Assessment Of Technologies Research Articles

Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment of Data Centre Heat Recovery Technologies Combined with Fuel Cells for Energy Generation

The energy sector is essential in the transition to a more sustainable future, and renewable energies will play a key role in achieving this. It is also a sector in which the circular economy presents an opportunity for the utilisation of other resources and residual energy flows. This study examines the environmental and social performance of innovative energy technologies (which contribute to the circularity of resources) implemented in a demonstrator site in Luleå (Sweden). The demo-site collected excess heat from a data centre to cogenerate energy, combining the waste heat with fuel cells that use biogas derived from waste, meeting part of its electrical demand and supplying thermal energy to an existing district heating network. Following a cradle-to-gate approach, an environmental and a social life cycle assessment were developed to compare two scenarios: a baseline scenario reflecting current energy supply methods and the WEDISTRICT scenario, which considers the application of different renewable and circular technologies. The findings indicate that transitioning to renewable energy sources significantly reduces environmental impacts in seven of the eight assessed impact categories. Specifically, the study showed a 48% reduction in climate change impact per kWh generated. Additionally, the WEDISTRICT scenario, accounting for avoided burdens, prevented 0.21 kg CO2 eq per kWh auto-consumed. From the social perspective, the WEDISTRICT scenario demonstrated improvement in employment conditions within the worker and local community categories, product satisfaction within the society category, and fair competition within the value chain category. Projects like WEDISTRICT demonstrate the circularity options of the energy sector, the utilisation of resources and residual energy flows, and that these lead to environmental and social improvements throughout the entire life cycle, not just during the operation phase.

A novel framework for the economic and sustainability assessment of carbon capture and utilization technologies

This study presents a novel framework for assessing early-stage carbon capture and utilization (CCU) reactions. The introduced greenhouse gas abatement, sustainability, and economics framework (GASEF) assesses commercial viability by simultaneously analyzing a CCU technology's CO2 fixation potential with its economic potential. The developed framework combines a previously published CO2Fix parameter and the metric for inspecting reactants and sales (MISR) to estimate CO2 fixation and economic potentials. Both metrics can be estimated using limited information such as temperature, pressure, conversion, molecular weights, the heat of reaction, and the prices of the reactants and products of the CCU reaction. Results from this novel framework are demonstrated via case studies of notable CCU technologies, such as Dry Reforming of Methane and CO2 hydrogenation to methanol processes. Furthermore, the possible implications of providing CO2 subsidies for CCU processes for the gross CO2 input into these processes versus providing CO2 subsidies for the net CO2 fixation of the process is evaluated. In particular, the GASEF assessment on the DRM process showcased a potential for commercial viability even when the technology implementation requires additional investment of 0.1 $/kgCO2 (pertaining to low-concentration CO2 streams) due to carbon capture and sequestration efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. In the case of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol process, the GASEF assessment showcased the potential for commercial viability only at low CO2 credit (0.05 $/kgCO2); however, at values higher than this, the process becomes tenuous. These case studies provide a comprehensive demonstration of the use of the GASEF as a versatile tool to support rapid economics and sustainability evaluation of the new CCU technologies.

Some Possible Process Configurations for Modern Wastewater Treatment Plants for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) Removal

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in the influent, effluent, and sludge/biosolids of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) globally. Due to their potential to bioaccumulate in humans, wildlife, and the environment over time owing to their seriously persistent nature and/or strong C-F bonds, PFASs can cause public health concerns. Conventional processes in full-scale WWTPs are usually inefficient in PFASs removal from wastewater and sludge, and advanced treatment technologies are needed for PFASs removal. This study intends to briefly (i) summarize the technologies for PFASs remediation in wastewater and sludge; (ii) review PFASs removal in full-scale WWTPs; (iii) discuss some possible theoretical configurations for the wastewater processing train of modern WWTPs for PFASs remediation; and finally (iv) provide future directions. Further research regarding the techno-economic assessment and optimization of treatment technologies in removing PFASs (especially short-chain PFASs) from real wastewater as well as the performance of full-scale WWTPs consisting of advanced innovative efficient treatment technologies for PFASs removal and associated costs (i.e., construction, operation, maintenance, chemical, energy, and amortization) is still required.

