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  • SDGs implementation, their synergies, and trade-offs in EU countries – Sensitivity analysis-based approach
    • Marta Kuc-Czarnecka
    • Iwona Markowicz
    • Agnieszka Somplska-Rzechuła
    2023 Pełny tekst ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS

    Sustainable development is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity. Its basic principle is to improve people’s well-being and maintain it over time. In 2015, the United Nations approved 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to ensure a better and sustainable future for all, balancing economic, social and environmental development. SDGs create an ‘indivisible whole’; thus, examining their interactions is crucial. Our goals were twofold: (i) to assess the implementation degree of SDGs in EU countries and (ii) to examine the interactions between goals. The potential to achieve a given SDG is approximated by a composite indicator, calculated based on an innovative method of implementing tools derived from sensitivity analysis (SA). Respecting the degree of variability of individual variables and their correlation, we set the weights to equalise their importance. Moreover, the application of SA allows us to remove strongly correlated variables that are not transferring supplementary information. We use countries’ linear ordering and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to assess interactions between SDGs. Our research shows that Scandinavian countries predominately occupy the leading positions, respectively, eight times on the podium for Sweden and four by Denmark (of which three as a leader). The Netherlands also stands out, occupying the superior position in the performance of SDGs 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12 and 17. The top in achieving one of the most priority area – no poverty (SDG1) belongs to Czechia. Our study confirmed the results obtained by many researchers regarding the more potent synergy between SDGs compared to the trade-offs. The only trade-offs observed in our study relate to SDG15, which negatively correlated with SDG3 and 17. Furthermore, SDG7 was the only one not associated with others.

  • Sea, River, Lake Ice Properties and Their Applications in Practices
    • Zhijun Li
    • Tomasz Kolerski
    • Li Zhou
    • Xiao-Hong Shi
    • Zhengyong Zhang
    • Fang Li
    2023 Pełny tekst Water

    This Special Issue aims to highlight research articles focusing on the geographical scale of glacier and lake ice variations, as well as the engineering scale of ice properties and their practical applications via laboratory tests and numerical modeling. Additionally, it includes research on ecosystems under lake ice. The main goal is successfully achieved through the joint efforts of authors, anonymous reviewers, and editorial managers. In total, 1 review article and 15 research articles are included in this Special Issue. These articles cover a wide range of topics, including water resources from Chinese mountain glacier variation; lake ice phenology at different latitudes and altitudes around the world; ice properties from laboratory experiments and numerical modeling; ice engineering with different purposes in China and the Arctic; and ecosystem under lake ice at different temporal and spatial scales. This Special Issue received contributions from researchers from different parts of China and from Chinese international cooperation partners because of its focus on “higher temperature ice” under global warming. All papers presented are innovative and of high quality. This Special Issue can promote research on ice properties and their applications in practices ranging from mountains to sea, especially in popular water ecosystem environments under ice during seasonal ice period.

  • Sea spray as a secondary source of chlorinated persistent organic pollutants? - Conclusions from a comparison of seven fresh snowfall events in 2019 and 2021
    • Filip Pawlak
    • Krystyna Koziol
    • Marcin Frankowski
    • Łukasz Nowicki
    • Christelle Marlin
    • Anna Maria Sulej-Suchomska
    • Żaneta Polkowska
    2023 Pełny tekst SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

    Secondary sources of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) gain in importance worldwide as primary sources decline. In this work, we aim to determine whether sea spray may be a secondary source of chlorinated POPs to the terrestrial Arctic, since a similar mechanism was proposed there only for the more water-soluble POPs. To this end, we have determined polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides concentrations in fresh snow and seawater collected in the vicinity of the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund in two sampling periods covering spring 2019 and 2021. To support our interpretations, we include also metal and metalloid, and stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes analysis in those samples. A significant correlation was found between the concentrations of POPs and the distance from the sea at the sampling point, yet the confirmation of sea spray impact lies more in capturing an event with negligible long-range transport influence where the detected chlorinated POPs (Cl-POPs) matched in composition the compounds enriched in the sea surface microlayer, which is both a source of sea spray and a seawater microenvironment rich in hydrophobic substances.

  • Searching for the primary metabolic alterations of polycystic ovary syndrome by application of the untargeted metabolomics approach
    • Anna Rajska
    • Magdalena Buszewska-Forajta
    • Szymon Macioszek
    • Renata Wawrzyniak
    • Paweł Wityk
    • Andrzej Berger
    • Agnieszka Kowalewska
    • Dominik Rachon
    • Michal Markuszewski
    2023 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS

    Despite a large number of studies, the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) still remains unexplained. In light of ambiguous observations reported in metabolomics, there is a need to carry out studies focusing on confirming the discriminating power of the proposed metabolomics biomarkers. Our research aimed to perform a validation study of metabolites detected in our previous study from serum samples, on the new set of samples obtained from PCOS women and healthy controls to confirm previously selected compounds. Additionally, the second biological matrix – urine – was used to get a more comprehensive insight into metabolic alterations. We applied two analytical techniques – gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to analyze both serum and urine samples obtained from 35 PCOS patients and 35 healthy women. Thank to our approach, we identified and described a comprehensive set of metabolites altered in PCOS patients. Results of our study indicate increased steroid hormone synthesis, alteration in sphingo- and phospholipids metabolism, and disturbed fatty acids metabolism. Moreover, the citric acid cycle, γ-glutamyl cycle, vitamin B metabolism, and a few primary amino acids like tryptophan, phenylalanine, histidine, and alanine are altered.

  • Security of Cryptocurrencies: A View on the State-of-the-Art Research and Current Developments
    • Paweł Weichbroth
    • Kacper Wereszko
    • Helena Anacka
    • Jolanta Kowal
    2023 Pełny tekst SENSORS

    [Context] The goal of security is to protect digital assets, devices, and services from being disrupted, exploited or stolen by unauthorized users. It is also about having reliable information available at the right time. [Motivation] Since the inception in 2009 of the first cryptocurrency, few studies have been undertaken to analyze and review the state-of-the-art research and current developments with respect to the security of cryptocurrencies. [Purpose] We aim to provide both theoretical and empirical insights into the security landscape, in particular focusing on both technical solutions and human-related facets. [Methodology] We used an integrative review which could help in building science and scholarly research, the basis for conceptual and empirical models. [Results] Successful defense against cyberattacks depends on technical measures on the one hand, as well as on self-education and training with the aim to develop competence, knowledge, skills and social abilities, on the other. [Contribution] Our findings provide a comprehensive review for the major achievements and developments of the recent progress on the security of cryptocurrencies. [Future research] Since there is increasing interest in adoption of the current solutions within the central bank digital currencies, the future research should explore the development and inception of effective measures against social engineering attacks, which still remain the main concern.

  • Seismic performance evaluation of steel buckling-restrained braced frames including SMA materials
    • Farzin Kazemi
    • Robert Jankowski
    2023 JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIONAL STEEL RESEARCH

    The permanent deformation of the building after seismic excitations can be determined by the Maximum Residual Interstory Drift Ratio (MR-IDR), which may be used for measuring the damage states. Low-post yield stiffness of the steel buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) makes this system vulnerable to large MR-IDR after a severe earthquake event. To overcome this issue, this paper investigates the seismic limit state performances of low- to mid-rise BRBFs with two- to eight-story levels (i.e. 2-Story, 4-Story, 6-Story, and 8-Story) adopting different lateral force-resisting systems using Viscous Dampers (VDs) and Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). For this purpose, BRBFs improved with different implementation of SMAs and VDs, and Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDAs) were performed based on Maximum Interstory Drift Ratio (M-IDR) and MR-IDR demands. Results showed that VDs and SMAs can decrease the values of maximum moment and rotation of hinges of structural members. Implementing both SMAs and VDs can significantly improve the seismic performance level and collapse failure probability of BRBFs more effectively than using one of the VDs or SMAs; then, it can be recommended to control the MR-IDR of BRBFs. To use the results, graphical user interface has been developed to estimate the improvements in the M-IDR and MR-IDR demands.

