Engineering Work Research Articles

Meniscus gene expression profiling of inner and outer zone meniscus tissue compared to cartilage and passaged monolayer meniscus cells

Meniscus injuries are common and while surgical strategies have improved, there is a need for alternative therapeutics to improve long-term outcomes and prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Current research efforts in regenerative therapies and tissue engineering are hindered by a lack of understanding of meniscus cell biology and a poorly defined meniscus cell phenotype. This study utilized bulk RNA-sequencing to identify unique and overlapping transcriptomic profiles in cartilage, inner and outer zone meniscus tissue, and passaged inner and outer zone meniscus cells. The greatest transcriptomic differences were identified when comparing meniscus tissue to passaged monolayer cells (> 4,600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs)) and meniscus tissue to cartilage (> 3,100 DEGs). While zonal differences exist within the meniscus tissue (205 DEGs between inner and outer zone meniscus tissue), meniscus resident cells are more similar to each other than to either cartilage or passaged monolayer meniscus cells. Additionally, we identified and validated LUM, PRRX1, and SNTB1 as potential markers for meniscus tissue and ACTA2, TAGLN, SFRP2, and FSTL1 as novel markers for meniscus cell dedifferentiation. Our data contribute significantly to the current characterization of meniscus cells and provide an important foundation for future work in meniscus cell biology, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering.

An Integrated Approach for Structural Crack Monitoring: Combining Plastic Tell Tales and Image Analysis for Enhanced Structural Health Evaluation

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) calls for the development of the ideas of safety and main ability of civil structures. The most critical of the aspects explored in the paper is the safety monitoring of the structural configuration of any civil engineering work. Supervision of any sign of an odd shift from the usual state of structure enables one to prevent and or counter severe loss. It also depends on other environmental parameters such as load, nature of a seasonal parameter and the type of soil. Within this research project the Al-Beruni Academic Block of Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology is taken to monitor the cracks using Glass Tell-Tales, to collect data on cracks of buildings and during seismic activity, observe, study the cracks that are present.

Logic of internship learning in hybrid engineering workplace settings: a sociomaterial assemble of digital tools, humans and activities

ABSTRACT During the recent pandemic, established modes of organising internships in engineering were disrupted; Internships often transitioned into hybrid formats with extensive online activity. But, empirical research on the quality of learning in engineering during these exceptional circumstances is limited. This study therefore examines internship experiences among engineering undergraduates (N = 39) in Singapore through semi-structured interviews conducted at two different time points. Thematic analysis revealed four challenges encountered by interns when access to engineering sites was disrupted. These included changes to processes of learning through the reorganisation of work routines requiring interns to adeptly utilise diverse technological tools and digital platforms for remote collaboration. Interns faced difficulties in gaining insights into the logic of engineering work through disrupted workflow. This was not helped when their learning experiences were also contingent upon the availability of meaningful work tasks. Finally, interns had to adapt to virtual and on-demand networking as a means of integrating into the engineering practice. Thus, the shift presented both challenges and opportunities for interns to learn about engineering in unprecedented ways. This research sheds light on how interns adapt during severe disruptions to engineering work environments, emphasising the importance of considering the sociomaterial context for supporting interns in hybrid workplaces.

Real-time monitoring of aero-engine vibration signals by wireless communication technology

Abstract The conventional way to monitor the vibration signals of aircraft engines is to use wired communication sensors to transmit and collect the signals on a fixed platform on the ground. The signal acquisition equipment of wired communication technology has various drawbacks, resulting in the inability to collect vibration signals when the object under test is in real operating conditions. Based on previous studies, this research team uses a 2.4G wireless transmission scheme to realize short-distance wireless transmission of aero-engine vibration signals, and a 4G cellular communication scheme to realize long-distance wireless transmission of aero-engine vibration signals. The acquired signals are displayed and monitored using the tool developed in LabVIEW2022. The designed tool is successfully applied in the engineering practice of engine maintenance, realizing the remote real-time monitoring of the engine operation status, shortening the monitoring cycle of the equipment from hourly to real-time level, and greatly facilitating the technical support work of engineers and technicians.

