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Search results for: IMPROVED DIALOGUE INTELLIGIBILITY
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Nanotubular Oxide Layer Formed on Helix Surfaces of Dental Screw Implants
PublicationSurface modification is used to extend the life of implants. To increase the corrosion resistance and improve the biocompatibility of metal implant materials, oxidation of the Ti-13Nb- 13Zr titanium alloy was used. The samples used for the research had the shape of a helix with a metric thread, with their geometry imitating a dental implant. The oxide layer was produced by a standard electrochemical method in an environment of...
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Secure Quaternion Feistel Cipher for DICOM Images
PublicationAn improved and extended version of a quaternion-based lossless encryption technique for digital image and communication on medicine (DICOM) images is proposed. We highlight and address several security flaws present in the previous version of the algorithm originally proposed by Dzwonkowski et al. (2015). The newly proposed secure quater- nion Feistel cipher (S-QFC) algorithm...
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Verification of selected calculation methods regarding shear strength in beams without web reinforcement
PublicationThe purpose of the article was to compare selected calculation methods regarding shear strength in reinforced concrete beams without web reinforcement. Several calculation methods were tested. This included codes: PN-EN 1992-1-1:2008, ACI 318-14 and fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010. The analysis also consists of authorial methods published in technical literature. Calculations of shear strengths were made based on experimental...
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Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Technique based on Incremental Conductance (INCON) control algorithm
PublicationMaximum output power status can significantly improve the deployment rate of solar energy system. In order to get the maximum power output, issue of tracking maximum power point (MPP), reduced harmonics around MPP and improve efficiency of the solar power energy system, this paper presents the improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control...
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Implementing a CSR Strategy in a Small Enterprise - a Case Study
PublicationAs a result of employees’ meetings conducted according to Kaizen workshops formula and seeking new development directions for the company (including CSR actions) various product and service innovations have been implemented. Also a market niche has been discovered, and as a consequence the company gained another profitable aspect of the business activity. The atmosphere and contribution in performing tasks have improved among...
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Progress in targeting tumor cells by using drug-magnetic nanoparticles conjugate.
PublicationTo limit the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs against healthy cells, an appropriate carrier should be synthesized to deliver the drug to the tumor tissue only. A good solution is to anchor a magnetic nanoparticle to the molecule of the drug and to use a properly directed external magnetic field. We have shown that the improved by us synthesis of the conjugate of doxorubicin with iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles allows a substantial...
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Diagnostics of induction motor bearings - possibility of measurements
PublicationIn induction motors damage in the elements of electromagnetic system, for example in the wiring of stator, rotor or in the magnetic circuit can appear as well as damage of mechanical parts (bearings, rotor, shaft). Bearing diagnostics is so important in supervision of motor condition, because extensive research shows that the bearings arethe elements most susceptible to damage. This paper presents the research which the author...
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Recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as Construction Material in Civil Engineering: A Review
PublicationIn general, the quantity of plastics of all types consumed annually all over the world has been growing in a phenomenal way. The manufacturing processes, service industries and municipal solid wastes (MSW) generate numerous waste plastic materials. The increasing awareness about the environment has tremendously contributed to the concerns related with disposal of the generated wastes. It is believed that the management of solid...
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Pipeline System for Heat Transportation from Nuclear Power Plant – an Optimizing Approach
PublicationOver the last few years heat piping insulation technology and pump systems efficiency have been significantly improved. Reduced thermal losses encourage heat transportation over long distances. It provides an opportunity for increasing thermodynamic efficiency of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) that are often located in rural areas because of safety issues. It can be achieved by Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation, as heat produced...
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l-ascorbic acid modified poly(ester urethane)s as a suitable candidates for soft tissue engineering applications
PublicationIn this paper we created novel poly(ester urethane)s (PESUs) designed specifically for tissue engineering. The PESUs were derived from oligomeric α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) (dHEBA), 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and aliphatic 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and modified with l-ascorbic acid to improve their biocompatibility. In addition, we determined their mechanical properties (such as tensile strength, elongation at...
