Due to necessity, people spend most of their lives in enclosed spaces. This creates the need to shape the indoor environment so as to form a state of satisfaction with their surrounding conditions. When shaping or assessing the quality of the indoor environment in buildings, we should primarily focus on its impact on the quality of life of users. Study and work environments are particularly important because attention needs to be paid to, among others, the significant relationship between the inappropriate quality of this environment and psychomotor skills, academic results, work efficiency, or increasing sickness absence and the associated high economic cost of these factors. This article presents the results of research on the condition of the study and work environment. It determines the factors influencing the shaping of indoor environmental conditions and presents the impact of the indoor environment on the quality of the people working there. The relationship between the basic parameters of the indoor microclimate and the level of satisfaction with the environmental conditions and its impact on the comfort of study and work is examined. Attention is paid to the impact of green solutions in buildings in order to improve the quality of life and efficiency in study areas and workplaces.

The aim of this work is to assess the possibility of using the IPA method to examine the quality of entertainment services. The increasingly popular children’s playrooms are chosen as the service. A survey was conducted among parents visiting playrooms with their children, which included, in addition to a short description, a question regarding the assessment of 12 attributes that may affect the level of satisfaction with the selected service. Respondents were asked to rate these attributes on a scale from 1 to 5 in terms of two criteria. The first one is the importance of a given attribute; the second criterion concerns the assessment of the degree of performance of a given attribute. These activities made it possible to divide the attributes into a matrix, which distinguishes important and well-rated attributes, important but worse-rated attributes, less important and poorly rated attributes, and less important and well-rated attributes. Thanks to the IPA method, information is obtained about what is important to the respondents within entertainment facilities such as children’s playrooms and to what extent it meets their expectations, and the matrix form enables the identification of those attributes that require improvement. The obtained results may be useful in improving such facilities and enhancing their safety

The efficient use of transportation resources is the foundation of the management concept behind sustainable supply chains. The complexity of distribution supply chains requires the implementation of appropriate decision-making steps during modeling. This is due to the number of supply chain participants, the diversity of processes, and their flow. Thus, an appropriate way to assess the variety of control parameters that define the functionality of participants within sustainable supply chains is required. An extended multi-criteria analysis provides an opportunity to support the decision process of selecting appropriate supply chain elements, based on a scoring system that defines the relevance of the parameters. The developed method of multi-criteria evaluation of the attractiveness of carrier offers can be applied to urban logistics conditions. Due to limited access to data on carrier offers and their range of services under urban conditions, it seems appropriate to translate the experiences and conclusions from the consolidation of deliveries and the sharing of long-distance routes into urban transportation logistics. The effectiveness of the selection of supply-chain road-transportation service providers has been the subject of a comparative analysis of the types and parameters of the process within the research. The principles of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach are considered, including identification of the process, determination of process requirements, establishment of objectives, consideration of alternative solutions, and identification of the operational framework. The variant approach proposed within this study allows us to verify the impact of road transportation conditions on overall efficiency. The performed analysis enables a choice between full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) types of road transport. The results of this study support the decision-making process in the selection of road transport service providers. Conclusions are valuable also from the organization of city transportation models, as the logic behind efficiency assessment is comparable in both operational environments. A formulated set of recommendations can be implemented within the organization with a focus on optimizing the use of road transport solutions.

