Search results for: CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN
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From structures to landscapes – towards re-conceptualization of the urban condition
PublicationThis paper presents an original approach towards the phenomena of re-naturalization of cities and indicates its possible consequences for the urban design and planning strategies. It focuses on the ongoing shift “from structures to landscapes” in understanding urban conditions. While modern architecture introduced geomet-ric compositions against the background of nature, early modern theories of architects and sociologists started...
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Performance Comparison of a 650 V GaN SSFET and CoolMOS
PublicationThe new technology of wide band gap semiconductors is said to outperform up-to-date silicon devices. High voltage Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors, now emerging in the market, have even three times shorter switching times and even four times smaller energy losses compared to the best in-class Si devices. In this paper the performance of a 650 V GaN SSFET is evaluated and compared with the newest silicon family of CoolMOS™ technology....
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Cognitum Ontorion: Knowledge Representation and Reasoning System
PublicationAt any point of human activity, knowledge and expertise are a key factors in understanding and solving any given problem. In present days, computer systems have the ability to support their users in an efficient and reliable way in gathering and processing knowledge. In this chapter we show how to use Cognitum Ontorion system in this areas. In first section, we identify emerging issues focused on how to represent and inference...
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Structural and Temporal Topic Models of Feedbacks on Service Quality – A Path to Theory Development?
PublicationThere is growing interest in applying computational methods in analysing large amount of data without sacrificing rigour in Information Systems research. In this paper, we demonstrate how the use of structural and temporal topic modelling can be employed to produce insights of both theoretical and practical importance from the analysis of textual comments on the quality of services in hospitals. As a first step, we revealed the...
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Estimation of the Maximum Permissible PV Power to be Connected to the MV Grid
PublicationIn recent decades, a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in power grids at various voltage levels has been observed. A number of articles have been published highlighting emerging problems in low-voltage grids with a large share of prosumers and in medium- and high-voltage grids to which photovoltaic (PV) plants are connected. The article analyzes the medium-voltage grid in terms of the possibility of...
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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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Determination of 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD esters in edible oils, fish oils and lipid fractions of margarines available on Polish market
Publication3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 2-monochloropropane-1,3-diol (2-MCPD) are intensively investigated food contaminants, which recently emerged as a serious problem within the discovery of high levels of their fatty acid esters in lipid samples. In order to monitor the concentrations of mentioned toxicants in edible oils and fats, several analytical methods have been developed so far. This paper presents the screening research...
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Numerical Analysis of Recharge Rates and Contaminant Travel Time in Layered Unsaturated Soils
PublicationThis study focused on the estimation of groundwater recharge rates and travel time of conservative contaminants between ground surface and aquifer. Numerical simulations of transient water flow and solute transport were performed using the SWAP computer program for 10 layered soil profiles, composed of materials ranging from gravel to clay. In particular, sensitivity of the results to the thickness and position of weakly permeable...
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Flow cytometric approach to evaluate the impact of hydro-technical concrete compounds’ release to the freshwater microbiome
PublicationThe aim of this research was to test the potential of applying a flow cytometric procedure to evaluate the impact of concrete compounds’ release to the freshwater microbiome. Cells from the collected samples were stained with a fluorogenic redox indicator dye that measures the redox potential of microbial cells. This novel approach was combined with the assessment of microorganisms’ penetration into the internal structures of concrete...
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Classification of Urban Regeneration Participants as a Basis for Identification of Construction Investment's Risk Sources
PublicationOn the basis of the conducted research it can be concluded that the majority of the existing urban regeneration problems are revealed by the lack of an in-depth analysis of sources and risk factors. For the above reasons, the subject of this study is classification of urban regeneration's participants as a basis for identification of construction investment's risk sources. The research methodology is based on an in-depth analysis...
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Modeling and MANOVA studies on toxicity and endocrine potential of packaging materials exposed to different extraction schemes
PublicationThe stability of the linings of packaging that is in contact with the goods stored has been of major concern during decades of the development of packaging materials. In this work, an attempt was undertaken to assess the applicability of using two bioassays (Microtox® and XenoScreen YES/YAS) in estimating the stability of packaging (cans, caps, multilayer material) and the impact of their degradation on the toxicity of some simulated media....
