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Gdańsk University of Technology

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  • The Influence of Storage on Human Milk Lipidome Stability for Lipidomic Studies
    • Dorota Garwolińska
    • Michał Młynarczyk
    • Agata Kot-Wasik
    • Weronika Hewelt-Belka
    2022 Full text JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH

    Human milk (HM) lipidome stability during storage is crucial in lipidomic studies to avoid misinterpretations. Facing the lack of comprehensive work on the HM lipidome stability, we performed a study on a potential alteration in the lipid profiles of HM samples stored under different conditions. An untargeted LC-Q-TOF-MS-based approach was applied to study the influence of storage conditions as well as the interaction of the storage temperature and time on HM lipid profiles. The samples were stored for 4–84 days at temperatures in the range from 4 to −80 °C and also were exposed to up to three freeze–thaw cycles. The results showed that the storage at 4 °C for just 4 days as well as being subjected to three freeze–thaw cycles can lead to a change in the content of lipids. The observed differences in levels of some lipid species in samples stored at −20 °C in comparison to the concentration level of those lipids in samples stored at −80 °C were not statistically significant, and inter-individual variance regardless of sample storage condition was maintained. The storage of HM samples at −20 °C for up to 3 weeks and −80 °C for up to 12 weeks ensures sample lipidome stability.

  • The Influence of Thin Gold Electrodes on the High-Temperature Impedance of Oxide Glasses
    • Natalia Wójcik
    • Ryszard Barczyński
    2022 Full text Coatings

    The influence of thin gold electrodes on the electrical measurements of glasses at high temperatures was studied using impedance spectroscopy. The impedance was measured several times over a wide frequency range from 10 mHz to 1 MHz and the temperature ranged from 213 to 673 K under air and nitrogen atmospheres. The results showed a drop in the conductivity of more than an order of magnitude at a temperature around 603 K during heating. An additional relaxation process was found at the low-frequency region. The occurred process was correlated with the thermal disintegration of the gold nano-layer used as an improvement in the electrical contact. The possible ambiguous interpretation of high-temperature impedance spectra was presented as a consequence of performing the electrical measurements only during heating or cooling while using unstable thin gold electrodes. Moreover, a possible solution to this problem was proposed.

  • The innovative approach for using pavement as a fire prevention measure in tunnels
    • Mariusz Jaczewski
    • Marek Pszczoła
    • Dawid Ryś
    • Piotr Jaskuła
    2022 Full text

    The paper consists of two main parts: first presents study regarding the typically used pavement structures in tunnels and the second part: the first fire trials of the poroelastic SEPOR (Safe, Eco-friendly POroelastic Road Surface) mixture which was designed to be used among other uses in tunnels. In the first part of the paper different pavement materials, such as cement concrete, asphalt concrete, stone mastic asphalt and porous asphalt are analyzed from the point of view of fire resistance. The paper summarize the wide and comprehensive literature review (both technical reports, conference presentations and journal articles) and presents advantages and disadvantages of specific pavement types. In the paper also the perspective improvements and advantageous mechanisms are presented for asphalt pavements. The literature review helps the administration and technical staff to get to know the properties of each pavement and chose the best one for their application. The second part of the paper present the innovative poroelastic SEPOR pavement, which is designed to slow down the initiation of the fire. The mixture is designed using the mineral aggregate, rubber aggregate and highly SBS-polymer modified bitumen. The mixture is designed to contain at least of 15% of mass of rubber aggregate and with target of voids around 20%. Such composition allows to slow down the ignition of the fire and allow people to have more time for evacuation. The paper presents two fire trials which were conducted for the SEPOR pavement. First trial was designed to measure the temperature increase during fire on the level of the vehicle floor. The second trial was designed to measure both the temperature of the vehicle and the time of fire ignition and the development of fire. During second trial real vehicles were used in the test. The measurement were direct for the real fire conditions. The first trial showed that the SEPOR pavement shows lower trial of fire temperature development. The measured temperatures were lower and increase slower in comparison to the pavements typically used in tunnels, such as stone mastic asphalt (SMA) or cement concrete. Also the SEPOR pavement showed in some specimen the possibility to dampen the flames during the fire. The second trial showed that SEPOR pavement presents superior ability in comparison to classical asphalt pavements, such as SMA.

  • The Laboratory Stand for the Evaluation of Heat Dissipation from the Power Cable in a Casing Pipe
    • Romuald Masnicki
    • Janusz Mindykowski
    • Beata Palczynska
    2022

    The current carrying capacity of a power cable determines its efficiency, which depends on its capability to dissipate heat produced inside the cable, as a result of current flow, into the surrounding. The studies were conducted to determine how the characteristics of the medium around the cable affected its temperature and, as a result, its ability to transport electricity. The experimentation in the lab and real measurements of the temperature values at various locations in the casing pipe constitute the article's uniqueness. The article presents an innovative concept of a laboratory stand, designed to measure the dissipation of heat emitted by a cable in separated casing pipes with the content of various filling materials. The assessment of heat removal is made based on the recorded distribution of temperatures in individual casing pipes. The experimental setup was suitably compatible with the assumptions used for the research, according to the early findings of comparison investigations. It has been demonstrated for the instance under investigation that using the right fillers around the cable may reduce cable temperature, boost the cable's current carrying capability, and provide more efficient heat dissipation.

  • The Latest Advances in Wireless Communication in Aviation, Wind Turbines and Bridges
    • Romana Śliwa
    • Paweł Dymora
    • Mirosław Mazurek
    • Bartosz Kowal
    • Michał Jurek
    • Damian Kordos
    • Tomasz Rogalski
    • Pawel Flaszynski
    • Piotr Doerffer
    • Krzysztof Doerffer
    • Stephen Grigg
    • Runar Unnthorsson
    2022 Full text Inventions

    Present-day technologies used in SHM (Structural Health Monitoring) systems in many implementations are based on wireless sensor networks (WSN). In the context of the continuous development of these systems, the costs of the elements that form the monitoring system are decreasing. In this situation, the challenge is to select the optimal number of sensors and the network architecture, depending on the wireless system’s other parameters and requirements. It is a challenging task for WSN to provide scalability to cover a large area, fault tolerance, transmission reliability, and energy efficiency when no events are detected. In this article, fundamental issues concerning wireless communication in structural health monitoring systems (SHM) in the context of non-destructive testing sensors (NDT) were presented. Wireless technology developments in several crucial areas were also presented, and these include engineering facilities such as aviation and wind turbine systems as well as bridges and associated engineering facilities.

  • The Linear Array 2x1 of Slot Monopoles for 6-8.5 GHZ UWB Standard
    • Tomasz Leliwa
    • Włodzimierz Zieniutycz
    2022

    The results of numerical simulations and measurements of 2x1 linear array of slot monopoles are presented in the paper. At the begining a single slot monopole was designed. Next the 2x1 linear array of these monopoles was numerically tested for various configurations of the feeding network. The single monopole and the array were fabricated and the results of the measurements of the reflection coefficients and the radiationpatterns were compared to the results of the simulations.

  • The literature review on boundary conditions of use for non-residential buildings
    • Natalia Sokół
    • Julia Kurek
    • Justyna Martyniuk-Pęczek
    • Claudia Naves David Amorim
    • Natalia Giraldo Vasquez
    • Julia Resende Kanno
    • Sergio Sibilio
    • Barbara Matusiak
    2022

    This paper describes the results of qualitative and quantitative literature reviews on boundary conditions within educational buildings, emphasising the users' perspective. The reviews were performed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using Scopus, Taylor& Francis, Web of Science databases. The boundary conditions understood as special characteristics for use and or precondition, determining specific features of buildings are investigated in the categories of energy, space use and user behaviour, and lighting. The reviews demonstrate that in the case of study investigations, a relation between different indicators helps define the boundary conditions. B/C are type of building/ user/ situation-pandemic / locations/ simulation inputs-values and methods- specific. The results of the papers published during the ongoing pandemic indicate that the perception of an indoor environment is changing along with its boundary conditions. This has consequences on the design, maintenance, and operation routines of educational buildings to limit the risk of transmission and contagion from airborne respiratory viruses.

