Engineering Technology Research Articles

Optimization of PCA Error Correction Conditions to Improve Efficiency of Virus Genome De Novo Synthesis.

In recent years, there have been frequent global outbreaks of viral epidemics such as Zika, COVID-19, and monkeypox, which have had a huge impact on human health and society and have also spurred innovation in virus engineering technology. The rise of synthetic virus genome technology has provided researchers with a new platform to accelerate vaccine and drug development. Although DNA synthesis technology has made significant progress, the current virus genome synthesis technology still requires the assembly of short oligonucleotides of around 60 bp into kb-level lengths when constructing long segments, a process in which the commonly used polymerase chain reaction assembly (PCA) technology has high error rates and is cumbersome to operate. This study optimized the error correction conditions after PCA assembly, increasing the accuracy of synthesizing 1 kb DNA fragments from 4.2 ± 2.1% before error correction to 31.3 ± 3.1% after two rounds of correction, an improvement of over 6 times. This study provides a more efficient operational process for synthesizing virus genomes from scratch, indicating greater potential for virus engineering in epidemic prevention and control and the field of biomedicine.

Efficient, High-Quality Engineering of Therapeutic Extracellular Vesicles on an Integrated Nanoplatform.

Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as important therapeutics for gene and cell therapy. To achieve clinically desired therapy, technologies for EV engineering have high demands on the efficacy in producing EVs and their qualities, which, however, remain challenging to conventional routes due to their limited control on therapeutic payload delivery, EV secretion, and extracellular microenvironments. Here, we report a nanoplatform (denoted as PURE) that enables efficient electro-transfection while stimulating cells to produce high-quality EVs carrying functional RNAs. PURE further employs an ammonium removal zone to maintain the physiological conditions of the extracellular microenvironment and an EV uptake zone that efficiently (87.1%) captures EVs in situ with porous hydrogels. The platform achieved about a 12-fold higher yield of engineered EVs and a 146-fold abundance of desired therapeutics compared to those naturally secreted from cells. The PURE-engineered miR-130a-EVs were validated for effectively upregulating the mTOR signaling pathway in both in vitro and in vivo. Their therapeutic capability was then verified by enhancing the in vitro activation of primordial follicles. In vivo applications further highlighted the therapeutic effects of miR-130a-EVs in restoring ovary function in aged mice. The PURE platform represents a strategy for the clinical translation of EV-mediated therapy.

Research on Collaborative Management of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in Engineering Projects

Abstract: The research on collaborative management of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in engineering projects aims to explore the application of BIM technology in construction engineering and its impact on collaborative management. BIM technology creates digital 3D models, centrally manages project information, promotes information sharing and collaboration, and improves project management efficiency. In construction projects, BIM technology can effectively solve the problems of difficult information sharing and poor information transmission, thereby making collaborative management more efficient. In addition, the application of BIM technology in the design, bidding, and construction stages can ensure the smooth transmission of information and improve the efficiency of collaborative management. Research has shown that the application of BIM technology in structural design significantly improves design quality and demonstrates its wide applicability. However, despite the significant advantages of BIM technology in collaborative management, there are still some challenges, such as trust issues and technical operational difficulties. Through in-depth research and application of BIM technology, more efficient collaborative management models can be provided for future engineering projects, promoting the development of the construction industry.

Exploration of Building Technology Education Mode in Higher Vocational Colleges

In the current educational environment, paying attention to the cultivation of students’ comprehensive quality, in order to enhance students’ spiritual realm and ideological level, has become an important content of education reform. This article takes the strengthening of students’ responsibility as the starting point, combined with the advanced education mode, aims to cultivate the correct values in the professional skills training of students and become professional engineering talents with exquisite technology and lofty morality. The research focuses on the training of students majoring in architectural engineering technology in higher vocational colleges, and explores the construction of core quality training models and vocational education professional training models, to enhance the comprehensive quality of students and cultivate compound talents with excellent academic achievements and good spiritual outlook. The implementation of these educational concepts provides solid support for the education quality of higher vocational colleges and the all-round development of students, promotes the role of higher vocational colleges in the new era, and is also an active attempt of engineering higher vocational colleges in improving the quality of education and comprehensively enhancing the quality of professional students.

