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Lignin-based carbon fibers for renewable and multifunctional lithium-ion battery electrodes
PublicationLignin-based carbon fibers (LCFs) from the renewable resource softwood kraft lignin were synthesized via oxidative thermostabilization of pure melt-spun lignin and carbonization at different temperatures from 1000°C to 1700°C. The resulting LCFs were characterized by tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The microstructure is mainly amorphous carbon with some...
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Vibrational Quenching of Optically Pumped Carbon Dimer Anions
PublicationCareful control of quantum states is a gateway to research in many areas of science such as quantum information, quantum-controlled chemistry, and astrophysical processes. Precise optical control of molecular ions remains a challenge due to the scarcity of suitable level schemes, and direct laser cooling has not yet been achieved for either positive or negative molecular ions. Using a cryogenic wire trap, we show how the internal...
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An Adaptive Network Model for a Double Bias Perspective on Learning from Mistakes within Organizations
PublicationAlthough making mistakes is a crucial part of learning, it is still often being avoided in companies as it is considered as a shameful incident. This goes hand in hand with a mindset of a boss who dominantly believes that mistakes usually have negative consequences and therefore avoids them by only accepting simple tasks. Thus, there is no mechanism to learn from mistakes. Employees working for and being influenced by such a boss...
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Urban city lights. Light pollution as one of the effects of incorrectly designed external illumination. How can a successful lighting masterplan diminish its impact?
PublicationIn the modern world, artificial lighting brings many tangible benefits such as the ability to extend working hours and so increase production, recreational use of the city after dark, or the possibility to travel regardless of the time of day. However, this flexibility comes at a price and negatively impacts on the environment. One such negative phenomenon is Light Pollution ‐ a term used to describe excessive nighttime artificial...
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Occurrence and properties of sulphate reducing bacteria in groundwater in Gdańsk region; Selected methods of elimination.Bakterie redukujące siarczany na ujęciach wód podziemnych w regionie gdańskim.
PublicationGdańsk region is situated in the area with good hydrogeological conditions. The ground-water designed for drinking purposes is taken mainly from the Quaternary and addition-ally from Cretaceous aquifers. The urban development and intensive take off have caused the increase of water exploitation and as a consequence of the changes of hydrogeological conditions the deterioration of chemical and bacteriological quality of water has...
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Reliability of Corroded Stiffened Plate Subjected to Uniaxial Compressive Loading
PublicationThe work is focused on the reliability of corroded stiffened plates subjected to compressive uniaxial load based on the progressive collapse approach as stipulated by the Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, employing the limit state design. Two different cases have been investigated. In the first model, the corrosion degradation led to uniform thickness loss, whereas the mechanical properties were unchanged,...
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Structure and properties comparison of poly(ether-urethane)s based on nonpetrochemical and petrochemical polyols obtained by solvent free two-step method
PublicationThe application of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) is becoming more and more extensive, and the decreasing of used petrochemical monomers and reduction of energy for the polymerization and processing processes is getting increasingly important. In this paper, we confirmed the positive influence of high bio-based monomers contents (by replacing petrochemical polyol and glycol by bio-based counterparts) on processing and properties...
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CONSUMERS’ APPROACH TO THE CREDIBILITY OF THE INFLATION FORECASTS PUBLISHED BY CENTRAL BANKS: A NEW METHODOLOGICAL SOLUTION
PublicationModern monetary policy focuses on credibility and shaping inflation expectations. In keeping with the concept of inflation forecast targeting, the inflation forecasts published by central banks play a crucial role in the instrument rate decision-making process and may be treated as a specific intermediate target. This study proposes an inflation forecast credibility index, the scope of which is narrowed to non-specialists’ approach...
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The Emergence of ETFs in Asia-Pacific
PublicationThe major objective of this book is to contribute to the present state of knowledge by exploring empirical links between the processes of diffusion of financial innovations— exchange-traded funds—and growing deployment of ICT across Asia-Pacific countries, between 2004 and 2017. We examine the evolutionary patterns of ETFs on selected Asia-Pacific stock exchanges and verify the hypothesized relationship between increasing ICT penetration...
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Fire-Retardant Flexible Foamed Polyurethane (PU)-Based Composites: Armed and Charmed Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) Particles
PublicationInadequate fire resistance of polymers raises questions about their advanced applications. Flexible polyurethane (PU) foams have myriad applications but inherently suffer from very high flammability. Because of the dependency of the ultimate properties (mechanical and damping performance) of PU foams on their cellular structure, reinforcement of PU with additives brings about further concerns. Though they are highly flammable and...
