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Search results for: mixed conducting oxides
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MXene-based composites for capacitive deionization – The advantages, progress, and their role in desalination - A review
PublicationMXenes, a novel large family of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides are currently a “hot topic” in science due to their several fascinating physical and chemical properties. It follows from a rich diversity of their elemental compositions and chemical functionalities. MXenes can form composites with many substances, including polymers or metal oxides, which allows to effective “tune” MXene characteristics to...
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Visible light activity of rare earth metal doped (Er3+, Yb3+ or Er3+/Yb3+) titania photocatalysts
PublicationA series of Er3+-TiO2, Yb3+-TiO2 and Er3+/Yb3+-TiO2 photocatalysts were obtained via sol-gel method, using rare earth metal (RE) precursor ranging from 0.25 to 10 mol%. The experiments demonstrated that phenol in aqueous solutions was successfully degraded under visible light (> 450 nm) using RE3+-TiO2. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis...
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Effect of Particle Size of Fly Ash Microspheres (FAMs) on the Selected Properties of Concrete
PublicationThis paper presents the investigations of selected properties of concrete containing two fractions of fly ash microspheres (FAMs) with grain size up to 200 μm and up to 500 μm. Concrete mixtures with ordinary Portland cement and three substitution rates of cement by FAMs, 1.3%, 2.0%, and 2.6%, were investigated. For all concrete mixes, the constant water–binder ratio (w/b) equal to 0.50 was used. The research program included the...
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Methods of Assessment of Metal Contamination in Bottom Sediments (Case Study: Straszyn Lake, Poland)
PublicationThe concentrations of six metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) were investigated in bottom sediments of Straszyn Lake (North Poland). This study was designed to determine a total content of metals and to assess their mobility and bioavailability. The sequential extraction was used to fractionate metals into five fractions: exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to Fe–Mn oxides, bound to organic matter, and residual. The evaluation...
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Origin and fate of nanoparticles in marine water – Preliminary results
PublicationThe number, morphology and elemental composition of nanoparticles (<100 nm) in marine water was investigated using Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy (VP-SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Preliminary research conducted in the Baltic Sea showed that the number of nanoparticles in seawater varied from undetectable to 380 (x102) cm-3. Wind mixing and density barriers (thermocline) had a significant impact...
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Shape Memory Polyurethane Materials Containing Ferromagnetic Iron Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets
PublicationIntelligent materials, such as memory shape polymers, have attracted considerable attention due to wide range of possible applications. Currently, intensive research is underway, in matters of obtaining memory shape materials that can be actuated via inductive methods, for example with help of magnetic field. In this work, an attempt was made to develop a new polymer composite—polyurethane modified with graphene nanoplates and...
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Corrosion process monitoring by AFM higher harmonic imaging
PublicationThe atomic force microscope (AFM) was invented in 1986 as an alternative to the scanning tunnelling microscope, which cannot be used in studies of non-conductive materials. Today the AFM is a powerful, versatile and fundamental tool for visualizing and studying the morphology of material surfaces. Moreover, additional information for some materials can be recovered by analysing the AFM's higher cantilever modes when the cantilever...
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Modeling external carbon addition in combined N-P activated sludge systems with an extension of the IWA Activated Sludge Models
PublicationThe aim of this study was to expand the IWA Activated Sludge Model No. 2d (ASM2d) to account for a newly defined readily biodegradable substrate that can be consumed by polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) under anoxic and aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions. The model change was to add a new substrate component and process terms for its use by PAOs and other heterotrophic bacteria under anoxic and aerobic...
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Modeling external carbon addition in combined N-P activated sludge systems with an extension of the IWA Activated Sludge Models
PublicationThe aim of this study was to expand the IWA Activated Sludge Model No. 2d (ASM2d) to account for a newly defined readily biodegradable substrate that can be consumed by polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) under anoxic and aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions. The model change was to add a new substrate component and process terms for its use by PAOs and other heterotrophic bacteria under anoxic and aerobic...
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Performance-Driven Inverse/Forward Modeling of Antennas in Variable-Thickness Domains
PublicationDesign of contemporary antenna systems is a challenging endeavor. The difficulties are partially rooted in stringent specifications imposed on both electrical and field characteristics, demands concerning various functionalities, but also constraints imposed upon the physical size of the radiators. Furthermore, conducting the design process at the level of full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations, otherwise dictated by reliability,...
