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Search results for: PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMISATION
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Multiprocessor Implementation of Parallel Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm for Optimized Allocation of Chlorination Stations in Drinking Water Distribution System a New Water Quality Model Approach
PublicationThe Critical Infrastructure Systems (CISs) have received in recent years a considerable attention due to their heavy impact on sustainable development of modern societies. Most CISs may be classied as large scale complex systems of network structure, in uenced by strong interactions form the surrounding environment, internal and external interconnections. The later is a result of inter-CIS dependencies. The control, monitoring...
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Sounding Mechanism of a Flue Organ Pipe—A Multi-Sensor Measurement Approach
PublicationThis work presents an approach that integrates the results of measuring, analyzing, and modeling air flow phenomena driven by pressurized air in a flue organ pipe. The investigation concerns a Bourdon organ pipe. Measurements are performed in an anechoic chamber using the Cartesian robot equipped with a 3D acoustic vector sensor (AVS) that acquires both acoustic pressure and air particle velocity. Also, a high-speed camera is employed...
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Time-Domain Description of Point-Source Acoustic Wavefields as a Useful Approach in Ultrasonic Techniques
PublicationIn traditional acoustics, field problems are usually treated in the frequency domain, broadband fields being reduced to superposition of harmonic spectrum components. However, this approach is inherently acausal and it is known that in case of arbitrary signals, the distribution-based, time-domain description can be more effective. The present paper is an attempt to expand the time-domain linear systems formalism onto space problems...
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Optimization of hydrodynamic vortex separator for removal of sand particles from storm water by computational fluid dynamics
PublicationStorm water treatment has been gradually acknowledged for the removal of pollutants from urban areas using the hydro cyclone separation technique. The separation efficiency of the hydrodynamic vortex separator (HDVS) is a complex phenomenon. With the aim enhance the separation potency of HDVS for storm runoff to get rid of sand particles, the HDVS with different structural configurations was studied by computational fluid dynamics....
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Time-domain description of point-source acoustic wavefields as a useful approach in ultrasonic techniques
PublicationIn traditional acoustics, field problems are usually treated in the frequency domain, broadband fields being reduced to superposition of harmonic spectrum components. However, this approach is inherently acausal and it is known that in case of arbitrary signals, the distribution-based, time-domain description can be more effective. The present paper is an attempt to expand the time-domain linear systems formalism onto space problems...
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Progress, Challenge, and Perspective of Bimetallic TiO2-Based Photocatalysts
PublicationBimetallic TiO2-based photocatalysts have attracted considerable attention in recent years as a class of highly active catalysts and photocatalysts under both UV and Vis light irradiation. Bimetallic noble metal structures deposited on TiO2 possess the ability to absorb visible light, in a wide wavelength range (broad LSPR peak), and therefore reveal the highest level of activity as a result of utilization of a large amount of...
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Magneto-thermal convection of low concentration nanofluids
PublicationThe main aim of this paper was to analyze possible utilization of the low concentration nanofluids and the magnetic field to enhance heat transfer. The studied fluids were based on water with an addition of copper particles (40-60 nm diameter). They belonged to the diamagnetic group of materials. As a first attempt to stated target the analysis of enclosure placed in the maximal value of square magnetic induction gradient was carried...
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Low-frequency noise in Au-decorated graphene–Si Schottky barrier diode at selected ambient gases
PublicationWe report results of the current–voltage characteristics and low-frequency noise in Au nanoparticle (AuNP)-decorated graphene–Si Schottky barrier diodes. Measurements were conducted in ambient air with addition of either of two organic vapors, tetrahydrofuran [(CH2)4O; THF] and chloroform (CHCl3), as also during yellow light illumination (592nm), close to the measured particle plasmon polariton frequency of the Au nanoparticle...
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BETWEEN IDEA AND INTERPRETATION - DESIGN PROCESS AUGMENTATION
PublicationThe following paper investigates the idea of reducing the human digital intervention to a minimum during the advanced design process. Augmenting the outcome attributes beyond the designer's capabilities by computational design methods, data collection, data computing and digital fabrication, altogether imitating the human design process. The primary technical goal of the research was verification of restrictions and abilities used...
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Experimental observations on the creep behaviour of frozen soil
PublicationConstitutive models in the literature for creep of frozen soil are based on the direct use of time counted from the onset of creep. An explicit time dependence in a constitutive equation violates the principles of rational mechanics. No change in stress or temperature is allowed for during creep, using the time-based formulations. Moreover, the existing descriptions need much verification and improvement on the experimental side...
