Engine Components Research Articles

A Novel Approach to Node Coverage Enhancement in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Walrus Optimization Algorithm

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are crucial components of modern technology, supporting applications like healthcare, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring. This research aims to design intelligent and adaptive sensor networks by integrating metaheuristics with node coverage optimization in WSNs. By incorporating metaheuristics and optimizing node coverage, WSNs can become more resilient and robust, leading to the development of self-adapting, self-organizing networks capable of efficiently covering dynamic and diverse environments. This research introduces the Walrus Optimization Algorithm for Node Coverage Enhancement in WSNs, called the WaOA-NCEWSN technique. The primary goal of this technique is to optimize the coverage of a target region using a limited number of Sensor Nodes (SNs) and by improving their placement. The WaOA is inspired by walrus behaviours like feeding, migrating, breeding, escaping, roosting, and gathering in response to environmental signals. The WaOA-NCEWSN technique uses an objective function that defines the coverage ratio, representing the maximum probability of coverage in a 2D-WSN monitoring area. Comparative analysis with other models using 50, 75, 100, and 200 nodes shows that the WaOA-NCEWSN technique performs better. The compilation times for the WaOA-NCEWSN technique are 5.14s, 6.48s, 6.54s, and 7.47s for 50, 75, 100, and 200 nodes, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the WaOA-NCEWSN technique offers superior coverage performance compared to other models.

High-performance porous 3D Ni skeleton electrodes for the oxygen evolution reaction

A key component of green hydrogen production technologies is the fabrication of large-scale porous transport layer (PTL) for use in anion electrolyte membrane water electrolysers (AEMWEs). One strategy to achieve that goal is to manufacture Ni-based 3D electrode skeletons that can be further catalyzed to achieve high current densities at low overpotentials. In the present work, shock-wave induced spray (SWIS) and cold spray (CS) deposition techniques were used to prepare 20 cm2 Ni-based electrode skeletons. In our experimental conditions, the porosity of coatings prepared using the SWIS deposition system and Ni powders with particle sizes D50 = 32 and 75 μm never exceeded 28%. Higher porosity could only be achieved using the CS deposition system and a spheroidal Ni–Al powder, whose particles consist of an aluminum core encapsulated in a nickel shell. After Al leaching in an alkaline solution, the resulting electrodes showed good mechanical and structural integrity with up to 41% porosity. The electrochemical active surface area of the most porous electrodes is a factor of 2100 larger than a polished Ni plate, and it has superaerophobic properties with a captive air bubble contact angle of 151°. During 1 h of electrolysis, the overpotential at 100 mA cm−2 of the most active leached Ni–Al cold spray deposited electrode was 330 mV, compared to 380 mV for a Ni foam electrode.

Corrosion-mediated production of uranium(III) chloride from metallic uranium in molten LiCl–KCl salt contained within a stainless-steel crucible

Uranium (III) chloride (UCl3) is a crucial component of a potent nuclear recycling technology—pyroprocessing—and next-generation molten salt reactors. It is usually synthesized by reacting metallic uranium with chlorinating agents (e.g., CdCl2 and PbCl2) in molten chloride salts. In this study, we report the unexpected formation of UCl3 from metallic simulated fuel (simfuel) immersed in impure molten LiCl–KCl salt (in the presence of a small amount of residual H2O) in a stainless-steel (SS) crucible, without a chlorinating agent. We investigated various factors influencing UCl3 formation, including fuel type (metallic simfuel, pure U, oxide simfuel, or no fuel), crucible material (SS or alumina), salt composition (LiCl–KCl or LiCl), temperature (773 K or 923 K), and contact between fuel and SS crucible. UCl3 only formed when metallic fuels (simfuel or pure U) were immersed in molten salt in the SS crucible, with higher concentrations at elevated temperatures. Oxide fuels did not produce UCl3, nor did contact with the crucible affect formation. Our findings suggest that impurities, particularly moisture in the salt, corroded the SS crucible, releasing iron and chromium chlorides that reacted with metallic U to form UCl3. UCl3 formation was more pronounced in LiCl–KCl than in LiCl, and thermodynamic calculations helped establish the mechanism.

