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Search results for: normally consolidated soils
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Determining and visualizing safe motion parameters of a ship navigating in severe weather conditions
PublicationThe paper presents a method of determining, organizing and displaying ship collision avoidance information, which is based on the Collision Threat Parameters Area (CTPA) technique. The method makes it possible to visualize navigational threats as well as possible collision avoidance manoeuvres. The solution is focused on supporting navigation in severe weather conditions. Normally collision avoidance decisions are made taking into...
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Analysis of circular polarization antenna design trade‐offs using low‐cost EM‐driven multiobjective optimization
PublicationCircular polarization (CP) antennas are vital components of modern communication systems. Their design involves handling several requirements such as low reflection and axial ratio (AR) within the frequency range of interest. Small size is an important criterion for antenna mobility which is normally achieved as a by‐product of performance‐oriented modifications of the structure topology. In this work, multiobjective optimization...
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Preparation of Well-Compatibilized PP/PC Blends and Foams Thereof
PublicationThe performance of polypropylene-poly(ethylene brassylate) block and graft copolymers and a polypropylene-polycaprolactone graft copolymer as compatibilizers for polypropylene-rich polypropylene/bisphenol A polycarbonate (PP/PC, 80/20 wt/wt) blends was elucidated. The copolymers were synthesized either by metal-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization or transesterification of a presynthesized polyester, initiated by hydroxyl-functionalized...
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Globalized parametric optimization of microwave components by means of response features and inverse metamodels
PublicationSimulation-based optimization of geometry parameters is an inherent and important stage of microwave design process. To ensure reliability, the optimization process is normally carried out using full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools, which entails significant computational overhead. This becomes a serious bottleneck especially if global search is required (e.g., design of miniaturized structures, dimension scaling over...
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The dose-dependet influence of zinc and cadmium contamination of soil on their uptake and glucosinolate content in white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba)
PublicationThe relationship between the ability to accumulate heavy metals (represented by Cd and Zn) and to synthesize bioactive compounds (represented by glucosinolates[GLS]) was investigated in two cabbage cultivars. Plants were grown in the greenhouse of a phytotron under controlled conditions in soils spiked with two different Zn or Cd concentrations. The measurements of Cd and Zn contents in soil and cabbage (leaf) samples were performed...
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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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Modeling the application of steel slag in stabilizing expansive soil
PublicationThe objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of steel slag as an additive to the engineering properties of weak clay soil. Different geotechnical laboratory tests were conducted on both stabilized and natural soils. Steel slag (SS) was added at a rate of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% to the soil. Specific gravity, grain size analysis, Atterberg limit test, compaction test, free swell, California bearing ratio (CBR),...
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Expedited Geometry Scaling of Compact Microwave Passives by Means of Inverse Surrogate Modeling
PublicationIn this paper, the problem of geometry scaling of compact microwave structures is investigated. As opposed to conventional structures (i.e., constructed using uniform transmission lines), re-design of miniaturized circuits (e.g., implemented with artificial transmission lines, ATSs) for different operating frequencies is far from being straightforward due to considerable cross-couplings between the circuit components. Here, we...
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Sustainable Management of Food Wastes Through Cavitation-Assisted Conversion into Value-Added Products
PublicationMore than 30% of worldwide food consumption is thrown out as food wastes causing serious environmental, economic, and social problems. Therefore, it is required to develop sustainable food waste management methods leading to an enhancement in social and economic benefits and mitigation of environmental impacts. Anaerobic digestion can be regarded as one of those effective methods that can be employed for the conversion of food...
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Filter-Hilbert Method for Automatic Correction of Non-Anechoic Antenna Measurements with Embedded Self-Calibration Mechanism
PublicationOne of the most important steps in the process of antenna development involves measurements of its prototype. Far-field performance of radiators is normally characterized in strictly controlled environments such as anechoic chambers which can ensure certification-grade accuracy. Unfortunately, they are also characterized by high construction costs which might not be justified for low-budget research and/or teaching-related activities....
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Robust Parameter Tuning of Antenna Structures by Means of Design Specification Adaptation
PublicationParameter tuning through numerical optimization has become instrumental in the design of high-performance antenna systems. Yet, practical optimization faces several major challenges, including high cost of massive evaluations of antenna characteristics, normally involving full-wave electromagnetic (EM) analysis, large numbers of adjustable variables, the shortage of reasonable initial solutions in the case of topologically complex...
