Application Of Technology Research Articles

Challenges of E-Waste Dismantling in China

Electronic and electrical products have deeply permeated all aspects of life, bringing a lot of convenience to individuals. However, the generation of e-waste after their end-of-life has resulted in serious risks both to the ecological environment and human health due to a lack of scientific and effective recycling and treatments. As two major types of components in e-waste, heavy metals and plastics can not only directly enter the human body via inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, but also accumulate in the human body indirectly through the food chain. E-waste is full of resources such as valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper that are often discarded incorrectly. Environmental and health risks derived from unregulated e-waste dismantling activities may be finally addressed through the application of advanced e-waste recycling technology, policy support of governments, legislation on recycling laws and regulations, and the improvement of public environmental protection awareness. This review gives a brief overview of the history, current situation, and future development of e-waste in China, which may provide novel thinking and approaches to e-waste management in the world.

Innovative Applications and Perspectives of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Technology in Biomedicine.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a revolutionary technique in the biomedical field, providing unparalleled sensitivity for the detection and characterization of biological samples. In this review, recent SERS innovations are comprehensively discussed, including advanced substrate materials, different SERS detection strategies, and multimodal approaches that combine SERS with other biotechnologies. Among them, the role of SERS in the accurate diagnosis of tumors is highlighted, which has promoted accurate molecular analysis and real-time monitoring of treatment effects. In addition, the growing potential of SERS in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases is discussed. Moreover, the integration with microfluidic chip systems for precise single-cell analysis is presented. To give a forward-looking view, the key challenges faced by SERS technology are also proposed, and possible solutions to overcome these obstacles are provided.

Tactile imagery affects cortical responses to vibrotactile stimulation of the fingertip

Mental imagery is a crucial cognitive process, yet its underlying neural mechanisms remain less understood compared to perception. Furthermore, within the realm of mental imagery, the somatosensory domain is particularly underexplored compared to other sensory modalities. This study aims to investigate the influence of tactile imagery (TI) on cortical somatosensory processing. We explored the cortical manifestations of TI by recording EEG activity in healthy human subjects. We investigated event-related somatosensory oscillatory dynamics during TI compared to actual tactile stimulation, as well as somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in response to short vibrational stimuli, examining their amplitude-temporal characteristics and spatial distribution across the scalp. EEG activity exhibited significant changes during TI compared to the no-imagery baseline. TI caused event-related desynchronization (ERD) of the contralateral μ-rhythm, with a notable correlation between ERD during imagery and real stimulation across subjects. TI also modulated several SEP components in sensorimotor and frontal areas, showing increases in the contralateral P100 and P300, contra- and ipsilateral P300, frontal P200, and parietal P600 components. The results clearly indicate that TI affects cortical processing of somatosensory stimuli, impacting EEG responses in various cortical areas. The assessment of SEPs in EEG could serve as a versatile marker of tactile imagery in practical applications. We propose incorporating TI in imagery-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to enhance sensorimotor restoration and sensory substitution. This approach underscores the importance of somatosensory mental imagery in cognitive neuroscience and its potential applications in neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies.

Interior Space Reconstruction Design Based on Human Settlement Behavior Analysis

The renovation of residential space based on the analysis of human settlements behavior is an important method to improve the quality of old houses. Especially for small houses, in the limited space, it is necessary to optimize the spatial layout, enhance the function of storage space, and improve the user's living experience, which needs to start from the user's individual needs and psychological level, and explore the method of design and transformation. Taking residential housing in Beijing as an example, this paper analyzes and investigates the current situation of indoor scenes, layouts and interfaces, and focuses on the methods of residential space transformation through the application of ergonomics and mixed reality technology.

Direct electronical readout of surface plasmon resonance biosensor enabled by on-fiber Graphene/PMMA photodetector

