In this article, we study the steepest descent local search (SDLS) algorithm that is used as the improvement step in the memetic algorithms for the search of low autocorrelation binary sequences ...(LABS). We address the method of reconfigurable computing, as the algorithm is of the field programmable gate array (FPGA) type as it features the integer operations, bit-wise data representation, regular execution flow, and huge computational complexity. It contains four levels of nested loops, but its direct parallel implementation as a custom processor leads to typical problems because the loops expose a dynamic range and too many iterations. This inhibits a simple parallel data path that is typically produced by the method of the loop unrolling. We have examined the four architectures that mitigate the found obstacles, and we provide the results of their implementation. The solutions take advantages of the loop pipelining, reordering of the loops, and dynamic reconfiguration. The recently available development tool was involved in our study as we have used the OpenCL (OCL) platform for FPGAs to draw practical conclusions. The given proposals are characterized by their performance and capacity for a problem size. Consequently, the speed/size trade-off is highlighted, as an FPGA size is a design constraint. The performance of the FPGA-based solutions is compared to the CPU speed, and the maximum reported speed-up is 750. Readers can further develop and/or use the presented OCL solutions for efficient LABS discovery as we provide the corresponding software repository.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Introduction: Mycobacterial diseases of humans and animals can be caused by mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). The transmission of the infection primarily occurs via the respiratory or oral ...routes, but also via a damaged skin barrier. MOTT have high resistance to external factors; therefore, infected, undiagnosed animals can pose a risk for public health. Case report: The case study describes mycobacterial skin infection in a domestic cat. The correct diagnosis was reached four months after the appearance of the first clinical signs. Those were purulent, granulomatous lesions and fistulas, which could potentially act as a source of the infection for the owners and the veterinarian who cared for the animal. Conclusion: Despite using advanced diagnostic techniques, establishing the final cause of the cat’s illness was a lengthy process. The skin lesions could contribute to the transmission of the bacteria in the environment. Non-targeted treatments could also cause antimicrobial resistance.
The article is devoted to the Władysław Terlecki archives stored in Ossolineum. It presents a cross-section of their content as well as the meaning of the drafts of printed texts and unpublished ...works of the author within the meaning of his creative imagination. The author taps into the metaphor of writing as building a honeycomb, which she found in his drafts and with it, she explains Terlecki’s creative method on selected examples from the archives. In the case of his works, recreation of the technical side of writing is extremely important as it casts a light onto poetics of the published material. The analyses of individual typescripts as well as published texts also show Terlecki’s self-awareness connected with creative processes.
This paper examines the electrochemical oxidation of terbinafine with the boron doped diamond and glassy carbon electrodes. The studies were performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse ...voltammetry (DPV), and square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The supporting electrolytes, solution pH, the range of potentials, and the scan rates were optimized. Terbinafine was irreversibly oxidized in all electrolytes, yielding well-defined peaks in the positive potential range. The peak potential shifted towards less positive values as the solution pH increased. Voltammetric determination of terbinafine was performed under the optimized conditions. Using the boron doped diamond electrode, a linear relationship between current and concentration was obtained between 5.44 × 10
−7
and 5.18 and 10
−6
mol/L with SWV and between 7.75 · 10
−7
and 8.55 · 10
−6
mol/L by DPV. At the glassy carbon electrode, a linear relationship between 7.75 · 10
−7
and 8.55 · 10
−6
mol/L was obtained by SWV and between 7.75 · 10
−7
and 1.05 · 10
−5
mol/L by DPV. The sensitivity, precision, and selectivity of the procedures were evaluated. In order to check the practical application of the developed methods, the concentration of terbinafine was determined in pharmaceutical preparations.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
We report the preliminary results on simple one‐step chemical synthesis of exfoliated graphite and other carbon‐related nanostructures via a novel combustion synthesis route. We found previously that ...different solid carbonates could be decomposed to elements upon reducing in solid phase by using a strong reducers and the produced carbon vapors instantly condense towards 1‐D nanocarbons. Here such combustion processing is extended towards the direct heterogeneous, efficient, and autothermic high‐pressure reduction of gaseous carbon oxides (CO2 and CO) to elements using the following reducers: Li, Mg, Ca, B, Ti, Zr, and Al. The solid products (layered graphite and nanocarbides) were chemically purified and characterized using XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
This paper shortly introduces the topic of soil microplastics by presenting a comprehensive review of the current state of the art in this field. It focuses mainly on the role of primary ...microplastics, particularly glitters, due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. From conclusions about current challenges and research directions, after analysis of the crucial “knowledge gaps “, one can point out the lack of a detailed description of the influence of microplastics on biota. The earthworms are promising model organisms that may play in soil ecosystems a similar role to the bivalves in waters. Thus, this mainly review paper was enlarged by the preliminary results of studies on glitters and bioglitters naturally aged in milli-Q water and soil with
. Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR, microscopy in the reflectance mode) and Raman spectroscopy (780 nm) were used to identify the subsequent notable changes in studied materials. The presence of the polymer (PET) core in the standard glitter particles is confirmed. In addition, the leakage of dyes from bioglitters was observed within the 9-week experiment. Tested bioglitters decompose in a slightly different way. Blue and pink pigments had entirely different stability as only one disappeared without a trace under UV light (blu), and the other remained stable in solution, confirmed by UV-Vis spectra. The nephelometry shows sedimentation of glitters after turbulent agents in the environment. This paper presents the natural weathering of primary microplastics in the presence of
Combustion synthesis is known as a cost‐effective technique to produce many novel ceramic nanomaterials such as nitrides, carbides, and intermetallic compounds. Herein, we report an extremely fast ...chemical transformation of magnesium–magnesium oxalate (Mg/MgC2O4) mixtures into solid products containing different nanocarbons and MgO. Despite a wide range of molar ratios of reactants all combustions, carried out in Ar at 1 MPa, were successful. The solid products were chemically purified (leaching of unreacted Mg and MgO) and characterized by XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM, DSC, and Raman spectroscopy. The residue contained mostly layered (circa several nm thick) carbon petal‐like nanostructures and carbon‐coated MgO.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The aim of the study was to compile an inventory and determine the ecological characteristics of the spontaneous flora of the restored water reservoirs and their wet banks in the western part of ...Lublin in the years 1997–2013. The study objects are small reservoirs located at the UMCS Botanical Garden in the Czechówka River valley. These ponds are subjected to strong anthropogenic pressure. 68 plant species from 33 families and 58 genera were recorded in the flora of the ponds and their wet banks. An important feature of the described water bodies is the large proportion of native species (94% of the flora). Cryptophytes and hemicryptophytes as well as biological groups combining the features of hemicryptophytes and cryptophytes are the predominant life forms. Perennials account for 80% of the flora. The ponds and their wet banks are inhabited by 25 medicinal and 19 bee forage plants.
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