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Exploring perceptions of pro environmental educational mobile applications based on semantic field analysis
PublicationThe paper aims to identify multidimensional perceptions of mobile apps by their users. Special attention has been paid to pro-environmental educational apps. Semantic field analysis and measurement of emotional temperatures were performed to achieve this goal. Transcripts from seven focus group interviews were used as research material. The results indicate that functionality based on a reward or benefit system reinforces environmentally...
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Gender and Digital Divide - Information and Communication Technologiesand their Impact on Equality
PublicationIn the entire Europe more women than men graduate from tertiaryeducation institutes. However, they are underrepresented in scientific and engineering disciplines. Women researchers still constitute a minority in the Government and Higher Education Sectors. A number of industry reports highlight a low number of women in IT occupations49. This has led to a variety of public policy measures, such as subsidies on community provision,...
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“The Guardians of the Truth”: Journalists’ Resistance to the Algorithmization of Journalism
PublicationRegardless of the term used, be it “robot journalism,” “automated journalism,” “algorithmic journalism” or “machine-written journalism,” the process of automatic content creation and distribution is progressing in the newsrooms. Meanwhile, exercising control over the creation and distribution of news is considered a fundamental element of journalists’ professional identity. The article presents the results of research on the perception...
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Designing efficient A-D-A1-D-A type fullerene free acceptor molecules with enhanced power conversion efficiency for solar cell applications
PublicationThe achievement of highly efficient power conversion efficiency (PCE) is a big concern for non-fullerene organic solar cells (NF-OSCs) because PCE can depend on numerous variables. Here, new five novel acceptor molecules without fullerenes were developed and investigated using DFT (density functional theory) and TD-DFT (time dependent-density functional theory). Compared to the recently synthesized molecule (PZ-dIDTC6), the developed...
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Fuctional structure of diagnostic system for wheeled tractors
PublicationAn application of computer controlled fuel injection systems in vehicle engines and growing demands concerning toxic substances emission and fuel consumption was a main reason for OBD (On Board Diagnosis) development. In spite of a great technological development, only some tractors are equipped in diagnostic systems. On board diagnosis is strongly connected with emission demands and does not concern other important vehicle functions.In...
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Assessment of under power ed propulsion machinery in electrically driven small inland waterway passenger ships from classification society point of view
PublicationPaper presents short operat ional a nd engineering analysis of underpowered propulsion in small electrically propelled small inland passenger ships. There is evidence that in certain weather conditions the phenomena of added aerodynamic resistance of small water crafts may have seriou s influence on their speed and manoeuvrability. Existing regulations like class societies rules for ship classification and construction or EU Directive 2006/87/EC do...
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ASSESSMENT OF UNDERPOWER ED PROPULSION MACHINERY IN ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN SMALL INLAND WATERWAY PASSENGER SHIPS FROM CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY POINT OF View
PublicationPaper presents short operat ional a nd engineering analysis of underpowered propulsion in small electrically propelled small inland passenger ships. There is evidence that in certain weather conditions the phenomena of added aerodynamic resistance of small water crafts may have serious influence on their speed and manoeuvrability. Existing regulations like class societies rules for ship classification and construction or EU Directive 2006/87/EC do...
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The best practices transfer part I
PublicationThis expertise describes the possibilities of best practices implementation. These examples of best practices concern to improve the women’ entrepreneurship and were identified at the earlier stage of the project. One of the areas of activity within the QUICK IGA project was the selection of best practices related to strengthening the economic activity of women in the context of developing the competitiveness and innovation of...
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An application of simulation model of fuel consumption in diagnostic system of wheeled tractors
PublicationAn application of computer controlled fuel injection systems in vehicle engines and growing demands concerning toxic substances emission and fuel consumption was a main reason for OBD (On Board Diagnosis) development. In spite of a great technological development, only some tractors are equipped in diagnostic systems. On board diagnostic is strongly connected with emission demands and does not concern other important vehicle functions. In...
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Assessment of the water quality of Kłodnica River catchment using self-organizing maps
PublicationRisk assessment of industrial areas heavily polluted due to anthropogenic actions is of increasing concern worldwide. So is the case of Polish Silesia region where mostly heavy industry like smelters, mining, chemical industries as well as heat and electricity production facilities are being located. Such situation raises numerous questions about environmental state of local water bodies with special attention paid to the Kłodnica...
