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  • Terahertz Dual-Band Metamaterial Biosensor for Cervical-Cancer Diagnostics
    • Musa Hamza
    • Mohammad Alibakhshikenari
    • Bal S. Virdee
    • Muhammad Hamad
    • Salahuddin Khan
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    • Ernesto Limiti
    2024 Pełny tekst IEEE Photonics Journal

    This study highlights the potential of employing terahertz metamaterial structures as dual-band biosensors for the early detection of cancerous biological tissue. The fundamental principle leveraged here is the alteration of the effective dielectric constant of biological tissue by cancerous cells. The change in the dielectric constant, in turn, induces a shift in the resonance frequency of the metamaterial sensor. One notable advantage of the terahertz metamaterial sensor is its relatively compact size compared to other sensor types, as its dimensions are independent of the wavelength. This property translates into a requirement for a much smaller biopsy sample, facilitating less invasive testing procedures. Beyond the size advantage, the proposed biosensor demonstrates efficacy in detecting abnormalities within biological tissue.

  • Testing Topological Conjugacy of Time Series
    • Justyna Signerska-Rynkowska
    • Paweł Dłotko
    • Michał Lipiński
    2024 Pełny tekst SIAM JOURNAL ON APPLIED DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS

    This paper considers a problem of testing, from a finite sample, a topological conjugacy of two trajectories coming from dynamical systems (X, f ) and (Y, g). More precisely, given x1, . . . , xn \subset X and y1, . . . , yn \subset Y such that xi+1 = f (xi) and yi+1 = g(yi) as well as h : X \rightarrow Y, we deliver a number of tests to check if f and g are topologically conjugated via h. The values of the tests are close to zero for systems conjugate by h and large for systems that are not. Convergence of the test values, in the case when the sample size goes to infinity, is established. We provide a number of numerical examples indicating scalability and robustness of the presented methods. In addition, we show howthe presented method gives rise to a test of sufficient embedding dimension, mentioned in Takens' embedding theorem. Our methods also apply to the situation when we are given two observables of deterministic processes, of a form of one or higher dimensional time series. In this case, their similarity can be assessed by comparing the dynamics of their Takens' reconstructions. Finally, we include a proof-of-concept study using the presented methods to search for an approximation of the homeomorphism conjugating given systems.

  • Tetracycline degradation for wastewater treatment based on ozone nanobubbles advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) – Focus on nanobubbles formation, degradation kinetics, mechanism and effects of water composition
    • Priya Koundle
    • Neelkanth Nirmalkar
    • Malwina Momotko
    • Sławomir Makowiec
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2024 Pełny tekst CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL

    Presence of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics, in industrial and domestic effluents causes serious damage to the environment. Classic wastewater treatment processes, in particular conventional biological treatment methods, are not sufficient to rapidly eliminate antibiotics. Typically, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) based on activation of hydrogen peroxide, ozone or persulfate for formation of particular type of radical species or singlet oxygen are used. A one of cutting-edge technologies to increase effectiveness of AOPs based on ozone are nanobubbles based processes. Thus, this paper focuses on utilization of ozone in the form of nanobubbles for degradation of tetracycline (TC). The effects of several reaction parameters, such as antibiotic concentration, ozone intake, pH, presence of salts, were investigated. This study revealed that the presence of ozone nanobubbles had a substantial positive impact on the degradation of TC. This improvement may be attributed to the enhanced mass transfer and the production of reactive radicals that occur during the collapse of the nanobubbles. Identification of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) revealed a significant contribution of hydroxyl radicals in the degradation of the antibiotic. AOP based on O3 nanobubbles generated mostly hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide anion (O2•–) radicals providing 100 % degradation of 100 mg/L TC within 20 min at 8 mg/L ozone concentration. Based on identified by LC-MS intermediates a detailed degradation mechanism has been described. Degradation of TC and intermediates transformations included methylation, hydroxylation, ring-opening steps as well as cleavage of C-N bonds. This research introduces a novel technique combining nanobubbles with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which is anticipated to provide enhanced efficiency and environmental sustainability.

  • The Application of a Mobile Unmanned Device for Monitoring Water and Sediment Pollution in the Port of Gdynia
    • Aleksandra Bojke
    • Katarzyna Galer-Tatarowicz
    • Agnieszka Flasińska
    • Andrzej Chybicki
    • Zbigniew Łubniewski
    • Jadwiga Kargol
    • Dominika Ostrowska
    • Agnieszka Cichowska
    2024 Pełny tekst Water

    Pollution in the Port of Gdynia can encompass various types of substances and contaminants that affect the quality of water and sediment in this region. Ships entering and leaving the port can release pollutants such as oil, fuel, waste, and chemicals into the water. Controlling and monitoring these pollutants is a crucial part of environmental stewardship. In recent years, uncrewed units have been increasingly in use for in situ water and sediment sampling. Boat-based water sampling crews face significant safety risks at sea. Eliminating the need for a boat-based sampling crew, uncrewed units allow sampling from locations that are difficult to access by traditional sampling methods. To validate the HydroDron-1 method, water samples and bottom sediments were collected from five basins in the Port of Gdynia using the HydroDron-1 method and accredited sampling methods. The values of measured parameters were similar for both methods. Using the HydroDron-1 method at the Port of Gdynia has the potential to improve safety while reducing sampling costs and increasing data collection. The project was implemented as part of the POLNOR 2019 Call program, announced by the National Center for Research and Development (NCRD): “Marine port surveillance and observation system using mobile unmanned research units” NOR/POLNOR/MPSS/0037/2019.

  • The Application of Fluidic Sealing in Shrouded Gas Turbine Blades
    • Filip Wasilczuk
    • Paweł Flaszyński
    • Piotr Doerffer
    • Krzysztof Marugi
    • Tomasz Borzęcki
    2024 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF TURBOMACHINERY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME

    This paper presents a study conducted on a new gas turbine designed to limit leakage in the labyrinth seal. The slots in the fin are used to generate a bypass flow, which obstructs the flow in the gap above the fin. The method was tested numerically and experimentally beforehand using a simplified model without rotation or blade passages. In this paper, the validation of the method using a model of a turbine stage is shown. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations using two turbulence models—Spalart–Allmaras (SA) and k-ω EARSM—were conducted. Comparisons of leakage flow and stage efficiency for reference and fluidic sealing configurations are presented. Fluidic sealing configuration is effective and reduces the leakage flow by 13–18.5% (depending on the turbulence model). The analysis of the flow structure in the seal region revealed that the use of fluidic sealing resulted in significant circumferential flow anisotropy.

  • The Assessment of the Influence of Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Originated from the Power Infrastructure on Humans’ Health
    • Leszek Litzbarski
    • Marek Olesz
    • Grzegorz Redlarski
    • Piotr Tojza
    • Arkadiusz Żak
    • Emanuel Gifuni
    • Zuzanna Cieślikowska
    • Mieszko Czapliński
    2024 Applied Sciences-Basel

    The objective of this study is to assess the impact of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (LF EMFs) generated by power infrastructure on the nearby environment. Measurements of electric (E) and magnetic (H) field intensities were conducted around high-voltage power lines, transformer stations and facilities related to them. Numerical simulations were also performed to model the distribution of the field values around real buildings in close proximity to power delivery systems. Given the ongoing scientific debate regarding the effects of EMFs on living organisms, the current analysis was based on the existing standards—particularly ICNIRP 2010 guidelines, which set the maximum allowable E and magnetic induction (B) values at 5 kV/m and 200 μT, respectively. Stricter national regulations were also examined, such as Poland’s 1 kV/m E limit in residential areas and Belgium’s 10 μT limit for B. The results showed that while most cases complied with ICNIRP 2010 standards, certain stricter local regulations were exceeded. Specifically, 9 of 14 cases exceeded Poland’s E limits, and 8 failed to meet Belgium’s B requirements. Only in one place—a warehouse near 110 kV power lines (in a critical case)—the ICNIRP limit B was exceeded. These findings underscore the variability in regulatory standards and highlight the need for localized assessments of EMF exposure.