  • The literature review on boundary conditions of use for non-residential buildings. Educational buildings.
    • Natalia Sokół
    • Julia Kurek
    • Justyna Martyniuk-Pęczek
    • Claudia Naves David Amorim
    • Natalia Giraldo Vasquez
    • Julia Kanno
    • Sergio Sibilio
    • Barbara Matusiak
    2022

    This paper describes the results of qualitative and quantitative literature reviews on boundary conditions within educational buildings, emphasising the users' perspective. The studies were performed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using Scopus, Taylor& Francis, and Web of Science databases. The boundary conditions are understood as special characteristics for use and or precondition, determining specific features of buildings are investigated in energy, space use and user behaviour, and lighting. The reviews demonstrate that in the case of study investigations, a relation between different indicators helps define the boundary conditions. B/C are building/ user/ situation-pandemic / locations/ simulation inputs-values and methods-specific. The results of the papers published during the ongoing pandemic indicate that the perception of an indoor environment is changing along with its boundary conditions. This has consequences on educational buildings' design, maintenance, and operation routines to limit the risk of transmission and contagion from airborne respiratory viruses.

  • The Mechanism of a Retro-Diels–Alder Fragmentation of Luteolin: Theoretical Studies Supported by Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry Results
    • Magdalena Śliwka-Kaszyńska
    • Iwona Anusiewicz
    • Piotr Skurski
    2022 Full text MOLECULES

    The mechanisms of retro-Diels–Alder fragmentation of luteolin are studied theoretically using the Density Functional Theory method (B3LYP hybrid functional) together with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and supported by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) results. The reaction paths leading to the formation of 1,3A and 1,3B fragment ions observed as the main spectral features in the ESI-MS spectrum are described and discussed, including the structures of the transition states and intermediate products. The heights of the activation energy barriers which have to be overcome along the reaction paths corresponding to 1,3-retrocyclization cleavage of the ionized luteolin are predicted to span the 69–94 kcal/mol range (depending on the initial isomeric structure) for the concerted retrocyclization mechanism and the 60–89 kcal/mol (first barrier) and 24–52 kcal/mol (second barrier) barriers for the stepwise mechanism (also depending on the initial isomeric structure). It is also demonstrated that the final fragmentation products (1,3A and 1,3B) are in fact represented by various isomeric systems which are not experimentally distinguishable. In addition, the absence of the spectral feature corresponding to the [M-B] fragment ion formed by the rupture of the C-C bond connecting luteolin’s B and C rings (which does not occur during the ESI-MS experiment) is explained by much larger energy barriers predicted for such a process.

  • The methodology of design of satellite working mechanism of positive displacement machine
    • Paweł Śliwiński
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    In this paper is described a methodology of design of satellite mechanism consisting of two noncircular gears (externally toothed rotor and internally toothed curvature) and circular gears (satellites). In the presented methodology is assumed that the rotor pitch line is known, and the curvature pitch line is necessary to designate. The presented methodology applies to mechanisms for which the number of the curvature humps is at least one greater than the number of rotor humps. The selection of the number of gears and the number of teeth in gear and rotor and curvature is also presented. The methodology of calculating the position of the satellite center and the angle of its rotation in order to shape the teeth on the rotor and curvature is presented. The article is also showed different types of satellite mechanisms—satellite mechanisms with the different numbers of humps on the rotor and curvature. The technical parameters of the mechanism for the rotor pitch line described by the cosine function are also presented.

  • The Motion Analysis of Attacus Atlas Rigid Wing
    • Zuzanna Kunicka-kowalska
    • Michał Landowski
    • Krzysztof Sibilski
    2022 Full text International Review of Aerospace Engineering (IREASE)

    The remarkable aerodynamic efficiency of flapping insect wings has fascinated researchers for many years. Butterfly wings are distinguished by a much larger lifting surface, and thus, a different style of flapping flight. The considerations described in the article are an introduction to a fully flexible analysis of the wing in motion. The study of the rigid wing gives the basic knowledge necessary in the further process. The yaw, pitch and roll angles obtained from the footage have been used to analyze the rigid wing. The data has been adapted to CFD calculations in Ansys Fluent software along with the geometry of the joined wings (one surface on one side). The wing deformations have not been taken into account during the analysis. The obtained results make it possible to specify clearly the aerodynamic forces in three directions and the pressure distributions on the wing surface. For a rigid wing, there is positive drag and negative lift. The negative lift indicates the exceptional importance of wing deformation, which is the only guarantee of the insect's ability to fly. On the other hand, a positive drag is evidence of the influence of the shape of the bearing surface on the flow aerodynamics

  • The Occurrence and Role of Tetrasphaera in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal Systems
    • Jeremiah Otieno
    • Przemysław Kowal
    • Jacek Mąkinia
    2022 Full text Water

    The application of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has commonly been utilized worldwide. However, the optimum efficiency has not been realized over the past decades, prompting many studies and publications. The limitations, especially comprehension of the abundance and actual potential of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), are not fully understood. Recently identified putative PAOs, Tetrasphaera, present a vast metabolic versatility compared to Candidatus Accumulibacter. The characterisation of Tetrasphaera unique abilities to utilize various carbon substrates, volatile fatty acids production and consistent high abundance, presents potential boosts towards the process efficiency improvement. This paper provides the existing knowledge on the physiology, morphology and genetic description of PAOs with a special attention to the current state of research on Tetrasphaera and its potential. In addition, process conditions and their influence on the microbial activities in EBPR systems are discussed.

  • The phenomenon of increasing capacitance induced by 1T/2H-MoS2 surface modification with Pt particles – Influence on composition and energy storage mechanism
    • Zuzanna Zarach
    • Mariusz Szkoda
    • Konrad Trzciński
    • Marcin Łapiński
    • Grzegorz Trykowski
    • Andrzej Nowak
    2022 Full text ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA

    In this paper, several approaches to the synthesis of molybdenum-based electrode materials for supercapacitors are presented, including anodization, hydrothermal process and annealing. For the material prepared via anodization of a molybdenum plate, followed by a hydrothermal process in thiourea aqueous solution, a thorough study of the Pt-surface modification through repetitive cycling in 1 M sulfuric acid with Pt acting as a counter electrode is performed, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and energy storage mechanism contribution. Along with the increasing number of cycles, an increase of the capacitance value is observed up to 1.064 F cm−2 after 60 000 cycles, resulting in more than tenfold growth (by over 1 150%). The analysis reveals progressive changes in the electrode material's chemical composition and the increasing pseudocapacitance contribution in energy storage processes, which is strictly caused by the formation of mixed molybdenum oxides with oxygen vacancies. Thus, Pt-surface modification effectively improves the electrochemical performance of the electrode material with excellent coulombic efficiency and capacitance retention. In a symmetric two-electrode configuration with Pt-modified electrode materials, the areal capacitance of 140.5 mF cm−2 is obtained after 50 000 cycles (with capacitance retention of 123%) indicating that Pt-surface modification of MoS2 may provide a novel approach for electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.

