agnieszka pilarska - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by agnieszka pilarska

Research paper thumbnail of Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in the Genetic Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Anaerobic Bioreactors with the Diatomaceous Earth/Peat Cell Carrier

Cells

This paper analyses the impact of the diatomaceous earth/peat (DEP; 3:1) microbial carrier on cha... more This paper analyses the impact of the diatomaceous earth/peat (DEP; 3:1) microbial carrier on changes in the bacterial microbiome and the development of biofilm in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of confectionery waste, combined with digested sewage sludge as inoculum. The physicochemical properties of the carrier material are presented, with particular focus on its morphological and dispersion characteristics, as well as adsorption and thermal properties. In this respect, the DEP system was found to be a suitable carrier for both mesophilic and thermophilic AD. The evaluation of quantitative and qualitative changes in the genetic diversity of bacterial communities, carried out using next-generation sequencing (NGS), showed that the material has a modifying effect on the bacterial microbiome. While Actinobacteria was the most abundant cluster in the WF-control sample (WF—waste wafers), Firmicutes was the dominant cluster in the digested samples without the carrier (WF-dig.; dig.—digest...

Research paper thumbnail of Methods of Handling the Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) for Energy Production

Energies

The aim of the study was to determine the possibilities of using cup plants (Silphium perfoliatum... more The aim of the study was to determine the possibilities of using cup plants (Silphium perfoliatum L.) to generate energy. The energy balances of the combustion and anaerobic digestion were compared. The research showed that cup plants could be used as a raw material for solid fuel and for anaerobic digestion. An energy balance simulation showed that electricity could be generated through the anaerobic digestion of cup plants. The following amounts could be generated in the anaerobic digestion process: 1069 kWhe from 1 Mg of the raw material fragmented with an impact mill, 738.8 kWhe from 1 Mg of the raw material extruded at a temperature of 150 °C, and as much as 850.1 kWhe from 1 Mg of the raw material extruded at 175 °C. The energy balance of the combustion of biofuel in the form of cup plant pellets showed that 858.28 kWht could be generated from 1 Mg of the raw material. The combustion of solid biofuel generated a relatively low amount of heat in comparison with the expected amo...

Research paper thumbnail of Wybrane metody wstępnej obróbki surowców roślinnych stosowanych do produkcji biogazu

Research paper thumbnail of Health properties and evaluation of quality of dried strawberry fruit produced using the convective drying method with neural image analysis

Eleventh International Conference on Digital Image Processing (ICDIP 2019)

Research was conducted for the purpose of qualitative identification of convection-dried strawber... more Research was conducted for the purpose of qualitative identification of convection-dried strawberries using artificial neural networks. 2 samples of raw material were subjected to a drying process, each representing different qualitative classes: ripe and overripe fruit. The generated MLP neural network was based on shape and color characteristics; 11 parameters of the quality of dried strawberry were specified. Empirical data was obtained from digital images which served as learning sets for the artificial neural networks simulator. The created neural network was to identify individual learning cases as one of the following cases: "good" - ripe or "bad" - overripe strawberry. Furthermore, a correlation analysis was performed, which showed a strong relationship between some variables.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of Implant-Retained Overdenture Based on Precision Attachment Type

Materials, 2021

This paper aims to compare, in vitro, the biomechanical properties of an overdenture retained by ... more This paper aims to compare, in vitro, the biomechanical properties of an overdenture retained by two bar-retained implants and an overdenture retained by two bar-retained implants with ball attachments. An edentulous mandible model was prepared for the study based on the FRASACO mold with two implants. In the first system, the “rider” type (PRECI-HORIX, CEKA) retention structure and the complete mandibular denture with the matrix were made. In the second system, the “rider” type retention suprastructure was also used. In the distal part, (CEKA) clips were placed symmetrically, and a complete mandibular denture, together with the matrix on the bar, and the clip patrices were made. A numerical model was developed for each system where all elements were positioned and related to geometric relations, as in reality. The FEA analysis (finite element analysis) was carried out for seven types of loads: with vertical forces of 20, 50, and 100 N and oblique forces of 20 and 50 N acting on ind...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Contact Pressures between a Mandibular Overdenture and the Prosthodontic Area

