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Search results for: LOSS MEASUREMENT
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Experimental Study on Effectiveness of a Prototype Seismic Isolation System Made of Polymeric Bearings
PublicationSeismic isolation is identified as one of the most popular and effective methods of protecting structures under strong dynamic excitations. Base isolators, such as Lead Rubber Bearings, High Damping Rubber Bearings, and Friction Pendulum Bearings, are widely used in practice in many earthquake-prone regions of the world to mitigate structural vibrations, and therefore minimize loss of life and property damage during seismic events....
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A Novel Trust-Region-Based Algorithm with Flexible Jacobian Updates for Expedited Optimization of High-Frequency Structures
PublicationSimulation-driven design closure is mandatory in the design of contemporary high-frequency components. It aims at improving the selected performance figures through adjustment of the structure’s geometry (and/or material) parameters. The computational cost of this process when employing numerical optimization is often prohibitively high, which is a strong motivation for the development of more efficient methods. This is especially...
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Extractive detoxification of feedstocks for the production of biofuels using new hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents – Experimental and theoretical studies
PublicationThe paper presents a synthesis of novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of natural components, which were used for removal of furfural (FF) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The main physicochemical properties of DESs were determined, followed by explanation of the DES formation mechanism, using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR analysis and density functional theory (DFT). The most...
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Effect of urea and glycine betaine on the hydration sphere of model molecules for the surface features of proteins
PublicationWater properties may significantly affect protein stability. Osmolytes are compounds that intrinsically affect water in many different ways and thus can influence proteins with this type of indirect mechanism. In this study, we characterize water properties in ternary solutions: model–water–osmolyte, with two model molecules: N-methylacetamide (NMA) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and two osmolytes: glycine betaine (TMG)and urea....
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Submicron inorganic particles as an additional filler in hybrid epoxy matrix composites reinforced with glass fibres
PublicationIn this study, the effect of selected submicron metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium oxide) or non-metal oxide (silicon dioxide) particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy/glass composites was investigated. The applied epoxy resin was a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A cured with triethylenetetramine. As a reinforcement twill weave E-glass fabric was used. Hybrid composites (contained particulate and fibrous...
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Protective and Suppressing Electromagnetic Interference Properties of Epoxy Coatings Containing Nano-Sized NiZn Ferrites
PublicationNano-crystalline ferrites with the chemical formula NixZn(1−x)Fe2O4, where x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, were synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The obtained ferrites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion inhibiting behavior of nano-sized ferrites was tested using carbon steel samples and 10% aqueous ferrite extracts. Results were compared with previous data obtained for micro-sized ceramic ferrites....
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Biopolyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin: structure, rheological, physical and thermal properties
PublicationThe present study examined the application of polyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin in the production of rigid polyurethane foam. Lignin was liquefed in crude glycerol and 1,4-butanediol at diferent temperatures (130–170 °C), without a catalyst and using various biomass concentrations (15 and 30 wt%). The physicochemical properties, process yield, and FTIR-based identifcation of the obtained polyols were...
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BP-EVD: Forward Block-Output Propagation for Efficient Video Denoising
PublicationDenoising videos in real-time is critical in many applications, including robotics and medicine, where varying light conditions, miniaturized sensors, and optics can substantially compromise image quality. This work proposes the first video denoising method based on a deep neural network that achieves state-of-the-art performance on dynamic scenes while running in real-time on VGA video resolution with no frame latency. The backbone...
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Determining an Architectural Character for Durban Residential Streetscapes
PublicationIn the current global context and in consideration of the Sustainable Development Goals, there is a strong need for urban densification. However, this development is also driven by processes linked to the idea of capitalism and 'economic growth'. Such development often leads to the loss of the 'genius loci' of a place and sometimes even overlooks the fact that the quality of the built environment greatly influences the health and...
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Bio polyetherurethane composites with high content of natural ingredients: hydroxylated soybean oil based polyol, bio glycol and microcrystalline cellulose
PublicationIn our study, we focused on obtaining bio-polyurethane composites using bio-components such as bio glycol, modified natural oil-based polyol, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The pre-polymer method was used to prepare the bio polyurethane matrix. Prepolymer was synthesized using 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and a polyol mixture containing 50 wt.% of commercial polyether and 50 wt.% of hydroxylated soybean oil (H3)....
