make every effort to create a healthy work environment. The well-being of employees and their overall emotional, physical and economic health is affected by various internal and external factors. When employees feel well, they tend to perform better. Therefore, the impact of employee well-being on the organisation is a fact and has been proven in many studies. People with a high level of well-being have greater self-confidence and self-esteem, which means that they are not afraid to look for new solutions and innovations. They are also generally more committed to their work and more dedicated to the organisationorganizational goals (Kim, 2021). Finally, they are more productive, which affects the whole performance of the company. Despite the high importance of employee well-being for the success of organisations organisations, little is known about how this well-being might influence human knowledge risks appearing in organisations. The article aims to present the potential link between employee well-being and human knowledge risks. The paper presents theoretical insights related to employee well-being, as well as human knowledge risks, organisations and organisations.This study has allowed us to identify the potential link between employee well-being and human knowledge risks, which brings several implications for organisations and organisations. showsThe ability to create conditions by managers to increase the well-being of their employees might be useful, in the trial of minimising human knowledge risks in organisations. The study is of theoretical character, and thus its findings should be further examined in practise research studies. The study provides useful information for managers and owners of organisations in need of dealing with various human knowledge risks threatening their organizations. The paper is enriched with a number of sample solutions that they may apply to increase the well-being of their employees and, therefore, mitigate those risks. The paper lays the ground for a better understanding of human knowledge risks and its relationship with employee well-being. As such, the paper offers food for thought for researchers dealing with the topic of human knowledge risks and human resource management, in general.

  • Employment of a Nonlinear Adaptive Control System for Improved Control of Dissolved Oxygen in Sequencing Batch Reactor
    • Michał Banach
    • Michał Kolankowski
    • Robert Piotrowski
    • Tomasz Ujazdowski
    2023

    A proper control in a complex system, such as Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) with each year is becoming increasingly important. High quality control can minimize an environmental impact as well as reduce operational costs of the WWTP. One of the core issues is providing adequate dissolved oxygen (DO) concetration for microorganisms used in a treatment process. An aeration process of the wastewater realised by an system consisting of blowers, pipelines and dif-fusers generates a large proportion of the costs. This paper presents an employ-ment of a nonlinear adaptive control algorithm Extremum Seeking Control for improved control of DO. For the control design process, models of the aeration system and the biological processes are implemented. The control results based on performed simulation tests are presented.

  • EMULACJA ŚRODOWISKA DLA ZASTOSOWANIA PROTOKOŁU IN-BAND NETWORK TELEMETRY
    • Sylwester Kaczmarek
    • Mateusz Krasoń
    2023 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    Określenie jakości obsługi strumieni pakietów w sieci przełączników wymaga odpowiedniego środowiska badawczego w którym prowadzi się doświadczenia i pomiary wybranych wielkości. Protokół In-band Network Telemetry jest jednym z narzędzi, które można wykorzystać do realizacji tych zadań. W pracy zaproponowano zwirtualizowane środowisko badawcze w którym można emulować sieć przełączników programowalnych w języku P4 wraz z implementacją tego protokołu. Przeprowadzone testy wykazały poprawność działania zaproponowanego rozwiązania.

  • Encouraging Pro-environmental Behaviour Through an Educational Mobile Application: Preliminary Insights from Early Adopters
    • Ewa Duda
    • Helena Anacka
    • Jolanta Kowal
    • Iwona Nowakowska
    • Hanna Obracht-Prondzynska
    • Hanne Cecilie
    • Kacper Radziszewski
    • Małgorzata Romanowska
    • Aleksandra Wyciszkiewicz
    • Jakub Zawieska
    2023 Full text International Journal of Pedagogy, Innovation and New Technologies

