Search results for: elephant grass
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Application of passive acoustic radar to automatic localization, tracking and classification of sound sources
PublicationA concept, practical realization and applications of the passive acoustic radar to automatic localization, tracking and classification of sound sources were presented in the paper. The device consists of a new kind of multichannel miniature sound intensity sensors and a group of digital signal processing algorithms. Contrary to active radars, it does not emit the scanning beam but after receiving surrounding sounds it provides...
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Quantifying Contextuality
PublicationContextuality is central to both the foundations of quantum theory and to the novel information processing tasks. Despite some recent proposals, it still faces a fundamental problem: how to quantify its presence? In this work, we provide a universal framework for quantifying contextuality. We conduct two complementary approaches: (i) the bottom-up approach, where we introduce a communication game, which grasps the phenomenon of...
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Validation Process for Computational Model of Full-Scale Segment for Design of Composite Footbridge
PublicationExperimental tests and numerical simulations of a full-scale segment of a foot and cycle bridge made of polymer composites are presented in the paper. The analysed structure is made of sandwich panels, which consist of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) multi-layered laminate faces and a PET foam (obtained from recycling) core. The dimensions of the segment cross-section are the same as for the target footbridge; however, span...
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Drop-coating deposition surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy on silver substrates for biofluid analysis
PublicationUtilization of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy as a measurement technique is of particular interest in biodetection due to its superb chemical specificity and high sensitivity. The use of SERS substrates further improve this method by massive enhancement of the molecule Raman spectrum, permitting very low levels of detection. Therefore it is important to seek for new ways to develop reliable substrates, which are quickly and...
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COMPOSITE MATERIAL SELECTION FOR A PATIENT TRANSFER ASSIST DEVICE
PublicationLaminates - layered composites containing at least two elements (matrix and reinforcement) widely used in industry have also found their usage in medicine. Their main feature is the ability to modify the material in order to obtain the required properties. Depending on the needs, we can modify reinforcement, type of resin or the method of bonding substrates. Commonly used fibers are: carbon fiber, glass and aramid fibers; resins...
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Modelling Wetland Growing Season Rainfall Interception Losses Based on Maximum Canopy Storage Measurements
PublicationThis study estimates rainfall interception losses from natural wetland ecosystems based on maximum canopy storage measurements. Rainfall interception losses play an important role in water balance, which is crucial in wetlands, and has not yet been thoroughly studied in relation to this type of ecosystem. Maximum canopy storage was measured using the weight method. Based on these measurements, daily values of interception losses...
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Performance properties of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate/brewers’ spent grain foamed composites as function of isocyanate index
PublicationIn the presented work, rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foams filled with brewers’ spent grain (BSG) were prepared. The influence of the isocyanate index (II) on its performance was investigated. Foams obtained with higher isocyanate index required a higher amount of hydrofluorocarbon physical blowing agent to provide the same apparent density of material. An increase of isocyanate index resulted in a slight decrease...
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Experimental Studies of Concrete-Filled Composite Tubes under Axial Short- and Long-Term Loads
PublicationThe paper presents experimental studies on axially compressed columns made of concrete-filled glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) tubes. The infill concrete was C30/37 according to Eurocode 2. The investigated composite pipes were characterized by different angles of fiber winding in relation to the longitudinal axis of the element: 20, 55 and 85 degrees. Columns of two lengths, 0.4 m and 2.0 m, were studied. The internal diameter...
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Silica In Silico: A Molecular Dynamics Characterization of the Early Stages of Protein Embedding for Atom Probe Tomography
PublicationA novel procedure for the application of atom probe tomography (APT) to the structural analysis of biological systems, has been recently proposed, whereby the specimen is embedded by a silica matrix and ablated by a pulsed laser source. Such a technique, requires that the silica primer be properly inert and bio-compatible, keeping the native structural features of the system at hand, while condensing into an amorphous, glass-like...
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Nontoxic Goiter (NTG) and Radioiodine: What Do Patients Think About It? Quality of Life in Patients with NTG Before and After 131-I Therapy
PublicationObjective Despite numerous publications regarding nontoxic goiter (NTG) treatment and an increasing interest in patients’ quality of life, few studies present the outcome of 131-I treatment from the patients’ perspective. Our study’s main aim was to verify whether there is any improvement in life quality following 131-I treatment. Materials and methods Thirty-five patients with NTG qualified to participate in the study. All patients...