Digital Health: The Critical Value of Mobile Technology for the Health Sector, Different Application Examples from the World and Current Trends

The internet technology, which began to integrate into our lives rapidly by the end of the 1990s, underwent significant transformations with the advent of mobile technology in the 2000s. Initially accessible through desktop or notebook computers, the internet has evolved to become an integral part of virtually every aspect of our lives as mobile technology advanced throughout the 2000s. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of mobile technologies within current health technologies, investigate the necessary competencies, evaluate mobile technology developments both in Türkiye and globally, and assess the information technology infrastructure, competencies, and skills required by the sector. Our research details various and specific mobile applications from numerous countries. Findings indicate that mobile technology has established itself much more rapidly and effectively in countries with strong internet infrastructure. Mobile health services are perceived as highly valuable by citizens. The real quality and effectiveness of mobile technology depend on its acceptance and swift implementation by users. Gamification is an important tool in the adoption of mobile health applications. These applications can enhance motivation by enabling both doctors to monitor patient care services and patients to track their own health. A good mobile health system should be accepted by both patients and doctors. In countries like Türkiye, where the health system is largely supported by the state, it is seen as necessary for the Ministry of Health to prioritize mobile services to establish a robust mobile health system. Furthermore, to effectively structure mobile services, it is essential to focus on the right problems and identify issues in order of priority. Literature review reveals that various mobile applications have been implemented in fields such as dermatology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, and clinical pathology. Mobile technologies offer significant cost advantages in the delivery of health services. As the population ages in European Union countries, national governments are seeking ways to reduce healthcare costs. Mobile health is considered a solution to transform the delivery of health services and reduce costs through viable new care models for both industrialized and developing countries. Moreover, it has been observed that mobile applications provide significant benefits for the elderly, particularly in developed countries such as Germany and Sweden. Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of mobile technology in the healthcare sector, highlights prominent applications from Türkiye and around the world, and offers an extensive evaluation for field readers.

Educational Research Methodology Trends of Southeast Asia English Major Undergraduate Theses: A Content Analysis

The present study thoroughly examines the predominant research methodology trends and topics applied in a specific time frame from 2019 to 2023 in educational research of the online searchable undergraduate theses in English major programs across Southeast Asia, utilizing a comprehensive content analysis approach. By employing keyword extraction, topic-specific modelling, and thematic evaluation, our objective is to ascertain the prevailing methodologies in English language teaching and the research interest themes from 347 undergraduate downloadable theses that have been investigated. The analysis explores the possible ramifications of these patterns on the caliber of undergraduate research, English language instruction, and the broader education domain within the given area. This study revealed a strong preference (54.5%) for quantitative approaches, highlighting the importance of empirical methodologies. Additionally common were qualitative approaches (24.8%), suggesting an increasing recognition of the importance of examining human factors. While action research (8.4%), particularly Classroom Action Research (CAR), was less prevalent than mixed-method approaches (12.8%), this suggests that action research needs to be recognized. The different ratios of research methods demonstrated a dedication to investigating various questions and advancing knowledge in language, literature, and education. The interesting research themes identified the complex and diverse nature of English language raising focus in Southeast Asia such as technological integration, teacher development, cultural studies, assessment, and language teaching methodologies. The study provides useful information for enhancing research mentorship and education, and it improves knowledge of research trends in this setting. Furthermore, the findings obtained from this study have the potential to contribute to the enhancement of curriculum design, instructional approaches, and distribution of resources in the English language education research area.

Developing and Evaluating Digital Public Health Interventions Using the Digital Public Health Framework DigiPHrame: A Framework Development Study.