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Increasing the lifetime of engineering structures through the use of composite laggings
PublicationThe use of composite laggings prevents concrete (chemical and biological) corrosion. Columns coated with composite or reinforced composite are more resistant to negative environmental impact on concrete or steel. The mechanical properties of the reinforced casing also cause that these types of columns are more resistant to lateral forces. The applied casing limits carbonization of concrete and cyclical freezing and thawing with...
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Magnetism and charge density waves in RNiC2(R=Ce,Pr,Nd)
PublicationWe have compared the magnetic, transport, galvanomagnetic, and specific-heat properties of CeNiC2, PrNiC2, and NdNiC2 to study the interplay between charge density waves (CDW) and magnetism in these compounds. The negative magnetoresistance in NdNiC2 is discussed in terms of the partial destruction of charge density waves and an irreversible phase transition stabilized by the field-induced ferromagnetic transformation is reported....
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The application of TD-GC-FID technique for production of matrix-free reference materials
PublicationIn the last few years particular pressure is exerted on finding new analytical methods which would provide real possibilities of monitoring and control of the state of the environment. Intensive development of analytical techniques for measurements of gaseous media and the negative effects of BTX compounds make it necessary to produce new gaseous reference materials. To prepare the appropriate non- matrix reference material thermal...
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One Europe, one product, two prices - the price disparity in the EU
PublicationThe price dispersion in the European Union in the last fifteen years (1990-2005) is analysed. The analysis of price convergence is examined on aggregate and disaggregate levels. The macro approach is based on Comparative Price Level index calculated as the ratio between PPPs and exchange rate. The disaggregate analysis utilizesactual prices of 148 individual products sold in the 15 capital cities of the EU. The calculations comprise...
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The conditions of the business services sector in Poland and its competitiveness in the global market
PublicationThe following article presents the conditions of the business services sector (BSS) in Poland and the assessment of its competitiveness in the global market. The first section discusses the BSS sector and the categories of the provided services, in the division of business process outsourcing, shared services center, information technology outsourcing, research and development. Next the authors presents the status of the business...
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Facing the brainstorming theory. A case of requirements elicitation
PublicationKnowledge is still considered to be power and its externalization makes it possible for others to use that power. In this paper, we examine the theory of brainstorming, and the claim by father Alex Osborn that in a group session an individual can think of twice as many ideas than working alone. In the context of requirements elicitation, we performed an experiment on a “nominal” and a “real” group of participants, following a procedure...
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Influence of Thermal Decomposition of Wood and Wood-Based Materials on the State of the Atmospheric Air. Emissions of Toxic Compounds and Greenhouse Gases
PublicationThis paper presents the energy characteristics of wood and wood-based materials in the form of commercially available pellets, furniture board (MDF) and OSB. Toxicometric indices were determined for gaseous destructs arising from thermal decomposition and combustion of the materials studied. The paper proves that combustion conditions are crucial in terms of toxic destructive emissions. It has been shown that the combustion of...
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Challenges and opportunities related to the use of sewage sludge ash in cement-based building materials – A review
PublicationDue to the increasingly demanding legal regulations, regarding both sewage sludge (SS) and solid residues obtained during its thermal utilization processes, new solutions to limit their negative impact on the environment are sought. One approach that eliminates the risk of sewage sludge ash (SSA) is its use in cement building materials. The article contains a detailed literature review regarding the use of SSA in mortars and concretes,...
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Exploring the Role of Social Media Use Motives, Psychological Well-Being, Self-Esteem, and Affect in Problematic Social Media Use
PublicationGiven recent advances in technology, connectivity, and the popularity of social media platforms, recent literature has devoted great attention to problematic Facebook use. However, exploring the potential predictors of problematic social media use beyond Facebook use has become paramount given the increasing popularity of multiple alternative platforms. In this study, a sample of 584 social media users (Mage = 32.28 years; 67.81%...
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Determination of Heavy Metals Concentration in Water and Soil at Various Locations in Lahore and their Harmful Impacts on Human and Plants life
PublicationHeavy metals poisoning of soil and water has resulted from industrial expansion in Lahore, Pakistan, creating a significant environmental hazard. As a result, monitoring the contamination of soil and water around industrial sites is critical. The fact that higher concentrations of heavy metals have a negative influence on both plants and human life and this cannot be ignored. Higher heavy metal concentrations have a direct impact...
