Search results for: H-INDEX
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Reliability of Corroded Stiffened Plate Subjected to Uniaxial Compressive Loading
PublicationThe work is focused on the reliability of corroded stiffened plates subjected to compressive uniaxial load based on the progressive collapse approach as stipulated by the Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, employing the limit state design. Two different cases have been investigated. In the first model, the corrosion degradation led to uniform thickness loss, whereas the mechanical properties were unchanged,...
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The Emergence of ETFs in Asia-Pacific
PublicationThe major objective of this book is to contribute to the present state of knowledge by exploring empirical links between the processes of diffusion of financial innovations— exchange-traded funds—and growing deployment of ICT across Asia-Pacific countries, between 2004 and 2017. We examine the evolutionary patterns of ETFs on selected Asia-Pacific stock exchanges and verify the hypothesized relationship between increasing ICT penetration...
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CONSUMERS’ APPROACH TO THE CREDIBILITY OF THE INFLATION FORECASTS PUBLISHED BY CENTRAL BANKS: A NEW METHODOLOGICAL SOLUTION
PublicationModern monetary policy focuses on credibility and shaping inflation expectations. In keeping with the concept of inflation forecast targeting, the inflation forecasts published by central banks play a crucial role in the instrument rate decision-making process and may be treated as a specific intermediate target. This study proposes an inflation forecast credibility index, the scope of which is narrowed to non-specialists’ approach...
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Fire-Retardant Flexible Foamed Polyurethane (PU)-Based Composites: Armed and Charmed Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) Particles
PublicationInadequate fire resistance of polymers raises questions about their advanced applications. Flexible polyurethane (PU) foams have myriad applications but inherently suffer from very high flammability. Because of the dependency of the ultimate properties (mechanical and damping performance) of PU foams on their cellular structure, reinforcement of PU with additives brings about further concerns. Though they are highly flammable and...
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A new index for statistical analyses and prediction of travelling ionospheric disturbances
PublicationTravelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs) are signatures of atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) observed in changes in the electron density. The analysis of TIDs is relevant for studying coupling processes in the thermosphere–ionosphere system. A new TID index is introduced, which is based on an easy extension of the commonly used approach for TID detection. This TID activity index, which can be applied for individual Global Navigation...
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One Europe, one product, two prices - the price disparity in the EU
PublicationThe price dispersion in the European Union in the last fifteen years (1990-2005) is analysed. The analysis of price convergence is examined on aggregate and disaggregate levels. The macro approach is based on Comparative Price Level index calculated as the ratio between PPPs and exchange rate. The disaggregate analysis utilizesactual prices of 148 individual products sold in the 15 capital cities of the EU. The calculations comprise...
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Facing the brainstorming theory. A case of requirements elicitation
PublicationKnowledge is still considered to be power and its externalization makes it possible for others to use that power. In this paper, we examine the theory of brainstorming, and the claim by father Alex Osborn that in a group session an individual can think of twice as many ideas than working alone. In the context of requirements elicitation, we performed an experiment on a “nominal” and a “real” group of participants, following a procedure...
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Influence of Thermal Decomposition of Wood and Wood-Based Materials on the State of the Atmospheric Air. Emissions of Toxic Compounds and Greenhouse Gases
PublicationThis paper presents the energy characteristics of wood and wood-based materials in the form of commercially available pellets, furniture board (MDF) and OSB. Toxicometric indices were determined for gaseous destructs arising from thermal decomposition and combustion of the materials studied. The paper proves that combustion conditions are crucial in terms of toxic destructive emissions. It has been shown that the combustion of...
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The conditions of the business services sector in Poland and its competitiveness in the global market
PublicationThe following article presents the conditions of the business services sector (BSS) in Poland and the assessment of its competitiveness in the global market. The first section discusses the BSS sector and the categories of the provided services, in the division of business process outsourcing, shared services center, information technology outsourcing, research and development. Next the authors presents the status of the business...
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Evaluation of technical efficiency of heat and electric power generation
PublicationThis paper presents an evaluation of technical efficiency and time-dependent changes in productivity of Polish professional electric power and heat&electric power stations by using Data Envelopment Analysis non-parametric method. The research covered the enterprises whose total available electric power amounted to about 98% of that of all professional thermal electric power stations in this country. The analysis has concerned...