Digital public health (DiPH) interventions may help us tackle substantial public health challenges and reach historically underserved populations, in addition to presenting valuable opportunities to improve and complement existing services. However, DiPH interventions are often triggered through technological advancements and opportunities rather than public health needs. To develop and evaluate interventions designed to serve public health needs, a comprehensive framework is needed that systematically covers all aspects with relevance for public health. This includes considering the complexity of the technology, the context in which the technology is supposed to operate, its implementation, and its effects on public health, including ethical, legal, and social aspects. We aimed to develop such a DiPH framework with a comprehensive list of core principles to be considered throughout the development and evaluation process of any DiPH intervention. The resulting digital public health framework (DigiPHrame) was based on a scoping review of existing digital health and public health frameworks. After extracting all assessment criteria from these frameworks, we clustered the criteria. During a series of multidisciplinary meetings with experts from the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health, we restructured each domain to represent the complexity of DiPH. In this paper, we used a COVID-19 contact-tracing app as a use case to illustrate how DigiPHrame may be applied to assess DiPH interventions. The current version of DigiPHrame consists of 182 questions nested under 12 domains. Domain 1 describes the current status of health needs and existing interventions; domains 2 and 3, the DiPH technology under assessment and aspects related to human-computer interaction, respectively; domains 4 and 5, structural and process aspects, respectively; and domains 6-12, contextual conditions and the outcomes of the DiPH intervention from broad perspectives. In the CWA use case, a number of questions relevant during its development but also important for assessors once the CWA was available were highlighted. DigiPHrame is a comprehensive framework for the development and assessment of digital technologies designed for public health purposes. It is a living framework and will, therefore, be updated regularly and as new public health needs and technological advancements emerge.

Modeling hydrogen markets: Energy system model development status and decarbonization scenario results

Hydrogen can be used as an energy carrier and chemical feedstock to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in difficult-to-decarbonize markets such as medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, aviation and maritime, iron and steel, and the production of fuels and chemicals. Significant literature has been accumulated on engineering-based assessments of various hydrogen technologies, and real-world projects are validating technology performance at larger scales and for low-carbon supply chains. While energy system models continue to be updated to track this progress, many are currently limited in their representation of hydrogen, and as a group they tend to generate highly variable results under decarbonization constraints. The present work provides insights into the development status and decarbonization scenario results of 15 energy system models participating in study 37 of the Stanford Energy Modeling Forum (EMF37), focusing on the U.S. energy system. The models and scenario results vary widely in multiple respects: hydrogen technology representation, scope and type of hydrogen end-use markets, relative optimism of hydrogen technology input assumptions, and market uptake results reported for 2050 under various decarbonization assumptions. Most models report hydrogen market uptake increasing with decarbonization constraints, though some models report high carbon prices being required to achieve these increases and some find hydrogen does not compete well when assuming optimistic assumptions for all advanced decarbonization technologies. Across various scenarios, hydrogen market success tends to have an inverse relationship to success with direct air capture (DAC) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. While most model-scenario combinations predict modest hydrogen uptake by 2050 – <10 million metric tons (MMT) – aggregating the top 10 % of market uptake results across sectors suggests an upper range demand potential of 42–223 MMT. The high degree of variability across both modeling methods and market uptake results suggests that increased harmonization of both input assumptions and subsector competition scope would lead to more consistent results across energy system models. The wide variability in results indicates strongly divergent conclusions on the role of hydrogen in a decarbonized energy future.

Integrated multi-dimensional assessment of red mud recycling technologies: Insights from industrial waste treatment and life-cycle management

A large stock of red mud (RM), with certain resource values and potential environmental hazards, places higher requirements on the selection and optimization of recycling technology. A multi-dimensional performance assessment method combined with life cycle assessment was established to address this issue. In this study, eight typical RM recycling technologies were screened and sorted into three categories, 18 assessment indicators covering technological, resource, environmental, economic, and social dimensions were defined, and the integrated performance assessments of different categories and technologies were analyzed and compared. For the building material preparation category, the environmental dimension mainly focused on reducing the consumption of chemical reagents and sintering temperatures. In the material adsorption and modification category, improvements primarily targeted the technological and societal dimensions by increasing technological readiness and social feasibility. For the metal extraction category, the technology dimension focused on improving applicability and competitiveness and optimizing process parameters. Electricity, the primary energy source, significantly affected environmental performance and constrained industrial scalability. Thus, integrated performance assessment method for RM recycling technologies offers a methodology for researchers, provides a scientific basis and guidance for technology selection for industrialized applications, and promotes the optimal management of industrial solid waste for governments.

