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Search results for: SHAPE OPTIMIZATION
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THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION IN BANKING SECTORS IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
PublicationThe economic significance of the banking sector is well recognized in the theory and practice. In the literature there are discussed various topics concerning banking: banking sectors stability and its determinants, as well as influence of the banking sector on other sectors of the economy. Moreover the situation in the banking sector has been studied from different perspectives: its stability, profitability, efficiency, competition,...
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Discrete element method simulations of fracture in concrete under uniaxial compression based on its real internal structure
PublicationThe paper describes experimental and numerical results of concrete fracture under quasi-static uniaxial compression. Experimental uniaxial compression tests were performed on concrete cubic specimens. Fracture in concrete was detected at the aggregate level by means of three non-destructive methods: three-dimensional X-ray microcomputed tomography, two-dimensional scanning electron microscope and manual two-dimensional digital...
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Experimental Investigations of Fracture Process Using DIC in Plain and Reinforced Concrete Beams under Bending
PublicationThe fracture behaviour of concrete and reinforced concrete beams under quasi-static three-point bending was comprehensively investigated with experiments at laboratory scale. The eight various concrete mixes were tested. The influence of the shape, volume and size of aggregate particles and reinforcement on concrete fracture under bending was studied. Displacements on the surface of concrete beams were measured by means of the...
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Towards spectral sensitivity curve for two-photon vision mechanism
PublicationAbstract Purpose: The perceived brightness of different visible light sources can be compared with photometric units based on the standardized luminosity curves (300-780nm range). As reported previously (PNAS 111(50), pp. E5445-E5454 (2014)), near-infrared (NIR) radiation can cause isomerization of visual pigments by one- or two-photon absorption. The perceived color of the stimulus is red in the case of one-photon vision (1PV)...
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Cyclic Behavior of Masonry Shear Walls Retrofitted with Engineered Cementitious Composite and Pseudoelastic Shape Memory Alloy
PublicationThe behavior of masonry shear walls reinforced with pseudoelastic Ni–Ti shape memory alloy (SMA) strips and engineered cementitious composite (ECC) sheets is the main focus of this paper. The walls were subjected to quasi-static cyclic in-plane loads and evaluated by using Abaqus. Eight cases of strengthening of masonry walls were investigated. Three masonry walls were strengthened with different thicknesses of ECC sheets using...
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Application of Shape Memory Alloys in Retrofitting of Masonry and Heritage Structures Based on Their Vulnerability Revealed in the Bam 2003 Earthquake
PublicationFor decades, one of the most critical considerations of civil engineers has been the construction of structures that can sufficiently resist earthquakes. However, in many parts of the globe, ancient and contemporary buildings were constructed without regard for engineering; thus, there is a rising necessity to adapt existing structures to avoid accidents and preserve historical artefacts. There are various techniques for retrofitting...
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Selected elements of the methodology and method of designing amphibious flood rescue vehicles
PublicationThe methodology of designing amphibious flood rescue vehicles at the preliminary stage of the design process has been presented. The study has been focused on the properties of such vehicles when afloat, with their on-land behaviour and performance characteristics having been left aside. In the study, a general assumption has been made that the amphibious flood rescue vehicles should be designed as, above all, watercraft that additionally...
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A Geometrically Simple Compact Wideband Circularly Polarized Antenna
PublicationA compact broadband wide-slot circular polarization (CP) antenna is proposed. An inverted L-shape parasitic strip at the open end of a microstrip line extension and a slot modification is applied to attain wideband CP. The advantage of this technique is simplicity which makes it readily re-designable for different frequency bands. To demonstrate the concept, three designs working at different frequencies are obtained. The redesign...
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Spectacular Oxygen Evolution Reaction Enhancement Through Laser Processing of the Nickel-Decorated Titania Nanotubes
PublicationThe selective, laser-induced modification of the nickel-decorated titania nanotubes provides remarkable enhancement toward oxygen evolution reaction. Particularly, the irradiation of the laterally spaced crystalline TiO2 nanotubes, results in the formation of the tight closure over irradiated end, preserving their hollow interior. The shape of the absorbance spectra is modulated along with applied energy, and the new absorption...
