Specific Applications Research Articles

Overview of Single-Subject Design in Special Education Studies

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of single-subject design in special education research. This paper provides an insightful overview of the application of single-subject design within special education studies. The paper delves into an exploration of the fundamental concepts underlying single-subject design, its historical origins, and the wide range of purposes it serves. Furthermore, an examination of the strengths and weaknesses inherent to single-subject design is undertaken. Finally, an evaluation of withdrawal design, multiple baseline design, and alternating treatment design and their special education research application are offered. In this evaluation, the researcher specifically examines how these designs can be applied in special education research contexts. By exploring these variations, this paper provides insights into the diverse ways single-subject design can be applied to address the unique research needs and challenges in special education.

Thermally robust hierarchical nanofiber triboelectric yarns for efficient energy harvesting in firefighting E-textiles

Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) face challenges in achieving high performance and fulfilling functional requirement for special applications. This paper presents the development of a high-performance, thermally robust hierarchical polyimide (PI) nanofiber triboelectric yarns with a charge-trapping interlayer for application in firefighting E-textiles. The hierarchical nanofiber yarns, comprising a stainless-steel core electrode, a PI/MXene interlayer and PI outer tribo-layer, exhibit enhanced triboelectric performance due to the charge-trapping capabilities of MXene, which preventing the recombination of triboelectric and induced charges. When the MXene content in the charge-trapping interlayer reached 1 wt%, the corresponding TENG achieved its optimal output performance, with an output voltage of 153 V and a current of 13.13 μA and a peak power density of 0.84 W/m2 under optimal conditions. It also demonstrates exceptional thermal stability, maintaining stable output at temperatures up to 400 °C. The integration of the TENG into E-textiles enables real-time monitoring of firefighters’ physical activities and location tracking, significantly enhancing their safety and operational efficiency in fire scenarios. Additionally, the TENG powers electroluminescent yarns, improving visibility in dense smoke and dust environments. This research opens new avenues for the application of smart wearable systems in high-temperature environments, providing effective strategies for ensuring the safety of firefighters in fire rescue operations.

Exploring The Potentials and Drawbacks of Hysteresis Current Controller For SRM: A Case Study Of Wind Energy Conversion System

Switched Reluctance Machines (SRMs) have drawn interest in renewable energy systems because of their special qualities and applicability. This study examines the idea of hysteresis current regulation in a wind energy conversion system with a Switched Reluctance Generator (SRG). The system is modeled in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The model is simulated and analyzed to ascertain the system’s benefits and shortcomings, focusing on reducing torque ripples in SRG. Considering most classical controllers are complicated to construct, the hysteresis current control is straightforward and effective. However, this controller's two primary shortcomings are that it produces a variable switching frequency and increases current ripples at a steady state, both enhancing acoustic noise in SRM. Lastly, the report suggests that improving controller performance should be the primary emphasis of future research in this field.

Development of dynamic simulation model for 20 kWe micro heat pipe fission battery with dual power conversion system

Recent advancements in politics, technology, and economics have sparked interest in small-scale nuclear power generation. Heat-pipe micro-reactors, a type of small modular reactor (SMR), are ideal for remote and specialized applications like deep-sea and deep-space exploration. Traditionally, these reactors have used thermoelectric generators (TEGs) or Stirling engines for power conversion. However, TEGs suffer from low efficiency, and while Stirling engines have improved, they still have lower long-term stability compared to TEGs. Furthermore, comprehensive studies on system-level transients, dynamic behavior, and thermal responses are lacking. This study designs and models a dual power conversion system integrating TEGs and Free-Piston Stirling Generators (FPSGs) for micro heat pipe reactors to enhance efficiency, stability, and reliability. By integrating the two systems in parallel, the limitations of each technology are addressed, offering a robust solution for small, portable nuclear power generation. A dynamic simulation model incorporating the reactor core, heat pipes, and power conversion system enabled a comprehensive study of system transients and interactions. The core was modeled using thermal energy balance equations, and a thermal resistance approach was applied to the heat pipe. The TEG model included the Thomson and Seebeck effects, while neutronics feedback used a point kinetics model. The nonlinear analysis model was applied to simulate the FPSG. The system reached a stable operation after about 1000 s, generating 20kWe with 29.39% efficiency. It maintained stability without external control during transients within a specific range, demonstrating its feasibility. The TEG and FPSG exhibited independent yet complementary behaviors, ensuring reliable performance across scenarios.

