Cost-effective Technology Research Articles

Harnessing Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss): A Sustainable Approach to Natural Farming

This review explores the rich concept of natural farming and the varied usage of neem in natural farming. Neem plant holds an important position in the rich tradition of India. The various portion of neem tree are used as insecticide, fertilizer, manure, soil conditioner etc. In recent era the major challenge is to increase the food production without harming the environment. Neem is considered ecofriendly, biodegradable, least persistence and also economic. Neem based formulations forms a considerable constituent of Natural farming. Successful results of application of neem based formulations in natural farming will provide adoption of cost effective technology to the farming community.

Efficient removal of Sb(III) from wastewater using selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Psidium guajava plant extract.

Antimony (Sb) pollution in aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a critical environmental issue on a global scale, emphasizing the urgent need for cost-effective and user-friendly technologies to remove Sb compounds from water sources. In this study, a novel adsorbent, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), was synthesized using the aqueous extract of Psidium guajava L. leaves (AEP) for the purpose of eliminating Sb(III) from aqueous solutions. The biosynthesized SeNPs was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis techniques. Additionally, the removal efficiency of the SeNPs for Sb(III) was systematic investigated under the effects of SeNPs dose, temperature, pH and re-usability. The results of this study showed that the adsorption data fitted well into pseudo-second order model, while the Sips modeling demonstrated a high adsorption capacity (62.7mg/g) of SeNPs for Sb(III) ions at 303.15K from aqueous solution. The exothermic enthalpy change of - 22.59kJ/mol and negative Gibbs free energy change assured the viability of the adsorption process under the considered temperature conditions. Surface functional groups on SeNPs like carboxyl, amide, hydroxyl, carbonyl, and methylene significantly facilitate the adsorption processes. Furthermore, the removal efficiencies of Sb in the two actual Sb mine wastewater samples were remarkably high, achieving nearly to 100% with 1.5g/L SeNPs within 48h. This outcome underscores the potential of SeNPs as a highly promising solution for efficiently remediating Sb from aquatic environments, owing to their cost-effectiveness, ease of regeneration, and rapid uptake capabilities.

Optimization of Operation of Heavy Oil Residue Processing Units in Delayed Coking Processes

The delayed coking process is the most cost-effective and promising technology for processing oil residues and has become most widespread. Oil refineries that include ultrasonic treatment plants can be classified as plants with waste-free oil refining technology. The UZK includes coking and fractionation sections, a furnace block, a coke unloading block, a gas and naphtha separation block, a unit for collecting harmful emissions, a unit for purifying water separated from petroleum coke, a system inside the coke processing unit, a system for compressing and supplying wet gas and others auxiliary systems. The coking section consists of a furnace and 4 reactors operating in parallel to ensure process continuity. The main directions for optimizing the delayed coking process can be considered: changes in the composition of raw materials; improvement of coke chambers of the delayed coking unit; improvement of the fractionating column of the delayed coking unit; modernization of furnaces - the most resource-intensive element of the installation, delayed coking. Ceramic Coating of Furnaces – Applying highly emissive ceramic coatings to furnace coils and linings is an effective energy-saving measure. Allowing to significantly increase the efficiency of furnaces by increasing the thermal load of the radiant section of the furnace, and as a result, reduce fuel consumption.

Design and simulation of 2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite solar cells under LED illumination: Role of ETL and front contact band alignment

