Technological Characteristic of Futures Based on Virtual Assets

A virtual asset is a type of asset which does not have a material representation, although its value is reflected in a real currency. Due to their nature, the price of digital assets is usually highly volatile, especially with futures, which are derivative financial contracts. This is the most important contributing factor to the problem of the low usability of digital-based contracts in enterprise operations.Previously existing virtual assets included photography, logos, illustrations, animations, audiovisual media, etc. However, virtually all of such assets required a third-party platform for exchange to currency. The necessity of having a trusted by both sides mediator greatly limited the ease of use, and ultimately restricted the number of such transactions. Still, popularity of digital assets only grew, as evidenced by an explosive growth of software applications in the 2000s, as well as blockchain-based asset space in the 2010s.The newest and most promising solution developed is based on cryptoassets. Underlying usage of block- chain technology for the transactions checking and storage ensures clarity in virtual assets’ value history. Smart contracts written for the Ethereum platform, as an example, provide a highly trustful way of express- ing predefined conditions of a certain transaction. This allows safe and calculated enterprise usage, and also eliminates the need of having a mutually trusted third-party. The transactions are fully automated and happen at the same time as the pre-defined external conditions are met.Ethereum was chosen as an exemplary platform due to its high flexibility and amount of existing development. Even now, further advancements are being explored by its founder and community. Besides Ether, it is also used nоn-fungible tokens, decentralized finance, and enterprise blockchain solutions. Another important point is how much more nature friendly it is compared to main competitors, due to energy-efficiency of the mining process, enforced by the platform itself. This makes it ideal for responsible usage as well as further research.This article explores the digital assets usage, as well as explains cryptoassets technological background, in order to highlight the recent developments in the area of futures based on virtual assets, using certain Ether implementation as an example, which offers perpetual futures.

The Second Generation Electromobility in Polish Urban Public Transport: The Factors and Mechanisms of Spatial Development

One of the key challenges on the road to sustainable mobility is the development of low/zero emission urban public transport (UPT). This is crucial in order to meet environmental requirements aiming at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. In some countries (e.g., Poland) reduction of air pollution is also an important reason behind the implementation of low/zero emission UPT. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors and mechanisms influencing the development of modern electromobility in Polish UPT. We have examined all 242 UPT systems in the country in terms of the characteristics of the relevant urban municipalities, such as size, economic prosperity, level of human and social capital, development paths of urban public transport in the long term as well as the institutional context and proximity and connections to other cities with experience in electromobility. Classification and statistical methods are used based on a variety of approaches, as assigning a score to various preliminarily identified indicators or applying correlation between quantities to verify the formulated hypotheses. Our analysis demonstrates that electromobility adoption is the result of a combination of favourable economic, urban, social and technological characteristic features of a given city. Zero or low emission buses are more common in large cities which are highly positioned in urban hierarchy, economically sound and which are characterized by a well-developed tertiary economy as well as by high human capital. An additional factor that positively influences the implementation of electromobility—in particular at the very first stage—is proximity to the location of low emission bus producers. The leadership in modern electromobility can be understood as part of a broader, proactive development policy of the cities aimed at improving the quality of life of their residents. This is especially important in medium-sized towns where utilizing electric vehicles can be an instrument to maintain or even develop their role and status. The results of the article may provide a basis for creating sustainable urban policies, especially sustainable mobility and improving environmental quality.

USING THE SeDeM-ODT METHOD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GK-2 TABLETS DISPERSED IN THE ORAL CAVITY

Introduction. The SeDeM-ODT method is a relatively new method based on expert judgment and pie charts, which reflect 15 main parameters of the suitability of a dosage form for direct compression and dispersibility in the oral cavity.The purpose of the research presented in this article is to study the pharmaceutical substance (API) GK-2 (bis- (N-monosuccinyl-L-glutamyl-L-lysine)hexamethyleneamide) using the SeDeM-method, to determine the direction for the correction of technological properties using excipients and to develop using the presented methods of the composition of tablets GK-2, dispersible in the oral cavity.Materials and methods. Preparation of tablets – manual hydraulic press PRG-50; method for determining flowability (GPM.1.4.2.0016.15, GP XIV, volume 2) – bulk density analyzer (ERWEKA SVM 221), GTB flowability tester (ERWEKA, Germany); crushing strength of tablets (GPM.1.4.1.0011.15, GP XIV, volume 2) – strength analyzer TBF 1000 CopleyScientific® (Great Britain); method for determining disintegration (GPM.1.4.2.0013.15, GP XIV edition, volume 2) – PTZ-S disintegration tester (Pharma Test, Germany); weight loss on drying (GPM.1.2.1.0010.15, GP XIV edition, volume 1) – moisture analyzer Sartorius MA-35 (Sartorius AG, Germany); determination of fractional composition – a vibrating sieve with pore sizes: 850, 600, 425, 300 and 250 microns, is used to determine the particle size distribution; tablet abrasion tester (GPM.1.4.2.0004.15, GP XIV edition, volume 2) – tablet abrasion tester PTF 30 ERA (Pharma Test, Germany); Optical microscopy (GPM.1.2.1.0009.15, GP XIV edition, volume I) – microscope Nicon, Eclipse E 200; digital camera Nicon Ds-Ri2. The data were processed using the SeDeM and SeDeM-ODT methods.Results. Model formulations have been developed containing various types of co-process fillers and a sliding excipient, which have been studied using the main pharmaceutical-technological methods and optical microscopy. Based on the data obtained, SeDeM-ODT diagrams were constructed, in which the parameters were converted into “radii”, reflecting the degree of acceptability for each technological characteristic. In addition, the following factors were calculated from the pie charts: volumetric parameter, compressibility coefficient, flowability parameter, stability coefficient, dosage coefficient, dispersibility coefficient, as well as the index of good pressing, the parametric index and the parametric index of the profile.Conclusion. As a result of the data obtained, the most optimal composition was selected that was acceptable for all the factors under consideration and had the highest values of the parametric index.