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical fiber sensors are appealing for biomolecular detection due to their inherent characteristics such as flexibility, real-time performance, and high sensitivity. Concurrently, incorporating SPR sensors into wearable devices has emerged as a significant strategy. However, the majority of traditional SPR optical fiber sensors utilize spectrometers for optical readout, which leads to a relatively bulky overall size of the sensing system. Herein, we present the first optical fiber device capable of conducting sensitive SPR measurements and providing direct electronical readout. This has been achieved by integrating a hyperbolic-metamaterial SPR (HMM-SPR) sensor with an on-fiber graphene/PMMA photodetector (oFGPD). The HMM, composed of three pairs of Au/ZrO2, has been employed to develop highly sensitive SPR sensors. The oFGPD, which was constructed by transferring a single layer of graphene onto a tapered fiber region and subsequently covering it with a PMMA protecting film, achieved a high responsivity of 3.42 × 106 A W−1 (at 14.07 pW) and a rapid response time of approximately 90 ms at 1550 nm. More significantly, we have incorporated an SPR sensor based on a side-polished fiber (SPF) into the oFGPD, enabling an electronical readout technique for environmental refractive index (RI) SPR signals in a broad potential spectral range, from visible to near-infrared, all within a more compact device. This integration has been successfully validated in the detection of urea and glucose concentrations in artificial perspiration. This approach provides a novel direction for SPR sensor detection and establishes a solid foundation for their application in wearable technology.

DECENTRALIZED BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES FOR CREATING NEW TYPES OF INVESTMENT ASSETS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY

This article examines the application of blockchain technology for creating and circulating new investment assets in the creative industry. The study analyzes the impact of decentralized technologies, particularly blockchain, on the formation of new types of investment assets in the creative sector of the economy and assesses their potential for industry development. The research employs a systematic approach, methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative and statistical analysis, and generalization of expert assessments. The current state and trends in the use of blockchain technologies in the creative industry have been investigated, with a focus on NFTs, intellectual property tokenization, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The study concludes that blockchain technologies create fundamentally new opportunities for monetization and investment in creative assets, while also highlighting challenges such as regulatory uncertainty and technological limitations. Recommendations for maximizing the positive impact of blockchain on the creative economy are provided, along with suggestions for further research.

Investigation on surface properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy modified by micro-arc oxidation and cathodic deposition techniques

Cathodic deposition (CD) technology, as a surface treatment technology, is widely used to prepare surface protective layers of non-valve metals. However, due to the presence of a dense oxide film on the surface of valve metal, during the CD process, this dense oxide film will hinder the contact between ions in the electrolyte and the substrate surface, making CD deposition technology unsuitable for valve metal. In this paper, valve metal AZ31 Mg alloy was first treated by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology, and then CD treatment was performed using ethylene glycol organic solution as electrolyte. This method not only solves the problem that CD technology cannot be applied to valve metals and successfully prepares a coating with excellent friction and corrosion resistance, but also explores a new solution as a CD electrolyte. By comparing with the samples after CD treatment in deionized water solution and the samples after MAO, the results show that after CD treatment in deionized water solution, only the porosity (8.572 %) and coefficient of friction (COF) (0.403) of the coating were improved, but after CD treatment in ethylene glycol solution, the coating surface had the lowest porosity (4.263 %), the highest hardness (265.2 HV), and the smallest COF (0.362). Electrochemical tests further showed that the sample had the lowest corrosion current density (5.6099 × 10−10 A/cm2) after CD treatment in ethylene glycol electrolyte. The coating prepared by this method can be widely used in aerospace, medical equipment and other fields due to their excellent friction and corrosion resistance, and can increase the service life of Mg alloy parts. However, this method is currently more suitable for the processing of small parts. This study not only provides a valuable strategy for improving the performance of MAO coatings, but also provides a new direction for the application of CD technology on valve metals.

Predicting BN analogue of 8-16-4 graphyne: In silico insights into its structural, electronic, optical, and thermal transport properties

The boron nitride (BN) analogue of 8-16-4 graphyne, termed SBNyne, is proposed for the first time. Its physical properties were explored using first-principles calculations and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Phonon dispersion calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations revealed that this system is dynamically stable at room temperature. We found that SBNyne exhibits a wide indirect bandgap of 4.58 eV using HSE06 and 3.20 eV using PBE. It displays strong optical absorption in the ultraviolet region while remaining transparent in the infrared and visible regions. Additionally, SBNyne exhibits significantly lower thermal conductivity compared to h-BN. Phonon spectrum analysis indicates that out-of-plane phonons predominantly contribute to the vibrational density of states only at very low frequencies, explaining its low thermal conductivity. These findings expand the knowledge of two-dimensional (2D) BN materials and open new avenues for their design and advanced technological applications.

