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LED Light Sources and Their Complex Set-Up for Visually and Biologically Effective Illumination for Ornamental Indoor Plants
PublicationOrnamental plants are often used in indoor environments as part of biophilic design to improve the health and wellbeing of occupants, and to support sustainable, green architecture. Unfortunately, many plants do not thrive and need to be continuously replaced, which is economically unsustainable. The wavelengths and spectrum ratio of commonly used light sources such as light emitting diode (LED), and the lack of an appropriate...
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Storm petrels as indicators of pelagic seabird exposure to chemical elements in the Antarctic marine ecosystem
PublicationData on trace element bioavailability in the south-polar marine ecosystem is still scarce, compared to that relating to temperate zones. Seabirds can be used as indicators of ecosystem health and sentinels of environmental pollution, constituting a link between marine and terrestrial environments. Here, we analysed the concentration of 17 elements (with special emphasis on mercury, Hg) in feathers of adults and chicks of two pelagic...
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Concrete mix design using machine learning
PublicationDesigning a concrete mix is a process of synthesizing many components, it is not a simple process and requires extensive technical knowledge. The design process itself focuses on obtaining the required strength of concrete. Very often designing a concrete mix takes into account the need to maintain the proper water-demand and frost-resistance features. The parameters that influence the concrete class most significantly are the...
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Proceedings of the fib Symposium 2019: Concrete - Innovations in Materials, Design and Structures 2019
PublicationDesigning a concrete mix is a process of synthesizing many components, it is not a simple process and requires extensive technical knowledge. The design process itself focuses on obtaining the required strength of concrete. Very often designing a concrete mix takes into account the need to maintain the proper water-demand and frost-resistance features. The parameters that influence the concrete class most significantly are the...
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Tuning of microstructure in engineered poly (trimethylene terephthalate) based blends with nano inclusion as multifunctional additive
PublicationImmiscible blends and their composites are heterogeneous and have variable morphology due to variation in mesophase regions. Tuning, i.e. controlling the phase dimension is important, thereof we report a “super-combo” effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in poly (trimethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene (PTT/ PP) blend system. MWCNTs act as a good reinforcing agent and compatibilizer in the otherwise immiscible PTT/...
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Folate/homocysteine metabolism and lung cancer risk among smokers
PublicationBackground: Folate and homocysteine are involved in DNA synthesis and methylation processes, which are deregulated during carcinogenesis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between folate/homocysteine concentrations, the functional polymorphisms of folate/homocysteine genes and lung cancer risk among cigarette smokers. Study design: The study included 132 lung cancer patients and 396 controls from...
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Habitat-related patterns of soft-bottom macrofaunal assemblages in a brackish, low-diversity system (southern Baltic Sea)
PublicationCoastal areas provide a high variety of sedimentary habitats that influence the structure of resident fauna even on small geographical scales. Therefore, examinations of spatial variations in benthic assemblages require background knowledge of the environmental and biotic heterogeneity of habitats in order to understand ecological processes in such areas. The effect of habitat-related abiotic and biological variables on macrofaunal...
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Molecular dynamics study on the role of solvation water in the adsorption of hyperactive AFP to the ice surface
PublicationUsing computer simulations, the early stages of the adsorption of the CfAFP molecule to the ice surface were analyzed. We found that the ice and the protein interact at least as early as when the protein is about 1 nm away from the ice surface. These interactions are mediated by interfacial solvation water and are possible thanks to the structural ordering of the solvent. This ordering leads to positional preference of the protein...
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Acid-aided epoxy-amine curing reaction as reflected in epoxy/Fe3O4 nanocomposites: Chemistry, mechanism, and fracture behavior
PublicationThis work seeks to answer the question whether or not the presence of acid functional groups accelerate epoxyamine curing reaction. Epoxy/Fe3O4 nanocomposite was considered as a case, where discussions are based on chemistry, mechanism behind curing reactions and fracture behavior influenced by acid assistance to crosslinking. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with nanosilica decorative layer (B-MNP) were synthesized and subsequently...
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Stereoselective Alkylation of Indole with 5-Arylidene-Meldrum’s Acids in the Presence of Organocatalysts
PublicationBackground: Indole motif is frequently present in biologically active compounds. Enantiomerically pure or enriched 2,2-dimethyl-5-(aryl(1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones can be considered as a convenient starting point for the synthesis of a indole ring fused with cyclic ketones with biological activity. Preparation of chiral 2,2-dimethyl-5-(aryl(1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1,3-dioxane- 4,6-diones requires the reaction of...
