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Gdańsk University of Technology

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  • Hydration of N-Hydroxyurea from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations
    • Mateusz Balicki
    • Maciej Śmiechowski
    2024 Full text MOLECULES

    N-Hydroxyurea (HU) is an important chemotherapeutic agent used as a first-line treatment in conditions such as sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, among others. To date, its properties as a hydrated molecule in the blood plasma or cytoplasm are dramatically understudied, although they may be crucial to the binding of HU to the radical catalytic site of ribonucleotide reductase, its molecular target. The purpose of this work is the comprehensive exploration of HU hydration. The topic is studied using AIMD simulations that apply a first principles representation of the electron density of the system. This allows for the calculation of infrared spectra, which may be decomposed spatially to better capture the signatures of solute–solvent interactions. The studied molecule is found to be strongly hydrated and tightly bound to the first shell water molecules. The analysis of the distance-dependent spectra of HU shows that the E and Z conformers spectrally affect 3.4 and 2.5 of the closest H2O molecules, in spheres of radii of 3.7 Å and 3.5 Å, respectively. The distance-dependent spectra corresponding to these cutoff radii show increased absorbance in the red-shifted part of the water OH stretching vibration band, indicating local enhancement of the hydrogen bond network. The radially resolved IR spectra also demonstrate that HU effortlessly incorporates into the hydrogen bond network of water and has an enhancing effect on this network. Metadynamics simulations based on AIMD methodology provide a picture of the conformational equilibria of HU in solution. Contrary to previous investigations of an isolated HU molecule in the gas phase, the Z conformer of HU is found here to be more stable by 17.4 kJ·mol−1 than the E conformer, pointing at the crucial role that hydration plays in determining the conformational stability of solutes. The potential energy surface for the OH group rotation in HU indicates that there is no intramolecular hydrogen bond in Z-HU in water, in stark contrast to the isolated solute in the gas phase. Instead, the preferred orientation of the hydroxyl group is perpendicular to the molecular plane of the solute. In view of the known chaotropic effect of urea and its N-alkyl-substituted derivatives, HU emerges as a unique urea derivative that exhibits a kosmotropic ordering of nearby water. This property may be of crucial importance for its binding to the catalytic site of ribonucleotide reductase with a displacement of a water molecule.

  • Hydrochars as a bio-based adsorbent for heavy metals removal: A review of production processes, adsorption mechanisms, kinetic models, regeneration and reusability of hydrochar
    • Aisha Khanzada
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
    • Joanna Majtacz
    • Grzegorz Piechota
    • Gopalakrishnan Kumar
    • Peyman Ezzati
    • Mohammad Saeb
    • Navid Rabiee
    • Hassan Karimi-Maleh
    • Eder C. Lima
    • Jacek Mąkinia
    2024 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    The spread of heavy metals throughout the ecosystem has extremely endangered human health, animals, plants, and natural resources. Hydrochar has emerged as a promising adsorbent for removing heavy metals from water and wastewater. Hydrochar, obtained from hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, owns unique physical and chemical properties that are highly potent in capturing heavy metals via surface complexation, electrostatic interactions, and ion exchange mechanisms. This review focuses on removing heavy metals by hydrochar adsorbents from water bodies. The article discusses factors affecting the adsorption capacity of hydrochars, such as contact time, pH, initial metal concentration, temperature, and competing ions. Literature on optimization approaches such as surface modification, composite development, and hybrid systems are reviewed to enlighten mechanisms undertaking the efficiency of hydrochars in heavy metals removal from wastewater. The review also addresses challenges such as hydrochar regeneration and reusability, alongside potential issues related to its disposal and metal leaching. Integration with current water purification methods and the significance of ongoing research and initiatives promoting hydrochar-based technologies were also outlined. The article concludes that combining hydrochar with modern technologies such as nanotechnology and advanced oxidation techniques holds promise for improving heavy metal remediation. Overall, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights to guide future studies and foster the development of effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly heavy metal removal technologies to ensure the attainment of safer drinking water for communities worldwide.

  • Hydrogen and chalcogen bonds in crystals of chalcogenadiazolecarboxylic acids – competition or cooperation?
    • Jan Alfuth
    • Agnieszka Czapik
    • Beata Zadykowicz
    • Teresa Olszewska
    2024 CRYSTENGCOMM

    This article presents crystal structures of chalcogenadiazolecarboxylic acids bearing both a hydrogen and a chalcogen bond donor. The selected molecules varied in the size of the aromatic unit, the chalcogen atom and/or the position of the carboxyl group in the core structure. The most common synthons in their lattice are "R" _"2" ^"2" (8) self-complementary acid dimers or four-membered [Ch···N]2 rings. Supramolecular synthons where chalcogenadiazole moieties interact with the carboxyl group were also identified. Both ESP calculations and experimental data showed that all the studied molecules adopted flat conformations, but only in the case of three crystal structures were flat sheets observed. To assess the contribution of hydrogen and chalcogen bonds to the stabilization of the crystal structure, crystal lattice energy calculations were performed.

  • Hydrogen direct reduction and reoxidation behaviour of high-grade pellets
    • Pasquale Cavaliere
    • Leandro Dijon
    • Aleksandra Laska
    • Damian Koszelow
    2024 Full text INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

    High grade pellets with basicity index close to 0.5 were directly reduced in pure hydrogen atmosphere. The reduction experiments were performed in the temperature range 800 e1000 C at the pressure of 8 bar. The pellets internal structure was analysed through micro tomography observations in the unreduced and reduced conditions. After reduction, the pellets showed a variation of porosity up to more than 15% with a remarkable change in the pore dimensions and aspect. Given the pores aspect variations, tortuosity strongly varied. This is believed to have large influence on the pellets reduction kinetics depending on the reduction conditions. After reduction, the pellets were re-oxidized in the temperature range 200e700 C for different times. Up to 500 C the weight increase due to oxidation resulted very slow, for higher temperatures the re-oxidation behaviour showed a very remarkable acceleration.

  • Hydroxyl and sulfate radical-based degradation of ciprofloxacin using UV-C and/or Fe2+-catalyzed peroxymonosulfate: Effects of process parameters and toxicity evaluation
    • Jibran Iqbal
    • Noor S. Shah
    • Javed Ali Khan
    • Kifayatullah Khan
    • Muhammad Wakeel
    • Heba Taha M. Abdelghani
    • Zia Ul Haq Khan
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2024 JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY

    Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a valuable antibiotic and discharged in huge quantities in aquatic environment. Different •OH and SO4•−-based advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs), e.g., Fe2+/PMS, UV-C/PMS, and UV-C/Fe2+/PMS are developed for treatment of CIP. The removal of CIP by Fe2+/PMS, UV-C/PMS and UV-C/Fe2+/PMS was 63, 77, and 87 %, respectively, under identical conditions which showed better performance of UV-C/Fe2+/PMS. The UV-C/Fe2+/PMS also caused high removal of total organic carbon of CIP. This high performance of UV-C/Fe2+/PMS-based AOTs possibly looked due to dual activation of PMS by UV-C and Fe2+. The removal of CIP by the three AOTs was found due to •OH and SO4•− and the later showed high reactivities with CIP, i.e., 2.45 109 and 2.35 109 M−1 s−1, respectively. The study of factors affecting the reactivities and/or yield of •OH and SO4•− diminished CIP degradation efficiency. The change in pH of solution and temperature and doses of Fe2+, PMS, and CIP exhibited significant impacts on the removal of CIP. The addition of inorganic ions showed strong inhibiting effects of NO2–, CO32–, and HCO3– while Cu2+ showed facilitating role. Analysis of degradation of CIP by GC–MS was used to develop proposed pathways. Acute and chronic toxicities of CIP and its products were measured by ECOSAR program and showed the resulting products to be non-toxic.