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The contactless method of chip-to-chip high-speed data transmission monitoring
PublicationThis paper presents a technique of decoupling differential signals transmitted in a pair of microstrip lines on a printed circuit board (PCB), using dedicated coupler for high speed data transmission monitoring in chip-to-chip interconnections. The coupler used for signal probing is overlayed on the pair of microstrip lines under test, and provides a signal to the next blocks of the measurement system without disturbing transmission...
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Local-Global Space Mapping for Rapid EM-Driven Design of Compact RF Structures
PublicationIn this work, we introduce a robust and efficient technique for rapid design of compact RF circuits. Our approach exploits two-level space mapping (SM) correction of an equivalent circuit model of the structure under design. The first SM layer (local correction) is utilized to ensure good matching between the equivalent circuit and the electromagnetic model at the component level. On the other hand, the global correction allows...
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Time Delay Estimation in Two-Phase Flow Investigation Using the γ-Ray Attenuation Technique.
PublicationTime delay estimation is an important research question having many applications in a range of technologies. Measurement of a two-phase flow in a pipeline or an open channel using radioisotopes is an example of such application. For instance, the determination of velocity of dispersed phase in that case is based on estimation of the time delay between two stochastic signals provided by scintillation probes. The proper analysis...
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Modeling two phase flow in large scale fractured porous media with an extended multiple interacting continua method
PublicationWe present a two phase flow conceptual model, the corresponding simulator (2pMINC) and a workflow for large-scale fractured reservoirs, based on a continuum fracture approach which uses the multiple interacting continua (MINC) method complemented with an improved upscaling technique. The complex transient behavior of the flow processes in fractured porous media is captured by subgridding the coarse blocks in nested volume elements...
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THE FUNCTION OF GREENERY IN A SKYSCRAPER: THE PLACEMENT AND ITS INFLUENCE
PublicationThe contrast between the high rise buildings; with their mostly geometric shapes, and the organic form of the greenery was visible even in the idea of a skyscraper. Yet the realizations and recent projects show emerging interest and the link between them. To better understand the developing function of the greenery in the context of a skyscraper, both literature and case studies are conducted. The aim is to relate the location...
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Graphene Oxide as Mine of Knowledge: Using Graphene Oxide To Teach Undergraduate Students Core Chemistry and Nanotechnology Concepts
PublicationThe aim of this laboratory experiment is to utilize graphene oxide (GO) material to introduce under-graduate students to many well-known concepts of general chemistry. GO is a new nanomaterial that has generated worldwide interest and can be easily produced in every well-equipped undergraduate chemical laboratory. An in-depth examination of GO synthesis, as well as a study of its structure and properties, allows students to familiarize...
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Searching for road deformations using mobile laser scanning
PublicationMillions of people use roads every day all over the world. Roads, like many other structures, have an estimated durability. In Poland a lot of the roads were built at the turn of the 20th and 21st c., especially for light cars. Many of these roads carry traffic and heavy goods vehicles which were not predicted when the traffic was first estimated. It creates a lot of problems with technical conditions and the infrastructure must...
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A framework for risk matrix design: A case of MASS navigation risk
PublicationRisk matrix, a tool for visualizing risk assessment results, is essential to facilitate the risk communication and risk management in risk-based decision-making processes related to new and unexplored socio-technical systems. The use of an appropriate risk matrix is discussed in the literature, but it is overlooked for emerging technologies such as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). In this study, a comprehensive framework...
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On the size of identifying codes in triangle-free graphs
PublicationIn an undirected graph G, a subset C⊆V(G) such that C is a dominating set of G, and each vertex in V(G) is dominated by a distinct subset of vertices from C, is called an identifying code of G. The concept of identifying codes was introduced by Karpovsky, Chakrabarty and Levitin in 1998. For a given identifiable graph G, let gammaID(G) be the minimum cardinality of an identifying code in G. In this paper, we show that for any connected...
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Implementation of FDTD-compatible Green's function on heterogeneous CPU-GPU parallel processing system
PublicationThis paper presents an implementation of the FDTD-compatible Green's function on a heterogeneous parallel processing system. The developed implementation simultaneously utilizes computational power of the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU) to the computational tasks best suited to each architecture. Recently, closed-form expression for this discrete Green's function (DGF) was derived, which facilitates...