A Survey of the Magnetic Anisotropy Detection Technology of Ferromagnetic Materials Based on Magnetic Barkhausen Noise

Magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) is one of the most effective methods for determining the easy axis of ferromagnetic materials and for evaluating texture and residual stress in a nondestructive manner. MBN signals from multiple angles and different magnetization sections can be used to characterize magnetic anisotropy caused by various magnetization mechanisms. This paper reviews the development and application of magnetic anisotropy detection technology, and the MBN anisotropy models that take into account domain wall motion and magnetic domain rotation are analyzed thoroughly. Subsequently, the MBN anisotropy detection devices and detection methods are discussed, and the application of magnetic anisotropy detection technology in stress measurement and texture evaluation is reviewed. From the perspective of improving detection accuracy, the influence of composite mechanisms on magnetic anisotropy is analyzed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges faced by current magnetic anisotropy detection technology are summarized. The relevant conclusions obtained in this paper can be used to guide the MBN evaluation of magnetic anisotropy in ferromagnetic materials.

Rock coast geo model: process-response dynamics, resilience and vulnerability

Geology and geomorphology link starkly in coastal environments, exemplifying the importance of Fookes' geo model approach to understanding site dynamics. Cliffs, and the shore platforms that front them, are subject to both marine and subaerial processes. Throughout his work, Fookes emphasises the role of climate as a weathering agent, influencing material properties and requiring consideration in engineering projects. Comparatively, more is known about the operation of rock weathering processes on shore platforms than on cliffs. Yet, with changing climate, it is becoming apparent that winter salt and frost weathering, and summer salt and wetting-drying weathering contribute to more frequent occurrences of coastal rockfalls. Increasing storm activity and rising sea levels are enhancing marine and subaerial processes. Rock coasts are amongst the most rapidly eroding coastlines in Europe. New applications of technologies, including seismometers, Lidar and InSAR, provide a fuller understanding of rock coast process-response geo model behaviour and the resilience of rock coasts on engineering timescales. Communicating scientific understanding of rock coast dynamics to policy-makers, planners and the public remains a challenge. Assessments of hazard, risk, resilience and vulnerability of rock coasts associated with climate change provide useful communication tools. Databases such as the British Geological Survey GeoCoast geohazard data product, and EMODnet Geology (European Marine Observation and Data Network) coastal behaviour data products integrate and visualise available data and information to communicate situational awareness to a broad audience.

Harnessing Disruptive Innovation: A Conceptual Model for SME Growth and Adaptation

In the context of sustaining innovation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strive to enhance their market position through product improvements. However, globalization and rapid technological advancements pose significant challenges, urging SMEs to integrate innovative capabilities into their business models. Effective SME business model innovation, fueled by customer insights, process efficiency, and technology application, can promote development and unlock additional value-creation resources. Despite this, SMEs encounter difficulties in capitalizing on disruptive innovation due to the competitive, technology-driven, and volatile global market. This study aimed to define a comprehensive conceptual model of disruptive innovation specifically tailored for SMEs. Through an automated content analysis of relevant literature, 13 themes and 82 concepts were identified and categorized into four strategic alignment domains. These domains provide a framework for operationalizing the findings and constructing a conceptual model of disruptive innovation. Utilizing this conceptual model as a checklist can assist SMEs in turning disruption into opportunity, thereby supporting their adaptation and growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

In situ Fe-doped thin carbon wires via AC high voltage arc discharge

This study explores the controlled, continuous production of thin carbon rods between graphite electrodes (continued electrode deposits) during an arc discharge of high voltage alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz in liquid paraffin, along with in situ doping of the resulting material using a suspension of liquid paraffin and iron powder ( <10 μm). The surface morphology of the obtained carbon rod nanomaterials was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with EDX chemical composition analysis, X-ray microtomography (micro-CT), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM technique in scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) and conductive probe (CP) modes was employed to determine the temperature and electrical conductivity of the obtained nanostructures. Qualitative analysis was conducted using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This simple system for producing thin, stable carbon wires (< 1.2 mm thick) enables efficient and low-cost production and doping of these materials. The high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) arc discharge method for growing controlled, metal-doped electrode deposits presents a new approach to producing inexpensive, porous carbon nanomaterials for various scientific and technological applications.