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Evaluating the influence of radiative heat flux on convective heat transfer from a vertical plate in air using an improved heating plate
PublicationThis article examines the influence of radiative heat flux on the accuracy of the results of free convective heat transfer in air. In order to carry out these tests, based on the experience gained during the operation of a plate heated on one side, compensated by a reverse heat loss flux counter-heater, a unique double-sided heating sandwich plate was designed and built, consisting of three thin epoxy resin plates reinforced with...
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Analysis of Impulse Responses Measured in Motion in a Towing Tank
PublicationThe growing interest in developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and creating underwater sensor networks (USNs) has led to a need for communication tools in underwater environments. For obvious reasons, wireless means of communication are the most desirable. However, conducting research in real conditions is troublesome and costly. Moreover, as hydroacoustic propagation conditions change very significantly, even during...
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The use of thermal imaging camera to estimate velocity profiles based on temperature distribution in a free convection boundary layer
PublicationThis work describes an attempt to assess whether the temperature field from a thermal imaging camera can be converted into a velocity field with an accuracy sufficient for qualitative conducting or describing the phenomenon, i.e. when the Navier-Stokes, Fourier-Kirchhoff and continuity equations are mutually coupled. The consequence of this link between temperature fields and velocity is the possibility to formulate the hypothesis...
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Analysis of Impulse Responses Measured in Motion in a Towing Tank
PublicationThe growing interest in developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and creating underwater sensor networks (USNs) has led to a need for communication tools in underwater environments. For obvious reasons, wireless means of communication are the most desirable. However, conducting research in real conditions is troublesome and costly. Moreover, as hydroacoustic propagation conditions change very significantly, even during...
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In-situ and ex-situ resistance measurements of polypyrrole film using double-band electrode
PublicationMany in-situ techniques are performed in order to determine the resistance of conducting polymer film. However, the resistance measured in solution can be the combination of polymer resistance and that of other components, such as resistance of supporting electrolyte. Therefore, in this work, the influence of the solution on the resistance of polypyrrole (PPy) film has been studied. PPy film was electrchemically synthesized onto...
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Qualitative characteristics and comparison of volatile fraction of vodkas made from different botanical materials by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and the electronic nose based on the technology of ultra-fast gas chromatography
PublicationBACKGROUND Vodka is a spirit-based beverage made from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin. At present, increasingly more vodka brands have labels that specify the botanical origin of the product. Until now, the techniques for distinguishing between vodkas of different botanical origin have been costly, time-consuming and insufficient for making a distinction between vodka produced from similar raw materials. Therefore, it is...
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Analytical studies on the environmental state of the Svalbard archipelago - critical source of information about anthropogenic global impact
PublicationThe Svalbard archipelago differs from other polar regions due to its specific environmental conditions and geographic location which make the area gather pollution from long-range transport. Due to the recent development in analytical techniques it is possible to determine the concentration of pollutants at the level present there. This paper collates and discusses the information from the literature about: pollutants present in...
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Ionic conductivity behavior by activated hopping conductivity (AHC) of barium aluminoborosilicate glass–ceramic system designed for SOFC sealing
PublicationNon-conducting BaO-B2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 parent glasses designed for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) sealing applications were prepared using the melt-quenching technique. The glass formation region was determined according to phase equilibrium relations and was found to be in the composition range 70BaO-(x)Al2O3-(10−x)B2O3-20SiO2 where 3.0 < x < 6.0 wt%. The conductivity values obtained conductivity ranged from 10−5 to 10−10 S/cm at temperatures...
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Rheological properties, oxidative and thermal stability, and potential application of biopolyols prepared via two-step process from crude glycerol
PublicationIn this work, previously synthesized biopolyols were analyzed in terms of their rheological and thermal properties, very important from the technological point of view. For better evaluation of performed synthesis, the influence of its time and temperature on the properties of biopolyols was determined. In the end, obtained materials were used to prepare rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foams, to evaluate their potential...
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Soft Sensor Application in Identification of the Activated Sludge Bulking Considering the Technological and Economical Aspects of Smart Systems Functioning
PublicationThe paper presented the methodology for the construction of a soft sensor used for activated sludge bulking identification. Devising such solutions fits within the current trends and development of a smart system and infrastructure within smart cities. In order to optimize the selection of the data-mining method depending on the data collected within a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), a number of methods were considered, including:...