This paper focuses on the design and simulation of 2D Ruddlesden-Popper halide perovskite (RPHP) solar cells, emphasizing their optimization for indoor LED illumination conditions. The design process begins with the validation of physical models within the SCAPS device simulator, accomplished through careful calibration against experimental (MAMP)MAn−1PbnI3n+1 RPHP cell data. Subsequently, different values of <n> (with n = 1, 2, 3, and 4) are explored to study the impact of different band gap energies, aiming to identify the most suitable option for optimal efficiency across diverse LED color temperatures. By addressing both material-specific considerations and device architecture optimization, this study aims to establish a comprehensive framework for designing RPHP solar cells tailored for white LED illumination. Additionally, the simulation reveals that optimizing the electron affinity of the Electron Transport Layer (ETL) significantly impacts device performance, with efficiencies exceeding 25 %. Furthermore, the study discusses emerging trends such as ETL-free structures, which aim to address interface defects and enhance device performance. In addition, we analyze the impact of bulk trap density and thickness of the 2-D perovskite absorber on efficiency limitations. With an absorber thickness set at 800 nm, a marginal decrease in PCE is observed, for the ETL-free solar cell, from around 34 % to 32 % as the trap density ranges from 1011 to 1014 cm−3. In contrast, for the ETL-based structure with the same variations, PCE experiences a substantial decline, dropping from approximately 47 % to 37 %. While the ETL-free structure may exhibit a lower PCE compared to the ETL-based cell, its capacity to endure fluctuations in trap density offers a notable advantage.These efforts underscore the potential of 2D RPHP photovoltaic cells for indoor applications, presenting a pathway towards efficient, stable, and cost-effective photovoltaic technology suited for diverse lighting environments.

Deep-learning viscoelastic seismic inversion for mapping subsea permafrost

Marine seismic surveys can be used to map ice-bearing subsea permafrost on a large scale. However, current seismic processing technologies have limited capacity to image permafrost distribution at depth, mainly due to the low sensitivity of primary reflections and refractions to the velocity inversion found at the base of permafrost. Guided waves and multiples are more sensitive to the velocity variations below the top of permafrost, but they remain challenging to use in physics-based inversion approaches. A deep-learning-based seismic inversion has the potential to improve seismic imaging below the top of permafrost by automatically extracting information from all wave modes. We develop a multi-input neural network (NN) to estimate seismic velocities from marine seismic data. The network is trained on synthetic data generated from the representative distributions of the seismic properties of subsea permafrost. We find that our network can image large velocity contrasts and reversals in depth, typical of subsea permafrost. We use our network to estimate the P- and S-wave velocity and Q-factor models from a seismic line in the Beaufort Sea. The NN indicates highly discontinuous subsea permafrost with variable thickness in the area. Our work shows that deep-learning-based seismic inversion could become a cost-effective technology to map the distribution of subsea permafrost on a large scale and, more generally, high-velocity geologic layers located in shallow waters.

Qualities and Quantities of Poultry Litter Biochar Characterization and Investigation

Excessive land application of poultry litter (PL) may lead to surface runoff of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which cause eutrophication, fish death, and water pollution that ultimately have negative effects on humans and animals. Increases in poultry production in the Delmarva Peninsula underscore the need for more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable disposal technologies for processing PL instead of direct land application. The pyrolysis conversion process can potentially produce nutrient-rich poultry litter biochar (PLB), while the pyrolysis process can change the N and P to a more stable component, thus reducing its runoff. Pyrolysis also kills off any microorganisms that would otherwise trigger negative environmental health effects. This study is to apply an integrated method and investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature (300 °C, 500 °C), poultry litter source (different feedstock composition), and bedding material mixture (10% pine shavings) on PLB qualities and quantities. Proximate and ultimate analysis showed PL sources and bedding material addition influenced the physicochemical properties of feedstock. The SEM and BET surface results indicate that pyrolysis temperature had a significant effect on changing the PLB morphology and structure, as well as the pH value (7.78 at 300 °C vs. 8.78 at 500 °C), extractable phosphorus (P) (18.73 ppm at 300 °C vs. 11.72 ppm at 500 °C), sulfur (S) (363 ppm at 300 °C vs. 344 ppm at 500 °C), and production yield of PLBs (47.65% at 300 °C vs. 60.62% at 500 °C). The results further suggest that adding a bedding material mixture (10% pine shavings) to PLs improved qualities by reducing the content of extractable P and S, as well as pH values of PLBs. This study also found the increment in both the pore volume and the area of Bethel Farm was higher than that of Sun Farm. Characterization and investigation of qualities and quantities of PLB using the integrated framework suggest that PL from Bethel Farm could produce better-quality PLB at a higher pyrolysis temperature and bedding material mixture to control N and P runoff problems.