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Removal of BTEX Compounds From Waste Gases; Destruction and Recovery Techniques
PublicationThe tendency for BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) to spread into all compartments of the environment together with their influence on both ecosystem and human health means that the emission of thesecompounds into the air is becoming the matter of worldwide concern. The legal regulations introduced by the European Union governing the assessment and management of air quality obliges member states to systematically...
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Perspectives on the replacement of harmful organic solvents in analytical methodologies: a framework toward the implementation of a generation of eco-friendly alternatives
PublicationVolatile organic solvents derived from non-renewable fossil feedstocks are commonplace in analytical laboratories. In spite of their convenient performance in countless unit operations, their environmental, health and safety issues represent a major area of concern. The progressive replacement of organic solvents obtained from fossil resources by eco-friendly alternatives would involve remarkable advances within the framework of...
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Fate and significance of phthalates and bisphenol A in liquid by-products generated during municipal solid waste mechanical-biological pre-treatment and disposal
PublicationSamples of liquid by-products generated by municipal solid waste plants (MSWPs) were tested for the presence of phthalates (PAEs) and bisphenol A (BPA). The results indicated that the wastewater generated during mechanical (sorting unit - SU) and biological (composting unit - CU) pre-treatment (MBT) of residual (mixed) solid waste is a significant source of these compounds. The concentrations of PAEs (up to 32222 lg/L) and BPA...
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The sensors-based artificial intelligence Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS) for managing the railway transport fleet
PublicationRailways deliver a safe and sustainable form of transport and are typically pointed as one the safest form of transportation. Nevertheless, train accidents still happen, and when they happen, the consequences concern serious fatalities and injuries. Since every case is unique, the most frequent causes of train accidents are mechanical derailments, failures, as well as human errors and ignorance. In order to mitigate the risks posed...
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Efficient removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from industrial/military wastewater using anodic oxidation on boron-doped diamond electrodes
PublicationWith growing public concern about water quality particular focus should be placed on organic micropollutants, which are harmful to the environment and people. Hence, the objective of this research is to enhance the security and resilience of water resources by developing an efficient system for reclaiming industrial/military wastewater and protecting recipients from the toxic and cancerogenic explosive compound – 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene...
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Application of a stochastic compartmental model to approach the spread of environmental events with climatic bias
PublicationWildfires have significant impacts on both environment and economy, so understanding their behaviour is crucial for the planning and allocation of firefighting resources. Since forest fire management is of great concern, there has been an increasing demand for computationally efficient and accurate prediction models. In order to address this challenge, this work proposes applying a parameterised stochastic model to study the propagation...
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Unusual dynamics and nonlinear thermal self-focusing of initially focused magnetoacoustic beams in a plasma
PublicationUnusual thermal self-focusing of two-dimensional beams in plasma which axis is parallel to the equilibrium straight magnetic field is considered. The equi- librium parameters of plasma determine scenario of a beam divergence (usual or unusual) which is stronger as compared with a flow without magnetic field. Nonlinear thermal self-action of a magnetosonic beam behaves differently in the ordinary and unusual cases. Damping of wave...
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Wyzwania i problemy aktywizacji peryferyjnych niskorozwiniętych obszarów Unii Europejskiej
PublicationSą duże dysproporcje w poziomie rozwoju między obszarami metropolitalnymi a pozostałymi, zwanymi tu peryferyjnymi. Dysproporcje dotyczą też badań – wiele z nich dotyczy obszarów metropolitalnych. Dlatego autor podjął w 2009 r. badania dotyczące problemów aktywizacji obszarów peryferyjnych. Głównym problemem jest w nich niedostatek endogenicznych czynników stanowiący barierę samodzielnego zainicjowania wzrostu. Potrzeba rozwoju...
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Wirtualne sieci 5G, NGN i następne. Radioinformatyczna metamorfoza sieci komórkowych
PublicationPrzedstawiono problematykę ewolucyjnej, a w zasadzie rewolucyjnej, metamorfozy komórkowych systemów radiokomunikacyjnych w kontekście architektury sieci 5G, zasad jej działania oraz nowych możliwości implementacyjnych usług sieci NGN. Artykuł dotyczy w szczególności istoty działania sieci 5G, łączącej w sobie cechy sieci radiokomunikacyjnych poprzednich generacji, zwłaszcza 4G, oraz nowe właściwości charakterystyczne dla 5G. Dotyczą...