  • Seismic Response Analysis of Knee-Braced Steel Frames Using Ni-Ti Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs)
    • Benyamin Mohebi
    • Farzin Kazemi
    • Atefeh Yousefi
    2023

    Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are known as active materials that can be widely ‎used for structural purposes due to their flag-shape behavior under loading and ‎reloading. Their unique characteristics provided a potential solution for civil engi-‎neers especially to model buildings with the capability of dissipating seismic en-‎ergy. In this study, the main purpose is to explore the seismic behavior of Knee-‎Braced Frames (KBFs) and use SMA materials in the knee member as the repa-‎rable member that plays a crucial role in dissipating energy. For this aim, the four, ‎eight, and twelve stories (‎i.e. 4-Story, 8-Story and 12-Story) structures with lat-‎eral resisting systems of Concentrically Braced Frame (CBF), Knee Braced ‎Frame (KBF), and a KBF ‎with SMA member (KBF-SMA) have been modelled ‎using Opensees. To validate the modelling procedure of SMA members, ‎ABAQUS software was used. Then, Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) was ‎performed for seismic response assessment of structures assuming Sa(T1) as in-‎tensity measure and maximum interstory drift ratio (IDR) and residual roof drift ‎ratio (RIDR) as Engineering Demand Parameters (EDPs). The results showed ‎that the KBF-SMA system decreased the RIDR by 32.34% at given Sa(T1) from ‎‎0 to 2(g), and 41.79% at given Sa(T1) from 2 to 4(g), respectively, compared to ‎the values of CBF system. In addition, compared to the values of the KBF sys-‎tem, the RIDR decreased by 22 % at given Sa(T1) from 2 to 4(g), and 87.18% at ‎given Sa(T1) from 4 to 6(g), respectively.‎

  • Selected Aspects of 3D Printing for Emergency Replacement of Structural Elements
    • Krzysztof Jasiński
    • Lech Murawski
    • Marcin Kluczyk
    • Adam Muc
    • Adam Szeleziński
    • Tomasz Muchowski
    • Marek Chodnicki
    2023 Pełny tekst Advances in Science and Technology Research Journal

    The paper presents a synthetic characterization of modern methods of manufacturing or regenerating machine elements. Considered methods are machining and additive methods, in particular 3D printing in the FDM/FFF technique. For the study, the authors made samples of the holder bracket using selected methods. Samples made by machining operations, 3D printing with various filling were tested. The paper contains a technical and economic analysis of the production of a holder bracket using the discussed methods. The dynamics of steel and FDM/FFF printed samples were also assessed by determining their resonance curves. The vibration magnification fac-tors were analyzed – the quotient of the vibration amplitudes in the resonance to the static deformations that occurred under the influence of the constant force and the location of the vibration resonances – the natural frequencies for individual vibration modes. The study’s main objective is to assess the possibility of emergency changing the manufacturing technology of selected machine components. The authors were interested in partially replacing costly and not environmentally friendly milling with 3D printing. Machine elements can be manufactured by printing in classical machine building and emergency conditions to replace a damaged component temporarily (e.g., on a ship, for the time of arrival at a port or shipyard). The main assumption guiding the authors during the preparation of this publication was the analysis of the possibility of using the production of “ad hoc” prepared spare parts and their use in the event of a lack of access to parts made of the intended materials.

  • Selecting an Applicable Cybersecurity Assessment Framework: Qualitative Metrics-Based Multiple-Factor Analysis
    • Rafał Leszczyna
    2023 JOURNAL OF COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    Recently, a survey of cybersecurity assessment methods focused on general characteristics was conducted. Among its major findings, it revealed the methods’ adoption issues. This paper presents a follow-up to the study. It provides an in-depth analysis of the methods’ adoption-related properties based on qualitative metrics. As a result, the proposals which demonstrate a higher adoption potential were identified. The methods are good candidates for first-order improvements that would lead to obtaining solutions that would ultimately meet a broader application. The evaluations were performed by a single analyst, based on descriptions and individual observations. The major contribution of the study is related to providing a new view on method characteristics in reference to a systematic set of qualitative metrics and showing a path to selecting the method most suitable to a given context in terms of applicability and usability.

  • Selecting cost-effective risk control option for advanced maritime operations; Integration of STPA-BN-Influence diagram
    • Sunil Basnet
    • Ahmad BahooToroody
    • Jakub Montewka
    • Meriam Chaal
    • Osiris Valdez Banda
    2023 Pełny tekst OCEAN ENGINEERING

    Advanced maritime operations, such as remote pilotage, are vulnerable to new emergent risks due to increased system complexity and a multitude of interactions. Thus, maritime researchers this decade have combined Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) and Bayesian Network (BN) to effectively manage these risks. Although these methods are effective in identifying hazards and analyzing risk levels, none of the STPA-BN studies provides a systematic process for selecting a cost-effective combination of risk control measures. Cost-benefit analysis is crucial for organizations to make informed risk-based decisions in allocating available resources for risk mitigation and achieve a balance between risk reduction (benefits) and costs associated with risk control measures. This study offers an innovative method of integrating the STPA-BN-Influence diagram for risk-based decision-making through a cost-benefit analysis. The model automatically evaluates the costs and benefits of all possible risk control options and proposes the optimum cost-effective solution. In the current study, the methodology is illustrated with a case study of remote pilotage operation, where 524,288 different risk control options (combinations of 19 risk control measures) are assessed to select an optimal risk control option. The case study results indicate that the proposed methodology is more significant when the number of risk control measures increases.

  • Selection of Electrode Material for Inconel 617/P92 Steel SMAW Dissimilar Welds
    • Amit Kumar
    • Shailesh M. Pandey
    • Abir Bhattacharyya
    • Dariusz Fydrych
    • Sachin Sirohi
    • Chandan Pandey
    2023 JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME

    The present work aimed to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of the dissimilar shielded metal arc welded (SMAW) joint of Alloy 617 and P92 steel for advanced ultrasupercritical boilers. The SMAW joint was produced using three different types of electrodes, namely, ENiCrFe-3, ENiCrMo-3, and ENiCrCoMo-1. During microstructural observation of the welded joints, no possible cracking was detected in the weldments. The dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) obtained using the ENiCrCoMo-1 electrode showed the maximum tensile strength, while the minimum was obtained for the ENiCrFe-3 electrode. Among all the electrodes, the ENiCrFe-3 electrode exhibited the maximum impact toughness, while the minimum was obtained for ENiCrCoMo-1 electrodes. Based on microstructure and mechanical characterization, the ENiCrFe-3 electrode was selected as the best one among all to produce the DMW of Alloy 617 and P92 steel.

  • Selective jamming of OFDM transmission in NB-IoT radio interface
    • Jarosław Magiera
    2023

    The paper presents the concept of smart jamming, which involves selective interference aimed at critical components of the OFDM signal. Research verifying the feasibility of this type of electronic attack are described. A realized testbed for jamming real NB-IoT signals in a downlink is presented. The test results demonstrate the feasibility of realizing selective jamming and its greater effectiveness compared to barrage interference.

  • Selektywne zakłócanie transmisji OFDM w interfejsie radiowym NB-IoT
    • Jarosław Magiera
    2023 Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny + Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne

    W artykule przedstawiono zagadnienie tzw. inteligentnego zagłuszania, polegającego na selektywnym zakłócaniu krytycznych składowych sygnału OFDM. Opisane zostały badania weryfikujące możliwość przeprowadzenia tego rodzaju ataku elektronicznego. Przedstawiono zrealizowane stanowisko badawcze, umożliwiające zakłócanie rzeczywistych sygnałów NB-IoT w łączu w dół. Wyniki badań wykazują możliwość realizacji selektywnego zagłuszania i jego większą skuteczność w stosunku do zakłócania zaporowego.