  • The Physical Activity Environment Policy Index for monitoring government policies and actions to improve physical activity
    • Catherine B Woods
    • Liam Kelly
    • Kevin Volf
    • Peter Gelius
    • Sven Messing
    • Sarah Forberger
    • Jeroen Lakerveld
    • Nicolette R den Braver
    • Joanna Żukowska
    • Enrique García Bengoechea
    2022 Full text EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

    Background A multifaceted response, including government action, is essential to improve population levels of physical activity (PA). This article describes the development process of the ‘Physical Activity Environment Policy Index’ (PA-EPI) monitoring framework, a tool to assess government policies and actions for creating a healthy PA environment. Methods An iterative process was undertaken. This involved a review of policy documents from authoritative organizations, a PA policy audit of four European countries, and a systematic review of scientific literature. This was followed by an online consultation with academic experts (N = 101; 20 countries, 72% response rate), and policymakers (N = 40, 4 EU countries). During this process, consensus workshops were conducted, where quantitative and qualitative data, alongside theoretical and pragmatic considerations, were used to inform PA-EPI development. Results The PA-EPI is conceptualized as a two-component ‘policy’ and ‘infrastructure support’ framework. The two-components comprise eight policy and seven infrastructure support domains. The policy domains are education, transport, urban design, healthcare, public education (including mass media), sport-for-all, workplaces and community. The infrastructure support domains are leadership, governance, monitoring and intelligence, funding and resources, platforms for interaction, workforce development and health-in-all-policies. Forty-five ‘good practice statements’ or indicators of ideal good practice within each domain conclude the PA-EPI. A potential eight-step process for conducting the PA-EPI is described. Conclusions Once pre-tested and piloted in several countries of various sizes and income levels, the PA-EPI good practice statements will evolve into benchmarks established by governments at the forefront of creating and implementing policies to address inactivity.

  • The possibility of application of the potentiometric sensor with all-solid-state electrodes containing lipid-polymer membranes for classification of tested black leaf teas in terms of their quality
    • Ewa Marjańska
    • Maria Szpakowska
    • Przemysław Dmowski
    2022 Full text Desalination and Water Treatment

    Potentiometric sensor with all-solid-state electrodes containing lipid-polymer membranes for a set of black leaf teas coming from four countries (China, India, Sri Lanka and Kenia) classification was applied. The tested tea samples were reassigned to quality classes marked with numbers I–V according to the information available. The sensor results of tea samples are presented in the form of radar charts. It was observed that, in the majority of cases samples with a similar radar chart shape belong to the same quality class. Based on principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering analyses four groups of leaf tea samples and two separate items were distinguished. The first group was constituted by the highest quality Yunnan teas. The second group is made up of high-quality Indian teas and one tea sample of undeclared quality. The third group includes tea samples of unknown quality assigned to quality Class IV. The last group distinguished is constituted by the sample of Indian Madras and Ceylon tea, which are imported for retail trade for blends. This grouping largely corresponds to the quality classes of tested tea samples. The obtained results suggest that potentiometric sensor with all-solid-state electrodes containing lipid-polymer membranes might be used for discrimination of black leaf teas of different quality and also for determination of quality class of an unknown tea sample.

  • The potential interaction of environmental pollutants and circadian rhythm regulations that may cause leukemia
    • Francisco Alejandro Lagunas-Rangel
    • Błażej Kudłak
    • Wen Liu
    • Michael Williams
    • Helgi B. Schiöth
    2022 Full text CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Tumor suppressor genes are highly affected during the development of leukemia, including circadian clock genes. Circadian rhythms constitute an evolutionary molecular machinery involving many genes, such as BMAL1, CLOCK, CRY1, CRY2, PER1, PER2, REV-ERBa, and RORA, for tracking time and optimizing daily life during day-night cycles and seasonal changes. For circulating blood cells many of these genes coordinate their proliferation, output, and function, and therein lies their importance for the development of leukemia. Recent findings suggest that environmental pollutants may affect circadian rhythms and thus affect cancer development and treatment. Such environmental pollutants are often found in mixtures and include benzene, tobacco smoke, pesticides and microplastics. Our understanding of the molecular basis for the interaction mechanisms within complex mixtures is also growing, confirming the plausible occurrence of synergistic (superadditive effect) and antagonistic (cancellation effect) actions of pollutant cocktails. In this work, we discuss the relationship of environmental pollutants and the alteration of circadian rhythms that potentially may cause leukemia. We highlight the need of additional dimensions and perhaps a paradigm shift for future studies in relation to continuously growing magnitude of environmental pollution using multitude of disciplines such as development of high throughput reporter cell lines, other cell screening methods, contaminant measurements in leukemia patients, advanced pharmacology and toxicological measurement of mixtures and highly efficient computer analysis including artificial intelligence, among others.

  • The potential of computational methods for the categorization of architectural objects on the example of media architecture
    • Karolina Życzkowska
    • Marcin Życzkowski
    2022 Full text TASK Quarterly

    The paper presents an example of the categorization of architectural objects and assessment of the characteristics of urban space, based on the analysis of specific features of architectural objects and urban landscape. The conducted analysis refers to media architecture and is presented in the complex context of the development of media solutions. The field of influence of IT on architecture is also stressed, both on the architect’s work and the image of the city, including with regard to smart city strategies. Agradual simplification approach was proposed for atargeted analysis. Data on media architecture were collected and, on their basis, significant features of each architectural object and its surrounding space were identified. The qualification of representative categories of media solutions was made based on the function of the object and the role of the media archi-tecture object in the visual structure of the space, indicating the method of determining the degree of legibility of the space for agiven category. The proposed process of categorization is astarting point in the discussion about the need and opportunities to use computational methods and databases supporting the assessment of the architectural typologies and characteristics of space, in reference to urban development.

  • The Practice of Dyadic Interviewing: Strengths, Limitations and Key Decisions
    • Joanna Szulc
    • Nigel King
    2022 Full text Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research (FQS)

    Dyadic interviews, in which two participants are interviewed together, are becoming more popular in qualitative research, but are much less discussed in the methodological literature than individual and group forms. In this article, we consider the nature and value of dyadic interviews, recognizing them as active, relational encounters, shaped by what all parties bring to them, and infused with issues of power. Drawing on our research on altruistic motivation which involved 47 dyadic interviews conducted with 94 individuals and post-interview feedback from participants, we demonstrate the strengths and point out some of the potential pitfalls associated with the dyadic format, focusing on the practical and ethical issues in defining and recruiting dyads and the practice of conducting such interviews. We provide recommendations for researchers interested in using this method, and suggest research priorities for the further development of dyadic interviewing.

  • THE PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST SARS-COV-2 INFECTION IN THE SEAFOOD COMPANY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE EMPLOYEES
    • Małgorzata Wiśniewska
    • Tomasz Grybek
    • Piotr Grudowski
    2022 Full text Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska

    Purpose: To identify and discuss the protective measures implemented to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees. Design/methodology/approach: The four-stage course of research. Case study and structured interviews with all employees, directly and indirectly, involved in food processing. Research questions: (R1) What measures have been taken to prevent the risk of infection among employees? (R2) What activities and responsibilities were the most difficult and easiest for employees to follow when implementing these measures? Findings: Administrative protective measures dominate in the organization. Wearing additional protective equipment, keeping distance, and following new hygienic procedures are the most difficult issues. Temperature self-measurement and signing of health declarations are not a problem for employees. It is a need to listen to employees about the protective measures. Research limitations/implications: The results refer to one unique case and should not be generalized. However, it is clear that protective measures and their implementation seem to make employees more aware of potential hazards. Therefore, the questions included in our interview can be recommended for use in other organizations, not only in food companies. Originality/value: The article fills in the research gap. According to the authors' knowledge, this is the first study in Poland that is based on the experience of a food company.

