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Search results for: POLARISED LIGHT POLLUTION
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The analysis of turbine propulsion systems in nuclear submarines
PublicationThe article systematises submarines, which are presently in service, according to their propulsion types (both conventional and nuclear), power output, and submersion depth. Contemporary types of propulsion systems installed and used in submarines are discussed. Calculations were performed for the PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) type nuclear propulsion system and the supercritical turbine propulsion system (supercritical reactor...
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Contemporary issues in production and utilisation of the common urban areas
PublicationThis paper deals with issues in production and utilization of common urban areas within contemporary cities. Therefore, the main focus of it was put on the analysis of the possible models of development of spaces in the context of changing socio-economic environment of cities and evolution of their structure. This issue is discussed also in light of the changing definition of the contemporary public space, which no longer resembles...
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VUV irradiation studies of plasmid DNA in aqueous solution
PublicationInteractions of VUV light and DNA samples in aqueous solutions are reported. The damage induced by such radiation is quantified by monitoring both loss of supercoiled DNA and formation of single and double strand breaks using agarose gel electrophoresis. Irradiations were performed using synchrotron VUV photons of 130, 150, 170 and 190 nm. VUV irradiation experiments revealed enhanced damage upon irradiation with 170 nm photons...
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Environmentally Friendly Fabrication of High-Efficient Fe-ZnO/Citric Acid-Modified Cellulose Composite and the Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity in the Presence of H2O2
PublicationIn the present study, a novel Fe-ZnO/citric acid-modified cellulose composite (x%Fe-ZnOy% CAC) was synthesized using an environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV−vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen physisorption, and electrochemical and photocurrent density...
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Redox State Sensitive Spectroscopy of the Model Compound [(H-dcbpy)(2)Ru-II(NCS)(2)](2-) (dcbpy=2,2 '-Bipyridine-4,4 '-dicarboxylato)
PublicationThe charge transfer reaction mechanism in a ruthenium polypyridine model complex with isothiocyanato ligands, i.e., [(H-dcbpy)(2)Ru(NCS)(2)](2-) 2Bu(4)N(+) (Ru2H) (dcbpy = 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylato), has been investigated by combining UV-vis absorption, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. Understanding the photophysics of light-harvesting complexes of this class is an indispensable prerequisite to...
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Design and Synthesis of NTU-9/C3N4 Photocatalysts: Effects of NTU-9 Content and Composite Preparation Method
PublicationHybrid materials based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and NTU-9 metal–organic frameworks (MOF) were designed and prepared via solvothermal synthesis and calcination in air. The as-prepared photocatalysts were subsequently characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy...
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g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic Degradation of Parabens: Precursors Influence, the Radiation Source and Simultaneous Ozonation Evaluation
PublicationGraphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising catalyst for contaminants of emerging concern removal applications, especially as a visible-light-driven material. In this study, g-C3N4 catalysts were effectively synthesized through a simple thermal polymerization method, using melamine, urea, and thiourea as precursors to elucidate the influence of these compounds on the final product’s photocatalytic performance. The degradation...
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Preparation and Characterization of Defective TiO2. The Effect of the Reaction Environment on Titanium Vacancies Formation
PublicationAmong various methods of improving visible light activity of titanium(IV) oxide, the formation of defects and vacancies (both oxygen and titanium) in the crystal structure of TiO2 is an easy and relatively cheap alternative to improve the photocatalytic activity. In the presented work, visible light active defective TiO2 was obtained by the hydrothermal reaction in the presence of three different oxidizing agents: HIO3, H2O2, and...
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An examination of an Antarctic soil metagenomic-derivate putative methylthioadenosine phosphorylase gene as a novel reporter gene for promoter trapping
PublicationThe rsfp gene was discovered during examination ofan Antarctic soil-derived metagenome library and encodesa bacterial methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (GenBank accession number GQ202582). In a previous study, we found that E. coli colonies expressing the rsfp gene reveal strong pink fluorescence after exposure to UV light when grown on culture medium supplemented with rhodamine B (Cieśliński et al., 2009). In contrast to that,...
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Up-conversion white emission and other luminescence properties of a YAG:Yb2O3·Tm2O3·Ho2O3@SiO2 glass-nanocomposite
PublicationWe report on a glass-nanocomposite material consisting of yttrium aluminum garnet (Y3Al5O12, YAG) nanocrystals co-doped with Yb3+, Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions as well as entrapped into a SiO2 xerogel. This 94YAG·5Yb2O3·0.8Tm2O3·0.2Ho2O3@SiO2 (abbr. YAG:YbTmHo@SiO2) nanocomposite material has been prepared by sol–gel procedure. Its structure and morphology has been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope...
