Search results for: : SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
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Environmentally friendly polymer-rubber composites obtained from waste tyres: A review
PublicationThe paper is transdisciplinary. The complex overview on changes in policy and approach to waste tyres that leads to both solving environmental problem of post consumer tyres and creating environmentally friendlier novel materials are presented. It is shown that in the world, the amount of polymer wastes increases every year. Most of them are in the form of post-consumer tyres. Recycling and recovery of such tyres is a serious environmental...
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Band engineering of BiOBr based materials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) – A review
PublicationSemiconductor based photocatalysts have been an efficient technology for water and wastewater remediation, addressing the concepts of green chemistry and sustainable development. Owing to narrow and suitable band structure, BiOBr is a promising candidate for efficient wastewater treatment via photocatalysis. Enhancement of photocatalytic properties can be obtained by various techniques like doping, element rich strategy, facet...
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Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) as human food – An approval of the European Commission – A critical review
PublicationDue to the increasing threat of climate change and the need for sustainable food sources, human consumption of edible insects or entomophagy has gained considerable attention globally. The larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), also known as the lesser mealworm, have been identified as a promising candidate for mass-rearing as a food source based the on evaluation on several aspects such as the production...
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Enhancing the bioconversion rate and end products of black soldier fly (BSF) treatment – A comprehensive review
PublicationFood security remains a pressing concern in the face of an increasing world population and environmental challenges. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity continue to impact agricultural productivity, traditional livestock farming faces limitations in meeting the growing global demand for meat and dairy products. In this context, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable...
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Urban Lighting Research Transdisciplinary Framework—A Collaborative Process with Lighting Professionals
PublicationOver the past decades, lighting professionals have influenced the experience of the night by brightly illuminating streets, buildings, skylines, and landscapes 24/7. When this became the accepted norm, a dual perspective on night-time was shaped and the visual enjoyment of visitors after dusk was prioritized over natural nightscapes (nocturnal landscapes). During this time, researchers of artificial light at night (ALAN) observed...
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Greencoin: a Proenvironmental Action-Reward System
PublicationThe massive destruction of the natural environment is rapidly eroding the world’s capacity to provide food and water, threatening the security of billions of people. In order to facilitate green lifestyles – understood in terms of both pro-environmental behaviors and green self-image on the one hand, and to build sustainable local and global communities, on the other, we put forward an idea of a novel action-reward system based...
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Selected problems of decision making modelling in power engineering
PublicationThe paper presents the selected problems of decision making modelling in power engineering specially investment risk evaluation methods. The proposed model can be used in the range programming the development and investing process in power engineering. Decision making problems in power engineering and the evaluation of investment effectiveness in particular are closely related to modelling which relatively accurately reflects...
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Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment in Single-Family Constructed Wetlands in Kaszuby Lake District
PublicationIn the paper results of investigation upon three different configurations of single family treatment wetlands were presented. It was indicated that the application of treatment wetlands for single family effluent is a effective and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment in the rural areas. In spite of the receiving higher concentration of pollutants in comparison to the TWs operated in Europe and USA analysed TWs ensure...
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Innovative strategies: Combining treatments for advanced wastewater purification
PublicationWater scarcity is a pressing global challenge, driving the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment solutions. With untreated wastewater extensively employed, particularly in agriculture, the significance of proper treatment becomes evident, as it presents a more practical and ecologically responsible alternative. This chapter explores the diverse treatment approaches encompassing chemical, physical, and biological methods,...
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Hydrochar-nanoparticle integration for arsenic removal from wastewater: Challenges, possible solutions, and future horizon
PublicationArsenic (As) contamination poses a significant threat to human health, ecosystems, and agriculture, with levels ranging from 12 to 75% attributed to mine waste and stream sediments. This naturally element is abundant in Earth's crust and gets released into the environment through mining and rock processing, causing ≈363 million people to depend on As-contaminated groundwater. To combat this issue, introducing a sustainable hydrochar...