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US not bright but right method of thyroid volume estimation even in large and substernal extended goitres. Comparison of US and three methods of CT thyroid evaluation - prospective study.ON LINE
PublicationBackground Ultrasound is nowadays a method of choice for thyroid volume assessment. However, its disadvantage is some inaccuracy, which is said to be higher in huge, especially substernally extended goitres. Aims The aim of the study was to compare the US and CT thyroid volumetric measurements: multi-observers (CT MO) and one-observer (CT OO) to CT planimetry results (CT Pl) in patients with large goitres. Materials & Methods The...
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The structure of vanadate glasses containing BaTiO3.
Open Research DataThe structure of vanadate glasses doped with BaTiO3 was measured by SEM technique. Samples of the composition of x[BaO,TiO2]–(80 − x)V2O5–20Bi2O3 where x = 5, 10 and 15 in mol% were prepared by a conventional melt quenching technique. The melting was performed in alumina crucibles at the temperature of 1273 K–1373 K. The melts were poured on a preheated...
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Chemical composition of tellurium oxides thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering method
Open Research DataThin films were prepared by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering technique. Metallic Te target was sputtered for about 45 min in argon-oxygen atmosphere what resulted in 300 nm film thickness deposition. The pressure in the chamber was below 0.2 Pa and substrate was heated at 200 °C. The distance between sputtered target and the Corning 1737...
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Synthesis and thermal studies of flexible polyurethane nanocomposite foams obtained using nanoclay modified with flame retardant compound
PublicationThis work presents thermal studies of nanocomposites based on the flexible polyurethane (PU) matrix and filled using montmorillonite organically modified with organophosphorus flame retardant compound. Flexible PU nanocomposite foams were prepared in the reaction carried out between reactive alcoholic hydroxyl and isocyanate groups with the ratio of NCO to OH groups equal to 1.05. The amount of an organoclay ranging from 3 to 9...
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The new silica-based coated SPME fiber as universal support for the confinement of ionic liquid as an extraction medium
PublicationThe new silica-based SPME fiber coating is reported for the first time as universal support purposed to confinement of ionic liquid as an extraction medium. Fiber coating was prepared by the sol-gel process, using potassium silicate (K2SiO3) as a precursor and dimethylformamide (DMF) as a pore-forming medium. The concept of synthesis assumes obtaining a solid porous material on the surface of the glass rod and, being characterized...
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Contact with coupled adhesion and friction: Computational framework, applications, and new insights
PublicationContact involving soft materials often combines dry adhesion, sliding friction, and large deformations. At the local level, these three aspects are rarely captured simultaneously, but included in the theoretical models by Mergel et al., (2019). We here develop a corresponding finite element framework that captures 3D finite-strain contact of two deformable bodies. This framework is suitable to investigate sliding friction even...
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On the Correlation of Lignocellulosic Filler Composition with the Performance Properties of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Based Biocomposites
PublicationIn this work, three types of agricultural waste: olive stones (OS), date seed (DS) and wheat bran (WB) were applied as potential lignocellulosic fillers in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) based biocomposites. Differences in composites’ performance were related to the higher content of proteins, noted for WB comparing to other fillers applied, which enhanced plasticization of PCL matrix. The mechanical properties of biocomposites were...
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Evaluating the influence of radiative heat flux on convective heat transfer from a vertical plate in air using an improved heating plate
PublicationThis article examines the influence of radiative heat flux on the accuracy of the results of free convective heat transfer in air. In order to carry out these tests, based on the experience gained during the operation of a plate heated on one side, compensated by a reverse heat loss flux counter-heater, a unique double-sided heating sandwich plate was designed and built, consisting of three thin epoxy resin plates reinforced with...
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GROWTH AND STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN TRANSITION COUNTRIES: THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
PublicationThe objective of this study is to test empirically the relationship between structural changes (changes in gross value added and employment) and economic growth. We used a panel Granger-causality analysis based on annual data for eight transition countries, covering the period 1995–2011. The main finding is that the causality relations analysed are heterogeneous processes and are identified more often...
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Structure analysis and thermal degradation characteristics of bio-based poly(propylene succinate)s obtained by using different catalyst amounts
PublicationLinear bio-based polyester polyols were prepared with the use of succinic acid and 1.3-propanediol (both with natural origin). As a catalyst was used tetraisopropyl orthotitanate (TPT). In order to determine the effect of various catalyst content on the thermal degradation characteristics, three different TPT amounts, as a 1.3-propanediol equivalent, were used, namely 0.1 mass% (PPS-0.1), 0.2 mass% (PPS-0.2) and 0.25 mass% (PPS-0.25)....
