2025 - Repozytorium publikacji - Politechnika Gdańska

Pokaż publikacje z roku

Publikacje z roku 2025

Pokaż wszystkie

A facile synthesis by spark plasma sintering of mobile lithium ions into oxynitride glass-ceramic matrix: Insight and perspective
- Sharafat Ali
- Abbas Saeed Hakeem
- Hussain Alslman
- Natalia Wójcik
2025 Journal of Materials Research and Technology-JMR&T
The quest for efficient energy storage solutions has led to the development of solid-state Li-on batteries (SSBs), which utilize solid-state electrolyte (SSE) materials instead of organic liquid electrolytes. This study investigates the effect of increasing Li content in a Ca11Al14Si16O49N10 glass-ceramic material on its structural, thermal, physical, and electrical properties. Spark Plasma Sintered (SPS) glass-ceramic samples with varying Li content (6–21 wt% of Li₂O) were analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis exhibited amorphous patterns for both the oxynitride parent glass and the same undoped glass which was sintered via SPS. Furthermore, the XRD analysis revealed changes in the crystalline phases with varying Li content, indicating a complex relationship between Li concentration and crystallinity. With increase in Li content, the crystallinity in the samples decreases. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies demonstrate alterations in microstructural features, notably an increase in the number of Li-rich phases. Thermal analysis reveals fluctuating thermal expansion and conductivity trends, with significant increases observed up to a certain Li content threshold. Ionic conductivity studies indicate a complex relationship between Li content, activation energy, and conduction mechanisms, with optimal conductivity observed at specific Li concentrations. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of SSE materials for next-generation energy storage applications.
A review on hydrophobic electrospun nanofibers-based materials and membranes for water treatment: Challenges, outlook, and stability
- Farooque Janjhi
- Imamdin Chandio
- Dahar Janwery
- Vahid Vatanpour
- Roberto Castro Munoz
2025 SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
Membrane technology is well recognized as a dependable means of supplementing the availability of potable water through processes such as water purification and desalination. Electrospun nanofiber membranes have garnered significant attention because of their advantageous features, including a greater specific surface area, increased porosity, reduced thickness, and popularity. Consequently, ENMs have emerged as an up-and-coming contender in several applications. The various methods employed for fabrication involve inorganic deposition, polymer coating, and interfacial polymerization. Electrospun nanofiber membranes’ efficacy in removing diverse water pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, and antibiotics, has been exceptional. The enhancement of polymer membrane performance can be achieved through the precise adjustment of polymer structure, manipulation of surface properties, and reinforcement of total membrane porosity. The study investigates the fundamentals of electrospun nanofibers and their utilization in electrospun nanofibrous membranes and composites for environmental remediation applications. The final section discusses the opportunities and significant challenges concerning the application of engineered nanomaterials in the water treatment sector. The advancement of engineered nanomaterials is anticipated to facilitate the growth and application of multiple industries, including water treatment and sustainability.
Acceleration deforms exponential decays into generalized Zipf-Mandelbrot laws
- Marek Czachor
2025 PHYSICS LETTERS A
An exponentially decaying system looks as if its decay was a generalized power or double-exponential law, provided one takes into account the relativistic time dilation in a detector, the delay of the emitted signal, and the accelerations of both the source and the detector. The same mathematical formula can be found in generalizations of the Zipf-Mandelbrot law in quantitative linguistics and in the dynamics of ligand binding in heme proteins. The effect is purely kinematic and is not related to the various dynamic phenomena that can accompany accelerated motion of sources or detectors. The procedure used can also be seen as a form of clock synchronization near an event horizon.
Activation of small molecules by ambiphilic NHC-stabilized phosphinoborenium cation: formation of boreniums with B–O–C, B–O–B, and B–O–P structural motifs
- Tomasz Wojnowski
- Anna Ordyszewska
- Hanna Halenka
- Iwona Anusiewicz
- Jarosław Chojnacki
- Kinga Kaniewska-Laskowska
- Rafał Grubba
2025 Pełny tekst DALTON TRANSACTIONS
The reactivity of the phosphinoborenium cation supported by a 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazolin-2-ylidene ligand toward small molecules was explored. The phosphinoborenium cation exhibited dual Lewis acid–base properties due to the presence of the Lewis acidic boron center and the Lewis basic phosphido ligand connected by a covalent bond. The reaction of the title cation with CO2 led to the insertion of a CO2 molecule into the P–B bond. The obtained borenium CO2-adduct underwent hydrolysis, forming an N-heterocyclic carbene stabilized diborenium dication bearing a B–O–B functionality. The activation of N2O proceeded via the insertion of an oxygen atom into the B–P bond of the parent cation, yielding a borenium cation with a phosphinite moiety. An alternative synthetic pathway to borenium cations with a B–O–P skeleton was achieved via the activation of secondary phosphine oxides by the phosphinoborenium cation. Furthermore, borenium cations and diborenium dications with B–O–C structural motifs were obtained from the reaction of the title compound with perfluorinated tert-butyl alcohol and hydroquinone, respectively. The structure of the obtained borenium cations is discussed based on multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory calculations.