  • The role and scope of architectural and conservation research procedures in the process of restoring the splendour of an architectural monument created after 1945 on the example of the Suburban Railway Station in Gdynia
    • Anna Orchowska-Smolińska
    • Anna Kriegseisen
    2022 Full text Architectus

    Modern Movement buildings, despite their relatively recent construction, are sometimes affected by radical transformations of layout and form. The railway stations being one of the most important public buildings in the city are a special group of them. Due to long-term and intensive use they may bear the signs of exploitation of parts of its substance and have secondary transformations disharmony with the building. The subject of the article are architectural and conservation studies of the Suburban Railway Station in Gdynia, built in the mid-1950s. The authors of the article set themselves the goal of presenting the research procedures developed for it in the years 2016–2022, which are an introduction to revaluation process. The research methods used during the field work made it possible to identify the originally used techniques of execution and finishing methods and to determine the procedures for their reconstruction using conservation methods. The results of the conducted research became the basis for determining the scope of conservation protection of the station building, as well as the possibility of interfering with its partly “functionless” substance through adaptation and modernization activities.

  • The role of centrifugal partition chromatography in the removal of β-asarone from Acorus calamus essential oil
    • Paweł Szczeblewski
    • Mateusz Wróblewski
    • Julia Borzyszkowska-Bukowska
    • Tetiana Bairamova
    • Justyna Górska
    • Tomasz Laskowski
    • Anna Samulewicz
    • Michał Kosno
    • Łukasz Sobiech
    • Justyna Polit
    • Wirginia Kukula-Koch
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    Β-asarone is a phenylpropane derivative present in the rhizomes of Acorus calamus, that was proved to exhibit toxic effects in humans. Because of its presence the whole plant that is commonly used in traditional medicine for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other properties has limited application nowadays. In the study, qualitative and quantitative analysis of a collection of nine essential oil (EO) samples of European and Asian origin was performed. The final content of β-asarone in the tested samples ranged between 0.265 and 1.885 mg/mL. Having in mind a possible application of the EO as a biopesticide, this research aimed at the development of CPC-based purification protocol that could help remove β-asarone from EO. It was proved that the biphasic solvent system composed of n-hexane/EtOAc/MeOH/water, 9:1:9:1 (v/v/v/v) was capable of the removal of the toxic constituent in the CPC chromatograph operated in the ascending elution mode with 2200 rpm and a flow rate of 5 mL/min. The chromatographic analysis that lasted only 144 min effectively separated β-asarone (purity of 95.5%) and α-asarone (purity of 93.7%) directly from the crude Acorus calamus rhizome EO.

  • The role of electrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis treatment in the enhancement of the electrochemical properties of 3D-printed carbon black/poly(lactic acid) structures
    • Adrian Koterwa
    • Iwona Kaczmarzyk
    • Szymon Mania
    • Mateusz Cieślik
    • Robert Tylingo
    • Tadeusz Ossowski
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    • Pawel Niedzialkowski
    • Jacek Ryl
    2022 Full text APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is beginning to play an unprecedented role in developing many applications for industrial or personalized products. The conductive composite structures require additional treatment to achieve an electroactive surface useful for electrochemical devices. In this paper, the surfaces of carbon black/poly(lactic acid) CB-PLA printouts were activated by electrolysis or enzymatic digestion with proteinase K, or a simultaneous combination of both. The proposed modification protocols allow the tailoring of electrochemically active surfaces and electron transfer kinetics determined by electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS) by [Fe(CN)6]4-/3- redox probe. X-ray photon spectroscopy and SEM imaging were applied to determine the delivered surface chemistry. CB-PLA hydrolysis under alkaline conditions and anodic polarization greatly impacted the charge transfer kinetics. The enzymatic hydrolysis of PLA with proteinase K led to highly efficient results, yet requires an unsatisfactory prolonged activation duration of 72 h, which can be efficiently reduced by electrolysis carried out in the presence of the enzyme. Our studies hint that the activation protocol originates from surface electropolymerization rather than a synergistic interaction between the electrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. The detailed mechanism of CB-PLA hydrolysis supported by electrolysis is a promising new route to achieve time-efficient and environmentally-friendly activation procedure.

  • The role of the One-Belt One-Road initiative in China's exports and global value chains
    • Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz
    • Yuxin Lu
    2022 Full text EQUILIBRIUM Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy

    Research background: China is regarded as the “world factory” highly involved in international trade and plays an increasingly important role in the global value chains (GVC). Additionally, the “One-Belt One-Road” (OBOR) initiative was proposed by the Chinese government to further promote China in the international market. Purpose of the article: The article explores the role of the OBOR in China’s exports and global value chain. It aims at: 1) verifying how OBOR impacts the volume of China's export and valueadded export to its partners. 2) checking whether or not OBOR strengthens the industrial connection between China and its participants at the GVC level. 3) examining the different roles of corridors in China's exports and GVC. Methods: The empirical analysis is based on the augmented gravity model of international trade, which comprises China and its 197 partners in the period 2000–2018. The model is estimated for gross export as well GVC measured by domestic value added in export and the value contributed by a partner to China’s exports. Findings & value added: In general, there is a significant positive correlation between OBOR and the volumes of China’s export, domestic value-added trade and the value of partner’s contributed in China’s export. However, some of the results are blurred by OLS and FE methods. The author points out that FE-PPML estimation methods are more adequate. Among the six economic corridors, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM), China-Pakistan (CP) and China IndochinaPeninsula (CIP) were proven to play a prominent role in promoting China’s export, DVA and strengthening the links of global value chains. It is worth noting that the China-Mongolia-Russian Federation (CMRF) corridor harms China's export and DVA trade, and at the same time promotes countries in its region that benefit from trade with China

  • The Rule-Based Model of Negentropy for Increasing the Energy Efficiency of the City’s Digital Transformation Processes into a Smart City
    • Cezary Orłowski
    • Piotr Cofta
    • Aleksander Orłowski
    2022 Full text ENERGIES

    The aim of the article is to build a rule-based model (RMFDN) for increasing the energy efficiency of Smart Cities’ digital transformation processes. The problem that arises during the implementation of digital transformation processes concerns the measures that should be assigned to estimate the duration of the digital transformation. Previous studies of digital transformation have been based on the analysis of design processes based on key performance indicators (KPIs), their place and role in the digital transformation processes, and their monitoring with the use of information architecture. The analysis of the digital transformation processes of cities into Smart Cities shows that they seem inappropriate to the complexity and uncertainty of the digital transformation carried out. The new approach presented in the article is based on three key aspects: rule-based description of the state of digital transformation processes enabling their energy assessment, introducing energy maturity capsules to describe the state of these processes and application of measures based on project negentropy increments for maturity capsules.

  • The use of a two-phase Monte Carlo material model to reflect the dispersion of asphalt concrete fracture parameters
    • Cezary Szydłowski
    • Łukasz Smakosz
    • Marcin Stienss
    • Jarosław Górski
    2022 Full text THEORETICAL AND APPLIED FRACTURE MECHANICS

    The work covers comprehensive laboratory tests of semi-circular bending (SCB) of asphalt concrete samples. The results of two test series, including four and 32 SCB specimens, indicate a substantial scatter of force–deflection (F-d) histories. The numerical analysis is aimed to reflect the maximum breaking load and fracture energy of the samples, pointing out their random character. The original simulation-based fictitious Monte Carlo material model was introduced. The authors’ algorithm randomly assigns asphalt mortar and coarse aggregate parameters to the finite elements of the numerical model. As a result, sets of random fields are generated to reflect the two-phase material distribution in the samples. The model parameters are numerically adjusted based on laboratory test results of the initial four SCB specimens. In the course of model verification, the 32-sample computations were compared with the laboratory data. The results of FEM simulations are consistent with laboratory test results, including dispersion of fracture parameters. The proposed computational algorithm with a two-phase material model is ready to be implemented in the analysis of actual road pavement constructions and may support the design process.

