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Search results for: DEGRADATION MECHANISMS
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Wireless Link Selection Methods for Maritime Communication Access Networks—A Deep Learning Approach
PublicationIn recent years, we have been witnessing a growing interest in the subject of communication at sea. One of the promising solutions to enable widespread access to data transmission capabilities in coastal waters is the possibility of employing an on-shore wireless access infrastructure. However, such an infrastructure is a heterogeneous one, managed by many independent operators and utilizing a number of different communication...
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Influence of hydrochloric acid concentration and type of nitrogen source on the electrochemical performance of TiO2/N-MoS2 for energy storage applications
PublicationIn this work, nitrogen-doped molybdenum sulfide was directly deposited on titanium dioxide nanotubes substrate (TiO2/N-MoS2) during hydrothermal synthesis. The study focuses on the influence of hydrochloric acid concentration used for the synthesis, with the results indicating its essential role in thioacetamide hydrolysis and thus in the effectiveness of the N-MoS2 deposition. The electrode material itself is characterized by...
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Investigations of size effect in concrete at aggregate level - experiments and calculations results using discrete element method
PublicationSize effect is a fundamental phenomenon in concrete. It is characterised by decreasing strength and increasing brittleness of concrete with increasing size. The thesis includes experimental and theoretical elements. The main goal of the thesis were investigations of a size effect at the aggregate level by taking fracture into account with the discrete element method (DEM) for various failure modes. Comprehensive experiments on...
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Endothelial Dysfunction Driven by Hypoxia—The Influence of Oxygen Deficiency on NO Bioavailability
PublicationCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. The initial stage of CVDs is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, defined as the limited bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Thus, any factors that interfere with the synthesis or metabolism of NO in endothelial cells are involved in CVD pathogenesis. It is well established that hypoxia is both the triggering factor as well as the accompanying factor...
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Research on Linear Actuators for Active Foil Bearings
PublicationActive foil bearings are a kind of gas foil bearing. They contain actuators which allow for modification of the bearing sleeve size and the shape of the lubrication gap. Rotor vibrations can be actively controlled by these changes. It is possible, among other things, to reduce the starting torque, control the vibration amplitude at different speeds and improve operational safety. Prototypes of active foil bearings are being developed...
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Impact of the Alkyl Side Chains of Cations and Anions on the Activity and Renaturation of Lysozyme: A Systematic Study Performed Using Six Amino‐Acid‐Based Ionic Liquids
PublicationThe impact of the structure of ionic liquid on the activity and renaturation of lysozyme from the hen egg white (HEWL) was investigated. A set of six ionic liquids based on morpholinium cation and N-acylated amino acids as anions were exploited. The matrix used was based on two homologous series: one with N-acetyl-L-valinate [Val] as a common anion and morpholinium cation with a different number of...
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‘Acridines’ as New Horizons in Antifungal Treatment
PublicationFrequent fungal infections in immunocompromised patients and mortality due to invasive mycosis are important clinical problems. Opportunistic pathogenic Candida species remain one of the leading causes of systemic mycosis worldwide. The repertoire of antifungal chemotherapeutic agents is very limited. Although new antifungal drugs such as lanosterol 14α-demethylase and β-glucan synthase inhibitors have been introduced into clinical...
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Biocompatibility and potential functionality of lanthanum-substituted cobalt ferrite spinels
PublicationBulk and nanostructurized lanthanum-cobalt spinels have attracted a lot of interest from researchers, due to their unique physical and chemical properties as well as functionalities, which are interesting for biomedical and electronic industries. In this manuscript we show that introducing small lanthanum (La3+) content can tune magnetic, electronic and cytotoxic properties of the CoFe2− xLaxO4 system (x ≤ 0.1). The mechanisms...
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MXenes Antibacterial Properties and Applications: A Review and Perspective
PublicationThe mutations of bacteria due to the excessive use of antibiotics, and generation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have made the development of new antibacterial compounds a necessity. MXenes have emerged as biocompatible transition metal carbide structures with extensive biomedical applications. This is related to the MXenes’ unique combination of properties, including multifarious elemental compositions, 2D-layered structure,...
