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Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2024

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  • Framework for extracting rails and setting-out railway line axis based on UAV photogrammetric measurements
    • Paweł Burdziakowski
    • Cezary Specht
    • Andrzej Stateczny
    • Mariusz Specht
    • Pawel S. Dabrowski
    • Oktawia Lewicka
    2024 Full text International Journal of Rail Transportation

    Technical diagnostics enables assessing the current technical condition of a railway line and adjacent infrastructure, and forecasting its changes over a specific time horizon. One of its elements is the periodic monitoring of rail position and their geometry. This article presents a new framework for the setting-out of a railway track axis. The process presented in the manuscript is based on the specific filtration and extraction of rails from a point cloud originating from the photogrammetric process. Data was acquired using a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A railway track axis setting-out using the process described herein was related to dynamic satellite track measurement. An average accuracy achieved in the horizontal plane is 1.6 cm which corresponds to the accuracy of the source photogrammetric product. The achieved accuracy enables using this method to be suitable for technical track monitoring, geoinformation, and cartographic work.

  • Framework interfejsu radiowego NB-IoT
    • Olga Błaszkiewicz
    • Jarosław Magiera
    • Alicja Olejniczak
    • Piotr Rajchowski
    • Jarosław Sadowski
    • Jacek Stefański
    • Krzysztof Cwalina
    2024 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    W niniejszym artykule opisano rezultaty uzyskane w ramach zrealizowanego projektu definiowanego programowo frameworka wąskopasmowego interfejsu radiowego dla urządzeń Internetu Rzeczy. Przedstawiono elementy składowe konfigurowalnego interfejsu radiowego oraz jego charakterystykę eksploatacyjną.

  • Frequency-Reconfigurable Hybrid SIW-Based Self-Diplexing Antenna Using Solid and Liquid Dielectric Loading
    • Mettu Goutham Reddy
    • Karthikeyan Subramanian
    • Nrusingha Pradhan
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS II-EXPRESS BRIEFS

    This paper presents a novel frequencyreconfigurable self-diplexing antenna (SDA) utilizing a hybrid substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW). The antenna comprises a radiating slot, a feeding network, and a hybrid SIW cavity featuring half-mode circular and half-mode rectangular SIW structures. The unique feature of this antenna lies in its fine-tuning capability of each resonant frequency by inserting or injecting solid and liquid dielectrics into designated etched pockets. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed structure can be effectively tuned within the frequency range of 2.7 to 3.47 GHz for the lower band and 4.05 to 4.96 GHz for the upper band. The mutual coupling between the ports is better than 20.4 dB, and the antenna maintains consistent radiation patterns across the entire operating range. The proposed tunable antenna, featuring precise frequency tuning capability, compact size, and stable radiation patterns, is well suited for various applications, including wireless communication systems, biomedical telemetry, microwave imaging, WiMAX, and Wi-Fi.

  • Frequency-Variant Double-Zero Single-Pole Reactive Coupling Networks for Coupled-Resonator Microwave Bandpass Filters
    • Muhammad Yameen Sandhu
    • Maciej Jasiński
    • Adam Lamęcki
    • Roberto Gómez-García
    • Michał Mrozowski
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES

    In this work, a family of frequency-variant reactive coupling (FVRC) networks is introduced and discussed as new building blocks for the synthesis of coupled-resonator bandpass filters with real or complex transmission zeros (TZs). The FVRC is a type of nonideal frequency-dependent inverter that has nonzero elements on the diagonal of the impedance matrix, along with a nonlinear frequency-variation profile of its transimpedance parameter. The distinctive feature of these new FVRCs is that they can be modeled with a simple bridged-T network consisting of four reactive elements. Such FVRCs can introduce one pole and up to two TZs—so that they are referred to as double-zero single-pole (DZSP) networks. DZSP networks allow the pole to be located above, below, or inbetween the TZs. Depending on the choice of the elements in the bridged-T circuit, the position of the TZs and the pole can be controlled independently. The coupling matrix for filters with DZSP networks can be found by solving an inverse-structured nonlinear eigenvalue problem (ISNEVP). Examples of possible implementations of DZSP coupling networks are provided for both lumped and quasi-lumped-element circuits, as well as for transmission-line-based and waveguide technologies. The application of DZSP coupling networks to the design of microwave bandpass filters with generalized Chebyshev-type characteristics is illustrated by means of the synthesis of three microstrips and two waveguide coupled-resonator bandpass filters. The waveguide filters are verified through electromagnetic (EM) simulations and the microstrip filters are manufactured and characterized for proof-of-concept demonstration purposes, showing a fairly close agreement between EM simulations and measurements.