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Corporate Social Responsibility Culture in the University of Technology – Polish Students Perspective
PublicationPurpose: The view on CSR concept is constantly broadening and still the new perspective is needed. New challenges are imposed by social, environmental and economic changes. A stakeholder approach defining organizations’ responsibility is no more valid. There is a need to redefine CSR concept and its role in sustainable development. Higher education and its role in shaping future attitudes towards corporate social responsibility...
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Comparison of Renewable Energy Sources in ‘New’ EU Member States in the Context of National Energy Transformations
PublicationThe European Union strives to create sustainable, low-carbon economies; therefore, energy policies of all member states should move towards renewable energy sources (RES). That concerns also the so-called new EU member states. These countries, on the one hand, are characterized by significant historical similarities in terms of post-communist legacy and adopted development strategies linked with the EU membership, and on the other...
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Integrating conventional nitrogen removal with anammox in wastewater treatment systems: Microbial metabolism, sustainability and challenges
PublicationThe various forms of nitrogen (N), including ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2−), and nitrate (NO3−), present in wastewaters can create critical biotic stress and can lead to hazardous phenomena that cause imbalances in biological diversity. Thus, biological nitrogen removal (BNR) from wastewaters is considered to be imperatively urgent. Therefore, anammox-based systems, i.e. partial nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PN/anammox)...
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AGREEMIP: The Analytical Greenness Assessment Tool for Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Synthesis
PublicationMolecular imprinting technology is well established in areas where a high selectivity is required, such as catalysis, sensing, and separations/sample preparation. However, according to the Principles of Green Chemistry, it is evident that the various steps required to obtain molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are far from ideal. In this regard, greener alternatives to the synthesis of MIPs have been proposed in recent years....
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Analysis of the possibility of increasing thermal-electric energy conversion ratio in CHP units based on micro gas turbine
PublicationThe aim of this paper is to analyze the possibility of increasing thermal energy to electricity conversion efficiency in combined heat and power (CHP) units based on micro gas turbine during low heat demand periods. At the beginning sustainable development postulates under power engineering are explained. Next micro CHP as part of distributed generation idea is presented. The main part of the article is based on results of thermodynamic...
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Rhodotorulic Acid and its Derivatives: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
PublicationSiderophores are low molecular weight compounds produced by microorganisms to scavenge iron in iron-deficient environments. Rhodotorulic acid (RA), a natural hydroxamate siderophore, plays a vital role in iron acquisition for fungi and bacteria. As the simplest natural hydroxamate siderophore, RA exhibits a high affinity for ferric ions, enabling it to form stable complexes that facilitate iron uptake and transport within microorganisms....
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Hydro Lubricants: Water-based lubricants for hydropower applications
PublicationSeveral different base oil types exist in the market including mineral and synthetic oils (e.g. polyalphaolefins, ester, polyglycol, etc.) and are currently widely in use. Although synthetic oils have drawn great attention over the past few decades in terms of their tribological benefits, mineral oils are still widely used in hydropower applications due primarily to their low cost and easy miscibility with other oils. However,...
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Current Status, Barriers and Development Perspectives for Circular Bioeconomy in Polish South Baltic Area
PublicationThe following article presents the current legal situation in Poland as well as in the European Union. Data on biomass production in the Polish South Baltic area were analyzed, along with an indication of the key sectors for the development of bioeconomy. Presentation of the current state of biomass management was made and areas necessary for development were indicated to facilitate the sustainable management of biomass and waste...
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Contemporary architecture within the context of architectural education
PublicationAnalysed in this article are the diploma projects of students of architecture in European countries. The aim was to examine how students approach an important issue related to sustainable development, i.e. the integration of newly designed architecture into the existing historical, cultural and natural context. The rational use and protection of the environment requires the skilful shaping of urbanised space. Many changes in the...
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The Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost in public works contracts
PublicationAn important goal, implemented by EU countries under the Europe 2020 strategy, is sustainable development, which includes supporting economy that effectively uses natural and environmentally friendly resources. Solutions in this area are also promoted in tender proceedings in the area of public procurement. The LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and LCC (Life Cycle Cost) analysis are indicated as the basis for decision-making by awarding...