Implementation of reengineering technology in the technological preparation for general aviation airplane wing tip manufacturing based on the construction of a digital mock-up

The object of this study is the technological preparation of the production of a light aircraft wing using reverse engineering technology. The subject of research is a quality indicator – the geometric accuracy of manufacturing the convex-concave parts of aerospace technology. Calculations of geometric accuracy were performed for the program-instrumental method of co-ordination. As the experimental part it was taken the worn out wing tip of a light aircraft. The following results were obtained. An approach for specifying the aerodynamic airfoil and cross sections of the wing tip when constructing its digital model has been proposed. A 3D scanning of the wing tip with the formation of a digital portrait in STL format, as well as its refinement into a STEP format, using organic and mechanical methods, was accomplished. A digital mock-up of the wing tip was built taking into account the geometry of the aerodynamic airfoil in cross sections as well as a digital mock-up of the form (mould) for its manufacture according to the polygonal model, which was created by the organic method due to it had the highest dimensional accuracy. It was determined that the maximum deviation of the actual wing contour from the theoretical one was as follows: the upper deviation was 0.84 mm, the lower deviation was –0.65 mm. The maximum deviation of the actual wing contour from the theoretical one was ±0.3 mm. The expected (calculated) errors did not exceed the specified value of the tolerance on the wing outer contour that equal to ±1.0 mm, thus, the adopted method of assembling the wing under the conditions of co-ordination by the program-instrumental method ensured the specified geometric accuracy. The results of experimental studies confirmed the adequacy of the proposed approach for determining the aerodynamic airfoil of the cross-sections of the digital mock-up of convex-concave parts for aerospace technology during their technological preparation for production with the use of reverse engineering.

Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Students in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, VNU University of Science

Healthy nutrition plays a crucial role in improving health and preventing disease within communities. This study aims to evaluate the current state of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as the factors influencing nutritional choices among students in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. A questionnaire survey method was used for data collection. The research findings indicate that 80% of students possess good general knowledge about nutrition, with female students representing 85,2% and male students 73,2%. Regarding attitudes, 74,7% of students display a positive general attitude toward nutrition. Students majoring in Food Science and Technology exhibit a higher rate of positive attitudes (87,0%) compared to those in Environmental Engineering Technology (73,7%) and Environmental Sciences (86,4%). Furthermore, 74,7 % of students demonstrate good general practices in nutrition. Notably, students living with their families tend to have worse nutritional practices than those residing in boarding houses or dormitories. The study also reveals that students with good nutritional knowledge and positive attitudes are more likely to have better nutritional practices. Factors influencing students' nutritional choices, in descending order of importance, include: i) Hygiene and safety; ii) Nutritional and health benefits; iii) Costs and prices; iv) Environmental protection; v) Personal interests and habits; and vi) Convenience.

Impact of Shelf life on the Quality of Cocoa Butter Extracted by Screw Press

Aims: To evaluate the changes in the quality of cocoa butter during storage extracted using the developed screw press-type cocoa butter extractor. Study Design: Statistical analysis was done using t-test. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Processing and Food Engineering lab, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology, Tavanur under ICAR-AICRP on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology Scheme for 3 months. Methodology: Shelf life study of the cocoa butter extracted at optimized condition (100ºC barrel temperature, 50 rpm screw speed, 2 kg/hr feed rate) was done in polyethylene pouch of 80 micron thickness and stored under ambient temperature (25±5°C) for a period of 3 months. Various quality parameters viz., free fatty acid, iodine number, peroxide number, moisture content and water activity of stored butter were determined at regular intervals of 30 days for 3 months. Results: Statistical analysis (t-test) showed that, there was no significant changes in the quality of cocoa butter during storage. The quality parameters of cocoa butter viz.,free fatty acid (1.28%), iodine number (34.74), peroxide value (1.685), moisture content (0.15%) and water activity (0.645) were within the allowable limits recommended by CODEX standards even after 3 months of storage. Conclusion: During the course of storage, all quality parameters viz., free fatty acid, peroxide value, iodine number, moisture content and water activity were found to be increased. However, all the quality parameters of cocoa butter stored under ambient temperature were within the acceptable limit prescribed by CODEX standards till 90 days with constant quality attributes.

Future prospects and challenges in developing saline-tolerant banana

Banana (Musa spp.) is an essential fruit with high economic value worldwide. One of the main environmental constraints in banana cultivation is abiotic stress on marginal land caused by salinity stress. This salinity stress can significantly reduce banana productivity and even cause plant death. Global climate change due to warming and reduced rainfall has increased the number of agricultural areas affected by salinity. This review article will describe current knowledge of biodiversity and various biological responses when banana plants are exposed to saline stress. This article also mentions the challenges in the banana breeding program with the current development of plant breeding and genetic engineering technology that could be used to create saline-tolerant banana accessions, its prospects, and the societal controversy underlying this technology. Thus, the information presented in this article could be a reference in the saline-tolerant banana breeding program.

CRISPR-Cas systems in enterococci.

