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  • Electrical properties of A-site Ca-doped LaNb1-xAsxO4-δ ceramics
    • Piotr Winiarz
    • Maria Gazda
    • Arkadiusz Dawczak
    • Sebastian Wachowski
    2024 SOLID STATE IONICS

    The electrical properties of A-site Ca-doped LaNbO4 with the addition of As in the B-site, have been investigated. Total, grain- and specific grain boundary electric conductivities in different oxygen partial pressure, and water vapour partial pressure were determined. Additional conductivity measurements were performed in nitrogen, to suppress the possible p-type conductivity, focusing on protonic conductivity. The maximum measured total conductivity was recorded for La0.99Ca0.01Nb0.9As0.1O4-δ at 800 °C, which was equal to 1.2·10−4 S·cm−1 in H2O- humidified air, and 2.2·10−5 S·cm−1 in H2O- humidified N2. From the deconvoluted data, the lowest activation energies for grain conduction were obtained in both atmospheres for La0.99Ca0.01Nb0.7As0.3O4-δ. In the temperature range 400 °C – 550 °C it was 0.23 eV and 0.13 eV respectively for H2O- humidified air and H2O- humidified N2. The results show that the increasing arsenic amount mainly influences the activation energies, whereas the calcium addition slightly improves the grain conductivity. The pO2 experiments revealed that in oxidizing atmospheres, electron holes contribute to the conductivity. The high proton transfer numbers were obtained for each sample, peaking at tH+ = 0.91 for LaNb0.7As0.3O4 at 400 °C. Interestingly, even at elevated temperatures relatively high values are obtained where tH+ = 0.87 was recorded at 800 °C for La0.99Ca0.01Nb0.9As0.1O4-δ.

  • Electrical Simulations of the SIS100 Superconducting Dipole and Quadrupole Circuits: Transients, Earthing and Failure Modes
    • Piotr Szwangruber
    • V. Raginel
    • D. Delkov
    • E. Ravaioli
    • V. Plyusnin
    • Michał Michna
    • Andrzej Wilk
    • Marek Wołoszyk
    • W. Freisleben
    • M. Dziewiecki
    • Michał Ziółko
    • C. Roux
    • Stanisław Galla
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

    The 100 Tm superconducting synchrotron SIS100 is the main accelerator of the international Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) currently under advanced construction in Darmstadt, Germany. The SIS100 dipole circuit which creates the magnetic field required to bend the beam, consists of 108 dipoles distributed over six arc sections of the ring. The magnetic field for the beam focusing is generated by three individual quadrupole circuits with total amount of 166 magnets located in both arc and straight sections of the ring. The dipole circuit is powered from two synchronized power converters and will be cycled up to 13.2 kA at 28 kA/s. The dipole magnet chain is not self-protecting. 12 energy extraction resistors are used to protect the superconducting coils and bus-bars against overheating and overvoltage in case of a quench. The largest quadrupole circuit consists of 83 magnets. The nominal current is 10.5 kA cycled up to 22 kA/s. Similarly to dipoles, the quadrupole circuit is not self-protecting. Four energy extraction units are used to discharge the circuit's energy in case of a quench or fast power abort. This work presents a customized Python software tool created to simulate electrical behavior of a superconducting magnet chain. The software is under development at GSI. However, certain modules strongly rely on the approach developed at CERN. The paper contains selected simulations of the SIS100 dipole and defocusing quadrupole circuits. Special attention is drawn to: transient effects during typical operation and during the fast power abort; the damping effect of vacuum chambers; voltage distribution in the circuits and basic failure modes.

  • Electrochemical cobalt oxidation in chloride media
    • Iryna Makarava
    • Jere Vanska
    • Agnieszka Kramek
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Benjamin Paul Wilson
    • Kirsi Yliniemi
    • Mari Lundstron
    2024 Pełny tekst MINERALS ENGINEERING

    The green transition, despite recent advances in cobalt-free battery technologies, is still highly dependent on the availability of critical cobalt-based materials. Consequently, there has been increasing interest towards the development of new methods that maximize critical metals recovery from industrial hydrometallurgical solutions. In the current study, direct anodic oxidation of cobalt species from cobalt chloride solutions was studied as one alternative future strategy for cobalt recovery. Electrochemical methods were used (cyclic voltammetry, potentiostatic anodic deposition) and the effect of pH, temperature, and the concentration of cobalt and chloride ions on cobalt precipitation were investigated. The increase of pH and temperature was shown to stabilize the electrochemical oxidation of cobalt, while a decrease in cobalt concentration had a negative effect on precipitation. Scanning Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy were exploited to evaluate the morphology, structure, and composition of obtained anodic product. Calculated for potentiostatic anodic deposition (at highest studied potential of 1300 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) nucleation mechanism shows that the rate of nucleation for oxygen-cobalt species is faster than the subsequent growth rate of nuclei (instantaneous mechanism). XPS results confirmed that mixed Co3O4/Co(OH)2/CoOOH precipitate could be obtained by optimized anodic potentiostatic deposition in the range from 900 to 1150 mV and pH from 3 to 6 at 60 °C.

  • Electrochemical detection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on gold electrode modified with DAL-PEG-DK5-PEG-OH - Antimicrobial peptide conjugate
    • Kosikowska Paulina
    • Anna Golda
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Magdalena Pilarczyk-zurek
    • Grzegorz Bereta
    • Tadeusz Ossowski
    • Adam Lesner
    • Joanna Koziel
    • Adam Prahl
    • Paweł Niedziałkowski
    2024 TALANTA.The International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry

    This work describes fabrication of gold electrodes modified with peptide conjugate DAL-PEG-DK5-PEG-OH that enables ultra-sensitive detection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from the reference strain of Escherichia coli O26:B6. The initial step of the established procedure implies immobilization of the fully protected DAL-PEG-DK5-PEG-OH peptide on the surface of the gold electrode previously modified by cysteamine. Then side chain- and Fmoc-deprotection was performed in situ on the electrode surface, followed by its incubation in 1 % of BSA solution to block non-specific bindings sites before LPS detection. The efficiency of the modification was confirmed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Additionally, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impendance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to monitor the effectiveness of each step of the modification. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of the surface-attached covalently bound peptide DAL-PEG-DK5-PEG-OH enables LPS detection by means of CV technique within the range from 5 × 10−13 to 5 × 10−4 g/mL in PBS solution. The established limit of detection (LOD) for EIS measurements was 4.93 × 10−21 g/mL with wide linear detection range from 5 × 10−21 to 5 × 10−14 g/mL in PBS solution. Furthermore, we confirmed the ability of the electrode to detect LPS in a complex biological samples, like mouse urine and human serum. The effectiveness of the electrodes in identifying LPS in both urine and serum matrices was confirmed for samples containing LPS at both 2.5 × 10−15 g/mL and 2.5 × 10−9 g/mL.

  • Electrode-based floating treatment wetlands: Insights into design operation factors influencing bioenergy generation and treatment performance
    • Ewa Wojciechowska
    • Joanna Strycharz
    • Nicole Nawrot
    • Sławomir Ciesielski
    • Przemysław Kowal
    • Krzysztof Czerwionka
    • Karolina Matej-Łukowicz
    2024 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Exponential increases in energy consumption and wastewater have often irreversible environmental impacts. As a result, bio-electrochemical devices like microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which convert chemical energy in organic matter to electricity using exoelectrogenic bacteria, have gained interest. However, operational factors affecting efficiency and energy output need further study. This research investigated bioenergy production and COD, TN, and TP removal in mesoscale floating treatment wetlands (FTW-MFC) using Phragmites australis, Iris pseudacorus, and a mix of both. The Iris FTW-MFC achieved a high voltage peak of 2100 mV, with maximum power densities of 484 mW/m², 1196 mW/m², and 441 mW/m² for Phragmites, Iris, and mixed FTW-MFCs, respectively. Despite promising bioenergy yields, pollutant removal was unsatisfactory. A low area/height ratio (0.38 m²/0.8 m) and high loading rate (18.1 g/m²·d COD) boosted bioenergy output but hindered treatment performance and stressed plants, causing root decay. No significant pollutant removal differences were found between FTW-MFC and FTW. Higher relative plant growth rates occurred in the FTW-MFC. Microbial analysis shown that representatives of Pseudomonas and Clostridium species were consistently found across all samples, involved in both organic compound transformation and electricity generation, contributed to successful microscale results. A supporting microscale MFC experiment showed wastewater composition's impact on bioenergy yield and pollutant removal. Pre-inoculated reactors improved organic matter transformation and electricity generation, while aeration increased voltage and treatment performance. The role of plants requires further verification in future experiments.

