Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Page settings

polski
Publications Repository
Gdańsk University of Technology

Show publications from the year

Publications from the year 2025

Show all
  • Thermoelectric and electrical properties of triple-conducting multicomponent oxides based on substituted barium cerate-zirconate
    • Martyna Czudec
    • Daniel Jaworski
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Tamilarasan Subramani
    • Maria Gazda
    • Alexandra Navrotsky
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2025 Full text DALTON TRANSACTIONS

    Multicomponent oxides often have exceptional thermal stability and interesting electronic properties. The present work presents the thermoelectric and electrical properties of the Ba(Zr0.2Hf0.2Sn0.2Ti0.2Fe0.2)O3−δ and Ba(Zr0.1Hf0.1Sn0.1Ti0.1Co0.1Ce0.1Bi0.1Fe0.1Y0.1Zn0.1)O3−δ multicomponent perovskites. Single-phase cubic perovskites were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. They were characterized using X-ray diffraction, drop-solution calorimetry, and thermogravimetry methods. The total electrical conduc tivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements were performed in dry and wet air at temperatures between 600 and 1050 K. It was found that Ba(Zr0.1Hf0.1Sn0.1Ti0.1Co0.1Ce0.1Bi0.1Fe0.1Y0.1Zn0.1)O3−δ is thermo dynamically less stable than Ba(Zr0.2Hf0.2Sn0.2Ti0.2Fe0.2)O3−δ. Moreover, this oxide incorporates a higher amount of water and exhibits higher conductivity and lower Seebeck coefficient. Charge transport in both perovskites can be assigned to the small-polaron hopping process via electron holes. An interesting temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient was found and, at temperatures above 750 K, related to hopping between energetically inequivalent states

  • Thermoelectric and electrical transport properties of mixed-conducting multicomponent oxides based on Ba(Zr,Ce)O3-δ
    • Konrad Kuc
    • Martyna Czudec
    • Daniel Jaworski
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Maria Gazda
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2025 JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS

    In this work, the chosen physicochemical properties of single-phase multicomponent oxides BaTi1/8Fe1/8Co1/8Y1/8Zr1/8Sn1/8Ce1/8Hf1/8O3-δ and BaTi1/9Fe1/9Co1/9Y1/9Zr1/9Sn1/9Ce1/9 Hf1/9Bi1/9O3-δ were studied. The microstructure of the compounds strongly depended on the presence of bismuth in the structure. The electrical transport studies showed a level of electrical conductivity of ∼10−3 - 10−2 S/cm in the temperature range 673–1073 K. Electrical conductivity was thermally activated and the dominant conduction mechanism was the hopping of small polarons. Moreover, total electrical conductivity changes in the dry and humidified atmosphere at lower temperatures due to the presence of protonic defects in the structure. Thermoelectric measurements showed a relatively high value of the Seebeck coefficient for studied ceramics. Its values ranged between 50 and 250 μV/K depending on the sample and temperature. The Seebeck coefficient sign was positive, meaning that electron holes and/or oxygen vacancies were predominant charge carriers in oxidizing atmospheres. Additionally, the Seebeck coefficient was found to be different in the humidified atmosphere which indicates an influence of protonic defects on thermoelectric transport. The obtained power factor Pf turned out to be low and dependent on the presence of protonic defects in the structure. This indicates, that the efficiency of the MOs-based operating thermoelectric generators can be controlled by changing the partial pressure of water vapor

  • Three-Dimensional Path-Following with Articulated 6DoF Robot and ToF Sensors
    • Tymon Wawrzyniak
    • Ignacy Orłowski
    • Marek Galewski
    2025 Full text Applied Sciences-Basel

    This paper presents an algorithm for 3D path-following using an articulated 6-Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) robot as well as experimental verification of the proposed approach. This research extends the classic line-following concept, typically applied in 2D spaces, into a 3D space. This is achieved by equipping a standard industrial robot with a path detection tool featuring six low-cost Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors. The primary objective is to enable the robot to follow a physically existing path defined in 3D space. The developed algorithm allows for step-by-step detection of the path’s orientation and calculation of consecutive positions and orientations of the detection tool that are necessary for the robot arm to follow the path. Experimental tests conducted using a Nachi MZ04D robot demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed solution.