  • The “autumn effect” in the gold market—does it contradict the Adaptive Market Hypothesis?
    • Marcin Potrykus
    • Urszula Augustynowicz
    2024 Pełny tekst International Journal of Management and Economics

    The present study aims to verify the autumn effect in the gold market, first presented 10 years ago by Dirk Baur in the paper “The autumn effect of gold” and to investigate the calendar effects occurring for other precious metals. This empirical research is presented in a way to place the results obtained in the context of the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) and the more current Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH). The study was conducted as an extended reproduction of the Baur study. The main conclusion is that, the autumn effect on the gold market has been reversed and replaced by the winter effect, which is linked to the AMH. An equally interesting calendar effect was observed for silver. Platinum and palladium saw an increase in prices in January, but given the patterns in the gold market, it is very likely that this phenomenon will also change over time.

  • The Belt and Road Initiative and export variety: 1996–2019
    • Yuxin Lu
    • Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz
    2024 Asian-Pacific Economic Literature

    This study examines the association between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and export variety (EV). We propose three hypotheses on how BRI may foster export markets (destinations) or export product lines. The estimates are based on a dataset constructed specifically for this analysis, covering 183 countries and linked with trade data from 1996 to 2019. We apply the instrumental variable (IV) approach in regressions for covering the endogeneity. The results indicate that participation in BRI is negatively related to EV. Specifically, we find evidence that, on average, BRI participants have less EV (by product and by destination) and greater export concentration. As regards participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and BRI meanwhile (AIIB_BRI and AIIB_MOU), the results show a more negative effect. And there are heterogeneous effects of BRI across different economies and sectors

  • The bile salt/phospholipid ratio determines the extent of in vitro intestinal lipolysis of triglycerides: Interfacial and emulsion studies
    • Katarzyna Kłosowska
    • Teresa Del Castillo Santaella
    • Julia Maldonado-Valderrama
    • Adam Macierzanka
    2024 FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL

    This study focused on the protein-stabilised triglyceride (TG)/water interfaces and oil-in-water emulsions, and explored the influence of varying molar ratios of bile salts (BSs) and phospholipids (PLs) on the intestinal lipolysis of TGs. The presence of these two major groups of biosurfactants delivered with human bile to the physiological environment of intestinal digestion was replicated in our experiments by using mixtures of individual BSs and PLs under in vitro small intestinal lipolysis conditions. Conducted initially, retrospective analysis of available scientific literature revealed that an average molar ratio of 9:4 for BSs to PLs (BS/PL) can be considered physiological in the postprandial adult human small intestine. Our experimental data showed that combining BSs and PLs synergistically enhanced interfacial activity, substantially reducing oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) during interfacial lipolysis experiments with pancreatic lipase, especially at the BS/PL–9:4 ratio. Other BS/PL molar proportions (BS/PL–6.5:6.5 and BS/PL–4:9) and an equimolar amount of BSs (BS–13) followed in IFT reduction efficiency, while using PLs alone as biosurfactants was the least efficient. In the following emulsion lipolysis experiments, BS/PL–9:4 outperformed other BS/PL mixtures in terms of enhancing the TG digestion extent. The degree of TG conversion and the desorption efficiency of interfacial material post-lipolysis correlated directly with the BS/PL ratio, decreasing as the PL proportion increased. In conclusion, this study highlights the crucial role of biliary PLs, alongside BSs, in replicating the physiological function of bile in intestinal lipolysis of emulsified TGs. Our results showed different contributions of PLs and BSs to lipolysis, strongly suggesting that any future in vitro studies aiming to simulate the human digestion conditions should take into account the impact of biliary PLs – not just BSs – to accurately mimic the physiological role of bile in intestinal lipolysis. This is particularly crucial given the fact that existing in vitro digestion protocols typically focus solely on applying specific concentrations and/or compositions of BSs to simulate the action of human bile during intestinal digestion, while overlooking the presence and concentration of biliary PLs under physiological gut conditions.

  • The biological role of prolyl oligopeptidase and the procognitive potential of its peptidic inhibitors from food proteins
    • Antoni Taraszkiewicz
    • Izabela Sinkiewicz
    • Agata Sommer
    • Hanna Staroszczyk
    2024 Pełny tekst CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION

    Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is a conserved serine protease belonging to proline-specific peptidases. It has both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity and is involved in numerous biological processes in the human body, playing a role in e.g., cellular growth and differentiation, inflammation, as well as the development of some neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. This article describes the physiological and pathological aspects of POP activity and the state-of-art of its peptidic inhibitors originating from food proteins, with a particular focus on their potential as cognition-enhancing agents. Although some milk, meat, fish, and plant protein-derived peptides have the potential to be applied as natural, procognitive nutraceuticals, their effectiveness requires further evaluation, especially in clinical trials. We demonstrated that the important features of the most promising POP-inhibiting peptides are very short sequence, high content of hydrophobic amino acids, and usually the presence of proline residue.

  • The chemistry, properties and performance of flame-retardant rubber composites: Collecting, analyzing, categorizing, machine learning modeling, and visualizing
    • Paulina Wiśniewska
    • Elnaz Movahedifar
    • Krzysztof Formela
    • Mohammad Naser-moghadasi
    • Henri Vahabi
    • Mohammad Saeb
    2024 COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Rubbers combine the flexibility with mechanical strength, supporting myriad applications, but suffer from inherent flammability. Formulation and production of flame-retardant rubber composites (FRRCs) have intensively been practiced over years, but not comprehensively reviewed. This necessity has outlined collecting, analyzing, screening, classifying, and interpreting the literature with the aim of classifying the FRRCs. We quantified and visualized the flame retardancy of natural and synthetic FRRCs by grouping FRRCs based on their flame retardants (FRs) among green, mineral, phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, carbonaceous, and hybrids of two or more types. Available data on cone calorimetry, limited oxygen index (LOI), and UL-94 of FRRCs were carefully extracted and plotted. Flame Retardancy Index (FRI) was used to specify the Poor, Good, or Excellent classes of flame retardancy in association with the chemistry and concentration of FRs to broaden the future innovation avenues. Machine Learning (ML) modeling enabled visualization of flame retardancy landscapes of natural and synthetic rubbers in terms of the chemistry and concentration of FRs. Overall, a downward trend in mechanical properties of FRRCSs against FRs amount was oxplored. This study proposed a general guideline for recognizing gaps in previous investigations and mechanistic interpretations. In conclusion, we highlight that the future FRRCs should take advantage of hybridizing FRs in order to meet the fire safety requirements, which would be possible by the innovative colorful checkered flame retardancy chart presented in this survey.

  • The clamping selection method to reduce the vibration of large-size workpieces during the face milling process
    • Krzysztof Kaliński
    • Marek Galewski
    • Natalia Stawicka-Morawska
    • Krzysztof Jemielniak
    • Michał Mazur
    2024 Pełny tekst Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences-Technical Sciences

    The article introduces a method for selecting the best clamping conditions to obtain vibration reduction during milling of large-size workpiece. It is based on experimental modal analysis performed for a set of assumed, fixing conditions of a considered workpiece to identify Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) for each tightening torque of the mounting screws. Simulated plots of periodically changing nominal cutting forces are then calculated. Subsequently, by multiplying FRF and spectra of cutting forces, a Clamping Selection Function (CSF) is determined and, thanks to this function, vibration Root Mean Square (RMS) is calculated resulting in Clamping Selection Indicator (CSI) that indicates the best clamping of the workpiece. The method's effectiveness was evidenced by assessing the RMS value of the vibration level observed in time domain during the real-time face milling process of an large-sized exemplary item. The proposed approach may be useful for seeking the best conditions for fixing the workpiece on the table.