Recently, many researchers have been intensively conducting quality of service (QoS), quality of experience (QoE), and user experience (UX) studies in the field of video analysis. This paper is intended to make a new, complementary contribution to this field. Currently, streaming platforms are key products in relation to delivering video content online. Most often, they include the MP4 video format, which is most widely utilized among audio-visual codecs. This study involves a group of 38 individuals, aged between 21–35 years old, in a laboratory consisting of 20 iMacs with 4K retina display. The presented signal sequences included content sourced from the Netflix Chimera repository, with 8- and 10-bit depth, available in different resolutions of 270p, 432p, 720p, and 1080p. Tests included a subjective quality evaluation in a 5-step mean opinion score (MOS) scale, focused on the UX aspect. According to the obtained results, content with the lowest and highest resolutions is optimal in 8-bit depth, while movies with intermediate resolutions are better in 10-bit depth. For 8-bit content, the main problem is pixelation, whereas, in the case of 10-bit samples, the main issue is color noise, particularly in the case of the lowest resolution. Many viewers indicated that 10-bit encoding offered lower quality. Moreover, 8-bit movies caused a lower quality of the gradient, presumably due to the smaller range of the available color. However, 8-bit movies in the same situation generate visible stripes on static images in the background, causing a lower quality of the gradient, which is probably due to the smaller range of available colors. The results of the performed experiments may be of particular interest to content creators and distributors, particularly network and cable operators, as well as wireless and wired providers

The purpose of this research is to develop and analyze certain technical solutions on the composition of elements and devices of the ship radar polarization complex (SRPC), increasing its functional capabilities in complex conditions of the atmospheric environment. This paper substantiates the methodology of SRPC construction, which includes a six-channel waveguide polarization splitter. The methodology of this research is aimed at solving the issues relating to the development of the main high-frequency nodes of the considered splitter and the mathematical description of the relations between the field components in the splitter. The structure of the SRPC construction defines the nature of connections and relations between the elements of the functional scheme as a whole, and the rearrangement of the structure includes methods that characterize the change in the composition and functional interaction of its parts depending on the performance of the task of polarization selection of echo-signals of the navigation object located in complex atmospheric conditions on the ship’s route. Elements included in the SRPC and devices of the all-polarized antenna allow for radiating electromagnetic waves of linear and circular polarizations, as well as unpolarized waves, to analyze polarization parameters of echo signals of complex objects to solve problems of polarization selection of navigation objects located in the zone of dangerous atmospheric formations. A six-channel polarization splitter in the waveguide channel of the SRPC antenna splits the polarized components of the analyzed partially polarized wave arriving at the input of the all-polarized antenna into six channels to ensure the symmetry of its two orthogonally polarized components. The two-channel linear receiver amplifies and transforms orthogonal components of the electromagnetic wave echo signal for each polarization of the radiated wave and forms energetic actual Stokes parameters that allow for solving problems of polarization selection of navigation objects located in complex atmospheric conditions along the ship’s trajectory. Polarization selection provides the formation and consistent radiation of constant power electromagnetic waves of four polarizations (three linear and one circular), as well as an unpolarized wave. As a result of the research performed on the development of a six-channel waveguide polarization splitter, the problem of increasing the efficiency of ship radar stations functioning with the use of methods of polarization selection of navigation objects and improvement of radar equipment is solved.

The purpose of the article is to introduce the discourse around advanced technologies that can make a city a well-being city while also creating a surveillance city, an issue that is becoming important to smart city researchers. Researchers seek to answer the question: where is the line between well-being and surveillance? To answer this question, the article will explore Jeremy Bentham’s and Michel Foucault’s positions on panoptic thought, as well as Bentham’s principle of greatest happiness and Janusz Czapinski’s onion theory of happiness.

A market economy requires continuous improvement of products. The classic case is striving to meet customer expectations, i.e., ensuring product quality. However, in terms of sustainable development, it is also necessary to take actions that contribute to the protection of the natural environment and ensure a positive social impact. It is still a challenge. Therefore, the aim of the article is to develop a model for product improvement by considering the criteria of quality, environment, and social impact. The developed model is an original decision indicator, according to which prototypes of modified products are ranked according to their fulfillment of (i) expected quality, (ii) low environmental impact in the life cycle (LCA), and (iii) social responsibility. Based on the results of the model and the proposed decision indicator, it is possible to determine the direction of improvement of any product by assessing prototypes (product variants) in terms of their sustainable development. The model test is carried out for photovoltaic (PV) panels, popular in recent years, verified according to six prototypes and 15 sustainability criteria regarding their quality, environmental impact, and social responsibility. The test confirmed its effectiveness in the case of photovoltaic panels, but the proposed model can be successfully used to design or improve other products. This is supported by a developed original decision indicator supporting the making of multicriteria quality, environmental, and social decisions at the stage of designing new products or improving existing products.

