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  • Chitosan-coated coconut shell composite: A solution for treatment of Cr(III)-contaminated tannery wastewater
    • Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
    • Fatima Batool
    • Ayesha Mohyuddin
    • Hui Hwang Goh
    • Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
    • Faissal Aziz
    • Abdelkader Anouzla
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Kit Wayne Chew
    2025 Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

    Tannery industry generates a large amount of Cr(III)-contaminated wastewater daily. Unless properly treated, not only this effluent contaminates the water body, but also damages the environment and threatens public health. This batch study investigates the feasibility of chitosan-coated coconut shells as a low-cost material for removing Cr(III) from tannery wastewater. Both chitosan and coconut shell (CS) waste are abundantly available from local agricultural and fishery industries. To enhance its treatment performance for Cr(III) removal, the CS was coated with chitosan as a composite. To sustain its cost-effectiveness, the saturated composite was regenerated with HNO3. Its performance for Cr(III) removal was evaluated and compared to other low-cost adsorbents in previous work. At the same initial concentration of 20 mg/L, it was found that the composite had a higher Cr(III) removal (97%) than the chitosan alone under the optimized conditions of 4 g/L of dose, pH 6.5, 200 rpm of agitation speed, and 1 h of reaction time. The isotherm of Cr(III) removal by the adsorbents followed the Langmuir model, while the pseudo-second order reaction was representative to simulate the adsorption data. The Cr(III) removal by the composite was based on attractive columbic forces between the negative charge of the adsorbent's surface and the positive charge of the metal cation. The negative value of ΔG thermodynamic parameter suggests the spontaneous nature of adsorption. The efficiency of machine learning regression (MLR) model was assessed in predicting the experimental data of adsorption. In spite of promising results, treated effluents still could not comply with the required limit of discharge standards of less than 0.5 mg/L mandated by local legislation. Therefore, a subsequent treatment using activated sludge is required. Overall, this work reveals a contribution of unused resources from the coconut and shrimp industries in the form of composite for protecting the aquatic environment.

  • Chitosan-Nanogold and Chitosan-Nanozinc Electrodeposited Coatings for Biomedical Applications
    • Michał Bartmański
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Krzysztof Urbanowicz
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Grzegorz Gajowiec
    • Anna Pałubicka
    • Anna Michno
    • Paweł Kamil Serafin
    • Patrycja Koszałka
    2025 JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART B-APPLIED BIOMATERIALS

    Bacterial infections represent a significant challenge to the success rate of both short- and long-term titanium implants.Consequently, there is a persistent need for effective strategies to prevent such infections. In this study, chitosan-based coatingsmodified with gold or zinc nanoparticles, recognized for their antibacterial properties, were electrophoretically deposited (EPD)onto the Ti13Zr13Nb alloy and thoroughly characterized. The effects of EPD voltage, surfactant use, and metallic nanoparticletype and concentration were investigated with regard to the microstructure and properties of the obtained chitosan-based coat-ings. Incorporating metallic nanoparticles into the chitosan matrix increased surface roughness (from 54 nm to even 146 nm),particularly at higher EPD voltages, resulting in a composite structure containing nanometal clusters. The addition of gold nano-particles reduced the thickness of the coatings (from 3.90 μm for the chitosan coating with Tween20–3.43 μm); zinc had no effect.Reducing the deposition voltage from 20 V to 10 V resulted in a thickness reduction of around 50% for all tested modifications.The improvement in plastic deformation resistance (indicated by the H 3/E 2 ratio) was demonstrated for gold and zinc coatingsdeposited at lower voltages (from 0.34 MPa for the chitosan coating with Tween20 to 1.00 MPa for the gold half and 1.78 MPa forthe zinc coating). A twofold increase in voltage resulted in a significant enhancement of coating adhesion—by approximately177% for gold-added coatings and 138% for zinc-added coatings. Biological responses were dependent upon the types and con-centrations of nanometals. Nanogold induced erythrocyte hemolysis, whereas nanozinc exhibited no adverse effects. Notably,gold-doped coatings demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, while zinc-doped counterparts did not.Both nanometals, however, demonstrated reduced cytocompatibility at higher concentrations. Biological response tests indicatedthat 2-fold and 4-fold dilutions of the extracted medium do not show cytotoxicity for gold and zinc nanoparticles, respectively.These findings highlight the considerable extent to which coating parameters can be modified by adjusting selected EPD processparameters.

  • Circular economy dynamics and country clusters: evidence for European countries
    • Ewa Lechman
    • Magdalena Popowska
    2025

    This study examines trends in circular economy (CE) adoption across 27 European nations from 2012 to 2021. Two key objectives are explored: the evolution of cross-country disparities in CE practices and the identification of clusters with similar CE adoption patterns. Our analysis reveals a gradual convergence in CE adoption, which did not always lead to positive outcomes. Some countries improved recycling rates but saw increased waste generation. Notable shifts toward uniformity were observed in circular material use, packaging waste, and recycling rates. However, private investment in CE sectors remained stagnant. Simultaneously, we identified six country clusters with consistent CE adoption patterns. This highlights the effectiveness of national efforts and the need for tailored policies. Policymakers should incentivize slower-progressing sectors, introduce stringent waste management regulations, and encourage knowledge sharing. To address private investment stagnation, policymakers should foster green innovation ecosystems and promote collaboration among companies, governments, and knowledge institutions. Incentives like funding programs and tax incentives for collaborative CE projects should be considered. In summary, dynamic, context-specific policies are vital for advancing CE practices in European nations. Policymakers should adapt strategies to each country's needs while fostering regional stakeholder collaboration and knowledge exchange.

  • Circular economy in Poland: Good practices and recommendations – case study
    • Krzysztof Czerwionka
    • Katarzyna Kołecka
    • Magda Kasprzyk
    • Karolina Fitobór
    • Anna Wilińska-Lisowska
    • Magdalena Gajewska
    2025 Journal of Ecological Engineering

    This review paper explores circular economy (CE) initiatives and Green Public Procurement (GPP) practices in Poland, focusing on practical implementation and regulatory frameworks. The concept of CE is explored in depth, focusing on its potential to mitigate climate change and resource depletion by extending product lifecycles and reducing waste generation. Transitioning to a CE model offers numerous environmental and economic benefits, including decreased greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced resource efficiency, and job creation. The transition to a circular economy aligns with sustainable development goals. GPP drives demand for eco-friendly products and services, evolving to include environmental and social considerations. The Sztum Circular Economy (SCE) project, funded under the “Environment, Energy, and Climate Change” program, serves as a case study to illustrate the practical application of CE principles locally through initiatives like selective waste collection and educational campaigns. This review highlights the synergy between CE and GPP, offering guidance for policymakers, municipalities, and stakeholders seeking to advance sustainability agendas at the local and national levels. By embracing CE and GPP, countries can accelerate the transition to sustainability while addressing environmental and social challenges.

  • Cluster Glass Behavior and Magnetocaloric Effect in the Hexagonal Polymorph of Disordered Ce2PdGe3
    • Leszek Litzbarski
    • Kamil Balcarek
    • Anna Bajorek
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Michał Winiarski
    • Karol Synoradzki
    2025 PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI B-BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS

    In this work, the hexagonal variant of the Ce2PdGe3 system is studied, which crystallizes in the AlB2-type structure (space group P6/mmm, hP3) and exhibits cluster spin-glass type behavior. The physical properties are studied by magnetization, heat capacity and electric resistivity, which showed that AlB2-type Ce2PdGe3 (h-Ce2PdGe3) can be classified as a cluster glass material with the freezing temperature Tf = 3.44 K in contrast to the behavior of the previously described tetragonal variant, which shows a double antiferromagnetic transition at TN1 = 11 K and TN2 = 2.3 K. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that the Ce 4f states are well localized. In addition, the magnetocaloric effect in this compound is examined. The maximum values of magnetocaloric parameters appear in the vicinity of 7–9 K. For a magnetic field change of 50 kOe, the value of the change in magnetic entropy is 2.6(1) J kg−1 K−1 and the adiabatic temperature change is ≈8 K.

  • c-Myc inhibition and p21 modulation contribute to unsymmetrical bisacridines-induced apoptosis and senescence in pancreatic cancer cells
    • Agnieszka Kurdyn
    • Monika Pawłowska
    • Ewa Paluszkiewicz
    • Miroslawa Cichorek
    • Ewa Augustin
    2025 Pharmacological Reports

    Background Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive cancers and is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. PC is characterized by rapid progression and resistance to conventional treatments. Mutations in KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4/DPC4, and MYC are major genetic alterations associated with poor treatment outcomes in patients with PC. Therefore, optimizing PC therapy is a tremendous challenge. Unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs), synthesized by our group, are new promising compounds that have exhibited high cytotoxicity and antitumor activity against several solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer. Methods The cellular effects induced by UAs in PC cells were evaluated by MTT assay (cell growth inhibition), flow cytometry, and fluorescence and light microscopy (cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and senescence detection). Analysis of the effects of UAs on the levels of proteins (c-Myc, p53, SMAD4, p21, and p16) was performed by Western blotting. Results Apoptosis was the main triggered mechanism of death after UAs treatment, and induction of the SMAD4 protein can facilitate this process. c-Myc, which is one of the molecular targets of UAs, can participate in the induction of cell death in a p53-independent manner. Moreover, UAs can also induce accelerated senescence through the upregulation of p21. Notably, senescent cells can die via apoptosis after prolonged exposure to UAs. Conclusions UAs have emerged as potent anticancer agents that induce apoptosis by inhibiting c-Myc protein and triggering cellular senescence in a dose-dependent manner by increasing p21 levels. Thus, UAs exhibit desirable features as promising candidates for future pancreatic anticancer therapies.