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Behaviour of deformed steel columns exposed to impact load during earthquakes - experimental study
PublicationIt has been observed during major earthquakes that the so called soft-storey failure of an upper floor of a structure results in large impact load acting on structural members of the lower storeys. It may further lead to progressive collapse of the whole structure substantially intensifying human and material losses. The aim of this paper is to investigate experimentally the behaviour of horizontally deformed columns (deformation...
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Influence of selected submicron inorganic particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester/glass composites
PublicationIn this paper, the influence of different submicron-scaled particles (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or silica) on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester matrix composites reinforced with glass fabric was investigated. Surface morphology of obtained composites was also examined. At first inorganic particles were mechanically dispersed into unsaturated polyester resin system as per the calculated weight...
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Effect of Cr and Mn doping on ferroelectric and dielectric properties of Li1.72Na0.28Ge4O9 single crystals
PublicationLi1.72Na0.28Ge4O9 single crystals pure and slightly doped with chromium and manganese, obtained by Czochralski growth, were investigated for their ferroelectric and dielectric properties. The change in stoichometry of Li2− x Na x Ge4O9 (x = 0.28) crystals doped with Cr and Mn (0.1 mol.%) had an influence on the value of ferroelectric-to-paraelectric phase transition temperature, T c. The applied doping affects the T c value by...
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The best porous asphalt pavement in Sweden so far
PublicationIn 2010 a double-layer porous asphalt concrete (DPAC) pavement was constructed in various versions on the E4 motorway through the Swedish city Huskvarna. As a result of a court decision the Swedish Transport Administration had to reduce noise emission by applying a low noise road surface that would reduce A-weighted noise levels by 5 dB, as an average. Earlier experience in Sweden indicated that it was possible to obtain a high...
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Assembly of 1D Granular Structures from Sulfonated Polystyrene Microparticles
PublicationBeing able to systematically modify the electric properties of nano- and microparticles opens up new possibilities for the bottom-up fabrication of advanced materials such as the fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) colloidal and granular materials. Fabricating 1D structures from individual particles offers plenty of applications ranging from electronic sensors and photovoltaics to artificial flagella for hydrodynamic propulsion....
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Damage Detection Strategies in Structural Health Monitoring of Overhead Power Transmission System
PublicationOverhead power transmission lines, their supporting towers, insulators and other elements create a highly distributed system that is vulnerable to damage. Typical damage scenarios cover cracking of foundation, breakage of insulators, loosening of rivets, as well as cracking and breakage of lines. Such scenarios may result from various factors: groundings, lightning strikes, floods, earthquakes, aeolian vibrations, conductors galloping,...
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An Innovative Antenna Array with High Inter Element Isolation for Sub-6 GHz 5G MIMO Communication Systems
PublicationA novel technique is shown to improve the isolation between radiators in antenna arrays. The proposed technique suppresses the surface-wave propagation and reduces substrate loss thereby enhancing the overall performance of the array. This is achieved without affecting the antenna’s footprint. The proposed approach is demonstrated on a four-element array for 5G MIMO applications. Each radiating element in the array is constituted...
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Defending against Fake VIP in Scant-Transparency Information Systems with QoS Differentiation
PublicationIn client-server information systems with quality of service (QoS) differentiation, Client may deplete Server’s resources by demanding unduly high QoS level. Such QoS abuse has eluded systematic treatment; known defenses using Client authorization, payments, or service request inspection prior to QoS assignment, are heuristic and environment-specific. We offer a game-theoretic approach on the premise that a service request is occasionally...
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Improving medical experts’ efficiency of misinformation detection: an exploratory study
PublicationFighting medical disinformation in the era of the pandemic is an increasingly important problem. Today, automatic systems for assessing the credibility of medical information do not offer sufficient precision, so human supervision and the involvement of medical expert annotators are required. Our work aims to optimize the utilization of medical experts’ time. We also equip them with tools for semi-automatic initial verification...
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Torque capacity of multidisc wet clutch with reference to friction occurrence on its spline connections
PublicationIn this article developed mathematical model that includes friction occurrence on spline connections is presented. The work also contains results of experimental research on torque capacity of multidisc wet clutch. These results are expressed as a function of contact pressure for different number of friction surfaces. Due to increased interest in research concerning multidisc wet clutches it is essential to determine impact of...
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Acoustic lifecycle study of the double-layer porous asphalt on E4 in Huskvarna, Sweden
PublicationIn 2010 a double-layer porous asphalt concrete (DPAC) pavement was constructed on the E4 motorway through the Swedish city Huskvarna. Earlier experience in Sweden indicated that it was feasible to obtain a high initial noise reduction but due to the widespread use of studded tires in winter, clogging and ravelling created losses of around 2 dB per year, with an expected acoustical lifetime of only 3 years. However, the improved...