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Determination of free tyrosine in equestrian supplements by LC–MS/MS and comparison of its quantity with total free amino acids content in view of doping control
PublicationThe reports on the probable beneficial impact of tyrosine (TYR) supplementation on performance enhancement have contributed to the growth of interest in TYR in equestrian sports field and related industries, such as the manufacture of dietary and nutritional supplements. In this study, the first attempt to the assessment of horses exposure to TYR during nutritional supplementation was demonstrated by quantification of unbound TYR...
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Solvent influence on the crystal structures of new cadmium tri-tert -butoxysilanethiolate complexes with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine: luminescence and antifungal activity
PublicationMonocrystals of dinuclear -1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine-4N1,N10:N4,N40-bis[bis(tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolato-S)cadmium(II)], [Cd2(C12H27O3SSi)4(C10-H24N4)] or [Cd2{SSi(OtBu)3}4(-BAPP)], 1, and polynuclear catena-poly[[bis-(tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolato-S)cadmium(II)]--1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine-2N10:N40], [Cd(C12H27O3SSi)2(C10H24N4)]n or [Cd{SSi(OtBu)3}2(-BAPP)]n,2, with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (BAPP)...
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Improving automatic surveillance by sound analysis
PublicationAn automatic surveillance system, based on event detection in the video image can be improved by implementing algorithms for audio analysis. Dangerous or illegal actions are often connected with distinctive sound events like screams or sudden bursts of energy. A method for detection and classification of alarming sound events is presented. Detection is based on the observation of sudden changes in sound level in distinctive sub-bands...
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Improved surface coverage of an optical fibre with nanocrystalline diamond by the application of dip-coating seeding
PublicationGrowth processes of diamond thin films on the fused silica optical fibres (10 cm in length) were investigated at various temperatures. Fused silica pre-treatment by dip-coating in a dispersion consisting of detonation nanodiamond (DND) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was applied. Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films were deposited on the fibres using the microwave plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition...
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Optimization of capillary isotachophoretic method for determination of major macroelements in blue honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) and related products
PublicationA reliable and repeatable isotachophoretic method for the simultaneous determination of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and ammonium in berries of different blue honeysuckle cultivars was developed. The usefulness of the complex-forming equilibria in determining the cations mentioned above was studied. The addition of 7.5 mM 18-crown-6 and 2 mM α-hydroxyisobutyric acid to sulfuric acid enhanced the separation capacity of the leading electrolyte....
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Energy efficient indoor localisation for narrowband internet of things
PublicationThere are an increasing number of Narrow Band IoT devices being manufactured as the technology behind them develops quickly. The high co-channel interference and signal attenuation was seen in edge Narrow Band IoT devices make it challenging to guarantee the service quality of these devices. To maximize the data rate fairness of Narrow Band IoT devices, a multi-dimensional indoor localization model is devised, consisting of...
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Bioactive polyurethanes applied as a surgical implants
PublicationSynthetic materials are applied in many branches of the industry, i.a. in medicine as a casing of apparatus, elements of artificial organs (hearts, blood vessels), catheters, wound healings, intra aortic balloons, mammary implants to mention but a few. Polymeric material used in such applications must be distinguished by a good biocompatybility. Since many years extensive research are employed to develop a new polymers that can...
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Porous carbon derived from rice husks as sustainable bioresources: insights into the role of micro-/mesoporous hierarchy in hosting active species for lithium–sulphur batteries
PublicationThe exploration of natural resources as sustainable precursors affords a family of green materials. Exploring highly abundant and available biowaste precursors remaining from food processing throughout a scalable and cost-effective material synthesis path is highly important especially for new materials discovery in emerging energy storage technologies such as lithium–sulphur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, we have produced a series...
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The effective elastic properties of human trabecular bone may be approximated using micro-finite element analyses of embedded volume elements.
PublicationBoundary conditions (BCs) and sample size affect the measured elastic properties of cancellous bone. Samples too small to be representative appear stiffer under kinematic uniform BCs (KUBCs) than under periodicity-compatible mixed uniform BCs (PMUBCs). To avoid those effects, we propose to determine the effective properties of trabecular bone using an embedded configuration. Cubic samples of various sizes (2.63, 5.29, 7.96, 10.58...
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The Ellenbogen's “Matter as Software” Concept for Quantum Computer Implementation. C60 and X@C60 Molecules as Available Molecular Building Blocks (MBBs) for Tip-Based Nanofabrication (TBN) of Quantum Computing Devices
PublicationThe TBN bottom-up strategy of building quantum devices from C60 and X@C60 MBBs is proposed as an extension of the Ellenbogen's “Matter as Software” idea to quantum information processing. The capped SW or DW CNT STM tip is considered as device for manipulating C60 and X@C60 molecules. In this article, the possibility of using easily available on the market C60 Fullerene and endohedral X@C60 molecules together with commercial CNT...