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Assessment of Alterations in Settlement Patterns of Agricultural Landscape in the Example of Kashubia in Poland
PublicationTraditional agricultural landscapes are heavily exposed to change due to their relatively low agricultural productivity. However, they represent cultural values of great importance in maintaining the resilience of the environment and society. Although their cultural potential is important for sustainable development, it is still insufficiently recognized. The article fills this gap by examining old farmstead buildings as a distinguishing...
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HYDROSTATIC THRUST BEARING WITH REDUCED POWER LOSSES
PublicationIn many cases in rotating machinery, axial load is carried by tilting pad thrust bearings which have been developed since the beginning of 20th century. For high reliability and simplicity, most commonly the bearings are bath lubricated. In the times of sustainable development, however, minimization of friction losses becomes an important criterion for machinery assessment, and a strategic goal of their development. Performed calculations,...
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Preliminary Investigation on Auto-Thermal Extrusion of Ground Tire Rubber
PublicationGround tire rubber (GTR) was processed using an auto-thermal extrusion as a prerequisite to green reclaiming of waste rubbers. The reclaimed GTR underwent a series of tests: thermogravimetric analysis combined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and static headspace and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SHS-GC-MS) in order...
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Development of proximity in cluster organizations
PublicationSustainable development in cluster organizations (COs) is most fully manifested in the synergy effect. In turn, the synergy effect is achieved thanks to the development of proximity among cluster entities. The purpose of the paper is to test two conceptual models reflecting relations between selected dimensions of proximity in cluster organizations. The author reports the findings of a quantitative study conducted in four COs....
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Integrated spatial and energy planning – importance of a problem for contemporary architects and urban planners with focus on environmental factors
PublicationAlong with respecting basic sustainable development goals, planners will also be obliged to meet more stringent provisions related to energy efficiency in the coming years. In Poland, a crucial year will be 2021, when the EU directive on the energy efficiency of buildings comes into force. In this matter, not only the characteristics of individual objects are of great importance, but their whole complexes and the overall approach...
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Application of deep eutectic solvents in analytical sample pretreatment (update 2017–2022). Part A: Liquid phase microextraction
PublicationSustainable development in all branches of human activity has become an unequivocal necessity in the last two decades, and green chemistry goes hand in hand with it. Various ways have been proposed in analytical chemistry to meet the current requirements of green chemistry. One such approach is the research of new reagents and solvents for analytical purposes. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) began being investigated and used in analytical...
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Synthesis and application of biomass-derived magnetic biochar catalyst for simultaneous esterification and trans-esterification of waste cooking oil into biodiesel: modeling and optimization
PublicationThis work created, characterized, and used a magnetic biochar catalyst that is both eco-friendly and very effective. Sugarcane bagasse was selected as primary raw material for catalyst preparation, because it is renewable and ecofriendly biomass. Cata- lyst created by doping sugarcane bagasse biochar with magnetic material in the form of (FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy...
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Structure-Property Relationship and Multiple Processing Studies of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers
PublicationCurrently, the growing demand for polymeric materials has led to an increased need to develop effective recycling methods. This study focuses on the multiple processing of bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (bio-TPUs) as a sustainable approach for polymeric waste management through mechanical recycling. The main objective is to investigate the influence of two reprocessing cycles on selected properties of bio-TPUs....
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Composite as a Material of the Future in the Era of Green Deal Implementation Strategies
PublicationComposite materials have become synonymous with modernity, desired in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from simple everyday objects to sanitary facilities, pipelines, the construction of modern sewer networks, their renovation, water supply, and storage reservoirs, to complex structures—automotive, planes, and space science. Composites have seen a considerable rise in attention owing to their characteristics, durability,...
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Green analytical chemistry : theory and practice
PublicationThis tutorial review summarises the current state of green analytical chemistry with special emphasis on environmentally friendly sample preparation techniques. Green analytical chemistry is a part of the sustainable development concept; its history and origins are described. Miniaturisation of analytical devices and shortening the time elapsing between performing analysis and obtaining reliable analytical results are important...