Active learning on stacked machine learning techniques for predicting compressive strength of alkali-activated ultra-high-performance concrete
- Farzin Kazemi
- Torkan Shafighfard
- Robert Jankowski
- Doo-Yeol Yoo
2025 Pełny tekst Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Conventional ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has excellent development potential. However, a significant quantity of CO2 is produced throughout the cement-making process, which is in contrary to the current worldwide trend of lowering emissions and conserving energy, thus restricting the further advancement of UHPC. Considering climate change and sustainability concerns, cementless, eco-friendly, alkali-activated UHPC (AA-UHPC) materials have recently received considerable attention. Following the emergence of advanced prediction techniques aimed at reducing experimental tools and labor costs, this study provides a comparative study of different methods based on machine learning (ML) algorithms to propose an active learning-based ML model (AL-Stacked ML) for predicting the compressive strength of AA-UHPC. A data-rich framework containing 284 experimental datasets and 18 input parameters was collected. A comprehensive evaluation of the significance of input features that may affect compressive strength of AA-UHPC was performed. Results confirm that AL-Stacked ML-3 with accuracy of 98.9% can be used for different general experimental specimens, which have been tested in this research. Active learning can improve the accuracy up to 4.1% and further enhance the Stacked ML models. In addition, graphical user interface (GUI) was introduced and validated by experimental tests to facilitate comparable prospective studies and predictions.
Active Polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) Films Loaded with Olive Leaf Extract for Food Packaging—Antibacterial Activity, Surface, Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation
- Sylwia Grabska-Zielińska
- Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska
- Magdalena Gierszewska
- Mohamed Bouaziz
- Marcin Wekwejt
- Anna Pałubicka
- Anna Żywicka
- Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska
2025 Polymers
As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; Olea europaea) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity. The results indicated a significant impact of the incorporation of OLE into this polymeric matrix, increasing hydrophobicity, decreasing surface free energy, and enhancing surface roughness, albeit with slight reductions in mechanical properties. Notably, these modified materials exhibited significant bacteriostatic, bactericidal and anti-adhesive activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PLA/PEG/OLE films demonstrated considerable potential for advanced food packaging, facilitating interactions between products and their environment. This capability ensures the preservation and extension of food shelf life, safeguards against microbial contamination, and maintains the overall quality, safety, and integrity of the packaged food. These findings suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable and effective food packaging films.
Advanced genetic algorithm-based signal processing for multi-degradation detection in steam turbines
- Marta Drosińska-Komor
- Jerzy Głuch
- Łukasz Breńkacz
- Michał Piotrowicz
- Paweł Ziółkowski
- Natalia Ziółkowska
2025 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
This research contributes to the field of reliability engineering and system safety by introducing an innovative diagnostic method to enhance the reliability and safety of complex technological systems. Steam turbines are specifically referred to. This study focuses on the integration of advanced signal processing techniques and engineering dynamics in addressing critical issues in the monitoring and maintenance of mechanical systems. By utilizing genetic algorithms, we improve the capability to detect, localize, and ascertain the causes of both singular and intricate degradations, including three-fold and four-fold faults, within steam turbine operations. We can detect degradation with accuracies of 72.6% for three-fold faults and 62.2% for four-fold faults. This significant advancement emphasizes the potential for improved machine and structural health monitoring, especially where non-stationary and random vibrations are common, such as in powertrain and drivetrain systems. This methodology is vital for the maintenance and oper- ational strategies of critical infrastructures like nuclear power plants, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities where steam turbines play a crucial role. The novelty of this approach lies in the use of genetic algorithms for thermal-flow diagnostics of steam turbines, which had been unaddressed in literature. Moreover, the merger of theoretical and experimental aspects in this study underscores its relevance to practical applications, thereby demonstrating an original contribution to engineering knowledge and showcasing significant advancements over estab- lished methods. The research underscores the method’s potential as a universal tool for diag- nosing complex systems, representing an advance in reliability engineering practices. By applying genetic algorithms, a noticeable link to improving the safety and reliability of technological systems is established, offering valuable insights into the design, maintenance, and extension of the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