    This article aims to explore the extent to which the educational mobile application PULA supports and promotes pro-environmental behaviours, identify the most utilised functionalities by early adopters, and explore the least engaged functionalities. The study employs a quantitative approach based on data collected from the application. The analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of users' experiences and behaviours within the application, contributing valuable insights into its potential to foster pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours. The results suggested that the users, especially women, were generally interested in the learning activities. Pro-environmental transport-related activities were also frequently undertaken by the users. While women tended to split their time into various functionalities of the application, men focused mainly on the transport-related ones. This research contributes to the emerging field of using educational mobile applications for promoting pro-environmental behaviour. The study's focus on early adopters provides unique perspectives on the mechanisms behind behaviour change and offers implications for future interventions. The findings of this study can impact environmental conservation efforts. By encouraging pro-environmental behaviour through an accessible mobile application, a broader audience can be reached and motivated to adopt greener habits. The insights gained from this research can inform the design and development of future applications to foster sustainable practices, benefiting society and contributing to building a more sustainable future.

  • Endocrine disrupting compounds in the baby's world - A harmful environment to the health of babies
    • Justyna Płotka-Wasylka
    • Ewa Mulkiewicz
    • Hanna Lis
    • Klaudia Godlewska
    • Aleksandra Kurowska-Susdorf
    • Muhammad Sajid
    • Dimitra Lambropoulou
    • Natalia Jatkowska
    2023 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Globally, there has been a significant increase in awareness of the adverse effects of chemicals with known or suspected endocrine-acting properties on human health. Human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) mainly occurs by ingestion and to some extent by inhalation and dermal uptake. Although it is difficult to assess the full impact of human exposure to EDCs, it is well known that timing of exposure is of importance and therefore infants are more vulnerable to EDCs and are at greater risk compared to adults. In this regard, infant safety and assessment of associations between prenatal exposure to EDCs and growth during infancy and childhood has been received considerable attention in the last years. Hence, the purpose of this review is to provide a current update on the evidence from biomonitoring studies on the exposure of infants to EDCs and a comprehensive view of the uptake, the mechanisms of action and biotransformation in baby/human body. Analytical methods used and concentration levels of EDCs in different biological matrices (e.g., placenta, cord plasma, amniotic fluid, breast milk, urine, and blood of pregnant women) are also discussed. Finally, key issues and recommendations were provided to avoid hazardous exposure to these chemicals, taking into account family and lifestyle factors related to this exposure.

  • Endothelial dysfunction due to eNOS uncoupling: molecular mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets
    • Anna Janaszak-Jasiecka
    • Agata Płoska
    • Joanna M. Wierońska
    • Lawrence W. Dobrucki
    • Leszek Kalinowski
    2023 Full text CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LETTERS

    Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important molecules released by endothelial cells, and its antiatherogenic properties support cardiovascular homeostasis. Diminished NO bioavailability is a common hallmark of endothelial dysfunction underlying the patho‑ genesis of the cardiovascular disease. Vascular NO is synthesized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) from the substrate L‑arginine (L‑Arg), with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as an essential cofactor. Cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, aging, or smoking increase vascular oxidative stress that strongly affects eNOS activity and leads to eNOS uncoupling. Uncoupled eNOS produces superoxide anion (O2−) instead of NO, thus becoming a source of harmful free radicals exacerbat‑ ing the oxidative stress further. eNOS uncoupling is thought to be one of the major underlying causes of endothelial dysfunction observed in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Here, we discuss the main mechanisms of eNOS uncoupling, including oxida‑ tive depletion of the critical eNOS cofactor BH4, deficiency of eNOS substrate L‑Arg, or accumulation of its analog asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), and eNOS S‑glu‑ tathionylation. Moreover, potential therapeutic approaches that prevent eNOS uncou‑ pling by improving cofactor availability, restoration of L‑Arg/ADMA ratio, or modulation of eNOS S‑glutathionylation are briefly outlined.