Application of the Electrospinning Technique in Electrochemical Biosensors: An Overview.

Electrospinning is a cost-effective and flexible technology for producing nanofibers with large specific surface areas, functionalized surfaces, and stable structures. In recent years, electrospun nanofibers have attracted more and more attention in electrochemical biosensors due to their excellent morphological and structural properties. This review outlines the principle of electrospinning technology. The strategies of producing nanofibers with different diameters, morphologies, and structures are discussed to understand the regulation rules of nanofiber morphology and structure. The application of electrospun nanofibers in electrochemical biosensors is reviewed in detail. In addition, we look towards the future prospects of electrospinning technology and the challenge of scale production.

Improving esophageal cancer screening across the globe: Translating knowledge into action.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a pressing global health concern, ranking as the eighth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are the two major histological types of esophageal cancer associated with distinct risk factors and geographical distributions. Unfortunately, the outcomes for both types of EC remain discouraging, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20% when diagnosed at advanced stages. Advanced endoscopic techniques have the potential to vastly enhance patient outcomes and impede the progression of pre-malignant lesions to cancer. However, low screening rates with endoscopy due to its invasive nature and high cost hinder its effectiveness. Despite extensive research on risk predictors, a significant number of cases still go undiagnosed, highlighting the need for improved screening techniques that can be implemented at the population level. To increase uptake, a shift towards minimally invasive, well-tolerated and cost-effective non-endoscopic technologies is crucial. The implementation of such devices in primary care settings, specifically targeting high-risk populations, can be a promising strategy. With early detection and enrollment in surveillance programs, there is hope for substantial improvement in morbidity and mortality rates through modern minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical techniques.

Reducing Lung Injury from Blind Insertion of Small-Bore Feeding Tubes.

Using a blind insertion technique to insert small-bore feeding tubes can result in inadvertent placement in the lungs, leading to lung perforation and even mortality. In a Magnet-designated, 500-bed, level 2 trauma center, two serious patient safety events occurred in a four-week period due to nurses blindly inserting a small-bore feeding tube. A patient safety event review team convened and conducted an assessment of reported small-bore feeding tube insertion events that occurred between March 2019 and July 2021. The review revealed six lung perforations over this two-year period. These events prompted the creation of a multidisciplinary team to evaluate alternative small-bore feeding tube insertion practices. The team reviewed the literature and evaluated several evidence-based small-bore feeding tube placement methods, including placement with fluoroscopy, a two-step X-ray, electromagnetic visualization, and capnography. After the evaluation, capnography was selected as the most effective method to mitigate the complications of blind insertion. In this article, the authors describe a quality improvement project involving the implementation of capnography-guided small-bore feeding tube placement to reduce complications and the incidence of lung perforation. Since the completion of the project, which took place from December 13, 2021, through April 18, 2022, no lung injuries or perforations have been reported. Capnography is a relatively simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective technology that provides nurses with a means to safely and effectively insert small-bore feeding tubes, decrease the incidence of adverse events, and improve patient care.

Scalable Fabrication of Flexible Supercapacitor Electrodes Using Sustainable Water‐Based Onion‐like Carbon Inks

AbstractThe increasing usage of electrical energy storage solutions demands for cost effective, scalable and sustainable manufacturing technologies. Deposition of functional inks, carrying electrochemically active materials is a suitable technique as it delivers material with selected properties only to required locations. However, the production of stable dispersions featuring high concentrations of active material ‐ necessary for effective deposition ‐ is challenging. Here we present an approach to print supercapacitor electrodes with onion‐like carbon as active material, using a simple, cost‐effective process as well as a water‐based ink. The ink is highly stable and can be deposited by spray and inkjet techniques. The fabricated electrodes offer a capacitance of up to 14 mF cm−2 (27 F g−1) and retained 97 % of their initial capacitance after 5000 cycles, demonstrating excellent performance and stability of the coating.