  • THE CONCEPT AND THE STATE OF RESEARCH ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FAMILY BUSINESSES
    • Ewelina Sokołowska
    • Daniel Boehlich
    • Anna Dziadkiewicz
    2024 Pełny tekst Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska

    Purpose: This study's primary goal is to present the theoretical concept of family enterprises. Specifically, the results of earlier studies and the issues facing this field of research now will be described. The article also examines the underlying impacts that family control has on business management in order to fill the research gap left by earlier studies on the performance differences between family and non-family enterprises. A thorough analysis of the literature revealed that family firms place equal value on non-financial performance as they do on financial performance. Design/methodology/approach: The study's survey focuses on critical analysis methods used in the literature. Critical theoretical analysis will also be accompanied by comparative, analytical and monographic methods implied to draw conclusions on further research directions in the family business sector. Findings: The current work makes a significant contribution by broadening the theoretical foundation for family business research. Therefore, a sound foundation for the explanation of distinctive strategic management components may be established using the behavior-oriented approach, stakeholder theory, target composition, and balanced scorecard approach. Research limitations/implications: Unconfirmed theories may be examined more closely, particularly in a modified setting. Practical implications: The findings of this theoretical study are not only important for business research but also for business practice. The study is primary addressed to the top management of family and non-family businesses. Moreover, potential investors, banks and consultants could benefit from the results of this study. Originality/value: This study aims to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the variables of family influence, goal setting and selection of key performance indicators and organizational performance and business success. That is how a contribution can be made to the ongoing discussion about the success of family businesses and its underlying factors. Keywords: Family business, Goal setting, Business performance, Small and medium-sized enterprises. Category of the paper: literature review.

  • The Concept of a Measurement Data Acquisition Platform Based on Compressive Sensing
    • Beata Pałczyńska
    • Romuald Maśnicki
    • Janusz Mindykowski
    2024

    The paper introduces the concept of a modern software-hardware platform for data acquisition and analysis, capable of efficiently handling vast amounts of measurement data in real time with minimal energy consumption. The current methodologies for information acquisition are predicated upon traditional sampling techniques, which frequently yield redundant data necessitating subsequent compression. The novel approach is based on compressive sensing (CS) technology, which involves sampling the signal at a rate lower than the Nyquist frequency. The CS measurement protocol combines sampling and data compression simultaneously, leading to more efficient hardware implementation of signal acquisition systems. Different from commonly used methods, the innovative CS technique estimates the measurement signal using a small set of linear, incoherent measurements that are simple to store or transmit. CS is an effective way to reduce the required bandwidth and memory resources without sacrificing any information. In the CS acquisition strategy, random modulator pre-integration is applied. In the software part of the monitoring platform, the problem of signal parameters estimation, identification of spectral components or time-frequency spectrograms, direct inference, and direct spectrum detection is solved in two ways, with a reconstruction algorithm and using a reconstruction-free path.

  • The Crowd as a Source of Knowledge - From User Feedback to Fulfilling Requirements
    • Anna Baj-Rogowska
    2024 Pełny tekst

    Crowd-based and data-intensive requirements engineering (RE) strategy is an approach for gathering and analyzing information from the general public or the so-called crowd to derive validated user requirements. This study aims to conceptualize the process of analyzing information from a crowd to achieve the fulfillment of user requirements. The created model is based on the ADO framework (Antecedents-Decisions-Outcomes). In the empirical part, we chose the Instagram mobile app and user feedback on it as a source of data for the validation of our approach. For extracting antecedents from user feedback, we applied the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), and then sentiment analysis was performed for each topic to prioritize the most urgent tasks delegated by the crowd. The main findings of our study reveal that using the wide spectrum of experience and knowledge of users (the wisdom of the crowd) from user opinions helps uncover different aspects that are helpful during software development. The conceptualization based on the ADO framework reflects and captures this process well. Thus, crowdsourcing is an alternative to traditional methods and techniques for requirements engineering.

  • The culture of excellence and its dimensions in higher education
    • Małgorzata Wiśniewska
    • Piotr Grudowski
    2024 The TQM Journal

    Purpose To recognize the existing state of knowledge on a culture of excellence (CoE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) and to define the CoE in HEI and the dimensions that make up that culture. A subsidiary goal is to propose a qualitative tool to measure CoE maturity. Design/methodology/approach The study was based on the qualitative method, the preferred reporting system of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Next, the conceptual work method was used. Findings A research gap in the topic of CoE in HE has been confirmed. The CoE's own definition has been proposed, as well as a set of seven dimensions that comprise it, such as: Clear vision, mission and goals for excellence; Leadership oriented to excellence; Employee engagement; Human resources management; Meeting and exceeding student and staff expectations; Continuous improvement of processes through innovation and excellent practices; and Partnership and teamwork for improvement. Research limitations/implications The study research was limited to open-access articles. Therefore, in the future, the search can be broadened to include monographs or doctoral dissertations, and other peer-reviewed studies. The research implications are related to the originality of our work and the proposals of two concepts – a CoE model and a CoE maturity assessment tool. Practical implications Leaders at universities, e.g. rectors and deans, can take into account the identified dimensions and progressively provide them as conditions conducive to achieving above-average levels. Originality/value This is the first literature review on CoE in HEIs, which can be considered an original contribution to science and practice. The original contribution of the paper is also the proposal of a CoE conceptual model and a CoE maturity assessment tool.

  • The determinants of European universities patenting and co‑patenting with companies
    • Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz
    2024 JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

    This study examines the determinants of European universities patenting and co-patenting with companies. The analysis takes into account more than 400 universities from 17 countries over the period 2011–2018. We test several determinants of the commercial activity of universities, such as: student enrolment (size), age, public or private nature of the institution, students per academic staff, publications per academic staff (research orientation), non-academic staff per academic staff, funding structure (core and third-party budget) and prior patent activity. We estimate two-part models with zero-inflated negative binomial/zero-inflated beta regressions, which estimate separately the impact of the determinant of patenting (count data/proportion of joint company-university patents) and the probability of no patenting. The results indicate that the main determinants of universities patenting and co-patenting with companies are: size, age, research orientation and funding structure. As for patents per se, the determinants of starting patenting are the same as continuing patenting, while for joint company-university patents, most of the determinants differently affect starting joint-patenting than increasing the proportion of co-patents with companies in all patents

  • The Development of Toxoplasma gondii Recombinant Trivalent Chimeric Proteins as an Alternative to Toxoplasma Lysate Antigen (TLA) in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the Detection of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in Small Ruminants
    • Bartłomiej Tomasz Ferra
    • Maciej Chyb
    • Karolina Sołowińska
    • Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
    • Marta Skwarecka
    • Karolina Baranowicz
    • Justyna Gatkowska
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES

    This study presents an evaluation of seventeen newly produced recombinant trivalent chimeric proteins (containing the same immunodominant fragment of SAG1 and SAG2 of Toxoplasma gondii antigens, and an additional immunodominant fragment of one of the parasite antigens, such as AMA1, GRA1, GRA2, GRA5, GRA6, GRA7, GRA9, LDH2, MAG1, MIC1, MIC3, P35, and ROP1) as a potential alternative to the whole-cell tachyzoite lysate (TLA) used in the detection of infection in small ruminants. These recombinant proteins, obtained by genetic engineering and molecular biology methods, were tested for their reactivity with specific anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies contained in serum samples of small ruminants (192 samples of sheep serum and 95 samples of goat serum) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The reactivity of six recombinant trivalent chimeric proteins (SAG1-SAG2-GRA5, SAG1-SAG2-GRA9, SAG1-SAG2-MIC1, SAG1-SAG2-MIC3, SAG1-SAG2-P35, and SAG1-SAG2-ROP1) with IgG antibodies generated during T. gondii invasion was comparable to the sensitivity of TLA-based IgG ELISA (100%). The obtained results show a strong correlation with the results obtained for TLA. This suggests that these protein preparations may be a potential alternative to TLA used in commercial tests and could be used to develop a cheaper test for the detection of parasite infection in small ruminants.