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Styrene-Butadiene Rubber/Modified Ground Tire Rubber Blends Co-Vulcanization: Effect of Accelerator Type
PublicationGround tire rubber was thermo-mechanically modified with using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. Modification of GTR was conducted in autothermal conditions. Styrene-butadiene rubber and modified ground tire rubber blends were prepared via two-roll milling. Obtained compounds were cured with conventional system (sulfur/vulcanization accelerator ratio was 2:1). During this research three commonly vulcanization accelerators (MBT,...
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Cast polyurethanes obtained from reactive recovered polyol intermediates via crude glycerine decomposition process
PublicationIn this work, the possibility of applying intermediates from polyurethane waste recycling in polyurethane synthesis was presented. Polyurethanes were synthesised in a two-step method using a mixture of petrochemical polyol and glycerolysate, used as a reactive component, 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-buthanediol (BD). Glycerolysates were produced during decomposition of polyurethane elastomer by crude glycerine...
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New insights on lithium storage in silicon oxycarbide/carbon composites: Impact of microstructure on electrochemical properties
PublicationIn this work, we study the impact of the preceramic precursor vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) on the electrochemical performance of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) glass/graphite composites. We apply an innovative approach based on high-power ultrasounds in order to obtain highly homogenous composites with a uniform distribution of small graphitic flakes. This procedure enhances gelation and drying of VTES-based preceramic polymer/graphite...
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New matrix-free reference material for ethene in the form of optical fibres
PublicationReference materials are indispensable in the qualitycontrol and quality assurance of analytical measurements. Onenovel approach to the generation of standard gaseous mixturesof toxic, reactive, volatile, labile, and malodorous substancesinvolves thermal decomposition or rearrangement, under definedtemperature conditions, of compounds immobilized, bychemical bonding, on the surface of an appropriate carrier torelease specific amounts...
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Copolymerization of Styrene and Pentadecylphenylmethacrylate (PDPMA): Synthesis, Characterization, Thermomechanical and Adhesion Properties
PublicationThe copolymerization of styrene (St) with a bioderived monomer, pentadecylphenylmethacrylate (PDPMA), via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was studied in this work.The copolymerization reactivity ratio was calculated using the composition data obtained from1HNMR spectroscopy, applying Kelen-Tudos and Finemann-Ross methods. The reactivity ratio of styrene (r1=0.93) and PDPMA (r2=0.05) suggested random copolymerization...
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The PolarScreen™ Estrogen Receptor Competitor Assays for determination of estradiol equivalent concentrations (EEQs) in sewage and drinking water samples.
Open Research DataMunicipal waste waters are one of the main sources of estrogenic compounds in aquatic environments. Feminization of fish downstream of Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs) discharges has been observed worldwide. Some estrogenic chemicals, particularly steroid estrogens, are known to cause disruption of the endocrine system of fishes and abnormalities...
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The values of Permutation Entropy for individuals with Normal Sinus Rhythm
Open Research DataThe dataset consists of calculated values of entropy of 75 000 intervals between consecutive heartbeats (RR intervals) for 54 patients with normal sinus rhythm (NSR). The original data were taken from PhysioNet Normal Sinus Rhythm RR Interval Database (cf. Goldberger A., Amaral L., Glass L., Hausdorff J., Ivanov P.C., Mark R., Mietus J.E., Moody G.B.,...
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The values of Permutation Entropy for patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Open Research DataThe dataset consists of calculated values of entropy of 75 000 intervals between consecutive heartbeats (RR intervals) for 29 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The original data were taken from PhysioNet Congestive Heart Failure RR Interval Database (cf. Goldberger A., Amaral L., Glass L., Hausdorff J., Ivanov P.C., Mark R., Mietus J.E.,...
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Design and numerical testing of 5-box gfrp shell footbridge
PublicationThe paper formulates new design conditions for composite footbridges, taking into account the material and structural specificity of these objects, i.e. the strength condition, the serviceability condition and the frequency condition. A GFRP composite footbridge labelled with CFB2 code has been designed, with the original superstructure in the form of an opened-closed 5-box girder. The foot and cycle track bridge is simply supported,...
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Load capacity and serviceability conditions for footbridges made of fibre-reinforced polymer laminates = Warunki nośności i użytkowalności w odniesieniu do kładek z laminatów polimerowych
PublicationThe contribution is focused on derivation of the Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) design criteria for footbridges built of fibre-reinforced polymer matrix (FRP) laminates. The ULS design criterion is based on the design guidelines for above-ground, pressure, FRP composite tanks and the Tsai-Wu failure criterion, which is used to predict the onset of FRP laminates damage. The SLS criterion is based...