A computer-vision based framework for virtual 3D garment reconstruction

AbstractExisting 3D garment reconstruction methods are difficult to implement for online fashion design and e-commerce or special applications. This paper proposes a novel computer-vision framework for 3D garment digital reconstruction, which aims to reconstruct high-quality and realistic virtual 3D garments with fabric mechanic properties for 3D virtual try-on. The new segmentation scheme is proposed to separate the 3D garment point clouds from background points, which is suitable for 3D human shapes and is adaptive for different 3D garment models in different scenes. The new Statistical Outlier Removal algorithm and the learning-based method PointCleanNet are combined to remove noise and outliers in 3D garment point clouds, which provides high-fidelity and high-quality 3D garment point clouds. The 3D garment meshes are then reconstructed from their corresponding point clouds with a modified rolling ball algorithm. Finally, the meshes are improved and converted into physics-based virtual try-on 3D garments with fabric mechanic properties added, which enables the assessment of different body shapes with varied sizes for the same reconstructed 3D garment. Comparison experiments demonstrate that our framework achieves high-quality and realistic 3D garment reconstruction and accurate 3D virtual try-on from 2D garment images. We also demonstrate the proposed framework on a large range of various garments to show this approach has a great potential for garment future technology, such as online garment shopping, garment design and manufacturing.

Using Spectral Flow Cytometry for CAR T-Cell Clinical Trials: Game Changing Technologies Enabling Novel Therapies

Monitoring chimeric antigen redirected (CAR) T-cells post-infusion in clinical trials is a specialized application of flow cytometry. Unlike the CAR T-cell monitoring for individual patients conducted in clinical laboratories, the data generated during a clinical trial will be used not only to monitor the therapeutic response of a single patient, but determine the success of the therapy itself, or even of an entire class of therapeutic compounds. The data, typically acquired at multiple testing laboratories, will be compiled into a single database. The data may also be used for mathematical modeling of cellular kinetics or to identify predictive biomarkers. With the expanded context of use, a robust, standardized assay is mandatory in order to generate a valuable and reliable data set. Hence, the requirements for assay validation, traceable calibration, technology transfer, cross-instrument standardization and regulatory compliance are high.

Closing the loop of polyurethane adhesives: Acidolysis process optimization

Polyurethane adhesive (PUA) are a specialized application of polyurethanes. Acidolysis of PUA waste yield a recycled polyol with tunable properties. This process was optimized by response surface methodology to predict the domain of parameters where the lowest of viscosity, hydroxyl, and acid values could be achieved. Relationships between temperature, polyurethane-to-polyol, and polyurethane-to-acid ratios, and viscosity, molecular weight, hydroxyl and acid values were established and optimal conditions were validated for a robust process. The polyurethane-to-acid ratio had the most significant influence on the acid value of the product. Hydroxyl value, viscosity and molecular weight were primarily affected by the polyurethane-to-polyol ratio. Using a recycled polyol obtained at 205 °C, a polyurethane-to-polyol ratio of 1.4 kg/kg, and a polyurethane-to-acid ratio of 50 kg/kg, we successfully produced a new adhesive incorporating up to 28 % recycled material. This demonstrated adhesion properties for wood applications on par with those of virgin adhesives, without experiencing crash phenomena.

Yttrium cuprates modification in linear generator application for power generation

Abstract Yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) is used for special applications in linear generators because of its excitation loss, lower weight, and higher efficiency. These qualities enable the compound to operate better than the conventional copper wire coil in the stator unit of the linear generator. However, the continuous use of YBCO in linear generators has a fundamental challenge that affects industrial production and material stability after prolonged use. This paper seeks to sustain the adoption of YBCO by improving its quality for linear generator applications. The yttrium cuprates modification (YBYbCO) was synthesized using the solid-state reaction technique by doping YBCO with ytterbium. The crystalline structure, microstructural pattern, and stability of the new sample were adequately measured and found to be structurally stable to ensure durability. It was reported that applying YBYbCO in the linear generator would lead to a 200% increase in energy generation. The higher number of particles and lower individual particulate resistance enable it to withstand chemical pressure, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the linear generator.