  • Electrophoretic deposition and characterization of composite chitosan/Eudragit E 100 or poly(4-vinylpyridine)/mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles coatings on pre-treated titanium for implant applications
    • Łukasz Pawłowski
    • Muhammad Asim Akhtar
    • Andrzej Zieliński
    • Aldo R. Boccaccini
    2024 SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY

    Titanium implants are surface-modified to achieve bioactivity and often antibacterial properties. Such surface coatings may increase corrosion degradation and be weakly attached to the substrate. In the present research, biodegradable composite coatings, investigated so far as smart environment-sensitive, slowly releasing silver to the implant neighborhood, were produced as a combination of chitosan (CS) with Eudragit E 100 (EE100) or poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) polymers incorporating mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs). Such coatings were designed to positively affect corrosion resistance, bioactivity in vitro, and the bonding to the surface. The coating was obtained in a single electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process on the surface of chemically etched grade 2 titanium. The deposition was carried out using an ethanol-based suspension for 5 min at 60 V. Suspension stability was assessed through the quantification of zeta potential. The fabricated coatings underwent microstructural analysis, chemical composition profiling, surface roughness measurement, wettability assessment, thickness determination, evaluation of corrosion resistance, and investigation of their adherence to metallic substrates. Additionally, an immersion test extending up to 14 days was employed to assess the coatings' capacity for calcium phosphate formation. The resulting coatings tightly covered the metallic substrate; the CS/EE100/MBGNs coating exhibited superior uniformity, which can be attributed to the increased stability of this suspension, indicated by a higher zeta potential value. The deposited MBGNs showed a diameter of <100 nm. The prepared coatings have contributed to improved corrosion resistance of the system and facilitated the deposition of calcium phosphates. All investigated surfaces showed hydrophilic properties. Substrate-coating adhesion was notably enhanced for the CS/EE100/MBGNs coating. The proposed coatings, after in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity studies, can successfully be applied on long-term load-bearing titanium bone implants.

  • Elucidating charge transfer process and enhancing electrochemical performance of laser-induced graphene via surface engineering with sustainable hydrogel membranes: An electrochemist's perspective
    • Mohsen Khodadadiyazdi
    • Aiswarya Manohar
    • Adrian Olejnik
    • Agata Smułka
    • Agnieszka Kramek
    • Mattia Pierpaoli
    • Mohammed Saeb
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    • Jacek Ryl
    2024 TALANTA.The International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry

    Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has emerged as a promising solvent-free strategy for producing highly porous, 3D graphene structures, particularly for electrochemical applications. However, the unique character of LIG and hydrogel membrane (HM) coated LIG requires accounting for the specific conditions of its charge transfer process. This study investigates electron transfer kinetics and the electroactive surface area of LIG electrodes, finding efficient kinetics for the [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- redox process, with a high rate constant of 4.89 x 10−3 cm/s. The impact of polysaccharide HM coatings (cationic chitosan, neutral agarose and anionic sodium alginate) on LIG's charge transfer behavior is elucidated, considering factors like ohmic drop across porous LIG and Coulombic interactions/permeability affecting diffusion coefficient (D), estimated from amperometry.It was found that D of redox species is lower for HM-coated LIGs, and is the lowest for chitosan HM. Chitosan coating results in increased capacitive share in the total current while does not apparently reduce Faradaic current. Experimental findings are supported by ab-initio calculations showing an electrostatic potential map's negative charge distribution upon chitosan chain protonation, having an effect in over a two-fold redox current increase upon switching the pH from 7.48 to 1.73. This feature is absent for other studied HMs. It was also revealed that the chitosan's band gap was reduced to 3.07 eV upon acetylation, due to the introduction of a new LUMO state. This study summarizes the operating conditions enhanced by HM presence, impacting redox process kinetics and presenting unique challenges for prospective LIG/HM systems' electrochemical applications.

  • Elucidating photoluminescent properties of Eu‐doped Ca–Al–Si–O(–N) glasses and the local structures of Eu ions
    • Hiroyo Segawa
    • Natalia Wójcik
    • Kohsei Takahashi
    • Takashi Takeda
    • Sharafat Ali
    2024 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY

    Europium (Eu) ion–doped luminescent materials have attracted considerable attention for their numerous optical applications. Eu-doped Ca–Al–Si–O(–N) glasses were synthesized from a mixture of oxynitride glasses and Eu2O3 powder using a standard melt-quenching technique in a radiofrequency furnace. The source Eu trivalent ions primarily changed to Eu2+ during melting, and the ratio of Eu2+ ions increased with an increase in Eu content in the starting mixture. All the prepared glasses exhibited photoluminescence (PL) owing to the 5d–4f transition of Eu2+ ions. The absorption edge and PL wavelength shifted to longer wavelength with an increase in Eu content. Moreover, oxynitride glasses exhibited a longer wavelength than those of oxide glasses. The internal quantum efficiency (IQE) increased with the increase in Eu content until it reached a maximum. X-ray absorption structure and electron spin resonance spectroscopies were used to determine the local structure of Eu ions, which confirmed that changes in the local structure of Eu ions were responsible for the shift in PL peak and the change in IQE. The development of the Eu-doped Ca–Al–Si–O–N glasses is highly inspiring for transparent phosphors.

  • Embracing silence: Creating inclusive spaces for autistic employees
    • Joanna Szulc
    2024 Pełny tekst Industrial and Organizational Psychology-Perspectives on Science and Practice

    I concur with Asselineau et al. (2024) that workplace silence profoundly impacts individual and organizational processes. Although they have detailed its significance across different contexts, a vital aspect merits deeper investigation. Namely, many autistic individuals exhibit hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as noise. For this demographic, as well as for nonautistic individuals with sensory processing disorders, exposure to noise can be extremely distressing. In this commentary, I outline how Asselineau et al.’s ideas can be further applied in the context of autistic employees and those with sensory processing disorders to benefit both affected individuals and employers

  • Emission and properties of airborne wear particles from train brake friction materials based on novolac phenolic resins and butadiene rubbers
    • Yurii Tsybrii
    • Oleksii Nosko
    • Izabela Zglobicka
    • Michal Kuciej
    2024 Pełny tekst WEAR

    The emission of airborne particulate matter from a train brake depends on the formulation of its friction material. This study investigates the emission and properties of wear particles from train brake friction materials based on straight or resorcinol-modified novolac phenolic resin and nitrile or styrene butadiene rubber used as binding ingredients. The wear particles are generated by a pin-on-disc tribomachine inside an aerodynamic chamber, counted and collected using aerosol measurement techniques, subjected to microscopic and elemental analysis. It has been found that the modification of novolac phenolic resin with resorcinol has no considerable effects on the emission of wear particles and their properties. By contrast, replacing styrene butadiene rubber with nitrile butadiene rubber leads to a significant decrease in the emission of 0.1–10 μm wear particles.

  • Employment of University Graduates in the Era of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Prospects
    • Nina Rizun
    • Halina Ryzhkova
    • Irena Pawłyszyn
    • Charalampos Harris Alexopoulos
    2024

    Digital technologies are profoundly reshaping the labor market, causing structural shifts in the economy and altering the nature of work. These changes have significant implications for youth employment, exacerbating the issue of unemployment. This paper delves into the importance of graduate employment in contemporary society, with a particular focus on the influence of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence. The authors explore the challenges associated with digital transformation and underscore the pivotal role of universities in nurturing skills essential for successful employment. The paper also looks at the prospects for graduates in this dynamic environment, which offers both challenges and opportunities for career growth. This research may be relevant for developing directions to improve the preparation of students for the rapidly changing labor market

  • Emulsifying blends based on natural fats for eco-design of O/W emulsions
    • Patrycja Szumała
    • Elżbieta Pyrz
    2024 JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION

    Emulsifier blends are most often used to stabilize and modulate the properties of cosmetic and pharmaceutical emulsions, such as skin care or application-related consistency. However, the rational design of such emulsifier blends is often not well understood, especially when their ingredients are natural raw materials. This study aimed to analyze the influence of natural fatty ingredients selected as emulsifiers on the emulsion properties. For this purpose, the stability, microstructure and rheological properties of the produced emulsions were monitored during their storage. The effect of five blends containing fatty alcohols, cetyl palmitate, beeswax, avocado butter and one typical emulsifier, i.e. sorbitan oleate, in various weight proportions, was analyzed. Even though the blends contained only hydrophobic ingredients, O/W type emulsions were obtained. The results indicate that all blends can stabilize O/W emulsions, but with a specific qualitative and quantitative composition. The crystal structures created by the blend components were responsible for the stabilization of all emulsions, but the most beneficial properties were provided by the blend with the addition of beeswax and sorbitan oleate. These findings provide new insights into the design of safe and ecological emulsions.

