2021 - Repozytorium publikacji - Politechnika Gdańska

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Dibutyl phthalate disrupts conserved circadian rhythm in Drosophila and human cells
- Wen Liu
- Hao Cao
- Sifang Liao
- Błażej Kudłak
- Michael Williams
- Helgi B. Schiöth
2021 Pełny tekst SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
People are constantly exposed to phthalates, due to their common use in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and skin care products. The ability of phthalates to disrupt endocrine signaling, leading to developmental, reproductive and metabolic defects, has been studied, yet how phthalates interfere with these biological functions is still unclear. To uncover DBP interacting molecular pathways, we raised Drosophila melanogaster on food containing dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at various concentrations. Whole transcriptome analysis of adult Drosophila reveals that DBP exposure throughout development disrupts the expression of genes central to circadian rhythm regulation, including increased expression of vrille (vri, human NFIL3), timeless (tim, human TIMELESS) and period (per, human PER3), with decreased expression of Pigment-dispersing factor (Pdf). DBP exposure also alters the expression of the evolutionarily conserved nuclear receptor Hormone receptor-like in 38 (Hr38, human NR4A2), which is known to regulate Pdf expression. Furthermore, behavioral assays determined that exposing Drosophila to DBP throughout development modifies the circadian rhythm of adults. Although DBP inhibits the expression of signaling systems regulating vision, including Rh5 and Rh6, two light-sensing G-protein coupled receptors involved in the daily resetting of circadian rhythm, it does not influence eye development. Circadian rhythm genes are well conserved from flies to humans; therefore, we tested the effect of DBP exposure on human breast cells (MCF10A) and demonstrate that, similar to the fruit fly model, this exposure disrupts circadian rhythm (BMAL1 expression) at doses that promote the proliferation and migration ability of MCF10A cells. Our results are the first to provide comprehensive evidence that DBP interferes with circadian rhythm in both adult Drosophila and human cells, which may help to explain the broad physiological action of phthalates.
Difference in Perceived Speech Signal Quality Assessment Among Monolingual and Bilingual Teenage Students
- Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski
2021
The user perceived quality is a mixture of factors, including the background of an individual. The process of auditory perception is discussed in a wide variety of fields, ranging from engineering to medicine. Many studies examine the difference between musicians and non-musicians. Since musical training develops musical hearing and other various auditory capabilities, similar enhancements should be observable in case of bilingual people. This paper examines the difference in perceived speech signal quality between students from monolingual and bilingual classes. The subjective study was carried out on a group of 30 people, with 15 individuals in each class, aged 16–18 years old, considering three languages: English, German, and Polish. Results of this study may aid researchers as well as professionals active in the field of auditory perception, hearing loss related with ageing, and of course evaluation of networks and services.
Different design aspects of an Organic Rankine Cycle turbine for electricity production using a geothermal binary power plant
- Paweł Ziółkowski
- Rafał Hyrzyński
- Marcin Daniel Lemański
- Bartosz Kraszewski
- Sebastian Bykuć
- Stanisław Głuch
- Anna Sowiżdżał
- Leszek Pająk
- Anna Wachowicz-Pyzik
- Janusz Badur
2021 Pełny tekst ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
In recent years, pressure has been growing to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation, which may offer opportunities for the development of geothermal energy in regions that have been so far considered unprofitable in this respect. One such country currently undergoing an energy transition is Poland in which low-temperature geothermal resources are currently used for district heating and recreation purposes. Nevertheless, research on the possibilities of using geothermal energy for electricity production is ongoing. The objective of this paper was to perform a comprehensive analysis of a binary power plant construction in relation to low-temperature petro-geothermal resources. The potential binary power plant is located in the area characterized by temperature of 120 ◦C at depths of 5000 m. About half of Poland’s area, especially the regions of western and central Poland, has these characteristics. It was assumed that brine at volume flow rate of 400 m3/h is a heat source for the Organic Rankine Cycle with isobutane as a working medium. The thermal efficiency based on the First Law of Thermodynamics and the power output were estimated at 10.5% and 1.79 MWe, respectively. In addition, the thermal efficiency based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics was calculated at 29.0%. For the calculated cycle parameters, a preliminary design of a two-stage axial turbine was constructed. All results were compared to the other binary power plants and they confirm that establishing the binary power plant in Poland would be thermodynamically justified. The main novelty of the present work is the combination of three issues, namely the selection of the low- temperature heat source, the design and analysis of the cycle together with a turbine adapted to these conditions.