  • Company culture matters! Knowledge-driven companies' way to innovations and sustainability
    • Wioleta Kucharska
    • Elżbieta Karwowska
    2025 Pełny tekst Social Sciences & Humanities Open

    Companies today aim to adapt to rapidly changing business environments by acquiring knowledge, developing dynamic capabilities, fostering market innovations, and ensuring sustainability. Achieving these goals requires a supportive company culture aligned with its structure and strategy. This study proves the critical role of company culture in sustainability based on a sample of 496 Polish knowledge workers, using structural equation modeling and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis methods. The results showed that KLC culture synergy fosters knowledge sharing (both tacit and explicit), which is vital for dynamic capabilities development and, in turn, influences organizational intelligence, innovativeness, and, f inally, sustainability. The given evidence that collective organizational intelligence is rooted in company culture and strengthened by the KLC approach changes the perception of company culture, transforms its apprehension into a precious organizational resource, and prioritizes new study paths regarding its implementation.

  • Comparative Analysis of Entrepreneurial Intention Among Students: A Cross-Country Study
    • Ovidiu Niculae Bordean
    • Zenovia Cristiana Pop
    • Nina Rizun
    • Reinhold Bopp
    • Tom Estad
    2025 SAGE Open

    Entrepreneurial intention (EI) is a predictor of entrepreneurial behavior. In past years, it received significant attention due to the numerous advantages of entrepreneurial activities. The formation of EI within diverse international settings has been studied by researchers; however, the results of these studies are still inconclusive. Building on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study aims to shed light on how EI is created within three countries with different cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. Data was collected through a questionnaire completed by 413 business students enrolled in three universities in Germany, Romania, and Ukraine. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the structure model of developing EI, and bootstrap confidence intervals were examined to test the mediating role, and multi-group analysis was used to identify differences among the three samples. Overall, the results reveal that both the attitude toward behavior (ATB) and the perceived behavior control (PBC) influence the EI of business students. These relationships were found to be significant in the three samples. ATB and PBC were identified as significant mediators of the relationship between social norms (SN) and EI in the overall sample. Within the subsamples, ATB was shown to have a mediation effect within the Ukrainian sample, whereas PBC was found to mediate the impact of SN on EI within the German and Ukrainian samples. The findings are discussed and both theoretical and practical implications are provided.

  • Comparative study of bisphenols in e-cigarette liquids: evaluating fabric phase sorptive extraction, ultrasound-assisted membrane extraction, and solid phase extraction techniques
    • Paweł Kubica
    • Dominika Osiecka
    • Abuzar Kabir
    • Natasa Kalogiouri
    • Victoria F. Samanidou
    2025 TALANTA.The International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry

    To address the under-researched risk of bisphenols (BPs) in e-cigarette liquids, comprehensive studies have been conducted to propose optimum sample preparation and analysis methods. To determine twelve BPs in refill liquids for e-cigarettes, three sample preparation methods based on distinct operational and working principles were employed. These included fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE), ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction of porous membrane-packed samples (UASE-PMS) and solid phase extraction (SPE) utilizing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) technology. Each extraction method was combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLS-MS/MS). Key parameters of FPSE and UASE-PMS procedures were optimized. This optimization included selection of the FPSE membrane types, durations of extraction and the choice solvents. Comprehensive validation was conducted, demonstrating linearity across a range from 2 to 60 ng/mL for all BPs (BPS, BPA, BPF, BPE, BPB, BPC, BPZ, BPFL, BPBP, BPP, BPG and BPM). Determination coefficients were above 0.9913, signifying linear relationship. The limits of detection (LODs) were established below 0.90 ng/mL, while the limits of quantification (LOQs) were lower than 2.5 ng/mL. Notably, the method based on UASE-PMS was successfully applied to the analysis of refill liquids for e-cigarettes samples. A comparative analysis of the methods highlighted variances in precision, accuracy, and applicable aspects, such as adjustment of parameters, sample preparation time, cost, handling, availability and possible limitations. Three methods have been identified as suitable for analysing BPs in e-cigarette refill liquids, highlighting the necessity to examine their presence in these products.

  • Compressive and tensile properties of polyurethane foam mimicking trabecular tissue in artificial femoral head bones
    • Krzysztof Żerdzicki
    • Aleksander Znaczko
    • Aleksandra Kondrusik
    • Wiktoria Korbut
    2025 Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

    The presented study aimed to examine the compressive and tensile behavior of the polyurethane foams mimicking trabecular tissue in the artificial human femurs and assess their potential to replicate osteoporotic type of human bone tissue. Two types of Synbone femur models: one of the normal density (model 2350) and one of the lower density (model LD2350), and three types of Sawbones femur models (model 1130-21-8, 1130-21-3, 1130-192) were investigated. Polyurethane foams were extracted in the form of slices cut in coronal plane from the femoral head. Cuboid samples were cut in three different directions and tested uniaxial for identification of compressive and tensile properties including elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, yield limit, and ultimate strength. The ANOVA test revealed that only SYNBONE LD2350 trabecular tissue exhibits anisotropy properties (p<0.001). In most cases, the tensile properties were greater than compressive ones (t-test, p<0.001). The obtained results are within the ranges suggested by other authors for mimicking the osteoporotic type of human tissue. The presented data broadens the range of data on mechanical properties provided by the producers. These data can serve as a reference for researches using composite femurs made of these particular polyurethane foams for conducting biomechanical studies and validation of accompanying numerical simulations.

  • Concept and Implementation of Innovative Scalable Wind Turbine Emulator with Doubly Fed Asynchronous Machine
    • Robert Rink
    • Robert Małkowski
    • Bartłomiej Gawin
    • Klara Janiga
    2025 ENERGIES

    This paper presents the design of an innovative scalable wind turbine emulator. The system’s hardware and software components are described in detail including test results, demonstrating the research potential of the proposed design. The uniqueness of the proposed solution lies in its scalability, achieved despite the use of physical devices with fixed parameters. This scalability allows for the flexible shaping of the system’s structure and parameters, allowing it to emulate both individual wind turbines with a capacity ranging from kilowatts to megawatts as well as aggregated models of entire wind farms. The emulator was developed using the hardware-in-the loop (HIL) concept and consists of a digital part including aerodynamic and mechanical models (wind, rotor, shaft models, disturbances, etc.) and control systems for mechanical and electrical devices within the wind turbine. The digital component has a modular structure, which allows for the replacement of any module of the native control system with the user’s custom designed one and testing its properties over a broad range of parameters. The test results presented in the article demonstrate a satisfactory level of accuracy of the developed emulator.

  • Coordination of planning regulations at the edge of water and land. Conflicts within planning policy for urban blue space in small and medium-sized Polish port cities and possible directions of change
    • Justyna Breś
    2025 MARINE POLICY

    Land-sea integration is crucial for effective marine spatial planning and coastal zone management. Coordination of marine and land planning should ensure ecological sustainability of the coastal area, enable cross-coast investments and promote well-being of the society. A critical element for achieving sustainable development of marine and coastal area is the integration of marine and land planning on the verge of sea waters and the coast. In Poland, the spatial planning system consists of separate legal documents for land and sea, which falls under the competence of various authorities on different administrative levels. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the state of planning coordination within public spaces at the interface of sea and land in the context of current legal status. Planning provisions for chosen public spaces were analyzed in six small port cities in Poland, for which marine spatial plans are being developed. The research confirm, that in case of Polish port cities, the coordination of MSP and LZP is not satisfactory. Conducted analysis regarding coordination of planning documents at sea-land interface in six small port cities in Poland highlighted some significant problems. Some possible directions of changes towards achieving holistic planning approach within coastal area were indicated. The proposed solutions focus on: enhancing the cooperation between marine and municipal authorities, increasing the effectiveness of the planning procedure through public consultations and expert meetings, unifying establishment of the plans’ boundaries and rethinking the functional catalogue applied to marine and land spatial plans.