  • The Use of Direct Shear Test for Optimization of Interlayer Bonding Under a Poroelastic Layer
    • Piotr Jaskuła
    • Dawid Ryś
    • Marcin Stienss
    • Cezary Szydłowski
    2022

    Poroelastic Road Surfaces (PERS) are characterised by porous structure with air void content of 20% or higher and stiffness almost 10 times lower than that of a standard asphalt course. Such properties enable noise reduction by up to 12 dB in comparison to SMA 11 mixture. However, the disadvantage of a poroelastic pavement is its low durability, which partially results from delamination from the lower layer. The paper aims to investigate the effect of type and amount of tack coat used as well as the texture of the lower layer on interlayer bonding, to better recognise the issue of bonding under the poroelastic layer. For this purpose, direct shear test with monotonic and cyclic load was performed for 44 types of layer interfaces. The effect of type and amount of bituminous emulsion used for tack coat as well as the impact of lower layer surface were distinguished. The results of the analysis indicated that tack coats made from softer residual bitumen (70/100) exhibited better fatigue resistance, while polymer modification had minor effect. Moreover, milling of the lower layer resulted in a significant increase in shear strength. Finally, several types of layer interfaces were selected to be constructed in the full-scale test sections.

  • The use of GFRP tubes as load-bearing jackets in concrete-composite columns
    • Marcin Abramski
    • Błażej Chmielnicki
    2022 Full text Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports

    The paper presents the fields of applications of polymer composites in building structures. The use of composite glass fibre tubes is discussed in more detail. The laboratory methods used to test the mechanical properties of these pipes are presented. An original research program is presented, including six concrete-filled glass fibre tubes. The cylinders and columns made in this way were tested for their axial load capacity. Conclusions were formulated regarding the relationship between the load-bearing capacity of the test elements and their length, as well as the angle of glass fibres arrangement in the tube composite.

  • The use of machine learning for face regions detection in thermograms
    • Mariusz Kaczmarek
    • Julia Guzik
    2022

    The aim of this study is to analyse the methods of detecting characteristic points of the face in thermographic images. As part of the implementation an extensive analysis of scientific publications covering similar issues both for the analysis of images made in visible light and thermographic images was carried out. On the basis of this analysis, 3 models were selected and then they were implemented and tested on the basis of test images. Finally, two models were selected, the operation of which was documented on thermographic images - DAN and AAM, as well as one model that was tested for RGB images - the ERT model. Satisfactory detection parameters were achieved in the experiment.

  • The valance state of vanadium-key factor in the flexibility of potassium vanadates structure as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries
    • M. Prześniak-Welenc
    • Małgorzata Nadolska-Dawidowska
    • Kacper Jurak
    • J. Li
    • K. Górnicka
    • A. Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • M. Rutkowska
    • A. P. Nowak
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    Potassium hexavanadate (K2V6O16·nH2O) nanobelts have been synthesized by the LPE-IonEx method, which is dedicated to synthesis of transition metal oxide bronzes with controlled morphology and structure. The electrochemical performance of K2V6O16·nH2O as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries has been evaluated. The KVO nanobelts demonstrated a high discharge capacity of 260 mAh g−1, and long-term cyclic stability up to 100 cycles at 1 A g−1. The effect of the vanadium valence state and unusual construction of the nanobelts, composed of crystalline and amorphous domains arranged alternately were also discussed in this work. The ex-situ measurements of discharged electrode materials by XRD, MP-AES, XAS and XPS show that during the subsequent charge/discharge cycle the potassium in the K2V6O16·nH2O structure are replacing by lithium. The structural stability of the potassium hexavandate during cycling depends on the initial vanadium valence state on the sample surface and the presence of the “fringe free” domains in the K2V6O16·nH2O nanobelts.

  • The vibration-based assessment of the influence of elevated temperature on the condition of concrete beams with pultruded GFRP reinforcement
    • Beata Zima
    • Marcin Krajewski
    2022 Full text COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

    Concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars subjected to elevated temperature have been experimentally studied. The influence of high temperatures on GFRP-reinforced concrete beams condition has been check both, destructively and nondestructively. The nondestructive tests foresaw vibration-based tests to obtain the natural frequency values after exposure to varying temperatures. The vibration-based tests allowed for the indirect observation of beams stiffness reduction after exposure to elevated temperature. The approach based on frequency response function (FRF) turned out to be efficient even in the case of relatively low temperatures (120⁰C). The investigation involved also destructive tests which were conducted in various conditions: once the bending load and elevated temperature were applied at the same time and in the next case, the destructive tests were conducted after heating and cooling down the experimental objects. The study proved that the increase of the temperature causes the reduction of characteristic mechanical parameters, regardless the beams were cooled down or not. However, the simultaneous action of bending load and elevated temperature resulted in a greater reduction of the ultimate strength of tested objects.

  • The Way One Defines Specification Matters: On the Performance Criteria for Efficient Antenna Optimization in Aggregated Bi-Objective Setups
    • Adrian Bekasiewicz
    • Michał Czyż
    2022 Full text

    Design of antenna structures for real-world applications is a challenging task that often involves addressing multiple design requirements at a time. Popular solution approaches to this class of problems include utilization of composite objectives. Although configuration of such functions has a significant effect on the cost and performance of the optimization, their specific structure is normally determined based on engineering experience and does not involve auxiliary investigations oriented towards adjustment of process efficiency. In this work, the effects of used functions and their composition on performance and cost of the bi-objective optimization process are investigated. The balance between the requirements is tailored to the problem at hand based on visual inspection of functional landscapes. The analyses are performed on a case study basis using a planar, multi-parameter antenna optimized for minimization of footprint and reflection within the 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz range. The numerical results show significant differences between the performance of the obtained solutions, as well as the computational cost of the optimization. The best geometry found using one of the considered objective functions is characterized by an in-band reflection of –9.6 dB and the footprint of only 171 mm2.

  • Theoretical designing of selenium heterocyclic non-fullerene acceptors with enhanced power conversion efficiency for organic solar cells: a DFT/TD-DFT-based prediction and understanding
    • Muhammad Khan
    • Hameed Haq
    • Saira Abbasi
    • Shan E Zehra Syeda
    • Muhammad Arshad
    2022 JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MODELING

    In this study, we have designed and explored a new series of non-fullerene acceptors for possible applications in organic solar cells. We have designed four molecules named as APH1 to APH4 after end-capped modification of recently synthesized Y6-Se-4Cl molecule. Density functional theory and time dependent-density functional theory have been employed for computing geometric and photovoltaic parameters of the designed molecules. Designed molecules have displayed high values of fill factor and FF%. Further, high mobility of electrons and holes between metal electrodes are also noted for designed molecules. Good values of open circuit voltage enhance the power conversion efficiency in the APH1–APH4. Frontier molecular orbitals analysis and excitation energy values suggested easy transportation of charges between molecular orbitals. Moreover, red-shifting in the absorption spectrum with high oscillating strength is also noted in APH1 to APH4 as compared to reference molecules. Results of different opto-electronic and photovoltaic parameters recommended that APH1 to APH4 are effective contributors for the development of high performance organic solar cells.

