Filters
total: 800
filtered: 580
Search results for: SMOOTH PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS
-
Consideration of dynamic loads in the determination of axle load spectra for pavement design
PublicationAxle load spectra constitute a crucial part of the data for pavement design and pavement distress analysis. Typically, axle load spectra represent static load from vehicles and do not include dynamic loads generated by vehicles in motion. While dynamic loads can significantly contribute to faster pavement distress, this fact is mostly omitted in pavement design methods. The paper presents a methodology for consideration of dynamic...
-
Towards a classification of networks with asymmetric inputs
PublicationCoupled cell systems associated with a coupled cell network are determined by (smooth) vector fields that are consistent with the network structure. Here, we follow the formalisms of Stewart et al (2003 SIAM J. Appl. Dyn. Syst. 2, 609–646), Golubitsky et al (2005 SIAM J. Appl. Dyn. Syst. 4, 78–100) and Field (2004 Dyn. Syst. 19, 217–243). It is known that two non-isomorphic n-cell coupled networks can determine the same sets of...
-
Lipopolysaccharides: regulated biosynthesis and structural diversity
PublicationThe cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria contains two distinct membranes, an inner (IM) and an outer (OM) membrane, separated by the periplasm, a hydrophilic compartment that includes a thin layer of peptidoglycan. The most distinguishing feature of such bacteria is the presence of an asymmetric OM with phospholipids located in the inner leaflet and lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) facing the outer leaflet. The maintenance of this...
-
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...
-
Reconstruction of 3D image of corona discharge streamer
PublicationIn this paper, the method of reconstruction of the 3D structure of streamers in DC positive corona discharge in nozzle-to-plate electrode configuration is presented. For reconstructing of 3D image of corona discharge streamer we propose a stereographical method, where streamers are observed from several directions simultaneously. The multi-directional observation enabled to obtain fine positional coordinates of streamers for a...
-
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...
-
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...
-
Radioactivity of drilling cuttings from shale resources of the Lower Paleozoic Baltic Basin, Poland
PublicationFractionated drilling wastes originating from shale gas exploration in the Baltic Basin in Pomerania were subjected to the measurements of mean activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).To better understand rock structure and texture, the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) observation were used. To compare activity concentration of radionuclides in bulk wastes...
-
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,...
-
Model Management for Low-Computational-Budget Simulation-Based Optimization of Antenna Structures Using Nature-Inspired Algorithms
PublicationThe primary objective of this study is investigation of the possibilities of accelerating nature-inspired optimization of antenna structures using multi-fidelity EM simulation models. The primary methodology developed to achieve acceleration is a model management scheme which the level of EM simulation fidelity using two criteria: the convergence status of the optimization algorithm, and relative quality of the individual designs...
-
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...
-
Poly-L-Lysine-functionalized fluorescent diamond particles: pH triggered fluorescence enhancement via surface charge modulation
PublicationRecently, the interest in applying fluorescent diamond particles (FDPs) containing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers for enhancing the mechanical and chemical properties of some materials, biological imaging, and sensing has been expanding rapidly. The unique properties of NV centers such as intensive, time-stable fluorescence, and an electron spin, which exhibits long coherence time and may be manipulated using external stimuli, such...
-
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...
-
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...
-
Game theory-based virtual machine migration for energy sustainability in cloud data centers
PublicationAs the demand for cloud computing services increases, optimizing resource allocation and energy consumption has become a key factor in achieving sustainability in cloud environments. This paper presents a novel approach to address these challenges through an optimized virtual machine (VM) migration strategy that employs a game-theoretic approach based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) (PSO-GTA). The proposed approach leverages...
-
Modelling hydraulic and capillary-driven two-phase fluid flow in unsaturated concretes at the meso-scale with a unique coupled DEM-CFD technique
PublicationThe goal of the research was to demonstrate the impact of thin porous interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between aggregates and cement matrix on fluid flow in unsaturated concrete caused by hydraulic/capillary pressure. To demonstrate this impact, a novel coupled approach to simulate the two-phase (water and moist air) flow of hydraulically and capillary-driven fluid in unsaturated concrete was developed. By merging the discrete...