  • Self-Adaptive Mesh Generator for Global Complex Roots and Poles Finding Algorithm
    • Sebastian Dziedziewicz
    • Małgorzata Warecka
    • Rafał Lech
    • Piotr Kowalczyk
    2023 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES

    In any global method of searching for roots and poles, increasing the number of samples increases the chances of finding them precisely in a given area. However, the global complex roots and poles finding algorithm (GRPF) (as one of the few) has direct control over the accuracy of the results. In addition, this algorithm has a simple condition for finding all roots and poles in a given area: it only requires a sufficiently dense initial grid. However, in practice, this requirement may turn out to be very difficult to implement. For a complex and sophisticated function, the use of a regular high-density mesh may be ineffective or even impossible due to limited computational resources. In this article, a method for creating a self-adaptive initial mesh for this algorithm is presented. The proposed solution uses gradient calculation to identify areas that require mesh refinement, including areas where a zero and a pole are in close proximity. The adaptive mesh allows for faster and more accurate analysis of functions with a much smaller number of samples. As shown in the numerical examples, this approach reduces the number of function calls by several orders of magnitude, and thus significantly reduces the computational time.

  • Self-assembly of secondary aryl amides in cocrystals with perfluoroaryl coformers: structural analysis and synthon preferences
    • Jan Alfuth
    • Katarzyna Kazimierczuk
    • Tadeusz Połoński
    • Teresa Olszewska
    2023 CRYSTENGCOMM

    Cooperation of aryl⋯perfluoroaryl stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds was utilized in the construction of six novel cocrystals of aromatic cis-amides with pentafluorobenzoic acid (pfba) and pentafluorophenol (pfp). They were obtained by crystallization from solution and structurally characterized. In four instances, the components form heterotetrameric motifs, in which amide:amide homodimer interacts symmetrically on two sides via hydrogen bonds with coformer molecules (pfba or pfp). In general, in these cocrystals the main synthon is maintained regardless of which coformer is used. For phenanthridin-6(5H)-one (in which the amide group is more sterically hindered compared to other studied lactams) different patterns were observed. Its cocrystallization with pfba led to the formation of heterodimeric units, whereas combination with pfp gave quite unique crystal structure where pfp molecules were incorporated between the lactam homodimers. Also, the accessibility of oxygen atoms of the lactam dimers to form hydrogen bonds was evaluated using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP).

  • Sensing the onset of epoxy coating degradation with combined Raman spectroscopy/atomic force microscopy/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
    • Michał Szociński
    • Kazimierz Darowicki
    2023 PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS

    The paper presents the results of investigation on epoxy resin durability upon 12-week exposure to UV radiation. The aim was early determination of the onset of epoxy degradation and for this purpose an epoxy film on steel substrate systems were periodically inspected using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The behaviour of examined polymer could be divided into three periods: immunity, degradation initiation and failure. Early degradation initiation could be sensed only with Raman spectroscopy and AFM topography imaging where decrease in intensity of particular Raman peaks and discrete changes in topography constituted the fingerprints of UV-induced changes. At this stage electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and local dc current mapping with AFM did not provide any signs of forthcoming degradation since the epoxy film still exhibited sufficient barrier properties. Obtained results can be helpful in proper selection of investigation techniques in the situations where precise evaluation of polymer degradation onset is of key importance.

  • Sequential treatment of landfill leachate by electrocoagulation/aeration, PMS/ZVI/UV and electro-Fenton: Performance, biodegradability and toxicity studies
    • Mohammad Reza Khavari Kashani
    • Qilin Wang
    • Masoumeh Khatebasreh
    • Xuan Li
    • Amir Mohammad Sheikh Asadi
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    • Farshid Ghanbari
    2023 JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

    This study presents a systematic study on sequential treatment of highly resistant landfill leachate by electrocoagulation (EC)/aeration, sulfate radical advanced oxidation process (SR-AOP) and electro-Fenton (EF). In case of SR-AOP, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) catalyzed by zero valent iron (ZVI) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) system was developed. Treatment process was optimized in respect to COD removal. Analysis of results revealed that sequential application of EC/aeration, PMS/ZVI/UV, and EF processes provide an extraordinary performance and meet the environmental regulations. The source of iron for EF process was provided from previous process reducing the cost of sequential process. Separately, EC/aeration (inlet COD = 4040 mg/L), PMS/ZVI/UV (inlet COD = 1560 mg/L), and EF (inlet COD = 471 mg/L) removed 61, 69 and 82% of COD respectively. Overall, sequential processes of EC/aeration, PMS/ZVI/UV and EF could remove the COD, TOC and ammonia of the landfill leachate around 98%, 93% and 94%, respectively. The comparison of different sequences of following processes indicated that current configuration (EC/aeration-PMS/ZVI/UV-EF) could meet the discharge standards. Furthermore, humification degree was significantly improved after oxidative processes. Biodegradability study was also performed by means of BOD/COD, average oxidation state (AOS), and Zahn-Wellens test, and the best results associated with these indices were obtained 0.56, 2.37, and over 98%, respectively. Phytotoxicity of leachate was remarkably reduced and the final effluent can be considered as a non-phytotoxic wastewater.

  • Settlement of a historic building due to seepage-induced soil deformation
    • Paweł Popielski
    • Bartosz Bednarz
    • Tomasz Majewski
    • Maciej Niedostatkiewicz
    2023 Pełny tekst Archives of Civil Engineering

    The research paper reviews issues associated with the impact of groundwater flow on soil characteristics and parameters, hence, the entire structure of a building set on it. Water seepage through the ground, building subsoil or structural elements of buildings made of soil affects the soil skeleton and may lead to changes in the arrangement of individual grains relative to each other, i.e., a modified soil structure. Soil solid phase (soil skeleton) deformations resulting from seepage forces are called seepage-induced deformations. The article characterizes typical seepage-induced deformations and specifies a criterion defining the beginning of the phenomenon. The case study involved using data on cracks and deformations in a historic building, as well as water seepage in its subsoil. Seepage was analysed, and zones where the seepage process initiation criterion was exceeded, were determined based on subsoil water level monitoring data. The determined zones coincide with the location of building cracks and scratches and confirm the possible cause behind building damage.

  • Shaking table experimental study on models of steel buildings with different types of joints
    • Tomasz Jaroszewski
    • Mahmoud Miari
    • Tomasz Falborski
    • Robert Jankowski
    2023 MEASUREMENT

    The aim of this paper is to study the response of models of steel buildings with destroyed and non-destroyed joints. The study was conducted experimentally using the shaking table tests. Two steel models were considered. Several types of joints were taken into account: totally destroyed joints, partially destroyed joints, welded joints and joints stiffened with additional metal. Six ground motions were taken into account. The acceleration time histories were measured at the top of these two models of steel buildings. The results of the study show that the steel models with partially destroyed joints experienced higher levels of accelerations at their top, as compared to the steel models with totally destroyed joints. It was also concluded that the steel models experienced higher peak accelerations at their top in the case of welded joints and stiffened joints, as compared to the case with totally destroyed joints and partially destroyed joints.

  • Shape Memory Alloy-Based Fluidically Reconfigurable Metasurfaced Beam Steering Antenna
    • Syed Shah
    • Sayed Shah
    • Eirikur Bernhardsson
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2023 Pełny tekst IEEE Access

    A low-cost actuator-based fluidically programmable metasurface (FPMS) antenna is proposed to solve the slow tuning speed problem of the manually fluidic based reconfigurable antennas. The FPMS-based antenna is probe-fed and comprises a 4 × 4 square ring metasurface as a superstrate. Moreover, two shape memory alloy (SMA)-based electrically-controlled actuators are employed in the design for controlling the position of the 3D-printed fluidic channels beneath the metasurface along the axes of the radiating slots of the patch antenna. This results in beam-steering of over ±20˚ in the elevation plane, with a peak gain of 9.1 dBi. It is worth mentioning that compared to conventional electronic tuning technologies where the switches are employed on the top of the radiating aperture of the antenna, which usually deteriorate the antenna performance, the SMA spring actuators do not deteriorate the performance as these are not interacting with the radiating aperture. The proposed antenna was designed and simulated using CST MWS, and the prototype was fabricated and measured. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement, which corroborates the adequacy of the proposed concept. By incorporating the SMA-based fluidic actuators, the proposed antenna is simple and highly efficient as compared to metasurface-based beam-steering antennas reported in the literature thus far.