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Analysis of nonlinear effects as a diagnostic tool
PublicationMetody analizy efektów nieliniowych nieliniowej analizy sygnałów na wyjściu testowanych obiektów umożliwiają badanie występowania defektów i uszkodzeń w materiałach i elementach elektronicznych, co jest niezbędne w predykcji niezawodności. W odniesieniu do elementów biernych bardzo skutecznym narzędziem okazuje się być wskaźnik trzeciej harmonicznej (THI - Third Harmonic Index). W artykule bardziej szczegółowo opisano pomiary parametru...
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Modeling of multi-cavity Fabry-Perot optical fiber sensors
PublicationReflectance characteristics of a two-cavity extrinsic Fabry-Perot optical fiber sensor were investigated using computer modeling. Calculations were performed using a plane wave-based approach, selected for clarity of results. Based on the modeling results, it can be concluded that the two-cavity Fabry-Perot interferometer can be used to measure two different quantities, such as refractive index and temperature, independently. It...
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Reliability Analysis of Sea Cliff Slope Stability by Point Estimate Method
PublicationThe paper presents a reliability analysis of a sea cliff slope. The cliff, located in Jastrzębia Góra, is characterised by a complicated geological structure. Although currently stable, it is in fact close to the limit state. The objective of this paper is to present the point estimate method (PEM) of determining the mean value and standard deviation of the safety factor of the slope. Assuming its normal distribution, these statistical...
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Green thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane)s – synthesis, chemical structure and selected properties investigation
PublicationThis work aimed to characterize the effect of the monomers chemical structure on the selected properties of the green thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane)s. During synthesis two types of polyether biopolyols, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and bio-based 1,3-propanediol were employed. Materials were synthesized with the use of two step method and two different prepolymers, which were mixed together in equimolar quantities. Obtained...
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Reliability Analysis of Sea Cliff Slope Stability by Point Estimate Method
PublicationThe paper presents a reliability analysis of a sea cliff slope. The cliff, located in Jastrzębia Góra, is characterised by a complicated geological structure. Although currently stable, it is in fact close to the limit state. The objective of this paper is to present the point estimate method (PEM) of determining the mean value and standard deviation of the safety factor of the slope. Assuming its normal distribution, these statistical...
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Determination of the refractive index and wavelength‐dependent optical properties of few‐layer CrCl3 within the Fresnel formalism
PublicationBased on previous reports on the optical microscopy contrast of mechanically exfoliated few layer CrCl3 transferred on 285 nmand 270 nmSiO2 on Si(100), we focus on the experimental determination of an effective mean complex refractive index via a fitting analysis based on the Fresnel equations formalism. Accordingly, the layer and wavelength-dependent absorbance and reflectance are calculated. Layer and wavelength-dependent optical...
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Production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder
PublicationBackground: This research aimed to evaluate the use of natural resin as a binder for the production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass.Methods: Proximate analyses were made for fuel briquette prepared from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder in comparison with using starch as a binder.Results: The results for density, percent content of moisture, percent content of volatile matter, percent...
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Mercury concentration and the absolute and relative sizes of the internal organs in cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (L. 1758) from the breeding colony by the Vistula Lagoon (Poland)
PublicationThis work analyses the effect of mercury on the condition of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from an extensive breeding colony in northern Poland, the largest in Europe. A total of 55 birds (44 adults and 11 immature) were obtained. Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in the liver, kidneys, breast muscles, heart, gullet (oesophagus), stomach, intestines, trachea, lungs and eyeballs. The total body mass (TBM) and empty...
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Trace elements content of surface peat deposits in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea)
PublicationPeatlands form environmental archives of trace element deposition. In this regard they are particularly valuable for areas such as the Arctic, where regular pollution monitoring is either impossible or extremely costly. The aim of this study was to assess pollution in the Solovetsky Islands (65° 05' N, 35° 53' E) by examining the spatial variability in trace element content of the uppermost layer of peat, immediately below the...
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Heavy Metals in Sediments of Urban Streams: Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Influencing Factors
PublicationSediments of two urban streams in northern Poland outflowing to the Baltic Sea were assessed to explain the spatial variation in relation to urbanization level of the catchment, the role of retention tanks (RTs) and identification of pollution level. During the 3 month period of investigation sediment samples were collected from the inflow (IN) and outflow (OUT) of six RTs located on streams for flood protection. Six heavy metals...