Enterococci are members of the microbiota of humans and other animals. They can also be found in the environment, associated with food, healthcare infections, and hospital settings. Due to their wide distribution, they are inserted in the One Health context. The selective pressure caused by the extensive use of antimicrobial agents in humans, animals, and agriculture has increased the frequency of resistance to various drugs among enterococcal species. CRISPR-Cas system, an important prokaryotic defense mechanism against the entry of mobile genetic elements, may prevent the acquisition of genes involved in antimicrobial resistance and virulence. This system has been increasingly used as a gene editing tool, which can be used as a way to recognize and inactivate genes of interest. Here, we conduct a review on CRISPR systems found in enterococci, considering their occurrence, structure and organization, mechanisms of action and use as a genetic engineering technology. Type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems were shown to be the most frequent among enterococcal species, and the orphan CRISPR2 was the most commonly found system (54.1%) among enterococcal species, especially in Enterococcus faecalis. Distribution of CRISPR systems varied among species. CRISPR systems had 1 to 20 spacers, with size between 23 and 37bp and direct repeat sequences from 25 to 37bp. Several applications of the CRISPR-Cas biotechnology have been described in enterococci, mostly in vitro, using this editing tool to target resistance- and virulence-related genes.

Exploring How Female Scientists are Uplifted in Research Networks in STEM Fields in Public Universities in Uganda

Participation in research networks is inevitable for the female scientists in the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields because they provide a platform for collaborative activities. New research communities of women are created to support each other through mentoring, advancing shared research interests, co-organizing conferences with men, participating in the editorial and the publications. It was on this basis that this study explored how female scientists were uplifted by research networks in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda. This study was anchored on the existential phenomenology by Martin Heidegger in the interpretive world view. Eight female scientists in research networks in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda were interviewed and they were selected from the hard applied and hard pure disciplines as classified in Becher and Biglan’s typology of academic disciplines. Using thematic analysis, two themes such as research collaboration activities and capacity development emerged in this study. This qualitative study set out to explore how female scientists were uplifted in research networks in public universities in Uganda.The public universities included Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University and Busitema University. Both semi-structured interviews and document check data generation strategies were used in this study. In semi-structured interviews, a sample comprising eight female academics with not less than five years in research networks in public universities were selected, while documents such as the annual reports and strategic plans were used. This study concludes that research networks are uplifting the female scientists in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda because they were internationally exposed, networked, funded, research skills were strengthened, and progressed in career. This study concludes that it was important for female scientists to access physical and human resource in their research networks as this increased their research performance and outputs in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda. This study therefore recommends that, to uplift female scientists in research networks in STEM fields in public universities in Uganda, female scientists in the research networks and senior colleagues should act as ambassadors and mentors to young female scientists in STEM fields

The impact of visionary leadership on product quality from the perspective of quality assurance managers in small and medium-sized companies: the mediating role of continual improvement

PurposeA review of relevant literature supported the need to examine the nature of the relationships (if any) between visionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality. This study examined the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality and investigated the mediating role of continual improvement in the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality.Design/methodology/approachVisionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality were measured through a questionnaire developed based on a theoretical framework derived from the literature and distributed to quality assurance managers in small and medium-sized companies in the engineering, electrical and information technology sectors in Jordan.FindingsThe results indicated that the levels of visionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality are good and more from the perspective of quality assurance managers in these companies. The results also indicated that there is a positive, statistically significant relationship between visionary leadership and continual improvement and between continual improvement and product quality. Moreover, the results indicated that the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality is partially mediated by continual improvement. This indicates that there is a direct, positive and statistically significant relationship between visionary leadership and product quality.Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that examined the relationship between visionary leadership, continual improvement and product quality and investigated the mediating role of continual improvement in the relationship between visionary leadership and product quality. This study concluded that visionary leadership is the driver of all improvement initiatives and activities, which in turn improve the final products. The study contributes to the literature by revealing that visionary leadership leads to continual improvement and thus product quality, supporting the sequential relationship between them. Accordingly, the study provides useful theoretical insights and practical implications.

Current status for utilization of cold resistance genes and strategies in wheat breeding program.

Low temperature chilling is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting growth and yield of Triticum aestivum L. With global climate change, the risk of cold damage in wheat production has increased. In recent years, with the extensive research on wheat chilling resistance, especially the development of genetic engineering technology, the research on wheat chilling resistance has made great progress. This paper describes the mechanism of wheat cold damage, including cell membrane injury, cytoplasmic concentration increased as well as the imbalance of the ROS system. Mechanisms of cold resistance in wheat are summarised, including hormone signalling, transcription factor regulation, and the role of protective enzymes of the ROS system in cold resistanc. Functions of cloned wheat cold resistance genes are summarised, which will provide a reference for researchers to further understand and make use of cold resistance related genes in wheat. The current cold resistant breeding of wheat relies on the agronomic traits and observable indicators, molecular methods are lacked. A strategy for wheat cold-resistant breeding based on QTLs and gene technologies is proposed, with a view to breeding more cold-resistant varieties of wheat with the deepening of the research.