  • From ashes to porous hierarchical nanocarbon electrode: Upcycling secondary waste materials through self-catalytic chemical vapour deposition
    • Maciej Głowacki
    • Katarzyna Karpienko
    • Maciej Wróbel
    • Karol Szczodrowski
    • Chiara Giosuè
    • Gianni Barucca
    • Maria Letizia Ruello
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    • Mattia Pierpaoli
    2024 Full text Sustainable Materials and Technologies

    Metal and metal oxide particles are abundant in various ash-based wastes. Utilizing these as catalyst sources for the fabrication of carbon nanomaterials could present a valuable approach to reduce our reliance on non-renewable and costly catalyst sources, thereby facilitating large-scale nanomaterial production. In this context, secondary waste materials (SWMs) are by-products resulting from the (complete or partial) combustion of carbon-rich sources or other industrial processes, the disposal of which poses a serious environmental problem. In this study, we demonstrate a novel strategy to upcycle SWMs as catalysts, as received, for the growth of carbon nanoarchitectured electrodes through microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (MPECVD), without the need for functionalization. Firstly, 10 SWMs were selected to fabricate porous hierarchical nanocarbon (PHN) electrodes by phase-inversion and subsequent catalytic MPECVD growth. Secondly, distinct growth conditions, both in the presence and absence of CH4 as an external carbon source were applied, resulting in conductive electrodes, on which acetaminophen oxidation was performed. Results show that not all SWMs, despite originating from similar processes, work as a catalyst. In particular, principal component analysis suggests the presence of calcium oxosilicate and calcium‑magnesium‑iron carbonate as potential catalysts, which are present in two SWMs. Contrary to what expected, the occurrence of metals, such as Fe, Ni, is not a sufficient factor for the catalytic growth of carbon nanostructure. Interestingly, water vapour adsorption isotherms suggest the formation of different porous networks according to the specific SWMs. Finally, the development of waste-derived catalysts fosters the concept of upcycling, converting waste into higher-value products, thus closing the loop on resource utilization and minimizing waste generation.

  • From Bioink to Tissue: Exploring Chitosan-Agarose Composite in the Context of Printability and Cellular Behaviour
    • Szymon Mania
    • Adrianna Banach-Kopeć
    • Natalia Maciejewska
    • Katarzyna Czerwiec
    • Milena Deptuła
    • Paulina Słonimska
    • Jakub Baczyński-Keller
    • Michał Pikuła
    • Paweł Sachadyn
    • Robert Tylingo
    2024 MOLECULES

    This study presents an innovative method for producing thermosensitive bioink from chitosan hydrogels saturated with carbon dioxide and agarose. It focuses on a detailed characterisation of their physicochemical properties and potential applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering. The ORO test approved the rapid regeneration of the three-dimensional structure of chitosan–agarose composites in a unidirectional bench press simulation test. The diffusion of dyes through the chitosan–agarose hydrogel membranes strongly depended on the share of both polymers in the composite and the molecular weight of the dyes. Glucose, as a nutrient marker, also diffused through all membranes regardless of composition. Biocompatibility assessment using MTT tests on 46BR.1N fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes confirmed the safety of the bioink. The regenerative potential of the bioink was confirmed by efficient cell migration, especially HaCaT. Long-term viability studies showed that chitosan–agarose scaffolds, unlike the agarose ones, support cell proliferation and survival, especially 14 days after bioink extrusion. Experiments in a skin wound model in mice confirmed the biocompatibility of the tested dressing and the beneficial action of chitosan on healing. Studies on vessel formation in chicken embryos highlight the potential of the chitosan–agarose composition to enhance proangiogenic effects. This composition meets all entry criteria and possesses excellent biological properties.