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Accelerated design optimization of miniaturized microwave passives by design reusing and Kriging interpolation surrogates
PublicationElectromagnetic (EM) analysis has become ubiquitous in the design of microwave components and systems. One of the reasons is the increasing topological complexity of the circuits. Their reliable evaluation—at least at the design closure stage—can no longer be carried out using analytical or equivalent network representations. This is especially pertinent to miniaturized structures, where considerable EM cross-coupling effects occurring...
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Reliable EM-driven size reduction of antenna structures by means of adaptive penalty factors
PublicationMiniaturization has become of paramount importance in the design of modern antenna systems. In particular, compact size is essential for emerging application areas such as internet of things, wearable and implantable devices, 5G technology, or medical imaging. On the other hand, reduction of physical dimensions generally has a detrimental effect on antenna performance. From the perspective of numerical optimization, miniaturization...
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Explicit Size-Reduction of Circularly Polarized Antennas through Constrained Optimization with Penalty Factor Adjustment
PublicationModern communication systems of high data capacity incorporate circular polarization (CP) as the preferred antenna radiation field configuration. In many applications, integration of the system circuitry with antennas imposes size limitations on CP radiators, which makes their development process a challenging endeavor. This can be mitigated by means of simulation-driven design, specifically, constrained numerical optimization....
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Optimization-based antenna miniaturization using adaptively-adjusted penalty factors
PublicationThe continuing trend for miniaturization of electronic devices necessitates size reduction of the comprising components and circuitry. Specifically, integrated circuit-antenna modules therein require compact radiators in applications such as 5G communications, implantable and on-body devices, or internet of things (IoT). The conflict between the demands for compact size and elec-trical and field performance can be mitigated by...
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Tilting pad thrust bearing with novel material selection - experimental comparison of low and medium speed operation
PublicationThe advances in material engineering led to the development of hard carbon based coatings applied in numerous applications in order to prevent or minimize wear of the parts in contact. With Triondur® coatings, the bearing company Schaeffler has succeeded in halving the friction losses in the valve trains of passenger cars. The coatings are optimized for high abrasive wear protection and low sliding friction moments. Altogether...
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Multi Parameter Sliding Test Result Evaluation for The Selection of Material Pair for Wear Resistant Components of a Hydraulic motor Dedicated for Use With Environmentally Friendly Working Fluids
PublicationIn the paper the method and results are presented of the testing of tribological performance of a number of hard materials available commercially. The tests consisted in unidirectional sliding with liquid lubrication. The load and velocity regime chosen were similar to a standard four-ball lubricity test with constant velocity and load increasing over time. The regime was modified in such a way that over the initial part of the...
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Toughness augmentation by fibrillation and yielding in nanostructured blends with recycled polyurethane as a modifier
PublicationIn the present paper, we have carefully investigated the morphology and fracture mechanism of the recycled polyurethane (RPU) /epoxy blend system. The second phase (RPU) added to the epoxy resin has a positive effect on the overall mechanical properties. Interestingly, the recycled polymer has a remarkable effect on the fracture toughness of epoxy resin. The mechanism behind the fracture toughness improvement up on the addition...
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Low-Cost Automated Design of Compact Branch-Line Couplers
PublicationBranch-line couplers (BLCs) are important components of wireless communication systems. Conventional BLCs are often characterized by large footprints which make miniaturization an important prerequisite for their application in modern devices. State-of-the-art approaches to design of compact BLCs are largely based on the use of high-permittivity substrates and multi-layer topologies. Alternative methods involve replacement of transmission-line...
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Rapid Multi-Criterial Antenna Optimization by Means of Pareto Front Triangulation and Interpolative Design Predictors
PublicationModern antenna systems are designed to meet stringent performance requirements pertinent to both their electrical and field properties. The objectives typically stay in conflict with each other. As the simultaneous improvement of all performance parameters is rarely possible, compromise solutions have to be sought. The most comprehensive information about available design trade-offs can be obtained through multi-objective optimization...
