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Recent items
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DEDUKCJA ZACHOWAŃ WĘZŁÓW TRANZYTOWYCH W WIELOSKOKOWEJ SIECI BEZPRZEWODOWEJ W OBECNOŚCI ZAKŁÓCEŃ
- Jerzy Konorski
- Karol Rydzewski
Przedstawiono nowy algorytm dedukcji zachowań (metryki reputacji) węzłów tranzytowych w wieloskokowej sieci bezprzewodowej na podstawie potwierdzeń końcowych. Algorytm stosuje znane metody matematyczne i jest odporny na zakłócenia naturalnie występujące w sieciach bezprzewodowych oraz intencjonalne zmiany zachowania węzłów. Informacja zwracana przez algorytm, poza wydedukowanym zachowaniem węzłów, zawiera dane o możliwym błędzie dedukcji.
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Deep eutectic solvents based highly efficient extractive desulfurization of fuels – Eco-friendly approach
- Patrycja Makoś
- Grzegorz Boczkaj
The developed process is based on alternative, green and cheap solvents for efficient desulfurization of fuels. Several deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were successfully synthesized and studied as extraction solvents for desulfurization of model fuel containing thiophene (T), benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT). The most important extraction parameters (i.e. kind of DES, DES: fuel volume ratio, hydrogen bond acceptor: hydrogen bond donor mole ratio, time of extraction and temperature) were optimized using central composite design model. Furthermore, the mutual solubility of DES and model fuel and influence of multistage extraction, reusability, regeneration of DES and content of aromatic groups in fuel are discussed followed by explanation of desulfurization mechanism, by means of density functional theory (DFT) as well as FT-IR analysis. The studies revealed high desulfurization effectiveness resulting in 91.5%, 95.4% and 99.2% removal of T, BT and DBT respectively in a single stage extraction. A three stage desulfurization provide >99.99% removal of T, BT and DBT. The research on the desulfurization mechanism revealed that π-π interaction is the main driving force for desulfurization process based on DES.
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Deep learning in the fog
- Andrzej Sobecki
- Julian Szymański
- David Gil
- Higinio Mora
In the era of a ubiquitous Internet of Things and fast artificial intelligence advance, especially thanks to deep learning networks and hardware acceleration, we face rapid growth of highly decentralized and intelligent solutions that offer functionality of data processing closer to the end user. Internet of Things usually produces a huge amount of data that to be effectively analyzed, especially with neural networks, demands high computing capabilities. Processing all the data in the cloud may not be sufficient in cases when we need privacy and low latency, and when we have limited Internet bandwidth, or it is simply too expensive. It poses a challenge for creating a new generation of fog computing that supports artificial intelligence and selects the architecture appropriate for an intelligent solution. In this article, we show from four perspectives, namely, hardware, software libraries, platforms, and current applications, the landscape of components used for developing intelligent Internet of Things solutions located near where the data are generated. This way, we pinpoint the odds and risks of artificial intelligence fog computing and help in the process of selecting suitable architecture and components that will satisfy all requirements defined by the complex Internet of Things systems.
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Deep Learning Optimization for Edge Devices: Analysis of Training Quantization Parameters
- Alicja Kwaśniewska
- Maciej Szankin
- Mateusz Ozga
- Jason Wolfe
- Arun Das
- Adam Zajac
- Jacek Rumiński
- Paul Rad
This paper focuses on convolution neural network quantization problem. The quantization has a distinct stage of data conversion from floating-point into integer-point numbers. In general, the process of quantization is associated with the reduction of the matrix dimension via limited precision of the numbers. However, the training and inference stages of deep learning neural network are limited by the space of the memory and a variety of factors including programming complexity and even reliability of the system. On the whole the process of quantization becomes more and more popular due to significant impact on performance and minimal accuracy loss. Various techniques for networks quantization have been already proposed, including quantization aware training and integer arithmetic-only inference. Yet, a detailed comparison of various quantization configurations, combining all proposed methods haven’t been presented yet. This comparison is important to understand selection of quantization hyperparameters during training to optimize networks for inference while preserving their robustness. In this work, we perform in-depth analysis of parameters in the quantization aware training, the process of simulating precision loss in the forward pass by quantizing and dequantizing tensors. Specifically, we modify rounding modes, input preprocessing, output data signedness, bitwidth of the quantization and locations of precision loss simulation to evaluate how they affect accuracy of deep neural network aimed at performing efficient calculations on resource-constrained devices.
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Deep Learning-Based LOS and NLOS Identification in Wireless Body Area Networks
- Krzysztof Cwalina
- Piotr Rajchowski
- Olga Błaszkiewicz
- Alicja Olejniczak
- Jarosław Sadowski
In this article, the usage of deep learning (DL) in ultra-wideband (UWB) Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) is presented. The developed approach, using channel impulse response, allows higher efficiency in identifying the direct visibility conditions between nodes in off-body communication with comparison to the methods described in the literature. The effectiveness of the proposed deep feedforward neural network was checked on the basis of the measurement data for dynamic scenarios in an indoor environment. The obtained results clearly prove the validity of the proposed DL approach in the UWB WBANs and high (over 98.6% for most cases) efficiency for LOS and NLOS conditions classification.
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Deep neural network architecture search using network morphism
- Arkadiusz Kwasigroch
- Michał Grochowski
- Mateusz Mikołajczyk
The paper presents the results of the research on neural architecture search (NAS) algorithm. We utilized the hill climbing algorithm to search for well-performing structures of deep convolutional neural network. Moreover, we used the function preserving transformations which enabled the effective operation of the algorithm in a short period of time. The network obtained with the advantage of NAS was validated on skin lesion classification problem. We compared the parameters and performance of the automatically generated neural structure with the architectures selected manually, reported by the authors in previous papers. The obtained structure achieved comparable results to hand-designed networks, but with much fewer parameters then manually crafted architectures.
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Deep neural networks for human pose estimation from a very low resolution depth image
- Piotr Szczuko
The work presented in the paper is dedicated to determining and evaluating the most efficient neural network architecture applied as a multiple regression network localizing human body joints in 3D space based on a single low resolution depth image. The main challenge was to deal with a noisy and coarse representation of the human body, as observed by a depth sensor from a large distance, and to achieve high localization precision. The regression network was expected to reason about relations of body parts based on depth image, and to extract locations of joints, and provide coordinates defining the body pose. The method involved creation of a dataset with 200,000 realistic depth images of a 3D body model, then training and testing numerous architectures including feedforward multilayer perceptron network and deep convolutional neural networks. The results of training and evaluation are included and discussed. The most accurate DNN network was further trained and evaluated on an augmented depth images dataset. The achieved accuracy was similar to a reference Kinect algorithm results, with a great benefit of fast processing speed and significantly lower requirements on sensor resolution, as it used 100 times less pixels than Kinect depth sensor. The method was robust against sensor noise, allowing imprecision of depth measurements. Finally, our results were compared with VGG, MobileNet, and ResNet architectures.