-
A new simple approach to prepare rare-earth metals-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays photoactive under visible light: Surface properties and mechanism investigation
PublicationApplication of Ti90RE10 alloys (RE = Ho, Er, Nd, Y, Ce, Tm) as a working electrode, instead of Ti pure foil in anodic oxidation in a fluoride-based electrolyte, resulted in formation of well-ordered nanotubes made of TiO2 and RE2O3 mixture, which could be efficiently used for pollutant removal from water and air phase upon UV and visible irradiation and easily separable from the reaction mixture to recycle. The as-prepared NTs...
-
The influence of food phytochemicals on cyclic phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) activity
PublicationCyclic phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) belongs to family of cyclic phosphodiesterases, which are expressed predominantly in inflammatory cells, airway smooth muscles, cardiovascular tissues and brain. Inhibitors of this family of enzymes found medicinal applications as antidepressants, antiinflamatory drugs (mainly in airway diseases) or antiasthmatics (Ibudilast). PDE4 inhibitors are also being tested for preventing the development...
-
Structural and dynamic properties of water within the solvation layer around various conformations of the glycine-based polypeptide
PublicationSeveral conformations of the solvated glycine-based polypeptides were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Some properties of water in the neighbouring space around these molecules were investigated. It was found, that water forms a well-defined layer - the first solvation shell - around the peptide molecule, and thickness of this layer is independent of the peptide structure, and it equals to approximately 0.28 nm....
-
Influence of grain shape on the mechanical behaviour of granular materials
PublicationWe performed series of numerical vertical compression tests on assemblies of 2D granular material using a Discrete Element code and studied the results in regard to the grain shape. The samples consist of 5000 grains made either of 3 overlapping discs (clump - grain with concavities) or of six-edged polygons (convex grain). These two types of grains have a similar external envelope, ruled with a geometrical parameter α. In the...
-
Chemical analysis of low carbon content coals and their applications as dye adsorbent
PublicationCoal is primarily a fuel material but lately it has been utilized as an adsorbent for removing toxic metal ions. However, its usage for removing organic pollutants is not well studied. We report here a systematic study on the use of coal samples of varying carbon contents as adsorbents for removing Basic Blue 41 as a model cationic dye. The coal samples were collected from coal mines and were thoroughly characterized. The concentrations...
-
Influence of Cement Replacement with Sewage Sludge Ash (SSA) on the Heat of Hydration of Cement Mortar
PublicationThe amount of fly ash from the incineration of sewage sludge is increasing all over the world, and its utilization is becoming a serious environmental problem. In the study, a type of sewage sludge ash (SSA) collected directly from the municipal sewage treatment plant was used. Five levels of cement replacement (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 20%) and unchanged water-to-binder (w/b) ratio (0.55) were used. The purpose of the study was...
-
Detection of the Incoming Sound Direction Employing MEMS Microphones and the DSP
PublicationA 3D acoustic vector sensor based on MEMS microphones and its application to road traffic monitoring is presented in the paper. The sensor is constructed from three pairs of digital MEMS microphones, mounted on the orthogonal axes. Signals obtained from the microphones are used to compute sound intensity vectors in each direction. With this data, it is possible to compute the horizontal and vertical angle of an incoming sound....
-
Utilization of shale cuttings in production of lightweight aggregates
PublicationThe development of technologies for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration requires designing procedures to manage drilling waste that are consistent with the waste management hierarchy. In view of this, the possibility to apply shale drill cuttings as a prospective additive (replacing bentonite) to fly ash used for the production of lightweight aggregates (LWAs) was investigated. Moreover, a facile, waste-free method of LWAs production...