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Drinking water safety evaluation in the selected sub-Saharan African countries: A case study of Madagascar, Uganda and Rwanda
PublicationIn the sub-Saharan region of Africa, access to safe drinking water remains limited in many countries. This study provides an overview of the quality of surface water and groundwater in rural and peri-urban areas of Madagascar, Uganda, and Rwanda. Selected physico-chemical parameters, inorganic species (including inorganic ions), and organic pollution indicators, such as total organic carbon, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, anionic...
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Production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder
PublicationAbstract Background: This research aimed to evaluate the use of natural resin as a binder for the production of fuel briquette from solid waste biomass. Methods: Proximate analyses were made for fuel briquette prepared from solid waste biomass using natural resin as a binder in comparison with using starch as a binder. Results: The results for density, percent content of moisture, percent content of volatile matter, percent content...
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Dietary behaviour and physical activity policies in Europe: learnings from the Policy Evaluation Network (PEN)
PublicationThe European Policy Evaluation Network (PEN), initiated in autumn 2018, aimed at advancing the evidence base for public policies impacting dietary behaviour, physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Europe. This is needed because non-communicable diseases—the leading cause of global mortality—are substantially caused by physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary behaviours, which in turn are driven by upstream factors that...
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Deep compaction control of sandy soils
PublicationVibroflotation, vibratory compaction, micro-blasting or heavy tamping are typical improvement methods for the cohesionless deposits of high thickness. The complex mechanism of deep soil compaction is related to void ratio decrease with grain rearrangements, lateral stress increase, prestressing effect of certain number of load cycles, water pressure dissipation, aging and other effects. Calibration chamber based interpretation...
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Developments in Green Chromatography
PublicationGreen analytical chemistry is a widely recognized concept that has led to the development of new analytical methods with reduced environmental impact and minimized analyst occupational exposure. Achievements include the development of microextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) techniques. Research towards greener separation processes focuses on the elimination of toxic solvents...
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Influence of sensor design and optical properties of tissue on the photoplethysmographic signal
PublicationPhotopletysmography and an associated technique called pulse oximetry are still explored due to the expectations that they give a lot of information about the state of the patient and, also, due to the fact that they are non invasive. Knowledge about the impact of various parameters on the measured signal leads to a faster and a more reliable way of analyzing measurement results and finding the dependencies between the involved...
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Bending analysis of functionally graded nanoplates based on a higher-order shear deformation theory using dynamic relaxation method
PublicationIn this paper, bending analysis of rectangular functionally graded (FG) nanoplates under a uniform transverse load has been considered based on the modified couple stress theory. Using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations are derived based on a higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The set of coupled equations are solved using the dynamic relaxation (DR) method combined with finite difference (FD) discretization technique...
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VIBRATION SURVEILLANCE DURING MILLING OF FLEXIBLE DETAILS WITH A USE OF THE ACTIVE OPTIMAL CONTROL
PublicationThe main goal of modern machining operations is to achieve increasingly better performance. High Speed Machining and/or High Performance Cutting, despite a lot of advantages, have also some drawbacks, for example, a possibility of losing stability and development of self-excited chatter vibration. This paper presents an approach of vibration surveillance during high speed milling with a use of active optimal control. Non-stationary...
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Linear antenna microwave chemical vapour deposition of diamond films on long-period fiber gratings for bio-sensing applications
PublicationThe growth processes of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films on fused silica optical fibers with UV-induced long-period gratings (LPGs) were investigated with regard to biosensing applications. The films were deposited using a linear antenna microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system, which allows for the growth of diamond at temperatures below 350°C. The films exhibited a high refractive index n = 2.32, as...
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Improving Objective Speech Quality Indicators in Noise Conditions
PublicationThis work aims at modifying speech signal samples and test them with objective speech quality indicators after mixing the original signals with noise or with an interfering signal. Modifications that are applied to the signal are related to the Lombard speech characteristics, i.e., pitch shifting, utterance duration changes, vocal tract scaling, manipulation of formants. A set of words and sentences in Polish, recorded in silence,...