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On the acoustic backscattering by Baltic herring and sprat
PublicationAccurate abundance estimate of Baltic clupeids, herring and sprat, is required for theirsustainable exploitation. The understanding the sound backscattering of individual fish isimportant for employing the acoustical techniques, which are widely used in the estimation.The previous studies demonstrated that the improvement of the understanding is critical forthe Baltic herring and sprat. It was the main...
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Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion
PublicationPhotocatalytic oxidation over suspended solid photocatalysts (e.g., titanium dioxide) has been proposed as a sustainable process for treatment and purification of water and wastewater as well as the process for photoconversion of solar energy to hydrogen, methane, and other low hydrocarbons. Solar radiation could be used to drive heterogeneous electrochemical reactions at the surface of an optically active photocatalyst (e.g.,...
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A standard analytical method as the common good and pollution abatement measure
PublicationA standard method can be considered as a common-good “resource,” and the solution to “the commons” problems usually lies in societal self-organization. The multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was applied to model complex phenomena, such as the standard selection for imidacloprid determination. In this process, the standard was self-selected by the analytical chemistry society. The results show that analytical chemistry is a...
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Annual changes of basic parameters of bottom sediments from the Klodnica River Catchment
PublicationThe Klodnica River Catchment is heavily contaminated ecosystem located in area of the Upper Silesia Industrial Region. In this area various forms of human activity can be observed (e.g. mining coal underground, metallurgy, power/heat plants, wastewater discharged directly into the river). The impact of industrial and municipal wastes on this aquatic system causes to changes in the hydrographic network of river and the waters quality. In...
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System architecture of an INSPIRE-compliant green cadastre system for the EU Member State of Poland
PublicationIn response to the need for a sustainable agricultural policy, which would support activities such as decision making in precise agriculture and mitigation of crop threats, a concept agricultural information system was developed for the area of Poland. This innovative concept, called Green Cadastre (GC), proposes to create a uniform system designed for use on a national scale by both state administration as well as local farmers....
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Smart and resilient cities- new challanges for Polish cities in terms of 2020 energy efficiency and climate action
PublicationGlobal climate change action along with energy efficiency optimizations are becoming increasingly pressing principles in terms of moving towards sustainable development. As a member of EU and UN Poland is also obliged to follow restricted rules concerning energy efficiency of buildings which come to force in 2020. To meet new goals, innovative approaches - like moving towards smart and resilient cities -may be required. Through...
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CSR – A FASHION OR REAL COMMITMENT? THE CASE OF POLISH LISTED COMPANIES
PublicationThis article, without claiming to be the ultimate reference, aims at assessing the social commitment of the large and solid financially, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE), Polish companies, on the eve of the implementation of the EU directive on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information (2014/95/EU). The selected companies seem perfect to form a vanguard of CSR in Poland, but the results of the analysis indicate...
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Trends in the new generation of green solvents in extraction processes
PublicationAnalytical chemistry, like other scientific fields, has undergone a number of changes to make it more consistent with the concept of sustainable development. Among the various steps of chemical analysis, without a doubt, sample preparation is the bottleneck in regard to following a green protocol, especially in terms of solvent consumption. Therefore, many attempts have been made to improve the environmental friendliness of this...
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Comparative study on fracture evolution in steel fibre and bar reinforced concrete beams using acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques
PublicationIn recent decades, the demand for sustainable construction practices has increased, but raw materials such as reinforcing steel remain scarce. Therefore, steel fibres have emerged as a popular and sustainable choice in the construction industry, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional steel bar reinforcement for both flatwork and elevated structures. The purpose of this study is therefore to compare the performance...
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Cadmium accumulation by Phragmites australis and Iris pseudacorus from stormwater in floating treatment wetlands microcosms: Insights into plant tolerance and utility for phytoremediation
PublicationEnvironmentally sustainable remediation is needed to protect freshwater resources which are deteriorating due to severe industrial, mining, and agricultural activities. Treatment by floating wetlands could be a sustainable solution to remediate water bodies. The study aimed to examine the effects of Cd on Phragmites australis and Iris pseudacorus growth (height, biomass, root length and chlorophyll contents), anatomy, Cd accumulation...