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Hidden Tensor Structures
PublicationAny single system whose space of states is given by a separable Hilbert space is automatically equipped with infinitely many hidden tensor-like structures. This includes all quantum mechanical systems as well as classical field theories and classical signal analysis. Accordingly, systems as simple as a single one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, an infinite potential well, or a classical finite-amplitude signal of finite duration...
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Insights into modification of lignocellulosic fillers with isophorone diisocyanate: structure, thermal stability and volatile organic compounds emission assessment
PublicationThis study presents an analysis of the structure and properties of different types of lignocellulosic fillers modified by isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to provide insights into the possibility of their application to the manufacturing of wood polymer composites (WPCs). Moreover, it deals with the environmental aspects of modified fillers, by assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during modification, as well as...
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Magnetic switching of Kerker scattering in spherical microresonators
PublicationMagneto-optical materials have become a key tool in functional nanophotonics, mainly due to their ability to offer active tuning between two different operational states in subwavelength structures. In the long-wavelength limit, such states may be considered as the directional forward- and back-scattering operations, due to the interplay between magnetic and electric dipolar modes, which act as equivalent Huygens sources. In this...
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Theory versus experiment for vacuum Rabi oscillations in lossy cavities. II. Direct test of uniqueness of vacuum
PublicationThe paper continues the analysis of vacuum Rabi oscillations we started in part I [Phys. Rev. A 79, 033836 (2009)]. Here we concentrate on experimental consequences for cavity QED of two different classes of representations of harmonic-oscillator Lie algebras. The zero-temperature master equation, derived in part I for irreducible representations of the algebra, is reformulated in a reducible representation that models electromagnetic...
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Adsorption of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution using sago bark (Metroxylon sagu) as a new potential biosorbent
PublicationThis paper investigated the ability of sago bark (Metroxylon sagu) as a new potential biosorbent in removing Cr(VI) in batch system. The optimum adsorption capacity of sago bark (Metroxylon sagu) was 61.73 mg/g achieved at pH 3, agitation rate of 100 rpm, contact time 60 min, particle size ≤32 μm, and initial concentration of Cr(VI) 1,000 mg/L at room temperature (25°C). The adsorbent regeneration was carried out using 0.01 M HNO3...
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Properties of Nanohydroxyapatite Coatings Doped with Nanocopper, Obtained by Electrophoretic Deposition on Ti13Zr13Nb Alloy
PublicationNowadays, hydroxyapatite coatings are the most common surface modification of long-term implants. These coatings are characterized by high thickness and poor adhesion to the metallic substrate. The present research is aimed at characterizing the properties of nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHAp) with the addition of copper nanoparticle (nanoCu) coatings deposited on the Ti13Zr13Nb alloy by an electrophoresis process. The deposition of...
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Topical delivery of pharmaceutical and cosmetic macromolecules using microemulsion systems
PublicationMicroemulsions are transparent, thermodynamically stable colloidal systems. Over the recent years, they have been increasingly investigated due to their potential as skin delivery vehicles for a wide range of drug molecules. The nanoscale particle size and the specificity of microemulsion components are the main features determining the skin permeation process. However, in order to effectively cross the skin barrier, the active...
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Reinforcing and plasticizing effects of reclaimed rubber on the vulcanization and properties of natural rubber
PublicationThe production of high-added value reclaimed rubber (RR) is of great signifi-cance for the sustainability of rubber industries. To green recycle waste rub-bers and broaden the application of RR, a RR material with potentialreinforcing and plasticizing effects on nature rubber (NR) composites are pre-pared by a thermo-oxidative reclamation process. The reclamation degree ofRR is controlled by adjusting the content of soybean oil....
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Role of size scale of ZnO nanoparticles and microparticles on toxicity toward bacteria and osteoblast cancer cells
PublicationThe specific role of size scale, surface capping, and aspect ratio of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles on toxicity toward prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells was investigated. ZnO nano and microparticles of controlled size and mor- phology were synthesized by wet chemical methods. Cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells was studied using a human osteoblast cancer cell line and antibacterial activity using Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia...
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Wear Resistance Enhancement of Al6061 Alloy Surface Layer by Laser Dispersed Carbide Powders
PublicationIn this paper, results of the experimental study on improving wear resistance in sliding friction of Al-based alloy are presented. The technique used involves the formation of a metal matrix composite (MMC) in the alloy surface layer by laser dispersion of carbide powders such as WC, TiC and SiC. For WC and TiC MMC surface coatings fabricated under conditions typical for most of the technologically relevant solid-state lasers (wavelength...
