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  • In vitro biological evaluation of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier for C-2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in the treatment of human lung and prostate cancers
    • Joanna Pilch
    • Agnieszka Potęga
    • Patrycja Kowalik
    • Agata Kowalczyk
    • Piotr Bujak
    • Artur Kasprzak
    • Ewa Paluszkiewicz
    • Anna Maria Nowicka
    2024 Pełny tekst Pharmacological Reports

    Traditional small-molecule chemotherapeutics usually do not distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. However, nanotechnology creates nanocarriers that selectively deliver drugs to their site of action. This work is the next step in the development of the quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin−folic acid (QD−β−CD−FA) platform for targeted and selected delivery of C−2028 unsymmetrical bisacridine in cancer therapy.Herein, we report an initial biological evaluation (using flow cytometry and light microscopy) as well as cell migration analysis of QD−β−CD(C−2028)−FA nanoconjugate and its components in the selected human lung and prostate cancer cells, as well as against their respective normal cells. C−2028 compound induced apoptosis, which was much stronger in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Conjugation of C−2028 with QDgreen increased cellular senescence, while the introduction of FA to the conjugate significantly decreased this process. C−2028 nanoencapsulation also reduced cell migration. Importantly, QDgreen and QDgreen−β−CD−FA themselves did not induce any toxic responses in studied cells. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the high potential of a novel folic acid-targeted receptor quantum dot−β−cyclodextrin carrier (QDgreen−β−CD−FA) for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Nanoplatforms increased the amount of delivered compounds and demonstrated high suitability.

  • In-ADC, Rank-Order Filter for Digital Pixel Sensors
    • Miron Kłosowski
    • Yichuang Sun
    • Waldemar Jendernalik
    • Grzegorz Blakiewicz
    • Jacek Jakusz
    • Stanisław Szczepański
    2024 Pełny tekst Electronics

    This paper presents a new implementation of the rank-order filter, which is established on a parallel-operated array of single-slope (SS) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The SS ADCs use an “on-the-ramp processing” technique, i.e., filtration is performed along with analog-to-digital conversion, so the final states of the converters represent a filtered image. A proof-of-concept 64 × 64 array of SS ADCs, integrated with MOS photogates, was fabricated using a standard 180 nm CMOS process. The measurement results demonstrate the full functionality of the novel filter concept, with image acquisition in both single-sampling and correlated-double-sampling (CDS) modes (CDS is digitally performed using ADCs). The experimental, massively parallel rank-order filter can process 650 frames per second with a power consumption of 4.81 mW.

  • Inclusive onboarding process and the specific organizational culture – a theoretical outline of the problem
    • Marta Szeluga-Romańska
    2024 Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Śląskiej. Seria Organizacja i Zarządzanie

    Purpose: The aim of this article is to indicate to what extent an organization hiring new employees is able to prepare an individualized, inclusive onboarding process for a diverse workforce; to what extent is it necessary, and to what extent is it possible, so that each new employee efficiently find themselves in the new workplace, but also has the feeling that the organization wants to use their potential and talents. Design/methodology/approach: The objectives are achieved by the analysis of existing scientific literature and research. The theoretical scope is to discuss the possibilities of introducing organizational culture efficiently during the process of onboarding and still make the process inclusive. Findings: It was found that to make the newcomer become truly included in the organization and connected to its social life it is necessary for the organization to pay attention to all four phases and prepare practical solutions to: compliance, clarity, culture and then connection. Practical implications: The implications for business comprise two ideas how to prepare inclusive onboarding in the organisations. Originality/value: The paper is addressed to HR specialists (practitioners) and also to researchers to check in practice the proposed approach.

  • Influence of 3D Printed Overlay Infill Patterns on Miniaturized ESPAR Antenna Performance
    • Luiza Leszkowska
    • Mateusz Rzymowski
    • Krzysztof Nyka
    • Łukasz Kulas
    2024 Pełny tekst

    In this article, we show how different infill patterns influence the overall performance of miniaturized electrically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) antenna. The use of 3D printed dielectric overlays is a simple and flexible way to miniaturize ESPAR antennas, so they are more compact and can be better integrated with wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes or gateways in different application areas. Additionally, such overlays modify antenna radiation patterns in elevation, which can be used to provide better connectivity with WSN nodes places beneath a WSN gateway. In this work, we investigate 3 different infill patterns that can be used in widely available 3D printers to create the overlay in a 3D printing process, and we show how each of the infill patterns used affects the antenna performance. Finally, based on our measurements, we propose the infill pattern that provides the best parameters of a miniaturized ESPAR antenna.

  • Influence of an Interview Location on Opinions about the Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees
    • Piotr Matczak
    • Marcin Mielewczyk
    • Krzysztof Mączka
    • Patrycja Przewoźna
    • Adam Inglot
    2024 Pełny tekst Quaestiones Geographicae

    Collecting opinions regarding environmental management is essential, particularly in urban areas where space is limited, and interests often collide. However, the impact of the conditions in which the research is conducted on opinions and preferences elicited via surveys and interviews about the environment is usually taken for granted. The recent development of computer-aided survey methods allows a simulation of an environment, which can create an artificial environment for interviews. Therefore, examining whether direct access to the environment impacts opinions and preferences becomes a significant issue when considering environmental policies and management design and execution. This study examines whether the location of an interview, indoors or outdoors (in the vicinity of trees), influences the opinion on the ecosystem services (ES) trees provide. A quasi-experimental method with a map-aided computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) survey in two Polish cities, indoors and outdoors, in the vicinity of trees, shows that respondents' location did not significantly affect the opinion on the ES provided by trees. However, on average, respondents answering the survey inside buildings marked more trees on a map than those answering outside. We argue that although an interview location does not have a significant impact on the results, from the perspective of various stakeholder groups in participatory processes, the convenience of place is more important than the character of the place (i.e., in the vicinity of trees) as long as the survey method is mediated by a virtual representation of the subject of the study. © 2024 Piotr Matczak et al., published by Sciendo.

  • Influence of conductive carbon and MnCo2O4 on morphological and electrical properties of hydrogels for electrochemical energy conversion
    • Sylwia Pawłowska
    • Karolina Cysewska
    • Yasamin Ziai
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Piotr Jasiński
    • Sebastian Molin
    2024 Pełny tekst Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology

    In this work, a strategy for one-stage synthesis of polymer composites based on PNIPAAm hydrogel was presented. Both conductive particles in the form of conductive carbon black (cCB) and MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel particles were suspended in the three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel. The MCO particles in the resulting hydrogel composite acted as an electrocatalyst in the oxygen evolution reaction. Morphological studies confirmed that the added particles were incorporated and, in the case of a higher concentration of cCB particles, also bound to the surface of the structure of the hydrogel matrix. The produced composite materials were tested in terms of their electrical properties, showing that an increase in the concentration of conductive particles in the hydrogel structure translates into a lowering of the impedance modulus and an increase in the double-layer capacitance of the electrode. This, in turn, resulted in a higher catalytic activity of the electrode in the oxygen evolution reaction. The use of a hydrogel as a matrix to suspend the catalyst particles, and thus increase their availability through the electrolyte, seems to be an interesting and promising application approach.

  • Influence of Giant Reed (Arundo Donax L.) Culms Processing Procedure on Physicochemical, Rheological, and Thermomechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composites
    • Luis Suarez
    • Paul Hanna
    • Zaida Ortega
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Bronagh Millar
    • Eoin Cunningham
    2024 Pełny tekst Journal of Natural Fibers

    Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a plant species with a high growth rate and low requirements, which makes it particularly interesting for the production of different bioproducts, including natural fibers. This work assesses the use of fibers obtained from reed culms as reinforcement for a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. Two different lignocellulosic materials were used: i) shredded culms and ii) fibers obtained by culms processing, which have not been reported yet in literature as fillers for thermoplastic materials. A good stress transfer for the fibrous composites was observed, with significant increases in mechanical properties; composites with 20% fiber provided a tensile elastic modulus of almost 1900 MPa (78% increase versus neat HDPE) and a flexural one of 1500 MPa (100% increase), with an improvement of 15% in impact strength. On the other hand, composites with 20% shredded biomass increased by 50% the tensile elastic modulus (reaching 1560 MPa) and the flexural one (up to 1500 MPa), without significant changes in impact strength. The type of filler is more than its ratio; composites containing fibers resulted in a higher performance than the ones with shredded materials due to the higher aspect ratio of fibers.

