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Search results for: enhanced pretreatment
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Hydrogen Bonds in Blends of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), Poly(N-ethylacrylamide) Homopolymers, and Carboxymethyl Cellulose
PublicationRecently, it was reported that the physical crosslinking exhibited by some biopolymers could provide multiple benefits to biomedical applications. In particular, grafting thermoresponsive polymers onto biopolymers may enhance the degradability or offer other features, as thermothickening behavior. Thus, different interactions will affect the different hydrogen bonds and interactions from the physical crosslinking of carboxymethyl...
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Interline power flow controller - properties and control strategy in dynamic states
PublicationHigh-power electronic converter topologies, in such forms as Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFC), Static Compensators (STATCOM) and Interline Power Flow Controllers (IPFC), have been used to enhance and optimize the use of transmission facilities, under the concept of a flexible ac transmission system (FACTS). In Europe, the anticipated proliferation of distributed-generation (DG) in the near future, driven by governmental initiatives...
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Photocatalytic Decomposition of Air Pollutants using Electrodeposited Photocatalysts on Stainless Steel
PublicationThe aim of research was to develop an immobilization method for photocatalysts, which is an alternative to the sol-gel or dip coating methods and can be simply scaled up for technical applications. The investigated photocatalyst was TiO2, which was electrochemically deposited onto a cathode made of stainless steel. This deposited film was photocatalytically active. In order to enhance the photoactivity of the TiO2 film, commercially...
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MACHINE LEARNING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED BLOOD SMEAR ANALYSIS
PublicationIn this paper the authors propose a decision support system for automatic blood smear analysis based on microscopic images. The images are pre-processed in order to remove irrelevant elements and to enhance the most important ones - the healthy blood cells (erythrocytes) and the pathologic (echinocytes). The separated blood cells are analyzed in terms of their most important features by the eigenfaces method. The features are the...
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MSIS sonar image segmentation method based on underwater viewshed analysis and high-density seabed model
PublicationHigh resolution images of Mechanically Scanned Imaging Sonars can bring detailed representation of underwater area if favorable conditions for acoustic signal to propagate are provided. However to properly asses underwater situation based solely on such data can be challenging for less than proficient interpreter. In this paper we propose a method to enhance interpretative potential of MSIS image by dividing it in to subareas depending...
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Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass and Municipal Waste into Useful Energy Using Advanced HiTAG/HiTSG Technology
PublicationAn advanced thermal conversion system involving high-temperature gasification of biomass and municipal waste into biofuel, syngas or hydrogen-rich gas is presented in this paper. The decomposition of solid biomass and wastes by gasification is carried out experimentally with a modern and innovative regenerator and updraft continuous gasifier, among others. A ceramic high-cycle regenerator provides extra energy for the thermal conversion...
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The potential of imogolite nanotubes as (co-)photocatalysts: a linear-scaling density functional theory study
PublicationWe report a linear-scaling density functional theory (DFT) study of the structure, wall-polarization absolute band-alignment and optical absorption of several, recently synthesized, open-ended imogolite (Imo) nanotubes (NTs), namely single-walled (SW) aluminosilicate (AlSi), SW aluminogermanate (AlGe), SW methylated aluminosilicate (AlSi-Me), and double-walled (DW) AlGe NTs. Simulations with three different semi-local and dispersion-corrected...
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Digital Public Service Innovation: Framework Proposal
PublicationThis paper proposes the Digital Public Service Innovation Framework that extends the "standard" provision of digital public services according to the emerging, enhanced, transactional and connected stages underpinning the United Nations Global e-Government Survey, with seven example "innovations" in digital public service delivery -- transparent, participatory, anticipatory, personalized, co-created, context-aware and context-smart....
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Characterization of Optical and Electrical Properties of Transparent Conductive Boron-Doped Diamond thin Films Grown on Fused Silica
PublicationA conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD) grown on a fused silica/quartz has been investigated. Diamond thin films were deposited by the microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW PECVD). The main parameters of the BDD synthesis, i.e. the methane admixture and the substrate temperature were investigated in detail. Preliminary studies of optical properties were performed to qualify an optimal CVD synthesis and film parameters...