  • Encapsulation of Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite photocatalyst with polythiophene for prolonged activity in oxidizing and humid environment
    • Magdalena Miodyńska
    • Olga Kaczmarczyk
    • Wojciech Lisowski
    • Andrzej Żak
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Monika Paszkiewicz
    • Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
    2024 Pełny tekst APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    Despite their growing popularity in modern technology, halide perovskites suffer from susceptibility to oxidation, limiting their applications. Our aim was to enhance Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite's performance in humid environments through polythiophene encapsulation. This extended its lifespan while preserving photocatalytic abilities, as demonstrated in toluene decomposition experiments. We confirmed the stability of Cs3Bi2Br9 encapsulated with polythiophene over four photocatalytic cycles and identified photogenerated electrons and superoxide radicals as key contributors to toluene decomposition. Benzaldehyde was detected as the primary toluene decomposition product, and we observed partial pollutant mineralization, evidenced by increased CO2 concentration after photocatalysis. Additionally, using hybrid ex–situ transmission electron microscopy, we observed delayed oxidation of encapsulated perovskite. Encapsulation hindered, but did not entirely prevent, water vapor penetration into Cs3Bi2Br9 particles. This progress suggests promising prospects for perovskite–based composites retaining photocatalytic capabilities under elevated humidity conditions.

  • Energy-Efficient Self-Supervised Technique to Identify Abnormal User Over 5G Network for E-Commerce
    • Arsalan Muhammad Soomar
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

    Within the realm of e-commerce networks, it is frequently observed that certain users exhibit behavior patterns that differ substantially from the normative behaviors exhibited by the majority of users. The identification of these atypical individuals and the understanding of their behavioral patterns are of significant practical significance in maintaining order on e-commerce platforms. One such method for accomplishing this objective entails examining the behavioral tendencies of atypical users through the abstraction of e-commerce networks as heterogeneous information networks. These networks are then transformed into a bipartite graph that establishes associations between users and devices. The Self-Supervised Aberrant Detection Model (SAD) has been proposed within this theoretical framework as a means to identify and detect users who exhibit aberrant behavior. The SSADM methodology utilizes a self-supervised learning process that utilizes autoencoders to encode representations of user nodes. The proposed method aims to maximize a combined objective function for backpropagation while utilizing support vector data description to detect abnormalities in the representations of user nodes. In summary, many tests have been conducted utilizing both authentic network datasets and partially synthetic network datasets to demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of the SAD technique, specifically within the domain of an energy-efficient 5G network.

  • Engineering education for smart grid systems in the quasi-industrial environment of the LINTE^2 laboratory
    • Andrzej Augusiak
    • Filip Kutt
    • Piotr Musznicki
    • Janusz Nieznański
    2024 Global Journal of Engineering Education

    Smart grid systems are revolutionising the electric power sector, integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, reliability and sustainability. It is important for higher education to equip the prospective smart grid professional with the competencies enabling them to navigate through the related complexities and drive innovation. To achieve this, interdisciplinary education programmes are necessary, addressing inter alia integration of renewable energy sources, data analytics, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, policies and regulatory frameworks. Hands-on experience, industrial training and research-based learning are also highly desirable components of such programmes. This article describes how Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), Gdańsk, Poland, employs its unique Laboratory for Innovative Power Systems and Integration of Renewable Energy Sources (LINTE^2 Lab), to support comprehensive education in smart grids. Starting with simulation and virtualisation, students gradually extend their knowledge and competencies through project, research and challenge-based activities in the quasi-industrial environment of the LINTE^2 Lab.

  • English Language Learning Employing Developments in Multimedia IS
    • Piotr Odya
    • Adam Kurowski
    • Andrzej Czyżewski
    2024 Pełny tekst

    In the realm of the development of information systems related to education, integrating multimedia technologies offers novel ways to enhance foreign language learning. This study investigates audio-video processing methods that leverage real-time speech rate adjustment and dynamic captioning to support English language acquisition. Through a mixed-methods analysis involving participants from a language school, we explore the impact of auditory, visual, and bimodal input enhancements on learning outcomes. Results reveal that visual enhancements, especially caption highlighting, significantly enhance vocabulary acquisition and pronunciation, whereas simultaneous auditory-visual modifications show less advantage. Overall findings suggest that multimedia-enhanced environments, particularly those emphasizing visual input, can substantially improve language learning efficiency. This research contributes to Information Systems (IS) development education by proposing practical tools and strategies for embedding multimedia content in e-learning, thereby addressing the diverse needs of students in the digital era.

  • Enhanced acceptor concentration, proton conductivity, and hydration in multicomponent rare‐earth ortho‐niobates
    • Arkadiusz Dawczak
    • Wojciech Skubida
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Maria Gazda
    2024 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY

    The structural properties of (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)1−xCaxNbO4−δ (x = 0–0.05) series have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature. The thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetry, from which the concentration of proton defects was determined. Additionally, dilatometry studies were carried out, from which the thermal expansion coefficients and the phase transition temperature between low- and high-temperature polymorphs were determined. In order to determine the electrical properties, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements under atmospheres of dry synthetic air and saturated with water vapor and heavy water at 300–800°C temperature range were performed. All the studied materials were single-phase compositions and were stable in monoclinic I2/c crystal structure at room temperature. The water uptake studies revealed a small mass change under the switch from dry to humidified synthetic air atmospheres, suggesting the formation of proton defects. The phase transition from monoclinic to tetragonal crystal structure in the (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)1−xCaxNbO4−δ (x = 0–0.05) series occurs above 650°C. A small amount of calcium dopant increases the total conductivity in all tested atmospheres by two orders of magnitude, for example, from 0.34 μS cm−1 in La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2NbO4 to 63.7 μS cm−1 in (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)0.95Ca0.05NbO4−δ at 700°C in humid synthetic air atmosphere.

  • Enhanced cellulose extraction from agave plant (Agave americana Species) for synthesis of magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite for defluoridation of water
    • Samuel Latebo Majamo
    • Temesgen Amibo
    • Ermias Tsegaw
    2024 Materials Today Communications

    Research on fluoride removal from water is currently focusing on the development of innovative materials for defluoridation water. The current study extracted and used enhanced cellulose from Agave americana species to synthesize a magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite for water defluoridation. Strong and light binary acids (H2SO4 and CH3COOH) were utilized to pretreat raw material to enhance cellulose extraction. Central composite design (CCD) was used to design experiments to find optimum condition for cellulose extraction. Four key factors (H2SO4 to CH3COOH ratio, acid concentration, temperature, and contact time) with three levels were designed by CCD. The lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose content of raw agave cellulosic fiber in this study were 5.5 ± 0.27, 20.5 ± 0.23 and 60.4 ± 0.31 % respectively. While, at the optimum conditions of 2.3 % acid concentration, 0.44 H2SO4 to CH3COOH ratio, 83.2 min of retention time, and 105.5 oC, cellulose content reached 940.25 %. Then, enhanced cellulose was covered with magnetic components, resulting in a magnetic/cellulose nano- composite. The adsorbent materials were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X- Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, textural features of the adsorbent were investigated. All characterization results suggest that the synthesized adsorbent has the required properties. Adsorption tests were carried out using various interaction components. The combined effects of critical process variables on defluoridation were examined. The adsorption isotherm was calculated. Overall, the research demonstrated that the produced magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite can be employed as an efficient and ecologically acceptable adsorbent for fluoride removal from water.