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Synthesis, structure and properties of novel poly(hydroxyurethane)s obtained by non-isocyanate route
PublicationNon-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) can be synthesized by polyaddition of five-membered bis(cyclic carbonate)s and primary diamines. NIPUs are an alternative for the commonly used (in the form of foams, elastomers, coatings or fibers) in the industry polyurethanes obtained using toxic and moisture sensitive diisocyanates, polyols and low-molecular weight chain extenders. The main aim of this work was to synthesize non-isocyanate...
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Investigation of behaviour of metal structures with polymer dampers under dynamic loads
PublicationA large number of accidents concerning structures subjected to dynamic loads have been recently observed. One of the examples of such a structure is a temporary steel grandstand erected using scaffolding system. Dynamic load that is generated by crowd movement has a significant influence on the behaviour of the structure and may lead to excessive structural vibrations. The aim of the study is to consider the idea of using polymer...
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Effects of preheating on laser beam–welded NSSC 2120 lean duplex steel
PublicationDuplex stainless steels show sustainable alternative for the conventional austenitic grades, with higher strength, higher resistance against stress corrosion cracking, and lower purchase cost. Thus, duplex stainless steel gains more attention in construction, oil and gas, and chemical industries. Among duplex stainless steels, low nickel and low molybdenum alloyed lean duplex stainless steel are a cost-efective substitution of...
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Catalytic activity of Ni-MgAl2O4 modified with transition metal (Ti, Mo, W) carbides as potential catalysts for resource recovery via dry reforming of waste plastics
PublicationThe growing amounts of plastic waste and CO2 emissions are two environmental threats that require urgent attention. Pyrolysis combined with dry reforming (PCDR) is a technology that allows both CO2 utilization and resource recovery from waste plastic. New catalysts for PCDR are crucial for developing efficient and stable processes that can be widely implemented in the industry. In this study, Ni/MgAl2O4 catalysts modified using different...
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More than just a beer – Brewers' spent grain, spent hops, and spent yeast as potential functional fillers for polymer composites
PublicationBeer is among the most popular beverages in the world, with the production distributed uniformly between the biggest continents, so the utilization of brewing by-products is essential on a global scale. Among their potential recipients, the plastics industry offers extensive range of potential products. Herein, the presented study investigated the application of currently underutilized solid brewing by-products (brewers' spent...
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On Decision-Making Strategies for Improved-Reliability Size Reduction of Microwave Passives: Intermittent Correction of Equality Constraints and Adaptive Handling of Inequality Constraints
PublicationDesign optimization of passive microwave components is an intricate process, especially if the primary objective is a reduction of the physical size of the structure. The latter has become an important design consideration for a growing number of modern applications (mobile communications, wearable/implantable devices, internet of things), where miniaturization is imperative due to a limited space allocated for the electronic circuitry....
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Combined partial denitrification/anammox process for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment
PublicationRecently, the combined partial denitrification and anammox (PD/anammox) has received special attention as a viable alternative for N removal using organic matter present in municipal wastewater. In comparison with conventional nitrification-denitrification, PD/anammox provides enormous opportunities to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment due to the lack of dissolved oxygen (DO) demand, a smaller amount of organic carbon (C)...
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Predicting seismic response of SMRFs founded on different soil types using machine learning techniques
PublicationPredicting the Maximum Interstory Drift Ratio (M-IDR) of Steel Moment-Resisting Frames (SMRFs) is a useful tool for designers to approximately evaluate the vulnerability of SMRFs. This study aims to explore supervised Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to build a surrogate prediction model for SMRFs to reduce the need for complex modeling. For this purpose, twenty well-known ML algorithms implemented in Python software are trained...
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Estimation of the Regenerative Braking Process Efficiency in Electric Vehicles
PublicationIn electric and hybrid vehicles, it is possible to recover energy from the braking process and reuse it to drive the vehicle using the batteries installed on-board. In the conditions of city traffic, the energy dissipated in the braking process constitutes a very large share of the total resistance to vehicle motion. Efficient use of the energy from the braking process enables a significant reduction of fuel and electricity consumption...
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Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic melamine sponges impregnated with deep eutectic solvents for oil spill cleanup
PublicationThe extensive extraction of oil from the bottom of seas and oceans and its transportation by tankers increase the risk of potential environmental disasters associated with hydrocarbon fractions entering water reservoirs. Therefore, this paper presents the preparation of a simple impregnation of a melamine sponge with deep eutectic solvents (DES), which can be obtained from natural sources, including coconut oil, palm kernel oil,...