Applied Sciences, 2021

In this paper, we assess the pressure between the overdenture located in the mandible and support... more In this paper, we assess the pressure between the overdenture located in the mandible and supported by a bar retained on two implants and the prosthodontic area. For testing, a model of an edentulous mandible was created using a mold by FRASACO with two implants and a “rider” bar inserted. A complete mandibular denture with polypropylene matrices was made. Three types of matrices of various stiffness were applied. The mandible and overdenture geometry was mapped using a digital image obtained with a Steinbichler Comet L3D 3D scanner. Finite element method calculations were performed in the Abaqus FEA software. The results demonstrate that the maximum contact pressure is observed when the loads are associated with canines. A critical case for the lower posterior is chewing performed by the molars. The pressure zone is the largest for POM-1 with Young’s modulus of 1.5 GPa and is reduced by 5.0% and 7.8% for POM-2 (E = 2.5 GPa) and POM-3 (E = 3.5 GPa), respectively. The stress distribu...

Research paper thumbnail of Zwrot ku informacji przestrzennej. O przestrzeniach kształtowania się społeczeństwa geoinformacyjnego w Internecie

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of mg(oh)2 from magnesium salts and nh4oh by direct functionalisation with poly(ethylene glycols)

Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing, 2012

Synthesis of magnesium hydroxide using different magnesium salts and ammonium hydroxide is descri... more Synthesis of magnesium hydroxide using different magnesium salts and ammonium hydroxide is described. The reaction was performed in the presence of non-ionic compounds representing the group of poly(ethylene glycols) as modifiers. Dispersive properties of the products were characterised by polydispersity index, particle size, as well as SEM and TEM images. Adsorptive properties of the products were evaluated on the basis of their specific surface area, pore volume and diameter determination. Physicochemical characterisation of the products was extended by the degrees of their surface coverage with PEG, calculated on the basis of elemental analysis and specific surface area BET. Crystalline structures of the products were determined by the WAXS method and then using the Scherrer formula the crystallite size was calculated for selected samples. Wettability profiles in aqueous systems were measured and selected samples were subjected to TG/DTA analyses. The properties of the products w...

Research paper thumbnail of Neural Reduction of Image Data in Order to Determine the Quality of Malting Barley

Image analysis using neural modeling is one of the most dynamically developing methods employing ... more Image analysis using neural modeling is one of the most dynamically developing methods employing artificial intelligence. The feature that caused such widespread use of this technique is mostly the ability of automatic generalization of scientific knowledge as well as the possibility of parallel analysis of the empirical data. A properly conducted learning process of artificial neural network (ANN) allows the classification of new, unknown data, which helps to increase the efficiency of the generated models in practice. Neural image analysis is a method that allows extracting information carried in the form of digital images. The paper focuses on the determination of imperfections such as contaminations and damages in the malting barley grains on the basis of information encoded in the graphic form represented by the digital photographs of kernels. This choice was dictated by the current state of knowledge regarding the classification of contamination that uses undesirable features ...

Research paper thumbnail of Przegląd metod obróbki wstępnej substratów biogazowych

Obecnie w rolnictwie powstaje du¿o odpadów organicznych w postaci tzw. biomasy lignocelulozowej (... more Obecnie w rolnictwie powstaje du¿o odpadów organicznych w postaci tzw. biomasy lignocelulozowej (np. s3oma pszen¿ytnia, s3oma kukurydziana, s3oma rzepakowa), która mo¿e byæ wykorzystana jako substrat do produkcji biogazu. Jednak bezpoœrednie u¿ycie tego rodzaju materia3u w charakterze substratu czy ko-substratu do biogazowni jest niemal niemo¿liwa z uwagi na du¿1 zawartoœæ nierozk3adalnej ligniny. Dlatego te¿ poszukuje siê metod, umo¿liwiaj1cych dezintegracjê ligniny oraz uwolnienie celulozy i hemicelulozy, co spowoduje przefermentowanie substratów w wiêkszym stopniu, a zarazem zwiêkszenie wydajnoœci wytwarzania biogazu, w tym metanu. Wyró¿nia siê cztery grupy obróbek wstêpnych biomasy lignocelulozowej: mechaniczn1 (mikronizacja, obróbka za pomoc1 mikrofal), termiczno-ciœnieniow1 (steam explosion ? wybuch parowy, ekstruzja), chemiczn1 (alkaliczna i kwasowa obróbka wstêpna) oraz biologiczn1 (obróbka enzymatyczna, mikrobiologiczna, z wykorzystaniem grzybów). Nie mo¿na jednoznacznie wy...

