Design Of Generation Research Articles

Reaction mechanism investigation of low Df epoxy-active ester film composites for 10 GHz high-frequency communications

The role of electronic-grade thin film composite materials in packaging circuits (integrated circuits) and printed circuit boards is critical. Developing epoxy-based thin film composite materials with low dielectric loss (Df) is a significant challenge, especially for that used in high frequency communication (eg. 10 GHz). Active esters, as excellent curing agents, do not form strongly polar hydroxyl groups upon reacting with epoxy resins, which offers significant advantages for low Df thin film composites. In this study, a low Df and high thermal resistance thin film composites was prepared by selecting epoxy resins with biphenyl structures and active esters with dicyclopentadiene groups. The introduction of rigid groups reduces the motility of the molecular chains, and its electron conjugation effect weakens the impact of an external electric field on the molecular dipole moment. The essence of low Df is explained by DFT calculations, in which the quenching effect of active esters on oxygen anions reduces the polarity of the molecular. Meanwhile, ensuring sufficient reaction at a sufficiently high temperature can reduce the number of residual free molecule fragments and ensure the integrity of the cross-link network. This work provides a new direction for the design of the next generation of high-performance low Df composites by deeply explaining the nature of active esters in reducing dielectric loss.

Correlation between meso-structures and magnetoelectric properties in 0-3 magnetoelectric composites

The quantitative characterization of macroscopic properties of 0-3 polymer-based magnetoelectric (ME) composites is the basis of their application, and the meso-structure is the source that affects their macroscopic properties. In this study, theoretical models consistent with the meso-structures of the composites are developed to address scenarios involving random, chain, and agglomeration particle distributions. The focus is on investigating the nonlinear mechanical behavior of multi-field coupling. The validity and rationality of the theoretical model are confirmed by comparing the theoretical results with existing experimental data. Based on this, the distribution characteristics of elastic field, electric field and magnetic field of 0-3 polymer-based ME composites with different particle arrangements are analyzed. Additionally, the influence of several factors on the ME properties, such as magnetic field strength and direction, particle proportion and frequency, is discussed. The results indicate that the ME performance is optimized when the direction of the densest chain row of particles aligns with the direction of the applied magnetic field. Furthermore, the phenomenon of current leakage is examined when the direction of the chain row of ferromagnetic particles coincides with the direction of polarization. To mitigate this leakage effect, a solution is proposed by adding thin layers of piezoelectric polymer to the surface of the composite, resulting in a 62.6% increase in ME performance. The research findings reveal the response mechanisms and essence of 0-3 polymer-based ME composites under applied magnetic fields, establishing a connection between meso-structures and macro properties. This provides guidance for the design and optimization of mesomorphic structures and performance, and serves as a foundation for the design, fabrication, and development of a new generation of ME devices.

Numerical and experimental study of a novel vacuum Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector for efficient solar energy harvesting

Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technology can generate electricity and heat simultaneously and improve solar energy harvesting efficiency. However, flat-plate PV/T collectors have strong heat loss in cold conditions and the collected heat is low-grade thermal energy, which limits the practical application of the PV/T collectors on a large scale. Herein, the vacuum environment is introduced to the flat-plate PV/T collector, conductive and convective heat loss are blocked, improving the efficiency and operating temperature of the PV/T collector. In this paper, a novel design of the vacuum PV/T collector has been proposed and fabricated, which maintains both the upper and lower space of the absorber in a vacuum state without additional glass cover causing energy loss. Performance comparison between the vacuum PV/T collector and the air–gap PV/T collector has been conducted, demonstrating that the vacuum condition can decrease the heat loss coefficient by 16.08%. In addition, a combined thermal-electrical mathematical model is constructed and validated. The predicted results reveal that the annual thermal energy outputs of the vacuum PV/T collectors without and with ideal low emissivity coating are 124.88% and 346.58% higher than that of the air–gap PV/T collector when the operating temperature is 50 °C. In summary, the vacuum PV/T collector exhibits great potential in improving thermal performance while slightly reducing the output of electrical energy. This work contributes to extending the working time of the PV/T collector and guides the design of the new generation of highly efficient PV/T collectors.

