Search results for: ILLUMINATION OF ARCHITECTURE
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Probability distribution of flicker noise in AuNPdecorated graphene–Si Schottky barrier diode
PublicationWe present results of the probability distribution analysis of flicker noise generated in Au nanoparticle (AuNP) decorated graphene–Si Schottky barrier diodes with and without yellow light illumination (592 nm), close to the localized surface plasmon resonance in the AuNPs (586 nm). The AuNPs occupy imperfections in the single-layer graphene and reduce the flicker noise intensity generated in the graphene layer. The estimated probability...
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Photoelectrochemical properties of BIMEVOX (ME=Cu, Zn, Mn) electrodes in contact with aqueous electrolyte
PublicationLayered oxide Bi4O2O11 and mixed oxides of bismuth, vanadium and a third metal (ME = Cu, Zn, Mn) were synthesized and characterized using XRD, Raman and SEM. The energy band gap (Eg) of samples determined using UV–VIS reflectance spectra equals to 2.46, 2.34, 2.27 and 2.18 eV for Bi4V2O11, BICUVOX (Bi2V1 − xCuxO5.5 − 3x/2), BIZNVOX (Bi2V1 − xZnxO5.5 − 3x/2) and BIMNVOX (Bi2V1 − xMnxO5.5 − x/2) (x = 0.1), respectively. Open circuit...
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Measuring Pulse Rate with a Webcam
PublicationIn this paper a simple method of measuring the pulse rate is presented. Elaborated algorithm allows for efficient pulse rate registration directly from face images captured from a webcam. The desired signal is obtained by proper channel selection and principal component analysis. To determine the accuracy of the method an ECG signal is collected together with a video recordings. The effectiveness of the algorithm is considered...
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Light-Induced Transformation of the Aromatic Heptaene Antifungal Antibiotic Candicidin D into Its All-Trans Isomer
PublicationIllumination of the aromatic heptaene macrolide antifungal antibiotic candicicin D with UV light results in an isomerization of the molecule. The product formed after irradiation of the candicidin complex with UV light (λ=365nm), namely, iso-candicidin D, was isolated and subjected to 2D NMR studies, consisting of DQF-COSY, ROESY, TOCSY, HSQC, and HMBC experiments. The obtained spectral data unambiguously evidenced that iso-candicidin...
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Comparison of Absorbed and Intercepted Fractions of PAR for Individual Trees Based on Radiative Transfer Model Simulations
PublicationThe fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR) is a key parameter for estimating the gross primary production (GPP) of trees. For continuous, dense forest canopies, fAPAR, is often equated with the intercepted fraction, fIPAR. This assumption is not valid for individual trees in urban environments or parkland settings where the canopy is sparse and there are well-defined tree crown boundaries. Here, the distinction...
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Facial emotion recognition using depth data
PublicationIn this paper an original approach is presented for facial expression and emotion recognition based only on depth channel from Microsoft Kinect sensor. The emotional user model contains nine emotions including the neutral one. The proposed recognition algorithm uses local movements detection within the face area in order to recognize actual facial expression. This approach has been validated on Facial Expressions and Emotions Database...
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Semi complex navigation with an active optical gesture sensor
PublicationThis paper presents the methods of diversified touchless interactions between a user and a mobile platform utilizing the optical gesture sensor. The sensor uses 8 photodiodes to measure the reflected light in the active mode (using embedded LEDs) or it measures shadows caused by fingers in the passive mode. Several algorithms were implemented: automatic mode switching, adaptive illumination level compensation, resolution improvements...
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Methodology for assessing the lighting of pedestrian crossings based on light intensity parameters
PublicationOne of the possible preventive measures that could improve safety at crossings is to assess the state of illumination of the lighting installation located in the transition area for pedestrians. The City of Warsaw has undertaken to comprehensively assess the pedestrian crossings to determine the level of road safety and the condition of lighting. The lighting conditions related to pedestrian crossings without traffic lights in...