  • The Digital Research Revolution
    • Anna Trzaskowska
    • Paulo Botelho Pires
    • José Duarte Santos
    2024

    Marketing research has been through a significant evolution in the digital age. The evolution of technology has had a cross-cutting impact on the discipline. In light of this, a perspective is presented on how this impact has been reflected in marketing research. A review of traditional techniques is provided, followed by a description of the reconceptualization of traditional methods resulting from the application of new technologies. This is followed by a presentation of new methods that have emerged as a result of technological advances and because there is a new context in which they need to be studied. Finally, the implications for analyzing data resulting from new algorithms and technologies are also discussed.

  • The effect of 1,4-butanediol on the efficiency of CO2 absorption and inhibition of NH3 escape during the mineral carbonation of gypsum
    • Temesgen Amibo
    • Donata Konopacka-Łyskawa
    2024 Pełny tekst

    This study explored the optimal concentration of 1,4-butanediol for maximizing CO2 absorption and minimizing ammonia desorption. Mineral carbonation of gypsum slurry was carried out in a bubble reactor with a magnetic stirrer maintaining constant speed for 1 hour. The gas introduced to the reactor was a mixture of CO2 and air. The gas flow was controlled by the mass controllers. Gas sensors were used to determine the concentration of CO2 and NH3 in the outlet gas. The initial and final pH values were measured. The liquid phase was ammonia solutions at a concentration of 1.69 mol.dm-3 with the addition of varying concentrations of 1,4-butanediol (ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mol. dm-3). The ratio of gypsum to liquid phase was maintained as 1:14 (kg. dm-3). Based on measured CO2 and NH3 concentrations, the efficiency of carbon dioxide absorption and the efficiency of ammonia escape inhibition were calculated.

  • The effect of aeration mode (intermittent vs. continuous) on nutrient removal and greenhouse gas emissions in the wastewater treatment plant of Corleone (Italy)
    • Giorgio Mannina
    • Paulo Marcelo Bosco Mofatto
    • Alida Cosenza
    • Daniele Trapani Di
    • Hazal Gulhan
    • Antonio Mineo
    • Jacek Mąkinia
    2024 Pełny tekst SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    The paper reports the results of an experimental study aimed at comparing two configurations of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP): conventional activated sludge (CAS) and oxic-settling-anaerobic process (OSA) with intermittent aeration (IA). A comprehensive monitoring campaign was carried out to assess multiple parameters for comparing the two configurations: carbon and nutrient removal, greenhouse gas emissions, respirometric analysis, and sludge production. A holistic approach has been adopted in the study with the novelty of including the carbon footprint (CF) contribution (as direct, indirect and derivative emissions) in comparing the two configurations. Results showed that the OSA-IA configuration performed better in total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and ortho-phosphate (PO4-P) removal. CAS performed better for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal showing a worsening of settling properties for OSA-IA. The heterotrophic yield coefficient and maximum growth rate decreased, suggesting a shift to sludge reduction metabolism in the OSA-IA configuration. Autotrophic biomass showed a reduced yield coefficient and maximum growth yield due to the negative effects of the sludge holding tank in the OSA-IA configuration on nitrification. The OSA-IA configuration had higher indirect emissions (30.5 % vs 21.3 % in CAS) from additional energy consumption due to additional mixers and sludge recirculation pumps. The CF value was lower for OSA-IA than for CAS configuration (0.36 kgCO2/m3 vs 0.39 kgCO2/m3 in CAS).

  • THE EFFECT OF BEECH WOOD DRYING ON HARDNESS IN THE LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE REAR OF THE SAMPLES
    • Kazimierz Orlowski
    • Daniel Chuchala
    • Monika Serafinowicz
    • Sylwia Kowalska
    2024 Pełny tekst ACTA FACULTATIS XYLOLOGIAE ZVOLEN

    The objective of this study was to determine the hardness of beech wood samples (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the longitudinal direction from the beginning to the rear of the samples versus the method of drying. The warm air-steam mixture drying process and the modified airdrying process were used in the experiment. The warm air-steam mixture drying process, in comparison to the modified air-drying process, caused a reduction of the Janka hardness by about 15.4%. Although the hardness along the length of the sample dried with a mixture of air and steam is leveled, this is not the case for the beginning and the rear of the sample, where drops in hardness are observed

  • The effect of elevated temperature on LCF damage growth in 2024AA – Experiment and modeling
    • Anna Falkowska
    • Adam Tomczyk
    • Andrzej Seweryn
    2024 ENGINEERING FAILURE ANALYSIS

    This paper presents the results of experimental low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests conducted on EN-AW 2024 alloy in T3511 temper at 100 ◦C, 200 ◦C and 300 ◦C. The material’s basic fatigue characteristics were determined, such as fatigue life curve and cyclic strain curve. Both the hysteresis loop and nature of fracture surfaces obtained in macro- and microscopic observations (scanning electron microscope, SEM) were accounted for. The results of tests at elevated temperature were compared with results obtained at room temperature in the authors’ previous papers. Based on the results of experimental tests, an analytical model of fatigue damage growth was proposed. In this model, it was assumed that damage accumulation mainly depends on the current normal stress and increment of plastic strain. Dependencies of the model’s parameters with respect to temperature were determined, and the model was validated experimentally. Good concurrency of the numerical simulations with the experimental results was obtained.

  • The effect of environmental turbulence on cyber security risk management and organizational resilience
    • Susanne Durst
    • Christoph Hinteregger
    • Małgorzata Zięba
    2024 Pełny tekst COMPUTERS & SECURITY

    Even though there is a plethora of research on the role of environmental turbulence in organizational performance in general, little attention has been paid to the effect of environmental turbulence on cyber security risk management and further - organizational resilience. Drawing on the resource-based view and contingency theory, this study investigates how technological and market turbulence influence organizational cyber security risk management (CSRM) and then organizational resilience. Using a data set from 150 European companies, the study findings show how the two types of turbulence have different effects on CSRM in the companies studied. Technological turbulence directly impacts the firms’ cyber security risk maturity while market turbulence has a direct positive affect on firms’ cyber security risk perception. The study also determines the interplay between risk perception and risk maturity and subsequent resilience.

  • The effect of groyne field on trapping macroplastic. Preliminary results from laboratory experiments
    • Łukasz Przyborowski
    • Zuzanna Cuban
    • Anna Łoboda
    • Małgorzata Robakiewicz
    • Stanisław Biegowski
    • Tomasz Kolerski
    2024 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Macroplastic, a precursor of microplastic pollution, has become a new scope of research interest. However, the physical processes of macroplastic transport and deposition in rivers are poorly understood, which makes the decisions of where to locate macroplastic trapping infrastructure difficult. In this research, we conducted a series of experiments in a laboratory channel, exploring the impact of groynes and flexible artificial vegetation on the floating macroplastic litter. The goal was to investigate the litter paths with different obstruction arrangements, which was done by implementing a particle tracking technique on video recordings from each experimental run. We found that increasing discharge correlated with the number of plastic litter floating into the recirculation zone within the groyne fields, especially if the upstream groyne had an extended length. This produced a strong mixing interface between the main flow and the groyne field, while a vegetation patch added in the same groyne field changed the paths of plastic litter by deflecting the flow. We noticed that during a moderate discharge rate, the litter pieces flowing into the groyne field with the vegetation circulated there for the longest period, and some of them got entangled between floating stems when discharge was at its lowest. This phenomenon points to the conclusion that low flow velocity paired with the presence of vegetation can be a primer for plastic deposition and consequently, its degradation. The insights from the experiment allowed us to recommend a place downstream of an extended groyne as the desirable (efficient) area for installing a plastic trapping infrastructure or conducting plastic cleaning actions.