  • Corrosion Resistance and Structure of Cr−O−N Coatings Formed in Vacuum Arc Plasma Fluxes With PIIID
    • Alexandr Kuprin
    • Hanna Rostova
    • Elena Reshetnyak
    • Bogdan Warcholiński
    • Adam Gilewicz
    • Ilya Klimenko
    • Konrad Trzciński
    • Maria Gazda
    • Jacek Ryl
    • Sawczak Mirosław
    2025 MATERIALS AND CORROSION-WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION

    Cr−O−N-based vacuum arc coatings are very promising for the wear and corrosion protection of various steel parts. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of frequency and amplitude of the pulsed bias voltage (UB) on the elemental and phase composition, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Cr−O−N coatings. They have an amorphous structure with embedded nanosized solid solution crystallites based on CrN with a cubic structure and Cr2O3 with a rhombohedral structure. The increase in the bias voltage results in a reduction in the grain size of the Cr2O3 and CrN phases by about four times to about 5 nm, as well as a change in the CrN phase content in the coating. The lattice parameter increases slightly for the Cr2O3 phase but decreases for the CrN phase. The increase in the pulse frequency results in an increase in the CrN phase content in the coating and the lattice constant of both phases and a slight decrease in the crystallite size. The hardness of Cr−O−N coatings slightly increased with the UB from 26 ± 1 GPa (DC) to 28 ± 1 GPa (−300 V, pulsed), and the elastic modulus ranges from 290 to 310 GPa. The greatest changes were observed in corrosion resistance. With an increase in the bias voltage and pulse frequency, the corrosion current of Cr−O−N coatings on steel in 3% NaCl solution decreased by three orders of magnitude compared to coatings deposited at DC voltage and by five orders of magnitude compared to the base steel. Therefore, the use of a pulsed bias voltage with a frequency of at least 10 kHz and an amplitude of 700 V can significantly increase the corrosion resistance of Cr−O−N coatings on steel substrates.

  • Cost-Efficient Behavioral Modeling of Antennas by Means of Global Sensitivity Analysis and Dimensionality Reduction
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Anna Pietrenko-Dąbrowska
    2025 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    Computational tools, particularly electromagnetic (EM) solvers, are now commonplace in antenna design. While ensuring reliability, EM simulations are time-consuming, leading to high costs associated with EM-driven procedures like parametric optimization or statistical design. Various techniques have been developed to address this issue, with surrogate modeling methods garnering particular attention due to their potential advantages. One key benefit is the promise of unprecedented acceleration in handling design problems that require repetitive system evaluations. However, behavioral modeling of antennas is an intrinsic endeavor. Challenges include the curse of dimensionality and the high nonlinearity of antenna characteristics. Moreover, design utility necessitates that the models are defined across wide ranges of frequency, geometry dimensions, and material parameters, posing a significant bottleneck for existing modeling frameworks. This paper introduces an innovative approach to constructing design-ready behavioral surrogates for antenna structures. Our methodology involves a rapid global sensitivity analysis (GSA) algorithm developed to determine a set of parameter space directions that maximize antenna response variability. The latter are obtained from spectral analysis of the GSA-based sensitivity indicators, and employed to define a reduced-dimensionality domain of the metamodel. The dependability of the model constructed in such a domain is superior over conventional surrogates while being suitable for design purposes. These benefits have been conclusively showcased using several microstrip antennas and illustrated by a number of design scenarios involving antenna geometry optimization for a variety of performance specifications.

  • Cross-Section Calculations for Electron-Impact Ionization of Pyrimidine Molecule and Its Halogenated Derivatives: 2-Chloropyrimidine, 5-Chloropyrimidine, 2-Bromopyrimidine and 5-Bromopyrimidine
    • Bożena Żywicka
    • Paweł Możejko
    2025 MOLECULES

    The total cross-sections for the single electron-impact ionization of pyrimidine (C4H4N2), 2-chloropyrimidine (2-C4H3ClN2), 5-chloropyrimidine (5-C4H3ClN2), 2-bromopyrimidine (2-C4H3BrN2) and 5-bromopyrimidine (5-C4H3BrN2) molecules have been calculated with the binary-encounter-Bethe model from the ionization threshold up to 5 keV. The input data for the BEB calculations concerning electronic structure of the studied targets have been obtained with quantum chemical methods including the Hartree–Fock (H-F) and the outer valence Green function (OVGF) methods. The calculated cross-section for the ionization of the pyrimidine molecules due to electron impact is compared with available experimental and theoretical data. The question of the magnitude the pyrimidine ionization cross-section is also discussed, as is the efficiency of the ionization process of studied halogenated derivatives of pyrimidine.

  • Crystal Structures of d-Lyxono-1,4-lactone and Its O-Tosyl Derivative
    • Anna Sosnowska
    • Jarosław Chojnacki
    • Justyna Samaszko-Fiertek
    • Janusz Madaj
    • Barbara Dmochowska
    2025 MOLECULES

    γ- and δ-lactones were formed by bromine oxidation of commercially available D-lyxose, as confirmed by IR analysis. The former was isolated, and its structure was confirmed by NMR spectra and X-ray analysis. In this structure, the presence of both intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds was found. Intermolecular interactions in the crystal were illustrated using the Hirshfeld surfaces. Due to steric reasons, 3,5- O-isopropylidene-D-lyxono-1,4-lactone was formed, which in a further step led to the formation of a 2-O-tosyl derivative. Its structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The additional ring of the O-isopropylidene derivative caused the lactone ring to change conformation to 3E. In the crystal structure of this compound, only C-H···O intermolecular interactions were present, as confirmed by the Hirshfeld surface analysis.

  • Current advances in surface wettability in food packaging materials: Strategies, methods and future trends
    • Don Hettiarachchige Udana Eranda
    • Manat Chaijan
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    2025 JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING

    Surface wettability plays a significant role in the functionality and safety of food packaging materials, influencing factors such as moisture resistance, microbial growth, and the effectiveness of active packaging technologies. The present study provides an in-depth investigation of the fundamental concepts underlying surface wettability, including contact angle theory, surface energy, measurement and characterisation, and how these elements affect the interaction between packaging materials and food products. We explore contemporary developments in the advancement of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic coatings, superhydrophilic coatings, bio-inspired materials, and nanotechnology-based shifts that optimise the functional properties of packaging surfaces. The paper additionally addresses the hurdles of scaling up these technologies, regulatory issues, and the environmental impact of biobased materials. For future investigation, we propose focusing on two main areas: the incorporation of active/intelligent packaging solutions and the advancement of sustainable, biodegradable coatings that retain favourable wettability properties. This research seeks to elucidate the intricate relationship between surface wettability and food packaging performance, providing valuable insights that may direct future packaging advancements. However, it is imperative to conduct additional research to establish concrete correlations between the functionality of the packaging materials and their surface wettability in real-world food packaging applications as evaluated by water vapour transmission rate, oxygen transmission rate, and antimicrobial efficiency parameters.

  • Cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in human melanocyte cells in the presence or absence of UV radiation: A preliminary comparative study with TiO2 nanoparticles
    • Karolina Niska
    • Beata Muszyńska
    • Szymon Kowalski
    • Emilia Tomaszewska
    • Magdalena Narajczyk
    • Monika Pawłowska
    • Paweł W. Majewski
    • Ewa Augustin
    • Iwona Inkielewicz-Stępniak
    2025 TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO

    Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs), due to their nanometric size and photostability, are increasingly used as ingredients in sunscreens to absorb and scatter UV radiation. However, the current state of knowledge is insufficient to guarantee their safety. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the cytotoxicity of ZnONPs and TiO2NPs in the presence and absence of UV radiation in in vitro model of primary human melanocyte cells HEMas. Our research demonstrated that 47 nm TiO2NPs exhibited lower toxicity compared to 25 nm ZnONPs. ZnONPs (5–12.5 ppm) affect various intracellular processes, including cell membrane integrity, proliferative processes, and the induction of morphological changes in cells at the ultrastructural level, particularly in mitochondria. The study highlights intricate mechanisms of cell death induced by ZnONPs, revealing a multifaceted interplay between apoptosis and necrosis. Additionally, we indicate the potential role of intracellular calcium ion influx, notably triggered by ZnONPs, in driving cell toxicity. This influx is linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction, ultimately leading to cell death, offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of nanoparticle-induced toxicity. Importantly, the co-exposure of both ZnONPs and TiO2NPs with UV radiation (9 J/cm2) enhances the toxic effect on melanocyte cells, indicating an interaction between NPs and UV radiaton and raising potential concerns about their effects on melanocytes and overall skin health.

  • Day-ahead Solar Power Forecasting Using LightGBM and Self-Attention Based Encoder-Decoder Networks
    • Hossein Nourollahi Hokmabad
    • Oleksandr Husev
    • Juri Belikov
    2025 IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy

    The burgeoning trend of integrating renewable energy harvesters into the grid introduces critical issues for its reliability and stability. These issues arise from the stochastic and intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Data-driven forecasting tools are indispensable in mitigating these challenges with their rugged performance. However, tools relying solely on data-driven methods often underperform when an adequate amount of recorded data is unattainable. To bridge this gap, this paper presents a novel day-ahead hybrid forecasting framework for photovoltaic applications. This framework integrates a physics-based model with Machine Learning (ML) techniques, enhancing prediction reliability in environments with scarce data. Additionally, an innovative ML pipeline is introduced for data-abundant environments. The proposed ML tool comprises two branches: a set of regressors, each tailored for specific weather conditions, and a self-attention-based encoder-decoder network. By fusing the outputs from these branches through a meta-learner, the tool achieves predictions of higher quality, as evidenced by its superior performance over benchmark models in an investigated test dataset.