Performance and Key Factors of Cloud Computing Implementation in the Public Sector

The reason to explain the cloud computing assimilation, as well as the understanding of the operational performance, still remains unclear. To investigate this issue, this study has examined the assimilation of cloud computing by examining the organization’s implementation of cloud computing and performance in the Malaysian public sector. Grounded by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), Technology-Organization-Environment Framework (TOE) and IS Success Model. This study proposes a framework by decomposing Technological characteristic, Organizational characteristics, Environmental characteristics and Human characteristics as factors. A total of 169 agencies from the Malaysian public sector have participated in this study. Data for all the study variables have been collected through self-administered survey questionnaires and analysed using SEM-PLS. The study has shown that the effect of the operational effectiveness of cloud implementation is at a lower level. The study also reveals that factors of relative advantage, compatibility, perceived risks, top management support, and organizational readiness are found to have a significant effect on cloud computing implementation. However, both external support and government regulations are not significant to the cloud computing implementation in the Malaysian public sector. The results indicate that the model provides a good understanding of the factors that influence the implementation of cloud computing as well as operational performance.

Inulin enhances nutritional, sensorial and technological characteristics of synbiotic yogurt drink

PurposeIn recent years, global demand for functional foods grew tremendously due to the rising trend of health-conscious consumers. Driven by increased awareness of probiotic products, consumption of yogurt drink is gaining popularity across all age groups. In the present study, the authors aimed to assess sensorial, nutritional and technological properties of synbiotic yogurt drink enriched with prebiotic inulin.Design/methodology/approachSensory analysis, proximate compositions, viscosity, viable count and DPPH radical scavenging activity were examined in control (without inulin) and 3 variants of inulin-supplemented synbiotic yogurt drink, namely F1 (4%, inulin), F2 (4.5% inulin) and F3 (5% inulin).FindingsEvaluated by 75 consumer panellists on 9-point hedonic scales, F3 showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher overall acceptability (5.79 ± 1.94) compared to control. In addition to lower calorie content (36.52 kcal/100 ml), nutritional and technological properties of F3 [total dietary fibre content (4.03 ± 0.04 g/100 ml), viscosity (28 ± 6.93 cP), viable count (87.00 ± 4.00 × 106 CFU/ml S. thermophilus; 14.67 ± 3.51 × 106 CFU/ml L. bulgaricus) and antioxidant activity (50.40 ± 1.80%)] were significantly (p < 0.05) improved compared to control. Remarkably, the new formulation complied with nutrient criteria for Healthier Choice Logo Malaysia in addition to meeting requirements for “low fat” and “high dietary fibre” contents according to Malaysia Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims. Hence, we conclude that 5% inulin improved nutritional and technological characteristic in synbiotic yogurt drink without compromising consumers' acceptance.Originality/valueThis novel study showcases the incorporation of prebiotic inulin in the development of synbiotic yogurt drink. Remarkably, this new formulation complied with the nutrient criteria for Healthier Choice Logo Malaysia in addition to meeting the requirements for “low fat” and “high dietary fibre” contents according to Malaysia Guide to Nutrition Labelling and Claims. More importantly, results have contributed knowledge to existing literature as well as benefits food manufacturers in creating healthy yogurt drinks to better meet the needs and expectations of health-conscious consumers without compromising hedonic perceptions.

Phytochemical and technological characterization of canistel dehydrated pulp: a new potential food ingredient

Canistel (Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni) is a tropical fruit with a yellow pulp due to the presence of carotenoids, which may be interesting for application by the food industry. The aim of this research was to analyze the phytochemical and technological characteristic of dehydrated canistel pulp by thermal dehydration and freeze-drying techniques. Test for antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging; ferric reducing antioxidant power - FRAP), total polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids content (UV-Vis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy), color, and hygroscopic properties were performed. The freeze-dried sample showed a higher carotenoids concentration, more intense coloring and better hydration properties than the thermally dehydrated sample. Functional groups such as water, carotenoids, primary and secondary amides, aldehydes groups, phenolic acids, aromatic rings, cellulose, polysaccharides and niacin were identified by FTIR in both samples. Ingredient obtained by freeze drying showed better technological characteristics, allowing its use by the food industry.

