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Self-assembly, stability and conductance of amphotericin B channels: bridging the gap between structure and function
PublicationAmphotericin B (AmB), one of the most powerful but also toxic drugs used to treat systemic mycoses, is believed to selectively permeabilize fungal cell membranes to ions in a sterol-dependent manner. Unfortunately, the structure of the biologically active AmB channels has long eluded researchers, obstructing the design of safer alternatives. Here, we investigate the structural and thermodynamic aspects of channel formation, stability,...
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Visual method for detecting critical damage in railway contact strips
PublicationEnsuring an uninterrupted supply of power in the electric traction is vital for the safety of this important transport system. For this purpose, monitoring and diagnostics of the technical condition of the vehicle's power supply elements are becoming increasingly common. This paper presents a new visual method for detecting contact strip damage, based on measurement and analysis of the movement of the overhead contact line (OCL)...
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Sustainability objectives and collaboration lifecycle in cluster organizations
PublicationIn our paper, we combine two issues, collaboration in cluster organizations and sustainability, aiming to answer the question: Does complex governance structure of cluster organizations support members in formulating and reaching sustainability objectives? Based on four case studies of cluster organizations and a still novel abductive approach, we present the ways in which sustainability was executed in their functioning. Our study...
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Self-employment of women: an opportunity or the last resort?
PublicationIt is believed that automatization and technological changes will be the main drivers of work in the future. At the same time, there is a growing discussion about new forms of employment, such as self-employment. It may be either perceived as a chance for empowerment, through creating new job opportunities, that were not reachable previously, or as precarious work, with less stability, higher risk, and uncertain income. The main...
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Rheological, Mechanical, Microstructural and Radiation Shielding Properties of Cement Pastes Containing Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles
PublicationThis work examines the influence of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) on neutron and gamma-ray radiation shielding characteristics of Portland cement paste. Experimental evaluations were supplemented with theoretical studies using NXCom program. Portland cement pastes with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt% of nanomagnetite cement replacement were produced. Moreover, rheological, early strength development, compressive strength, and...
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Mechanical properties of two-stage concrete modified by silica fume
PublicationAbstract. Two-stage concretes, despite the fact that they have proven themselves in various types of construction, have not been studied to the same extent as traditional heavy concretes. Therefore, the article developed the composition of frame concrete with various additives in the composition of the cement-sand mortar. A comparison of the mechanical characteristics of the developed compositions with the addition of silica fume...
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PVA-Based Films with Strontium Titanate Nanoparticles Dedicated to Wound Dressing Application
PublicationBioactive materials may be applied in tissue regeneration, and an example of such materials are wound dressings, which are used to accelerate skin healing, especially after trauma. Here, we proposed a novel dressing enriched by a bioactive component. The aim of our study was to prepare and characterize poly(vinyl alcohol) films modified with strontium titanate nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of films were studied,...
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Approximation algorithms for job scheduling with block-type conflict graphs
PublicationThe problem of scheduling jobs on parallel machines (identical, uniform, or unrelated), under incompatibility relation modeled as a block graph, under the makespan optimality criterion, is considered in this paper. No two jobs that are in the relation (equivalently in the same block) may be scheduled on the same machine in this model. The presented model stems from a well-established line of research combining scheduling theory...
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Singlet oxygen in the removal of organic pollutants: An updated review on the degradation pathways based on mass spectrometry and DFT calculations
PublicationThe degradation of pollutants by a non-radical pathway involving singlet oxygen (1O2) is highly relevant in advanced oxidation processes. Photosensitizers, modified photocatalysts, and activated persulfates can generate highly selective 1O2 in the medium. The selective reaction of 1O2 with organic pollutants results in the evolution of different intermediate products. While these products can be identified using mass spectrometry...
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Application of mechanistic and data-driven models for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment systems
PublicationIn this dissertation, the application of mechanistic and data-driven models in nitrogen removal systems including nitrification and deammonification processes was evaluated. In particular, the influential parameters on the activity of the Nitrospira activity were assessed using response surface methodology (RSM). Various long-term biomass washout experiments were operated in two parallel sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with a different...
