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Search results for: enhanced pretreatment
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Annotating Words Using WordNet Semantic Glosses
PublicationAn approach to the word sense disambiguation (WSD) relaying onthe WordNet synsets is proposed. The method uses semantically tagged glosses to perform a process similar to the spreading activation in semantic network, creating ranking of the most probable meanings for word annotation. Preliminary evaluation shows quite promising results. Comparison with the state-of-theart WSD methods indicates that the use of WordNet relations...
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Free convection of water-Al2O3 nanofluid from horizontal porous coated tube
PublicationNanofluids are expected to enhance heat transfer in many thermal systems. Present efforts are concentrated on boiling heat transfer of nanofluids, although single phase convection is of key importance in various appliances such as car radiators or heating systems. This paper presents experimental results of heat transfer during free convection of water-Al3O3 nanofluid from horizontal tube covered with metallic porous coating. Contrary...
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The determinants of the Region's and its SMEs' Competitive Position in the Context of Mega Events - the Case of the Euro 2012
PublicationIn this paper a modified Preuss model was used to assess the factors to enhance the competitiveness of the region and the SMEs located in the region. To accomplish the above, six types of event-structure were applied: infrastructure, knowledge, networks, culture, image and emotions. They were described in detail in reference to the case of Euro 2012 in Poland in general and Pomeranian region in particular. Finally the Authors take...
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Contemporary and Conventional Passive Methods of Intensifying Convective Heat Transfer—A Review
PublicationThe ever-increasing demand for effective heat dissipation and temperature control in industrial and everyday applications highlights a critical research problem. The need for development is not only in terms of providing thermal comfort to humans but also forms the basis for the efficient operation of machines and equipment. Cooling of industrial machinery and household electronic equipment is a crucial element in any manufacturing...
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Nitrogen-Doped Diamond Film for Optical Investigation of Hemoglobin Concentration
PublicationIn this work we present the fabrication and characterization of a diamond film which can be utilized in the construction of optical sensors for the investigation of biological samples. We produced a nitrogen-doped diamond (NDD) film using a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWPECVD) system. The NDD film was investigated with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman...
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Application of thin diamond films in low-coherence fiber-optic Fabry Pérot displacement sensor
PublicationThe novel fiber-optic low coherence sensor with thin diamond films is demonstrated. The undoped and boron-doped diamond films were elaborated by the use of the microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (μPE CVD) system. The optical signal from the Fabry–Pérot cavity made with the application of those thin films is sensitive to displacement. The sensor characterization was made in the range of 0–600 μm. The measurements...
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Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Films as Reflective Layers for Fiber-Optic Sensors of Refractive Index of Liquids
PublicationThis paper reports the application of doped nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films—nitrogen-doped NCD and boron-doped NCD—as reflective surfaces in an interferometric sensor of refractive index dedicated to the measurements of liquids. The sensor is constructed as a Fabry–Pérot interferometer, working in the reflective mode. The diamond films were deposited on silicon substrates by a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition...
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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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Equivalent single-layer models in deformation analysis of laminated multilayered plates
PublicationThe performance of selected Equivalent Single-Layer (ESL) models is evaluated within several classical benchmark tests for linear static analysis of multi-layered plates. The authors elaborated their own Finite Element software based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FOSD) with some modifications incorporated including a correction of the transverse shear stiffness and an application of zig-zag type functions. Seven...
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Isothermal Vulcanization and Non-Isothermal Degradation Kinetics of XNBR/Epoxy/XNBR-g-Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) Nanocomposites
PublicationThe effect of several concentrations of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (XHNTs) on the vulcanization and degradation kinetics of XNBR/epoxy compounds were evaluated using experimental and theoretical methods. The isothermal vulcanization kinetics were studied at various temperatures by rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained indicated that the...
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Optimization of Hydrogen - Evolving Photochemical Molecular Devices
PublicationA molecular photocatalyst consisting of a RuII photocenter, a tetrapyridophenazine bridging ligand, and a PtX2 (X=Cl or I) moiety as the catalytic center functions as a stable system for light-driven hydrogen production. The catalytic activity of this photochemical molecular device (PMD) is significantly enhanced by exchanging the terminal chlorides at the Pt center for iodide ligands. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy...
