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Gdańsk University of Technology

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  • Synthesis of a state feedback controller for an averaging tank with variable filling
    • Michał Kolankowski
    • Robert Piotrowski
    2022

    In paper, a nonlinear averaging tank with variable filling is considered. The main purpose of this research work was the modelling and control system synthesis of an averaging tank. The control objectives included ensuring stability and zero steady-state error of the system and achieving settling time as short as possible, while maintaining a minimal overshoot. In order to achieve the intended purpose, firstly a mathematical model of the control plant was derived. The model was adapted to the form required to design the control system by linearization and re-duction of its dimensions, resulting in two system variants. A state feedback and output feedback with integral action control system of the averaging tank was de-signed using a linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) and optimization of weights. The developed control system was tested using Matlab environment. Finally, based on simulation results, performance of the control system in different variants and effects of optimization were assessed.

  • Synthesis of bimetallic Co–Pt/cellulose nanocomposites for catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol
    • Vividha K. Landge
    • Vikas S. Hakke
    • Manohar Kakunuri
    • G. Uday B. Babu
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    • Shirish H. Sonawane
    2022 Reaction Chemistry & Engineering

    In this study, bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) of Co–Pt anchored on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) for catalytic applications were synthesized via a sonochemical approach. The electro-spinning technique was employed for the synthesis of CNFs from cellulose acetate. The thorough characterization of synthesised Co–Pt/CNF nanocomposites was performed with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This method leads to the facile preparation of Co–Pt bimetallic NPs using cellulose as a support. The synthesized nanocomposites were used for the p-nitrophenol (p-NP) reduction to p-aminophenol (p-AP) with excess sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to assess their catalytic performance. The effects of various parameters on the performance of the catalyst were also investigated. The investigated parameters are catalyst loading, initial p-NP concentration and NaBH4 concentration. The extent of p-NP reduction into p-AP over Co–Pt/CNF nanocomposites with an excess of NaBH4 was examined with UV-vis spectroscopy. The p-NP reduction to p-AP over Co–Pt NPs anchored on CNFs was achieved within 98 seconds with around 100% conversion. The efficiency of the catalyst did not vary significantly up to 5 consecutive cycles. The excellent catalytic activity (Kapp = 0.028 s−1) and stability of the as-synthesized Co–Pt nanoparticles supported on CNFs make them potential catalysts for nitrophenol reduction and wastewater treatment.

  • Synthesis of green benzamide-decorated UiO-66-NH2 for biomedical applications
    • Navid Rabiee
    • Amir Mohammad Ghadiri
    • Vida Alinezhad
    • Anna Sedaghat
    • Sepideh Ahmadi
    • Yousef Fatahi
    • Pooyan Makvandi
    • Mohammad Saeb
    • Mojtaba Bagherzadeh
    • Mohsen Asadnia
    • Rajender S. Varma
    • Eder C. Lima
    2022 CHEMOSPHERE

    Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) biocompatible systems can host enzymes/bacteria/viruses. Herein we synthesized a series of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-decorated UiO-66-NH2 based on Citrus tangerine leaf extract for drug delivery and biosensor applications. Five chemically manipulated FAAH-like benzamides were localized on the UiO-66-NH2 surface with physical interactions. Comprehensive cellular and molecular analyses were conducted on HEK-293, HeLa, HepG2, PC12, MCF-7, and HT-29 cell lines (cytotoxicity assessment after 24 and 48 h). MTT results proved above 95 and 50% relative cell viability in the absence and presence of the drug, respectively. A complete targeted drug-releasing capability of nanocarriers was demonstrated after capping with leaf extract from Citrus tangerine, with a stimuli-responsive effect in acidic media. Targeted delivery was complete to the nucleus and cytoplasm of HT-29 cell, but merely to the cytoplasm of HeLa cell lines. Nanocarrier could be targeted for drug delivery to the cytoplasm of the HeLa cell line and to both the nucleus and cytoplasm of HT-29 cell lines. MOF-based nanocarriers proved authentic in vivo towards kidney and liver tissues with targeted cancerous cells efficiently. Besides, FAAH-like molecules revealed optical biosensor potential with high selectivity (even ˂5 nM LOD) towards ssDNA, sgRNA, and Anti-cas9 proteins.

  • Synthesis, Structure, and Spectroscopic Properties of Calcium Thiophenecarboxylate Polymers. Structural Comparison with Analogous Lead Complexes
    • Joanna Masternak
    • Katarzyna Kazimierczuk
    • Bogumiła Kupcewicz
    • Jakub Brzeski
    • Mateusz Kowalik
    2022 EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

    Three novel calcium coordination polymers [Ca(2tpCOO)2(2mpa)(H2O)]n (1), [Ca(3tpCOO)2(2mpa)(H2O)]n (2), and {[Ca(3tpacCOO)2(H2O)2]⋅⋅⋅H2O}n (3) (2tpCOO− or 3tpCOO− – thiophene-2- or thiophene-3-carboxylate, 3tpacCOO− – thiophene-3-acetate, 2mpa – 2-methylpropanal), were synthesised using a self-assembly method. The obtained polymers were characterised using SC-XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, thermogravimetric and luminescence analyses. The polymer fluorescence studies showed that calcium complexes can emit light of different colours ranging from violet (1) and blue (2) to green (3). The molecular structure of each polymer consists of a calcium ion at the centre of a dodecahedral coordination sphere. The crystal structure consists of one dimensional zigzag chains that form a three-dimensional network via π⋅⋅⋅π, C−H⋅⋅⋅π and O−H⋅⋅⋅O or O−H⋅⋅⋅S interactions. Additionally, a comparative structural analysis of CaCPs with lead(II) coordination polymers containing analogous linkers was performed as part of modelling studies to explore the substitution of calcium ions by lead ions in biological polymers.

  • S&YP + Mentors + Peace + Love = Science and Growing
    • Giuseppe Buja
    • Zbigniew Krzemiński
    • Marek Adamowicz
    • Marek Jasiński
    2022 Full text IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine

    In this extraordinarily difficult time, we understand better that only peace, love, and cooperation are the keys to growing in technology for humanity. Let us learn from our mentors how they grow from their hard work and international cooperation. Thanks to Prof. Giuseppe Buja and Prof. Zbigniew Krzemiński, we have unique schools of adjustable speed drives that are helping people convert electrical to mechanical power and vice versa. Let’s learn how it was possible.

  • System diagnostyki oddechowej oparty na konwolucyjnych sieciach neuronowych
    • Zdzisław Kowalczuk
    • Michał Czubenko
    • Michał Bosak
    2022 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    Choroby układu oddechowego człowieka od zawsze były obciążeniem dla całego społeczeństwa. Sytuacja stała się szczególnie trudna po wybuchu pandemii COVID-19. Jednak nawet teraz nierzadko zdarza się, że ludzie konsultują się ze swoim lekarzem zbyt późno, już po niepożądanym rozwinięciu się choroby. W celu ochrony pacjentów przed ciężką chorobą płuc, zaleca się jak najwcześniejsze wykrycie wszelkich objawów zaburzających pracę układu oddechowego. W artykule przedstawiono wczesny prototyp urządzenia, który przypomina cyfrowy stetoskop. Przeprowadza on automatyczną analizę oddechu, poza rejestrowaniem cykli oddechowych. Dodatkowo urządzenie ma funkcję powiadamiania użytkownika (np. przez smartfon) o konieczności udania się do lekarza na bardziej szczegółowe badanie. Dźwiękowe nagranie cykli oddechu przekształcane jest na dwuwymiarową macierz za pomocą współczynników cepstrum w skali melowej (MFCC). Taka macierz jest analizowana przez sztuczną sieć neuronową. W wyniku przeprowadzonych badań stwierdzono, że najlepsze z otrzymanych rozwiązań prezentowanej sieci neuronowej osiągnęło pożądaną dokładność i wysoką precyzję.