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Low-frequency noise in ZrS3 van der Waals semiconductor nanoribbons
PublicationWe report the results of the investigation of low-frequency electronic noise in ZrS3 van der Waals semiconductor nanoribbons. The test structures were of the back-gated field-effect-transistor type with a normally off n-channel and an on-to-off ratio of up to four orders of magnitude. The current–voltage transfer characteristics revealed significant hysteresis owing to the presence of deep levels. The noise in ZrS3 nanoribbons...
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Ti-Fe2O3/In2O3 as photoactive material: The role of the substrate in photoelectrochemical water oxidation
PublicationThe layers of Ti-Fe2O3/In2O3 were prepared on the different substrates using hydrothermal method: Ti/TiO2 nanotubes, Ti foil, FTO and FTO/TiO2. Materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, XRD, Raman, UV-Vis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and tested as photoanodes for water oxidation under illumination. The formation of heterojunction on the TiO2 nanotubes increases photocurrent of water oxidation at...
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Journey towards light – evolutionary adaptations of humans, flora and fauna. Guidelines for safe and healthy illumination
PublicationThe paper examines using relatively recent discoveries on how evolution has embedded within all living organisms a natural sensitivity towards their native environment, in particular luminance levels and specific wavelengths of light. The studies conducted so far indicate that lighting installations that are visible after dark impact on humans, flora and fauna and influence our evolutionary dispositions, possibly with negative...
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Nitrogen-Incorporated Boron-Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Nanowires for Microplasma Illumination
PublicationThe origin of nitrogen-incorporated boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (NB-NCD) nanowires as a function of substrate temperature (Ts) in H2/CH4/B2H6/N2 reactant gases is systematically addressed. Because of Ts, there is a drastic modification in the dimensional structure and microstructure and hence in the several properties of the NB-NCD films. The NB-NCD films grown at low Ts (400 °C) contain faceted diamond grains. The morphology...
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Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization of photoanodes based on titania nanotubes modified by a BiVO4 thin film and gold nanoparticles
PublicationTitania nanotubes (TNT) modified with thin films of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and gold nanoparticles (GNP) were photoelectrochemically characterized as photoanodes for water photooxidation. Presence of bismuth vanadate enhanced efficiency of photocurrent generation in comparison with pristine TNTs under visible light illumination. Besides an extended range of absorbed light, the presence of both BiVO4 and GNP reduced the charge...
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Spray deposited carbon nanotubes counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
PublicationCarbon nanotubes due to their catalytic properties are a promising alternative to platinum counter electrodes (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In this study, counter electrodes were made from double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) ink using the spray printing technique and afterwards thermally treated at temperatures ranging from 120 to 300 °C. Morphology and structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy and...
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Spray-deposited carbon-nanotube counter-electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
PublicationCarbon nanotubes due to their catalytic properties are a promising alternative to platinum counter electrodes (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In this study, counter electrodes were made from double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) ink using the spray printing technique and afterwards they were thermally treated at temperatures ranging from 120 to 300 °C. Morphology and structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy...
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Hydrothermal Cobalt Doping of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes towards Photoanode Activity Enhancement
PublicationDoping and modification of TiO2 nanotubes were carried out using the hydrothermal method. The introduction of small amounts of cobalt (0.1 at %) into the structure of anatase caused an increase in the absorption of light in the visible spectrum, changes in the position of the flat band potential, a decrease in the threshold potential of water oxidation in the dark, and a significant increase in the anode photocurrent. The material...
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Efficiency limit of excitonic photovoltaic cells under phosphor-based white LED illumination
PublicationThe limit of energy conversion of excitonic photovoltaic cells working under white light illumination generated by phosphor-based LED is analysed using the modified Giebink approach. Particularly, the impact of the optical energy gap and energy loss associated with the excitons dissociation at the heterojunction interface on power conversion efficiency of the device are discussed. From the results of our study it follows that the...