Research on the Optimization of Higher Mathematics Teaching Content Based on Vocational Demands

With the rapid development of the economy and technology, society has placed higher vocational-oriented requirements on higher education, especially in fields such as engineering and information technology. As a core foundational subject, higher mathematics must keep pace with the times to meet the practical needs for mathematical knowledge across different industries. However, the current teaching content of higher mathematics tends to be overly theoretical and disconnected from practical applications, making it difficult to adequately support students' career development. This study analyzes the requirements for mathematical knowledge in various industries from the perspective of vocational demands and proposes optimization strategies including modular design of teaching content and the integration of mathematics with vocational skills. It also explores innovative multidimensional teaching models and reforms in teaching evaluation systems. The findings provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the optimization of higher mathematics teaching content, contributing to the enhancement of students' professional abilities and employability.

Modeling of Solar Radiation Pressure for BDS-3 MEO Satellites with Inter-Satellite Link Measurements

As the largest non-gravitational force, solar radiation pressure (SRP) causes significant errors in precise orbit determination (POD) of the BeiDou global navigation satellite system (BDS-3) medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite. This is mainly due to the imperfect modeling of the satellite’s cuboid body. Since the BDS-3’s inter-satellite link (ISL) can enhance the orbit estimation of BDS-3 satellites, the aim of this study is to establish an a priori SRP model for the satellite body using 281-day ISL observations to reduce the systematic errors in the final orbits. The adjustable box wind (ABW) model is employed to refine the optical parameters for the satellite buses. The self-shadow effect caused by the search and rescue (SAR) antenna is considered. Satellite laser ranging (SLR), day-boundary discontinuity (DBD), and overlapping Allan deviation (OADEV) are utilized as indicators to assess the performance of the a priori model. With the a priori model developed by both ISL and ground observation, the slopes of SLR residual for the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites (SECM) satellites decrease from −0.097 cm/deg and 0.067 cm/deg to −0.004 cm/deg and −0.009 cm/deg, respectively. The standard deviation decreased by 21.8% and 26.6%, respectively. There are slight enhancements in the average values of DBD and OADEV, and a reduced β-dependent variation is observed in the OADEV of the corresponding clock offset. We also found that considering the SAR antenna only slightly improves the orbit accuracy. These results demonstrate that an a priori model established for the BDS-3 MEO satellite body can reduce the systematic errors in orbits, and the parameters estimated using both ISL and ground observation are superior to those estimated using only ground observation.

Case Study on the Adaptive Assessment of Floods Caused by Climate Change in Coastal Areas of the Republic of Korea

This study aims to assess the adaptability of coastal areas in the Republic of Korea to future climate change-induced flooding. Coastal areas can be susceptible to complex external factors, including rainfall, tide levels, storm surge wave overtopping, etc. The study employs an integrated approach to address this, connecting hydrological and marine engineering technologies. The models utilized in this study encompass XP-SWMM, ADCIRC, SWAN, and FLOW-3D. This study analyzed floods in 2050 and 2100, considering expected rainfall patterns, sea level rising, and an increase in typhoon intensity based on climate change scenarios for six coastal areas in the Republic of Korea. We reviewed the adaptability of flooding to climate change in each region.

Decision-Making Method for the Evaluation of Success Factors of ABET Accreditation

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, accredits university programs in computers, engineering, and engineering technology. Although ABET accreditation is optional, graduates of programs with this accreditation are regarded as having knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that are comparable to those of other countries. The ABET Accreditation process has always been quite structured and methodical. It has helped identify and fix any inadequacies by comparing different engineering and computer programs to worldwide standards. The Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach was used in this study to ascertain the relative value of the ABET process’s success elements. An application case study, conducted at a Turkish institution, serves as an illustration.