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KNOWING WHEN TO SAY NO / SAPERE QUANDO DIRE NO
PublicationEver since we began illuminating the exterior of the slender skyscrapers built during the of 20s and 30s in XX century, urban lighting has been considered a way to beautify cities, and make them more visually prominent and safe. At that time, we knew so little about the impact of lighting on humans, flora and fauna, so it never occurred to lighting designers then, that their actions would have harmful consequences. In those days,...
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Size-Controlled Synthesis of Pt Particles on TiO2 Surface: Physicochemical Characteristic and Photocatalytic Activity
PublicationDifferent TiO2 photocatalysts, i.e., commercial samples (ST‐01 and P25 with minority of rutile phase), nanotubes, well‐crystallized faceted particles of decahedral shape and mesoporous spheres, were used as supports for deposition of Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Size‐controlled Pt NPs embedded in TiO2 were successfully prepared by microemulsion and wet‐impregnation methods. Obtained photocatalysts were characterized using XRD, TEM,...
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Impact of Tetrazolium Ionic Liquid Thermal Decomposition in Solvothermal Reaction on the Remarkable Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2 Particles
PublicationIonic liquids (ILs) could serve as a structuring agent, a solvent, or a source of dopant during solvothermal synthesis of semiconductors particles. To understand the role of IL during formation of TiO2 particles, it is necessary to study the stability of this IL in solvothermal synthesis conditions, as well as studying the surface properties of formed TiO2 particles. In view of this, the effect of the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium...
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Seven Different Lighting Conditions in Photogrammetric Studies of a 3D Urban Mock-Up
PublicationOne of the most important elements during photogrammetric studies is the appropriate lighting of the object or area under investigation. Nevertheless, the concept of “adequate lighting” is relative. Therefore, we have attempted, based on experimental proof of concept (technology readiness level—TRL3), to verify the impact of various types of lighting emitted by LED light sources for scene illumination and their direct influence...
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Rapid development of the photoresponse and oxygen evolution of TiO2 nanotubes sputtered with Cr thin films realized via laser annealing
PublicationRecently, earth abundant transition metal oxides have gained particular attention as potential catalyst candidates due to their availability and low-cost comparing to substrates containing precious Pt or Au species. Herein, we present characterization of morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of pulsed 532 nm laser treated TiO2 nanotubes (NT) sputtered by the thin film of chromium. Scanning electron microscopy enables...
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Głowice optoelektroniczne bezzałogowych środków latających
PublicationBezzałogowe środki latające nie wymagają długiego i kosztownego szkolenia załóg. Koszty ich wdrożenia są wielokrotnie niższe od załogowych środków latających. Bezzałogowe środki latające są następcami załogowych pojazdów latających rozpoznawczych i obserwacyjnych. Jednym z podstawowych elementów wyposażania bezzałogowego środka latającego jest głowica optoelektroniczna. Głowice wyposażone są w systemy rejestracji i śledzenia wskazanych...
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Monometallic nanoparticles decorated and rare earth ions doped KTaO3/K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts with enhanced pollutant decomposition and improved H2 generation
PublicationNew, monometallic nanoparticles (MNPs) decorated surface and rare earth (RE) ions doped lattice of perovskite-type (KTaO3)/pyrochlore-type (K2Ta2O6) photocatalysts were successfully prepared by facile hydrothermal incorporation of RE ions into KTaO3/K2Ta2O6 lattices followed by photodeposition of MNPs. The impact of noble metal type (MNPs = Au, Pt, Rh) and rare earth dopant type (RE = Er, Pr) on the physicochemical properties correlated...
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Investigation of functional layers of solid oxide fuel cell anodes for synthetic biogas reforming
PublicationSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are one of the most promising energy conversion devices due to their high efficiency, low pollution and fuel flexibility. Unfortunately, when hydrocarbons are used as a fuel, for example in the form of a biogas, solid carbon can deposit on the anode surface. This process leads to the degradation of the fuel cell performance. A possible solution to this problem is to apply an additional catalytic material,...
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Design and distribution of air nozzles in the biomass boiler assembly
PublicationDue to energy crisis as well as increasing pollution of the environment, renewable energy sources usage increases all over the world. These facts encouraged authors to start research over developing a uniform biomass boiler calculation model. This paper presents a design of biomass boiler assembly created for ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) unit since these systems could achieve strong position in energy industry....