  • Theoretical examination of the fracture behavior of BC3 polycrystalline nanosheets: Effect of crack size and temperature
    • Ali Dadrasi
    • Alireza Albooyeh
    • Sasan Fooladpanjeh
    • Azam Salmankhani
    • Amin Hamed Mashhadzadeh
    • Mohammad Saeb
    2022 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES

    2D carbon graphene nanostructures are elements of advanced materials and systems. This theoretical survey provides explanation to the mechanical and fracture behavior of mono- and polycrystalline BC3 nanosheets (denoted as MC- and PCBC3NS, respectively) as a function of temperature and the type of crack defects. The mechanical performance of PCBC3NS at elevated temperatures was monitored varying the number of grain boundaries (the main source of stress concentration) by considering structural defects forming during the crystal growth. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was applied as a cost-effective technique to model and test MC- and PCBC3NS by selecting the proper potential function and boundary conditions. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the perfect crystalline PCBC3NS was decreased by increase of the number of grains, particularly when the grain numbers were equal to or more than 36. For defective PCBC3NS, the mechanical properties were decreased by the crack length and the temperature. The lowest values of the Young's modulus, failure stress, and failure strain were assigned to the PCBC3NS having the crack length of L/2 at 1000 K, respectively by 23%, 46%, and 33% lower than the corresponding defect-free PCBC3NS. The crack tip played a key role in failure behavior, even more that the number of grain boundaries. Eventually, the critical stress intensity was decreased gradually by increasing the temperature. The results of this work can be generalized to more complicated cases to deepen understanding and predict fracture fingerprint of the next generations of 2D nanostructures.

  • Thermal buckling of functionally graded piezomagnetic micro- and nanobeams presenting the flexomagnetic effect
    • Mohammad Malikan
    • Tomasz Wiczenbach
    • Victor Eremeev
    2022 Full text CONTINUUM MECHANICS AND THERMODYNAMICS

    Galerkin weighted residual method (GWRM) is applied and implemented to address the axial stability and bifurcation point of a functionally graded piezomagnetic structure containing flexomagneticity in a thermal environment. The continuum specimen involves an exponential mass distributed in a heterogeneous media with a constant square cross section. The physical neutral plane is investigated to postulate functionally graded material (FGM) close to reality. Mathematical formulations concern the Timoshenko shear deformation theory. Small scale and atomic interactions are shaped as maintained by the nonlocal strain gradient elasticity approach. Since there is no bifurcation point for FGMs, whenever both boundary conditions are rotational and the neutral surface does not match the mid-plane, the clamp configuration is examined only. The fourth-order ordinary differential stability equations will be converted into the sets of algebraic ones utilizing the GWRM whose accuracy was proved before. After that, by simply solving the achieved polynomial constitutive relation, the parametric study can be started due to various predominant and overriding factors. It was found that the flexomagneticity is further visible if the ferric nanobeam is constructed by FGM technology. In addition to this, shear deformations are also efficacious to make the FM detectable.

  • Thermal cooling process by nanofluid flowing near stagnating point of expanding surface under induced magnetism force: A computational case study
    • Faisal Shahzad
    • Wasim Jamshed
    • Amjad Ali Pasha
    • Rabia Safdar
    • Md. Mottahir Alam
    • Misbah Arshad
    • Syed M. Hussain
    • Muhammad Bilal Hafeez
    • Marek Krawczuk
    2022 Full text Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

    This paper is dedicated to the exam of entropy age and research of the effect of mixing nanosolid additives over an extending sheet. In this review, Newtonian nanofluid version turned into researched at the actuated appealing field, heat radiation and variable heat conductivity results. With becoming modifications, the proven PDEs are moved into popular differential situations and paintings mathematically making use of a specific mathematical plan called the Keller box method (KBM). The ranges of different dimensionless parameters used in our study are volume fraction of nanoparticles 0.01≤ϕ≤0.04, magnetic parameter 0.5≤Λ≤2, heat source/sink parameter 0.5≤Q0≤2, Prandtl number 5.7≤Pr≤6.2, Reynolds number 5≤Re≤15, which shows up during mathematical arrangement are shown as tables and charts. Positive modifications in heat radiation and heat conductivity affects increment the hotness pass coefficient of solar primarily based totally plane wings. Titanium alloy primarily based totally water (H2O) are taken into consideration for our research. We can see that because the Reynolds range and Brinkman range increment, the entropy increments. The thermodynamic exhibition of Titanium alloy-water (Ti6Al4V- H2O) nanofluid has been portrayed higher that of base nanofluid with comparable situations. Recorded hypothetical reproductions may be greater beneficial to similarly increase daylight primarily based totally nuclear strength frameworks

  • Thermal degradation of polylactic acid (PLA)/polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) blends: A systematic review
    • Mael Kervran
    • Christelle Vagner
    • Marianne Cochez
    • Marc Ponçot
    • Mohammad Saeb
    • Henri Vahabi
    2022 POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY

    Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) are two biopolyesters obtained from renewable resources like corn or sugar under bacterial fermentation. PLA is the most widely used biopolymer in diverse applications. Addition of PHB to PLA can improves the crystallinity of PLA, and thereby its mechanical strength. However, both PLA and PHB suffer from poor thermal stability, which limits their potential industrial application. The purpose of this review is to explain thermal decomposition behavior and mechanism of these polymers and systematically categorize available reports on thermal degradation of the neat PLA and PHB, and also as-processed PLA/PHB blends along with PLA/PHB blends modified/reinforced with plasticizers, additives or crosslinkers. The characteristic temperatures (Tonset, and peak temperature or Tmax) of PLA and PHB are taken as the key parameters governing thermal degradation behavior of PLA/PHB blends and composites with variable composition. From this survey we can conclude that the thermal stability of PLA in PLA/PHB blend is lower than the neat PLA, contrary to the PHB with higher thermal stability in PLA/PHB blend. Therefore, thermal degradation mechanism of PLA/PHB blends must be taken as a complex physico-chemical phenomenon. Moreover, the selection of additive severely affects the thermal stability of PLA/PHB blends. Processing method and localization of additive in different phases or at the interface of the phases are factors determining the ultimate thermal stability of blend.

  • Thermal dewetting as a method of surface modification of the gold thin films for surface plasmon resonance based sensor applications
    • Marcin Łapiński
    • Robert Kozioł
    • Agnieszka Zawadzka
    • Wojciech Sadowski
    • Barbara Kościelska
    2022 Materials Today Communications

    Here, we report a quick and simple approach with low, optimized production costs to obtain surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensors fabricated through a time- and resource-effective method based on thermal dewetting of thin Au films. From the applicative point of view, the method of detection presented here should be easier to implement, since light transmission measurements seem to be much less challenging than light refractive index changes measurements conducted by many authors. Metallic films with nanometric thickness were deposited by magnetron sputtering method on a Corning 1737 glass substrates. Plasmonic nanostructures were formatted as a result of thermal annealing of the films. The detection repeatability, selectivity, and sensibility of manufactured devices were investigated. For this purpose, many verification tests were performed. The quality of the plasmonic nanostructures used for the detection was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed the absence of any signs of structure degradation after several cycles of detection in the liquid environment. The surface plasmon resonance position of the achieved sensors was linearly changeable in correlation with the ethanol concentration, which translates into their high robustness. Such a simply prepared sensing device showed key features desired in the detection in the liquids area, which opens up the possibility of large-scale commercial production

  • Thermal Energy Development in Magnetohydrodynamic Flow Utilizing Titanium Dioxide, Copper Oxide and Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles: Thermal Dispersion and Heat Generating Formularization
    • Muhammad Bilal Hafeez
    • Marek Krawczuk
    • Wasim Jamshed
    2022 Full text Frontiers in Energy Research

    The main aim of this article heat transfer in thermal engineering deals with the production, use, transformation, and transfer of thermal energy. Engineering and industrial fields including food packaging, the production of food additives, electronic cooling, microturbines, etc. heavily rely on heat transmission. Due to its intriguing potential in industries like the production of polymers, paper, crystal glass, etc., scientists from all over the world have endeavored to investigate the effect of heat transmission on fluid flows past an expandable surface.