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New Architecture of Solid-State High-Voltage Pulse Generators
PublicationThe application of the nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) for biomedical treatments has gained more interest in recent decades due to the development of pulsed power technologies which provides the ability to control the electric field dose applied during tests. In this context, the proposed paper describes a new architecture of solid-state high-voltage pulse generators (SSHVPG) designed to generate fully customised sequences...
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The Effectiveness of Rubber Bumpers in Reducing the Effects of Earthquake-Induced Pounding between Base-Isolated Buildings
PublicationTh e methods for preventing earthquake-induced structural pounding between two adjacent buildings include ensuring a sufficient separation distance between them or decreasing their relative displacement during seismic excitation. Some equations or even specific values of such gap sizes between two buildings have been introduced so as to avoid collisions. Increasing the stiffness of buildings, using tuned mass dampers, applying...
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An Impact Analysis of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on Bats. A Case Study of the Historic Monument and Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdansk, Poland
PublicationThe artificial light at night (ALAN) present in many cities and towns has a negative impact on numerous organisms that live alongside humans, including bats. Therefore, we investigated if the artificial illumination of the historic Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdańsk, Poland (part of the Natura 2000 network), during nighttime events, which included an outdoor electronic dance music (EDM) festival, might be responsible for increased...
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Efficient and robust quadratures for isogeometric analysis: Reduced Gauss and Gauss–Greville rules
PublicationThis work proposes two efficient quadrature rules, reduced Gauss quadrature and Gauss–Greville quadrature, for isogeometric analysis. The rules are constructed to exactly integrate one-dimensional B-spline basis functions of degree p, and continuity class C^{p−k}, where k is the highest order of derivatives appearing in the Galerkin formulation of the problem under consideration. This is the same idea we utilized in Zou et al....
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Entrepreneurial competencies and intentions among students of technical universities
PublicationThe study investigates the entrepreneurial competencies and intentions of students. Their formation is a requirement of modern times. The question arises whether students of modern technical universities get entrepreneurial competencies and whether they transform these competencies into their entrepreneurial intentions. More than 3.6 thousand students from six technical universities from Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Lithuania...
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Metody redukcji zróżnicowania materiałów wejściowych w warunkach wysokiej różnorodności produktów gotowych
PublicationArtykuł opisuje zagadnienie związane z negatywnym wpływem wysokiego zróżnicowania materiałów wejściowych w procesach produkcyjnych o wysokiej różnorodności produktów gotowych. W pierwszej części pracy opisane zostało oddziaływanie zróżnicowania materiału na podstawowe mierniki skuteczności procesu produkcyjnego z uwzględnieniem cen zakupu materiałów, kosztów utrzymania zapasów, jakości produktu oraz wydajności maszyn i urządzeń....
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Count Data Modeling About Relationship Between Dubai Housing Sales Transactions and Financial Indicators
PublicationIn this study, illustrating and comparing the performances of count data models such as Poisson, negative binomial (NB), Hurdle and zero-inflated models for the determination of factors affected housing sales in Dubai. Model comparisons are made via Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), the Vuong test and examining the residuals. Main purpose of this study is building reliable statistical model for relationship between Dubai housing...
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Modelling of Diffusing Capacity Measurement Results in Lung Microangiopathy Patients. A novel Diagnostic Suppport
PublicationLung microangiopathy is a little known negative influence of diabetes mellitus on the functioning of the lungs. The aim of this study is to design a supportive method for diagnosing lung microangiopathy. This will be based on routinely performed pulmonary measurements as well as on investigation process modelling and data processing. A model of the diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood has been described with a set...
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Spray pyrolysis of doped-ceria barrier layers for solid oxide fuel cells
PublicationGadolinium doped ceria (Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 − x-CGO) layer fabricated by spray pyrolysis is investigated as the diffusion barrier for solid oxide fuel cell. It is deposited between the La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 − δ cathode and the yttria stabilized zirconia electrolyte to mitigate harmful interdiffusion of elements. The parameters of the fabrication process are linked to the measured area specific resistances of the symmetrical cells and the efficiency...
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Reliability And Safety As An Objective Of Intelligent Transport Systems In Urban Areas
PublicationTechnologies that use transport telematics offer tools for strengthening urban transport systems. They rationalise the use of the existing infrastructure and transport management systems, increase their reliability and safety and improve the transport behaviour of residents, while reducing the operating costs of transport. The main reason for using Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is the need to implement measures to reduce...