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Analysis of Validation and Simplification of Timber-Frame Structure Design Stage with PU-Foam Insulation
PublicationThe transition from experimental studies to the realm of numerical simulations is often necessary for further studies, but very difficult at the same time. This is especially the case for extended seismic analysis and earthquake-resistant design. This paper describes an approach to moving from the experimental testing of an elementary part of a wood-frame building structure to a numerical model, with the use of a commercial engineering...
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Formal Institutions: the Source of Unproductive Entrepreneurship in Poland
PublicationThe purpose of this article is to determine the entrepreneurs' perception of formal institutions in Poland as a source of non-productive behaviours. The research methodology was developed based on many years of the teams' research experience. It involved three stages of research: 1) panel of experts and 2) telephone surveys of 1,612 entrepreneurs in Poland, which were the basis for 3) development of detailed research to be conducted...
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Bibliometric approach to tracking the concept of international competitiveness
PublicationThe main aim of paper is to identify the growth pattern in the international competitiveness literature, its core publications and key research domains on the basis of bibliometric data from the years 1945–2015. Citation data is collected from the ISI Web of Science Website, Scopus and Google Scholar, and analysed using HistCite, Pajek and VOSviewer software. Bibliometric indicators, network citation, key-route path methods and...
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Enhancing environmental literacy through urban technology-based learning. The PULA app case
PublicationThis study addresses the need to enhance environmental literacy, focusing on urban adults through mobile applications, based on the example of PULA app that engages early adopters in gamified pro- environmental activities, offering insights into informal learning. Grounded in 'urban pedagogy,' the study combines semi-structured interviews with 17 application testers and quantitative data analysis, unveiling motivations, user feedback,...
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A hyperelastic model for soils with stress-induced and inherent anisotropy
PublicationIn this paper, modelling of the superposition of stress-induced and inherent anisotropy of soil small strain stiffness is8presented in the framework of hyperelasticity. A simple hyperelastic model, capable of reproducing variable stress-induced9anisotropy of stiffness, is extended by replacement of the stress invariant with mixed stress–microstructure invariant to10introduce constant inherent cross-anisotropic component. A convenient...
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Efficiency of gas mixtures detection by resistive gas sensors
PublicationResistive gas sensors are very popular and are commonly used to detect various gases and their mixtures. Theeir main disadvantage is very limited selectivity. Practical use of gas sensors in environenmental applications requires determination of concentration of a few mixed gases at the same time. We would like to present recent results of gas detection improvement by utilizing a single gas sensor and additional measurements to...
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Preparation and X-ray structures of selected aminium thiosulfates
PublicationVarious types of aminium thiosulfates (1–6), including hydrates and mixed salts, have been obtained by the reaction of ammonium thiosulfate with amines. Tertbutylamine, cyclo-hexylamine and 1,6-diaminohexane gave crystals of (t-BuNH3)2S2O3·H2O (1), (c-C6H11NH3)2S2O3 (3) and {(NH4)2(H3NC6H12NH3)(S2O3)2} (6), respectively, which were investigated by X-ray structural analysis. Extensive hydrogen bonding of the N-H…O and N-H…S type...
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Thermodynamic study of binary mixtures of 2-propanol with ionic liquids, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate and triethylhexylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
PublicationIn this work, densities, speeds of sound, refractive indices and viscosities of three binary mixtures containing the ionic liquids 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate and triethylhexyl-ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, mixed with 2-propanol at wide temperature and composition ranges at atmospheric pressure have been measured. From these...
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POSSIBILITY OF IDENTIFICATION OF TECHNICAL CONDITION OF BEARINGS FOR SELF-IGNITION ENGINES BY APPLICATION OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION AS A DIAGNOSTIC SIGNAL
PublicationThis paper presents the results of empirical studies where the acoustic emission (AE) method was applied to identify the technical condition of sliding surfaces of main and crank bearings for main diesel engines. The test results indicate that the measurements of the AE parameters allow the technical condition identification for bearings of this type. The results refer to the measurements of the parameters for AE generated in the...
