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Search results for: HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE (HPC)
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Highly crystalline colloidal nickel oxide hole transport layer for low-temperature processable perovskite solar cell
PublicationHighly crystalline NiOX usually requires high annealing temperature (>300 °C) which is incompatible with flexible substrate and might consume high amount of energy. Herein, we demonstrate a facile emulsion process to synthesize highly crystalline, low temperature deposition (<150 °C) and solution processable NiOx nanoparticles (NPs) as a hole transport layer for the perovskite solar cells (PVSCs)....
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Petrophysical analyses of rock construction materials from the Roman rural settlement in Podšilo bay on Rab island (NE Adriatic, Croatia)
PublicationThis article presents the results of petrophysical analyses of limestones and sandstones used for the construction of the wall structures of a Roman rural settlement located in Podšilo Bay on Rab Island (Croatia). An on-site analysis of the walls indicated the use of different lithotypes, which is an uncommon case in the area. So far, no petrophysical properties of the applied materials have been tested, and their provenance...
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Occurrence and seasonal variations of 25 pharmaceutical residues in wastewater and drinking water treatment plants
PublicationThousands of tons of pharmaceuticals are introduced into the aqueous environment due to their incomplete elimination during treatment process in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and water treat- ment plants (WTPs). The presence of pharmacologically active compounds in the environment is of a great interest because of their potential to cause negative effects. Furthermore, drugs can undergo different pro- cesses leading to the...
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Wisdom from Experience Paradox: Organizational Learning, Mistakes, Hierarchy and Maturity Issues
PublicationOrganizations often perceive mistakes as negligence and low-performance indicators, yet they can be a precious learning resource. However, organizations cannot learn from mistakes if they have not accepted them. This study aimed to explore how organizational hierarchy and maturity levels influence the relationship between mistakes acceptance and the ability to change. A sample composed of 380 Polish employees working in knowledge-driven...
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Impact of abiotic stressors on nutrient removal and rhizomicrobiome composition in floating treatment wetland with Equisetum hyemale
PublicationFloating treatment wetlands (FTW) are receiving growing interest as a phyto-technology. However, there are significant research gaps regarding the actual role of plant species and plant-microbiome interactions. In this study, the nutrient uptake of Equisetum hyemale was examined in FTW microcosms under the influence of abiotic stressors: As (3 mg/L) and Pb (3 mg/L) as well as Cl− (300 and 800 mg/L) in reference to a control during...
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Enhanced-Performance Circularly Polarized MIMO Antenna with Polarization/Pattern Diversity
PublicationDesign of a compact wideband circularly polarized (CP) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with polarization diversity is proposed and characterized for off-body communication. The antenna is based on a simple coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed monopole extension of the microstrip line. The orthogonal field components required by CP are induced using a simply modified right/left side ground plane. In particular, a stub extending...
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Accurate Modeling of Frequency Selective Surfaces Using Fully-Connected Regression Model with Automated Architecture Determination and Parameter Selection Based on Bayesian Optimization
PublicationSurrogate modeling has become an important tool in the design of high-frequency structures. Although full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools provide an accurate account for the circuit characteristics and performance, they entail considerable computational expenditures. Replacing EM analysis by fast surrogates provides a way to accelerate the design procedures. Unfortunately, modeling of microwave passives is a challenging...
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Overview of planar antenna loading metamaterials for gain performance enhancement: the two decades of progress
PublicationMetamaterials (MTMs) are artificially engineered materials with unique electromagnetic properties not occurring in natural materials. MTMs have gained considerable attention owing to their exotic electromagnetic characteristics such as negative permittivity and permeability, thereby a negative refraction index. These extraordinary properties enable many practical applications such as super-lenses, and cloaking technology, and are...
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Effect of Surface Treatment of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) on the Kinetics of Epoxy Resin Cure with Amines
PublicationThe epoxy/clay nanocomposites have been extensively considered over years because of their low cost and excellent performance. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are unique 1D natural nanofillers with a hollow tubular shape and high aspect ratio. To tackle poor dispersion of the pristine halloysite (P-HNT) in the epoxy matrix, alkali surface-treated HNT (A-HNT) and epoxy silane functionalized HNT (F-HNT) were developed and cured with...