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A Novel [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction Involving Lawesson’s Reagent. Structure and Specific Fragmentations of a New Cyclic 1,2-Thiaphosphinane-4-one
PublicationA crude morpholine enamine of acetone treated with Lawesson’s reagent unexpectedly yielded a six-membered thiaphosphinane-4-one. This compound is the first example of a new class of heterocycles. It has been proven that it is formed from 4-methyl-2-morpholino-1,3-pentadiene which is usually present in crude morpholine enamine batches. A mechanism of this regioselective reaction was postulated and a characteristic chair-like conformation...
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A Review of Reduction Methods of Impact of Common-Mode Voltage on Electric Drives.
PublicationIn this survey paper, typical solutions that focus on the reduction in negative effects resulting from the common-mode voltage influence in AC motor drive applications are re-examined. The critical effectiveness evaluation of the considered methods is based on experimental results of tests performed in a laboratory setup with an induction machine fed by an inverter. The capacity of a common-mode voltage level reduction and voltage...
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Analysis of nonlinear effects as a diagnostic tool
PublicationMetody analizy efektów nieliniowych nieliniowej analizy sygnałów na wyjściu testowanych obiektów umożliwiają badanie występowania defektów i uszkodzeń w materiałach i elementach elektronicznych, co jest niezbędne w predykcji niezawodności. W odniesieniu do elementów biernych bardzo skutecznym narzędziem okazuje się być wskaźnik trzeciej harmonicznej (THI - Third Harmonic Index). W artykule bardziej szczegółowo opisano pomiary parametru...
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Green thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane)s – synthesis, chemical structure and selected properties investigation
PublicationThis work aimed to characterize the effect of the monomers chemical structure on the selected properties of the green thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane)s. During synthesis two types of polyether biopolyols, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and bio-based 1,3-propanediol were employed. Materials were synthesized with the use of two step method and two different prepolymers, which were mixed together in equimolar quantities. Obtained...
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Reliability Analysis of Sea Cliff Slope Stability by Point Estimate Method
PublicationThe paper presents a reliability analysis of a sea cliff slope. The cliff, located in Jastrzębia Góra, is characterised by a complicated geological structure. Although currently stable, it is in fact close to the limit state. The objective of this paper is to present the point estimate method (PEM) of determining the mean value and standard deviation of the safety factor of the slope. Assuming its normal distribution, these statistical...
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Evaluation of technical efficiency of heat and electric power generation
PublicationThis paper presents an evaluation of technical efficiency and time-dependent changes in productivity of Polish professional electric power and heat&electric power stations by using Data Envelopment Analysis non-parametric method. The research covered the enterprises whose total available electric power amounted to about 98% of that of all professional thermal electric power stations in this country. The analysis has concerned...
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Reliability Analysis of Sea Cliff Slope Stability by Point Estimate Method
PublicationThe paper presents a reliability analysis of a sea cliff slope. The cliff, located in Jastrzębia Góra, is characterised by a complicated geological structure. Although currently stable, it is in fact close to the limit state. The objective of this paper is to present the point estimate method (PEM) of determining the mean value and standard deviation of the safety factor of the slope. Assuming its normal distribution, these statistical...
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Production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder
PublicationBackground: This research aimed to evaluate the use of natural resin as a binder for the production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass.Methods: Proximate analyses were made for fuel briquette prepared from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder in comparison with using starch as a binder.Results: The results for density, percent content of moisture, percent content of volatile matter, percent...
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Trace elements content of surface peat deposits in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea)
PublicationPeatlands form environmental archives of trace element deposition. In this regard they are particularly valuable for areas such as the Arctic, where regular pollution monitoring is either impossible or extremely costly. The aim of this study was to assess pollution in the Solovetsky Islands (65° 05' N, 35° 53' E) by examining the spatial variability in trace element content of the uppermost layer of peat, immediately below the...
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Mercury concentration and the absolute and relative sizes of the internal organs in cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (L. 1758) from the breeding colony by the Vistula Lagoon (Poland)
PublicationThis work analyses the effect of mercury on the condition of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from an extensive breeding colony in northern Poland, the largest in Europe. A total of 55 birds (44 adults and 11 immature) were obtained. Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in the liver, kidneys, breast muscles, heart, gullet (oesophagus), stomach, intestines, trachea, lungs and eyeballs. The total body mass (TBM) and empty...