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Non-destructive Testing of Wooden Elements
PublicationExamining the condition of wooden elements is crucial from the perspective of proper structure performance. If the deterioration in the internal wood condition, which displays no symptoms visible from the outside, is detected, the further spread of the deterioration can be prevented. Test results often point to the necessity of conducting repairs and, renovations, replacing the structure of wooden beams, or even substituting a...
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Non-Linear Analysis of Structures Utilizing Load-Discretization of Stiffness Matrix Method with Coordinate Update
PublicationThis paper proposes a stiffness method based structural analysis algorithm for geometrically non-linear structures. In this study, the applied load on the joints has been discretized to a sequence of a few loadings applied. Each loading step produces incremental external nodal displacements, which are added to the corresponding coordinates to get a new geometrical shape of the structure. This process is iteratively repeated until...
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Utilization of the zero unitarization method for the building of a ranking for diagnostic marine engine parameters
PublicationChanging some of the parameters of the engine structure affects the emission of harmful components in the exhaust gases This primarily concerns damage in the cargo exchange system as well as in the fuel system and engine boost system. Changes in emissions of harmful compounds are often ambiguous, depending largely on the parameters that shape the combustion process. An additional problem is that often simple but undesired interactions...
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Correlation–polarization effects in electron/positron scattering from acetylene: A comparison of computational models
PublicationDifferent computational methods are employed to evaluate elastic (rotationally summed) integral and differential cross sections for low energy (below about 10 eV) positron scattering off gas-phase C2H2 molecules. The computations are carried out at the static and static-plus-polarization levels for describing the interaction forces and the correlation–polarization contributions are found to be an essential component for the correct...
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Reactive extrusion of bio-based polymer blends and composites – Current trends and future developments
PublicationReactive extrusion is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method to produce new materials with enhanced performance properties. At present, reactive extrusion allows in-situ polymerization, modification/functionalization of polymers or chemical bonding of two (or more) immiscible phases, which can be carried out on commonly used extrusion lines. Although reactive extrusion has been known for many years, its application...
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Mechanical and fracture properties of concrete reinforced with recycled and industrial steel fibers using Digital Image Correlation technique and X-ray micro computed tomography
PublicationPaper presents investigation of fracture phenomenon in plain concrete and in concrete reinforced with both recycled steel fibers (RSF) and industrial steel fibers (ISF). The wedge splitting test (WST), which enables stable crack propagation for quasi-brittle materials, was carried out on 75 75 75 mm cube samples. Initially, fracture process zone development was investigated only on the surface of samples using Digital Image Correlation...
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Normalization of face illumination using basic knowledge and information extracted from a single image
PublicationThis paper presents a method for face image normalization that can be applied to the extraction of illumination invariant facial features or used to remove bad lighting effects and produce high-quality, photorealistic results. Most of the existing approaches concentrate on separating the constant albedo from the variable light intensity; that concept, however, is based on the Lambertian model, which fails in the presence of specularities...
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BASICS OF THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMATIONS OF PRODUCTION PLANNING AND CONTROL PROCESSES
PublicationIntensive development of technologies, in particular of the spinotronics, nanotechnology, robotics, and ICT, shapes the new generation production systems. Their distinctive feature is the flexi-bility associated with production intelligence. It is required from all processes, including the production planning and control processes (PPCP). The article is of conceptual character. It was prepared based on literature research. It encompasses...
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Spectacular Oxygen Evolution Reaction Enhancement through Laser Processing of the Nickel‐Decorated Titania Nanotubes
PublicationThe selective, laser‐induced modification of the nickel‐decorated titania nanotubes provides remarkable enhancement toward oxygen evolution reaction. Particularly, the irradiation of the laterally spaced crystalline TiO2 nanotubes, results in the formation of the tight closure over irradiated end, preserving their hollow interior. The shape of the absorbance spectra is modulated along with applied energy, and the new absorption...
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WORK MOTIVATION PROFILES AND WORK PERFORMANCE IN A GROUP OF CORPORATE EMPLOYEES: A TWO-STEP CLUSTER ANALYSIS
PublicationFew studies have applied a person-centered approach to work motivation using cluster or profile analyses. Thus, little is known about which configurations of work motivations characterize professionals. The aim of this study is to establish the structure of work motivation profiles under the framework of self-determination theory and to examine the relationship between work motivation and subjective work performance. The study...