AI-Driven Sustainability in Agriculture and Farming
- Julian Szymański
- Karolina Nurzyńska
- Paweł Weichbroth
2025
In this chapter, we discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting sustainable agriculture and farming. Three main themes run through the chapter. First, we review the state of the art of smart farming and explore the transformative impact of AI on modern agricultural practices, focusing on its contribution to sustainability. With this in mind, our analysis focuses on topics such as data collection and storage, AI algorithms in agriculture, and optimization areas. We also present recent advances in agricultural technology and equipment used to develop a wide range of production methods used by modern farmers. We discuss agri-environmental monitoring, which refers to the real-time or periodic monitoring and assessment of environmental components in agricultural production. Specifically, five types of environmental monitoring are presented, viz: air quality monitoring, water sampling and analysis, noise level testing, soil quality testing, and microbial monitoring. We also discuss weather forecasting, one of the most challenging scientific endeavors. The chapter concludes with applications for monitoring and managing environmental impacts and explores future trends and innovations based on cutting-edge research and emerging technologies.
An experimental EEG study of brain activities underlying the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
- Ali Mohammadi
- Sahar Seifzadeh
- Fatemeh Torkamani
- Sina Salehi
2025 IBRO Neuroscience Reports
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is an audio-visual phenomenon that has recently become popular. Many people have reported experiencing a tingling-like sensation through their body while watching audio/video clips known as ASMR clips. People capable of having such experiences have also reported improved overall well-being and feeling relaxed. However, the neural activity underlying this phenomenon is not yet well-studied. The present study aims to investigate this issue using electroencephalography (EEG) employing an exploratory approach. We recorded resting-state EEGs from twelve participants before and after watching an ASMR clip and a control video clip. We divided the participants into two groups capable of experiencing ASMR tingling (ASMR group) and not capable of experiencing ASMR tingling (Non-ASMR group), by performing “Jenks Natural Breaks” clustering method on the results of a self-report questionnaire. We calculated the spectral power of EEG recording and compared the resulting values between the groups and sessions. We demonstrated a decline in the power of EEG activities in the delta frequency band in all regions of the brain and an increase in alpha activity in the occipital area of the brain and increases in beta oscillations was noted over the left fronto-temporal region of the brain among ASMR group. We did not observe similar results among the Non-ASMRs participants or among ASMRs in the control group.
An optimal nonlinear fractional order controller for passive/active base isolation building equipped with friction-tuned mass dampers
- Morteza Akbari
- Abbas-Ali Zamani
- Mohammad Seifi
- Bartolomeo Pantò
- Tomasz Falborski
- Robert Jankowski
2025 Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation
This paper presents an optimal nonlinear fractional-order controller (ONFOC) designed to reduce the seismic responses of tall buildings equipped with a base-isolation (BI) system and friction-tuned mass dampers (FTMDs). The parameters for the BI and FTMD systems, as well as their combinations (BI-FTMD and active BI-FTMD or ABI-FTMD), were optimized separately using a multi-objective quantum-inspired seagull optimization algorithm (MOQSOA). The seismic performances of the BI, FTMD, BI-FTMD, and ABI-FTMD systems for a 15-storey building subjected to two far-field (Loma Prieta and Landers) and two near-fields (Tabas and Northridge) earthquakes were evaluated. The results indicated that structures with BI, FTMD, BI-FTMD, and ABI-FTMD systems outperformed the uncontrolled structure in reducing structural responses during the design earthquakes (Loma Prieta and Tabas). However, under validation earthquakes (Landers and Northridge), the peak acceleration of the building with the FTMD system was worse than that of the uncontrolled structure during the near-field Northridge earthquake. To address this issue, we proposed a combination of the active BI system and the FTMD system. Time history analysis results demonstrated that for the building equipped with the ABI-FTMD system, the peak displacement, peak acceleration, and peak inter-storey drift were reduced by approximately 60%, 64%, and 78%, respectively, as compared to the uncontrolled structure.