  • D-Band High Gain Planer Slot Array Antenna using Gap Waveguide Technology
    • Ali Farahbakhsh
    • Davood Zarifi
    • Ashraf Uz Zaman
    2025 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION

    A D-band high gain slot array antenna with corporate-fed distribution network based on gap waveguide structures is proposed at 140GHz. To overcome the fabrication challenges at such high frequency, the gap waveguide technology is deployed in which good electrical contact between different parts of the waveguide structure is not required. The proposed sub-array has four radiating slots that are excited by a groove gap cavity and the cavity is coupled to an E-plane groove gap waveguide via a rectangular coupling slot. A wideband and low-loss corporate feeding network based on the combined ridge gap waveguide and E-plane groove gap waveguide is designed for this case and the whole array antenna consists of 16×16 radiating slots. A standard WR6 waveguide flange is embedded at the bottom side of the feeding structure to excite the array antenna. To evaluate the design, a prototype is fabricated in Aluminum using standard CNC milling technique. The measurement results show that an impedance bandwidth of 20% (124.1-151.7 GHz), a peak gain of 31.5 dBi and maximum efficiency of 94% are achieved for the 16×16-element array antenna. The results show that the proposed array antenna has an excellent performance among the previously published D-band planar array antennas and could be a promising candidate to be used in the development of D-band front-end modules.

  • Declarative ship arenas under favourable conditions
    • Filip Zarzycki
    • Mateusz Gil
    • Jakub Montewka
    • Rafał Szłapczyński
    • Joanna Szłapczyńska
    2025 Pełny tekst OCEAN ENGINEERING

    According to maritime regulations, a collision-avoidance action shall be taken at an “ample time” while strict interpretation of this term is ambiguous. Evasive manoeuvres, executed by marine navigators on a daily basis, are usually carried out well in advance, while the distance at which they decide to perform such a manoeuvre is mostly subjective and results, e.g., from the navigator's seagoing experience. A proper understanding of the decision-maker's behaviour under favourable conditions, when time pressure does not exist, seems to be essential for the future of maritime safety. This could enable the translation and quantification of seafarers' routine actions, taken many times a day, into collision-avoidance algorithms suitable for Decision Support Systems (DSS) or Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The literature lacks extensive research on this subject, as it focuses mainly on safety-critical actions, which are important but rare events. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by surveying practitioners and extracting their expert knowledge. Based on an online survey, the declarative ship arenas, reflecting the distance of evasive manoeuvre initiation, were determined and analysed. The findings revealed that, depending on the participants' profiles, a range of responses among the groups reaches up to 2 NM. The results indicated that navigators become less consistent with growing experience. Determined declarative arenas were consequently incorporated into a simulation-based case study of a passenger ship. The conducted simulations indicated that for several scenarios, the passing distances resulting from the execution of an evasive manoeuvre as per declarative arena were less than 0.5 NM, potentially leading to dangerous situations at close range. This results most likely from an overall problem of translating the distance of manoeuvre initiation into the final passing distance. The findings of this research may be found interesting by shipping companies preparing bridge procedures or for scholars and industry representatives preparing intelligent collision-avoidance solutions for maritime transportation.

  • Deep eutectic solvent enhances antibacterial activity of a modular lytic enzyme against Acinetobacter baumannii
    • Aleksandra Kocot
    • Tomasz Swebocki
    • Karolina Ciemińska
    • Adrianna Łupkowska
    • Malgorzata Kapusta
    • Dennis Grimon
    • Ewa Laskowska
    • Anna-Karina Kaczorowska
    • Tadeusz Kaczorowski
    • Rabah Boukherroub
    • Yves Briers
    • Magdalena Plotka
    2025 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    In this study, we evaluated the combined effect between MLE-15, a modular lytic enzyme composed of four building blocks, and reline, a natural deep eutectic solvent. The bioinformatic analysis allowed us to determine the spatial architecture of MLE-15, whose components were bactericidal peptide cecropin A connected via a flexible linker to the cell wall binding domain (CBD) of mesophilic 201ϕ2 − 1 endolysin and catalytic domain (EAD) of highly thermostable Ph2119 endolysin. The modular enzyme showed high thermostability with the melting temperature of 93.97 ± 0.38 °C, significantly higher than their natural counterparts derived from mesophilic sources. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MLE-15 was 100 µg/mL for a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the MIC of reline ranged from 6.25 to 25% v/v for the same strains. The addition of reline effectively reduced the MIC of MLE-15 from 100 µg/mL to 3.15–50 µg/mL. This combination displayed additive effects for most strains and synergism for extensively antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Bacillus subtilis. The subsequent evaluation revealed that MLE-15 eliminated planktonic cells of A. baumannii RUH134, but was ineffective against matured biofilms. However, combined with reline, MLE-15 reduced the bacterial load in the matured biofilm by 1.39 log units. Confocal fluorescence microscopy indicated that reline damaged the structure of the biofilm, allowing MLE-15 to penetrate it. Additionally, MLE-15 and its combination with reline eradicated meropenem-persistent cells of A. baumannii RUH134. Effectiveness in lowering the MIC value of MLE-15 as well as protection against antibiotic-tolerant persister cells, indicate that MLE-15 and reline combination is a promising candidate for effective therapies in bacterial infections, which is especially important in the light of the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance.

  • Deep eutectic solvent-enhanced crop residue adsorbents for eco-efficient volatile organosulfur compounds adsorption from gaseous fuels
    • Patrycja Makoś-Chełstowska
    • Edyta Słupek
    • Jacek Gębicki
    2025 Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

    This study highlights the innovative potential of converting crop residues, typically considered waste, into valuable materials. By modifying these residues with green solvent-based deep eutectic solvents (DES), a novel adsorbent was specifically designed for the selective removal of volatile organosulfur compounds (such as thiophene, sec-butyl mercaptan, and dimethyl disulfide) from biogas streams. The selection of the most effective DES for sulfur compound removal was guided by Conductor-like Screening Model for Realistic Solvents modeling. After thorough characterization, the chosen eutectic solvents were incorporated into the adsorbents derived from rye husks and straw. Various parameters of new adsorbents were measured including surface structures, surface functional groups, crystal structures, thermal stability, particle size, pore volume, and specific surface area. The new adsorbents demonstrated significant sorption capacities for individual contaminants ranging from 109.1 to 149.3 mg/g. The adsorption process adhered to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. A notable innovation of this research is the ability of the adsorbent to be regenerated multiple times without any reduction in its sorption capacity. This investigation not only advances the development of sustainable and efficient materials for biogas purification but also presents an economically viable solution. The use of readily available low-cost crop residues, combined with the low concentration and relatively inexpensive ingredients of DES, makes this approach both innovative and practical for industrial-scale applications.

  • Deep eutectic solvent-induced coacervation in micellar solution of alkyl polyglucoside surfactant: Supramolecular solvent formation and application in food analysis
    • Khrystyna Vakh
    • Lutfi Yahya
    • Patrycja Makoś-Chełstowska
    • Marek Tobiszewski
    2025 Pełny tekst TALANTA.The International Journal of Pure and Applied Analytical Chemistry

    The number of deep eutectic solvents were investigated to induce coacervation and cause phase separation in the micellar solution of the alkyl polyglucoside C8–C10. Three fatty acids were selected as hydrogen bond donors namely hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, and octanoic acid, while quaternary ammonium salts and a monoterpenoid thymol were used as hydrogen bond acceptors to obtain deep eutectic solvents. The precursors of the deep eutectic solvents could be incorporated into the micelle structure of alkyl polyglucoside C8–C10 and modulate its properties, improving the interaction with the target compounds and promoting phase separation due to the increasing size of the micellar aggregates. The synergy of green surfactant and deep eutectic solvent has been demonstrated in the determination of capsaicinoids as secondary metabolites retaining the pungency of chili peppers and, thus, of spicy foods. Extraction recoveries were above 75 % for target analytes. The limits of detection were found to be 1.7 μg g −1 for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. The relative recoveries were in the range of 76 –130 %. The research presented is the first example of synergy between alkyl polyglucoside and deep eutectic solvent. The proposed extraction system has the potential to be used in many other analytical tasks, especially in the analysis of solid and heterogeneous samples. Not only fatty acid-based deep eutectic solvents but other based on alcohols, monoterpenoids, etc. can also be used for coacervation. Thus, wide range of already studied deep eutectic solvents could be investigated for this purpose.

  • Defective TiO2 for CO2 photoreduction: Influence of alkaline agent and reduction temperature modulation
    • Rudolf Ricka
    • Agnieszka Wanag
    • Ewelina Kusiak-Nejman
    • Miroslava Filip Edelmannová
    • Martin Reli
    • Marcin Łapiński
    • Grzegorz Słowik
    • Antoni W. Morawski
    • Kamila Kočí
    2025 CATALYSIS TODAY

    This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Black TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2-x) through the sol-gel method combined with NaBH4 reduction at different temperatures (350 °C, 500 °C, and 650 °C). The photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction was evaluated, revealing that TiO2-x_500°C sample exhibited the highest efficiency. This enhanced performance is mainly attributed to a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies and successful nitrogen doping resulting from ammonia water addition during synthesis. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, and XPS confirmed the presence of defects and their correlation with increased photocatalytic activity. These findings confirm the importance of defect engineering and doping in optimizing TiO2-based photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction.