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Degradable poly(ester-ether) urethanes of improved surface calcium deposition developed as novel biomaterials
- Justyna Kucińska-Lipka
- Alicja Lewandowska
- Paweł Szarlej
- Marcin Stanisław Łapiński
- Iga Gubańska
Bones, which are considered as hard tissues, work as scaffold for human body. They provide physical support for muscles and protect intestinal organs. Percentage of hard tissues in human body depends on age, weight, and gender. Human skeleton consists of 206 connected bones. Therefore, it is natural that the hard-tissue damage such as fractures, osteoporosis, and congenital lack of bone may appear. The innovative way of bone healing is an application of so-called tissue scaffolds. There are many synthetic polymers used in this field, but polyurethanes play a great role in this field. It is due to the possibility to control their degradation rate and to tune their surface to improve the calcification process, required for proper bone regeneration. In this article, we described the fabrication of degradable poly(ester-ether)urethane materials, having different hard-segment content (28% or 47%). PEEURs-28HS and PEEURs-47HS materials were obtained by two-step polymerization method and characterized by mechanical properties, ability to undergo oxidative degradation and surface calcification. Performed studies indicated that the PEEURs-28HS material possessed suitable properties to be proposed as a material for possible application in the bone tissue engineering.
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Degree product formula in the case of a finite group action
- Piotr Bartłomiejczyk
- Bartosz Kamedulski
- Piotr Nowak-Przygodzki
Let V, W be finite dimensional orthogonal representations of a finite group G. The equivariant degree with values in the Burnside ring of G has been studied extensively by many authors. We present a short proof of the degree product formula for local equivariant maps on V and W.
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Denitrifcation rate in the mainstream deammonification
- Anna Wilińska
- Krzysztof Czerwionka
The conventional processes of biological nitrogen removal based on nitrification and denitrification does not fit properly into the concept of the circular economy. As the alternative one should consider the deammonification process, which is a combination of partial nitrification (nitritation) and Anammox processes. It consists of removing ammonium nitrogen from wastewater under anaerobic conditions by a group of autotrophic microorganisms. The result is a significant reduction in oxygen demand, while there is no a need for organic compounds that can be converted into biogas in digesters. The deammonification process can be successfully used to treat leachate from the sludge management of WWTP. Currently, research works focus on the use of this process for wastewater treatment in the mainstream of WWTP. This type of research, on a pilot scale, was also carried out at Gdańsk WWTPs. The aim of the presented research was the analysis of the possibility of a simultaneous removal of nitrates, generated during the mentioned deammonification process. The dissolved organic compounds present in the mechanically and chemically treated wastewater can be used in the denitrification process. The efficiency of the process has been determined by performing conventional denitrification rate tests (NUR). The average values of NUR 1 (2.75 mg NOx / gvss ∙ h) and NUR 2 (1.05 NOx / gvss ∙ h) were close to the values typical for mechanically treated municipal sewage. It has been shown that the denitrification process can cause an increase of total nitrogen removal efficiency in the process of deammonification of municipal wastewater. The amount of available organic compounds was sufficient to carry out the denitrification process of nitrates produced during the deammonification process.
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Density, sound velocity, viscosity, and refractive index of new morpholinium ionic liquids with amino acid-based anions: Effect of temperature, alkyl chain length, and anion
- Łukasz Marcinkowski
- Emil Szepiński
- Maria Jolanta Milewska
- Adam Kloskowski
In this work, room temperature synthesis of twenty new ionic liquids (ILs) based on the N-alkyl-N-methylmorpholinium ([Mor1,R], R = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8) cation and N-acetyl-L-amino acid anions (L-alaninate, L-valinate, L-leucinate, L-isoleucinate) was described. The synthesized ILs were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, density (ρ), sound velocity (v), viscosity (η) and refractive index (nD) have been measured within the temperature range of T = (298.15 to 318.15) K and at 0.1 MPa pressure. The density, sound velocity and viscosity values were fitted to linear and Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher (VTF) equation. Moreover, on the basis of the refractive index values, molar refraction (Rm) and free volume (Vf) were calculated using the Lorentz–Lorenz equation. The thermodynamic properties such as thermal expansion coefficient (α) and isentropic compressibility (κS) were calculated using the experimental values of density and sound velocity. Finally, the obtained data were evaluated in order to determine the effect of such parameters as temperature, the nature of the anion and the length of the cation alkyl chain.
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Deposition and Electrical and Structural Properties of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 Thin Films for Application in High-Temperature Electrochemical Cells
- Bartosz Kamecki
- Jakub Karczewski
- Hamid Abdoli
- Ming Chen
- Grzegorz Jasiński
- Piotr Jasiński
- Sebastian Molin
Low-temperature deposition of electroceramic thin films allows the construction of new devices and their integration with existing large-scale fabrication methods. Developing a suitable low-cost deposition method is important to further advance the development of microdevices. In this work, we deposited a 1-lm-thick La0.6Sr0.4CoO3d (LSC) perovskite with high electrical conductivity on sapphire substrates at 400C and analyzed its electrical, morphological and structural properties as a function of temperature in the range of 400– 1100C. The results show that spray pyrolysis can be used to deposit highquality reproducible layers with the desired chemical and phase composition. Upon heating to around 600C, the residual C–O and C=O species are removed, and the deposited layers crystallize and become conducting. The dependence of electrical conductivity versus processing temperature has a complex character—the maximum conductivity is found for layers processed at 800C. An analytical model of stress distribution was used to predict stress to which the bi-layer material would be exposed to while being cooled down from the annealing temperature to room temperature. The high electronic conductivity and high-quality microstructure of the LSC layers, which can be adjusted with the appropriate heat treatment procedure, make them suitable for applications in electrochemical devices applied in integrated energy modules, including electrodes or contacts.
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Derecho Evolving from a Mesocyclone—A Study of 11 August 2017 Severe Weather Outbreak in Poland: Event Analysis and High-Resolution Simulation
- Mateusz Taszarek
- Natalia Piguj
- Juliusz Orlikowski
- Artur Surowiecki
- Szymon Walczakiewicz
- Wojciech Pilorz
- Krzysztof Piasecki
- Łukasz Pajurek
- Marek Półrolniczak
This study documents atmospheric conditions, development, and evolution of a severe weather outbreak that occurred on 11 August 2017 in Poland. The emphasis is on analyzing system morphology and highlighting the importance of a mesovortex in producing the most significant wind damages. A derecho-producing mesoscale convective system (MCS) had a remarkable intensity and was one of the most impactful convective storms in the history of Poland. It destroyed and partially damaged 79 700 ha of forest (9.8 million m3 of wood), 6 people lost their lives, and 58 were injured. The MCS developed in an environment of high 0–3-km wind shear (20–25 m s−1), strong 0–3-km storm relative helicity (200–600 m2 s−2), moderate most-unstable convective available potential energy (1000–2500 J kg−1), and high precipitable water (40–46 mm). Within the support of a midtropospheric jet, the MCS moved northeast with a simultaneous northeastward inflow of warm and very moist air, which contributed to strong downdrafts. A mesocyclone embedded in the convective line induced the rear inflow jet (RIJ) to descend and develop a bow echo. In the mature stage, a supercell evolved into a bookend vortex and later into a mesoscale convective vortex. Swaths of the most significant wind damage followed the aforementioned vortex features. A high-resolution simulation performed with initial conditions derived from GFS and ECMWF global models predicted the possibility of a linear MCS with widespread damaging wind gusts and embedded supercells. Simulations highlighted the importance of cloud cover in the preconvective environment, which influenced the placement and propagation of the resulting MCS.