Mechanism and Experimental Study on the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Neodymium Iron Boron Waste Using the ZnF2 Fluorination Method

We conducted a mechanistic and experimental study on zinc fluoride roasting for the recovery of NdFeB waste to address the difficulties faced during this pyrometallurgical recovery process, such as the high dependence on the quality of raw materials, the high energy consumption involved in roasting transformations, and the low added value of mixed rare earth products. Thermodynamic calculations showed the feasibility of fluorinating rare earths in NdFeB waste, and one-factor experiments were performed. The results showed that at a roasting temperature of 850 °C, a reaction time of 90 min, and 100% ZnF2 addition, the fluorination rate of rare earths could reach 95.69%. In addition, after analyzing the mesophase composition of a clinker under different roasting temperature conditions, it was found that, when the roasting temperature exceeded 850 °C, the fluorination rate of rare earths was reduced, which was consistent with the thermodynamic results. On this basis, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to carry out experiments to investigate in depth the effects of various factors and their interactions on the fluorination rate of rare earths, which provides a sufficient experimental basis for the recovery of NdFeB waste via fluorination roasting. The results of this study show that ZnF2 addition had the greatest influence on the rare earth fluorination reaction, followed by roasting temperature and roasting time. According to the optimization results of the model, the optimal roasting conditions were determined as follows: 119% ZnF2 addition at 828 °C, a roasting time of 91 min, and a rare earth element fluorination rate of 97.29%. The purity of the mixed fluorinated rare earths was as high as 98.92% after leaching the roasted clinker with 9 M hydrochloric acid at a leaching temperature of 80 °C, a liquid–solid ratio of 4 mL/g, and a leaching time of 2.5 h. This study will lay the foundation for promoting the application of pyrometallurgical technology in the recycling of NdFeB waste.

Surrogate model-based modelling and optimization of the adsorption performance of a vacuum adsorption system under leakage conditions

The leakage phenomenon has become a major challenge in engineering applications for vacuum adsorption technology. To achieve efficient design optimization of the vacuum adsorption system based on the finite element model, an optimization design method based on residual adaptive fitting of the surrogate model is proposed. The surrogate model for the adsorption performance and influencing parameters of the vacuum adsorption system is established under leakage conditions by the response surface method (RSM). The residuals generated by the RSM are fitted using the kriging model and incorporated into the construction of the RSM. The established surrogate models are updated by learning functions, combining genetic algorithms to optimize the parameters of the vacuum adsorption system. The optimization results indicate that appropriate parameter configurations can enhance adsorption performance and reduce energy consumption, and also validate the superiority of the proposed method.

Multi-scale heterogeneous composite elastomer absorbers synergistically enhanced by CoNi nanospheres and carbon nanotubes

The advancement of high-performance absorbers is essential for applications in electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) and stealth technologies. To enhance EWA performances, it is imperative to employ advanced design strategies that incorporate heterogeneous interfaces and multi-scale structures. In this study, we developed a composite elastomer demonstrating exceptional EWA characteristics using a two-step process involving liquid-phase reduction followed by thermal curing. High aspect ratio carbon nanotubes were integrated onto the surface of CoNi nanospheres, creating a multi-scale architecture with heterogeneous interfaces that ranged from zero-dimensional to two-dimensional. This innovative structural design significantly improved the EWA capabilities of the composite elastomer. Notably, even with only 15 wt% filler content, the composite elastomer achieved a minimum reflection loss of −54.4 dB at a thickness of 4 mm, alongside an adjustable effective absorption bandwidth exceeding 60 % of the 2–18 GHz frequency range. Additionally, it exhibited favorable mechanical strength and stretchability, enhancing its practical applicability. This work provides valuable insights into optimizing dielectric and magnetic properties through advanced structural design and underscores the potential for developing effective elastomer absorbers to deal with electromagnetic pollution in complex environment.