  • System stabilizacji piłki na ruchomej platformie
    • Michał Banach
    • Robert Piotrowski
    2022 Full text Pomiary Automatyka Robotyka

    W ostatnich latach nastąpił znaczny rozwój i wzrost zastosowań układów regulacji nadążnej. Ich wykorzystanie przestało ograniczać się do zastosowań przemysłowych, a zaczęto je używać w aplikacjach życia codziennego. Artykuł przedstawia proces projektowania i syntezy nadążnego układu stabilizacji piłki na ruchomej platformie. Opisano część mechaniczną oraz elektroniczną platformy. Przedstawiono model matematyczny, a także opisano proces oprogramowania platformy i syntezy sterowania. Na koniec przeprowadzono testy sprawdzające.

  • System wynagradzania nauczycieli w Polsce – skutki dla lokalnych budżetów
    • Alicja Sekuła
    • Joanna Nucińska,
    2022 Full text STUDIA BAS

    Artykuł podejmuje problematykę systemu wynagradzania nauczycieli w Polsce. W pierwszej części przedstawiono oświatę jako zadanie publiczne polskich gmin, powiatów i województw oraz miast na prawach powiatu, które wypełniają zadania zarówno gmin, jak i powiatów. W kolejnej części omówiono kryteria (zwłaszcza dotyczące nauczycieli) podziału części oświatowej subwencji ogólnej z budżetu państwa pomiędzy jednostki samorządu terytorialnego. Następnie opisano zasady naliczania wynagrodzeń nauczycieli. W części empirycznej artykułu przedstawiono strukturę i dynamikę wydatków oświatowych na wynagrodzenia w latach 2004–2020 oraz porównano ich wysokość z oświatową częścią subwencji. Następnie analizowana jest różnica między minimalnym i średnim wynagrodzeniem nauczycieli. Ostatnia część to studium przypadku pokazujące wpływ wynagrodzeń nauczycieli na wydatki w budżecie Lublina.

  • Systematic comparison of a biotrickling filter and a conventional filter for the removal of a mixture of hydrophobic VOCs by Candida subhashii
    • Milena Marycz
    • Yadira Rodríguez
    • Jacek Gębicki
    • Raúl Muñoz
    2022 Full text CHEMOSPHERE

    This work systematically compared the potential of a conventional fungal biofilter (BF) and a fungal biotrickling filter (BTF) for the abatement of a mixture of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Candida subhashii was herein used for the first time, to the best of the author's knowledge, to remove n-hexane, trichloroethylene, toluene and α-pinene under aerobic conditions. C. subhashii immobilized on polyurethane foam supported steady state removal efficiencies of n-hexane, trichloroethylene, toluene and α-pinene of 25.4 ± 0.9%, 20.5 ± 1.0%, 19.6 ± 1.5% and 25.6 ± 2.8% in the BF, and 35.7 ± 0.9%, 24.0 ± 1.6%, 44.0 ± 1.7% and 26.2 ± 1.8% in the BTF, respectively, at relatively short gas residence times (30 s). The ability of C. subhashii to biodegrade n-hexane, TCE, toluene and α-pinene was confirmed in a batch test conducted in serum bottles, where a biodegradation pattern (toluene ≈ n-hexane > α-pinene > trichloroethylene) comparable to that recorded in the BF and BTF was recorded.

  • Systematic Literature Review for Emotion Recognition from EEG Signals
    • Paulina Leszczełowska
    • Natalia Dawidowska
    2022

    Researchers have recently become increasingly interested in recognizing emotions from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and many studies utilizing different approaches have been conducted in this field. For the purposes of this work, we performed a systematic literature review including over 40 articles in order to identify the best set of methods for the emotion recognition problem. Our work collects information about the most commonly used datasets, electrodes, algorithms and EEG features, as well as methods of their extraction and selection. The number of recognized emotions was also extracted from each paper. In the analyzed articles, the SEED dataset turned out to be the most frequently used. The two most prevalent groups of electrodes were frontal and parietal. Evaluated papers suggest that alpha wavelets are the most beneficial band for feature extraction in emotion recognition. FFT, STFT, and DE appear to be the most popular feature extraction methods. The most prominent algorithms for feature selection among analyzed studies were classifier-dependent wrappers, such as the GA or SVM wrapper. In terms of predicted emotions, developed models in more than half of the papers were designed to predict three emotions. The predictive algorithms that were mostly used by researchers are neural networks or vector machine-based models.

  • Systematic Literature Review for Emotion Recognition from EEG Signals
    • Paulina Leszczełowska
    • Natalia Dawidowska
    2022 Full text

    Researchers have recently become increasingly interested in recognizing emotions from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and many studies utilizing different approaches have been conducted in this field. For the purposes of this work, we performed a systematic literature review including over 40 articles in order to identify the best set of methods for the emotion recognition problem. Our work collects information about the most commonly used datasets, electrodes, algorithms and EEG features, as well as methods of their extraction and selection. The number of recognized emotions was also extracted from each paper. In the analyzed articles, the SEED dataset turned out to be the most frequently used. The two most prevalent groups of electrodes were frontal and parietal. Evaluated papers suggest that alpha wavelets are the most beneficial band for feature extraction in emotion recognition. FFT, STFT, and DE appear to be the most popular feature extraction methods. The most prominent algorithms for feature selection among analyzed studies were classifier-dependent wrappers, such as the GA or SVM wrapper. In terms of predicted emotions, developed models in more than half of the papers were designed to predict three emotions. The predictive algorithms that were mostly used by researchers are neural networks or vector machine-based models.

  • Szacowanie przewagi konkurencyjnej w procesie rozwoju nowego produktu - ujęcie praktyczne
    • Dariusz Dąbrowski
    2022

    Celem rozdziału jest przedstawienie koncepcji szacowania przewagi konkurencyjnej w procesie rozwoju nowego produktu. Potrzeba takiego szacunku wynika z przyjęcia założenia mówiącego, że nadrzędnym celem rozwoju nowego produktu jest takie jego kształtowanie, które umożliwi przedsiębiorstwu tworzenie przewagi konkurencyjnej. Planowanie i monitorowanie przewagi konkurencyjnej w projektach nowych produktów wymaga ustalenia, w jaki sposób szacować tę przewagę już w procesie rozwoju nowego produktu. Ta kwestia nie była do tej pory podejmowana w fachowej literaturze, zaś jej rozstrzygnięcie powinno wspomóc praktyki przedsiębiorstw w zakresie kształtowania nowych produktów. W pracy najpierw przedstawiono istotę przewagi konkurencyjnej opartej na produkcie. Następnie, uzasadniono przyjęcie perspektywy zakładającej, że nadrzędnym celem rozwoju nowego produktu powinno być takie jego kształtowanie, które umożliwi przedsiębiorstwu osiąganie przewagi konkurencyjnej. W tej kwestii posłużono się teorią zasobową i metodą dedukcji. W kolejnej części opracowania, na podstawie analizy znaczenia pojęcia przewagi konkurencyjnej, wskazano informacje niezbędne do wyznaczenia tej przewagi. Do nich zaliczono postrzegane korzyści uzyskiwane przez klientów i koszty produktu, zarówno nowego jak i konkurencyjnego. Następnie, stosując dedukcję, przyjęto, że jeśli można wskazać sposoby szacowania wspomnianych informacji już w procesie rozwoju nowego produktu, to można oszacować planowaną przewagę konkurencyjną. Kolejno zaproponowano sposoby określania tychże informacji i zasugerowano, w których fazach procesu rozwoju nowego produktu może wystąpić szacowanie planowanej przewagi konkurencyjnej.

