A simple analytical expression for the work function is derived on the basis of nonlocal potential and the nearest neighbor approximation (NNA). It allows to establish a direct connection between the ionization energy of atoms and their corresponding metallic crystal (work function). In consequence we can determine the screening parameter for alkali metals

The author, a researcher at the Maritime Academy in Szczecin, has been conducting research in the field of waste management in ports of the European Union for many years. The purpose of this paper is to present the waste management system in the context of pollutants that remain in ports. The field of the research will include the ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście, which are in the close relationship with the other ports of the European Union. The results of the analysis for the years 2005–2009 were used to assess the current waste management system and can be used in practice to improve the used solutions. The system of collecting waste from ships, was represented by JSC Seaport Authority Szczecin – Świnoujście on February 1, 2004. Due to incomplete data in this study a transitional period – the year 2004 was not included. It should be emphasized, that the data analysis has not previously been published. The study was based on the latest requirements of the European Union

The article presents a method for reducing amount of discriminants required to evaluate technical condition of an object and a trial of evaluating it using artificial neural networks as a way of increasing certainty of the obtained results

This article presents an analysis of environmental risks in the Southern Baltic area posed by the transfer of invasive species in ships‟ ballast water, based on the results of research and relevant literature. The prospects for the implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships, Ballast Water and Sediments (the BWM Convention) have also been evaluated. The relevant research has been conducted in the Polish harbours of Szczecin, Police, Świnoujście and Gdańsk (the data for Gdańsk have been derived from the research study conducted by the CTO SA research team). The transport of ballast water is a highly complex issue, combining the requirements of technical and environmental safety, and the expected economic outcome. Alien species introductions appear to be a serious problem, especially if the species turn out to be invasive (IS). They have a damaging and limiting effect on the populations of the native fauna, some indigenous species even risk extinction. Moreover, some alien species generate high financial losses, fouling underwater structures, such as pipelines and ships‟ or boats‟ hulls, and constraining the volume of fishing. Owing to its low salinity, the coastal area of the Southern Baltic is conducive to the growth of populations of alien species brought from harbours located on the mouths of rivers. Apart from causing biological contamination of coastal waters, such species may go up the rivers. Both the Helsinki Commission and the European Commission are taking actions aimed at protecting the natural environment of the Baltic Sea, including, among others, at implementing the BWM Convention within the shortest possible time to minimize this type of biological contamination of the Baltic

Evolution of polarization state is described by new mathematics, namely, by angular variables technique (AVT) which describes behavior of the angular parameters of polarization ellipse in magnetized plasma. From this point of view the polarization of electromagnetic waves in magnetized plasma is studied in conditions, when Cotton-Mouton effect is weak enough as compared with Faraday one. The method of consequent approximations is applied, which uses the ratio of Cotton-Mouton , and Faraday 3 parameters, as a small parameter of a problem and allows obtaining simple analytical expressions for ellipticity angles approximations

The main task of the paper is to present the current state of information society in West Pomeranian. Mainly were used researches conducted by the Central Statistical Office, analysis of literature and online resources according for such information as technology, information society and innovation. In addition, at each stage of labor is used logical analysis and comparison. The concept of an information society has emerged in the second half of the twentieth century, to describe a society that communicates using the rapid development of ICT. Through the mobiles and the Internet can be very fast communication, which becomes the greatest asset of any enterprise. Central Statistical Office conducts research on information society in Poland, but the work has focused on the West Pomeranian. As the research shows, the region continues to grow and enlarge their business IT support, which has the support of their activities on the local market

The article presents the evolution of the shaping of the term “transport susceptibility of cargoes” and the division of this susceptibility into partial susceptibilities. Currently a differentiated terminology coexists in transport literature, introducing considerable confusion into the unambiguous interpretation of factors determining the resistance of cargoes to conditions and time length of transport processes. Moreover, classification of cargoes has been given in branch transport on the example of marine transport, assuming as division criterion the systematised partial susceptibilities. There have also been outlined the principles of interpreting susceptibility and division of cargoes in intermodal transport

The paper deals with the most essential trends and types of changes in the last three editions (2001–2005–2009) of BC/IMSBC Code concerning the shipment of specific group of loads such as solid bulk cargoes. Since the general trend of changes in the content layout has been proved advantageous due to its standardized information in relation to all types of hazardous cargoes (A, B, C groups), its continuation aimed at facilitating the use of the Code in shipping operation is justified. Examples of detailed as well as extended information concerning technological shipping quality determinants of solid bulk cargoes enabling a better choice of appropriate technology of marine transport have been presented. The essence of information relationships resulting from the knowledge of particular quality determinants with the possibility of their practical technological application has been pointed out

Shortening the time of evacuation itself is affected, among other things, by the geometry of evacuation routes and their appropriate marking. At the paper interactions between people and systems of evacuation routes signing at evacuation models are described. Also human psych-physiological reactions in the conditions of dangerous situations are analyzed. Influence of evacuation direction choice and „bottle necks” for evacuation time at exampling passenger ship is presente

The integration of seaports security subsystems aims at a development of the complex connection of local seaport security subsystems into a uniform overall security system. This requires the use of wire and wireless telecommunication infrastructure of the seaport territory, port basin and ships attributed to that port. These authors consider the application of cryptography and steganography in integration of seaports security subsystems

The article presents the results of the risk posed by the introduction of automation systems for ships. Included are the opinions of the crews on the proposals for action to counter the negative effects of automation

Attempting to minimize operating costs to fishers, they sometimes decide to use the cheapest marine fuels. Their low quality adversely affects the durability of fuel injection equipment. Similarly, reduction of sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons, increase the boiling point at normal pressure and cetane number of modern fuels leads to a significant deterioration in their tribological properties. Polish fishing vessels can be achieved by using biofuels, which is a mixture of diesel and rapeseed oil. To carry out comparative studies for diesel and biofuel engines used to power fishing vessels were needed data, specifying lubricity and calorific value of fuels used by Polish fishermen. The conclusions are based on the examination of the chosen parameters for randomly selected fuel samples from Polish suppliers or taken directly on fishing vessels

The article presents methodology of assessing the service life of steel load-carrying structures of cranes, tak-ing account of the approach presented in Eurocode 3. In the considered case, such assessment covers already operated structures. From criterion of assessment of fatigue carrying capacity, a condition has been derived, specifying the limit number of reloading cycles corresponding to exhaustion of the design operation perio

Due to the economical crisis many ship owners introduced new ways of improving the economic efficiency of a ship. This has exerted an influence on main engine operating conditions due to the reduction in fuel consumption. The loading range of engines during sea passages has significantly changed. It has also changed operating conditions of the waste-heat boiler which is connected with ships prime mover. The following paper deals with operating conditions of the waste heat boiler powered by exhausts of the marine slow-speed long-stroke diesel engine of the ship which was operated under the “Super Slow Steaming” program in the tropical area

This study presents the results of research aimed at assessing the importance of a Voyage Data Recorder (black box) in an analysis of the ship conduct. The analysis was performed by teams of Polish maritime experts, judges, a ministry delegate and jurors of the Maritime Court in Szczecin, experienced captains, chief engineers and officers of the watch of the merchant fleet