  • Enhanced electrochemical activity of boron-doped nanocarbon functionalized reticulated vitreous carbon structures for water treatment applications
    • Iwona Kaczmarzyk
    • Mariusz Banasiak
    • Paweł Jakóbczyk
    • Michał Sobaszek
    • Gabriel Strugała
    • Tomasz Seramak
    • Paweł Rostkowski
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Mirosław Sawczak
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    2024 Pełny tekst DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS

    An extraordinary charge transfer kinetics and chemical stability make a boron-doped diamond (BDD) a prom- ising material for electrochemical applications including wastewater treatment. Yet, with flat geometrical sur- faces its scaling options are limited. In this study, the reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) served as a substrate for boron-doped diamondized nanocarbons (BDNC) film growth resulting with complex heterogeneity carbon structures with different morphologies defined by using electron microscopy, microtomography, activation en- ergy studies, and Raman spectroscopy. The proposed modification significantly boosted the electrochemical Fe(CN)6 3 /4 redox activity. The vol- tammetry and impedimetric studies revealed its origin as a significantly higher share of electrochemically active sites at the BDNC@RVC electrode (increased by 114 %) combined with enhanced heterogeneous rate constant (2× increase up to 8.24⋅10 4 cm s 1). Finally, to establish its applicability for water treatment, the BDNC@RVC was studied as the anode in electrochemical paracetamol decomposition. Boron-enriched nanoarchitecture formed at the RVC electrode surface substantially reduced the oxidation energy barrier manifested as a decrease in activation overpotential by 212 mV, which gave a consequence in a 78 % removal rate (in 4 h, at 0.7 mA cm 2), 12 % higher than bare RVC and yielding lower amounts of APAP decomposition intermediates.

  • Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of MnCo1.5Fe0.5O4Spinel for Oxygen Evolution Reaction through Heat Treatment
    • Krystian Lankauf
    • Bartłomiej Lemieszek
    • Karolina Górnicka
    • Patryk Błaszczak
    • Marcin Zając
    • Piotr Jasiński
    • Sebastian Molin
    2024 Pełny tekst ENERGY & FUELS

    MnCo1.5Fe0.5O4 spinel oxide was synthesized using the sol−gel technique, followed by heat treatment at various temperatures (400, 600, 800, and 1000 °C). The prepared materials were examined as anode electrocatalysts for watersplitting systems in alkaline environments. Solid-state characterization methods, such as powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), were used to analyze the materials’ crystallographic structure and surface characteristics. The intrinsic activity of the MnCo1.5Fe0.5O4 was fine-tuned by altering the electronic structure by controlling the calcination temperature, and the highest activity was observed for the sample treated at 800 °C. A shift in the valence state of surface cations under oxidative conditions in an alkaline solution during the oxygen evolution reaction was detected through ex situ XAS measurements. Moreover, the influence of the experimental conditions on the electrocatalytic performance of the material, including the pH of the electrolyte and the temperature, was demonstrated.

  • Enhanced electrochemical performance of partially amorphous La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ oxygen electrode materials for low-temperature solid oxide cells operating at 400 °C
    • Bartłomiej Lemieszek
    • Mindaugas Ilickas
    • Jan Jamroz
    • Asta Tamulevičienė
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Patryk Błaszczak
    • Alexey Maximenko
    • Brigita Abakevičiene
    • Marcin Małys
    • Sigitas Tamulevičius
    • Piotr Jasiński
    • Sebastian Molin
    2024 Pełny tekst APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    This work evaluates partially amorphous La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSC) as a potential oxygen electrode for lowtemperature solid oxide cells. LSC was deposited using the spin-coating technique onto Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ (CGO) substrates. The optimal oxygen electrode thickness was determined as 500 nm. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study showed a significant improvement in oxygen reduction/oxidation reaction kinetics when annealing temperatures below 600 ◦C. The lowest value of the polarisation resistance was observed for the sample annealed at 400 ◦C, followed by a temperature of 500 ◦C. EIS measurements at different pO2 content were performed at levels between 0.5 % and 20 %. A comprehensive equivalent circuit analysis was carried out for an explanation of the limiting factors of the catalytic reaction. X-ray absorption fine structure analysis allowed for the identification of differences between crystalline LSC and its partially amorphous form. X-ray absorption nearedge spectroscopy analysis indicated that cobalt adopts a lower oxidation state for the partially amorphous form. Moreover, extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis indicated the decreased of cobalt oxidation state in partially amorphous LSC. It can be assumed that the increased activity of LSC at temperatures below the crystallization may be due to increased defects and oxygen vacancies in the material.

  • Enhanced Mechanical and Electromechanical Properties of Compositionally Complex Zirconia Zr1–x(Gd1/5Pr1/5Nd1/5Sm1/5Y1/5)xO2−δ Ceramics
    • Ahsanul Kabir
    • Bartłomiej Lemieszek
    • Maxim Varenik
    • Victor Buratto Tinti
    • Sebastian Molin
    • Igor Lubomirsky
    • Vincenzo Esposito
    • Frank Kern
    2024 ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

    Compositionally complex oxides (CCOs) or high-entropy oxides (HEOs) are new multi-element oxides with unexplored physical and functional properties. In this work, we report fluorite structure derived compositionally complex zirconia with composition Zr1- x(Gd1/5Pr1/5Nd1/5Sm1/5Y1/5)xO2-δ (x = 0.1 and 0.2) synthesized in solid-state reaction route and sintered via hot pressing at 1350 °C. We explore the evolution of these oxides' structural, microstructural, mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties regarding phase separation and sintering mechanisms. Highly dense ceramics are achieved by bimodal mass diffusion, composing nanometric tetragonal and micrometric cubic grains microstructure. The material exhibits an anomalously large electrostriction response exceeding the M33 value of 10−17 m 2 /V2 at room temperatures and viscoelastic properties of primary creep in nanoindentation measurement under fast loading. These findings are strikingly similar to those reported for doped ceria and bismuth oxide derivates, highlighting the presence of a large concentration of point defects linked to structural distortion and anelastic behavior are characteristics of nonclassical ionic electrostrictors.

  • Enhanced Spectroscopic Insight into Acceptor-Modified Barium Strontium Titanate Thin Films Deposited via the Sol–Gel Method
    • Dionizy Czekaj
    • Agata Lisińska-Czekaj
    2024 Pełny tekst Materials

    In the present paper, composite thin films of barium strontium titanate (BaxSr1−xTiO3) with an acceptor modifier (magnesium oxide—MgO) were deposited on metal substrates (stainless steel type) using the sol–gel method. The composite thin films feature BaxSr1−xTiO3 ferroelectric solid solution as the matrix and MgO linear dielectric as the reinforcement, with MgO concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 mol%. Following thermal treatment at 650 °C, the films were analyzed for their impedance response. Experimental impedance spectra were modeled using the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts function, revealing stretching parameters (β) in the range of approximately 0.78 to 0.89 and 0.56 to 0.90 for impedance and electric modulus formalisms, respectively. Notably, films modified with 3 mol% MgO exhibited the least stretched relaxation function. Employing the electric equivalent circuit method for data analysis, the “circle fit” analysis demonstrated an increase in capacitance from 2.97 × 10−12 F to 5.78 × 10−10 F with the incorporation of 3 mol% MgO into BST-based thin films. Further analysis based on Voigt, Maxwell, and ladder circuits revealed trends in resistance and capacitance components with varying MgO contents, suggesting non-Debye-type relaxation phenomena across all tested samples.

  • Enhanced visible light-activated gas sensing properties of nanoporous copper oxide thin films
    • Andrzej Kwiatkowski
    • Janusz Smulko
    • Katarzyna Drozdowska
    2024 Pełny tekst SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS

    Metal oxide gas sensors are popular chemoresistive sensors. They are used for numerous tasks, including environmental and safety monitoring. Some gas-sensing materials exhibit photo-induced properties that can be utilized for enhanced gas detection by modifying the sensor selectivity and sensitivity when illuminated by light. Here, we present the gas sensing characteristics of highly nanoporous Cu2O thin films towards both electrophilic (NO2) and nucleophilic (C2H5OH, NH3) gas molecules under ambient temperature and modulated by visible light illumination of different colors (red: 632 nm, green: 530 nm, blue: 468 nm). Cu2O films were fabricated by reactive advanced gas deposition (AGD) technology. The surface and structural analysis of the samples confirm the deposition of nanoporous thin films of mixed copper oxide phases. The gas sensing property of Cu2O exhibited expected p-type semiconductor behavior upon electrophilic and nucleophilic gas exposures. Our results show that visible light illumination provides enhanced sensor response.

  • Enhancing Business Process Management Through Nature Assessment: Development and Deployment of the Business Process Nature Assessment Tool
    • Marzena Grzesiak
    • Marek Szelągowski
    • Marek Moszyński
    • Justyna Berniak-Woźny
    2024

    In contemporary business landscapes, the diverse nature of processes necessitates a thor-ough assessment before implementing Business Process Management (BPM). However, conducting such assessments can be arduous, particularly for small and medium-sized en-terprises. This study aims to address this challenge by developing and showcasing the utility of an online tool based on the Business Process Nature Assessment Framework (BPNAF). The BPNAF facilitates integrated assessments of business processes, aligning with estab-lished BPM methodologies and lifecycles. Through an illustrative case study, this research examines the efficacy of this tool in assessing the processes / nature. The BPNA tool ena-bles swift and effective evaluations of process unpredictability and knowledge intensity, aiding in selecting appropriate BPM methodologies, Knowledge Management (KM) and Human Resource Management (HRM) strategies, and supporting IT systems. Visualised results offer clear recommendations tailored to the organisation's unique process landscape, accommodating standard and customised recommendations. By contributing insights into practical BPNAF implementation, this study plays a pivotal role in advancing BPM assess-ment methodologies and enriching the understanding and practice of BP management. This research underscores the critical role of BP assessment in organisational success, advocating for informed decision-making and best practices in BPM.