  • Hyperbaric Storage at Subzero Temperature – the Effect on the Shelf-Life and Selected Quality Characteristics of Raw Pork Sausages
    • Edyta Malinowska-Pańczyk
    • Katarzyna Mazur
    2024 Full text Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences

    The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological stability and changes occurring in selected physicochemical properties of raw pork sausages during hyperbaric storage at subzero temperature (HS-ST). It was shown that storage at moderate pressures (up to 111 MPa) led to a reduction in microbial populations. After 21 days of storage under these conditions, no microorganisms were detected in the samples. Additionally, the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation was observed under HS-ST conditions. The negative effect of the storage at 111 MPa/−10℃ was the sausage colour change from pink to grey-pink or grey, visible to the naked eye. Such changes did not occur in the samples stored at 60 MPa/−5℃ for 35 days. The results showed that applying HS-ST at 60 MPa/−5℃ allowed the shelf-life of raw pork sausages to be effectively extended by at least 35 days without visible quality deterioration.

  • Hypericum alpestre extract exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties by regulating the cellular antioxidant system and metabolic pathway of L‐arginine
    • Mikayel Ginovyan
    • Hayarpi Javrushyan
    • Hasmik Karapetyan
    • Izabela Koss-Mikołajczyk
    • Barbara Kusznierewicz
    • Anna Grigoryan
    • Alina Maloyan
    • Agnieszka Bartoszek
    • Nikolay Avtandilyan
    2024 CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION

    Conventional treatment methods are not effective enough to fight the rapid increase in cancer cases. The interest is increasing in the investigation of herbal sources for the development of new anticancer therapeutics. This study aims to investigate the antitumor capacity of Hypericum alpestre (H. alpestre) extract in vitro and in vivo, either alone or in combination with the inhibitors of the L‐arginine/polyamine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, and to characterize its active phytochemicals using advanced chromatographic techniques. Our previous reports suggest beneficial effects of the arginase inhibitor NG‐hydroxy‐nor‐L‐arginine and NO inhibitor NG‐nitro‐Larginine methyl ester in the treatment of breast cancer via downregulation of polyamine and NO synthesis. Here, the antitumor properties of H. alpestre and its combinations were explored in vivo, in a rat model of mammary gland carcinogenesis induced by subcutaneous injection of 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. The study revealed strong antiradical activity of H. alpestre aerial part extract in chemical (DPPH/ABTS) tests. In the in vitro antioxidant activity test, the H. alpestre extract demonstrated pro‐oxidant characteristics in human colorectal (HT29) cells, which were contingent upon the hemostatic condition of the cells. The H. alpestre extract expressed a cytotoxic effect on HT29 and breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells measured by the MTT test. According to comet assay results, H. alpestre extract did not exhibit genotoxic activity nor possessed antigenotoxic properties in HT29 cells. Overall, 233 substances have been identified and annotated in H. alpestre extract using the LC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS system. In vivo experiments using rat breast cancer models revealed that the H. alpestre extract activated the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, brain, and tumors. H. alpestre combined with chemotherapeutic agents attenuated cancer‐like histological alterations and showed significant reductions in tumor blood vessel area. Thus, either alone or in combination with Nω‐OH‐nor‐L‐arginine and Nω‐ nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, H. alpestre extract exhibits pro‐ and antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic effects.

  • ICT-enabled circular economy: conceptualising the links
    • Ewa Lechman
    • Radosław Ślosarski
    2024

    This chapter sets conceptual backgrounds regarding the potentially emerging causal links between digital technologies and circular economy ideas implementation. We argue that digital technologies may constitute an effective element enabling the transformation from linear to circular and environmentally friendly economic activities. This work draws the general picture at the macro and micro level. The macro perspective shows how individual actions aggregate into global ones that can be demonstrated through, for instance, waste management, resource productivity or, inter alia, statistics. Regarding the micro level, we intended to show how current business models are transforming into circular business models and how companies adopt and use digital technologies to tackle the idea of circular economy and implement it. Lastly, we draw several policy implications.

  • Ideas of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) in architectural education
    • Antoni Taraszkiewicz
    • Karolina Taraszkiewicz
    2024 Full text World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education

    The New European Bauhaus (NEB) is an interdisciplinary project initiated by the European Commission in 2020 [1], based on three values: sustainability, beauty and community (social inclusion). Its aim is to support the European Green Deal programme [2] by accelerating the transformation of various economic sectors, including construction, to improve the quality of people’s lives and protect the natural environment. Even though the NEB ideas have been known in Europe and around the world for over three years, it turns out that they receive very little attention in contemporary architectural education in some countries. A survey conducted among students in the 4th semester of the first-cycle studies in the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland, indicated that students do not know the NEB ideas and do not try to implement them in their design work. Hence, the need to create an appropriate base - a school in which students are able to directly and tangibly encounter all sustainable spatial, functional, technical and technological solutions according to the values and requirements of modern society.

  • Identification of Determinants of Using Crowdfunding as a Source of Financing the Development of Social Enterprises–the Perspective of Polish Social Entrepreneurs
    • Martyna Wronka-Pośpiech
    • Aldona Frączkiewicz-Wronka
    • Maria Węgrzyn
    • Krzysztof Leja
    2024

    Social enterprises face funding challenges caused, among other things, by investors focusing too much on risk and return. As traditional capital markets do not meet the needs of social entrepreneurs, crowdfunding can be an alternative way to raise funds for the development of their business. In this context, crowd-funding has not been sufficiently researched, and its growing importance in business finance makes it worth understanding its impact on social enterprises. Therefore, this paper helps to fill this gap in the literature by analysing social entrepreneurs’ use of alternative forms of finance such as crowdfunding. The observation of social enterprise activities in Poland, which has been carried out systematically for several years, justifies the thesis that this phenomenon as a practical activity is relatively new and research is fragmentary and rather than in-depth. Hence the idea to address this very issue in this paper. Therefore, our study collects qualitative data from 21 social entrepreneurs to find out the reasons that facilitate or hinder its use by social enterprises.

  • Identification of Public Service Logic (PSL) and Public Service Motivation (PSM) elements in Open Government Data (OGD) initiatives
    • Fredrick Ishengoma
    • Shao Deo
    • Raphael Gouvêa
    • Guilherme Costa Wiedenhöft
    • Ricardo Matheus
    • Charalampos Harris Alexopoulos
    • Nina Rizun
    • Stuti Saxena
    2024 Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries

    While previous research on Open Government Data (OGD) has primarily focused on reuse and adoption, this study aims to explore the implications of the Public Service Logic (PSL) and Public Service Motivation (PSM) dimensions in the context of OGD initiatives. This study is contextualized in Tanzania wherein the OGD initiatives are at an evolving stage. For the present study, the perspectives of the 15 public officials involved in the management of the OGD initiatives are being solicited. Findings underscore the need for furthering the marketing and refurbishing the OGD initiatives' quality alongside the increased involvement of the stakeholders to engage in value co-creation. Furthermore, as a study contextualized in a developing country to understand the involvement of the public personnel in the refurbishment of the OGD initiatives, the study contributes to the extant OGD literature while identifying the OGD publisher-side challenges and strengths in a still-evolving OGD initiative. Finally, with its societal implications in terms of the impact on societal stakeholders' engagement with OGD given the PSL-PSM of the public officials, the study's relevance is also clinched

  • Identyfikacja instrumentu muzycznego z nagrania fonicznego za pomocą sztucznych sieci neuronowych
    • Maciej Blaszke
    2024 Full text

    Celem rozprawy jest zbadanie algorytmów do identyfikacji instrumentów występujących w sygnale polifonicznym z wykorzystaniem sztucznych sieci neuronowych. W części teoretycznej przywołano podstawy przetwarzania sygnałów fonicznych w kontekście ekstrakcji parametrów sygnałów wykorzystywanych w treningu sieci neuronowych. Dodatkowo dokonano analizy rozwoju metod uczenia maszynowego z uwzględnieniem podziału na sieci neuronowe pierwszej, drugiej i trzeciej generacji. Opisano także powszechnie stosowane metody archiwizowania wyników treningu sztucznych sieci neuronowych oraz wystąpień artefaktów. Na podstawie przeglądu literatury zaproponowano tezy rozprawy. W części eksperymentalnej w pierwszej kolejności opisano dostępne i zgromadzone zbiory nagrań instrumentów muzycznych oraz sposób ich przekształcenia do formy zbioru treningowego, walidacyjnego i ewaluacyjnego. Przeprowadzono eksperymenty sprawdzające zasadność zaproponowanej koncepcji na mniejszym zbiorze danych. Na tym etapie zaimplementowano modele sieci neuronowych odpowiadające stanowi wiedzy w kontekście identyfikacji instrumentów muzycznych w celu porównania wyników z zaproponowanym modelami. Bazując na wstępnych wynikach, zaproponowano i przeprowadzono rozszerzone eksperymenty na zbiorze danych treningowych zawierających 13 instrumentów muzycznych, w tym rzadko występujących w typowym instrumentarium oraz w bazach muzycznych. W badaniach tych zostały wykorzystane modele sieci neuronowych drugiej oraz trzeciej (sieci impulsowe) generacji, w tym własne propozycje modeli. W końcowej części zawarto analizę uzyskanych wyników oraz omówiono wnioski z niej płynące, służące udowodnieniu tez badawczych. Przedstawiono również najważniejsze osiągnięcia rozprawy oraz kierunki rozwoju badań, mających na celu identyfikację instrumentów muzycznych w sygnale polifonicznym.