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Synthesis of Phosphonated Carbon Nanotubes: New Insight into Carbon Nanotubes Functionalization
PublicationCarbon nanotubes were successfully functionalized for the first time in a free radical phosphonylation reaction. Three synthetic protocols were proposed. Carbon nanotubes and diethylphosphite reacted in the presence of known radical initiator, such as azobisisobutyronitrile, single electron oxidant—Mn(OAc)3, or under UV radiation. The functionalized material was fully characterized by means of spectroscopic methods, together with...
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Combined chemoresistive and in situ FTIR spectroscopy study of nanoporous NiO films for light-activated nitrogen dioxide and acetone gas sensing
PublicationThe chemoresistive sensor response of nanoporous NiO films prepared by advanced gas deposition was investigated by combined resistivity and in situ FTIR spectroscopy, with and without simultaneous light illumination, to detect NO2 and acetone gases. The sensitivity towards NO2 increased dramatically under UV irradiation employing 275 nm light. Improved sensitivity was observed at an elevated temperature of 150 °C. In situ FTIR...
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The bismuth vanadate thin layers modified by cobalt hexacyanocobaltate as visible-light active photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
PublicationBismuth vanadate thin films deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique were modified using cobalt hexacyanocobaltate (Cohcc). The 2-step method of Cohcc nanocubes preparation was applied: i) metallic cobalt deposition and ii) cobalt electrooxidation in Co(CN)63− containing electrolyte. The presence of CN stretching vibrations was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The energy band gap was equal to 2.5 eV and was estimated...
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Highly stable organic–inorganic junction composed of hydrogenated titania nanotubes infiltrated by a conducting polymer
PublicationA poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer doped with poly(2-styrene sulfonate) (pEDOT:PSS) was efficiently electrodeposited on a layer composed of ordered titania nanotubes. TiO2 nanotubes were formed during an anodization process and, after calcinations, a layer was subjected to hydrogen plasma. Hydrogenation leads to Ti(III) formation, a decrease in resistance, and a huge increase of donor density when compared with...
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Original footbridge in Mikolajki, Poland
PublicationIn summer 2016, a new footbridge in the town of Mikołajki (Poland) was built, over a stream connecting two adjacent lakes – Talty and Mikołajki. Its modern construction, based on the shape of a DN ice-boat, makes it inique in Poland, and probably in the world as well. This novel and dynamic shape became a significant landmark associated not only with Mikołajki, but also with the whole region of Mazury, as well as with sailing...
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Luminescence recognition material as an INHIBIT logic gate in presence of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous solutions
PublicationA recognition material consisting of silica xerogel with amino-modified surface selectively recognizes Pb2+ and Cu2+ (but only in presence of Pb2+ ions) in aqueous solutions of other metal ions. The analytical action of the material is based on a significant change in luminescence emission spectra of the material after chemisorption of Pb2+ ions. In the presence of Pb2+ in octahedral coordination environment, a new broad and strong...
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Pose-Invariant Face Detection by Replacing Deep Neurons with Capsules for Thermal Imagery in Telemedicine
PublicationAbstract— The aim of this work was to examine the potential of thermal imaging as a cost-effective tool for convenient, non- intrusive remote monitoring of elderly people in different possible head orientations, without imposing specific behavior on users, e.g. looking toward the camera. Illumination and pose invariant head tracking is important for many medical applications as it can provide information, e.g. about vital signs, sensory...
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Radar Signal Parameters Estimation Using Phase Accelerogram in the Time-Frequency Domain
PublicationRadar signal parameter estimation, in the context of the reconstruction of the received signal in a passive radar utilizing other radars as a source of illumination, is one of the fundamental steps in the signal processing chain in such a device. The task is also a crucial one in electronic reconnaissance systems, e.g. ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) systems. In order to obtain accurate results it is important to measure, estimate...
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Photovoltaic effect in the single-junction DBP/PTCBI organic system under low intensity of monochromatic light
PublicationPhotoelectric properties of the planar ITO/MoO3/DBP/PTCBI/BCP/Ag system were characterized on the basis of short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage and absorption spectra, and current-voltage measurements in the dark and under monochromatic illumination of low intensity. Photovoltaic performance of the system was compared with the performance of ideal semiconductor and excitonic cells of chosen bandgaps. Such analysis shows,...