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A novel method for archiving multibeam sonar data with emphasis on efficient record size reduction and storage
PublicationOver the past few years considerable advances in sonar technology, spatial positioning capabilities and computer processing power have lead to significant improvements in mapping, imaging and technologies of seafloor exploration. Recently, modern multibeam echosounder systems (MBES) capable of recording backscatter data for the whole water column, not just for the seabed, have become available thus providing data allowing for...
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Geographic information system for remote integration of diverse under-water acoustic sensor data
PublicationMaritime and port areas throughout the world are exposed to many different hazards, like pollution, terrorism and natural disasters. Early detection, identification and preparation of appropriateesponse strategies is especially important in the case of semi-enclosed basins like the Baltic Sea, mainly due to the marine ecosystems' continuous absorption of pollutants including oil, heavy metals and chemicals. Many of those agents...
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Concentrations of heavy metals and PCBs in the tissues of European beavers (Castor fiber) captured in northeastern Poland
PublicationEuropean beavers (Castor fiber) from two regions were examined to identify exposure to persistent environmental contaminants. A reference group was comprised of six animals from the Forest Division of Srokowo, and an exposed group was comprised of five animals from the vicinity of a former military airport operated in 1918–1986—both from Warmia land in Poland. 137 Cs in beavers' muscles was considered negligible for the overall...
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Towards an integrated assessment of environmental and human health impact of energy sector in Poland
PublicationReferat prezentuje system zintegrowanej oceny wpływu sektora energetycznego na stan środowiska i zdrowie ludzkie w Polsce. W podejściu wykorzystano kombinację modelu transportu zanieczyszczeń w powietrzu POLAIR 3D z modelem informacyjno-symulacyjnym RAINS. Model oszacowuje emisje i koncentracje zanieczyszczeń powietrza, koszty kontroli emisji zanieczyszczeń i inne koszty związane z różnymi scenariuszami rozwoju sektora energetycznego.The...
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Novel approach to ecotoxicological risk assessment of sediments cores around the shipwreck by the use of self-organizing maps
PublicationMarine and coastal pollution plays an increasingly important role due to recent severe accidents which drew attention to the consequences of oil spills causing widespread devastation of marine ecosystems. All these problems cannot be solved without conducting environmental studies in the area of possible oil spill and performing chemometric evaluation of the data obtained looking for similar patterns among pollutants and optimize...
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Insights into Seawater Biodegradation of Sustainable Mater-Bi/Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Biocomposites Filled with Diisocyanate-Modified Cellulose Particles
Publication: Due to rapid economic growth, the use of plastics in almost all areas of human life has significantly increased over recent decades, leading to massive pollution. Therefore, works dealing with sustainable and biodegradable polymer materials are vital now. Herein, sustainable MaterBi/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based biocomposites, filled with diisocyanate-modified cellulose particles, were prepared and subjected to 12-week seawater...
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DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE CORROSION OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BASED ON ANALYSIS OF ON-LINE CORROSION MONITORING RESULTS
PublicationCorrosion of water distribution system is a significant issue causing problems with quality, safety and continuity of distribution. The changes of corrosion rates of the water distribution systems in Cracow made of carbon steel were investigated by analysis of online corrosion monitoring system results. Corrosion rates were determined using the linear polarization method. The impact of rain, temperatures, conductivity, dissolved...
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Elucidating the impact of enzymatic modifications on the structure, properties, and applications of cellulose, chitosan, starch and their derivatives: a review
PublicationPolysaccharides, as one of the most prominent natural biopolymers, display numerous biological activities and industrial applications. Nevertheless, some polysaccharides lack biological properties or display weak biological activities. Besides, practical usages of polysaccharides still remain challenging because of their poor solubility and inappropriate hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. Hence, enzymatic or chemical modifications...
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Adaptive stochastic and hybrid nonlinear optimization algorithms for improving the effectiveness of the biological processes at WWTP
PublicationWastewater treatment plays an important factor in the modern world. Insufficient treatment may result in environmental pollution which can further lead to disasters and diseases. However, processes that take place inside wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are highly complex in nature, therefore it is difficult to design an efficient, optimal control system. The problem regarding biochemical reactions inside Sequential Batch Reactor...
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A Model-Based Improved Control of Dissolved Oxygen Concentration in Sequencing Wastewater Batch Reactor
PublicationBiochemical processes at wastewater treatment plant are complex, nonlinear, time varying and multivariable. Moreover, relationships between processes are very strong. One of the most important issues is exerting proper control over dissolved oxygen levels during nitrification phase. This parameter has a very large impact on activity of microorganisms in activated sludge and on quality of pollution removal processes. Oxygen is supplied...