Study of the usage of STEM technologies in the context of training Ukrainian teachers of computer science in accordance with the social needs and challenges of today

Abstract The article discusses the use of STEM technologies in the training of competitive specialists to meet social needs and challenges in the context of the war in Ukraine. The authors analyse the theoretical foundations and the impact of the STEM approach on modern education, focusing on the introduction of STEM technologies in the process of teaching future computer science teachers. The significance of STEM education as an important trend due to its natural science component and innovative technologies is discussed. The key components of the model of teacher training in STEM are identified, such as target, content, activity, evaluation and result. In order to verify the proposed model, an experimental study was conducted to determine the indicators of students’ attitude towards STEM technologies. The necessity of ensuring a high level of teacher qualification for the effective formation of STEM knowledge and skills, as well as solving practical problems of various levels of complexity, is substantiated. The article determines how modern STEM technologies can meet social needs and challenges, especially in times of war. The authors aimed to identify strategies and approaches for the effective use of STEM technologies in education, which will ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian specialists.

A novel multi-functional skin-care dry mask based on Bletilla Striata polysaccharide electrospun nanofibers

The dual challenges of additive safety and environmental sustainability in the current cosmetics market have attracted significant attention. In this study, we obtained raw materials from natural Chinese medicine, combined with electrospinning technology, developed a new type of environmentally friendly dry nanofiber multifunctional mask with Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) as the material and loaded with the sodium ferulate (SF). The optimal manufacturing process was screened by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the diameters of the dry nanofiber facial mask (DNFM) were mainly distributed in the range of 180–240 nm. Volunteer experiments and water contact angle assessments showed that the DNFM had good moisture retention and solubility. The experimental findings showcased that the water vapor transmission rate of the PVA/BSP/SF DNFM was 4607.77 ± 74.12 g/m2/day, and the tyrosinase inhibition rate was 52.88 %, over 98 % inhibition rates against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and a 94.99 ± 0.24 % DPPH free radical scavenging rate. The mouse group treated with the DNFM displayed stronger resistance to UV damage. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and Live/Dead staining experiments verified its safety and biocompatibility. The combined application of electrospinning technology and natural Chinese medicine components provides a new strategy for the development of an environmentally friendly and convenient mask product.

A computational approach to selective attention in embodied approaches to cognitive archaeology.

This article proposes a novel computational approach to embodied approaches in cognitive archaeology called computational cognitive archaeology (CCA). We argue that cognitive archaeology, understood as the study of the human mind based on archaeological findings such as artefacts and material remains excavated and interpreted in the present, can benefit from the integration of novel methods in computational neuroscience interested in modelling the way the brain, the body and the environment are coupled and parameterized to allow for adaptive behaviour. We discuss the kind of tasks that CCA may engage in with a narrative example of how one can model the cumulative cultural evolution of the material and cognitive components of technologies, focusing on the case of knapping technology. This article thus provides a novel theoretical framework to formalize research in cognitive archaeology using recent developments in computational neuroscience.

Evaluating Engine Performance, Emissions, Noise, and Vibration: A Comparative Study of Diesel and Biodiesel Fuel Mixture

This study investigates the performance, emissions, noise, and vibration characteristics of a single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke diesel engine running on pure diesel (D100) and biodiesel blends (B10: 90% diesel, 10% biodiesel; B20: 80% diesel, 20% biodiesel) at 1800 rpm, where the engine delivers maximum torque. Key metrics such as torque, power, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), exhaust gas temperature, noise, vibration, and emissions (CO, CO2, HC, O2, NOx, and smoke opacity) were analyzed. The findings indicate that B10 enhances torque, power output, and overall fuel efficiency, especially at low to medium loads, with a significant 17.54% reduction in BSFC compared to D100 at 40% engine load. Vibration levels generally increased with biodiesel addition, while B10 and B20 both reduced smoke opacity, with B20 having a more substantial effect. HC emissions decreased at idle with B10 but increased at higher loads, suggesting more complete combustion with potential thermal stress on engine components. Noise and vibration results were mixed; B20 reduced noise at higher loads but increased vibration. At 100% load, B20 decreased noise by 1.42% compared to D100. Despite benefits such as improved torque and reduced particulate emissions, biodiesel blends, particularly B20, led to increased NOx and CO2 emissions, emphasizing the need for further op-timization of blend formulations and emission control strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the tradeoffs and potential of biodiesel blends as sustainable diesel alternatives.