  • From creative writing, virtual environments to nature-based solutions: linking research and education to facilitate transition from sustainable to regenerative cities
    • Lucyna Nyka
    • Anahita Azadgar
    • Katarina Larsen
    • Pedro Ressano Garcia
    2024 Full text Global Journal of Engineering Education

    Challenges related to the climate crisis and its consequences, such as rising sea levels, urban heat islands or floods, engender pressure on architectural education. Sustainable design often inclines to regenerative one - an emerging trend focused on the restorative power of architecture. The question appears upon the tools and methods that would facilitate both students and academics to address new challenges. This article offers insights into one of such methods based on the integration of students into research programmes. The European Union’s Horizon 2020 research project SOS Climate Waterfront and follow-up interdisciplinary courses and events offered to students at Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland; KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; and Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, are presented to illustrate this process. Starting with research by design approaches, and continuing with follow-up initiatives, groups of students gradually extend their areas of experimentation empowering urban designs with nature-based solutions (NBS), building their critical reflection through an immersion in the science-art-engineering nexus, virtual experience of nature or through creative writing about climate futures. Published, exhibited and awarded students’ works confirm numerous benefits and efficacy of the proposed research-based architectural education.

  • From Data to Decision: Interpretable Machine Learning for Predicting Flood Susceptibility in Gdańsk, Poland
    • Khansa Gulshad
    • Andaleeb Yaseen
    • Michał Szydłowski
    2024 Full text Remote Sensing

    Flood susceptibility prediction is complex due to the multifaceted interactions among hydrological, meteorological, and urbanisation factors, further exacerbated by climate change. This study addresses these complexities by investigating flood susceptibility in rapidly urbanising regions prone to extreme weather events, focusing on Gdańsk, Poland. Three popular ML techniques, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), were evaluated for handling complex, nonlinear data using a dataset of 265 urban flood episodes. An ensemble filter feature selection (EFFS) approach was introduced to overcome the single-method feature selection limitations, optimising the selection of factors contributing to flood susceptibility. Additionally, the study incorporates explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), namely, the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model, to enhance the transparency and interpretability of the modelling results. The models’ performance was evaluated using various statistical measures on a testing dataset. The ANN model demonstrated a superior performance, outperforming the RF and the SVM. SHAP analysis identified rainwater collectors, land surface temperature (LST), digital elevation model (DEM), soil, river buffers, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as contributors to flood susceptibility, making them more understandable and actionable for stakeholders. The findings highlight the need for tailored flood management strategies, offering a novel approach to urban flood forecasting that emphasises predictive power and model explainability.

  • From flow to jamming: Lattice Gas Automaton simulations in granular materials
    • Mohamed Gaber
    • Raquel H. Ribeiro
    • Jan Kozicki
    2024 POWDER TECHNOLOGY

    We introduce the first extension of a Lattice Gas Automaton (LGA) model to accurately replicate observed emergent phenomena in granular materials with a special focus on previously unexplored jamming transitions by incorporating gravitational effects, energy dissipation in particle collisions, and wall friction. We successfully reproduce flow rate evolution, density wave formation, and jamming transition observed in experiments. We also explore the critical density at which jamming becomes probable. This research advances our understanding of granular dynamics and offers insights into the jamming behavior of granular materials.

  • From Janus nanoparticles to multi-headed structure - photocatalytic H2 evolution
    • Hanna Głowienke
    • Stefano Livraghi
    • Wojciech Lisowski
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Alicja Mikołajczyk
    • Dawid Falkowski
    • Grzegorz Trykowski
    • Mirosława Pawlyta
    • Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
    • Anna Gołąbiewska
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

    The generation of stable, high-performance photocatalysts with appropriate charge distribution for solar energy conversion is currently one of the urgent missions of photocatalytic science. Recent studies have shown that the Janus NPs with characteristic varied, asymmetric structure may boost overall efficiency of photocatalys. However, there is still a lack of systematic studies in which Janus-type particles are used in the hydrogen generation reaction in the visible light range. Herein, a different structures from Janus NPs, Janus-like to multi-headed structure based on ZnS and Ag were designed representatively through systematical characterization and theoretical calculation that have been targeted at efficient visible-light-driven H2 generation. It has been shown that typical asymetric structures of Janus NPs characterised more active in the photocatalytic reaction of hydrogen generation in visible light than Janus-like and multi-headed structures and pure ZnS nanoparticles. The H2 yield is related to the structure of Janus-type particles and thus to the formation of Ag and Zn oxides surface species for different structures. Systematic knowledge provided by a combined experimental and computational study may help enhance the efficiency of controlling Janus-type particles through appropriate structural manipulation at the early stage of the design process (before synthesis).