On trilinear and quadrilinear equations associated with the lattice Gel’fand–Dikii hierarchy

Introduced in Zhang et al. (2012), the trilinear Boussinesq equation is the natural form of the equation for the τ-function of the lattice Boussinesq system. In this paper we study various aspects of this equation: its highly nontrivial derivation from the bilinear lattice AKP equation under dimensional reduction, a quadrilinear dual lattice equation, conservation laws, and periodic reductions leading to higher-dimensional integrable maps and their Laurent property. Furthermore, we consider a higher Gel’fand–Dikii lattice system, its periodic reductions and Laurent property. As a special application, from both a trilinear Boussinesq recurrence as well as a higher Gel’fand–Dikii system of three bilinear recurrences, we establish Somos-like integer sequences.

Embracing Nature's Clockwork: Crafting Plastics for Degradation in Plant Agricultural Systems.

In the 21st century, global agriculture confronts the urgent challenge of increasing food production by 70% by 2050 while simultaneously addressing environmental and health concerns. Plastics, integral to agricultural innovation, present sustainability challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature and contribution to pollution. This perspective examines the transition to bioplastics, emphasizing their bio-based origin and their crucial characteristic of being readily biodegradable in the soil. Key bioplastics such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and biomass-derived polymers are discussed, particularly regarding the microplastic generation in soil resulting from their use in specific applications like mulch films, delivery systems, and soil conditioners. Embracing bioplastics signifies a significant step forward in achieving sustainable agriculture and addressing plastic waste. However, it is highlighted that while some bioplastics can be recovered and recycled, special applications where the plastic is in intimate contact with soil pose challenges for recovery. In these cases, that represent more than the 50% of plastics used in agriculture, meticulous design for biodegradation in soil synchronized with agricultural cycles is necessary. This approach ensures minimal environmental impact and promotes a circular approach to plastic use in agriculture.

Performance evaluation of Alccofine on mechanical behaviour of recycled refractory brick blended sustainable concrete

Purpose One of the often-employed building constituents in the construction sector is concrete, which involves hydration of cement, leading to the generation of carbon footprints during its production. Also, massive amount of natural aggregate is illegally mined, which poses serious environmental issues along with ecological misbalance. Researchers are in continuous search of appropriate substitutes to mitigate those challenges and develop innovative concrete mix. Consequently, depletion of natural resources, the disturbances to the environmental and ecological imbalance will reduce. The purpose of this study is to develop a Portland Slag Cement based novel sustainable concrete incorporating Alccofine and Recycled Refractory Brick as fractional replacement of cement and fine aggregate, respectively and evaluate its destructive, non-destructive and microstructural properties. Design/methodology/approach M25 grade of concrete adopting 0.45 water-binder proportion, with diverse percentage of Alccofine as fractional substitution of cement and 20% of recycled refractory brick (RRB) as fine aggregate, has been cast and evaluated for diverse mechanical strength following a curing of 7, 14 and 28 days. Scanning electron microscopic analysis has been carried out to study the microstructural changes in the specimens. Findings Supplementary use of Alccofine enhanced normal compressive strength of sustainable concrete mix blended with Portland Slag Cement by a large amount at all levels of 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. Test results indicated development of a favourable high-strength sustainable concrete mix by substituting cement with Alccofine. Originality/value This manuscript has demonstrated the possibility of developing sustainable concrete blends by incorporating Alccofine 1203 and RRB as partial replacement of Portland Slag Cement and natural fine aggregate, respectively. The strength and potential of concrete incorporating RRB for wider and special application in adverse environmental conditions having higher thermal gradient, as RRB is a valuable waste from high temperature kiln and furnaces. Alccofine 1203 has been included in the concrete mix as an alternative to Portland Slag Cement to improve the mechanical strength properties and durability of concrete intended for adverse environmental application.

