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The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is one of the multi-criteria methods with tools that are effective for decision-making in complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). This approach, in combination with other available methods, such as the Utrecht Method, allows medical professionals and patients themselves to take a balanced choice of special treatment and health control. This is particularly important for pregnant women who suffer from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP). The mechanisms of toxicosis occur, and the way of treatment have certain uncertainties. The decision-making process for therapeutic care must consider several factors, the determination of which is the result of collaboration between the patient and the healthcare provider. This paper presents the results of a decision-making study regarding the use of the ginger medicinal plant in helping a woman with NVP symptoms. The research was conducted using the original questionnaire according to the methodology proposed by the developers of the Utrecht Method. The chosen respondents were healthcare professionals with experience in treating NVP and pregnant women. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) capabilities in decision-making were shown in an example of analyzing the benefits, risks, and side effects of using ginger during pregnancy. The combination of two methodological approaches allowed to successfully connect the proven facts of using CAM therapy with the subjective assessment of all stakeholders. The study demonstrates that this approach successfully uses decision-making by structuring hierarchical decision elements and weighing the criteria involved in the decision-making issue. The article examines the practicality and effectiveness of using AHP when making decisions regarding the treatment and improvement of the condition of pregnant women with NVP, and summarizes the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the effectiveness of this method. The presented combination of two methodological approaches in decision-making allows for choosing an optimized medical strategy for supporting pregnant women through CAM therapy.

During energy transition, where sustainability and environmental protection are increasingly prioritized, ensuring safety in coal exploitation remains a critical issue, especially in the context of worker safety. This research focuses on predicting methane concentrations in underground mines, which is vital for both safety and operational efficiency. The article presents a methodology developed to predict methane concentrations at specific points in mine workings using artificial neural networks. The core of this methodology is a forecasting model that allows for the selection and adjustment of the neural network to the phenomenon being studied. This model, based on measurements of ventilation parameters, including methane concentrations in a given area, enables the prediction of gas concentrations at measurement points. The results indicate that with appropriate neural network selection and based on ventilation measurements, it is possible to forecast methane concentrations at acceptable levels in selected excavation points. The effectiveness of these forecasts depends on their timing and the input data to the model. The presented example of applying this methodology in a real mine working demonstrates its high efficiency. The best results were obtained for a 5 min forecast, with slightly less accuracy for longer times (10, 15, 30, and 60 min), though all results remained at an acceptable level. Therefore, it can be concluded that the developed methodology can be successfully applied in underground mining operations to forecast dangerous methane concentrations. Its implementation should improve mining efficiency by reducing instances of exceeding permissible methane concentrations and enhance occupational safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, horizontal-axial wind turbines with blades having a wing profile occupied a predominant position in the world wind energy market. But currently, vertical-axial wind units are of increasing interest and this is understandable from the point of view of their important features as: no requirements for the orientation of the wind turbine to the wind, the possibility of placing electrical and other equipment on the ground, no requirements for changes of blade chord installation angle along its length. The article discusses the aerodynamics of the vertical-axis wind turbines: the range of changes of angles of incoming flow attack on the blade, the dynamics of changes in the magnitude of the absolute speed of flow of the blade on a circular trajectory of its movement depending on the turbine rapidity, and also obtained in experiments interaction effect of the blades in the rotor. The experiments were carried out on wind turbines with original blades (basic version), which were designed to eliminate the shortcomings of low-speed rotors Savonius (low coefficient of use of wind energy) and high-speed rotors Darrieus (lack of self-start).

Polyurethanes are materials usable in wide spectrum of applications. This article is aimed at the properties tailoring of selected polymers by an alteration in initial materials. To achieve that goal, we proposed form the polyurethane matrix by mixing materials that have a different ratio of the initial components. Mathematical model has been developed that describes relationship of structure and strength, deformation, rheological and tribotechnical characteristics of linear block-polyurethanes based on oligoether blends. Oligoethers blend samples were obtained by injection moulding on an automatic thermoplastication machine with varying proportions of the starting components over the whole concentration range. A significant change of properties over the whole concentration range was observed and compositions with unique combination of characteristics have been determined. Obtained dependencies allow to predict the composition of the binary mixture with a tailored level of strength, deformation, rheological and tribotechnical characteristics. The obtained results are fully consistent with the practical experience of processing and exploitation of initial polyurethanes.