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Electric transport in organic system with planar DBP/F16ZnPc junction on the basis of direct current and small signal admittance spectra analysis
PublicationThe objective of this work was to determine electric transport in the organic device based on a planar junction of electron donor and electron acceptor materials, namely ITO/MoO3/DBP/F16ZnPc/BCP/Ag. The analysis reported herein was based on direct current-voltage measurements and small-signal admittance spectra in the dark and under illumination. Such analysis may provide information on potential barriers, parasitic resistances...
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Towards spectroscopic monitoring of photoelectrodes: In-situ Raman photoelectrochemistry of a TiO2/prussian blue photoanode
PublicationHere, novel in-situ Raman photoelectrochemical measurements are performed. The obtained results have proved that it is possible to track the progress of a photoelectrochemical reaction that takes place on a semiconducting electrode using the spectroscopic method. As an exemplary system, the Ti/TiO2/Prussian blue electrode is investigated. Since TiO2 is an n-type semiconductor, it cannot act as an efficient anode in dark conditions....
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Photoinduced K+ Intercalation into MoO3/FTO Photoanode—the Impact on the Photoelectrochemical Performance
PublicationIn this work, thin layers of MoO3 were tested as potential photoanodes for water splitting. The influence of photointercalation of alkali metal cation (K+) into the MoO3 structure on the photoelectrochemical properties of the molybdenum trioxide films was investigated for the first time. MoO3 thin films were synthesized via thermal annealing of thin, metallic Mo films deposited onto the FTO substrate using a magnetron sputtering...
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Evaluation of Street Lighting Efficiency Using a Mobile Measurement System
PublicationThe issue concerns the initial stage of work on a method for performing a rapid assessment of the energy efficiency and illuminance of a street lighting installation. The proposed method is based on simultaneous measurement of illuminance from three lux meters placed on the roof of the vehicle. The data are acquired in road traffic, while the vehicle is driving. The proposed solution will allow in the future to quickly and reproducibly...
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Synthesis of eosin modified TiO2 film with co-exposed {001} and {101} facets for photocatalytic degradation of para-aminobenzoic acid and solar H2 production
PublicationOwing to the increasing photosensitivity and DNA damage properties of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), concerns have been raised over the exposure of humans to PABA. Solar light-driven photocatalysis (SPC) provides a promising solution for the effective removal of organic pollutants especially when directed towards sulfate radical (SO4−) production. Herein, we have developed a sulfite-enhanced SPC using Eosin-Y sensitized TiO2/Ti...
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Modification of Titanium (IV) Dioxide with Small Silver Nanoparticles: Application in Photocatalysis
PublicationThe surface of commercial TiO2 compounds (P25 and ST01) has been modified with Ag nanoparticles induced by radiolysis. On P25, the Ag nanoclusters are very small (1−2 nm) and homogeneous in size while on ST01, two populations of nanoparticles are obtained, small nanoparticles (1−2 nm) and larger ones (mean diameter 7 to 12 nm depending on the silver loading). The photocatalytic properties of Ag-modified TiO2 have been studied for...
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Monte-Carlo Modeling of Optical Sensors for Postoperative Free Flap Monitoring
PublicationThis work aims to develop a numerical tissue model and implement software to simulate photon propagation using the Monte Carlo method to determine design guidelines for a physical measurement system. C++ was used for the simulation program, and Python as a programming environment to create an interface that allows the user to customize individual simulation elements, allowing for increased accuracy and flexibility when simulating...
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Normalization of face illumination using basic knowledge and information extracted from a single image
PublicationThis paper presents a method for face image normalization that can be applied to the extraction of illumination invariant facial features or used to remove bad lighting effects and produce high-quality, photorealistic results. Most of the existing approaches concentrate on separating the constant albedo from the variable light intensity; that concept, however, is based on the Lambertian model, which fails in the presence of specularities...