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Derivation of motor mean phase currents in PMSM drives operating with low switching-to-fundamental frequency ratio
- Leszek Jarzębowicz
Pulse width modulation (PWM) of inverter output voltage causes the waveforms of motor phase cur-rents to consist of distinctive ripples. In order to provide suitable feedback for the motor current con-trollers, the mean value must be extracted from the currents’ waveforms in every PWM cycle. A com-mon solution to derive the mean phase currents is to sample their value at the midpoint of a symmetrical PWM cycle. Using an assumption of linear current changes in steady PWM subintervals, this midpoint sample corresponds to the mean current in the PWM cycle. This way no hardware filtering or high-rate current sampling is required. Nevertheless, the as-sumption of linear current changes has been recently reported as over simplistic in permanent magnet syn-chronous motor (PMSM) drives operating with low switching-to-fundamental frequency ratio (SFFR). This, in turn, causes substantial errors in the repre-sentation of the mean phase currents by the midpoint sample. This paper proposes a solution for deriving mean phase currents in low SFFR PMSM drives, which does not rely on the linear current change as-sumption. The method is based on sampling the cur-rents at the start point of a PWM cycle and correct-ing the sampled value using a model-based formula that reproduces the current waveforms. Effective-ness of the method is verified by simulation for an exemplary setup of high-speed PMSM drive. The re-sults show that the proposed method decreases the error of determining the mean phase currents approx-imately 10 times when compared to the classical midpoint sampling technique.
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Design and Experiments of a Piezoelectric Motor Using Three Rotating Mode Actuators
- Roland Ryndzionek
- Łukasz Sienkiewicz
- Michał Michna
- Filip Kutt
This paper represents a numerical and experimental investigation of the multicell piezoelectric motor. The proposed design consists of three individual cells that are integrated into the stator, double rotor, and a preload system combined into a symmetrical structure of the motor. Each of the cells is characterized by a traveling wave and rotating mode motor. A finite element numerical analysis is carried out to obtain optimal geometrical dimensions of the individual cell in terms of generated vibrations and resonant frequencies of the structure. The results of the numerical analysis are compared with analytical calculations based on the equivalent circuit theory. Experimental tests are also presented, including laser interferometry measurements of vibrations generated at the surface of the stator, impedance analysis, as well as measurements of mechanical characteristics of the complete motor. The final stage of the study concludes that the presented motor can provide relatively high torque compared with other traveling wave rotary motors.
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Design and material selection for a patient transport device in field hospitals
- Magda Dziaduszewska
- Martyna Zimna
- Beata Świeczko-Żurek
ACKGROUND: A major cause of patient and hospital worker injuries occurs transferring patients between two planes. The main aim of this paper was to propose a design of patient’s lift and transfer apparatus for use in field hospitals. The assumption was to design lightweight, durable and ergonomic device using innovative material. The authors concentrated on partial elimination of manual lifting in order to device could work both in two situations: with or without electricity. The paper includes mechanical design, material selection and analytical calculation. METHODS: In order to carry out strength calculations, the shape and size of device was designed using AutoCAD. Based on a comparison of composite material properties, an epoxy-carbon laminate was selected. The strength calculations were performed in the following order: determination of elementary stresses, determination of the most dangerous cross-section, calculation of tensile strength, calculation of Young’s modulus, selection of channel dimensions, determination of material parameters (thickness, fiber mass), determination of substitute stresses. RESULTS: To design a lightweight, durable and ergonomic patient lift with lifting capacity of 150 kg an epoxy-carbon laminate composed of three layers was chosen. A profile in a C-shape and dimension of 138x90x14 mm has been designed. Patient lift includes an arm of 1.6 m height and 1m length of the horizontal beam. The designed transport mechanism uses rollers, a linear electric actuator and a crank with a worm gear. CONCLUSIONS: The designed device fulfil the most important criterion, which is to ensure the safety of patients and medical personnel. The height adjustment mechanism partially eliminates the manual transfer of patients and is adapted to the conditions existing in a field hospital.
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Design and optimization of a novel compact broadband linearly/circularly polarized wide-slot antenna for WLAN and Wi-MAX applications
- Ullah Ubaid
- Sławomir Kozieł
A novel topologically modified structure of a compact low profile wide-slot antenna for broadband applications is presented. The antenna comprises a modified E-shaped slot with unequal arm lengths in the ground plane, and a parasitic quasi-rectangular loop placed coplanar with the feedline. For exciting orthogonal modes with equal amplitude, a single-point feeding technique with an asymmetrical geometry of the coplanar waveguide is used to feed the antenna. A multi-stage EM-driven optimization is used to rigorously optimize all the parameters for best impedance bandwidth and axial ratio bandwidth. The total footprint of the antenna is only 0.71 λg^2 and a 41% impedance bandwidth along with 33% axial ratio bandwidth has been achieved which covers several WLAN and WiMAX bands.
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Design Equation for Stirring Fluid by a Stream Pump in a Circulating Tank
- Jerzy Sawicki
- Paweł Wielgat
- Piotr Zima
A circulating tank is a very useful theoretical scheme for many fluid-flow objects in several branches of engineering. The motion of the fluid in such objects can be induced in different ways. A stream pump provides an especially interesting possibility; however, the quantitative description of such devices shows some shortcomings. Such a device is analogous to a jet pump, thus has similar advantages (simplicity of construction, lack of movable elements, insensibility to pollutants) and disadvantages (low efficiency). On the one hand, from the technical viewpoint, one can make use of technical instructions presented in handbooks and offered by producers, and on the other hand by performing calculations using CFD tools. In this situation, it is self-evident that some intermediary method of design, i.e., formally simple, but physically convincing, would be welcome both by theoreticians and by engineers. Such a method is proposed in this paper and takes the form of an algebraic formula, combining the discharge of the stream pump and the discharge of the circulation induced by this stream. This expression, based on the balance between the power of the stream and the power of dissipation, has been experimentally verified with a positive result.