Analysis of "green methanol" production from carbon dioxide acquired from negative emission power plants using CFD approach for catalytic reactor
- Sylwia Oleś
- Paweł Ziółkowski
- Dariusz Mikielewicz
2025 RENEWABLE ENERGY
The growing global demand for energy, coupled with the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, has led to the development of innovative energy cycles such as the negative CO₂ gas power plant (nCO2PP). Carbon dioxide storage and reuse in current industries is therefore becoming an important issue. The answer to this is the process of synthesizing methanol, commonly used in many industries from captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen from electrolysis. Methanol synthesis, a key process in such systems, relies heavily on the use of catalysts, offering significant research opportunities not only in catalyst chemistry, but also in optimizing reactor design and process parameters such as temperature, feed velocity and operating pressure. In this study, the effect of process parameters, in particular pressure and velocity, on the production of green methanol from CO₂ captured in a negative cycle CO₂ power plant was investigated. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed, incorporating a user-defined function (UDF) into commercial CFD software, a novel approach in this context. Simulation results showed a methanol yield of 4–10 % at the reactor outlet, which compares favourably with existing literature, indicating the potential for further optimisation and application in industrial methanol production.
Anterior prefrontal EEG theta activities indicate memory and executive functions in epilepsy patients
- Nastaran Hamedisheihani
- Jesus Garcia Salinas
- Brent Berry
- Gregory Worrell
- Michał Kucewicz
2025 Pełny tekst EPILEPSIA
Objective: Cognitive deficits are one of the most debilitating comorbidities in epilepsy and other neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental brain disorders. Current diagnostic and therapeutic options are limited and lack objective measures of the underlying neural activities. In this study, electrophysiological biomarkers that reflect cognitive functions in clinically validated batteries were determined to aid diagnosis and treatment in specific brain regions. Methods: We employed a CANTAB battery of neuropsychological tasks probing memory and executive functions in 86 epilepsy patients undergoing clinical EEG monitoring. EEG electrode signals during performance of particular battery tasks were decomposed to identify specific frequency bands and cortical areas that differentiated patients with impaired, normal, and good standardized performance according to their age and gender. Results: The anterior prefrontal cortical EEG power in the theta frequency band was consistently lower in patients with impaired memory and executive function performance (z-score < -1). This effect was evident in all four behavioral measures of executive, visual, spatial, and working memory functions and was confined to the cortical area of all four frontal pole electrodes (Nz, Fpz, Fp1, Fp2). Significance: Theta EEG power in the anterior prefrontal cortex provides simple, accessible, and objective electrophysiological measure of memory and executive functions in epilepsy. Our results suggest a feasible clinical biomarker for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of cognitive deficits with emerging targeted neuromodulation approaches.
Applications of nanosorbents in dispersive solid phase extraction/microextraction approaches for monitoring of synthetic dyes in various types of samples: A review
- Wajid Ali Khan
- Pakorn Varanusupakul
- Hameed Haq
- Muhammad Balal Arain
- Grzegorz Boczkaj
2025 MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
Nanosorbents are frequently used in analytical chemistry for their various applications, including extraction and microextraction of synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes pose a threat to living organisms, particularly humans, due to their worldwide use in a variety of industries. The removal and quantification of synthetic dyes from various matrices is becoming increasingly important. The use of nanosorbents in dispersive solid phase extraction/microextraction (DSPE/DSPME) based approaches are considered the most sensitive and effective techniques for the preconcentration of synthetic dyes due to its high sample clean-up capability, low usage of solvents, high enrichment (preconcentration) factors assuring low detection limits (LOD) of the overall analytical procedures. This review describes widely used nanosorbents, their key properties, and sorption capability, as well as progress and challenges in popular DSPE/DSPME methods and their types, including magnetic solid phase extraction/microextraction (MSPE/MSPME), dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE), and ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction/microextraction (UA-DSPE/UA-DSPME) for extraction and quantification of dyes. Nanomaterials synthesis methods are typically divided into bottom-up and top-down methods. Bottom-up techniques include hydrothermal, sol–gel, laser pyrolysis, sonochemical, chemical reduction, inert gas condensation (IGC), co-precipitation, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Hydrothermal and CVD are the most commonly used. These methods have several advantages, including low cost, the ability to synthesize with a more controlled design, and the release of low waste. However, suffers from ensuring reproducibility and large-scale production. Top-down techniques involve reducing the size of the bulk material to create nanomaterials. The top-down approaches include electrospinning, laser ablation, etching, mechanical milling, thermal decomposition, and sputtering. The analytical instrumental technique is used to perform the final quantitative analysis step in these microextraction-based methods. The most common analytical instruments used with these sorbent-based microextraction techniques are UV–visible spectrophotometers, HPLC with UV/DAD , and LC-MS. Among the available methods, dedicated procedures for analysis of popular dyes such as Sudan dyes, sunset yellow, malachite green, methylene blue, crystal violet, tartrazine, and azo dye were developed.