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Reinforcing and plasticizing effects of reclaimed rubber on the vulcanization and properties of natural rubber
PublicationThe production of high-added value reclaimed rubber (RR) is of great signifi-cance for the sustainability of rubber industries. To green recycle waste rub-bers and broaden the application of RR, a RR material with potentialreinforcing and plasticizing effects on nature rubber (NR) composites are pre-pared by a thermo-oxidative reclamation process. The reclamation degree ofRR is controlled by adjusting the content of soybean oil....
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Ongoing Progress on Pervaporation Membranes for Ethanol Separation
PublicationEthanol, a versatile chemical extensively employed in several fields, including fuel production, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, and chemical manufacturing, continues to witness expanding applications. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly purification technologies for this organic compound in both diluted (ethanol-water–) and concentrated solutions (water-ethanol–)....
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Heat transfer enhancement of modular thermal energy storage unit for reversible heat pump cooperation
PublicationThe following article presents experimental comparison research on a hexagonal shelland-tube latent thermal energy storage (TES). Such shape of a shell was deliberately chosen instead of a cylindrical one due to its high modularity and with intent for future applications in automobiles (EV and PHEV) air conditioning systems (HVAC). Two geometries of helical coils, acting as tubes, were studied in this article. One was a simple...
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Laser-assisted approach for improved performance of Au-Ti based glucose sensing electrodes
PublicationThis paper focuses on the synthesis route and electrochemical properties of electrocatalytic material based on gold nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a structured titanium template obtained via optimized anodization, chemical etching and laser processing. SEM inspection reveals the presence of Au NPs (60–90 nm in diameter) sited in the titanium foil cavities. Performed electrochemical measurements enable nomination of the set of working...
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Studies on the Combined Impact of Starch Source and Multiple Processing on Selected Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Blends
PublicationThermoplastic starch (TPS)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) blends compatibilized with polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were prepared from various native starches (potato, maize and waxy maize) and subjected to multiple extrusion cycles. Source of starch has significant impact on its composition, hence properties of obtained TPS and their blends with EVA. Higher content of amylopectin in waxy maize starch, comparing to...
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Submicron inorganic particles as an additional filler in hybrid epoxy matrix composites reinforced with glass fibres
PublicationIn this study, the effect of selected submicron metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium oxide) or non-metal oxide (silicon dioxide) particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy/glass composites was investigated. The applied epoxy resin was a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A cured with triethylenetetramine. As a reinforcement twill weave E-glass fabric was used. Hybrid composites (contained particulate and fibrous...
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Utilizing pulse dynamics for non-invasive Raman spectroscopy of blood analytes
PublicationNon-invasive measurement methods offer great benefits in the field of medical diagnostics with molecular-specific techniques such as Raman spectroscopy which is increasingly being used for quantitative measurements of tissue biochemistry in vivo. However, some important challenges still remain for label-free optical spectroscopy to be incorporated into the clinical laboratory for routine testing. In particular, non-analyte-specific...
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High-temperature Co-electrolysis of CO2/H2O and direct methanation over Co-impregnated SOEC. Bimetallic synergy between Co and Ni
PublicationTo study the synergy between the transition metals for enhancing the electrochemical and chemical activity, a series of SOECs were modified with a small amount of Co ions, namely 1.8, 3.6, and 5.4 wt% in the reduced state. The addition of βCD into the precursor solution allowed for extremely fine dispersion of Co species across the Ni-YSZ cermet structure. The sample containing 3.6 wt% Co reached an outstanding over 2.5-times-higher...
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Hydrogen Embrittlement and Oxide Layer E ect in the Cathodically Charged Zircaloy-2
PublicationThe present paper is aimed at determining the less investigated effects of hydrogen uptake on the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of the oxidized Zircaloy-2 alloy. The specimens were oxidized and charged with hydrogen. The different oxidation temperatures and cathodic current densities were applied. The scanning electron microscopy, X-ray electron diffraction spectroscopy, hydrogen absorption assessment, tensile, and...
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Experimental study and comparison with predictive methods for flow boiling heat transfer coefficient of HFE7000
PublicationThis article describes an experimental study of flow boiling of HFE7000 inside a smooth vertical channel. The investigation has been carried out in a circular stainless-steel tube with an inner diameter of 2.3 mm. The data have been collected for the applied heat fluxes q ranging from 61 to 205 kW/m2, the mass flux G ranging from 214 to 1006 kg/(m2 s), the saturation temperature Tsat ranging from 30 to 54 °C and the full range...