  • Dermoscopy of External Ear Melanocytic Lesions: Performance of Selected Dermoscopic Screening Algorithms and Proposal of a New Predictive Model for Malignancy (AuriCheck Dermoscopic Algorithm)
    • Jakub Żółkiewicz
    • Luc Thomas
    • Grażyna Kamińska-Winciorek
    • Krzysztof Pastuszak
    • Michał Kunc
    • Urszula Maińska
    • Michał Sobjanek
    • Martyna Sławińska
    2025 Cancers

    Background/Objectives: External ear melanocytic lesions (EEMLs) are frequently encountered in clinical practice. EEMLs belong to dermoscopic special site locations and their dermoscopic presentation is poorly characterized. The aims of the study were to determine the dermoscopic features and patterns of EEMLs, to evaluate the performance of selected dermoscopic screening algorithms for EEML and to propose a dedicated site-specific dermoscopic predictive model for the assessment of EEMLs. Methods: A retrospective study of EEMLs, which were either excised or had ≥2 years of stable clinical and digital dermoscopy follow-up, was performed. Each lesion was evaluated according to the predefined criteria and selected dermoscopic screening algorithms. Based on the diagnostic potential of each dermoscopic feature, the predictive model was developed and validated utilizing a test set derived from samples obtained from the HAM10000 database. Results: A total of 145 lesions from 136 patients (63 females; 46.3%) were analysed. The mean age of patients was 45.6 years. The most frequent dermoscopic findings of malignant lesions were irregular pigmentation (50/56; 89.3%) and asymmetry of the pattern (49/56; 87.5%), followed by asymmetry of colour (48/56; 85.7%), whereas the most common dermoscopic features of benign lesions were the presence of brown structureless areas (69/89; 77.5%), point and axial symmetry of pigmentation (63/89; 70.8%) and the presence of dots/globules (45/89; 50.6%). Among the selected dermoscopic screening algorithms, the 7-point checklist reached the highest sensitivity of 92.9%, whereas the CASH algorithm achieved the highest specificity of 93.3%. The predictive model reached a balanced accuracy of 88.3% on the independent test set and 89.5% on the validation set. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale study on the dermoscopic features of EEMLs. A predictive diagnostic model was proposed to aid external ear melanoma recognition in the clinical setting. Previously unreported dermoscopic feature (‘red circles’) and dermoscopic pattern (‘annular-globular pattern’) were described.

  • Design and Validation of A 30 GHz 8×8 Slot Antenna Array with Ridge Waveguide Pins/Holes Layers
    • Hasan Raza
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Stanisław Szczepański
    2025 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    This paper presents an 8×8-element slot antenna array optimized for 30 GHz band applications, achieving high gain, wide impedance bandwidth, and high efficiency. The array employs a pin/hole-based design, which enables a compact structure and reduces fabrication complexity and cost, as it eliminates the need for electrical contact between its three primary layers: the metal radiating slot plate, a sub-array cavity layer, and a ridge waveguide feed network layer. The corporate feed network is realized through an array of pins and guiding ridges integrated into a metal plate, effectively distributing power to the radiating elements. A double transition from ridge waveguide to rectangular waveguide, leading to a 2.92 mm coaxial connector, ensures efficient feeding. Each component, including the radiating elements, cavity layer, power dividers, and transitions, is designed and optimized to maintain a low reflection coefficient (|S11| < -10 dB) across the 25–35 GHz frequency range. The 8 × 8 array is fabricated using standard milling techniques. The measured impedance matching bandwidth of approximately 33% is obtained, covering the entire 25-to-35 GHz range. The array consistently demonstrates a gain of over 23 dBi validating its performance for high-frequency applications.

  • Design blisko użytkownika - jak potrzeby kształtują lepsze produkty
    • Norbert Piotrowski
    2025 Świat Przemysłu Kosmetycznego

    Jak wynika z wielu danych, sprzedaż artykułów z koszyka kosmetyczno-chemicznego rośnie zarówno wartościowo, jak i ilościowo każdego roku. Wzrostu nie zahamowała inflacja ani rosnące ceny produktów. Wynika to ze zmian społecznych i zmieniającego się stylu życia konsumentów, którzy zdążyli przywyknąć do wielu nowych rutyn pielęgnacyjnych i higienicznych. Dużą grupę tych produktów stanowią również aerozole, których znaczenie wciąż rośnie ze względu na niezliczone możliwości, jakie oferują. Można jednak zauważyć, że niektóre trendy, szczególnie te globalne, mają duży wpływ na rozwój nowych koncepcji produktów. Konsumenci sięgają po produkty mniejsze, bardziej poręczne, a zarazem przystępne cenowo. Ponadto zrównoważony rozwój i funkcjonalność stały się kluczowymi kryteriami zakupu. Z tego powodu innowacyjność produktów będzie odgrywać kluczową rolę w reagowaniu na zmieniające się potrzeby klientów.

  • Design Optimization for Enhancing the Power Density and Efficiency for GaN-Based DC–DC Converter
    • Parham Mohseni
    • Oleksandr Husev
    • Matthias Kasper
    • Gerald Deboy
    2025 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS

    This article presents an optimization strategy for enhancing the efficiency and power density of a GaN-based dc–dc converter, tailored for different applications with a wide input voltage range regulation. The optimization employs air-core inductors and implements a variable switching frequency modulation method to enable zero voltage switching turn-on for GaN transistors, facilitating greater flexibility in frequency adjustment and improved thermal management. Additionally, a specialized thermal model is introduced for the interleaved Buck-Boost GaN transistor-based dc–dc converter, accounting for the presence of a natural convection heatsink. In the conclusion, theoretical discussions transition to practical implementation through the testing of a laboratory prototype. This prototype achieves high efficiency (around 99%), along with power densities of >17.5 kW/L and 6 kW/kg when equipped with a natural convection (without airflow) heatsink. It features a wide input voltage range (110–450 V), a constant output voltage of 350 V, variable switching frequency (18–304 kHz) and supports up to 9 kW output power.

  • Development of an asymmetric cellulose acetate-ionic liquid P6,6,6,14[PHOS] gel membrane for the perstraction of succinic acid from a model fermentation solution of yarrovia lipolytica
    • Elsie Zurob
    • Esteban Quijada-Maldonado
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    • Julio Romero
    • Andrea Plaza
    • René Cabezas
    2025 SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

    This study introduces a novel approach to separate succinic acid (SA) from fermentation mixtures using an asymmetric membrane based on the gelation of the ionic liquid [P6,6,6,14][PHOS] coated with two layers of cellulose acetate. The membrane was designed to explore the synergistic effect of polymer-ionic liquid interfaces according to the solution-diffusion theory. The gelation of the ionic liquid was achieved using 12-hydroxystearic acid at a concentration of 1.5%, allowing the use of ionic liquid gels as new materials for the generation of membranes. The perstraction performance of the membrane was evaluated over 5 h at two different temperatures (25°C and 37°C), with an initial feed solution concentration of 50 kg m−3 for SA and glycerol and pure water as a receiving phase., Several flow rates and phase-volume ratios were studied anda mass transfer model based on the resistance-in-series theory was assessed to understand the behavior of each mass transfer stage considering the distribution in each interphase. Interestingly, optimal perstraction results were obtained at 37°C, with an average transmembrane flux of 0.22 kg m-2h−1 for SA, an extraction percentage of 43.1% for SA and 0.7% for glycerol, and a SA/glycerol selectivity of 54.98. Besides presenting a novel composite membrane, this study reports pioneering perstraction outcomes, highlighting its potential as an innovative SA separation strategy and structured new materials for selective extractions.

  • Development of dual nozzle slurry extrusion 3D printer by integrating material extrusion and photopolymerization for the fabrication of engineered ceramics
    • Yulius Romario
    • Chinmai Bhat
    • Lin Yu-yang
    • Wojciech Macek
    • Maziar Ramezani
    • Cho-pei Jiang
    2025 Pełny tekst RAPID PROTOTYPING JOURNAL

    This research focuses on developing a dual-nozzle slurry-based extrusion 3D printer capable of fabricating intricate zirconia structures. The designed 3D printer combines material extrusion and photopolymerization technologies to improve material diversity, precision, and cost-effectiveness. The 3D printer design incorporates ultraviolet curing to instantly cure extruded zirconia slurry thereby, eliminating the need for a step-wise curing procedure. Printing parameters were optimized to achieve high-quality prints, and supports made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) were used for intricate geometries. The printability and mechanical properties were evaluated for two different zirconia slurry compositions: 70/30 and 80/20 powder-to-resin weight percentages. The printed green body was subjected to a two-phase sintering process. The 3D printer fabricated structures with features subtending angles greater than 50 degrees and a filling density above 80% without any supports. Shrinkage analysis showed the 80/20 composition resulted in higher density parts, with shrinkage ratios of 25.23%, 26.23%, and 27.26% along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. The sintered objects displayed hardness (1525 HV) and flexural strength (117 MPa), with minimal porosity. This study demonstrates the development of a cost-effective dual-nozzle 3D printer that can effectively fabricate functional parts with complex material compositions and geometries that can cater to the futuristic requirements of high-end industries.