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Chip suction system in circular sawing machine: empirical research and computational fluid dynamics numerical simulations
PublicationThe experimental analysis of the wood chip removing system during its redesigning in the existing sliding table circular saw and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) numerical simulations of the air flow process is presented in the paper. The attention was focused on the extraction hood and the bottom shelter of the actual existing system. The main aim was to perform experimental research on the pressure distribution inside the...
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Persistent homology as a new method of the assessment of heart rate variability
PublicationHeart rate variability (hrv) is a physiological phenomenon of the variation in the length of the time interval between consecutive heartbeats. In many cases it could be an indicator of the development of pathological states. The classical approach to the analysis of hrv includes time domain methods and frequency domain methods. However, attempts are still being made to define new and more effective hrv assessment tools. Persistent...
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Novel Vision Monitoring Method Based on Multi Light Points for Space-Time Analysis of Overhead Contact Line Displacements
PublicationThe article presents an innovative vision monitoring method of overhead contact line (OCL) displacement, which utilizes a set of LED light points installed along it. A light point is an, LED fed from a battery. Displacements of the LED points, recorded by a camera, are interpreted as a change of OCL shape in time and space. The vision system comprises a camera, properly situated with respect to the OCL, which is capable of capturing...
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Tuning of eg electron occupancy of MnCo2O4 spinel for oxygen evolution reaction by partial substitution of Co by Fe at octahedral sites
PublicationTo study the effect of partial Co substitution by Fe in the B site of MnCo2O4 spinel on its physicochemical and electrochemical properties, a series of MnCo2-xFexO4 powders (x=0.125; 0.250; 0.500; 0.750; 1.000) were synthesized by means of the sol-gel method. The produced powders were characterized by powder X ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy...
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Novel Complementary Multiple Concentric Split Ring Resonator for Reliable Characterization of Dielectric Substrates with High Sensitivity
PublicationAccurate characterization of dielectric substrates with high sensitivity remains an important challenge in a variety of industrial applications. This paper proposes an innovative strategy to address this challenge by developing and optimizing a unique Complementary Multiple Concentric Split Ring Resonator (CMC-SRR). The major goal is to propose a sensor design with increased sensitivity and reliability for dielectric characterization....
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Heat transfer enhancement of modular thermal energy storage unit for reversible heat pump cooperation
PublicationThe following article presents experimental comparison research on a hexagonal shelland-tube latent thermal energy storage (TES). Such shape of a shell was deliberately chosen instead of a cylindrical one due to its high modularity and with intent for future applications in automobiles (EV and PHEV) air conditioning systems (HVAC). Two geometries of helical coils, acting as tubes, were studied in this article. One was a simple...
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Introducing a Computational Method to Retrofit Damaged Buildings under Seismic Mainshock-Aftershock Sequence
PublicationRetrofitting damaged buildings is a challenge for engineers, since commercial software does not have the ability to consider the local damages and deformed shape of a building resulting from the mainshock record of an earthquake before applying the aftershock record. In this research, a computational method for retrofitting of damaged buildings under seismic mainshock-aftershock sequences is proposed, and proposed computational...
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Improvements and Spatial Dependencies in Energy Transition Measures
PublicationThis article aims to improve one of the newest energy transition measures—the WorldEconomic Forum WEF Energy Transition Index (ETI) and find its driving forces. This paper proposesa new approach to correct the ETI structure, i.e., sensitivity analysis, which allows assessing theaccuracy of variable weights. Moreover, the novelty of the paper is the use the spatial error modelsto estimate determinants of the energy transition on...
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Computer support of analysis optical spectra measurements
PublicationVerification of measurement errors has a big impact on assessment of accuracy of conducted measurements and obtained results. In many cases computer simulation results are compared with measurement results in order to evaluate measurement errors. The purpose of our research was to check the accuracy of measurements made with Fabry-Perot interferometer working in the transmission mode. In measurement setup, a 1310 nm superluminescent...
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Computer Support of Analysis of Optical Spectra Measurements
PublicationThe verification of measurement errors has a big impact on the assessment of the accuracy of conducted measurements and obtained results. In many cases, computer simulation results are compared with measurement results in order to evaluate measurement errors. The purpose of our research was to check the accuracy of measurements made with a Fabry–Perot interferometer working in the transmission mode. In the measurement setup, a...