Differentia specifica wystawa indywidualna
- Dominika Krechowicz
2021
Differentia specifica Wystawa indywidualna (wspólnie z Krzysztofem Gliszczyńskim) zrealizowana w Galerii Feininger, w Trzebiatowskim Ośrodku Kultury w Trzebiatowie. Na wystawie zaprezentowane zostały prace malarskie oraz obiekty, które zawierają w sobie pamięć ciała, gestu. Obraz ujawnia pamięć artysty, jego wyobraźnię, która jest zbiorem rzeczy widzianych i zapamiętanych. Podświadomość wykorzystuje je w procesie pracy, dekonstruuje i zestawia na nowo. Tytuł wystawy "Differentia specifica" odnosi się do różnic charakterystycznych dla dwóch odmiennych postaw twórczych. (Differentia specifica - cecha istotna, odróżniająca jakiś gatunek od innych gatunków tego samego rodzaju).
Digital Innovations and Smart Solutions for Society And Economy: Pros and Cons
- Marcin Sikorski
2021 Pełny tekst Foundations of Management
Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) may involve significant potential threats to personal data privacy, national security, and social and economic stability. AI-based solutions are often promoted as “intelligent” or “smart” because they are autonomous in optimizing various processes. Be-cause they can modify their behavior without human supervision by analyzing data from the environ-ment, AI-based systems may be more prone to malfunctions and malicious activities than conventional software systems. Moreover, due to existing regulatory gaps, development and operation of AI-based products are not yet subject to adequate risk management and administrative supervision. Resonating to recent reports about potential threats resulting from AI-based systems, this paper presents an outline of a prospective risk assessment for adaptive and autonomous products. This research resulted in exten-sive catalogs of possible damages, initiating events, and preventive policies that can be useful for risk managers involved in conducting risk assessment procedures for AI-based systems. The paper concludes with the analysis and discussion of changes in business, legal, and institutional environments required to ensure the public that AI-based solutions can be trusted, are transparent and safe, and can improve the quality of life.
Digital technologies and women's empowerment – casting the bridges
- Ewa Lechman
- Piotr Paradowski
2021 Pełny tekst
This work briefly discusses the nexuses between digital technology development and adoption across societies, and its potential impact on overall welfare through women’s economic empowerment. In the first section it sets out the context and background. Next, Section 2 demonstrates the state of access to and the use of digital technologies across the world. Section 3 intends to trace the causal links and channels of digital technologies' impact on female empowerment, while the last section shows the problem from the perspective of households.
Digital Transformation of Terrestrial Radio: An Analysis of Simulcasted Broadcasts in FM and DAB+ for a Smart and Successful Switchover
- Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski
2021 Pełny tekst Applied Sciences-Basel
The process of digitizing radio is far from over. It is an important interdisciplinary aspect, involving Big Data and AI (Artificial Intelligence) when it comes to classifying and handling content, and an organizational challenge in the Industry 4.0 concept. There exist several methods for delivering audio signals, including terrestrial broadcasting and internet streaming. Among them, the DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting plus) system is one of the leading standards of terrestrial digital radio transmission. Compared with analog FM (frequency modulation) radio, it is more bandwidth efficient and offers greater possibilities when it comes to delivering content and forming an ensemble and multiplex. Currently, many countries worldwide, particularly European States, are still making adjustments in order to perform an efficient switchover from analog FM to digital DAB+ radio. This paper presents the current situation of the digital radio market as well as the results of a subjective quality evaluation study and questionnaire concerning broadcasting in both digital and analog techniques. It involves radio programs, transmitting both speech and music signals, simulcasted in DAB+ and FM standards. It also presents the development of the national multiplex. The results of this study may help both researchers and scientists as well as policy makers and professionals active in the field of broadcasting and electronic media and not to mention the consumption of multimedia content.
Diphosphinoboranes as Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pairs: P–B–P Bond Systems for the Activation of Dihydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Phenyl Isocyanate
- Natalia Szynkiewicz
- Anna Ordyszewska
- Jarosław Chojnacki
- Rafał Grubba
2021 Pełny tekst INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Herein, we present the first example of the activation of small molecules by P-B-P bond systems. The reactivity study involves reactions of two selected diphosphinoboranes, (tBu2P)2BPh (1’) and (Cy2P)2BNiPr2 (2), that differ in terms of their structural and electronic properties for the activation of dihydrogen, carbon dioxide, and phenyl isocyanate. Diphosphinoborane 1’ activates H2 under very mild conditions in the absence of a catalyst with the formation of the dimer (tBu2PB(Ph)H)2 and tBu2PH. Conversely, diphosphinoborane 2 did not react with H2 under the same conditions. The reaction of 1’ with CO2 led to the formation of a compound with an unusual structure, where two phosphinoformate units were coordinated to the PhBOBPh moiety. In addition, 2 reacted with CO2 to insert two CO2 molecules into the P-B bonds of the parent diphosphinoborane. Both diphosphinoboranes activated PhNCO, yielding products resulting from the addition of two and/or three PhNCO molecules and the formation of new P-C, B-O, B-N, and C-N bonds. The products of the activation of small molecules by diphosphinoboranes were characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. Additionally, the reaction mechanisms of the activation of small molecules by diphosphinoboranes were elucidated by theoretical methods.
