Current Technological Approaches Research Articles

Automating insulin delivery through pump and continuous glucose monitoring connectivity: Maximizing opportunities to improve outcomes.

The development of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which connect continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems with algorithmic insulin delivery from an insulin pump (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, [CSII]), has led to improved glycaemia and quality of life benefits in those with insulin-treated diabetes. This review summarizes the benefits gained by the connectivity between insulin pumps and CGM devices. It details the technical requirements and advances that have enabled this, and highlights the clinical and user benefits of such systems. Clinical trials and real-world outcomes from the use of AID systems in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D)will be the focus of this article; outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other diabetes subtypes will also be discussed. We also detail the limitations of current technological approaches for connectivity between insulin pumps and CGM devices. While recognizing the barriers, we discuss opportunities for the future.

Current progresses and challenges for microbiome research in human health: a perspective.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the human microbiota, also known as "the hidden organ", possesses a pivotal role in numerous processes involved in maintaining the physiological functions of the host, such as nutrient extraction, biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, interplay with the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, as well as resistance to the colonization of potential invading pathogens. In the last decade, the development of metagenomic approaches based on the sequencing of the bacterial 16s rRNA gene via Next Generation Sequencing, followed by whole genome sequencing via third generation sequencing technologies, has been one of the great advances in molecular biology, allowing a better profiling of the human microbiota composition and, hence, a deeper understanding of the importance of microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of different pathologies. In this scenario, it is of the utmost importance to comprehensively characterize the human microbiota in relation to disease pathogenesis, in order to develop novel potential treatment or preventive strategies by manipulating the microbiota. Therefore, this perspective will focus on the progress, challenges, and promises of the current and future technological approaches for microbiome profiling and analysis.

Management Information Systems and Correlation Between E-Business and Information Security from a Business Intelligence Perspective

The research focus was motivated by the emergence of electronic business which increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research is a literature review and its purpose is to build awareness about the importance of information security and to analyze the correlation between information security and electronic business in an environment where electronic business is emerging and the gap between electronic business and information security is enlarging. The research is a review of peer-reviewed articles retrieved from case studies, empirical research, case analysis, literature reviews, comparative studies, systematic reviews, and conceptual analysis dating from the years of 2018 to 2023. This literature review defines four business intelligence concepts: management information systems, value driven business, electronic business, and information security. This literature review also reveals the effects of all four business intelligence concepts on organizations’ decision-making and financial objectives. Findings of this literature review revealed that electronic businesses need a stronger risk management approach regarding information security. The conclusion shows that the current technological approach and information security tools such as encryption key management, mantraps, and network intrusion detection systems do not ensure trust and/or eliminate digital security risks.

EUS-guided interventional therapies for pancreatic diseases.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an integrated diagnostic technique merging endoscope and ultrasound to examine the digestive system. EUS has emerged as a primary diagnostic method for pancreatic diseases due to its distinctive benefits. Over the past four decades, EUS has undergone a transformation, shifting its role from primarily diagnostic to increasingly therapeutic. Additionally, in recent years, EUS has emerged as an increasingly prominent adjunctive or alternative approach to conventional surgical interventions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current technological approaches in the treatment of pancreatic diseases. The dynamic interplay with diverse therapeutic approaches has reinvigorated EUS and shaped its trajectory in the management of pancreatic diseases.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of triazine covalent organic frameworks via friedel-crafts reaction for use in treating brackish Water