  • Shaping the New Vistula Spit Channel: Political, Economic, and Environmental Aspects
    • Justyna Breś
    • Piotr Lorens
    2023 Pełny tekst Urban Planning

    In September 2022, the new shipping channel in Poland was opened for service. It connects the Port of Elbląg and the Gdańsk Bay in Poland, cutting through the Vistula Spit and the Vistula Lagoon. It was intended to enable direct access to the Baltic Sea from the Port of Elbląg without crossing Russian territory. Originally conceptualized decades ago, it has taken its final shape only recently. Its construction was associated with several issues, including economic, political, and environ‐ mental ones. But at the same time, the rationale of its construction has to be confronted with the analysis of the long‐term consequences for the city’s economy and the environment of the Vistula Lagoon. Many of these issues are presented and discussed in the article, along with some initial conclusions regarding future opportunities and threats associated with operational and maintenance‐related issues.

  • Shielded HMSIW-based frequency-tunable self-quadruplexing antenna using different solid/liquid dielectrics
    • Nrusingha Pradhan
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2023 AEU-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS

    This article proposes a frequency-tunable self-quadruplexing antenna based on a shielded half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (S-HMSIW). In order to reduce the size of the HMSIW cavity resonator and to obtain quad-band characteristics, a modied E-shaped slot is engraved on the top of the metal. The experimental validation is carried out after analyzing the data using a circuit model. Flexibility of each resonant frequency is enabled by integrating solid and liquid dielectrics of dierent permittivities within the designated etched region of the proposed antenna. With a broad tuning range of 3-8.5 GHz, the operating frequencies can be tuned individually according to the application-driven demands. Furthermore, the port isolation is better than 23.5 dB in all four bands. The proposed antenna, with distilled water-lled pockets, exhibits realized gain of 3.82, 4.1, 4.3, and 5.6 dBi at 5.17, 5.76, 3.55, and 7.03 GHz, respectively. The antenna features stable radiation characteristics in all bands and throughout the entire tuning ranges. Owing to its compact size, broad tuning capability, consistent radiation patterns, and competitive isolation levels, the presented design can be considered a suitable solution for compact tunable devices required by the existing and emerging application areas, especially multi-standard wireless communications.

  • Shielded HMSIW-Based Self-Triplexing Antenna With High Isolation for WiFi/WLAN/ISM Band
    • Nrusingha Pradhan
    • Karthikeyan Subramanian
    • Rusan Kumar Barik
    • Sławomir Kozieł
    2023 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS II-EXPRESS BRIEFS

    This article presents a novel design of a miniaturized self-triplexing antenna (STA) based on the shielded half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (S-HMSIW) for WiFi/WLAN/ISM-band applications. The S-HMSIW is constructed by assembling one row of vias and an open slot at the open-ended side of the conventional HMSIW. This configuration increases the quality factor and minimizes unwanted radiation loss, which allows for achieving high performance. A modified inverted U-shaped slot is created on the top plane of the cavity to form three different radiating patches, which are excited by three independent 50 Ω microstrip feedlines to operate at three different frequencies. The proposed STA exhibits competitive features such as highly compact size (0.09λg 2), high isolation (>33dB), and gain (>4.8 dBi), which makes it suitable for handheld communication devices. The simulated and measured circuit responses are in good agreement.

  • Ship Dynamic Positioning Based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control
    • Krzysztof Jaroś
    • Roman Śmierzchalski
    • Anna Witkowska
    2023

    The presented work explores the simulation test results of using nonlinear model predictive control algorithm for ship dynamic positioning. In the optimization task, a goal function with a penalty was proposed with a variable prediction step. The results of the proposed control algorithm were compared with backstepping and PID. The effect of estimation accuracy on the control quality with the implemented algorithms was investigated. The proposed version of the MPC-NO controller was shown to have better dynamic and static properties. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

  • Ship weather routing featuring w-MOEA/D and uncertainty handling
    • Rafał Szłapczyński
    • Joanna Szłapczyńska
    • Roberto Vettor
    2023 APPLIED SOFT COMPUTING

    The paper presents a new version of evolutionary multi-objective weather routing (WR) for ships taking into account uncertainties of weather forecasts in route optimization. The method applies authors’ w-MOEA/D algorithm: MOEA/D framework incorporating Decision Maker’s (DM) preferences by means of w-dominance relation. Owing to this, DM preferences are taken into account throughout optimization, allowing the process to focus on the part of vast objective’s space. Only the part of Pareto front being of interest to DM is generated, thus the process converges faster, without sacrificing quality of the final set. All of the above is essential for the WR method, which pursues three objectives while trying to meet multiple constraints and handling uncertainty of weather data. The final method has been implemented as a part of client–server system architecture, whose client part has been installed on board of a m/v Monte da Guia (MdG) vessel navigating between the Portuguese coast and the Azores. The method has then been verified in the course of computer simulations and its results have been compared with real MdG GPS routes. The comparison shows that the presented method is able to find routes that bring progress in terms of the objectives’ while satisfying the constraints.

  • Shoreline Extraction Based on LiDAR Data Obtained Using an USV
    • Armin Halicki
    • Mariusz Specht
    • Andrzej Stateczny
    • Cezary Specht
    • Oktawia Lewicka
    2023 Pełny tekst TransNav - The International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation

    This article explores the use of Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) derived point clouds to extract the shoreline of the Lake Kłodno (Poland), based on their geometry properties. The data collection was performed using the Velodyne VLP‐16 laser scanner, which was mounted on the HydroDron Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). A modified version of the shoreline extraction method proposed by Xu et al. was employed, comprising of the following steps: (1) classifying the point cloud using the Euclidean cluster extraction with a tolerance parameter of 1 m and min. cluster size of 10,000 points, (2) further filtration of boundary points by removing those with height above 1 m from the measured elevation of water surface, (3) manual determination of a curve consisting of 5 points located along the entire shoreline extraction region at a relatively constant distant from the coast, (4) removal of points that are further from the curve than the average distance, repeated twice. The method was tested on the scanned section of the lake shoreline for which Ground Control Points (GCP) were measured using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real Time Kinematic (RTK) receiver. Then, the results were compared to the ground truth data, obtaining an average position error of 2.12 m with a standard deviation of 1.11 m. The max error was 5.54 m, while the min. error was 0.41 m, all calculated on 281 extracted shoreline points. Despite the limitations of this parametric, semi‐supervised approach, those preliminary results demonstrate the potential for accurate shoreline extraction based on LiDAR data obtained using an USV. Further testing and optimisation of this method for larger scale and better generalisation for different waterbodies are necessary to fully assess its effectiveness and feasibility. In this context, it is essential to develop computationally efficient methods for approximating shorelines that can accurately determine their course based on a set of points.

  • Siedziba Instytutu Pamięci Narodowej w Bydgoszczy
    • Joanna Kabrońska
    2023 Pełny tekst Architektura-Murator

    Instytucje odpowiedzialne za ochronę dokumentów i artefaktów uczestniczą w tworzeniu tożsamości zbiorowej, ustanawiając most łączący przeszłość, teraźniejszość i przyszłość. Owe instytucje mają swoje materialne odpowiedniki: obiekty będące ich siedzibą. Tym samym również architektura bierze udział w procesie budowy zbiorowej pamięci i tożsamości, wzmacniając autorytet instytucji poprzez swoją formę oraz ukazując i kształtując relację między zbiorowością i jednostką. Potrzebne jest stopniowe wypracowywanie odmiennego sposobu myślenia o instytucjach związanych z pamięcią i ich nowej formie, zorientowanej na przyszłość. Bydgoska siedziba IPN jest właściwym punktem wyjścia do takich rozważań.

  • Silica In Silico: A Molecular Dynamics Characterization of the Early Stages of Protein Embedding for Atom Probe Tomography
    • Giovanni Novi Inverardi
    • Francesco Carnovale
    • Lorenzo Petrolli
    • Simone Taioli
    • Gianluca Lattanzi
    2023 Pełny tekst BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL

    A novel procedure for the application of atom probe tomography (APT) to the structural analysis of biological systems, has been recently proposed, whereby the specimen is embedded by a silica matrix and ablated by a pulsed laser source. Such a technique, requires that the silica primer be properly inert and bio-compatible, keeping the native structural features of the system at hand, while condensing into an amorphous, glass-like coating. In this work, we propose a molecular dynamics protocol, aimed at depicting and characterizing the earliest stages of the embedding process of small biomolecules in a solution of water and orthosilicic acid, here, taken as a precursor of the silica matrix. Overall, we observe a negligible influence of orthosilicic acid on the behavior of stable folded systems (such as ubiquitin). Conversely, intrinsically disordered and unstable peptides are affected by the coating, the latter seemingly inhibiting the fluctuations of flexible moieties. While further scrutiny is in order, our assessment offers a first mechanistic insight of the effects of orthosilicic acid, thereby validating its use in the proposed innovative application of APT to the structural resolution of protein molecules.