Digitalization of Large-Scale Testing Facilities for the Wind Industry: DIGIT-BENCH Digital Twin

Testing of large wind turbine components plays a central role in delivering reliable yet cost-effective technology. However, these experiments are often lengthy and costly. Fatigue testing of a wind turbine blade might take up to 12-14 months, whereas highly accelerated lifetime testing of a nacelle demands 6-8 months. The exchange of simulation models and data between OEMs and test facilities is recognized as a critical factor in the planning of an experimental campaign. In fact, OEMs are typically very protective of their industrial secrets, and sharing such sensitive information may constitute a threat. It follows that the use of simulation models to enable more effective experimentation is not pursued efficiently.Digital twins are emerging as a key enabling technology to improve the operation & maintenance of test benches for the wind industry. A digital twin combines physical systems and their digital models into a cyber-physical system to provide functionalities that cannot be attained by either physical or digital assets independently. The seamless integration of the test bench with digital models offered by a digital twin is expected to enhance the interaction between OEM and test bench operators.This proceeding illustrates the status of the development of the DIGIT-BENCH digital twin developed by R&D Test Systems (R&D) and Aarhus University to serve large-scale test facilities for the wind industry. The digital twin utilizes FMI-based co-simulation to enable the coupling of physical/digital components in an industrial-secret-friendly environment. The digital twin concept is demonstrated on a 2-degrees-of-freedom test bench installed at Aarhus University.

Efficient fabrication of high-quality graphene via alternating-current co-intercalation and microwave-assisted expansion

To facilitate the transformation of inexpensive and abundant graphite resources into two-dimensional graphene materials with promising applications, the development of efficient, cost-effective, and scalable technologies for large-scale production of high-quality graphene is crucial. Here, we propose an effective electrochemical dual-electrode co-intercalation exfoliation strategy. During the process, precise control of the electrochemical intercalation is achieved by adjusting the working bias and alternating current (AC) cycle, while ensuring the ion insertion rate through gradual voltage escalation. Repeated insertion of cations and anions under AC accelerates the graphite exfoliation. Following complete ion inserting, suitable microwave processing was employed to achieve rapid graphite expansion. Ultimately, ultra-sonication in NMP is employed to achieve final exfoliation between graphite layers. The resulting few-layer graphene (2–3 layers) exhibited minimal defects (ID/IG = 0.0405), low oxygen content (C/O = 44.62), high yield (95.3 %), and excellent conductivity (625 S/cm), enabling its potential commercialization and large-scale application. This outcome also serves as a significant reference for the commercial production of environmentally friendly and cost-effective graphene.

Multifunctional xanthan gum/wood fibers based hydrogels as novel topsoil covers for forestry and agricultural applications

This study was focused on the development of novel bio-based and biodegradable hydrogels constituted of xanthan gum (XG) reinforced with wood fibers, to be used as eco-sustainable topsoil covers (TSCs) in support of reforestation and agricultural efforts in arid conditions. At this aim, hydrogels were developed by cross-linking XG with citric acid (CA), sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) or tannic acid (TA) at different concentrations. Samples cross-linked with CA and TA exhibited the highest dimensional stability and exceptional water absorption capability, even after multiple absorption/drying cycles. Hydrogels with 50, 60, and 100 phr of CA displayed water vapor permeance values of about 9.5·10−6 g/(Pa·s·m2), i.e., comparable to commercial woven PP mulching films. The average penetration resistance of the produced hydrogels was twice that of the commercial one. The presence of wood fibers in the hydrogels provided dimensional stability and minimal shrinkage after exposure to outdoor conditions for two months (15.4 % for sample with 60 phr of CA). Furthermore, after 7 months of exposure, more than 60 % of the sample mass was biodegraded. This research demonstrated the potential of xanthan gum/wood fibers based hydrogels as TSCs with superior water-regulating properties, thus offering a simple, cost-effective and scalable technology for forestry and agriculture applications.

