Example Of Application Research Articles

Advanced isoconversional kinetic analysis: Insight in mechanisms and simulations. Successes and future

Various examples of application of advanced isoconversional kinetic analysis are discussed. The paper focuses on polymerization and crystallization mechanisms, protein denaturation and simulations in a model-free way under different temperature programs. It is shown how isoconversional kinetic analysis was developed in the recent years to gain meaningful kinetic information on changes in rate-limiting steps and was applied to multi-step processes. The complementary of the information obtained by estimating pre-exponential factors, rate constants and mathematical function that describes the reaction mechanism, in addition to the usual effective activation energy dependency, is highlighted. In addition, combination of model-free and model-based methods can be used for the elucidation of multi-step kinetics.

Towards the Integral Valorization of Olive Pomace‐Derived Biomasses through Biorefinery Strategies

AbstractThe olive oil sector generates a high quantity of biomasses every year, especially in the Mediterranean region. Olive pomace is the main one, but depending on the extraction and subsequent processing, other derived biomass by‐products are generated like pâté, exhausted olive pomace, olive stone, and residual pulp. Their sustainable valorization is crucial. Therefore, this review first conceptualizes the current situation of the olive oil sector and describes these biomasses from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. Second, information on the bioactive compounds they present, the technologies used for their extraction, and examples of applications for their extracts is provided. Third, since the extraction of bioactive compounds will generate new residual biomasses, this review takes a step forward by integrating the extraction step in biorefinery cascading schemes. It also analyzes the benefits of this integration, the contribution to a circular (bio)economy, and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Plasma Technology for Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage.

"Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality" is an important strategic goal for the sustainable development of human society. Typically, a key means to achieve these goals is through electrochemical energy storage technologies and materials. In this context, the rational synthesis and modification of battery materials through new technologies play critical roles. Plasma technology, based on the principles of free radical chemistry, is considered a promising alternative for the construction of advanced battery materials due to its inherent advantages such as superior versatility, high reactivity, excellent conformal properties, low consumption and environmental friendliness. In this perspective paper, we discuss the working principle of plasma and its applied research on battery materials based on plasma conversion, deposition, etching, doping, etc. Furthermore, the new application directions of multiphase plasma associated with solid, liquid and gas sources are proposed and their application examples for batteries (e. g. lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, zinc-air batteries) are given. Finally, the current challenges and future development trends of plasma technology are briefly summarized to provide guidance for the next generation of energy technologies.

Model order reduction and stochastic averaging for the analysis and design of micro-electro-mechanical systems

Electro-mechanical systems are key elements in engineering. They are designed to convert electrical signals and power into mechanical motion and vice-versa. As the number of networked systems grows, the corresponding mathematical models become more and more complex, and novel sophisticated techniques for their analysis and design are required. We present a novel methodology for the analysis and design of electro-mechanical systems subject to random external inputs. The method is based on the joint application of a model order reduction technique, by which the original electro-mechanical variables are projected onto a lower dimensional space, and of a stochastic averaging technique, which allows the determination of the stationary probability distribution of the system mechanical energy. The probability distribution can be exploited to assess the system performance and for system optimization and design. As examples of application, we apply the method to power factor correction for the optimization of a vibration energy harvester, and to analyse a system composed by two coupled electro-mechanical resonators for sensing applications.

Qualification of geotechnical parameters with 3D geotechnical modelling to improve mine planning reliability

Mine planning and pit design involve making the best decisions and recognising good practices for the profitable exploitation of mineral resources. A pit design project begins with the delimitation of the ore body in the form of blocks, then going through pit optimisation, then pit design and sequencing and ends with the economic evaluation. Several techno-economic indicators are used in these stages and have a direct impact on mine planning. The research methodology proposes an in-depth study of the geotechnical parameters of the pit to be conducted in mine planning in a more reliable and assertive way, with the aid of 3D geotechnical modelling. From a geotechnical point of view, an initial validation of the methodology was performed in an example of application in an iron mine, where a change in the planned slope angles of a pit over a 5-year period was suggested. The suggested new pit guarantees safety factors that suit the minimum stability requirements and proposes a 1.49% higher ore availability and a 0.90% increase in the net present value.