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Monte-Carlo Modeling of Optical Sensors for Postoperative Free Flap Monitoring
PublicationThis work aims to develop a numerical tissue model and implement software to simulate photon propagation using the Monte Carlo method to determine design guidelines for a physical measurement system. C++ was used for the simulation program, and Python as a programming environment to create an interface that allows the user to customize individual simulation elements, allowing for increased accuracy and flexibility when simulating...
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An MTA-phosphorylase gene discovered in the metagenomic library derived from Antarctic top soil during screening for lipolytic active clones confers strong pink fluorescence in the presence of rhodamine B.
PublicationIn this work, we present the construction of a metagenomic library in Escherichiacoli using the pUC19 vector and environmental DNA directly isolated fromAntarctic topsoil and screened for lipolytic enzymes. Unexpectedly, the screeningon agar supplemented with olive oil and rhodamine B revealed one unusual pinkfluorescent clone (PINKuv) out of 85 000 clones. This clone harbored a plasmid,pPINKuv, which has an insert of 8317 bp that...
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A study on the interaction of rhodamine B with methylthioadenosine phosphorylase protein sourced from an Antarctic soil metagenomic library.
PublicationThe presented study examines the phenomenon of the fluorescence under UV light excitation (312 nm) of E. coli cells expressing a novel metagenomic-derived putative methylthioadenosine phosphorylase gene, called rsfp, grown on LB agar supplemented with a fluorescent dye rhodamine B. For this purpose, an rsfp gene was cloned and expressed in an LMG194 E. coli strain using an arabinose promoter. The resulting RSFP protein was purified...
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Photocatalytical properties of maze-like MoO3 microstructures prepared by anodization of Mo plate
PublicationIn this work, we present a simple method of the formation of MoO3 microstructures via an electrochemical anodization of Mo plate carried out under varied conditions. The morphology, composition and structure of samples were investigated by SEM, EDX, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The band gap energy was estimated using the Kubelka–Munk function and was found to be 2.87 eV. Finally, the photocatalytic activities of MoO3 samples were...
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Fabrication and Significant Photoelectrochemical Activity of Titania Nanotubes Modified with Thin Indium Tin Oxide Film
PublicationOrdered titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2NTs) modified with indium tin oxide (ITO) films were obtained via magnetron sputtering, in which ITO plate was used as a target, onto the as-anodized titania support followed by the calcination process. The morphology of fabricated material with deposited oxide was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopies were utilized to characterize crystalline phase...
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Visible light activity of pulsed layer deposited BiVO4/MnO2 films decorated with gold nanoparticles: The evidence for hydroxyl radicals formation
PublicationThin films containing BiVO4 and MnO2 deposited on FTO and modified by Au nanoparticles were studied towards their photoelectrochemical and photocatalytical activities in an aqueous electrolyte. Electrodes were prepared by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The surfactant-free ablation process was used for preparation of the gold nanoparticles (GNP) water suspension. Obtained layers of varied thicknesses (27–115 nm) were...
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New light on the photocatalytic performance of NH4V4O10 and its composite with rGO
PublicationSolar-driven photocatalysis has shown great potential as a sustainable wastewater treatment technology that utilizes clean solar energy for pollutant degradation. Consequently, much attention is being paid to the development of new, efficient and low-cost photocatalyst materials. In this study, we report the photocatalytic activity of NH4V4O10 (NVO) and its composite with rGO (NVO/rGO). Samples were synthesized via a facile one-pot...
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SnO2 nanoparticles embedded onto MoS2 nanoflakes - An efficient catalyst for photodegradation of methylene blue and photoreduction of hexavalent chromium
PublicationIn this work, a molybdenum disulfide/tin oxide (MoS2/SnO2) composite was successfully prepared via a hydrothermal method. The MoS2/SnO2 composite was used as a photocatalyst for photoreduction of hexavalent chromium and photodecomposition of methylene blue. It exhibited higher photocatalytic performance under simulated solar light irradiation than MoS2 itself. The obtained material was characterized by several spectroscopic and...