Research paper thumbnail of Koszty energii z różnych źródeł wykorzystywanej do ogrzewania pomieszczeń i napędu pojazdów

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparison of the Influence of Kraft Lignin and the Kraft Lignin/Silica System as Cell Carriers on the Stability and Efficiency of the Anaerobic Digestion Process

Energies

This study compares the effects of pure kraft lignin and the kraft lignin/silica system (1:4 by w... more This study compares the effects of pure kraft lignin and the kraft lignin/silica system (1:4 by weight). The comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of both carriers showed that the kraft lignin/silica system was characterised by better properties. The experiment conducted in the study involved continuous anaerobic digestion under mesophilic conditions. Three samples were degraded in the following order: (i) sewage sludge (SS), (ii) SS with the addition of kraft lignin, and (iii) SS with the addition of the kraft lignin/silica system. A quantitative analysis of the digestate samples was carried out by means of in situ fluorescence. It showed more intense proliferation of microorganisms in the SS + kraft lignin/silica variant than in the sample with pure kraft lignin. The highest amount of biogas was obtained in the SS + kraft lignin/silica variant (689 m3 Mg−1 VS, including 413 m3 Mg−1 VS of methane; VS—volatile solids). There were comparable amounts of biogas in the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Modelling the Interaction between Air Pollutant Emissions and Their Key Sources in Poland

Energies

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between key sources of air pol... more The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between key sources of air pollutant emissions (sources of energy production, factories which are particularly harmful to the environment, the fleets of cars, environmental protection expenditure) and the main environmental air pollution (SO2, NOx, CO and PM) in Poland. Models based on MLP neural networks were used as predictive models. Global sensitivity analysis was used to demonstrate the significant impact of individual network input variables on the output variable. To verify the effectiveness of the models created, the actual data were compared with the data obtained through modelling. Projected courses of changes in the variables under study correspond with the real data, which confirms that the proposed models generalize acquired knowledge well. The high MLP network quality parameters of 0.99–0.85 indicate that the network generalizes the acquired knowledge accurately. The sensitivity analysis for NOx, CO and...

Research paper thumbnail of The Application of Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network Models for Yield Prediction of Very Early Potato Cultivars before Harvest

Agronomy

Yield forecasting is a rational and scientific way of predicting future occurrences in agricultur... more Yield forecasting is a rational and scientific way of predicting future occurrences in agriculture—the level of production effects. Its main purpose is reducing the risk in the decision-making process affecting the yield in terms of quantity and quality. The aim of the following study was to generate a linear and non-linear model to forecast the tuber yield of three very early potato cultivars: Arielle, Riviera, and Viviana. In order to achieve the set goal of the study, data from the period 2010–2017 were collected, coming from official varietal experiments carried out in northern and northwestern Poland. The linear model has been created based on multiple linear regression analysis (MLR), while the non-linear model has been built using artificial neural networks (ANN). The created models can predict the yield of very early potato varieties on 20th June. Agronomic, phytophenological, and meteorological data were used to prepare the models, and the correctness of their operation was...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Biochar-Based Organic Amendments on the Structure of Soil Bacterial Community and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Agronomy

The taxonomic and functional diversity of bacteria in seven different experimental variants appli... more The taxonomic and functional diversity of bacteria in seven different experimental variants applied to soil under a maize plantation was determined by means of next-generation sequencing and biochemical methods. The aim of the study was to discover differences in the structure of bacteria and the level of soil enzymatic activity (BIF—biochemical index of fertility) after the application of a biofertiliser made of lignocellulosic substrate and biochar containing various microorganisms (algae, mycorrhizal fungi of the Glomus genus or the consortium of Bacillus sp. bacteria). The chemical composition and yield of crops was a measurable indicator of the effectiveness of the fertilisers. The biofertilisers influenced both the structure and the percentage share of individual bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTU). The cultivation of maize also modified qualitative and quantitative changes in the soil bacterial microbiome. A canonical variate analysis (CVA) showed that the soil pH exh...