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Chemical and biological characterization of Ocimum basilicum L. phenolic extract and essential oil derived through ultrasound and microwave-assisted extraction techniques
PublicationPlant-derived bioactive molecules are increasingly utilized in food processing as natural additives, driven by a growing interest in healthier lifestyles. This trend has spurred industries to reformulate products to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers. This study investigates the phenolic extract and essential oil of O. basilicum L. obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, respectively. Characterization...
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Facilitated water transport in composite reduced graphene oxide pervaporation membranes for ethanol upgrading
PublicationHigh purity ethanol is one of the most sought-after renewable energy sources. However, standard production methods yield ethanol of insufficient quality. Membrane processes such as pervaporation are recognized as a viable method for upgrading ethanol. Their performance and selectivity depend solely on membrane employed. Hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes are used industrially for this purpose, but there is a trade-off...
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G2DC-PL+: a gridded 2 km daily climate dataset for the union of the Polish territory and the Vistula and Odra basins
PublicationG2DC-PL+, a gridded 2 km daily climate dataset for the union of the Polish territory and the Vistula and Odra basins, is an update and extension of the CHASE-PL Forcing Data – Gridded Daily Precipitation and Temperature Dataset – 5 km (CPLFD-GDPT5). The latter was the first publicly available, high-resolution climate forcing dataset in Poland, used for a range of purposes including hydrological modelling and bias correction of...
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AC motor feeding cable consequences on EMC performance of ASD
PublicationHigh level of conducted EMI emissions of adjustable speed drives (ASD) is one of the most difficult problems in contemporary applications. Many investigations are carried out in order to find more effective methods allowing to predict this emission at early stage of design, and therefore to predict adequate countermeasures. This paper deals with the method which allows to estimate by simulation the influence of motor feeding cable...
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EXAMINING INFLUENCE OF VIDEO FRAMERATE AND AUDIO/VIDEO SYNCHRONIZATION ON AUDIO-VISUAL SPEECH RECOGNITION ACCURACY
PublicationThe problem of video framerate and audio/video synchronization in audio-visual speech recogni-tion is considered. The visual features are added to the acoustic parameters in order to improve the accuracy of speech recognition in noisy conditions. The Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients are used on the acoustic side whereas Active Appearance Model features are extracted from the image. The feature fusion approach is employed. The...
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Mitigating the Energy Consumption and the Carbon Emission in the Building Structures by Optimization of the Construction Processes
PublicationFor decades, among other industries, the construction sector has accounted for high energy consumption and emissions. As the energy crisis and climate change have become a growing concern, mitigating energy usage is a significant issue. The operational and end of life phases are all included in the building life cycle stages. Although the operation stage accounts for more energy consumption with higher carbon emissions, the...
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EXAMINING INFLUENCE OF VIDEO FRAMERATE AND AUDIO/VIDEO SYNCHRONIZATION ON AUDIO-VISUAL SPEECH RECOGNITION ACCURACY
PublicationThe problem of video framerate and audio/video synchronization in audio-visual speech recognition is considered. The visual features are added to the acoustic parameters in order to improve the accuracy of speech recognition in noisy conditions. The Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients are used on the acoustic side whereas Active Appearance Model features are extracted from the image. The feature fusion approach is employed. The...
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Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Onychomycosis—Literature Review
PublicationOnychomycosis is a common fungal nail infection that is difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other nail conditions. Accurate identification is essential for effective treatment. The current gold standard methods include microscopic examination with potassium hydroxide, fungal cultures, and Periodic acid-Schiff biopsy staining. These conventional techniques, however, suffer from high turnover times, variable sensitivity,...
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Common methods for the chiral determination of amphetamine and related compounds II: Capillary electrophoresis and nuclear magnetic resonance
PublicationAmphetamine group and related ring-substituted substances are generally synthetic compounds, belonging to one of the most heavily abused drug groups in recent years. Some compounds in this class also originate from plants. Analysis of the enantiomers of AM-type compounds and metabolites is extremely important for a number of scientific disciplines. From studies of biological activity or mechanisms through determination of precursor...
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Analytical procedures for the determination of surfactants in environmental samples
PublicationBecause of their specific physical and chemical properties (amphiphilicity, solubility in polar and nonpolar liquids, ability to form micelles, adsorption at phase boundaries, low toxicity) surfactants (surface-active compounds) are widely applied in industry and in the household. As their applications are on a very large scale, it has become necessary to acquire a more detailed understanding of their environmental fate.In the...