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A concept of heterogeneous numerical model of concrete for GPR simulations
PublicationThe Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method, which is increasingly being used in the non-destructive diagnostics of reinforced concrete structures, often needs more accurate interpretation tools for analysis of experimental data. Recently, there has been growing interest in developing of various numerical models for exhaustive understanding of GPR data. This paper presents the concept of a heterogeneous numerical model of concrete,...
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Modelling of subarachnoid space width changes in apnoea resulting as a function of blood flow parameters
PublicationDuring apnoea, the pial artery is subjected to two opposite physiological processes: vasoconstriction due to elevated blood pressure and vasorelaxation driven by rising pH in the brain parenchyma. We hypothesized that the pial artery response to apnoea may vary, depending on which process dominate. Apnoea experiments were performed in a group of 19 healthy, non-smoking volunteers (9 men and 10 women). The following parameters...
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Microcracking monitoring and damage detection of graphene nanoplatelets-cement composites based on acoustic emission technology
PublicationThis study aims to identify the micro-cracking pattern and structural applications of cement composites replaced with 0 wt%, 0.04 wt%, and 0.08 wt% contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) over cement weight through acoustic emission (AE) monitoring under mechanical degradation. The ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) results showed that at 60 min sonication period, GNP-4 showed maximum absorbance rate of 16.15% compared...
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Index filtrations and Morse decomposition for discrete dynamical systems
PublicationOn a Morse decomposition of an isolated invariant set of a homeomorphism(discrete dynamical system) there are partial orderings defined by the homeomorphism.These are called admissible orderings of the...
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HOW TO ASSESS THE MATURITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES TO LEAN SIX SIGMA PROJECTS
PublicationThis article describes the considerations for the implementation of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology in small and medium-sized enterprises. Pilot research was conducted in Polish and French SMEs (nine Polish and nine French enterprises from the service and production sectors) referring to the context of the implementation and application of the Lean Six Sigma concept. The studies led to the identification of the motives, needs,...
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The Progress in Electron Microscopy Studies of Particulate Matters to Be Used as a Standard Monitoring Method for Air Dust Pollution
PublicationThe present article reviews studies on air solid particles carried out with the use of electron microscopy. Particle analysis combining scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) can be used to derive size-resolved information of the composition, mixing state, morphology, and complex refractive index of atmospheric aerosol particles. It seems that electron microscopy is more widely used in atmospheric particulate...
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ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR A TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL HOUSE IN POLAND
PublicationThe paper presents the research results of field measurements campaign of natural ventilation performance and effectiveness in a residential building. The building is located in the microclimate whose parameters differ significantly in relation to a representative weather station. The measurement system recorded climate parameters and the physical variables characterizing the air flow in the rooms within 14 days of the winter season....
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A novel heterogeneous model of concrete for numerical modelling of ground penetrating radar
PublicationThe ground penetrating radar (GPR) method has increasingly been applied in the non-destructive testing of reinforced concrete structures. The most common approach to the modelling of radar waves is to consider concrete as a homogeneous material. This paper proposes a novel, heterogeneous, numerical model of concrete for exhaustive interpretation of GPR data. An algorithm for determining the substitute values of the material constants...
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Computing methods for fast and precise body surface area estimation of selected body parts
PublicationCurrently used body surface area (BSA) formulas give satisfactory results only for individuals with typical physique, while for elderly, obese or anorectic people accurate results cannot be expected. Particularly noteworthy are the results for individuals with severe obesity (body-mass index greater than 35 kg/m2), for which BSA estimation errors reached 80%. The main goal of our study is the development of precise BSA models for...
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Analiza Globalnego Indeksu Terroryzmu Państw Europejskich
PublicationW referacie przytoczono doniesienia raportu Global Terrorism Index 2016 [1] w odniesieniu do sytuacji państw Europejskich. Raport ten publikowany jest co roku przez Instytut Ekonomii i Pokoju (ang. Institute for Economics and Peace). W raporcie tym realizowana jest analiza światowych tendencji i modeli związanych z terroryzmem. Niestety, doniesienia raportu opublikowanego na początku bieżącego roku są zatrważające, zwłaszcza w...
