Bialystok University of Technology

Advanced gravitational wave interferometers, currently under realization, will soon permit the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical sources. To open the era of precision gravitational wave astronomy, a further substantial improvement in sensitivity is required. The future space-based Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and the third-generation ground-based observatory Einstein Telescope (ET) promise to achieve the required sensitivity improvements in frequency ranges. The vastly improved sensitivity of the third generation of gravitational wave observatories could permit detailed measurements of the sources' physical parameters and could complement, in a multi-messenger approach, the observation of signals emitted by cosmological sources obtained through other kinds of telescopes. This paper describes the progress of the ET project which is currently in its design study phase.

The main group of enzymes responsible for the collagen and other protein degradation in extracellular matrix (ECM) are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Collagen is the main structural component of connective tissue and its degradation is a very important process in the development, morphogenesis, tissue remodeling, and repair. Typical structure of MMPs consists of several distinct domains. MMP family can be divided into six groups: collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, matrilysins, membrane-type MMPs, and other non-classified MMPs. MMPs and their inhibitors have multiple biological functions in all stages of cancer development: from initiation to outgrowth of clinically relevant metastases and likewise in apoptosis and angiogenesis. MMPs and their inhibitors are extensively examined as potential anticancer drugs. MMP inhibitors can be divided into two main groups: synthetic and natural inhibitors. Selected synthetic inhibitors are in clinical trials on humans, e.g. synthetic peptides, non-peptidic molecules, chemically modified tetracyclines, and bisphosphonates. Natural MMP inhibitors are mainly isoflavonoids and shark cartilage.

Large gravitational wave interferometric detectors, like Virgo and LIGO, demonstrated the capability to reach their design sensitivity, but to transform these machines into an effective observational instrument for gravitational wave astronomy a large improvement in sensitivity is required. Advanced detectors in the near future and third-generation observatories in more than one decade will open the possibility to perform gravitational wave astronomical observations from the Earth. An overview of the possible science reaches and the technological progress needed to realize a third-generation observatory are discussed in this paper. The status of the project Einstein Telescope (ET), a design study of a third-generation gravitational wave observatory, will be reported.

Since the last few years, the growing interest in the use of natural and synthetic antioxidants as functional food ingredients and dietary supplements, is observed. The imbalance between the number of antioxidants and free radicals is the cause of oxidative damages of proteins, lipids, and DNA. The aim of the study was the review of recent developments in antioxidants. One of the crucial issues in food technology, medicine, and biotechnology is the excess free radicals reduction to obtain healthy food. The major problem is receiving more effective antioxidants. The study aimed to analyze the properties of efficient antioxidants and a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of antioxidant processes. Our researches and sparing literature data prove that the ligand antioxidant properties complexed by selected metals may significantly affect the free radical neutralization. According to our preliminary observation, this efficiency is improved mainly by the metals of high ion potential, e.g., Fe(III), Cr(III), Ln(III), Y(III). The complexes of delocalized electronic charge are better antioxidants. Experimental literature results of antioxidant assays, such as diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing activity power assay (FRAP), were compared to thermodynamic parameters obtained with computational methods. The mechanisms of free radicals creation were described based on the experimental literature data. Changes in HOMO energy distribution in phenolic acids with an increasing number of hydroxyl groups were observed. The antioxidant properties of flavonoids are strongly dependent on the hydroxyl group position and the catechol moiety. The number of methoxy groups in the phenolic acid molecules influences antioxidant activity. The use of synchrotron techniques in the antioxidants electronic structure analysis was proposed.

The Classical Calculus of Variations Fractional Calculus of Variations via Riemann - Liouville Operators Fractional Calculus of Variations via Caputo Operators Other Approaches to the Fractional Calculus of Variations Towards a Combined Fractional Mechanics and Quantization.

This paper is devoted to the study of the initial value problem of nonlinear fractional differential equations involving a Caputo‐type fractional derivative with respect to another function. Existence and uniqueness results for the problem are established by means of the some standard fixed point theorems. Next, we develop the Picard iteration method for solving numerically the problem and obtain results on the long‐term behavior of solutions. Finally, we analyze a population growth model and a gross domestic product model with governing equations being fractional differential equations that we have introduced in this work.