  • Topology, Size, and Shape Optimization in Civil Engineering Structures: A Review
    • Ahmed Manguri
    • Hogr Hassan
    • Najmadeen Saeed
    • Robert Jankowski
    2025 Full text CMES-COMPUTER MODELING IN ENGINEERING & SCIENCES

    The optimization of civil engineering structures is critical for enhancing structural performance and material efficiency in engineering applications. Structural optimization approaches seek to determine the optimal design, by considering material performance, cost, and structural safety. The design approaches aim to reduce the built environment’s energy use and carbon emissions. This comprehensive review examines optimization techniques, including size, shape, topology, and multi-objective approaches, by integrating these methodologies. The trends and advancements that contribute to developing more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable structural designs were identified. The review also discusses emerging technologies, such as machine learning applications with different optimization techniques. Optimization of truss, frame, tensegrity, reinforced concrete, origami, pantographic, and adaptive structures are covered and discussed. Optimization techniques are explained, including metaheuristics, genetic algorithm, particle swarm, ant-colony, harmony search algorithm, and their applications with mentioned structure types. Linear and non-linear structures, including geometric and material nonlinearity, are distinguished. The role of optimization in active structures, structural design, seismic design, form-finding, and structural control is taken into account, and the most recent techniques and advancements are mentioned.

  • Toward 6G Optical Fronthaul: A Survey on Enabling Technologies and Research Perspectives
    • Abdulhalim Fayad
    • Tibor Cinkler
    • Jacek Rak
    2025 IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials

    The anticipated launch of the Sixth Generation (6G) of mobile technology by 2030 will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of wireless communication, ushering in a new era with advancements in technology and applications. 6G is expected to deliver ultra-high data rates and almost instantaneous communications, with three-dimensional coverage for everything, everywhere, and at any time. In the 6G Radio Access Networks (RANs) architecture, the Fronthaul connects geographically distributed Remote Units (RUs) to Distributed/Digital Units (DUs) pool. Among all possible solutions for implementing 6G fronthaul, optical technologies will remain crucial in supporting the 6G fronthaul, as they offer high-speed, low-latency, and reliable transmission capabilities to meet the 6G strict requirements. This survey provides an explanation of the 5G and future 6G optical fronthaul concept and presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art and future research directions in 6G optical fronthaul, highlighting the key technologies and research perspectives fundamental in designing fronthaul networks for 5G and future 6G. Additionally, it examines the benefits and drawbacks of each optical technology and its potential applications in 6G fronthaul networks. This paper aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and industry professionals about the current state and future prospects of 6G optical fronthaul technologies, facilitating the development of robust and efficient wireless networks of the future.

  • Towards an economic and political taxonomy of Italian football presidents (1960–2000)
    • Luciano Segreto
    • Francesco Maccelli
    2025 Soccer & Society

    The paper introduces a taxonomy of the different kinds of clubs’ presidents and the political culture in a long phase of Italian football and economic history (1960–2000). This socio-economic analysis in a historical perspective should help us understand the logic of an investment that was usually an economic loss. Their management action is tied to the political dimension, where football presidents are considered part of this domain, and are trying to take an economic advantage for their business from direct involvement in football. Italy is considered one of the most important laboratories that can allow us to explore the football presidents’ ‘ideal types’ and their socio-economic activities in the context of Italian capitalism.

  • Towards developing fully sustainable elastomers: the role of chemistry
    • Paulina Wiśniewska
    • Peyman Ezzati
    • Józef Haponiuk
    • Aleksander Hejna
    • Xavier Colom
    • Mohammad Saeb
    2025 GREEN CHEMISTRY

    The development of sustainable polymer materials is no longer just an option but a necessity. Elastomers are indispensable members of the polymer family due to their high tensile strength, durability, energy absorption capabilities, and excellent resistance to fatigue and environmental degradation. Elastomers have found a unique role in diverse industries, like transportation, automotive, aerospace, construction, and sports. However, elastomers are typically synthetic chemically crosslinked networks that are difficult to break down and recycle. Because of environmental impacts of synthetic elastomers, developing fully green or sustainable elastomers through green chemistry seems indispensable. This review aims to summarize and analyze existing reports on green elastomers, focusing on sustainable components, green chemistry, their performance, and sustainable manufacturing compared to conventionally used solutions. Due to the complexity of elastomer formulation—comprising numerous ingredients like base rubber or gum, curing agents, accelerators, activators, plasticizers, and other additives—creating fully sustainable elastomers, their blends, and composites with desirable properties remains a significant challenge. While no one has yet achieved this goal, a systematic and critical analysis of green chemistry principles in developing sustainable elastomers, with emphasis on green components, sustainable manufacturing and materials circularity considerations may be a feat of expediting decision-making processes toward a greener future ahead for the elastomer industry, and drive the development of fully green and sustainable elastomers.