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Micro- and nano-Illite to improve strength of untreated-soil as a nano soil-improvement (NSI) technique
PublicationSoil stabilization is a technique of improving the geotechnical properties of soils for various engineering applications. However, conventional stabilizers such as cement and lime have some limitations, such as high cost, environmental impact, and durability issues. Therefore, there is a need for alternative and innovative stabilizers that can overcome these challenges. This study introduces nano-Illite, a type of clay mineral,...
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Refinement of the Hardening Soil model within the small strain range
PublicationThe popularity of the elasto-plastic Hardening Soil (HS) model is based on simple parameter identification from standard testing and empirical formulas. The HS model is implemented in many commercial FE codes designed to analyse geotechnical problems. In its basic version, the stress–strain behaviour within the elastic range is subject to the hypoelastic power law, which assures the barotropy of the elastic stiffness. However,...
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Fast Re-Design of Multi-Band Antennas by Means of Orthogonal-Direction Geometry Scaling and Local Parameter Tuning
PublicationApplication-driven design of antenna systems fosters a reuse of structures that have proven competitive in terms of their electrical and field performance, yet have to be re-designed for a new application area. In practice, it most often entails relocation of the operating frequencies or bandwidths, which is an intricate endeavor, normally requiring utilization of numerical optimization techniques. If the center frequencies of...
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Exploring the Beam Squint Effects on Reflectarray Perfromance: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Specular and Scattered Reflection of the Unit Cell
PublicationIn this article, the phenomena of beam deviation in reflectarray is discussed. The radiation pattern of the unit cell, which plays a vital role in shaping the beam of the reflectarray, is analyzed by considering undesired specular and scattered reflections. These unwanted reflections adversely affect the pattern of the single unit cell, thereby reducing the overall performance of the reflectarray. To conduct our investigations,...
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Computationally Efficient Design Optimization of Compact Microwave and Antenna Structures
PublicationMiniaturization is one of the important concerns of contemporary wireless communication systems, especially regarding their passive microwave components, such as filters, couplers, power dividers, etc., as well as antennas. It is also very challenging, because adequate performance evaluation of such components requires full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation, which is computationally expensive. Although high-fidelity EM analysis...
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Optimization of the Hardware Layer for IoT Systems using a Trust Region Method with Adaptive Forward Finite Differences
PublicationTrust-region (TR) algorithms represent a popular class of local optimization methods. Owing to straightforward setup and low computational cost, TR routines based on linear models determined using forward finite differences (FD) are often utilized for performance tuning of microwave and antenna components incorporated within the Internet of Things systems. Despite usefulness for design of complex structures, performance of TR methods...
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A Low-Cost System for Far-Field Non-Anechoic Measurements of Antenna Performance Figures
PublicationPrototype measurements are the key step in the development of antenna structures. Typically, their far-field characteristics are validated in expensive, dedicated facilities such as open range sites, or anechoic chambers. Despite being necessary for obtaining high-precision data (e.g., for device qualification), the use of costly infrastructure might not be fully justified when the main goal of measurements includes demonstration...
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Novel Tools as New Challenges to HRM Communicational Practices (and the Increasingly Important Social Role of the Manager)
PublicationEach communicational process consists inseparably of three aspects: the linguistic (which means the whole language content of the message), technical (which states the form of the message) and the social (meaning social relations, emotions, behaviours). The recent COVID-19 pandemic deeply influenced several layers of our lives. But the main aim of this chapter is to focus on the communicational processes that normally take place...
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Low-Cost Yield-Driven Design of Antenna Structures Using Response-Variability Essential Directions and Parameter Space Reduction
PublicationQuantifying the effects of fabrication tolerances and uncertainties of other types is fundamental to improve antenna design immunity to limited accuracy of manufacturing procedures and technological spread of material parameters. This is of paramount importance especially for antenna design in the industrial context. Degradation of electrical and field properties due to geometry parameter deviations often manifests itself as, e.g.,...
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Two-Rate Based Low-Complexity Variable Fractional-Delay FIR Filter Structures
PublicationThis paper considers two-rate based structures for variable fractional-delay (VFD) finite-length impulse response (FIR) filters. They are single-rate structures but derived through a two-rate approach. The basic structure considered hitherto utilizes a regular half-band (HB) linear-phase filter and the Farrow structure with linear-phase subfilters. Especially for wide-band specifications, this structure is computationally efficient...