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Principles of target DNA cleavage and the role of Mg2+ in the catalysis of CRISPR–Cas9
PublicationAt the core of the CRISPR–Cas9 genome-editing technology, the endonuclease Cas9 introduces site-specific breaks in DNA. However, precise mechanistic information to ameliorate Cas9 function is still missing. Here, multimicrosecond molecular dynamics, free energy and multiscale simulations are combined with solution NMR and DNA cleavage experiments to resolve the catalytic mechanism of target DNA cleavage. We show that the conformation...
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Mechanochemically synthesized Mn3O4@β-cyclodextrin mediates efficient electron transfer process for peroxymonosulfate activation
PublicationThe rational surface engineering of heterogeneous catalysts is of great significance in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for eliminating refractory contaminants but remains challenging. In this study, β-cyclodextrin modified Mn3O4 (Mn3O4@β-CD) was prepared through a mechanochemical approach for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, which achieved efficient bisphenol A (BPA) removal via electron transfer process (ETP). The reactive...
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Pressure-induced flow processing behind the superior mechanical properties and heat-resistance performance of poly(butylene succinate)
PublicationWe propose a pressure-induced flow (PIF) processing method for the simultaneous enhancement of strength, toughness, and heat resistance of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The pressure and temperature were systematically adjusted to optimize the tensile strength of PBS. Under the optimized processing conditions, the structured PBS was characterized by relatively high strength of 89.5 MPa, toughness of 21.4 kJ·m−2 ,...
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A Pilot Study on Machining Difficult-to-Cut Materials with the Use of Tools Fabricated by SLS Technology
PublicationThe growing use of contemporary materials in various industrial sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, as well as the oil and gas industry, requires appropriate machining methods and tools. Currently, apart from the necessity to obtain high-dimensional and shape accuracy, the efficiency and economic aspects of the selected manufacturing process are equally important, especially when difficult-to-cut materials, such as hard and...
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Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) modified cellulose acetate NF membranes for potential water treatment application
PublicationIn this study, cellulose acetate (CA)-based nanofiltration membranes, modified with zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles, were prepared with various ZIF-8 contents (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%), to obtain membranes with improved flux and filtration performance by combining advantages of CA polymer and ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks. Removal efficiency studies were carried out with bovine serum albumin and two different...
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Voltage Control of a Stand-Alone Multiphase Doubly Fed Induction Generator
PublicationThis article presents a multiphase doubly fed induction generator (MDFIG) with a dedicated and unique control algorithm in a stand-alone wind energy conversion system. The algorithm has been developed and elaborated in the case of different emergency modes. Compared with the traditional double-fed induction generator, the MDFIG has increased reliability, reduced current level per phase, and low rotor harmonic currents. The control...
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A Low-Profile 3-D Printable Metastructure for Performance Improvement of Aperture Antennas
PublicationIn order to increase the radiation performance of aperture-type antennas, this paper demonstrates a low-profile, planar, single-layer, three-dimensional (3-D) printable metastructure. The proposed hybridized metastructure is highly transparent as it is made out of novel hybrid meta-atoms having transmission coefficient magnitudes greater than -0.72 dB and fully complies with the near-field phase transformation principle. The hybridized...
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Comparison of heat transfer from single- and double-sided heated horizontal plate under free convection in air with constant heat flux condition
PublicationThis paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical study of convective heat transfer from a newly designed double-sided heated horizontal plate in air. To ensure equal heat transfer from both surfaces, the plate was equipped with two independently supplied electric heaters and resistance thermometers on each side. Minimizing the plate's thickness reduced lateral heat loss and improved measurement accuracy. The study...
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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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Biopolyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin: structure, rheological, physical and thermal properties
PublicationThe present study examined the application of polyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin in the production of rigid polyurethane foam. Lignin was liquefed in crude glycerol and 1,4-butanediol at diferent temperatures (130–170 °C), without a catalyst and using various biomass concentrations (15 and 30 wt%). The physicochemical properties, process yield, and FTIR-based identifcation of the obtained polyols were...
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Structural, functional, and stability change predictions in human telomerase upon specific point mutations,
PublicationOverexpression of telomerase is one of the hallmarks of human cancer. Telomerase is important for maintaining the integrity of the ends of chromosomes, which are called telomeres. A growing number of human disease syndromes are associated with organ failure caused by mutations in telomerase (hTERT or hTR). Mutations in telomerase lead to telomere shortening by decreasing the stability of the telomerase complex, reducing its accumulation,...