  • Szkoła letnia Wydziału Architektury - artykuł w Piśmie PG
    • Anna Górka
    2022 Pismo PG

    Artykuł opisuje tematykę cyklu szkół letnich Wydziału Architektury pn. "Architektura dla miejsca" Wakacyjne warsztaty stanowią realizację ważnego celu w dydaktyce projektowania architektonicznego, jakim jest gotowość projektanta do gromadzenia doświadczeń bezpośrednio w terenie i poznawania wielowymiarowych – ekologicznych, społecznych, kulturowych – uwarunkowań kształtowania przestrzeni. Małomiasteczkowe lub wiejskie, studio projektowania to naturalne przedłużenie edukacji architektów, urbanistów i planistów przestrzennych, które przywraca procesowi dydaktycznemu spontaniczność i autentyzm oraz daje radość i przynosi satysfakcję wszystkim uczestnikom

  • Szybkie wykrywanie wirusa grypy we wczesnej fazie rozwoju za pomocą sensorów nanodiamentowych domieszkowanych borem
    • Dawid Nidzworski
    • Siuzdak Katarzyna
    • Pawel Niedzialkowski
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    • Michał Sobaszek
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Paulina Weiher
    • Sawczak Mirosław
    • Elżbieta Wnuk
    • Andres Jarmillo-Botero
    • Tadeusz Ossowski
    • Marcin Gnyba
    2022 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    Przedstawiono konstrukcję i wyniki wstępnych badań szybkiego elektrochemicznego sensora wykonanego na bazie cienkich warstw nanokrystalicznego diamentu domieszkowanego borem, który umożliwia wykrywanie śladowych ilości wirusa grypy we wczesnej fazie rozwoju. Zapewnia to identyfikację ognisk pandemii.

  • T1 RELAXATION TIME CALLIBRATION IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING USING NANODIAMOND PHANTOMS
    • Monika Kosowska
    • Anna Sękowska-Namiotko
    • A. Sabisz
    • Mateusz Ficek
    • Małgorzata Szczerska
    2022 PHYSICA MEDICA

    MRI is increasingly used in radiation treatment planning because of the excellent soft tissue contrast in the obtained images. It allows more precise definition of the boundaries between healthy tissues and those affected by cancerous lesions. To obtain good image quality, the difference in signal between two types of tissue must be significant despite the noise so it must be properly calibrated. This calibration includes testing whether the system correctly reflects the spatial distribution of the individual phantom elements as well as verification of relaxation times and proton densities. The aim of this research was to create a phantom that would reflect the magnetic parameters of liver tissue, allowing the calibration of relaxation times.

  • Tacit knowledge influence on intellectual capital and innovativeness in the healthcare sector: A cross-country study of Poland and the US
    • Wioleta Kucharska
    2022 Full text JOURNAL OF BUSINESS RESEARCH

    This study provides empirical proof that whole organizational innovativeness is rooted in tacit knowledge due to its potency of human capital creation and, that a learning culture composed of a learning climate and mistakes acceptance component fosters human capital development. The main practical implication is that if the IC components are externally rather than internally determined in the particular organization embedded in the specific healthcare system, human capital’s power to create an innovative solution is diminished even if the learning culture is developed. So, practically, private healthcare organizations are more innovative than public. Novelty: This study exposed how tacit knowledge creation driven by learning culture and its mistakes acceptance critical component drives next IC components structure, which influences internal performance innovation in the healthcare sector driven by private and public funds. Findings were obtained from a healthcare industry sample composed of 350 cases from Poland and 365 from the United States. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method using Amos and OLS regression using SPSS PROCESS macro.

  • Tailoring Diffusional Fields in Zwitterion/Dopamine Copolymer Electropolymerized at Carbon Nanowalls for Sensitive Recognition of Neurotransmitters
    • Adrian Olejnik
    • Mateusz Ficek
    • Marek Szkodo
    • Alicja Stanisławska
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Anna Dołęga
    • Katarzyna Siuzdak
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    2022 Full text ACS NANO

    The importance of neurotransmitter sensing in the diagnosis and treatment of many psychological illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases is non-negotiable. For electrochemical sensors to become widespread and accurate, a long journey must be undertaken for each device, from understanding the materials at the molecular level to real applications in biological fluids. We report a modification of diamondized boron-doped carbon nanowalls (BCNWs) with an electropolymerized polydopamine/polyzwitterion (PDA|PZ) coating revealing tunable mechanical and electrochemical properties. Zwitterions are codeposited with PDA and noncovalently incorporated into a structure. This approach causes a specific separation of the diffusion fields generated by each nanowall during electrochemical reactions, thus increasing the contribution of the steady-state currents in the amperometric response. This phenomenon has a profound effect on the sensing properties, leading to a 4-fold enhancement of the sensitivity (3.1 to 14.3 μA cm–2 μM–1) and a 5-fold decrease of the limit of detection (505 to 89 nM) in comparison to the pristine BCNWs. Moreover, as a result of the antifouling capabilities of the incorporated zwitterions, this enhancement is preserved in bovine serum albumin (BSA) with a high protein concentration. The presence of zwitterion facilitates the transport of dopamine in the direction of the electrode by intermolecular interactions such as cation−π and hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, polydopamine units attached to the surface form molecular pockets driven by hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. As a result, the intermediate state of dopamine–analyte oxidation is stabilized, leading to the enhancement of the sensing properties.

  • Tailoring of Optical Properties of Methacrylate Resins Enriched by HPHT Microdiamond Particles
    • Ewelina Kowalewska
    • Mateusz Ficek
    • Krzysztof Formela
    • Artur Zieliński
    • Srinivasu Kunuku
    • Mirosław Sawczak
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    2022 Nanomaterials

    Diamond particles have great potential to enhance the mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of diamond–polymer composites. However, the improved properties of diamond–polymer composites depend on the size, dispersibility, and concentration of diamond particles. In the present study, diamond–polymer composites were prepared by adding the microdiamond particles (MDPs) with different concentrations (0.2–1 wt.%) into polymers (acrylate resins) and then subjected to a photocuring process. The surface morphology and topography of the MDPs–polymer composites demonstrated a uniform high-density distribution of MDPs for one wt.% MPDs. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to investigate the thermal stability of the MDPs–polymer composites. The addition of MDPs has significantly influenced the polymers’ thermal degradation. Absorption and emission spectra of thin layers were recorded through UV/Vis spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry. The obtained results revealed a significant increase in the fluorescence intensity of MDPs–polymer composites (at 1 wt.% of MDPs, a 1.5×, 2×, and 5× increase in fluorescence was observed for MDPs–green, MDPs–amber daylight, and MDPs–red resin, respectively) compared with the reference polymer resins. The obtained results of this work show the new pathways in producing effective and active 3D-printed optical elements.

  • Targeting DNA Topoisomerase II in Antifungal Chemotherapy.
    • Kavya Kondaka
    • Iwona Gabriel
    2022 Full text MOLECULES

    Topoisomerase inhibitors have been in use clinically for the treatment of several diseases for decades. Although those enzymes are significant molecular targets in antibacterial and anticancer chemotherapy very little is known about the possibilities to target fungal topoisomerase II (topo II). Raising concern for the fungal infections, lack of effective drugs and a phenomenon of multidrug resistance underlie a strong need to expand the range of therapeutic options. In this review paper, we discussed the usefulness of fungal topo II as a molecular target for new drug discovery. On the basis of previously published data, we described structural and biochemical differences between fungal and human enzymes as well as a molecular basis of differential sensitivity to known anticancer drugs targeting the latter. This review focuses especially on highlighting the differences that may underlie the selectivity of action of new inhibitors. Distinct sites within fungal topo II in comparison with human counterparts are observed and should be further studied to understand the significance of those sites and their possible usage in design of new drugs.