Prediction of aircraft fuel consumption based on machine learning algorithm

Abstract The shortcomings of traditional aircraft fuel consumption calculation methods include insufficient theoretical analysis, complex input parameters, and poor calculation accuracy. Through the analysis of aircraft motion equations and engine working characteristics, this paper screens out the key parameters affecting aircraft fuel consumption. Based on the real flight data, three machine learning methods, BP neural network, RBF neural network, and Support Vector Machine(SVM), are used for training, and a fuel consumption prediction model is established with key parameters as inputs. The prediction accuracy and characteristics of the three models are analyzed and compared. The aircraft fuel consumption prediction model achieves the operational requirements, and the accuracy in the flight profile reaches 5%. The trained model was applied to the planning of the transport aircraft mission profile, achieving a fuel consumption error of only 1.1% across the entire mission profile, resulting in a relatively accurate outcome.

Mechanical Properties of Fully-Grouted Bolts Support Based on Compression Tests of Anchored Rock Mass

The mechanical properties of fully-grouted bolt support are critical for the safety of support engineering works. To study the influences of factors including the bolt length and diameter, strength of the rock, and fracture angle on the mechanical properties of fully-grouted bolt support, compression tests were conducted on an anchored rock mass, considering the shortcomings of pullout tests on bolts. The discrete element software PFC2D (4.0) was adopted for numerical simulation and analysis from two aspects, namely, the stress distribution and anchorage force supplied by such bolts. The research found that by increasing the bolt diameter and length as well as the strength of the rock, the maximum anchorage force of bolts increases. Whereas the stress distribution of all bolts increases at first and then decreases along the bolts, and there is only one peak on the stress distribution curves, which also gradually shifts to a greater depth. In a fractured rock mass, the maximum anchorage force of bolts decreases, then increases (and is minimized at a fracture angle of 45°) with the decrease in fracture angle. The influence of fractures with different angles on the stress distribution of bolts is mainly reflected in the fracture zone. The bolt stress decreases abruptly in the zone with a fracture angle of 90°, forming a valley. The bolt stress increases suddenly in the zones with fracture angles of 60° and 45°, thus forming peaks. The bolt stress does not increase or decrease suddenly in the zone with a fracture angle of 30°. Therefore, it necessitates consideration of the influences of fractures on the anchorage force and the selection of bolts of appropriate size during anchorage design. After installation, the bolt stress should be monitored for stability and early warning of anchored rock mass according to changes in the stress provided.

Engineering under oppressive regimes: exploring the role of engineers during apartheid South Africa

ABSTRACT Engineers’ contribution to society tends to be located in rational, technical constructs devoid of social and political interests. This paradigm presents a challenge to engineering educators tasked with undergraduate engineering curriculum content that links to society in some way. This article reports on a study undertaken by engineering educators who were motivated to understand the role of the social and political on the work of engineers. It explores how engineers conceived of their role during apartheid, an oppressive political regime for the majority of South Africans that officially ended in 1994. Interviews were conducted with engineers and academic staff to examine how participants’ navigated engineering practice and academic work during that period. The thematic findings allow for a conceptualisation of the apartheid ‘system’ they encountered, depicts how they saw their role in this system and explores the underlying reasons for why they behaved in the ways that they did.

Integration of structural designers’ workflows into BIM

BIM has revolutionized architectural design workflows. In this process, the work of structural engineers relies on the work of many other disciplines, and their decisions are input data for them. However, these data are not always provided in a structured form. Live load and composite load values are typically such data, that may frequently change during the design process. This research explores BIM-based tools for interdisciplinary collaboration between architectural and structural disciplines, with a focus on managing design changes and ensuring that load data is available as early as possible in the design process. In this article, automatic load definition possibilities were explored and adapted to the BIM methodology by using Archicad, Revit, and Allplan. The software options and their logic differ greatly, therefore the proposed methodology can be applied most seamlessly in Archicad. It was demonstrated that by linking the composite structure database to the model, the loads from the built-in materials and the room functions can be generated and updated semi-automatically in response to design changes.