  • Energetics of formation and stability in high pressure steam of barium lanthanide cobaltite double perovskites
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Shuhao Yang
    • Maria Balaguer
    • Ragnar Strandbakke
    • Magnus H. Sørby
    • Iga Szpunar
    • Agnieszka Witkowska
    • Sebastian Wachowski
    • Jose M. Serra
    • Alexandra Navrotsky
    • Maria Gazda
    2023 Full text DALTON TRANSACTIONS

    This study concerns energetics of formation and the stability in high water partial pressure of BaLnCo2O6−δ, (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, and Gd) (BLnC) and BaGd1−xLaxCo2O6−δ, where x = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.7 (BGLC) double perovskite cobaltites. Those materials are extensively studied due to their potential applications as a positrode in electrochemical devices. Therefore, their stability under such conditions is a key issue. All investigated materials are thermodynamically stable relative to binary oxides and exhibit strongly exothermic enthalpies of formation. Moreover, BaGd0.3La0.7Co2O6−δ and BaGd0.8La0.2Co2O6−δ remain the main perovskite structure up to 3 bars of water vapor at 400 °C. At higher steam pressure, reaching 10 bar at 300 °C, the partial decomposition to constituent oxides and hydroxides was observed. The BGLC compounds exhibit higher negative formation enthalpies in comparison to single-Ln compositions, which does not translate into higher chemical stability under high steam pressures since the BLnC series retained the main perovskite structure at higher temperatures as well as in higher water vapor pressures.

  • Energy consumption optimization in wastewater treatment plants: Machine learning for monitoring incineration of sewage sludge
    • Behrouz Adibimanesh
    • Sylwia Polesek-Karczewska
    • Faramarz Bagherzadeh
    • Piotr Szczuko
    • Torkan Shafighfard
    2023 Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments

    Biomass management in terms of energy consumption optimization has become a recent challenge for developed countries. Nevertheless, the multiplicity of materials and operating parameters controlling energy consumption in wastewater treatment plants necessitates the need for sophisticated well-organized disciplines in order to minimize energy consumption and dissipation. Sewage sludge (SS) disposal management is the key stage of this process, such that incineration due to the high costs of drying remains a matter of concern. Thus, a combination of experimental investigations and data analysis is required for an efficient plant design. Herein, we propose an intelligent tool based on Machine Learning (ML) algorithms (A: Parallel, B: Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and C: Chained, ML models) by employing SciKit-Learn library in Python, followed by hyper-parameter tuning and the k-fold cross-validation implementation. The optimizer receives simulation data from ASPEN PLUS software, and imitates the behavior of system outputs (namely, Y_i : fluidized bed temperature, steam heat transfer rate, and dryer residence time in the SS) to yield optimal changing variables (namely, X_i: feed temperature, air temperature, fume temperature, steam flow rate, moisture content in the feedstock, and steam inlet temperature to dryer). The authenticity and precision of our intelligent optimizer was validated in terms of optimum heat transfer amount (the higher the better) and dryer residence time (the lower the better) by data collected from wastewater treatment plant in Gdynia (Poland), demonstrating excellent predictability of the algorithm. The R^2 values for A, B, and C ML models were 0.85, 0.94, and 0.91, respectively. The B model, though slightly revealed better prediction than the C model, estimated the outputs in much lower time than the former. Thus, C model was selected as the computational tool for the optimization purpose. Overall, we claim that the methodology developed herein takes the advantage of ca. 6% saving in the total amount of energy required for incineration unit of SS disposal plant, which is well justified considering the energy crisis raised by the geopolitical issues in the area and also the high cost of energy worldwide.

  • Energy conversion in systems-contained laser irradiated metallic nanoparticles - comparison of results from analytical solutions and numerical methods
    • Piotr Radomski
    • Paweł Ziółkowski
    • Dariusz Mikielewicz
    2023 Full text Acta Mechanica et Automatica

    This work introduces the theoretical method of metallic nanoparticles’ (NPs’) heat and mass transfer where the particles are coated on a surface (base), together with considering the case wherein nanoparticles move freely in a pipe. In order to simulate the heat transfer, energy and radiative transfer equations are adjusted to the considered issue. NPs’ properties are determined following the nanofluidic theories, whereas absorption and scattering coefficients are described using either Mie-Lorenz theory or Rayleigh-Drude approximation. Thermal boundary conditions are implemented based on the microscale heat transfer and Smoluchowski theory. Results are compared with the classical Fourier transport differential solutions that have been adjusted to laser irradiation.