  • Influence of iron content on water uptake and charge transport in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ triple-conducting oxides
    • Jagoda Budnik
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Maria Gazda
    • Tadeusz Miruszewski
    2024 Pełny tekst Journal of Materials Chemistry A

    In this work, we studied the BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ system which belongs to the triple-conducting oxides (TCOs) group. The electrochemical properties of BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.2−xFexO3−δ were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the water uptake was analyzed using thermogravimetry (TG). All investigated materials exhibited water uptake, with proton concentration increasing with decreasing iron content. BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.15Fe0.05O3−δ showed a significant electrical conductivity increase in wet air at low temperatures, indicating a hydration reaction occurring in these materials. The oxygen nonstoichiometry was determined using iodometric titration, revealing a linear decrease in oxygen vacancy concentration with increasing iron content in the materials. The partial oxygen ionic and electronic conductivity was determined at 600 and 800 °C. All compositions exhibited p-type electronic conductivity in air, and both types of partial conductivity decreased with increasing iron content. Water uptake kinetics was analyzed using electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR). Water uptake followed single-fold monotonic relaxation for BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.15Fe0.05O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1Fe0.1O3−δ across the entire temperature range and, in the case of BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ, below 550 °C. At 550 °C and above, a two-fold relaxation kinetics in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ was observed. The surface exchange coefficient and the chemical diffusion coefficient of water for different compositions were determined. The influence of water vapor on the oxidation and reduction kinetics in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.18Fe0.02O3−δ and BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1Fe0.1O3−δ was investigated. In both materials, a significant increase in the oxygen surface exchange and diffusion coefficients was observed in wet conditions in the case of oxidation.

  • Influence of Lubrication Water Contamination by Solid Particles of Mineral Origin on Marine Strut Propeller Shafts Bearings of Ships
    • Wojciech Litwin
    • Agnieszka Barszczewska
    • Ewa Piątkowska
    • Izabela Szwoch
    • Leszek Matuszewski
    • Maciej Kahsin
    2024 Pełny tekst Polish Maritime Research

    The stern tube or strat bearings are key important component for safety of shipping. Modern global regulations required a low as possible negative impact on environment including lubricants leaking to the sea. The ship owners are looking for reliable and durable solutions. The costs of each ship components are carefully studied. The water lubricated bearings for ship propeller shafts are an environmentally friendly solution. That is the reason why water lubrication is an interesting option to consider. Because simplicity of the ship design is expected the open lubricating system with only one seal module, when sea water is a lubricant is often recommended by manufacturer. This research was inspired by a series of failures or premature excessive wear of the propeller shaft strut bearings of real ships. The experimental tests were conducted in the laboratory on custom designed and build test-rig. The large group of tested bearings was delivered by certified manufacturers. The results of long time wear tests clearly prove that the cause of this premature wear was abrasive wear resulting from water contamination with solid particles of mineral origin. The range of the wear strongly depends on bearing bush materials and bearing interspace geometry. The wear was low for bearings with elastic bushes especially when hydrodynamic phenomena takes place. The general conclusion is that water lubrication is an interesting option to consider when design of the ship is discussed. The simplicity resulting an attractive price, low maintenance costs and proven durability and reliability of some bearings materials cause that this technology is becoming popular and often applied

  • Influence of operating pressure on the durability of a satellite hydraulic motor supplied by rapeseed oil
    • Paweł Śliwiński
    2024 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    This article describes the results of a durability test of a hydraulic satellite motor supplied by rapeseed oil. The tests were carried out on a test stand in a power recuperation system. The tests of the motor were carried out at a constant shaft speed for three fixed pressure drops in the motor. This made it possible to demonstrate the influence of the motor operating pressure on the durability of the satellite mechanism. The influence of the pressure drop in the motor and the influence of the operating time on the motor absorbency, on the torque on the motor shaft and the influence on the volumetric and hydraulic-mechanical efficiency are also shown. The basic relationship between the efficiency of the motor and the temperature rise in the motor is also described. The results of the calculations of the temperature rise in the motor are compared with the experimental results. The article also shows which components of the motor’s working mechanism wear out the fastest. The cause of the wear and failure is also explained.

  • Influence of silver nanoparticles addition on antibacterial properties of PEO coatings formed on magnesium
    • Yevheniia Husak
    • Jan Olszaniecki
    • Justyna Pykacz
    • Agnieszka Ossowska
    • Agata Blacha-Grzechnik
    • Natalia Waloszczyk
    • Dorota Babilas
    • Viktoriia Korniienko
    • Yuliia Varava
    • Kateryna Diedkova
    • Sergiy Kyrylenko
    • Aden Hodzic
    • Manfred Krichbaum
    • Xiaopeng Lu
    • Bohdan Dryhval
    • Maksym Pogorielov
    • Wojciech Simka
    2024 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE

    Magnesium is a biodegradable material and thus could be a choice for bone fixation devices and implants with a specific purpose. This study aims to enhance the anti-corrosive, biocompatible, and antibacterial properties on magnesium-based materials through ceramic coatings formation. To achieve this the silicate-based electrolyte was used to create of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) coatings. During investigation the bioactive surfaces were presented by highly developed morphology with pore size from 0.008 ± 0.01 to 0.098 ± 0.14 μm2. The thickness of the coatings reached 7 μm, which provides better corrosive behaviour. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) added during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) into a silicate electrolytic bath allowed for achieving enhanced bioactive properties of coating. It increased hydrophilicity from 118° to 62° and showed no cytotoxic effects, which made the coatings promising for further biomedical investigations. Moreover, incorporation of AgNPs into the PEO coating led to release of silver during immersion test, which enhanced antibacterial properties of the surfaces.

  • Influence of Ultrasound on the Characteristics of CaP Coatings Generated Via the Micro-arc Oxidation Process in Relation to Biomedical Engineering
    • Balbina Makurat-Kasprolewicz
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Anna Ronowska
    • Grzegorz Gajowiec
    • Marlena Grodzicka
    • Stefan Dzionk
    • Agnieszka Ossowska
    2024 Pełny tekst ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering

    Over the past decade, bone tissue engineering has been at the core of attention because of an increasing number of implant surgeries. The purpose of this study was to obtain coatings on titanium (Ti) implants with improved properties in terms of biomedical applications and to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US) on these properties during the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process. The influence of various process parameters, such as time and current density, as well as US mode, on the properties of such coatings was evaluated. Novel porous calcium-phosphate-based coatings were obtained on commercially pure Ti. Their microstructure, chemical composition, topography, wettability, nanomechanical properties, thickness, adhesion to the substrate, and corrosion resistance were analyzed. In addition, cytocompatibility evaluation was checked with the human osteoblasts. The properties of the coatings varied significantly, depending on applied process parameters. The US application during the MAO process contributes to the increase of coating thickness, porosity, roughness, and skewness, as well as augmented calcium incorporation. The most advantageous coating was obtained at a current of 136 mA, time 450 s, and unipolar rectangular US, as it exhibits high porosity, adequate wettability, and beneficial skewness, which enabled increased adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts during in vitro studies. Finally, the conducted research demonstrated the influence of various UMAO process parameters, which allowed for the selection of appropriate Ti implant modification for specific biomedical utilization.

  • Influence of User Mobility on System Loss and Depolarization in a BAN Indoor Scenario
    • Manuel M. Ferreira
    • Filipe D. Cardoso
    • Sławomir Ambroziak
    • Mariella Särestöniemi
    • Kenan Turbić
    • Luis M. Correia
    2024 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION

    In this article, an analysis of system loss and depolarization in body area networks (BANs) for body-toinfrastructure (B2I) communications based on a measurement campaign in the 5.8 GHz band in an indoor environment is performed. Measurements were performed with an off-body antenna transmitting linearly polarized signals and dual-polarized receiving antennas carried by the user on the body. A normal distribution with a mean of 2.0 dB and a standard deviation of 4.3 dB is found to be the best fit for modeling cross-polarization (XP) discrimination. The average correlation between the signals received by the orthogonally polarized antennas is below 0.5, showing that polarization diversity can be used. A model for the average value of the standard deviation of the XP discrimination ratio as a function of the transmitted polarization, the mobility of users, and the link dynamics is presented, together with a detailed description of the methodology being used.