Field shaper-based solutions to the bulging problem in magnetic pulse spot welding of dissimilar metal plates

Magnetic pulse spot welding based on a field shaper can effectively achieve spot welding of dissimilar metal plates by using the multi-turn flat coil and magnetic gathering through the field shaper. Through existing experimental research, it has been found that when using this method for welding, there will be a serious bulging problem in the center of the welding area, which will affect the flatness and aesthetics of the welding area, thereby affecting its application range. To solve this problem, this work proposes two different welding methods for welding dissimilar AA1060 aluminum and SS304 steel plates with a thickness of 1 mm: one based on the center opening of the flying plate and the other based on the pre-deformation of the flying plate. The causes of bulging and the effects of discharge voltage, welding gap, and inner hole radius of the field shaper on bulging size were studied. The cross-sectional morphology and mechanical properties of welded joints obtained by two welding methods were studied through numerical simulation, cross-sectional analysis, and tensile testing. The results indicated that both welding methods can successfully eliminate the bulging problem, and the point welding method based on the center opening of the aluminum plate can also reduce the minimum welding energy required for effective welding and improve welding efficiency. In addition, microscopic analysis results showed that a waveform composite interface was formed at the welding interface of the joint, and the connection performance of the welded joint was good. These two welding methods can also be extended to the welding of other dissimilar metal plates, which is of great significance for the industrial application of magnetic pulse spot welding technology based on field shaper.

Application Value of 3D Printing Technology in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women, has shown a rising incidence rate in recent years. Personalized and precise comprehensive treatment is currently considered the optimal approach for breast cancer management. The application of 3D printing technology in the medical field has been expanding, covering areas such as medical devices, anatomical models, tissue engineering scaffolds, tumor models, and drug formulation, drawing significant attention in the field of oncology. This article explores the application value of 3D printing technology in breast cancer treatment, including preoperative planning, radiotherapy, postoperative rehabilitation and adjuvant therapy, and scientific research, aiming to provide new perspectives and methods for clinical breast cancer treatment.

Role of phase change materials and digital twin technology in thermal energy storage system: A review

The exponential growth in energy consumption and demand, along with the depletion of natural resources, is exerting a catastrophic impact on global ecosystems. Recent advances in research and development have focused on the distribution of renewable energy sources and the reduction of traditional energy usage as strategies to address pressing environmental concerns, such as climate change and global warming. Moreover, there is an urgent need for appropriate technologies that can enhance the thermal performance of buildings, given the rapid increase in global cooling and heating demands. This study examines the role of phase change materials (PCMs) and digital twin (DT) technology in thermal energy storage (TES), drawing on an analysis of 89 research articles sourced from multiple databases and references. The findings demonstrate that TES systems optimized through meticulous selection of PCMs can effectively meet thermal comfort requirements. Integrating DT technology with building systems allows for the analysis of cooling effects and optimization of energy demand through DT models of smart buildings. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the different PCMs used in cooling applications and explores the implementation of DT technologies within building systems. In addition, practical applications of DT technologies for TES systems are presented, providing insights into their potential for enhancing energy efficiency in building systems.

Research on the English Writing Teaching Model in the AI Era

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the education sector, particularly language teaching, is undergoing unprecedented changes. English writing, as an essential component of language learning, is increasingly struggling to meet the demands for personalization and efficiency in traditional teaching models. This paper aims to explore the innovation and development of English writing teaching models in the AI era, analyzing the application of AI technology in English writing and its impact on teaching effectiveness. First, the paper reviews the development of AI technology and examines its potential value in English writing teaching, especially in the use of intelligent writing assistance tools and personalized learning paths. Next, it analyzes the challenges facing English writing teaching in the AI era, including the imbalance in technology dissemination and the transformation of teachers' roles. Finally, based on future development trends, the paper proposes strategies and recommendations for promoting the deep integration of AI technology with English writing teaching. This research aims to provide theoretical support for the innovation of English writing teaching models and offer practical references for educational policymakers and practitioners.

Advances in Understanding Drought Stress Responses in Rice: Molecular Mechanisms of ABA Signaling and Breeding Prospects

Drought stress is a pivotal environmental factor impacting rice production and presents a significant challenge to sustainable agriculture worldwide. This review synthesizes the latest research advancements in the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways that rice employs in response to drought stress. It elaborates on the adaptive changes and molecular regulatory mechanisms that occur in rice under drought conditions. The review highlights the perception and initial transmission of drought signals, key downstream signaling networks such as the MAPK and Ca2+ pathways, and their roles in modulating drought responses. Furthermore, the discussion extends to hormonal signaling, especially the crucial role of abscisic acid (ABA) in drought responses, alongside the identification of drought-resistant genes and the application of gene-editing technologies in enhancing rice drought resilience. Through an in-depth analysis of these drought stress regulatory signaling pathways, this review aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for future rice drought resistance breeding and agricultural production initiatives.