The change in thermal-induced interchain distance boosts the gas barrier property of PEI-derived hollow fiber membranes

In order to fulfill diverse special applications (e.g. food packaging, anticorrosion coatings, flame retardant coatings, biomedical industry and lighter-than air applications), the superior gas barrier property is principal requirement. Based on previous researches, the gas barrier property of membranes could be improved to some extent by changing their component, chemical structure, physical property, fabrication parameters or incorporating impermeable fillers. The above-mentioned approaches provide the enhanced gas barrier property owing to increment in resistance for diffusion of tested gas. That implies the intrinsic factors of the membrane such as free volume fraction of membrane are determined effect on permeability to gas. Accordingly, present work investigated the impact of thermal treatment on enhancement of gas barrier property by manipulating the temperature in the range of 200 °C to 240 °C to adjust the orientation of molecular structure. Based on a series of analysis as well as pure gas measurement, the hydrogen permeability of as-treated membrane decreased by almost 2700 times than that of neat membrane, which is due to the absence of amorphousity. The exceptional gas barrier properties of resultant membrane exhibited great potential for special applications and paved the feasible way for other amorphous precursor to prepare the gas barrier membrane.

4D printing of the ferrite permanent magnet BaFe12O19 and its intelligent shape memory effect

4D printing of the barium ferrite permanent magnets provides new opportunities for intelligent structure and process innovation of permanent magnets. In this paper, the preparation, filament manufacture, and intelligent printing methods with shape memory/recovery effect are studied for the barium ferrite permanent magnet. Firstly, the PLA/TPU/BaFe12O19 composite materials are developed by adding different contents of ferrite permanent magnet BaFe12O19 powders into the PLA/TPU (polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix. The weight percentage of the BaFe12O19 is 10–40 wt% with an interval of 10 wt%. Secondly, the composites are pelletized and further extruded to manufacture composite filaments with different BaFe12O19 contents. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used for the microstructural analysis. The BaFe12O19 particles are uniformly distributed in the PLA/TPU matrix, and the slight particle agglomeration phenomenon occurs in the composite filaments with 30 and 40 wt% BaFe12O19. The thermal properties of PLA/TPU/BaFe12O19 composite filaments are analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). After adding the barium ferrite particles, the glass transition temperature of the composite filaments changes within a small range from 53.5 °C to 55 °C. Thirdly, the filaments are successfully manufactured to magnet parts by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing for the tests of mechanical, magnetic, and shape recovery properties. With the increase of the barium ferrite content, the magnetic properties show a rising trend, proving the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to make magnets. The shape memory effects of the printed parts are excellent and the shape recovery ratios show a rising trend, from 85.6 % to 88.9 % under heat contact stimulus and from 88.9 % to 97.8 % under electromagnetic induction non-contact stimulus. Relatively, the parts hold fast response speed due to direct contact with the heat source under the heat stimulus, and the parts hold higher shape recovery ratios due to more heats produced under the electromagnetic induction stimulus. The addition of magnetic particles is helpful to improve the heat transfer ability and provide the possibility of non-contact heat transfer. The magnetic parts with complex structure and intelligent shape memory/recovery effect can be achieved for special application requirements. As a result, the research of this paper expands preparation methods of new magnetic composite materials, explores the manufacture process for intelligent magnets and lays a solid foundation for the development of new permanent magnet devices.