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The Effect of Surface Treatment with Isocyanate and Aromatic Carbodiimide of Thermally Expanded Vermiculite Used as a Functional Filler for Polylactide-Based Composites
PublicationIn this work, thermally expanded vermiculite (TE-VMT) was surface modified and used as a filler for composites with a polylactide (PLA) matrix. Modification of vermiculite was realized by simultaneous ball milling with the presence of two PLA chain extenders, aromatic carbodiimide (KI), and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI). In addition to analyzing the particle size of the filler subjected to processing, the efficiency...
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Long-term operating conditions for different sorption materials to capture phosphate from domestic wastewater
PublicationThis paper presents the results of a study on the possibility of applying various configured filters filled with a mixture of Rockfos® and Leca® material for the effective capture of phosphate from domestic wastewater. The tests were carried out for two years at two wastewater flow rates (20 and 40 L/day) in three pairs of filtration columns with a volume of filter material equal to 20 liters each. Columns 1A and 1B were filled...
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Mechanical Properties of Bio-Composites Based on Epoxy Resin and Nanocellulose Fibres
PublicationThe aim of our research was to investigate the effect of a small nanocellulose (NC) addition on an improvement of the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. A procedure of chemical extraction from pressed lignin was used to obtain nanocellulose fibers. The presence of nanoparticles in the cellulose pulp was confirmed by FTIR/ATR spectra as well as measurement of nanocellulose particle size using a Zetasizer analyzer. Epoxy...
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APPLICATION OF THE HIGH FREQUENCY LINEARIZATION OF THE EAR IN PATIENTS WITH TINNITUS . Metoda linearyzacji narządu słuchu u osób cierpiących z szumami usznymi
PublicationThis paper summarises the problem of tinnitus, hypotheses on its causes and the treatment methods. Moreover, a hypothesis on tinnitus origins is explained, based on the mechanisms of the analog-to-digital conversion and quantization. In addition, this paper describes methods of determining the acoustic intensity and spectra of low- level ultrasonic signals, as well as impedance characteristics of an ultrasound transducer. Furthermore,...
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Problems of Railway Noise—A Case Study
PublicationUnder Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, all European countries are obliged to model their environmental noise levels in heavily populated areas. Some countries have their own national method, to predict noise but most have not created one yet. The recommendation for countries that do not have their own model is to use an interim method....
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Mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of natural rubber composites filled with submicron- and nano-sized silica particles and prepared using glycolysate as a plasticizer
PublicationThe main aim of this work was to examine the selected mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of natural rubber/silica composites prepared using glycolysate as a plasticizer. Prepared composites contained different amounts of submicron- (10, 15, 20 or 25 pphr) or nano-particles (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 or 1.25 pphr). The tensile properties, tear resistance, hardness, abrasion resistance and resilience of prepared materials were determined....
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Instantaneous Impedance Analysis of Non-Stationary Corrosion Process: a Case Study of Carbon Steel in 1M HCl
PublicationThe paper concerns the problem of evaluation of stationarity of carbon steel corrosion in 1M HCl. Comparison of corrosion rate with addition of corrosion inhibitor to the reference measurement is the most often used way of evaluating inhibitor efficiency. Such an approach is valid only if corrosion rate is a stationary process. Two complementary techniques were used simultaneously: volumetric analysis of evolved hydrogen and instantaneous...
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UNDERWATER NOISE GENERATED BY A SMALL SHIP IN THE SHALLOW SEA
PublicationStudy of the sea noise has been a subject of interest for years. The first work of this scope were published at the turn of the twentieth century by Knudsen (KNUDSEN et al., 1948) and G. Wenz (WENZ, 1962). Disturbances called "shipping noise" are one of the important components of the sea noise. In this work the results of an experimental research of underwater noise produced by a small ship of a classic propulsion are...
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Comparative Analysis of Exoskeletal Actuators
PublicationSince the beginning of the development of exoskeletons in the early 1960s there was a constant need for improving their actuators technology. Requirements for high power and torque for the lower body and very high precision for the hand motion, while maintaining the flexibility of biological muscles, are still not fully satisfied. The problem lies not just in the lack of appropriate actuator technology, but also in the inability...
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Problems of Railway Noise-A Case Study
PublicationUnder Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, all European countries are obliged to model their environmental noise levels in heavily populated areas. Some countries have their own national method, to predict noise but most have not created one yet. The recommendation for countries that do not have their own model is to use an interim method. The Dutch SRM II scheme is suggested for...
