Engineering Technology Research Articles

Thermal Energy Resource Potentials of the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Gulf as a “Solar Pond”

Introduction. The use of environmentally-friendly engineering systems including solar energy technologies makes it possible to reduce energy costs and therefore to lower production costs and anthropogenic stress on the environment.Aim of the Study. The authors used innovative techniques to assess the thermal resource potential of solar radiation, to analyze the salt deposits of the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Gulf as thermal accumulators for the development, introduction and use of solar thermal technologies and to justify the technical and economic feasibility of their use in engineering systems in the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Gulf (Caspian region).Meterials and Methods. The study design is based on systematic theoretical calculations of the gross, technical, economic and ecological potentials of solar radiation taking into account environmental conditions. For calculating there were used the methods of mathematical modeling of heat and mass transfer processes in active solar energy systems when converting solar energy into thermal energy in the salty reservoir of the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Gulf as a “solar pond”.Results. There have been assessed the solar energy characteristics for the introduction of various engineering storage systems and technologies. There have been determined the results of energy storage on the reservoir salt surface during the day: in winter – 1 009.0 W/m2 per day, in summer – 1 574.7 W/m2 per day. It has been proven that the potential of solar energy conversion into thermal energy varies from 40 to 70% depending on the season. Aaccording to theoretical calculations, the solar pond efficiency in winter is 11.4% and in summer – 14.6%. In summer, there was measured the average temperature on the salt surface of the reservoir bottom, it ranges from 55.04 to 79.8 ºC, in winter from 20.0 to 25.6 ºC.Discussion and Conclusion. The results obtained can be used for strengthening energy security, developing energy systems and producing autonomous thermal power devices based on solar energy that will reduce the energy consumption of fossil fuels and improve the environmental situation in the region. The materials of the article can be used in preparing design estimates and feasibility study for developing various solar energy systems and technologies in the Caspian region.

Analysis of the role of the rice metallothionein gene OsMT2b in grain size regulation

Seed size is one of the three main characteristics determining rice yield. Clarification of the mechanisms regulating seed size in rice has implications for improving rice yield. Although several genes have been reported to regulate seed size, most of the reports are fragmentary. The role of metallothioneins (MTs) in regulating seed size remains unknown. Here, we found that OsMT2b was expressed in both spikelets and developing seeds. OsMT2b-overexpression lines had large and heavy seeds, and RNAi (RNA interference) lines had small and light seeds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that OsMT2b regulated spikelet hull size by affecting cell expansion in the outer epidermis. Histological analysis indicated that OsMT2b affected the number of cells in the cross-section of spikelet hulls, which affected seed size. The fresh weight of seeds was consistently higher in OsMT2b-overexpression lines than in seeds of the wild-type (WT) and RNAi lines from 6 DAP (days after pollination) until maturity, indicating that OsMT2b affected seed filling. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses revealed that OsMT2b regulates the expression of reactive oxygen species scavenging-related genes involved in seed size regulation. In conclusion, our results indicated that OsMT2b positively regulates seed size, which provides a novel approach for regulating seed size with genetic engineering technology.

Advances and Applications of Oxidized van der Waals Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

AbstractThe surface oxidation of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has recently gained tremendous technological and fundamental interest owing to the multi‐functional properties that the surface oxidized layer opens up. In particular, when integrated into other 2D materials in the form of van der Waals heterostructures, oxidized TMDs enable designer properties, including novel electronic states, engineered light‐matter interactions, and exceptional‐point singularities, among many others. Here, the evolving landscapes of the state‐of‐the‐art surface engineering technologies that enable controlled oxidation of TMDs down to the monolayer‐by‐monolayer limit are reviewed. Next, the use of oxidized TMDs in van der Waals heterostructures for different electronic and photonic device platforms, materials growth processes, engineering concepts, and synthesizing new condensed matter phenomena is discussed. Finally, challenges and outlook for future impact of oxidized TMDs in driving rapid advancements across various application fronts is discussed.