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Sustainable Investing. Socio-Economic Impacts of Exchange-Traded Funds
PublicationSustainable Investing: Socio-Economic Impacts of Exchange-Traded Funds examines the social and economic effects of sustainable investing ETFs and their impacts on the global financial system. The book presents the key issues with regard to sustainable investing, discussing exchange-traded funds mechanisms and categories in comparison to competing investment funds. The book outlines the theoretical determinants of ETF markets development...
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Energy-Aware Scheduling for High-Performance Computing Systems: A Survey
PublicationHigh-performance computing (HPC), according to its name, is traditionally oriented toward performance, especially the execution time and scalability of the computations. However, due to the high cost and environmental issues, energy consumption has already become a very important factor that needs to be considered. The paper presents a survey of energy-aware scheduling methods used in a modern HPC environment, starting with the...
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Endocrine disrupting compounds in the baby's world - A harmful environment to the health of babies
PublicationGlobally, there has been a significant increase in awareness of the adverse effects of chemicals with known or suspected endocrine-acting properties on human health. Human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) mainly occurs by ingestion and to some extent by inhalation and dermal uptake. Although it is difficult to assess the full impact of human exposure to EDCs, it is well known that timing of exposure is of importance...
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Speed dependency of temperature effects on road traffic noise
PublicationRecently, a new literature review on the influence of temperature on tire/road noise became available, based on a compilation of large amounts of data from empirical research. This review showed that the effect of temperature is roughly double of that previously assumed and taken account of in international standards. This makes temperature one of the main sources of error in measurement results. Furthermore, it suggested that...
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Biological hazards in low noise, poroelastic road surfaces
PublicationDrainage pavements as well as poroelastic pavements ("PERS") are a very efficient way to decrease traffic noise by reducing tire/road noise at the source as well as noise propagation over the road surface. Many noise generating mechanisms at the tire/road interface are very much reduced by road porosity (pipe resonance, "air pumping", Helmholtz resonance and the horn effect). A well-designed porous or poroelastic road surface may...
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Bearing capacity of working platform using distinct layout optimization method
PublicationBearing capacity of the working platforms from sandy soil resting on NC and OC clays was analyzed using LimitState GEO program. Different failure modes are considered using distinct layout optimization (DLO) method, which forms the upper bound solution of limit state analysis. Different mechanisms of failure were observed as a function of the platform thickness, angle of internal friction of the platform material and undrained...
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Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from wastewater and wastewater-impacted marine coastal zone
PublicationIn this study, species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of cultivated Pseudomonas spp. were studied in influent (INF), effluent (EFF), and marine outfall (MOut) of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The susceptibility was tested against 8 antimicrobial classes, active against Pseudomonas spp.: aminoglycosides, carbapenems, broad-spectrum cephalosporins from the 3rd and 4th generation, extended-spectrum penicillins,...
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Tracking of the broadband source of the underwater noise in the very shallow water conditions
PublicationThe paper contains the result s, both theoretical and experimental , connected with the tracking of the underwater noise source as small ships, pontoon , diver and so on. The pro blem of security in the shallow water area is the challenge for underwater acousticians. In this paper there is take n into account the detection of the sources that move on the surface of the sea or underwater in shallow...
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The Impact of Homogeneity of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete Layer on Low-Temperature Cracking
PublicationDuring winter season of 2012 numerous transverse cracks developed in high-modulus asphalt concrete (HMAC) base of newly constructed motorway. Pavement cracked both in transverse joint locations and in the area between them. Research which was conducted during investigation of the causes and mechanisms of cracking consisted of: field examination, laboratory testing of specimens cored out of the existing pavement, computational analyses...
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MSRL and the Real-Life Processes of Capturing and Implementing the "Urban Innovation"
PublicationResult of the MSRL workshop, five research projects, reflect on a broader process of exchange of the ideas between the cities, that is occurring in the real life and became one of the driving factors of the urban development nowadays. The objective of the MSRL research - concepts, which help to advance the development of the cities, support the improvement of the quality of urban environment or meet the future challenges, can be...
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Pathways of Nitrogen Removal in Hybrid Treatment Wetlands
PublicationHybrid Treatment Wetlands (HTWs) are composed of two or more filters with different modes of flow, allowing the benefits of both types of bed to be combined, resulting in better effluent quality (nitrogen and organic compounds removal). Such a heterogeneous environment creates possibilities for different mechanisms of nitrogen removal. The objective of the present study was to investigate the removal of nitrogen versus a range...