  • The Effect of Hyperbaric Storage on the Nutritional Value and Retention of Certain Bioactive Proteins in Human Milk
    • Katarzyna Mazur
    • Barbara Kusznierewicz
    • Dorota Martysiak-Żurowska
    • Izabela Drążkowska
    • Edyta Malinowska-Pańczyk
    2024 Pełny tekst Nutrients

    Human milk (HM) contains the essential macronutrients and bioactive compounds necessary for the normal growth and development of newborns. The milk collected by human milk banks is stored frozen and pasteurized, reducing its nutritional and biological value. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hyperbaric storage at subzero temperatures (HS-ST) on the macronutrients and bioactive proteins in HM. As control samples, HM was stored at the same temperatures under 0.1 MPa. A Miris HM analyzer was used to determine the macronutrients and the energy value. The lactoferrin (LF), lysozyme (LYZ) and α-lactalbumin (α-LAC) content was checked using high-performance liquid chromatography, and an ELISA test was used to quantify secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The results showed that the macronutrient content did not change significantly after 90 days of storage at 60 MPa/−5 °C, 78 MPa/−7 °C, 111 MPa/−10 °C or 130 MPa/−12 °C. Retention higher than 90% of LYZ, α-LAC, LF and sIgA was observed in the HM stored at conditions of up to 111 MPa/−10 °C. However, at 130 MPa/−12 °C, there was a reduction in LYZ and LF, by 39 and 89%, respectively. The storage of HM at subzero temperatures at 0.1 MPa did not affect the content of carbohydrates or crude and true protein. For fat and the energy value, significant decreases were observed at −5 °C after 90 days of storage.

  • The effect of ionic liquids on the surface and photocatalytic properties of semiconducting materials
    • Anna Pancielejko
    • Malwina Kroczewska-Gnatowska
    • Paweł Mazierski
    • Justyna Łuczak
    • Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
    2024 Pełny tekst CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL

    Semiconductor-mediated photocatalysis represents an environmentally friendly technology that could be used for the degradation of different pollutants in the gas and aqueous phases, for hydrogen generation, and for CO2-to-valuable product transformation reactions. Therefore, it is extremely important to accurately design a photocatalyst with the relevant features. In recent years, ionic liquids have often been employed as reagents for the synthesis of these materials. To address the issue of semiconductor-based photocatalytic preparation in the presence of ionic liquids, eight main paths of interaction between ionic liquid with the formed semiconductor particles in the solvothermal process were identified and described based on literature examples. The most critical aspects discussed here are understanding how an ionic liquid may behave during the solvothermal synthesis of semiconductor material particles and how its behavior may ultimately affect the properties of that material, as well as what techniques are available that allow us to assess the nature of this interaction mechanism.

  • The Effect of Marginal Zn2+ Excess Released from Titanium Coating on Differentiation of Human Osteoblastic Cells
    • Michał Bartmański
    • Łukasz Pawłowski
    • Agata Knabe
    • Szymon Mania
    • Adrianna Banach-Kopeć
    • Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
    • Anna Ronowska
    2024 ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

    Composite coatings based on chitosan and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were successfully produced on Ti13Zr13Nb substrates by cathodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The unfavorable phenomenon of water electrolysis-induced nonuniformity was reduced by applying a low voltage (20 V) and a short deposition time (1 min). Surface analysis (roughness and hydrophilicity) reveals the potential of these coatings for enhancing cell attachment and bone-implant integration. However, there is a concern about adhesion and strength; therefore, incorporating ZnNPs shows promise for enhancing mechanical properties, suggesting opportunities for further optimization of the process. The aim of this work was to investigate whether Zn2+ released from coating yields overt cellular impairment. hFOB1.19 osteoblastic cells were used as a model in this study. A subtoxic, 0.125 mmol/L, Zn concentration did not cause significant negative changes in cultured osteoblastic cells, as there was no significant change in their viability and their mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were aggravated. However, a high, over 0.175 mmol/L, Zn2+ concentration caused total cell death. This was caused by the inhibition of mitochondrial enzymes’ activities. Our data indicate that composite coatings releasing Zn2+ may be used as the differentiating factor toward osteoblastic cells.

  • The Effect of Minimum Actuation Limit in Shape Control of a Single-Layer Dome Frame
    • Ahmed Manguri
    • Najmadeen Saeed
    • Farzin Kazemi
    • Neda Asgarkhani
    • Robert Jankowski
    2024 Pełny tekst

    This paper describes the significance of the minimum actuation limit per actuator while controlling the shape of a single-layer frame dome. The algorithms that perform optimum shape controlling allow the user to assign the minimum allowable actuation per actuator, which means the actuators with an actuation of less than the assigned amount are assumed to be passive; thus, they are excluded. In this study, the deformed shape of a numerical model of a single-layer dome is reshaped. At the same time, the minimum limit is assumed to vary between 0.1mm and 1 mm to investigate how the outcomes are affected. The results show that changes in the minimum allowable actuation significantly affect the number of necessary actuators and the final form of the structure in terms of nodal displacements and stresses. The study suggests using the limit of 0.7 mm, which provides the optimum number of actuators while the nodal displacements are controlled.

  • The effect of preliminary creep-strain on material behavior under LCF tension/compression and pure torsion regimes
    • Adam Tomczyk
    • Wojciech Grodzki
    • Andrzej Seweryn
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE

    This paper presents the results of experimental tests of monotonic tension and torsion, creep-rupture and preliminary creep at 200C and 300C, as well as low-cycle fatigue of 2024 T3511 aluminum alloy. The fatigue process was conducted at room temperature for uniaxial tension/compression and torsion. The as-received material and pre-deformed material were also investigated during creep at elevated temperature. Basic monotonic, creep and fatigue characteristics of the material were determined. Detailed micro- and macroscopic analyses of fracture surfaces (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) were carried out. The influence of different creep pre-deformation histories at elevated temperature on the behavior of the studied alloy were characterized with respect to monotonic and cyclic loads at room temperature.

  • The Effect of Steaming Beech, Birch and Maple Woods on Qualitative Indicators of the Surface
    • Michal Dudiak
    • Richard Kminiak
    • Adrian Banski,
    • Daniel Chuchała
    2024 Pełny tekst Coatings

    This work presents the effect of steaming beech, birch and maple woods on the resulting quality of the milled wood surface. The steaming process of the studied woods results in a targeted change in the color of the wood, which changes from the original light white-gray color to fine reddishbrown to dark brown color shades that are more or less saturated depending on the temperature of the saturated water steam. The color changes achieved during the modification process were identified using coordinates in the CIE L*a*b* color space. The achieved color changes were described through the total color difference of ΔE* and defined through classification grades using a color scale. The technological process of wood steaming with saturated water steam for the purpose of a targeted change in the color of the wood and experimental measurements of the roughness of the milled wood surface proved that the wood steaming process has a positive effect on the roughness of the wood surface of the investigated trees, depending on the steaming temperature. The reduction of roughness in the process of the modification of beech wood compared with native wood was at the temperature of the saturated water steam as follows: tI = 105 ± 2.5 ◦C by Ra = 12.3%, at tII = 125 ± 2.5 ◦C by Ra = 15.4%, at tIII = 135 ± 2.5 ◦C by Ra = 16.9%. By modifying birch wood at tIII = 135 ± 2.5 ◦C, the roughness decreased by Ra = 13.4%; the surface roughness decreased by Ra = 15.8% compared with native wood by modifying maple wood. The roughness of the milled surface of modified wood in individual treatment modes decreased compared with native wood, which means that the milled surface of modified wood is of a better quality, which is positive for its practical use.