Research paper thumbnail of Image Analysis Methods in Classifying Selected Malting Barley Varieties by Neural Modelling

Agriculture

Quality evaluation of products is a critical stage in the process of production. It also applies ... more Quality evaluation of products is a critical stage in the process of production. It also applies to the production of beer and its main ingredients, i.e., hops, yeast, malting barley and other components. The research described in this paper deals with the multifaceted quality evaluation of malting barley needed for the production of malt. The project aims to elaborate on the original methodology used for identifying grain varieties, grain contamination degree and other visual characteristics of malting barley employing new computer technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and neural image analysis. The neural modelling and digital image analysis assist in identifying the quality of barley varieties. According to the study, information concerning the colour of barley varieties presented in digital images is sufficient for this purpose. The multi-layer perceptron (MLP)-type neural network generated using a data set describing the colour of kernels presented in digital ima...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification Process of Selected Graphic Features Apple Tree Pests by Neural Models Type MLP, RBF and DNN

Agriculture

In this paper, the classification capabilities of perceptron and radial neural networks are compa... more In this paper, the classification capabilities of perceptron and radial neural networks are compared using the identification of selected pests feeding in apple tree orchards in Poland as an example. The goal of the study was the neural separation of five selected apple tree orchard pests. The classification was based on graphical information coded as selected characteristic features of the pests, presented in digital images. In the paper, MLP (MultiLayer Perceptrons), RBF (Radial Basis Function) and DNN (Deep Neural Networks) neural classification models are compared, generated using learning files acquired on the basis of information contained in digital photographs of five selected pests. In order to classify the pests, neural modeling methods were used, including digital image analysis techniques. The qualitative analysis of the neural models enabled the selection of optimal neuron topology that was characterized by the highest classification capability. As representative graphi...

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of the Process of Sugar Beet Storage on Its Biochemical Methane Potential

Energies

The manner of storage of sugar beets largely influences their physical and chemical properties, w... more The manner of storage of sugar beets largely influences their physical and chemical properties, which may subsequently determine their biochemical methane potential. In this study, samples of fresh sugar beets as well as beets stored in two ways—in airtight conditions and in an open-air container—were tested. In both cases, measurements were taken on specific dates, i.e., after 4, 8, 16 and 32 weeks of storage. A decrease in pH was observed in all samples, with the lowest decrease occurring in hermetically stored samples. The lowest pH value of 3.71 was obtained for sugar beets stored in an open-air container after 32 weeks of storage. During storage, a gradual decrease in total solids was also recorded along with accompanying losses of organic matter, more significant in the case of storage in an open-air container. In subsequent storage periods, the biogas/methane production efficiency differed slightly for both methods. The highest volume of biogas was obtained for fresh sugar be...

Research paper thumbnail of Energy Efficiency of Comminution and Extrusion of Maize Substrates Subjected to Methane Fermentation

Energies

The production of methane in the anaerobic digestion process is a proven technology, but it is ch... more The production of methane in the anaerobic digestion process is a proven technology, but it is characterized by low cost-effectiveness. The pretreatment of substrates seems to be a promising technology, which may increase the cost-effectiveness of biogas installations. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the comminution and extrusion of maize silage and maize straw silage on the course and yield of anaerobic digestion. The use of a pretreatment (comminution, extrusion) is justified when its energy balance is positive. The greatest increase in the methane yield per dry matter (12.4%) was observed after the extrusion of maize straw silage at 175 °C. The change in the methane yield resulting from the extrusion of maize silage and maize straw silage at 150 °C was small and amounted to 6.4% and 9%, respectively. The comminution caused an increase in the methane yield and accelerated the fermentation of substrates. The methane yield from maize silage was 38.4%, wherea...

Research paper thumbnail of The Efficiency of Industrial and Laboratory Anaerobic Digesters of Organic Substrates: The Use of the Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient

Energies

This study is an elaboration on the conference article written by the same authors, which present... more This study is an elaboration on the conference article written by the same authors, which presented the results of laboratory tests on the biogas efficiency of the following substrates: maize silage (MS), pig manure (PM), potato waste (PW), and sugar beet pulp (SB). This article presents methane yields from the same substrates, but also on a technical scale. Apart from that, it presents an original methodology of defining the Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient (BMPCC) based on the calculation of biomass conversion on an industrial scale and on a laboratory scale. The BMPCC was introduced as a tool to enable uncomplicated verification of the operation of a biogas plant to increase its efficiency and prevent undesirable losses. The estimated BMPCC values showed that the volume of methane produced in the laboratory was overestimated in comparison to the amount of methane obtained under technical conditions. There were differences observed for each substrate. They rang...