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SURFACTANTS IN KLODNICA RIVER (KATOWICE, POLAND). PART I. LINEAR ALKYLBENZENE SULPHONATES (LAS)
PublicationSurfactants are a group of compounds with specific physico-chemical properties and therefore they are used in many spheres of human activity. Surface-active substances undergo various physico-chemical transformations, what enables their migration between different elements of the environment and may lead to its pollution. Selected anionic surfactants were determined in samples of water from the Klodnica river (25 samples) and bottom...
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Solid phase microextraction–comprehensive twodimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a new tool for determining PAHs in airport runoff water samples
Publicationfundamental aspect of airport operations is the pollution caused by airport runoff waters. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most important groups of xenobiotics which are commonly found in runoff water originating from airports. Only very limited data on the analysis of airport runoff water have been published until now. Therefore, a reliable and accurate analytical method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction...
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Turre cum capellis suis – identification of an earlier phase of the Holy Cross church at Tar – Stancija Blek (Tar-Vabriga – Torre-Abrega, Istria)
PublicationThe paper reports the results of the first campaign of excavations at the Church of the Holy Cross near Stancija Blek (Tar-Vabriga – Torre-Abrega municipality, Istria), which is close to the multiphase settlement of Old Tar. A trial trench behind the rear wall of the church and along its southern perimetral wall revealed an earlier building and one grave. Though the uncovered remains are scanty, several distinct architectural...
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The influence of the thickness, recombination and space charge on the loss of photocurrent in organic semiconductors: an analytical model
PublicationWe propose an analytical model of the photocurrent efficiency dependence on the light intensity in organic semiconductors. The influence of the thickness of sample, space charge effects and recombination of charge on the loss of photocurrent has been considered. We demonstrate that the presented model is the enhancement of an analytical model reported recently by Rappaport et al (2005 J. Appl. Phys. 98 033714). The method to identify...
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IMPACT OF CAUSTICS ON ACOUSTICS OF WHISPERING GROTTOES IN THE OLIWA PARK IN GDAŃSK
PublicationIn the paper, caustics are discussed as ordered forms of focus broadening occurring in concave mirrors. An example of caustics created by the reflection of the light from the concave mirror is shown. Against this background, the possibility to observe caustics in rooms is pointed out. Special emphasis is put on large rooms of historic character, as such interiors frequently include acoustic mirrors in the form of arched vaults...
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The use of machine learning for face regions detection in thermograms
PublicationThe aim of this study is to analyse the methods of detecting characteristic points of the face in thermographic images. As part of the implementation an extensive analysis of scientific publications covering similar issues both for the analysis of images made in visible light and thermographic images was carried out. On the basis of this analysis, 3 models were selected and then they were implemented and tested on the basis of...
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Pin-on-Substrate Gap Waveguide: An Extremely Low-Cost Realization of High-Performance Gap Waveguide Components
PublicationConsidering the limitations of currently available technologies for the realization of microwave components and antennas, a trade-off between different factors including the efficiency and fabrication cost is required. The main objective of this letter is to propose a novel method for the realization of gap waveguides (GWGs) that take advantage of conventional PCB fabrication technology, thus are low cost and light weight. Moreover,...
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Optical rotation in the lithium triborate nonlinear crystal
PublicationA dual-wavelength polarimetric technique at 633 and 661 nm has been used for the characterization of a nonlinear lithium triborate (LiB3O5) nonenantiomorphous biaxial crystal. The mismatch of the crystallographic and optical coordinate systems was taken into account. The optical rotatory power for light propagation along one of the optical axes is ρ = 7.06° mm−1. The gyration tensor component along the bisector between the x and...
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KTaO3-based nanocomposites for air treatment
PublicationThe advantage is that photocatalytic methods allow removing VOCs, NOx, SO2, deodorants, and microorganisms at the same system. The new third generation of photoactive materials activated by low powered and low cost irradiation sources (such as LEDs or black fluorescent UV lamps) can be used as photocatalysts in air purification systems. A series of single semiconductors and their nanocomposites combination were prepared using hydrothermal...
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PERFORMANCE OF THE PVT SOLAR COLLECTOR OPERATED WITH WATER –AL2O3 NANOFLUID
PublicationAn experimental investigation of the hybrid module photovoltaic panel -solar collector (PVT) cooled by water-Al2O3 nanofluids has been conducted. The weight fractions of the nanoparticles were 1% and 3%. Thermal efficiency, power efficiency and overall efficiency have been determined for artificial source of light and sunlight. No noticeable effect of the nanoparticle concentration on the overall efficiency of the PVT module has...