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Design of control algorithms for mobile robots in an environment with static and dynamic obstacles
- Robert Piotrowski
- Bartosz Maciąg
- Wojciech Makohoń
- Krzysztof Milewski
This article proposes the construction of autonomous mobile robots and designing of obstacle avoidance algorithms for them. Nowadays, mobile robots are gaining more and more popularity on the customer as well as industrial market, for example as automatic vacuum cleaners or lawnmowers. Obstacle avoidance algorithms play an important role in performance of this types of robots. The proposed algorithms were designed for builds with rather not expensive electronic components, especially sensors with limited precision and dynamics. The project began with the selection of needed parts and building materials as well as designing of the PCB and assembling the whole construction. The project included also designing and developing the software responsible for, among others, implementation of obstacle avoidance algorithms. After the project’s completion, a series of tests in a closed environment was conducted to verify the quality of vehicles’ performance. Results of tests were positive.
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Design of dimensionally stable composites using efficient global optimization method
- Levent Aydin
- Olgun Aydin
- H Seçil Artem
- Ali Mert
Dimensionally stable material design is an important issue for space structures such as space laser communication systems, telescopes, and satellites. Suitably designed composite materials for this purpose can meet the functional and structural requirements. In this paper, it is aimed to design the dimensionally stable laminated composites by using efficient global optimization method. For this purpose, the composite plate optimization problems have been solved for high stiffness and low coefficients of thermal and moisture expansion. Some of the results based on efficient global optimization solution have been verified by genetic algorithm, simulated annealing, and generalized pattern search solutions from the previous studies. The proposed optimization algorithm is also validated experimentally. After completing the design and optimization process, failure analysis of the optimized composites has been performed based on Tsai–Hill, Tsai–Wu, Hoffman, and Hashin–Rotem criteria.
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Design of Jack-up Platform for 6 MW Wind Turbine: Parametric Analysis Based Dimensioning of Platform Legs
- Paweł Dymarski
The article presents the results of the research conducted within the framework of the project entitled WIND-TU-PLA (ERA-NET, MARTEC II), the general aim of which was to design and analyse supporting structures for wind turbines intended for operation on the South Baltic area. The research part described in the article aimed at developing a preliminary design for a jack-up platform which can operate on water areas with depth of 40 m. The main task was to determine optimal dimensions of platform legs and the radius of their spacing. Two jack-up platform concepts differing by spacing radius and hull dimensions were designed with the intention to be used as a supporting structure for a 6-MW offshore wind turbine. For each concept, the parametric analysis was performed to determine optimal dimensions of platform legs (diameter Dleg and plating thickness tleg). Relevant calculations were performed to assess the movements of the platform with parameters given in Table 1 in conditions simulating the action of the most violent storm in recent 50 years. The obtained results, having the form of amplitudes of selected physical quantities, are shown in comprehensive charts in Fig. 6 and 7. Based on the critical stress values (corresponding to the yield stress), the area was defined in which the impact strength conditions are satisfied (Fig. 14).Then, the fatigue strength analysis was performed for two selected critical leg nodes (Fig. 12). Its results were used for defining the acceptable area with respect to structure’s fatigue (Fig. 14). Geometric parameters were determined which meet the adopted criteria, Table 6. The decisive criterion turned out to be the fatigue strength criterion, while the yield point criterion appeared to be an inactive constraint.
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Design of Microwave-Based Angular Displacement Sensor
- Abhishek Jha
- Nicolo Delmonte
- Adam Lamęcki
- Michał Mrozowski
- Bozzi Maurizio
This letter presents a novel microwave-based rotation sensor having a wide dynamic range to detect and measure the angular displacement in terms of the change in resonant frequency. The proposed sensor is based on the microstrip technology, where a rotor comprised of a complementary splitring resonator (CSRR) placed on the ground plane of the microstrip line is free to rotate around its axis. The mechanical rotation of CSRR determines a change in the cross coupling between the microstrip line and the CSRR, thus changing the overall inductance. The proposed planar unloaded microwave sensor, working around ISM band of 5.8 GHz, is quite sensitive to detect angular rotation in the wide dynamic range of 0°–90°. The linearity in dynamic range is achieved in the range of 30°–60°. Operating frequency and bandwidth can be adjusted by loading the rotor with dielectric. Depending on the type of dielectric loading of CSRR, it is possible to select the center frequency from a wide range of 4.67–5.94 GHz, with the bandwidth ranging from 116 to 250 MHz. Due to its features, the proposed sensor can be useful for various industrial applications.
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Design, synthesis, and molecular docking of new 5-HT reuptake inhibitors based on modified 1,2-dihydrocyclopenta[b] indol-3(4H)-one scaffold
- Milena Szewczyk
- Paweł Punda
- Karolina Janikowska
- Sławomir Makowiec
A new group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors containing 1,2-dihydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3(4H)-one scaffoldwas synthesized, starting from indole 5-((1H-indol-3-yl)(1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones as a key intermediates. Following three transformations including intramolecular cyclization and formation of imines, a series of new ligand for human serotonin transporter was obtained. The ability of these ligands to inhibit human TS3 serotonin transporter as well as selectivity toward human D3 dopamine receptor and dopamine transporter were tested in silico using docking software.
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Detecting coupling directions with transcript mutual information: A comparative study
- José Amigó
- Beata Graff
- Grzegorz Graff
- Roberto Monetti
- Katarzyna Tessmer
Causal relationships are important to understand the dynamics of coupled processes and, moreover, to influence or control the effects by acting on the causes. Among the different approaches to determine cause-effect relationships and, in particular, coupling directions in interacting random or deterministic processes, we focus in this paper on information-theoretic measures. So, we study in the theoretical part the difference between directionality indicators based on transfer entropy as well as on its dimensional reduction via transcripts in algebraic time series representations. In the applications we consider specifically the lowest dimensional case, i.e., 3-dimensional transfer entropy, which is currently one of the most popular causality indicators, and the (2-dimensional) mutual information of transcripts. Needless to say, the lower dimensionality of the transcript-based indicator can make a difference in practice, where datasets are usually small. To compare numerically the performance of both directionality indicators, synthetic data (obtained with random processes) and real world data (in the form of biomedical recordings) are used. As happened in previous related work, we found again that the transcript mutual information performs as good as, and in some cases even better than, the lowest dimensional binned and symbolic transfer entropy, the symbols being ordinal patterns.
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Detection of debonding in adhesive joints using Lamb wave propagation
- Magdalena Rucka
- Erwin Wojtczak
- Jacek Lachowicz
Adhesively bonded joints are widely used in many branches of industry. Mechanical degradation of this type of connections does not have significant symptoms that can be noticed during visual assessment, so non-destructive testing becomes a very important issue. The paper deals with experimental investigations of adhesively bonded steel plates with different defects. Five samples (an intact one and four with damages in the form of partial debonding) were prepared. The inspection was conducted with the use of guided wave propagation method. Lamb waves were excited at one point of the sample, whereas the out-of-plane velocity signals were recorded in a number of points spread over the area of overlap. The processing of signals consisted of calculations of weighted root mean square (WRMS). The results of the analysis showed that the WRMS maps allow for identification and determination of size and shape of debonding areas.