Integrated fatigue assessment method considering average stress effects of large-scale lattice wind turbine support structures

Modular assembly techniques for ultra-high lattice wind turbine support structures are gaining popularity as a viable solution for wind energy development in low wind speed areas. However, efficient fatigue assessment of the overall structure is crucial for the widespread promotion and application of these structures. Existing engineering methods for fatigue assessment suffer from limitations in calculation efficiency and often fail to account for the effects of average stress. To address these issues, a novel integrated fatigue assessment method is proposed, which is both fast and efficient while considering the impact of average stress. The method enables the computation of cumulative fatigue damage and fatigue life for each component, as well as the identification of the location of the greatest cumulative fatigue damage in the structure. An onshore ultra-high lattice wind turbine support structure, modularly assembled to a height of 180 m, is utilized as an application example to illustrate the specific implementation process of the proposed method. The effect of different fatigue load conditions and transfer functions on cumulative fatigue damage is analyzed, and the relationship between transfer function and fatigue accumulation damage is examined. The findings indicate that average stress plays a crucial role in the cumulative fatigue damage of ultra-high lattice wind turbine support structures, and the proposed integrated fatigue assessment method simplifies the calculation process for fatigue-resistant designs substantially.

A Frequency/Phase/Amplitude Estimator for Three-Phase Applications Operating at a Low Sampling Rate

A frequency/phase/amplitude estimator is arguably one of the most crucial components in the control and synchronization of grid-connected equipment. Such an estimator may also be useful for monitoring and protection purposes in power systems. In this paper, an open-loop (and therefore unconditionally stable) estimator for the accurate and rapid extraction of the grid voltage phase, frequency, and amplitude is presented. In designing the proposed technique, special focus is given to applications operating at a low sampling rate. Examples of such applications include high-power converters, where both switching and sampling frequencies are very low. The study concludes with a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed estimator, demonstrating its effectiveness in accurately and swiftly estimating the fundamental parameters of grid voltage under low sampling rates. It highlights the estimator’s enhanced performance in scenarios of distorted grid conditions and its superiority in filtering capabilities compared to traditional methods. These findings underline the estimator’s potential for broad applicability in power system monitoring, protection, and control.

Natural Language Generation and Parsing as Heuristic Planning Problems

This paper formulates the problems of natural language generation and parsing as particular instances of the classical planning problem. It assumes the existence of a Categorial Grammar lexicon from which the preconditions and effects of available actions are obtained. A declarative formalization of heuristics for action selection is used to guide the search for solutions. Heuristics for mapping formulas in the description logic DL-Lite (R,and) into English sentences and backwards, and examples of application to Human Robot Interaction (HRI) are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.

Thermodynamics of the Glassy Polymer State: Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium Aspects.

This work examines, first, the non-equilibrium character of the glassy state of polymer systems and its significance in the development of novel materials for important technological applications. Subsequently, it summarizes the essentials of the generalized lattice fluid approach for the description of this highly complex non-equilibrium behavior with an approximate and simple, yet analytically powerful formalism. The working equations are derived in a straightforward and consistent manner by clearly defining the universal and specific variables needed to describe the discussed properties. The role of the non-random distribution of molecular species and free volume in the glassy system is also examined, as is the role of strong specific interactions, such as hydrogen-bonding networks. This work also reports examples of applications in a variety of representative systems, including glass densification, retrograde vitrification, increase in glass-transition temperature in hydrogen-bonded polymer mixtures, and hysteresis phenomena in sorption-desorption from glassy polymer matrices.

Soft modularized robotic arm for safe human–robot interaction based on visual and proprioceptive feedback

This study proposes a modularized soft robotic arm with integrated sensing of human touches for physical human–robot interactions. The proposed robotic arm is constructed by connecting multiple soft manipulator modules, each of which consists of three bellow-type soft actuators, pneumatic valves, and an on-board sensing and control circuit. By employing stereolithography three-dimensional (3D) printing technique, the bellow actuator is capable of incorporating embedded organogel channels in the thin wall of its body that are used for detecting human touches. The organogel thus serves as a soft interface for recognizing the intentions of the human operators, enabling the robot to interact with them while generating desired motions of the manipulator. In addition to the touch sensors, each manipulator module has compact, soft string sensors for detecting the displacements of the bellow actuators. When combined with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), the manipulator module has a capability of estimating its own pose or orientation internally. We also propose a localization method that allows us to estimate the location of the manipulator module and to acquire the 3D information of the target point in an uncontrolled environment. The proposed method uses only a single depth camera combined with a deep learning model and is thus much simpler than those of conventional motion capture systems that usually require multiple cameras in a controlled environment. Using the feedback information from the internal sensors and camera, we implemented closed-loop control algorithms to carry out tasks of reaching and grasping objects. The manipulator module shows structural robustness and the performance reliability over 5,000 cycles of repeated actuation. It shows a steady-state error and a standard deviation of 0.8 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively, using the proposed localization method and the string sensor data. We demonstrate an application example of human–robot interaction that uses human touches as triggers to pick up and manipulate target objects. The proposed soft robotic arm can be easily installed in a variety of human workspaces, since it has the ability to interact safely with humans, eliminating the need for strict control of the environments for visual perception. We believe that the proposed system has the potential to integrate soft robots into our daily lives.