  • Imidazole-Based Lithium Salt LiHDI as a Solid Electrolyte Interphase-Stabilising Additive for Lithium-Conducting Electrolytes
    • Marek Broszkiewicz
    • Bartosz Brzozowski
    • Tomasz Trzeciak
    • Aldona Zalewska
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Leszek Niedzicki
    2024 Full text MOLECULES

    Lithium salt LiHDI (lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(n-heptafluoropropyl)imidazolide) is proposed as a solid electrolyte interphase-stabilising additive for lithium-ion batteries, which can be added in a smaller amount than fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) additives. Electrolytes containing either lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI) or battery-standard LiPF6 were tested with various amounts of LiHDI additive. Chemical stability in the presence of water and the thermal stability of LiHDI are on par with LiTDI. LiHDI additive does not negatively affect the properties of electrolytes. Conductivity measurements of solutions, galvanostatic cycling of graphite-LiFePO4 cells at room temperature, cells’ cycling at 60 °C, internal cell resistance monitoring during cycling, and XPS analysis of electrodes’ surfaces after cycling have been performed. LiHDI, unlike the FEC-VC mixture, does not negatively affect the properties of the electrolyte. Cycling showed improved capacity retention with LiHDI additive with both graphite and LiFePO4 as capacity-limiting electrodes over samples without additives. At elevated temperatures, samples with LiHDI exhibited better capacity retention during cycling than those with FEC-VC. Internal cell resistance can be correlated with capacity retention. XPS results show changes in the composition of SEI depending on the composition of the electrolyte and the duration of cycling.

  • Imitating Quantum Probabilities: Beyond Bell’s Theorem and Tsirelson Bounds
    • Marek Czachor
    • Kamil Nalikowski
    2024 Full text Foundations of Science

    Local hidden-variable model of singlet-state correlations discussed in M. Czachor, Acta Phys. Polon. A 139, 70, is shown to be a particular case of an infinite hierarchy of local hidden-variable models based on an infinite hierarchy of calculi. Violation of Bell-type inequalities can be interpreted as a `confusion of languages' problem, a result of mixing different but neighboring levels of the hierarchy. Mixing of non-neighboring levels results in violations beyond the Tsirelson bounds.

  • Immune escape of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemic cells through a lineage switch to acute myeloid leukemia
    • Karolina Bełdzińska-Gądek
    • Ewa Zarzycka
    • Krzysztof Pastuszak
    • Katarzyna Borman
    • Krzysztof Lewandowski
    • Jan M. Zaucha
    • Witold Prejzner
    2024 LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA

    Acute leukemia (AL) with a lineage switch (LS) is associated with poor prognosis. The predisposing factors of LS are unknown, apart from KMT2A rearrangements that have been reported to be associated with LS. Herein, we present two cases and review all 104 published cases to identify risk factors for LS. Most of the patients (75.5%) experienced a switch from the lymphoid phenotype to the myeloid phenotype. Eighteen patients (17.0%) experienced a transformation from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Forty-nine (46.2%) patients carried a KMT2A rearrangement. Most of the cases involved LS from B-cell ALL (B-ALL) to AML (59.4%), and 49 patients (46.2%) carried KMT2A-rearrangements. Forty patients (37.7%) received lineage-specific immunotherapy. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of KMT2A rearrangements together with the lineage-specific immunotherapy may trigger LS, which supports the thesis of the existence of leukemia stem cells that are capable of lymphoid or myeloid differentiation.

  • Impact of abiotic stressors on nutrient removal and rhizomicrobiome composition in floating treatment wetland with Equisetum hyemale
    • Nicole Nawrot
    • Przemysław Kowal
    • Ewa Wojciechowska
    • Ksenia Pazdro
    • Jolanta Walkusz-miotk
    • Sławomir Ciesielski
    • Filip M. G. Tack
    2024 Full text SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Floating treatment wetlands (FTW) are receiving growing interest as a phyto-technology. However, there are significant research gaps regarding the actual role of plant species and plant-microbiome interactions. In this study, the nutrient uptake of Equisetum hyemale was examined in FTW microcosms under the influence of abiotic stressors: As (3 mg/L) and Pb (3 mg/L) as well as Cl− (300 and 800 mg/L) in reference to a control during a short screening experiment. High removal efficiency of nutrients in water solutions, up to 88 % for TN and 93 % for PO4-P, was observed. However, PO4-P removal was inhibited in the As reactor, with a maximum efficiency of only 11 %. Lead and As were removed with high efficiency, reaching 98 % and 79 % respectively. At the same time only Pb was effectively bound to root biomass, reaching up to 51 %. Limited As accumulation of 0.5 % in plant roots suggests that microbial processes play a major role in its reduction. The development and structure of microbiome in the microcosms was analysed by means of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, proving that Pb was the most influential factor in terms of selection pressure on specified bacterial groups. In the As treatment, the emergence of a Serratia subpopulation was observed, while the Cl− treatment preserved a rhizobiome composition most closely resembling the control. This study indicates that E. hyemale is a suitable species for use in FTWs treating Pb polluted water that at the same time is capable to withstand periodic increases in salinity. E. hyemale exhibits low As binding in biomass; however, extended exposure might amplify this effect because of the slow-acting, but beneficial, mechanism of As uptake by roots and shoots. Microbiome analysis complements insights into mechanisms of FTW performance and impact of stress factors on bacterial structure and functions.

  • Impact of high-pressure processing on the bioactive compounds of milk - A comprehensive review
    • Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
    • Sipper Khan
    • Nur Alim Bahmid
    • Andrey Ashotovich Nagdalian
    • Seid Mahdi Jafari
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    2024 Full text JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE

    High-pressure processing (HPP) is a promising alternative to thermal pasteurization. Recent studies highlighted the effectivity of HPP (400–600 MPa and exposure times of 1–5 min) in reducing pathogenic microflora for up to 5 logs. Analysis of modern scientific sources has shown that pressure affects the main components of milk including fat globules, lactose, casein micelles. The behavior of whey proteins under HPP is very important for milk and dairy products. HPP can cause significant changes in the quaternary (> 150 MPa) and tertiary (> 200 MPa) protein structures. At pressures > 400 MPa, they dissolve in the following order: αs2-casein, αs1-casein, k-casein, and β-casein. A similar trend is observed in the processing of whey proteins. HPP can affect the rate of milk fat adhering as cream with increased results at 100–250 MPa with time dependency while decreasing up to 70% at 400–600 MPa. Some studies indicated the lactose influencing casein on HP, with 10% lactose addition in case in suspension before exposing it to 400 MPa for 40 min prevents the formation of large casein micelles. Number of researches has shown that moderate pressures (up to 400 MPa) and mild heating can activate or stabilize milk enzymes. Pressures of 350–400 MPa for 100 min can boost the activity of milk enzymes by up to 140%. This comprehensive and critical review will benefit scientific researchers and industrial experts in the field of HPP treatment of milk and its effect on milk components.