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THE EFFECT OF LOG SORTING STRATEGY ON THE FORECASTED LUMBER VALUE AFTER SAWING PINE WOOD
PublicationThe optimal transformation path for the resource is determined by the quality of a log combined with its dimension. The commercial value of derived products is also closely connected with the size and extent of containing wood deficiencies. The results of studies with three diverse strategies for log sorting are presented in the paper. Resource assessment by a worker without extensive experience in sorting logs, the certified grading...
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Antibacterial Activity and Cytocompatibility of Bone Cement Enriched with Antibiotic, Nanosilver, and Nanocopper for Bone Regeneration
PublicationBacterial infections due to bone replacement surgeries require modifications of bone cement with antibacterial components. This study aimed to investigate whether the incorporation of gentamicin or nanometals into bone cement may reduce and to what extent bacterial growth without the loss of overall cytocompatibility and adverse effects in vitro. The bone cement Cemex was used as the base material, modified either with gentamicin...
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Effects of Na+, K+ and B3+ Substitutions on the Electrical Properties of La10Si6O27 Ceramics
PublicationDoping of Na and K at La sites and of B at Si site in La10Si6O27 with oxyapatite structure and fabrication of their ceramics were made by the solid-state reaction method. It was found that partial substitution of Na+ and K+ on La sites decreased the sinterability of the La10Si6O27 based ceramics, whereas partial substitution of B3+ on the Si site improved the sinterability. Na+ and K+ substitutions in La10−xNaxSi6O27−x and La10−xKxSi6O27−x...
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Fabrication of anti-corrosion nitrogen doped graphene oxide coatings by electrophoretic deposition
PublicationThis work assesses anti-corrosion properties of graphene and N-doped graphene coatings deposited on copper by an electrophoretic method. Graphene oxide (GO) precursor was synthesized by an improved Hummers' method, whereas N-doping was performed hydrothermally in the presence of ammonia. After nitrogenation, doped graphene oxide samples (NGO) contained a reduced amount of oxygen and about 9% w/w nitrogen as pyridinic, pyrrole,...
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Multi-transformer primary-side regulated flyback converter for supplying isolated IGBT and MOSFET drivers
PublicationThis paper presents primary-side voltage regulated multi-transformer quasi-resonant flyback converter (MTFC) for supplying isolated power switch drivers. The proposed topology offers distinct advantages over frequently used flyback converter possessing one high frequency transformer with isolated multiple outputs. Particularly, when a large number of separate dc supply units is required, then MTFC enables improved regular distribution...
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Structural Changes and Their Implications in Foamed Flexible Polyurethane Composites Filled with Rapeseed Oil-Treated Ground Tire Rubber
PublicationThe utilization of post-consumer car tires is an essential issue from an ecological andeconomic point of view. One of the simplest and the least harmful methods is their material recyclingresulting in ground tire rubber (GTR), which can be further applied as fillers for polymer-basedcomposites. Nevertheless, insufficient interfacial interactions implicate the necessity of GTR modi-fication before introduction into polymer matrices....
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Submicron inorganic particles as an additional filler in hybrid epoxy matrix composites reinforced with glass fibres
PublicationIn this study, the effect of selected submicron metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium oxide) or non-metal oxide (silicon dioxide) particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy/glass composites was investigated. The applied epoxy resin was a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A cured with triethylenetetramine. As a reinforcement twill weave E-glass fabric was used. Hybrid composites (contained particulate and fibrous...
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Inclusive Communication Model Supporting the Employment Cycle of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
PublicationDifficulties with interpersonal communication experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) significantly contribute to their underrepresentation in the workforce as well as problems experienced while in employment. Consistently, it is vital to understand how communication within the employment cycle of this group can be improved. This study aims to identify and analyze the possibilities of modifying the communication...
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An in-depth look at the tire rubber hardness influence on tire/road noise measurements
PublicationWhen assessing the acoustic quality of a road pavement with the close-proximity (CPX) or the on-board sound intensity (OBSI) method, the rubber hardness of the reference tire substantially affects the measurement. Practical experience shows that measurement tires can get significantly harder within a single measurement season. This is why one would like to normalize measurements to a reference rubber hardness. The recently published...