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Application of Multivariate Analysis Methods in Welding Engineering
PublicationPhenomena and processes taking place during welding are usually very complex and, for this reason, should be described using multivariate methods. The article discusses the methodological basis and selected application areas as regards the solving of welding problems using statistical multivariate methods. In addition, the article presents exemplary applications of the design of experiment, multiple regression analysis, cluster...
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The impact of environmentally friendly refrigerants on heat pump efficiency
PublicationThis paper discusses the issue of heat pump simulation. Lower operating costs can be achieved through good equipment design and appropriate operation. Detailed technical and economic analysis inform the selection of system components with the highest possible efficiency and lower energy demand. The use of systems based on environmentally friendly refrigerants can deliver long product life, which is associated with a shorter payback...
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Review on the quality of sediments from the stormwater drainage system in the urban area
PublicationThe main task of the stormwater drainage system is a safe drainage of rainwater and snowmelt from the urban area to the receiver. The flow of rain water in the drainage pipes is directly related with the formation of sediments in the whole stormwater system. In addition, pollutants from land runoff get adsorbed to the sediments. The sludge is mainly formed in those elements of stormwater drainage system, wherein the flow conditions...
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Emotion Recognition - the need for a complete analysis of the phenomenon of expression formation
PublicationThis article shows how complex emotions are. This has been proven by the analysis of the changes that occur on the face. The authors present the problem of image analysis for the purpose of identifying emotions. In addition, they point out the importance of recording the phenomenon of the development of emotions on the human face with the use of high-speed cameras, which allows the detection of micro expression. The work that was...
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Fracture simulations in concrete beam under bending using a mesoscopic model with cohesive elements
PublicationThe main aim of this paper was to investigate a complex fracture process in a concrete beam subjected to 3-point bending test by means of the 2D meso-scale FEM with 4-node cohesive elements embedded in the initial mesh of 3-node solid elements. The material heterogeneity was taken into account by considering 3 different phases (aggregate, cement matrix, ITZs) on the basis of randomly generated internal structure of concrete and...
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Proposal of New Starch-Blends Composition Quickly Degradable in Marine Environment
PublicationThe aim of this paper was to obtain a quickly degradable in seawater polymer blend as an alternative proposal for classical polymer packaging. For preliminary studies: poly(lactic acid) (PLA), starch, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), gelatin and glycerol were chosen. PLA was pointed out due to its biodegradability and comparable properties to polyethylene or polypropylene. Whereas starch was chosen as abundant, renewable and cheap polymer...
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Noise effect on parameters of quiet sonar with code modulation
PublicationEarlier publications of the paper authors have shown that the use of code keying mixed with the CW FM sound signal allows the significant reduction in the distance measurement error, compared to classic silent CW FM sonar. In addition to the code modulation parameters, the magnitude of this error is influenced by the received input acoustic noise. The article shows the dependence of the input signal-to-noise ratio and the sound...
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Insights into baby disposable diapers sustainable application
PublicationThe sustainable use of baby disposable diapers is one of the issues currently being discussed to reduce the undesirable impact on the environment and improve the public's understanding of the proper use of diapers. This issue is a step toward promoting a cleaner, greener, and waste-less environment. In this article, the authors discuss options for a viable future for both people and the planet. We believe that it inspire others...
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The Effect of Protrusions on the Initiation of Partial Discharges in XLPE High Voltage Cables
PublicationThis paper is focusing on 3D Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) based modelling of protrusions as defects or imperfections in the XLPE high voltage cable. This study is aiming to examine the impact protrusions have on the initiation of partial discharges. Spherical and ellipsoidal protrusions with different sizes at the conductor screen of the high voltage cable is an essential content of this paper. In addition, a spherical gas-filled...
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IR and Raman study of oxy-nitride glasses
PublicationVarious silicate and phosphate glasses with and without nitride addition were structurally characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy. The studied glass systems include Na-Ca-P-O-N (1), AE-Si-O-N (with AE=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba)(2), La-Si-O-N (3) as well as the Na-(Li)-Be-O-(N) (4,5) system. The samples were prepared by different techniques such as remelting of pre-prepared glass samples of the oxide systems with Mg and/or Si3N4 powders...