Water scarcity is becoming an ever-growing problem in society. This is all due to the rapid increase in human population, harsh changes in the weather climate. New approaches for treating and recycling brine water into freshwater instead of discharging are needed, significantly large reduction in energy usage and decreasing harmful impact to the environment must be achieved in brine recovery. This study aims to introduced green technology into the reclamation of brine water by use of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) materials which will be used as part of a novel triazine-based COFs material which can be used as a nanomembrane for desalination of brine water from water treatment plants at Umgeni Water. Current technological approaches used are inefficient and unsuitable in 3rd world, developing countries including the republic of South Africa. This work focuses on a microwave-assisted synthesis involving Friedel Crafts reaction between monomers to yield a product of a triazine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) membranes. To confirm the products high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), carbon NMR (13C NMR) with peaks at chemical shifts of 131, 143 and 172 ppm respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed and showed N-H stretches at a region of 3396 to 3050 cm-1. The COFs that were successfully synthesised are going to be incorporated on a polymeric substrate to fabricate a nanofiltration membrane and applied for nanofiltration or ultrafiltration purposes.

Optimization and application of shock wave measurement technology for shock-timing experiments on small-scale capsules

In laser fusion research, the precision of shock-timing technology is pivotal for attaining optimal adiabatic tuning during the compression phase of fusion capsules, which is crucial for ensuring the high-performance implosion. The current main technological approach for shock-timing experiments is to use keyhole targets and VISAR (velocity interferometer system for any reflector) diagnostics to measure the shock velocity history. Nonetheless, this approach encounters limitations when scaling down to smaller capsules, primarily due to the reduced effective reflection area available for VISAR diagnostics. In this work, a novel high-precision shock-timing experimental methodology is used to realize a double-step radiation-driven implosion of a 0.375 mm radius capsule on a 100 kJ laser facility. By calculating the intensity of VISAR images with spherical reflective surfaces, a new experimental technical route is proposed, i.e. using the keyhole cone reflection effect to enhance the VISAR diagnostic spatial area, which can effectively increase the effective data collection region by nearly threefold for small-scale capsules. The technique has been adeptly used to measure shock waves in cryogenic liquid-deuterium-filled capsules under shaped implosion experimental conditions, thus obtaining high-precision shock-timing experimental data. The experimental data reveal that the application of this technology can markedly enhance both the image quality and the precision of data analysis for shock wave velocity measurements in small-scale capsules. Furthermore, it is discovered that under similar laser conditions, there exist considerable variations in the shock velocity profiles. Simulation analysis shows that the difference in chasing behavior of the “<i>N</i>+1” reflected shock wave caused by small changes in laser intensity is the main reason for the significant difference in merging speed. It is demonstrated that small changes in laser parameters can significantly affect the transmission behavior of the shock wave. This experiment highlights the complex sensitivity of shock wave transmission in high-performance forming implosion physics process on a current small capsule scale, making it essential to conduct shock-timing experiments to accurately adjust actual shock wave behavior. This research not only lays a robust technical foundation for promoting adiabatic tuning experiments ofour 100 kJ laser facility but also has profound significance for the ultra-high pressure physics research based on the spherical convergence effect.

Laser-based battery pack disassembly: a compact benchmark analysis for separation technologies

The global decarbonization will have to be driven by the e-mobility sector to achieve the climate goals. End-of-life battery packs therefore need to be recycled efficiently and sustainably so that a cost-competitive circular economy can be adopted. In current process approaches, once the battery is discharged, disassembly is typically performed manually in a process that is not automated and dangerous to workers. To disassemble, first the battery cover must be removed, whereby current technological approaches focus on screw connections, which are difficult to loosen due to their condition after many years in the vehicle and cause poor automation capability. Another alternative is to mechanically mill the battery cover, which creates chips inside the battery pack that can cause short circuits. Waterjet cutting, which is also a process approach, faces the challenge of water getting into the battery pack, which can also lead to short circuits. Therefore, there is a need for new technological approaches which can dismantle an automotive battery pack productively with enhanced safety standards for workers and batteries. For this purpose, this paper performs a compact benchmark analysis of different separation technologies to identify initial potentials and challenges for laser-based disassembly of automotive battery packs.