  • The effect of using jug-type water filters on selected metals concentration in tap water – a case study
    • Hubert Kwiatkowski
    • Ksawery Kreft
    • Oskar Ronda
    • Bartłomiej Cieślik
    2024 JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH

    In this study, the effect of the filtration process on Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn concentration in water, using filters from one of the leading European manufacturers, was investigated. The increase in Na (up to 300%) and K concentration (up to 320%) at the beginning of jug filter usage was reported. A decrease in Ca, Fe and Zn concentration was observed. Standard filters remove 80–90% of Mg from tap water at the beginning of the usage, while magnesium-enriching ones slightly increase its concentration – from around 8 to 12–25 mg/L. Significant changes in the filter’s operating characteristics were also observed for other studied elements as they wore out. Using Mg-enriching filters can increase magnesium intake from 4–5 to 6–15% of the recommended daily dose from water consumption. The results were also discussed regarding the amounts of macroelements found in commercially available bottled water. The magnesium concentration in tap water after filtration through magnesium-enriching filters was lower compared to bottled mineral waters. The authors note a scope for the development of water filter production technology, in particular, the need to develop filters that more efficiently enrich water with magnesium and do not increase sodium concentration

  • The Effect of Varying the Light Spectrum of a Scene on the Localisation of Photogrammetric Features
    • Paweł Burdziakowski
    2024 Remote Sensing

    In modern digital photogrammetry, an image is usually registered via a digital matrix with an array of colour filters. From the registration of the image until feature points are detected on the image, the image is subjected to a series of calculations, i.e., demosaicing and conversion to greyscale, among others. These algorithms respond differently to the varying light spectrum of the scene, which consequently results in the feature location changing. In this study, the effect of scene illumination on the localisation of a feature in an image is presented. The demosaicing and greyscale conversion algorithms that produce the largest and smallest deviation of the feature from the reference point were assessed. Twelve different illumination settings from polychromatic light to monochromatic light were developed and performed, and five different demosaicing algorithms and five different methods of converting a colour image to greyscale were analysed. A total of 300 different cases were examined. As the study shows, the lowest deviation in the polychromatic light domain was achieved for light with a colour temperature of 5600 K and 5000 K, while in the monochromatic light domain, it was achieved for light with a green colour. Demosaicing methods have a significant effect on the localisation of a feature, and so the smallest feature deviation was achieved for smooth hue-type demosaicing, while for greyscale conversion, it was achieved for the mean type. Demosaicing and greyscale conversion methods for monochrome light had no effect. The article discusses the problem and concludes with recommendations and suggestions in the area of illuminating the scene with artificial light and the application of the algorithms, in order to achieve the highest accuracy using photogrammetric methods.

  • The efficiency of bankruptcy proceedings and the severity of insolvency regulations in view of the implementation of the New Opportunity Policy
    • Przemysław Banasik
    • Sylwia Morawska
    • Błażej Prusak
    • Michał Łukowski
    • Katarzyna Pustułka
    2024 International Journal of Management and Economics

    The article investigates the relationship between the efficiency of insolvency proceedings, as measured by their duration, and measures the severity of bankruptcy law toward debtors in 27 countries, of which 23 are EU. This objective was achieved using quantitative methods – Pearson’s correlation, pooled panel regression and Granger causality. Research shows no direct correlation between the two variables mentioned above. The increase in sanctions in bankruptcy law contributed to a decrease in the efficiency of insolvency proceedings. In addition, less stringent conditions concerning the time taken to file a bankruptcy petition translated into a shorter duration of insolvency proceedings. Therefore, supporting the New Opportunity Policy, we recommend that regulators focus on softening the legal requirements for filing a bankruptcy petition, for setting a time limit for filing and on reducing the sanctions for honest debtors, including those imposed for failure to file for bankruptcy within the period prescribed by law.

  • The experimental and numerical investigation of fracture behaviour in PMMA notched specimens under biaxial loading conditions – Tension with torsion
    • Elżbieta Bura
    • Wojciech Grodzki
    • Andrzej Seweryn
    2024 Pełny tekst ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS

    This paper presents the results of experimental fracture test of flat PMMA specimens under biaxial loading condition tension with torsion (proportional). The specimens were made in two thicknesses: 5 and 15 mm and were weakened with V-type edge notches with different root radii: 0.5; 2 and 10 mm. Thanks to the ARAMIS 3D 4 M non-contact vision system, measurement of the elongation and twist angle were recorded. During experimental part all of the deformation processes were observed using PHANTOM cameras. Obtained records made it possible to precisely indicate the moment of crack initiation (tensile force and torsional moment values). Using the microscopic observations the location of crack initiations were determined. Results obtained for biaxial loading were compared with those obtained for uniaxial tension and torsion. Based on experimental data the numerical calculation with FEM were carried out. The principal stress and plastic strain distribution under critical load, were obtained. The points of occurrence of stress maxima and plastic strain were indicated, which were taken as potential crack initiation sites. On the basis of the stress and plastic strain values measured at the critical points, a stress–strain fracture criterion was formulated, which was then positively verified. Additionally, new form of stress–strain fracture criterion was proposed. The bilinear form of the fracture criterion can be successfully used to predict fracture in PMMA flat specimens, regardless of the notch root radius, type of load or element thickness.

  • The exposure to UV filters: Prevalence, effects, possible molecular mechanisms of action and interactions within mixtures
    • Alexandra Rafeletou
    • Jenni Viivi Linnea Niemi
    • Francisco Alejandro Lagunas-Rangel
    • Wen Liu
    • Błażej Kudłak
    • Helgi B. Schiöth
    2024 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Substances that can absorb sunlight and harmful UV radiation such as organic UV filters are widely used in cosmetics and other personal care products. Since humans use a wide variety of chemicals for multiple purposes it is common for UV filters to co-occur with other substances either in human originating specimens or in the environment. There is increasing interest in understanding such co-occurrence in form of potential synergy, antagonist, or additive effects of biological systems. This review focuses on the collection of data about the simultaneous occurrence of UV filters oxybenzone (OXYB), ethylexyl-methoxycinnamate (EMC) and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) as well as other classes of chemicals (such as pesticides, bisphenols, and parabens) to understand better any such interactions considering synergy, additive effect and antagonism. Our analysis identified >20 different confirmed synergies in 11 papers involving 16 compounds.

  • The Fuzzy Analysis of Western Windfarm Transportation Safety
    • Marek Moszyński
    • Jhu Hong-Yi
    • Sheng-Long Kao
    • Sin-Der Lee
    • Lo Tzu-Chieh
    2024 Pełny tekst

    The previously completed route planning research of Navigational Transportation Safety in the Taiwan Western wind farm analyzed delves into the expansion of sustainable wind energy and navigation safety together along the Taiwan Western for confronting the challenge of balancing resource coexistence and displacement. Previous studies primarily focused on route planning and vessel traffic density which developed the necessary comprehensive analysis. Therefore, this study examines the area of Taiwan’s western Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) environmental issues to develop a Precautionary Area (PA) and RADAR handoff site location analysis. This model analysis introduces a new PA concept that considers navigational and ecological safety, and also wind and hydrological resources, and offshore RADAR handoff mechanisms. Automatic Identification System (AIS) and wind farm RADAR surveillance data are used for converting and analyzing information through the Marine Geographic Information System (MGIS) and Fuzzy Method (FM)that proposed an alternative PA and RADAR site location selection that could facilitate Taiwan’s Green Energy and Navigational Safety

  • “The Guardians of the Truth”: Journalists’ Resistance to the Algorithmization of Journalism
    • Jan Kreft
    • Monika Boguszewicz-kreft
    • Mariana Fydrych
    2024 Pełny tekst ETHOS. KWARTALNIK INSTYTUTU JANA PAWŁA II KUL

    Regardless of the term used, be it “robot journalism,” “automated journalism,” “algorithmic journalism” or “machine-written journalism,” the process of automatic content creation and distribution is progressing in the newsrooms. Meanwhile, exercising control over the creation and distribution of news is considered a fundamental element of journalists’ professional identity. The article presents the results of research on the perception of algorithmic content creation conducted among journalists in the context of their professional values and identity. The research was conducted with a qualitative method using a semi-structured interview technique with 18 journalists employed in leading Polish media. According to the study, algorithmic journalism is perceived by journalists primarily in the context of posing a threat to the fundamental journalistic principle of providing true information: what they bring to the fore is the potential for creating and spreading fake news. The respondents, who defended their journalistic professional identity, compared the disadvantages of algorithmic journalism with the unique competences of “human” journalists, perceiving the latter as advocates of concern for the quality standards of social discourse and as “guardians of the truth”.