-
Effect of Thermal Treatment of Birch Wood by Saturated Water Vapor on Granulometric Composition of Chips from Sawing and Milling Processes from the Point of View of Its Processing to Composites
PublicationThe goal of this work is to investigate the impact of thermal modification of birch wood with saturated steam on the particle size distribution of the sawing and milling process. Birch wood (Betula pendula Roth) is an excellent source to produce plywood boards. Wastes from mechanical processing of birch wood are suitable to produce composite materials. Granulometric analyses of chips from sawing processes on the PRW 15M frame saw,...
-
Molecular Dynamics to Predict Cryo-EM: Capturing Transitions and Short-Lived Conformational States of Biomolecules
PublicationSingle-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revolutionized the field of the structural biology, providing an access to the atomic resolution structures of large biomolecular complexes in their near-native environment. Today’s cryo-EM maps can frequently reach the atomic-level resolution, while often containing a range of resolutions, with conformationally variable regions obtained at 6 Å or worse. Low resolution...
-
The Effect of Surface Treatment with Isocyanate and Aromatic Carbodiimide of Thermally Expanded Vermiculite Used as a Functional Filler for Polylactide-Based Composites
PublicationIn this work, thermally expanded vermiculite (TE-VMT) was surface modified and used as a filler for composites with a polylactide (PLA) matrix. Modification of vermiculite was realized by simultaneous ball milling with the presence of two PLA chain extenders, aromatic carbodiimide (KI), and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI). In addition to analyzing the particle size of the filler subjected to processing, the efficiency...
-
The effect of groyne field on trapping macroplastic. Preliminary results from laboratory experiments
PublicationMacroplastic, a precursor of microplastic pollution, has become a new scope of research interest. However, the physical processes of macroplastic transport and deposition in rivers are poorly understood, which makes the decisions of where to locate macroplastic trapping infrastructure difficult. In this research, we conducted a series of experiments in a laboratory channel, exploring the impact of groynes and flexible artificial...
-
Machine-Learning-Based Global Optimization of Microwave Passives with Variable-Fidelity EM Models and Response Features
PublicationMaximizing microwave passive component performance demands precise parameter tuning, particularly as modern circuits grow increasingly intricate. Yet, achieving this often requires a comprehensive approach due to their complex geometries and miniaturized structures. However, the computational burden of optimizing these components via full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations is substantial. EM analysis remains crucial for circuit...
-
Large‐Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Over the European Sector During the Geomagnetic Storm on March 23–24, 2023: Energy Deposition in the Source Regions and the Propagation Characteristics
PublicationMultiple Large-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (LSTIDs) are observed in the European sector in both day-time and night-time during the magnetic storm on March 23–24, 2023. The Total Electron Content (TEC) observation from a network of GNSS receivers shows the propagation of LSTIDs with amplitudes between around 0.5 and 1 TECU originating from auroral and polar cusp regions down to southern Europe (35°N) with velocities...
-
Experimental study and numerical simulation on porosity dependent direct reducibility of high-grade iron oxide pellets in hydrogen
PublicationThe transition to more environmentally friendly steel production methods has intensified research into hydrogen-based direct reduction (HyDR) of iron oxide pellets. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the kinetics of the reduction process, the evolution of porosity and the resulting microstructural changes on the reduction behavior of high-quality pellets during HyDR of iron ore at different temperatures. A modified...
-
Expedited Metaheuristic-Based Antenna Optimization Using EM Model Resolution Management
PublicationDesign of modern antenna systems heavily relies on numerical opti-mization methods. Their primary purpose is performance improvement by tun-ing of geometry and material parameters of the antenna under study. For relia-bility, the process has to be conducted using full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation models, which are associated with sizable computational expendi-tures. The problem is aggravated in the case of global optimization,...
-
Static in vitro digestion model adapted to the general older adult population: an INFOGEST international consensus
PublicationUnderstanding the mechanisms of food digestion is of paramount importance to determine the effect foods have on human health. Significant knowledge on the fate of food during digestion has been generated in healthy adults due to the development of physiologically-relevant in vitro digestion models. However, it appears that the performance of the oro-gastrointestinal tract is affected by ageing and that a model simulating the digestive...