  • Infographics in Educational Settings: A Literature Review
    • Sameer Ahmad Bhat
    • Suzan Alyahya
    2024 Pełny tekst IEEE Access

    Infographics are visual representations of data that utilize various graphic elements, including pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and histograms. Educators and designers can maximize the potential of infographics as powerful educational tools by carefully addressing challenges and capitalizing on emerging technologies. However, current education systems showcase the need for development guidelines and the best practices targeted at designing and developing infographics while exploring the major economic and social impacts of infographics on education. This study examines the concept and role of infographics in education, methodologies, trends, and obstacles. It evaluates potential economic implications and gives insights to design and development experts. The study is based on a scoping literature review methodology, uncovering the conceptual background and the role of infographics. The study emphasizes the unique functions of infographics in data visualization for educational purposes and investigates the current trends and practices in infographics creation. The key challenges associated with the use of infographics are also discussed. Furthermore, the study attempts to identify the cutting-edge frameworks for infographic creation and development while evaluating their economic implications for the role of global education. Finally, the potential recommendations for creating successful infographics while focusing on professional design and development are also covered. The guided literature review will be vital for understanding and using infographics in education.

  • Informal Workplace Learning and Employee Development. Growing in the Organizational New Normal
    • Małgorzata Rozkwitalska-Welenc
    • Beata Basińska
    • Alicja Dettlaff
    2024

    The new paradigm in employee development assumes that employees should proactively direct their learning and growth. Most workplace learning is basically informal and occurs through daily work routines, peer-to-peer interactions, networking, and typically brings about significant positive outcomes to both individuals and organizations. Yet, workplace learning always occurs in a pre-defined context and this context has recently changed, and hereafter many people have been delegated to work from home or any other remote locations. Many employees would like to maintain remote or hybrid work design in the future, as well. In this research monograph, the authors explore an unexplored topic in social science research concerning proactive employee development through informal learning in new ways of working (NWW). The authors are esteemed experts in organizational studies, organizational psychology, and human resource management. The monograph will be of interest to students and researchers in organizational studies, organizational behavior, organizational psychology and organizational learning, as well as human resource professionals concerned with employee development and the changing nature of work.

  • Injectable biocomposite cement: A dual-setting formula with magnesium potassium phosphate and κ-carrageenan hydrogel for orthopedic advancements
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Monika Wojtala
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Dawid Kozień
    • Anna Ronowska
    • Justyna Kozłowska
    • Uwe Gbureck
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES

    Magnesium phosphate-based cements are highly regarded for their bioactive properties, making them excellent candidates as bone substitutes. Despite their promising attributes, challenges such as high reaction temperature, limited injectability, and brittleness limit their application. This study introduces a dual-setting biocomposite cement, which encompasses both cement hydration and hydrogel's cross-linking. The composition features magnesium potassium phosphate (MKP) combined with ionically cross-linked kappa-carrageenan (kC) plasticized with sorbitol (Sor). The investigation delves into the properties of the resultant biocomposite, with a particular focus on evaluating kC incorporation's influence on the main MKP properties. Our findings reveal that those biocomposites offer multiple benefits over traditional ceramic cements. The main advantages include: a longer setting time (up to ~15 min), lower setting temperature (~45 °C), different crystalline phase (bobierrite), better wettability (~22°), and improved injectability of the paste characterized by more stable cohesion. Specifically, the MKP (4:1 Mg/P ratio) with 1.5 % kC and Sor hydrogel obtained with 3.0 g/mL powder-to-liquid ratio demonstrated the most promising properties with no adverse effects on the microstructure diversity, the mechanical strength, the porosity, the biodegradation rate, and the osteoblasts cytocompatibility. Overall, our research indicates that these innovative cements hold significant potential for biomedical applications, especially minimally invasive orthopedic procedures.

  • Injectable bone cement based on magnesium potassium phosphate and cross-linked alginate hydrogel designed for minimally invasive orthopedic procedures
    • Marcin Wekwejt
    • Rafał Jesiołkiewicz
    • Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń
    • Dawid Kozień
    • Anna Ronowska
    • Justyna Kozłowska
    • Uwe Gbureck
    2024 Scientific Reports

    Bone cement based on magnesium phosphate has extremely favorable properties for its application as a bioactive bone substitute. However, further improvement is still expected due to difficult injectability and high brittleness. This paper reported the preparation of novel biocomposite cement, classified as dual-setting, obtained through ceramic hydration reaction and polymer cross-linking. Cement was composed of magnesium potassium phosphate and sodium alginate cross-linked with calcium carbonate and gluconolactone. The properties of the obtained composite material and the influence of sodium alginate modification on cement reaction were investigated. Our results indicated that proposed cements have several advantages compared to ceramic cement, like shortened curing time, diverse microstructure, increased wettability and biodegradability and improved paste cohesion and injectability. The magnesium phosphate cement with 1.50% sodium alginate obtained using a powder-to-liquid ratio of 2.5 g/mL and cross-linking ratio 90/120 of GDL/CC showed the most favorable properties, with no adverse effect on mechanical strength and osteoblasts cytocompatibility. Overall, our research suggested that this novel cement might have promising medical application prospects, especially in minimally invasive procedures.

  • Inline Waveguide Sharp-Rejection Bandpass Filters With Transmission Zeros Using Resonant Coupling Slots
    • Lubina Iram
    • Muhammad Yameen Sandhu
    • Adam Lamęcki
    • Roberto Gómez-García
    • Michał Mrozowski
    2024 IEEE Access

    This work presents a design methodology for synthesizing a category of compact inline sharp-rejection waveguide cavity bandpass filters based on novel frequency-variant coupling (FVC) structures. These FVCs consist of a rectangular slot placed in the top broadwall of the WR-90 rectangular waveguide and loaded with an additional top cavity above the slot coupled through the slot. Both the slot and the top cavity resonate in the vicinity of the filter passband and can produce TZs at their resonance frequencies. The top cavity could be arranged either symmetrically or asymmetrically along the reference plane to excite or suppress the cavity TE101 mode, respectively. A double-zero-single-pole (DZSP) response can be achieved by either placing two cavity-loaded slots on opposite broadwalls of the main waveguide or by asymmetrically placing a single cavity-loaded slot on one broadwall. The asymmetry perturbs the field-pattern distributions of the TE100 slot and TE101 cavity modes with regard to the symmetrical case so as to convert them into hybrid slot-and-cavity modes—referred to as S&CM 1 and S&CM 2. This approach excites both S&CM resonances to obtain the DZSP filtering transfer function with size-compactness advantage. Two fifth-order inline waveguide bandpass filter prototypes are designed at the electromagnetic (EM) simulation level based on DZSP-slot-mode (DZSP-SM) and DZSP-slot-and-cavity-mode (DZSPS& CM) FVCs, respectively.Aproof-of-concept prototype of fifth-order sharp-rejectionwaveguide bandpass filter using a DZSP-S&CM FVC, which is centered at 10 GHz and exhibits a pair of close-to-passband TZs, is manufactured and characterized. The measured results are in good agreement with the EM-simulated results, thus fairly verifying the viability of the devised filter design concept.

  • Innovative strategies: Combining treatments for advanced wastewater purification
    • Roberta Anjos de Jesus
    • Natalia Łukasik
    • Ajay Kumar
    • Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira
    2024

    Water scarcity is a pressing global challenge, driving the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment solutions. With untreated wastewater extensively employed, particularly in agriculture, the significance of proper treatment becomes evident, as it presents a more practical and ecologically responsible alternative. This chapter explores the diverse treatment approaches encompassing chemical, physical, and biological methods, shedding light on the processing steps within an effluent treatment station. Additionally, the study examines the promising potential of hybrid technologies in wastewater treatment, highlighting their efficiency and effectiveness as viable solutions. This chapter addresses these crucial aspects and contributes to a deeper understanding of wastewater treatment's pivotal role in alleviating water scarcity and promoting sustainable practices.