  • Silver(I) complexes with nitrile ligands: New materials with versatile applications
    • Karolina Gutmańska
    • Piotr Szweda
    • Marek Daszkiewicz
    • Tomasz Mazur
    • Konrad Szaciłowski
    • Anna Ciborska
    • Anna Dołęga
    2023 Pełny tekst APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY

    In the present study, the structure, thermal stability, conductive properties, and antimicrobial activity of silver(I) complexes with nitrile ligands were investigated. For the construction of the materials, 2-cyanopyridine (2-cpy), 4-cyanopyridine (4-cpy), 1,2-dicyanobenzene (1,2-dcb), and 1,3-dicyanobenzene (1,3-dcb) were used in addition to the silver nitrite and nitrate. Four new compounds were isolated and structurally characterized: one molecular complex [Ag4(1,2-dcb)4(NO3)4], two 1-D coordination polymers [Ag(2-cpy)2(NO2)]∞, [Ag2(1,3-dcb)2(NO3)2]∞, and one 3-D coordination polymer [Ag(4-cpy)(NO2)]∞. The results indicate that the nitrile complexes display good antimicrobial properties against the tested bacterial and fungal strains. The presence of weakly coordinating CN groups increases the release of silver ions into the bacterial and yeast cell environments. Moreover, these materials exhibit unusual electrical properties in thin-layer devices. On the other hand, the nitrite and nitrate counterions give rise to the low thermal stability of the complexes.

  • Simple analytical method for total biogenic amines content determination in wine using a smartphone
    • Kaja Kalinowska
    • Wojciech Wojnowski
    • Marek Tobiszewski
    2023 Analytical Methods

    A simple, fast, and green smartphone-based procedure for total biogenic amines content determination in wine was developed and validated. Sample preparation and analysis were simplified to make the method suitable for routine analyses even in resource-scarce settings. The commercially available S0378 dye and smartphone-based detection were used for this purpose. The developed method has satisfactory figures of merit for putrescine equivalent determination with R2 of 0.9981. The method's greenness was also assessed using the Analytical Greenness Calculator. Samples of Polish wine were analysed to demonstrate the applicability of the developed method. Finally, results obtained with the developed procedure were compared with those previously obtained with GC-MS in order to evaluate the equivalence of the methods.

  • Simple colorimetric copper(II) sensor – spectral characterization and possible applications
    • Błażej Galiński
    • Jarosław Chojnacki
    • Ewa Wagner-Wysiecka
    2023 SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

    New o-hydroxyazocompound L bearing pyrrole residue was obtained in the simple synthetic protocol. The structure of L was confirmed and analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It was found that new chemosensor can be successfully used as copper(II) selective spectrophotometric regent in solution and can be also applied for the preparation of sensing materials generating selective color signal upon interaction with copper(II). Selective colorimetric response towards copper(II) is manifested by a distinct color change from yellow to pink. Proposed systems were effectively used for copper(II) determination at concentration level 10-8 M in model and real samples of water.

  • Simulation Environment in Python for Ship Encounter Situations
    • Lukasz Stolzmann
    • Joanna Szłapczyńska
    2023 Pełny tekst TransNav - The International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation

    To assess the risk of collision in radar navigation distance-based safety measures such as Distance at the Closest Point of Approach and Time to the Closest Point of Approach are most commonly used. Also Bow Crossing Range and Bow Crossing Time measures are good complement to the picture of the meeting situation. When ship safety domain is considered then Degree of Domain Violation and Time to Domain Violation can be applied. This manuscript provides a description of a ship encounter simulation software tool written in Python accompanied by a case study, implementing all the measures mentioned above. It offers a radar-like Graphical User Interface (GUI), is able to track AIS-based traffic or encounter scenarios stored in local files. The tool features several additional functions e.g. Variable Range Marker (VRM) or Electronic Bearing Line (EBL). The simulator might be a test sandbox for advanced collision avoidance algorithms.

  • Simulations of high-pressure fluid flow in a pre-cracked rock specimen composed of densely packed bonded spheres using a 3D CFD model and simplified 2D coupled CFD-DEM approach
    • Rezvan Abdi
    • Marek Krzaczek
    • Andrzej Tejchman-Konarzewski
    2023 POWDER TECHNOLOGY

    W artykule zastosowano dwa różne podejścia do opisu jednofazowego przepływu płynu w wstępnie spękanej próbce skały o niskiej porowatości pod wysokim ciśnieniem. Głównym celem pracy było bezpośrednie porównanie rozkładu ciśnień, gęstości i prędkości płynów we wstępnie pękniętej próbce. Zachowanie próbki imitującej skałę zostało opisane przez gęsto upakowane połączone kohezją kulki z nakładającymi się na siebie elementami. Pierwsze podejście polegało na symulacji trójwymiarowego turbulentnego przepływu ściśliwego płynu w domenie ciągłej między nieruchomymi kulami. W modelu wykorzystano metodę objętości skończonych (FVM) do rozwiązania równań Naviera-Stokesa uśrednionych przez Reynoldsa i podstawowych równań modelu naprężeń Reynoldsa (BSL). Drugie podejście polegało na zastosowaniu sprzężonego modelu 2D DEM-CFD, które symulowało laminarny przepływ płynu w sieci złożonej z kanałów w obszarze ciągłym między swobodnymi kulami. Układ kul był taki sam w obu podejściach. Uzyskano podobne rozkłady ciśnienia i gęstości płynów oraz masowe natężenia przepływu płynu. Jednak prędkości płynu i jego linie przepływu były nieco inne. Pomimo uproszczonego modelu przepływu płynu, podejście 2D DEM-CFD wystarczająco dokładnie opisało przepływ płynu we wstępnie pękniętych połączonych kohezją próbkach ziarnistych przy ogromnej redukcji czasu symulacji.

  • Single-Slope ADC With Embedded Convolution Filter for Global-Shutter CMOS Image Sensors
    • Miron Kłosowski
    • Yichuang Sun
    • Waldemar Jendernalik
    • Grzegorz Blakiewicz
    • Jacek Jakusz
    • Stanisław Szczepański
    2023 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS II-EXPRESS BRIEFS

    This brief presents an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) suitable for acquisition and processing of images in the global-shutter mode at the pixel level. The ADC consists of an analog comparator, a multi-directional shift register for the comparator states, and a 16-bit reversible binary counter with programmable step size. It works in the traditional single-slope mode. The novelty is that during each step of the reference ramp, neighboring pixels can exchange status information. During the conversion, the direction and step size of the counter are set globally to realize the corresponding coefficient of a convolution kernel. This technique does not slow down the conversion when used for small kernels (3×3) and does not significantly increase sensor noise. Convolution windows of arbitrary size can be implemented. The concept was verified in an experimental 64×64 imaging array implemented in 180 nm CMOS technology.

  • Singlet oxygen in the removal of organic pollutants: An updated review on the degradation pathways based on mass spectrometry and DFT calculations
    • Manoj P Rayaroth
    • Usha K. Aravind
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    • Charuvila T. Aravindakumar
    2023 CHEMOSPHERE

    The degradation of pollutants by a non-radical pathway involving singlet oxygen (1O2) is highly relevant in advanced oxidation processes. Photosensitizers, modified photocatalysts, and activated persulfates can generate highly selective 1O2 in the medium. The selective reaction of 1O2 with organic pollutants results in the evolution of different intermediate products. While these products can be identified using mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, predicting a proper degradation mechanism in a 1O2-based process is still challenging. Earlier studies utilized MS techniques in the identification of intermediate products and the mechanism was proposed with the support of theoretical calculations. Although some reviews have been reported on the generation of 1O2 and its environmental applications, a proper review of the degradation mechanism by 1O2 is not yet available. Hence, we reviewed the possible degradation pathways of organic contaminants in 1O2-mediated oxidation with the support of density functional theory (DFT). The Fukui function (FF, f−, f+, and f0), HOMO–LUMO energies, and Gibbs free energies obtained using DFT were used to identify the active site in the molecule and the degradation mechanism, respectively. Electrophilic addition, outer sphere type single electron transfer (SET), and addition to the hetero atoms are the key mechanisms involved in the degradation of organic contaminants by 1O2. Since environmental matrices contain several contaminants, it is difficult to experiment with all contaminants to identify their intermediate products. Therefore, the DFT studies are useful for predicting the intermediate compounds during the oxidative removal of the contaminants, especially for complex composition wastewater.