Research paper thumbnail of Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in the Genetic Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Anaerobic Bioreactors with the Diatomaceous Earth/Peat Cell Carrier

Cells

This paper analyses the impact of the diatomaceous earth/peat (DEP; 3:1) microbial carrier on cha... more This paper analyses the impact of the diatomaceous earth/peat (DEP; 3:1) microbial carrier on changes in the bacterial microbiome and the development of biofilm in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of confectionery waste, combined with digested sewage sludge as inoculum. The physicochemical properties of the carrier material are presented, with particular focus on its morphological and dispersion characteristics, as well as adsorption and thermal properties. In this respect, the DEP system was found to be a suitable carrier for both mesophilic and thermophilic AD. The evaluation of quantitative and qualitative changes in the genetic diversity of bacterial communities, carried out using next-generation sequencing (NGS), showed that the material has a modifying effect on the bacterial microbiome. While Actinobacteria was the most abundant cluster in the WF-control sample (WF—waste wafers), Firmicutes was the dominant cluster in the digested samples without the carrier (WF-dig.; dig.—digest...

Research paper thumbnail of Methods of Handling the Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) for Energy Production

Energies

The aim of the study was to determine the possibilities of using cup plants (Silphium perfoliatum... more The aim of the study was to determine the possibilities of using cup plants (Silphium perfoliatum L.) to generate energy. The energy balances of the combustion and anaerobic digestion were compared. The research showed that cup plants could be used as a raw material for solid fuel and for anaerobic digestion. An energy balance simulation showed that electricity could be generated through the anaerobic digestion of cup plants. The following amounts could be generated in the anaerobic digestion process: 1069 kWhe from 1 Mg of the raw material fragmented with an impact mill, 738.8 kWhe from 1 Mg of the raw material extruded at a temperature of 150 °C, and as much as 850.1 kWhe from 1 Mg of the raw material extruded at 175 °C. The energy balance of the combustion of biofuel in the form of cup plant pellets showed that 858.28 kWht could be generated from 1 Mg of the raw material. The combustion of solid biofuel generated a relatively low amount of heat in comparison with the expected amo...

Research paper thumbnail of Wybrane metody wstępnej obróbki surowców roślinnych stosowanych do produkcji biogazu

Research paper thumbnail of Health properties and evaluation of quality of dried strawberry fruit produced using the convective drying method with neural image analysis

Eleventh International Conference on Digital Image Processing (ICDIP 2019)

Research was conducted for the purpose of qualitative identification of convection-dried strawber... more Research was conducted for the purpose of qualitative identification of convection-dried strawberries using artificial neural networks. 2 samples of raw material were subjected to a drying process, each representing different qualitative classes: ripe and overripe fruit. The generated MLP neural network was based on shape and color characteristics; 11 parameters of the quality of dried strawberry were specified. Empirical data was obtained from digital images which served as learning sets for the artificial neural networks simulator. The created neural network was to identify individual learning cases as one of the following cases: "good" - ripe or "bad" - overripe strawberry. Furthermore, a correlation analysis was performed, which showed a strong relationship between some variables.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of Implant-Retained Overdenture Based on Precision Attachment Type

Materials, 2021

This paper aims to compare, in vitro, the biomechanical properties of an overdenture retained by ... more This paper aims to compare, in vitro, the biomechanical properties of an overdenture retained by two bar-retained implants and an overdenture retained by two bar-retained implants with ball attachments. An edentulous mandible model was prepared for the study based on the FRASACO mold with two implants. In the first system, the “rider” type (PRECI-HORIX, CEKA) retention structure and the complete mandibular denture with the matrix were made. In the second system, the “rider” type retention suprastructure was also used. In the distal part, (CEKA) clips were placed symmetrically, and a complete mandibular denture, together with the matrix on the bar, and the clip patrices were made. A numerical model was developed for each system where all elements were positioned and related to geometric relations, as in reality. The FEA analysis (finite element analysis) was carried out for seven types of loads: with vertical forces of 20, 50, and 100 N and oblique forces of 20 and 50 N acting on ind...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Contact Pressures between a Mandibular Overdenture and the Prosthodontic Area