  • Innowacyjne zarządzanie transportem w miastach
    • Daniel Kaszubowski
    2024

    Współczesne miasta i aglomeracje koncentrują najważniejsze funkcje społeczne i gospodarcze dla blisko 75% mieszkańców Unii Europejskiej i odsetek ten systematycznie wzrasta (o 16% w ciągu ostatniego półwiecza). Podstawowym czynnikiem umożliwiającym pełne wykorzystanie ich potencjału jest zrównoważone zarządzanie mobilnością miejską, bezpośrednio wpływającą na jakość życia mieszkańców i funkcje gospodarcze. Europejskie miasta i aglomeracje są bardzo zróżnicowane pod względem wielkości i struktury przestrzennej , jednak wszystkie napotykają podobne problemy dotyczące rozwoju transportu, poszukując jednocześnie skutecznych metod ich długofalowego rozwiązania . Wobec złożoności wyzwań dotyczących transportu w miastach coraz wyraźniejsza staje się konieczność zintegrowanego planowania wszystkich jego rodzajów . Dotyczy to zarówno planowania strategicznego (np. przez plany zrównoważonej mobilności miejskiej, tzw. SUMP, Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan), jak i koordynacji zarządzania transportem na poziomie instytucjonalnym. W zaawansowanej formie może to oznaczać powołanie miejskiego lub aglomeracyjnego zarządu transportu o kompetencjach wykraczających poza typowe zadania dotyczące organizacji transportu zbiorowego , obejmujących również transport ładunków. Wykorzystanie zasad logistyki, opartej na integracji i usprawnieniu przepływów o różnym charakterze, może usprawnić zarządzanie miejskim systemem transportowym . Może to również przyczynić się do pokonywania barier funkcjonowania i rozwoju miast przez zintegrowane kształtowanie przepływów osób i ładunków . Systemowe podejście do planowania transportu w miastach, poza już wymienionymi zagadnieniami, wymaga również lepszej koordynacji działań sektora publicznego i prywatnego. Jest to zadanie szczególnie istotne z punktu widzenia zarządzania transportem ładunków, traktowanego przez długi czas wyłącznie jako domena sektora prywatnego

  • INNOWACYJNY SYSTEM NAGRZEWANIA PREFORM PET ZMNIEJSZAJĄCY ZUŻYCIE ENERGII ELEKTRYCZNEJ W TECHNOLOGII WYTWARZANIA OPAKOWAŃ METODĄ ROZDMUCHU
    • Waldemar Karaszewski
    • Paweł Wawrzyniak
    2024 Przemysł Chemiczny

    W artykule przedstawiono wybrane wyniki własnych badań doświadczalnych nad zastosowaniem nowego kształtu reflektora w celu zmniejszenia zużycia energii elektrycznej niezbędnej do nagrzania preform PET. Opisano zmodyfikowany proces technologiczny oraz zdefiniowano sposób transferu preform w piecu nagrzewającym skorelowany z kształtem nowego reflektora. Zdefiniowano parametry procesu technologicznego oraz zdefiniowano uzyskane oszczędności energii elektrycznej.

  • Inorganic membrane: a game changer for gas separation and purification
    • Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
    • Mamoona Riaz
    • Ayesha Mohyuddin
    • Ahtisham Haider
    • Shahnoor Ali
    • G. Abdulkareem-Alsultan
    • Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
    • Hui Hwang Goh
    • Abdelkader Anouzla
    • Hussein Al-Hazmi
    • Faissal Aziz
    • Yusuf Wibisono
    • Tutuk Djoko Kusworo
    • Sadeq Abdullah Abdo Alkhadher
    • Md. Rajibur Rahaman Khan
    2024 CHEMICAL PAPERS

    This review explores the advancements and remaining challenges in inorganic membrane science, particularly focusing on their potential for industrial applications. It delves into the fundamental principles of inorganic membrane design, fabrication, and characterization techniques. The review also critically analyzes key challenges faced by inorganic membranes, such as physical aging, plasticization, defective formation, and fouling. Strategies for overcoming the limitations to enhance permeability and long-term stability are discussed. Specific examples are provided to illustrate the applications of inorganic membranes in gas separation and wastewater treatment, emphasizing their high chemical stability, as compared to conventional polymeric membranes. The energy efficiency of inorganic membranes for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal at ambient temperatures is highlighted with PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) serving as an example for removing toluene, xylene, and acetone from gas streams. Finally, the review assesses future research directions to further enhance the engineering applicability of inorganic membranes for wastewater treatment and gas separation, solidifying their position as a promising technology for diverse industrial processes.

  • Insights in microbiotechnology: 2022.Editorial
    • Muhammad Bilal
    2024 Pełny tekst Frontiers in Microbiology

    This Research Topic serves as an invaluable resource for readers interested in staying updated with the latest progress and developments in the field of microbiotechnology. It spotlights the innovative research conducted by up-and-coming experts in the field, specifically emphasizing the transforming abilities of microorganisms that greatly influence the scientific community. The advent of multi-omic technologies has revolutionized microbiotechnology, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular landscape. Additional research is required to explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, multidimensional statistical techniques, and user-friendly analytical tools for uncovering the correlation between microbial metabolites and the host, as well as gaining a deeper comprehension of microbial interaction with environmental pollutants.

  • Insights into the flow characteristics during hydraulic fracturing
    • Rezvan Abdi
    • Marek Krzaczek
    • Meisam Abdi
    2024 Computational Particle Mechanics

    This paper presents a numerical model to study fracture propagation during water-based hydraulic fracturing. To address the computational challenges associated with the numerical model, the proposed approach employs a set of overlapping spheres arranged in a monolayer to construct a porous specimen containing pre-existing cracks. The fluid-filled cracks represent various stages of initiation and propagation of fluid-driven fracture. The high-pressure fluid flow within the fractures is considered under isothermal conditions. Unlike the conventional focus on rock fracture analysis, the presented approach focuses on flow characteristics during fracture growth. The main objective of the presented study is to provide a detailed description of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) aspects of fracture propagation during hydraulic fracturing to aid in calibration and validation of simplified discrete element method (DEM) models coupled with CFD representing this phenomenon. Experimental validations performed in previous studies support the model’s reliability, making it useful in particular for calibration and validation of coupled 2D DEM-CFD models constructed from one layer of spheres. Obtaining experimental data for such cases is practically challenging, and the proposed model addresses the lack of reliable experimental data for hydraulic fracturing. To achieve this, representative specimens are designed, accurate simulations are conducted and precise assessments of the results are performed. Key variables such as density, pressure, velocity, porosity, and permeability were measured to facilitate the validation and calibration of future DEM-CFD studies.

  • INSIGHTS INTO THE PROCESSING, STRUCTURE, AND MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF POLYETHYLENE/GYPSUM COMPOSITES
    • Aleksander Hejna
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Olga Mysiukiewicz
    2024 Composites Theory and Practice

    Polymer composites are used in all branches of industry, with numerous applications. Despite the many years of modifying commodity polymers, using novel fillers allows the range of their applicability to be extended. The impact of new types of fillers on the polymer matrix is not always predictable and requires further studies. The presented study analyzed the application of gypsum as a filler for composites based on high-density polyethylene (PE). The filler was introduced in the amounts of 1-20 wt.%, and its impact on the processing, static, and dynamic mechanical performance of the composites was investigated. At lower filler loadings, the composites could be processed without any hindrance of flowability compared to the neat PE. Up to 5 wt.%, the tensile strength was maintained at a similar level to PE due to the satisfactory quality of the interface and good interfacial adhesion. Higher loadings caused a drop in the tensile strength with a simultaneous rise in Young’s modulus. A further increase in the filler loading resulted in higher values of porosity and growth of the adhesion factor, determined from the dynamic mechanical results, which led to deterioration of the mechanical performance.