  • Task Scheduling – Review of Algorithms and Analysis of Potential Use in a Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant
    • Tomasz Ujazdowski
    • Robert Piotrowski
    2022 Full text IEEE Access

    The idea of task scheduling is to increase the efficiency of a system by minimising wasted time, evenly loading machines, or maximising the throughput of machines. Moreover, the use of appropriate scheduling algorithms often leads to a reduction in the energy costs of the process. Task scheduling problems are found in a variety of industrial areas, and their scale changes significantly depending on the problem. This review shows the extent to which task scheduling methods are applied in industry. This paper presents methods and algorithms for solving task scheduling problems. In addition, an analysis of the possibility of using task scheduling methods to improve the efficiency of biological wastewater treatment plants was also conducted. This approach is based on the assumption of a balanced workload for multiple reactors. Analysing the case study of a wastewater treatment plant in Swarzewo in Northern Poland is applied.

  • Technical solutions and benefits of introducing rain gardens – Gdańsk case study
    • Magda Kasprzyk
    • Wojciech Szpakowski
    • Eliza Poznańska
    • Floris Boogaard
    • Katarzyna Bobkowska
    • Magdalena Gajewska
    2022 Full text SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Nowadays, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are developing as innovative multifunctional tools to maximize urban ecosystem services such as storm water preservation, reduction of runoff and flood protection, groundwater pollution prevention, biodiversity enhancement, and microclimate control. Gdańsk is one of the first Polish cities to widely introduce rain gardens (one example of an NBS) in different areas such as parks, city center, main crossroads, and car parks. They involve different technical innovations individually tailored to local architecture, including historic buildings and spaces. Gdańskie Wody, which is responsible for storm water management in the city, adopted a pioneering strategy and started the construction of the first rain garden in 2018. Currently, there are a dozen rain gardens in the city, and this organisation's policy stipulates the construction of NBSs in new housing estates without building rainwater drainage. Various types of rain gardens can be created depending on location characteristics such as geo-hydrology, as well as local conditions and needs. Furthermore, each of them might be equipped with specific technical solutions to improve the rain garden's function – for example, an oil separator or setter can be included to absorb the initial, most polluted runoff. During winter, the large amount of sodium chloride usually used to grit the roads may pose the greatest threat to biodiversity and plants. These installations have been included in a large rain garden in Gdańsk, located in the central reservation of the main streets in the city center. This work presents various technical considerations and their impact on ecosystem functions, and the urban circularity challenges provided by rain gardens operating in different technologies and surroundings. The precipitation quantity and the following infiltration rate were estimated by installing pressure transducers. Furthermore, mitigation of the urban heat island was analysed based on remote sensing images.

  • Techniki wielokryterialnego podejmowania decyzji jako narzędzia wspierające etap przygotowania próbek do analizy
    • Marta Bystrzanowska
    • Marek Tobiszewski
    2022 Full text Analityka: Nauka i Praktyka

    Dylematami decyzyjnymi chemików-analityków są wybór odpowiednich technik przygotowania próbek do analizy, procedur analitycznych, warunków ich prowadzenia oraz dobór odczynników chemicznych. Elementy szczególnie istotne w aspekcie metrologicznym. Jednakże rozwiązanie optymalne powinno także uwzględniać kwestie ekonomiczne i środowiskowe, ostatnie reprezentowane przez koncepcję zielonej chemii (wytyczne do projektowania bardziej prośrodowiskowych procedur analitycznych). Przygotowanie próbek do analizy to kluczowy etap, zajmujący najwięcej czasu, generujący liczne błędy, co znacząco wpływa na jakość oznaczeń. Złożoność procedur analitycznych oraz konieczność jednoczesnego uwzględnienia ogromnej ilości kryteriów i wariantów czyni podejmowanie decyzji zadaniem trudnym. Pomocą może być zastosowanie technik analizy wielokryterialnej w podejmowaniu decyzji (ang. MCDA), bazujących na algorytmach matematycznych, gdzie problem decyzyjny oraz wynik analizy przedstawiane są numerycznie, a warianty szeregowane malejąco zgodnie do zadanych warunków analizy. W artykule przybliżono złożoność problemów decyzyjnych w chemii analitycznej. Na przykładzie wyboru najkorzystniejszej procedury analitycznej do oznaczania DDT w próbkach miodu, omówiono zastosowanie technik MCDA i wynikające korzyści.

  • Technologia CyberOko do diagnozy, rehabilitacji i komunikowania się z pacjentami niewykazującymi oznak przytomności
    • Andrzej Czyżewski
    • Piotr Odya
    • Bożena Kostek
    • Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
    • Michał Lech
    • Michał Kucewicz
    2022 Full text Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    CyberOko jest rozwiązaniem opracowanym w Politechnice Gdańskiej, które umożliwia nawiązanie kontaktu i pracę z osobami głęboko upośledzonymi komunikacyjnie. W sposób inteligentny śledzi ruch gałek ocznych, dzięki czemu umożliwia rehabilitację i ocenę stanu świadomości pacjenta nawet w stanie całkowitego porażenia. Rozwiązanie obejmuje także analizę fal EEG, obiektywne badanie słuchu i badanie sygnałów z macierzy elektrod wszczepianych w głąb ludzkiego mózgu. Wspomaga komunikację z pacjentami niewykazującymi oznak przytomności i ich dalszą rehabilitację sposobami umożliwiającymi pokonanie istotnych ograniczeń, jakie mają metody i technologie będące w powszechnym użyciu, tzn. subiektywne skale ocen pacjentów (np. ocena w skali GCS – Glasgow Conciousness Scale), badanie procesów pamięciowych wewnątrz mózgu ludzkiego. Wdrożone urządzenie jest często jedyną szansą dla osoby chorej (np. w stanach podobnych do śpiączki, w przetrwałym stanie wegetatywnym, osoby sparaliżowanej, bez możliwości mówienia), aby mogła ona wyrazić swoje potrzeby.

  • Technologia wytwarzania addytywnego przewodzących nanokompozytów węglowych z matrycą polilaktydową w aspekcie zastosowań elektrochemicznych
    • Mateusz Cieślik
    2022 Full text

    Druk 3D jest obecny w wielu przestrzeniach życia codziennego, od hobbystów po przemysł samochodowy, lotniczy czy medycynę. Znalazł on również swoje zastosowanie w badaniach elektrochemicznych. We wstępie pracy opisano historię oraz rozwój druku 3D. Szczególnie skupiono się na komercyjnie dostępnych przewodzących materiałach kompozytowych PLA, używanych w badaniach elektrochemicznych. Rozdział zawierający wyniki badań podzielono na poszczególne podrozdziały. W podrozdziale 4.1 i 4.2 opisano nowatorskie metody aktywacji powierzchni elektrod CB_PLA za pomocą ablacji laserowej, przy pomocy laserów: nanosekundowego i femtosekundowego. W podrozdziale 4.3 opisano jak wielokrotne przetwórstwo komercyjnie dostępnych na rynku przewodzących materiałów kompozytowych mających swoje zastosowanie w druku 3D wpływa na ich charakterystykę elektrochemiczną. W podrozdziale 4.4 przedstawiono wyniki badań wpływu czynników chemicznych i fizycznych na procesy utleniania powierzchniowego elektrod diamentowych domieszkowanych borem. W szczególności skupiono się na wpływie oddziaływania wysokiej temperatury. W podrozdziale 4.5 opisano charakterystykę fizyko-chemiczną proszków nanodiamentowych DND i BCNW_GC, których użyto jako napełniaczy do wytworzenia kompozytowych materiałów przewodzących na bazie PLA jako matrycy. W podrozdziale 4.6 opisano poszczególne etapy projektowania, prototypowania oraz drukowania wolnostojących trójwymiarowych struktur 3D, przy użyciu ekstrudera dwumateriałowego. W rozdziale piątym podsumowano zaprezentowane wyniki.