Modeling biomimetic absorbent compounds for capturing carbon dioxide

Carbon capture and storage is a critical component of negative emission technologies for achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality to mitigate climate change and limit global temperature increase. Removal of CO2 can be undertaken after the standard pollution controls. Yet, the separation of CO2 from flue gas via CO2 capture processes is challenging because a high volume of gas must be treated, the CO2 is dilute, the flue gas is at atmospheric pressure, trace impurities can degrade capture media, and the captured CO2 must be compressed. We present a computational study of a novel family of biomimetic materials for such carbon capture processes based on the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. Phosphoenolpyruvate serves as a template for designing similar molecules for use as CO2 solvents with designed thermochemical properties.

Use of interactive technologies in an innovative educational environment

The article analyzes the content and system of interactive technologies in an innovative educational environment, substantiates the components of interactive technology, and reveals the main pedagogical idea and main requirements in the mode of interactive technology for successful learning. Types of active methods in the mode of interactive technology are grouped and analyzed for successful learning and stimulation of the natural activity of students. Ways of creating an innovative educational environment in a higher education institution in the mode of interactive technology are shown. The most effective technologies that we recommend in the interactivity mode have been analyzed. The stages of development of interactive learning technology in the innovative educational environment of a higher school are shown. The impact of the active implementation of information and communication technologies, modern digital tools, and new technological means of learning on the possibilities of using interactive technologies in an innovative educational environment is proven. This is due to the need for innovative training of a generation of new specialists capable of competently and quickly applying the results of scientific and technical progress in professional and educational activities, in particular, the Internet, web technologies, smartphones, digital educational platforms, cloud services, electronic educational resources, artificial intelligence, and other modern devices.

ENSURING SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA ON THE INTERNET: ISSUES OF SELECTION OF OPTIMAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This article explores the methodologies and legal challenges associated with personal data protection within the global information space. We examine the limitations of relying solely on specialized research methods and techniques. We argue that personal data protection issues require a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary methodological approach. The primary goal is to analyze the selected methodological strategies and evaluate their effectiveness. The subject of the study is to analyze the issues of methodological approaches in legal research on personal data protection. We analyze a philosophical framework that seeks to deepen the understanding of personal data protection issues, addressing legal and ethical dimensions. We aim to contribute to the broader discourse on data security and privacy through various lenses, including legal, technological, and philosophical perspectives. The study focuses on four analytical methods for developing legal technologies to protect personal data internationally. A systematic analysis of personal data as a legal phenomenon, functional analysis within the framework of legal regulation, sociological and psychological approach, and axiological analysis to understand the meaning and evolution of personal data protection rights. These approaches aim to create a unified concept of legal technology for personal data protection, which makes it possible to identify new types of data, study the components of legal technology in detail, and increase the efficiency of legal regulation.

Banking Service Technologies as a Tool for Increasing the Efficiency of Interaction with Clients

Introduction. The efficiency of customer service in a commercial bank is inextricably linked with the need to implement modern banking technologies that affect the speed and quality of the service provided. The intensity of development of banking technologies requires a study of their features and application criteria. Purpose of the study. To study the trends in the implementation and development of modern technologies in banking and their impact on the quality of bank customer service. Methods. The study used such general scientific methods as analysis and synthesis, formal and dialectical logic, statistical processing methods, and a systems approach. The object of the study was Sberbank PJSC, a leader in the implementation of modern technologies in the banking market. Results. The article considers the main components of banking technologies. The influence of technologies on the effectiveness of banking services is substantiated. Positive and negative aspects of the implementation of modern banking technologies in the customer service process are highlighted. Modern service technologies used in the banking system when creating a digital infrastructure, regulated by the Central Bank, are highlighted. The trends in the use of modern banking technologies are considered based on the degree of digitalization development in the bank, age preferences, as well as as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The performance indicators of Sberbank PJSC as a technological leader in the banking services market are considered. Conclusions. Effective interaction of banks with clients in the context of digital transformation is carried out using modern banking technologies containing many components with appropriate characteristics. Maximizing efforts to use modern technologies contributes to the expansion of the client base and profit growth.