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Zastosowanie chromatografii cieczowej w odwróconym układzie faz (RP-LC) w rozdzielanie i oznaczaniu polifenoli i naftochinonów w materiałach roslinnychreversed = Phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) for separation and quantitative determination of polyphenols and naphtoquinones in plant materials
PublicationW pracy przedstawiono przegląd metod rozdzielania i oznaczania naftochinonów i polifenoli pochodzących z materiału roślinnego, z wykorzystaniem technik chromatograficznych w układzie faz odwróconych - RP-TLC (Reversed-Phase Thin Layer Chromatography) oraz RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Przeanalizowano procedury przygotowania próbki, etap rozdzielania, a także kontroli czystości zbieranych frakcji....
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Mikropompa elektrohydrodynamiczna na ciecz dielektryczną zasilana napięciem stałym
PublicationW niniejszym artykule zaprezentowano projekt i działanie miniaturowej pompy elektrohydrodynamicznej (EHD) zasilanej napięciem stałym przeznaczonej do chłodzenia elementów elektronicznych. Zmierzono natężenie przepływu cieczy oraz ciśnienie wytwarzane przez pracującą mikropompę. Maksymalne natężenie przepływu, 0,5 ml/min, uzyskano dla napięcia 12 kV. Zmierzone ciśnienie wyniosło 500 Pa przy przyłożonym napięciu 6 kV. Maksymalny...
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Degradation of electrical performance of a crystalline photovoltaic module due to dust deposition in northern Poland
PublicationThe reduction in power output caused by the accumulation of dust on the photovoltaic module surface is an important problem and should receive much more attention in the literature. This study was an evaluation of the performance degradation of crystalline photovoltaic modules due to natural and simulated dust deposition. Dust is created from powdered grains of sand and particles of different bodies. Dust originates from different...
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Effective degradation of sulfide ions and organic sulfides in cavitation-based Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigations on the effectiveness and reaction rate constants of the oxidation of sulfide ions and organic sulfides in real industrial effluents from the production of bitumens (2000 mg S2- L-1) using hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation. The content of the effluents was analysed in terms carbon disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and di-tert-butyl disulfide concentration. A possibility of complete...
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Role of surface recombination in perovskite solar cells at the interface of HTL/CH3NH3PbI3
PublicationIn order to achieve the highest performance of organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells, it is required to recognize the dominant mechanisms which play a key role in a perovskite material. In the following studies, we have focused on the interfacial recombination between the hole transporting layer (HTL) and the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 in solar cell devices with p–i–n architecture. It has been shown that Cu:NiOx : used as HTL...
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Optimization of the Relative Humidity of Reactant Gases in Hydrogen Fuel Cells Using Dynamic Impedance Measurements
PublicationWater management is a key factor affecting the efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The currently used monitoring methods of PEMFCs provide limited information about which processes or components that humidity has a significant impact upon. Herein, we propose the use of a novel approach of impedance measurements using a multi-sinusoidal perturbation signal, which enables impedance measurements under dynamic...
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On geometry parameterization for simulation-driven design closure of antenna structures
PublicationFull-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools have become ubiquitous in antenna design, especially final tuning of geometry parameters. From the reliability standpoint, the recommended realization of EM-driven design is through rigorous numerical optimization. It is a challenging endeavor with the major issues related to the high computational cost of the process, but also the necessity of handling several objectives and constraints...
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Effect of interconnect coating procedure on solid oxide fuel cell performance
PublicationChromium (Cr) species vaporizing from chromia-forming alloy interconnects is known as a source of degradation in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks called “cathode poisoning”. (Mn,Co)3O4 spinel coatings offer good protection against Cr evaporation during operation. In this study, Crofer 22 APU steel interconnects were electrophoretically deposited in different mediums to obtain high packing of green coating layer. The optimized...
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Novel Complementary Multiple Concentric Split Ring Resonator for Reliable Characterization of Dielectric Substrates with High Sensitivity
PublicationAccurate characterization of dielectric substrates with high sensitivity remains an important challenge in a variety of industrial applications. This paper proposes an innovative strategy to address this challenge by developing and optimizing a unique Complementary Multiple Concentric Split Ring Resonator (CMC-SRR). The major goal is to propose a sensor design with increased sensitivity and reliability for dielectric characterization....
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Potential of Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Renewable Energy: Challenges and Prospects
PublicationModern machine learning (ML) techniques are making inroads in every aspect of renewable energy for optimizationand model prediction. The effective utilization of ML techniques for the development and scaling up of renewable energy systemsneeds a high degree of accountability. However, most of the ML approaches currently in use are termed black box since their work isdifficult to comprehend. Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)...