Net-zero life cycle supply chain assessment of heat pump technologies

In this study, a comparative life cycle assessment of different heat pump technologies based on multiple supply chain scenarios according to the UK market has been conducted. In addition to conventional heat pumps – air-source heat pump (ASHP), ground-source heat pump (GSHP), and water-source heat pump (WSHP) - a novel hydrogen-source heat pump (HSHP) has been studied from an environmental aspect. Different supply chain scenarios have been developed for all technologies based on the leading supplier of heat pump components in the UK. Results showed that the manufacturing and operation of heat pumps are the main causes of the environmental impacts. Among the four technologies studied, ASHP had the highest negative environmental impacts across most categories. HSHP stands out with notably lower carbon emissions compared to other cases. However, in certain impact categories, HSHP exhibited more significant consequences, especially concerning land use and land-related pollution. Regarding CO2 emissions, ASHP is projected to achieve the most substantial reduction, with expected reductions of 23 %, 60 %, and 97 % by 2030, 2040, and 2050, respectively. GSHP, WSHP, and HSHP are also predicted to experience significant CO2 emission reductions of 94 %, 95 %, and 59 % by 2050, aligning with the UK's net-zero goal.

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Innovative Ejectors Plant Technology for Sediment by-Pass in Harbours and Ports

Sedimentation is the natural process of sediment transportation and deposition in quiescent water conditions. Sedimentation can affect the functionality of ports, harbours and navigation channels by reducing water depth, making navigation difficult, if not impossible. Different solutions are available to guarantee infrastructure functionality against sedimentation, with maintenance dredging being the most widely adopted. Alternative technologies for dredging have been developed and tested to reduce the environmental concerns related to dredging operations. Among other solutions, applying a sediment by-pass system based on a jet pump emerged as one of the most promising. While the existing literature covers the techno-economic aspects of sediment by-pass systems, the environmental impacts must be better evaluated and assessed. This paper aims to resolve this gap by evaluating, through the ReCiPe2016 life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, the environmental impact of an innovative sediment by-pass system called an “ejectors plant”. The LCA results are based on the demonstrator established in Cervia Harbour in Italy, which was extensively monitored for 15 months during its operation. This paper shows how energy consumption during the operation phase highly affects the considered midpoint and endpoint categories. For example, the GWP100 of the ejectors plant, considering the Italian electricity mix, equals 1.75 million tons of equivalent CO2 over 20 years, while under a low-carbon scenario, it is reduced to 0.17. In that case, material consumption in the construction phase becomes dominant, thus highlighting the importance of eco-innovation of ejectors plants to minimise oxidant formation. Finally, this paper compares the ejectors plant and traditional dredging through environmental LCA. The ejectors plant had a lower impact in all categories except for GWP-related categories. The sensitivity analysis showed how such a conclusion may be mitigated by considering different electricity mixes and maintenance dredging working cycles.

The Future of Blockchain Technology

Blockchain, the next generation of the Internet, has already made a significant impact in the realtimeoperations of the financial sector over the past decade. Cryptocurrency, the Internet of Things (IoT),financial services, etc. all benefit from its robust set of tools, which facilitate the cross-pollination of theseand other technologies. Decentralization long-term reliability are the two most crucial aspects ofBlockchain technologies. Despite the fact that Blockchain Bitcoin technologies are both beneficial, theyare nonetheless often confused with one another. In addition, this article distinguishes between the twowith the help of the smart contract's development highlights the potential advantages of blockchaintechnology. While several research have focused on how blockchain can be used in specific contexts,neither the technology nor its potential uses have been systematically surveyed. We undertake anextensive assessment of blockchain technology, architecture, analyzes blockchain applications, technical problems to address this knowledge gap.