  • Skalowalne modele fizyczne wybranych typów siłowni wiatrowych w technologii hardware-in-the-loop
    • Robert Rink
    2023 Pełny tekst

    Celem niniejszej rozprawy jest opracowanie adekwatnego programowalnego modelu fizycznego siłowni wiatrowej wykorzystującego urządzenia elektryczne oraz model przetwarzania energii kinetycznej wiatru na energię mechaniczną ruchu obrotowego wirnika generatora. Zaproponowany przez autora model sterowany jest przez regulator prędkości, bazujący jedynie na pomiarach prędkości obrotowej oraz momentu elektromagnetycznego. Monografia stanowi syntezę aktualnego stanu wiedzy dotyczącej modeli matematycznych oraz sposobów modelowania turbin wiatrowych. Studia i analiza obecnego stanu wiedzy w zakresie przedmiotu pracy objęły stosowane sposoby realizacji modeli fizycznych oraz symulacyjnych siłowni wiatrowej i jej poszczególnych elementów oraz analizę publikowanych wyników przeprowadzonych prac badawczych z wykorzystaniem modeli fizycznych. Przeprowadzona analiza pozwoliła na zidentyfikowanie wad i ograniczeń dotychczasowych realizacji. W konsekwencji, zaproponowano autorskie rozwiązanie skalowalnego modelu fizycznego siłowni wiatrowej z maszyną dwustronnie zasilaną pracującą jako generator bazując na rozwiązaniach stosowanych w technice hardware-in-the-loop. Rozwiązanie łączy uniwersalność modeli cyfrowych z wykorzystaniem urządzeń elektrycznych. W skład opracowanej cyfrowej części modelu wchodzą wszystkie elementy występujące w rzeczywistej siłowni wiatrowej. Część cyfrowa modelu zrealizowana została w środowisku czasu rzeczywistego Simulink Real-Time. Strukturę modelu opracowano w taki sposób, aby możliwa była stabilna praca modelu w sprzężeniu z przekształtnikami i zespołem maszynowym. W szczególności zaproponowano autorską metodę dostosowania stałej bezwładności maszyny dwustronnie zasilanej skalowalnego modelu fizycznego siłowni wiatrowej z modelowaniem inercji w torze sterowania momentem wraz z regulatorem prędkości. Istotnym elementem pracy jest opracowanie sposobu walidacji skalowalnego fizycznego modelu siłowni wiatrowej z maszyną dwustronnie zasilaną. Przeprowadzono badania porównawcze fizycznego modelu siłowni wiatrowej oraz referencyjnej farmy wiatrowej. Uzyskane w rozprawie wyniki badań symulacyjnych oraz testów laboratoryjnych wykazały, że zaproponowany model fizyczny siłowni wiatrowej pozwala na miarodajną oraz efektywną emulację wybranych typów rzeczywistych siłowni wiatrowych.

  • "SKONTEKSTOWANE. zamieszkiwanie krajobrazów", dwa tryptyki malarskie, akryl/ podobrazie płócienne, materiał video
    • Agnieszka Kurkowska
    2023

    Poruszamy się w świecie przemieszanych znaczeń. Kierowani tradycją, doświadczeniem i intuicją przemierzamy przestrzenie odnosząc je do swojego domu. W każdy otaczający krajobraz podświadomie lub celowo wpisujemy siebie. Filtrujemy obraz, dźwięk i zapach włączając wartości niesione przez życie. Dom z marzeń, dom ze wspomnień, dom, do którego tęsknimy, nasz dom: wypełniają kadry i współtworzy historię odwiedzanych miejsc. Przedstawione obrazy to autorska próba przedstawienia sytuacji umieszczania domu w kaszubskim krajobrazie Pojezierza Wdzydzkiego. Plastyczna interpretacja wybranych miejsc łączy się z dokumentującymi fotografiami.

  • Skutki zanieczyszczenia środowiska związane z generowaniem energii
    • Anna Dettlaff
    2023

    Na całym świecie (dane z 2020 roku) spalanie paliw kopalnych takich jak węgiel, ropa naftowa i gaz ziemny dostarczyło ok. 84% całej zużywanej energii pierwotnej. W przypadku Polski konwencjonalne źródła energii stanowiły ponad 93%. Gigantyczne zużycie konwencjonalnych paliw powoduje wielkie straty w środowisku, objawiające się m.in. skażeniem powietrza, które stanowi największe środowiskowe zagrożenie dla zdrowia ludzi na świecie i jest przyczyną milionów przedwczesnych zgonów i chorób. Szacuje się, że obciążenie chorobami powodowanymi przez skażenie powietrza jest porównywalne do innych globalnych zagrożeń dla zdrowia, w tym niezdrowej diety i palenia tytoniu. W tym rozdziale szczegółowo omówiono dwa zjawiska, smog i globalne ocieplenie, które stanowią środowiskowy, społeczny, ekonomiczny i zdrowotny koszt spalania paliw kopalnych.

  • Sliding bearings with sintered bronze bush lubricated by contaminated water with solid particles – Theoretical and experimental studies
    • Wojciech Litwin
    • Steffen Kropp
    2023 WEAR

    Sliding journal bearings lubricated with water coming directly from the environment are a solution used in shipbuilding, pumps and hydropower. However, the working fluid or surrounding water cannot always be filtered because of design limitations, which often causes the problem of premature wear of these sensitive bearings. The research conducted made it possible to assess the wear of sliding bearings lubricated with water containing solid particles of mineral origin. It has been proved that the geometry of the bearing and the relative size of the particles have a significant impact on the wear process of the tested sliding pair of sintered bronze and steel.

  • Soft skills among academics: Five theoretically informed lessons for current times
    • Joanna Szulc
    • Magdalena Toporek
    • Michał Tomczak
    • Małgorzata Gawrycka
    2023 Pełny tekst Horyzonty Polityki

    RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive examination of the role of soft skills among academics in the context of the evolving higher-education landscape. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: We use a scoping review of existing literature to discuss the importance of soft skills in academia. Through critical analysis and synthesis, we identify patterns and gaps in current knowledge and develop five theoretically informed lessons to improve practice and theory. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: A unique theoretical blending of five theories (resource-based, dynamic capabilities, cultural learning, implicit leadership, and human capital) forms the conceptual framework we used to arrive at our conclusions. RESEARCH RESULTS: Our first conclusion emphasizes that soft skills are essential for a competitive advantage in the performative culture of neoliberal academies. Second, we emphasize that updating soft skills is crucial in order to respond to the changing higher-education environment. Third, going beyond the universal view of academia as a sharply hierarchical industry, we demonstrate how building relationships with stakeholders is necessary for academic skill development. Our fourth lesson explores the implications of different evaluators’ perceptions of soft skills, highlighting the need for recognition of their value. The ultimate lesson highlights the need to invest in the skills of academics. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: We consolidate existing theoretical approaches and overcome theoretical fragmentation to arrive at a comprehensive and theoretically grounded set of lessons for those interested in developing and utilizing soft skills among academics in the unique context of the ever-changing higher-education environment. We challenge the norms of neoliberal academia and call for the development of realistic policies and procedures that promote a respectful, collaborative, and sustainable higher-education environment.