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Single-step grown boron doped nanocrystalline diamond-carbon nanograss hybrid as an efficient supercapacitor electrode
PublicationDirect synthesis of nano-structured carbon hybrid consisting of vertically aligned carbon nanograss on top of boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond is demonstrated and the carbon hybrid is further applied as an electrode material for the fabrication of supercapacitor. The hybrid film combines the dual advantages of sp2 (carbon nanograss) and sp3 (nanocrystalline diamond) bonded carbon, possessing not only the excellent electrical...
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The Impact of Isocyanate Index and Filler Functionalities on the Performance of Flexible Foamed Polyurethane/Ground Tire Rubber Composites
PublicationThe structure and performance of polyurethane (PU) foams are strongly driven by the stoichiometry of the polyaddition reaction, quantitatively described by the isocyanate index. It determines the balance between isocyanate and hydroxyl groups in the reacting system and is affected by the introduction of additional functionalities originated, e.g., from applied fillers. Nevertheless, this issue is hardly taken into account in research...
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Tailoring Defects in B, N-Codoped Carbon Nanowalls for Direct Electrochemical Oxidation of Glyphosate and its Metabolites
PublicationTailoring the defects in graphene and its related carbon allotropes has great potential to exploit their enhanced electrochemical properties for energy applications, environmental remediation, and sensing. Vertical graphene, also known as carbon nanowalls (CNWs), exhibits a large surface area, enhanced charge transfer capability, and high defect density, making it suitable for a wide range of emerging applications. However, precise...
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Fast Multi-Objective Optimization of Narrow-Band Antennas Using RSA Models and Design Space Reduction
PublicationComputationally efficient technique for multi-objective design optimization of narrow-band antennas is presented. In our approach, the corrected low-fidelity antenna model (obtained through coarse-discretization EM simulations) is enhanced using frequency scaling and response correction, sampled, and utilized to obtain a fast response surface approximation (RSA) antenna surrogate. The RSA model is constructed in the reduced design space....
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Integration of Fluorescent, NV-Rich Nanodiamond Particles with AFM Cantilevers by Focused Ion Beam for Hybrid Optical and Micromechanical Devices
PublicationIn this paper, a novel fabrication technology of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes integrating cantilever tips with an NV-rich diamond particle is presented. Nanomanipulation techniques combined with the focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) procedure were applied to position the NV-rich diamond particle on an AFM cantilever tip. Ultrasonic treatment of nanodiamond suspension was applied to reduce the size of diamond...
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Influence of plasmon resonance on the luminescence of titanium dioxide thin films doped with rare earth ions
PublicationIn this work the study of the optical properties of europium doped titanium dioxide thin films (TiO2:Eu) enhanced by gold plasmonic nanostructures are presented. Plasmonic platforms were manufactured by thermal annealing of thin film of Au, deposited on a Corning glass substrate. As a result of thermal treatment, gold spherical nanostructures with average dimensions of 50 nm were obtained. Luminescent TiO2:Eu film was deposited...
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Microfluidic devices for photo-and spectroelectrochemical applications
PublicationThe review presents recent developments in electrochemical devices for photo- and spectroelectrochemical investigations, with the emphasis on miniaturization (i.e., nanointerdigitated complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices, micro- and nano-porous silicon membranes or microoptoelectromechanical systems), silica glass/microreactors (i.e., plasmonic, Raman spectroscopy or optical microcavities) or polymer-based devices (i.e.,...
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Structure and thermoelectric properties of nickel-doped copper selenide synthesised in a hydrogen atmosphere
PublicationNickel-doped copper selenide—Cu2-xNixSe (x = 0; 0.01; 0.02; 0.03)—materials with high thermoelectric properties were synthesised through reduction of reagents in hydrogen. The impact of the nickel content on both the microstructure and thermoelectric properties was examined. The nickel-doped samples’ microstructure differed significantly from pristine copper selenide. Besides Cu2Se, copper precipitations were present in the materials....
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Strategies for achieving energy neutrality in biological nutrient removal systems - a case study of the Slupsk WWTP (northern Poland)
PublicationThe paper presents a model-based evaluation of technological upgrades on the energy and cost balance in a large biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the city of Slupsk (northern Poland). The proposed upgrades include chemically enhanced primary sludge removal and reduction of the nitrogen load in the deammonification process employed for reject water treatment. Simulations enabled to estimate the increased...