  • Enhancing chain-elongating microbiomes: Sequential fungi-bacteria cooperation for efficient food waste upgrading using endogenous electron donors
    • Xiang Li
    • Xiaolin Lei
    • Zhichao Guo
    • Ziyi Yan
    • Xia Gu
    • Xianbao Xu
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Gang Xue
    • Jiajie Xu
    • Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel
    • Jacek Mąkinia
    2024 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL

    The upgrading of organic waste such as food waste (FW) into medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) is within a bio-based circular economy concept. An efficient chain elongation (CE) microbiome is difficult to obtain, which normally requires long-term acclimatization and an exogenous supplement of electron donor (ED, especially ethanol). In this study, the CE microbiome was rapidly shaped within 18 days and an efficient endogenous ethanol-based CE was achieved through the amendment of distiller yeast (DY) during FW fermentation. Multiple FW feeding accumulated the caproate concentration to 5.76 ± 0.33 g COD/L, which also regulated the CE process from ethanol-dependent to lactate-dependent metabolism. During the lactate-based CE process, the caproate production increased linearly (R2 = 0.82) with the rising D-lactate content. Ethanol-producing fungi yeast mainly consisted of Wickerhamomyces (66.54 %), Saccharomycopsis (5.37 %), Issatchenkia (2.21 %), unclassified_f_Metschnikowiaceae (1.73 %), and Saccharomyces (1.33 %). These yeasts were eliminated by FW feeding, which was in line with the alteration of ED preference from ethanol to lactate. Metagenome analysis indicated that the total relative abundance of lactate-based chain elongators including Ruminococcaceae bacterium CPB6, Clostridium luticellarii, Caproiciproducens galactitolivorans, and Megasphaera elsdenii was increased by 28.6 %, while the ethanol-based chain elongator Clostridium kluyveri kept stable after FW feeding. In addition, the functional genes related to the oxidation of lactate to acetyl-CoA were enriched after FW feeding, which further enhanced the subsequent CE pathway of acetyl-CoA-based reverse β oxidation rather than the fatty acids synthesis. This study provides a new insight into upgrading FW into valuable MCC without exogenous ED addition.

  • Enhancing colloidal stability of nanodiamond via surface modification with dendritic molecules for optical sensing in physiological environments
    • Maciej Głowacki
    • Paweł Niedziałkowski
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Marta Prześniak-Welenc
    • Mirosław Sawczak
    • Klaudia Prusik
    • Mateusz Ficek
    • Monika Janik
    • Krzysztof Pyrchla
    • Michał Olewniczak
    • Krzysztof Bojarski
    • Jacek Czub
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    2024 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE

    Pre-treatment of diamond surface in low-temperature plasma for oxygenation and in acids for carboxylation was hypothesized to promote the branching density of the hyperbranched glycidol polymer. This was expected to increase the homogeneity of the branching level and suppress interactions with proteins. As a result, composite nanodiamonds with reduced hydrodynamic diameters that are maintained in physiological environments were anticipated. Surfaces of 140-nm-sized nanodiamonds were functionalized with oxygen and carboxyl groups for grafting of hyperbranched dendritic polyglycerol via anionic ring-opening polymerization of glycidol. The modification was verified with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering investigated colloidal stability in pH-diverse (2–12) solutions, concentrated phosphate-buffered saline, and cell culture media. Thermogravimetric analysis of nanodiamonds-protein incubations examined non-specific binding. Fluorescence emission was tested across pH conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations modeled interparticle interactions in ionic solutions. The hyperbranched polyglycerol grafting increased colloidal stability of nanodiamonds across diverse pH, high ionic media like 10 × concentrated phosphate-buffered saline, and physiological media like serum and cell culture medium. The hyperbranched polyglycerol suppressed non-specific protein adsorption while maintaining intensive fluorescence of nanodiamonds regardless of pH. Molecular modelling indicated reduced interparticle interactions in ionic solutions correlating with the improved colloidal stability.

  • Enhancing electrical properties through in-situ controlled nanocrystallization of V2O5–TeO2 glass
    • Piotr Okoczuk
    • Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
    • Leon Murawski
    • Tomasz Pietrzak
    • Natalia Wójcik
    • Fabian Garmroudi
    • Leszek Wicikowski
    • Barbara Kościelska
    2024 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE

    V2O5–TeO2 glass–ceramics (VTGC) were prepared by controlled annealing of the V2O5–TeO2 glass (VTG), which illustrates a parent glass matrix with a single charge carrier. The annealing proceeded at six temperatures selected between the glass transition and the maximum of the frst crystallization process to obtain various nanocrystallite sizes. Heat treatment caused an increase in DC conductivity by 2.5–3.5 (250–285 °C) order of magnitude. Using thermal analysis, the crystal growth process was determined to be 1D. Structural studies show that the obtained materials are partially amorphous and polycrystalline with nanometersized crystallites. Subtle thread-like structures were observed using conductive AFM. The activation energy of the conduction process decreased from 0.38 eV in VTG to 0.18–0.11 eV (250–285 °C) in VTGC. The radii of crystallites were calculated based on the theoretical model of electron hopping between connected semiconducting nanocrystallites and vary between 1.7 and 2.8 nm (250–285 °C). Thermoelectric studies indicate constant carrier concentration. Features characteristic of small polaron hopping-governed materials were observed. We suggest V3O7 nanocrystals as conductive media in VTGC.

  • Enhancing environmental literacy through urban technology-based learning. The PULA app case
    • Ewa Duda
    • Helena Anacka
    • Hanna Obracht-prondzyńska
    • Hanne Cecilie Geirbo
    • Jolanta Kowal
    2024

    This study addresses the need to enhance environmental literacy, focusing on urban adults through mobile applications, based on the example of PULA app that engages early adopters in gamified pro- environmental activities, offering insights into informal learning. Grounded in 'urban pedagogy,' the study combines semi-structured interviews with 17 application testers and quantitative data analysis, unveiling motivations, user feedback, and success aspects. Motivations include a desire for environmental impact, heightened climate awareness, and behavioral transformation. Users perceive knowledge increase as a key benefit, emphasizing educational features, gamification, and social interaction. Success aspects manifest in a sense of belonging, positive behavioral changes, and heightened environmental responsibility. Optimizing the environmentally-friendly app requires continuous gamified content innovation, technical issue resolution, and diverse educational content. Strengthening social interaction features and conducting longitudinal studies are crucial for sustained impact. This study advances our understanding of mobile apps' role in promoting environmental literacy, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital platforms and collaborative efforts for sustainable impact.

  • Enhancing Facial Palsy Treatment through Artificial Intelligence: From Diagnosis to Recovery Monitoring
    • Antoni Górecki
    • Magdalena Mazur-Milecka
    2024

    The objective of this study is to develop and assess a mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support the rehabilitation of individuals with facial nerve paralysis. The application features two primary functionalities: assessing the paralysis severity and facilitating the monitoring of rehabilitation exercises. The AI algorithm employed for this purpose was Google's ML Kit “face-detection”. The classification of facial nerve palsy was achieved by measuring the asymmetry of the user's face using a proprietary algorithm developed specifically for this study. This approach not only enables a precise assessment of paralysis severity but also allows for a personalized rehabilitation experience. Furthermore, the monitoring of rehabilitation exercise adherence and correctness is conducted through algorithms crafted for this application to ensure that patients are performing their prescribed rehabilitation exercises effectively. This comprehensive system offers a tailored and interactive approach to the management of facial nerve paralysis through the integration of AI algorithms and user-friendly mobile technology.