  • From phosphanylphosphaalkenes to coordination copper and silver polymers containing P–P bonds
    • Aleksandra Ziółkowska
    • Marta Prześniak-Welenc
    • Tomasz Kruczyński
    • Michael Gamer
    • Łukasz Ponikiewski
    2024 DALTON TRANSACTIONS

    This study was focused on the activation of the C[double bond, length as m-dash]P bond via reactions of Ph2C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu2 (1) with 1,6-hexanediol and selected dithiols (1,4-butanedithiol, 1,4-benzenedithiol and 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol). These reactions proceed according to a 1,2-addition mechanism, providing new compounds with formulas {(Ph)2(H)C-P-PtBu2}{μ2-(O-(CH2)6-O)}{tBu2P-P-C(H)(Ph)2} (2), {(Ph)2(H)C-P-PtBu2}{μ2-(S-(CH2)4-S)}{tBu2P-P-C(H)(Ph)2} (3a), {(Ph)2(H)C-P-PtBu2}{μ2-(S-C6H4-S)}{tBu2P-P-C(H)(Ph)2} (3b), and {(Ph)2(H)C-P-PtBu2}{μ2-(S-CH2-C6H4-CH2-S)}{tBu2P-P-C(H)(Ph)2} (3c). Next, the reactions of 3a and 3c with metal chlorides led to the growth of desired coordination polymers of copper(I) and silver(I). All the obtained compounds remained stable under atmospheric conditions.

  • From weak- to strong-coupling superconductivity in the AlB2-type solid solution SrGa1−xAlxGe with honeycomb layers
    • Dorota I Walicka
    • Olivier Blacque
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Fabian O. von Rohr
    2024 JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER

    We report on the structure and the superconducting properties of 9-electron 111 compounds with honeycomb layers, namely SrGaGe, SrAlGe, and the SrGa1−xAlxGe solid solution. By means of single-crystal x-ray diffraction we show that, on one hand, SrGaGe crystallizes into the centrosymmetric P6/mmm space group (a = 4.2555(2) Å, c = 4.7288(2) Å) with statistical disorder in the [GaGe]2− 6 honeycomb layers. On the other hand, we confirm that SrAlGe crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric space group, namely P6m2 (a = 4.2942(1) Å, c = 4.7200(2) Å) with fully ordered [AlGe]2− 6 honeycomb layers. By using magnetization and specific heat measurements, we show that the superconducting properties of SrGaGe and SrAlGe differ significantly from each other. SrGaGe is a superconductor with a critical temperature of Tc = 2.6 K falling into the weak coupling limit, while SrAlGe has a Tc = 6.7 K and can be classified in the strong coupling limit. By realizing the SrGa1−xAlxGe solid solution, we were able to investigate the transition between the different crystal structures as well as the evolution of the electronic properties. We show that the transition from the weak-to strong-coupling superconductivity in this system is likely associated with the disorder-to-order transition of the honeycomb layer, along with the loss of the inversion center in the crystal structure.

  • FRP-based reinforcement coatings of steel with application prospects in ships and offshore structures: a review
    • Abu Al Hassan
    • Krzysztof Wołoszyk
    • Przemysław Krata
    2024 Ships and Offshore Structures

    Latest research on novel FRP-based anti-corrosion structural coatings (for enhancing structural capacity and strengthening the coating layer) is discussed with application prospects for ships and offshore structures. In the marine environment, structures constantly face corrosion and fatigue cracks. Combining this with high operational and wave loads, it might cause a structural collapse. Recently, polymer composites have been studied for possible reinforcement, especially for steel structures in civil engineering. It is important to assess their effectiveness and review of research on the fatigue, tensile, buckling, and debonding properties of fibre-based structural coatings is given and summarised. Most research focused on carbon fibre reinforced composites. Resins matrices other than epoxy, behaviour on corroded steel, ply orientation, and pre-stress level are still untapped adequately. Similarly, another types of fibres than carbon and their hybrids are still insufficiently examined. Although such research direction is promising, the need for future research is highlighted and given in detail.

  • Fuel price, income and road safety as determinants of the level of the population’s economic well-being in Poland
    • Oleksandr Melnychenko
    • Tetiana Osadcha
    • Tetyana Kalna-Dubinyuk
    2024 AIP Conference Proceedings

    The opportunity to travel is one of the most favorite human activities, given that on a trip a person gets new knowledge, impressions and positive emotions. Recreational trips occupy a prominent place in the concept of the economics of happiness, and the study of factors that influence decision-making regarding travel is important for forecasting the number of tourists, infrastructure development, income and expenses of businesses and authorities. Using the panel data representative of Poland, the authors concluded that the price of fuel and the level of actual income are not key factors for travelers. At the same time, the proposed model gives an error of forecasting the number of tourists less than 1% on average for the entire period of research of monthly data from January 2014 to May 2022 on the cost of fuel at gas stations, the level of population’s income, the level of inflation and the level of drivers’ decency on the road. The obtained data can be used to calculate estimates of the flow of tourists, the level of welfare and happiness of the society.