A multi-constraint and multi-objective optimization layout method for a mine water inrush monitoring network

Mine water inrush can cause property losses and casualties, but current theoretical and technological approaches cannot accurately predict such events. Through the networked deployment of water level sensors along a mine roadway, a mine water inrush monitoring network was developed, and a multi-constraint and multi-objective optimal deployment method was established. By setting practical constraints of the mining area, water inrush risk level, and installation at specified locations, and considering two objective functions of minimum total cost and minimum average monitoring time, a mathematical model was established. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) was designed to solve the model. The method temporally and spatially optimized the network, which was then verified in the Beiyangzhuang coal mine in north China. The average response time of the monitoring network was 916 s using only 28 water level sensors. The higher the water inrush risk level, the shorter the monitoring network response time. Under the 2, 3, and 4 risk levels, the network’s response time to simulated water inrush accidents was less than 3000, 2100, and 900 s, respectively. The multi-constraint and multi-objective optimization layout method further enhanced the effectiveness of the network, providing a novel system for the early warning of mine water inrush.

DESIGNING A PLATFORM FOR META-FRAMEWORK OF CO-CREATION: A PRELIMINARY MOCKUP

Abstract. Heritage co-creation is a complex undertaking that involves the formation of cultural clusters and the collaborative creation of cultural value. However, implementing such co-creation is challenging due to various impact factors, and current technological approaches do not enable the formation of cultural clusters and co-creation simultaneously. To address this issue, this paper proposes a solution that incorporates the concept of meta-design with Web 3.0 enabling technologies to build a regenerative system that does not impose restrictions on the target audience and can be reseeded through user-generated content (UGC). The paper describes the method, process, and structure of a preliminary mock-up for co-creation, which includes a forum for communication and formation of cultural clusters, and a learning management system(LMS) that guides design-driven creation and facilitates the use of the co-design toolkits.

Technology Solutions to Reduce Anxiety and Increase Cognitive Availability in Students

Recent research indicates that the majority of post-secondary students in North America “feel overwhelming anxiety,” an issue that has also been observed in many other regions and is negatively impacting students' academic performance and overall well-being. This paper reports the results of our interdisciplinary analysis of innovative ideas in cognitive science, learning models and mindsets, and current technological approaches that are aimed at understanding and addressing these anxiety and academic engagement issues. We identify the knowledge gaps and propose critical insights and research directions, such as the use of virtual reality and computer games, to fill those gaps and deal with the anxiety problem.

Current Technological Approaches in Cardiovascular Nursing

Current Technological Approaches in Cardiovascular Nursing

Current Technological Approach for Chicken Meat Freshness Evaluation: A Review

Chicken meat is the most widely consumed commodity by the public because it contains high protein and low fat. The freshness of food needs to be considered by producers and consumers. Therefore, many people have difficulty determining the freshness of chicken meat. Freshness assessment using conventional methods is usually based on chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters analysis. Some disadvantages of freshness assessment using traditional methods are time-consuming, expensive, and destructive. In recent decades, the development and implementation of meat quality analysis methods have increased. This paper aims to examine various methods of non-destructive detection of chicken meat freshness which have several advantages, including requiring quick time analysis, less sample preparation, low cost, and non-destructive measurements. In this paper, we explain various principles and technological applications used in assessing the freshness of chicken meat, including smart packaging, digital imaging, electronic nose and gas sensors, and spectroscopy. Ultimately, developing chicken meat freshness evaluation technology will help all customers and stakeholders monitor the product more effectively and efficiently.