  • Diagnosis of marine internal combustion engines by means of rapidly variable temperature and composition of exhaust gas as an alternative or support for currently used diagnostic methods
    • Patrycja Puzdrowska
    2025 Pełny tekst Combustion Engines

    The article points out relevance of parametric diagnostics of ship engines and analyzes the state of research in this field. A method is proposed for diagnosing engine systems on the basis of rapidly variable exhaust temperature while measuring its composition. A method for determining diagnoser tools from the signal within one engine cycle and mathematical and statistical treatment of test results is presented. The products of numerical moddeling in the Diesel-RK software and the products of laboratory research on a Farymann Diesel test engine were analyzed. Affect of the most popular defects on the analyzed parameters was defined. Criteria for matching a diagnoser tool in accordance with the type of damage in a ship engine was presented. A methodology was proposed for adapting the presented method to metering on a ship engine in operation.

  • Differential evolution-optimized gold nanorods for enhanced photothermal conversion
    • Aimad Koulali
    • Piotr Radomski
    • Paweł Ziółkowski
    • Francesca Petronella
    • Luciano de Sio
    • Dariusz Mikielewicz
    2025 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    Noble metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in the field of sustainable energy. Gold nanorods (AuNRs), known for their size-dependent optical and electrical characteristics, are strong candidates for various applications, particularly in solar energy conversion. Additionally, AuNRs are well-established nanomaterials in precision medicine. In this paper, we optimize the shape and size of AuNRs to maximize light-to-heat conversion based on a validated theoretical model. Utilizing the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, a robust metaheuristic optimization approach, we calculated the optimal size and shape of AuNRs for selected wavelengths. The aspect ratio (AR), defined as the ratio of the diameter to the length of the AuNRs, was a key parameter in the optimization process. The optimization results reveal that for shorter wavelengths, near-spherical AuNRs (AR of 0.71 and 0.75) demonstrate the highest efficiency, while for longer wavelengths, more elongated AuNRs (AR of 0.24 and 0.17) outperform others. This study also includes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations to evaluate the impact of optimized AuNRs on heat generation in a real-world scenario. A case study is presented in which lasers of different wavelengths irradiate a borosilicate glass embedded with a slab of AuNRs at its center. The results, reported as temperature distributions and temperature evolution during irradiation, indicate that the optimized AuNRs significantly enhance heat generation across various laser wavelengths. Specifically, temperature increases were observed as follows: from 2.28 to 39.08 ◦C at 465 nm, from 1.91 to 81.42 ◦C at 532 nm, from 1.7 to 65.14 ◦C at 640 nm, from 40 to 48.35 ◦C at 808 nm, and from 0.94 to 118.45 ◦C at 980 nm, respectively. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the optimization process in enhancing photothermal conversion.

  • Discrete evacuation in graphs with multiple exits
    • Piotr Borowiecki
    • Shantanu Das
    • Dariusz Dereniowski
    • Łukasz Kuszner
    2025 THEORETICAL COMPUTER SCIENCE

    In this paper, we consider the problem of efficient evacuation of mobile agents from distinct nodes in a graph to multiple exit nodes, while avoiding congestion and bottlenecks, and minimizing the total evacuation time. Each node in the graph can only hold one agent at a time, so the agents must choose their movements based on the locations of other agents to optimize the evacuation process. We consider two scenarios: the centralized (offline) and the distributed (online) setting. In the former one, the agents have complete information about the initial positions of other agents. In the distributed setting, agents lack prior knowledge of other agents' locations but can communicate locally with nearby agents and must adapt their strategy in an online fashion as they move and gather more information. In this study, we propose an offline polynomial time solution for determining the optimal evacuation strategy for all agents. In the online case, where agents can communicate at a distance of two in the graph, a constant-competitive algorithm is presented. Additionally, we demonstrate that when agents are heterogeneous and each type of agent can access only a certain subgraph of the original graph, computing the optimal strategy becomes NP-hard, even with full global knowledge. This result remains true even if there are only two types of agents or, even if the optimal evacuation time is a small constant.

  • Distinct cellular uptake patterns of two anticancer unsymmetrical bisacridines and their metabolic transformation in tumor cells.
    • Joanna Frąckowiak
    • Paweł Kubica
    • Michał Kosno
    • Agnieszka Potęga
    • Katarzyna Owczarek-Grzymkowska
    • Julia Borzyszkowska-Bukowska
    • Tomasz Laskowski
    • Ewa Paluszkiewicz
    • Zofia Mazerska
    2025 JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS

    Unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs) represent a novel class of anticancer agents. Their high cytotoxicity towards multiple human cancer cell lines and inhibition of human tumor xenograft growth in nude mice signal their potential for cancer treatment. Therefore, the mechanism of their strong biological activity is broadly investigated. Here, we explore the efflux and metabolism of UAs, as both strongly contribute to the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. We tested two highly cytotoxic UAs, C‑2028 and C‑2045, as well as their glucuronic acid and glutathione conjugates in human cancer cell lines (HepG2 and LS174T). As a point of reference for cell-based systems, we examined the rate of UA metabolic conversion in cell-free systems. A multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-mass spectrometry (MS) method was developed in the present study for analysis of UAs and their metabolic conversion in complex biological matrices. Individual analytes were identified by several features: their retention time, mass‑to‑charge ratio and unique fragmentation pattern. The rate of UA uptake and metabolic transformation was monitored for 24 h in cell extracts and cell culture medium. Both UAs were rapidly internalized by cells. However, C‑2028 was gradually accumulated, while C‑2045 was eventually released from cells during treatment. UAs demonstrated limited metabolic conversion in cells. The glucuronic acid conjugate was excreted, whereas the glutathione conjugate was deposited in cancer cells. Our results obtained from cell-free and cell-based systems, using a uniform MRM‑MS method, will provide valuable insight into the mechanism of UA biological activity in diverse biological models.

  • Diverse roles, advantages and importance of deep eutectic solvents application in solid and liquid-phase microextraction techniques – A review
    • Wajid Ali Khan
    • Pakorn Varanusupakul
    • Hameed Ul Haq
    • Muhammad Balal Arain
    • Mateusz Marchel
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2025 SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

    Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of promising green solvents used as an alternative to traditional organic solvents in various scientific fields. The high biodegradability, biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, tunable properties, and presence of active groups in DESs make them the preferred solvent in a variety of solid- and liquid-phase microextraction techniques. Aside from these benefits, the use of DESs in microextraction techniques results in increased selectivity, extraction efficiency, recovery, analyte stabilization capability, and detection compatibility. Furthermore, the ease of preparation, low cost, readily available components, separation, and applications for a wide range of samples drew significant attention. Based on these benefits, the chemists investigate the application of DESs in separation science for various roles. Based on the advantages of DESs in separation science, this review investigates and describes the various roles of DESs, including sorbent functionalization, desorption solvent, dispersing solvent, reaction media, extraction solvent, solvent for supported liquid membrane (SLM), and acceptor phase in various solid- and liquid-phase microextraction techniques for a variety of matrices, including food, water, soil, plants, beverages, medicinal supplements, and biological samples. Aside from the numerous advantages, the use of DESs for various roles in sorbent-based microextraction techniques reduces extraction performance due to variable complex interaction with the analyte, instability in extreme pH and high-temperature conditions, and insufficient analyte solubility. Furthermore, some physiochemical properties of DESs, such as viscosity, conductivity, and leakage into sample and acceptor solvents, limited their use in membrane-based microextraction methods. Future research should concentrate on developing comprehensive models that accurately describe the physiochemical properties of DESs and their intended role in microextraction techniques. The authors also suggest stabilizing agents in conjunction with DESs to improve extraction stability.

  • Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Maturity Model: Setting New Standards in Responsible Business Education – Evidence from PRIME Reports
    • Elżbieta Karwowska
    • Michał Tomczak
    2025 Social Responsibility Journal

    Purpose Creating diverse, equal and inclusive (DEI) environments is an important and relevant area of research on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This paper aims to identify recent trends in the business schools context, as they are primary sources of ethical management innovation. The paper also aims to identify business school DEI maturity levels. Design/methodology/approach The research design is qualitative. Using thematic analysis, the authors explored all the available and relevant (19) Principal for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champions’ reports regarding their activities in 2022 and 2023. Based on the data, the authors developed the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Maturity Model (DEIMM) in Business Schools, including the DEI maturity scale. The scale was used to explore the recent trends in four main areas: management, teaching, research and the third mission of the business schools. Findings The most prominent theme across the dataset is gender equality. The authors also identified new practices, including Indigenous people’s inclusion and decolonisation, neurodiversity, homelessness destigmatisation, period destigmatisation and scientific disciplines’ anti-discrimination. These activities were observed at various maturity levels, fitting all levels of our maturity model. Research limitations/implications This may suggest that business schools not only emulate business trends but also are prone to create their path to diversity, equality and inclusion. Originality/value This model can provide a starting point for developing tools for assessing the DEI maturity of business schools and other organisations, i.e. indicating the stage at which a school or a company is on its path to achieving DEI maturity, which creates an important contribution to the CSR research.