Flexible and Stretchable Light-Emitting Diodes and Photodetectors for Human-Centric Optoelectronics.

Optoelectronic devices with unconventional form factors, such as flexible and stretchable light-emitting or photoresponsive devices, are core elements for the next-generation human-centric optoelectronics. For instance, these deformable devices can be utilized as closely fitted wearable sensors to acquire precise biosignals that are subsequently uploaded to the cloud for immediate examination and diagnosis, and also can be used for vision systems for human-interactive robotics. Their inception was propelled by breakthroughs in novel optoelectronic material technologies and device blueprinting methodologies, endowing flexibility and mechanical resilience to conventional rigid optoelectronic devices. This paper reviews the advancements in such soft optoelectronic device technologies, honing in on various materials, manufacturing techniques, and device design strategies. We will first highlight the general approaches for flexible and stretchable device fabrication, including the appropriate material selection for the substrate, electrodes, and insulation layers. We will then focus on the materials for flexible and stretchable light-emitting diodes, their device integration strategies, and representative application examples. Next, we will move on to the materials for flexible and stretchable photodetectors, highlighting the state-of-the-art materials and device fabrication methods, followed by their representative application examples. At the end, a brief summary will be given, and the potential challenges for further development of functional devices will be discussed as a conclusion.

A Bayesian adaptive design approach for stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials.

The Bayesian group sequential design has been applied widely in clinical studies, especially in Phase II and III studies. It allows early termination based on accumulating interim data. However, to date, there lacks development in its application to stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials, which are gaining popularity in pragmatic trials conducted by clinical and health care delivery researchers. We propose a Bayesian adaptive design approach for stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials, which makes adaptive decisions based on the predictive probability of declaring the intervention effective at the end of study given interim data. The Bayesian models and the algorithms for posterior inference and trial conduct are presented. We present how to determine design parameters through extensive simulations to achieve desired operational characteristics. We further evaluate how various design factors, such as the number of steps, cluster size, random variability in cluster size, and correlation structures, impact trial properties, including power, type I error, and the probability of early stopping. An application example is presented. This study presents the incorporation of Bayesian adaptive strategies into stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials design. The proposed approach provides the flexibility to stop the trial early if substantial evidence of efficacy or futility is observed, improving the flexibility and efficiency of stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials.

A new sensitivity-based robust optimisation of structures under bounded type uncertainty

This paper deals with robust design optimisation (RDO) of structures when uncertainty information about system parameters is limited. For such parameters, neither the statistical moments, nor the probability distribution is available. Rather, based on practical considerations, only bounds of variations of such parameters under uncertainty can be set, which is in-turn used to model them as uncertain-but-bounded (UBB) type. In recent years, convex programming (CP) approaches are used to solve RDO problem with UBB parameters. However, these approaches generally do not consider sensitivity information while formulating an RDO problem. However, it is well accepted that sensitivity is the key focus of an RDO as by definition a robust design should be least sensitive to uncertainty effects. Thus, a new sensitivity-importance-based RDO formulation is proposed in this paper, where a new sensitivity index is defined and minimised along with the usual cost function subjected to a dispersion-related constraint. Then, the proposed RDO is solved through usual CP framework. The improvement by the proposed approach is demonstrated taking four application examples. The results indicate that the proposed approach yields more robust solutions compared to the conventional approaches.