Toplu taşınmaz değerlemede makine öğrenme algoritmalarının kullanımı ve konumsal/konumsal olmayan özniteliklerin tahmin doğruluğuna etkilerinin karşılaştırılması

The objective determination of real estate values with current technological approaches has an important role in effective and sustainable real estate management plans. Mass appraisal is the process of valuing a large number of real estate simultaneously instead of evaluating the real estate individually for reducing the loss in terms of time and cost. Machine learning methods, known as advanced estimation approaches, are used to obtain more objective, accurate and fast results in mass valuation processes. In addition, besides sufficient objectivity and accuracy in value determination, these methods can evaluate the relations between the value and the criteria affecting the value holistically. In this context, model successes in mass valuation were examined using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Decision Trees (DT) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms. The datasets were divided into 3 groups as Geographic (G), Non-Geographic (NG) and Geographic + Non-Geographic (GNG) and applied separately for modeling with different methods. Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Error (MSE) and R2 were calculated for determining the model measures. Pendik district of Istanbul province was chosen as the application area. By applying different methods with 1475 sampling points representing the real estate sales values for the application area, the performances of the models established were examined with 3 different data sets (G, NG, GNG). Accordingly, RF is the method that gives the highest accuracy while DT and GLM were found as the methods with the lowest accuracy. When the effects of different datasets on the model accuracy were examined, big difference was not observed between the use of the G and the GNG datasets.

Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity: From Tissue to Liquid Biopsy.

Simple SummaryMost malignant tumours are highly heterogeneous at molecular and phenotypic levels. Tumour variability poses challenges for the management of patients, as it arises between patients and even evolves in space and time within a single patient. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of tumour diversity in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate tumour heterogeneity.Human solid malignancies harbour a heterogeneous set of cells with distinct genotypes and phenotypes. This heterogeneity is installed at multiple levels. A biological diversity is commonly observed between tumours from different patients (inter-tumour heterogeneity) and cannot be fully captured by the current consensus molecular classifications for specific cancers. To extend the complexity in cancer, there are substantial differences from cell to cell within an individual tumour (intra-tumour heterogeneity, ITH) and the features of cancer cells evolve in space and time. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity with an emphasis on ITH and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of ITH in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate ITH.

Magnetism in Dentistry: Review and Future Perspectives

Tissue engineering or tissue reconstruction/repair/regeneration may be considered as a guiding strategy in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and daily clinical practice. A wide range of techniques has been developed over the past years, from tissue grafts to the more recent and innovative regenerative procedures. Continuous research in the field of natural and artificial materials and biomaterials, as well as in advanced scaffold design strategies has been carried out. The focus has also been on various growth factors involved in dental tissue repair or reconstruction. Benefiting from the recent literature, this review paper illustrates current innovative strategies and technological approaches in oral and maxillofacial tissue engineering, trying to offer some information regarding the available scientific data and practical applications. After introducing tissue engineering aspects, an overview on additive manufacturing technologies will be provided, with a focus on the applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the biomedical field. The potential applications of magnetic fields and magnetic devices on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement will be analysed.

Embodied Intelligence in Soft Robotics Through Hardware Multifunctionality.

The soft robotics community is currently wondering what the future of soft robotics is. Therefore, it is very important to identify the directions in which the community should focus its efforts to consolidate its impact. The identification of convincing applications is a priority, especially to demonstrate that some achievements already represent an attractive alternative to current technological approaches in specific scenarios. However, most of the added value of soft robotics has been only theoretically grasped. Embodied Intelligence, being of these theoretical principles, represents an interesting approach to fully exploit soft robotic’s potential, but a pragmatic application of this theory still remains difficult and very limited. A different design approach could be beneficial, i.e., the integration of a certain degree of continuous adaptability in the hardware functionalities of the robot, namely, a “flexible” design enabled by hardware components able to fulfill multiple functionalities. In this paper this concept of flexible design is introduced along with its main technological and theoretical basic elements. The potential of the approach is demonstrated through a biological comparison and the feasibility is supported by practical examples with state-of-the-art technologies.