  • Trimethyl Lock Based Tools for Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging – Synthesis and Properties
    • Andrzej Skwarecki
    • Joanna Stefaniak-Skorupa
    • Michał Nowak
    2025 CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL

    Trimethyl lock (TML) systems have become increasingly important in medicinal and bioorganic chemistry, particularly for their roles in the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and as integral components in fluorogenic probes for cellular imaging. The simplicity and efficiency of their synthesis have established TML systems as versatile platforms for the controlled release of active molecules under particular physiological conditions. This review consolidates recent advancements in the application of TML systems, with a focus on their use in drug delivery, cellular imaging, and other areas where precise molecular release is crucial. Additionally, we discuss the synthetic strategies employed to construct TML-based conjugates, underscoring their potential to enhance the specificity and efficacy of bioactive compounds in various biomedical applications.

  • TRWAŁOŚĆ BETONOWYCH POSADZEK PRZEMYSŁOWYCH W ASPEKCIE ICH ŚCIERALNOŚCI
    • Maciej Niedostatkiewicz
    • Sylwia Świątek-Żołyńska
    • Tomasz Majewski
    2025 Full text

    Celem artykułu jest wskazanie najczęściej popełnianych błędów przyczyniających się do nadmiernej ścieralności betonowych posadzek przemysłowych, których górna powierzchnia została zabezpieczona suchą posypką aplikowaną na wilgotną nawierzchnię w początkowym okresie twardnienia młodego betonu. W artykule podano także propozycje sposobu usuwania opisanych wad, oraz dyskusję na temat współczesnych metod diagnostyki betonowych posadzek przemysłowych w zakresie oceny ich odporności na ścieranie (ścieralności). Artykuł ma charakter studium przypadku i został ograniczony do wybranych, reprezentatywnych przypadków, z którymi spotkali się autorzy w trakcie praktyki inżynierskiej

  • Tuning the Adhesive Strength of Functionalized Polyolefin-Based Hot Melt Adhesives: Unexpected Results Leading to New Opportunities
    • Lidia Jasińska-Walc
    • Weronika Nowicka
    • Jakub Kruszyński
    • Robbert Duchateau
    • Miloud Bouyahyi
    • Artur Różański
    • Lanti Yang
    • Farhan Ahmad Pasha
    • Ralf Kleppinger
    2025 Full text MACROMOLECULES

    The development of lightweight, often multi-component products requires adaptable and robust bondingsolutions. Hot melt adhesives increasingly attract industrial interestas they combine good adhesive strength, facile processability, andcost-efficiency. Recently, our group has reported on the remarkableadhesive performance of hydroxyl-functionalized propylene-basedcopolymers in bonding both polar and nonpolar surfaces. Theobtained adhesive strength proved to be too high for applicationssuch as single-use packaging, which requires low to moderateadhesion for easy opening. Tuning the adhesive strength bymanufacturing numerous functionalized polyolefin grades with varying contents of hydroxyl-functional groups is challenging in viewof industrial-scale production. Herein, we elucidate an alternative approach to tune the adhesive performance by blending thefunctionalized propylene copolymers with nonfunctionalized congeners. To understand the structure−property relationship of theinvestigated diluted blends, a thorough characterization of morphology, physical properties, crystallization, and viscoelastic behaviorwas performed. It appeared that the crystallinity of the nonfunctionalized polyolefin and its miscibility with the functionalizedpolyolefin play a crucial role on the adhesive strength of the blends. Either a gradual decrease in adhesive strength with dilution wasnoticed or�surprisingly�no loss of adhesive strength was observed at all, not even after diluting 100 times! Molecular dynamicssimulations revealed an intrinsic tendency of the hydroxyl-functionalized polyolefin to migrate to and interact with the aluminumoxide surface.

  • Two Approaches to Constructing Certified Dominating Sets in Social Networks
    • Joanna Raczek
    • Mateusz Miotk
    2025 IEEE Access

    Social networks are an important part of our community. In this context, certified dominating sets help to find in networks a group of people, referring as officials, such that 1) for each civilian, there is an official that can serve the civilian, and 2) no official is adjacent to exactly one civilian, to prevent potential abuses. To delve deeper into this topic, this study considers two approaches to the problem of finding certified dominating sets of small cardinality. One approach is to transform an ordinary dominating set, which is subject only to condition 1) given above, into a certified dominating set. The second approach involves constructing such a set from scratch. To compare the two methods, we first studied the computational complexity of the decision problem of whether, for a given graph, the domination number, which is the minimum size of a dominating set, is equal to the certified domination number, that is, the minimum size of a certified dominating set. Next, we constructed and compared the performance of two approximate algorithms that find certified dominating sets, one for each of the two approaches. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms were validated through experiments that compare their results with each other and with a previous study: the linear-time algorithm, which determines the certified domination number for trees and with known results for the domination number in social networks.