Applied Sciences, 2021

In this paper, we assess the pressure between the overdenture located in the mandible and support... more In this paper, we assess the pressure between the overdenture located in the mandible and supported by a bar retained on two implants and the prosthodontic area. For testing, a model of an edentulous mandible was created using a mold by FRASACO with two implants and a “rider” bar inserted. A complete mandibular denture with polypropylene matrices was made. Three types of matrices of various stiffness were applied. The mandible and overdenture geometry was mapped using a digital image obtained with a Steinbichler Comet L3D 3D scanner. Finite element method calculations were performed in the Abaqus FEA software. The results demonstrate that the maximum contact pressure is observed when the loads are associated with canines. A critical case for the lower posterior is chewing performed by the molars. The pressure zone is the largest for POM-1 with Young’s modulus of 1.5 GPa and is reduced by 5.0% and 7.8% for POM-2 (E = 2.5 GPa) and POM-3 (E = 3.5 GPa), respectively. The stress distribu...

Research paper thumbnail of Zwrot ku informacji przestrzennej. O przestrzeniach kształtowania się społeczeństwa geoinformacyjnego w Internecie

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of mg(oh)2 from magnesium salts and nh4oh by direct functionalisation with poly(ethylene glycols)

Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing, 2012

Synthesis of magnesium hydroxide using different magnesium salts and ammonium hydroxide is descri... more Synthesis of magnesium hydroxide using different magnesium salts and ammonium hydroxide is described. The reaction was performed in the presence of non-ionic compounds representing the group of poly(ethylene glycols) as modifiers. Dispersive properties of the products were characterised by polydispersity index, particle size, as well as SEM and TEM images. Adsorptive properties of the products were evaluated on the basis of their specific surface area, pore volume and diameter determination. Physicochemical characterisation of the products was extended by the degrees of their surface coverage with PEG, calculated on the basis of elemental analysis and specific surface area BET. Crystalline structures of the products were determined by the WAXS method and then using the Scherrer formula the crystallite size was calculated for selected samples. Wettability profiles in aqueous systems were measured and selected samples were subjected to TG/DTA analyses. The properties of the products w...

Research paper thumbnail of Neural Reduction of Image Data in Order to Determine the Quality of Malting Barley

Image analysis using neural modeling is one of the most dynamically developing methods employing ... more Image analysis using neural modeling is one of the most dynamically developing methods employing artificial intelligence. The feature that caused such widespread use of this technique is mostly the ability of automatic generalization of scientific knowledge as well as the possibility of parallel analysis of the empirical data. A properly conducted learning process of artificial neural network (ANN) allows the classification of new, unknown data, which helps to increase the efficiency of the generated models in practice. Neural image analysis is a method that allows extracting information carried in the form of digital images. The paper focuses on the determination of imperfections such as contaminations and damages in the malting barley grains on the basis of information encoded in the graphic form represented by the digital photographs of kernels. This choice was dictated by the current state of knowledge regarding the classification of contamination that uses undesirable features ...

Research paper thumbnail of Przegląd metod obróbki wstępnej substratów biogazowych

Obecnie w rolnictwie powstaje du¿o odpadów organicznych w postaci tzw. biomasy lignocelulozowej (... more Obecnie w rolnictwie powstaje du¿o odpadów organicznych w postaci tzw. biomasy lignocelulozowej (np. s3oma pszen¿ytnia, s3oma kukurydziana, s3oma rzepakowa), która mo¿e byæ wykorzystana jako substrat do produkcji biogazu. Jednak bezpoœrednie u¿ycie tego rodzaju materia3u w charakterze substratu czy ko-substratu do biogazowni jest niemal niemo¿liwa z uwagi na du¿1 zawartoœæ nierozk3adalnej ligniny. Dlatego te¿ poszukuje siê metod, umo¿liwiaj1cych dezintegracjê ligniny oraz uwolnienie celulozy i hemicelulozy, co spowoduje przefermentowanie substratów w wiêkszym stopniu, a zarazem zwiêkszenie wydajnoœci wytwarzania biogazu, w tym metanu. Wyró¿nia siê cztery grupy obróbek wstêpnych biomasy lignocelulozowej: mechaniczn1 (mikronizacja, obróbka za pomoc1 mikrofal), termiczno-ciœnieniow1 (steam explosion ? wybuch parowy, ekstruzja), chemiczn1 (alkaliczna i kwasowa obróbka wstêpna) oraz biologiczn1 (obróbka enzymatyczna, mikrobiologiczna, z wykorzystaniem grzybów). Nie mo¿na jednoznacznie wy...