  • Enhancing middle ear implants: Study of biocompatible materials with hydroxyapatite coating
    • Omar Khatir
    • Fekih Sidi Mohamed
    • Abdulmohsen Albedah
    • Atef Hamada
    • Łukasz Pawłowski
    • Abderahmene Sahli
    • Benkhettou Abdelkader
    • Ismail Boudjemaa
    • Belabbes Bachir Bouiadjra
    2024 MECHANICS OF ADVANCED MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES

    In this manuscript, the application of hydroxyapatite coatings to total ossicular reconstruction prostheses (TORPs) using finite element modeling simulations was investigated to enhance the biocompatibility and mechanical performance of these prosthetic devices for middle ear implants. We focused on evaluating biocompatible materials, particularly polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium, by analyzing their mechanical behavior under simulated conditions. The results revealed that PEEK demonstrates mechanical performance almost on par with titanium, exhibiting excellent stability and resilience within the middle ear environment. PEEK offers several key advantages over titanium, including easier fabrication, greater availability, and a simplified application process for hydroxyapatite coatings. These benefits suggest that PEEK could be a highly effective alternative to titanium for use in middle ear prostheses. The findings of this study highlight the potential of PEEK to improve the design and functionality of middle ear implants, providing a promising direction for future research and development in this field. By leveraging the advantages of PEEK, we can advance the effectiveness and accessibility of middle ear prosthetic devices, ultimately benefiting patients requiring such interventions.

  • Enhancing nitrogen removal in the partial denitrification/anammox processes for SO4− - Rich wastewater treatment: Insights into autotrophic and mixotrophic strategies
    • Dominika Derwis
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Joanna Majtacz
    • Slawomir Ciesielski
    • Jacek Mąkinia
    2024 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

    The investigation of partial denitrification/anammox (PD/anammox) processes was conducted under autotrophic (N–S cycle) and mixotrophic (N–S–C cycle) conditions over 180 days. Key findings revealed the remarkable capability of SO42--dependent systems to produce NO2− effectively, supporting anaerobic NH4+ oxidation. Additionally, SO42− served as an additional electron acceptor in sulfate reduction ammonium oxidation (SRAO). Increasing influent SO42− concentrations notably improved ammonia utilization rates (AUR) and NH4+ and total nitrogen (TN) utilization efficiencies, peaking at 57% for SBR1 and nearly 100% for SBR2. Stoichiometric analysis showed a 7.5-fold increase in AUR (SRAO and anammox) in SBR1 following SO42− supplementation. However, the analysis for SBR2 indicated a shift towards SRAO and mixotrophic denitrification, with anammox disappearing entirely by the end of the study. Comparative assessments between SBR1 and SBR2 emphasized the impact of organic compounds (CH3COONa) on transformations within the N–S–C cycle. SBR1 performance primarily involved anammox, SRAO and other SO42− utilization pathways, with minimal S-dependent autotrophic denitrification (SDAD) involvement. In contrast, SBR2 performance encompassed SRAO, mixotrophic denitrification, and other pathways for SO42− production. The SRAO process involved two dominant genera, such as Candidatus Brocadia and PHOS-HE36.

  • Enhancing rheological muscle models with stochastic processes
    • Bartłomiej Zagrodny
    • Wiktoria Wojnicz
    • Michał Ludwicki
    • Robert Barański
    2024 Pełny tekst Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

    Purpose: Biological musculoskeletal systems operate under variable conditions. Muscle stiffness, activation signals, and loads change during each movement. The presence of noise and different harmonic components in force production significantly influences the behaviour of the muscular system. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in numerical simulations. Methods: This study aims to develop a rheological mathematical model that accurately represents the behaviour of the actual muscular system, taking into account the phenomena described by the stochastic model in the form of stationary processes. Stochastic disturbances were applied to simulate variable conditions, in which musculo-skeletal system operates. Numerical simulations were conducted for two dynamic tasks, where we calculated the internal force generated by the system (task 1), and its displacement (task 2). These simulations were performed using two different datasets sourced from the literature. In the next step, simulation results were compared with our own experiment. Results: The considered mathematical model was successfully tuned and compared with both the literature data and our own experimental results. During the analysis of muscle model behavior, depending on the data source for model tuning, we observed distinct frequency characterized by a sine-type pattern and a higher frequencies marked by stochastic perturbations. Conclusions: The proposed model can be customized to simulate systems of varying sizes, levels of maximum voluntary contraction, and the effects of perturbations, closely resembling real-world data. The presented approach can be applied to simulate the behaviour of the musculoskeletal system as well as of individual muscles.

  • Enhancing seismic performance of steel buildings having semi-rigid connection with infill masonry walls considering soil type effects
    • Farzin Kazemi
    • Neda Asgarkhani
    • Robert Jankowski
    2024 SOIL DYNAMICS AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING

    Unpreventable constructional defects are the main issues in the case of steel Moment-Resisting Frames (MRFs) that mostly occur in the rigidities of beam-to-column connections. The present article aims to investigate the effects of different rigidities of structures and to propose Infill Masonry Walls (IMWs) as retrofitting strategy for the steel damaged buildings. A fault or failure to meet a certain consideration of the soil type beneath the building and the current rigidity of connections can cause mistake in determining the performance of building. Therefore, this study comprehensively explores different conditions of soil types, connection rigidities, and implementing IMWs on the 3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-story MRFs. Two nonlinear analyses, namely Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis (NDA) and Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) were performed on 384 steel MRFs having different conditions of defects and the results of the analysis include 3456 performance curves assuming three ground motion subsets recommended by FEMA P695. The results confirm that the proposed retrofitting procedure can effectively improve the performance levels of MRFs, which the connections rigidity of 90 %, 80 %, 70 %, 60 %, and 50 % can reduce the collapse performance level by 2.86 %, 5.35 %, 9.31 %, 16.56 %, and 34.65 %, respectively.

  • Enhancing the bioconversion rate and end products of black soldier fly (BSF) treatment – A comprehensive review
    • Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
    • Özge Süfer
    • Gülşah Çalışkan Koç
    • Hanif Lutuf
    • Teguh Rahayu
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    • Ito Fernando
    2024 Pełny tekst ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

    Food security remains a pressing concern in the face of an increasing world population and environmental challenges. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity continue to impact agricultural productivity, traditional livestock farming faces limitations in meeting the growing global demand for meat and dairy products. In this context, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable food production. BSFL possess several advantages over conventional livestock, including their rapid growth, adaptability to various organic waste substrates, and low environmental impact. Their bioconversion rate, the ability to transform organic waste into valuable products, and final product optimization are key factors that enhance their potential as a nutrient-rich protein source, fertilizer, and biofuel. This review explores strategies to enhance the bioconversion rate and improve the end products derived from BSF treatment. It highlights the benefits of using BSFL over other interventions and underscores the significance of optimizing their bioconversion rate to meet the challenges of global food security sustainably. Despite the promising prospects of BSF-derived products, consumer acceptance and regulatory hurdles remain critical aspects to address in realizing their full market potential. The utilization of BSFL as a sustainable source of food and feed can contribute to waste management, reduce environmental pollution, and address the pressing issue of food security in an environmentally responsible manner. However, there is a need for further research and innovation to ensure the safety, quality, and economic viability of BSF-based products for both animal and human consumption.

  • Enhancing the Separation Performance of Chitosan Membranes Through the Blending with Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Pervaporation of Polar/Non-Polar Organic Mixtures
    • Francesco Galiano
    • Asma Msahel
    • Francesca Russo
    • Natalia Rovella
    • Alfonso Policicchio
    • Sofiane Ben Hamouda
    • Amor Hafiane
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    • Alberto Figoli
    2024 Membranes

    This study explores the development of chitosan-based membranes blended with three distinct deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for the pervaporation separation of methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether. DESs were selected for their eco-friendly properties and their potential to enhance membrane performance. The chitosan (CS) membranes, both crosslinked and non-crosslinked, were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical composition, wettability, mechanical resistance, and solvent uptake. Pervaporation tests revealed that incorporating DESs significantly enhanced the membranes’ selective permeability toward methanol, with up to a threefold increase in separation efficiency compared to pristine CS membranes. The membranes demonstrated a strong dependence on feed temperature, with higher temperatures improving permeation flux but reducing separation factor. Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde further increased membrane selectivity by reducing free volume into the polymer matrix. These findings underscore the potential of DESs as green additives for improving the performance of biopolymer membranes, making them promising candidates for efficient and eco-friendly organic–organic separations.

