Comparison of polarization switching in ferroelectric TGS and relaxor SBN crystals

The comparative experimental analysis of polarization reversal kinetics in conventional homogeneous triglycine sulfate ((NH_{2}CH_{2}COOH)_{3} \cdot H_{2}SO_{4}; TGS) and relaxor strontium barium niobate (Sr_{0.61}Ba_{0.39}Nb_{2}O_{6}; SBN) crystals have been performed in a broad range of measurement conditions. The experimental data have been collected from microscopic observation of the domain structure, switching current and D-E hysteresis loop registration. The hysteresis loop and dielectric spectra have a strong link to the configuration of ferroelectric microdomains. The domain structure dynamics was examined by the nematic liquid crystal (NLC) method.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Parallel Implementation of the Discrete Green's Function Formulation of the FDTD Method on a Multicore Central Processing Unit

Parallel implementation of the discrete Green's function formulation of the finite-difference time-domain (DGF-FDTD) method was developed on a multicore central processing unit. DGF-FDTD avoids computations of the electromagnetic field in free-space cells and does not require domain termination by absorbing boundary conditions. Computed DGF-FDTD solutions are compatible with the FDTD grid enabling the perfect hybridization of FDTD with the use of time-domain integral equation methods. The developed implementation can be applied to simulations of antenna characteristics. For the sake of example, arrays of Yagi-Uda antennas were simulated with the use of parallel DGF-FDTD. The efficiency of parallel computations was investigated as a function of the number of current elements in the FDTD grid. Although the developed method does not apply the fast Fourier transform for convolution computations, advantages stemming from the application of DGF-FDTD instead of FDTD can be demonstrated for one-dimensional wire antennas when simulation results are post-processed by the near-to-far-field transformation

The role of sport in the Smart City concept

Sport brings to cities innovative solutions that influence urban life, yet considerations about sport still rarely contribute to the development of the very popular smart city concept. This raises the question: what is the perception of sport in the city from the perspective of the smart city concept? One of the challenges of future urban policy is to provide initiatives that ensure the wellbeing and promote the model of a healthy city, especially during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, sport creates an opportunity to combat these challenges. The study provides an in-depth literature review on sport factors influencing smart city domains through a systematic review process. Exploring this topic creates a paradigm for future studies regarding the discourse on smart cities and the impact of sport on the evolution of cities of tomorrow. In particular, it indicates potential areas of interest from the point of view of local authorities and policymakers, who are able to incorporate governance through sport agendas

Spirits tourism (spiritourism) in Poland on the example of museums of vodka

The paper presents a new type of drink tourism, namely spirits tourism (spiritourism), whose development recently has gained momentum in Poland owing to, among others, the establishment of two original culinary museums in Warsaw devoted entirely to vodka. Visitors can see raw materials, production stages, types of vodkas and learn about the Polish vodka consumption culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. The paper sets out to identify vodka as an element of Poland’s national culinary heritage. Subsequent part identifies spirits tourism (spiritourism) and discusses motivation behind practicing this type of beverage tourism, as well as outlines the profile of a spirittourist. The last section presents the operation of the culinary museums dedicated to Polish vodka, which contribute to the development of spirits tourism. The research objective was implemented with the use of nonreactive research – a method of content analysis, which uses data from secondary literature, as well as the technique of participant observation during several study visits to the culinary museums devoted to vodka in the years 2019–2020, which are located in the Polish capital

Traditional cake products as a culinary tourism attraction from the regional perspective

The paper presents a theoretical explanation of the concept of “cake products”, classification of said products and a brief history of pastry-making. The authors discuss individual cake products from the regional perspective, as well as outline an overview of cake products inscribed on the List of Traditional Products in Poland in the category: “bakery products and confectionery”. Lastly, the paper presents selected culinary tourism attractions in Poland that are believed to promote regional, traditional or local cake products, thus attracting gourmets to certain specific places