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Production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder
PublicationAbstract Background: This research aimed to evaluate the use of natural resin as a binder for the production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass. Methods: Proximate analyses were made for fuel briquette prepared from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder in comparison with using starch as a binder. Results: The results for density, percent content of moisture, percent content of volatile matter, percent content...
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Dietary behaviour and physical activity policies in Europe: learnings from the Policy Evaluation Network (PEN)
PublicationThe European Policy Evaluation Network (PEN), initiated in autumn 2018, aimed at advancing the evidence base for public policies impacting dietary behaviour, physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Europe. This is needed because non-communicable diseases—the leading cause of global mortality—are substantially caused by physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary behaviours, which in turn are driven by upstream factors that...
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Heavy Metals in Sediments of Urban Streams: Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Influencing Factors
PublicationSediments of two urban streams in northern Poland outflowing to the Baltic Sea were assessed to explain the spatial variation in relation to urbanization level of the catchment, the role of retention tanks (RTs) and identification of pollution level. During the 3 month period of investigation sediment samples were collected from the inflow (IN) and outflow (OUT) of six RTs located on streams for flood protection. Six heavy metals...
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Drinking water safety evaluation in the selected sub-Saharan African countries: A case study of Madagascar, Uganda and Rwanda
PublicationIn the sub-Saharan region of Africa, access to safe drinking water remains limited in many countries. This study provides an overview of the quality of surface water and groundwater in rural and peri-urban areas of Madagascar, Uganda, and Rwanda. Selected physico-chemical parameters, inorganic species (including inorganic ions), and organic pollution indicators, such as total organic carbon, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, anionic...
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Modelowanie losowych imperfekcji geometrycznych przestrzennych konstrukcji metalowych
PublicationImperfekcje geometryczne zbiorników, silosów i powłok siatkowych mogą znaczą-co wpłynąć na ich nośność, a więc powinny być one uwzględniane w obliczeniach komputerowych i w procesie projektowania. Wykazano, że przy podstawowych obcią-żeniach, działających na tego typu konstrukcje, tj. podciśnieniu oraz naporu wiatru i śniegu (w przypadku powłok siatkowych), wykazują wyraźne różnice w porównaniu z analogicznymi wynikami dla tych...
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Impact of high temperature drying process on beech wood containing tension wood
PublicationThe technology of high temperature drying has a great inuence on dimensional and selected physical changes in tension wood. Article is focused on the measurement properties such as moisture content, color changes and longitudinal warping. The quality of beech wood is determined based on structure and properties of wood, frequency of defects in wood material. The tension wood is considered as an important wood defect causing negative...
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LSTM-based method for LOS/NLOS identification in an indoor environment
PublicationDue to the multipath propagation, harsh indoor environment significantly impacts transmitted signals which may adversely affect the quality of the radiocommunication services, with focus on the real-time ones. This negative effect may be significantly reduced (e.g. resources management and allocation) or compensated (e.g. correction of position estimation in radiolocalisation) by the LOS/NLOS identification algorithm. This paper...
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Direct chromatographic methods in the context of green analytical chemistry
PublicationWe review analytical protocols based on gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC), but involving no sample preparation.Green analytical chemistry seeks to minimize negative impacts of analytical chemistry. Direct analytical methods ideally fulfillthis requirement, as they preclude sample preparation - the most polluting step of the analytical procedure.We describe examples of GC methodologies for environmental and food analysis...
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Multiple output second-generation current conveyor utilizing high frequency output stage
PublicationIn this paper a multiple output second-generation current conveyor (MOCCII) is presented. The main advantage of the proposed general circuit architecture over a typical structure, well known in the literature, is the use of a high passband multiple output current mplifier block instead of cascaded current mirrors. It gives similar frequency responses for all the outputs of the current conveyor and also maintains simplicity of the...
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Występowanie bakterii siarkowych a jakość wód podziemnych ujęcia Osowa
PublicationAbstrakt. Microorganisms that live in groundwater should be considered not only from the sanitary-hygienic point of view but also in terms of adverse changes in groundwater chemistry in the aquifer layer and its negative influence on the installed devices. For these reasons, it is important to correct approach to the problem of bacterial contamination of groundwater. The paper presents selected results of physicochemical and bacteriological...