El poblamiento del Alto Guadalete durante el sultanato Nazarí

The results of the Documentary and Graphic Study accomplished in the Rivera del Gaidovar, in the municipalities of Grazalema (Cádiz) and Montecorto (Málaga) and by extension the data obtained with the works development in the headwaters of the Guadalete, are presented. This work is part of a larger project that extended to all sites of medieval chronology in the Sierra de Cádiz, although with occasional extension to Málaga for obvious geographical reasons, although in the malacitana area only the sites already known were visited. The results show a weak Andalusian presence in this area until the formation of the Granada Nasrid sultanate, when a population explosion occurred, most likely due to emigration caused by the push of the Christian kingdoms, particularly Castilla, for the sector in question. The settlement is characterized by an intense fortification of residence places and its connection with irrigated perimeters or works of hydraulic engineering that can be traced back, with the appropriate precautions, to medieval times.

Geomechanical Classifications, Geotechnical Indexes, and Fractured Rock Media: the Influence of Discontinuities on the Rock Masses Description

Using geotechnical indexes and geomechanical classifications is crucial in estimating the quality and behaviour of fissured rock masses. These tools play a significant role in large-scale engineering works, particularly in underground projects where the rock mass and its response to excavation are critical for project safety and financial feasibility. The widespread adoption of these classification systems in geoengineering necessitates continuous development and improvement to enhance accuracy and reliability and align them with the evolving construction landscape. Discontinuities, in particular, profoundly impact the strength, deformability, and permeability of the rock mass, therefore defining its behaviour. Given that rock mass assessment forms the basis of geotechnical characterization and evaluation, it is essential to understand and evaluate its characteristics and their influence on the classification systems or indexes.

Performance of geocell reinforced rubber sand mixtures under undrained triaxial test

Large quantities of scrap tires are produced by the automobile industry each year, which causes disposal challenges and impacts the environment. However, scrap tires exhibit various properties, including tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, thermal conductivity, elasticity, and more. Due to their versatile characteristics, these scrap tires can be utilized as construction materials for various civil engineering works to reduce their negative environmental effects and conserve natural resources. This study aims to understand the shear strength behaviours exhibited by geocell-reinforced mixtures of rubber and sand through the unconsolidated undrained triaxial test. Various parameters, including rubber sizes (425 μm to 12 mm), rubber contents (10% to 40% by volume), confining pressures (50 to 300 kPa), and geocell heights (0.2H to 0.8H, where H is the height of triaxial sample), were systematically examined to understand their impact on shear strength characteristics. The experimental findings reveal that deviatoric stress is enhanced with increasing confining pressure and rubber sizes. The maximum benefits of the rubber-sand mixture were observed at 30% rubber content. Geocell-reinforced rubber sand mixture has a higher shear strength with respect to the unreinforced mixture. Furthermore, the energy absorption capacity of the geocell-reinforced rubber sand mixtures was much better as compared to either the clean sand or rubber-sand mixture. The findings of this research demonstrate that geocellreinforced rubber sand mixtures are suitable for various geotechnical engineering works.

Choosing an appropriate somatic embryogenesis medium of carrot (Daucus carota L.) by data mining technology

IntroductionDeveloping somatic embryogenesis is one of the main steps in successful in vitro propagation and gene transformation in the carrot. However, somatic embryogenesis is influenced by different intrinsic (genetics, genotype, and explant) and extrinsic (e.g., plant growth regulators (PGRs), medium composition, and gelling agent) factors which cause challenges in developing the somatic embryogenesis protocol. Therefore, optimizing somatic embryogenesis is a tedious, time-consuming, and costly process. Novel data mining approaches through a hybrid of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and optimization algorithms can facilitate modeling and optimizing in vitro culture processes and thereby reduce large experimental treatments and combinations. Carrot is a model plant in genetic engineering works and recombinant drugs, and therefore it is an important plant in research works. Also, in this research, for the first time, embryogenesis in carrot (Daucus carota L.) using Genetic algorithm (GA) and data mining technology has been reviewed and analyzed.Materials and methodsIn the current study, data mining approach through multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) as two well-known ANNs were employed to model and predict embryogenic callus production in carrot based on eight input variables including carrot cultivars, agar, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), calcium dichloride (CaCl2), manganese (II) sulfate (MnSO4), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and kinetin (KIN). To confirm the reliability and accuracy of the developed model, the result obtained from RBF-GA model were tested in the laboratory.ResultsThe results showed that RBF had better prediction efficiency than MLP. Then, the developed model was linked to a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the system. To confirm the reliability and accuracy of the developed model, the result of RBF-GA was experimentally tested in the lab as a validation experiment. The result showed that there was no significant difference between the predicted optimized result and the experimental result.ConclutionsGenerally, the results of this study suggest that data mining through RBF-GA can be considered as a robust approach, besides experimental methods, to model and optimize in vitro culture systems. According to the RBF-GA result, the highest somatic embryogenesis rate (62.5%) can be obtained from Nantes improved cultivar cultured on medium containing 195.23 mg/l MgSO4, 330.07 mg/l CaCl2, 18.3 mg/l MnSO4, 0.46 mg/l 2,4- D, 0.03 mg/l BAP, and 0.88 mg/l KIN. These results were also confirmed in the laboratory