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Multi-instrument analysis of L-band amplitude scintillation observed over the Eastern Arabian Peninsula
PublicationThe study of scintillation-causing ionospheric irregularities is important to mitigate their effects on satellite communications. It is also important due to the spatial and temporal variability of these irregularities, given that their characteristics differ from one region to another. This study investigates the spatial and temporal characteristics of L1 amplitude scintillation-causing ionospheric irregularities over the Eastern...
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Study of Nanohydroxyapatite Coatings Prepared by the Electrophoretic Deposition Method at Various Voltage and Time Parameters
PublicationThe aim of the work is to compare the properties of nanohydroxyapatite coatings obtained using the electrophoretic deposition method (EDP) at 10 V, 20 V, and 30 V, and with deposit times of 2 and 5 min. The primary sedimentation was used to minimize the risk of the formation of particle agglomerates on the sample surface. Evaluation of the coating was performed by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy...
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Characterization of glucoamylase immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles
PublicationMagnetic support was prepared by precipitation from an alkaline solution of divalent and trivalent iron ions and subsequently was modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. FTIR analysis showed existence of a new Si-O-Fe bond in obtained particles. Scanning electronic microscopy images shows that the nanoparticles of all samples have particle size below 30 nm. Glucoamylase AMG 300L was immobilized onto the modified magnetic support...
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Enhancement of lift and drag performances of a NACA0012 airfoil by multi-DBD plasma actuator with additional floating interelectrodes
PublicationIt is clear that the improvement of aircraft aerodynamic performances is currently and will continue to be a significant area of research for the aeronautical industry. The current study is focused on theenhancement of aerodynamic airfoil performances by using a multi-DBD plasma actuator mounted around the model leading-edge. Experiments have been conducted at the University of Orleans, in the 2 m x 2 m test section of a large...
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Assembly of 1D Granular Structures from Sulfonated Polystyrene Microparticles
PublicationBeing able to systematically modify the electric properties of nano- and microparticles opens up new possibilities for the bottom-up fabrication of advanced materials such as the fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) colloidal and granular materials. Fabricating 1D structures from individual particles offers plenty of applications ranging from electronic sensors and photovoltaics to artificial flagella for hydrodynamic propulsion....
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Studies of the separation performance of silanized silica gel for simulated distillation
PublicationWe present the results of investigations of the chromatographic (sorptive) properties of silanized silica gel as a stationary phase for gas chromatography used for simulated distillation. Commercially available silanized sorbent (particle diameter range 63–200 m, average pore size 60 Å) was sieved to obtain the 80–100 mesh fraction (180–150 m). The obtained results revealed that silanized silica gel allows the complete separation...
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Clays as Inhibitors of Polyurethane Foams’ Flammability
PublicationPolyurethanes are a very important group of polymers with an extensive range of applications in different branches of industry. In the form of foams, they are mainly used in bedding, furniture, building, construction, and automotive sectors. Due to human safety reasons, these applications require an appropriate level of flame retardance, often required by various law regulations. Nevertheless, without the proper modifications,...
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Effect of gelation and storage conditions on the oxidative stability of microemulsion and nanoemulsion delivery systems
PublicationIncreased interest in the use of microemulsion and nanoemulsion delivery systems for medical, cosmetic and food purposes, promotes the development of research on their physical and chemical stability, and the safety of use. Here, we have for the first time evaluated the oxidative stability of linseed oil dispersed in the microemulsion, nanoemulsion, and their gelled systems, stored under different conditions, and compared to the...
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Nonlinearity shaping in nanostructured glass-diamond hybrid materials for optical fiber preforms
PublicationNanodiamond integration with optical fibers has proved a compelling methodology for magneto-optics. We reveal that the applicability of nanodiamonds in nonlinear optics goes beyond the previous demonstrations of frequency converters. Instead, we exploit the recently reported volumetric integration of nanodiamonds along the optical fiber core and show that the nonlinear response of glasses can be manipulated by nanodiamonds. By...
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Towards application of uncertainty quantification procedure combined with experimental procedure for assessment of the accuracy of the DEM approach dedicated for granular flow modeling
PublicationThere is a high demand for accurate and fast numerical models for dense granular flows found in many industrial applications. Nevertheless, before numerical model can be used its need to be always validated against experimental data. During the validation, it is important to consider how the measurement data sets, as well as the numerical models, are affected by errors and uncertainties. In this study, the uncertainty quantification...
