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Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Serodiagnosis of Lyme Disease
PublicationLyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The disease is characterized by a varied course; therefore, the basis for diagnosis is laboratory methods. Currently, a two-tiered serological test is recommended, using an ELISA as a screening test and a Western blot as a confirmatory test. This approach was introduced due to the relatively high number of false-positive...
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Short-Term Observations of Rainfall Chemistry Composition in Bellsund (SW Spitsbergen, Svalbard)
PublicationGlobal warming results in increasingly widespread wildfires, mostly in Siberia, but also in North America and Europe, which are responsible for the uncontrollable emission of pollutants, also to the High Arctic region. This study examines 11 samples of rainfall collected in August in a coastal area of southern Bellsund (Svalbard, Norway). It covers detailed analysis of major ions (i.e., Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−) and elements (i.e.,...
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Urban flash flood hazard identification and assessment applying geospatial techniques and hydrodynamic modeling; Erbil city case study, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
PublicationThis dissertation aims to investigate the factors behind flash flooding in Erbil's central district, located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and develop a methodology for assessing flood hazards in the city, despite limited data accessibility. In this thesis, each factor was investigated, including analyzing extreme precipitation events in the last two decades, including their spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall, intensity,...
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Evaluation of a company’s image on social media using the Net Sentiment Rate
PublicationVast amounts of new types of data are constantly being created as a result of dynamic digitization in all areas of our lives. One of the most important and valuable categories for business is data from social networks such as Facebook. Feedback resulting from the sharing of thoughts and emotions, expressed in comments on various products and services, is becoming the key factor on which modern business is based. This feedback is...
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Determination of binder-aggregate adhesion by contact angle measurement
PublicationThe key factor in asphalt pavement durability, especially in the presence of water, is adhesion of the bituminous binder to mineral aggregates. There are currently no standard laboratory test procedures that can quickly and accurately measure the strength of the interaction (bond) between the binder and aggregate. In this regard, to evaluate the adhesion force measurements based on the contact angle between the binder and the aggregate...
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An evaluation and explanation of (in)efficiency in higher education institutions in Europe and the U.S. with the application of two-stage semi-parametric DEA
PublicationThis study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the relative efficiency of 500 higher education institutions (HEIs) in ten European countries and the U.S. for the period between 2000 and 2010. Efficiency scores are determined using different input-output sets (inputs: total revenue, academic staff, administration staff, total number of students; outputs: total number of publications, number of scientific articles, graduates)...
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Theoretical calculation of the physico-chemical properties of 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium based ionic liquids
PublicationACCEPTED MAIonic liquids (ILs) have attracted much attention for their unique physicochemical properties, which can be designed as needed by altering the ion combinations. Besides experimental work, numerous computational studies have been concerned with prediction of physical properties of ILs. The results of molecular dynamics simulations of ILs depend strongly on the proper force field parameterization. Classical force fields...
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The Dominant Influence of Plastic Deformation Induced Residual Stress on the Barkhausen Effect Signal in Martensitic Steels
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigation of the influence of plastic deformation on the magnetic properties of martensitic steel (P91 grade). The properties of the hysteresis loops as well as of the Barkhausen effect (BE) signal are analysed for both tensile and compressive loading up to ε = 10% of plastic deformation. The choice of the steel and of the deformation range is unique, since for such combination one can expect...
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Influence of the notch rounding radius on estimating the elastic notch stress concentration factor in a laser welded tee joint
PublicationIn recent years an increased interest of industry in sandwich-type metal structures can be observed. These structures consist of thin plates of 2.5 mm in thickness separated by stiffeners of different shapes and forms. Welds joining the plates and stiffeners are made on the outer side of the plates using laser welding technique. A locally focused source of heat causes the plate to melt creating a very narrow and elongated joint....
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Modernization and adaptation of historical interiors
PublicationModernization of the historical building's interior entails the need to take many decisions, often conflicting. Operational requirements, protection of the architectural heritage, fire-safety recommendations, construction regulations, all these aspects involve a whole set of problems that require a rational solution, respecting ambient architectural and historical value, as well as the needs arising from the planned transformation....
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Comprehensive Comparison of a Few Variants of Cluster Analysis as Data Mining Tool in Supporting Environmental Management
PublicationA few variants of hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) as tool of assessment of multidimensional similarity in environmental dataset are compared. The dataset consisted of analytical results of determination of metals (Na, K, Ca, Sc, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Hf and Th) in ambient air dried and kept alive, by the means of hydroponics, moss baskets collected in 12 locations on the area of Tricity (Poland)....