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Detection of the First Component of the Received LTE Signal in the OTDoA Method
- Gadka Paweł
- Jarosław Sadowski
- Jacek Stefański
In a modern world there is a growing demand for localization services of various kinds. Position estimation can be realized via cellular networks, especially in the currently widely deployed LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks. However, it is not an easy task in harsh propagation conditions which often occur in dense urban environments. Recently, time-methods of terminal localization within the network have been the focus of attention, with the OTDoA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival) method in particular. One of the main factors influencing the accuracy of location estimation in the OTDoA method is the nature of the propagation channel that affects the ease of isolating the signal component travelling from the transmitter to the receiver through the shortest path. To obtain the smallest possible localization error, it is necessary to detect the first received component of the useful signal. This aim could be achieved by using a proper algorithm within the receiver. This paper proposes a new algorithm for effective detecting of the first component of the LTE downlink signal in the multipath environment. In a mobile terminal location estimation process, CSRS (Cell Specific Reference Signal) signals were used instead of dedicated PRS (Positioning Reference Signal) signals. New solution was verified during the measurement campaign in a real LTE network.
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Detection of the Oocyte Orientation for the ICSI Method Automation
- Magdalena Mazur-Milecka
- Emilia Kaczmarczyk
- Łukasz Wróbel
- Patryk Przybylski
- Marika Trudnowska
- Aleksandra Podwójcik
- Monika Jagiello
- Krzysztof Łukaszuk
- Jacek Rumiński
Automation or even computer assistance of the popular infertility treatment method: ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) would speed up the whole process and improve the control of the results. This paper introduces a preliminary research for automatic spermatozoon injection into the oocyte cytoplasm. Here, the method for detection a correct orientation of the polar body of the oocyte is presented. Proposed method uses deep learning U-Net architecture for object segmentation. This solution proved to be universal and had no demand for numerous dataset or high-quality Images.
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Detection of the Plant Pathogen Pseudomonas Syringae pv. Lachrymans on Antibody-Modified Gold Electrodes by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
- Zofia Cebula
- Sabina Żołędowska
- Karolina Dziąbowska
- Marta Skwarecka
- Natalia Malinowska
- Wioleta Białobrzeska
- Elżbieta Czaczyk
- Katarzyna Siuzdak
- Mirosław Sawczak
- Robert Bogdanowicz
- Dawid Nidzworski
The present work describes an impedimetric immunosensor for Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans (Psl) detection. This pathogen infects many crop species causing considerable yield losses, thus fast and cheap detection method is in high demand. In the assay, the gold disc electrode was modified with 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP), glutaraldehyde (GA), and anti-Psl antibodies, and free-sites were blocked with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Sensor development was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and antigen detection by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Seven analyzed strains of Psl were verified as positive by the reference method (PCR) and this immunoassay, proving sensor specificity. Label-free electrochemical detection was in the linear range 1 × 103–1.2 × 105 CFU/mL (colony-forming unit) with an R2 coefficient of 0.992 and a detection limit (LOD) of 337 CFU/mL. The sensor did not interfere with negative probes like buffers and other bacteria. The assay was proven to be fast (10 min detection) and easy in preparation. The advantage was the simplicity and availability of the verified analyte (whole bacteria) as the method does not require sample pretreatment (e.g., DNA isolation). EIS biosensing technique was chosen as one of the simplest and most sensitive with the least destructive influence on the probes compared to other electrochemical methods.
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Detekcja warunków LOS i NLOS w środowisku wewnątrz budynkowym przy użyciu algorytmu głębokiego uczenia
- Alicja Olejniczak
- Krzysztof Cwalina
- Piotr Rajchowski
- Jarosław Sadowski
W środowisku wewnątrzbudynkowym występuje wiele czynników negatywnie wpływających na transmitowane sygnały. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia metodę opartą na koncepcji głębokich sieci neuronowych, służącą do detekcji warunków LOS i NLOS w środowisku wewnątrzbudynkowym. Algorytm opracowany i przetestowany został na podstawie pomiarów sygnałów UWB przeprowadzonych w rzeczywistym środowisku wewnątrzbudynkowym.
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Determinants of Business Growth Aspirations among Polish Students: An Empirical Analysis
- Krzysztof Zięba
- Jakub Golik
This paper aims to discuss the concept of growth aspirations and growth intentions, as well as to identify factors that influence growth aspirations expressed by students with regard to their future businesses. On the basis of a literature review potential determinants of growth aspirations have been identified and tested empirically using data obtained from 223 students from the Pomeranian region in Poland. The authors use Binomial Logistic Regression to propose an econometric model with endogenous variable Growth Aspiration. The results of the study show that from the set of chosen variables, surprisingly some turned out to be statistically insignificant i.a. entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intention or risk propensity. Eventually, four of the variables have been found to influence declared growth aspirations of respondents in a statistically significant way, namely: gender, declared resistance to stress, perception of higher income being one of the most attractive feature of entrepreneurship and belief that prestige also belongs to the most attractive features of entrepreneurship. Research results are limited to students from one university only and as such, they cannot be perceived as representative for the whole country. Nevertheless, the findings of empirical analysis of growth aspirations determinants allow to identify factors that may decide whether entrepreneurial endeavours undertaken in the future will be intended to be high growth businesses. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the difference between growth aspirations and growth intentions. It also shows what factors shape business growth aspirations of students, which may impact the actual growth of their businesses in the future.
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Determination and identification of organic acids in wine samples. Problems and challenges.
- Alicia Robles
- Magdalena Fabjanowicz
- Tomasz Chmiel
- Justyna Płotka-Wasylka
For long time, organic acids were underestimated. However, during last two decades there is an increasing interest of natural compounds having antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties thus organic acids are very preferable. Wine stands as one of the sources of organic acids since they are responsible for its organoleptic and aestethic character. Nevertheless, it is important to not exceed acceptable level of acidity at particular stage of vinification process. Therefore its determination and quantification is of high importance. Given study gathers data regarding current knowledge with respect to organic acids, focusing on their occurrence in different types of food including wines, their properties and effects on the human body, potential correlations between organic acids and other components of wine. Moreover, the comparison of analytical techniques used for the organic acids determination and challenges, considering their process and green assessment is provided.
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Determination of Antioxidant Activity of Vitamin C by Voltammetric Methods
- Klaudia Suliborska
- Monika Baranowska
- Agnieszka Bartoszek-Pączkowska
- Wojciech Chrzanowski
- Jacek Namieśnik
Voltammetric methods—cyclic (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) are considered the most appropriate way to evaluate antioxidant activity of redox active compounds. They provide information about both mechanism and kinetics of electrochemical oxidation of antioxidants as well as their physical and chemical properties such as the redox potential or the number of electrons transferred. These methods are helpful for understanding the mechanisms of oxidation or reduction processes of antioxidant compounds. This work presents the electrochemical properties of vitamin C obtained by both CV and DPV methods.