  • Thermal Instability of Choline Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents and Its Influence on Their Toxicity─Important Limitations of DESs as Sustainable Materials
    • Mateusz Marchel
    • Hubert Cieśliński
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2022 Full text INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH

    Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have become a hot topic in many branches of science due to their remarkable properties. They have been studied in a wide variety of applications. In particular, choline chloride (ChCl)-based DESs are one of the most commonly used representatives of these fluids. Nevertheless, in order to apply DESs in some fields, it is essential to guarantee their stability, reusability, and biocompatibility. In this context, the long-term stability of three ChCl-based DESs formed using glucose, malonic acid, and urea as hydrogen bond donors was investigated. Furthermore, the possible formation of toxic byproducts during long-term heating was evaluated for the first time, and toxicological studies using three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) were performed. ChCl:urea DES revealed a high long-term thermal stability and was also found to be less toxic to the bacteria and thus can be considered as green solvent. ChCl:glucose DES started to decompose as a result of possible caramelization at 100 °C, and decomposition was further promoted at more elevated temperatures. Degradation of this DES did not affect greatly the toxicity toward bacteria, and low antibacterial properties were observed. The applicability of ChCl:malonic DES is not recommended as this DES was shown to be thermally unstable due to esterification and decomposition of malonic acid into acetic acid and carbon dioxide. Moreover, high toxicity of this DES in comparison to other DESs assayed in this study was reported.

  • Thermal properties of a cement composite containing phase change materials (PCMs) with post-pyrolytic char obtained from spent tyres as a carrier
    • Michał Ryms
    • Katarzyna Januszewicz
    • Elżbieta Haustein
    • Paweł Kazimierski
    • Witold Lewandowski
    2022 ENERGY

    This work examines the possible use of post-pyrolysis char made from spent vehicle tyres as a carrier for phase change materials (PCM), which could be used as an additive to cement mortar. Because of the ability of PCM to accumulate heat, the cement composite obtained from it, apart from its structural and strength properties, will acquire an additional energy storage function, which can be very important for energy-saving construction. In the development of the new cement composite, Rubitherm RT22 was used as a PCM. Rubitherm's phase change temperature is within the range (ca 17–25 °C) of temperature fluctuations in buildings. Systematic comparative tests were carried out in order to evaluate the thermal properties of the new cement composite containing 0.67, 2.00, 3.33, 4.67 and 6.67% of char, which contains 32% PCM, i.e. the maximum amount that can be permanently absorbed without activation. These tests included calorimetric measurements of the influence of the composite's composition on the cumulative specific heat, and took phase change effects into consideration. The results of the experiments showed that the use of tyre char as a PCM carrier in cement mortars is not only possible, but also thermodynamically advantageous.

  • Thermal visualization of Ostwald-de Waele liquid in wavy trapezoidal cavity: Effect of undulation and amplitude
    • Ahmad Hijaz
    • Rashid Mahmood
    • Muhammad Bilal Hafeez
    • Afraz Hussain Majeed
    • Sameh Askar
    • Hasan Shahzad
    2022 Full text Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

    The present study is concerned with the numerical simulations of Ostwald-de Waele fluid flow in a wavy trapezoidal cavity in the presence of a heated cylinder situated at the center of the cavity. The work consists in characterizing the mixed convection as a function of the intensity of heat flow. The flow behaviour and temperature distribution in a cavity are the main focus of this study. The lower wall of the cavity is fixed and heated while the wavy surface is insulated and moves with a constant speed. The sloping walls are kept cold and are subject to zero no-slip conditions for velocity components. The whole setup is modeled as a set of coupled partial differential equations and is solved by the Finite Element Method. For pressure and velocity approximations, we use the stable finite element pair , while for temperature approximation we use the space of linear polynomial as The ranges of the parameters involved in the study are the Ostwald-de Wale index , Prandlt number Grashof number , the number of undulation , and the non-dimensional amplitude of the wavy surface . The major findings of the study are shown using velocity profile, streamlines, and isotherms. Moreover, the kinetic energy and average Nusselt number is determined for various values of the parameters involved.

  • Thermally activated persulfate-based Advanced Oxidation Processes — recent progress and challenges in mineralization of persistent organic chemicals: a review
    • Shirish H. Sonawane
    • Manoj P Rayaroth
    • Vividha K. Landge
    • Kirill Fedorov
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2022 Full text Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering

    Thermally activated persulfate (TAP) finds application in Advanced Oxidation Processes for the removal of pollutants from contaminated water and soil. This paper reviewed the various cases of TAP in the environmental remediation. The pollutants such as individual pharmaceuticals, biocides, cyclic organic compounds, and dyes are considered in this review. It is interesting to note that most of the organic compounds undergo complete degradation at a high temperature of 70°C with a first-order reaction kinetics. The influence of operating parameters such as temperature, persulfate concentration, initial pH, and degradation behavior in the presence of natural water constituents are also discussed. In addition, several processes to reduce the temperature of TAP are highlighted.

  • Thermodynamic, ecological, and economic analysis of negative CO2 emission power plant using gasified sewage sludge
    • Artur Ziółkowski
    • Halina Pawlak-kruczek
    • Paweł Madejski
    • Przemysław Bukowski
    • Tomasz Ochrymiuk
    • Kamil Stasiak
    • Milad Amiri
    • Lukasz Niedzwiecki
    • Dariusz Mikielewicz
    2022 Full text

    Currently, sewage sludge is considered as a biomass, according to the Polish act on renewable energy sources from 20th of February 2015 and its novel version from 19th of July 2019. Possibility to utilize sewage sludge in gasification process is an additional advantage of the negative CO2 emissions power plant (nCO2PP). The work presents results of thermodynamic, ecological, and economical analysis using a zero-dimensional mathematical models of a negative CO2 emission novel structure power plant. Parameters of thermodynamic cycles such as output power, efficiency, combustion gas composition, exhaust temperature, avoided emission of carbon dioxide, as well Specific Primary Energy Consumption for Carbone Avoided (SPECCA), Discounted cash-flows, NPV, IRR etc., will be taken into account. Precise thermodynamic models are particularly important for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) energy system, where quite new devices mutually cooperate and their thermodynamic parameters affect those devices. Proposed negative CO2 emission novel power plant includes wet combustion chamber, spray-ejector condenser, gas-steam turbine, sewage sludge gasifier, separator of CO2, to determine the effect of cycle into environment. First of all, the possibility of a negative CO2 emission power plant and the positive environmental impact of the proposed solution has been demonstrated. Secondly, the technical-economic analysis made for presented feasibility study showed the high profitability of the installation which allows to: 1) gasification and vitrification of the sludge, 2) energy generation and 3) CO2 capture. All these activities are the basis of revenues or avoided costs. According to the performed analysis, the real return period for assumed commercial scale installation is 4 years. Internal rate of return is also high (IRR=24.11%). The main conclusion is that the investment in the analysed installation is profitable.

  • Thermodynamic study of binary mixtures of 2-propanol with ionic liquids, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate and triethylhexylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
    • Dorota Warmińska
    • Iwona Cichowska-Kopczyńska
    2022 JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS

    In this work, densities, speeds of sound, refractive indices and viscosities of three binary mixtures containing the ionic liquids 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate and triethylhexyl-ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, mixed with 2-propanol at wide temperature and composition ranges at atmospheric pressure have been measured. From these experimental data, the excess molar volume, excess molar compressibility, deviation in refractive index and deviation in viscosity have been calculated. Excess properties have been correlated with the composition data using Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. The effects of temperature, cation and anion of ionic liquid on the physicochemical properties were analysed and discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions occurring in the studied systems. The Prigogine-Flory-Patterson theory was examined for suitability for the correlation of excess molar volumes with compositions.