  • Technology and democracy: the who and how in decision-making. The cases of Estonia and Catalonia
    • Rosa Borge
    • Joaquim Brugué
    • David Duenas Cid
    • David Duenas-Cid
    2022 Full text Profesional de la Informacion

    This paper focuses on the use of technology to improve democracy, comparing the cases of Estonia and Catalonia. Both examples are closely related in their use of technology to further democratize the decision-making processes but have opposite starting points. Estonia’s internet voting system is an offshoot of the comprehensive e-governance system developed by the Estonian government. It is meant to make it more convenient for people to vote and, thus, easier for them to take part in elections. In Catalonia, the online participation system Decidim, initially set up in the city of Barcelona, represents a bottom-up project that emerged from the 15 May protests and aims to make the representative democratic system more direct and participatory. In our comparison, we approach both paradigmatic cases from a theoretical reflection on the ideal types of democracy in relation to how decisions are made and by whom. Both projects have evolved and integrated new features that draw them together. First, internet voting is able to reach wider portions of society and digitally transform the Public Administration. Second, online participation platforms increase the potential for collecting citizens’ proposals and enriching discussions. These features make them more like a mixed model which, in the current model of representative democracy, creates spaces for more direct and deliberative democracy.

  • Teloxantron inhibits the processivity of telomerase with preferential DNA damage on telomeres
    • Natalia Maciejewska
    • Mateusz Olszewski
    • Jakub Jurasz
    • Maciej Bagiński
    • Stasevych Maryna
    • Zvarych Viktor
    • Marco Folini
    • Nadia Zaffaroni
    2022 Full text Cell Death and Disease

    Telomerase reactivation is one of the hallmarks of cancer, which plays an important role in cellular immortalization and the development and progression of the tumor. Chemical telomerase inhibitors have been shown to trigger replicative senescence and apoptotic cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Due to its upregulation in various cancers, telomerase is considered a potential target in cancer therapy. In this study, we identified potent, small-molecule telomerase inhibitors using a telomerase repeat amplification protocol assay. The results of the assay are the first evidence of telomerase inhibition by anthraquinone derivatives that do not exhibit G-quadruplex-stabilizing properties. The stability of telomerase in the presence of its inhibitor was evaluated under nearly physiological conditions using a cellular thermal shift assay. Our data showed that the compound induced aggregation of the catalytic subunit (hTERT) of human telomerase, and molecular studies confirmed the binding of the hit compound with the active site of the enzyme. The ability of new derivatives to activate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) was determined by high-resolution microscopy and flow cytometry in tumor cell lines differing in telomere elongation mechanism. The compounds triggered DSBs in TERT-positive A549 and H460 lung cancer cell lines, but not in TERT-negative NHBE normal human bronchial epithelial and ALT-positive U2OS osteosarcoma cell lines, which indicates that the induction of DSBs was dependent on telomerase inhibition. The observed DNA damage activated DNA damage response pathways involving ATM/Chk2 and ATR/Chk1 cascades. Additionally, the compounds induced apoptotic cell death through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in lung cancer cells. Taken together, our study demonstrated that anthraquinone derivatives can be further developed into novel telomerase-related anticancer agents.

  • TEMPERATURE INFLUENCE ON TIRE ROLLING RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS QUALITY
    • Jerzy Ejsmont
    • Grzegorz Ronowski
    • Wojciech Owczarzak
    • Sławomir Sommer
    2022 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

    Global warming makes it necessary to reduce energy consumption, which in the case of motor vehicles, is connected, among other things, with reduction of resistive forces acting on a vehicle during its motion. One of the most important components of those forces is rolling resistance, which is very difficult to measure, especially in road conditions. The article deals with issues related to the influence of the thermal state of the tire on the accuracy of the results of rolling resistance measurements, especially for “on the road” tests. This is an important issue because currently road measurements of rolling resistance, unlike laboratory tests, are not covered by any standard indicating the correct measuring procedures and data analysis. The influence of temperature on the tire rolling resistance for passenger car and truck tires is presented, and it is determined what conditions must be met for the thermal state of the tire to ascertain a reliable measurement of the rolling resistance.

  • Temperature Sensors Based on Polymer Fiber Optic Interferometer
    • Małgorzata Szczerska
    2022 Full text Chemosensors

    Temperature measurements are of great importance in many fields of human activities, including industry, technology, and science. For example, obtaining a certain temperature value or a sudden change in it can be the primary control marker of a chemical process. Fiber optic sensors have remarkable properties giving a broad range of applications. They enable continuous real-time temperature control in difficult-to-reach areas, in hazardous working environments (air pollution, chemical or ionizing contamination), and in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances. The use of fiber optic temperature sensors in polymer technology can significantly reduce the cost of their production. Moreover, the installation process and usage would be simplified. As a result, these types of sensors would become increasingly popular in industrial solutions. This review provides a critical overview of the latest development of fiber optic temperature sensors based on Fabry–Pérot interferometer made with polymer technology.

  • Temperature-controlled nanomosaics of AuCu bimetallic structure towards smart light management
    • Wiktoria Lipińska
    • Katarzyna Grochowska
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Katarzyna Siuzdak
    2022 Full text JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS

    Gold–copper nanostructures are promising in solar-driven processes because of their optical, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties, especially those which result from the synergy between the two metals. Increasing interest in their internal structure, such as the composition or distribution of the Au and Cu as well as the size and shape of the nanoparticles, have developed to define their physicochemical properties. In this work, we present the influence of thermal treatment in temperature ranges from 100 to 600 °C on the formation process of bimetallic AuCu structures and their properties. AuCu materials were placed on nanostructured titanium foil substrates that were fabricated using electrochemical anodisation and chemical etching. Thin layers of AuCu mixture, as well as Au and Cu, were sputtered on the obtained Ti nanodimples. The materials were then annealed in a rapid thermal annealing furnace in an air atmosphere. Thermal treatment strongly affected the morphology and optical properties of the fabricated materials. AuCu NPs formed at 400 °C in titanium dimples. The material exhibits absorption of visible light in the range from c.a. 400 to 700 nm. The characterisation of the chemical nature of the samples was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy defined composition and crystallinity. Based on photoelectrochemical studies carried out with the use of linear voltammetry in 0.1 M NaOH, it is possible to distinguish two types of interactions of light with the materials such as photogenerated charge accumulation and electron–hole pair separation. A 10AuCu electrode annealed at 300 °C achieved the highest current registered under illumination at − 0.17 V vs. Ag/AgCl/0.1 M KCl. The value was 11 times higher than for a non-annealed structure.