-
Mechanical Properties of Bio-Composites Based on Epoxy Resin and Nanocellulose Fibres
PublicationThe aim of our research was to investigate the effect of a small nanocellulose (NC) addition on an improvement of the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. A procedure of chemical extraction from pressed lignin was used to obtain nanocellulose fibers. The presence of nanoparticles in the cellulose pulp was confirmed by FTIR/ATR spectra as well as measurement of nanocellulose particle size using a Zetasizer analyzer. Epoxy...
-
Processing and structure–property relationships of natural rubber/wheat bran biocomposites
PublicationIn this work, wheat bran was used as cellulosic filler in biocomposites based on natural rubber. The impact of wheat bran content [ranging from 10 to 50 parts per hundred rubber (phr)] on processing, structure, dynamic mechanical properties, thermal properties, physico-mechanical properties and morphology of resulting biocomposites was investigated. For better characterization of interfacial interactions between natural rubber...
-
Comparative analysis of seismic response reduction in multi-storey buildings equipped with base isolation and passive/active friction-tuned mass dampers
PublicationThis study presents an innovative approach to mitigating seismic responses in multi-storey buildings equipped with a base-isolation (BI) system and passive friction-tuned mass dampers (PFTMDs). The key innovation lies in the combined use of a BI system and a PFTMD system, as well as the activation of this mechanical system by controllers. Additionally, the research design optimizes the parameters of these devices specifically for...
-
Antenna Optimization Using Machine Learning with Reduced-Dimensionality Surrogates
PublicationIn modern times, antenna design has become more demanding than ever. The escalating requirements for performance and functionality drive the development of intricately structured antennas, where parameters must be meticulously adjusted to achieve peak performance. Often, global adjustments to geometry are necessary for optimal results. However, direct manipulation of antenna responses evaluated with full-wave electromagnetic (EM)...
-
Optimization-based stacked machine-learning method for seismic probability and risk assessment of reinforced concrete shear walls
PublicationEfficient seismic risk assessment aids decision-makers in formulating citywide risk mitigation plans, providing insights into building performance and retrofitting costs. The complexity of modeling, analysis, and post-processing of the results makes it hard to fast-track the seismic probabilities, and there is a need to optimize the computational time. This research addresses seismic probability and risk assessment of reinforced...
-
Influence of Thermal Imagery Resolution on Accuracy of Deep Learning based Face Recognition
PublicationHuman-system interactions frequently require a retrieval of the key context information about the user and the environment. Image processing techniques have been widely applied in this area, providing details about recognized objects, people and actions. Considering remote diagnostics solutions, e.g. non-contact vital signs estimation and smart home monitoring systems that utilize person’s identity, security is a very important factor....
-
DUAL CONSTELLATION GPS/GALILEO MOBILE SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING NAVIGATION OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN AN URBAN AREA
PublicationIt is well known by users of Portable Navigation Device (PND) and other GPS-based devices that positioning suffers from (local) significant decreases of accuracy in partially obscured environments like urbanized areas, where buildings (especially high buildings), trees or terrain block large portions of the sky. In such areas, GPS receiver performance is usually deteriorated by the reduced number of currently available satellite...
-
DESIGN OF THE DUAL CONSTELLATION GPS/GALILEO MOBILE DEVICE FOR IMPROVING NAVIGATION OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN AN URBAN AREA
PublicationIt is well known by users of Personal Navigation Device (PND) and other GPS-based devices that positioning suffers from (local) significant decreases of accuracy in partially obscured environments like urbanized areas, where buildings (especially high buildings), trees or terrain block large portions of the sky. In such areas, GPS receiver performance is usually deteriorated by the reduced number of currently available satellite...
-
The effect of metal cluster deposition route on structure and photocatalytic activity of mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles supported on TiO2 by radiolytic method
PublicationTiO2 (P25) was modified with small and relatively monodisperse mono- and bimetallic clusters (Ag, Pd, Pt, Ag/Pd, Ag/Pt and Pd/Pt) induced by radiolysis to improve its photocatalytic activity. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), photoluminescence spectrometry (PL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), scanning transition electron microscopy (STEM)...