  • Impact of information systems (IS) infusion on Open Government Data (OGD) adoption
    • Ricardo Matheus
    • Charalampos Harris Alexopoulos
    • Nina Rizun
    • Loukis Euripides
    • Stuti Saxena
    2024 Full text Digital Policy Regulation and Governance

    Purpose – This study aims to underline the possible influence of the moderator, information systems (IS) infusion, on Open Government Data (OGD) adoption and usage. Design/methodology/approach – Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling methodological approach, the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model has been used for understanding the role of themoderating variable, namely, IS infusion. Findings – Findings show that the moderating impact of IS infusion is positively significant with respect to the performance expectancy–behavioral intention relationship thereby bolstering the impact on users’ perception of OGD vis-a-vis work/academics performance and negatively significant for social influence–behavioral intention, information quality–behavioral intention, thereby clinching the fact that with the increased engagement and involvement of OGD in the everyday life of the user, the role of significant others and information quality gets least significant. Originality/value – Extant OGD-focused research has underscored the impact of different variables as far as OGD adoption and usage is concerned; the present study seeks to add on to the extant literature by understanding the implications of IS infusion on the adapted UTAUT model constructs and behavioral intention relationships

  • Impact of new, navigable canal through the Vistula spit on the hydrologic balance of the Vistula lagoon (Baltic Sea)
    • Roman Cieśliński
    • Izabela Chlost
    • Michał Szydłowski
    2024 JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS

    The object of research - the Vistula Lagoon is one of the two lagoons on the Polish coast, which is of great importance not only from an economic point of view, but also an environmental one. The purpose of the paper is to provide calculations on the current water balance for the Vistula Lagoon, before and after construction of a canal through the Vistula Spit. This is important because the construction of a new connection between the Vistula Lagoon and the Baltic Sea can result in changes in the lagoon's water balance, which in turn cause changes in the Vistula Lagoon biotic and abiotic environment. In addition, we wish to update the estimate of the water exchange between the Vistula Lagoon and the Baltic Sea through the Strait of Baltiysk and to estimate the exchange through the Vistula Spit canal after it is fully open. The main works consisted of researching source materials from various state institutions, which allowed to calculate the water balance of the Vistula Lagoon and perform mathematical modeling. These data include the amount of precipitation and evaporation, the amount of inflow from the catchment, the amount of inflow from polders, underground supply, the amount of inflow and outflow through the Strait of Baltiysk. The largest portion of the water received by a coastal lagoon comes from the adjacent ocean. In this case, it is about 75%. In addition, an array of catchment sources yields 20% of the studied lagoon's water. The Strait of Baltiysk constitutes the main outflow pathway for water exiting the Vistula Lagoon – close to 98% of outflow. Simulations have shown that the construction of the Nowy Swiat ship canal will not alter the water balance in the Vistula Lagoon to a meaningful extent. The problems that may emerge include those related to changes in the local biotic and abiotic environment due at the construction stage or in the period that follows resulting from the disturbance of highly polluted lagoon floor deposits. Thus it may be argued that the new canal is desirable from an economic or flood control point of view, but not from an environmental point of view.

  • Impact of SDN Controller’s Performance on Quality of Service
    • Sylwester Kaczmarek
    • Jacek Litka
    2024 Full text IEEE Access

    Software Defined Networking is a paradigm in network architecture; that is quickly becoming commonplace in modern telecommunication systems. It facilitates network customization for the requirements of different applications and simplifies the implementation of new services. Since its proposal, a significant evolution in its functionality has occurred. However, this development brought along problems of efficiency and performance, which are currently under research. A number of requirements has to be met, if Software Defined Networking is going to be the next step in the Next-Generation Networks progression. The central part of it – the SDN controller – has to put minimum strain on the system and provide performance which does not impede Quality of Service requirements. In this paper, the results of a research on SDN controller’s performance have been provided in the context of keeping up with flows’ QoS. For this, an emulated-physical research platform has been implemented. This research environment utilizes traffic generated accordingly to ITU-T recommendations to validate QoS parameters. The platform is given a thorough description. The results obtained from it take under consideration the implemented traffic sources, as well as the intensity of traffic handled by the controller and the traffic load of data plane links. Authors indicate that even without breaking the limitations set for delays in QoS, the impact of the controller workload is noticeable, which should be mitigated by applying appropriate resource control.

  • Impact of spraying commercial Bentonite Nanoclay on fortification of the mortar as Nano Sprying Technique (NST) in heritages and historical buildings
    • Saeideh Jalalifar
    • Hamed Niroumand
    • Maryam Afsharpour
    • Shadi Rajabi
    • Lech Bałachowski
    2024 Full text Scientific Reports

    Spraying Bentonite NanoClay as an innovative idea satisfied an urgent need for conservation of historical brick constructions. This research explores the application of Nanotechnology as a Nano-Geotechnics (NaG) and Nano Ground Improvement (NGI) techniques for fortifying the mortar between bricks in historical buildings against some environmental erosive factors. Bentonite Nanoparticles were selected because of their compatibility with mortar. They were applied via Nano Spray to mitigate holes and cracks caused by erosion. Various percentages of bentonite NanoClay (2–10%) Spray and the number of times to spray on the mortar were evaluated. Validation through field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging (FESEM/SEM), X-Ray differaction and Fluorescence analyses (XRD/XRF), Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), porosity tests, water absorption time measurement, and weathering tests confirmed the efficacy and long-term stability of this method. The result indicated that double spraying of a 2% NanoClay solution proved most effective in reducing porosity, declining water absorption, and enhancing resistance to freezing and rain.

  • Impact of the Kanban Maturity Model on a Team’s Agile Transformation: Tripling Throughput and Elevating Quality in Three Months
    • Jacek Trzesicki
    • Krzysztof Marek
    • Adam Przybyłek
    2024

    Agile transformations have been a significant challenge since the beginning of the agile movement, with numerous researchers and practitioners suggesting various structured approaches and guidelines. The Kanban Maturity Model (KMM) is a relatively new approach that focuses on assessing the current maturity level of an organisation, with an emphasis on a spectrum of Kanban practices. This paper presents the initial results of applying the KMM as a guide for subsequent steps in Kanban implementation and agile transformation. The exploratory case study describes the application of the KMM in the agile transformation of a software development team within a midsize organisation. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to implement Scrum, the adoption of KMM facilitated a rapid and successful implementation of the Kanban Method. Within three months, the team’s throughput tripled, and the quality of the developed software improved significantly. The results suggest that the KMM can be successfully used as an effective guideline for agile transformation of software development teams.

  • Impact of trajectory simplification methods on modeling carbon dioxide emissions from ships
    • Tadeusz Balcer
    • Rafał Szłapczyński
    • Thomas Mestl
    2024 OCEAN ENGINEERING

    Models of ship fuel consumption and emissions play an essential role in estimating global shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions. They are also widely used for verification of reported CO2 emissions for systems like EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification) or IMO DCS (Data Collection System). Such models achieve high accuracy using historical spatiotemporal information about each ship from AIS data. However, this approach requires substantial computing capacity. To reduce the computational load, trajectory simplification algorithms are frequently applied. In this work, we evaluate their impact on CO2 estimations by comparing various trajectory simplification methods, including Fixed Time Downsampling, Douglas-Peucker, Top-Down Time Ratio and Optimized Equivalent Passage Plan. Through simulation and a random selection of real ship trajectories we demonstrate that by choosing the right method both, the amount of data as well the computation time can be significantly reduced while maintaining acceptable estimations of CO2 emissions.

  • Impact of Visual Image Quality on Lymphocyte Detection Using YOLOv5 and RetinaNet Algorithms
    • Agata Polejowska
    • Milena Sobotka
    • Michał Kalinowski
    • Marcin Kordowski
    • Tomasz Neumann
    2024

    Lymphocytes, a type of leukocytes, play a vital role in the immune system. The precise quantification, spatial arrangement and phenotypic characterization of lymphocytes within haematological or histopathological images can serve as a diagnostic indicator of a particular lesion. Artificial neural networks, employed for the detection of lymphocytes, not only can provide support to the work of histopathologists but also enable better disease monitoring and faster analysis of the general immune system condition. In this study, the impact of visual quality on the performance of state-of-the-art algorithms for detecting lymphocytes in medical images was examined. Two datasets were used, and image modifications such as blur, sharpness, brightness, and contrast were applied to assess the performance of YOLOv5 and RetinaNet models. The study revealed that the visual quality of images exerts a substantial impact on the effectiveness of the deep learning methods in detecting lymphocytes accurately. These findings have significant implications for deep learning approaches used in digital pathology.