Extreme electromagnetic rotation, chemical reaction, Hall and ion slip effects on weakly ionized fluid in a Riga channel

The utilization of external magnetic or electric fields, particularly through a Riga setup, markedly enhances flow dynamics by mitigating frictional forces and turbulent fluctuations, thereby facilitating superior flow management. Such improvements are especially beneficial in optimizing the operational efficiency of machinery and turbines. Our research focuses on the behaviour of a weakly ionized fluid within a porous, infinitely extended Riga channel (or electromagnetic channel) set in a rotational frame work affected by Hall and ion-slip electric fields. This model integrates the cumulative repulsions of an abruptly apply pressure gradients, electro-magnetic force, electromagnetic radiation, as well as chemical reactions. The physical configuration of the model features a stationary RHS wall as well as the LHS wall subjected to transversal vibration, establishing a complex flow environment. This circumstance is analytically modeled utilizing time dependent PDE, with the Laplace transform method applied to achieve a closed-format resolution for the course controlling equations. Through detailed graphical and tabular data, the investigations explored the impacts of assorted pivotal parameters on the model's flow traits and quantities. Our results indicate that an upswing in the modified Hartmann number significantly enhances fluids flow in the conduit, with the most important resultant flow showing marked improvement as Hall and ion-slip parameters amplify, and secondly the resultant flow diminishing chemical reaction parameter. Additionally, species concentration lowers with higher Schmidt numbers and chemical reaction rates, while an expanded modified Hartmann number correlate with enhanced shear stress near the conduit wall. Moreover, an elevation in the radiating parameter reduces the rate of temperature transport at the vibrating wall, whereas this at the stationary wall improves. This study has profound implications across several fields, notably in fusion energy research, spacecraft propulsion systems, satellite operations, aerospace engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Preface: 6th International Conference on Information Science and Electronic Technology (ISET 2024)

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 6th International Conference on Information Science and Electronic Technology (ISET 2024) was successfully held in Venice, Italy during September 07-08, 2024. The objective of this conference is to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, academicians as well as industrial professionals from all over the world to present their research results and development activities in information science, computer applications, mechatronics, electrical engineering, and electronic technology. This conference provides opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences face to face, to establish business or research relations, and to find global partners for future collaboration. There were over 50 participants attended ISET 2024. During the conference, the conference model was divided into three sessions, including oral presentations, keynote speeches, and Q&A discussion. Their insightful speeches had triggered heated discussion in the conference. Every participant praised this conference for disseminating useful and insightful knowledge. We would like to acknowledge all of those who have supported ISET 2024. Each individual and institutional help were very important for the success of this conference. Especially we would like to thank the organizing committee for their valuable advices in the organization and helpful peer review of the papers. The Conference Scientific Committee Venice, Italy

A Study on Vegetation Restoration and Ecological Rehabilitation of Mine Slopes Based on Bioengineering Technology

This paper studies the application of bioengineering technology for vegetation restoration and ecological rehabilitation of mine slopes. Bioengineering technology is a comprehensive engineering technology that uses living plants and other auxiliary materials to construct slope structures, and realizes the stability, vegetation restoration and ecological rehabilitation of the slopes. Then, the paper reveals the principle and mechanism of bioengineering technology, which is mainly to use the parts of plants, such as roots, stems and leaves, to reinforce, fix and protect the slope soil, and to improve and regulate the slope ecosystem. The paper further explores the methods and techniques of bioengineering technology, and studies and summarizes the specific methods and techniques of plant selection, configuration, planting and management of bioengineering technology. Finally, the paper points out the problems and challenges of bioengineering technology, such as the imperfection of theory and method, the limitation of application and promotion, the deficiency of monitoring and management, and the uncertainty of social and environmental impact, and suggests further research and exploration of bioengineering technology. The paper concludes that bioengineering technology is a promising technology for vegetation restoration and ecological rehabilitation of slopes.

Effective and new technologies in kidney tissue engineering.

Kidney disease encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from simple infections to chronic kidney disease. When the kidneys are unable to filter blood and remove waste products, these abnormalities can lead to kidney failure. In severe cases of kidney failure, kidney transplantation is considered the only definitive treatment. Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of organ donation and increasing transplantation rates. Many countries implement national programs to promote the culture of organ donation and improve patient access to kidney transplantation. The extent to which this procedure is performed varies across countries and is influenced by several factors, including the volume of organ donation, medical infrastructure, access to technology and health policies. However, a kidney transplant comes with challenges and problems that impact its success. Kidney tissue engineering is a new approach that shows promise for repairing and replacing damaged kidney tissue. This article reviews recent advances in kidney tissue engineering, focusing on engineered structures such as hydrogels, electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, and microfluidic systems. By mimicking the extracellular environment of the kidney, these structures provide suitable conditions for the growth and development of kidney cells. The role of these structures in the formation of blood vessels, the mimicry of kidney functions and the challenges in this field were also discussed. The results of this study show that kidney tissue engineering has high potential for treating kidney diseases and reducing the need for kidney transplantation. However, to achieve clinical application of this technology, further research is required to improve the biocompatibility, vascularization and long-term performance of engineered tissues.