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Photophysics of Untethered ZnTPP-Fullerene Complexes in Solution
PublicationThe spectroscopy and dynamic behavior of the self-assembled, Soret-excited zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) plus fullerene (C60) model system in solution has been examined using steady state fluorescence quenching, nanosecond time-correlated single photon counting, picosecond fluorescence upconversion, and picosecond transient absorption methods. Evidence of ground state complexation is presented. Steady-state quenching of the...
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DNA methylation as a mediator of HLA-DRB1*15:01 and a protective variant in multiple sclerosis
PublicationThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype DRB1*15:01 is the major risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we find that DRB1*15:01 is hypomethylated and predominantly expressed in monocytes among carriers of DRB1*15:01. A differentially methylated region (DMR) encompassing HLA-DRB1 exon 2 is particularly affected and displays methylation-sensitive regulatory properties in vitro. Causal inference and Mendelian randomization...
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Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties of Ag2O/TiO2 Heterojunction
PublicationAg2O/TiO2 heterojunctions were prepared by a simple method, i.e., the grinding of argentous oxide with six different titania photocatalysts. The physicochemical properties of the obtained photocatalysts were characterized by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The photocatalytic activity was...
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Active Site Architecture and Reaction Mechanism Determination of Cold Adapted beta-D-galactosidase from Arthrobacter sp. 32cB
PublicationArthbetaDG is a dimeric, cold-adapted beta-D-galactosidase that exhibits high hydrolytic and transglycosylation activity. A series of crystal structures of its wild form, as well as its ArthbetaDG_E441Q mutein complexes with ligands were obtained in order to describe the mode of its action. The ArthbetaDG_E441Q mutein is an inactive form of the enzyme designed to enable observation of enzyme interaction with its substrate. The...
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Key issues in modeling and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass fermentative conversion to gaseous biofuels
PublicationThe industrial-scale production of lignocellulosic-based biofuels from biomass is expected to benefit society and the environment. The main pathways of residues processing include advanced hydrolysis and fermentation, pyrolysis, gasification, chemical synthesis and biological processes. The products of such treatment are second generation biofuels. The degree of fermentation of organic substances depends primarily on their composition...
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Evolutionary Sets of Safe Ship Trajectories Within Traffic Separation Schemes
PublicationThe paper presents the continuation of the author's research on Evolutionary Sets of Safe Ship Trajectories (ESoSST) methodology. In an earlier paper (Szlapczynski, 2011) the author described the foundations of this methodology, which used Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) to search for an optimal set of safe trajectories for all the ships involved in an encounter. The methodology was originally designed for open waters or restricted...
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Insights into oral microbiome and colorectal cancer – on the way of searching new perspectives
PublicationMicrobiome is a keystone polymicrobial community that coexist with human body in a beneficial relationship. These microorganisms enable the human body to maintain homeostasis and take part in mechanisms of defense against infection and in the absorption of nutrients. Even though microbiome is involved in physiologic processes that are beneficial to host health, it may also cause serious detrimental issues. Additionally, it has been...
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Improving the prediction of biochar production from various biomass sources through the implementation of eXplainable machine learning approaches
PublicationExamining the game-changing possibilities of explainable machine learning techniques, this study explores the fast-growing area of biochar production prediction. The paper demonstrates how recent advances in sensitivity analysis methodology, optimization of training hyperparameters, and state-of-the-art ensemble techniques have greatly simplified and enhanced the forecasting of biochar output and composition from various biomass...
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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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Mitigating metal-organic framework (MOF) toxicity for biomedical applications
PublicationMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel class of crystalline porous materials, consisting of metal ions and organic linkers. These hybrid materials are highly porous and have a large specific surface area, making them of great interest for applications in gas separation, energy storage, biomedical imaging, and drug delivery. As MOFs are being explored for biomedical applications, it is essential to comprehensively assess their...
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Shaking table experimental study on damage mechanism of the disconnecting switch under seismic excitation
PublicationThe efficiency of the energetic network is a very import safety issue in the region experienced by the earthquake. High voltage disconnecting switches are important elements of the energetic infrastructure used to separate electric circuits (i.e. during repairs), which should not be damaged remaining fully operational. The aim of the paper is to show the results of the shaking table experimental investigation focused on damage...