Assessing Metal Distribution in Diverse Incineration Ashes: Implications for Sustainable Waste Management in Case of Different Incineration Facilities
- Bartłomiej Cieślik
- Joachim Emeka Arikibe
2025 WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
Incineration contributes about 10% of metals emission in Europe and leaching of metals from reuse or landfilling of incineration products remains a global concern. Thus, evaluating metal distribution in incineration residues is critical. The present study highlights the distribution of selected metals, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, Al, Cu, and Pb, in incineration ashes in relation to incinerator capacities/sizes. Al was most distributed and Cd the least. Statistical evaluation with 2-factor ANOVA revealed significant variations (F > Fcrit, α = 0.05) were observed except in fluidised bed (FB) residues for Zn and Co. Also, except Co for samples of similar features from one location, and Pb in FB residues with no significant difference (p > 0.05), other metals varied statistically (p < 0.05). The degree of contamination (mCd), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) revealed all matrices had PLI > 1. Igeo revealed moderate to strong accumulation of Zn and Cu in all matrices except in 3 matrices for Cu while IMSW-BA showed strong Pb accumulation. Al, Mn and Fe showed low enrichment in all matrices except in 2 matrices for Cu. Zn and Pb were extremely enriched in IMSWA-BA. PERI placed FB-Gd and FB-Lz as ecologically low-risk, IMSW-BA and IMSW-APC as considerable ecological risk and other matrices were ecologically moderate risk. The study found that the content of metals in the incineration residues requires more sustainable ways of management and disposal of incineration products in Poland and elsewhere.
Automatic Cleaning of Time Series Data in Rural Internet of Things Ecosystems That Use Nomadic Gateways
- Jerzy Dembski
- Agata Kołakowska
- Bogdan Wiszniewski
2025 Pełny tekst SENSORS
A serious limitation to the deployment of IoT solutions in rural areas may be the lack of available telecommunications infrastructure enabling the continuous collection of measurement data. A nomadic computing system, using a UAV carrying an on-board gateway, can handle this; it leads, however, to a number of technical challenges. One is the intermittent collection of data from ground sensors governed by weather conditions for the UAV measurement missions. Therefore, each sensor should be equipped with software that allows for the cleaning of collected data before transmission to the fly-over nomadic gateway from erroneous, misleading, or otherwise redundant data—to minimize their volume and fit them in the limited transmission window. This task, however, may be a barrier for end devices constrained in several ways, such as limited energy reserve, insufficient computational capability of their MCUs, and short transmission range of their RAT modules. In this paper, a comprehensive approach to these problems is proposed, which enables the implementation of an anomaly detector in time series data with low computational demand. The proposed solution uses the analysis of the physics of the measured signals and is based on a simple anomaly model whose parameters can be optimized using popular AI techniques. It was validated during a full 10-month vegetation period in a real Rural IoT system deployed by Gdańsk Tech.
Born Twice: The Role of Social Media in Identity Redefinition after Sudden Disability
- Lena Cavusoglu
- Russell Belk
- Francesca Bonetti
- Stefania Borghini
- Nadzeya Sabatini
2025 Pełny tekst
From being attacked by a shark to being stricken by illness, people who acquire disabilities later in life have unique lived experiences. There is, however, a commonality that binds them: the loss of a former identity and a rebirth into another life. They may also struggle with self-acceptance as they shun societal stigmas and perceived deviance from cultural norms. Through a netnographic study, we examine how identities are redefined with the help of social media. We trace the journey of athletes, influencers, and others experiencing sudden disabilities as they transition from medical facilities to the comfort of their homes. We present the four critical phases toward acceptance of a disabled identity and show the role of social media as a transformative tool for navigating social exclusion and prejudice, as well as being a conduit for self-expression.