In Vivo Optogenetics Based on Heavy Metal‐Free Photon Upconversion Nanoparticles

AbstractPhoton upconversion (UC) from red or near‐infrared (NIR) light to blue light is promising for in vivo optogenetics. However, the examples of in vivo optogenetics have been limited to lanthanide inorganic UC nanoparticles, and there have been no examples of optogenetics without using heavy metals. Here the first example of in vivo optogenetics using biocompatible heavy metal‐free TTA‐UC nanoemulsions is shown. A new organic TADF sensitizer, a boron difluoride curcuminoid derivative modified with a bromo group, can promote intersystem crossing to the excited triplet state, significantly improving TTA‐UC efficiency. The TTA‐UC nanoparticles formed from biocompatible surfactants and methyl oleate acquire water dispersibility and remarkable oxygen tolerance. By combining with genome engineering technology using the blue light‐responding photoactivatable Cre‐recombinase (PA‐Cre), TTA‐UC nanoparticles promote Cre‐reporter EGFP expression in neurons in vitro and in vivo. The results open new opportunities toward deep‐tissue control of neural activities based on heavy metal‐free fully organic UC systems.

Perceptions of Women in Science Students towards Online Instruction at A Tertiary Institution

This study delved into the nuanced perceptions of women in science students regarding online instruction at the tertiary level. The study adopted a qualitative paradigm where interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from Chinhoyi University of Technology undergraduate women in science students. Data was collected from first year students to third year students aged between 19 and 26 years. Discussion of the findings is premised on the feminist approach to enable downscaling and understanding of the perceptions of women in science education on online learning experiences more holistically. Regardless of the benefits and advantages online learning has as opposed to traditional/physical learning, vulnerability, and resistance of women in science students at Chinhoyi University of Technology in the Institute of Materials Science Processing and Engineering Technology is worsened. The study found out that the great difference in how the women in science students perceive their experiences is hinged upon the student’s background, the age gap, academic level, geographical location and even technology proficiency. A gap in knowledge persists in the exploration of the nuanced challenges faced by women in science when transitioning from traditional classroom instruction to online learning at the tertiary level was identified in the study resulting from the socio-economic challenges that the students are experiencing. Insights from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how women in science navigate online education, offering valuable considerations for educators, policymakers, and institutions striving to create inclusive and effective learning environments.

The Dynamics of the Construction of the Jakarta-Yogyakarta Railroad throughthe Banyumas Karesidenan (1914-1917)

This research was conducted with the aim of complementing the study of the topic of the history of civil engineering technology from the colonial period which explains thedevelopment of rail-based transportation networks, as well as the trial and error of new technology trials at that time. In this research, it is expected to obtain a basic and detailed explanation of the planning, location determination, and construction process. In addition, the research that took place on the Cirebon-Kroya railway line concentrated on the Notog-Kebasen segment reviewed the development of the railway network in Java which was closely related to the transportation revolution in the application of new technology in Java, including the construction system of tunnels, roads, and bridges (mentioned as wisdom buildings), located in the Notog-Kebasen area. The explanation in this research is presented in a chronological, systematic, and qualitative analysis, to examine the topic of the history of civil engineering technology in the construction of the railroad network, including the wisdom building. The construction of the Cirebon-Kroya railway refers to the law of December 31, 1912 Stbl. 32/(1913), in which the 75 km Cirebon-Margasari section was opened on July 1, 1916, the 51 km Kroya-Margasari section was opened on July 1, 1916, and the 32 km Patuguran-Margasari section was opened on January 1, 1907.

Diversity of Host Species and Optimized Cultivation Practices for Enhanced Bioactive Compound Production in Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris, recognized for its diverse and potent medicinal properties, plays a critical role in herbal medicine. This study investigates the genus Cordyceps, particularly focusing on C. militaris, a species widely utilized in East Asian traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. C. militaris is rich in bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, ergosterol, and mannitol, which contribute to its broad physiological activities. The research aims to explore the diversity of host species in the cultivation of C. militaris and assess their impact on the biological activity and chemical composition of the fungus. The study highlights the variability in the efficacy of bioactive compounds due to different cultivation conditions and host species, emphasizing the need for standardized cultivation practices. Advances in genetic engineering and fermentation technology have significantly enhanced the production of these metabolites, supporting the sustainable scale-up of C. militaris cultivation. Future research should continue to explore the molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds, identify new clinical applications, and improve production efficiency and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review provides insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and cultivators on optimizing C. militaris for medicinal and commercial applications.