Issues of assessing the FinTech impact on the financial sector's structure

Subject. This article examines the areas of penetration of FinTech and the impact of the expansion of FinTech and BigTech companies on the structure of the financial sector. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the processes of the emergence of the FinTech phenomenon and its growing penetration into all spheres of finance, identify the consequences of these processes for the structure of the financial sector, as well as formulate the principles for the formation of a balanced structure of the financial sector in the context of its ongoing digitalization. Methods. For the study, I used the systems approach, comparative intermarket analysis, impact analysis of the technological component of economic development at the macro level. Results. The article reveals the main forms and manifestations of the impact of digitalization on the structure of the financial sector and the main activities and types of services of FinTech companies. The article also formulates the principles for the formation of a balanced competitive structure of the financial sector. Relevance. The results of the study can be used by the Bank of Russia and other national financial market regulators to improve approaches to building a modern competitive balanced financial structure.

ЖАМБЫЛ ОБЛЫСЫНДАҒЫ ӨНЕРКӘСІПТІК ДАМУДЫҢ ҚАЗІРГІ ЖАҒДАЙЫ ЖӘНЕ НЕГІЗГІ ТЕНДЕНЦИЯЛАРЫ

The industrial sector of the economy is a leading factor in the development of state potential in general, especially taking into account the modernization of the technological component, the formation and integrated application of a competitive business segment. Raw materials industries and government investments continue to be the engines of the economy. The problem is that projects in the manufacturing industry face insufficient conditions for investment due to lack of access to long and inexpensive credit resources. As a result, this sector of the economy is less attractive to investors compared to other sectors of the country's economic complex. Therefore, the key factor of sustainable and high-quality industrial development at the regional level is the introduction of modern methods of influencing the competitive environment, the use of technological and innovative mechanisms in the industrial sector of the Zhambyl region. The article reflects the analysis of the development of industries in the Zhambyl region, and considers the prospects for the development of the industrial complex.

Quantity implicature interpretations in bilingual population: the case of Imbabura Kichwa.

Most studies on the pragmatic interpretation of existential quantifiers have been conducted in major Indo-European languages like English, Spanish, French, and Greek, focusing mainly on monolingual participants. However, in indigenous linguistic research, especially experimental research, it is crucial to consider several linguistic and extra-linguistic factors for successful implementation. Our research centered on the experimental investigation of the pragmatic interpretation of the quantifier wakin, meaning some in Kichwa, with Kichwa-Spanish bilingual adults from the province of Imbabura Ecuador. We employed the Truth Value Judgement Task (TVJT) for our experiments and incorporated the explicit Question Under Discussion (QUD) paradigm to facilitate pragmatic interpretations among our participants. Our initial experiment revealed a 78% acceptance level for the pragmatic interpretation of "some, but not all" in Kichwa, significantly lower than the 95% acceptance range observed in other languages. We hypothesized that access to technology and formal education might influence these results, leading us to simplify our experiment by eliminating the technological components of the research. In our subsequent experiment, adult speakers of Imbabura Kichwa achieved a 97% accuracy level, comparable to speakers of other languages. To benchmark our results against speakers of other languages under similar conditions, we evaluated whether Spanish speakers from two varieties in Ecuador (Quito and Guayaquil) could generate the "some, but not all" scalar implicature with the Spanish quantifier algunos. Our findings indicated that speakers achieved 95.5 and 97.4% accuracy for both varieties, respectively. Therefore, this study infers that under optimal conditions, speakers of indigenous languages in rural communities demonstrate commendable performance in experimental linguistic studies. Nonetheless, it underscores the necessity for meticulous planning and distinct handling in experimental studies involving speakers of these languages residing in rural areas without access to technological elements. We propose that such research broadens our comprehension of language utilization in minority communities and positively influences language restoration efforts by expanding experimental linguistics studies to indigenous languages.