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Solvent influence on the crystal structures of new cadmium tri-tert -butoxysilanethiolate complexes with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine: luminescence and antifungal activity
PublicationMonocrystals of dinuclear 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine-�4N1,N10:N4,N40-bis[bis(tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolato-�S)cadmium(II)], [Cd2(C12H27O3SSi)4(C10-H24N4)] or [Cd2{SSi(OtBu)3}4(�-BAPP)], 1, and polynuclear catena-poly[[bis- (tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolato-�S)cadmium(II)]-�-1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine-�2N10:N40], [Cd(C12H27O3SSi)2(C10H24N4)]n or [Cd{SSi(OtBu)3}2(�-BAPP)]n, 2, with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (BAPP)...
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Diagnostic Analysis of Exhaust Gas with A Quick-Changing Temperature from a Marine Diesel Engine Part II / Two Factor Analysis
PublicationThe article presents a continuation of research carried out to determine the effect of input parameters (changes in engine structure parameters) on selected output parameters (diagnostic measures), based on quickly changing exhaust gas temperature. A method of determining the simultaneous influence of two input factors (the structure parameter and the engine load) on one output factor was presented, as well as an evaluation...
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Superhydrophobic sponges based on green deep eutectic solvents for spill oil removal from water
PublicationThe paper described a new method for crude oil-water separation by means of superhydrophobic melamine sponges impregnated by deep eutectic solvents (MS-DES). Due to the numerous potential of two-component DES formation, simple and quick screening of 156 non-ionic deep eutectic solvents using COSMO-RS (Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents) computational model was used. DES which were characterized by high solubility...
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Electrochemical oxidation of landfill leachate using boron-doped diamond anodes: pollution degradation rate, energy efficiency and toxicity assessment
PublicationElectrochemical oxidation (EO), due to high efficiency and small carbon footprint, is regarded as an attractive option for on-site treatment of highly contaminated wastewater. This work shows the effectiveness of EO using three boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDDs) in sustainable management of landfill leachate (LL). The effect of the applied current density (25–100 mA cm−2) and boron doping concentration (B/C ratio: 500 ppm, 10,000...
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Investigating an Optimal Computational Strategy to Retrofit Buildings with Implementing Viscous Dampers
PublicationCivil engineering structures may seriously suffer from different damage states re-sult of earthquakes. Nowadays, retrofitting the existing buildings is a serious need among designers. Two important factors of required performance level and cost of retrofitting play a crucial role in the retrofitting approach. In this study, a new optimal computational strategy to retrofit structures by implementing linear Viscous Dampers (VDs)...
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Highly antifouling polymer-nanoparticle-nanoparticle/polymer hybrid membranes
PublicationWe introduce highly antifouling Polymer-Nanoparticle-Nanoparticle/Polymer (PNNP) hybrid membranes as multi-functional materials for versatile purification of wastewater. Nitrogen-rich polyethylenimine (PEI)-functionalized halloysite nanotube (HNT-SiO2-PEI) nanoparticles were developed and embedded in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes for protein and dye filtration. Bulk and surface characteristics of the resulting HNT-SiO2-PEI...
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Machine learning-based seismic response and performance assessment of reinforced concrete buildings
PublicationComplexity and unpredictability nature of earthquakes makes them unique external loads that there is no unique formula used for the prediction of seismic responses. Hence, this research aims to implement the most well-known Machine Learning (ML) methods in Python software to propose a prediction model for seismic response and performance assessment of Reinforced Concrete Moment-Resisting Frames (RC MRFs). To prepare 92,400 data...
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Experimental investigation of thermal energy storage in shell-and-multi-tube unit with nano-enhanced phase change material
PublicationThis paper deals with thermal energy storage with use of nanoparticle enhanced phase change material in shell-and-multitube unit. The experiments are conducted under atmospheric pressure. Paraffin wax and two different fatty acids are used as base phase change material. Graphite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes serve as nanoparticles. Graphite nanoparticles are tested at the concentrations of 0.1%, 1% and 5% by weight, while multi-walled...
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Multi-factor fuzzy sets decision system forecasting consumer insolvency risk
PublicationThe objective of this study is to develop a multi-factor decision system predicting insolvency risk for natural persons with the use of fuzzy sets. Considering that the financial situation of households is affected by various endogenous and exogenous factors, the main assumption of this study is that the system for predicting financial difficulties should not be limited to the use of only a few financial variables concerning consumers,...