  • Impact of Work from Home on Agile Software Project Execution – the Empirical Study
    • Jakub Chabik
    2024

    Background: The outbreak of a Covid-19 pandemic changed the working patterns of software projects delivery. Aim: The study examines how the work from home (WFH) impacted the software project execution for emergence of differentiating patterns. Method: The data on project execution in two country locations was examined. The population is 3711 projects across 52 months (26 pre- and 26 post-pandemic) is analyzed. The paper identifies the changed patterns of execution. Results: WFH resulted in a more frequent reporting of the project status, significantly higher granularity of reporting, small changes in the statuses reported and significant changes in the duration of a project in a given status. Conclusion: The study concludes that the WFH have had overall positive impact on the software project execution, but notices that it was achieved with increase in reporting frequency and granularity. Keywords:software engineering, project management, empirical study, data-driven software engineering.

  • Impacts of Using Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Various Amount of Dimethyl Ether Premixed Ratios on Combustion and Emissions on a Dual-Fuel Compression Ignition Engine
    • Denys Stepanenko
    • Jacek Rudnicki
    • Zbigniew Kneba
    2024 Full text Advances in Science and Technology Research Journal

    In the presented research, the authors dealt with the specific properties of the combustion process of dimethyl ether (DME) in a combustion car (Volkswagen Golf IV) engine AJM 1.9 TDI PDE made by Volkswagen factory. Dimethyl ether is an alternative fuel produced most often from natural gas, which can be used in compression ignition engines as a single fuel or co-burned with diesel oil. This work describes the impacts of using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and various diesel to DME substitution ratios from 0% to approximately 25% (on an energy basis), on the combustion process in a dual-fuel diesel engine. The engine has been modified so that DME fuel is introduced into the intake manifold just before the intake valves. The diesel fuel supply system, operation algorithms of the engine electronic control unit and other engine elements were left unchanged as it was built by the manufacturer.

  • Implementing fermentation technology for comprehensive valorisation of seafood processing by-products: A critical review on recovering valuable nutrients and enhancing utilisation
    • Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
    • Dhanya Lakshmikanth
    • Chiranjiv Pradhan
    • Zahra Farajinejad
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    • Abhilash Sasidharan
    2024 Full text CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION

    Fermentation technology is a biorefining tool that has been used in various industrial processes to recover valuable nutrients from different side streams. One promising application of this technique is in the reclamation of nutritional components from seafood side streams. Seafood processing generates significant amounts of waste, including heads, shells, and other side streams. These side streams contain high quantities of valued nutritional components that can be extracted using fermentation technology. The fermentation technology engages the application of microorganisms to convert the side stream into valuable products like biofuels, enzymes, and animal feed. Natural polymers such as chitin and chitosan have various purposes in the food, medicinal, and agricultural industry. Another example is the fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from seafood side streams. FPHs are protein-rich powders which could be used in animal nutrition and nutraceutical industry. The resulting hydrolysate is further filtered and dried resulting in a FPH powder. Fermentation technology holds great possibility in the recovery of valuable nutrients from seafood side streams. The process can help reduce waste and generate new value-added products from what would otherwise be considered a waste product. With further research and development, fermentation technology can become a key tool in the biorefining industry.

  • Importance of artificial intelligence to support the process of anaerobicdigestion of kitchen waste with bioplastics / Znaczenie sztucznej inteligencji we wspomaganiu procesu beztlenowej fermentacji odpadów kuchennych zawierających bioplastiki
    • Ryszard Arendt
    • Andrzej Kopczyński
    • Jan Hupka
    • Aleksandra Grabowiec
    2024 Przemysł Chemiczny

    Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning were used to obtain more effective methods for conducting the digestion process and achieving final products. Data acquisition was carried out by an automatic monitoring and anal. research. The knowledge describing the anaerobic digestion process was summarized in the form of rules: IF (premise) THEN (conclusion). The compiled set of rules created a knowledge base of the expert system, which was used to run the anaerobic digestion process and provided instructions to the operator. Knowledge rules were updated and developed during the process. The construction of a mobile laboratory system for the anaerobic digestion of kitchen and food waste, the tech. devices, the structure of the AI system, and selected knowledge rules were presented.

  • Importance of sign conventions on analytical solutions to the wave-induced cyclic response of a poro-elastic seabed
    • Waldemar Magda
    2024 Full text Archives of Civil Engineering

    This paper discusses the influence of different sign conventions for strains and stresses, i.e. the solid mechanics sign convention and the soil mechanics sign convention, on the form of governing partial differential equations (the static equilibrium equations and the continuity equation) used to describe the wave-induced cyclic response of a poro-elastic seabed due to propagation of a sinusoidal surface water-wave. Some selected analytical solutions, obtained by different authors and published in specialist literature in the form of complex functions describing the wave-induced pore-fluid pressure, effective normal stress and shear stress oscillations in the seabed, have been analysed and compared with each other mainly with respect to different sign conventions for stains and stresses and also with regard to different orientations of the positive vertical axis of the two-dimensional coordinate system and different directions of surface water-wave propagation. The performed analyses of the analytical solutions has indicated many inaccuracies, or even evident errors and exemplary mistakes of wrong-signed values of basic wave-induced response parameters (the shear stress in particular), thereby disqualifying these solutions and their final equations from practical engineering applications. Most of the mistakes found in the literature must be linked to authors’ lack of understanding and consistency in an uniform application of a certain sign convention for strains and stresses in the soil matrix at both stages of mathematical formulation of the governing problem and correct interpretation of equations of the final analytical solution. The present paper, based mostly on a thorough literature review, ought to draw attention and arouse interest among coastal scientists and engineers in proper identification and use of the existing analytical solutions to the wave-induced cyclic seabed response – solutions which differ very often in the applied sign convention for stresses in the soil matrix.

  • Improved Bandwidth of Microstrip Wide-Slot Antenna Using Gielis Curves
    • Davood Zarifi
    • Ali Farahbakhsh
    • Michał Mrozowski
    2024 IEEE Access

    The development of a broadband printed wide-slot antenna based on Gielis curves is presented in this article. The printed wide-slot antenna can be conveniently reshaped to achieve ultra-wideband performance by using superformula. The distinct advantage of employing the superformula in design of wide-slot antenna lies in its ability to define nearly any geometric shape including non-standard, complex and non-intuitive for the wide-slot and by finely tuning just six parameters. To demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach, a simple prototype is fabricated and tested. The satisfactory correspondence between the measurement and the simulation results confirms the effectiveness of the antenna being proposed. The experimental findings reveal that the antenna’s impedance bandwidth, where the VSWR is less than 2, spans from 2 to 13.9 GHz, encompassing a range that is 150% wide. Furthermore, the antenna demonstrates a realized gain ranging between 3.8 to 6.4 dBi within its operational frequency spectrum. These results indicate that the antenna exhibits the efficiency and functionality required for application in wideband communication systems

  • Improved Efficacy Behavioral Modeling of Microwave Circuits through Dimensionality Reduction and Fast Global Sensitivity Analysis
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Anna Pietrenko-Dąbrowska
    • Leifur Leifsson
    2024 Full text Scientific Reports

    Behavioral models have garnered significant interest in the realm of high-frequency electronics. Their primary function is to substitute costly computational tools, notably electromagnetic (EM) analysis, for repetitive evaluations of the structure under consideration. These evaluations are often necessary for tasks like parameter tuning, statistical analysis, or multi-criterial design. However, constructing reliable surrogate models faces several challenges, including the nonlinearity of circuit characteristics and the vast size of the parameter space, encompassing both dimensionality and design variable ranges. Additionally, ensuring the validity of the model across broad geometry/material parameter and frequency ranges is crucial for its utility in design. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an innovative approach to cost-effective and dependable behavioral modeling of microwave passives. Central to our method is a fast global sensitivity analysis (FGSA) procedure, which is devised to identify correlations between design parameters and quantify their impacts on circuit characteristics. The most significant directions identified through FGSA are utilized to establish a reduced-dimensionality domain. Within this domain, the model may be constructed using a limited amount of data samples while capturing a significant portion of the circuit response variability, rendering it suitable for design purposes. The outstanding predictive capability of the proposed model, its superiority over traditional techniques, and its readiness for design applications are demonstrated through the analysis of three microstrip circuits of diverse characteristics.