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Computationally efficient two-objective optimization of compact microwave couplers through corrected domain patching
PublicationFinding an acceptable compromise between various objectives is a necessity in the design of contemporary microwave components and circuits. A primary reason is that most objectives are at least partially conflicting. For compact microwave structures, the design trade-offs are normally related to the circuit size and its electrical performance. In order to obtain comprehensive information about the best possible trade-offs, multi-objective...
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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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Improved-Efficacy Optimization of Compact Microwave Passives by Means of Frequency-Related Regularization
PublicationElectromagnetic (EM)-driven optimization is an important part of microwave design, especially for miniaturized components where the cross-coupling effects in tightly arranged layouts make traditional (e.g., equivalent network) representations grossly inaccurate. Efficient parameter tuning requires reasonably good initial designs, which are difficult to be rendered for newly developed structures or when re-design for different operating...
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Expedited Acquisition of Database Designs for Reduced-Cost Performance-Driven Modeling and Rapid Dimension Scaling of Antenna Structures
PublicationFast replacement models have been playing an increasing role in high-frequency electronics, including the design of antenna structures. Their role is to improve computational efficiency of the procedures that normally entail large numbers of expensive full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations, e.g., parametric optimization or uncertainty quantification. Recently introduced performance-driven modeling methods, such as the nested...
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Constrained multi-objective optimization of compact microwave circuits by design triangulation and pareto front interpolation
PublicationDevelopment of microwave components is an inherently multi-objective task. This is especially pertinent to the design closure stage, i.e., final adjustment of geometry and/or material parameters carried out to improve the electrical performance of the system. The design goals are often conflicting so that the improvement of one normally leads to a degradation of others. Compact microwave passives constitute a representative case:...
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Atmospheric deposition in coniferous and deciduous tree stands in Poland
PublicationThe objective of this study was to assess the transformation of precipitation in terms of quantity and chemical composition following contact with the crown layer in tree stands with varied species composition, to investigate the effect of four predominant forest-forming species (pine, spruce, beech, and oak) on the amount and composition of precipitation reaching forest soils, and to determine the sources of pollution in atmospheric...
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Comparison of hydrochemistry and organic compound transport in two non-glaciated high Arctic catchments with a permafrost regime (Bellsund Fjord, Spitsbergen)
PublicationAn increase in air temperature related to climate change results in the retreat of glaciers, the degradation of permafrost, and the expansion of glacier-free areas in the polar regions. All these processes lead to changes in the Arctic landscape. They influence the hydrochemistry of streams and rivers fed by glaciers and thawing permafrost. In this study, we examine eighty two water samples from two non-glaciated catchments with...
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Retained features of embryonic metabolism in the adult MRL mouse
PublicationThe MRL mouse is an inbred laboratory strain that was derived by selective breeding in 1960 from the rapidly growing LG/J (Large) strain. MRL mice grow to nearly twice the size of other commonly used mouse strains, display uncommonly robust healing and regeneration properties, and express later onset autoimmune traits similar to Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. The regeneration trait (heal) in the MRL mouse maps to 14-20 quantitative...
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Optimization-Based High-Frequency Circuit Miniaturization through Implicit and Explicit Constraint Handling: Recent Advances
PublicationMiniaturization trends in high-frequency electronics have led to accommodation challenges in the integration of the corresponding components. Size reduction thereof has become a practical necessity. At the same time, the increasing performance demands imposed on electronic systems remain in conflict with component miniaturization. On the practical side, the challenges related to handling design constraints are aggravated by the...
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Accelerated Gradient-Based Optimization of Antenna Structures Using Multi-Fidelity Simulations and Convergence-Based Model Management Scheme
PublicationThe importance of numerical optimization has been steadily growing in the design of contemporary antenna structures. The primary reason is the increasing complexity of antenna topologies, [ a typically large number of adjustable parameters that have to be simultaneously tuned. Design closure is no longer possible using traditional methods, including theoretical models or supervised parameter sweeping. To ensure reliability, optimization...