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Determination of buckling strength of silos composed of corrugated walls and thin-walled-columns using simplified wall segment models
- Piotr Iwicki
- Karol Rejowski
- Andrzej Tejchman-Konarzewski
W artykule przedstawiono wyniki obszernych analiz numerycznych wyboczenia i stateczności metalowych silosów z blachy falistej wzmocnionych cienkościennymi słupami. Wykonano analizy liniowe i nieliniowe. Do obliczeń zaproponowano proste modele segmentów ścian zamiast skomplikowanych modeli całych silosów. Otrzymano bardzo dobrą zgodność wyników numerycznych. Wyniki obliczeń numerycznych porównano dodatkowo z wynikami normowymi.
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Determination of free tyrosine in equestrian supplements by LC–MS/MS and comparison of its quantity with total free amino acids content in view of doping control
- Emilia Waraksa
- Konrad Kowalski
- Rafał Rola
- Ewa Kłodzińska
- Tomasz Bieńkowski
- Jacek Namieśnik
The reports on the probable beneficial impact of tyrosine (TYR) supplementation on performance enhancement have contributed to the growth of interest in TYR in equestrian sports field and related industries, such as the manufacture of dietary and nutritional supplements. In this study, the first attempt to the assessment of horses exposure to TYR during nutritional supplementation was demonstrated by quantification of unbound TYR and a total free amino acids (AAs), and subsequent determination of the ratio of TYR to a total free AAs content in equestrian supplement samples. Within the scope of this study, a rapid and sensitive LC–MS/MS-based method for the determination of unbound TYR and a simple spectrophotometric protocol for the quantification of a total free AAs have been developed and validated according to the international guidelines for bioanalytical methods. For sample preparation, an ultrasound-assisted solid-liquid extraction (USLE; for solid samples) and ultrasound-assisted liquid-liquid extraction (ULLE; for liquid samples) have been optimized. The comprehensive approach on the simultaneous assessment of matrix effect, recovery, process efficiency, accuracy, precision, curve factor and internal standard association demonstrated satisfactory validation parameters for LC–MS/MS-based procedure, such as global matrix effect in the range of 89.9–91.9%, good linearity (R2 > 0.9929), limit of detection (0.6 ng/mL) and recovery within 89.2–108.0%. For spectrophotometric method, limit of detection was 1100 ng/mL, recovery ranged from 103.2 to 108.8%, both, intra- and inter-day accuracy was within 89.5–108.7%, and both, intra- and inter-assay precision was below 8.5%. In view of the satisfactory validation parameters obtained for both methods, the procedures can be utilized for routine analysis of dietary and nutritional supplements.
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Determination of heavy metals in eyeshadows from China
- Lesław Świerczek
- Bartłomiej Cieślik
- Adrianna Matysiak
- Piotr Konieczka
Personal care products and cosmetics are used daily by many people, causing local exposure to certain chemical substances through the application directly inside the oral cavity, on the skin, lips, eyes, and mucosa. Eyeshadows are among the most commonly used types of cosmetics. According to scientifc reports, they may contain heavy metals, especially in non-original products. The exposure to said heavy metals may cause local skin irritation, sensitization, and allergy. Due to the fact that they are applied around the eyes, where the skin is relatively thin, it is likely that heavy metals can get into the bloodstream which may pose a threat to consumers’ health. In the described research, the analysis of eyeshadows from two palettes of generic alternatives to the original eyeshadows was presented. The determination of Zn, Ni, Cd, Cu, and Pb was conducted using atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, it was shown that the content of some heavy metals in generic eyeshadows exceeds the acceptable standards.
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Determination of moisture resistance of covered electrodes according to PN-EN ISO 14372
- Katarzyna Mielnicka
- Adrian Wolski
- Aleksandra Świerczyńska
- Grzegorz Rogalski
- Dariusz Fydrych
Moisture present in the electrode covering is one of the sources of diffusible hydrogen in welded joints. In order to study the diffusible hydrogen content in deposited metal, a stand for moisturizing covered electrodes, in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 14372 standard, was built. After the stand was completed, a test of moisturizing the electrodes was carried out and measurements of the diffusible hydrogen content in deposited metal using the mercury method (according to PN-EN ISO 3690) were conducted. The research was aimed at verifying the correctness of the operation of test stand and indirect determination of the influence of storage of rutile-cellulose and cellulose electrodes under fixed conditions on the degree of moisturizing of the weld metal. Both tested electrode grades belong to the group of electrodes with a standard covering.
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Determination of Odor Intensity of Binary Gas Mixtures Using Perceptual Models and an Electronic Nose Combined with Fuzzy Logic
- Bartosz Szulczyński
- Jacek Gębicki
Measurement and monitoring of air quality in terms of odor nuisance is an important problem. From a practical point of view, it would be most valuable to directly link the odor intensity with the results of analytical air monitoring. Such a solution is offered by electronic noses, which thanks to the possibility of holistic analysis of the gas sample, allow estimation of the odor intensity of the gas mixture. The biggest problem is the occurrence of odor interactions between the mixture components. For this reason, methods that can take into account the interaction between components of the mixture are used to analyze data from the e-nose. In the presented study, the fuzzy logic algorithm was proposed for determination of odor intensity of binary mixtures of eight odorants: n-Hexane, cyclohexane, toluene, o-xylene, trimethylamine, triethylamine, α-pinene, and β-pinene. The proposed algorithm was compared with four theoretical perceptual models: Euclidean additivity, vectorial additivity, U model, and UPL model.
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Determination of Peak Impact Force for Buildings Exposed to Structural Pounding during Earthquakes
- Seyed Mohammad Khatami
- Hosein Naderpour
- Carneiro Rui Barros
- Anna Jakubczyk-Gałczyńska
- Robert Jankowski
Structural pounding between adjacent, insufficiently separated buildings, or bridge segments, has been repeatedly observed during seismic excitations. Such earthquake-induced collisions may cause severe structural damage or even lead to the collapse of colliding structures. The aim of the present paper was to show the results of the study focused on determination of peak impact forces during collisions between buildings exposed to different seismic excitations. A set of different ground motion records, with various peak ground acceleration (PGA) values and frequency contents, were considered. First, pounding-involved numerical analysis was conducted for the basic parameters of colliding buildings. Then, the parametric study was carried out for different structural natural periods, structural damping ratios, gap sizes between buildings and coefficients of restitution. The results of the analysis conducted for the basic structural parameters indicate that the largest response of the analysed buildings was observed for the Duzce earthquake. The parametric study showed that the pounding-involved structural response depended substantially on all parameters considered in the analysis, and the largest response was observed for different ground motions. The results of the study presented in this paper indicate that the value of the peak impact force expected during the time of the earthquake does not depend on the PGA value of ground motion, but rather on the frequency contents of excitation and pounding scenario. It is therefore recommended that the peak impact force for buildings exposed to structural pounding during earthquakes should be determined individually for the specific structural configuration taking into account the design ground motion.
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Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic pollutants in freshwaters on the western shore of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica).