Urban centers, replete with diverse amenities and opportunities, simultaneously grapple with the challenges brought on by rapid urbanization, notably in the realms of transport and logistics. A pivotal move towards energy-efficient and sustainable systems is essential to mitigate these challenges. In this landscape, machine learning (ML), and particularly recurrent neural networks (RNNs), emerge as powerful tools for effectively addressing these urban complexities. This comprehensive review zeroes in on the deployment of RNNs within sustainable urban transportation and logistics, highlighting their adeptness in processing sequential data, a critical component in various forecasting and optimization tasks. We commence with a foundational understanding of RNNs, segueing into their successful applications in urban transport and logistics. This review also critically examines the constraints of current methodologies and potential avenues for enhancement. We scrutinize the application of RNNs across several areas, encompassing the energy shift in both passenger and freight transport, logistics management, integration of low- and zero-emission vehicles, and the energy dynamics of transport and logistics. Additionally, the role of RNNs in traffic and infrastructure planning is explored, particularly in forecasting traffic flow, congestion patterns, and optimizing energy usage. The crux of this review is to amalgamate and present the existing knowledge on the instrumental role of RNNs in facilitating the transition to energy-efficient urban transportation and logistics. Our goal is to highlight effective strategies, pinpoint challenges, and map out avenues for future research in this domain.

This paper presents research results on CO2 emissions originating from maritime vessels with various main engine settings. The impact (i.e., the volume and amount) of gas emissions into the environment is shown, along with the characteristics of the marine fuel used. This research was carried out on a container vessel sailing on a fixed route between Rotterdam and St. Petersburg. It covered mainly two different engine operations, at 124 RPM and 100 RPM settings, in the Kiel Canal area. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the engine setting of 100 RPM compared to the same voyage through the Kiel Canal, with an engine setting of 124 RPM, leads to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. Though proving such a thesis seems to be evident, the analysis in the paper shows that, in practice, mainly due to time constraints and engineers’ assumptions of engine technical status, the higher speeds are still preferred over lower ones. In studies not related to passive use or active methods, only specific and simplest methods of obtaining CO2 emissions are presented.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant adverse impact on economic trends and the ability of enterprises to manage their global supply chain activities. One major challenge relates to handling disruptions in supply chain activities and conducting humanitarian logistics. When facing disruptions in the humanitarian supply chain, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) need to identify relevant scenarios for supply chain processes, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, to determine the performance outcomes of these processes. This study aims to measure the logistics performance of the humanitarian supply chain process before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It adopts the performance criteria from the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model and the humanitarian logistics success criteria found in the literature for operationalization. Subsequently, the study employs the spherical fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (SF-AHP) methodology as a decision-making tool to prioritize criteria for identifying each aspect of the humanitarian supply chain process. These metrics are valuable for organizations to determine which sustainable supply chain processes are better suited, based on predefined criteria, to mitigate disruptions caused by the pandemic. Document accuracy is identified as the most important metric criterion for the humanitarian supply chain process.