In this paper, we present a new fractional-order mathematical model for a tumor-immune surveillance mechanism. We analyze the interactions between various tumor cell populations and immune system via a system of fractional differential equations (FDEs). An efficient numerical procedure is suggested to solve these FDEs by considering singular and nonsingular derivative operators. An optimal control strategy for investigating the effect of chemotherapy treatment on the proposed fractional model is also provided. Simulation results show that the new presented model based on the fractional operator with Mittag-Leffler kernel represents various asymptomatic behaviors that tracks the real data more accurately than the other fractional- and integer-order models. Numerical simulations also verify the efficiency of the proposed optimal control strategy and show that the growth of the naive tumor cell population is successfully declined.

Purpose The primary purpose of this paper is to examine how generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT may serve as a new context for management theories and concepts. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the analyses of selected management theories on decision-making, knowledge management, customer service, human resource management and administrative tasks and explains what may change after generative AI adoption. Findings The paper indicates that some management theories and concepts need to be studied in the generative AI environment that may influence managerial work at the strategic, functional and administrative levels. Research limitations/implications This paper is an opinion piece article and does not refer to empirical data. It formulates some conclusions to further empirical research studies. Originality/value The paper analyzes selected management theories in a new technological setting. The paper also provides information about the functions of generative AI that are useful in understanding and overcoming how new technology may change organizations and management.

A new class of positive linear systems consisting of <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">n</i> subsystems with different fractional orders is introduced. Solution to the set of matrix linear differential equations with different fractional orders is derived. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity of the fractional systems are established. It is shown that the linear electrical circuits composed of resistors, supercondensators, coils, and voltage (current) sources are positive systems with different fractional orders.

species. In this review we summarise information about echinocandins with closer look on their chemical structure, mechanism of action, drug resistance and usage in clinical practice. We also introduce actual trends in modification of this antifungals as well as new methods of their administration, and additional use in viral and bacterial infections.

Fractional Positive Continuous-Time Linear Systems and Their Reachability A new class of fractional linear continuous-time linear systems described by state equations is introduced. The solution to the state equations is derived using the Laplace transform. Necessary and sufficient conditions are established for the internal and external positivity of fractional systems. Sufficient conditions are given for the reachability of fractional positive systems.

We introduce basic notions related to granular computing, namely the information granule syntax and semantics as well as the inclusion and closeness (similarity) relations of granules. Different information sources (units, agents) are equipped with two kinds of operations on information granules: operations transforming tuples of information granules definable by a given agent into information granules definable by this agent and approximation operations for computing by agents approximations of information granules delivered by other agents. More complex granules are constructed by means of these operations and approximation operations from some input information granules. The construction of information granules is described by expressions called terms. We discuss a problem of synthesis of robust terms, i.e., descriptions of information granules, satisfying a given specification. This is an important problem for granular computing and its applications for spatial reasoning or knowledge discovery and data mining. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This paper presents two new implementations of finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) methods applied to ac-dc converters with an inductive.capacitive.inductive (LCL) filter. The LCL filter, despite its advantages, can cause a strong resonance in the grid current and also pose a substantially more complex control problem. The new solutions improve the FCS-MPC with an active damping algorithm by eliminating low-order grid current harmonics and decreasing sensitivity to grid voltage distortion. The new methods, i.e., PCi <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sub> i <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> u <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> and PCi <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sub> i <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> u <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> -2steps propose multivariable approaches using converter-side current, line-side current, and capacitor voltage. Another improvement involves extending the prediction horizon in PCi <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sub> i <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> u <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> -2steps. Both methods have been tested and compared in steady and transient states as well as under grid voltage disturbances. The methods were also compared with a predictive control algorithm with active damping. The simulation results and experimental measurements validate the developed control schemes and show high quality of grid current (low THDi value), high dynamic performance, and immunity under distorted grid voltage conditions.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have gained significant interest in recent years because of their outstanding properties. The AlCoCrFeNi alloy is one of the most studied HEAs. The effect of the manufacturing methods and heat treatment on the properties of the high-entropy AlCoCrFeNi alloy is under intense scrutiny. The effect of varying component content on properties of the alloy is frequently analysed. Aluminium is most popular due to its impact on alloy microstructure and occurrence of phases. Research is also conducted on the influence of alloying additives, such as boron and titanium, on the properties of the AlCoCrFeNi alloy. High-entropy alloys also have excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures. Excellent structural and functional properties make them suitable for application in the most demanding conditions. The research conducted on HEAs still provides a lot of new and valuable information on the properties and structures of these alloys. This article summarizes the most important information about HEAs, specifically the AlCoCrFeNi alloy.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) was the most frequently used pesticide in food production in the European Union (EU) until 2020. Unfortunately, this compound is still being applied in other parts of the world. National monitoring of pesticides conducted in various countries indicates the presence of CPF in soil, food, and water, which may have toxic effects on consumers, farmers, and animal health. In addition, CPF may influence changes in the population of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycete in soil and can inhibit nitrogen mineralization. The mechanisms of CPF activity are based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. This compound also exhibits reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity. The problem seems to be the discrepancy between the actual observations and the final conclusions drawn for the substance's approval in reports presenting the toxic impact of CPF on human health. Therefore, this influence is still a current and important issue that requires continuous monitoring despite its withdrawal from the market in the EU. This review traces the scientific reports describing the effects of CPF resulting in changes occurring in both the environment and at the cellular and tissue level in humans and animals. It also provides an insight into the hazards and risks to human health in food consumer products in which CPF has been detected.