Explainable molecular simulation and machine learning for carbon dioxide adsorption on magnesium oxide

The effects of the adsorption energy of CO2 within MgO at different temperatures were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations and experimentally verified. The adsorption mechanism of CO2 within MgO was discussed and explained qualitatively. The results indicated that the diffusive adsorption of CO2 by MgO was divided into two stages, and the ability of CO2 capture by the cubic MgO performed better than that by spherical MgO. The adsorption of CO2 by the cubic MgO was mainly physical and received the inhibited adsorption behavior at the high-temperature stage (>505 K). Herein, we established a comprehensive dataset of adsorption energies and quantitatively analyzed an adsorption energy prediction model using machine learning techniques. The results demonstrated that Decision Tree Regression (DTR) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms offer satisfactory accuracy based on root mean square error (RMSE) and R2 evaluations. This approach enables efficient and precise prediction of adsorption energies without the need for labor-intensive molecular dynamics calculations. Furthermore, we explored the influence of various features (Crystal structure, The number of Mg, The number of CO2, Temperature, Pressure, Volume, and Bond energy) on prediction performance. Lastly, we globally evaluated the relative contributions of each feature across four sets of relatively effective algorithms. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of the adsorption mechanism of magnesium oxide on carbon dioxide and provides valuable insights to guide the design of the next generation of high-performance magnesium oxide materials for carbon capture and storage.

Profile generation using the filtering technique for the fast motion and smooth performance in the hardware level of autonomous system

AbstractThis study addresses the challenge of motion control in autonomousvehicles through the introduction of a novel profile generation design. Specifically,autonomous vehicles often contend with uncertain factors and physicallimitations within their operational environments, such as abrupt changes inacceleration or intricate parametric motion profiles. To tackle this problem, afiltering technique for motion profile generation is proposed, leveraging ahardware programming language as its foundation. The investigation begins byanalyzing the specific structure of the mobile platform, which includes twoactive side wheels, two passive rear wheels, a high load capacity, and adifferential drive mode. Building upon this theoretical basis, the proposedfiltering technique is introduced to attain smooth motion profiles and optimizetiming. Furthermore, the study suggests the use of FPGA (Field ProgrammableGate Array) acceleration to expedite these computations for swift motionprocessing. To validate the efficacy of the proposed method, both the mobilevehicle and the load are simulated as a one‐axis linear ball‐screw system withan aluminum ruler. The experimental results unequivocally demonstrate theeffectiveness, feasibility, and applicability of the proposed approach across avariety of industrial solutions.

Structural Mechanism and Inhibitors Targeting EGFR Exon 20 Insertion (Ex20ins) Mutations.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy is one of the most important and effective strategies to combat EGFR mutant nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, a substantial number of patients bearing EGFR exon 20 insertion (Ex20ins) mutations respond poorly to common EGFR targeted therapies. This clinical need remained unmet until recently, when the EGFR Ex20ins mutation inhibitor mobocertinib was approved by the FDA. Despite this progress, the structural mechanisms of EGFR Ex20ins mutation resistance and characterization of inhibitor binding modes have not been systematically summarized. Herein, we analyze the structural mechanisms for ligand binding and resistance and summarize recent developments for the reported inhibitors of EGFR Ex20ins mutations. Furthermore, this Perspective aims to provide insights for the design of the next generation of EGFR Ex20ins inhibitors.

Optimal subsidy design for energy generation in ship berthing

ABSTRACT Shipping, the backbone of economic development, poses a significant environmental threat. Many government agencies have implemented regulations to mitigate ship air pollution. Three commonly used methods for compliance during berthing are marine diesel oil, scrubber, and shore power. Scrubber and shore power have greater emission reduction potential but can be costlier than marine diesel oil. To encourage their adoption, we optimize the subsidy plan through a bi-level mixed integer programming model where the government at the upper level minimizes the total subsidy amount while ship operators at the lower level choose the most cost-effective energy supply. The problem's complexity arises from the interdependence in the bi-level structure and the nonlinearity in the model. We address this by first converting the model into an equivalent single-level form and then reformulating the model by linearization. Numerical experiments are conducted to assess the model's performance. Results suggest that the promotion of scrubber or shore power starts with large ships in the initial stage. Increasing the number of ships with these technologies reduces subsidies. Additionally, each subsidy corresponds to a specific utilization range, allowing the government to adjust amounts based on target utilization levels.