Augmented Depletion Development Technology Assessed Across US Shale Plays

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 217792, “Assessment of Augmented Depletion Development Technology Across US Shale Plays,” by Ahmed Merzoug, SPE, Texas A&amp;M University, and Vibhas J. Pandey, SPE, ConocoPhillips. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The concept of augmented depletion development (ADD) was introduced to the industry through a pilot project conducted in the Bakken play in the US. These wells are openhole wells drilled within the fractured network of a pad. They are not fracture stimulated deliberately but do produce and contribute to the overall production of the lease. In this study, numerical modeling is used to understand the potential performance of these wells in several plays across the US. The learnings from this study can be used as a benchmark for operators that are planning on implementing such wells in their field development programs. Theoretical Basis of Study The concept of ADD can be modeled using a similar approach to the analytical solutions developed for flow into a multistage fractured horizontal well. In these wells, several regimes can be identified, such as transient linear flow and boundary-dominated flow. In previous work in the literature that proposed a method for analyzing production data of linear flow of fractured gas wells, fractures were assumed to have infinite dimensionless conductivity. Those researchers proposed a solution for a constant bottomhole-pressure liquid flow that is described in the present complete paper by a series of equations. For the case used by the present authors, a well spacing of 300 ft is assumed, implying that the perpendicular distance from the wellbore to a corresponding boundary is 150 ft, which is half the spacing between the fractured well and the ADD well (assuming each well drains half the fracture length). To elaborate further for better understanding of production, a plot of product of cumulative dimensionless rate and formation permeability (as a proxy for cumulative rate) while assuming all other properties behave the same shows that, with higher permeability, the recovery potential not only increases but also appears to accelerate. This supports the concept that, during the time of production of ADD wells, it is preferable to have higher permeabilities that can support faster production in zones that the primary wells may not drain effectively. The results of the analytical equation are for only one fracture but can be readily extended to multifractured horizontal wells using superposition methods. Methodology This study uses physics-based numerical modeling to simulate the performance of ADD wells in different plays. The numerical code simulates wellbore flow, hydraulic fracturing, geomechanics, and reservoir flow, all in the same package. The fracture and reservoir mesh are independent. The flow between the matrix and the reservoir is calculated using the 1D submesh approximation to reduce the computation expenses with higher accuracy. The hydraulic fracturing propagation algorithm uses a tip-tracking algorithm to allow the use of larger grid size without compromising accuracy in layered formations. The fracture conductivity is calculated with stress changes. The conductivity profile changes from a propped fracture into an unpropped fracture. The unpropped fracture conductivity is an underlying assumption used in this study. The collision between fractures initiated from different wells also is an assumption in this study.

НАДЕЖНОСТЬ ТРАКТОРОВ БЕЛАРУСЬ И ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО СЕРВИСА В УСЛОВИЯХ АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ

The article analyzes typical failures of Belarusian tractors by brand and component. It has been established that over the past 17 years, the production of tractors has increased by 3.28 times. Observations of more than 100 units of Belarusian tractors operating in different climatic conditions of the Republic of Azerbaijan were carried out for the effective organization of technical service, taking into account the nature of the distribution of faults. It was found that 73.2% of malfunctions occur in Belarus tractors - 892, 15.9% - in Belarus - 1221, 10.9% - in Belarus - 82.1. It has been established that 64.6% of Belarusian tractor failures occur in engines, 29.3% in transmissions, and 6.1% in hydraulic systems. Operational and technological assessment was carried out on the fields of the republic. A decrease in the efficiency of using equipment was revealed as a consequence of the fact that due to an insufficient technical service network, its efficiency decreases, costs and time to eliminate failures increase and, accordingly, the intensity and frequency of their occurrence increases. The methodology for determining the density of tractors depending on their number and area of farmland was developed to optimize the development and placement of technical service centers (TSC) for tractors in Belarus. Equipment density is characterized by the amount of equipment per 1 km2 of farmland. The average distance they travel to the central heating station depends on the density of tractors. A nomogram for determining the average moving distance of equipment to the central heating system based on the number of equipment and the density of their distribution has been developed. Thus, the effective organization of technical services in the republic helps to ensure a minimum level of prices for services with high quality.