  • Improved maximum power point tracking algorithms by using numerical analysis techniques for photovoltaic systems
    • Lyu Guanghua
    • Syed M. Hussain
    • Arsalan Muhammad Soomar
    • Shoaib Shaikh
    • Syed Hadi Hussain Shah
    2024 Full text Results in Engineering

    Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate optimal electricity when operating at the maximum power point (MPP). This study introduces a novel MPP tracking algorithm that leverages the numerical prowess of the predictor-corrector method, tailored to accommodate voltage and current fluctuations in PV panels resulting from variable environmental factors like solar irradiation and temperature. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of solar panels, presenting a comprehensive mathematical model capturing the interdependencies between current, voltage, power, solar irradiation, and temperature. Existing numerical MPPT techniques are explored to provide their advantages and disadvantages. The proposed algorithm, formulated in MATLAB, encapsulates essential solar panel variables and undergoes rigorous dynamic testing in the Simulink® environment under diverse solar irradiation and temperature scenarios. These results are visually represented through graphs and tabulations. A subsequent section offers a simulation-driven comparative review of the proposed algorithm against established methodologies. The article culminates with conclusions drawn from the empirical findings and outlines promising avenues for future research.

  • Improving Output Performance of the Ultrasonic Multicell Piezoelectric Motor by Development the Multi-Rotor Structure
    • Roland Ryndzionek
    2024 Full text IEEE Access

    In recent years, many researches have been carried out on piezoelectric multi-rotor structures. This paper describes the analysis, development and experimental process of an ultrasonic multi-cell piezoelectric motor using a multi-rotor structure. In this design, three independent cells have been integrated into a mechatronic system. Analytical model and finite element method are used for modal and dynamic analysis of the proposed motor. The multicell motor prototype has been manufactured and tested in the laboratory. Finally, the results of analytical, simulations and experimental investigation have been compared. The compared results are in satisfactory agreement. The measured parameters were: resonance frequency characteristics, mechanical characteristics of the single actuator and the complete assembled motor. The maximum speed and load of the motor have been determined. The maximum speed of 512 rpm was obtained with a voltage of 86 Vrms and the maximum stall torque was 120 mNm. Finally, the multi-rotor structure was compared with other rotary ultrasonic structures.

  • Improving platelet‐RNA‐based diagnostics: a comparative analysis of machine learning models for cancer detection and multiclass classification
    • Maksym Albin Jopek
    • Krzysztof Pastuszak
    • Michał Sieczczyński
    • Sebastian Cygert
    • Anna J. Żaczek
    • Matthew T. Rondina
    • Anna Supernat
    2024 Full text Molecular Oncology

    Liquid biopsy demonstrates excellent potential in patient management by providing a minimally invasive and cost-effective approach to detecting and monitoring cancer, even at its early stages. Due to the complexity of liquid biopsy data, machine-learning techniques are increasingly gaining attention in sample analysis, especially for multidimensional data such as RNA expression profiles. Yet, there is no agreement in the community on which methods are the most effective or how to process the data. To circumvent this, we performed a large-scale study using various machine-learning techniques. First, we took a closer look at existing datasets and filtered out some patients to assert data collection quality. The final data collection included platelet RNA samples acquired from 1397 cancer patients (17 types of cancer) and 354 asymptomatic, presumed healthy, donors. Then, we assessed an array of different machine-learning models and techniques (e.g., feature selection of RNA transcripts) in pan-cancer detection and multiclass classification. Our results show that simple logistic regression performs the best, reaching a 68% cancer detection rate at a 99% specificity level, and multiclass classification accuracy of 79.38% when distinguishing between five cancer types. In summary, by revisiting classical machine-learning models, we have exceeded the previously used method by 5% and 9.65% in cancer detection and multiclass classification, respectively. To ease further research, we open-source our code and data processing pipelines (https://gitlab.com/jopekmaksym/improving-platelet-rna-based-diagnostics), which we hope will serve the community as a strong baseline.

  • Improving the prediction of biochar production from various biomass sources through the implementation of eXplainable machine learning approaches
    • Van Giao Nguyen
    • Prabhakar Sharma
    • Ümit Ağbulut
    • Huu Son Le
    • Dao Nam Cao
    • Marek Dzida
    • Sameh M. Osman
    • Huu Cuong Le
    • Viet Dung Tran
    2024 International Journal of Green Energy

    Examining the game-changing possibilities of explainable machine learning techniques, this study explores the fast-growing area of biochar production prediction. The paper demonstrates how recent advances in sensitivity analysis methodology, optimization of training hyperparameters, and state-of-the-art ensemble techniques have greatly simplified and enhanced the forecasting of biochar output and composition from various biomass sources. The study argues that white-box models, which are more open and comprehensible, are crucial for biochar prediction in light of the increasing suspicion of black-box models. Accurate forecasts are guaranteed by these explainable AI systems, which also give detailed explanations of the mechanisms generating the outcomes. For prediction models to gain confidence and for biochar production processes to enable informed decision-making, there must be an emphasis on interpretability and openness. The paper comprehensively synthesizes the most critical features of biochar prediction by a rigorous assessment of current literature and relies on the authors’ own experience. Explainable machine learning techniques encourage ecologically responsible decision-making by improving forecast accuracy and transparency. Biochar is positioned as a crucial participant in solving global concerns connected to soil health and climate change, and this ultimately contributes to the wider aims of environmental sustainability and renewable energy consumption.

  • In silico approaches for better understanding cysteine cathepsin-glycosaminoglycan interactions
    • Krzysztof Bojarski
    • Alexis David
    • Fabien Lecaille
    • Sergey A. Samsonov
    2024 Full text CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH

    Cysteine cathepsins constitute the largest cathepsin family, with 11 proteases in human that are present primarily within acidic endosomal and lysosomal compartments. They are involved in the turnover of intracellular and extracellular proteins. They are synthesized as inactive procathepsins that are converted to mature active forms. Cathepsins play important roles in physiological and pathological processes and, therefore, receive increasing attention as potential therapeutic targets. Their maturation and activity can be regulated by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), long linear negatively charged polysaccharides composed of recurring dimeric units. In this review, we summarize recent computational progress in the field of (pro)cathepsin-GAG complexes analyses.