Abstract Nowadays, the transformations of metropolises into smart cities is a crucial factor in improving the living conditions of the inhabitants. The goal of the smart city concept is modern urban management using technical tools that offer state-of-the-art technologies, considering the applicable ecological standards while saving resources and achieving the expected results. The purpose of this article is to identify the areas of research analysed in the international literature in the field of smart cities. The bibliometric analysis was carried out to achieve the purpose. The analysis covered publications on smart cities published in Scopus and Web of Science databases from January 2009 to May 2019. Based on the bibliometric analysis, a bibliometric map was developed using the mapping technique VOS — the visualisation of similarities. Original clusters were created using the VOSviewer software. The bibliometric map visualises the results of the analysis that targeted the word coexistence.

K3M: A universal algorithm for image skeletonization and a review of thinning techniques This paper aims at three aspects closely related to each other: first, it presents the state of the art in the area of thinning methodologies, by giving descriptions of general ideas of the most significant algorithms with a comparison between them. Secondly, it proposes a new thinning algorithm that presents interesting properties in terms of processing quality and algorithm clarity, enriched with examples. Thirdly, the work considers parallelization issues for intrinsically sequential algorithms of thinning. The main advantage of the suggested algorithm is its universality, which makes it useful and versatile for a variety of applications.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the mental health of employees. Deterioration of the well-being of workers is also caused by changes in the working environment. Remote working can affect both social interactions and job satisfaction. The purpose of the study is to examine what factors influence job satisfaction in the context of remote work caused by a pandemic. The study analyses whether employee relations and interpersonal trust are related to the level of perceived job satisfaction. The investigation started with a literature review and then research hypotheses have been formulated. Based on an empirical study, carried out on a sample of 220 IT employees during the pandemic, an analysis of the mediating role of trust in links between employee relations and perceived job satisfaction was conducted. The current study found that positive employee relations contribute to the level of job satisfaction. Additionally, trust is an important factor that mediates these relationships. Based on the results of the research, it was possible to describe the mechanism of shaping a supportive work environment during a pandemic.

In this paper, we present a new type of fractional operator, the Caputo–Katugampola derivative. The Caputo and the Caputo–Hadamard fractional derivatives are special cases of this new operator. An existence and uniqueness theorem for a fractional Cauchy-type problem, with dependence on the Caputo–Katugampola derivative, is proved. A decomposition formula for the Caputo–Katugampola derivative is obtained. This formula allows us to provide a simple numerical procedure to solve the fractional differential equation (FDE).

Public higher education sector is under a growing pressure worldwide to increase efficiency and improve the quality of its activities. Limited financial resources as well as detailed regulations and supervision of their spending are the important features of the public higher education sector. Another important and debated issue is the division of public money among higher education institutions (HEI). It is therefore crucial to create stimuli for the rational management of public funds by HEI and for the quality improvement of HEI services. One of the proposed ways to achieve the desired result is the comparative efficiency assessment of HEI activities. Setting clear reference points for HEI, such assessment may be treated as a substitute for market competition. This paper describes a comparative efficiency study of 19 Polish universities of technology. Detailed analysis of potential input, output and environmental variables describing the HEI efficiency model was carried out. The study used the CCR-CRS output-oriented DEA model. It was assumed that HEI had more influence on achieved results than on the amount of their resources. The economies of scale were also studied in relation to the efficiency achieved. Sensitivity of the model to data errors was tested.