  • Template chart detection for stoma telediagnosis
    • Mariusz Szwoch
    • Rafał Zawiślak
    • Grzegorz Granosik
    • Joanna Mik-Wojtczak
    • Michał Mik
    2022 Full text International Journal of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science

    The paper presents the concept of using color template charts for the needs of telemedicine, particularly telediagnosis of the stoma. Although the concept is not new, the current popularity and level of development of digital cameras, especially those embedded in smartphones, allow common and reliable remote advice on various medical problems, which can be very important in the case of limitations in a physical contact with a doctor. The article focuses on the initial stages of photo processing for the needs of telemedicine, i.e., on the assumptions and the process of designing the appropriate template and detecting it in photos for stoma telediagnosis. Research on the developed algorithms for the location of fiducial markers and reference color fields, carried out on the basis of over 2,000 photos, showed a very high tolerance to scene exposure, lighting conditions and the camera used. The obtained results allowed the initial image intensity normalization of the stoma area as well as correct localization and measurement of changes detected on the skin and the mucosa, which, in the opinion of doctors, significantly increased the diagnostic value of the photographs.

  • Tensile failure study of 3D printed PLA using DIC technique and FEM analysis
    • Agnieszka Sabik
    • Magdalena Rucka
    • Angela Andrzejewska
    • Erwin Wojtczak
    2022 Full text MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

    The paper presents the experimental and numerical study of the failure behaviour of Fused Filament Fabricated (FFF) Polylactic Acid (PLA) samples subjected to tensile load. The examined samples are printed in flat orientation with 0◦, 45◦ and 90◦ raster angles. During the experiments the deformation of the specimens is continuously scanned with the 3D Aramis measuring system utilizing the digital imaging correlation technique, enabling the determination of strain and stress distribution. In the modelling, it is assumed that each printed layer is a homogeneous transversely isotropic medium with the raster direction treated as the favoured one. The finite element models are developed in the Abaqus-Standard package. A two-dimensional equivalent single-layer approach is utilized to describe the deformation and stress state of the samples. The failure progress of the material is simulated by making use of the Hashin damage algorithm with energy-based softening, whereas the non-linear in-plane shear behaviour is included.

  • Teoria i praktyka
    • Agnieszka Błażko
    2022 Full text Architektura-Murator

    Teoria i praktyka to pojęcia, których zdefiniowanie w odniesieniu do projektowania architektoniczno-urbanistycznego pozwala na określenie zależności pomiędzy przestrzeniami wymagającymi bezwzględnej równowagi.

  • Teoria i praktyka według Joanny Kabrońskiej
    • Joanna Kabrońska
    2022 Full text Architektura-Murator

    Architektura jest dziedziną, której wpływ na otaczający świat jest wyjątkowo wszechstronny i sięga daleko poza projektowanie budynków. Współdziałanie praktyki, teorii i edukacji architektonicznej daje naszej profesji narzędzia budowy scenariuszy dla nadchodzącego świata i umożliwia udział w jego rzeczywistej przemianie.

  • Teoria konserwatorska a dostępność zabytków /na przykładzie Zamku Wysokiego w Malborku/
    • Grzegorz Bukal
    • Agnieszka Kowalska
    2022 Full text Ochrona Dziedzictwa Kulturowego

    Obowiązująca Ustawa z dnia 19 lipca 2019 r. o zapewnianiu dostępności osobom ze szczególnymi potrzebami zawiera wymagania dotyczące wszystkich budynków, bez odniesień do obiektów zabytkowych. Celem tekstu jest skonfrontowanie podstawowych, współczesnych zasad postępowania konserwatorskiego z możliwościami pełnego udostępniania zabytków architektury. Przyjęty w tekście, ogólny podział budynków zabytkowych w aspekcie ich podatności na usuwanie barier zilustrowano przykładem Zamku Wysokiego w Malborku, stanowiącego część kompleksu zamkowego (Muzeum Zamkowego w Malborku), wpisanego na listę dziedzictwa światowego UNESCO.

  • Testing the Diagnostic Utility of Recombinant Toxoplasma Gondii Chimeric Antigens – Generated Datasets
    • Bartłomiej Ferra
    2022 Full text

    The datasets titled Toxoplasma gondii recombinant chimeric antigens – IgM and IgG ELISAs – mouse serum samples and Toxoplasma gondii recombinant chimeric antigens – IgG and IgM ELISAs – human serum samples contain absorbance measurements obtained during serological tests using mouse and human sera in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests based on recombinant chimeric antigens. The datasets allows a comparison of absorbance values obtained for individual recombinant chimeric antigens in relation to the whole Toxoplasma lysate antigens (TLA) used in commercial tests.

  • Testy terenowe prototypowego świdra DPDT do formowania pali i kolumn przemieszczeniowych wkręcanych
    • Andrzej Słabek
    • Adam Krasiński
    2022 Full text Inżynieria Morska i Geotechnika

    Przedstawienie prototypowej konstrukcji świdra do wykonywania pali i kolumn przemieszczeniowych wkręcanych. Analiza porównawcza wyników testów terenowych oporów wkręcania świdrów DPDT i SDP. Wnioski na temat efektywności działania i zasadności stosowania nowej konstrukcji świdra w praktyce wykonawczej.

  • Tetrahedrally modified MnMe0.1Co1.9O4 (Me = Zn, Mg, Li) spinels for non-enzymatic glucose sensing
    • Krystian Lankauf
    • Katarzyna Ostrowska
    • Karolina Górnicka
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Piotr Jasiński
    • Sebastian Molin
    2022 Full text MATERIALS LETTERS

    In this work, tetrahedrally modified MnMe0.1Co1.9O4 (Me = Zn, Mg, Li) spinels were prepared via the sol–gel synthesis method with subsequent ball-milling fragmentation. The prepared samples were evaluated as glucose–sensing catalyst. The reference MnCo2O4 spinel exhibited a sensitivity of 49 µA mM−1 cm−2 and a nonlinearity error of 5.2% in the response range from 0.02 to 1 mM. The partial substitution of cobalt in the reference spinel enhanced the glucose–sensing abilities, and the sample with Li was found to be the most active catalyst, exhibiting a sensitivity of 73.1 µA mM−1 cm−2. Finally, the proposed material was tested for selectivity in the presence of interfering sucrose.

  • Tetrahydroquinolinone derivatives exert antiproliferative effect on lung cancer cells through apoptosis induction
    • Małgorzata Ryczkowska
    • Natalia Maciejewska
    • Mateusz Olszewski
    • Milena Witkowska
    • Sławomir Makowiec
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    The anticancer properties of quinolones is a topic of interest among researchers in the scientific world. Because these compounds do not cause side effects, unlike the commonly used cytostatics, they are considered a promising source of new anticancer drugs. In this work, we designed a brief synthetic pathway and obtained a series of novel 8-phenyltetrahydroquinolinone derivatives functionalized with benzyl-type moieties at position 3. The compounds were synthesized via classical reactions such as nucleophilic substitution, solvent lysis, and condensation. Biological evaluation revealed that 3-(1-naphthylmethyl)-4-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-quinolin-2-one (4a) exhibited potent cytotoxicity toward colon (HTC-116) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. Analysis of the mechanism of action of compounds showed that compound 4a induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/ M phase, leading to apoptotic cell death via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Taken together, the findings of the study suggest that tetrahydroquinolinone derivatives bearing a carbonyl group at position 2 could be potential lead compounds to develop anticancer agents for the treatment of lung cancers

  • The Application of a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Indication of Directions of the Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the Context of Energy Policy
    • Alicja Lenarczyk
    • Marcin Jaskólski
    • Paweł Bućko
    2022 Full text ENERGIES

    This paper presents the application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) for evaluating what technologies using renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity production have the chance to develop in Poland under the current socio-economic conditions. First, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to determine the weights of the optimization criteria. Five main criteria and 30 sub-criteria were identified. Next, the authors modified numerical taxonomy (NT) to rank eight RES technologies (such as onshore and offshore wind farms, photovoltaics, or biogas plants). The results show that offshore wind farms are the RES technology with the greatest development opportunities in Poland. The following three technologies: distributed photovoltaic energy, biogas plants, and biomass power plants, respectively, received a similar rating in the ranking. Hydropower and geothermal were the lowest-ranked technologies. The ranking, which is the result of multi-criteria analysis, in several respects, is significantly different from the directions of activities indicated in the state energy policy.