  • Instalacje fotowoltaiczne w budownictwie wielorodzinnym
    • Konrad Seklecki
    • Leszek Litzbarski
    • Kuba Wójcik
    • Zuzanna Cieślikowska
    • Mirosław Włas
    • Jacek Grochowski
    2024 Pełny tekst Przegląd Elektrotechniczny

    Artykuł opisuje wpływ instalacji fotowoltaicznych na bezpieczeństwo eksploatacji budynków wielorodzinnych. W oparciu o projekty rzeczywistych obiektów przeprowadzono analizę zwiększenia ryzyka strat odgromowych, zmiany obciążenia konstrukcji dachu i wzrostu zagrożenia pożarowego na skutek montażu systemu fotowoltaicznego. Przeprowadzone obliczenia wskazują na konieczność kompleksowego podejścia do projektowania instalacji fotowoltaicznych. Dodatkowo oszacowano opłacalność takiej inwestycji w przypadku budynków wielorodzinnych.

  • Integrated Approach For Functional Safety And Cyber Security Analysis
    • Tomasz Barnert
    • Emilian Piesik
    • Jan Piesik
    • Marcin Śliwiński
    2024

    The paper is devoted to some important issues of the functional safety analysis, in particular the safety integrity level (SIL) verification process. It is related to the safety instrumented functions to be implemented within the distributed control and protection systems with regard to security aspects. A method based on quantitative and qualitative information is proposed for the SIL (IEC 61508:2010; 61511, 2015) verification with regard of the evaluation assurance levels (EAL) the security assurance levels (SAL) (IEC 62443, 2013), and the number of protection rings described in the Secure Safety (SeSa-SINTEF) methodology. The proposed approach will be composed of the following items: process and procedure-based safety and security management, integrated safety and security assessment of industrial control system (ICS) of the critical infrastructure.

  • Integration of electric vehicle into smart grid: a meta heuristic algorithm for energy management between V2G and G2V
    • G. Srihari
    • R. S. R. Krishnam Naidu
    • Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski
    • Parameshachari Bidare Divakarachari
    • Ravi Kiran Varma Penmatsa
    2024 Pełny tekst Frontiers in Energy Research

    Recently, Electric Vehicles (EV) have been providing fast response and substantial progress in the power generation model. Further, EVs are exploited as adaptable Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) and show a promising performance in ancillary service markets to increase the demand of Smart Grid (SG) integration. The expansion of Vehicle-to-Grid concept has created an extra power source when renewable energy sources are not available. Yet, numerous operational problems still are required to be considered for EV implementation to turn out to be extensive. Even the development of Photo-Voltaic (PV) technology creates a problem in SGs when used for EV charging. Because of this, the Energy Management System (EMS) is required to handle charging requirements and deal with the intermittent generation. Here, in this research, an Improved Honey Badger algorithm (IHBA) is proposed for integrating SGs with EV parking lot, solar panels, and dynamic loads at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). The proposed IHBA uses a dynamic programming method to optimize the charging Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) or discharging Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) profiles of the EVs using the forecasts of PV generation. This algorithm considers user preferences while also lowering reliance on the grid and maximizing SG effectiveness. The study’s findings show that the Honey Badger method is efficient in resolving issues involving large search spaces. The developed method is used to optimize charging and discharging of EV which is tested in MATLAB to obtain a stable load profile. From the evaluation of obtained results, it is evident that the IHBA controller outperforms the WOA and EHO controllers in terms of total harmonic distortion voltage (3.12%), power loss (0.197 kW) and efficiency (98.47%).

  • Interfacial behaviour of human bile and its substitution for in vitro lipolysis studies
    • Dorota Dulko
    • Ilona Kłosowska-Chomiczewska
    • Teresa del Castillo-Santaella
    • Miguel Angel Cabrerizo-Vílchez
    • Justyna Łuczak
    • Robert Staroń
    • Łukasz Krupa
    • Julia Maldonado-Valderrama
    • Adam Macierzanka
    2024 FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL

    This study examined the interfacial evolution of individual bile salts (BSs) and their blends with phosphatidylcholine (BS/PC) to simulate the complex behaviour of human bile (HB) during lipolysis at the triglyceride/water interface. Using adsorption and desorption cycles, mimicking exposure to small intestinal fluids, we demonstrate that the interfacial behaviour of real HB can be replicated using simple mixtures of BSs and PC. Interfacial tension (IFT) measurements after lipolysis and desorption showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between HB samples and BS/PC mixtures across the total BS concentrations analysed (2.23–7.81 mM). However, individual BSs without PC yielded significantly different IFT results (P < 0.01) compared to HB, highlighting the importance of phospholipids. Dilatation rheology further emphasised the need for accurate phospholipid representation in bile models. Our results suggest that phospholipids in HB and in BS/PC systems enhance resistance to desorption, potentially affecting lipolysis. This is important, as current in vitro digestion models often replicate only intestinal BS concentrations to mimic the behaviour of HB in the intestinal lumen. Furthermore, the specific composition of BSs in HB appears less critical than the overall BS and phospholipid contents, suggesting that the kinetics of triglyceride digestion is influenced by the combined luminal concentrations of these components. These findings have significant implications for understanding the role of bile in digestion and offer insights for designing more accurate in vitro models to study the gastrointestinal behaviour of food emulsions and lipid-based delivery systems.

  • Interpretable Chromosomal Abnormality Recognition
    • XinXu Zhang
    • Haoxi Zhang
    • Edward Szczerbicki
    2024

    Chromosome analysis plays a vital role in diagnosing genetic abnormalities, but traditional deep learning models used for this purpose often function as black boxes, lacking transparency and interpretability. In this paper, we enhance the self-supervised DINO framework to create a more interpretable model for chromosome classification and anomaly detection. We introduce three key components: Sinkhorn-Knopp (SK) centering to ensure balanced feature assignments during clustering, the KoLeo regularizer to promote a uniform distribution of feature representations, and CMS Patching to focus on relevant structural areas of chromosomes. Additionally, we integrate an anomaly detection block as an auxiliary task, enabling the model to provide interpretable explanations for detected anomalies. Experiments conducted on the HUAXI chromosome dataset demonstrate that our enhanced DINOSK model outperforms the original DINO and ResNet models in classification accuracy, achieving 99.85%. The model also exhibits improved segmentation stability and higher anomaly detection accuracy. These results indicate that our approach not only enhances performance but also provides a transparent and interpretable framework suitable for clinical genetic analysis.

  • Interventions reducing car usage: Systematic review and meta-analysis
    • Romanika Okraszewska
    • Aleksandra Romanowska
    • Dana Clarissa Laetsch
    • Anna Gobis
    • Lucia Reisch
    • Carlijn B.M. Kamphuis
    • Jeroen Lakerveld
    • Piotr Krajewski
    • Anna Banik
    • Nicolette R. Den Braver
    • Sarah Forberger
    • Hermann Brenner
    • Joanna Żukowska
    2024 Pełny tekst TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

    This systematic literature review aimed to investigate the extent to which transport-related interventions induced a reduction in car use. Both qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were employed. The synthesis included 31 original studies, while the meta-analysis included 21. Of the qualitatively synthesised studies, 74 % demonstrated that interventions were effective in reducing car use. The pooled estimates of the effects showed a significant reduction in car usage with a mean effect size of Hedges’ g = -0.117 (p = 0.024). The effect strongly varies across the studies due to considerable heterogeneity (I2 = .98, with a 95 % prediction interval from −0.589 to 0.355). At the moderator level, no significant differences were identified in the mean effect sizes for any subgroups, and the key factors could not be distinguished. The current body of evidence highlights that transport-related interventions can significantly influence car usage reduction, while literature suggests that this may benefit environment and society.

  • Introduction to the RSC Advances themed collection on nano and microscale modifications of biomaterials
    • Andrzej Zieliński
    • Beata Majkowska-Marzec
    2024 Pełny tekst RSC Advances

    The dramatically increasing development of novel biomaterials, their manufacturing techniques, and surface modications, as well as their application in in vivo tests and clinical trials, is evident. It is interesting to note in what a relatively short time the well-known long-term implants have become medical standard: titanium dental implants started in 1965, and total hip arthroplasty (not very successful) was rst attempted in 1961. Even aer about y years of research, real progress can be noticed recently thanks to composite materials and coatings, the development of their fabrication such as 3D printing, and, last but not least, the appearance of sophisticated instruments to characterize surfaces, e.g. atomic force microscopy. For implants and materials for bone repair, the role of an interface between any materials is key. The bulk properties are important to assess the durability of the implant as a whole construct, and the interface dictates the corrosion rate, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, bioactivity, antibacterial properties, and the lack of cytotoxicity. All these surface properties determine the function and lifetime of long-term implants. And, all of them are modeled at the nano and microscale.