Research paper thumbnail of Koszty energii z różnych źródeł wykorzystywanej do ogrzewania pomieszczeń i napędu pojazdów

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparison of the Influence of Kraft Lignin and the Kraft Lignin/Silica System as Cell Carriers on the Stability and Efficiency of the Anaerobic Digestion Process

Energies

This study compares the effects of pure kraft lignin and the kraft lignin/silica system (1:4 by w... more This study compares the effects of pure kraft lignin and the kraft lignin/silica system (1:4 by weight). The comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of both carriers showed that the kraft lignin/silica system was characterised by better properties. The experiment conducted in the study involved continuous anaerobic digestion under mesophilic conditions. Three samples were degraded in the following order: (i) sewage sludge (SS), (ii) SS with the addition of kraft lignin, and (iii) SS with the addition of the kraft lignin/silica system. A quantitative analysis of the digestate samples was carried out by means of in situ fluorescence. It showed more intense proliferation of microorganisms in the SS + kraft lignin/silica variant than in the sample with pure kraft lignin. The highest amount of biogas was obtained in the SS + kraft lignin/silica variant (689 m3 Mg−1 VS, including 413 m3 Mg−1 VS of methane; VS—volatile solids). There were comparable amounts of biogas in the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Modelling the Interaction between Air Pollutant Emissions and Their Key Sources in Poland

Energies

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between key sources of air pol... more The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between key sources of air pollutant emissions (sources of energy production, factories which are particularly harmful to the environment, the fleets of cars, environmental protection expenditure) and the main environmental air pollution (SO2, NOx, CO and PM) in Poland. Models based on MLP neural networks were used as predictive models. Global sensitivity analysis was used to demonstrate the significant impact of individual network input variables on the output variable. To verify the effectiveness of the models created, the actual data were compared with the data obtained through modelling. Projected courses of changes in the variables under study correspond with the real data, which confirms that the proposed models generalize acquired knowledge well. The high MLP network quality parameters of 0.99–0.85 indicate that the network generalizes the acquired knowledge accurately. The sensitivity analysis for NOx, CO and...

Research paper thumbnail of The Application of Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network Models for Yield Prediction of Very Early Potato Cultivars before Harvest

Agronomy

Yield forecasting is a rational and scientific way of predicting future occurrences in agricultur... more Yield forecasting is a rational and scientific way of predicting future occurrences in agriculture—the level of production effects. Its main purpose is reducing the risk in the decision-making process affecting the yield in terms of quantity and quality. The aim of the following study was to generate a linear and non-linear model to forecast the tuber yield of three very early potato cultivars: Arielle, Riviera, and Viviana. In order to achieve the set goal of the study, data from the period 2010–2017 were collected, coming from official varietal experiments carried out in northern and northwestern Poland. The linear model has been created based on multiple linear regression analysis (MLR), while the non-linear model has been built using artificial neural networks (ANN). The created models can predict the yield of very early potato varieties on 20th June. Agronomic, phytophenological, and meteorological data were used to prepare the models, and the correctness of their operation was...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Biochar-Based Organic Amendments on the Structure of Soil Bacterial Community and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Agronomy

The taxonomic and functional diversity of bacteria in seven different experimental variants appli... more The taxonomic and functional diversity of bacteria in seven different experimental variants applied to soil under a maize plantation was determined by means of next-generation sequencing and biochemical methods. The aim of the study was to discover differences in the structure of bacteria and the level of soil enzymatic activity (BIF—biochemical index of fertility) after the application of a biofertiliser made of lignocellulosic substrate and biochar containing various microorganisms (algae, mycorrhizal fungi of the Glomus genus or the consortium of Bacillus sp. bacteria). The chemical composition and yield of crops was a measurable indicator of the effectiveness of the fertilisers. The biofertilisers influenced both the structure and the percentage share of individual bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTU). The cultivation of maize also modified qualitative and quantitative changes in the soil bacterial microbiome. A canonical variate analysis (CVA) showed that the soil pH exh...