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A Planar-Structured Circularly Polarized Single-Layer MIMO Antenna for Wideband Millimetre-Wave Applications
PublicationIn this paper, a simple geometry, planar-structured printed multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna utilizing dual circular polarization (CP) is presented. The proposed numerically and experimentally validated design features a fully grounded coplanar waveguide (CPW) and a systematically perturbed feedline radiator. The fringing electric (E) field along the feedline is altered by extruding periodic stubs on each side of the...
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Drug-Eluting Biopsy Needle as a Novel Strategy for Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
PublicationOBJECTIVES: To preclinically evaluate drug-eluting biopsy needles (patent pending WO2016118026) as a new potential way of antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy. METHODS: Twenty steel biopsy needles have been coated with polyvinyl alcohol, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Modified biopsy needles have been randomly divided into 3 groups (1:2:1 ratio). Needles from group I were immersed for 30 minutes in dedicated...
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Aluminium in glacial meltwater demonstrates an association with nutrient export (Werenskiöldbreen, Svalbard)
PublicationThe aluminium (Al) cycle in glacierised basins has not received a great deal of attention in studies of biogeochemical cycles. As Almay be toxic for biota, it is important to investigate the processes leading to its release into the environment. It has not yet been ascertained whether filterable Al (passing through a pore size of 0.45 m) is incorporated into biogeochemical cycles in glacierised basins. Our study aims to determine...
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Cost-Efficient EM-Driven Size Reduction of Antenna Structures by Multi-Fidelity Simulation Models
PublicationDesign of antenna systems for emerging application areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), fifth generation wireless communications (5G), or remote sensing, is a challenging endeavor. In addition to meeting stringent performance specifications concerning electrical and field properties, the structure has to maintain small physical dimensions. The latter normally requires searching for trade-off solutions because miniaturization...
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Organic Rankine cycle as bottoming cycle to a combined Brayton and Clausius - Rankine cycle
PublicationA preliminary evaluation has been made of a possibility of bottoming of a conventional Brayton cycle cooperating with the CHP power plant with the organic Rankine cycle installation. Such solution contributes to the possibility of annual operation of that power plant, except of operation only in periods when there is a demand for the heat. Additional benefit would be the fact that an optimized backpressure steam cycle has the advantage...
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Diversification of investment efficiency in selected economies
PublicationAn assessment of the effectiveness of investments is a key element of investment processes. In order to be comprehensive and exhaustive, it should go beyond the scope of the microeconomic assessment and take into account the macroeconomic calculation of effectiveness. The prerequisite for the effectiveness of investment decisions implemented by private companies is the maximization of the return on the investments. When attempting...
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Electrical characterization of diamond/boron doped diamond nanostructures for use in harsh environment applications
PublicationThe polycrystalline boron doped diamond (BDD) shows stable electrical properties and high tolerance for harsh environments (e.g. high temperature or aggressive chemical compounds) comparing to other materials used in semiconductor devices. In this study authors have designed electronic devices fabricated from non-intentionally (NiD) films and highly boron doped diamond structures. Presented semiconductor devices consist of highly...
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Optical and structural properties of polycrystalline CVD diamond films grown on fused silica optical fibres pre-treated by high-power sonication seeding
PublicationIn this paper, the growth of polycrystalline chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond thin films on fused silica optical fibres has been investigated. The research results show that the effective substrate seeding process can lower defect nucleation, and it simultaneously increases surface encapsulation. However, the growth process on glass requires high seeding density. The effects of suspension type and ultrasonic power were...
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DEFORMATIONS OF INNOVATIVE COLD-FORMED GEB SECTIONS
PublicationPermanent urban growth of the world of today world implies demanding challenges for the steel construction industry. Nowadays, one of the most important issues is the cost optimization of steel structures. Since the weight of building materials is a major component of the total cost, engineers and designers try to reduce structural weight, without compromising durability and sustainability of a steel structure. Therefore, light...
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Effects of beach wrack on the fate of mercury at the land-sea interface – A preliminary study
PublicationSince the 1970s, the amount of aquatic plants and algae debris, called beach wrack (BW), has increased along the shores of industrialised regions. The strong ability of primary producers to accumulate pollutants can potentially result in their deposition on the beach along with the BW. Despite that, the fate and impact of such pollutants on sandy beach ecosystems have not been investigated so far. This study examines the fate...
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Microseismic Monitoring of Hydraulic Fracturing - Data Interpretation Methodology With an Example from Pomerania
PublicationMicroseismic monitoring is a method for localizing fractures induced by hydraulic fracturing in search for shell gas. The data is collected from an array of geophones deployed on the surface or underground. Ground vibrations are recorded and analysed for fracture location, magnitude and breakage mechanism. For successful microseismic monitoring one need a velocity model of underlying formations. The model is further tuned with...