Hybrid wind-wave systems: The case of the VolturnUS-S semi-submersible platform

Wind-wave hybrid floating systems are subject to active research and development in academia and industry. Industrialization of hybrid wind-wave energy systems will benefit from modular designs, allowing floating platforms to be used with or without wave energy converters (WECs). This work explores the design process to use oscillating water column (OWC) WECs as modular add-on features to existing semi-submersible floating platform designs. As the base case design, the IEA 15 MW offshore reference wind turbine with the VolturnUS-S floating platform designed by the University of Maine was used. A design approach was proposed, which involved various tools, such as OpenFAST developed by NREL, and the OWC Modelica tool developed at IST/ULisboa. Aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulations were performed to analyze the influence of the wind turbine energy generation design modifications and damage equivalent loads (DELs). The hybrid platform was modeled in the OWC Modelica tool to assess the wave energy conversion and the interaction between OWCs and the floating platform. The investigated hybrid design did not significantly increase DELs of the wind turbine in aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulations. The hybrid system does not decrease the LCOEcompared to a standalone floating wind turbine. The main cost driver was identified to be the material of the OWCs' ducts. Furthermore, the coupling forces between OWCs and the floating platform were found to be in the same order of magnitude as the wave excitation and radiation forces. The possibilities of including these forces in OpenFAST and the challenges for this are discussed.

Holistic and dynamic mathematical model for the assessment of offshore green hydrogen generation and electrolyser design optimisation

The decarbonisation of the energy system will imply the use of unexplored locations and technologies. In this sense, generation of green H2 in far-offshore farms may be an alternative. However, the offshore green H2 generation potential is commonly assessed by using constant conversion rates. This paper presents a holistic and dynamic mathematical model coupling the aero-hydrodynamic model with the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser model. The model enables a more accurate and comprehensive analysis of the realistic H2 generation capacity considering the power-to-gas system efficiency. First, the model of the PEM electrolyser is validated and a wide sensitivity analysis is computed in order to report the impact of the operational conditions. Then, H2 production is assessed focused on (i) the stack performance and (ii) the system performance. The system performance results in a efficiency reduction of up to 10% in the case of FOWTs and up to 70% in WECs due to the fluctuations of the power signal. Hence, results highlight the need for a holistic system assessment instead of focusing on the stack. Finally, transient effects are considered, concluding that in highly fluctuating applications, such as renewables, external heat sources may improve the performance of the system.

A Novel Formulation of Asparaginase Encapsulated into Virus-like Particles of Brome Mosaic Virus: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence.

The interest in plant-derived virus-like particles (pVLPs) for the design of a new generation of nanocarriers is based on their lack of infection for humans, their immunostimulatory properties to fight cancer cells, and their capability to contain and release cargo molecules. Asparaginase (ASNase) is an FDA-approved drug to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LLA); however, it exhibits high immunogenicity which often leads to discontinuation of treatment. In previous work, we encapsulated ASNase into bacteriophage P22-based VLPs through genetic-directed design to form the ASNase-P22 nanobioreactors. In this work, a commercial ASNase was encapsulated into brome mosaic virus-like particles (BMV-VLPs) to form stable ASNase-BMV nanobioreactors. According to our results, we observed that ASNase-BMV nanobioreactors had similar cytotoxicity against MOLT-4 and Reh cells as the commercial drug. In vivo assays showed a higher specific anti-ASNase IgG response in BALB/c mice immunized with ASNase encapsulated into BMV-VLPs compared with those immunized with free ASNase. Nevertheless, we also detected a high and specific IgG response against BMV capsids on both ASNase-filled capsids (ASNase-BMV) and empty BMV capsids. Despite the fact that our in vivo studies showed that the BMV-VLPs stimulate the immune response either empty or with cargo proteins, the specific cytotoxicity against leukemic cells allows us to propose ASNase-BMV as a potential novel formulation for LLA treatment where in vitro and in vivo evidence of functionality is provided.

MacoCaml: Staging Composable and Compilable Macros

We introduce MacoCaml, a new design and implementation of compile-time code generation for the OCaml language. MacoCaml features a novel combination of macros with phase separation and quotation-based staging, where macros are considered as compile-time bindings, expression cross evaluation phases using staging annotations, and compile-time evaluation happens inside top-level splices. We provide a theoretical foundation for MacoCaml by formalizing a typed source calculus maco that supports interleaving typing and compile-time code generation, references with explicit compile-time heaps, and modules. We study various crucial properties including soundness and phase distinction. We have implemented MacoCaml in the OCaml compiler, and ported two substantial existing libraries to validate our implementation.

Phase Separation of DNA-Encoded Artificial Cells Boosts Signal Amplification for Biosensing.

Life-like hierarchical architecture shows great potential for advancing intelligent biosensing, but modular expansion of its sensitivity and functionality remains a challenge. Drawing inspiration from intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation, we discovered that a DNA-encoded artificial cell with a liquid core (LAC) can enhance peroxidase-like activity of Hemin and its DNA G-quadruplex aptamer complex (DGAH) without substrate-selectivity, unlike its gelled core (GAC) counterpart. The LAC is easily engineered as an ultrasensitive biosensing system, benefiting from DNA's high programmability and unique signal amplification capability mediated by liquid-liquid phase separation. As proof of concept, its versatility was successfully demonstrated by coupling with two molecular recognition elements to monitor tumor-related microRNA and profile cancer cell phenotypes. This scalable design philosophy offers new insights into the design of next generation of artificial cells-based biosensors.