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Multiparameter sensitivity analysis of a GFRP composite footbridge of a sandwich structure and U-shaped cross-section
PublicationThe paper deals with multiparameter sensitivity analysis of a composite footbridge. A shell‐like structure is 14.5 m long shows U‐shaped cross‐section and inner service dimensions 1.3 × 2.5 m. Glass fiber reinforced polymer GFRP laminate constitutes faces of a sandwich structure while PET foam received from recycled bottle builts a core. The structure was divided into 285 independent areas where the thickness of laminates and stiffness...
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Experimental and comparative study on the two-phase pressure drop of air-water mixture in U-bend and straight pipe annuli
PublicationIn this paper, the experimental and theoretical analysis of pressure drop in singlephase and two phase-flow were presented for straight and U-bend smooth tube annulus and tube annulus with wire coil insert. Experiments for various boundary conditions were performed. In case of U-tube and straight tube with and without turbulator, tests were made for the water-water and air-water systems. The study covered a wide measuring range,...
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Recent advances in traffic optimisation: systematic literature review of modern models, methods and algorithms
PublicationOver the past few decades, the increasing number of vehicles and imperfect road traffic management have been sources of congestion in cities and reasons for deteriorating health of its inhabitants. With the help of computer simulations, transport engineers optimise and improve the capacity of city streets. However, with an enormous number of possible simulation types, it is difficult to grasp valuable, innovative solutions which...
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Cure Index demonstrates curing of epoxy composites containing silica nanoparticles of variable morphology and porosity
PublicationAn image was taken by Cure Index on curability of epoxy with silica nanoparticles having variable morphology and porosity. Three kinds of silica nanoparticles with non-porous curved-rod, non-porous spherical, and mesoporous spherical microstructures were synthesized and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. Epoxy nanocomposites containing...
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Detection of Delamination in Laminate Wind Turbine Blades Using One-Dimensional Wavelet Analysis of Modal Responses
PublicationThis paper demonstrates the effectiveness of a nondestructive diagnostic technique used to determine the location and size of delamination in laminated coatings of wind turbine blades. This is realized based on results of numerical and experimental investigations obtained by the use of the finite element method (FEM) and laser scanning vibrometry (LSV). The proposed method is based on the one-dimensional continuous wavelet transform...
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Curing characteristics, mechanical and thermal properties of reclaimed ground tire rubber cured with various vulcanizing systems
PublicationGround tire rubber was thermo-mechanical reclaimed at 120 °C using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The effect of vulcanizing system type on curing characteristics, static mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation-at-break, hardness and resilience), dynamic mechanical properties and thermal properties of reclaimed ground tire rubber was investigated. Reclaimed rubber was cured using different types of vulcanization...
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Typology of low developed non-metropolitan sub-regions in the European Union
PublicationThis paper shows a typology of 319 NUTS-3 sub-regions in the European Union. The selected sub-regions are non-metropolitan sub-regions, whose gross domestic product per capita in 2011 was below 75% of the EU average. The objective of this typology was to recognize diversity in the examined sub-regions as a starting point for the selection of areas for future comparative research. The typology takes into account 24 variables related...
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Deposition and characterization of organic polymer thin films using a dielectric barrier discharge with different C2Hm/N2 (m = 2, 4, 6) gas mixtures
PublicationOrganic polymer thin films have been deposited on Si(100) and aluminum coated glass substrates by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) operated at medium pressure using different C2Hm/N2 (m = 2, 4, 6) gas mixtures. The deposited films were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS) revealed the chemical functional groups present in the films. The surface...
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The vibration-based assessment of the influence of elevated temperature on the condition of concrete beams with pultruded GFRP reinforcement
PublicationConcrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars subjected to elevated temperature have been experimentally studied. The influence of high temperatures on GFRP-reinforced concrete beams condition has been check both, destructively and nondestructively. The nondestructive tests foresaw vibration-based tests to obtain the natural frequency values after exposure to varying temperatures. The vibration-based...
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CFD COUPLING OF VOF MODEL WITH ARRHENIUS EQUATION FOR ANALYSIS OF LASER-INDUCED THERMAL DEACTIVATION OF E. COLI
PublicationUnderstanding bacterial deactivation at the micro-scale, particularly with E. coli, is crucial for advancing microbiology and has promising applications in biomedical research. In this research contribution, we investigate the thermal inactivation of E. coli bacteria using gold nanoparticles irradiated by a green 1-W laser within a microfluidic chamber. The microfluidic device comprises a fluidic chamber filled with a thin film...