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Preparation and Characterization of Microsphere ZnO ALD Coating Dedicated for the Fiber-Optic Refractive Index Sensor
PublicationWe report the fabrication of a novel fiber-optic sensor device, based on the use of a microsphere conformally coated with a thin layer of zinc oxide (ZnO) by atomic layer deposition (ALD), and its use as a refractive index sensor. The microsphere was prepared on the tip of a single-mode optical fiber, on which a conformal ZnO thin film of 200 nm was deposited using an ALD process based on diethyl zinc (DEZ) and water at 100 °C....
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Antibacterial Activity and Cytocompatibility of Bone Cement Enriched with Antibiotic, Nanosilver, and Nanocopper for Bone Regeneration
PublicationBacterial infections due to bone replacement surgeries require modifications of bone cement with antibacterial components. This study aimed to investigate whether the incorporation of gentamicin or nanometals into bone cement may reduce and to what extent bacterial growth without the loss of overall cytocompatibility and adverse effects in vitro. The bone cement Cemex was used as the base material, modified either with gentamicin...
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Multi-transformer primary-side regulated flyback converter for supplying isolated IGBT and MOSFET drivers
PublicationThis paper presents primary-side voltage regulated multi-transformer quasi-resonant flyback converter (MTFC) for supplying isolated power switch drivers. The proposed topology offers distinct advantages over frequently used flyback converter possessing one high frequency transformer with isolated multiple outputs. Particularly, when a large number of separate dc supply units is required, then MTFC enables improved regular distribution...
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Towards sugar-derived polyamides as environmentally friendly materials
PublicationAs part of our ongoing study investigating isohexide-based polyamides, we have synthesized isosorbide(bis(propan-1-amine)) (DAPIS) and studied its reactivity in the polymerization towards fully biobased polyamides. Polycondensation of nylon salts with various contributions of DAPIS afforded a family of homo- and copolyamides, which were characterized using complementary spectroscopic techniques. The chemical structure of the materials...
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Quantum metrology: Heisenberg limit with bound entanglement
PublicationQuantum entanglement may provide a huge boost in the precision of parameter estimation. However, quantum metrology seems to be extremely sensitive to noise in the probe state. There is an important still open question: What type of entanglement is useful as a resource in quantum metrology? Here we raise this question in relation to entanglement distillation. We provide a counterintuitive example of a family of bound entangled states...
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Applying response surface method to optimize the performance of a divergent-chimney solar power plant
PublicationOne of the effective tools to generate electricity from solar energy is Divergent-chimney solar power plant (DSPP). Divergent and cylindrical chimneys of solar power plants have different performances considering turbine pressure drop ratio (ft). For the first time, the divergent angle (DA) and solar radiation (SR) interaction effects on 〖ft〗_opt are discussed through applying the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Response...
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GTR/NBR/Silica Composites Performance Properties as a Function of Curing System: Sulfur versus Peroxides
PublicationIn this work, conventional sulfur and two types of organic peroxides (dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and di-(2-tert-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)-benzene (BIB)) curing systems were used to investigate the possibility for tailoring of the performance properties of GTR/NBR blends reinforced with a variable content of highly dispersive silica (0–30 phr). The curing characteristics, static mechanical and acoustical properties, swelling behavior,...
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The effect of paleo-environment on hydrocarbon generation potential: Example from Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
PublicationA 137-m continuous core from the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous marine derived oil shale with the maturity Ro about 0.7 %, representing the oil window in the Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina, was examined using geological, mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemistry techniques. Three distinct intervals were identified within the core: the upper carbonate-rich section with intense bioturbation, indicating dysoxic to...
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The protective properties of graphene oxide coatings functionalized with phosphorus atoms.
PublicationRecently, electrophoretically deposited graphene oxide coatings are commonly applied as an anti-corrosion layer. However, improper adjustment of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) parameters as well as the hydrophilic nature of graphene oxide contribute to the formation of defects in the coatings and the increase in the wetting properties, respectively, and thus lead to a reduction of protective properties. The growth of wetting...
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Electrochemical performance of Co3O4/CeO2 electrodes in H2S/H2O atmospheres in a proton-conducting ceramic symmetrical cell with BaZr0.7Ce0.2Y0.1O3 solid electrolyte
PublicationThe electrochemical performance of Co3O4/CeO2 mixed oxide materials as electrodes, when exposed to H2S/H2O atmospheres, was examined employing a proton conducting symmetrical cell, with BaZr0.7Ce0.2Y0.1O3 (BZCY72) as the solid electrolyte. The impact of temperature (700–850 °C) and H2S concentration (0–1 v/v%) in steam-rich atmospheres (90 v/v% H2O) on the overall cell performance was thoroughly assessed by means of electrochemical...