Integration Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Hydrogen Technologies in Fish Farms: A Techno-Economical Model Dispatch for an Estonian Fish Farm

A fundamental aspect of fish farms is their energy consumption, which is essential for various activities like water supply, pool aeration, thermal conditioning, lighting, filtration, and recirculation systems. Due to volatile prices and rising energy use, costs have surged, requiring energy-optimization solutions for economic viability and pollution reduction. In this context, this study aims to evaluate renewable energy integration in these installations based on real data, assessing current operations, proposing renewable energy optimization, and exploring hydrogen systems for energy needs, using HOMER PRO® to analyze different scenarios. For this purpose, it targets a rainbow trout farm in Estonia, and by simulating the various hybrid configurations proposed, it aims to optimize its energy production and storage, ensuring feasibility and technical integration. The results of the simulations primarily demonstrate the potential for using the byproduct of electrolysis to cover the oxygen demand in these types of processes, reducing the demand for raw materials. Additionally, it is observed that storage enhances performance in isolated systems; however, the economically viable integration of hydrogen technology requires three assumptions: a regulatory framework allowing surplus energy sales to the grid, an existing infrastructure for hydrogen trading, and high energy purchase prices.

Super AI, Generative AI, Narrow AI and Chatbots: An Assessment of Artificial Intelligence Technologies for The Public Sector and Public Administration

Super AI, Generative AI, Narrow AI and Chatbots: An Assessment of Artificial Intelligence Technologies for The Public Sector and Public Administration

Reflections on co-creating a model for the value assessment of artificial intelligence technologies.

A multidisciplinary group of experts and patients developed the Model for ASsessing the value of Artificial Intelligence (MAS-AI) to ensure an evidence-based and patient-centered approach to introducing artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare. In this article, we share our experiences with meaningfully involving a patient in co-creating a research project concerning complex and technically advanced topics. The co-creation was evaluated by means of initial reflections from the research team before the project started, in a continuous logbook, and through semi-structured interviews with patients and two researchers before and after the active co-creation phase of the project. There were initial doubts about the feasibility of including patients in this type of project. Co-creation ensured relevance to patients, a holistic research approach and the debate of ethical considerations. Due to one patient dropping out, it is important to foresee and support the experienced challenges of time and energy spent by the patient in future projects. Having a multidisciplinary team helped the collaboration. A mutual reflective evaluation provided insights into the process which we would otherwise have missed. We found it possible to create complex and data-intense research projects with patients. Including patients benefitted the project and gave researchers new perspectives on their own research. Mutual reflection throughout the project is key to maximise learning for all parties involved.

Enzymatic CO2 Capture in intensified packed-bed column bioreactors: A techno-economic assessment

To reduce the impact of industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on climate change, energy-efficient and cost-effective carbon capture technologies are needed. With this in mind, our research group has proposed an intensified enzyme-mediated CO2 capture process in packed-bed column bioreactors with carbonic anhydrase (CA) immobilized on the packing surface and on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). This study, in continuation of our efforts to amend these processes, aims to showcase a techno-economic assessment (TEA) of this promising technology in an industrial-scale context and to emphasize the inherent benefits of intensification. The TEA results suggest that this enzyme-mediated technology has the potential to reduce capture costs, chiefly due to the possibility of utilizing an alternative solvent that requires less energy to regenerate, while also being non-corrosive and non-toxic. The capture process consumes 39.8% less energy than the benchmark process utilizing a MEA-based solution. Immobilizing the enzyme on MNPs has tangible benefits, such as enhancing mass transfer and reducing the equipment footprint, which improves flexibility and contributes to the viability of the industrial process. The intensified enzyme-mediated CO2 capture process achieves a 28.6% reduction in capture cost compared to the benchmark technology. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to highlight the impact of key parameters on the overall cost-effectiveness of the technology, providing beneficial insights for further improvement. The results indicate that it is crucial to maximize enzyme lifespan and minimize energy consumption. The liquid flow rate and buffer concentration are additional constraints that should be thoughtfully considered to ensure the feasibility of this process.