METHODS OF MANAGEMENT IN PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF MASTERS OF PHARMACY

The article outlines the importance and role of scientific management methods as a factor in improving the mechanisms of managerial influence on pharmaceutical employees and a component of technologies for training masters of pharmacy in educational institutions to ensure the effective performance of their general and specific functions in the industry. The purpose of the study is to characterize the economic methods of pharmaceutical management, which are related to the activities of a pharmacy manager by the nature of influence and the specifics of their mastering in the process of professional training. The survey of a group of 121 students majoring in the specialty 226 «Pharmacy» has allowed us to identify the demand of future masters of pharmacy for the use of methods of studying and building economic plans in the organization (strategic, tactical, operational), developing a budget for a separate structure (its functions, production and economic processes, areas of cost savings and increased revenues, targeted use of funds, development of internal monitoring, delegation of authority, etc. Aspects of the training content are proposed to fill the gaps in the knowledge of applicants identified during the survey. At the same time, a survey of 49 teachers of pharmaceutical faculties and higher education institutions has revealed the need to apply and study administrative management methods as a set of organizational, administrative, and disciplinary methods of influence on masters of pharmacy. It has been concluded that future masters of pharmacy need to study and master the set of methods of pharmaceutical management in the process of training and practical training at the enterprise.

Information on standardisation and standards as new indicators to forecast technological and industrial changes

ABSTRACT Product architecture changes fundamentally through the recombination of existing component technologies, as radical innovation accelerates. We analysed these structural changes in the case of the display industry. We shed light on standards information that could be new indicator to predict technological and industrial innovation. We addressed two issues. First, whether standardisation information is a leading indicator to detect and forecast technological and industrial changes. Second, whether standard information shows technological information flow signalling new technological fields. As methodology, we conducted case studies and empirical analysis using the information on standardisation and standards from the ‘activity process’ and ‘activity result’ viewpoint, respectively. As results, case studies showed a changing role from responsive to anticipatory standards by verifying that recent standardisation activities preceded the time of new product releases in world/Asian markets. We also found out that reconfiguration in the value chain that standardisation in component technologies has contributed to function technological fields. Network analysis using bibliographic information of standards revealed linkage patterns of technological knowledge flows with supporting the case studies. We propose the necessity of active participation in the standardisation process from industrial viewpoint with monitoring the industrial and technological trends. From policy viewpoint, we suggest construction and management of standards-related information system.

QbD-Driven Approach to Cleaning Method Development and Validation for Darunavir Analysis in Oral Films.

The current investigations involve developing a high-performance liquid chromatographic method that’s simple to operate, fast to establish, accurate, precise, and economical through design-enabled methods. A positive experimental design is offered to utilize the central composite design of pH and the mobile phase, two crucial components of the RP-HPLC technology. The chromatographic conditions were optimized with the release of Design Expert software version 13.0. Symmetry C18 column (4.6×150mm, 5µm) was used in the procedure, along with acetonitrile (20:80 v/v) and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer pH 4.0 as the mobile phase. There was a 0.70 ml/min flow rate. 263 nm is the wavelength of detection. Darunavir’s sharp, resolved peak was seen 2.3 minutes after swabbed samples from the 10*10 cm SS plate were injected. A linear calibration curve with an R2 of 0.9991 was observed in the concentration range of 0.25 to 25µg/ml. For precision %RSD is 1.03,1.48. Accuracy % concentration 50%,100%,150% mean recovery 99.43-100.53.LOD & LOQ 1.12µg/ml, 3.39µg/ml. Robustness was tested with modest modifications to the wavelength and flow rate. Forced degradation studies were carried out and found to be within the limits. the degradation parameters such as Acid, Base, Oxidative, Photolytic, and thermal degradation parameters are according to the ICH guidelines. % Assay was done for oral films and it was found to be within the limits. Thus, the outcomes unequivocally demonstrated that the QbD technique could be effectively used to enhance the HPLC method for the measurement of darunavir in production settings.