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Small regulatory bacterial RNAs regulating the envelope stress response
PublicationMost bacteria encode a large repertoire of RNA-based regulatory mechanisms. Recent discoveries have revealed that the expression of many genes is controlled by a plethora of base-pairing noncoding small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), regulatory RNA-binding proteins and RNA-degrading enzymes. Some of these RNA-based regulated processes respond to stress conditions and are involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. They achieve...
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Reactive extrusion of bio-based polymer blends and composites – Current trends and future developments
PublicationReactive extrusion is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method to produce new materials with enhanced performance properties. At present, reactive extrusion allows in-situ polymerization, modification/functionalization of polymers or chemical bonding of two (or more) immiscible phases, which can be carried out on commonly used extrusion lines. Although reactive extrusion has been known for many years, its application...
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Flame retardant epoxy/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposite coatings: Exploring low-concentration threshold for flammability compared to expandable graphite as superior fire retardant
PublicationEpoxy nanocomposites containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were developed and their low-concentration thresholds for thermal stability and flame retardancy were compared with that of epoxy system containing expandable graphite (EG), as a reference with superior flame retardancy. The effects of HNTs and EG on the peak of Heat Release Rate (pHRR), Total Heat Release (THR), and Time-To-Ignition (TTI) of the prepared samples were...
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Performance measurements and optimization of visualization of routes traveled in the distributed dispatcher and teleinformation system for visualization of multimedia data for the Border Guard
PublicationMonitoring of country maritime border is an important task of the Border Guard. This activity can be enhanced with the use of the technology enabling gathering information from distributed sources, processing of that information and its visualization. The system presented in the paper is an advancement of the previously developed distributed map data exchange system. The added functionality allows to supplement the map data with...
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Navigating the Complexity: Understanding Social Integration in Smart Communities versus Smart Cities
PublicationThis study delves into the differentiation between smart community and smart city concepts, employing a comprehensive review of conceptual literature. The aim of this study is to identify and deliberate on the nuanced disparities between these two paradigms. By establishing pivotal distinctions, we aim to scrutinize the integration of social aspects in the development and implementation of smart communities. Our findings will offer...
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Optimized Deep Learning Model for Flood Detection Using Satellite Images
PublicationThe increasing amount of rain produces a number of issues in Kerala, particularly in urban regions where the drainage system is frequently unable to handle a significant amount of water in such a short duration. Meanwhile, standard flood detection results are inaccurate for complex phenomena and cannot handle enormous quantities of data. In order to overcome those drawbacks and enhance the outcomes of conventional flood detection...
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Vident-synth: a synthetic intra-oral video dataset for optical flow estimation
Open Research DataWe introduce Vident-synth, a large dataset of synthetic dental videos with corresponding ground truth forward and backward optical flows and occlusion masks. It can be used for:
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Vident-real: an intra-oral video dataset for multi-task learning
Open Research DataWe introduce Vident-real, a large dataset of 100 video sequences of intra-oral scenes from real conservative dental treatments performed at the Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland. The dataset can be used for multi-task learning methods including:
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Predicting the seismic collapse capacity of adjacent SMRFs retrofitted with fluid viscous dampers in pounding condition
PublicationSevere damages of adjacent structures due to structural pounding during earthquakes have emphasized the need to use some seismic retrofit strategy to enhance the structural performance. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of using linear and nonlinear Fluid Viscous Dampers (FVDs) on the seismic collapse capacities of adjacent structures prone to pounding and proposing modification factors to modify the median...
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Towards the value-based design of on-line services
PublicationThe paper identifies economic factors shaping customer bahaviour in on-line services in two interrelated dimensions; (1) economic needs and requirements, relevant to expected benefits and values perceived by customers; (2) technical components, allowing technical realization of on-line services. Technical components were cathegorized into four groups, creating so-called VIPR model: Visual, Interactive, Process and Relationship-relevant...
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Triangular 3D Laser Scanning in Underwater Photogrammetry
PublicationThe use of triangular 3D laser scanning may significantly enhance the visual inspection of underwater objects. In these days of high demand for accurate information, exclusively photographic documentation is not enough, as it is geometrically flawed. The authors of this article are trying to present the rudiments of laser scanning, a modern means of measuring, which is reliable, relatively easy to use and works in accordance with...