  • Energy Efficiency and Economic Policy: Comprehensive Theoretical, Empirical, and Policy Review
    • Muhammad Mushafiq
    • Muzammil Muhammad Khan Arisar
    • Hanan Tariq
    • Stanisław Czapp
    2023 Full text ENERGIES

    In this paper, we analyze the role of economic policy in prompting energy efficiency. This study reviews three aspects, theoretical, empirical, and existing policies to evaluate the relationship of energy efficiency and economic policy. This study furthermore identifies the existing issues from a policy perspective in energy efficiency. Although not all public policies may be justified, it suggests that these types of financial incentives, particularly those based on economic instruments, can play a crucial role in advancing energy efficiency. Additionally, this study identifies existing issues in energy efficiency target achievement and proposes solutions based on the literature review. Finally, it provides possible future research pathways from the aspect of economic policy tools in energy efficiency.

  • Energy efficiency of electric multiple units in suburban operation
    • Aleksander Jakubowski
    2023 Full text

    This thesis presents approach to analysis of energy efficiency of a suburban rail network, using novel models developed on the Matlab/Simulink basis. Necessary features and requirements for such models were determined thru in-depth review of the source literature in all applicable fields: electrified transportation systems, electric multiple units construction, vehicle drivetrains and finally, existing simulation methods. Existing and applied methods for improvement energy efficiency of electrified transportation were identified. Original model of electrified transportation system was developed. It can be characterized by unique implementation of the data bus structure that allows for simulating complex transport systems in a straightforward way while retaining high computation performance. Because every part of the program is an independent sub-model, the only limitation to size and complexity of analyzed system is the available computing power. Parameters of the analyzed transport system were assumed using technical datasheets, catalogues, tender documentation and a large set of recorded run data. Energy efficiency analysis for suburban railway system of SKM Trójmiasto was carried out, limiting the scope to railway line no. 250 between stations Gdańsk Śródmieście and Gdynia Redłowo. Practical and easy to implement approach to velocity profile optimization for electric multiple unit was proposed. Presented method allows for energy savings of about 8% while retaining the same travel time, simultaneously reducing drivetrain losses. Possibilities of further energy consumption reduction were suggested. Conducted research demonstrated that implementing model structure inspired by industrial communication networks improves model scalability and versatility, as it was used for two different electrified urban transport systems, with different power supply layouts. Moreover, proposed approach to energy consumption optimization, based on trackside signs and manageable by human driver was shown to improve energy efficiency of the whole system. This work also includes implementation of passenger flow and variable velocity profiles, which allowed for improvement of calculation accuracy.

  • Energy efficient beam control for 5G antennas
    • Damian Duraj
    • Luiza Leszkowska
    • Weronika Kalista
    • Kamil Trzebiatowski
    • Łukasz Kulas
    • Krzysztof Nyka
    2023

    The rapid development of 5G and beyond systems demands improvement in communication speed, latency and safety to maintain the required quality of service. This paper presents an overview of different concepts of energy-efficient antenna systems, which offer beam-shaping and beam-steering functionalities, that enhance connectivity performance and can be used in 5G applications. Different designs for 5.9 GHz, 39 GHz and 60 GHz frequency bands are proposed to further improve the capabilities of 5G MIMO systems or reduce energy consumption, i.e. antennas with low-power CMOS switches, antenna arrays that can be integrated with 3D-printed lenses, patch antennas with lenses, antennas with planar reconfigurable superstrate to focus the beam and a multi-beam antenna based on a multiport patch array producing beams de ected by an integrated 3D-printed lens.