Phase Separation of DNA‐Encoded Artificial Cells Boosts Signal Amplification for Biosensing

AbstractLife‐like hierarchical architecture shows great potential for advancing intelligent biosensing, but modular expansion of its sensitivity and functionality remains a challenge. Drawing inspiration from intracellular liquid‐liquid phase separation, we discovered that a DNA‐encoded artificial cell with a liquid core (LAC) can enhance peroxidase‐like activity of Hemin and its DNA G‐quadruplex aptamer complex (DGAH) without substrate‐selectivity, unlike its gelled core (GAC) counterpart. The LAC is easily engineered as an ultrasensitive biosensing system, benefiting from DNA′s high programmability and unique signal amplification capability mediated by liquid‐liquid phase separation. As proof of concept, its versatility was successfully demonstrated by coupling with two molecular recognition elements to monitor tumor‐related microRNA and profile cancer cell phenotypes. This scalable design philosophy offers new insights into the design of next generation of artificial cells‐based biosensors.

Study on mechanical properties of polyurethane-enhanced triply periodic minimal composite structures inspired by rachis microstructure

Inspired by the micro-curved structure and microfiber filling of the feather, four novel polyurethane-enhanced triply periodic minimal composite structures are designed. Based on Euler theory and simulated annealing algorithm, the mechanical relationships of enhanced composite structures at the compression and impact stage are deduced and predicted. The polyurethane-enhanced composite structure is larger than the corresponding triply periodic minimal structure in the average load. The specific energy absorption of the polyurethane-enhanced triply periodic minimal composite structure is at least 10% better than the original. Through the energy expansion of the foam, the energy transfer path is allowed to deviate in the foam. And the load distribution is not only in the vertical direction but also in the transverse direction. All these factors (more energy dissipation and transfer path deviation) work to improve the crashworthiness of polyurethane-enhanced composite structures. The impact videos are captured by high-speed photography FASTCAM Nova R2. The reduction of normalized stress is proved in the design of polyurethane-enhanced structure, and the reduction of the impact acceleration of polyurethane-enhanced composite structure is more than 13.6%. This bio-inspired rigid-flexible coupling design of composite structure is crucial to the novel design of the next generation.

Investigating the Effect of Cross-Conjugation Patterns on the Optoelectronic Properties of 7,7′Isoindigo-Based Materials

Isoindigo (IID) is widely used as a building block for the fabrication of organic semiconductor devices. Understanding the impact of cross-conjugation and linear conjugation on the optoelectronic properties of disubstituted IID is of great importance for the design of improved materials. In this study, phenyl and thienyl groups were substituted at the cross-conjugated 7,7′ position of IID to generate three novel organic semiconductor structures with a donor–acceptor architecture. The optoelectronic properties of this IID derivative were investigated and compared with those of the 6,6′ linearly conjugated IID analogs using UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The experimental results were compared using density functional theory calculations to provide structure–property relationships based on substitution types and attachment sites for IID. The frontier orbital energy levels of the material did not vary dramatically with the position of the substituent, while the type of substituent showed a more significant influence on the HOMO’s energy level and oscillator strength. Phenyl-disubstituted 7,7′ IID (7Ph7′Ph) and thienyl-disubstituted 7,7′ IID (7Th7′Th) materials were used as electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 5.70% and 6.07%, respectively. These observations enhance our understanding of the electronic structure and optoelectronic properties of IID, guiding the design of the next generation of IID-based semiconductors.

Mechanically-Compliant Bioelectronic Interfaces through Fatigue-Resistant Conducting Polymer Hydrogel Coating.

Because of their distinct electrochemical and mechanical properties, conducting polymer hydrogels have been widely exploited as soft, wet, and conducting coatings for conventional metallic electrodes, providing mechanically compliant interfaces and mitigating foreign body responses. However, the long-term viability of these hydrogel coatings is hindered by concerns regarding fatigue crack propagation and/or delamination caused by repetitive volumetric expansion/shrinkage during long-term electrical interfacing. This study reports a general yet reliable approach to achieving a fatigue-resistant conducting polymer hydrogel coating on conventional metallic bioelectrodes by engineering nanocrystalline domains at the interface between the hydrogel and metallic substrates. It demonstrates the efficacy of this robust, biocompatible, and fatigue-resistant conducting hydrogel coating in cardiac pacing, showcasing its ability to effectively reduce the pacing threshold voltage and enhance the long-term reliability of electric stimulation. This study findings highlight the potential of its approach as a promising design and fabrication strategy for the next generation of seamless bioelectronicinterfaces.