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Joint experimental and theoretical study on low-energy elastic electron scattering by gaseous alkynes: Differential cross sections, shape resonances, and methylation effects
PublicationA detailed comparison of experimental and theoretical elastic cross sections for low-energy electron scattering by ethyne, taken earlier in our group by Gauf et al. [Phys. Rev. A 87, 012710 (2013)], and some of its methylated derivatives, propyne, and the isomers 1-butyne and 2-butyne, taken here, are presented. The present differential cross sections were measured at incident electron energies ranging from 1 eV to 30 eV and...
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A new anisotropic bending model for nonlinear shells: Comparison with existing models and isogeometric finite element implementation
PublicationA new nonlinear hyperelastic bending model for shells formulated directly in surface form is presented, and compared to four existing prominent bending models. Through an essential set of elementary nonlinear bending test cases, the membrane and bending stresses of each model are examined analytically. Only the proposed bending model passes all the test cases, while the other bending models either fail or only pass the test cases for...
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Italy, an Extraordinary Commonplace? Stereotypes and Imaginaries of Italianness in Online Communication by Fashion Brands
PublicationThe paper explores the use of country-related stereotypes associated with Italian identity in the social media communication of 21 Italian fashion brands on Instagram. Focusing on the concept of “made in Italy”, the research employs image content analysis to identify how the selected sample of brands communicates Italian identity globally. The theoretical framework emphasizes the importance of the Country of Origin (COO) concept,...
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Flow boiling intensification in minichannels by means of mechanical flow turbulising inserts
PublicationThe work presents the results of experimental investigation on heat transfer in minichannels. Refrigerant R123 was used as a test fluid. Single vertical silver tubes of 380 mm length and 2.3 mm diameter were examined with two variants of turbulising inserts. A wide range of parameters was considered, namely mass flux G=534-3011 kg/(m2s), heat flux qw=28.5-68.4 kW/m2, saturation temperature Tsat=23-86 stC and the full range of vapour...
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Wavelet transform-based approach to defect identification in railway carbon contact strips.
PublicationPantographs of electric rail vehicles are fitted with carbon contact strips, which slide along the contact wire of catenary to provide constant electrical contact. Contact strips are exposed to wear and damages. Using damaged contact strips significantly increases the risk of catenary rupture. Therefore, their technical condition has to be inspected frequently. In previous work a 3D laser scanning system was proposed for recording...
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SFEM Analysis of Beams with Scaled Lengths including Spatially Varying and Cross-Correlated Concrete Properties
PublicationThis paper presents the results obtained for plain concrete beams under four-point bending with spatially varying material properties. Beams of increasing length but constant depth were analyzed using the stochastic finite element method. Spatial fluctuation of a uniaxial tensile strength, fracture energy and elastic modulus was defined within cross-correlated random fields. The symmetrical Gauss probability distribution function...
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Evolution of Ag nanostructures created from thin films: UV–vis absorption and its theoretical predictions
PublicationAg-based plasmonic nanostructures were manufactured by thermal annealing of thin metallic films. Structure and morphology were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). SEM images show that the formation of nanostructures is influenced by the initial layer thickness as well as the...
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A study on diagnosing both isotropic and orthotropic, intentionally damaged laminates
PublicationBeing the most detrimental mode in laminated structures, delamination initially degrades local structural strength, and lastly causes global structural failure, thus necessitating delamination identification at its incipient stages. For identification purposes, a comprehensive numerical and experimental study on delamination within both the laminated isotropic acrylic-glass and orthotropic epoxyglass plates is presented. As the...
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A universal NDT method for examination of low energy impact damage in CFRP with the use of TLC film
PublicationThe article presents an attempt to use a sheet of laminated thermochromic liquid crystal film (TLC film) for non-destructive testing of the impact damage (energy values: 1J, 2J, 3J and 4J) in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). This is a new, alternative NDT approach based on the thermo-optical effect. The main advantages of this method are a) the low cost of TLC film, b) the low cost of recording devices due to the usage of...
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Influence of silver-core gold-shell nanoparticle parameters on the variation of surface-enhanced Raman spectra
PublicationThe detection of molecules by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is dependent on the nanomaterial used to induce the enhancement effect. This depends on a variety of parameters of the substrate such as the metal used for their creation, their shape, size and size distribution, concentration, as well as the parameters of the solution, such as packing of the nanoparticles, the complexity of the sample, the solvent, etc. It...