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Deep eutectic solvents – based green absorbents for effective volatile organochlorine compounds removal from biogas
PublicationVolatile organochlorine compounds (VOXs) presented in biogas can cause many technological and environmental problems. During the combustion of biogas containing VOXs, the corrosion of installation, as well as the formation of toxic by-products (polyhalogenated dioxins and furans) and further emission to the atmosphere, may occur. Therefore, in this study, a new procedure based on physical absorption was developed. In order to meet...
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Perceptual and Motor Effects of Muscle Co-activation in a Force Production Task
PublicationWe tested several predictions of the theory of motor control with spatial referent coordinates related to effects of muscle coactivation on force production and perception. In particular, we predicted that subjects would produce unintentional force increase by finger flexors and be unaware of this force increase. Healthy subjects performed steady force production task in isometric conditions with visual feedback on the force level....
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Computationally-efficient design optimisation of antennas by accelerated gradient search with sensitivity and design change monitoring
PublicationElectromagnetic (EM) simulation tools are of primary importance in the design of contemporary antennas. The necessity of accurate performance evaluation of complex structures is a reason why the final tuning of antenna dimensions, aimed at improvement of electrical and field characteristics, needs to be based on EM analysis. Design automation is highly desirable and can be achieved by coupling EM solvers with numerical optimisation...
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Numerically Efficient Miniaturization-Oriented Optimization of an Ultra-Wideband Spline-Parameterized Antenna
PublicationDesign of ultra-wideband radiators for modern handheld applications is a challenging task that involves not only selection of an appropriate topology, but also its tuning oriented towards balancing the electrical performance and size. In this work, a low-cost design of a compact, broadband, spline-parameterized monopole antenna has been considered. The framework used for the structure design implements trust-region-based methods,...
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Glutathione-mediated conjugation of anticancer drugs: an overview of reaction mechanisms and biological significance for drug detoxification and bioactivation.
PublicationThe effectiveness of many anticancer drugs depends on the creation of specific metabolites that may alter their therapeutic or toxic properties. One significant route of biotransformation is a conjugation of electrophilic compounds with reduced glutathione, which can be non-enzymatic and/or catalyzed by glutathione-dependent enzymes. Glutathione usually combines with anticancer drugs and/or their metabolites to form more polar...
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Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policies in Poland: Findings from the HEPA PAT Survey
PublicationInsufficient physical activity (PA) is one of major risk factors for serious diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Public policies to enhance PA across society are recognized as an effective tool against the problem. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of national-level PA policy approach in Poland. A standardized survey of Word Health Organization named the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy...
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On coertia and inertia in aspects of Natanson’s nonlinear extended thermodynamics
PublicationIn this article, the previously underrepresented contributions of Natanson to the field of thermodynamics have been presented. In order to identify a source of irreversibility at Nature, Natanson introduced the concept of Coertia, which is similar to inertia. Natanson’s Coertia is a fundamental property of space that is responsible for every irreversible phenomena in matter, as well as in the electromagnetic and gravitational fields....
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Does pandemic denial help or harm? Belief in COVID-19 and experience of it affect psychological consequences of using neurotic defence mechanisms
PublicationObjective: The COVID-19 pandemic may activate thoughts of death, leading to aversive psychological states. In such situations, defence mechanisms emerge; however, their adaptability depends on many factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between neurotic defence style and depressive symptoms. We assumed that the sense of coherence underlies this correlation and investigated how both believing (or not)...
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Preliminary Investigation on Rapid Potassium Efflux from Activated Sludge in Response to Use of Peroxyacetic Acid
PublicationPreliminary research on activated sludge potassium efflux (GGKE - glutathione-gated potassium efflux) as a result of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) dosing were performed. Similarily as in case of chlorine dosing the PAA dosing causes initiation of bacteria defense mechanisms, related to the transformations of glutathione tripeptide, resulting in the increase of potassium ions concentration in the activated sludge environment. In the range...
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Low-cost data-driven modelling of microwave components using domain confinement and PCA-based dimensionality reduction
PublicationFast data-driven surrogate models can be employed as replacements of computationally demanding full-wave electromagnetic simulations to facilitate the microwave design procedures. Unfortunately, practical application of surrogate modelling is often hindered by the curse of dimensionality and/or considerable nonlinearity of the component characteristics. This paper proposes a simple yet reliable approach to cost-efficient modelling...