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Shoreline Extraction Based on LiDAR Data Obtained Using an USV
PublicationThis 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...
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Sensitivity analysis as a tool to optimise Human Development Index
PublicationResearch background: Composite indicators are commonly used as an approximation tool to measure economic development, the standard of living, competitiveness, fairness, effectiveness, and many others being willingly implemented into many different research disciplines. However, it seems that in most cases, the variable weighting procedure is avoided or erroneous since, in most cases, the so-called...
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Multispectral Imaging Using Fluorescent Properties of Indocyanine Green and Methylene Blue in Colorectal Surgery—Initial Experience
PublicationIntroduction: Image-guided surgery is becoming a new tool in colorectal surgery. Intraoperative visualisation of different structures using fluorophores helps during various steps of operations. In our report, we used two fluorophores—indocyanine green (ICG), and methylene blue (MB)— during different steps of colorectal surgery, using one camera system for two separate near-infrared wavelengths. Material and methods: Twelve patients...
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Short-Term Observations of Rainfall Chemistry Composition in Bellsund (SW Spitsbergen, Svalbard)
PublicationGlobal warming results in increasingly widespread wildfires, mostly in Siberia, but also in North America and Europe, which are responsible for the uncontrollable emission of pollutants, also to the High Arctic region. This study examines 11 samples of rainfall collected in August in a coastal area of southern Bellsund (Svalbard, Norway). It covers detailed analysis of major ions (i.e., Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−) and elements (i.e.,...
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Identification of Emotional States Using Phantom Miro M310 Camera
PublicationThe purpose of this paper is to present the possibilities associated with the use of remote sensing methods in identifying human emotional states, and to present the results of the research conducted by the authors in this field. The studies presented involved the use of advanced image analysis to identify areas on the human face that change their activity along with emotional expression. Most of the research carried out in laboratories...
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Immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles of therecombinant trehalose synthase from Deinococcusgeothermalis
PublicationtIn our study the gene encoding trehalose synthase from Deinococcus geothermalis was cloned and overexpressed inEscherichia coli Rosetta (DE3)pLysS. Wild-type trehalose synthase has been purified from host protein after cell dis-ruption and precipitation at 20% ammonium sulphate saturation. Recombinant trehalose synthase was immobilizedonto glutaraldehyde activated silanized magnetic ferrous-ferric oxide by using covalent binding...
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PAH diagnostic ratios for the identification of pollution emission sources
PublicationPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) diagnostic ratios have recently come into common use as a toolfor identifying and assessing pollution emission sources. Some diagnostic ratios are based on parentPAHs, others on the proportions of alkyl-substituted to non-substituted molecules. The ratios areapplicable to PAHs determined in different environmental media: air (gas þ particle phase), water,sediment, soil, as well as biomonitor...
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Ionic liquids for nano- and microstructures preparation. Part 1: Properties and multifunctional role
PublicationIonic liquids (ILs) are a broad group of organic salts of varying structure and properties, used in energy conversion and storage, chemical analysis, separation processes, as well as in the preparation of particles in nano- and microscale. In material engineering, ionic liquids are applied to synthesize mainly metal nanoparticles and 3D semiconductor microparticles. They could generally serve as a structuring agent or as a reaction...
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Preparation of platinum modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles with the use of laser ablation in water
PublicationWe report on the preparation method of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide modified with platinum by using nanosecond laser ablation in liquid (LAL). Titania in the form of anatase crystals has been prepared in a two-stage process. Initially, irradiation by laser beam of a titanium metal plate fixed in a glass container filled with deionized water was conducted. After that, the ablation process was continued, with the use of a platinum...
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Permeability of the small intestinal mucus for physiologically relevant studies: Impact of mucus location and ex vivo treatment
PublicationThe small intestinal mucus is a complex colloidal system that coats the intestinal mucosa. It allows passage on nutrients/pharmaceuticals from the gut lumen towards the epithelium, whilst preventing it from direct contact with luminal microorganisms. Mucus collected from intestinal tissue is often used in studies looking at inter-mucosal transport of food particulates, drug carriers, etc. However, detaching the highly hydrated...