Development and evaluation of lysine-crosslinked re-crosslinkable particle gel for water control in high-temperature reservoirs

Preformed particle gel (PPG) treatment is a cost-effective technology for controlling excessive water production. However, PPG exhibits limited plugging efficiency when dealing with open fractures at high temperatures. This paper reports a novel environmentally friendly, high-temperature resistant re-crosslinkable PPG (EF-HT-RPPG). The polymer backbone of EF-HT-RPPG is methylene bisacrylamide crosslinked poly (acrylamide-co N-vinylpyrrolidone). The secondary crosslinker is pre-embedded during the synthesis process, and the hydrated gel particles can reform a bulk gel at high temperatures through chemical re-crosslinking between polymer chains and the secondary crosslinker which is lysine. This study investigated the swelling, re-crosslinking behavior, hydrolytic thermal stability, and plugging performance of the EF-HT-RPPG. Bottle tests were conducted to determine the swelling kinetics, re-crosslinking time, and thermal stability data. The plugging efficiency was assessed using a fracture model. EF-HT-RPPG could re-crosslink at 80–130 °C within a reasonable time. The storage modulus (G′) of the re-crosslinked gel with a swelling ratio of 10 was measured at 477 Pa. Additionally, gels prepared in Ekofisk formation water remained stable at 130 °C for over 350 days. The plugging test demonstrated that EF-HT-RPPG could be readily injected into the fracture, with a water breakthrough pressure gradient of 70 psi/ft.

Wastewater treatment, hydrogen and energy recovery using electrochemical advanced oxidation

Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) offer several advantages over conventional Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) such as UV/H2O2 and H2O2/O3. This includes the absence of chemical additives and ease of control. However, high energy consumption hampers the industrial application of EAOPs. Currently, the hydrogen generated at the cathode is vented and wasted, because of its low gas purity and difficulty in collecting it. But it also underscores an opportunity where the reactor design can be improved to facilitate the collection of high-purity hydrogen for energy savings. In our study, The EAOPs reactor was designed with a proton exchange membrane (PEM) for hydrogen generation. The hydrogen at the cathode chamber is then supplied to a fuel cell to generate electricity. The energy efficiency of the EAOPs-fuel cell system is evaluated through the wastewater treatment performance and energy saving that fuel cells achieve. To optimize the EAOPs-fuel cell system, various operational conditions, including different anode types, salt concentrations, and target organic compounds, were examined to optimize the system. Our experimental results indicate that the EAOPs-fuel cell system exhibits energy-efficient performance across various operational conditions. Notably, the highest energy efficiency and recovery ratio were achieved when operating at 3 V with boron-doped diamond (BDD) as the anode. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of mass transfer on the system's energy efficiency, considering both the initial organic concentration and flow velocity. This study provided valuable insights into combining the effect of EAOPs and hydrogen fuel cells, contributing to the understanding and optimizing the oxidation performance. It also contributes to developing sustainable and cost-effective advanced oxidation technologies with wide-ranging water treatment applications.

Mapping the barrier and strategic solutions of halal supply chain implementation in small and medium enterprises

PurposeThis study aims to identify the challenges, promote respective solutions and construct strategies for the implementation of the halal supply chain in Indonesia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis research used the analytic network process in nine respondents categorised into three groups of relevant stakeholders: government, academia and industry.FindingsSeven essential criteria for the implementation of a halal supply chain in SMEs were identified, namely, the process, packaging, storage, transportation, fundamental aspects, supporting policy and technology. Notably, the high cost of adopting blockchain technology was the most crucial issue, particularly in SMEs.Practical implicationsThrough the findings, several critical factors to consider in the implementation of halal supply chains for SMEs were identified. The investment in halal supply chain technology, which incurs a high cost carried by entrepreneurs, is a burden for SMEs. For this reason, further studies are required to formulate and develop cost-effective halal supply chain technology for SMEs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt of comprehensively mapping the barriers and developing strategic solutions to implement the halal supply chain by Indonesia’s SMEs.