Double-Layer Distributed and Integrated Fault Detection Strategy for Non-Gaussian Dynamic Industrial Systems.

Currently, with the increasing scale of industrial systems, multisensor monitoring data exhibit large-scale dynamic Gaussian and non-Gaussian concurrent complex characteristics. However, the traditional principal component analysis method is based on Gaussian distribution and uncorrelated assumptions, which are greatly limited in practice. Therefore, developing a new fault detection method for large-scale Gaussian and non-Gaussian concurrent dynamic systems is one of the urgent challenges to be addressed. To this end, a double-layer distributed and integrated data-driven strategy based on Laplacian score weighting and integrated Bayesian inference is proposed. Specifically, in the first layer of the distributed strategy, we design a Jarque-Bera test module to divide all multisensor monitoring variables into Gaussian and non-Gaussian blocks, successfully solving the problem of different data distributions. In the second layer of the distributed strategy, we design a dynamic augmentation module to solve dynamic problems, a K-means clustering module to mine local similarity information of variables, and a Laplace scoring module to quantitatively evaluate the structural retention ability of variables. Therefore, this double-layer distributed strategy can simultaneously combine the different distribution characteristics, dynamism, local similarity, and importance of variables, comprehensively mining the local information of the multisensor data. In addition, we develop an integrated Bayesian inference strategy based on detection performance weighting, which can emphasize the differential contribution of local models. Finally, the fault detection results for the Tennessee Eastman production system and a diesel engine working system validate the superiority of the proposed method.

STEM-It-Yourself: Increasing Participation of Girls and Minorities in STEM

Have you ever wondered why, when browsing the internet looking for scientists, technologists, engineers, or mathematicians, most of the results show men? Or have you ever wondered if there was someone out there who might look like you doing work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? Our research aimed to better understand why STEM fields are not diverse in gender or race, and to empower the next generation of STEM leaders through a project called STEM-It-Yourself (SIY). Through SIY, we introduced middle school girls to women in STEM who are representative of the girls’ races. By hearing about the STEM journeys of the presenters, who were women, and Black, Indigenous, and people of Color (BIPOC), the girls participating in SIY could cultivate STEM identities, which could motivate them to stay in STEM and help diversify the STEM workforce.

Why should a bioengineering lab have engineers and health professionals?

Through the description of the methodology of the development of a bite force measurement device it will be shown how interdisciplinary work of Engineers and Health Professionals bring enhance of life quality to general population. Bite force measurement is a reliable exam to check stomatognathic system (SS) conditions. In order to provide a reliable, low cost and do-it-yourself gnathodynamometer a Dentist joined Bioengineering Laboratory (LabBio) at UFMG. The development of a 3D printed resin structure was made using CAD/CAM and tested by means of FEM. A Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) extensometer developed at CTNANO at UFMG to capture the structure deformation were fixed in two geometries that showed good results in FEM simulation and will be tested in an EMIC universal mechanical testing machine (DL1000) equipped with a 1 kN load cell. The electrical response of the extensometers was monitored using a Keithley 2000 digital multimeter (Tektronix), connected to a computer and remotely controlled by a LabView application (View Point Systems), a data storage protocol in a SD card and in the clouds using IoT and an data acquisition system will be tested. In bench tests both geometries showed good results with deformation capturable from 40 N. Data was codified using an Arduino Nano and a program was developed for data acquisition and storage. The interdisciplinary work generates prototypes with promising results in bench tests. The fruit of the team work may generate a toll that improves life quality of population by allowing more people to be tested and lowering health costs.