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Understanding the Dominant Physics Mechanisms on the p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated by Scalable Slot-Die Coating Process in Ambient Air
PublicationPerovskite solar cells (PSC) are emerging technologies that have shown continuous improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. However, a very important aspect that has been seldom considered is the reproducibility of PCE of PSC devices. It is possible to achieve PCE from 10.21% to 17.05% using scalable slot-die-coating technique. However, a spatial distribution of performance is clearly observed for device samples...
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Unprecedented Adhesive Performance of Propylene-Based Hydroxyl Functionalized Terpolymers
PublicationThe synthesis of hydroxyl functionalized propylene-based terpolymers and their performance as hot melt adhesives were investigated. The products comprise uniformly distributed butyl and 4-hydroxyl-butyl branches along the polypropylene backbone. Despite the low hydroxyl-functionality level of ≤ 0.5 mol%, hydroxyl functionalized terpolymers show formidable adhesion to aluminum and steel providing an adhesive strength exceeding 16...
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Application and modelling of Shape-Memory Alloys for structural vibration control: State-of-the-art review
PublicationOne of the most essential components of structural design for civil engineers is to build a system that is resistant to environmental conditions such as harsh chemical environments, and catastrophic disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. Under these circumstances and disturbances, conventional building materials such as steel and concrete may demonstrate inadequate performance in the form of corrosion, deterioration, oxidizing,...
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Topological behavior mimicking ethylene–hexene copolymers using branched lactones and macrolactones
PublicationPolyolefins are of paramount importance in the world of polymers due to their technological and economic potential.1 However, their nonpolar character significantly restricts the compatibility and adhesion properties, which consequently limits their versatility. Moreover, an intensified demand for materials from renewable resources can also become a problematic venture for the current polyolefin industry.2 Although Braskem and...
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Combined environmental testing device for picosatellites
PublicationAs access to space conditions becomes more available, both technically and economically, scientists’ interest in launching finer and more sophisticated experiments grows. To be qualified for launch, such experiments need to be carefully tested prior to the event. The tests should represent actual launch conditions as closely and in a detailed manner. Typical tests for payload include: vibration tests, thermal and vacuum tests,...
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Ti3C2 MXenes-based catalysts for the process of α-pinene isomerization
PublicationIn this study, the catalytic performance of Ti3C2 MXene materials in the reaction of α-pinene isomerization was demonstrated. The influence of etching agents (HF, HF/H2SO4, and HF/HCl; weight ratios of mixed acids: 1 : 3, 1 : 4, and 1 : 5) on removing Al atoms from MAX phase, creation of an accordion-like structure typical...
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Catalytic impact of alloyed Al on the corrosion behavior of Co50Ni23Ga26Al1.0 magnetic shape memory alloy and catalysis applications for efficient electrochemical H2 generation
PublicationThe electrochemical and corrosion behaviour of Co50Ni23Ga27-xAlx (x = 0 and 1.0 wt%) magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) was studied in 0.5 M NaCl solutions using various electrochemical techniques. Results showed remarkable activation of the tested MSMA toward pitting corrosion upon alloying it with Al. XPS examination confirmed the activation influence of alloyed Al. It proved that the presence of Al in the alloy's matrix weakens...
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Chemiluminogenic acridinium salts: A comparison study. Detection of intermediate entities appearing upon light generation
PublicationThe nine derivatives of acridine-9-carboxylic acid (CMADs) capable for chemiluminescence (CL), representing various classes of compounds were isolated in a chemically pure state (assessed by RP-HPLC) and identified using high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF) and magnetic resonance (1H NMR) techniques. Among them are aryl acridinium esters, containing certainly selected and located substituents in both aromatic systems, an...
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Influence of bitumen type on cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures used in pavement overlays
PublicationCracking is one of the predominant distresses occurring in flexible pavements, especially in old pavements that were rehabilitated with an asphalt overlay. In such cases asphalt mixtures should be designed to ensure high resistance to reflective cracking because new asphalt layers are exposed to existing cracks of the old pavement. The nature of these cracks can be various (transverse, longitudinal as well as crazy cracking). One...