  • Fully Tunable Analog Biquadratic Filter for Low-Power Auditory Signal Processing in CMOS Technologies
    • Waldemar Jendernalik
    • Jacek Jakusz
    2024 Electronics

    A novel Gm-C structure of a second-order continuous-time filter is proposed that allows for the independent control of the filter’s natural frequency (ω0) and quality factor (Q). The structure consists of two capacitors and four transconductors. Two transconductors together with the capacitors form a lossless second-order circuit with tunable ω0. The other two transconductors form a variable gain amplifier (VGA) which realizes an adjustable loss and thereby adjustable Q. The proposed solution can be used to implement low-voltage and low-power tunable front-end filter banks for fully integrated CMOS cochlear implants and edge intelligence accelerators. An example filter bank powered by 0.5 V and consuming 40 nW of power per single filter is designed and simulated using a 180 nm CMOS process. Circuitries for the adaptive control of transistor bias at a reduced supply voltage are proposed. The ω0 and Q control circuitries are also proposed: a delay-locked loop (DLL)-based system for fine ω0 tuning and a binary-weighted current mirror for Q adjustment. The proposed solution allows for the independent regulation of ω0 and Q within the ranges of 0.25–8 kHz and 1–14, respectively, with a relative tolerance of up to 5% across a filter bank.

  • Functional similarities and differences among subunits of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
    • Brenda A. Schilke
    • Thomas Ziegelhoffer
    • Przemysław Domański
    • Jaroslaw Marszalek
    • Bartlomiej Tomiczek
    • Elizabeth Craig
    2024 Full text CELL STRESS & CHAPERONES

    Protein factors bind ribosomes near the tunnel exit, facilitating protein trafficking and folding. In eukaryotes, the heterodimeric nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) is the most abundant - equimolar to ribosomes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a minor β-type subunit (Nacβ2) in addition to abundant Nacβ1, and therefore two NAC heterodimers, α/β1 and α/β12. The additional beta NAC gene arose at the time of the whole genome duplication that occurred in the S. cerevisiae lineage. Nacβ2 has been implicated in regulating the fate of mRNA encoding ribosomal protein Rpl4 during translation via its interaction with the Caf130 subunit of the regulatory CCR4-Not complex. We found that Nacβ2 residues just C-terminal to the globular domain are required for its interaction with Caf130 and its negative effect on growth of cells lacking Acl4, the specialized chaperone for Rpl4. Substitution of these Nacβ2 residues at homologous positions in Nacβ1 results in a chimeric protein that interacts with Caf130 and slows the growth of ∆acl4 cells lacking Nacβ2. Furthermore, alteration of residues in the N-terminus of Nacβ2 or chimeric Nacβ1 previously shown to affect ribosome binding overcomes the growth defect of ∆acl4. Our results are consistent with a model in which Nacβ2’s ribosome association per se, or its precise positioning, is necessary for productive recruitment of CCR4-Not via its interaction with the Caf130 subunit to drive Rpl4 mRNA degradation.

  • Functionalized Polyolefins Produced by Post-Metallocenes; High Added Value Materials, but Can They Be Produced Efficiently?
    • Wojciech Szot
    • Debashis Chakraborty
    • Miloud Bouyahyi
    • Lidia Jasińska-Walc
    • Rob Duchateau
    2024 MACROMOLECULES

    Randomly functionalized polyolefins produced by catalysis have received increasing attention owing to their welldefined molecular structures, uniform distribution, and variety in types of functionalities. Herein, we investigate the scalability of the production of hydroxyl-functionalized propylene copolymers via a high temperature solution polymerization process using aluminum trialkyls as passivating agents. Initially, we evaluated the impact of (i) the type of passivating agent (triethylaluminum versus triisobutylaluminum) and (ii) the distance between the hydroxyl and olefin functionality within the functionalized comonomer on the catalytic activity and the functional comonomer incorporation efficiency. Both the functional comonomer’s chain length and the type of trialkylaluminum passivating agent have a profound effect on the incorporation efficiency. Subsequently, deeper insight into the origin of the catalyst poisoning by trialkylaluminum-passivated hydroxyl-functionalized comonomers reveals that catalyst deactivation solely happens after incorporation of the functional comonomer and not by coordination of the oxygen of the functional comonomers present in the reaction system. During recycling of dialkylaluminum alkenolates by means of distillation, the occurrence of carbo- and/or hydroalumination side reactions were noticed, triggered by the presence of dialkylaluminum hydrides formed by thermolysis of excess aluminum trialkyls. Exchanging aluminum trialkyls by dialkylaluminum alkoxides as scavengers solved this problem. Modeling studies revealed the impact of the higher nuclearity of trialkylaluminum-passivated hydroxyl-functionalized comonomers on their incorporation efficiency. Addition of a saturated alcohol significantly improved the incorporation efficiency of the functional comonomer, thus bringing the scalability (i.e., enhance the productivity and cost-efficiency) of the copolymerization process a step closer.