-
Transport of Particles in Intestinal Mucus under Simulated Infant and Adult Physiological Conditions: Impact of Mucus Structure and Extracellular DNA
PublicationThe final boundary between digested food and the cells that take up nutrients in the small intestine is a protective layer of mucus. In this work, the microstructural organization and permeability of the intestinal mucus have been determined under conditions simulating those of infant and adult human small intestines. As a model, we used the mucus from the proximal (jejunal) small intestines of piglets and adult pigs. Confocal...
-
The impact of filler thermomechanical modifications on static and dynamic mechanical performance of flexible foamed polyurethane/ground tire rubber/zinc borate composites
PublicationThe rapid development of the automotive industry is very beneficial to many aspects of human life, but it is also a very significant environmental burden. The most straightforward impact is related to the generation of exhaust, but the management of post-consumer car parts is also a major challenge. Among them, waste tires are very burdensome due to their enormous numbers. Therefore, it is essential to develop novel, environmentally...
-
Cavitation-based technologies for pretreatment and processing of food wastes: Major applications and mechanisms – A review
PublicationConversion of food wastes to valuable products is an important topic for sustainable development. Feedstock hydrolysis is a stage strongly affecting the anaerobic digestion process, and resistance of food waste towards hydrolysis causes a decrease in product yield. Such as biomethane, biohydrogen, biohythane, VFAs, and lactic acids. Moreover, mass transfer is a serious limitation of transesterification for the production of biodiesel....
-
Addressing challenges of BiVO4 light-harvesting ability through vanadium precursor engineering and sub-nanoclusters deposition for peroxymonosulfate-assisted photocatalytic pharmaceuticals removal
PublicationIn this study, we present a complex approach for increasing light utilisation and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in BiVO4-based photocatalyst. This involves two key considerations: the design of the precursor for BiVO4 synthesis and interface engineering through CuOx sub-nanoclusters deposition. The designed precursor of ammonium methavanadate (NH4VO3, NHV) leads to reduction in particle size, better dispersion and improved light...
-
The influence of phosphorus fractions in bottom sediments on phosphate removal in semi-natural systems as the 3rd stage of biological wastewater treatment
PublicationThe research was carried out in two semi-natural systems (the polishing ponds in Swarzewo and the free water surface constructed wetland in Zarnowiec) in Poland. They were built as the 3rd stage of a conventional mechanical–biological wastewater treatment plant. These systems were built to improve the quality of the effluent of treated wastewater. In the polishing ponds and FWS wetland system, suspended solids, organic matter as...
-
Green energy extraction for sustainable development: A novel MPPT technique for hybrid PV-TEG system
PublicationThe Photovoltaic (PV) module converts only a small portion of irradiance into electrical energy. Most of the solar energy is wasted as heat, resulting in a rise in PV cell temperature and a decrease in solar cell efficiency. One way to harvest this freely available solar thermal energy and improve PV cell efficiency is by integrating PV systems with thermoelectric generators (TEG). This cogeneration approach of the hybrid PV-TEG...
-
Generalized regression neural network and fitness dependent optimization: Application to energy harvesting of centralized TEG systems
PublicationThe thermoelectric generator (TEG) system has attracted extensive attention because of its applications in centralized solar heat utilization and recoverable heat energy. The operating efficiency of the TEG system is highly affected by operating conditions. In a series-parallel structure, due to diverse temperature differences, the TEG modules show non-linear performance. Due to the non-uniform temperature distribution (NUTD) condition,...
-
Structural and Dynamic Properties of Water within the Solvation Layer around Various Conformations of the Glycine-based Polypeptide
PublicationSeveral conformations of the solvated glycine-based polypeptides were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Some properties of water in the neighboring space around these molecules were investigated. It was found that water forms a well-defined layer—the first solvation shell—around the peptide molecule, and thickness of this layer is independent of the peptide structure and is equal to approximately 0.28 nm. Within...