Research paper thumbnail of Image Analysis Methods in Classifying Selected Malting Barley Varieties by Neural Modelling

Agriculture

Quality evaluation of products is a critical stage in the process of production. It also applies ... more Quality evaluation of products is a critical stage in the process of production. It also applies to the production of beer and its main ingredients, i.e., hops, yeast, malting barley and other components. The research described in this paper deals with the multifaceted quality evaluation of malting barley needed for the production of malt. The project aims to elaborate on the original methodology used for identifying grain varieties, grain contamination degree and other visual characteristics of malting barley employing new computer technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and neural image analysis. The neural modelling and digital image analysis assist in identifying the quality of barley varieties. According to the study, information concerning the colour of barley varieties presented in digital images is sufficient for this purpose. The multi-layer perceptron (MLP)-type neural network generated using a data set describing the colour of kernels presented in digital ima...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification Process of Selected Graphic Features Apple Tree Pests by Neural Models Type MLP, RBF and DNN

Agriculture

In this paper, the classification capabilities of perceptron and radial neural networks are compa... more In this paper, the classification capabilities of perceptron and radial neural networks are compared using the identification of selected pests feeding in apple tree orchards in Poland as an example. The goal of the study was the neural separation of five selected apple tree orchard pests. The classification was based on graphical information coded as selected characteristic features of the pests, presented in digital images. In the paper, MLP (MultiLayer Perceptrons), RBF (Radial Basis Function) and DNN (Deep Neural Networks) neural classification models are compared, generated using learning files acquired on the basis of information contained in digital photographs of five selected pests. In order to classify the pests, neural modeling methods were used, including digital image analysis techniques. The qualitative analysis of the neural models enabled the selection of optimal neuron topology that was characterized by the highest classification capability. As representative graphi...

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of the Process of Sugar Beet Storage on Its Biochemical Methane Potential

Energies

The manner of storage of sugar beets largely influences their physical and chemical properties, w... more The manner of storage of sugar beets largely influences their physical and chemical properties, which may subsequently determine their biochemical methane potential. In this study, samples of fresh sugar beets as well as beets stored in two ways—in airtight conditions and in an open-air container—were tested. In both cases, measurements were taken on specific dates, i.e., after 4, 8, 16 and 32 weeks of storage. A decrease in pH was observed in all samples, with the lowest decrease occurring in hermetically stored samples. The lowest pH value of 3.71 was obtained for sugar beets stored in an open-air container after 32 weeks of storage. During storage, a gradual decrease in total solids was also recorded along with accompanying losses of organic matter, more significant in the case of storage in an open-air container. In subsequent storage periods, the biogas/methane production efficiency differed slightly for both methods. The highest volume of biogas was obtained for fresh sugar be...

Research paper thumbnail of Energy Efficiency of Comminution and Extrusion of Maize Substrates Subjected to Methane Fermentation

Energies

The production of methane in the anaerobic digestion process is a proven technology, but it is ch... more The production of methane in the anaerobic digestion process is a proven technology, but it is characterized by low cost-effectiveness. The pretreatment of substrates seems to be a promising technology, which may increase the cost-effectiveness of biogas installations. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the comminution and extrusion of maize silage and maize straw silage on the course and yield of anaerobic digestion. The use of a pretreatment (comminution, extrusion) is justified when its energy balance is positive. The greatest increase in the methane yield per dry matter (12.4%) was observed after the extrusion of maize straw silage at 175 °C. The change in the methane yield resulting from the extrusion of maize silage and maize straw silage at 150 °C was small and amounted to 6.4% and 9%, respectively. The comminution caused an increase in the methane yield and accelerated the fermentation of substrates. The methane yield from maize silage was 38.4%, wherea...

Research paper thumbnail of The Efficiency of Industrial and Laboratory Anaerobic Digesters of Organic Substrates: The Use of the Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient

Energies

This study is an elaboration on the conference article written by the same authors, which present... more This study is an elaboration on the conference article written by the same authors, which presented the results of laboratory tests on the biogas efficiency of the following substrates: maize silage (MS), pig manure (PM), potato waste (PW), and sugar beet pulp (SB). This article presents methane yields from the same substrates, but also on a technical scale. Apart from that, it presents an original methodology of defining the Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient (BMPCC) based on the calculation of biomass conversion on an industrial scale and on a laboratory scale. The BMPCC was introduced as a tool to enable uncomplicated verification of the operation of a biogas plant to increase its efficiency and prevent undesirable losses. The estimated BMPCC values showed that the volume of methane produced in the laboratory was overestimated in comparison to the amount of methane obtained under technical conditions. There were differences observed for each substrate. They rang...