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Safety Assessment of Tram Stops
PublicationThe safety of public transport stops is the subject of numerous studies in large agglomerations around the world. This is due to the fact that it is a passenger exchange zone where collisions and accidents involving people getting on or off public transport vehicles most often occur. For this reason, the purpose of the article is to present the results of the safety assessment of the stop zones for two selected tram lines in Wroclaw....
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Quantitative Storytelling in the Making of a Composite Indicator
PublicationThe reasons for and against composite indicators are briefly reviewed, as well as the available theories for their construction. After noting the strong normative dimension of these measures—which ultimately aim to ‘tell a story’, e.g. to promote the social discovery of a particular phenomenon, we inquire whether a less partisan use of a composite indicator can be proposed by allowing more latitude in the framing of its construction....
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Rewitalizacja przestrzeni w kontekście zrównoważonego rozwoju - potencjał zielonych dachów
PublicationThe revitalization of space in the context of sustainable development – potential of green roof. The article shows the need to take into account the principles of sustainable development in the field of the revitalization of space, and point out green roofs as a tool in this process. It is presented in the light of the green city concept, and the criteria of the European Green City Index. The article shows the ecological, social...
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Collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrogel in water-in-oil microemulsion delivery systems
PublicationThe efficacy of microemul-sion in dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. Here, we assessed the water-in-oilmicroemulsion capacity to incorporate two natural polymers, i.e. collagen and hyaluronic acid withlow and high molecular weight. Systems were extensively characterized in terms of conductivity, phaseinversion studies, droplet diameter, polydispersity index and rheological properties. The results of thisresearch...
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A Simplified SPWM Scheme for a Compact 3-Level Dual-Output Inverter
PublicationSinusoidal Pulse-width modulation, SPWM, is inverter-leg-based, logical-operation-based, and lesscomputational-intensive. In this brief, these simplifying features of SPWM are extended to the control of the 10-switch, 3-level inverter. The control strategy is based on the single triangular carrier SPWM perspective. Procedures and details of the sharing of four-common power switches by the 3 inverter legs are given. Classically,...
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Effect of Nb and Al on in vitro dissolution behavior and structure of Na2O-MgO CaO-P2O5 glasses
PublicationIn vitro dissolution, structure, and thermal properties of the glass series Na2O-MgOsingle bondCaOsingle bondNb2O5 -Al2O3-P2O5 were studied. The dissolution behavior in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) confirmed the potential bioactive properties of tested glasses. The dissolution process was found to depend on the Al, Nb, and Mg contents. Al, respectively, suppresses the Nb and accelerates the Mg release process from the glasses....
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Greening procedures and analytical parameters. The polychlorinated naphthalenes analysis in complex matrices as proof of concept
PublicationDue to the complexity of analytical procedures employed for the determination of wide spectrum of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), it is important to consider the green character of the applied protocols and propose the greenest solutions. In this review, the green aspects of several analytical procedures used for the determination of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) (as a representatives of POPs) in different types of...
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Wavelet transform analysis to assess oscillations in pial artery pulsation at the human cardiac frequency
PublicationPial artery adjustments to changes in blood pressure (BP)may last only seconds in humans. Using a novelmethod called near-infrared transillumination backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS) that allows for the non-invasive measurement of pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) in humans, we aimed to assess the relationship between spontaneous oscillations in BP and cc-TQ at frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 5 Hz. We hypothesized that analysis of...
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Multi-instrument analysis of L-band amplitude scintillation observed over the Eastern Arabian Peninsula
PublicationThe study of scintillation-causing ionospheric irregularities is important to mitigate their effects on satellite communications. It is also important due to the spatial and temporal variability of these irregularities, given that their characteristics differ from one region to another. This study investigates the spatial and temporal characteristics of L1 amplitude scintillation-causing ionospheric irregularities over the Eastern...
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Time series analysis and impact assessment of the temperature changes on the vegetation and the water availability: A case study of Bakun-Murum Catchment Region in Malaysia
PublicationThe Bakun-Murum (BM) catchment region of the Rajang River Basin (RRB), Sarawak, Malaysia, has been under severe threat for the last few years due to urbanization, global warming, and climate change. The present study aimed to evaluate the time series analysis and impact assessment of the temperature changes on the vegetation/agricultural lands and the water availability within the BM region. For this purpose, the Landsat data for...