A Hybrid Segmentation Algorithm for Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis Using X-ray Images

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune illness that occurs in the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain, and stiffness. X-ray examination is one of the most common diagnostic procedures for RA, but manual X-ray image analysis has limitations because it is a time-consuming procedure and is prone to errors. A specific algorithm aims to a lay stable and accurate segmenting of carpal bones from hand bone images, which is vitally important for identifying rheumatoid arthritis. The algorithm demonstrates several stages, starting with Carpal bone Region of Interest (CROI) specification, dynamic thresholding, and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) application for texture analysis. To get the clear edges of the image, the component is first converted to the greyscale function and thresholding is carried out to separate the hand from the background. The pad region is identified to obtain the contours of it, and the CROI is defined by the bounding box of the largest contour. The threshold value used in the CROI method is given a dynamic feature that can separate the carpal bones from the surrounding tissue. Then the GLCM texture analysis is carried out, calculating the number of pixel neighbors, with the specific intensity and neighbor relations of the pixels. The resulting feature matrix is then employed to extract features such as contrast and energy, which are later used to categorize the images of the affected carpal bone into inflamed and normal. The proposed technique is tested on a rheumatoid arthritis image dataset, and the results show its contribution to diagnosis of the disease. The algorithm efficiently divides carpal bones and extracts the signature parameters that are critical for correct classification of the inflammation in the cartilage images.

Investigation on the failure of the space HgCdTe detector with long-term storage tests

The HgCdTe detector is the core device of the infrared imaging system, its reliability directly restricts the performance of the whole imaging system. For some special applications, it maintains in a non-operating storage state for a long time, it is significant to study its storage reliability. Due to the long lifetime of detectors, most studies have been conducted with accelerated life tests, there is a lack of experimental information concerning the failure of these detectors after longtime storage. In this article, the performance degradation of Hg1-xCdxTe detector with the 127 months long-term storage test is studied. The failure mode and failure mechanism of detectors are investigated through the statistics analysis and optical photomicrography. The results indicate that there are three failure modes, such as low-temperature opening circuit, chip circuit opening, and signal reduction accompanied by increased noise. The main type of failure is in the mode of signal reduction accompanied by increased noise, which is a typical failure mode for long-term storage of HgCdTe detectors. In this typical failure mode, corrosion products are observed near the photosensitive surface in the failure detector, which prove to be a metal product of indium. The long-term storage results can provide data support for accelerating storage test and improve the HgCdTe detectors design.

Ionized copolyesters with pH-responsive degradability: Accelerated degradation in specific environments

The development of environmentally responsive biodegradable polymers is a promising solution for balancing the stability and degradability of biodegradable plastics. In this study, a commercial biodegradable polyester, poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT), was used as the substrate and was synthetically modified with a small amount of anionic sodium 1–3-isophthalate-5-sulfonate (SIPA) to obtain the ionized random poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate-co-butylene 5-sodiosulfoisophthalate) (PBATS). The introduction of the sodium sulfonate ionic group enhanced the mechanical and heat-resistant properties of the material, while significantly improving the hydrophilicity and water absorption of the copolyesters of PBATSs and endowing them with special pH-responsive degradation properties. Compared with PBAT, PBATS copolyesters could accelerate degradation in acidic or alkaline buffer solutions and natural seawater, while degradation was inhibited in neutral buffer solutions at pH 7.2. Degradation experiments in simulated gastric, intestinal, and body fluids revealed that the copolyester showed specific and rapid degradation in acidic gastric fluids. This environmentally-responsive degradable material greatly expands the special applications of biodegradable polyesters in the fields of environmental remediation and medical applications.

From Vision to Reality: The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Different Urban Planning Phases

In an urban context, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can help to categorise and analyse large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. The AI approach can make municipal administration and planning processes more efficient, improve environmental and living conditions (e.g., air quality, inventory of road damages, etc.), or strengthen the participation of residents in decision-making processes. The key to this is “machine learning” that has the ability to recognise patterns, capture models, and learn on the basis of big data via the application of automated statistical methods. However, what does this mean for urban planning and the future development of cities? Will AI take over the planning and design of our cities and actively intervene in and influence planning activities? This article applies a systematic literature review supplemented by case study analyses and expert interviews to categorise various types of AI and relate their potential applications to the different phases of the planning process. The findings emphasize that AI systems are highly specialised applications for solving and processing specific challenges and tasks within a planning process. This can improve planning processes and results, but ultimately AI only suggests alternatives and possible solutions. Thus, AI has to be regarded as a planning tool rather than the planning solution. Ultimately, it is the planners who have to make decisions about the future development of cities, taking into account the possibilities and limitations of the AI applications that have been used in the planning process.