Low-temperature reactivity, extinction, and heat release rate of non-premixed cool flame at elevated pressures

Understanding the fundamental characteristics of high-pressure cool flames is crucial for the development of advanced and efficient low-temperature combustion engine technologies. The pressure dependency of multi-oxygen addition branching reactions in low-temperature chemistry significantly influences the dynamics, structure, and reactivity of cool flame. This study investigates the non-premixed cool flame of diethyl ether (DEE) at elevated pressures. The results show that pressure rise promotes low-temperature chemistry and significantly extends the extinction limit of cool flame. It is found that the cool flame heat release rate is correlated with the product of pressure and the square root of the pressure-weighted strain rate, Q∼aP·P, which is different from that of hot flames, Q∼aP. The radical index concept for atmospheric cool flames is extended to high-pressure cool flames allowing to decouple the mass and thermal transports from the chemical kinetics term to evaluate the fuel reactivity at elevated pressures. The radical index shows that the low-temperature reactivity of DEE is enhanced with the pressure and is higher than n-dodecane by a factor of 19, 18.3, and 16.4 for 1, 3, and 5 atm, respectively. Kinetic analysis reveals that pressure rise results in QOOH stabilization and promotions of the second O2 addition and the chain-branching reaction pathway for multiple OH radical productions.

Advancements in breeding for high oil content in maize (Zea mays. L)

Maize is one of the world’s most important food crops, supplying>5% deity energy. Due to its wider adaptability, high yield potential, maize is widely utilized as food and animals world worldwide. It enriched with caloric starch and the high energy in its oil. The kernel oil content in commercial high-oil maize hybrids averages ∼8%, far lower than that in developed high-oil maize lines (as high as 20%). The maize seed/kernel consisted of endosperm (82%) and the germ (embryo and scutellum) (12%). The germ region makes up 80–84% of kernel oil, with the aleurone and endosperm making up 12% and 5%, respectively. High-oil maize may serve as a valuable forage maize germplasm for breeding. Maize oil is also considered as high-quality oil for human health due to the high proportion of polyun-saturated fatty acids. Selection for high oil increases the proportion of germ and further content of germ oil. The problems that over-shadow the successful production of high-oil corn are low grain yield potential, physiological cost of oil synthesis, low seed vigor, low kernel weight, shorter seed longevity, and poor germination of high-oil corn lines. It is necessary to make efforts to generate nested populations or use marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) to accumulate the advantageous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the pa-rental lines. The oil content of maize inbreeds and hybrids could be further improved with the use of transgenes, genomics, and metabolic engineering technologies in new insight for the development of high oil maize breeding and strategies.

Exploring the Impact of TikTok Blended Learning on Mathematics Performance: A Hypothesis Approach

Studying engineering at the university level necessitates a strong foundation in mathematics. However, the diverse mathematical backgrounds of enrolled students pose challenges to educators in higher education. To address this issue, utilizing technology and visual representations alongside various examples can enhance understanding for students with different learning preferences. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the difference in mathematics final examination scores between students engaged in TikTok blended learning and those in traditional non-blended learning environments. Hypothesis testing and z-test were employed to analyze the mathematics performance. The R software code was included to prove the hypothesis testing. The result showed that students who practised TikTok blended learning performed better than students who were in the non-blended learning environments in mathematics subject of engineering technology in final examinations.

Revisiting the role of light signaling in plant responses to salt stress

Abstract As one of the grave environmental hazards, soil salinization seriously limits crop productivity, growth and development. When plants are exposed to salt stress, they suffer a sequence of damage mainly caused by osmotic stress, ion toxicity and subsequently oxidative stress. As sessile organisms, plants have developed many physiological and biochemical strategies to mitigate the impact of salt stress. These strategies include altering root development direction, shortening the life cycle, accelerating dormancy, closing stomata to reduce transpiration and decreasing biomass. Apart from being a prime energy source, light is an environmental signal, which profoundly influences plant growth and development and also participates in plants’ response to salt stress. This review summarizes the regulatory network of salt tolerance by light signals in plants, which is vital to further understanding plants’ adaptation to high salinity. In addition, the review highlights potential future uses of genetic engineering and light supplement technology by light-emitting diode (LED) to improve crop growth in saline-alkali environments in order to make full use of the vast saline land.

Concept of flexible no-code automation for complex sample preparation procedures

Driven by demographic changes and dwindling Science Technology Engineering Mathematics enrolments, our research introduces no-code automation as a strategic response, aimed at mitigating labor shortages while enhancing productivity and safety in the laboratory environment. Employing a user-friendly, no-code software platform, we automated a complex HPTLC assay, enabling laboratory personnel to configure and modify workflows without requiring specialized programming skills. The manuscript outlines the deployment of a collaborative robot (cobot), a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the utilization of self-developed open-source hardware components to establish automated stations for sample handling, incubation, spraying, detection, and storage within the assay process. The research addresses challenges such as the handling of fragile HPTLC plates and the seamless integration of automated stations, solved through innovative design solutions and adaptive programming methods. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of no-code automation in overcoming skilled labor deficits.