- Małgorzata Szopińska
- Danuta Szumińska
- Robert Józef Bialik
- Tomasz Dymerski
- Erwin Rosenberg
- Żaneta Polkowska
Organic contamination in freshwater samples has never been investigated at the western shore of Admiralty Bay. Therefore, the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in five different sites distributed along a shore running from the Arctowski Station to the Baranowski Glacier was studied. Moreover, organic compounds such as n-alkanes, toluene and ethylbenzene were also noted. Increased ΣPAHs in late Austral summer 2016 are the result of long-range atmospheric transport of air masses from South America, confirmed by 10-day backward air mass trajectories analysis. The presence of n-alkanes and other hydrocarbons, as well as the evaluation of PAH indices (e.g. ΣLMW/ΣHMW* > 1), shows the use of fuel and indicate local human activity. As a final conclusion, our analysis indicates a mixed origin of PAHs (global and local). The presence of PAHs and other hydrocarbons in the water environment may constitute a potentially negative effect on the Antarctic ecosystem and it should be investigated in detail during further research (//*ΣLMW—sum of low molecular weight PAHs (two- and three-ring PAHs); ΣHMW—sum of high molecular weight PAHs (four- and five-ring PAHs)//).
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Determination of selected parameters/ analytes in surface water samples collected in the surroundings of the capital of Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen)
- Ruman Marek
- Michał Ciepły
- Żaneta Polkowska
Polar regions are extremely sensitive to pollution such as harmful gases, particles or toxic substances which affect the Arctic climate and ecosystems. Spitsbergen, as well as all Arctic region, because of its geographically distant location and lack of industry sector, should be free of chemical pollution. Despite this, many pollutants could be found in the Polar environment, for example in freshwaters. Their occurrence is related with the global distillation process (Grasshopper effect) in which the contaminants from lower latitudes are transferred to the higher latitudes, resulting in the pollution of Arctic area. The purpose of the research was to determine the selected parameters: TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and formaldehyde, phenols in samples of freshwaterwater (surface water) collected in the area surrounding the capital of Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen). The aim was to investigate the pollution of Arctic freshwater. The obtained results of detected compounds may confirm the role of transport of contaminants over large distances in pollution of Polar regions.
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Determination of the uncertainty of mass flow measurement using the orifice for different values of the Reynolds number
- Anna Golijanek-Jędrzejczyk
- Andrzej Mrowiec
- Robert Hanus
- Marcin Zych
- Dariusz Świsulski
Standard orifice flowmeters are widely used in the chemical and energy industry. Therefore, it is essential to know how accurate the measurements made with these instruments are. The paper presents an estimation of measurement uncertainty of a liquid mass flow using the orifice plate. The authors will present the influence of ranges of the Reynolds number on the estimated uncertainty, obtained on the basis of simulation and laboratory experiments. The research was conducted for the central orifice in the Reynolds number 8,000 < Re < 21,000. The results of estimating the extended uncertainty of the measurement of water flow using simulation and experimental method, are convergent. The maximum difference in the extended uncertainty values of flow measurement for the simulation and experiment was 0.04.10-3 kg/s.
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Determination of Thermophysical Parameters Involved in The Numerical Model to Predict the Temperature Field of Cast-In-Place Concrete Bridge Deck
- Aleksandra Kuryłowicz-Cudowska
The paper dealswith a concept of a practical computationmethod to simulate the temperature distribution in an extradosed bridge deck. The main goal of the study is to develop a feasible model of hardening of concrete consistent with in-situ measurement capabilities. The presented investigations include laboratory tests of high performance concrete, measurements of temperature evolution in the bridge deck and above all, numerical simulations of temperature field in a concrete box bridge girder. A thermal conductivity equation in the author’s program, using finite dierence method has been solved. New approach for identification of the model parameters and boundary conditions (heat transfer coecients) has been proposed. The numerical results are verified by means of a wide set of experimental tests carried out on three stages of the extradosed bridge studies. A high agreement between the concrete temperature distribution in the time and space domain was obtained. The temperature history of concrete hardening, supplemented with maturity method equations, made it possible to estimate an early-age compressive strength of the cast-in-place concrete. The proposed solution could be applied in a Structural Health Monitoring system for concrete objects.
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Developing a Framework for the Implementation of Landscape and Greenspace Indicators in Sustainable Urban Planning. Waterfront Landscape Management: Case Studies in Gdańsk, Poznań and Bristol
- Joanna Badach
- Elżbieta Raszeja
Urban landscape (UL) management and urban greenspace (UG) delivery require effective planning tools. The aim of the study is to develop a conceptual framework for the implementation of ecological, structural and visual landscape and greenspace indicators (LGI) in spatial development of urban areas. The UL and UG management provisions in Poland are identified at various levels of urban planning (local, municipal and regional). Furthermore, the applicability of the selected set of LGI in the Polish planning system is considered based on the existing planning documents. The quality of UL and UG transformation is discussed in three case studies in Bristol, Gda ´nsk and Pozna ´n in the broader context of the English and Polish spatial planning systems. Bristol is used as a point of reference for the evaluation of UL and UG management in Poland and for the comparison between English and Polish landscape policies. Based on the conceptual framework and the analysis of the case studies, critical areas of UL and UG management in Poland are identified. The existing planning system often fails to ensure the continuity of landscape structures, and it does not include its preservation and enhancement to a sufficient extent. Therefore, the implementation of the proposed LGI framework could significantly improve the ecological and visual quality, as well as the structural diversity of UL and UG. Moreover, the article concludes by indicating some practical implications of the proposed LGI framework for urban planners, policy makers and other stakeholders in terms of improving the modes of governance for UL and UG management as well as of accounting for human health and well-being.
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Developing Novel Solutions to Realise the European Energy - Information Sharing & Analysis Centre
- Rafał Leszczyna
- Tania Wallis
- Michał Wróbel
For more effective decision making in preparation for and response to cyberevents in the energy sector, multilevel situation awareness, from technical to strategic is essential. With an uncertain picture of evolving threats, sharing of the latest cybersecurity knowledge among all sector stakeholders can inform and improve decisions and responses. This paper describes two novel solutions proposed during the formation of the European Energy -- Information Sharing \& Analysis Centre (EE-ISAC) to build situation awareness and support information sharing. The development of the EE-ISAC towards regular information sharing among members is described. This demonstrates the foundations achieved so far upon which a situation awareness network can be built for the energy sector.