Calculations of Cross-Sections for Positron Scattering on Benzene
- Małgorzata Franz
- Anna Pastuszko
- Jan Franz
2025 Pełny tekst Applied Sciences-Basel
In this work, we present a theoretical study on positron scattering by benzene molecules over a broad energy range (1–1000 eV). The aim of this work is to provide missing data from partial cross-sections for specific processes. In particular, calculations of cross-sections for direct ionization and electronic excitation were carried out for benzene molecules in the gas phase. An estimate for the cross-section for positronium formation is obtained from a comparison with the total cross-section from experiments. Theoretical methodologies used in the study for partial ionization cross-section calculations are based on the binary-encounter Bethe model and take into account an extension of the Wannier theory. The total cross-section shows good agreement with experimental data.
CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs as an efficient nano-electrocatalyst for use in the anode of alcohol fuel cells
- Mohammad Bagher Akari
- Parisa Salarizadeh
- Mohammad Taghi Tourchi Moghadam
- Sadegh Azizi
2025 DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
One of the most important challenges in commercializing Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells (DAFCs) is the significant expense of advanced catalysts used in their anodes and cathodes and the CO poisoning of these catalysts with alcohol oxidation by-products. Alcohols oxidation reaction occurred in the anode of DAFCs. Within this study, a tripartite catalyst, comprising cerium oxide (CeO2) and lanthanum oxide (La2O3) integrated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), was synthesized through the one-step hydrothermal. The lattice configuration and form of CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs and CeO2/La2O3 catalysts were scrutinized, alongside their efficacy in facilitating alcohol oxidation. In the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) processes, the CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs nanocatalyst demonstrated an oxidation current density of 74.4 mA/cm2 at 0.55 V and 52.1 mA/cm2 at 0.64 V in scan rate of 60 mV/s, respectively. CeO2/La2O3/MWCNTs also demonstrated 98.6 % and 97.7 % stability in current density after 2000 CV cycles in the MOR and EOR processes. The inclusion of MWCNTs bolstered the catalytic reaction of the catalyst in terms of stability and current density. This proposed nano-electrocatalyst offers a novel, cost-effective, and stable alternative in contrast to methanol and ethanol oxidation.
Challenges and Current Trends in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in EU Water Law Context
- Justyna Rogowska
- Grażyna Gałęzowska
- Agnieszka Zimmermann
2025 Antibiotics-Basel
The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, and their improper disposal have resulted in both pharmaceuticals and their metabolites being released into the environment, where they pose a risk to both ecosystems and human health. One of the most serious threats to public health associated with the presence of antibiotics in the environment is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to combat AMR, the legal aspect of water protection becomes a critical area of action. This article analyzes the current challenges and legislative developments in the European Union (EU) aimed at mitigating pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments, particularly with regard to AMR. It traces the evolution of EU water protection policies from the initial surface and groundwater directives to the recent updates of the Water Framework Directive, Groundwater Directive and Environmental Quality Standards Directive, focusing on the integration of pharmaceutical contaminants into the regulatory framework. In addition, these changes include the update of the Watch List system for monitoring emerging contaminants, the adoption of effects-based methods (EBMs) in the assessment of water status and the streamlining of the legislative process to respond more quickly to emerging threats in the aquatic environment. The EU’s strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment is emphasized as a key framework for harmonizing the environmental standards and addressing the problem of AMR through more sustainable pharmaceutical practices. This study advocates for a proactive, integrated approach to water policy that aligns regulatory actions with scientific advancements to protect public health and ecosystem integrity.
Chemical insight into pros and cons of coffees from different regions
- Elżbieta Grządka
- Agnieszka Starek-Wójcicka
- Marta Krajewska
- Jakub Matusiak
- Jolanta Orzeł
- Marek Studziński
- Michał Bonczyk
- Izabela Chmielewska
- Aleksandra Mieczkowska
- Oskar Ronda
- Bartłomiej Cieślik
2025 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports
The main aim of this work was to study the chemical composition of eighteen ground coffees from different countries and continents with regard to the content of hazardous substances as radioactive elements (40K, 226Ra, 228Ra, 234U, 238U and 137Cs), metals, including heavy metals, aluminum and some microelements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) as well as substances that have a positive effect on human health and well-being (polyphenols, proteins, fats and caffeine). The tests were carried out before and after the brewing process using the following techniques: gamma and beta spectrometry, a microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometer (MIP-OES), gravimetric method, UV–Vis spectrophotometry as well as thin-layer chromatography. The leaching percentage of certain elements/compounds in coffee infusions was also measured. The research showed clear differences between Arabica and Robusta coffees, and also allowed for identifying some differences between Arabica coffees depending on the place of their origin. The results presented can raise consumer awareness and help them make better food choices.