  • Fungal L-Methionine Biosynthesis Pathway Enzymes and Their Applications in Various Scientific and Commercial Fields
    • Kamila Rząd
    • Aleksandra Kuplińska
    • Iwona Gabriel
    2024 Biomolecules

    L-methionine (L-Met) is one of the nine proteinogenic amino acids essential for humans since, in human cells, there are no complete pathways for its biosynthesis from simple precursors. L-Met plays a crucial role in cellular function as it is required for proper protein synthesis, acting as an initiator. Additionally, this amino acid participates in various metabolic processes and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), which is involved in the methylation of DNA molecules and phospholipids, as well as in maintaining genome stability. Due to its importance, fungal L-methionine biosynthesis pathway enzymes are being intensively studied. This review presents the current state of the art in terms of their cellular function, usefulness as molecular markers, antifungal targets, or industrial approaches.

  • Future opportunities for products derived from black soldier fly (BSF) treatment as animal feed and fertilizer - A systematic review
    • Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
    • Ankush Subhash Gadge
    • Muzaffar Hasan
    • Teguh Rahayu
    • Sergey Nikolaevich Povetkin
    • Ito Fernando
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    2024 Full text ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

    The pursuit of novel food products with good nutritional value for both direct and indirect human consumption is crucial. Given the nutritional benefits of insects and the sustainability of this sort of farming, using them as food for farmed animals is a promising alternative. In this regard, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is most capable of efficiently converting a wide variety of organic materials, from food waste to manure, into insect biomass generating value and closing nutrient loops as they reduce pollution and costs. Their larvae have 29% fat and 42% crude protein, yet they have more saturated fats than most insects. They don't concentrate hazards such as mycotoxins or insecticides. Although rapid development is expected, insects remain underutilized in the animal feed industry mainly due to technical, financial, and regulatory barriers. The social stigmas and legal prohibitions against eating organisms that eat waste are added to extant taboos facing insect consumption. Bridging the knowledge gap is crucial to bring together stakeholders and to better understand the opportunities and challenges of this novel industry, so as to develop guidelines on producing insects on an industrial scale to facilitate the wider use of BSF products as animal feed, and fertilizer.

  • Fuzzy logic-supported building design for low-energy consumption in urban environments
    • Munusamy Arun
    • Cristina Efremov
    • Van Bac Nguyen
    • Debabrata Barik
    • Prabhakar Sharma
    • Bhaskor Jyoti Bora
    • Jerzy Kowalski
    • Huu Cuong Le
    • Thanh Hai Truong
    • Dao Nam Cao
    2024 Full text Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

    Climate, building materials, occupancy patterns, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems all interact in complex ways, making it difficult to design low-energy buildings. Thus, innovative architectural and engineering design strategies are required to meet the worldwide need to decrease building energy usage. To improve the calculation of energy consumption of buildings, this work introduces the FCR-BCS (fuzzy clustering rule-based building control systems), which integrates fuzzy logic concepts into computational simulations. FCR-BCS can contemplate real-world uncertainties and fluctuations using linguistic factors and approximate reasoning for more precise and trustworthy results in energy-efficient building design. This method's significance rests in its potential to significantly reduce energy use, advance sustainability, and improve urban residents' quality of life; architects and engineers can thus employ FCR-BCS to enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems and insulation. The outcomes of FCR-BCS simulation assessments show that it is capable of making buildings more energy efficient. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that the suggested model increases the sensitivity analysis by 99.4 %, energy efficiency analysis by 99.8 %, occupancy patterns analysis by 97.5 %, temperature profile analysis by 98.8 %, and energy consumption analysis by 99.6 % compared to other existing models.