  • Solar light driven degradation of textile dye contaminants for wastewater treatment – studies of novel polycationic selenide photocatalyst and process optimization by response surface methodology desirability factor
    • Arif Nawaz
    • Muhammad Atif
    • Adnan Khan
    • Mohsin Siddique
    • Nisar Ali
    • Falak Naz
    • Muhammad Bilal
    • Tak H. Kim
    • Malwina Momotko
    • Hameed Haq
    • Grzegorz Boczkaj
    2023 CHEMOSPHERE

    The unplanned anthropogenic activities and raced industrial revolution detrimentally causes serious threat to terrestrial and aquatic life. A high discharge of wastewater from industries using dyes affects living organisms and the environment. This paper presents studies on polycationic selenides (PCS) synthesized by hydrothermal methods for photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The synthesized PCS were confirmed by various characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, UV/Vis, and XRD. The FTIR spectra revealed characteristic band at 843, 548 cm−1, and 417 cm−1 due to the M − Se stretching and intrinsic stretching vibrations, respectively. The optical bandgap of polycationic selenide lies in the visible light region (2.36 eV). The SEM images showed that PCS has a spherical shape with an average crystallite size of 29.23 nm calculated from XRD data using Scherer's equation. The PCS has a point of zero charge (PZC) at pH 7. The efficiency of synthesized PCS photocatalyst was confirmed in terms of its activity towards Eosin (EY) and Crystal violet (CV) dyes mineralization. The photocatalytic degradation for EY and CV dyes at optimum conditions was 99.47% and 99.31% and followed second order reactions kinetics with 1.4314 and 0.551 rate constant, respectively. The polynomial quadratic model is the best-fitted response surface methodology (RSM) model having a maximum desirability factors value and significant terms, with R2 (0.9994) and adj R2 values (1.0).

  • Solubility of carbon dioxide in water: Some useful results for hydrate nucleation
    • Jesús Algaba
    • Iván M. Zerón
    • José Manuel Míguez
    • Joanna Grabowska
    • Samuel Blazquez
    • Eduardo Sanz
    • Carlos Vega
    • Felipe J. Blas
    2023 Pełny tekst JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS

    In this paper, the solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water along the isobar of 400 bar is determined by computer simulations using the well-known TIP4P/Ice force field for water and the TraPPE model for CO2. In particular, the solubility of CO2 in water when in contact with the CO2 liquid phase and the solubility of CO2 in water when in contact with the hydrate have been determined. The solubility of CO2 in a liquid–liquid system decreases as the temperature increases. The solubility of CO2 in a hydrate–liquid system increases with temperature. The two curves intersect at a certain temperature that determines the dissociation temperature of the hydrate at 400 bar (T3). We compare the predictions with T3 obtained using the direct coexistence technique in a previous work. The results of both methods agree, and we suggest 290(2) K as the value of T3 for this system using the same cutoff distance for dispersive interactions. We also propose a novel and alternative route to evaluate the change in chemical potential for the formation of hydrates along the isobar. The new approach is based on the use of the solubility curve of CO2 when the aqueous solution is in contact with the hydrate phase. It considers rigorously the non-ideality of the aqueous solution of CO2, providing reliable values for the driving force for nucleation of hydrates in good agreement with other thermodynamic routes used. It is shown that the driving force for hydrate nucleation at 400 bar is larger for the methane hydrate than for the carbon dioxide hydrate when compared at the same supercooling. We have also analyzed and discussed the effect of the cutoff distance of dispersive interactions and the occupancy of CO2 on the driving force for nucleation of the hydrate.

  • Solvent influence on the crystal structures of new cadmium tri-tert -butoxysilanethiolate complexes with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine: luminescence and antifungal activity
    • Daria Kowalkowska-Zedler
    • Piotr Bruździak
    • Zbigniew Hnatejko
    • Renata Łyszczek
    • Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska
    • Łukasz Ponikiewski
    • Bartosz Cieśla
    • Agnieszka Pladzyk
    2023 Pełny tekst Acta Crystallographica Section C-Structural Chemistry

    Monocrystals of dinuclear 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine-�4N1,N10:N4,N40-bis[bis(tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolato-�S)cadmium(II)], [Cd2(C12H27O3SSi)4(C10-H24N4)] or [Cd2{SSi(OtBu)3}4(�-BAPP)], 1, and polynuclear catena-poly[[bis- (tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolato-�S)cadmium(II)]-�-1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine-�2N10:N40], [Cd(C12H27O3SSi)2(C10H24N4)]n or [Cd{SSi(OtBu)3}2(�-BAPP)]n, 2, with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (BAPP) and tri-tert-butoxysilane-thiolate ligands, were obtained from the same ratio of reactants, but with different solvents used for the crystallization processes. The structures and properties of both complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and FT–IR, 1H NMR and luminescence spectroscopy. Applied density functional theory (DFT) computational methods and noncovalent interaction (NCI) analysis were used for geometry optimization and visualiza- tion of the interactions between the metallic centres and their surroundings. The X-ray analysis revealed four-coordinate CdII centres bound to two S atoms of the silanethiolate groups and two N atoms of the BAPP ligand; however, it chelates to tertiary and primary N atoms in 1, whilst in 2 it does not chelate and bonds only to RNH2. The photoluminescence properties of complexes 1 and 2 result from free-ligand emission and differ significantly from each other with respect to emission intensity. Additionally, antifungal activity was investigated against 18 isolates of fungi. Compound 1 strongly inhibited the growth of three dermatophytes: Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum.

  • Sources of contamination in sediments of retention tanks and the influence of precipitation type on the size of pollution load
    • Karolina Matej-Łukowicz
    • Ewa Wojciechowska
    • Tomasz Kolerski
    • Nicole Nawrot
    • Karol Kuliński
    • Aleksandra Winogradow
    2023 Pełny tekst Scientific Reports

    Densification of cities and urban population contributes to increased runoff and suspended solids and alteration of the urban water cycle. Nowadays, Blue-Green Infrastructure is promoted to increase a city’s resilience to floods; however, stormwater drainage systems, supported with retention tanks are still important in protecting urban areas against floods. Sediment accumulation in stormwater infrastructure relates to an issue of pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients etc. Research on the origin of the pollutants associated with the suspension and ultimately sediment accumulated in sewage can bring new insights about processes in urban catchment areas. This is the first study, which is focused on the analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in bottom sediments collected from municipal retention tanks to verify the origin of the deposited pollutants immediately after pluvial floods. The research was additionally extended with water quality analyzes immediately after three types of weather: a dry period, typical precipitation (< 30 mm) and torrential rainfalls (2 events with daily precipitation over 30 mm which caused pluvial flooding of the city area). Analyses of sediments indicated that the main source of carbon and nitrogen in the bottom of the retention tanks had been brought with stormwater runoff from the city area. Organic nitrogen fertilizers appeared to be the main source of nitrogen, while the sources of organic carbon were mixed: C3 land plants, wood, and oil. Additionally, it was found that torrential rainfall caused a 23-fold increase of N-NO3 concentration, a sevenfold increase of P-PO4 concentration, and an over fivefold increase of concentration of organic matter, in comparison to typical precipitation.

  • Space Vector Pulsewidth Modulation Strategy for Multilevel Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter With DC-Link Voltage Balancing Ability
    • Arkadiusz Lewicki
    • Charles Odeh
    • Marcin Morawiec
    2023 Pełny tekst IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS

    Space vector pulsewidth modulation (SVPWM) algorithms for cascaded H-bridge multilevel (CHB ML) inverter usually provide the possibility of using several combinations of active voltage vectors to generate the same output voltage vector. For preselected H-bridges, some of them may generate output voltages opposite to the assumed direction. This results in the change of the dc-link voltages of these H-bridges in the opposite direction to the assumed direction in the ordering algorithm. Consequently, these algorithms are characterized by undue constraints and narrow possibilities of dc-link voltage balancing. In the proposed control algorithm, CHB ML inverter is treated as groups of successively activated three-level inverters; depending on the length of the reference voltage vector. These three-level inverters consist of three H-bridges selected from each phase. The proposed extended selection method enables firm-grip control of the dc-link voltages. For a given direction of phase currents, the possibility of using H-bridges with lowest and highest dc-link voltages is simultaneously analyzed. Additionally, each of the three-level inverters is controlled by one of three proposed alternative modulation methods for which both the attainable output voltage vectors and unbalanced dc-link voltages are predicted. Simulation and experimental results confirm the correctness of the algorithm execution.