  • The Application of Satellite Image Analysis in Oil Spill Detection
    • Paweł Tysiąc
    • Tatiana Strelets
    • Weronika Tuszyńska
    2022 Full text Applied Sciences-Basel

    In recent years, there has been an increasing use of satellite sensors to detect and track oil spills. The satellite bands, namely visible, short, medium infrared, and microwave radar bands, are used for this purpose. The use of satellite images is extremely valuable for oil spill analysis. With satellite images, we can identify the source of leakage and assess the extent of potential damage. However, it is not yet clear how to approach a specific leakage case methodologically. The aim of this study is the remote sensing analysis of environmental changes with the development of oil spill detection processing methods. Innovative elements of the work, in addition to methodological proposals, include the long‐term analysis of surface water changes. This is very important because oil is very likely to enter the soil when water levels change. The classification result was satisfactory and accurate by 85%. The study was carried out using images from Landsat 5, Landsat 7, Landsat 8, Sentinel‐1, and Sentinel‐2 satellites. The results of the classification of the oil stains in active and passive technologies differ. This difference affects the methodology for selecting processing methods in similar fields. In the case of this article, the oil spill that occurred on 29 May 2020 in Norilsk was investigated and compared with data from other years to determine the extent of biodegradation. Due to the tank failure that occurred at the Nornickel power plant on that day, a large amount of crude oil leaked into the environment, contaminating the waters and soil of local areas. Research shows that oil spills may be caused by human error or may be the effect of climate change, particularly global warming.

  • The Application of the Thermal Stabilization Prompted by the Ice Cover Expansion Considering the Energy Production Optimization in the Dam-Reservoir Coupled Systems on the Vistula River
    • Tomasz Kolerski
    • Parisa Radan
    2022 Full text ENERGIES

    In this study, the thermal stabilization of a water resource together with an energy production optimization in the power plant of the dam–reservoir coupled system is conducted. This coupled dam system is designed to consist of a primary (Włocławek) and secondary (Siarzewo) dam due to the erosion control aspect. The other beneficial aspect of this coupled dam design is to have an additional power plant, with the aim of achieving more efficient renewable energy production. One of the factors to be included in the conditions influencing the energy production is the ice formation in the reservoir and tailwater due to the hydrodynamic and meteorological conditions of the site location. Frazil formation and jam may reduce the power plant efficiency. The concept of thermal stabilization, based on the previous studies, refers to providing the ice cover in the reservoir section of a dam to isolate the water from thermal condition. In this research, the ice cover expansion is triggered by the discharge reduction over a specific time and the entire study site. The optimized discharge for stimulating the ice cover through the night was found based on the results, leading to the desired thermal stabilization. This power loss emerged by reduced water withdrawal in the specific time during the day (nighttime), and will be remedied by the more suitable hydrodynamic condition over winter.

  • The assessment of renewable energy in Poland on the background of the world renewable energy sector
    • Bartłomiej Igliński
    • Michał Bernard Pietrzak
    • Urszula Kiełkowska
    • Mateusz Skrzatek
    • Gopalakrishnan Kumar
    • Grzegorz Piechota
    2022 Full text ENERGY

    The issues of the article are associated with the development of the renewable energy source (RES) sector in the world and in Poland. The subject is undoubtedly connected with the problem of the energy transformation taking place in most countries nowadays. Energy transformation processes are mainly associated with an increase in the share of energy production from RES and increased awareness of energy use by end consumers. This means that the systematic development of the RES sector is a necessary condition for linking the effective course of energy transition processes with simultaneous socio-economic development. The main objective of this study is to present the status of the RES sector in Poland against the background of worldwide development tendencies. The implementation of the objective made it possible to indicate key trends in the production and use of energy from individual RES and to assess to what extent Poland follows global trends. Poland is one of the European countries where hard coal and lignite constitute the main source of energy. On the other hand Poland, as a Member State of the EU, is obliged to implement the energy strategy within the framework of the European Green Deal, where all Member States are to become climate neutral.

  • The atlas of inequality aversion: theory and empirical evidence on 55 countries from the Luxembourg Income Study database
    • Stanisław Kot
    • Piotr Paradowski
    2022 Full text EQUILIBRIUM Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy

    Research background: In the distributive analysis, the constant relative inequality aversion utility function is a standard tool for ethical judgements of income distributions. The sole parameter ε of this function expresses a society’s aversion to inequality. However, the profession has not committed to the range of ε. When assessing inequality and other welfare characteristics, analysts assume an arbitrary level of ε, common to all countries and years. This assumption seems unjustified. Purpose of the article: This paper aims to estimate the parameter ε for each country and year individually using datasets from the Luxembourg Income Study Database in all available years, which dates back to the 1970s. Methods: We utilise the method of estimating ε, which assumes the generalised beta of the second kind distribution of incomes. The estimator of ε is derived from the mathematical condition of the existence of the social welfare function. Findings & value added: We have elaborated an ‘atlas’ of 388 estimates of ε for 55 countries across time. Inequality aversion is country-year specific, with a minimum of 0.97 and a maximum of 3.8. Ninety per cent of all estimates are less than 2.5. Inequality aversion is negatively correlated with income inequality, but it is independent of economic development. Thus inequality aversion appears as an additional dimension of the classical inequality-development relationship. This article contributes to solving a fundamental problem of Welfare Economics: directly measuring the social utility of income (welfare) function. The estimates of ε for 55 countries imply a complete knowledge of these countries' constant relative inequality aversion utility functions.

  • The Bridge of Data Project Objectives
    • Anna Wałek
    • Michał Nowacki
    • Paweł Lubomski
    2022 Full text

    Open Research Data (ORD) is one of the emerging trends for researchers across the globe. However, it has to be stressed that the level of implementation and awareness of ORD varies between countries. Many initiatives have been created in Polish scientific institutions to support the process of opening publications. These are mainly Open Access (OA) repositories, implementing the so-called green road of OA. However, only a few universities in Poland offer their researchers essential tools and substantive support for opening research data. The Gdańsk University of Technology has created several tools and services supporting the open sharing of scientific research results, including scientific publications and research data. The Bridge of Data project was established to support researchers in their activities regarding different Open Science layers. The project is unique in this part of Central and Eastern Europe. It involves three Pomeranian universities: Gdańsk University of Technology (leader), the University of Gdańsk, and the Medical University of Gdańsk. The chapter aims to present the Bridge of Data project’s assumptions and results, which provides both an open data repository and a range of additional services for researchers who want to share their research results openly. Project assumptions will be presented along with their genesis and the result of their implementation. The technical aspects of creating IT tools (data repository, data analysis on a supercomputer, platforms for scientific journals and conferences) will be highlighted. The Open Science Competence Center, its tasks and the manner of their implementation will also be discussed. An important aspect discussed in the chapter will also be the cooperation of various university teams to create tailored tools and services. These groups include librarians who design technical solutions and support services, IT specialists building IT platforms and tools, and researchers representing various scientific disciplines. The last group enters data into the repository and helps adapt the functionality of the tools to users’ requirements. Based on an analysis of the functionality of the IT tools and based on reports on the activities of the Competence Center, a solution model will be drawn up that can be compared with other implementation cases of similar tools and services.