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An Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Water Hammer Phenomenon in Slurries
PublicationThe analysis of slurry transportation in pressure pipelines is important both from practical and theoretical point of view. Due to the nature of the medium, the number of problems arising in the course of design, operation, measurements and mathematical modeling is much higher compared to the cases where the flowing liquid is homogeneous. The equations describing the flow are more complex, and higher number of the parameters is...
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Computer Simulation in Predicting Biochemical Processes and Energy Balance at WWTPs
PublicationNowadays, the use of mathematical models and computer simulation allow analysis of many different technological solutions as well as testing various scenarios in a short time and at low financial budget in order to simulate the scenario under typical conditions for the real system and help to find the best solution in design or operation process. The aim of the study was to evaluate different concepts of biochemical processes and...
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Boron doped Nanocrystalline Diamond-Carbon Nanospike Hybrid Electron Emission Source
PublicationElectron emission signifies an important mechanism facilitating the enlargement of devices that have modernized large parts of science and technology. Today, the search for innovative electron emission devices for imaging, sensing, electronics, and high-energy physics continues. Integrating two materials with dissimilar electronic properties into a hybrid material is an extremely sought-after synergistic approach envisioning a...
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The Cultures of Knowledge Organizations: Knowledge, Learning, Collaboration (KLC)
PublicationThis book focuses on seeing, understanding, and learning to shape an organization’s essential cultures. The book is grounded on a fundamental assumption that every organization has a de facto culture. These “de facto cultures” appear at first glance to be serendipitous, vague, invisible, and unmanaged. An invisible and unrecognized de facto culture can undermine business goals and strategies and lead to business failures. The authors...
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Social Differentiation of the Perception and Human Tissues Donation for Research Purposes.
PublicationThe willingness to donate human biological material for research purposes is shaped by socio-cultural factors; however, there is a lack of studies analysing the social perception of different human tissues, which may affect such willingness. This study aimed to distinguish different sociocultural categories of human tissues and types of potential donors based on their willingness to donate material. Quantitative research was...
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Circular saw vibrations or dynamics of the spindle
PublicationSawing of wood with circular saws is a typical example of cutting with multi-blade tools. In that kind of cutting, theposition accuracy of following tool blades is a crucial factor which affects the cutting process and machining final effects.Position tooth errors may cause deterioration in cutting conditions, changes in loads of individual teeth and the tool as a whole,and also a decrease in accuracy and surface quality after...
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The Impact of Direct Normal Irradiation on the Solar Tower Power Plant Performance based on Real and Satellite Data: Analysis on Algerian Regions
PublicationThe present paper presents a deep study on the possibility of implementing Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants in Algeria for the production of the electrical energy. Indeed, this paper focusses mainly on the main parameters, which can have an important impact on the choice of the location, the dimension and the available thermal energy storage system. In this study, three main parameters are investigate...
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Effect of Aromatic System Expansion on Crystal Structures of 1,2,5-Thia- and 1,2,5-Selenadiazoles and Their Quaternary Salts: Synthesis, Structure, and Spectroscopic Properties
PublicationRational manipulation of secondary bonding interactions is a crucial factor in the construction of new chalcogenadiazole-based materials. This article reports detailed experimental studies on phenanthro[9,10-c][1,2,5]chalcogenadiazolium and 2,1,3-benzochalcogenadiazolium salts and their precursors. The compounds were synthesized, characterized employing NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. TD-DFT calculations were also performed. The influence...
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Microwave Characterization of Dielectric Sheets in a Plano-Concave Fabry-Perot Open Resonator
PublicationDespite its long history, a double-concave (DC) Fabry-Perot open resonator (FPOR) has recently gained popularity in the characterization of dielectrics in the 20–110 GHz range, mainly due to such novel accomplishments as full automation of the measurement process and the development of even ore accurate and computationally efficient electromagnetic model. However, it has been discovered that such a DC resonator suffers from unwanted...
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Residents' Perception of Intangible Benefits and Costs Associated with Hosting Major Sporting Events
PublicationThe main purpose of this paper is to estimate on the basis of inhabitants’ perception the overall composite and aggregated scores of two major sporting events held in Ergo Arena hall, on the border of Gdańsk and Sopot, in northern Poland. The indirect aim is to identify the determinants affecting the monetary offers of the locals of the two cities. The research results unveil that major sporting events may determine the appearance...