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Continuum models for pantographic blocks with second gradient energies which are incomplete
PublicationWe postulate a deformation energy for describing the mechanical behavior of so called pantographic blocks, that is bodies constituted by stacking of layers of pantographic sheets. We remark that the pantographic effect is limited in the plane of pantographic sheets and therefore only the second derivatives of transverse displacements along the pantographic fibers appear in the chosen deformation energy. We use this novel energy...
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Simplified Method of Modelling Behaviour of Ship in Waves with Partially Flooded Compartments
PublicationThis paper contains a description of a numerical model for calculating behaviour of ships in waves. There are many models available, but the one described here can be characterised with a set of parameters that have a decisive impact on the final values of roll motion amplitude and frequency. In this paper, it is shown how a fitting of a standard-shape hull characterised by certain readily available parameters affects...
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Mercury in Living Organisms: Sources and Forms of Occurrence, Bioaccumulation, and Determination Methods
PublicationMercury (Hg) is a heavy metal with well-known and broadly tested toxicity. Since Hg pollution and its impacts on human health are of global concern, it has become necessary to develop analytical methodologies that will provide tools to obtain reliable analytical information about the levels of Hg in samples, which very often have a complex matrix composition. This chapter summarizes key information on Hg and its chemical forms,...
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A review of phase change materials and heat enhancement methodologies
PublicationPhase change materials (PCMs) are an efficient alternative to store and release heat at a specific range of temperature. Here PCMs and heat enhancement methodologies for PCM storage are reviewed. A short overview of PCMs and their applications is presented in addition to the progress during the last 10 years. Heat enhancement techniques, that is, extended surfaces, multiple and composite PCMs, and encapsulation techniques, are...
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Alkohol-społeczny problem XXI wieku. Zastosowanie biowskaźników spożywania alkoholu w diagnostyce medycznej.
PublicationAlkohol etylowy jest legalną i ogólnodostępną substancją o działaniu psychoaktywnym. Spożywany w niewielkich ilościach może pozytywnie wpływać na zdrowie, ale jego nadmierna konsumpcja powoduje silne uzależnienie. Może być to przyczyną agresywnych zachowań, przemocy w rodzinie, problemów w kontaktach z ludźmi, problemów z prawem, samobójstw, wypadków samochodowych oraz problemów finansowych. Dlatego też, szybka i jednoznaczna diagnostyka...
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Series of MI[Co(bpy)3][Mo(CN)8]·nH2O (MI = Li (1), K (2), Rb (3), Cs (4); n = 7−8) Exhibiting Reversible Diamagnetic to Paramagnetic Transition Coupled with Dehydration−Rehydration Process
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The occurence and diagnosis of biomarkers of ethyl alcohol consumption
PublicationEthyl alcohol is a legal and a widely available psychoactive drug. However, its excessive consumption causes addiction. This leads to aggressive behaviors, family battery, difficulties in interpersonal relations, legal offences, suicides, car accidents and deterioration in labor productivity, what causes financial problems. Despite many social actions against alcohol consumption, this problem is still unresolved. Therefore, fast...
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3,3'-Dibenzoyl-1,1'-dibenzyl-1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)dithiourea
PublicationIn the title compound, C32H30N4O2S2, the carbonyl and thiocarbonyl groups are found in a rare synclinal conformation, with an S-C···C-O pseudo-torsion angle of 62.6(2)°. The molecule has Ci = S2 point-group symmetry with a crystallographic center of inversion located in the middle of the ethylene bridge. One of the symmetry-independent phenyl...
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Modelling and simulation of GPU processing in the MERPSYS environment
PublicationIn this work, we evaluate an analytical GPU performance model based on Little's law, that expresses the kernel execution time in terms of latency bound, throughput bound, and achieved occupancy. We then combine it with the results of several research papers, introduce equations for data transfer time estimation, and finally incorporate it into the MERPSYS framework, which is a general-purpose simulator for parallel and distributed...
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Assessing Roadside Hybrid Energy Absorbers Using the Example of SafeEnd
PublicationA combination of crash cushion and end-terminal, hybrid energy absorbing devices have been in use worldwide for a few years already. They include SafeEnd, a system Poland has recently introduced. Some road authorities have raised concerns as regards the operating conditions of the devices and how they work together with safety barriers. The objective of this research is to clarify the concerns and answer the following questions:...
