One of the least expensive and safest diagnostic modalities routinely used is ultrasound imaging. An attractive development in this field is a two-dimensional (2D) matrix probe with three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The main problems to implement this probe come from a large number of elements they need to use. When the number of elements is reduced the side lobes arising from the transducer change along with the grating lobes that are linked to the periodic disposition of the elements. The grating lobes are reduced by placing the elements without any consideration of the grid. In this study, the Binary Bat Algorithm (BBA) is used to optimize the number of active elements in order to lower the side lobe level. The results are compared to other optimization methods to validate the proposed algorithm.

This article describes the role of street art in the context of the city’s competitiveness and creativity. In addition, the study examines the perception of street art by residents of various cities in terms of its acceptance, associations, and impact on the image and competitiveness of cities. Based on selected examples from Poland, manifestations of street art were indicated as a determinant of the direction of changes in the image of the city’s architecture and urban layout. The entire discussion was set in the framework of a literature review, case study, and survey research. The article deals with the issues of urban artistic articulations and their impact on the increase in the level of social participation, growing creativity in public space and increasing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the city. By presenting numerous examples, the importance of street art was indicated as an element influencing the city’s popularity and attractiveness. Moreover, the manner of perception of street art among residents was presented, taking into account their place of residence in terms of population. The interdisciplinary approach implemented made it possible to confirm the purposefulness of using the activities of street artists in the space of our existence, in giving a unique identity of urban spaces, thus influencing the competitiveness of cities. Acceptance and positive perception of street art should make city authorities aware of how important this artistic current can become from the perspective of managing the city’s image.