The foundry industry is an important component of the economy on which other progressive industries depend. The reliability of the products it manufactures is determined by the technologies used, but, most importantly, it ensures the expected level of quality. The purpose of the article is to develop a synergistic quality-cost model for the improvement of casting products. The model is based on an integral methodological configuration that makes it possible to determine the level of relevance of the causes of casting nonconformity in the quality-cost context. The model integrates techniques such as the Pareto-Lorenz diagram, ranking, brainwriting, Ishikawa diagram, Likert rating scale, and matrix diagram. Verification of the method by its implication in the manufacturing process of a gearbox casting is performed. The model makes it possible to identify quality-cost relationships between key categories of problem causes and major product nonconformities. The main causes of the loss of quality stability of the analyzed product are found to be low quality of molding sand, poor technical condition of foundry equipment (too infrequent repairs and overhauls), and ineffective quality control. Carrying out the analysis made it possible to develop appropriate improvement measures. It is proposed to implement changes in the casting process, implement the TPM method, conduct periodic training, develop job instructions, implement a control system, and provide supervision of employees. Further research directions will concern the implications of the method within the other positions in the casting company and its development towards automation of analysis.

Abstract This paper presents the results of modelling research concerned with the technological process of the cold bending of a pipe. Stress and plastic strain studies are carried out using the finite element method (FEM) on a thick-walled pipe and various shapes of bending form. The results of the research are benchmarked in terms of the correctness of the implementation of the bending process, including the change in the pipe outside diameter and wall thickness. The level of ovalisation of the cross-section in the bending pipe is used as the primary criterion for assessing the correctness of the bending process. The results show that the most favourable properties in terms of minimising the ovalisation of the pipe cross-section are provided by the use of a bending form with a trapezoidal shape.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused vast changes in the functioning of societies and economies, including restrictions on the use of rail transportation. As a result, the number of passengers has declined, and despite the lifting of restrictions, it is still difficult to estimate when and if passenger rail traffic will return to its pre-pandemic state. Therefore, it seems important to consider the following: how the pandemic has affected the transportation behavior patterns of residents and, above all, what should be done to encourage passengers to use rail transportation more often, which is more environmentally friendly and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it seems important to consider what the “new normal” in rail transportation should look like. This article analyzes the number of passengers traveling by rail in eight European countries. This work considers quarterly data for 2013‒2019, combined passenger forecasts for 2020‒2021, and annual forecasts of rail passenger traffic until 2025 built using data for 2012‒2021.

Natural rubber is an important industrial material derived from caoutchouc trees (Hevea Brasiliensis). By chemical composition, it is a polymer material that is mostly cis-1,4-polyisoprene. It falls into the category of elastomers, which enables its wide usage due to its specific characteristics. Polymer materials include plastic, rubber, and glue and are the most important technical materials. Rubbers are used in the production of conveyor belts, shock absorbers, coatings, fenders, engines, and device parts. They are also used in composite materials such as threads, particles, and matrix materials. By analyzing the properties of natural rubber, the subject of the research is defined, i.e., the characterization of natural rubber samples and their connection with macroscopic properties. In accordance with the subject of the research, in this paper, tests are carried out on samples of natural rubber, which are obtained in the form of thin films from latex and cross-linked by gamma radiation. A total dose of 300 kGy is applied to the samples in the state of uniaxial deformation. In this sense, a hypothesis is put forward that involves examining the influence of radiation dose on the morphology of natural rubber samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The investigation aims to emphasize the importance of the method in acquiring a comprehensive characterization of the material samples, which are used both in maritime areas and in other fields of application.

With the dynamic socio-economic development of cities, actions of key importance have become necessary to ensure the required accessibility of urban transport. This goal can be achieved by expanding and modernizing the transport infrastructure and expanding the public transport network. It is transport that ensures the flow of goods and the movement of people in cities and beyond their borders. This state of affairs results in an increased importance of appropriate infrastructure, where construction investments have a fundamental role, and the method of their implementation affects a number of areas that significantly determine transport accessibility. This article aims to assess the impact of construction projects involving civil engineering facilities on transport accessibility based on the example of the city of Szczecin. The research process is based on unstructured observation and expert interviews, which allow for the development of a structured survey questionnaire. The authors manage to identify the elements of transport accessibility that are most negatively affected by construction projects. The collected data may constitute a basis for developing recommendations for local authorities and construction companies to reduce the diagnosed negative impact in the studied area.