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Information and Communication Technologies for Economic Development
PublicationThis chapter is intended to explain why and how information and communication technologies may affect the process of socio-economic development, especially with regard to economically backward economies. It sheds light on why technological changes constitute prerequisites enabling advancements along the socio-economic development pattern. It is also designed to exhibit the special relevance of information and communication technologies...
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Performance of the PVT solar collector operated with water-Al2O3 nanofluid
PublicationAn experimental investigation of the hybrid module photovoltaic panel -solar collector (PVT) cooled by water-Al2O3 nanofluids has been conducted. The weight fractions of the nanoparticles were 1% and 3%. Thermal efficiency, power efficiency and overall efficiency have been determined for artificial source of light and sunlight. No noticeable effect of the nanoparticle concentration on the overall efficiency of the PVT module has...
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Optical properties of daylight curable resin doped with nanodiamond powder
PublicationIn this paper a new material for 3D printing was elaborated on. Since diamond has very good optical properties, an idea occurred to us to apply it in 3D printing process. A mixture of nanodiamond powder and a standard 3D printing resin was created and several printouts have been completed. They have been tested for their abilities to transmit and absorb light in a wide spectrum of wavelengths. It turned out that the nanopowder...
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Deregulacja polskiego rynku pracy
PublicationHistorycznie ukształtowana regulacja rynku pracy związana jest z jego infrastrukturą organizacyjno-prawną, tzn. przepisami dotyczącymi płac, czasu pracy i ochrony stosunku pracy. W opinii zwolenników deregulacji utrudnia ona elastyczne dostosowywanie się do rozmiarów zatrudnienia w zależności od zaistniałej sytuacji gospodarczej, powodując wzrost bezrobocia strukturalnego i wzrost kosztów pracy. Deregulacja rynku pracy związana...
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Plastic Debris in the Stomach of the Invasive Signal Crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus from a Baltic Coastal River
PublicationPollution by plastic debris, widely recognized as a growing global problem [1-3] is caused by the production of synthetic polymers. Over recent years, the production of plastics has increased, while in Europe, fossil-based plastics production has decreased, and recycled plastics production has increased [4]. There are different types of plastics. Some types of plastic ingredients, applied in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal...
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Easy recipes for cooperative smoothing
PublicationIn this paper we suggest how several competing signal smoothers, differing in design parameters, or even in design principles, can be combined together to yield a better and more reliable smoothing algorithm. The proposed heuristic, but statistically well motivated, fusion mechanism allows one to combine practically all kinds of smoothers, from simple local averaging or order statistic filters, to parametric smoothers designed...
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Directed percolation effects emerging from superadditivity of quantum networks
PublicationEntanglement-induced nonadditivity of classical communication capacity in networks consisting of quantum channels is considered. Communication lattices consisting of butterfly-type entanglement-breaking channels augmented, with some probability, by identity channels are analyzed. The capacity superadditivity in the network is manifested in directed correlated bond percolation which we consider in two flavors: simply directed and...
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Raman spectroscopic investigation of blood and related materials
PublicationThis paper reports preliminary studies on use of Raman spectroscopy for investigation of blood. High quality blood spectra were recorded in-vitro with excitation wavelengths of 830 nm. Because of complex composition of the blood as well as by light attenuation and scattering in the tissues, spectra set up from wide, low-intensive Raman bands and intensive optical background. To get information about origin of bands in Raman spectra...
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In-situ optical diagnostics of boron-doped diamond films growth
PublicationInterferometry is a desirable method for in-situ measurement of thin, dielectric film growth, as it don't modify conditions of film deposition. Here we present interferometrical measurements of thickness of doped diamond films during Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. For this purpose we used a semiconductor laser with a 405nm wavelength. Additional ex-situ measurement using spectral interferometry and ellipsometry...
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Determination of Failure Causes of a Steam Turbine Casing
PublicationThe paper presents results of research and failure analysis undertaken to determine failure causes of a steam turbine casing. After 130,000 hours of service the crack in a outer shell of the turbine casing was found. The inner shell of the casing was made of cast steel grade G21CrMoV5-7, and the outer shell of grade G20CrMo4-5. Following research were performed in order to determine causes of the casing failure: chemical analysis;...
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Porous Phantoms Mimicking Tissues – Investigation of Optical Parameter Stability Over Time
PublicationIn terms of optical parameters, optical phantoms can now replace live tissues and be used to validate optical measurement methods. Therefore, whether these parameters would be maintained after storage for 6 months was examined. The absorption and scattering coefficients were obtained from the measured transmittance and reflectance measurements taken 6 months apart and then compared. All of the measurements were conducted using...