  • Dobre praktyki doskonalenia organizacji w świetle kryteriów Pomorskiej Nagrody Jakości
    • Małgorzata Wiśniewska
    • Piotr Grudowski
    • Anna Wendt
    2025

    Monografia została poprzedzona wstępem i składa się z czterech zasadniczych rozdziałów. W rozdziale 1 zaprezentowano założenia i ewolucję koncepcji kompleksowego zarządzania jakością (Total Quality Management, TQM) oraz przykłady modelowych rozwiązań w tym obszarze. W rozdziale 2 omówiono różne najważniejsze modele doskonałości oraz konkursy promujące ideę tych modeli. Ważne miejsce w ramach tych rozważań zajmują kwestie dotyczące rozwoju zrównoważonego, czyli paradygmatu współcześnie dotyczącego wszystkich organizacji, które chcą być uznawane za odpowiedzialne i świadome swojego wpływu na środowisko naturalne oraz otoczenie społeczno-gospodarcze. Odniesiono się również do roli kultury organizacyjnej sprzyjającej doskonaleniu i jej miejsca w modelach doskonałości. W rozdziale 3 skupiono się na istocie dobrych praktyk, których odwzorowywanie i wdrażanie sprzyja prowadzeniu benchmarkingu, czyli procesu porównywania się organizacji z podmiotami najlepszymi w danym obszarze działania i zainteresowania. Omówiono także znaczenie samooceny, której stosowanie odgrywa kluczową rolę we wdrażaniu modeli doskonałości. W rozdziale 4 przedstawiono studium przypadku, jakim jest Konkurs o Pomorską Nagrodę Jakości, oraz model doskonałości wykorzystywany w ramach tego przedsięwzięcia. Zilustrowano ewolucję konkursu i jego modelu na przestrzeni lat oraz zaprezentowano założenia i cechy aktualnej wersji tego modelu.

  • Dom 2 / Gdynia
    • Joanna Kabrońska
    2025 Architektura-Murator

    Dom jednorodzinny został zaprojektowany w miejscu budynku z lat 50. ubiegłego wieku. Ze względu na architektoniczną tradycję dzielnicy Orłowo i wynikające z niej wytyczne konserwatorskie forma nowego obiektu nawiązuje do tutejszej modernistycznej zabudowy i jest powtórzeniem formy swojego poprzednika. Składają się na nią dwa prostopadłościany o różnej wysokości, z przesunięciem elewacji jednego z nich. Tym samym nawiązuje ona zarówno do wcześniej istniejącego budynku, jak i do innych domów tworzących pierzeję tej części ulicy. Budynek stanowi przykład harmonijnego połączenia lokalnej tradycji architektonicznej z tym, co oferuje nam współczesność.

  • Dynamic anaerobic digestion-based biorefineries for on-demand renewable energy and bioproducts in a circular bioeconomy
    • Rajas Shinde
    • Anga Hackula
    • Milena Marycz
    • Archishman Bose
    • Richard O'Shea
    • Susanne Barth
    • Jerry D. Murphy
    • David M. Wall
    2025 Pełny tekst TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

    Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an important biotechnology for treating biodegrad- able residues and producing bioenergy, yet its full potential remains untapped. We investigate a two-phase AD system for biorefinery applications, producing valuable bioproducts, such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and biogas, from grass feedstock. We introduce a demand-driven operational approach to match mar- ket conditions, while minimising water use by reusing the process effluent. The proposed biorefinery model yields ~23 kg of VFAs and 75 kWh of biogas, with a potential gross revenue of €84 per tonne of grass. However, a preliminary eco- nomic analysis indicates that this biorefinery model is currently unprofitable. A sensitivity analysis suggests that reducing operating costs through technology advancements and policy support are vital to ensure economic viability. Such biorefineries offer opportunities for the diversification of farmers' incomes and the transition away from fossil resources. Our work exemplifies the role of AD as a key biotechnology in the circular bioeconomy.

  • Dynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Galvanostatic Mode as a Tool for Passive Layer State Monitoring in a Chloride Solution Under a Mechanical Load
    • Mateusz Cieślik
    • Juliusz Orlikowski
    • Stefan Krakowiak
    • Krzysztof Żakowski
    2025 Materials

    Mechanical stress is one of the factors influencing the initiation of pitting corrosion and deterioration of the protective properties of the passive layer on stainless steel. The tests carried out on AISI 304L stainless steel showed that, in the 3.5% NaCl environment for samples loaded in the elastic and plastic range, no pitting corrosion initiation was observed. Only mechanical damage of the passive layer occurred. Galvanodynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (g-DEIS) was used as the measuring technique. This technique ensures the monitoring of corrosion processes at zero external current (IDC = 0) and no potential perturbation of the system. It also allows one to perform many measurements, so that short-term changes such as cracking of the layer and its repassivation are possible to monitor.

  • Early-Age Hydration Reaction of Cement Mortars with the Participation of Aluminosilicate Microsphere Fractions
    • Elżbieta Haustein
    • Szymon Kalisz
    2025 JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

    The paper presents the influence of two fractions (M1 and M2) of aluminosilicate microspheres in the amount of 0.0%, 1.5%, 3.5%, and 5% as a cement substitute on the early heat of hydration of cement mortars assessed by isothermal calorimetry (IC). The study results showed a higher accumulated heat of hydration for cement mortars with 1.5% of the test material for both grain fractions. In turn, mortars with 3.5% and 5% of smaller grains (M1) released more heat of hydration than samples with larger grains (M2), which have a less reactive glass phase. The proportion of finer fraction results in higher consumption of calcium hydroxide after seven days, which reflects the pozzolanic reactivity and, consequently, a denser microstructure compared with mortar samples containing grains with a larger diameter of the tested material, as indicated by phase composition tests (XRD). SEM/EDX analyses of the hydrating particle surface (M1) in cement mortar reveal a lower Ca/Si atomic ratio and higher Al/Si in C─ S─ H than larger diameter particles (M2).

  • EDRNet: An attention-based model for multi-type tumor and polyp segmentation in medical imaging
    • Syed Wajahat Ali
    • Adeel Feroz Mirza
    • Muhammad Usman
    2025 DISPLAYS

    In the pursuit of advancing medical image segmentation, this study introduces a novel neural network, Efficient Deep Residual Network (EDRNet). Our approach is designed to handle different types of tumors, encompassing MRI brain tumor segmentation, three breast tumor ultrasound segmentation tasks, and cholorectal polyp segmentation from the Kvasir dataset. EDRNet incorporates advanced architectural features such as Enhanced Residual Dilated Blocks and a Deep Residual Network (DRNet), alongside an EfficientNet-based encoder, optimizing the extraction and processing of image features. A key innovation in our model is the integration of Spatial Channel Fusion Attention, with the DRNet which combines global and local feature extractors using an attention feature fusion module. Our modified Attention Feature Fusion Module (AFFM) plays a crucial role in integrating local features (lc), fused features (fuse), and global features (gf) to produce a rich, multi-scale representation for improved segmentation performance at decoder part. Furthermore, we have used the transfer learning based approach to train single model for the multiple cancer datasets with combine loss functions to efficiently train the neural networks. Specifically, in the MRI and breast cancer datasets, EDRNet has demonstrated good capability in properly segmenting all types of brain tumors with precise details, whether located on the left or right side of the brain. This design choice significantly enhances the model’s ability to differentiate low and high level features and boundaries in medical images, crucial for accurate segmentation. Quantitative evaluations demonstrate that EDRNet sets new benchmarks on all considered datasets. Notably, improvements in Intersection over Union (IoU) were recorded as a 9 % increase for the MRI brain tumor segmentation, a substantial 4% enhancement for breast cancer segmentation datasets, and a 1.5% improvement in cholorectal polyp segmentation on the Kvasir dataset. These results underline the efficacy of EDRNet in boosting accuracy and sensitivity, confirming its state-of-the-art performance in medical image segmentation.