  • Ultra-Compact Quintuple-Band Terahertz Metamaterial Biosensor for Enhanced Blood Cancer Diagnostics
    • Musa N. Hamza
    • Mohammad Tariqul Islam
    • Sunil Lavadiya
    • Iflikhar ud Din
    • Bruno Sanches
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Seyda Iffat Naqvi
    • Ali Farmani
    • Md. Shabiul Islam
    2025 Full text PLOS ONE

    Cancer and its diverse variations pose one of the most significant threats to human health and well-being. One of the most aggressive forms is blood cancer, originating from bone marrow cells and disrupting the production of normal blood cells. The incidence of blood cancer is steadily increasing, driven by both genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, early detection is crucial as it enhances treatment outcomes and improves success rates. However, accurate diagnosis is challenging due to the inherent similarities between normal and cancerous cells. Although various techniques are available for blood cancer identification, high-frequency imaging techniques have recently shown promise, particularly for real-time monitoring. Notably, terahertz (THz) frequencies offer unique advantages for biomedical applications. This research proposes an innovative terahertz metamaterial-based biosensor for high-efficacy blood cancer detection. The proposed structure is ultra-compact and operates across five bands within the range of 0.6 to 1.2 THz. It is constructed using a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dielectric layer and two aluminum (Al) layers, with the top layer serving as a base for the THz-range resonator. Careful design, architectural arrangement, and optimization of the geometry parameters allow for achieving nearly perfect absorption rates (>95%) across all operating bands. The properties of the proposed sensor are extensively evaluated through full-wave electromagnetic (EM) analysis, which includes assessing the refractive index and the distribution of the electric field at individual working frequencies. The suitability for blood cancer diagnosis has been validated by integrating the sensor into a microwave imaging (MWI) system and conducting comprehensive simulation studies. These studies underscore the device's capability to detect abnormalities, particularly in distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. Benchmarking against state-of-the-art biosensors in recent literature indicates that the proposed sensor is highly competitive in terms of major performance indicators while maintaining a compact size.

  • Unlocking the electrochemical performance of glassy carbon electrodes by surface engineered, sustainable chitosan membranes
    • Agata Smułka
    • Mateusz Cieślik
    • Adrian Olejnik
    • Artur Zieliński
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Tadeusz Ossowski
    2025 Full text BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY

    Chitosan coatings, derived from crustacean shell waste, possess inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, rendering them suitable for various biomedical and environmental applications, including electrochemical biosensing. Its amine and hydroxyl functional groups offer abundant sites for chemical modifications to boost the charge transfer kinetics and provide excellent adhesion, enabling the construction of robust electrode-coating interfaces for electroanalysis. This study explores the role of electrostatically-driven chemical interactions and crosslinking density originating from different chitosan (Cs) and glutaraldehyde (Ga) concentrations in this aspect. Studying anionic ([Fe(CN)6]3−/4−), neutral (FcDM0/+), and cationic ([Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+) redox probes highlights the influence of Coulombic interactions with chitosan chains containing positively-charged pathways, calculated by DFT analysis. Our study reveals how a proper Ch-to-Ga ratio has a superior influence on the cross-linking efficacy and resultant charge transfer kinetics, which is primarily boosted by up to 20× analyte preconcentration increase, due to electrostatically-driven migration of negatively charged ferrocyanide ions toward positively charged chitosan hydrogel. Notably the surface engineering approach allows for a two-orders of magnitude enhancement in [Fe(CN)6]4− limit of detection, from 0.1 µM for bare GCE down to even 0.2 nM upon an adequate hydrogel modification.