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Expedited Machine-Learning-Based Global Design Optimization of Antenna Systems Using Response Features and Multi-Fidelity EM Analysis
PublicationThe design of antenna systems poses a significant challenge due to stringent per-formance requirements dictated by contemporary applications and the high com-putational costs associated with models, particularly full-wave electromagnetic (EM) analysis. Presently, EM simulation plays a crucial role in all design phases, encompassing topology development, parametric studies, and the final adjustment of antenna dimensions. The latter...
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The use of LiFePO4 technology in autonomous PV systems
PublicationBattery manufacturing based on the flow of lithium ions is currently the fastest growing and the most promising technology. It is used in many applications - from the smallest electronic devices to the large-scale energy trays. However, in the PV systems lead-acid batteries are still the most commonly used. As they are much cheaper they also come with a number of significant disadvantages. It is anticipated that they will be replaced...
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Reliable Microwave Modeling By Means of Variable-Fidelity Response Features
PublicationIn this work, methodologies for low-cost and reliable microwave modeling are presented using variable-fidelity response features. The two key components of our approach are: (i) a realization of the modeling process at the level of suitably selected feature points of the responses (e.g., S-parameters vs. frequency) of the structure at hand, and (ii) the exploitation of variable-fidelity EM simulation data, also for the response...
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Experimental comparison of hydrodynamic thrust bearings with different pad surface materials
PublicationBabbitt is the material most frequently used as the pad surface material for hydrodynamic bearings operating at usual operating conditions. It shows many advantages important for safe bearing operation, as for example: low friction coefficient, corrosion resistance, fair mechanical properties and outstanding conformability. On the other hand, it is not free from disadvantages, such as limited fatigue strength or limited resistance...
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Untargeted Lipidomics Reveals Differences in the Lipid Pattern among Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Resistant and Sensitive to Antibiotics
PublicationStaphylococcus aureus resistance to antibiotics is a significant clinical problem worldwide. In this study, an untargeted lipidomics approach was used to compare the lipid fingerprints of S. aureus clinical isolates that are resistant and sensitive to antibiotics. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed to rapidly and comprehensively analyze bacterial lipids. Chemometric...
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Numerical analysis of high temperature minichannel heat exchanger for recuperative microturbine system
PublicationConsidering the development of energy sector, distributed small-scale power generation, e.g., gas micro-CHP, is attracting considerable interest. In such installations, the heat exchanger is one of the key components possessing a significant influence on overall performance. Most studies concentrate on units operating below 900C, which do not fulfil the requirements of gas micro-CHP. Therefore, there remains a challenge to design...
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Assessment of particular abdominal aorta section extraction from contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography
PublicationThe aim of this work is to improve the accuracy of extraction of a particular abdominal aorta section and to reduce the distortion in three-dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) images. Imaging modality and quality plays crucial role in the medical diagnostic process, thus ensuring high quality of images is essential at every stage of acquisition and processing.Noise is defined as a disturbance of the image quality...
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Study of pH and temperature effect on lipophilicity of catechol-containing antioxidants by reversed phase liquid chromatography
PublicationLipophilicity of selected antioxidant phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and xanthonoids, was determined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (RP-HPLC-UV). The analyses run at different temperature and pH conditions in isocratic mode suggested that lipophilicity as distribution coefficient (logD) between aqueous and organic phase decreases with increasing temperature. For...
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Numerical Investigation on Dynamic Performance of a Multi-storey Steel Structure Model and Comparison with Experimental Results
PublicationShaking table testing is the most commonly adopted method to simulate earthquake forces. This approach allows us to analyze the dynamic performance and provides a valuable insight into the dynamics of building structures, which helps to improve their future safety and reliability. The present study aims to conduct a numerical evaluation of dynamic response of a multi-storey steel structure model, which was previously examined during...
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Thermal and technological aspects of double face grinding of Al2O3 ceramic materials
PublicationDouble face grinding with planetary kinematics is a process to manufacture workpieces with plan parallel functional surfaces, such as bearing rings or sealing shims. In order to increase the economic efficiency of this process, it has to be advanced permanently. The temperature in the contact zone of most grinding processes has a huge influence on the process efficiency and the workpiece qualities. In contrast to most grinding...
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Determination of flavanols by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Application to the characterization of cranberry-based pharmaceuticals through profiling and fingerprinting approaches
PublicationIn this work, a new method based on reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD) was established for the determination of catechins and related oligomeric proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberry-based pharmaceuticals. Compounds were recovered by liquid extraction using methanol/water/hydrochloric acid (60:39:1, v:v:v) as the extraction solvent. The chromatographic separation was carried...
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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...