Intelligent Cognitive Assistants for Attitude and Behavior Change Support in Mental Health: State-of-the-Art Technical Review

Intelligent cognitive assistant (ICA) technology is used in various domains to emulate human behavior expressed through synchronous communication, especially written conversation. Due to their ability to use individually tailored natural language, they present a powerful vessel to support attitude and behavior change. Behavior change support systems are emerging as a crucial tool in digital mental health services, and ICAs exceed in effective support, especially for stress, anxiety and depression (SAD), where ICAs guide people’s thought processes and actions by analyzing their affective and cognitive phenomena. Currently, there is no comprehensive review of such ICAs from a technical standpoint, and existing work is conducted exclusively from a psychological or medical perspective. This technical state-of-the-art review tried to discern and systematize current technological approaches and trends as well as detail the highly interdisciplinary landscape of intersections between ICAs, attitude and behavior change, and mental health, focusing on text-based ICAs for SAD. Ten papers with systems, fitting our criteria, were selected. The systems varied significantly in their approaches, with the most successful opting for comprehensive user models, classification-based assessment, personalized intervention, and dialogue tree conversational models.

The silent development of counterfeit medications in developing countries - A systematic review of detection technologies.

Drug counterfeiting detection is very important for the safety of patients around the world. Counterfeit pharmaceutical products can be referred to the production and distribution of mislabeled medications in which the identity, authenticity, and/or effectiveness is altered. Drugs are often counterfeited to reduce manufacture costs, while still marketing it at as an authentic product. Increased incidence of drug counterfeiting is most noticeable in developing countries, which may not have the resources to supply counterfeit detection devices at a large scale. It is important to consider the direct problems that it may cause and to propose options for controlling and reducing the prevalence of counterfeit medications. Certain counterfeit detection devices have been successfully used for qualitative and quantitative assessment to differentiate counterfeit medications from the reference product. Different technologies are needed to identify the chemical properties of a questioned drug product, which can then be used to determine its authenticity. This review examines the implications of counterfeit medications and the current technological approaches that are able to detect counterfeited pharmaceuticals.

Conventional and emerging technologies for removal of antibiotics from wastewater

Antibiotics and pharmaceuticals related products are used to enhance public health and quality of life. The wastewater that is produced from pharmaceutical industries still contains noticeable amount of antibiotics, and this has remained one of the major environmental problems facing public health. The conventional wastewater remediation approach employed by the pharmaceutical industries for the antibiotics wastewater removal is unable to remove the antibiotics completely. Besides, municipal and livestock wastewater also contain unmetabolized antibiotics released by human and animal, respectively. The antibiotic found in wastewater leads to antibiotic resistance challenges, also emergence of superbugs. Currently, numerous technological approaches have been developed to remove antibiotics from the wastewater. Therefore, it was imperative to critically review the weakness and strength of these current advanced technological approaches in use. Besides, the conventional methods for removal of antibiotics such as Klavaroti et al., Homem and Santos also discussed. Although, membrane treatment is discovered as the ultimate choice of approach, to completely remove the antibiotics, while the filtered antibiotics are still retained on the membrane. This study found, hybrid processes to be the best solution antibiotics removal from wastewater. Nevertheless, real-time monitoring system is also recommended to ascertain that, wastewater is cleared of antibiotics.

A particle technology approach toward designing dry-powder inhaler formulations for personalized medicine in respiratory diseases

Compared with oral and parenteral formulations, inhaled formulations are attractive because of their great benefit and potential to enhance therapeutic effects of medications. Among the available inhaled formulations, powders used with dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) have become a preferred option because of their many advantages over other inhaled formulations. Additionally, a powder technological approach is required and available for sophisticated design of DPI formulations. To provide appropriate treatment using a DPI formulation, inhaled particles containing drugs should be delivered to the appropriate sites in the lungs of individual patients. It is indispensable that the design of DPI formulations specify particle properties suitable for a specific disease and the appropriate positions in the lungs to which the inhaled particles must be delivered. This article focuses on the current particle technological approach toward designing DPI formulations and numerical simulation analysis of behavior and deposition of inhaled particles in the lungs. As a future perspective from the viewpoint of pharmaceutical particle technology, a combination of experimental and simulation approaches is expected to improve the ability to obtain maximum lung delivery as well as target the site of deposition in the lungs of individual patients.