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The labor market in industrial cluster analysis
PublicationThe paper offers a description of methodologies used in industrial cluster analysis in conjunction with the labor market analysis. The author explores many tools utilized in cluster identi-fication: quantitative methods (LQ, shift-share), qualitative methods (MSQA) and mixed tools (cluster analysis in conjunction with discriminant analysis, spider diagram, GEM model, ne-twork analysis). Each tool is described in terms of its connection...
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Permeation and sorption properties of poly(ether-block-amide) membranesfilled by two types of zeolites
PublicationThe experimental study of transport properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on PEBA-4033 with two types of zeolites is reported. Gas (CO2, O2, N2) and vapor (benzene, toluene, methanol, water) permeation measurements were performed using the differential flow permeameter at temperature of 298.15 K and at atmospheric pressure. Gas/vapor permeation was monitored by measuring the changes of the thermal conductivity of carrier...
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Real and Virtual Instruments in Machine Learning – Training and Comparison of Classification Results
PublicationThe continuous growth of the computing power of processors, as well as the fact that computational clusters can be created from combined machines, allows for increasing the complexity of algorithms that can be trained. The process, however, requires expanding the basis of the training sets. One of the main obstacles in music classification is the lack of high-quality, real-life recording database for every instrument with a variety...
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Effects of n-butanol presence, inlet loading, empty bed residence time and starvation periods on the performance of a biotrickling filter removing cyclohexane vapors from air
PublicationThis paper presents the results of investigations on the removal of cyclohexane vapors from air using a peat-perlite packed biotrickling filter. Effects of basic process parameters i.e. IL (inlet loading) and EBRT (empty bed residence time) as well as introduction of n-butanol to the treated air stream and starvation periods on the process performance were evaluated. The results show that the introduction of hydrophilic n-butanol...
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A comparative study of English viseme recognition methods and algorithm
PublicationAn elementary visual unit – the viseme is concerned in the paper in the context of preparing the feature vector as a main visual input component of Audio-Visual Speech Recognition systems. The aim of the presented research is a review of various approaches to the problem, the implementation of algorithms proposed in the literature and a comparative research on their effectiveness. In the course of the study an optimal feature vector...
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Study of Phase and Chemical Composition of Bi1-xNdxFeO3 Powders Derived by Pressureless Sintering
PublicationIn the present paper studies on Bi1xNdxFeO3 for x =0.1-0.4 are reported. The mixed oxide method followed with pressureless sintering was employed for ceramics fabrication. Thermal behavior of stoichiometric mixtures of simple oxide powders, viz. Bi2O3, Nd2O3 and Fe2O3 was studied by simultaneous thermal analysis. It was found that with an increase in neodymium content the weight loss increased from 0.75% to 3.16% for x =0.1 and...
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Ceramic composites for single-layer fuel cells
PublicationComposite materials consisting of acceptor doped lanthanum orthoniobate electrolyte phase (La0.98Ca0.02NbO4) and Li2O:NiO:ZnO semiconducting phase were synthesized. The precursor powder of La0.98Ca0.02NbO4 was prepared in nanocrystalline (mechanosynthesis) and microcrystalline (solid-state synthesis) form. The composite can be applied in a single-layer fuel cell, because of the presence of two phases acting as an anode and a cathode...
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A comparative study of English viseme recognition methods and algorithms
PublicationAn elementary visual unit – the viseme is concerned in the paper in the context of preparing the feature vector as a main visual input component of Audio-Visual Speech Recognition systems. The aim of the presented research is a review of various approaches to the problem, the implementation of algorithms proposed in the literature and a comparative research on their effectiveness. In the course of the study an optimal feature vector construction...
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CGO as a barrier layer between LSCF electrodes and YSZ electrolyte fabricated by spray pyrolysis for solid oxide fuel cells
PublicationPerovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ (LSCF) is often used as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) due to high mixed ionic and electronic conductivity and good catalytic activity. Unfortunately, sintering of the LSCF cathode together with the yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte, leads to formation of the La2Zr2O7 and SrZrO3 phases in the interface. These phases increase the resistance of the cell. To avoid...
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iPP/HDPE blends compatibilized by a polyester: An unconventional concept to valuable products
PublicationPolyolefins are the most widely used plastics accounting for a large fraction of the polymer waste stream. Although reusing polyolefins seems to be a logical choice, their recycling level remains disappointingly low. This is mainly due to the lack of large-scale availability of efficient and inexpensive compatibilizers for mixed polyolefin waste, typically consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and isotactic polypropylene...