  • The impact of China’s One-Belt One-Road initiative on international trade and global value chains
    • Yuxin Lu
    • Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz
    2024 Asia-Pacific Journal of Accounting & Economics

    This study examines the potential effects of China’s ‘One-Belt One-Road’initiative (OBOR) on trade flows and global value chain (GVC) connections.The empirical analysis is based on the augmented trade gravity model, which comprises 186 economies and 199 of their partners from 2000 to 2018. We also estimate the gravity model for involvement in GVC (domestic value added in intermediate exports, foreign value added in exports, and one country’s contributed value in another’s total exports). OBOR proves to be positively correlated with international trade and GVC, while some corridors seem to benefit more than others (e.g. China-Pakistan,China-Mongolia-Russian Federation, and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar).

  • The Impact of Different Drying Methods on the Metabolomic and Lipidomic Profiles of Arthrospira platensis
    • Marika Mróz
    • Karol Parchem
    • Joanna Jóźwik
    • M. Rosário Domingues
    • Barbara Kusznierewicz
    2024 Pełny tekst MOLECULES

    Drying is an inseparable part of industrial microalgae production. In this work, the impacts of eight different drying methods on the metabolome and lipidome of Arthrospira platensis were investigated. The studied drying methods were freeze drying (FD), sun drying (SD), air drying at 40 and 75 °C (AD′ and AD″), infrared drying at 40 and 75 °C (IRD′ and IRD″), and vacuum drying at 40 and 75 °C (VD′ and VD″). Results gathered by reversed-phase liquid chromatography separation coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (RP-LC-ESI-Orbitrap HRMS/MS) analysis allowed researchers to identify a total of 316 metabolites (including lipids) in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The compounds identified in ethanolic extracts were mainly lipids, such as neutral and polar lipids, chlorophylls and carotenoids, while the compounds identified in the aqueous extracts were mainly amino acids and dipeptides. Among the identified compounds, products of enzymatic and chemical degradation, such as pyropheophytins, monoacylglycerols and lysophosphatidylcholines were also identified and their amounts depended on the drying method. The results showed that except for FD method, recognized as a control, the most protective method was AD′. Contrary to this, VD′ and VD″, under the conditions used, promoted the most intense degradation of valuable metabolites.

  • The Impact of Drying Conditions on the Surface Color Changes of Pine Wood
    • Aleksandra Suchta
    • Jacek Barański
    • Tatiana Vilkovská
    • Ivan Klement
    • Peter Vilkovský
    2024 Pełny tekst BIORESOURCES

    The article presents the impact of drying process and selected parameters on the color changes on the surface of pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.). Three predetermined process conditions (modes), mild, normal, and intensive, were investigated. The experiments were conducted using a semi-industrial scale dryer designed at the Gdańsk University of Technology with a loading capacity of 0.55 m3. The drying process was applied to pine wood grown in the northern part of Pomeranian region in Poland. The specimens were selected taking into consideration the radial angle of the growth rings. During each drying mode, 25 pieces of wood with dimensions (thickness, width, length) of 0.03 m, 0.2 m, and 1.5 m, respectively, were dried. The total color change (ΔE) after drying process and color saturation (h*) before and after drying processes of the wood surface was determined using the normalized CIELAB methods. The obtained results indicated that the color change of the pine wood surface increased simultaneously with the intensification of the drying process. However, the normalized wood quality after drying under intensive drying process conditions remained within the standard limits. The application of intensive drying process conditions remarkably changes the surface color of the obtained material, while remarkably reducing the drying process duration.

  • The Impact of Foreign Accents on the Performance of Whisper Family Models Using Medical Speech in Polish
    • Szymon Zaporowski
    2024 Pełny tekst

    The article presents preliminary experiments investigating the impact of accent on the performance of the Whisper automatic speech recognition (ASR) system, specifically for the Polish language and medical data. The literature review revealed a scarcity of studies on the influence of accents on speech recognition systems in Polish, especially concerning medical terminology. The experiments involved voice cloning of selected individuals and adding prosodic contours with Russian and German accents, followed by transcription of these samples using all available models from the Whisper family and comparison with the original transcription. The results of these initial experiments suggest that the Whisper model struggles with foreign accents in the context of Polish language and medical terminology. This highlights the need for further research aimed at improving ASR systems for foreign accents and medical terminology.

  • The impact of global value chains on wages, employment, and productivity: a survey of theoretical approaches
    • Sabina Szymczak
    2024 Pełny tekst Journal for Labour Market Research

    This study presents a systematic literature review to provide a collection of theories explaining the impact of global value chains (GVCs) on labour market outcomes. Due to the complex nature of GVCs and the interconnectedness of wages, employment, and productivity, many direct and indirect effects are at play. To ensure a transparent and systematic flow of the review process, I follow the PRISMA guide. Eventually, 36 records out of 1221 results from Scopus database were selected. This review may be useful for theorists, empirical economists, and policy makers as an overview of theoretical developments and convenient map of potential outcomes expected from involvement in GVCs. It identifies and systematizes a number of effects existing in the literature under various names. The results show that the predictions from the theory are ambiguous. The positive effects which may emerge regardless the characteristics of the GVC are the productivity-enhancing effect and the cross-effect, especially important considering growing servicification of manufacturing. Here lies the critical role of the state and policies to assure that the losses will not exceed the gains in the aggregate terms. One of the main factors shaping the outcome is the power distribution among the GVC’s firms. Additionally, this paper shows the shortcomings of the existing theories. Less aggregated levels of analysis could be a great input to the discussion, as well as addressing different GVCs’ dimensions and types of organisation. The understanding of relation between GVC position and labour market is especially worth exploration as the existing evidence adopt different and even contradicting perspectives on the definition of upgrading the GVC position.

  • The impact of graphene on the electrochemical performance of BiMeVOx catalysts in water splitting
    • Patrycja Grabowska
    • Mariusz Szkoda
    • Malgorzata Skorupska
    • Marta Gajewska
    • Anna Ilnicka
    2024 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

    The development of efficient catalysts for electrochemical water splitting has become a significant contemporary challenge. Transition metal oxides, due to their unique electrochemical properties, have emerged as promising candidates. Among these, a group of BiMeVOx-based compounds shows particular potential for practical applications in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. However, improvement is still necessary to achieve stable operation of these catalysts in green hydrogen generation. With this is mind, in this study we synthesize BiMeVOx materials with graphene addition using a simple annealing in a tube furnace and investigate their electrochemical properties in HER and OER. After incorporating different metals into the BiMeVOx structure, we observed variations in electrochemical properties; materials with the addition of molybdenum and cobalt (BiMoVOx and BiCoVOx) outperformed materials containing zirconium and cerium (BiZrVOx and BiCeVOx). The BiMoVOx/C catalyst showed excellent HER performance with an overpotential of 432 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 76 mV dec⁻1, while BiCoVOx/C exhibited superior OER activity with a Tafel slope of 100 mV dec⁻1, lower than that of commercial IrO₂. The addition of graphene improved the conductivity and overall activity of the catalysts. These findings indicate that metal doping and graphene incorporation are effective strategies for enhancing the performance of BiMeVOx-based materials in water splitting applications.