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Mobile virtual presence in civil engineering education and training
PublicationEducation technologies are on the cusp, emerging technologies connected with each other might reveal new added value in this field. In this paper, the author showed a framework for conducting civil engineering classes with a virtual presence on the construction site. The presented idea might be realized by use of the unnamed aerial vehicle equipped with 360 video camera. On-site activities are transmitted at a distance by GSM and...
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Biofilm formation and its regulation in Staphylococcus aureus
PublicationInfections caused by the major human and animal pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus are becoming an important problem due to its emerging resistance mechanisms and variety of virulence factors. Biofilm formation is considered to be one of the most important factor attributed to high pathogenicity of S. aureus. Described in the literature methods used in identification of biofilm forming abilities of bacteria consist of phenotypic and...
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Web-based 3D processing and dissemination of multibeam sonar data
PublicationThe continuous detailed surveys of the various water bodies over time produce a large and ever-increasing volume and density of underwater sounding data. Three-dimensional data, such as those obtained by multibeam sonar systems, are quite complex to manage, and thus their growing numbers increase the pressure on development of new solutions dedicated to processing them. This paper presents a concept system for web-based dissemination...
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Data Acquisition and Processing for GeoAI Models to Support Sustainable Agricultural Practices
PublicationThere are growing opportunities to leverage new technologies and data sources to address global problems related to sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The emerging discipline of GeoAI resulting from the convergence of AI and Geospatial science (Geo-AI) is enabling the possibility to harness the increasingly available open Earth Observation data collected from different constellations of satellites and sensors...
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The Hough transform in the classification process of inland ships
PublicationThis article presents an analysis of the possibilities of using image processing methods for feature extraction that allows kNN classification based on a ship’s image delivered from an on-water video surveillance system. The subject of the analysis is the Hough transform which enables the detection of straight lines in an image. The recognized straight lines and the information about them serve as features in the classification...
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Green Analytical Chemistry: Summary of Existing Knowledge and Future Trends
PublicationAnalysis of recent publications in green analytical chemistry shows the current trends and future needs in this area. The main issues are related with search for cheaper, more efficient, more accurate, greener and miniaturized alternatives. Miniaturization is perhaps, the most notable current trend in analytical chemistry. Rapid developments and improvements in instrumentation have led to impressive range of benchtop technology...
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Energy and valuable organic products recovery from anaerobic processes
PublicationChapter 8 contains: Introduction, Energy balance in wastewater treatment plants and potential energy recovery, Potential valuable products recovery, Anaerobic processes focused on liquid products recovery; Anaerobic digestion (AD) processes focused on gaseous products recovery, Processes enhancing energy and valuable organic products recovery, Conclusions and perspectives. Anaerobic processes offer different pathways for the recovery...
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Study of ZrS3-based field-effect transistors toward the understanding of the mechanisms of light-enhanced gas sensing by transition metal trichalcogenides
PublicationExtending knowledge of the properties of low-dimensional van der Waals materials, including their reactivity to the ambiance, is important for developing innovative electronic and optoelectronic devices. Transition metal trichalcogenides with tunable optical band gaps and anisotropic conductivity are an emerging class among low- dimensional structures with the possibility of gate tunability and photoreactivity. These properties...
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Impact of AI-Based Tools and Urban Big Data Analytics on the Design and Planning of Cities
PublicationWide access to large volumes of urban big data and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools allow performing new analyses that were previously impossible due to the lack of data or their high aggregation. This paper aims to assess the possibilities of the use of urban big data analytics based on AI-related tools to support the design and planning of cities. To this end, the author introduces a conceptual framework to assess the...
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CyberEye: New Eye-Tracking Interfaces for Assessment and Modulation of Cognitive Functions beyond the Brain
PublicationThe emergence of innovative neurotechnologies in global brain projects has accelerated research and clinical applications of BCIs beyond sensory and motor functions. Both invasive and noninvasive sensors are developed to interface with cognitive functions engaged in thinking, communication, or remembering. The detection of eye movements by a camera offers a particularly attractive external sensor for computer interfaces to monitor,...
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Recent advances in hydrodynamic cavitation-based pretreatments of lignocellulosic biomass for valorization
PublicationRecently, the hydrodynamic cavitation (HC)-based pretreatment has shown high effectiveness in laboratories and even in industrial productions for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) into value-added products. The pretreatment capability derives from the extraordinary conditions of pressures at ∼500 bar, local hotspots with ∼5000 K, and oxidation (hydroxyl radicals) created by HC at room conditions. To promote this emerging...
