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Search results for: ENHANCED PRETREATMENT
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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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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 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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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 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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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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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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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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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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Condition of Reinforced Concrete Structures and Their Degradation Mechanism at the Former Auschwitz Concentration and Extermination Camp
PublicationThis paper presents the results of investigations on reinforced concrete structures present in the former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. Field inspection employing the non-destructive method of reinforcement potential measurement according to the ASTM-C 876–15 standard, followed by laboratory investigations performed on genuine historic reinforced concrete samples collected from the...
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Reliable low-cost surrogate modeling and design optimisation of antennas using implicit space mapping with substrate segmentation
PublicationAbstract: In this work, a reliable methodology for fast simulation-driven design optimisation of antenna structures is proposed. The authors’ approach exploits implicit space mapping (ISM) technology. To adopt it for handling antenna structures, they introduce substrate segmentation with separate dielectric permittivity value assigned for each segment as ISM preassigned parameters. At the same time, the coarse model for space mapping...
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Adsorption-assisted transport of water vapour in super-hydrophobic membranes filled with multilayer graphene platelets
PublicationThe effects of confinement of multilayer graphene platelets in hydrophobic microporous polymeric membranes are here examined. Intermolecular interactions between water vapour molecules and nanocomposite membranes are envisaged to originate assisted transport of water vapour in membrane distillation processes when a suitable filler-polymer ratio is reached. Mass transport coefficients are estimated under different working conditions,...
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Enhancement of fiber-optic low-coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with ZnO ALD films
PublicationIn this paper investigation of the enhanced fiber-optic low coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with zinc oxide (ZnO) film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was presented. Model of the interferometer, which was constructed of single-mode optical fiber with applied ZnO ALD films, was built. The interferometer was also examined by means of experiment. Measurements were performed for both reflective and transmission modes,...
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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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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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The Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Response of AISI D3 Tool Steel Punches
PublicationRecently, deep cryogenic treatment is performed to improve the mechanical responses (wear, hardness, fatigue, and thermal conductivity) of various steel components. Researchers have tried to evaluate the eco-friendly and nontoxic process to optimize the parameters. Cold-shearing punches used to manufacture various holes that undergo severe impact loading and wear in the metal forming process. This study concerns the effect of soaking...
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Fast bubble dynamics and sizing
PublicationSingle bubble sizing is usually performed by measuring the resonant bubble response using the Dual Frequency Ultrasound Method. However, in practice, the use of millisecond-duration chirp-like waves yields nonlinear distortions of the bubble oscillations. In comparison with the resonant curve obtained under harmonic excitation, it was observed that the bubble dynamic response shifted by up to 20 percent of the resonant frequency...
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Effects of n-butanol presence, inlet loading, empty bed residence time and starvation periods on the performance of a biotrickling filter removing cyclohexane vapors from air
PublicationThis paper presents the results of investigations on the removal of cyclohexane vapors from air using a peat-perlite packed biotrickling filter. Effects of basic process parameters i.e. IL (inlet loading) and EBRT (empty bed residence time) as well as introduction of n-butanol to the treated air stream and starvation periods on the process performance were evaluated. The results show that the introduction of hydrophilic n-butanol...
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Electrical Interface Parameters of PEDOT: PSS: Effect of Electrodeposition Charge Evaluated Under Body Conditions for Neural Electrode Applications
PublicationThis study explores the influence of the deposition charge of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) on its electrical interface parameters. For this purpose, PEDOT:PSS was fabricated by electrodeposition on commercial platinum electrodes with the time limited by different charges (1, 3, 6, 9 mC). Further, the electrodes were characterized regarding their electrical interface such as interfacial...
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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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Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel analogues of batracylin with synthetic amino acids and adenosine: an unexpected effect on centromere segregation in tumor cells through a dual inhibition of topoisomerase IIa and Aurora B
PublicationIn the search for new anticancer agents we designed and synthesized batracylin derivatives with linking synthetic amino acid side chains of different lengths and adenosine. Unexpectedly, we have found that in water and the culture media adenosine–amino acid–BAT conjugates form supramolecular structures and this prevents these compounds from entering cells. Consequently, these compounds exerted no biological activity when tested...
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The low coherence Fabry-Pérot interferometer with diamond and ZnO layers
PublicationThe authors present a fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometer built with the application of diamond and zinc oxide (ZnO) thin layers. Thin ZnO films were deposited on the tip of a standard telecommunication single-mode optical fiber (SMF- 28) while the diamond layer was grown on the plate of silicon substrate. Investigated ZnO layers were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and the diamond films were deposited using Microwave...
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General Mechanism of Osmolytes’ Influence on Protein Stability Irrespective of the Type of Osmolyte Cosolvent
PublicationThe stability of proteins in an aqueous solution can be modified by the presence of osmolytes. The hydration sphere of stabilizing osmolytes is strikingly similar to the enhanced hydration sphere of a protein. This similarity leads to an increase in the protein stability. Moreover, the hydration sphere of destabilizing osmolytes is significantly different. These solutes generate in their surroundings so-called “structurally different...
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Three-dimensional mapping for data collected using variable stereo baseline
PublicationThe paper describes a system of 3D mapping of data collected with due regard for variable baseline. This solution constitute an extension to a VisRobot sub-system developed as a subsystem, necessary for implementing the generic idea of using mobile robots to explore an indoor static environment. This subsystem is to acquire stereo images, calculate the depth in the images and construct the sought 3D map. Stereo images are obtained...