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Strategies for Achieving Energy Neutrality in Biological Nutrient Removal Systems – a Case Study of the Slupsk WWTP (northern Poland)
PublicationThe paper presents a model-based evaluation of technological upgrades on the energy and cost balance in a large biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the city of Slupsk (northern Poland). The proposed upgrades include chemically enhanced primary sludge removal and reduction of the nitrogen load in the deammonification process employed for reject water treatment. Simulations enabled to estimate the increased...
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Reviewing the recent developments of using graphene-based nanosized materials in membrane separations
PublicationAccording to the potentialities of graphene-based materials and their unique physicochemical properties. Such 2D nanomaterials are likely to be the most implemented within the improvement of the selective separations of polymer membranes, together with enhanced physicochemical properties (such as hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, transport of molecules, mechanical and thermal features, among others). Hence, this review compiles and...
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Atomic Force Microscope data post-processing algorithm for higher harmonics imaging
PublicationPrevious works have proved that higher harmonics topography imaging using atomic force microscope (AFM) can significantly enhanced its measurement capabilities. Integrated tools dedicated to most of microscopes allow to visualize the investigated surface only by one selected harmonic. Because of the different characteristics of a sample, scanning tip and the environment, appropriate harmonic selection is time consuming and requires...
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High temperature corrosion resistance of porous hastelloy alloy
PublicationTo further understand the suitability of Ni-Cr-base alloy for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a commercial Ni-Cr-Fe-Mo alloy, Hastelloy X was selected and evaluated for oxidation behaviour under high temperature conditions. HastelloyX was chosen due to its unusual resistance to oxidizing, reducing and neutral atmospheres. For long term stability of metal supported fuel cell, the corrosion resistance plays a vital role and must be...
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New approaches for improving selectivity and sensitivity of resistive gas sensors: A review
PublicationResistive gas sensors are very popular and reliable but suffer from low selectivity and sensitivity. Various methods have been suggested to improve both features without increasing the number of sensors in gas detection systems. Fluctuation enhanced gas sensing was proposed to improve gas detection efficiency by analyzing low-frequency resistance fluctuations, and noise parameters can be more informative than the single DC resistance...
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Design and Optimization of Metamaterial-based Highly-isolated MIMO Antenna with High Gain and Beam Tilting Ability for 5G Millimeter Wave Applications
PublicationThis paper presents a wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with high gain and isolation, as well as beam tilting capability, for 5G millimeter wave (MMW) applications. A single bow-tie antenna fed by a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) is proposed to cover the 28 GHz band (26.5–29.5 GHz) with a maximum gain of 6.35 dB. To enhance the gain, H-shaped metamaterial (MM)-based components are incorporated into the...
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Biomass-Derived Nitrogen Functionalized Carbon Nanodots and Their Anti-Biofouling Properties
PublicationThe prevalence of the antibiotic resistant bacteria remains a global issue. Cheap, sustainable and multifunctional antibacterial membranes are at the forefront of filtrating materials capable of treating multiple flow streams, such as water cleansing treatments. Carbon nanomaterials are particularly interesting objects shown to enhance antibacterial properties of composite materials. In this article, amino-functionalized, photoluminescent...
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Millimeter Wave Negative Refractive Index Metamaterial Antenna Array
PublicationIn this paper, a novel negative refractive index metamaterial (NIM) is developed and characterized. The proposed metamaterial exhibits negative effective permittivity (εeffe) and negative effective permeability (µeffe) at millimeter wave frequency of 28GHz. This attractive feature is utilized to enhance the gain of a microstrip patch antenna (MPA). Two thin layers of 5 5 subwavelength unit cell array of NIM are placed above a...
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The structurally similar TRFH domain of TRF1 and TRF2 dimers shows distinct behaviour towards TIN2
PublicationThe telomere repeat binding-factor 1 and 2 (TRF1 and TRF2) proteins of the shelterin complex bind to duplex telomeric DNA as homodimers, and the homodimerization is mediated by their TRFH (TRF-homology) domains. We performed molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of the dimer forms of TRF1TRFH and TRF2TRFH in the presence/absence of the TIN2TBM (TIN2, TRF-interacting nuclear protein 2, TBM, TRF-binding motif) peptide. The MD results...
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The effect of preparation route on structure and photocatalytic properties of bimetallic nanoparticles (Au/Pd, and Au/Pt) deposited at TiO2 surface
PublicationNoble metal nanoparticles have often been used to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and to extend the absorption wavelength from the ultraviolet to visible region. Bimetallic nanoparticles, composed of two different metal elements, can exhibit peculiar electronic, optical, and catalytic or photocatalytic properties that are absent in the corresponding monometallic nanoparticles. In this work we show the effect kind and...