  • Energy-Aware Scheduling for High-Performance Computing Systems: A Survey
    • Bartłomiej Kocot
    • Paweł Czarnul
    • Jerzy Proficz
    2023 Full text ENERGIES

    High-performance computing (HPC), according to its name, is traditionally oriented toward performance, especially the execution time and scalability of the computations. However, due to the high cost and environmental issues, energy consumption has already become a very important factor that needs to be considered. The paper presents a survey of energy-aware scheduling methods used in a modern HPC environment, starting with the problem definition, tackling various goals set up for this challenge, including a bi-objective approach, power and energy constraints, and a pure energy solution, as well as metrics related to the subject. Then, considered types of HPC systems and related energy-saving mechanisms are described, from multicore-processors/graphical processing units (GPU) to more complex solutions, such as compute clusters supporting dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), power capping, and other functionalities. The main section presents a collection of carefully selected algorithms, classified by the programming method, e.g., machine learning or fuzzy logic. Moreover, other surveys published on this subject are summarized and commented on, and finally, an overview of the current state-of-the-art with open problems and further research areas is presented.

  • Engineering boron and nitrogen codoped carbon nanoarchitectures to tailor molecularly imprinted polymers for PFOS determination
    • Mattia Pierpaoli
    • Małgorzata Szopińska
    • Adrian Olejnik
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Sylwia Fudala-Książek
    • Aneta Łuczkiewicz
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    2023 Full text JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained significant attention as emerging contaminants due to their persistence, abundance, and adverse health effects. Consequently, the urgent need for ubiquitous and effective sensors capable of detecting and quantifying PFAS in complex environmental samples has become a priority. In this study, we present the development of an ultrasensitive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor tailored by chemically vapour-deposited boron and nitrogen codoped diamond-rich carbon nanoarchitectures for the selective determination of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). This approach allows for a multiscale reduction of MIP heterogeneities, leading to improved selectivity and sensitivity in PFOS detection. Interestingly, the peculiar carbon nanostructures induce a specific distribution of binding sites in the MIPs that exhibit a strong affinity for PFOS. The designed sensors demonstrated a low limit of detection (1.2 μg L-1) and exhibited satisfactory selectivity and stability. To gain further insights into the molecular interactions between diamond-rich carbon surfaces, electropolymerised MIP, and the PFOS analyte, a set of density functional theory (DFT) calculations was performed. Validation of the sensor’s performance was carried out by successfully determining PFOS concentrations in real complex samples, such as tap water and treated wastewater, with average recovery rates consistent with UHPLC-MS/MS results. These findings demonstrate the potential of MIP-supported diamond-rich carbon nanoarchitectures for water pollution monitoring, specifically targeting emerging contaminants. The proposed sensor design holds promise for the development of in situ PFOS monitoring devices operating under relevant environmental concentrations and conditions.

  • Engineering TADF, Mechanochromism, and Second Harmonic Up- conversion Properties in Regioisomeric Substitution Space
    • Subrahmanyam Sappati
    • Abhijit Chatterjee
    • Chatterjee Joy
    • Mazurka Lahiri
    • Mandal Pankaj
    • Partha Hazra
    2023 Full text Chemical Science

    This research article explores the distinct TADF efficiency of three donor-acceptor based regio-isomers: DPAOCN (ortho- isomer), DPAMCN (meta-isomer), and DPAPCN (para-isomer). DPAPCN exhibits maximum TADF efficiency in both solution and solid-state with an impressive reverse inter-system crossing (RISC) rate of ~ 106 s-1; the underlying cause being the minimum singlet-triplet splitting energy or ∆EST and maximum SOC (spin-orbit coupling) between the S1 & T1 states. Apart from TADF, differences in crystal packing of the regio-isomers result in intriguing bulk phase properties. DPAOCN, with its non-centrosymmetric P212121 space group and substantial crystal void volume, enchants with reversible tri-color mechanochromic luminescent behavior, while the meta and para isomers, due to their centrosymmetric packing and diminished crystal void volume, remain inert to mechanical pressure. Expanding the horizon of possibilities, the non- centrosymmetric nature of ortho-isomer further renders it an excellent SHG material, with the χ(2) value of 0.19 pm/V at 1220 nm and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) value of 13.27 GW/cm2. Overall, a comprehensive investigation into the regio-isomers has been carried out, encompassing their TADF, SHG, and mechanochromic luminescent properties.