  • In silico epitope prediction of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato antigens for the detection of specific antibodies
    • Weronika Grąźlewska
    • Karolina Sołowińska
    • Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
    2024 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS

    Despite many years of research, serodiagnosis of Lyme disease still faces many obstacles. Difficulties arise mainly due to the low degree of amino acid sequence conservation of the most immunogenic antigens among B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies, as well as differences in protein production depending on the environment in which the spirochete is located. Mapping B-cell epitopes located on antigens allows for a better understanding of antibody-pathogen interactions which is essential for the development of new and more effective diagnostic tools. In this study, in silico B-cell epitope mapping was performed to determine the theoretical diagnostic potential of selected B. burgdorferi s.l. proteins (BB0108, BB0126, BB0298, BB0689, BB0323, FliL, PstS, SecD, EF-Tu). Bioinformatics software predicted 35 conserved linear and 31 conformational epitopes with the degree of identity among B. burgdorferi s.l. of at least 85%, which may prove to be useful in the development of a new tool for the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

  • In Silico Safety Assessment of Bacillus Isolated from Polish Bee Pollen and Bee Bread as Novel Probiotic Candidates
    • Ahmer Hafeez
    • Karolina Pełka
    • Randy Worobo
    • Piotr Szweda
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES

    Bacillus species isolated from Polish bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) were characterized for in silico probiotic and safety attributes. A probiogenomics approach was used, and in-depth genomic analysis was performed using a wide array of bioinformatics tools to investigate the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance properties, mobile genetic elements, and secondary metabolites. Functional annotation and Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZYme) profiling revealed the presence of genes and a repertoire of probiotics properties promoting enzymes. The isolates BB10.1, BP20.15 (isolated from bee bread), and PY2.3 (isolated from bee pollen) genome mining revealed the presence of several genes encoding acid, heat, cold, and other stress tolerance mechanisms, adhesion proteins required to survive and colonize harsh gastrointestinal environments, enzymes involved in the metabolism of dietary molecules, antioxidant activity, and genes associated with the synthesis of vitamins. In addition, genes responsible for the production of biogenic amines (BAs) and D-/Llactate, hemolytic activity, and other toxic compounds were also analyzed. Pan-genome analyses were performed with 180 Bacillus subtilis and 204 Bacillus velezensis genomes to mine for any novel genes present in the genomes of our isolates. Moreover, all three isolates also consisted of gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites.

  • In vitro biological evaluation of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier for C-2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in the treatment of human lung and prostate cancers
    • Joanna Pilch
    • Agnieszka Potęga
    • Patrycja Kowalik
    • Agata Kowalczyk
    • Piotr Bujak
    • Artur Kasprzak
    • Ewa Paluszkiewicz
    • Anna Maria Nowicka
    2024 Full text Pharmacological Reports

    Traditional small-molecule chemotherapeutics usually do not distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. However, nanotechnology creates nanocarriers that selectively deliver drugs to their site of action. This work is the next step in the development of the quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin−folic acid (QD−β−CD−FA) platform for targeted and selected delivery of C−2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in cancer therapy.Herein, we report an initial biological evaluation (using flow cytometry and light microscopy) as well as cell migration analysis of QD−β−CD(C−2028)−FA nanoconjugate and its components in the selected human lung and prostate cancer cells, as well as against their respective normal cells. C−2028 compound induced apoptosis, which was much stronger in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Conjugation of C−2028 with QDgreen increased cellular senescence, while the introduction of FA to the conjugate significantly decreased this process. C−2028 nanoencapsulation also reduced cell migration. Importantly, QDgreen and QDgreen−β−CD−FA themselves did not induce any toxic responses in studied cells. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the high potential of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier (QDgreen−β−CD−FA) for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Nanoplatforms increased the amount of delivered compounds and demonstrated high suitability.

  • In-ADC, Rank-Order Filter for Digital Pixel Sensors
    • Miron Kłosowski
    • Yichuang Sun
    • Waldemar Jendernalik
    • Grzegorz Blakiewicz
    • Jacek Jakusz
    • Stanisław Szczepański
    2024 Full text Electronics

    This paper presents a new implementation of the rank-order filter, which is established on a parallel-operated array of single-slope (SS) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The SS ADCs use an “on-the-ramp processing” technique, i.e., filtration is performed along with analog-to-digital conversion, so the final states of the converters represent a filtered image. A proof-of-concept 64 × 64 array of SS ADCs, integrated with MOS photogates, was fabricated using a standard 180 nm CMOS process. The measurement results demonstrate the full functionality of the novel filter concept, with image acquisition in both single-sampling and correlated-double-sampling (CDS) modes (CDS is digitally performed using ADCs). The experimental, massively parallel rank-order filter can process 650 frames per second with a power consumption of 4.81 mW.

  • Inclusive onboarding process and the specific organizational culture – a theoretical outline of the problem
    • Marta Szeluga-Romańska
    2024 Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska

    Purpose: The aim of this article is to indicate to what extent an organization hiring new employees is able to prepare an individualized, inclusive onboarding process for a diverse workforce; to what extent is it necessary, and to what extent is it possible, so that each new employee efficiently find themselves in the new workplace, but also has the feeling that the organization wants to use their potential and talents. Design/methodology/approach: The objectives are achieved by the analysis of existing scientific literature and research. The theoretical scope is to discuss the possibilities of introducing organizational culture efficiently during the process of onboarding and still make the process inclusive. Findings: It was found that to make the newcomer become truly included in the organization and connected to its social life it is necessary for the organization to pay attention to all four phases and prepare practical solutions to: compliance, clarity, culture and then connection. Practical implications: The implications for business comprise two ideas how to prepare inclusive onboarding in the organisations. Originality/value: The paper is addressed to HR specialists (practitioners) and also to researchers to check in practice the proposed approach.

  • Influence of an Interview Location on Opinions about the Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees
    • Piotr Matczak
    • Marcin Mielewczyk
    • Krzysztof Mączka
    • Patrycja Przewoźna
    • Adam Inglot
    2024 Full text Quaestiones Geographicae

    Collecting opinions regarding environmental management is essential, particularly in urban areas where space is limited, and interests often collide. However, the impact of the conditions in which the research is conducted on opinions and preferences elicited via surveys and interviews about the environment is usually taken for granted. The recent development of computer-aided survey methods allows a simulation of an environment, which can create an artificial environment for interviews. Therefore, examining whether direct access to the environment impacts opinions and preferences becomes a significant issue when considering environmental policies and management design and execution. This study examines whether the location of an interview, indoors or outdoors (in the vicinity of trees), influences the opinion on the ecosystem services (ES) trees provide. A quasi-experimental method with a map-aided computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) survey in two Polish cities, indoors and outdoors, in the vicinity of trees, shows that respondents' location did not significantly affect the opinion on the ES provided by trees. However, on average, respondents answering the survey inside buildings marked more trees on a map than those answering outside. We argue that although an interview location does not have a significant impact on the results, from the perspective of various stakeholder groups in participatory processes, the convenience of place is more important than the character of the place (i.e., in the vicinity of trees) as long as the survey method is mediated by a virtual representation of the subject of the study. © 2024 Piotr Matczak et al., published by Sciendo.

  • Influence of conductive carbon and MnCo2O4 on morphological and electrical properties of hydrogels for electrochemical energy conversion
    • Sylwia Pawłowska
    • Karolina Cysewska
    • Yasamin Ziai
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Piotr Jasiński
    • Sebastian Molin
    2024 Full text Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology

    In this work, a strategy for one-stage synthesis of polymer composites based on PNIPAAm hydrogel was presented. Both conductive particles in the form of conductive carbon black (cCB) and MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel particles were suspended in the three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel. The MCO particles in the resulting hydrogel composite acted as an electrocatalyst in the oxygen evolution reaction. Morphological studies confirmed that the added particles were incorporated and, in the case of a higher concentration of cCB particles, also bound to the surface of the structure of the hydrogel matrix. The produced composite materials were tested in terms of their electrical properties, showing that an increase in the concentration of conductive particles in the hydrogel structure translates into a lowering of the impedance modulus and an increase in the double-layer capacitance of the electrode. This, in turn, resulted in a higher catalytic activity of the electrode in the oxygen evolution reaction. The use of a hydrogel as a matrix to suspend the catalyst particles, and thus increase their availability through the electrolyte, seems to be an interesting and promising application approach.

  • Influence of Giant Reed (Arundo Donax L.) Culms Processing Procedure on Physicochemical, Rheological, and Thermomechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composites
    • Luis Suarez
    • Paul Hanna
    • Zaida Ortega
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Bronagh Millar
    • Eoin Cunningham
    2024 Full text Journal of Natural Fibers

    Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a plant species with a high growth rate and low requirements, which makes it particularly interesting for the production of different bioproducts, including natural fibers. This work assesses the use of fibers obtained from reed culms as reinforcement for a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. Two different lignocellulosic materials were used: i) shredded culms and ii) fibers obtained by culms processing, which have not been reported yet in literature as fillers for thermoplastic materials. A good stress transfer for the fibrous composites was observed, with significant increases in mechanical properties; composites with 20% fiber provided a tensile elastic modulus of almost 1900 MPa (78% increase versus neat HDPE) and a flexural one of 1500 MPa (100% increase), with an improvement of 15% in impact strength. On the other hand, composites with 20% shredded biomass increased by 50% the tensile elastic modulus (reaching 1560 MPa) and the flexural one (up to 1500 MPa), without significant changes in impact strength. The type of filler is more than its ratio; composites containing fibers resulted in a higher performance than the ones with shredded materials due to the higher aspect ratio of fibers.