  • Investigating BiMeVOx compounds as potential photoelectrochemical and electrochemical materials for renewable hydrogen production
    • Mariusz Szkoda
    • Malgorzata Skorupska
    • Patrycja Grabowska
    • Marta Gajewska
    • Anna Ilnicka
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

    In this study, BiMeVOx compounds (where Me: Co, Mo, Ce, Zr) were synthesized and characterized as potential photoelectrochemical materials for solar water splitting, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The analysis confirmed the successful formation of phase BiMeVOx compounds with the desired crystal structure. Among the tested materials, BiCoVOx(800) showed the highest photocurrent density (674 μA cm−2) and HER/OER activity (Tafel slope: HER = 100 mV dec−1 and OER = 75 mV dec−1), followed by BiMoVOx(800), BiCeVOx(800), and BiZrVOx(800). The superior photoelectrochemical performance of BiCoVOx(800) can be attributed to its unique electronic structure and optimized band alignment, which promote efficient charge separation and facilitate the water splitting and hydrogen evolution processes. The findings of this study highlight the promising potential of the synthesized BiMeVOx materials, particularly BiCoVOx, as efficient photoelectrochemical catalysts for water splitting. These results contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies and provide valuable insights for the design and development of novel photoactive materials.

  • Investigating COVID-19 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) degradation using Peroxydisulfate/FeMnOx binary metal oxide/Ultrasound System
    • Amin Bagheri
    • Akram Fallah
    • Jakub Karczewski
    • Akbar Eslami
    • Amir Mohammad Sheikh Asadi
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2024 Pełny tekst Water Resources and Industry

    Degradation of Favipiravir using a hybrid system of peroxydisulfate, FeMnOx binary metal oxide, and ultrasound irradiation was studied. A novel catalyst was synthesized with deep eutectic solvent (DES). The effects of DES type on catalytic performance was evaluated and the catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, XPS, and EDS. DES-based catalysts exhibited higher efficiency due to structure change, surface area enhancement and significantly improved Favipiravir adsorption. The DES-based catalyst exhibited a 30 % increase in surface area and a 20-fold increase in Mn content. Additionally, XRD and XPS analyses suggested the reduction of Fe3+ ions, possibly to Fe3O4. Optimal operational parameters (pH = 10, catalyst dose = 500 mg/L, and rox = 20) provide removal efficiency of 70.1 % after 3 h. The catalyst showed stable activity after three cycles, indicating reusability. This study presents a promising approach for the sustainable degradation of COVID-19 APIs, with implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

  • Investigating Fuel Injection Strategies to Enhance Ship Energy Efficiency in Wave Conditions
    • Mohammad Ghaemi
    • Hamid Zeraatgar
    • Mojtaba Barjasteh
    2024 Pełny tekst Polish Maritime Research

    The prediction of fuel consumption and resulting transportation costs is a crucial stage in ship design, particularly for conditions involving motion in waves. This study investigates the real-time fuel consumption of a container ship when sailing in waves. The overall ship performance is evaluated using a novel non-linear coupled hull-engine-propeller interaction model. A series of towing tank experiments for hull resistance in waves and propeller performance are conducted. The ship engine is mathematically modelled by a quasi-steady-state model equipped with a linear Proportional-Integrator (PI) governor. Various scenarios of shipping transportation are studied, and the resulting instantaneous fuel consumptions and their correlation to other dynamic particulars are demonstrated. Additionally, daily fuel consumption and fuel cost per voyage distance are presented. It is also shown that the controller can effectively adjust the fuel rate, resulting in minimum fuel consumption. The study concludes that there is no correlation between fuel consumption and the frequency of fuel rates. The present framework and mathematical model can also be employed for ship design and existing ships to predict the total required energy per voyage.

  • Investigating Layered Topological Magnetic Materials as Efficient Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction under High Current Densities
    • Sanju Gupta
    • Hanna Świątek
    • Mirosław Sawczak
    • Tomasz Klimczuk
    • Robert Bogdanowicz
    2024 Pełny tekst Catalysts

    Despite considerable progress, high-performing durable catalysts operating under large current densities (i.e., >1000 mA/cm2) are still lacking. To discover platinum group metal-free (PGMfree) electrocatalysts for sustainable energy, our research involves investigating layered topological magnetic materials (semiconducting ferromagnets) as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction under high current densities and establishes the novel relations between structure and electrochemical property mechanisms. The materials of interest include transition metal trihalides, i.e., CrCl3, VCl3, and VI3, wherein a structural unit, the layered structure, is formed by Cr (or V) atoms sandwiched between two halides (Cl or I), forming a tri-layer. A few layers of quantum crystals were exfoliated (~50−60 nm), encapsulated with graphene, and electrocatalytic HER tests were conducted in acid (0.5M H2SO4) and alkaline (1M KOH) electrolytes. We find a reasonable HER activity evolved requiring overpotentials in a range of 30–50 mV under 10 mA cm−2 and 400−510 mV (0.5M H2SO4) and 280−500 mV (1M KOH) under −1000 mA cm−2. Likewise, the Tafel slopes range from 27 to 36 mV dec−1 (Volmer–Tafel) and 110 to 190 mV dec−1 (Volmer–Herovsky), implying that these mechanisms work at low and high current densities, respectively. Weak interlayer coupling, spontaneous surface oxidation, the presence of a semi-oxide subsurface (e.g., O–CrCl3), intrinsic Cl (or I) vacancy defects giving rise to in-gap states, electron redistribution (orbital hybridization) affecting the covalency, and sufficiently conductive support interaction lowering the charge transfer resistance endow the optimized adsorption/desorption strength of H* on active sites and favorable electrocatalytic properties. Such behavior is expedited for bi-/tri-layers while exemplifying the critical role of quantum nature electrocatalysts with defect sites for industrial-relevant conditions.

  • Investigating the combined effects of devulcanization level and carbon black grade on the SBR/GTR composites
    • Agata Rodak
    • Józef Haponiuk
    • Shifeng Wang
    • Krzysztof Formela
    2024 Express Polymer Letters

    Carbon black migration between ground tire rubber (GTR) and rubber matrix is essential in developing high-performance rubber/GTR composites. In this work, carbon black N220 (surface area: 107.1 m2/g, particle size: 20–25 nm) andN660 (surface area: 33.1 m2/g, particle size: 49–60 nm) were used as the reinforcement fillers for styrene-butadiene rubber(SBR) blended with reclaimed GTR. The combined effects of GTR devulcanization level and carbon black grade on the properties of SBR/GTR composites were investigated considering curing characteristics, thermal stability, physico-mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and morphology. The results showed that, regardless of GTR devulcanization level and carbon black grade, application of GTR resulted in deterioration of mechanical properties compared to a reference sample without GTR. It was observed the reinforcement effect of carbon black in SBR/GTR composites was more visible with higher devulcanization level of GTR and lower particle sizes of carbon black fillers. SBR/GTR composites reinforced with carbon black N220 were characterized by tensile strength in the range of 15.3–16.3 MPa and abrasion resistance in the range of 120–123 mm3, which justify their potential application in the manufacturing of technical rubber goods or footwear.