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Multilayer coatings based on cerium oxide and manganese cobaltite spinel for Crofer22APU SOC interconnects
PublicationThe current state of the art steel interconnect coating materials are based on critical raw material - Co-oxide spinels. Replacing Co-oxide spinels with alternative, abundant materials can reduce the dependence on the critical raw materials. Cobalt-free coatings with the general formula Mn2-xCuFexO4, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, were electrophoretically deposited on a ferritic stainless-steel support and evaluated. Prior to deposition,...
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Lanthanide co-doped TiO2: the effect of metal type and amount on surface properties and photocatalytic activity
PublicationPreparation of new rare earth metal-containing TiO2 nanocomposites (Nd3+/Er3+, Nd3+/Eu3+, Eu3+/Ho3+-TiO2) using sol–gel route and their photoactivity under visible and ultraviolet light is reported. The obtained photocatalysts were subsequently characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, UV–Vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), luminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffraction...
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The Influence of the Electrodeposition Parameters on the Properties of Mn-Co-Based Nanofilms as Anode Materials for Alkaline Electrolysers
PublicationIn this work, the influence of the synthesis conditions on the structure, morphology, and electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of Mn-Co-based films is studied. For this purpose, Mn-Co nanofilm is electrochemically synthesised in a one-step process on nickel foam in the presence of metal nitrates without any additives. The possible mechanism of the synthesis is proposed. The morphology and structure...
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Ball milling treatment of Mn3O4 regulates electron transfer pathway for peroxymonosulfate activation
PublicationHeterogeneous metal catalysts have attracted considerable interest in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for wastewater treatment by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). However, it remains challenging to the rational design of efficient reaction pathway for high-performance contaminants removal by regulating the inherent structure of metal oxides. Herein, a high-energy ball milling method was employed to modulate the electronic...
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EFFECT OF SURFACE STATE AND STRESS ON AN OXIDATION OF THE ZIRCALOY-2 ALLOY
PublicationZr alloys are widely used as materials for nuclear fuel pellets in the nuclear industry. In the case of the LOCA or RIA happen, a temperature may locally reach high values. Even if the high temperature maintains shortly, the zirconium oxides may become permeable, absorb hydrogen appearing in cooling water from decomposition reaction and crack because of formation and brittle failure of hydrides. Such model cannot so far take into...
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New synthesis route of highly porous InxCo4Sb12 with strongly reduced thermal conductivity
PublicationHighly porous, In-filled CoSb3 skutterudite materials with an attractive thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT * 1) and corresponding dense samples were fabricated through the cost-effective method of reduction in oxides in dry hydrogen and the pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) method, respectively. The reduction process was described in detail using in situ thermogravimetric analysis of Co2O3, Sb2O3 and In(NO3)35H2O separately...
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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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Determination of phenol biodegradation pathways in three psychrotolerant yeasts, Candida subhashii A011, Candida oregonensis B021 and Schizoblastosporion starkeyi-henricii L012, isolated from Rucianka peatland
PublicationIn this study, three psychrotolerant phenol-degrading yeast strains Candida subhashii (strain A011), Candida oregonenis (strain B021) and Schizoblastosporion starkeyi-henricii (strain L012) isolated from Rucianka peatland were examined to determine which alternative metabolic pathway for phenol biodegradation is used by these microorganisms. All yeast strains were cultivated in minimal salt medium supplemented with phenol at 500,...
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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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Integration of antifouling properties into epoxy coatings: a review
Publicationhe need for nontoxic antifouling coatings has encouraged material scientists to develop a class of organic coatings for diverse applications. As a versatile thermosetting resin and well known for coating application, antifouling characteristics have been integrated into epoxy along with anticorrosion and adhesive functions. Accordingly, both micro- and macro-biofoulings have been successfully controlled by using epoxy-based antifouling...
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Determination of volatile organic compounds in water samples using membrane-solid phase microextraction (M-SPME) (headspace version)
PublicationThe results of a study on the use of membrane-solid phase microextraction (M-SPME) for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the headspace above the liquid medium are presented. The sampled VOCs were subsequently quantified by gas chromatography (GC). Two systems were compared in this study, i.e. a novel two-phase sorption system (M-SPME), and a commercial fibre. Headspace sampling using SPME was optimized with respect...