Design closure, i.e., adjustment of geometry parameters to boost the performance, is a challenging stage of antenna design process. Given complexity of contemporary structures, reliable parameter tuning requires numerical optimization and can be executed using local algorithms. Yet, EM-driven optimization is a computationally expensive endeavour and reducing its cost is highly desirable. In this paper, a modification of the trust-region gradient search algorithm is proposed for accelerated optimization of antenna structures. The algorithm is based on sparse updates of antenna sensitivities involving various methods that include the Broyden formula used for selected parameters, as well as dimensionality- and convergence-dependent acceptance thresholds which enable additional speedup, and make the procedure easy to tune for various numbers of antenna parameters. Comprehensive verification executed for a set of benchmark antennas delivers consistent results and considerable cost reduction of up to 60 percent with respect to the reference algorithm. Experimental validation is also provided.

The aim of the article is to determine the main factors responsible for development of Podlaskie Voivodeship in the last 15 years and to answer the question whether they were suffi ciently strong impulse to divert the region from its development path. The research is based on the results of in-depth interviews with the main actors of the regional scene (representing administration, business and science). Statistical data and strategic documents (regional development strategies and regional innovation strategies) was employed in a supporting role. The development of the region has long been based on natural resources, especially agri-food industry (in particular milk production) and tourism. Implementing the concept of smart specialization in the region is seen as a big chance for agri-food industry and sectors linked in the value chain. However the chance to changing the development path of the whole region and moving to higher levels of innovation is very doubtful.

The main research question in this article concerns the factors responsible for development of Brandenburg in the last 15 years, which enable to divert the region from its previous development model. For answering this question the method of individual, in-depth interviews with the main actors on the regional scene was used, supported by desk research and statistical data analysis. The development of Brandenburg was strongly infl uenced by external factors as consequences of functioning under the conditions of centrally planned economy and façade democracy (as GDR), the unifi cation of Germany, the necessity of transformation and restructuring with strong support of external funding, finally moving the capital city of Germany to Berlin. However of crucial importance was a conscious, pragmatic and consistently implemented policy of the regional authorities based on the idea of territorial and sectoral concentration (instead of the idea Gieβkanneprinzip).

The aim of the article is to determine the main factors responsible for development of Podkarpackie Voivodeship in the last 15 years and to answer the question whether they were suffi ciently strong impulse to divert the region from its development model. The main method used for identifying the factors that determine the development of the region was individual, in-depth interviews with the main actors on the regional scene, supported by desk research analysis (of the voivodeship’s strategic and operational documents) and statistical data analysis (Central Statistical Office and Eurostat). The research highlights the importance of the immobile and intangible development factors – a high quality of strategic thinking of local and especially regional authorities and consistent implementation of development policies, a high level of social capital, extensive networks and the ability to co-operate – which have helped to eliminate the limitations resulting from the weakness of other factors.

An elaborate study executed in the direction of exploring energy saving potential shows that more than 20% of electrical energy used in industry is used for pump systems. Experts calculate that more than 30% of this energy can be saved by improving control and diagnosis for pump systems. Unfortunately, the application ratio of such system is small and consequently a large demand for such technological advanced systems can still be observed in the pump industry. Because of this reason and still growing demand of saving energy in industry, two Universities in Germany and Switzerland together with leading German pump manufacturer decided to join their knowledge and skill to work on the project called "Smart Pump". This paper presents one of the first results of this project, which goal is the development of future control methods and diagnosis systems for intelligent pumps.

This paper presents investigations on the removal of cyclohexane and ethanol from air in polyurethane- -packed biotrickling filters, inoculated with Candida albicans and Candida subhashii fungal species. Results on process performance together with flow cytometry analyses of the biofilm formed over packing elements are presented and discussed. The results indicate that the presence of ethanol enhances the removal efficiency of cyclohexane from air. This synergistic effect may be attributed to both co-metabolism of cyclohexane with ethanol as well as increased sorption efficiency of cyclohexane to mineral salt medium in the presence of ethanol. Maximum elimination capacities of 89 g m-3 h-1 and 36.7 g m-3 h-1 were noted for cyclohexane and ethanol, respectively, when a mixture of these compounds was treated in a biofilter inoculated with C. subhashii. Results of flow cytometry analyses after 100 days of biofiltration revealed that about 91% and 88% of cells in biofilm remained actively dividing, respectively for C. albicans and C. subhashii species, indicating their good condition and ability to utilize cyclohexane and ethanol as a carbon source.