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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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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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The use of thin diamond films in fiber optic low-coherence interferometers”
PublicationIn this paper we present the use of thin diamond films in fiber-optic low-coherence interferometers. Two kinds of diamond surfaces were used: undoped diamond film and boron-doped diamond film. They were deposited on glass plates as well as silicon layers. A conventionally used mirror was used as a reference layer. Diamond films were deposited using Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (μPE CVD) system. Measurements...
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Fusion of DNA-binding domain of Pyrococcus furiosus ligase with TaqStoffel DNA polymerase as a useful tool in PCR with difficult targets
PublicationThe DNA coding sequence of TaqStoffel polymer- ase was fused with the DNA-binding domain of Pyrococcus furiosus ligase. The resulting novel recombinant gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme was purified and its enzymatic features were studied. The fusion protein (PfuDBDlig-TaqS) was found to have enhanced processivity as a result of the conversion of the Taq DNA polymerase from a relatively low processive...
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New insights of nanomaterials usage toward superhydrophobic membranes for water desalination via membrane distillation: A review
PublicationMembrane distillation (MD) is a promising technology for seawater desalination due to the ability to process high-salinity waters and the ability to be driven by low-grade or waste heat. However, practical applications of MD membranes are limited by the low vapor flux and fouling problem. Recently, there is a growing interest in developing novel MD membrane materials with enhanced hydrophobicity to improve the efficiency of desalination...
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Simulation Studies of Control Systems for Doubly Fed Induction Generator Supplied by the Current Source Converter
PublicationThe control system for a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) supplied by a grid-connected Current Source Converter (CSC) is presented in this paper. Nonlinear transformation of DFIG model to the multi-scalar form is proposed. The nonlinear control strategy of active and reactive power of DFIG is realized by feedback linearization. In the proposed control scheme, the DFIG model and CSI parameters are included. Two Proportional-Integral...
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Diamond-Phase (Sp3-C) Rich Boron-Doped Carbon Nanowalls (Sp2-C): A Physico-Chemical And Electrochemical Properties
PublicationThe growth of B-CNW with different boron doping levels controlled by the [B]/[C] ratio in plasma, and the influence of boron on the obtained material’s structure, surface morphology, electrical properties and electrochemical parameters, such as -ΔE and k°, were investigated. The fabricated boron-doped carbon nanowalls exhibit activity towards ferricyanide redox couple, reaching the peak separation value of only 85 mV. The flatband...
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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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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....
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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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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 these...
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Investigations on strength and fracture in RC beams scaled along height or length
PublicationThe objective of the present paper is to identify experimentally and theoretically differing failure mechanisms in reinforced concrete beams subjected to four-point bending for a separate variation of the depth and length at the constant thickness. Experiments were performed on reinforced concrete beams under four-point bending. Different failure mechanisms included steel yielding, diagonal tension or shear- compression depending...
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On root finding algorithms for complex functions with branch cuts
PublicationA simple and versatile method is presented, which enhances the complex root finding process by eliminating branch cuts and branch points in the analyzed domain. For any complex function defined by a finite number of Riemann sheets, a pointwise product of all the surfaces can be obtained. Such single-valued function is free of discontinuity caused by branch cuts and branch points. The roots of the new function are the same as the...
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Global Surrogate Modeling by Neural Network-Based Model Uncertainty
PublicationThis work proposes a novel adaptive global surrogate modeling algorithm which uses two neural networks, one for prediction and the other for the model uncertainty. Specifically, the algorithm proceeds in cycles and adaptively enhances the neural network-based surrogate model by selecting the next sampling points guided by an auxiliary neural network approximation of the spatial error. The proposed algorithm is tested numerically...
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Vocalic Segments Classification Assisted by Mouth Motion Capture
PublicationVisual features convey important information for automatic speech recognition (ASR), especially in noisy environment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate to what extent visual data (i.e. lip reading) can enhance recognition accuracy in the multi-modal approach. For that purpose motion capture markers were placed on speakers' faces to obtain lips tracking data during speaking. Different parameterizations strategies were tested...
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Addressing the Weaknesses of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods using Python
PublicationThe book aims to draw attention to the weaknesses in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods and provide insights to improve the decision-making process. By addressing these weaknesses, it seeks to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of MCDM methods in selecting the best alternatives in various fields. The book covers popular MCDM methods such as TOPSIS, ELECTRE, VIKOR, and PROMETHEE. It compares traditional methods with...
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Novel 5.1 Downmix Algorithm with Improved Dialogue Intelligibility
PublicationA new algorithm for 5.1 to stereo downmix is introduced, which addresses the problem of dialogue intelligibility. The algorithm utilizes proposed signal processing algorithms to enhance the intelligibility of movie dialogues, especially in difficult listening conditions or in compromised speaker setup. To account for the latter, a playback configuration utilizing a portable device, i.e. an ultrabook, is examined. The experiments...
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Quality Assurance of Educational Processes as the Foundation of the Quality Management System in Gdansk University of Technology
PublicationThe paper presents a model of quality management system (QMS) developed by the author in Gdansk University of Technology (GUT). The core of the model is internal quality assurance system of educational processes based on the ENQA guidelines. Next described in the paper steps of GUT QMS development are the implementation of one of the normative QMS models (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025) in selected organizational units of GUT and...
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How Do Ionic Liquids Affect the Surface Structure of Titania Photocatalyst? An Electron-Trap Distribution-Analysis Study
PublicationTitanium(IV) oxide, titania, photocatalyst particles were prepared from titanium alkoxide in the presence of several kinds of ionic liquids, and it was clarified that a group of samples exhibited photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation under the irradiation of light of wavelength >400 nm higher than those of the other group of samples. Although the conventional structural analytical results could not be related to the activity,...