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A Computationally Efficient Model for Predicting Successful Memory Encoding Using Machine-Learning-based EEG Channel Selection
PublicationComputational cost is an important consideration for memory encoding prediction models that use data from dozens of implanted electrodes. We propose a method to reduce computational expense by selecting a subset of all the electrodes to build the prediction model. The electrodes were selected based on their likelihood of measuring brain activity useful for predicting memory encoding better than chance (in terms of AUC). A logistic...
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Injectable poloxamer/graphene oxide hydrogels with well‐controlled mechanical and rheological properties
PublicationAlthough significant progress has been made in the design and application of injectable hydrogels for biomedical applications, concurrent control of rheological and mechanical properties of injectable hydrogels has remained as an open challenge to the researchers. In this work, we introduce and put into practice a photo‐curable poloxamer (also known as Pluronic)/graphene oxide (Plu/GO) injectable hydrogel with well‐controlled rheological...
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Diagonalized Macromodels in Finite Element Method for Fast Electromagnetic Analysis of Waveguide Components
PublicationA new technique of local model-order reduction (MOR) in 3-D finite element method (FEM) for frequency-domain electromagnetic analysis of waveguide components is proposed in this paper. It resolves the problem of increasing solution time of the reduced-order system assembled from macromodels created in the subdomains, into which an analyzed structure is partitioned. This problem becomes particularly relevant for growing size and...
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Interaction of 4-nitrothiophenol with low energy electrons: Implications for plasmon mediated reactions
PublicationThe reduction of 4-nitrothiophenol (NTP) to 4-4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) on laser illuminated noble metal nanoparticles is one of the most widely studied plasmon mediated reactions. The reaction is most likely triggered by a transfer of low energy electrons from the nanoparticle to the adsorbed molecules. Besides the formation of DMAB, dissociative side reactions of NTP have also been observed. Here, we present a crossed electron-molecular...
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Structure, morphology and mechanical behaviour of novel bio-based polyurethane composites with microcrystalline cellulose
PublicationThe aim of this work was to obtain bio-based polyurethane composites using biocomponents such as, bio-glycol, modified natural oil-based polyol, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The prepolymer method was used to prepare the bio-based polyurethane matrix. Prepolymer synthesised from 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and a polyol mixture containing 75% wt. commercial polyether and 25% wt. hydroxylated soybean oils (H3)...
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3D Metamaterial Ultra-Wideband Absorber for curved surface
PublicationThis paper proposes a three-dimensional metamaterial absorber based on a resistive film patch array to develop a low-cost, lightweight absorber for curved surfaces. An excellent absorption over a large frequency band is achieved through two different yet controllable mechanisms; In the first mechanism, a considerable attenuation in the wave power is achieved via graphite resistive films. The absorption is then intensified through...
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3D X-ray Micro-CT Analysis of Rebar Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Subjected to a Chloride-Induced Environment
PublicationThe paper presents experimental investigations of the concrete cover protective ability to coun-teract rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete cubes. To study and quantify the consequences of corrosion a reinforced concrete sample was subjected to chloride-induced environment in order to get corroded and combined with un-corroded sample. Chloride-accelerated technique can in-duce a high degree of corrosion within at a controlled...
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Compact, Order Extensible and Wide-Stopband Bandpass Filter Based on SIW Cavity with Rectangular Ring Slot
PublicationThis article introduces novel architectures of bandpass filters (BPFs) using a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity with a rectangular ring slot (RRS) for compact size, extensible order, and broad stopband responses. Two bandpass filters, which demonstrate a second-and a fourth-order Chebyshev response, respectively, are realized by employing identical cavities with RRS, without increasing the physical size of the circuit....
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The Effect of Cobalt Incorporation into Nickel–Iron Oxide/(oxy)hydroxide Catalyst on Electrocatalytic Performance Toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction
PublicationThis work presents a study on the influence of the addition of cobalt into state-of-the-art nickel–iron (NiFe) mixed oxides/hydroxides/(oxy)hydroxides on their structural and morphological properties, and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activity. A one-step electrodeposition process is performed without any additives to fabricate NiFe and x cobalt-doped nickel/iron (xCoNiFe) layer-double-hydroxide catalysts directly on...