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Expedited Yield Optimization of Narrow- and Multi-Band Antennas Using Performance-Driven Surrogates
PublicationUncertainty quantification is an important aspect of engineering design, also pertaining to the development and performance evaluation of antenna systems. Manufacturing tolerances as well as other types of uncertainties, related to material parameters (e.g., substrate permittivity) or operating conditions (e.g., bending) may affect the antenna characteristics. In the case of narrow- or multi-band antennas, this usually leads to...
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Spatial distribution of pharmaceuticals in conventional wastewater treatment plant with Sludge Treatment Reed Beds technology
PublicationPharmaceutical residues are an emerging environmental problem. It is strongly confirmed that pharmaceuticals are present in soils and environmental waters (surface, marine and even groundwater), and that wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents are the main source of pharmaceuticals in the watershed. The aim of this studywas to recognize the spatial distribution and seasonal changes of selected pharmaceuticals in conventional WWTP...
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Enhancing chain-elongating microbiomes: Sequential fungi-bacteria cooperation for efficient food waste upgrading using endogenous electron donors
PublicationThe upgrading of organic waste such as food waste (FW) into medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) is within a bio-based circular economy concept. An efficient chain elongation (CE) microbiome is difficult to obtain, which normally requires long-term acclimatization and an exogenous supplement of electron donor (ED, especially ethanol). In this study, the CE microbiome was rapidly shaped within 18 days and an efficient endogenous ethanol-based...
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Global EM-Driven Optimization of Multi-Band Antennas Using Knowledge-Based Inverse Response-Feature Surrogates
PublicationElectromagnetic simulation tools have been playing an increasing role in the design of contemporary antenna structures. The employment of electromagnetic analysis ensures reliability of evaluating antenna characteristics but also incurs considerable computational expenses whenever massive simulations are involved (e.g., parametric optimization, uncertainty quantification). This high cost is the most serious bottleneck of simulation-driven...
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Design centering of compact microwave components using response features and trust regions
PublicationFabrication tolerances, as well as uncertainties of other kinds, e.g., concerning material parameters or operating conditions, are detrimental to the performance of microwave circuits. Mitigating their impact requires accounting for possible parameter deviations already at the design stage. This involves optimization of appropriately defined statistical figures of merit such as yield. Alt-hough important, robust (or tolerance-aware)...
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Rapid Design Centering of Multi-Band Antennas Using Knowledge-Based Inverse Models and Response Features
PublicationAccounting for manufacturing tolerances as well as uncertainties concerning operating conditions and material parameters is one of the important yet often neglected aspects of antenna development. Appropriate quantification of uncertainties allows for estimating the fabrication yield but also to carry out robust design (e.g., yield maximization). For reliability reasons, statistical analysis should be executed at the accuracy level...
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Expedited Yield-Driven Design of High-Frequency Structures by Kriging Surrogates in Confined Domains
PublicationUncertainty quantification is an important aspect of engineering design, also pertaining to the development and performance evaluation of high-frequency structures systems. Manufacturing tolerances as well as other types of uncertainties, related to material parameters (e.g., substrate permittivity) or operating conditions (e.g., bending) may affect the characteristics of antennas or microwave devices. For example, in the case...
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Investigation on domestic fruits seed oils in personal care emulsion systems
PublicationThe use of fruit seed oils in personal care products is of significance to both their function and image. Poland is an important processor of fruit products within the EU, and thus has a large availability of seeds from domestic fruits, which are normally considered to be a waste material. Unfortunately, current literature is scarce of the suitability of these oils for topical use in the form of cosmetic emulsions. Published data...
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Ecological and Health Effects of Lubricant Oils Emitted into the Environment
PublicationLubricating oils used in machines with an open cutting system, such as a saw or harvester, are applied in forest areas, gardening, in the household, and in urban greenery. During the operation of the device with an open cutting system, the lubricating oil is emitted into the environment. Therefore, the use of an oil base and refining additives of petroleum origin in the content of lubricants is associated with a negative impact...
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Fast multi-objective optimization of antenna structures by means of data-driven surrogates and dimensionality reduction
PublicationDesign of contemporary antenna structures needs to account for several and often conflicting objectives. These are pertinent to both electrical and field properties of the antenna but also its geometry (e.g., footprint minimization). For practical reasons, especially to facilitate efficient optimization, single-objective formulations are most often employed, through either a priori preference articulation, objective aggregation,...