Low-Cost Grey Water Treatment System Design And Treatability Studies In Relation To Recycling And Reuse In Rural Area of Angul District of Odisha

As global water scarcity intensifies, there is a growing need for sustainable water management solutions, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water is often limited. This study focuses on the development of a low-cost greywater treatment system tailored for rural settings, emphasizing the recycling and reuse of greywater. The research encompasses the design, implementation, and treatability studies of the proposed system, aiming to provide an affordable and effective solution for improving water sustainability in resource-constrained communities. The designed greywater treatment system incorporates cost-effective technologies and locally available materials to ensure its feasibility in rural contexts. The treatability studies explore the system's efficiency in removing contaminants commonly found in greywater, evaluating its potential to meet water quality standards suitable for various non-potable applications. Emphasis is placed on the system's adaptability to local conditions, promoting community engagement and ownership for long-term sustainability. By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural areas, this research contributes to the broader goal of achieving water security through decentralized, affordable, and environmentally conscious greywater treatment solutions. The findings from this study can inform policymakers, engineers, and local communities on practical approaches to enhance water quality, reduce environmental impact, and promote water recycling and reuse in rural settings.

Potential of biochar and humic substances for phytoremediation of trace metals in oil sands process affected water

Oil sands process affected water (OSPW) is produced during bitumen extraction and typically contains high concentrations of trace metals. Constructed wetlands have emerged as a cost effective and green technology for the treatment of metals in wastewaters. Whether the addition of amendments to constructed wetlands can improve metal removal efficiency is unknown. We investigated the synergistic effects of carbon based amendments and wetland plant species in removal of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and selenium from OSPW. Three native wetland species (Carex aquatilis, Juncus balticus, Scirpus validus) and two amendments (canola straw biochar, nano humus) were investigated in constructed wetland mesocosms over 60 days. Amendment effect on metal removal efficiency was not significant, while plant species effect was. Phytoremediation resulted in removal efficiencies of 78.61–96.31 % for arsenic, cadmium, and cobalt. Carex aquatilis had the highest removal efficiencies for all metals. Amendments alone performed well in removing some metals and were comparable to phytoremediation for cadmium, cobalt, copper, and nickel. Metals were primarily distributed in roots with negligible translocation to shoots. Our work provides insights into the role of plants and amendments during metal remediation and their complex interactions in constructed treatment wetlands.

Surface characteristics and material removal mechanisms during nanogrinding on C-face and Si-face of 4H-SiC crystals: Experimental and molecular dynamics insights

4H-SiC wafers hold significant promise for applications in power devices and radiofrequency devices. In order to develop a cost-effective and efficient grinding technology for 4H-SiC wafers, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate the mechanisms underlying damage evolution on different crystal faces of 4H-SiC. Our approach involved employing a range of experimental techniques including nanoindentation, scratching, and grinding, coupled with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to systematically analyze the material removal mechanisms on both the C-face and Si-face. Through a comprehensive comparison of mechanical properties, surface morphology, and subsurface damage distribution between the C-face and Si-face, we uncovered the plastic deformation mechanisms operating on each face. Our research findings emphasize that, compared to the Si-face, the C-face exhibits higher elastic modulus and hardness, but lower fracture toughness. Additionally, due to the C-face’s greater propensity for high-density dislocation formation compared to the Si-plane, stress release occurs in the machining area, resulting in smaller normal forces and aiding in reducing surface roughness after grinding. This study provides important guidance for the grinding of the two critical basal planes of single-crystal 4H-SiC.

Experimental investigation of heat transfer rate for building roof with corrugated sheets using phase change material (PCM)

Research on cost-effective and efficient technology that can hold enormous amounts of heat or cold in a specific volume has been ongoing for a while. Due to its isothermal behaviour throughout the phase change process and high energy storage density, latent heat storage in phase change materials (PCM) is highly appealing. The incorporation of latent heat of storage in building materials considerably aids in the energy conservation of structures, which is a major role of thermal storage. By reducing the frequency of internal air temperature swings and keeping the indoor air temperature closer to the ideal temperature for longer periods of time, increasing the building's thermal storage capacity can improve human comfort. Nonetheless, a phase change material can be chosen to accommodate every type of weather in a certain area.