Design and development of biogas electrical power generation with an adaptive control mechanism for rural electrification

The primary goal of this research is to implement a model of biogas power generation unit used for rural electrification. A biogas reactor, a microturbine, a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), a rectifier, and a permanent magnet DC motor (PMDC) make up the proposed system. The biomass used to fuel the biogas reactor is typically derived from the surplus agricultural and animal waste found in rural areas. The operation of the biogas power system, design, and detailed mathematical modeling of each segment is described in this paper. In addition to that, an adaptive control mechanism is added to improve the system stability. The MATLAB/Simulink environment is used to develop the overall biogas fueled power system and thus obtained various parameters. The observation in the development has shown an improvement in biogas power generation unit’s suitability for standalone applications such as water pumping in rural area.

Multi-pathway on peroxymonosulfate activation by single cobalt atoms incorporated on CuO with enriched oxygen vacancies for high-efficient oxidation of tetracycline

The development of single atom catalysts (SACs) with superior catalytic performance is a long-term goal for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). A novel SACs that single Co atoms anchored on CuO with enriched oxygen vacancies (Ov) is synthesized successfully by choosing a metal oxide as the carrier creatively. 100% of tetracycline (TC) can be removed by Co–CuO (Ov)/PMS system within 3 min. The corresponding reaction rate constant is 3.1068 min−1, which is much higher than that of CuO (Ov), ZIF-CoN4-C, Co–CuO (without Ov) and CoNP–CuO (Ov), respectively. Co(II) is the primary source of radical pathway (·OH and SO4·-), and its regeneration is promoted by Cu(Ⅰ). The enriched Ov is the major contribution to the nonradical pathway, which promotes the singlet oxygen (1O2) generation together with accelerates the electron transfer from TC to catalyst-PMS*. Besides, the Co–CuO (Ov) exhibits an excellent stability and anti-interference capability. This study highlights a novel strategy to promote PMS activation by incorporating the single metal atoms on a metal oxide carrier with defects to accelerate the redox of dominate metal and stabilize the metal atoms simultaneously, which may inform the design for the next generation of SACs in AOPs.

An Empirical Model Linking Physico-Chemical Biomaterial Characteristics to Intra-Oral Bone Formation.

Facial trauma, bone resection due to cancer, periodontal diseases, and bone atrophy following tooth extraction often leads to alveolar bone defects that require bone regeneration in order to restore dental function. Guided bone regeneration using synthetic biomaterials has been suggested as an alternative approach to autologous bone grafts. The efficiency of bone substitute materials seems to be influenced by their physico-chemical characteristics; however, the debate is still ongoing on what constitutes optimal biomaterial characteristics. The purpose of this study was to develop an empirical model allowing the assessment of the bone regeneration potential of new biomaterials on the basis of their physico-chemical characteristics, potentially giving directions for the design of a new generation of dental biomaterials. A quantitative data set was built composed of physico-chemical characteristics of seven commercially available intra-oral bone biomaterials and their in vivo response. This empirical model allowed the identification of the construct parameters driving optimized bone formation. The presented model provides a better understanding of the influence of driving biomaterial properties in the bone healing process and can be used as a tool to design bone biomaterials with a more controlled and custom-made composition and structure, thereby facilitating and improving the clinical translation.

Developing a Surgical Simulation Curriculum for the Rwandan Context

We report on the development and implementation of a surgical simulation curriculum for undergraduate medical students in rural Rwanda. This is a narrative report on the development of scenario and procedure-based content for a junior surgical clerkship simulation curriculum by an interdisciplinary team of simulation specialists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, medical educators, and medical students. University of Global Health Equity, a new medical school located in Butaro, Rwanda. Participants in this study consist of simulation and surgical educators, surgeons, anesthesiologists, research fellows and University of Global Health Equity medical students enrolled in the junior surgery clerkship. The simulation training schedule was designed to begin with a 17-session simulation-intensive week, followed by 8 sessions spread over the 11-week clerkship. These sessions combined the use of high-fidelity mannequins with improvised, bench-top surgical simulators like the GlobalSurgBox, and low-cost gelatin-based models to effectively replace resource intensive options. Emphasis on contextualized content generation, low-cost application, and interdisciplinary design of simulation curricula for low-income settings is essential. The impact of this curriculum on students' knowledge and skill acquisition is being assessed in an ongoing fashion as a substrate for iterative improvement.