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Arabinoxylans: A review on protocols for their recovery, functionalities and roles in food formulations
PublicationArabinoxylans (AXs) are compounds with high nutritional value and applicability, including prebiotics or supplementary ingredients, in food manufacturing industries. Unfortunately, the recovery of AXs may require advanced separation and integrated strategies. Here, an analysis of the emerging techniques to extract AXs from cereals and their by-products is discussed. This review covers distinct methods implemented over the last...
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Networking and Familiness as Factors Stimulating the Early Internationalization of High-Tech Firms
PublicationThe problem of the role and importance of time in the process of firm’s internationalization belongs to the mainstream of international business research, as is the problem of the key role of high-tech firms operating across borders. The main goal of the paper is to understand how selected factors determine early internationalization of high-tech firms in Poland as an emerging market. The theoretical framework of the article is...
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A Survey of Fast-Recovery Mechanisms in Packet-Switched Networks
PublicationIn order to meet their stringent dependability requirements, most modern packet-switched communication networks support fast-recovery mechanisms in the data plane. While reactions to failures in the data plane can be significantly faster compared to control plane mechanisms, implementing fast recovery in the data plane is challenging, and has recently received much attention in the literature. This survey presents a systematic,...
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Resistive gas sensors – Perspectives on selectivity and sensitivity improvement
PublicationResistive gas sensors are very popular and relatively inexpensive; they can operate at elevated or room temperature for years on end. The main disadvantage of resistive gas sensors is their limited selectivity and sensitivity, but various methods have been applied to improve their behavior. The composition of the porous gas sensing layer, or changes in the sensor’s operating temperature, can enhance the gas detection ability. Furthermore, emerging...
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Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of mono and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – A review
PublicationAromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) are toxic environmental contaminants presented in most of the environmental matrices. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of AHs in the account of complete mineralization from various environmental matrices have been reviewed in this paper. An in-depth discussion on various AOPs for mono (BTEX) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives is presented. Most of the AOPs were...
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Change in Heavy Metals Concentrations in Sediments Deposited in Retention Tanks in a Stream after a Flood
PublicationOur paper presents the results of heavy metal (HM) (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) content in bottom sediments from retention tanks along Oliwa Stream in Gdańsk, Poland, before a flood (BF) and after a flood (AF) 14-15 July 2016. The flood had a huge impact on the quality of bottom sediments and their displacement. The concentrations of HM differed significantly for research series conducted 3 months BF and 8 months AF. The concentration of Cu...
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Organotin Compounds: Environmental Fate and Analytics
PublicationFor more than 50 years, organotin compounds have been used in almost all sectors of industry. As a consequence, specific environmental compartments are affected by the emission of these xenobiotics. The emissions of organotin compounds into the environment from paints used in the shipbuilding industry for ship hull coating, and from the plant protection products are particularly significant.In 2001, the IMO introduced a global...
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IDENTYFIKACJA CZYNNIKÓW WPŁYWAJĄCYCH NA BEZPIECZEŃSTWO EKSPLOATACJI STATKU NA ŚRÓDLĄDOWEJ DRODZE WODNEJ W DELCIE WISŁY
PublicationKażdego roku w Polsce, na śródlądowych drogach wodnych rejestrowane są przez Urzędy Żeglugi Śródlądowej, Państwową Straż Pożarną i Policję wypadki i incydenty, prowadzące zarówno do uszkodzenia infrastruktury jak i uszczerbku na zdrowiu. Poprawa poziomu bezpieczeństwa wymaga dogłębnej analizy i wyciągania wniosków z zaistniałych sytuacji awaryjnych. Istotną rzeczą jest identyfikacja i usystematyzowanie zagrożeń występujących w...
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Evaluation of the Commercial Electrochemical Gas Sensors for the Monitoring of CO in Ambient Air
PublicationAir pollution is a growing concern of civilized world, which has a significant impact on human health and the environment. Recent studies highlight that the exposure to polluted air can increase the incidence of diseases and deteriorate the quality of life. Hence, it is necessary to develop tools for real-time air quality monitoring. For air pollution monitoring a wide range of stationary gas and particulate analysers can be used....