Public Participation GIS for sustainable urban mobility planning: methods, applications and challenges

Sustainable mobility planning is a new approach to planning, and as such it requires new methods of public participation, data collection and data aggregation. In the article we present an overview of Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) methods with potential use in sustainable urban mobility planning. We present the methods using examples from two recent case studies conducted in Polish cities of Poznań and Łodź. Sustainable urban mobility planning is a cyclical process, and each stage has different data and participatory requirements. Consequently, we situate the PPGIS methods in appropriate stages of planning, based on potential benefits they may bring into the planning process. We discuss key issues related to participant recruitment and provide guidelines for planners interested in implementing methods presented in the paper. The article outlines future research directions stressing the need for systematic case study evaluation

Potential applications of volcanic aluminosilicates

The article presents the contemporary possibilities of applications of micro-and nano-particles of volcanic tuff consisting of alluminosilicates and a series of spatial phases and oxide minerals. Describes examples of existing uses occurring in tuffs feldspars and micas, and the potential application of these materials include in environmental protection, construction, cosmetics, powder metallurgy, and as fillers in plastics. It also provides the possibility of using tuffs in metal alloys strenghtening particles and dispersion. Also presented results of studies of the structure and properties of selected Filipowice tuff

Geo-questionnaire in urban planning – preliminary results of the experimental application in Poland

Changes in the attitude of local authorities towards the public participation in the decision making processes have prompted development of new methods of such involvement. As far as the urban planning is concerned, of particular potential is the so-called Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS). One of the tools used for the purpose is a geo-questionnaire, combining the benefits of a standard questionnaire and a map, which permits collecting information on particular sites and on the respondents’ ideas on localisation of new objects and functionalities.Within the project “Geoportal supporting public participation in urban planning”, in the years 2015–2016, a study was undertaken to explore the effectiveness and usefulness of the geo-questionnaire. Five pilot studies were performed in the Poznań and Łódź agglomerations. The geo-questionnaires concerned the local spatial management plan in Rokietnica (Poznań agglomeration), landscape protection in Łódź, conception of the transportation system development in Łódź, conception of urban design of the Łazarski Market in Poznań, and the Map of Local Needs in the city center of Poznań. The aim of the study was to present the preliminary results of the initial implementations of geo-questionnaire developed within the project Geoportal supporting public participation in urban planning. The applications of geo-questionnaire have been analysed taking into account the characteristics of implementation areas, characteristics of users, the effectiveness of recruitment methods and opinions about the tool from two points of view: the respondents and the recipients of results

Impact of Flax Fiber Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of Solid and Foamed Geopolymer Concrete

The main objective of this study is to develop the advanced composites for civil engineering applications as material for the building industry, especially for an insulation purpose. The research processes include several steps. Firstly, the prototype elements, such as bricks and elevation elements were performed from eco-friendly composite -flax fiber reinforced geopolymer. The elements were designed to take into consideration for environment. Geopolymers are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and resource efficient, including energy demand. Next, the wall was built from these elements and exposed during the three months in a relevant environment. The main conclusion of the research is that the kind of fibers is important for the mechanical properties of the composite, including the fact that for those different fibers could be more beneficial for different raw materials, giving higher strength properties. The significant influence on the mechanical properties of the composites has the adhesion between fiber and material used as a matrix. The adhesion depends among others on the previous treatment of the fibers

SYNTHESIS OF ZEOLITES FROM INCINERATION ASH AND SLAG

The work concerns the possibility of the use of secondary waste from waste incineration processes for the production of zeolites. The study used fly ash and slag from national waste incineration plants. The test materials were subjected to hydrothermal alkaline activation in aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, the molar concentrations of the various variants. The research revealed the usefulness of this type of material for the synthesis of zeolites –obtained sodalite. Presents the results of analyzes of the SEM / EDS and XRD for the most efficient synthesis processes