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THREE-LEVEL F-TYPE INVERTER
PublicationGiven the recent available IGBT switch modules up to 6.5 kV, 1200 A rating, the prospect of the diode-free variant topology of the three-level neutral-point-clamped (3-level, T-type) inverter in certain medium voltage applications is bright; due to its small part count and low conduction losses compared to the diode-clamped NPC inverter. However, within this voltage range, the input dc voltage rating of 50% of the switches per...
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Cellulosic bionanocomposites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and Cuscuta reflexa: adjusting structure-properties balance for higher performance
PublicationDesign and manufacture of cellulosic nanocomposites with acceptable performance is in the period of a transition from fantasy to reality. Typically, cellulosic nanofillers reveal poor compatibility with polymer matrices. Thus, adjusting the balance between structure and properties of cellulosic bionanocomposites by careful selection of parent ingredients is the first priority. Herein, we incorporated Cuscuta reflexa derived cellulose...
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Effect of annealing temperature on slurry erosion resistance of ferritic X10CrAlSi18 steel
PublicationIn the present work, the slurry erosion tests were carried out to investigate the influence of heat treatment on slurry erosion process of ferritic X10CrAlSi18 stainless steel using a slurry pot test rig. X10CrAlSi18 stainless steel was tested in as-received condition and after annealing at three different temperatures: 600°C, 800°C and 1000°C. Degradation of materials due to slurry erosion depends on many factors connected with...
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Experimental investigation of joint with positive eccentricity in CFS truss
PublicationDue to technological restrictions, in the case of trusses made of CFS open cross-sections, positive eccentricities in the truss joints have become very frequent. Therefore studies concerning the load-bearing capacity of truss joints with positive eccentricity were undertaken. It was assumed that the resistance of cold-formed steel (CFS) open cross-section truss joints located on compression chords and with positive eccentricity...
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On the internal efficiency of a turbine stage: classical and CFD definitions
PublicationAlmost entire fleet of steam turbines in Poland was designed between 1950 – 1980 with the use of the so-called zero dimensional (0D) calculation tools. For several years, design and modernization of the turbines occur in assistance with the state of the art methods that describe working fluid flow field based on 3D models and CFD codes. This cooperation between 0D and 3D codes requires exchange of overall, integral information...
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Molecular and structural basis of inner core lipopolysaccharide alterations in Escherichia coli: incorporation of glucuronic acid and phosphoethanolamine in the heptose region.
PublicationIt is well established that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) often carries nonstoichiometric substitutions in lipid A and in the inner core. In this work, the molecular basis of inner core alterations and their physiological significance are addressed. A new inner core modification of LPS is described, which arises due to the addition of glucuronic acid on the third heptose with a concomitant loss of phosphate on the second heptose. This...
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Deep Eutectic Solvents: Properties and Applications in CO2 Separation
PublicationNowadays, many researchers are focused on finding a solution to the problem of global warming. Carbon dioxide is considered to be responsible for the “greenhouse” effect. The largest global emission of industrial CO2 comes from fossil fuel combustion, which makes power plants the perfect point source targets for immediate CO2 emission reductions. A state-of-the-art method for capturing carbon dioxide is chemical absorption using...
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Analysis of metals in air particles from Gdańsk and London with EDX/EDS detectors in electron microscope
PublicationElectron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX/EDS) is the example of non-destructive analytical method for surface elemental analysis, with a potential detection limit of 0.1-0.5 wt.% for most elements. A spatial resolution <10 nm can be achieved using this technique, which provides a basis for the generation of quantitative and qualitative elemental data for individual particles. In order to obtain quantitative...
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Event driven MPC for networked control systems
PublicationBecause of variable delays and stochastic data packets loss networked control systems require suitable algorithms to ensure stability of the control system and guarantee desired control performance. This paper presents the idea of an event driven approach with MPC controller. In opposition to network compensation, where standard regulators are used, the presented solution integrates network with plant. A MPC based controller is...
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Behaviour of asymmetric structures with base isolation made of Polymeric Bearings
PublicationEarthquake-induced ground motions are the most severe and unpredictable threats to the structures all around the world. Seismic excitations cause a lot of damage in a wide variety of ways, leaving thousands of casualties in their wake. During the last few years alone, the world has witnessed many major earthquakes, five of which have caused far-reaching consequences of a national scale for Haiti (January 2010), Chile (February...