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Developing the Urban Blue-Green Infrastructure as a Tool for Urban Air Quality Management
PublicationUrban structure is an important factor that shapes the process of urban ventilation and pollution dispersion. With proper planning of the urban spatial layout, city breathability can be effectively regulated, contributing to urban air quality improvement. This paper investigates the development and current management of urban systems of green and open spaces in four Polish cities: Gda ´nsk, Warsaw, Pozna ´n and Wrocław, with a...
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In-Out Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) for Excellent Cure of Epoxy: Chemistry and Kinetics Modeling
PublicationIn-out surface modification of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) has been successfully performed by taking advantage of 8-hydroxyquinolines in the lumen of HNTs and precisely synthesized aniline oligomers (AO) of different lengths (tri- and pentamer) anchored on the external surface of the HNTs. Several analyses, including FTIR, H-NMR, TGA, UV-visible spectroscopy, and SEM, were used to establish the nature of the HNTs’ surface engineering....
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Mineral Composition of Dietary Supplements-Analytical and Chemometric Approach
PublicationThere is a lack of data on the actual composition and effectiveness of beetroot-based dietary supplements. The research aimed to determine the profile of 22 elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, As, Se, Zn, Cu, Ag, Co, Ni, Mo, Al, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ba, Li, Pb, Cd) in beetroot and its supplements by the microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) method. The analytical procedure was optimised and validated. The composition of both...
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High gain/bandwidth off‑chip antenna loaded with metamaterial unit‑cell impedance matching circuit for sub‑terahertz near‑field electronic systems
PublicationAn innovative off-chip antenna (OCA) is presented that exhibits high gain and efficiency performance at the terahertz (THz) band and has a wide operational bandwidth. The proposed OCA is implemented on stacked silicon layers and consists of an open circuit meandering line. It is shown that by loading the antenna with an array of subwavelength circular dielectric slots and terminating it with a metamaterial unit cell, its impedance...
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Intensification of catechin extraction from the bark of Syzygium cumini using ultrasonication: Optimization, characterization, degradation analysis and kinetic studies
PublicationCatechin is a prominent polyphenolic component that possesses various medicinal properties. Present work communicates the intensification and optimization of catechin extraction from the bark of Syzygium cumini tree using stirred reactor, soxhlet, ultrasonic bath, and ultrasonic horn technique. The optimization of several parameters such as type of solvent, solid to solvent ratio (1:100 w/v), speed of agitation (300 RPM), extraction...
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Knowledge management implementation in small and micro KIBS : A categorization
Publicationhe main goal of the paper is to provide a statistical categorization of small and micro knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) companies, based on their knowledge management (KM) attitude. Since knowledge is the main production factor and output of these companies, it is essential to achieve a better understanding of how they manage this resource. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a sample of Polish small and micro...
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Is mesh fixation necessary in laparoendoscopic techniques for M3 inguinal defects? An experimental study.
Publicationrepairs, in case of large direct hernias (M3) mesh fixation is recommended to reduce recurrence risk. Despite lack of highquality evidence, the recommendation was upgraded to strong by expert panel. The authors conducted a research experiment to verify the hypothesis that it is possible to preserve the mesh in the operating field in large direct hernias (M3) without the need to use fixing materials. Method The authors conducted...
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Investigation on polypropylene friction stir joint: effects of tool tilt angle on heat flux, material flow and defect formation
PublicationTool tilt angle (TTA) is a critical factor that can control material flow in polymeric materials' friction stir joining (FSJ). This study selected a TTA range between 0° to 4° for FSJ of polypropylene (PP) polymer sheet. A modified computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique was implemented to gain a deep understanding of the effects of TTA during FSJ of PP. The PP joint's internal flow, defect formation, heat generation, and tensile...
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Rotational Molding of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Filled with Wheat Bran
PublicationApplication of lignocellulosic fillers in the manufacturing of wood polymer composites (WPCs) is a very popular trend of research, however it is still rarely observed in the case of rotational molding. The present study aimed to analyze the impact of wheat bran content (from 2.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%) on the performance of rotationally-molded composites based on a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix. Microscopic structure...
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MRI assessment of ectopic fat accumulation in pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle in patients with obesity, overweight and normal BMI in correlation with the presence of central obesity and metabolic syndrome
PublicationPurpose: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg/m2, is a serious health problem, which can be called an epidemic on a global scale and is one of the most important causes of preventable death. The aim of this study was to assess ectopic fat accumulation in pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle in patients with obesity, overweight and normal BMI in correlation with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients and methods:...