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Specialist Pavilion Hospitals Of West Prussia In The 19th Century – Evolution Of The Idea
PublicationThe size and shape of the largest pavilion hospitals established in West Prussia in the 19th century changed along with the advancing technical and medical knowledge, the progress of ideas regarding modern society, architectural patterns, and the needs for which the hospitals were built. Apart from the medical treatment section, there were administrative, social and technical facilities, all constituting parts of the complex. The...
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Innovative mobile method to determine railway track axis position in global coordinate system using position measurements performed with GNSS and fixed base of the measuring vehicle
PublicationThe shape of the railway track axis and its position in the global coordinate system are essential when defining design parameters of the railway. Correct reconstruction of these quantities is vital for both verifying the compliance of real track parameters with the design and for diagnosing, as all track deformations can also be defined as deviations of real parameters from their design values. The measurements of quantities related...
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Deformation of an elastic second gradient spherical body under equatorial line density of dead forces
PublicationWe consider deformations of an elastic body having initially a spherical shape. Assumed deformation energy depends on the first and second gradient of displacements. We apply an equatorial line density of dead loads, that are forces per unit line length directed in radial direction and applied along the equator of the sphere. We restrict ourselves our analysis to the case of linearized second strain gradient isotropic elasticity...
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Research of chitosan coatings deposited by electrophoretic deposition method at various voltage and time parameters
PublicationThe aim of this research is to estimate the electrophoretic deposition main parameters, such as voltage and time duration, that will provide optimal characteristics of the surface layer. Chitosan coatings were synthesized on biomedical Ti13Zr13Nb alloys at 20 V and 30 V and with deposit times of 2min, 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min. Evaluation of the coating was performed by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive...
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A Series-Inclined-Slot-Fed Circularly Polarized Antenna for 5G 28-GHz Applications
PublicationThis letter presents the design of a single-point-fed, geometrically simple circularly polarized (CP) antenna for 28 GHz Ka-band applications. The proposed antenna is based on a straight microstrip line printed on one side and coupled with the nearly square patches through a 45-degree inclined V-shape slot aperture on the other side. In order to generate circular polarization, the fundamental radiating mode is degenerated at a...
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Morphology Regulation Mechanism and Enhancement of Photocatalytic Performance of BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) via Mannitol-Assisted Synthesis
PublicationBiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts with dominant (110) facets were synthesized via a mannitol-assisted solvothermal method. This is the first report on the exposed (110) facets-, size-, and defects-controlled synthesis of BiOX achieved by solvothermal synthesis with mannitol. This polyol alcohol acted simultaneously as a solvent, capping agent, and/or soft template. The mannitol concentration on the new photocatalysts morphology...
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Deformable model of a butterfly in motion on the example of Attacus atlas
PublicationInsect wings can undergo significant chordwise (camber) as well as spanwise (twist) deformation during flapping flight but the effect of these deformations is not well understood. The shape and size of butterfly wings leads to particularly large wing deformations, making them an ideal test case for investigation of these effects. High-speed videogrammetry was used to capture the wing kinematics and deformations. The movements of...
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Politics and urban artifacts in cities: what are they and how are they interconected?
PublicationThis research, analyses the effect of politics on a city and its image, via their control over the formation or changes on urban artifacts. It analyses the concepts introduced in Aldo Rossi’s architectural monograph, The Architecture of the City, in the chapter titled ‘Politics as Choice’, and his idea that a city’s image is a reflection of its political institutions and the choices people in authority make. Monuments and architecture...
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Ferromagnetism in Pr-rich binary Pr7Ru3 intermetallic compound
PublicationWe present the synthesis and experimental characterization of the binary intermetallic compound Pr7Ru3. The polycrystalline sample was prepared by arc melting pure Pr and Ru, followed by homogenization at 500 °C and 600 °C for 48 and 89 h, respectively. Powder x-ray diffraction confirms that Pr7Ru3 crystallizes in an orthorhombic crystal structure (Pnma, space group no. 62) with the lattice parameters: a = 7.3606(7) Å, b = 23.120(1)...
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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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Shape Memory Alloy-Based Fluidically Reconfigurable Metasurfaced Beam Steering Antenna
PublicationA 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...