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Implementing SP4CE Learning Rooms concept and AUTODESK online certification in the preparation of a new generation of engineers.
PublicationIn academia, educators do not always cope with rapidly changing technologies. Yet keeping up with new trends is essential to graduates’ success in a competitive job market. In the article, the author will answer the question of how Autodesk University Open Educational Resources and Certiport exams including GMetrix can enhance students’ academic progress and prepare them for future career. The concept of co-operation between Authorized...
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THE EUROPEAN UNION AND JAPAN TOWARDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AND ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
PublicationThis study aims to reveal the evolution of EU-Japan relations towards comprehensive and fully formalized strategic partnership, the main determinants of that process, as well the importance of the political and economic alliance. In the evolution of EU-Japan relations, there were identified four stages - 1960-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010, 2011-2018 - which had led up to strategic partnership regulated by the framework political...
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Analysis of friction ridge evidence for trace amounts of paracetamol in various pharmaceutical industries by Raman spectroscopy
PublicationThe detection of potentially harmful substances presents a multifaceted challenge. On one hand, it can directly save lives, on the other, it can significantly aid and enhance police work, thereby increasing the effectiveness of investigations. The research conducted in this study primarily aims to identify paracetamol in fingerprints, considering situations involving direct contact of a person with paracetamol either chronically...
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Direct electrical brain stimulation of human memory: lessons learnt and future perspectives
PublicationModulation of cognitive functions supporting human declarative memory is one of the grand challenges of neuroscience, and of vast importance for a variety of neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Despite a recent surge of successful attempts at improving performance in a range of memory tasks, the optimal approaches and parameters for memory enhancement have yet to be determined. On a more fundamental...
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A study of a compact high-efficiency zero-emission power plant with oxy-fuel combustion
PublicationThis paper discusses the application of global trends in gas cycles technology using oxy-fuel combustion. This is followed by a demonstration of a design solution for a new cycle with two enhanced energy-converting devices, namely a wet combustion chamber and a spray-ejector condenser. The proposed gas and steam cycle unit is contained within a single turbine, whose benefits combine those offered by gas turbines (high inlet temperatures)...
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KM supported process improvement
PublicationThe corporate universe nowadays is full of change initiatives andimprovement philosophies. However,only few have proved successful enough to be integrated into regular operations a worldwide leading companies.In this context Six Sigma projects and Lean action workouts emerge as he most effective practices.In this paper we argue that there is a considerable potential to enhance them using Knowledge Management methodology and benefit...
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Biopsy needles coated with the antimicrobial coatings
PublicationDrug delivery systems are used to achieve higher therapeutic effects of medicaments in a specific diseased site with minimal toxicological effect. The used of biopolymers in drug delivery systems ensure the biocompatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity. Drug delivery systems enhance the drug delivery actively and can be used in different diseases. In this study, two types of polymer coatings were prepared and were...
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Determinants And Barriers In The Development Of The Entrepreneurial Orientation In The Polish Higher Education Institutions
PublicationThe main aim of the paper is to present the results of the research project on the entrepreneurship in the Polish higher education institutions. The project was funded by the Polish National Science Centre and its main aim was to identify the factors that enable, enhance, limit or disable the entrepreneurial potential in higher education institutions. The paper gives an overview of the identified determinants that foster the entrepreneurial...
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Rapid EM-Driven Design of Compact RF Circuits By Means of Nested Space Mapping
PublicationA methodology for rapid design of RF circuits constituted by compact microstrip resonant-cells (CMRCs) is presented. Our approach exploits nested space mapping (NSM) technology, where the inner SM layer is used to correct the equivalent circuit model at the CMRC level, whereas the outer layer enhances the coarse model of the entire structure under design. We demonstrate that NSM dramatically improves performance of surrogate-based...
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Scrutiny of power grids by penetrating PV energy in wind farms: a case study of the wind corridor of Jhampir, Pakistan
PublicationThis study examines the problems caused by intermittent renewable energy sources, especially wind farms, and suggests a different solar energy penetration strategy to improve their loading capacity. The study uses real-time data from a wind farm in Jhampir, Pakistan, to analyse and assess various aspects of grid stations connected to wind farms. Electrical Transient Analyzer Program is used to validate the results by linking...