  • Enhanced gas sensing by graphene-silicon Schottky diodes under UV irradiation
    • Katarzyna Drozdowska
    • Adil Rehman
    • Janusz Smulko
    • Sergey Rumyantsev
    • Bartlomiej Stonio
    • Aleksandra Krajewska
    • Mateusz Słowikowski
    • Maciej Filipiak
    • Pavlo Sai
    • Grzegorz Cywinski
    2023 SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL

    The effect of ultraviolet (UV) or blue irradiation on graphene/n-doped silicon Schottky junctions toward gas sensing was investigated. Schottky diodes were subjected to oxidizing nitrogen dioxide (NO2, 1–3 ppm) and reducing tetrahydrofuran (THF, 50–200 ppm), showing significantly different responses observed on the currentvoltage (I-V) characteristics, especially under UV light (275 nm). NO2 affected the resistive part of the forward region of the I-V curves, where graphene’s resistance dominates, and increased the junction current. A low detection limit of 75 ppb was obtained for NO2 detection at a 4 V voltage bias. THF influenced the reverse and forward regions, shifting the exponential parts of the characteristics, indicating the impact on the Schottky barrier height, and reducing the detection limit to 31 ppm. The adsorption of organic molecules increased the Schottky barrier height by up to tens of meV due to the dominating photogating effect. The width of the junction area may be crucial for optimizing graphene-silicon Schottky-based sensors and improving their performance, together with irradiation-induced modulation, to become one of the most advanced gas mixture sensors. The ease of fabrication of large-area graphene and forming stable graphene-silicon junctions determine a simple method for developing efficient gas sensing platforms.

  • Enhanced supercapacitor materials from pyrolyzed algae and graphene composites
    • Mariusz Szkoda
    • Malgorzata Skorupska
    • Jerzy P. Lukaszewicz
    • Anna Ilnicka
    2023 Full text Scientific Reports

    This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of supercapacitor materials derived from pyrolyzed natural compounds. Four compounds were investigated: methylcellulose with lysine (ML), methylcellulose with lysine-graphene composite (MLG), algae (A), and algae-graphene composite (AG). The pyrolysis process was utilized to convert these natural compounds into carbon-based materials suitable for supercapacitor applications. The properties of the resulting materials were analyzed extensively to evaluate their potential as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrochemical performance, including specific capacitance, cyclic stability, and rate capability was measured using various characterization techniques. The effects of incorporating graphene into the lysine-methylcellulose and algae matrices were also studied to explore the enhancements in supercapacitor performance. In both cases, the addition of graphene resulted in a positive effect. Among all the materials investigated, the algae-graphene composite exhibited the most favorable properties, demonstrating a specific capacitance of 192 F g−1 after 10,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles at a current of 5 A g−1 in K2SO4 electrolyte. This exceptional performance underscores the potential of the algae-graphene composite as a highly efficient and durable electrode material for supercapacitor applications.

  • Enhancement of photocatalytic-based processes by mono- and bimetallic (CuPd) rutile loaded nanoparticles for antibiotic resistance genes and facultative pathogenic bacteria removal
    • Marta Gmurek
    • Johannes Alexander
    • Paweł Mazierski
    • Magdalena Miodyńska
    • Maciej Fronczak
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
    • Harald Horn
    • Thomas Schwartz
    2023 Full text CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL

    The aim of the study was the strong reduction of facultative pathogenic bacteria (FPB), and clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from secondary effluent. To evaluate the ARGs removal efficiency comparative study of individual unit processes and combined AOPs has been performed. The present work investigated: i) removal of selected ARGs, namely blaTEM, ermB, qnrS, tetM, five FPB as well as 16S rDNA and the integrase gene intl1 involved in horizontal gene transfer; ii) bacterial regrowth potential after treatment; (iii) the removal of the total genomic DNA content, by mono- and bimetallic TiO2-CuPd rutile photocatalysts under visible light radiation in real secondary effluent. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis, XRD, HRTEM, Raman and XPS. TiO2-CuPd/VIS inactivation gives the highest (more than 2 log units removal) efficiency for almost all targets (blaTEM, ermB, tetM, intl 1, and 16S rRNA) compared to monometallic catalysts. The highest efficiency toward blaTEM was achieved after ozonation and TiO2-CuPd/O3/VIS (3.22 and 3.23 LRV, respectively). It was found that despite similar FPB inactivation, lower DNA destruction was found after O3 compared to TiO2-CuPd/O3/VIS treatment. The blaTEM and enterococci were completely removed during TiO2-CuPd/O3/Vis and TiO2-Cu/O3/Vis. While, catalytic ozonation leads to only slightly blaTEM removal (0.64 and 0.44 LRV for TiO2-CuPd/O3 and TiO2- Cu/O3, respectively). Photocatalytic ozonation with the application of TiO2-CuPd leads to significant removal of FPB and ARGs due to synergistic effect between Pd and Cu, which leads to acceleration of ozone – catalysts reaction. Photocatalytic ozonation has the greatest potential giving promising possibilities for eliminating AMR.

  • Enhancement of the Magnetoresistance in the Mobility‐Engineered Compensated Metal Pt 5 P 2
    • Alex H. Mayo
    • Hidefumi Takahashi
    • Shintaro Ishiwata
    • Jan Jaroszynski
    • Robert J. Cava
    • Weiwei Xie
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Karolina Górnicka
    • Michał Winiarski
    2023 Full text Advanced Electronic Materials

    The magnetoresistance (MR) in nonmagnetic materials continues to be a fertile research area in materials science. The search for giant, positive MR has been limited to a rather small window of materials such as high-mobility semimetals in single-crystalline form. Here, the observation of a very large positive MR in metallic Pt5P2 in polycrystalline form is reported. The observations reveal that improvement of the crystallinity results in a significant enhancement of the positive MR, exceeding 10 000% at 9 T, comparable to high-mobility semimetals. Based on first-principles calculations combined with magnetotransport and thermoelectric measurements, the Fermi surface of Pt5P2 is found to consist of a collection of multiple electron and hole pockets compensating one another, along with a characteristic pocket continuously connected to the adjacent Brillouin zone, together with possible topologically protected band crossings. This work extends the landscape of high MR candidate materials to polycrystalline metals, which demonstrates the importance of crystallinity and purity of the samples for the optimization of the MR.

  • Enhancing Economic Development Through ICT-Based Governance: Evidence for Developing Countries
    • Ewa Lechman
    2023

    his shows novel empirical evidence on how e-government solutions enhance the emergence of inclusive societies, increase institutional quality, and through that channels dynamize economic development in developing countries. With this aim we examine digital development inequalities adopting 2 core ICT indicators: mobile cellular telephony and Internet users; and gross per capita income and Human Development Index to show the level of economic development, and these indicators are then with e-governments developments. Adopted empirical strategy involves graphical identification of changes in digital and economic development as well as it aims to identify changes in e-governance development, using kernel densities functions, time trends analysis, and panel regression approach. Our empirical sample combines 40 developing economies, and the time span for the analysis is 1990–2019. Statistical data are entirely extracted from World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database 2020 and World Band Development Indicators 2021. Our major conclusions unveil that e-government solutions are positively associated with economic growth and development. We claim that these results are poorly robust and massive cross-country disparities exist in regard to the state of deployment of electronic government mainly due to uneven diffusion of digital technologies in developing economies.