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Mutual Interaction between Temperature and DO Set Point on AOB and NOB Activity during Shortcut Nitrification in a Sequencing Batch Reactor in Terms of Energy Consumption Optimization
PublicationRecently, many wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have had to deal with serious problems related to the restrictive requirements regarding the euent quality, as well as significant energy consumption associated with it. In this situation, mainstream deammonification and/or shortened nitrification-denitrification via nitrite (so-called “nitrite shunt”) is a new promising strategy. This study shows the mechanisms and operating conditions...
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Absolute Photoabsorption Cross-Sections of Methanol for Terrestrial and Astrophysical Relevance
PublicationWe investigate the methanol absorption spectrum in the range 5.5–10.8 eV to provide accurate and absolute cross-sections values. The main goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of methanol electronic-state spectroscopy by employing high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoabsorption measurements together with state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculation methods. The VUV spectrum reveals several new features...
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Application of Open-Hardware-Based Solutions for Rapid Transition From Stationary to the Remote Teaching Model During Pandemic
PublicationWhile research indicates usefulness of remote laboratories in teaching of digital hardware systems, their main application is to complement stationary classes. This work presents a low-cost, scalable architecture that supports rapid transformation of teaching to a model based solely on remote access mechanisms. Background: Adaptation of online laboratory solutions from the literature to en-masse teaching of digital circuits is...
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Effect of bending-torsion on fracture and fatigue life for 18Ni300 steel specimens produced by SLM
PublicationIn this study, different fracture surfaces caused by fatigue failure were generated from 18Ni300 steel produced by selective laser melting (SLM). Hollow round bars with a transverse hole were tested under bending-torsion to investigate the crack initiation mechanisms and fatigue life. Next, the post-failure fracture surfaces were examined by optical profilometer and scanning electron microscope. The focus is placed on the relationship...
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MoS2-containing composite membranes for separation of environmental energy-relevant liquid and gas mixtures: A comprehensive review
PublicationMolybdenum sulfide (MoS2) materials adapted into membranes have demonstrated potential for different areas dealing with molecular separations. For instance, MoS2-based membranes have been proposed for distinct environmental applications, such as water treatment, seawater desalination, gas separation, and solvent separation. Emergently, such membranes have been ultimately investigated for energy-relevant gas separation mixtures,...
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The importance of anchoring ligands of binuclear sensitizers on electron transfer processes and photovoltaic action in dye-sensitized solar cells
PublicationThe relatively low photon-to-current conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells is their major drawback limiting widespread application. Light harvesting, followed by a series of electron transfer processes, is the critical step in photocurrent generation. An in-depth understanding and fine optimization of those processes are crucial to enhance cell performance. In this work, we synthesize two new bi-ruthenium sensitizers...
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Mussel‐inspired biomaterials: From chemistry to clinic
PublicationAfter several billions of years, nature still makes decisions on its own to identify, develop, and direct the most effective material for phenomena/challenges faced. Likewise, and inspired by the nature, we learned how to take steps in developing new technologies and materials innovations. Wet and strong adhesion by Mytilidae mussels (among which Mytilus edulis—blue mussel and Mytilus californianus—California mussel are the most...
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Ionic liquids for nano- and microstructures preparation. Part 1: Properties and multifunctional role
PublicationIonic liquids (ILs) are a broad group of organic salts of varying structure and properties, used in energy conversion and storage, chemical analysis, separation processes, as well as in the preparation of particles in nano- and microscale. In material engineering, ionic liquids are applied to synthesize mainly metal nanoparticles and 3D semiconductor microparticles. They could generally serve as a structuring agent or as a reaction...
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Novel Biomass-Based Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application
PublicationA wide range of polymers were prepared from biomass-derivatives, using different polymerization mechanisms. Well-defined, fully hydroxy-functional polyesters based on aliphatic diols were synthesized, using either conventional metal-based catalysts or the organic superbase 1,5,7-triazabicyclododecene (TBD). Unsaturated polyesters were also made, offering additional functionality to these biobased resins. Metal-catalyzed or enzymatic...