  • Spatial aspects of urban air quality management: Estimating the impact of micro-scale urban form on pollution dispersion
    • Joanna Badach
    • Wojciech Wojnowski
    • Jacek Gębicki
    2023 Pełny tekst COMPUTERS ENVIRONMENT AND URBAN SYSTEMS

    Urban planning and design solutions affect urban ventilation conditions, thus mitigating the effects of atmospheric pollution. However, these findings are not being implemented in the planning practice to a sufficient extent, partly due to the lack of specific guidelines. Moreover, many urban air quality monitoring (AQM) sites have low represnentativeness and thus do not provide comprehensive data for effective urban air pollution control with respect to the urban spatial policy. An integrated assessment method based on modelling, simulation, and geospatial data processing tools was used to investigate the impact of micro-scale urban form on the local ventilation conditions and pollution dispersion. The proposed approach combined computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and geographic information system (GIS) tools, and particularly the newly developed Residence Time Index (RTI) - a single CFD-derived parameter quantifying the capabilities of the micro-scale built environment to retain PM10 pollution. Urban segments around monitoring sites in three Polish cities (Gda´nsk, Warsaw, and Pozna´n), characterised by relatively low density and varied urban form typologies, were investigated. The results indicate that in these conditions the following features of the urban form have the strongest correlation with the RTI: plan area density (λP), gross floor area ratio (λGFA), and occlusivity (Oc), making them useful indicators for urban air quality management. On the other hand, PM10 data from the AQM sites are rather poorly linked with urban form indicators, which suggests that in complex urban scenarios a higher spatial resolution of air quality data is required for shaping the spatial policy. The implications from this analysis are useful for the urban planning practice. The developed approach may be also a valuable decision support tool for the assessment of the spatial representativeness of AQM sites.

  • Spatial Distribution of Eucalyptus Plantation and its Impact on the Depletion of Groundwater Resources of Tehsil Swat Ranizai, District Malakand
    • Muhammad Jamal Nasir
    • Waqar Akhtar
    • Vipin Kumar Oad
    2023 Pełny tekst Arabian Journal of Geosciences

    Native to the continent of Australia, eucalyptus is a tall, evergreen tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Malakand district has the largest eucalyptus plantation in the province, covering an area of 22,071.29 ha. The present study aims to evaluate its impact on the groundwater table (GWT) in three selected union councils (UCs) of the study area, i.e., Agra, Totakan, and Kot. Both primary and secondary data support the study. The data regarding eucalyptus plantations were collected from the Malakand Forest Division. GPS was used to mark the wells’ locations. The current GWT was measured in the field. Rainfall data of the study area and surrounding was acquired from the Regional Meteorological Office Peshawar. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the respondents’ opinion of the impact of eucalyptus plantations. The study reveals that though the GWT dropped from 2000 to 2019 in the study area, the decline is more significant in the vicinity of the plantation. The GWT near the plantation in the Agra UC dropped from 39 to 60 ft., 25 to 45 ft. in Totakan, and from 20 to 60 ft. in Kot UC during the study period. The study reveals no significant impact of rainfall on GWT depletion. The respondents appear to be aware of the negative effects of eucalyptus plantations on the GWT, agriculture, and biodiversity. The study concludes that, while considering community interests, there is a critical need for research to investigate and quantify the site-specific effects of eucalyptus on the ecosystem. The study concludes that, while considering community interests, there is a critical need for research to investigate and quantify the site-specific effects of eucalyptus on the ecosystem. The Eucalyptus will be able to continue fending off the rising deforestation and demand for fuel until then.

  • Spatial Visualization Based on Geodata Fusion Using an Autonomous Unmanned Vessel
    • Marta Wlodarczyk-Sielicka
    • Dawid Połap
    • Katarzyna Prokop
    • Karolina Połap
    • Andrzej Stateczny
    2023 Pełny tekst Remote Sensing

    The visualization of riverbeds and surface facilities on the banks is crucial for systems that analyze conditions, safety, and changes in this environment. Hence, in this paper, we propose collecting, and processing data from a variety of sensors—sonar, LiDAR, multibeam echosounder (MBES), and camera—to create a visualization for further analysis. For this purpose, we took measurements from sensors installed on an autonomous, unmanned hydrographic vessel, and then proposed a data fusion mechanism, to create a visualization using modules under and above the water. A fusion contains key-point analysis on classic images and sonars, augmentation/reduction of point clouds, fitting data and mesh creation. Then, we also propose an analysis module that can be used to compare and extract information from created visualizations. The analysis module is based on artificial intelligence tools for the classification tasks, which helps in further comparison to archival data. Such a model was tested using various techniques to achieve the fastest and most accurate visualizations possible in simulation and real case studies.

  • Spatio-Temporal Validation of GNSS-Derived Global Ionosphere Maps Using 16 Years of Jason Satellites Observations
    • Mateusz Poniatowski
    • Grzegorz Nykiel
    • Claudia Borries
    • Jędrzej Szmytkowski
    2023 Pełny tekst Remote Sensing

    Existing ionospheric models perform very well in mapping the calm state of the ionosphere. However, the problem is accurately determining the total electron content (TEC) for disturbed days. Knowledge of the exact electron density is essential for single−frequency receivers, which cannot eliminate the ionospheric delay. This study aims to investigate temporal and spatial variability in the distribution of TEC based on differences between maps of individual Ionospheric Associated Analysis Centers (IAACs) of the International GNSS Service (IGS) and aligned altimetry−TEC from 2005–2021. Based on the temporal distribution, we have observed a significant effect of solar activity on the mean and standard deviation behavior of the differences between global ionospheric maps (GIMs) and Jason−derived TEC. We determined the biases for the entire calculation period, through which it can be concluded that the upcg-Jason and igsg-Jason differences have the lowest standard deviation (±1.81 TECU). In addition, the temporal analysis made it possible to detect annual, semi−annual, and 117-day oscillations occurring in the Jason−TEC data, as well as 121-day oscillations in the GIMs. It also allowed us to analyze the potential sources of these cyclicities, solar and geomagnetic activity, in the case of the annual and semi−annual periodicities. When considering spatial variations, we have observed that the most significant average differences are in the intertropical areas. In contrast, the smallest differences were recorded in the southern hemisphere, below the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S). However, the slightest variations were noted for the northern hemisphere above the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N). Our research presented in this paper allows a better understanding of how different methods of GNSS TEC approximation affect the model’s accuracy.

  • Spawalność ferrytyczno-austenitycznej stali odpornej na korozję typu dupleks 2205 w warunkach podwodnych
    • Karolina Prokop-Strzelczyńska
    2023 Pełny tekst

    Praca dotyczy problemów spawalności stali odpornej na korozję typu dupleks w warunkach spawania mokrego elektrodami otulonymi i lokalną komorą suchą. Całość rozprawy składa się z dwóch części. Część pierwsza to przegląd literatury, w którym omówiono główne problemy wynikające z przeniesienia procesu spawania pod wodę oraz sposoby minimalizowania negatywnego wpływu środowiska. Część druga jest częścią doświadczalną, zawiera tezę i cele rozprawy, a także charakterystykę badanych materiałów, opis metodyki badań oraz wyniki wraz z ich omówieniem. Do badań zastosowano stal dupleks 1.4462, którą poddano badaniom spawalności metodą Tekken oraz zmiennej sztywności w warunkach podwodnych jak i na powietrzu. Próby wykonano w oparciu o dwie metody, tj. elektrodami otulonymi (MMA), metodą Lokalnej Komory Suchej w warunkach podwodnych i na powietrzu. Wykonano pomiary zawartości wodoru dyfundującego w stopiwie oraz badania struktur każdej próbki. Złącza poddano badaniom wizualnym i penetracyjnym oraz badaniom metalograficznym makro- i mikroskopowym. Próbki o zmieniającej się sztywności poddano badaniom fraktograficznym przełomów. Wykazano, że spawalność stali dupleks w warunkach podwodnych elektrodami otulonymi jest ograniczona z uwagi na utrudnioną spawalność technologiczną. Stwierdzono również, że zastosowanie metody LKS skutecznie ułatwia uzyskanie złączy, spełniających odpowiednie wymagania norm przedmiotowych.