Dipodal Tetraamide Derivatives of 1,10-Diaza-18-Crown-6 and Alkylmalonic Acids—Synthesis and Use as Ionophores in Ion Selective Membrane Electrodes
- Radosław Pomećko
- Elżbieta Luboch
- Maciej Jeszke
2021 Pełny tekst SENSORS
Novel dipodal derivatives of an 18-membered diaza-crown ether with two diamide chains featuring methylmalonic or butylmalonic acid residues were obtained and tested as ionophores in ion-selective plasticized membrane electrodes. The objective of the study was to identify measurement conditions which ensure the most favorable performance for magnesium ion-selective electrodes. The relationship between the molar lipophilic anion salt-to-ionophore ratio and selectivity of electrodes was examined. The best result was obtained for the conventional electrode containing Mg2 ionophore. Calculated selectivity coefficients were as follows: logKMg/Ca = −2.77, logKMg/Na = −3.46 and logKMg.K = −2.24 (SSM, 1M)
Direct electrical stimulation of the human brain has inverse effects on the theta and gamma neural activities
- Michał Lech
- Brent Michael Berry
- Cagdas Topcu
- Vaclav Kremen
- Petr Nejedly
- Bradley Lega
- Robert E. Gross
- Michael R. Sperling
- Barbara C. Jobst
- Sameer A. Sheth
- Kareem Zaghloul
- Kathryn A. Davis
- Gregory A. Worrell
- Michał Kucewicz
2021 Pełny tekst IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Objective: Our goal was to analyze the electrophysiological response to direct electrical stimulation (DES) systematically applied at a wide range of parameters and anatomical sites, with particular focus on neural activities associated with memory and cognition. Methods: We used a large set of intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings with DES from 45 subjects with electrodes implanted both subdurally on the cortical surface and subcortically into the brain parenchyma. Subjects were stimulated in blocks of alternating frequency and amplitude parameters during quiet wakefulness. Results: Stimulating at different frequencies and amplitudes of electric current revealed a persistent pattern of response in the slow and the fast neural activities. In particular, amplification of the theta (4–7 Hz) and attenuation of the gamma (29–52 Hz) power-in-bandwas observed with increasing the stimulation parameters. This opposite effect on the low and high frequency bandswas found across a network of selected local and distal sites proportionally to the proximity and magnitude of the electric current. Power increase in the theta and decrease in the gamma band was driven by the total electric charge delivered with either increasing the frequencyor amplitudeof the stimulation current. This inverse effect on the theta and gamma activities was consistently observed in response to different stimulation frequencies and amplitudes.Conclusion: Our results suggest a uniform DES effect of amplifying theta and suppressing gamma neural activitiesin the human brain. Significance: These findingsreveal the utility of simple power-in-band features forunderstanding and optimizing the effects of electrical stimulationon brain functions.
Direct spectrum detection based on Bayesian approach
- Beata Pałczyńska
- Dariusz Świsulski
2021 Pełny tekst Przegląd Elektrotechniczny
The paper investigates the Bayesian framework's performance for a direct detection of spectrum parameters from the compressive measurements. The reconstruction signal stage is eliminated in by the Bayesian Compressive Sensing algorithm, which causes that the computational complexity and processing time are extremely reduced. The computational efficiency of the presented procedure is significantly better than a typical compressive sensing approach. The numerical simulations confirm the possibility of using this method to direct harmonics detection.
Directions and Prospects for the Development of the Electric Car Market in Selected ASEAN Countries
- Krystyna Gomółka
- Piotr Kasprzak
2021 Pełny tekst ENERGIES
The purpose of this article is to present the current situation and evaluate the opportuni‐ ties for the development of the electric car market in selected Southeast Asian countries in the con‐ text of the current situation in the rest of the world. Currently, the electric car market is at an ad‐ vanced stage of development in regions such as Western Europe, the USA, and China. It should be noted, however, that the number of electric cars in a given country results not only from market demand and access to vehicle charging networks but also from nonmarket mechanisms such as subsidies and tax or administrative solutions. It turns out that these are important elements that influence the final shape of a country’s market. This article analyses the current situation on the electric car market taking into account the legal, administrative, and tax conditions that affect the final number of vehicles and the infrastructure necessary for the operation and use of electric cars in selected Asian countries.