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Performance of a plate heat exchanger operated with water-Al2O3 nanofluid
PublicationThis study is focused on experimental investigation of a selected type of brazed plate heat exchanger (PHEx). The main aim of the paper was to experimentally check the ability of nanofluids to enhance the performance of PHEx. A typical water-Al2O3 nanofluid was tested and compared to that of the base fluid, i.e. water. Nanoparticles were tested at the concentration of 0.1% and 1% by weight. Impact of the 1 day and 3 days break...
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Performance of a plate heat exchanger operated with water-Al2O3 nanofluid
PublicationThis study is focused on experimental investigation of a selected type of brazed plate heat exchanger (PHEx). The main aim of the paper was to experimentally check the ability of nanofluids to enhance the performance of PHEx. A typical water-Al2O3 nanofluid was tested and compared to that of the base fluid, i.e. water. Nanoparticles were tested at the concentration of 0.1% and 1% by weight. Impact of the 1 day and 3 days break...
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Performance of a plate heat exchanger operated with water-Al2O3 nanofluid
PublicationThis study is focused on experimental investigation of a selected type of brazed plate heat exchanger (PHEx). The main aim of the paper was to experimentally check the ability of nanofluids to enhance the performance of PHEx. A typical water-Al2O3 nanofluid was tested and compared to that of the base fluid, i.e. water. Nanoparticles were tested at the concentration of 0.1% and 1% by weight. Impact of the 1 day and 3 days break...
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Bioaugmentation of a sequencing batch reactor with Archaea for the treatment of reject water
PublicationIn this study, the bioaugmentation of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for the treatment of reject water from wastewater treatment plant was evaluated. For the bioaugmentation step a product containing an enrichment of microorganisms from the Archaea domain was used to enhance the performance of the reactor for treating reject water. The experiment was carried out in two parallel lab-scale sequencing batch reactors. The first one...
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Responsible Court in the Global World - Managerism or Managerialism
PublicationOne can look at the improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of the justice system from three perspectives: macro, mezo, and micro. After all, the general goal is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the justice system as a whole (the macro perspective), the courts (the mezo scale), and court proceedings (the micro scale). The need to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the justice system was noticed in...
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Barriers to inter-company cooperation in clusters
PublicationClusters have proved to be an important source of competitiveness for the economic development of regions within the European Union. One of the main goals of cluster development is to stimulate cooperation between companies in one or a few related sectors. The stakeholders of a cluster, as well as the local economy, can derive many benefits from such cooperation. However, there are numerous barriers, which make it difficult for...
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How Sport Innovations Can Shape Sustainable Cities: An Interdisciplinary Approach
PublicationLeveraging the potential of sport can play a significant role in shaping cities of tomorrow, generate environmental and social change. The integration of sport into city planning can provide multiple benefits, such as promoting physical activity, health, well-being, and enhancing social cohesion. However to date, there is a lack of research on the potential of sport innovations to enhance the sustainable development of cities....
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Adapting education to a changing climate: preparing architecture students for climate-resilient design
PublicationIn this article, the authors explore the connection between climate change and the fields of architecture and urban planning. With the increasing frequency of flooding and extreme weather events, the built environment is confronting challenges in terms of sustainability and resilience. To meet these problems, it is necessary to prepare various specialists to assume responsibility for making future decisions. The authors of this...
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Fault detection and diagnostics of complex dynamic systems using Gaussian Process Models - nuclear power plant case study
PublicationThe article examines the use of Gaussian Process Models to simulate the dynamic processes of a Pressurized Water nuclear Reactor for fault detection and diagnostics. The paper illustrates the potential of Gaussian Process Models as a tool for monitoring and predicting various fault conditions in Pressurized Water nuclear Reactor power plants, including reactor coolant flow and temperature variations, deviations from nominal working...
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Evaluating the Internal and External Usability of Mobile Technologies in Facilitating Knowledge Transfer
PublicationA worker’s performance and productivity depend on a variety of factors including knowledge, to be essential for self-effectiveness and self-efficacy. In the literature, knowledge transfer is argued to enhance the quality of work, and therefore, its value. When addressing this issue, the latest studies have considered and evaluated the use of mobile technologies, which are evidenced to improve a worker’s capacity and skills. However,...