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Gender, equality, science and information systems
PublicationIn the entire Europe more women than men graduate from tertiary education institutes1. However, they are underrepresented in scientific and engineering disciplines. Women researchers still constitute a minority in the Government and Higher Education Sectors that both are related to power. A number of industry reports highlight a low number of women in IT occupations2. The EU Member States have, on political levels, committed themselves...
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Space syntax analysis - methodology of understanding the space
PublicationNowadays space is considered as a net of connections between different areas. The questions how to delineate its character and how it is possible to objectively compare two spaces is the matter under consideration. This was the reason for creating new theories about the structure of place. "Space syntax analysis" (SSA) or simply "Space Syntax" defines a number of theories and research areas devoted to the analysis of space configuration....
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Understainding solid-phase microextraction: key factors influencing the extraction process and trends in improving the technique
PublicationAnalytical chemists are faced with the daunting challenges of accurately monitoring the state of the environment and the processes taking place in it and of determining an enormous range of analytes often present in trace and ultratrace amounts in sample matrixes with complex or variable compositions. Further challenges are presented by the need to introduce new methodologies into current analytical practice and equipment to comply...
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Rhodotorulic Acid and its Derivatives: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
PublicationSiderophores are low molecular weight compounds produced by microorganisms to scavenge iron in iron-deficient environments. Rhodotorulic acid, a natural hydroxamate siderophore, plays a vital role in iron acquisition for fungi and bacteria. As the simplest natural hydroxamate siderophore, it exhibits a high affinity for ferric ions, enabling it to form stable complexes that facilitate iron uptake and transport within microorganisms....
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An Analysis of Airline GRI and SDG Reporting
PublicationThis study aims to increase our understanding of the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) topic-specific disclosures and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) addressed in the global passenger airline industry’s sustainability reporting (SR). Based on a quantitative content analysis of the industry’s sustainability reports from the financial year 2019 (FY19), this study reveals that airlines focused more on reporting environmental...
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Effect of strain level on the stiffness of cold recycled bituminous mixtures
PublicationCold recycling is a sustainable technology for the rehabilitation of bitumi-nous pavements. This study investigates the stiffness response of cement-bitumen treated materials (CBTM)manufactured with 80% reclaimed asphalt and treated with 2.0% Portland cement and 4.0% bitumen emulsion. Indirect tensile stiffness modulus tests were carried out to assess the strain dependence of stiffness at target horizontal deformation levels between...
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Improving Social Justice, Environmental Integrity, and Geopolitical Resilience in EU Electric Mobility Transition
PublicationWe recommend improving social justice, environmental integrity, and geopolitical resilience in electric mobility transition. To achieve this policy recommendation, we propose the following: (1) Increase societal acceptance and justice of climate policies by engaging local stakeholders; (2) Prioritize sustainable mobility practices over replacement of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) with battery electric vehicle (BEV);...
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Urban space recovery. Landscape-beneficial solutions in new estates built in post-industrial and post-military areas in Bristol, Poznań and Gdańsk
PublicationThe limitation of territorial expansion and the implementation of the idea of a compact city are generally accepted paradigms of spatial development of contemporary cities. In consequence, actions are taken to improve the quality of city landscape and revitalise vacant areas. This study approaches the process of city regeneration as transformation and supplementation of the existing urban structure as well as creation of multifunctional, structurally,...
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Comparative tests of the wall thickness effect of a glass-reinforced thermosetting plastic coating with a non-circular cross section in a soil-coating object for economic aspect
PublicationCulvert structures made of plastics are employed extensively in the construction of new facilities as well as the renovation of existing ones. Due to the high costs of materials required for the manufacturing of these goods, the objective of this research is focused to lessen the thickness of the walls, which may, on the other hand, result in a reduction in the stiffness of the system. In the course of the testing, the structure...
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A survey of strategies for communication networks to protect against large-scale natural disasters
PublicationRecent natural disasters have revealed that emergency networks presently cannot disseminate the necessary disaster information, making it difficult to deploy and coordinate relief operations. These disasters have reinforced the knowledge that telecommunication networks constitute a critical infrastructure of our society, and the urgency in establishing protection mechanisms against disaster-based disruptions. Hence, it is important...