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Thin layer of ordered boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes fabricated in a novel type of electrolyte and characterized by remarkably improved photoactivity
PublicationThis paper reports a novel method of boron doped titania nanotube arrays preparation by electrochemical anodization in electrolyte containing boron precursor – boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3 C4H10O), simultaneously acting as an anodizing agent. A pure, ordered TiO2 nanotubes array, as a reference sample, was also prepared in solution containing a standard etching compound: ammonium fluoride. The doped and pure titania...
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Gas‐Phase Removal of Indoor Volatile Organic Compounds and Airborne Microorganisms Over Mono‐ and Bimetal‐Modified (Pt, Cu, Ag) Titanium(IV) Oxide Nanocomposites
PublicationThe photocatalytic deactivation of volatile organic compounds and mold fungi using TiO2 modified with mono‐ and bimetallic (Pt, Cu, Ag) particles is reported in this study. The mono‐ and bimetal‐modified (Pt, Cu, Ag) titanium(IV) oxide photocatalysts were prepared by chemical reduction method and characterized using XRD, XPS, DR/UV‐Vis, BET and TEM analysis. The effect of incident light, type and content of mono‐ and bimetallic...
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Preparation of platinum modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles with the use of laser ablation in water
PublicationWe report on the preparation method of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide modified with platinum by using nanosecond laser ablation in liquid (LAL). Titania in the form of anatase crystals has been prepared in a two-stage process. Initially, irradiation by laser beam of a titanium metal plate fixed in a glass container filled with deionized water was conducted. After that, the ablation process was continued, with the use of a platinum...
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Micropatterning of BiVO 4 Thin Films Using Laser-Induced Crystallization
PublicationRelatively high temperatures even up to 500 °C are required to obtain bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) films with the scheelite monoclinic (s-m) structure that shows the highest photocatalytic activity. This requirement limits the possible choice of substrates. Moreover, high quality thin layers of crystalline BiVO4 cannot be prepared with current methods. In this study a light-induced crystallization approach is presented, which is a...
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Urban city lights. Light pollution as one of the effects of incorrectly designed external illumination. How can a successful lighting masterplan diminish its impact?
PublicationIn the modern world, artificial lighting brings many tangible benefits such as the ability to extend working hours and so increase production, recreational use of the city after dark, or the possibility to travel regardless of the time of day. However, this flexibility comes at a price and negatively impacts on the environment. One such negative phenomenon is Light Pollution ‐ a term used to describe excessive nighttime artificial...
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Light-improved glucose sensing on ordered Au-Ti heterostructure
PublicationNon-enzymatic electrochemical platforms sensitive towards glucose presence have attracted a worldwide attention during last decades. We report on influence of solar light onto response of gold-titanium heterostructures prepared via controllable approach. The material based on Au nanoparticles orderly distributed over the structured titanium foil was obtained by electrochemical anodization followed by chemical etching, magnetron...
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Boron doped Nanocrystalline Diamond-Carbon Nanospike Hybrid Electron Emission Source
PublicationElectron emission signifies an important mechanism facilitating the enlargement of devices that have modernized large parts of science and technology. Today, the search for innovative electron emission devices for imaging, sensing, electronics, and high-energy physics continues. Integrating two materials with dissimilar electronic properties into a hybrid material is an extremely sought-after synergistic approach envisioning a...
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Imidazoacridinone-dependent lysosomal photodestruction: a pharmacological Trojan horse approach to eradicate multidrug-resistant cancers
PublicationMultidrug resistance (MDR) remains a primary hindrance to curative cancer therapy. Thus, introduction of novel strategies to overcome MDR is of paramount therapeutic significance. Sequestration of chemotherapeutics in lysosomes is an established mechanism of drug resistance. Here, we show that MDR cells display a marked increase in lysosome number. We further demonstrate that imidazoacridinones (IAs), which are cytotoxic fluorochromes,...