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Ion conduction in beryllium-alumino-silicate glasses doped with sodium or sodium and lithium ions
PublicationElectrical properties of beryllium-alumino-silicate glasses containing sodium ions or sodium and lithium ions were studied with impedance spectroscopy technique over a frequency range from 10 mHz to 1 MHz and at temperature range from 213 to 473 K. The frequency- and temperature-dependent conductivity spectra of individual single alkali glasses were superimposed by means of the Summerfield scaling. Mixed-alkali glasses do not overlap...
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Synthesis and characterization of novel renewable polyesters based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and 2,3-butanediol
PublicationNovel polyesters from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or 2,5-dimethyl-furandicarboxylate and 2,3-butanediol have been synthesized via bulk polycondensation catalyzed by titanium (IV) n-butoxide, tin (IV) ethylhexanoate, or zirconium (IV) butoxide. The polymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), matrix-assisted laser ionization-desorption...
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The values of Block Entropy for individuals with Normal Sinus Rhythm
Open Research DataThe dataset consists of calculated values of entropy of 75 000 intervals between consecutive heartbeats (RR intervals) for 54 patients with normal sinus rhythm (NSR). The original data were taken from PhysioNet Normal Sinus Rhythm RR Interval Database (cf. Goldberger A., Amaral L., Glass L., Hausdorff J., Ivanov P.C., Mark R., Mietus J.E., Moody G.B.,...
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The values of Block Entropy for patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Open Research DataThe dataset consists of calculated values of entropy of 75 000 intervals between consecutive heartbeats (RR intervals) for 29 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The original data were taken from PhysioNet Congestive Heart Failure RR Interval Database (cf. Goldberger A., Amaral L., Glass L., Hausdorff J., Ivanov P.C., Mark R., Mietus J.E.,...
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Assessment of Citizens’ Actions against Light Pollution with Guidelines for Future Initiatives
PublicationDue to the wide reach of media reports about scientific research and technological tools such as the world wide web (WWW), the Internet, and web browsers, citizens today have access to factual information about the negative impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on their dark skies, and their health and well-being. This means they can now make educated decisions and take the necessary steps to help protect themselves and their...
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On the origin of surfaces-dependent growth of benzoic acid crystal inferred through the droplet evaporation method
PublicationCrystal growth behavior of benzoic acid crystals on different surfaces was examined. The performed experiments documented the existence of very strong influence introduced by polar surfaces as glass, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the growth of benzoic acid crystals. These surfaces impose strong orientation effect resulting in a dramatic reduction of number of faces seen with x-ray powder diffractions (XPRD). However,...
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Utilization of oriented crystal growth for screening of aromatic carboxylic acids cocrystallization with urea
PublicationThe possibility of molecular complex formation in the solid state of urea with benzoic acid analogues was measured directly on the crystallite films deposited on the glass surface using powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD). Obtained solid mixtures were also analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The simple droplet evaporation method was found to be efficient, robust, fast and cost-preserving approach for first...
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On the origin of surfaces-dependent growth of benzoic acid crystal inferred through the droplet evaporation method
PublicationCrystal growth behavior of benzoic acid crystals on different surfaces was examined. The performed experiments documented the existence of very strong influence introduced by polar surfaces as glass, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the growth of benzoic acid crystals. These surfaces impose strong orientation effect resulting in a dramatic reduction of number of faces seen with x-ray powder diffractions (XPRD). However,...
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On the origin of surfaces-dependent growth of benzoic acid crystal inferred through the droplet evaporation method
PublicationCrystal growth behavior of benzoic acid crystals on different surfaces was examined. The performed experiments documented the existence of very strong influence introduced by polar surfaces as glass, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the growth of benzoic acid crystals. These surfaces impose strong orientation effect resulting in a dramatic reduction of number of faces seen with x-ray powder diffractions (XPRD). However,...
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The fast identification of explosives, natcotics and other chemicals carried on board of ships or transported in containers
PublicationThe fast identification of explosives, narcotics and other chemicals carried on board of ships or transported in containers to the harbors is an important problem of maritime security. Raman spectroscopy is an advanced technique used in state-of-the art laboratories for fast identification of chemicals. No sample preparation is required, and identification can be carried out through transparent packing, such as plastic or glass,...