Paul B. Preciado’s queer hospital: healthcare architectures for pleasure, transformation and subversion

ABSTRACT This article brings the contemporary philosopher Paul B. Preciado’s work on queer sexuality and embodiment into close contact with his work on architecture, asking how Preciado’s work can help us to reconceptualize the design of clinical spaces and environments to care more effectively for queer and non-normative bodies. In Testo Junkie (2013), Preciado explores how the body is constructed in advanced capitalism as a work of both social construction and bio-technological engineering. The focus of Pornotopia (2014), meanwhile, is the specific role played by architecture in the construction of modernity’s bodies, genders and sexualities. Across both works, Preciado dialogs closely with Michel Foucault, showing how normative genders and sexualities are actively produced and policed through the complex interplays between social, biomedical, technological and architectural forces and structures. Preciado, however, goes one step further, exploring how we might “hack” these same structures and use biomedical technologies and architectural concepts to emancipate the bodies and desire from normative constraints, thus liberating the body’s true capacities for pleasure and transformation. Reading Preciado alongside interdisciplinary scholarship on queer healthcare design, this article questions investigates how “hacking” clinical architecture through queer interventions can transform the sensory landscapes of healthcare.

System Usability Analysis of Engineering Management Software

Abstract Supporting engineering processes requires a managerial approach as well. The usability and acceptance of the related procedures, tools, and software can significantly influence the performance of the company. The paper presents a case study of project management administration software at a multinational company. System Usability Scale was used to explore the satisfaction of the development experts in the field. The results show the need to develop the software and procedures, especially in the design of the administration process, to boost the engineering work.

Experimental concerning the influence upon gaseous emissions by using HHO addition to an LPG powered Otto engine

Abstract Because of the increased pollution regulations imposed on internal combustion engines across the world as well to preserve the air quality, effective solutions for new and older cars must be found in reference to their emission levels. This paper focuses on the impact of adding oxyhydrogen (HHO) fueled into an Otto engine working with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), in reference to the emission concentration values. HHO is produced using a water electrolytic conversion technique that works in tandem with the Otto engine. The electrolytic convertor can generate 1,800 litters of HHO gas from 1 liter of water. Due to this addition, the total calorific power of the fuel mixture is growing by around 30 % in comparison to only LPG fueled situation, considered as basic one. All measurements were conducted in a laboratory with accredited and approved gas analyzers and measuring devices. The study presents comparative results of the basic measurements, at an engine speed of 800 rotations per minute (RPM) and respectively at 2,000 RPM, when using an LPG as fuel, respectively a mixture LPG and HHO. As conclusion, one proves that the addition of HHO can generate as effect the decreased of particular emission values.

Study of Compressive Strength of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Cubes

Abstract: Nowadays, complex civil engineering work requires high-performance concrete materials. Researchers worked on reinforced concrete to provide sustainable solutions. Materials like carbon, glass, eggshell etc are used for reinforcement with concrete. While study of reinforced concrete cubes performance, compressive strength is an important parameter that need to be focused more. In this paper, experiments were carried out to study the influence of percentage glass fiber reinforcement in concrete on compressive strength. In order to evaluate Compressive Strength (N/mm2) obtained on CTM for GFRC cube of Size: 150x150x150 mm and the age of cube was kept 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. It was observed that maximum compressive strength can be achieved for glass fiber reinforcement of 10 % when age id cube is kept 28 days.

Evaluation of Geotechnical Properties of Soil at Selected Sites in Al-Nasiriya City

Soil index properties are used to calculate and determine the geotechnical properties of soils and then determine soil suitability for the construction of engineering projects. Most of the geotechnical properties of soil affect each other directly or indirectly, and these properties can be utilized as indicators to calculate other properties. In the present study, some soil index properties were used to identify the geotechnical properties of soil. According to the unified classification system for soil, most soils were classified as low and high plasticity hilt. In addition, the soils showed a medium to a high degree of expansion according to the values of the Atterberg limit and were generally considered inactive clay soil. Based on the Standard Penetration Test values, consistency index, and compression index, the soil was stiff to extremely stiff and had high to extremely high compressibility. Finally, the results showed the need for soil for some engineering works, such as stabilization and modification, before the construction of engineering projects.