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Biomolecular influenza virus detection based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using the nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond electrodes with covalently bound antibodies
PublicationNew rapid pathogen detection methods with improved cost-effectiveness and efficiency are currently in the focus of the scientists from all over the world. Based on the experiences from the rapid spread of the influenza virus pandemic in 2009 it is clear that the development of the system for early diagnosis of this infection is essential. The crucial stage of the treatment is the detection of the viral infection during its initial...
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Impedance evaluation of coatings from biobased material
PublicationThe authors propose a modification of sodium caseinate edible coating for foodstuff protection. The aim was to improve the film’s barrier properties. It was achieved by the addition of propolis, which is a natural, environmentally friendly product known from its intrinsic sealing action. In the next step, propolis-admixed sodium caseinate films were exposed to elevated temperature for 10 min. This approach was meant to improve...
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Development of a compact microstrip resonant cell aimed at efficient microwave component size reduction
PublicationA comprehensive comparison of a wide collection of compact microstrip resonant cells (CMRCs) found in the extensive body of literature has been presented. The evaluation of different CMRC designs has led to the selection of the most promising CMRC geometry for the efficient miniaturisation of modern microwave components. In order to showcase the vital effectiveness of the approach, the initially selected CMRC has been notably...
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Improving depth maps of plants by using a set of five cameras
PublicationObtaining high-quality depth maps and disparity maps with the use of a stereo camera is a challenging task for some kinds of objects. The quality of these maps can be improved by taking advantage of a larger number of cameras. The research on the usage of a set of five cameras to obtain disparity maps is presented. The set consists of a central camera and four side cameras. An algorithm for making disparity maps called multiple...
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Interfacial adhesion evaluation in (low-density polyethylene)/elastomer blends
PublicationLow-density polyethylene (LDPE) with different elastomers at a ratio of 50/50 wt% blends was prepared by using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Three kinds of elastomers were used: ground tire rubber (GTR), partially crosslinked butyl rubber (KalarVR ), and styrenebutadiene- rubber block copolymer (SBS; KratonVR ). For better characterization of interaction between polyethylene and elastomer, influence of the type of elastomer on...
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Preparation and characterization of Pt–N/TiO2 photocatalysts and their efficiency in degradation of recalcitrant chemicals
PublicationSeries of Pt–N/TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The photocatalysts’ characteristics by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that sample with the molar ratio Ti:N equal 1:4 and platinum nanoparticles size of about 3 nm had anatase structure, about 94 m2/g specific surface area...
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Rapid Microwave Design Optimization in Frequency Domain Using Adaptive Response Scaling
PublicationIn this paper, a novel methodology for cost-efficient microwave design optimization in the frequency domain is proposed. Our technique, referred to as adaptive response scaling (ARS), has been developed for constructing a fast replacement model (surrogate) of the high-fidelity electromagnetic-simulated model of the microwave structure under design using its equivalent circuit (low-fidelity model). The basic principle of ARS is...
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Multi-criteria Robot Selection Problem for an Automated Single-Sided Lapping System
PublicationFlat lapping is a crucial process in a number of precision manufacturing technologies. Its aim is to achieve extremely high flatness of the workpiece. Single-sided lapping machines have usually standard kinematic systems and are used in conjunction with conditioning rings, which are set properly be-tween the center and the periphery of the lapping plate. In this paper, instead of conventional single-side lapping machine, an automated...
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Experimental Study on Effectiveness of a Prototype Seismic Isolation System Made of Polymeric Bearings
PublicationSeismic isolation is identified as one of the most popular and effective methods of protecting structures under strong dynamic excitations. Base isolators, such as Lead Rubber Bearings, High Damping Rubber Bearings, and Friction Pendulum Bearings, are widely used in practice in many earthquake-prone regions of the world to mitigate structural vibrations, and therefore minimize loss of life and property damage during seismic events....
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Measurement of luminance and color uniformity of displays using the large-format scanner
PublicationUniformity of display luminance and color is important for comfort and good perception of the information presented on the display. Although display technology has developed and improved a lot over the past years, different types of displays still present a challenge in selected applications, e.g. in medical use or in case of multi-screen installations. A simplified 9-point method of determining uniformity does not always produce...