Augmented Reality- and Geographic Information System-Based Inspection of Brick Details in Heritage Warehouses

Brick warehouses represent interdisciplinary heritage sites developed by social, cultural, and economic impacts. This study aimed to connect warehouse details and GIS maps in augmented reality (AR) based on the former Camphor Refinery Workshop Warehouse. AR was applied as an innovation interface to communicate the differences between construction details, providing a feasible on-site solution for articulating historical brick engineering technology. A complex warehouse cluster was georeferenced by the AR models of brick details. The map was assisted by a smartphone-based comparison of the details of adjacent warehouses. Sixty AR models of warehouse details exemplified the active and sustainable preservation of the historical artifacts. The side-by-side allocation of warehouse details in AR facilitated cross-comparisons of construction differences. We found that a second reconstructed result integrated AR and reality in a novel manner based on the use of a smartphone AR. GIS and AR facilitated a management effort using webpages and cloud access from a remote site. The vocabulary of building details can be enriched and better presented in AR.

Effect of Piston Geometry on Performance Characteristics of VCR Engine with and without EGR when Fueled with Blends of Methyl Ester

The growing population and exhaustion of fossil fuels necessitate our search for new sources of energy. The study for this research encompasses an amalgamation of interest in alternative fuels, advanced engine technology such as variable compression ratio VCR, engine component modification, and a methodical approach to testing for assessing the effects on key performance of the engine. A 3.5 kW compression ignition (CI) engine was fueled with blends of behada, chicken fat, and turmeric oil methyl ester. Engine operating parameters, such as the compression ratio (CR), rate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and piston top geometry, are optimized to maximize engine performance. CI engine was modified by changing the piston head (square and tangential groove top) for methyl ester diesel blend operations. In the study, diesel fuel is designated as B00 and methyl ester as B20. The influence of compression ratio (CR16 and CR18) with exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR 0% and EGR 10%) was evaluated. The key performance indicators: brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are investigated. Results indicate that an increase in BTE accompanies an increase in load, suggesting enhanced thermal efficiency with increased power output. The consequence of VCR is also investigated, and it is determined that a higher CR results in a higher BTE due to an increase in compression pressure and temperature, thereby enhancing combustion. Due to the re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons with the addition of EGR at a 10% rate, BTE increases further. Utilizing a piston geometry with tangential grooves and methyl ester blends also contributes to increased BTE. BSEC increases with increasing load, with an important rise observed when operating at maximum capacity. However,at CR 18, BSEC decreases as a result of enhanced combustion efficiency. EGR has different effects on BSEC depending on the geometry of the piston and the kind of fuel used. Enhanced air-fuel blending and re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons reduce the BSEC of the engine. The tangential groove top piston operates with 10% EGR. Similar to BSEC, BSFC decreases with increasing CR and improves with the use of a piston with a tangential groove and 10% EGR operation. AFR decreases as the consumption of fuel increases to meet the power demand, and higher CR values result in a lower AFR. EGT rises with load, and CR18 has a lower EGT than CR16 as a result of a higher compressing temperature and pressure. 10% EGR operation reduces EGT by decreasing the concentration of oxygen in the combustible area.

Factors influencing faculty's adoption of engineering technology: A qualitative study

With technologies changing faster than ever before, engineering faculty must continuously update the technologies they use and teach to students to meet accreditation requirements and keep up with industry standards. Many do not, however. Additionally, existing models of technology adoption do not account for all variability within intention to use a technology, nor its actual use. Informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study examined which constructs from prior models apply to engineering faculty's adoption of industry-specific technologies, as well as other factors influencing faculty adoption of these technologies for their teaching or research. We interviewed 21 engineering faculty at a Midwestern United States STEM-focused institution about their adoption of engineering technologies. Deductive and inductive coding were used to identify themes within the qualitative data. Constructs from existing models were confirmed to influence faculty engineering technology adoption. We also identified specific Facilitating Conditions (Other People, Digital Resources, Non-Digital Resources, Time, and Formal Training) that faculty leverage to adopt new engineering technologies, and uncovered two additional themes—Access and Personal Traits, including several component traits (Persistence, Humility, Self Efficacy, Growth Mindset, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Curiosity) that influence faculty engineering technology adoption. We propose a new Theory of Faculty Adoption of Engineering Technologies specific to faculty adoption of new engineering technologies. These findings have the potential to help universities determine how to effectively support faculty in providing their students with relevant technological skills for entry into the engineering workforce.