  • UNRES web server: Extensions to nucleic acids, prediction of peptide aggregation, and new types of restrained calculations
    • Rafał Ślusarz
    • Adam Sieradzan
    • Artur Gieldon
    • Emilia Lubecka
    • Magdalena J. Ślusarz
    • Mateusz Leśniewski
    • Nguyen Truong Co
    • Adam Liwo
    • Cezary Czaplewski
    2025 JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

    The third version of the UNRES web server is described, in which the range of biological macromolecules treated and calculation types has been extended significantly. DNA and RNA molecules have been added to enable the user to run simulations of their folding/hybridization and dynamics. To increase the accuracy of the simulated proteins models, the restraints on secondary structure have been enhanced to include the probabilities of the coil, extended and helical state, which are taken from the PSIPRED or HHpred raw input and the restraints from multiple bioinformatics models have been added. The NMR-data-assisted functionality has been extended to include time-averaged restraints, this feature enabling the user to model multistate and intrinsically-disordered proteins and those with intrinsically-disordered regions. Finally, the prediction of the propensity of peptides to aggregation has been included to enable the user to predict peptide solubility and aggregation, including the character and the structures of the aggregates.

  • Unveiling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in e-cigarette refill liquids: A comprehensive analytical assessment
    • Paweł Kubica
    • Tomasz Majchrzak
    • Khrystyna Vakh
    2025 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    A robust analytical method was developed for the determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in e-cigarette refill liquids using solid-phase extraction (SPE) with weak anion-exchange sorbent, followed by detection with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The design of experiment approach was employed to optimize sample preparation, leading to the validation of the method with limits of detection for PFAS ranging from 0.24 to 1.1 pg/mL. The method demonstrated inter-day repeatability of <17 % and relative recovery values between 89 % and 123 %. Additionally, the study explored the composition of e-cigarette refill liquids, focusing on the concentrations of primary constituents, such as vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. Direct PFAS exposure through e-cigarette use might be of significant health concern due to vaping. Additionally, such products may serve as new source of PFAS release raising emerging issues about environment. Potential PFAS contamination in e-cigarette refill liquids may include manufacturing processes, packaging materials, or components of the e-cigarette devices, in result, leading to exposure during inhalation. A total of 31 e-cigarette refill liquid samples from various brands were analysed, revealing that PFAS were present mainly at trace levels. However, elevated concentrations exceeding 25 pg in 1 mL of commercial e-cigarette refill liquids were determined for PFNA, PFHxA, PFBS, HFPO-DA (GenX), and N-EtFOSAA. Among these, PFBS exhibited the highest detection frequency, occurring in 39 % of the samples. Notably, at least one of PFAS compounds was detected in 84 % of the samples analysed. Moreover, the higher PFAS content was determined in e-cigarette refill liquids with a nicotine content of 20 mg/mL than those with 6 mg/mL.

  • Upcycling of medium-density fiberboard and polyurethane foam wastes into novel composite materials
    • Aleksander Hejna
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Joanna Aniśko
    • Adam Piasecki
    • Roman Barczewski
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Jacek Andrzejewski
    • Marek Szostak
    2025 Resources, Conservation and Recycling Advances

    While plastic and e-waste dominate public discourse, municipal waste, particularly bulky wastes pose a significant challenge due to their large-scale generation aligning with the enrichment of society. Their efficient collection and keeping in a loop should be considered among the priorities of municipal waste management. Herein, the presented work presents novel composite materials obtained from flexible polyurethane foams used as mattresses and medium-density fiberboards applied in furniture products. Composites have been prepared using compression molding, with the addition of an innovative binder composed of a diisocyanate and inorganic salt, whose in situ decomposition led to the gas generation providing the porous structure and strengthening the interfacial bonding inside the material. The impact of changes induced by the chemical interactions on the appearance, morphology, mechanical, thermal, acoustic and insulation performance of composites has been evaluated. Observed changes pointed to the auspicious conclusions on the further applications of the examined binder composition.

  • User Well-Being as a Paramount Challenge in Contemporary Built Environment Design: The Architecture of Psychiatric Hospitals and Its Influence on Treatment Processes and the Health, Safety, and Comfort of Patients and Medical Staff—A Systematic Literature Review and Insights from the New European Bauhaus Initiative
    • Daria Pawlaczyk-Szymańska
    • Agnieszka Gębczyńska-Janowicz
    • Joanna Zdrojewska
    • Wacław Szarejko
    2025 Buildings

    The natural environment, urban systems, and the buildings in which we live, study, work, or undergo treatment affect our mental health. The aim of this literature review was to verify the state of knowledge on the impact of the forms of psychiatric hospital buildings and the architectural solutions used inside these facilities on their comfort and safety of use, more effective forms of therapy, and the health of patients, as well as the comfort and safety of medical staff. This literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The scientific databases that were accepted for review were Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. During the preliminary analysis, During the initial analysis, 175 potential publications addressing the architecture of psychiatric hospital buildings were obtained. After three-stage verification, 31 English-language publications qualified for the review. The review showed the state and form of the architecture of psychiatric hospitals. The obtained results confirm the significant impact of the buildings and interiors of psychiatric wards and hospitals on the safety, comfort, and well-being of their users, as well as on achieving better therapeutic effects. The literature review not only examined the current state and form of the architecture in psychiatric hospitals but also the architectural solutions increasingly used in these facilities in order to improve the quality of the space, which affects its users.