Mechanical Assessment of Denture Polymers Processing Technologies.

Removable prostheses have seen a fundamental change recently because of advances in polymer materials, allowing improved durability and performance. Despite these advancements, notable differences still occur amongst various polymer materials and processing technologies, requiring a thorough grasp of their mechanical, physical, and therapeutic implications. The compressive strength of dentures manufactured using various technologies will be investigated. Traditional, injection molding, and additive and subtractive CAD/CAM processing techniques, all utilizing Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the main material, were used to construct complete dentures. The specimens underwent a compressive mechanical test, which reveals the differences in compressive strength. All the specimens broke under the influence of a certain force, rather than yielding through flow, as is characteristic for plastic materials. For each specimen, the maximum force (N) was recorded, as well as the breaking energy. The mean force required to break the dentures for each processing technology is as follows: 4.54 kN for traditional packing-press technique, 17.92 kN for the injection molding technique, 1.51 kN for the additive CAD/CAM dentures, and 5.9 kN for the subtractive CAD/CAM dentures. The best results were obtained in the case of the thermoplastic injection system and the worst results were recorded in the case of 3D printed samples. Another important aspect depicted is the standard deviation for each group, which reveal a relatively unstable property for the thermoplastic injected dentures. Good results here in terms of absolute property and stability of the property can be conferred to CAD/CAM milled group.

Exploring fecal sludge treatment technologies in humanitarian settings at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: a comprehensive assessment of treatment efficiency through characterization of fecal sludge

IntroductionEfficient treatment of fecal sludge in densely populated settings is essential as it has a direct impact on public health and the environment. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of fecal sludge treatment technologies in Rohingya camps at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, focusing on removal efficiencies and compliance with regulatory standards.MethodsSeventeen treatment plants of five different technologies were evaluated based on removal efficiency and standard discharge guidelines for various physicochemical and microbiological parameters.ResultsWaste Stabilization Pond (WSP) was the top performer compared to four other different treatment technologies evaluated, achieving notable removal rates: 97.3% reduction in E. coli, 100% in helminth eggs, 98.3% for COD, 97.8% for BOD, 98.7% for TSS, 92.1% for TS, 82.8% for phosphate, and 93.3% for total nitrogen. Lime Stabilization Ponds showed lower removal rates, except for E. coli (98.9%), with reductions of 99.7% for helminth eggs, 81.6% for COD, 80.9% for BOD, 86.3% for TSS, 68.6% for TS, and 49.2% for phosphate. Upflow Filters demonstrated good removal efficiencies for E. coli (99.7%), TSS (95.9%), COD (91.7%), BOD (93.5%), and helminth eggs (93.7%). WSP consistently outperformed other technologies across all seasons. Despite these, none of the technologies fully met discharge standards.DiscussionThese findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach, the combination of physicochemical and biological processes, to enhance efficacy. Promoting improved fecal sludge management technologies through awareness campaigns and technical support can mitigate environmental health risks in densely populated humanitarian settings.

Usability Assessment of Voice-Enabled Technologies for Users with Visual Disabilities

Voice-enabled technologies such as VoiceOver (screen reader) and the Seeing AI app (image recognition) have revolutionized daily tasks for people with visual disabilities, fostering greater independence and information access. However, a gap remains in understanding the user experience (UX) of these technologies. This study investigated how those with visual disabilities interacted with VoiceOver and the Seeing AI app. A convenience sample of eight participants with visual disabilities engaged in direct observations while using these technologies. The study utilized the System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess perceived usability and analyzed findings using descriptive statistics. Results indicated a poorer UX with VoiceOver compared to the Seeing AI app, with challenges identified in graphical user interfaces (GUIs), voice and gesture commands. Relevant recommendations were made to enhance usability. The study emphasizes the need for more intuitive GUIs and optimized voice/gesture interactions for users with visual disabilities.