  • The Impact of Hybrid Flame Retardant Compositions on the Performance of Foamed Flexible Polyurethane/Ground Tire Rubber Composites
    • Paulina Kosmela
    • Adam Olszewski
    • Mateusz Barczewski
    • Adam Piasecki
    • Aleksander Hejna
    2024 JOURNAL OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND PERFORMANCE

    Current sustainability-oriented trends affect polyurethane (PU) materials and stimulate the incorporation of recycled or waste-based materials as fillers. Ground tire rubber (GTR) poses as an auspicious candidate due to the excellent performance of car tires. Despite the benefits related to the mechanical performance, it contributes to the increasing flammability of the resulting composites. Herein, presented work assessed the impact of hybrid flame retardant (FR) combinations of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) or melamine cyanurate (MC) with organophosphorus compounds on the performance of foamed flexible PU/GTR composites. Such works are of vital importance, because matching to the needs of material with the mode of action of particular FRs is quite challenging. Except for the flammability reduction, they also affect structure and performance of composites. Fire resistance was enhanced for all applied FRs compositions; however, APP was found more effective than MC due to the efficient formation of protective char layer. Moreover, introduction of MC induced heterogeneity of cellular structure and excessive stiffening of PU structure, which increased its friability and cells’ coalescence, deteriorating thermal insulation performance and damping ability.

  • The influence of azide and imidazole on the properties of Mn- and Cd-based networks: conductivity and nonlinear phenomena
    • Monika Trzebiatowska
    • Dorota A. Kowalska
    • Agnieszka Ciżman
    • Natalia Wójcik
    • Ryszard Barczyński
    • Adam Pikul
    • Jan K. Zaręba
    • Marcin Palewicz
    • Tomasz Piasecki
    • Krystian Roleder
    • Marek Gusowski
    • Mirosław Mączka
    2024 Journal of Materials Chemistry C

    We report a study on a family of four new Mn- and Cd-azide-imidazolate-based compounds with various crystal architectures. Notably, three of these compounds display noncentrosymmetric crystal arrangements at room temperature, a rare phenomenon in hybrid organic–inorganic materials. Both nonlinear optical (NLO) and electrical phenomena in these compounds are observed. The NLO processes include second and third harmonic generation, while the electrical nonlinear phenomena include the presence of polarization and a coercive field in the capacitance measurements (1–2 μC cm−2), and a piezoelectricity with ca. d33 = 0.2 × 10−12 m V−1 coefficient. Additionally, the presence of the second and third harmonics is detected in DC conductivity measurements. The phase transition (PT) present in Mn-based compounds at ca. 370 K is confirmed by DSC, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, dielectric, DC conductivity and capacitance measurements. The PT is triggered by the motions of imidazole molecules around a nitrogen-metal bond with minor adjustment of azide bridges in response to this motion as derived from the X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic data. Mn-analogues also feature antiferromagnetic order. Both Cd- and Mn-imidazolate-azides exhibit a conductivity, with a mixed electron/proton hopping transport mechanism, in the case of Cd- similar to those of classic semiconductors.

  • The influence of bio-based monomers on the structure and thermal properties of polyurethanes
    • Janusz Datta
    • Joanna Brzoska
    • Hynek Benes
    • Václav Pokorný
    • Rafał Konefał
    2024 Scientific Reports

    Most polyurethanes (PU) are currently produced through the polyaddition reaction of polyisocyanates with polyols and chain extenders, using components of petrochemical origin. From an environmental and geopolitical point of view, and with regard to the problems of oil supply and processing, the replacement of petrochemical PU raw materials with renewable resources is highly desirable. It is also one of the principles of sustainable development and an important challenge for chemical companies and market competitiveness. Current research studies focus mainly on the use of bio-based polyols for PUs, while other PU components, in particular polyisocyanates, remain of petrochemical origin. In this work, a series of PUs have been synthesized by polyaddition reactions of different types of renewable polyols and bio-based polyisocyanates. The effects of the bio-derived components on the structure, thermal stability and phase transformations of the PU were studied using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, SWAXS, TGA, DSC, DMTA and TGA-FTIR. A full conversion of the bio-based monomers was achieved in all cases, indicating good compatibility and reactivity of all bio-based components. It was observed that bio-based PU exhibited a lower degree of phase separation and slightly lower thermal stability compared to PUs from petrochemical monomers.

  • The influence of brace to chord rotational connection stiffness on stability of the truss
    • Marcin Krajewski
    2024 Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences-Technical Sciences

    The paper is devoted to the numerical analysis of the roof truss subjected to upward wind loading and braced at the tensioned top chord. The linear buckling analysis were performed for the beam and shell model of the structure. As the result the influence of rotational connection stiffness between the brace and the top chord on the truss stability was appointed. The biaxial strength testing machine was used to conduct the experimental tests of the rotational connection stiffness between selected steel profiles. The results in the form of measured structural displacements and rotations were presented. The static nonlinear analysis results performed for the shell model of the structural connection were compared to the results obtained on the experimental set-up.

  • The Influence of Different Hydrothermal Processes Used in the Preparation of Brussels Sprouts on the Availability of Glucosinolates to Humans
    • Anna Sadowska-Rociek
    • Joanna Doniec
    • Barbara Kusznierewicz
    • Tomasz Dera
    • Agnieszka Filipiak-Florkiewicz
    • Adam Florkiewicz
    2024 Foods

    Cruciferous vegetables represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds. However, there is currently a deficiency of information regarding the extent to which these compounds remain bioaccessible to the body following thermal treatment and digestion processes within the digestive tract. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of heat treatment and in vitro digestion on the level of selected bioactive compounds in Brussels sprouts. The Brussels sprouts samples were subjected to a range of thermal processing techniques, which were then followed by a simulated in vitro digestion. The investigated compounds were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The findings revealed that the sous-vide method of cooking Brussels sprouts resulted in significantly higher losses of glucosinolates (GLS) in comparison to conventional cooking methods. No significant differences were observed with regard to isothiocyanates and indoles. The analysis of GLS following digestion revealed that the process was more effective after sous vide and traditional cooking, and slightly less effective after steam cooking. With regard to individual compounds, glucoraphanin (GRA), glucoraphenin (GIV), and gluconasturtiin (GNS) were found to be completely degraded, whereas methoxyglucobrassicin (metGBS) was the most resistant to digestion in both the sous vide and steamed Brussels sprouts. The results indicated that the process of simulating digestion had no significant impact on isothiocyanates and indoles. This suggests that, if present in the heat-treated samples, these compounds remained stable during the in vitro digestion procedure.

  • The Influence of Global Corrosion Degradation on Localized Damage Detection Using Guided Waves
    • Beata Zima
    • Emil Roch
    • Jochen Moll
    2024

    This paper presents the results of a numerical analysis of the influence of corrosion degradation of metal plates on the wave propagation phenomenon. There are several different corrosion types, but general and pitting corrosion are the most common. General corrosion is more or less uniformly distributed over the entire exposed surface of the metal while pitting corrosion takes the form of localized cracks. Because the general corrosion is related to thickness reduction and in consequence, wave propagation velocity, this study is focused on the influence of the variable thickness of corroded plate described by the statistical descriptors (average thickness, standard deviation and coefficient of variation) on the uncertainty of localized damage detection based on the algorithms incorporating velocity of the guided wave. Numerical simulations were conducted for corroded plates with localized cut-through damage. The irregular surface of the plates was modeled using random fields. In this study, the plates varying in degree of degradation (DoD) as well as in geometry of the surface have been analyzed. Such an approach allowed for observing the effects of both thickness reduction and the exact geometry of corroded plates on damage detection and localization. The common approach based on delay and sum algorithm to detect and localize damage has been applied here.