  • Utilizing Cement Kiln Dust as an Efficient Adsorbent for Heavy Metal Removal in Wastewater Treatment
    • Khaled Elmaadawy
    • Mohamed R. Hamed
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Gamal K. Hassan
    2025 Water

    Cement kiln dust (CKD), a by-product of cement manufacturing, has been largely underutilized despite its potential as an eco-friendly adsorbent for wastewater treatment. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding CKD’s effectiveness in removing heavy metals from wastewater residuals. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to optimize key parameters such as the pH (6–9), contact time, sorbent dosage, and initial heavy metal concentrations using a batch equilibrium technique. The results demonstrated that CKD can effectively remove heavy metals, achieving removal efficiencies of 98% for Pb, 94% for Zn, 92% for Cu, and 90% for Cd within just 4 h of treatment. Importantly, CKD not only provided high adsorption efficiency but also resulted in a significant reduction in the formation of hazardous solid sludge, a major concern in traditional wastewater treatment methods. The adsorption data closely matched the Langmuir isotherm model, further validating CKD’s potential as a sustainable, cost-effective solution for reducing heavy metal contamination in wastewater while minimizing the environmental impact.

  • Utilizing UAV and orthophoto data with bathymetric LiDAR in google earth engine for coastal cliff degradation assessment
    • Paweł Tysiąc
    • Rafał Ossowski
    • Lukasz Janowski
    • Damian Moskalewicz
    2025 Scientific Reports

    This study introduces a novel methodology for estimating and analysing coastal cliff degradation, using machine learning and remote sensing data. Degradation refers to both natural abrasive processes and damage to coastal reinforcement structures caused by natural events. We utilized orthophotos and LiDAR data in green and near-infrared wavelengths to identify zones impacted by storms and extreme weather events that initiated mass movement processes. Our approach included change detection analysis to estimate eroded areas. Next, by applying Random Forest classifier within Google Earth Engine, we evaluated the importance of features in detecting these degraded zones. We tested the algorithm’s performance using datasets of varying resolutions (10 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm), and a UAV dataset acquired two years later to validate results. The classifier achieved an overall accuracy of approximately 90% across all datasets. The findings indicate that DEM products in green and near-infrared wavelengths are similarly important, while reflectance maps and orthophotos suggest that red and near-infrared wavelengths play a significant role in identifying degradation. These results suggest that it is feasible to monitor coastal degradation caused by natural disasters using diverse sensors within a single training framework.

  • UV light-activated gas mixture sensing by ink-printed WS2 layer
    • Katarzyna Drozdowska
    • Janusz Smulko
    • Artur Zieliński
    • Andrzej Kwiatkowski
    2025 Full text SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL

    We fabricated a sensing layer from ink-printed WS2 flakes and utilized it for UV-activated gas sensing. The optical imaging of the structure made by repeated printing revealed the continuous layer comprising sub-µm flakes, confirmed independently by small-area AFM images (1×1 µm2). The activity of the sensing surface was investigated locally via AFM scanning of the surface with a polarized probing tip. The results indicated that the applied UV light amplifies the existing conducting paths in the dark. These hot spots are associated with the sensing activity of the WS2 surface (local adsorption-desorption centers). Gas sensing experiments revealed that the DC resistance of the WS2 sensor changes in the opposite direction for increasing concentrations of NO2 and NH3, which correlates with the electron-accepting and electron-donating properties of these species. On the contrary, low-frequency noise intensifies gradually in both gases, and relative changes in noise responses are higher than DC resistance responses for all investigated concentrations. The lowest detection limit obtained was 103 ppb from DC responses for NO2 and 168 ppb from noise responses for NH3. The studies of sensing responses for mixtures of the mentioned target gases revealed that the amplitude of resistance fluctuations is not a direct summation of spectra obtained for pure compounds. Such an effect observed for mixed gases indicates that the intermittent reactions between both species before adsorbing at the sensing surface or in the adsorption centers impact their detection.