  • Investigating the sustainability, utilisation, consumption and conservation of sea mammals – A systematic review
    • Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
    • Sunayana Baruah
    • Yuan Seng Wu
    • Sunrixon Carmando Yuansah
    • Roberto Castro Munoz
    • Andrzej Szymkowiak
    • Piotr Kulawik
    2024 Pełny tekst Sustainable Production and Consumption

    Almost 80 % of the oceans, especially the Arctic and Subarctic are primarily inhabited by marine mammals. Marine species depend mostly on sea ice for food, raising their young ones and safeguarding themselves from predators. Consumption of marine mammals has always been recommended as healthy, but the truth is that it can be detrimental for human health because of sea water pollution from trash and chemicals. This systematic review provides an in-depth examination of sea mammals, their complex relationship with humans, and their sustainability in the face of various threats such as overexploitation and climate change. Through analysis of various aspects regarding human-sea mammal interactions - including consumption, cultural and religious beliefs, use in traditional medicine, and negative impacts from, e.g. by-catch and overfishing - the significant pressures exerted on these species are highlighted in this systematic review. Despite conservation efforts, certain sea mammal populations continue to decline, necessitating more robust research and policy action. The need for further research into the sustainable utilisation of sea mammals, considering health, ecological, economic, ethical and cultural aspects, as well as the accumulation of pollutants in sea mammals, is underscored. Additionally, a comprehensive list of knowledge gaps and future research directions are provided to enhance our understanding and conservation of these unique marine creatures.

  • Investigating trip and parking characteristics of hospitals: A case study from Tri-City, Poland
    • Marta Sochacka
    • Aleksandra Romanowska
    • Wojciech Kustra
    2024 Journal of Transport & Health

    This research aims to investigate public hospitals’ trip and parking characteristics based on the study conducted in Poland in September 2021 on the example of the Tri-City agglomeration. The main objective of the research was to build models of the relationship between the number of trips during peak transport hours and the number of beds. The second research element was the analysis of transport behavior in these areas. The research included measuring vehicle and pedestrian flow on the road network for four hospitals (2 in Gdansk and 2 in Gdynia) and analyzing data from two parking systems. Research data has shown that hospitals are large traffic generators and can negatively affect the road network’s capacity around them. This accounts for hundreds to over two thousand vehicle trips per hour generated by a single development. Traffic related to hospitals is structured with distinct peaks which partially overlap the peak hours of surrounding traffic. The results showed that trip generation rates by hospitals range from 1.25 to 2.9 per bed in the AM peak hour and 1.01 to 2.78 in the PM peak hour, and 54–68% of these trips are made by car, depending on the location of the hospital or the availability of public transport. An important element of the transport service for these facilities is the possibility of parking the vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the hospital. Parking characteristics strongly depend on parking users, with different distributions of parking times and arrival/departure times. The results may be used to predict and assess the traffic impact of existing and new developments, which is valuable knowledge for urban planners and transport engineers.

  • Investigation of antifungal and antibacterial potential of green extracts of propolis
    • Jeslin Cheruvathoor Jenny
    • Piotr Kuś
    • Piotr Szweda
    2024 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    Propolis extracts have been used in traditional medicines since ages due to its advantageous complex chemical composition. However, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of poplar propolis extracts prepared in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) are seldom studied. This study investigates suitable alternate for ethanol as a solvent for extraction for Polish poplar propolis. It also attempts to identify suitable extraction condition for the efficient transfer of compounds from propolis to the solvents. The extraction efficiency of NADES extracts was assessed in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The chemical composition of the extracts was analysed using UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS. Four extracts, prepared in Propylene Glycol, Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:3), Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:4) and Choline Chloride:Glycerol (1:2), demonstrated activity and properties similar to ethanolic extract and extraction at 50 °C was found the most suitable for propolis. HPLC analysis confirmed that the chemical cocktail extracted by these solvents from propolis were identical with minor variations in their concentration as compared to its ethanolic extract. Thus, extracts of propolis at 50 °C in Propylene Glycol, Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:3) and Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:4) can be alternates for ethanolic extracts.

  • Investigation of Performance and Energy Consumption of Tokenization Algorithms on Multi-core CPUs Under Power Capping
    • Oksana Diakun
    • Jan Dobrosolski
    • Paweł Czarnul
    2024 Pełny tekst

    In this paper we investigate performance-energy optimization of tokenizer algorithm training using power capping. We focus on parallel, multi-threaded implementations of Byte Pair Encoding (BPE), Unigram, WordPiece, and WordLevel run on two systems with different multi-core CPUs: Intel Xeon 6130 and desktop Intel i7-13700K. We analyze execution times and energy consumption for various numbers of threads and various power caps and demonstrate that energy consumption can be minimized for both CPUs, while metrics such as EDP and EDS could be optimized for the i7-13700K CPU. We further show that percentage energy gain versus execution time loss could be optimized by 3–6% and 7–13%, depending on the algorithm, for the two CPUs respectively, by applying proper non-default power caps.

  • Investigation of RH effect on uncommon limonene ozonolysis products and SOA formation in indoor air with real time measurement techniques
    • Klaudia Pytel
    • Bożena Zabiegała
    2024 Pełny tekst CHEMOSPHERE

    Scientific interest in SOA influence on indoor air quality increases since last 20 years. It is well known, that particles of nano-sized diameter pose a threat for human health causing, among others: eye, upper airway irritation, inflammatory response in cells, worsening asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and central nervous dysfunction. Terpenes are reactive VOCs, commonly emitted in indoor air and considered to be SOA precursors by oxidation reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative humidity influence on i) formation of limonene ozonolysis products and ii) SOA formation process – especially the first steps of it. We managed to determine 4 uncommon limonene ozonolysis products (m/z: 43, 83, 99 and 110) appearing in the PTR-TOF-MS mass spectra with the same frequency as well-known formaldehyde, acetone, acetic acid and formic acid. We also detected m/z 75 and m/z 115 formed under dry conditions and m/z 111 and m/z 125 formed under humid conditions. Detected masses formula is proposed with probability >70 % and the probability is derived from the deviation of the exact mass to the measured one and the isotope distribution. SMPS data analysis allowed us to conclude that RH around 40% increases particle mass concentration, regardless initial limonene concentration. Unfortunately, conclusions about RH influence on particle number concentration are inconsistent. Under low initial terpene concentration, RH around 40% decreases particle number concentration. However, for high initial limonene concentration, RH around 40% caused increase in particle number concentration. Obtained results allowed to conclude, that i) RH influences both particle number and particle mass concentration, ii) initial substrate concentration influences SOA formation altering the RH effect, iii) comparison of results and drawing conclusions is difficult due to different experimental protocols in the literature and due to the number of factors influencing SOA formation initiated by terpene oxidation.

  • Investigation of the antimicrobial potential and microbiota of bee pollen and bee bread derived from Polish apiaries
    • Karolina Matejczuk
    2024 Pełny tekst

    The phenomenon of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is becoming one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. At the same time, the number of new antibiotics introduced into clinical practice is decreasing. This creates the need to search for new, effective, non-antibiotic methods of combating and preventing infectious diseases. Over the last two decades, there has been renewed interest in the antimicrobial potential of natural products, including bee products. The object of my interest were two less known bee products – bee pollen and bee bread, mainly the antimicrobial activity of these products. The results I obtained are very promising. The high activity of ethanolic extracts of bee pollen and bee bread, as well as the products themselves, has been demonstrated to combat dangerous pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) of humans and animals. The important role of proteinaceous substances (mainly bee-derived peptides and enzymes) in the antimicrobial activity of these products has been confirmed. It was also found that a significant percentage of bacterial strains isolated from pollen and bee bread (mainly Bacillus spp.) have a high probiotic potential and the ability to synthesize metabolites that effectively inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria. The results of the research were presented in the form of four scientific publications.

  • Investigation of the Frying Fume Composition During Deep Frying of Tempeh Using GC-MS and PTR-MS
    • Rohmah Nur Fathimah
    • Tomasz Majchrzak
    2024 MOLECULES

    This study employed proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in frying fumes generated during the deep frying of tempeh. The research aimed to assess the impact of frying conditions, including frying temperature, oil type, and repeated use cycles, on the formation of thermal decomposition products. A total of 78 VOCs were identified, with 42 common to both rapeseed and palm oil. An algorithm based on cosine similarity was proposed to group variables, resulting in six distinct emission clusters. The findings highlighted the prominence of saturated and unsaturated aldehydes, underscoring the role of fatty acid oxidation in shaping the frying fume composition. This study not only corroborates previous research but also provides new insights into VOC emissions during deep frying, particularly regarding the specific emission profiles of certain compound groups and the influence of frying conditions on these profiles.