The tantalum carbide coatings were deposited on substrates made of 12Kh18N10T steel, ZhC6 alloy, and molybdenum by reduction of TaBr5 and CCl4 vapors with cadmium vapors at temperatures of 950–1000 K. The average deposition rate of coatings on molybdenum was ~5 μm/h, on ZhC6 alloy was ~6 μm/h, and on 12Kh18N10T steel was ~8 μm/h. The coatings were formed as columnar grains on the substrate surface and as a diffuse layer in the substrate material. The surface layers contained mainly tantalum monocarbide TaCy (y = 0.72–0.86) and a small fraction of tantalum. The coatings on the surface of ZhC6 alloy and 12Kh18N10T steel flaked off with increasing thickness, which was due to different thermal expansion of the coating and substrate, as well as concentration inhomogeneity and phase transitions in the substrate material during coating deposition and during the heating and cooling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the presented research was to investigate the operational characteristics of a bearing when alternative lubricants were used for comparison with a standard lubricant, including that containing magnetic nanoparticles. The bearing was subjected to varying operating conditions, differing in terms of mechanical load status. The monitoring of the bearing operation parameters primarily focused on monitoring the velocity and acceleration of vibrations, as well as the operating temperature of the bearing. The bearing with lubricant doped by magnetic nanoparticles exhibited reduced vibration velocity and acceleration values both under no load conditions and when subjected to a mechanical load. The operating temperature slightly increased during testing in the case of the bearing with nanoparticles compared to the bearing using the original lubricant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on experimental monitoring of tightening and floating of the belt at controlled loading of belt gear. In general, the belt gear is referred to as friction gear in practice the primary function of which is to transfer the performance as a consequence of frictional forces occurring between a driven belt pulley, a driving belt pulley and a flexible element. In experimental measurements, the flexible element is represented by a V-belt. The main advantages of the belt gears are peripheral speed, flexible engagement, silent running, vibration absorption and their price. Standard operation of the belt gear requires correct belt tightening which is achieved by movement of a pulley and a tension roll. At the same time, the belt tightening can be achieved by changing the spacing of the shaft axes used in experiments. In the case of belt gears use, specific principles must be observed. The principles include tightening of the belt with particular force which represents, in fact, primary condition of transmission of motion and force. At rest, the tension of both belt parts is identical. Complex analysis of belt gears was followed by experimental measurements on the stands designed for testing and monitoring of belt gears. For the purposes of monitoring of the belt floating there was a system designed which used a high precision sensor to measure distance between the belt and the sensor. At the same time, a device designed to determine the belt tightening was used as well. All measurements were analysed and collected data and facts were used to determine dependencies possible to be applied when the monitored parameters are evaluated. The results of experimental monitoring of the selected parameters at controlled loading of the belt gear can be useful in practice for designing, checking and maintenance operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A procedure of standard strength tests of reinforcement bars conducted at present at the ITG KOMAG is discussed. Taking advantage of the bibliographic review, concerning tests of reinforced concrete with steel reinforcement bars, a possibility of using the KOMAG testing infrastructure to broaden the scope of tests of reinforcement bars was analyzed. Due to a more and more common use of composite bars for reinforcing and strengthening concrete structures, the methods of testing their strength properties are discussed. The conditions enabling to conduct strength tests of composite reinforced concrete bars at the ITG KOMAG are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual prototyping methods are an important aspect both in the designing process and in research processes aimed at the modification and optimization of machines and devices. It allows one to analyse the way of operation, the flow of forces, the cooperation between components, as well as finding the weakest points of the structure. This article presents the possibilities of using the MBS method, which is one of the tools used in virtual prototyping, on the basis of the results of R&D projects realized at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology. The main objective of the MBS method is to simulate the kinematics and dynamics of multi-body systems, the results of which will enable a series of analyses related to the operation of machines and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of presented experimental work was to test possibility and effectiveness of the soil decontamination using Amaranthus plants and subsequent exploitation of that plant as phyto-energetic fuel of biomass for energetic purposes. Article is focused on analysis of the soil decontamination using cultivation of the plant Amaranthus caudatus. Effectiveness of this method of decontamination is studied using reference samples of various types. Moreover, exploitation of the plant as a fuel material produced of vegetable biomass and its energetic value is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper briefly presents one of the options of quantification and analysis of the influence of three selected technological parameters on the parameter of machined sur-face quality - water jet angle digression. It presents an example of numerically and graphically determined concrete relation, new information following it and following conclusions and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]