Analytical Conversion of Conventional Car to Electric Vehicle Using 5KW BLDC Electric Motor

The automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. This project aims to contribute to this transition by converting a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) car into an electric vehicle (EV) using a 5 kW Brushless DC (BLDC) electric motor. The conversion involves the removal of the traditional engine components and the integration of an electric propulsion system. The key components of the conversion include the BLDC motor, motor controller, battery pack, and associated power electronics. The BLDC motor is chosen for its efficiency, reliability, and compact design, making it suitable for retrofitting into existing vehicles. The motor controller manages the power supplied to the BLDC motor, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. The project explores the challenges and solutions encountered during the conversion process, including adapting the vehicle's chassis to accommodate the new components, integrating a charging system, and addressing safety considerations. Additionally, efforts are made to optimize the overall weight distribution and maintain the vehicle's original handling characteristics. Performance testing is conducted to evaluate the acceleration, top speed, and overall efficiency of the converted electric vehicle. The results are compared with the original performance specifications of the conventional car to assess the success of the conversion. This project not only showcases the technical feasibility of converting conventional cars to electric vehicles but also highlights the environmental benefits associated with reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The findings contribute valuable insights to the growing field of electric vehicle conversions and promote sustainable transportation solutions.

Comprehensive Review of Building Energy Management Models: Grid-Interactive Efficient Building Perspective

Energy management models for buildings have been designed primarily to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. However, the focus has recently shifted to GEBs with a view toward balancing energy supply and demand while enhancing system flexibility and responsiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of GEBs and other building energy management models, categorizing their features into internal and external dimensions. This review highlights the evolution of building models, including intelligent buildings, smart buildings, green buildings, and zero-energy buildings, and introduces eight distinct features of GEBs related to their efficient, connected, smart, and flexible aspects. The analysis is based on an extensive literature review and a detailed comparison of building models across the aforementioned features. GEBs prioritize interaction with the power grid, which distinguishes them from traditional models focusing on internal efficiency and occupant comfort. This paper also discusses the technological components and research trends associated with GEBs, providing insights into their development and potential evolution in the context of sustainable and efficient building design.

New capabilities of application of gamma-ray logging in borehole geophysical investigations through steel string

Borehole geophysical investigations through steel string (both drill and casing) are becoming increasingly important. Gamma-ray logging (GR) is a mandatory and one of the main methods for investigating oil-and-gas reservoirs and near-surface rocks. It is characterized by high efficiency under the aforementioned measurement conditions. GR is used to identify bed boundaries, evaluate lithology, estimate shaliness, identify reservoirs, etc. Traditionally, the determination of granu- lometric shaliness is the main goal of quantitative interpretation for GR. Gamma-ray logging has been successfully used for many decades. However, increasing the accuracy of determining granulometric shaliness, expanding the informativeness of the method to determine mineral clayness, and developing procedures for using GR data in estimating other petrophysical parameters are topical issues. Based on logging materials, the paper examines the features of using the main interpretation parameter of GR (the relative difference parameter – index ΔІγ) in boreholes in the presence of a steel column and proposes new methodological approaches to the use of GR data when interpreting measurements in oil-and-gas and engineering-geological boreholes. Through numerous ex- amples, the invariance (constancy) of the interpretation parameter of gamma-ray logging has been proven under different borehole conditions, types of logging tools, etc. An approach has been proposed for obtaining optimal reference values when determining this parameter, which increases the accuracy of estimating shaliness parameters. A method has been developed for determining mineral clayness, which is an important quantity in itself and is necessary for determining other petrophysical parameters from loggingdata. A multiplicative method has been created for determining the total porosity of shaly rocks using a combination of neutron logging and gamma-ray logging, which makes it possible to avoid using the hydrogen index of clay minerals. The novelty of the developments is supported by patents, and their effectiveness is confirmed by the results of borehole tests and comparisons with independent determinations of parameters (laboratory core studies, traditional methods of interpretation). The proposed approaches are an important component of the investigation technologies for oil-and-gas reservoirs and near-surface rocks, developed at the Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.