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Effect of ground tire rubber on structural, mechanical and thermal properties of flexible polyurethane foams
PublicationFlexible polyurethane foams were modified with two kinds of ground tire rubber, untreated and thermo-mechanically reclaimed. A reclamation process was performed in auto-thermal conditions, which reduced the cost of the process and decreased the environmental impact of devulcanization (e.g., emission of gases). The reclamation process was carried out in a continuous manner using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The foams were...
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Microstructure and corrosion behaviour of carbon steel and ferritic and austenitic stainless steels in NaCl solutions and the effect of p-nitrophenyl phosphate disodium salt
PublicationThe microstructure and corrosion behavior of carbon steel (CSA516) and ferritic (SS410) and austenitic (SS304L) stainless steels were studied and compared. Corrosion tests were carried out in 0.5 M NaCl solutions. Rates of corrosion were monitored based on weight loss, Tafel extrapolation and linear polarization resistance (LPR) methods. Rates of corrosion were ranked following the order: CSA516 >> SS410 > SS304L. The impact of...
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Influence of temperature on the activity of anammox granular biomass.
PublicationThe aim of this study was to determine a short-term and long-term effect of temperature on the anammox rate and determination of temperature coefficients in the Arrhenius and Ratkowsky equations. The short-term effects of temperature on the anammox granular biomass were investigated in batch tests at ten different temperatures in the range of 10–55 °C. The maximum overall nitrogen removal rate of 1.3 gN gVSS−1·d−1 was observed...
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Just Let Me Think: Designing Against Acquired Illiteracy.
PublicationThis article concerns the relatively new problem of illiteracy relating to persons previously being literate, which is caused by too intensive using of so-called digital media (TV, computers, tablets, smartphones, e-book readers, portable media players, etc.). The problem has been observed for several years mainly in countries with high economic and technological development. The widespread use of digital media and the ease of...
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Theoretical and experimental analysis of guided wave propagation in plate-like structures with sinusoidal thickness variations
PublicationGuided waves have attracted significant attention for non-destructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM) due to their ability to travel relatively long distances without significant energy loss combined with their sensitivity to even small defects. Therefore, they are commonly used in damage detection and localization applications. The main idea of incorporating guided waves in NDT and SHM is based on processing...
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Bitumen Aging—Laboratory Simulation Methods Used in Practice and Selected Directions of Research on New Methods
PublicationChanges in the properties of bitumen binders that occur as a result of aging have a huge impact on the durability of products produced from them. In particular, asphalt pavements, which constitute the most common use of petroleum bitumen, are susceptible to damage resulting from the increasing stiffness of the bitumen during its life cycle. Increased stiffness of asphalt pavements reduces the pavement resistance to low-temperature...
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Broad Stopband, Low-Loss, and Ultra-Compact Dual-Mode Bandpass Filter Based on HMSIRC
PublicationIn this investigation, an ultra-compact dual-mode bandpass filter (BPF) with a wide stopband re-sponse is realized by using a half-mode substrate-integrated rectangular cavity (HMSIRC). The HMSIRC resonator is designed with a cavity that is rectangular in shape and has metallic vias along three of the sides. The fourth side is open-ended and contains microstrip feed lines. For the purpose of constructing a magnetic wall, a rectangular...
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Highly-Miniaturized Dual-Mode Bandpass Filter Based on Quarter-Mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide with Wide Stopband
PublicationThis paper presents a novel design of a highly-miniaturized dual-mode bandpass filter (BPF) employing a quarter-mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW). The QMSIW resonator is based on a square cavity with metallic vias along two sides, and open-ended edges at the remaining sides that contain orthogonal feed lines. An open slot is introduced along the two sides of the square cavity with metallic vias to form a magnetic wall....
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A new factor LapD is required for the regulation of LpxC amounts and lipopolysaccharide trafficking
PublicationLipopolysaccharide (LPS) constitutes the major component of the outer membrane and is essential for bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. Recent work has revealed the essential roles of LapB and LapC proteins in regulating LPS amounts; although, if any additional partners are involved is unknown. Examination of proteins co-purifying with LapB identified LapD as a new partner. The purification of LapD reveals that it forms a complex...
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High Isolation Metamaterial-based Dual-band MIMO Antenna for 5G Millimeter-wave Applications
PublicationThis article presents a high-isolation metamaterial-based dual-band multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for 5G millimeter-wave communication networks. The proposed antenna is a pentagon-shaped monopole that provides a dual-band response with a wide operating bandwidth at 5G 28/28 bands. The antenna is printed on 0.508-mm-thick Rogers RT5880 substrate of relative permittivity ɛr =2.2. It exhibits a small physical size...