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Development and validation of a model that includes two ultrasound parameters and the plasma D-dimer level for predicting malignancy in adnexal masses: an observational study
- Maciej Stukan
- Michał Badocha
- Karol Ratajczak
Background: Pre-operative discrimination of malignant from benign adnexal masses is crucial for planning additional imaging, preparation, surgery and postoperative care. This study aimed to define key ultrasound and clinical variables and develop a predictive model for calculating preoperative ovarian tumor malignancy risk in a gynecologic oncology referral center. We compared our model to a subjective ultrasound assessment (SUA) method and previously described models. Methods: This prospective, single-center observational study included consecutive patients. We collected systematic ultrasound and clinical data, including cancer antigen 125, D-dimer (DD) levels and platelet count. Histological examinations served as the reference standard. We performed univariate and multivariate regressions, and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to assess the optimal model. Data were split into 2 subsets: training, for model development (190 observations) and testing, for model validation (n = 100). Results: Among 290 patients, 52% had malignant disease, including epithelial ovarian cancer (72.8%), metastatic disease (14.5%), borderline tumors (6.6%), and non-epithelial malignancies (4.6%). Significant variables were included into a multivariate analysis. The optimal model, included three independent factors: solid areas, the color score, and the DD level. Malignant and benign lesions had mean DD values of 2.837 and 0.354 μg/ml, respectively. We transformed established formulae into a web-based calculator (http://gin-onc-calculators.com/gynonc.php) for calculating the adnexal mass malignancy risk. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for models compared in the testing set were: our model (0.977), Simple Rules risk calculation (0.976), Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) (0.972), Logistic Regression 2 (LR2) (0.969), Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) 4 (0.932), SUA (0.930), and RMI3 (0.912). Conclusions: Two simple ultrasound predictors and the DD level (also included in a mathematical model), when used by gynecologist oncologist, discriminated malignant from benign ovarian lesions as well or better than other more complex models and the SUA method. These parameters (and the model) may be clinically useful for planning adequate management in the cancer center. The model needs substantial validation.
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Development of beltless respiration and heartbeat sensor based on flexible piezoelectric film
- Łukasz Sienkiewicz
- Roland Ryndzionek
- Mieczysław Ronkowski
The main goal of this work is to report initial development on a respiration and heartbeat measurement sensor that can be used in continuous monitoring conditions at a minimal impact on the patient. General description of the sensor, consisting of a PVDF film and the bonding layer, is given. Open-circuit voltage generated by the sensor is estimated by analytical and numerical calculations. Analog and digital interface used to extract the bio-data is briefly described. Finally, signal conditioning with digital filters, as well as, measurements of respiration and heart rate at two locations are presented and discussed.
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Development of Intelligent Road Signs with V2X Interface for Adaptive Traffic Controlling
- Andrzej Czyżewski
- Andrzej Sroczyński
- Tomasz Śmiałkowski
- Piotr Hoffmann
The objective of this paper is to present a practical project of intelligent road signs, under which a series of new products for the regulation of traffic is being created. The engineering part of the project, described in this paper, was preceded by a series of experimental studies, the results of which were described in another paper accepted for publication at the MTS-ITS conference 2019, entitled "Comparative study on the effectiveness of various types road traffic detectors". A new kind of intelligent road signs which will enable the prevention of the most common collisions on highways, resulting from the rapid stacking of vehicles resulting most often from accidental heavy braking. A range of products is being developed, including intelligent road signs: standing, hanging and mobile ones, displaying dynamically updated driving the speed limit, determined automatically, through an embedded electronic module, enabling multimodal measurement of traffic conditions. Solving a number of research and construction problems, such as: effective and independent of weather conditions traffic monitoring based on simultaneous analysis of several types of data representation, development of a method of calculating gradients and histograms of vehicle speed for various types of road situations or traffic topologies. Moreover, creating a platform for self-organizing reliable wireless connections among road signs equipped with innovative displays and power supplies and carrying out prototype tests are carried out. As a result, advanced conceptually products for increasing road safety for which there is a market demand are being prepared for future implementation.
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Diagnosing wind turbine condition employing a neural network to the analysis of vibroacoustic signals
- Andrzej Czyżewski
It is important from the economic point of view to detect damage early in the wind turbines before failures occur. For this purpose, a monitoring device was built that analyzes both acoustic signals acquired from the built-in non-contact acoustic intensity probe, as well as from the accelerometers, mounted on the internal devices in the nacelle. The signals collected in this way are used for long-term training of the autoencoder neural network. The appropriately trained network automatically detects deviations, signaling them to technical service. The applied methods of analysis of vibroacoustic signals and neural network training are the subject of the presented paper. In addition, the motion magnification of video is used for extracting information on vibrations of the whole wind turbine construction. Finally, spectral analysis is applied for detecting unnatural components presence meaning defects in both: visual and vibroacoustic representations. The process of reduction and construction of a wind turbine model is discussed with a particular emphasis on application to perform extensive tests of the developed methods and algorithms. [The research was subsidized by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development within the project “STEO—System for Technical and Economic Optimization of Distributed Renewable Energy Sources”, No. POIR.01.02.00-00-0357/16.]
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DIAGNOSIS OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA BY NEURAL NETWORK ENSEMBLE-BASED SYSTEM UTILISING HAND-CRAFTED SKIN LESION FEATURES
- Michał Grochowski
- Agnieszka Mikołajczyk
- Arkadiusz Kwasigroch
Malignant melanomas are the most deadly type of skin cancer but detected early have high chances for successful treatment. In the last twenty years, the interest of automated melanoma recognition detection and classification dynamically increased partially because of public datasets appearing with dermatoscopic images of skin lesions. Automated computer-aided skin cancer detection in dermatoscopic images is a very challenging task due to uneven datasets sizes, the huge intra-class variation with small interclass variation, and the existence of many artifacts in the image. One of the most recognized methods of melanoma diagnosis is the ABCD method. In the paper, we propose an extended version of this method and an intelligent decision support system based on neural networks that uses its results in a form of hand-crafted features. Automatic determination of the skin features used by the ABCD method is difficult due to the large diversity of images of various quality, the existence of hair, different markers and other obstacles. Therefore, it was necessary to apply advanced methods of preprocessing the images. The system is an ensemble of ten neural networks, working in parallel and one network using their results to generate a final decision. This system structure allowed us to increase the efficiency of the operation by several percentage points compared to a single neural network. The proposed system is trained on over 5000 and tested afterward on 200 skin moles. The presented system can be used as a decision support system for primary care physicians, as a system capable of self-examination of the skin with a dermatoscope and also as an important tool to improve biopsy decision making.
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Diagnostic Model of Crankshaft Seals
- Piotr Bzura
T he paper presents a research stand being a diagnostic model of radial lip seals used, among others, on crankshafts of piston combustion engines in order to identify the correctness of their operation. The possibility of determining the technical condition of lip seals on the basis of the proposed coefficient of correctness of operation has been described. T he basic features of seals influencing their correctness of operation were also described, along with examples of determining the durability limits of lip seals. A modified version of the friction node of the T-02 four-ball apparatus is presented. It allows to check the correctness of sealing lips operation as well as to test the compatibility between the steel shaft, sealing lip and sealed lubricating oil. It was shown that the test results con-firmed the usefulness of the hypothesis that the quality of oil affects the durability of sealing lips and their coefficient of correctness. Additionally, attention was paid to the possibility of analyzing the pumping effect affecting the transition of the seal-shaft system from the state of partial suitability S2 to the state of full suitability S1 or to the state of unfitness S3, and because the change in the state of such a system is random, it requires a probabilistic analysis.