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Flooding Extent Mapping for Synthetic Aperture Radar Time Series Using River Gauge Observations
PublicationThe flooding extent area in a river valley is related to river gauge observations such as discharge and water elevations. The higher the water elevations, or discharge, the larger the flooding area. Flooding extent maps are often derived from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images using thresholding methods. The thresholding methods vary in complexity and number of required parameters. We proposed a simple thresholding method that...
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Chemical hazard in glacial melt? The glacial system as a secondary source of POPs (in the Northern Hemisphere). A systematic review
PublicationToxicity of compounds belonging to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) iswidely known, and their re-emission from glaciers has been conclusively demonstrated. However, the harmful effects associated with such secondary emissions have yet to be thoroughly understood, especially in the spatial and temporal context, as the existing literature has a clear sampling biaswith the best recognition of sites in the European Alps. In this...
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Ionogel sorbent coatings for determining organophosphorus and pyrethroid insecticides in water and fresh juice samples by headspace-solid phase microextraction
PublicationThe sol–gel method yielded three different ionogel sorbent coatings that were obtained based on a silica material containing ionic liquids (ILs) immobilized in its pores. Two ILs, triethylsulfonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide [Set3][TFSI] and 1-butyl-1-methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [C4C1Pip][TFSI], as well as their equimolar mixture [Set3/C4C1Pip], were used to obtain ionogel fibers. The developed...
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Residents’ Perception of Intangible Benefits and Costs Associated with Hosting Major Sporting Events
PublicationThe main purpose of this paper is to estimate on the basis of inhabitants’ perception the overall composite and aggregated scores of two major sporting events held in Ergo Arena hall, on the border of Gdańsk and Sopot, in northern Poland. The indirect aim is to identify the determinants affecting the monetary offers of the locals of the two cities. The research results unveil that major sporting events may determine the appearance...
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Interactions of N-alkyl-N-methylmorpholinium based ionic liquids with acetonitrile studied by density and velocity of sound measurements and molecular dynamics simulations
PublicationMorpholinium-based ionic liquids (ILs) and their mixtures with polar co-solvents are an interesting class of emerging electrolytes in electrochemistry that is relatively poorly studied. In this work, densities and sound velocities of four ILs, N-ethyl-N-methylmorpholinium tetrafluoroborate, N-butyl-N-methylmorpholinium tetrafluoroborate, N-octyl-N-methylmorpho-linium tetrafluoroborate and N-decyl-N-methylmorpholinium tetrafluoroborate...
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A GPU Solver for Sparse Generalized Eigenvalue Problems with Symmetric Complex-Valued Matrices Obtained Using Higher-Order FEM
PublicationThe paper discusses a fast implementation of the stabilized locally optimal block preconditioned conjugate gradient (sLOBPCG) method, using a hierarchical multilevel preconditioner to solve nonHermitian sparse generalized eigenvalue problems with large symmetric complex-valued matrices obtained using the higher-order finite-element method (FEM), applied to the analysis of a microwave resonator. The resonant frequencies of the low-order...
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Heterogeneous oxidation of highly boron-doped diamond electrodes and its influence on the surface distribution of electrochemical activity
PublicationThe electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is heterogeneous and can be affected by numerous factors. There is a strong need for proper consideration of BDD heterogeneity in order to improve this material's range of application in electrochemistry. Localized changes in surface termination due to the influence of oxidation agent result in increased surface resistance. The...
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Adipokine and cytokine levels in non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI)
PublicationDue to the fact that overweight or obesity is accompanied by hormonally active adrenal tumors: Cushing Syndrome-(CS) and Subclinical Cushing Syndrome (SCS), it is of high interest the correlation between different adipokines and cytokines secreted by adipose tissue, with metabolic disorders and hormonal activity in this group. Even in non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and metabolic...
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Collision-Free Network Exploration
PublicationA set of mobile agents is placed at different nodes of a n-node network. The agents synchronously move along the network edges in a collision-free way, i.e., in no round may two agents occupy the same node. In each round, an agent may choose to stay at its currently occupied node or to move to one of its neighbors. An agent has no knowledge of the number and initial positions of other agents. We are looking for the shortest possible...