Disaster Resilience of Optical Networks: State of the Art, Challenges, and Opportunities
- Jacek Rak
- Rita Girão-Silva
- Teresa Gomes
- Georgios Ellinas
- Burak Kantarci
- Massimo Tornatore
2021 Pełny tekst Optical Switching and Networking
For several decades, optical networks, due to their high capacity and long-distance transmission range, have been used as the major communication technology to serve network traffic, especially in the core and metro segments of communication networks. Unfortunately, our society has often experienced how the correct functioning of these critical infrastructures can be substantially hindered by massive failures triggered by natural disasters, weather-related disruptions and malicious human activities. In this position paper, we discuss the impact on optical networks of all major classes of disaster events mentioned above, and we overview recent relevant techniques that have been proposed to increase the disaster resilience of optical networks against the various classes of disaster events. We start by presenting some proactive methods to be applied before the occurrence of a disaster. Then we move our focus also on other preparedness methods that can be executed in the (typically short) time frame between the occurrence of an early alert of an incoming disaster and the time a disaster actually hits the network. Finally, we discuss reactive procedures that allow performing post-disaster recovery operations effectively. The analysis of disaster resilience mechanisms provided in this paper covers both wired and optical wireless communication infrastructures and also contains explicit remarks covering the role of emerging technologies (e.g., fixed-mobile convergence in the 5G era and beyond) in disaster resilience.
Discovery of small-molecule regenerative drugs using a model of complex tissue injury in mice. Transcriptomic responses of neurodevelopmental genes during pharmacologically induced regeneration
- Paweł Sosnowski
2021
Despite significant development in regenerative medicine, there is a deficit of effective therapies for wound healing and tissue regeneration. Research performed using animal wound models allows for a better understanding of this complex process, searching for compounds with pro-regenerative properties, and assessing their efficacy and safety. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate preclinical models proves to be an issue as no animal model can fully replicate human wounds. Nevertheless, new experimental therapies for enhancing wound healing and regeneration emerge, and animal models play an important role. Growth factors, cytokines, transcriptional activators in addition to small-molecule compounds such as epigenetic modulators seem to be of particular interest. In the presented work, I used an ear pinna punch wound in mice, a simple model of complex tissue injury, to examine the pro-regenerative effects for a selection of small-molecule compounds. One of the tested compounds, zebularine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, administered intraperitoneally, significantly promoted wound closure in ear pinna. Furthermore, a combination treatment of zebularine and retinoic acid resulted in complete wound closure by day 21 after injury, whereas without treatment ear pinna holes in mice remain for life. To the best of my knowledge, this research is the first example demonstrating the potential of an epigenetic modulator to stimulate endogenous regenerative potential in animals, thus indicating a new pharmacological strategy for regenerative therapies.
Discrimination of hospital isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii using repeated sequences and whole genome alignment differential analysis
- Roman Kotłowski
- Nowak-zaleska Alicja
- Grzegorz Węgrzyn
2021 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF APPLIED GENETICS
An optimized method for bacterial strain differentiation, based on combination of Repeated Sequences and Whole Genome Alignment Differential Analysis (RS&WGADA), is presented in this report. In this analysis, 51 Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug-resistance strains from one hospital environment and patients from 14 hospital wards were classified on the basis of polymorphisms of repeated sequences located in CRISPR region, variation in the gene encoding the EmrA-homologue of E. coli, and antibiotic resistance patterns, in combination with three newly identified polymorphic regions in the genomes of A. baumannii clinical isolates. Differential analysis of two similarity matrices between different genotypes and resist- ance patterns allowed to distinguish three significant correlations (p < 0.05) between 172 bp DNA insertion combined with resistance to chloramphenicol and gentamycin. Interestingly, 45 and 55 bp DNA insertions within the CRISPR region were identified, and combined during analyses with resistance/susceptibility to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Moreover, 184 or 1374 bp DNA length polymorphisms in the genomic region located upstream of the GTP cyclohydrolase I gene, associated mainly with imipenem susceptibility, was identified. In addition, considerable nucleotide polymorphism of the gene encod- ing the gamma/tau subunit of DNA polymerase III, an enzyme crucial for bacterial DNA replication, was discovered. The differentiation analysis performed using the above described approach allowed us to monitor the distribution of A. baumannii isolates in different wards of the hospital in the time frame of several years, indicating that the optimized method may be useful in hospital epidemiological studies, particularly in identification of the source of primary infections.