  • Investigation of use of hydrophilic/hydrophobic NADESs for selective extraction of As(III) and Sb(III) ions in vegetable samples: Air assisted liquid phase microextraction and chemometric optimization
    • Adil Elik
    • Bünyamin Doğan
    • Ahmet Demirbas
    • Hameed Haq
    • Khan Sanaullah
    • Nail Altunay
    2024 FOOD CHEMISTRY

    In this paper, a green, cost-effective sample preparation method based on air assisted liquid phase microextraction (AA-LPME) was developed for the simultaneous extraction of As(III) and Sb(III) ions from vegetable samples using hydrophilic/hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs). Central composite design was used for the optimization of extraction factors including NADES volume, extraction cycle, pH, and curcumin concentration. Limits of detection for As(III) and Sb(III) were 1.5 ng L−1 and 0.06 ng L−1, respectively. Working ranges for As(III) and Sb(III) were 0.2–300 ng L−1 (coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9978) and 5–400 ng L−1 (R2 = 0.9996), respectively. Relative standard deviations for As(III) and Sb(III) were 2.2–2.8% and 2.9–3.2%, respectively. Enrichment factor of the method was 184 for As(III) and 172 for Sb(III). The accuracy and precision of the AA-NADES-LPME method were investigated by intraday/interday studies and standard reference material analysis, respectively. Finally, the AA-NADES-LPME method was successfully applied to microwave digested vegetable samples using the standard addition approach and acceptable recoveries were achieved.

  • Investigation of vortex assisted magnetic deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for separation and determination of vanadium from water and food matrices: Multivariate analysis
    • Nail Altunay
    • Muhammad Farooque Lanjwani
    • Mustafa Tuzen
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2024 JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS

    A new and simple vortex assisted magnetic deep eutectic solvent dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure (VA-MDES-DLLME) was developed for the determination of vanadium (V) in food and water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In the extraction medium, a bis(acetylpivalylmethane) ethylenediimine (H2APM2en) was used for the complexation of V(V) in sample solution at pH 6. The VA-MDES-DLLME was optimized by different operation parameters, pH level of solution, MDESs volume, vortex time, concentration of complexing agent and samples volume. The accuracy of VA-MDES-DLLME was confirmed by analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs) and standard additional method in respect to real samples. The detection limit, quantification limit and enhancement factor were found 0.3, 1.0 ng mL−1 and 120, respectively. The linearity was confirmed for wide concentration range from 1 to 600 ng mL−1 and relative standard deviation (RSD) is 2.8 %. The multivariate statistical analysis was used for factorial design to explore the effects of extraction parameters on recovery of V(V) and also significant level of variables.

  • Investigations of Energy Conversion and Surface Effect for Laser-Illuminated Gold Nanorod Platforms
    • Piotr Radomski
    • Paweł Ziółkowski
    • Aimad Koulali
    • Dariusz Mikielewicz
    • Federica Zaccagnini
    • Francesca Petronella
    • Luciano de Sio
    2024 Pełny tekst ENERGIES

    Achieving a quick temperature increase is a burning issue for biophysical applications, like germ inactivation and tumor ablation, and for energy performances, like solar collectors and steam generators. Based on the plasmon resonance phenomenon, noble metallic nanoparticles have emerged as promising weapons due to their very high biocompatibility, optical properties, and high surface-to-volume ratio, increasing energy conversion and allowing the maximum temperature to be reached faster. This work examines the energy conversion in sandwiched glassy platforms with gold nanorods. The platforms are kept vertically in the air and illuminated by a 0.5 W near-infrared laser (808 nm). To describe this aspect theoretically, the size and conversion efficiency of the electromagnetic properties are compromised between the proposed model and the stability of the nanorods. As a research approach, our model of cross-sections and polarizability for the surface effect is proposed, coupled with classical CFD numerical calculations. The results of the proposed model, validated by a thermal camera and spectroscopy measurements, indicate that as long as the energy conversion is visible with relatively low-power lasers (ΔT = 18.5 °C), the platforms do not offer fast heat dissipation. The results indicate that, despite the flow forcing by the air inflow, the entropy generation due to heat conduction is more than three orders higher than the dynamic entropy production. Flow forcing corresponds to the value of the velocity for classical convective motions. Therefore, the delivered heat flux must be distributed via convective transport or the associated high-conductive materials.

  • Inwentaryzacja dendrologiczna analiza drzewostanu zagrażającego bezpieczeństwu ludzi i mienia
    • Maura Zaworska
    2024

    Inwentaryzacja dendrologiczna analiza drzewostanu zagrażającego bezpieczeństwu ludzi i mienia w świetle ustawy o ochronie przyrody, możliwości wycinki drzew niebezpiecnych.

  • Ionic liquid coupled plasma promotes acetic acid production during anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge: Breaking the restrictions of low bioavailable substrates and altering the metabolic activities of anaerobes
    • Jinling He
    • Xinyuan Jiang
    • Qi Qiu
    • Andere Clement Miruka
    • Xianbao Xu
    • Ai Zhang
    • Xiang Li
    • Pin Gao
    • Yanan Liu
    2024 WATER RESEARCH

    This study explored the potential application of plasma coupling ionic liquid on disintegration of waste activated sludge and enhanced production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in anaerobic fermentation. Under optimal conditions (dosage of ionic liquid [Emim]OTf = 0.1 g/g VSS (volatile suspended solids) and discharge power of dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD) = 75.2 W), the [Emim]OTf/DBD pretreatment increased SCFA production by 302 % and acetic acid ratio by 53 % compared to the control. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the [Emim]OTf/DBD combination motivated the generation of various reactive species (such as H2O2, O3, •OH, 1O2, ONOO−, and •O2−) and enhanced the utilization of physical energies (such as heat). The coupling effects of [Emim]OTf/DBD synergistically improved the disintegration of sludge and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter, promoting the sludge anaerobic fermentation process. Moreover, the [Emim]OTf/DBD pretreatment enriched hydrolysis and SCFAs-forming bacteria while inhibiting SCFAs-consuming bacteria. The net effect was pronounced expression of genes encoding key enzymes (such as alpha-glucosidase, endoglucanase, beta-glucosidase, l-lactate/D-lactate dehydrogenase, and butyrate kinase) involved in the SCFA-producing pathway, enhancing the production of SCFAs from sludge anaerobic fermentation. In addition, [Emim]OTf/DBD pretreatment facilitated sludge dewatering and heavy metal removal. Therefore, [Emim]OTf/DBD pretreatment is a promising approach to advancing sludge reduction, recyclability, and valuable resource recovery.

  • IoT Based Intelligent Pest Management System for Precision Agriculture
    • Salman Ahmed
    • Safdar Nawaz Khan Marwat
    • Ghassen Ben Brahim
    • Waseem Ullah Khan
    • Shahid Khan
    • Ala Al-Fuqaha
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2024 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    Despite seemingly inexorable imminent risks of food insecurity that hang over the world, especially in developing countries like Pakistan where traditional agricultural methods are being followed, there still are opportunities created by technology that can help us steer clear of food crisis threats in upcoming years. At present, the agricultural sector worldwide is rapidly pacing towards technology-driven Precision Agriculture (PA) approaches for enhancing crop protection and boosting productivity. PA combines techniques from emerging disciplines i.e., artificial intelligence, and the Internet-of-Things to increase the productivity of agricultural land. From the literature, it is evident that traditional approaches hold limitations such as chances of human error in recognizing and counting pests, and require trained labor. Against such a backdrop, this paper proposes a smart IoT-based pest detection platform for integrated pest management, and monitoring crop field conditions that are of crucial help to farmers in real field environments. The proposed system comprises a physical prototype of a smart insect trap equipped with embedded computing to detect and classify pests. The developed system can classify a fruit fly in real field conditions using a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier based on the following features: (1) Haralick features (2) Histogram of oriented gradients (3) Hu moments and (4) Color histogram. A recall value of 86.2% has been achieved for real test images with mAP of 97.3%. Moreover, the proposed model has been compared with numerous machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) based models to verify the efficacy of the proposed model. The comparative results indicated that the best performance was achieved by the proposed model with an accuracy of 97.5%.