Changes in Rates of Special Considerations in Higher Education Applications Pre- and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Victoria, Australia.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in mental ill health has been observed globally in young people, particularly those in their final years of secondary school. Students' negative experiences coincide with a critical transitional period which can disrupt milestones in social and educational development. This study aimed to use innovative population-level data to map the impact of the pandemic on students entering higher education. Pre-pandemic (2019/2020) and pandemic (2020/2021) tertiary education application data were obtained from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre. Prevalence of applications for special consideration related to mental ill health were compared between cohorts across various geographical areas and applicant demographic subgroups. Relative risk regression models were used to understand the role of different risk factors. Rates of mental health-related special consideration applications increased by 38% among all applications (pre-pandemic: 7.8%, n = 56 916; pandemic: 10.8%, n = 58 260). Highest increases were observed among students in areas with both extended and close-quarter lockdown experiences, and areas impacted by 2019/2020 black summer bushfires. The increases were higher among Year 12 students and students with other special consideration needs (e.g., physical condition, learning disability). Slightly higher increases were observed in areas with higher socio-economic status, which may potentially be related to inequality in mental health service access. As consequences of mental health difficulties and academic disruption in youth can be long lasting, it is critical to establish a mental health support framework both in and outside of higher education to facilitate young people's recovery from the pandemic.

Design of Inductive Power Transfer Charging System with Weak Coupling Coefficient

Inductive power transfer (IPT) technology is used in various applications owing to its safety features, robust environmental adaptability, and convenience. In some special applications, the charging pads are required to be as compact as possible to accommodate practical spatial requirements, and even size requirements dictate that the diameter of the charging pad matches the air gap. However, such requirements bring about a decrease in the transmission efficiency, power, and tolerance to misalignment of the system. In this paper, by comparing a double-sided inductor–capacitor–capacitor (LCC), double-sided inductor–capacitor–inductor (LCL), series–series (SS), and inductor–capacitor–capacitor–series (LCC-S) compensation topologies in IPT systems, we identified a double-sided LCC compensation topology that is suitable for weak coupling coefficients. Furthermore, this study modeled and simulated the typical parameters of coreless coils in circular power pads, such as the number of coil layers, turns, wire diameter, and wire spacing, to enhance the mutual inductance of the magnetic coupler during misalignment and long-distance transmission. A wireless charging system with 640 W output power was built, and the experimental results show that a maximum dc-dc efficiency of over 86% is achieved across a 200 mm air gap when the circular power pad with a diameter of 200 mm is well aligned. The experimental results show that using a suitable compensation topology and optimizing the charging pad parameters enables efficient IPT system operation when the coupling coefficient is 0.02.

Nonlocal meta-lens with Huygens’ bound states in the continuum

Meta-lenses composed of artificial meta-atoms have stimulated substantial interest due to their compact and flexible wavefront shaping capabilities, outperforming bulk optical devices. The operating bandwidth is a critical factor determining the meta-lens’ performance across various wavelengths. Meta-lenses that operate in a narrowband manner relying on nonlocal effects can effectively reduce disturbance and crosstalk from non-resonant wavelengths, making them well-suitable for specialized applications such as nonlinear generation and augmented reality/virtual reality display. However, nonlocal meta-lenses require striking a balance between local phase manipulation and nonlocal resonance excitation, which involves trade-offs among factors like quality-factor, efficiency, manipulation dimensions, and footprint. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate the nonlocal meta-lens featuring Huygens’ bound states in the continuum (BICs) and its near-infrared imaging application. All-dielectric integrated-resonant unit is particularly optimized to efficiently induce both the quasi-BIC and generalized Kerker effect, while ensuring the rotation-angle robustness for generating geometric phase. The experimental results show that the single-layer nonlocal Huygens’ meta-lens possesses a high quality-factor of 104 and achieves a transmission polarization conversion efficiency of 55%, exceeding the theoretical limit of 25%. The wavelength-selective two-dimensional focusing and imaging are demonstrated as well. This work will pave the way for efficient nonlocal wavefront shaping and meta-devices.