Application of Petroleum Information Technology in Oil and Gas Drilling Engineering

Application of Petroleum Information Technology in Oil and Gas Drilling Engineering

Seamlessly merging radar ranging and imaging, wireless communications, and spectrum sensing for 6G empowered by microwave photonics

To facilitate intelligent interconnection among people, machines, and things, the next generation of communication technology must incorporate various sensing functions besides high-speed wireless communications. Integration of radar, wireless communications, and spectrum sensing is being investigated for 6G with increased spectral efficiency, enhanced system integration, and reduced cost. Microwave photonics, a technique that combines microwave engineering and photonic technology is considered an effective solution for implementing the integration and breaking the bottleneck problems of electronic solutions. Here, we show a photonics-assisted joint radar, wireless communications, and spectrum sensing system that enables precise perception of the surrounding physical and electromagnetic environments while maintaining high-speed communication. Communication signals and frequency-sweep signals are merged optically using a shared system architecture and hardware to achieve signal level sharing, ultimately simultaneously achieving high-accuracy radar ranging and imaging with a measurement error within ± 4 cm and an imaging resolution of 25 × 24.7 mm, high-data-rate wireless communications at 2 Gbaud, and wideband spectrum sensing with a frequency measurement error within ±10 MHz in a 6 GHz bandwidth.

Dual-gradient MXene/AgNWs/Hollow-Fe3O4/CNF composite films for thermal management and electromagnetic shielding applications

With the increasing prevalence of electronic devices, there is a pressing need for composite films that offer both efficient thermal management and superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. To address this, we developed a novel composite film featuring a controllable conductive-magnetic dual-gradient structure, composed of cellulose nanofibers (CNF), MXene, silver nanowires (AgNWs), and hollow ferric oxide (Fe3O4). This film was fabricated using a straightforward, cost-effective layer-by-layer vacuum filtration method. Leveraging CNF as the matrix material endows the film with remarkable flexibility. The integration of 2D MXene, 1D AgNWs, and 0D hollow Fe3O4 significantly enhances the film's thermal conductivity through multidimensional particle interactions, achieving a maximum value of 2.92 W/mK. Additionally, the dual-gradient structure of the film-comprising a transition layer and a reflection layer-improves EMI shielding efficiency by balancing high EMI shielding effectiveness with low electromagnetic wave reflection. Specifically, for the dual-gradient configuration (MAF)-25-CNF, the absorption coefficient (A) of electromagnetic waves incident on the low conductivity side reaches 0.23, and the shielding effectiveness reaches 45.8 dB. These findings highlight the potential of MXene/AgNWs/Fe3O4/CNF composite films with a controllable conductive-magnetic dual-gradient structure for applications in electronics, electrical engineering, and wearable technologies.

Construction of homologous branched oligomer megamolecules based on linker-directed protein assembly.

Utilizing the building blocks of recombinant proteins and synthetic linkers, we have obtained two distinct octameric megamolecules with diverse branched structures. This approach combines principles from both click chemistry and protein engineering technology, enabling the integration of functional domains within highly ordered protein assemblies for biomedical applications.

Multidisciplinary optimization methodology for truss-braced wing aircraft using high-fidelity structure sizing

In this research, a method is developed to optimize the truss-braced wing aircraft configuration in a multidisciplinary design framework. Physics-based high-fidelity methods, that can capture the nature of the configuration changes, are employed for the disciplines where the existing classical methods are not reliable. High-fidelity geometry modeling, structure loading, structure optimization, and aeroelastic sizing methods are integrated into the aircraft multidisciplinary design and optimization. The developed algorithm is applied for the multi-objective optimization of a regional jet aircraft to minimize the cost and weight. The results demonstrate that the cost-optimum solution converges to a higher aspect ratio wing equipped with a higher bypass ratio engine, and a 7.94% reduction in the direct operating cost can be achieved. On the other hand, the weight-optimum wing planform tends to a slightly lower aspect ratio wing with a lower bypass ratio engine, while a 6.18% reduction in take-off weight is achieved. In addition to that, the findings of this study highlight the considerable effect that the engine technology has on the optimum layout, which suggests that the engine technology and its performance should also be a part of the design optimization process. The developed modular framework offers further optimization potential for the truss-braced wing aircraft, as more detailed models can be integrated.