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Comparative analysis of thermodynamic cycles of selected nuclear ship power plants with high-temperature helium-cooled nuclear reactor
PublicationThis paper presents a comparative analysis of thermodynamic cycles of two ship power plant systems with a high-temperature helium- cooled nuclear reactor. The first of them is a gas system with recuperator , in which classical gas chamber is substituted for a HTGR reactor (High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor) . The second of the considered cycles is a combined gas-steam system where working medium flux from gas turbine outlet...
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Interaction Design in Agile IT Projects
PublicationIn recent years, interactive systems, such as various types of software, online services or mobile applications, have become an integral part of everyday life. Interactive systems and digital services should be easy to use and provide a positive User Experience (UX). For this reason, interaction design has recently emerged as a distinct professional area of information technology (IT). Easy interaction and user experience (UX)...
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Real-Time Monnitoring of Vegetable Oils' Thermal Degradation Using Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry
PublicationThe volatile aldehydes, which are generated during frying, can be harmful to human health, therefore the concentration of these compounds in frying fumes should be monitored. In addition, aldehydes are markers of oils’ quality, and so it is possible to determine shelf-life or suitability for frying of these oils. Commonly, in order to determine aldehydes concentration gas chromatography is performed, however it does not allow for...
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The Impact of Trade Integration with the European Union on Productivity in a Posttransition Economy: The Case of Polish Manufacturing Sectors
PublicationThis paper addresses the relationship between productivity growth in Polish manufacturing sectors and forces stemming from trade integration with the European Union. Empirical analysis (1995-2006) is based on sector-level bilateral data concerning both domestic (Polish) and foreign (partner countries from the enlarged European Union) markets' characteristics and their degree of openness. The main results indicate that, both in...
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MARKAL long-term power generation scenarios for Poland - Concept of the model
PublicationIn this paper we have presented the concept of Polish MARKAL optimization model developed for the needs of power generation scenarios in long-term perspective i.e. by 2040. The depiction of Polish MARKAL with Reference Energy System structure was provided. In addition, basic model assumptions, energy technology database, projections of electricity demand and power plant ageing pathways were presented. Our goal is to test MARKAL...
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System setup and software for cyclic, staircase and square wave voltammetry measurements
PublicationHardware dedicated for electrochemical measurement sometimes does not allow performing certain voltammetry experiments. Staircase and square wave voltammetry, techniques which have many advantages comparing with standard voltammetric techniques, are rarely implemented in software controlling electrochemical measuring equipment. These methods, however, can be relatively easy realized with some addition...
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Multimedia industrial and medical applications supported by machine learning
PublicationThis article outlines a keynote paper presented at the Intelligent DecisionTechnologies conference providing a part of the KES Multi-theme Conference “Smart Digital Futures” organized in Rome on June 14–16, 2023. It briefly discusses projects related to traffic control using developed intelligent traffic signs and diagnosing the health of wind turbine mechanisms and multimodal biometric authentication for banking branches to provide...
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Structure and thermoelectric properties of bismuth telluride—Carbon composites
PublicationCarbon nanotubes and amorphous carbon have been introduced into a bismuth telluride matrix (0.15 and 0.30 wt.% ratio) to investigate the influence of the carbon on the composite’s thermoelectric properties. Composites with well-dispersed additives have been obtained by sonication and ball-milling methodology. Carbon nanotubes and an amorphous carbon addition led to a decrease in electric conductivity from 1120 S/cm to 77 S/cm....
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Framing the Temporal Dimensions of a Brand
PublicationDrawing on existing research dealing with time in brand and brand management, this paper aims at providing a comprehensive and coherent framework of some time-related concepts, with a special emphasis on what happens when a brand reaches the senescence stage. In addition, it strives to consider what happens when a brand becomes long-lived enough, looking at the brand’s customer base. While undoubtedly time affects customers’ age...
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GeoSPAR Project. Validation and selection methods of geoinformation analysis using GIS for ranking and forecasting of terrorist threats and criminal events
PublicationThe paper presents the description of work activities which have already been done within the first two stages – WorkPackage 1 and WorkPackage 2 - of the GeoSPAR Project. In such a context the general conceptual design of the GIS system and associate web service was presented and analysed. In addition, the operational and technical requirements for the GeoSPAR system have been specified and discussed; with special emphasis on system...