  • Enhancing voice biometric security: Evaluating neural network and human capabilities in detecting cloned voices
    • Andrzej Czyżewski
    2024 Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

    This study assesses speaker verification efficacy in detecting cloned voices, particularly in safety-critical applications such as healthcare documentation and banking biometrics. It compares deeply trained neural networks like the DeepSpeaker with human listeners in recognizing these cloned voices, underlining the severe implications of voice cloning in these sectors. Cloned voices in healthcare could endanger patient safety by altering medical records, causing inaccurate diagnoses and treatments. In banking, they threaten biometric security, increasing the risk of financial fraud and identity theft. We tested feature extraction strategies using up to 40 parameters, including MFCC, GFCC, LFCC, CQCC, MSRCC, and others computed with the Simplified Python Audio Features Extraction (spafe libraries) or Librosa. We verified the feature vectors using Feature Ranking (Random Forest-derived) and performed dimensionality reduction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Our central research question was whether using the voice cloning method to effectively attack the advanced authentication systems is possible. The research reveals the neural network's superiority over human detection in pinpointing cloned voices, underscoring the urgent need for sophisticated AI-based security.

  • Enhancing Word Embeddings for Improved Semantic Alignment
    • Julian Szymański
    • Maksymilian Operlejn
    • Paweł Weichbroth
    2024 Applied Sciences-Basel

    This study introduces a method for the improvement of word vectors, addressing the limitations of traditional approaches like Word2Vec or GloVe through introducing into embeddings richer semantic properties. Our approach leverages supervised learning methods, with shifts in vectors in the representation space enhancing the quality of word embeddings. This ensures better alignment with semantic reference resources, such as WordNet. The effectiveness of the method has been demonstrated through the application of modified embeddings to text classification and clustering. We also show how our method influences document class distributions, visualized through PCA projections. By comparing our results with state-of-the-art approaches and achieving better accuracy, we confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results underscore the potential of adaptive embeddings to improve both the accuracy and efficiency of semantic analysis across a range of NLP.

  • Entire fracture surface topography parameters for fatigue life assessment of 10H2M steel
    • Wojciech Macek
    • Mateusz Kopec
    • Aleksandra Laska
    • Zbigniew Kowalewski
    2024 JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIONAL STEEL RESEARCH

    In this paper, the entire fracture surface approach was used to assess an effect of 280,000 h of exploitation under internal pressure of 2.9 MPa and high temperature of 540 °C on the fatigue response of 10H2M (10CrMo9–10) power engineering steel. The mechanical testing was carried out on the hourglass specimens produced from the as-received, unused pipeline and the same material after long-time exploitation. The uniaxial tensile tests were performed to establish the stress amplitude for subsequent force controlled, fatigue testing in the range from ±250 MPa to ±400 MPa under the frequency of 20 Hz. Since the exploited 10H2M steel was characterized by significantly lower mechanical properties, different damage mechanisms responsible for specimen failure were revealed through fracture surface analysis. The fracture surface topography evaluation was performed with a 3D non-contact measuring system. It was found, that the exploitation state has a strong impact on the fatigue life and fracture characteristics since the significant drop in lifespan of about 300 %–400 % was found for the material after prolonged service. Finally, the proposed surface topography parameter was related to the stress amplitude in order to estimate the fatigue life for the steel in question.

  • Entrepreneurial intentions of students from Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine: The role of perceived entrepreneurial education results
    • Julita Wasilczuk
    • Magdalena Licznerska
    2024 Pełny tekst Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation

    Our main aim is to establish which factors influence entrepreneurial intentions, with a particular focus on the role of entrepreneurial education and university support in Central and Eastern European countries (CEE). To verify hypotheses quantitative research was conducted using surveys among 2,085 first-year undergraduate students from three technical universities in three countries: Latvia, Poland and Ukraine. The results of the study indicate that entrepreneurial self- efficacy, perceived entrepreneurial education results, and perceived educational and relational support all influence the intention of students to launch a venture. The research did not provide support for the hypothesis of the impact of perceived structural support (PSS) on intentions. The impact of perceived educational and relational support appeared to be less important than the impact of ESE and PEER on intentions. Additionally, we identified significant differences between students from the analysed countries. Implications for theory and practice: Our research has identified a new factor, not previously used in studies of entrepreneurial intentions, that is, perceived entrepreneurial education results. This new factor can be used in research as a complement to self-efficacy and it refers to hard skills related, in this particular case, to entrepreneurship. The results show the importance of the national context, implying the need to consider this when modelling support policies at a national level. The findings can be used to remodel how this knowledge is delivered to young people. Originality and value: Firstly, we proposed the inclusion of a new education-related component called perceived entrepreneurial education results, which can examine the perceived results of education at any level, in our case, at the secondary school level. Secondly, we showed the stronger influence of factors related to perceptions of one's skills than perceptions of support from the environment. In addition, we demonstrated that making judgements or recommendations about entrepreneurial support for similar countries should be considered separately. Furthermore, we conceptualised the three aspects of ESE, PEER and ESM in a new way.

  • Environmental impacts of food waste management technologies: A critical review of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies
    • Fatima Batool
    • Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
    • Ayesha Mohyuddin
    • Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
    • Faissal Aziz
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Hui Hwang Goh
    • Abdelkader Anouzla
    2024 TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

    Food waste is a serious global problem. Therefore, it is essential to reduce food waste and adopt recycling strategies to minimize its environmental impacts. However, conventional waste disposal methods emit harmful gases such as dioxin, CH4, N2O, and NH3, which contaminate the air and water resources. This work reviews the environmental consequences of food waste based on lifecycle assessment (LCA) techniques using methods such as anaerobic digestion, composting, and landfilling. It also pays attention to novel techniques like gasification and hydrothermal carbonization. This review critically evaluates and compares the environmental impacts assessed by LCA such as global warming potential (GWP), climate change (CC), marine eutrophication (MEP), human toxicity (HT), terrestrial eco-toxicity (Tecox), terrestrial acidification (TAP), freshwater ecotoxicity (FEW), freshwater eutrophication (FEP), marine ecotoxicity (ME), fossil depletion (FD), ozone layer depletion potential (OLDP), and land occupation (LO) for each method. This study also highlights the importance of technological innovation and the need to improve current food waste valorization practices by focusing on the LCAs of the approaches listed above. With respect to its novelty, this work consolidates a useful comparison among the food waste utilization technologies with respect to environmental impacts based on LCA studies. Furthermore, this work emphasizes the need for in-depth research on the LCA of sustainable techniques such as gasification, fermentation and hydrothermal carbonization to support evidence-based decision-making.

  • Enzyme Conjugation - A Promising Tool for Bio-catalytic and Biotransformation Applications – A Review
    • Muhammad Asif Muneer
    • Sumaya Fatima
    • Nazim Hussain
    • Tebogo Mashifana
    • Aniqa Sayed
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    • Muhammad Shahid Riaz Rajoka
    2024 TOPICS IN CATALYSIS

    Enzymes have revolutionized conventional industrial catalysts as more efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable substitutes that can be used in different biotechnological processes, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Yet, the enzymes from nature are engineered to make them adapt and enhance their durability in the industrial environment. One promising approach involves the combined use of multiple enzymes that catalyze highly selective and sequential reactions in a single reaction vessel. The multi-enzymatic biocatalytic systems, achieved through gene fusion, fusion proteins, DNA manipulation and bioconjugation, protein engineering, or attachment to solid support materials for immobilization, such as protein-polymer, silica, metal organic framework, Carbon nanotubes or graphene based hybrids, have found widespread utility across various sectors, including the food industry, wastewater treatment, drug delivery, biosensors and methanol production. Enzyme conjugation enables the creation of novel enzymes with improved kinetics and synergistic effects. Researchers can evolve fusion proteins by fusion enzymes which can evolve novel catalytic activities in Biotechnological processes. These engineered enzymes can contribute in synthetic Biology in construction of synthetic system for various applications. Enzyme conjugation helps in metabolic engineering by optimization of pathways. Researchers can develop pathways for production of Bio-sensors, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and other valuable industrial products. This review comprehensively explores the techniques and applications of enzyme conjugation, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing the field of bio-catalysis.

  • Enzyme-linked carbon nanotubes as biocatalytic tools to degrade and mitigate environmental pollutants
    • Muhammad Bilal
    • Anil Kumar Singh
    • Hafiz M.N. Iqbal
    • Jakub Zdarta
    • Anna Chrobok
    • Teofil Jesionowski
    2024 ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

    A wide array of organic compounds have been recognized as pollutants of high concern due to their controlled or uncontrolled presence in environmental matrices. The persistent prevalence of diverse organic pollutants, including pharmaceutical compounds, phenolic compounds, synthetic dyes, and other hazardous substances, necessitates robust measures for their practical and sustainable removal from water bodies. Several bioremediation and biodegradation methods have been invented and deployed, with a wide range of materials wellsuited for diverse environments. Enzyme-linked carbon-based materials have been considered efficient biocatalytic platforms for the remediation of complex organic pollutants, mostly showing over 80% removal efficiency of micropollutants. The advantages of enzyme-linked carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in enzyme immobilization and improved catalytic potential may thus be advantageous for environmental research considering the current need for pollutant removal. This review outlines the perspective of current remediation approaches and highlights the advantageous features of enzyme-linked CNTs in the removal of pollutants, emphasizing their reusability and stability aspects. Furthermore, different applications of enzyme-linked CNTs in environmental research with concluding remarks and future outlooks have been highlighted. Enzyme-linked CNTs serve as a robust biocatalytic platform for the sustainability agenda with the aim of keeping the environment clean and safe from a variety of organic pollutants.