  • Effect of AlF3 and KF addition on the structure and luminescent properties of P2O5 – K2O – Nb2O5 – Bi2O3 glasses doped with Eu3+
    • Michał Maciejewski
    • Karolina Milewska
    • Anna Synak
    • Marcin Łapiński
    • Wojciech Sadowski
    • Barbara Kościelska
    2025 JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE

    Based on the developed phosphate glasses P2O5–K2O–Bi2O3–Nb2O5 doped with Eu3+, the influence of AlF3 and KF on the structural and luminescent properties was investigated. For this purpose, three series of glasses containing from 5 to 15 mol% fluorides were synthesized. Two of the series included the KF additive, which was introduced in two ways - proportionally and disproportionately at the expense of the K2O share. The structural characterization (XRD, FTIR) allowed us to determine the evolution of the internal structure of the glasses caused by changes in the type and content of the introduced additives and the presence of the Eu dopant. Similarly, using DSC/DTA, the thermal properties of undoped matrices were defined. The luminescence enhancement caused by the addition of ≥10 mol% fluorides was confirmed by the obtained fluorescence spectra. The presented studies not only expand the state of knowledge about the effects of fluorides on phosphate glasses but also demonstrate the ease of obtaining materials with improved properties suitable for use as phosphor in LEDs.

  • Effect of rPET Content and Preform Heating/Cooling Conditions in the Stretch Blow Molding Process on Microcavitation and Solid-State Post-Condensation of vPET-rPET Blend: Part II—Statistical Analysis and Interpretation of Tests
    • Waldemar Karaszewski
    • Paweł Wawrzyniak
    • Marta Safandowska
    • Rafał Idczak
    2025 Materials

    This research explores how varying proportions of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (vPET) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in vPET-rPET blends, combined with preform thermal conditions during the stretch blow molding (SBM) process, influence PET bottles’ microscopic characteristics. Key metrics such as viscosity, density, crystallinity, amorphous phase relaxation, and microcavitation were assessed using response surface methodology (RSM). Statistical analysis, including Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and its power, supported the interpretation of results. The first part of the work details the experimental design and statistical methods. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and amorphous phase density analysis revealed reduced free volume size, a substantial increase in free volume quantity, and a transformation toward ellipsoidal geometries, highlighting significant structural changes in the material. At the same time, the intrinsic viscosity (IV) and PALS studies indicate that the solid-state post-condensation effect (SSPC) is linked with microcavitation through post-condensation product diffusion. The conclusions, which resulted from the microstructure analysis, affected the material’s mechanical strength and were validated by pressure resistance tests of the bottles.

  • Effect of synthesis method on ammonium sorption behavior of oat husk biochar
    • José Daniel da Silva Fonseca
    • Karolina Matej-Łukowicz
    • Jacek Kluska
    • Mateusz Adam Baluk
    • Joanna Kulesza
    • Bráulio Silva Barros
    • Ewa Wojciechowska
    2025 Scientific Reports

    Ammonium is a pollutant commonly detected in various water sources and, in high concentrations, poses significant risks to environmental quality and public health. Numerous techniques have been developed and are currently employed to eliminate pollutants, including ammonium ions, from water. Among these various methods, adsorption has proven to be the most cost-effective and eco-friendly, particularly when utilizing an inexpensive and effective adsorbent. This study aims to determine the optimal method for producing biochar from oat husks, focusing on maximizing ammonium adsorption capacity among three selected preparation techniques. The chosen methods are based on a common combustion process and the use of chemical activators, such as ferrocene and sodium hydroxide. Biochar produced with sodium hydroxide exhibited the highest concentration of oxidized groups, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The adsorption kinetics of ammonium via the sodium hydroxide-modified biochar followed the Avrami model. The adsorption isotherms were best described by the Freundlich (R2 > 0.9) and Langmuir (R2 > 0.8) models. The desorption behavior followed a first-order model. According to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity of the NaOH-modified biochar was 59.61 mg/g. The method utilizing sodium hydroxide was the most effective at preparing biochar with the highest adsorption capacity, indicating its potential applicability in the remediation of ammonium-contaminated water. This research also establishes a foundation for further investigation into methods for producing biochar with enhanced adsorption capabilities from the same agricultural waste source.

  • Effect of water contamination of an environmentally acceptable lubricant based on synthetic esters on the wear and hydrodynamic properties of stern tube bearing
    • Michał Wodtke
    • Jacek Frost
    • Wojciech Litwin
    2025 TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

    The ecological aspects of the lubrication of stern tube bearings on ships represent a critical challenge today. Oil leakages are a typical issue, even for new systems, similarly to water ingress from the environment. One of the options for improving environmental protection is replacing mineral oil with an environmentally adaptable lubricant (EAL). This paper reports experimental investigations of the effect of water content in the EAL lubricant on the performance of a hydrodynamic journal bearing. Bearings were tested on dedicated test stands in steady and transient states. The results revealed that a mixture of synthetic EAL esters with water, when used as a lubricant in a laboratory test of journal bearings, did not significantly alter the hydrodynamic and wear performance of the system.

  • Effect of Zirconia addition on Laser powder bed fusion of Inconel 718-zirconia Composite
    • Cho-pei Jiang
    • Andi Ard Maidhah
    • Alvian Toto Wibisono
    • Ehsan Toyserkani
    • Wojciech Macek
    2025 Progress in Additive Manufacturing

    This study investigates the integration of zirconia (ZrO2) as a reinforcing agent in the Inconel 718 matrix to potentially enhance material hardness and high-temperature oxidation resistance. Employing laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), 3D composite parts of Inconel 718-ZrO2 were systematically fabricated, varying the zirconia mass. The primary objectives encompass exploring the impact of zirconia on the microstructure, micro-hardness, and high-temperature oxidation of the Inconel 718- ZrO2 composite. The research employed comprehensive testing methodologies, including SEM-EDS, micro-vickers hardness, XRD, and TGA-DTA. Results elucidated the successful 3D printing of Inconel 718-ZrO2 composites utilizing the LPBF. Notably, the presence of defects such as porosity, cracks, lack of fusion, and balling was identified, intensifying with increased zirconia content. The composite demonstrated a substantial increase in hardness across all zirconia mass variations compared to pure Inconel 718, with 1 wt.% zirconia achieving the highest hardness. Furthermore, oxidation resistance exhibited improvement with higher zirconia content in the composite. The comprehensive analysis unveils promising opportunities for the development and application of Inconel 718-ZrO2 composites in industries characterized by hightemperature environments and elevated wear conditions. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the performance of these composites, thereby contributing to advancements in materials engineering for challenging operational conditions.

  • Effects of aggregate crushing and strain rate on fracture in compressive concrete with a DEM-based breakage model
    • Michał Nitka
    • Andrzej Tejchman-Konarzewski
    2025 Pełny tekst GRANULAR MATTER

    W tym artykule zbadano, w jaki sposób kruche kruszywa wpływają na mezoskopowe zachowanie dynamiczne betonu w warunkach jednoosiowego ściskania. Przeprowadzono obszerne dynamiczne obliczenia dwuwymiarowe (2D), aby zbadać wpływ kruszenia kruszywa i szybkości odkształcania na dynamiczną wytrzymałość betonu i wzory pęknięć. Wykorzystując model pękania oparty na DEM, beton symulowano jako materiał czterofazowy składający się z kruszywa, zaprawy, ITZ i makroporów. Mezostrukturę betonu uzyskano z laboratoryjnych testów mikro-CT. Zbiory kulistych cząstek wykorzystano do imitacji pękania kruszywa o różnych rozmiarach i kształtach, umożliwiając między nimi pękanie wewnątrzziarniste. Zaprawę opisano w kategoriach niełamliwych kul o różnych średnicach. W porównaniu z zaprawą wytrzymałość kruszywa była zawsze większa. Uzyskano jakościową spójność wyników DEM z dostępnymi danymi eksperymentalnymi. Dynamiczna wytrzymałość betonu na ściskanie wzrosła znacząco wraz ze szybkością odkształcania i nieznacznie wraz z wytrzymałością kruszywa. Proces pękania był znacząco zależny od kruszenia kruszywa i szybkości odkształcenia. Liczba zerwanych styków rosła wraz ze wzrostem szybkości odkształcenia i spadkiem wytrzymałości kruszywa.

  • Effects of Emerging Pollutant Mixtures: Assessing the Impact of Caffeine and Ionic Liquid on Cyanobacteria and Diatom Species
    • Lilianna Sharma
    • Błażej Kudłak
    • Joanna Stoń-Egiert
    • Grzegorz Siedlewicz
    • Ksenia Pazdro
    2025 JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    The presence of micropollutants poses significant environmental concerns due to their potential toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. However, the effects of micropollutant mixtures, particularly synergistic or antagonistic interactions, remain underexplored. The study employs nonstandard biomarkers to investigate the interaction effects of binary mixtures of caffeine, a prevalent anthropogenic contaminant, and the imidazolium-based ionic liquid IMI-8C(CN)3, a representative of a new group of micropollutants, on two photosynthetic microorganisms: the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the freshwater/brackish cyanobacterium Microcystis aerugi- nosa, under chronic exposure conditions. Key findings reveal photoprotective responses in both microorganisms, including enhanced non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), activation of the xanthophyll cycle, and photosyn- thetic activity disruption as indicated by altered chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Environmentally rele- vant caffeine concentration (10 μg/l) significantly increased the DI0/RC (dissipation of photochemical energy per reaction center) parameter, indicating heightened energy dissipation as a stress response. Mixture toxicity pre- dictions using concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models showed predominantly antag- onistic interactions.