Engineering Properties of Ternary Cementless Blended Materials

A new non-cement blended materials is developed as a full replacement of cement without alkali activator. This study was conducted to explore a suitable method for activating new ternary green materials with desulfurization gypsum, water-quenched blast-furnace slag and co-fired fly ash from circulating fluidized bed combustion as non-cement inorganic binder. Test subject was included flowability, compressive strength, absorption, total charge-passed from rapid chloride permeability test, chloride diffusion coefficient from accelerated chloride migration test and SEM observation. Test results indicate that a ternary mixture containing 1% desulfurization gypsum, 60% water-quenched blast-furnace slag and 39% co-fired fly ash was a suitable development in compressive strength. The new non-cement blended materials were performed a well compressive strength, lower absorption, and lower chloride diffusion coefficient. In addition, the compressive strength decreased as the inclusion of desulfurization gypsum increased. It was concluded that using desulfurization gypsum alone decreased the setting time and compressive strength. SEM micrographs were verified the development in compressive strength originated from the C-S-H and C-A-S-H gel produced by Ca(OH)2, SiO2, and Al2O3

Development and Characterization of Thermal Insulation Geopolymer Foams Based on Fly Ash

The main purpose of the article is to present the differences in the parameters of geopolymer foams obtained in the same way, which is associated with difficulties in controlling the foaming process. Difficulties in controlling the foaming process of geopolymers are the direct reason for the lack of implementation of such materials nowadays. The article shows the results for experimental research, especially research into insulation, physical, and mechanical properties for the designated foamed materials. Microspheres (75%), sand (5%) and fly ash (20%) were used to produce foamed geopolymers. Hydrogen peroxide was the foaming agent. Heat conduction coefficients of 0.08-0.07 W/mK were obtained. The material density was obtained at the level of 363-375 [kg/m3] and the compressive strength was 520-683 [kPa]. The results showed that geopolymers can be a good alternative to conventional insulation materials, but the foaming technology should be developed so that it is stable and allows for reproducible material parameters

Lipid profile after switching from TDF (tenofovir disoproxil)-containing to TAF (tenofovir alafenamide)-containing regimen in virologically suppressed people living with HIV

Background. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or its prodrug tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) are currently being recommended in treatment of HIV infection. Distinct pharmacological properties of these two forms of a this drug make TAF treatment less nephrotoxic and lead to better impact on bone density. Nevertheless, there is a rising concern about possible metabolic adverse effects of TAF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on the lipid profile among ART (antiretroviral therapy)-experienced patients switching from TDF‑containing to TAF‑containing regimen in the first year after the switch. Methods. Demographic and clinical data of HIV‑positive ART‑experienced patients treated in infectious diseases department was retrospectively collected. Changes of lipid profile with regards to baseline BMI, age and time of ART duration were analyzed. Results. In the group of 36 patients there was a significant increase in total cholesterol levels (+18.43 mg/dl, SD = 23.86 mg/dl, p < 0.0001) and LDL levels (+13.75 mg/dl SD = 23.05 mg/dl, p = 0.001) in first 12 months after switching from TDF‑containing to TAF‑containing regimen. There were no statistically significant changes in both HDL and TG levels observed. Analysis of total cholesterol and LDL levels in certain subpopulations revealed a significant increase within first year after the switch in patients younger than 40 years old and in those whose BMI was within normal range. Conclusions. Presented data suggests that switching from TDF to TAF in ART‑experienced patients may be associated with worsening lipid parameters. Early detection and management of dyslipidemias among HIV‑positive patients are needed

Development of 3D Printing Technology for Geopolymers

The article presents the first results of the project under the title: ‘Development of 3D printing technology for construction and facade prefabricated elements made of concrete composites and geopolymers’, grant no. POIR.04.01.04-00-0096/18, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development in Poland, within the framework of programme: ‘Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020, IV Increasing the research potential, 4.1.4: ‘Application projects’. The main aim of the project is design and development of the innovative large-format printer using geopolymers for 3D printing for residential houses. It allows the development of a technology for the production of a universal residential building, with a construction that is easy to transport and fast to assemble, as well as with the possibility of simple and quick expansion depending on the needs of users. The article shows the main idea of the advanced large format 3D printing for geopolymers with using an ergonomic printing method as well as materials research in modern filaments in the form of geopolymers