  • Influence of iron content on water uptake and charge transport in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ triple-conducting oxides
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Maria Gazda
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2024 Full text Journal of Materials Chemistry A

    In this work, we studied the BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ system which belongs to the triple-conducting oxides (TCOs) group. The electrochemical properties of BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the water uptake was analyzed using thermogravimetry (TG). All investigated materials exhibited water uptake, with proton concentration increasing with decreasing iron content. BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.15Fe0.05O3−δ showed a significant electrical conductivity increase in wet air at low temperatures, indicating a hydration reaction occurring in these materials. The oxygen nonstoichiometry was determined using iodometric titration, revealing a linear decrease in oxygen vacancy concentration with increasing iron content in the materials. The partial oxygen ionic and electronic conductivity was determined at 600 and 800 °C. All compositions exhibited p-type electronic conductivity in air, and both types of partial conductivity decreased with increasing iron content. Water uptake kinetics was analyzed using electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR). Water uptake followed single-fold monotonic relaxation for BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.15Fe0.05O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1Fe0.1O3−δ across the entire temperature range and, in the case of BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ, below 550 °C. At 550 °C and above, a two-fold relaxation kinetics in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ was observed. The surface exchange coefficient and the chemical diffusion coefficient of water for different compositions were determined. The influence of water vapor on the oxidation and reduction kinetics in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1Fe0.1O3−δ was investigated. In both materials, a significant increase in the oxygen surface exchange and diffusion coefficients was observed in wet conditions in the case of oxidation.

  • Influence of operating pressure on the durability of a satellite hydraulic motor supplied by rapeseed oil
    • Paweł Śliwiński
    2024 Full text Scientific Reports

    This article describes the results of a durability test of a hydraulic satellite motor supplied by rapeseed oil. The tests were carried out on a test stand in a power recuperation system. The tests of the motor were carried out at a constant shaft speed for three fixed pressure drops in the motor. This made it possible to demonstrate the influence of the motor operating pressure on the durability of the satellite mechanism. The influence of the pressure drop in the motor and the influence of the operating time on the motor absorbency, on the torque on the motor shaft and the influence on the volumetric and hydraulic-mechanical efficiency are also shown. The basic relationship between the efficiency of the motor and the temperature rise in the motor is also described. The results of the calculations of the temperature rise in the motor are compared with the experimental results. The article also shows which components of the motor’s working mechanism wear out the fastest. The cause of the wear and failure is also explained.

  • Influence of silver nanoparticles addition on antibacterial properties of PEO coatings formed on magnesium
    • Yevheniia Husak
    • Jan Olszaniecki
    • Justyna Pykacz
    • Agnieszka Ossowska
    • Agata Blacha-Grzechnik
    • Natalia Waloszczyk
    • Dorota Babilas
    • Viktoriia Korniienko
    • Yuliia Varava
    • Kateryna Diedkova
    • Sergiy Kyrylenko
    • Aden Hodzic
    • Manfred Krichbaum
    • Xiaopeng Lu
    • Bohdan Dryhval
    • Maksym Pogorielov
    • Wojciech Simka
    2024 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    Magnesium is a biodegradable material and thus could be a choice for bone fixation devices and implants with a specific purpose. This study aims to enhance the anti-corrosive, biocompatible, and antibacterial properties on magnesium-based materials through ceramic coatings formation. To achieve this the silicate-based electrolyte was used to create of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) coatings. During investigation the bioactive surfaces were presented by highly developed morphology with pore size from 0.008 ± 0.01 to 0.098 ± 0.14 μm2. The thickness of the coatings reached 7 μm, which provides better corrosive behaviour. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) added during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) into a silicate electrolytic bath allowed for achieving enhanced bioactive properties of coating. It increased hydrophilicity from 118° to 62° and showed no cytotoxic effects, which made the coatings promising for further biomedical investigations. Moreover, incorporation of AgNPs into the PEO coating led to release of silver during immersion test, which enhanced antibacterial properties of the surfaces.

  • Influence of Ultrasound on the Characteristics of CaP Coatings Generated Via the Micro-arc Oxidation Process in Relation to Biomedical Engineering
    • Balbina Makurat-Kasprolewicz
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Anna Ronowska
    • Grzegorz Gajowiec
    • Marlena Grodzicka
    • Stefan Dzionk
    • Agnieszka Ossowska
    2024 Full text ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering

    Over the past decade, bone tissue engineering has been at the core of attention because of an increasing number of implant surgeries. The purpose of this study was to obtain coatings on titanium (Ti) implants with improved properties in terms of biomedical applications and to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US) on these properties during the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process. The influence of various process parameters, such as time and current density, as well as US mode, on the properties of such coatings was evaluated. Novel porous calcium-phosphate-based coatings were obtained on commercially pure Ti. Their microstructure, chemical composition, topography, wettability, nanomechanical properties, thickness, adhesion to the substrate, and corrosion resistance were analyzed. In addition, cytocompatibility evaluation was checked with the human osteoblasts. The properties of the coatings varied significantly, depending on applied process parameters. The US application during the MAO process contributes to the increase of coating thickness, porosity, roughness, and skewness, as well as augmented calcium incorporation. The most advantageous coating was obtained at a current of 136 mA, time 450 s, and unipolar rectangular US, as it exhibits high porosity, adequate wettability, and beneficial skewness, which enabled increased adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts during in vitro studies. Finally, the conducted research demonstrated the influence of various UMAO process parameters, which allowed for the selection of appropriate Ti implant modification for specific biomedical utilization.

  • Influence of User Mobility on System Loss and Depolarization in a BAN Indoor Scenario
    • Manuel M. Ferreira
    • Filipe D. Cardoso
    • Sławomir Ambroziak
    • Mariella Särestöniemi
    • Kenan Turbić
    • Luis M. Correia
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION

    In this article, an analysis of system loss and depolarization in body area networks (BANs) for body-toinfrastructure (B2I) communications based on a measurement campaign in the 5.8 GHz band in an indoor environment is performed. Measurements were performed with an off-body antenna transmitting linearly polarized signals and dual-polarized receiving antennas carried by the user on the body. A normal distribution with a mean of 2.0 dB and a standard deviation of 4.3 dB is found to be the best fit for modeling cross-polarization (XP) discrimination. The average correlation between the signals received by the orthogonally polarized antennas is below 0.5, showing that polarization diversity can be used. A model for the average value of the standard deviation of the XP discrimination ratio as a function of the transmitted polarization, the mobility of users, and the link dynamics is presented, together with a detailed description of the methodology being used.

  • Infographics in Educational Settings: A Literature Review
    • Sameer Ahmad Bhat
    • Suzan Alyahya
    2024 Full text IEEE Access

    Infographics are visual representations of data that utilize various graphic elements, including pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and histograms. Educators and designers can maximize the potential of infographics as powerful educational tools by carefully addressing challenges and capitalizing on emerging technologies. However, current education systems showcase the need for development guidelines and the best practices targeted at designing and developing infographics while exploring the major economic and social impacts of infographics on education. This study examines the concept and role of infographics in education, methodologies, trends, and obstacles. It evaluates potential economic implications and gives insights to design and development experts. The study is based on a scoping literature review methodology, uncovering the conceptual background and the role of infographics. The study emphasizes the unique functions of infographics in data visualization for educational purposes and investigates the current trends and practices in infographics creation. The key challenges associated with the use of infographics are also discussed. Furthermore, the study attempts to identify the cutting-edge frameworks for infographic creation and development while evaluating their economic implications for the role of global education. Finally, the potential recommendations for creating successful infographics while focusing on professional design and development are also covered. The guided literature review will be vital for understanding and using infographics in education.