  • Thermomechanical and Fire Properties of Polyethylene-Composite-Filled Ammonium Polyphosphate and Inorganic Fillers: An Evaluation of Their Modification Efficiency
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Aleksander Hejna
    • Kamila Sałasińska
    • Joanna Aniśko
    • Adam Piasecki
    • Katarzyna Skórczewska
    • Jacek Andrzejewski
    2022 Full text Polymers

    The development of new polymer compositions characterized by a reduced environmental impact while lowering the price for applications in large-scale production requires the search for solutions based on the reduction in the polymer content in composites’ structure, as well as the use of fillers from sustainable sources. The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate introducing low-cost inorganic fillers, such as copper slag (CS), basalt powder (BP), and expanded vermiculite (VM), into the flame-retarded ammonium polyphosphate polyethylene composition (PE/APP). The addition of fillers (5–20 wt%) increased the stiffness and hardness of PE/APP, both at room and at elevated temperatures, which may increase the applicability range of the flame retardant polyethylene. The deterioration of composites’ tensile strength and impact strength induced by the presence of inorganic fillers compared to the unmodified polymer is described in detail. The addition of BP, CS, and VM with the simultaneous participation of APP with a total share of 40 wt% caused only a 3.1, 4.6, and 3 MPa decrease in the tensile strength compared to the reference value of 23 MPa found for PE. In turn, the cone calorimeter measurements allowed for the observation of a synergistic effect between APP and VM, reducing the peak heat rate release (pHRR) by 60% compared to unmodified PE. Incorporating fillers with a similar thermal stability but differing particle size distribution and shape led to additional information on their effectiveness in changing the properties of polyethylene. Critical examinations of changes in the mechanical and thermomechanical properties related to the structure analysis enabled the definition of the potential application perspectives analyzed in terms of burning behavior in a cone calorimetry test. Adding inorganic fillers derived from waste significantly reduces the flammability of composites with a matrix of thermoplastic polymers while increasing their sustainability and lowering their price without considerably reducing their mechanical properties, which allows for assigning developed materials as a replacement for flame-retarded polyethylene in large-scale non-loaded parts.

  • Three-Dimensional Fractography for Conventional and Additive Manufactured Steels After Bending-Torsion Fatigue
    • Wojciech Macek
    • Ricardo Branco
    • Jarosław Trembacz
    • José Domingos Costa
    • J. A. M. Ferreira
    • Carlos Capela
    2022 Structural Integrity

    In this study, fracture surface topography parameters were measured to investigate the effects of multiaxial loading. In order to assess the metrological aspects of fracture for notched specimens made of high-strength steels processed by both conventional and additively manufacturing (AM) techniques, an optical surface profilometer was used. Three bending moment to torsion moment ratios (B/T) were studied, i.e. 2, 1 and 2/3. The geometries were solid round bars with lateral notches made of conventional steel and hollow round bars with transversal holes for AM specimens. The investigations indicate that arithmetical mean height, Sa, decreased and fractal dimension, Df, increased with higher B/T ratios and higher fatigue lives.

  • Three-dimensional Weyl topology in one-dimensional photonic structures
    • Kosmas L. Tsakmakidis
    • Tomasz Stefański
    2022 Full text Light-Science & Applications

    Topological features, in particular distinct band intersections known as nodal rings, usually requiring three-dimensional structures, have now been demonstrated experimentally in an elegantly simple one-dimensional photonic crystal.

  • Time reversal invariant single-gap superconductivity with upper critical field larger than the Pauli limit in NbIr2B2
    • Debarchan Das
    • Karolina Górnicka
    • Zurab Guguchia
    • Jan Jaroszynski
    • Robert J. Cava
    • Weiwei Xie
    • Hubertus Luetkens
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    2022 PHYSICAL REVIEW B

    Recently, compounds with noncentrosymmetric crystal structure have attracted much attention for providing a rich playground in search for unconventional superconductivity. NbIr2B2 is a new member to this class of materials harboring superconductivity below Tc = 7.3(2) K and a very high upper critical field that exceeds Pauli limit. Here we report on muon spin rotation (μSR) experiments probing the temperature and field dependence of effective magnetic penetration depth in this compound. Our transverse-field-μSR results suggest a fully gapped s-wave superconductivity. Furthermore, the estimated high value of the upper critical field is also supplemented by high-field transport measurements. Remarkably, the ratio Tc/λ−2 (0) obtained for NbIr2B2 (∼2) is comparable to those of unconventional superconductors. Zero-field μSR data reveal no significant change in the muon spin relaxation rate above and below Tc, evincing that time-reversal symmetry is preserved in the superconducting state. The presented results will stimulate theoretical investigations to obtain a microscopic understanding of the origin of superconductivity with preserved time-reversal symmetry in this unique noncentrosymmetric system.

  • Titanium lanthanum three oxides decorated magnetic graphene oxide for adsorption of lead ions from aqueous media
    • Mosleh Nazanin
    • Parham Joolaei Ahranjani
    • Parandi Ehsan
    • Hamid Rashidi Nodeh
    • Nicole Nawrot
    • Shahabaldin Rezania
    • Sathishkumar Palanivel
    2022 ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

    The current study presents a viable and straightforward method for synthesizing titanium lanthanum three oxide nanoparticles (TiLa) and their decoration onto the ferrous graphene oxide sheets to produce FeGO-TiLa as efficient magnetic adsorbent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the produced nanocomposites. The FeGO-TiLa was used to enhance the removal of lead ions from aqueous solution. The FeGO-TiLa nanocomposite exhibited a much higher removal efficiency (93%) for lead ions than pure TiLa nanoparticles (81%) and magnetic graphene oxide (74%). The influence of FeGO-TiLa dosage, contact time, solution pH, solution temperature, and starting quantity on the lead ions was evaluated and adjusted. The investigations demonstrated that a pH 6 with 40 mg adsorbent resulted in >91% removal of lead ions at ambient temperature after 120 min. Isotherm models were used to analyze experimental results, and Langmuir model fitted the data well as compared Freundlich model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 109.89 mg g−1. Kinetic and studies are performed the lead adsorption over FeGO-TiLa follow pseudo-second-order rate. Langmuir and Free energy suggested the lead ions uptake with FeGO-TiLa was monolayer and physical adsorption mechnaism, respectively. Finally, the FeGO-TiLa nanocompoiste can be used as an alternative adsorbent for water remediation.

  • Ti/TiO2 nanotubes sensitized PbS quantum dots as photoelectrodes applied for decomposition of anticancer drugs under simulated solar energy
    • Paweł Mazierski
    • Patrycja Wilczewska
    • Wojciech Lisowski
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Anna Białk-Bielińska
    • Adriana Zaleska-Medyska
    • Ewa Siedlecka
    • Aleksandra Pieczyńska
    2022 Full text JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    One of the challenges in research into photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of pollutants is finding the appropriate photoanode material, which has a significant impact on the process efficiency. Among all others, photoelectrodes based on an ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays are a promising material due to well-developed surface area and efficient charge separation. To increase the PEC activity of this material, the SILAR method was used to decorate Ti/TiO2 nanotubes by PbS quantum dots (QD). The ifosfamide (IF) degradation rate constants was twice as higher for PbS-Ti/TiO2 (0.0148 min 1) than for Ti/TiO2 (0.0072 min 1). Our research showed the highest efficiency of PEC degradation of drugs using IIIPbS-Ti/TiO2 made with 3 SILAR cycles (PbS QD size mainly 2–4 nm). The 4 and 6 of SILAR cycles resulted in the aggregation of PbS nanoparticles on the Ti/ TiO2 surface and decreased IF PEC degradation rate to 0.0043 and 0.0033 min 1, respectively. Research on PEC mechanism has shown that the drugs are degraded mainly by the activity of photogenerated holes and hydroxyl radicals. In addition, the identified drug intermediates made possible to propose a degradation pathways of anticancer drugs and the ecotoxicity test show no inhibition of Lemna minor growth of treated solutions.