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Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of Elastomers Incorporated with Thermoregulating Microcapsules
PublicationPolyurethane (PU) is one of the principal polymers in the global plastic market thanks to its versatility and continuous improvement. In this work, PU elastomeric materials having thermoregulating properties through the incorporation of microcapsules (mSD-(LDPE·EVA-RT27)) from low-density polyethylene and vinyl acetate containing paraffin®RT27 as PCM were produced. Elastomers were synthesized while varying the molar ratio [NCO]/[OH]...
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Electrophoretically deposited titanium and its alloys in biomedical engineering: Recent progress and remaining challenges
PublicationOver the past decade, titanium implants have gained popularity as the number of performed implantation operations has significantly increased. There are a number of methods for modifying the surface of biomaterials, which are aimed at extending the life of titanium implants. The developments in this field in recent years have required a comprehensive discussion of all the properties of electrophoretically deposited coatings on...
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Synthesis of CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles: The Effect of Ionic Strength, Concentration, and Precursor Type on Morphology and Magnetic Properties
PublicationThe present study highlights the effect of metal precursor types (SO4 2¯, Cl¯, and NO3¯), their concentration, and the influence of ionic strength of reaction environment on the morphology, surface, and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 particles. The magnetic nanoparticles were obtained by chemical coprecipitation in alkaline medium at increasing metal concentration in the range of 0.0425 mol·dm-3 to 0.17 mol·dm-3 and calcination...
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A Closed Bipolar Electrochemical Cell for the Interrogation of BDD Single Particles: Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation
PublicationA closed bipolar electrochemical cell containing two conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD) particles of size 250 – 350 m, produced by high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis, has been used to demonstrate the applicability of single BDD particles for electrochemical oxidative degradation of the dye, methylene blue (MB). The cell is fabricated using stereolithography 3D printing and the BDD particles are located at either...
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Genetic programming extension to APF-based monocular human body pose estimation
PublicationNew method of the human body pose estimation based on a single camera 2D observation is presented, aimed at smart surveillance related video analysis and action recognition. It employs 3D model of the human body, and genetic algorithm combined with annealed particle filter for searching the global optimum of model state, best matching the object's 2D observation. Additionally, new motion cost metric is employed, considering current...
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Mechanism of Reduced Sintering Temperature of Al2O3–ZrO2 Nanocomposites Obtained by Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis
PublicationA novel method to obtain Al2O3–ZrO2 nanocomposites is presented. It consists of the co-precipitation step of boehmite (AlO(OH)) and ZrO2, followed by microwave hydrothermal treatment at 270 ◦ C and 60 MPa, and by calcination at 600 ◦ C. Using this method, we obtained two nanocomposites: Al2O3–20 wt % ZrO2 and Al2O3–40 wt % ZrO2. Nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy,...
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Analysis of metals in air particles from Gdańsk and London with EDX/EDS detectors in electron microscope
PublicationElectron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX/EDS) is the example of non-destructive analytical method for surface elemental analysis, with a potential detection limit of 0.1-0.5 wt.% for most elements. A spatial resolution <10 nm can be achieved using this technique, which provides a basis for the generation of quantitative and qualitative elemental data for individual particles. In order to obtain quantitative...
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Influence of the grains shape on the mechanical behavior of granular materials
PublicationDiscrete Element Method is a numerical method suitable for modeling geotechnical problems concerning granular media. In most cases simple forms of grains, like discs or spheres, are used. But these shapes are capable of soil behavior modeling up to a certain point only, they cannot reflect all of the features of the medium (large shear resistance and large volumetric change). In order to reflect the complex behavior of the real...
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Long-term performance and microbial characteristics of the anammox-enriched granular sludge cultivated in a bench-scale sequencing batch reactor
PublicationThe anammox-enriched granular sludge was successfully formed during the long-term biogranulation experiment lasting over 330 days. The cultivation was conducted at 30 ◦C in a 10-L sequencing batch reactor (SBR) fed with synthetic medium containing ammonia, nitrite and trace elements. The properties of the developed granules were investigated in terms of the biomass activity (including the growth rate of anammox bacteria), size...
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Influence of electrode geometric arrangement on the operation of narrow circular electrostatic precipitator
PublicationIn this work the influence of electrode geometric arrangement on the operation of a circular electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) method. The ESP was a glass circular cylinder (29 mm in diameter, 300 mm long) equipped with a wire discharge electrode and circular-cylinder collecting electrode. The stainless-steel discharge wire electrode (0.23 mm in diameter, 100 mm long) was mounted...