  • The Business Environment of Georgia and Ukraine: Approaches to a Comparative Analysis
    • Krystyna Gomółka
    • Petro Kurmaiev
    2022 Full text STUDIA EUROPEJSKIE

    The formation of a favourable business environment and the intensification of entrepreneurial activity on this basis is one of the priorities of economic policy of governments around the world. The aim of this article is to conduct a comparative analysis of some of the characteristics of the business environment of Georgia and Ukraine. The theoretical basis of the study is the understanding of the business environment as a necessary prerequisite for the implementation of entrepreneurial initiatives in a particular country. In the process of our research, the following methods were used: comparative analysis, generalisation, content analysis, correlation, and regression analysis. The authors studied the business environment of Georgia and Ukraine on the basis of an analysis of the following components; that of general economic, political and legal, financial, and fiscal. The results of the study show that Georgia’s business environment is more favourable than Ukraine’s. It is noted that between 2011–2020, Georgia made significant progress in the fight against corruption, in simplifying the procedures for starting a business, and bettering access to finance. Both countries are reforming their tax systems towards liberalisation and democratisation, and they declare the functioning of special tax regimes. According to the Paying Taxes indicator, which is calculated within the Doing Business rating, Georgia improved its result from 61st position in the ranking in 2011 to 14th position in 2020, while Ukraine improved its result from 181st place in 2011 to 65th place in 2020. It is indicated that between 2011–2020, Ukraine showed significant positive dynamics in inflation targeting. The authors note that the weakest elements of the business environment in Ukraine are its efforts to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the fi ght against corruption. In conclusion, the authors note that the policy of the governments of Georgia and Ukraine should be aimed at the further democratisation of relations with businesses in order to increase the level of a favourable business environment.

  • The Changing Nature of In‐Between Spaces in the Transformation Process of Cities
    • Magdalena Rembeza
    • Aleksandra Sas-Bojarska
    2022 Full text Urban Planning

    In the in‐between spaces of cities, there are many problems of various nature and scale: functional, spatial, economic, environmental, visual, and social. There are also some hidden potentials that can be activated. The aim of the article is to explore the possibilities of solving existing problems and to show the possibilities of using the potentials of in‐between spaces with regard to the changing nature of a city. The article, of a discursive character, aims to answer the questions of whether connecting a city with public spaces can be a catalyst of changes, and what tools should be used to facilitate the flux of material factors (like goods or natural resources) and immaterial matter (e.g., ideas or cultural patterns). The new approach is based on the assumption that this would be most effective when using landscape architecture, green/blue infrastructure, artistic strategies, and universal design in public spaces. The expected result of the research is to show the purposefulness and possibilities in creating attractive and safe public areas of in‐between spaces as an on‐going micro‐ or macro‐process of urban change on a wider scale. It was recognised that integrated actions combining the humanistic, eco‐ logical, and technical approaches could bring significant benefits to society, preventing existing problems, not only spatial and visual (changing the city directly), but above all social and environmental, having an impact on the functioning of the city from a much longer perspective. The results of the research show how the transformation process of public spaces may change the nature of the cities, improve the compactness of existing cities, and increase the quality of life. Selected case studies are presented to show the scale, scope, and benefits of possible actions.

  • The Chernobyl effect
    • Kacper Szulecki
    • Janusz Waluszko
    • Tomasz Borewicz
    2022

    The 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe was not only a human and ecological disaster, but also a political-ideological one, severely discrediting Soviet governance and galvanizing dissidents in the Eastern Bloc. In the case of Poland, what began as isolated protests against the Soviet nuclear site grew to encompass domestic nuclear projects in general, and in the process spread across the country and attracted new segments of society. This innovative study, combining scholarly analysis with oral histories and other accounts from participants, traces the growth and development of the Polish anti-nuclear movement, showing how it exemplified the broader generational and cultural changes in the nation’s opposition movements during the waning days of the state socialist era.

  • The community involvement of courts: an action research study in the context of the Polish justice system
    • Przemysław Banasik
    • Sylwia Morawska
    • Agata Austen
    2022 Full text Social Responsibility Journal

    Purpose – As a rule, common courts are hermetic organizations, separated from their stakeholders by procedures based on legal provisions. For these reasons, they are often perceived as unreliable and non-transparent, and as such, they do not inspire trust among stakeholders. The authors posit that the court’s community involvement may lead to the increased accountability and legitimacy of courts, which should in turn result in jurisprudence benefits. This paper discusses the concept of community involvement of courts, demonstrates how this ideamay be implemented and explains its benefits for courts. Design/methodology/approach – The results of an action research study undertaken between June 2013 and March 2018 at the Regional Court in Gdansk (Poland) are discussed. Findings – The results highlight factors underlying the implementation of the idea of community involvement, as well as the areas in which courts take these actions, and explain how it influences their accountability and legitimacy. This research describes the interests of different stakeholders and proposes a range of actions that may be taken by courts while cooperating with stakeholders to achieve the aims of community involvement. It also proposes a set of steps that enable courts to implement the idea of community involvement. Originality/value – This paper develops the idea of the community involvement of courts, which may be used as an operating rule for public institutions to increase their legitimacy and accountability and explain its introduction in the context of courts. It offers a universal framework for the community involvement of courts that can be used in the context of any court in both the continental and Anglo-Saxon systems.

  • The comparison of cytotoxic and genotoxic activities of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, and indoles
    • Dominik Kołodziejski
    • Izabela Koss-Mikołajczyk
    • Hansruedi Glatt
    • Agnieszka Bartoszek-Pączkowska
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    Chemopreventive properties of Brassica vegetables are attributed mainly to their characteristic compounds—glucosinolates (GLs) and their main hydrolysis products—isothiocyanates (ITCs) and indoles. In this study, we compared antiproliferative activity (MTT test in HT29 cells) and genotoxic effects (comet assay in HT29 cells and restriction analysis in a cell-free system) of three GLs (sinigrin (SIN), glucotropaeolin (GTL), and glucobrassicin (GLB)) with that of their major degradation products. Intact GLs did not exhibit cytotoxic activity, possibly due to their limited bioavailability. However, in the presence of myrosinase (MYR), GLs gained the ability to inhibit HT29 cells’ growth. The addition of MYR caused the hydrolysis of GLs to the corresponding ITCs or indoles, i.e. compounds that show stronger biological activity than parent GLs. Pure ITC/indole solutions showed the strongest antiproliferative activity. Based on the results of restriction analysis, it was found that GLs to a greater extent than ITCs caused DNA modification in a cell-free system. In the case of GLs, metabolic activation by the S9 fraction increased this effect, and at the same time changed the preferential binding site from the area of base pairs AT to GC base pairs. Of all compounds tested, only benzyl ITC caused DNA damage detectable in the comet assay, but it required relatively high concentrations.

  • The concept of a new two-stage fuse for high power pulse forming
    • Mikołaj Nowak
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    This manuscript introduces the concept, physical operating principle and studies on a new and unique two stage forming fuse (TSFF) with interstage spark gap commutation and presents its application for forming high power pulses of extreme parameters. The paper classifies TSFF performance and compares it with conventional single-stage forming fuses. The conclusions are supported by analytical and experimental studies in laboratory conditions. The design of the TSFF prototype as well as the applied measurement methods and test stands are also presented. The developed technology of the TSFF enables the achievement of unprecedented parameters of high-power pulses with overvoltages reaching 800 kV and pulse power of tens of GW in a very compact design. The unique properties of the TSFF enable its efficient integration with a wide range of energy sources, even with very limited current rising steepness or limited output voltage, which has not been possible so far with conventional single-stage forming fuses. The proposed system can be easily scaled, while ensuring much greater flexibility of applications.