  • Enzymes of the L-methionine biosynthesis pathway in Candida albicans as potential novel targets for antifungal chemotherapy
    • Aleksandra Kuplińska
    2024 Pełny tekst

    Fungal pathways of essential amino acids biosynthesis provide an abundant source of molecular targets for new antifungal compounds, among which the L-methionine biosynthesis pathway (MBP) may be promising. In this dissertation I characterized three C. albicans enzymes involved in MBP: homoserine O-acetyltransferase (CaMet2p), O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase (CaMet15p), and cystathionine-γ-synthase (CaStr2p). I performed crystallization trials of analyzed proteins, which led to the formation of a CaMet15p crystal of 7 Å resolution. Additionally, I proved that the inhibition of CaMet2p, CaMet15p, and CaStr2p induces fungal growth deficiency dependent on L-methionine (L-Met) presence. Among variety of examined potential inhibitors, I selected L-penicillamine (L-PEN) as the most effective against CaMet2p enzyme, and β-(5-Oxo-3-isoxazolin-2-yl)-L-alanine as an inhibitor of CaMet15p and CaStr2p. Moreover, I have assessed antifungal effect induced by combination of inhibitors, which showed a synergistic effect b

  • Equitable colorings of some variation of corona products of cubic graphs
    • Marek Kubale
    • Hanna Furmańczyk
    2024 Pełny tekst Archives of Control Sciences

    The problem of determining the value of equitable chromatic number for multicoronas of cubic graphs is studied. We provide some polynomially solvable cases of cubical multicoronas and give simple linear time algorithms for equitable coloring of such graphs which use almost optimal number of colors in the remaining cases.

  • Essays on China's international trade - focus on One-Belt One-Road initiative
    • Yuxin Lu
    2024 Pełny tekst

    This thesis explores China's international trade from trade, global value chains (GVCs) and export diversity, focusing on the "One-Belt One-Road" (OBOR) initiative proposed at the end of 2013. Specifically, I verify the potential association of OBOR with bilateral imports and exports in the first chapter. Then the relationship between OBOR and GVCs has been explored in Chapter 2. And I have extended the research in GVCs to China's province level and checked the linkages with labour markets. Finally, Chapter 3 focuses on OBOR's role in export diversity and the relationship between capital and Chinese firms' extensive margins. The result indicates 1) the positive association between OBOR and trade, value-added and GVCs. China-Pakistan (CP) and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridors play a more vital promoter role. 2) For China's labour market, wages and productivity (employment) are positively correlated, but employment and productivity are negatively associated. And GVCs' participation hinders the development of employment and productivity. 3) The relationship between OBOR and export diversity is negative. State-owned and private capital positively associate with extensive margins at the Chinese firm's level.

  • Estymacja położenia i orientacji w systemie lokalizacyjnym z częściową synchronizacją węzłów referencyjnych
    • Jarosław Sadowski
    • Jacek Stefański
    2024 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    W referacie przedstawiono koncepcję systemu lokalizacyjnego do jednoczesnej estymacji położenia i orientacji obiektów. Obiekt ruchomy jest wyposażony w zestaw zsynchronizowanych odbiorników. Nadajniki referencyjne systemu są podzielone na grupy i pracują synchronicznie tylko w obrębie swojej grupy, bez zachowania synchronizacji pomiędzy grupami nadajników.

  • ETS PRICES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES SHARE IN THE ENERGY MIX – EXAMPLE OF LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND ESTONIA
    • Krystyna Gomółka
    • Piotr Kasprzak
    2024 Ekonomia i Środowisko

    ABSTRACT: ETS (CO2 Emissions Trading Scheme) is one of the mechanisms that allow for controlling and striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. However, it is also another cost for CO2 emission producers, affecting the final price of energy. The aim of the article is to enrich the discussion by explaining the relationship between ETS prices and the level of share of renewable energy sources in the overall energy mix of the countries selected for analysis (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia). The research covered the period 2000-2022. It was conducted using the following methods: literature studies, descriptive anal-ysis of statistical data and deduction. The analysis led to the conclusions: the increase in CO2 emission allowance prices (ETS) forced a change in energy policy in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In 2008, the ETS price was EUR 25/tonne of CO2, while in 2023, it was around EUR 50/tonne of CO2. An increase in the share of renewable energy sources was noted in the analysed countries. In Lithuania, wind, solar, and biomass energy are the most developed, while in Latvia, further investments were made in hydroe-lectric power plants. The situation was the worst in Estonia, from the development point of view, as solar and wind power plants were developed to a small extent. In 2000, the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix was for Estonia: at less than 1%, Lithuania at around 3%, and Latvia at 68%. In 2022, under the influence of ETS fees, the renewable energy source indicator increased for: Estonia: to 45%, Lithuania: 74.7%, Latvia 72% in the overall energy mix. KEYWORDS: ETS, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, energy prices, energy mix

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of Doppler frequency shift determination using pilots in broadband transmission
    • Agnieszka Czapiewska
    • Andrzej Łuksza
    • Ryszard Studański
    • Łukasz Wojewódka
    • Andrzej Żak
    2024 International Journal of Electronics and Telecommunications

    In underwater communications, reciprocal motion between transmitter and receiver has a significant impact on reception quality. In orthogonal broadband systems that provide high bit rates, this problem becomes more important, especially in the higher frequency range, where the absolute Doppler shift is the greatest. Due to the low propagation speed of acoustic wave underwater, a substantial difference exists between the Doppler shift for lower and upper frequencies of the utilized spectrum. Consequently, a frequency-independent Doppler shift factor is employed. One of the most popular methods for determining the Doppler shift is the use of pilots. The problem of selecting the number and determining the frequency of pilots in such a way as to obtain the lowest possible error rate was identified. Real-world testing was conducted in a multipath propagation environment with relative speeds of up to 1.5 m/s. The effectiveness of Doppler shift determination was evaluated by analyzing the bit error rate. The results of the conducted tests indicate that, based on the achieved error rate, it is sufficient to employ 7 pilots positioned at low frequencies.

  • Evaluating the impact of ZnO doping on electrical and thermal properties of calcium-aluminosilicate oxynitride glass-ceramics
    • Abbas Saeed Hakeem
    • Natalia Wójcik
    • Stefania Wolff
    • Sharafat Ali
    2024 CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL

    This study aimed to investigate the impact of ZnO content on the structure, thermal, and electrical properties of oxynitride glass-ceramic(s) within the Ca–Al–Si–O–N (CASON) system. The base glass had the composition of Ca7Al14Si17O52N7, with ZnO additions ranging from 3 to 15 % by weight. A pristine Ca7Al14Si17O52N7 glass was successfully prepared by melt-quenching technique followed by converted into glass-ceramic by incorporating various amounts of ZnO using the field-assisted sintering technique. XRD and FESEM analysis confirmed that increasing the amount of Zn increases the crystallinity in the glass matrix. The observed crystalline phases were formed mostly from ZnO and showed higher conductivity than the remaining dielectric matrix. IR spectra confirmed the presence of bands correlated with the presence of Zn and suggested the progressive depolymerization of the silicate-aluminate network as a consequence of increasing Zn content. Density values varied between 2.75 and 2.94 gcm 3 and increased with increasing the Zn content in the glass-ceramic. The thermal expansion and thermal conductivity values increased and decreased, respectively, with the increase of Zn content in the matrix. The electrical properties of the samples were investigated using impedance spectroscopy over a wide range of frequencies (10 mHz to 1 MHz) and temperatures (153 K–623 K). The results showed that in the glass without ZnO and glass-ceramic(s) with a small addition of ZnO, the conductivity is mainly dominated by the transfer of oxygen ions and, to a small extent, by the presence of electronic conductivity. As the ZnO content increases, continuous conduction paths are formed between the ZnO crystallites, and the electrical conductivity increases rapidly and becomes dominated by electron transfer.