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Determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) at Boron-doped Diamond (BDD) Sensor by Means of Amperometric Technique
PublicationA boron-doped diamond (BDD) sensor was proposed for effective detection of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by means of amperometric technique. Thin boron doped diamond active sensor layer was deposited on Si wafer and glassy carbon substrate by Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (MW PE CVD). The structure of BDD was confirmed by Raman spectra analysis. Broad Raman bands centered at 482 cm-1 and 1219 cm-1 are typical...
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Efficiency of gas mixtures detection by resistive gas sensors
PublicationResistive gas sensors are very popular and are commonly used to detect various gases and their mixtures. Theeir main disadvantage is very limited selectivity. Practical use of gas sensors in environenmental applications requires determination of concentration of a few mixed gases at the same time. We would like to present recent results of gas detection improvement by utilizing a single gas sensor and additional measurements to...
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Efficient Multi-Objective Simulation-Driven Antenna Design Using Co-Kriging
PublicationA methodology for fast multi-objective antenna optimization is presented. Our approach is based on response surface approximation (RSA) modeling and variable-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) simulations. In the design process, a computationally cheap RSA surrogate model constructed from sampled coarse-discretization EM antenna simulations is optimized using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. The initially determined Pareto...
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Modification of microporous polyurethane elastomers with different types of ash—morphological, mechanical, and thermal studies
PublicationIncorporation of wood ash particles from wood gasification into microporous polyurethane elastomers has been investigated and compared to addition of commercially available microspheres resulting from coal burning. Samples were modified with 3 and 6 wt% of fillers. Structure, mechanical, and thermal properties of obtained elastomers were investigated. Incorporation of both types of ash particles decreased the density of polyurethanes...
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Portable Raman spectrometer - design rules and applications
PublicationRaman spectroscopy has become more popular due to its new prospective field applications in forensic sciences, war against terrorism, environment protection and other field chemical analysis. Raman spectrometers can be miniaturised to portable devices and their price is decreasing due to development of optoelectronics components. Unfortunately, this technology has still numerous limitations that influence their design and limit...
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Determination of chemical oxygen demand (cod) at boron-doped diamond (bdd) sensor by means of amperometric technique
PublicationA boron-doped diamond (BDD) sensor was proposed for effective detection of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by means of amperometric technique. Thin boron doped diamond active sensor layer was deposited on Si wafer and glassy carbon substrate by Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (MW PE CVD). The structure of BDD was confirmed by Raman spectra analysis. Broad Raman bands centered at 482 cm-1 and 1219 cm-1 are typical...
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Rapid EM-driven antenna dimension scaling through inverse modeling
PublicationIn this letter, a computationally feasible technique for dimension scaling of antenna structures is introduced. The proposed methodology is based on inverse surrogate modeling where the geometry parameters of the antenna structure of interest are explicitly related to the operating frequency. The surrogate model is identified based on a few antenna designs optimized for selected reference frequencies. For the sake of computational...
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Redox property switching in MOFs with open metal sites for improved catalytic hydrogenation performance
PublicationIn this study, a decompression-thermalization strategy was utilized for a Cu-containing metal-organic framework (MOF) to tune its redox and catalytic hydrogenation properties. Remarkably, at just 120 °C, open metal sites (OMSs) were successfully constructed by removing coordinated solvent molecules to generate the daughter MOF-120. The tailored redox property of MOF-120 is correlated with the presence of OMSs. Compared with the...
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Degradation of 1,4-dioxane by sono-activated persulfates for water and wastewater treatment applications
PublicationThis paper presents a hybrid advanced oxidation process (AOP) based on sonocavitational activation of persulfate (PS) for degradation of 1,4-dioxane during wastewater treatment. Application of sono-cavitation effectively convert PS to radical species demonstrating synergistic effect by increasing the reaction rate and reducing the required energy for activation. It is economically feasible and deployed alternative to the direct...
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Unraveling a novel microwave strategy to fabricate exposed {001}/{101} facets anatase nanocrystals: Potential for use to the elimination of environmentally toxic metronidazole waste
PublicationThis study present a novel microwave strategy to fabricate highly active anatase particles, exposing {101} and {001} facets. Microwave treatment time was shown to determine the growth of crystals in a certain direction. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report revealing that the contact time of TiO2 crystals with fluorine ions during the microwave process affects the formed morphology, in particular exposed facets ratio....