Disinfection characteristics of an advanced rotational hydrodynamic cavitation reactor in pilot scale
- Xun Sun
- Zhengquan Wang
- Xiaoxu Xuan
- Li Ji
- Xuewen Li
- Yang Tao
- Grzegorz Boczkaj
- Shan Zhao
- Joon Yong Yoon
- Songying Chen
2021 Pełny tekst ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
Hydrodynamic cavitation is a promising technique for water disinfection. In the present paper, the disinfection characteristics of an advanced hydrodynamic cavitation reactor (ARHCR) in pilot scale were studied. The effects of various flow rates (1.4–2.6 m3/h) and rotational speeds (2600–4200 rpm) on the removal of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were revealed and analyzed. The variation regularities of the log reduction and reaction rate constant at various cavitation numbers were established. A disinfection rate of 100% was achieved in only 4 min for 15 L of simulated effluent under 4200 rpm and 1.4 m3/h, with energy efficiency at 0.0499 kWh/L. A comprehensive comparison with previously introduced HCRs demonstrates the superior performance of the presented ARHCR system. The morphological changes in E. coli were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the ARHCR can lead to serious cleavage and surface damages to E. coli, which cannot be obtained by conventional HCRs. Finally, a possible damage mechanism of the ARHCR, including both the hydrodynamical and sonochemical effects, was proposed. The findings of the present study can provide strong support to the fundamental understanding and applications of ARHCRs for water disinfection.
Dissociative photo-double-ionization of isoxazole
- Tomasz Wąsowicz
- Antti Kivimaki
- Robert Richter
2021
In the present communication, we present results on the photo-double-ionization and fragmentation of the isoxazole molecules. The experiments were carried out at the CiPo beamline at the Elettra-Sincrotrone radiation facility exploiting the VUV excitation and the ion time-of-flight spectrometry combined with the PEPICO technique. The dissociative processes where only one electron is emitted are quite well known [1]. However, double ionization is a more complex mechanism producing the doubly charged parent ion after two correlated electrons' emission. These doubly charged ions are usually very reactive objects that can dissociate into the ionic fragments. PEPICO method gives the coincidence maps plotted as the first ion arrival time vs. the second ion time-of-flight, with reference to the detection of one of the photoelectrons (see Figure 1a). As a result, the pairs of correlated ions show up as areas with a higher density of points. The calculation of the coincidence events in these “islands” gives information about the particular fragmentation channel (see Figure 1b).
Distance learning trends: introducing new solutions to data analysis courses
- Karol Flisikowski
2021 Pełny tekst Zeszyty Naukowe Wydziału Elektrotechniki i Automatyki Politechniki Gdańskiej
Nowadays data analysis of any kind becomes a piece of art. The same happens with the teaching processes of statistics, econometrics and other related courses. This is not only because we are facing (and are forced to) teach online or in a hybrid mode. Students expect to see not only the theoretical part of the study and solve some practical examples together with the instructor. They are waiting to see a variety of tools, tutorials, interactive laboratory instructions, books, exams online. In this study I am going to show the latest technical solutions for instructors using R and/or Python in their online data analysis labs.
Do mistakes acceptance foster innovation? Polish and US cross-country study of tacit knowledge sharing in IT
- Wioleta Kucharska
2021 Pełny tekst Journal of Knowledge Management
Abstract Purpose – This study aims to understand and compare how the mechanism of innovative processes in the information technology (IT) industry – the most innovative industry worldwide – is shaped in Poland and the USA in terms of tacit knowledge awareness and sharing driven by a culture of knowledge and learning, composed of a learning climate and mistake acceptance. Design/methodology/approach – Study samples were drawn from the IT industry in Poland (n = 350) and the USA (n = 370) and analyzed using the structural equation modeling method. Findings – True learning derives from mistake acceptance. As a result of a risk-taking attitude and critical thinking, the IT industry in the USA is consistently innovation-oriented. Specifically, external innovations are highly correlated with internal innovations. Moreover, a knowledge culture supports a learning culture via a learning climate. A learning climate is an important facilitator for learning from mistakes. Originality/value – This study revealed that a high level of mistake acceptance stimulates a risk-taking an attitude that offers a high level of tacit knowledge awareness as a result of critical thinking, but critical thinking without readiness to take a risk is useless for tacit knowledge capturing.
Dold sequences, periodic points, and dynamics
- Jakub Byszewski
- Grzegorz Graff
- Thomas Ward
2021 Pełny tekst BULLETIN OF THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY
In this survey we describe how the so-called Dold congruence arises in topology, and how it relates to periodic point counting in dynamical systems.