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Long-range, water-mediated interaction between a moderately active antifreeze protein molecule and the surface of ice
PublicationUsing molecular dynamics simulations, we show that a molecule of moderately active antifreeze protein (type III AFP, QAE HPLC-12 isoform) is able to interact with ice in an indirect manner. This interaction occurs between the ice binding site (IBS) of the AFP III molecule and the surface of ice, and it is mediated by liquid water which separates these surfaces. As a result, the AFP III molecule positions itself at a specific orientation...
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Numerical modeling of PFAS movement through the vadose zone: Influence of plant water uptake and soil organic carbon distribution
PublicationIn this study, we investigated the effects of soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution and water uptake by plant roots on PFAS movement in the vadose zone with a deep groundwater table under temperate, humid climate conditions. Two series of numerical simulations were performed with the HYDRUS computer code, representing the leaching of historical PFOS contamination and the infiltration of water contaminated with PFOA, respectively. We...
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Optimization of vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent-based liquid liquid microextraction for the determination of mercury in real water and food samples
PublicationA novel method was developed for sample preparation for spectrophotometric determination of Hg(II) in water and food samples. The method was based on vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-SUPRASs-LLME). Analytical parameters such as pH, chelating agent, solvent type and volume, vortex time and salting out effect were optimized. Surface and normal probability plots were drawn for the variables...
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Game theory-based virtual machine migration for energy sustainability in cloud data centers
PublicationAs the demand for cloud computing services increases, optimizing resource allocation and energy consumption has become a key factor in achieving sustainability in cloud environments. This paper presents a novel approach to address these challenges through an optimized virtual machine (VM) migration strategy that employs a game-theoretic approach based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) (PSO-GTA). The proposed approach leverages...
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Novel 2-alkythio-4-chloro-N-[imino(heteroaryl)methyl]benzenesulfonamide Derivatives: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Anticancer Activity and Metabolic Stability
PublicationA series of novel 2-alkythio-4-chloro-N-[imino-(heteroaryl)methyl]benzenesulfonamide derivatives, 8–24, were synthesized in the reaction of the N-(benzenesulfonyl)cyanamide potassium salts 1–7 with the appropriate mercaptoheterocycles. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity in HeLa, HCT-116 and MCF-7 cell lines. The most promising compounds, 11–13, molecular hybrids containing benzenesulfonamide...
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Chemically reduced graphene oxide based aerogels - Insight on the surface and textural functionalities dependent on handling the synthesis factors
PublicationEfficient adjusting of reduced graphene oxide aerogels properties requires information about experimental factor-aerogel property relationship. In this work, the reduced graphene oxide aerogels surface and textural functionalities in relation to precursor concentration, gelation time and hydrogel freezing temperature were studied in detail, with the use of dynamic adsorption method of gaseous organic probes and experimental design....
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KM Challenges in Small KIBS Companies: Multi-case Analysis in Two Countries
PublicationKnowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) – i.e. companies like e.g. computer services, consulting, engineering, business communication, and R&D support - are key players in the modern economies. They stimulate the innovativeness of businesses and societies. Their competitiveness is based on knowledge, which is their key production factor and also the kind of “goods” they sell. The large majority of KIBS companies have a small...
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A novel one-variable first-order shear deformation theory for biaxial buckling of a size-dependent plate based on Eringen’s nonlocal differential law
PublicationPurpose – This paper aims to present a new one-variable first-order shear deformation theory (OVFSDT) using nonlocal elasticity concepts for buckling of graphene sheets. Design/methodology/approach – The FSDT had errors in its assumptions owing to the assumption of constant shear stress distribution along the thickness of the plate, even though by using the shear correction factor (SCF), it has been slightly corrected, the errors...
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Corporate social responsibility and forward default risk mediated by financial performance and goodwill
PublicationIn today’s business environment, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an increasingly significant factor for firms. This study is driven by the motivation to add to the current literature by investigating the mediating elements that explain the relationship between CSR and forward default risk. In this paper, we attempt to identify the important mediators and give a more comprehensive explanation of this connection...
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Modeling and optimization of chemical-treated torrefaction of wheat straw to improve energy density by response surface methodology
PublicationToday, torrefaction is important technique for extending the potential of biomass for improvement of energy density. The independent variables investigated for torrefaction study were temperature, retention time, acid concentration, and particle size. The experiment was designed by central composite design (CCD) method using design expert (version 11). The three dependent variables were higher heating value (HHV), energy enhancement...