Replacement of old flotation cells in the flotation plant of the Lece mine

Russian made FPM-GMO-1.6 flotation machines were previously installed for primary stage flotation concentration of lead and zinc minerals in Lece flotation plant. For cleaning stage FMR-10 flotation machines were in use. Beside low technological characteristic, hard maintenance and worn out are characteristic of this machines. In order to modernize the production and eliminate the above shortcomings primarily in the process of lead minerals flotation, in 2020, the old flotation cells were replaced with new ones. Currently, 8 new RCS-5 cells for coarse and scavengel flotation of lead minerals and 4 RCS-3 cells for cleaning of coarse lead mineral concentrate are working on the lead flotation line in Lece flotation. These cells were produced by Metso Minerals from Finland. Flotation cells, which are installed, have modern technical - technological characteristics, with all the accompanying equipment for automatic control of pulp levels and air consumption. This paper presents comparative characteristics of old and new flotation cells, their appearance and characteristics and technological results achieved in flotation with old and new cells.

Coating thickness of the restored contact of electrical equipment and the method of its determination

The regularities of the formation of the main variants of coatings obtained by gas-plasma spraying with subsequent liquid-phase sintering, depending on the conditions of wetting the powder particles with the melt and the porosity of the sprayed layer, have been established. The analysis of methods for controlling the thickness of thermal gas coatings, which indicates the advantages and disadvantages of three methods of measuring the thickness: magnetic, electromagnetic (eddy currents) and metallographic. The research of the dependence of the thermal power of the plasma jet (directly affects the thickness of the sprayed coating) on the thermal equivalent of the electric power of the arc was carried out; dependence is characterized by an effective efficiency. As a result of the research, the thickness of the sprayed coatings of the contacts and the tolerances for their processing were calculated depending on the height of the contact piece. Coating thickness is the shortest distance between the coating surface at a given point and the base metal surface. As a technological characteristic, the thickness affects such an important performance property as the strength of the bond with the base metal. Increasing the thickness of the coating above the optimum leads not only to a deterioration in quality (decrease in bond strength), but also to economic costs. The coating was applied to a given area due to the linear movement of the spray device in combination with either the transverse displacement of the spray device or contact piece. With a single linear movement of the spray device, the sprayed material forms a uniform coating layer, the cross-section of which is described by the Gaussian curve. The requirements for the thickness of the sprayed layer are indicated in the technological documentation, based on the uniformity of the distribution of the coating thickness on the contact surface. The required thickness of the sprayed coating was determined based on the thickness of the working layer, the tolerance for subsequent processing and the tolerance for the dimensions of the contact piece and the thickness of the sprayed layer. The thickness of the sprayed coating on the contacts, in which the lost dimensions are restored, provided for a tolerance for their following processing: turning and grinding. As a result, the thicknesses of the sprayed coatings of the contacts and the tolerances for their machining were calculated depending on the height of the contact piece (the number of switching cycles of the sprayed contact pieces). In thermal spraying of coatings, the build-up of parts occurs at a relatively high rate, that is, approximately 10 - 20 times faster than electrolytic deposition of steel and approximately 100 - 200 times faster than electrolytic chromium plating.

Comparative Technological Characteristic of the Aligote 61-6 and Aligote N 10 Clones, Cultivated in the Soil and Climatic Conditions of the Region of Pleven

In the period 2011–2013 a technological characteristic of the Ukrainian clone Aligote 61-6 was made at the Institute of Viticulture and Enology – Pleven. The Bulgarian candidate-clone Aligote N 10 was used for control. During the grapes ripening, the dynamics of sugar accumulation was monitored. Upon technological maturity the indicators of the yields were accounted and mechanical analysis was performed. The chemical composition of the must, the obtained wines and their organoleptic qualities were analyzed. In its mechanical composition, Aligote 61-6 was typically wine one and it did not differ significantly in the texture and structure of the cluster and berry from the control. The theoretical yield of both clones was high. They exhibited good sugar accumulation and similar acid content. Grapes from the control had better technological indicators for obtaining wines of optimal chemical composition and quality. In the 2011 and 2013 vintages, the control wines exceeded those of the Ukrainian clone in terms of sugar-free extract content. The experimental wines Aligote N 10 had higher titratable acidity compared to the Ukrainian clone. The difference in the phenolic substances ratio and the colour intensity in the samples from both clones were insignificant. The control wines were superior in their organoleptic qualities to those of the Ukrainian clone.