Toward a Greener Future: Applying Circular Economy Principles to Saudi Arabia’s Food Sector for Environmental Sustainability

Applying new designs and business formats to production and consumption patterns as part of the circular economy (CE), an increasingly popular concept within environmental research, ensures sustainable food production practices and fosters environmental sustainability. The CE approach is particularly relevant in arid regions, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), challenged by extremely harsh climates where natural resources are both scarce and excessively exploited. This study thus aims to show how the CE concept can be applied to the food sector in the KSA by identifying relevant issues and related CE strategies through a literature review. The CE framework is presented to explain sectoral challenges at the macro and meso levels and maps the associated circular strategies with specific models and corresponding examples of industrial applications in. Finally, circular strategies from the mapping are compared with the current situation in the country to identify where they are already practiced, identify gaps and priorities, and outline prospects. Effective management of food loss and waste requires a timely, holistic strategy to add value to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) outlined in the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and SDG 12.3 target that aims to reduce the rates of food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.

Comparative Analysis and Application of OpenGL and DirectX Libraries in the Context of 3D Visualization

Article represents a study and analysis of two main libraries: OpenGL and DirectX and their application in the field of three-dimensional visualization. The article conducts a comparative analysis of the capabilities and characteristics of each library, examining their technical specifications, capabilities in creating three-dimensional scenes, as well as their efficiency and usability in various contexts. It covers topics related to the process of library initialization, shader compilation, creation of three-dimensional objects, environment setup, and examples of library application in real scenarios. Additionally, it addresses compatibility issues of the libraries with different operating systems and hardware architectures. The goal of the article is to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and characteristics of OpenGL and DirectX libraries, aiding in the selection of the most suitable technology for specific tasks in the field of three-dimensional visualization. It encompasses a comparison of the capabilities and characteristics of the libraries, analyzing their strengths, efficiency, and usability in various scenarios. The main focus is on technical aspects in working with graphics, including library initialization, shader compilation, creation of three-dimensional objects, and management of visual effects. Its aim is to provide readers with a deep understanding of both technologies, assisting in the selection of the appropriate library for specific tasks in three-dimensional visualization and shedding light on practical scenarios of using these technologies.

Accurate measurement of K/Ca in low-[K] carbonate samples using laser-ablation sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Potassium (K) is a major component of several silicate minerals and seawater, and, therefore, constraining past changes in the potassium cycle is a promising way of tracing large-scale geological processes on Earth. However, [K] measurement using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is challenging due to an ArH+ interference, which may be of a similar magnitude to the K+ ion beam in samples with <0.1% m/m [K]. In this work, we investigated the effect of the ArH+ interference on K/Ca data quality by comparing results from laser-ablation (LA)-ICP-MS measured in medium and high mass resolution modes and validating our LA results via solution ICP-optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and solution ICP-MS measurements. To do so, we used a wide range of geological reference materials, with a particular focus on marine carbonates, which are potential archives of past changes in the K cycle but are typically characterised by [K] < 200 μg/g. In addition, we examine the degree to which trace-element data quality is driven by downhole fractionation during LA-ICP-MS measurements. Our results show that medium mass resolution (MR) mode is sufficiently capable of minimising the effect of the ArH+ interference on K+ . However, the rate of downhole fractionation for Na and K varies between different samples as a result of their differing bulk composition, resulting in matrix-specific inaccuracy. We show how this can be accounted for via downhole fractionation corrections, resulting in an accuracy of better than 1% and a long-term reproducibility (intermediate precision) of <6% (relative standard deviation) in JCp-1NP using LA-ICP-MS in MR mode. Our [K] measurement protocol is demonstrably precise and accurate and applicable to a wide range of materials. The measurement of K/Ca in relatively low-[K] marine carbonates is presented here as a key example of a new application opened up by these advances.

Surgical Safety Checklist as an optimal organizational model in ensuring the maximum degree of preparedness for intraoperative incidents (case report)

Objective. The use of checklists for quality and safety control of medical care is an effective tool for reducing the frequency of errors, dangers and complications in any section of medical practice.The aim is to demonstrate the possibilities of minimizing and leveling the potential risks accompanying surgical intervention using the example of routine application of the surgical safety checklist.Object and methods. Patient A., 55 years old, was admitted to the emergency department of Samara City Clinical Hospital №1 named after N.I. Pirogov on 24.04.2023. with complaints of pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, general weakness. The diagnosis was Cholelithiasis, acute calculous cholecystitis with the formation of a perivesical abscess. It required laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation. While filling in the surgical safety checklist (SSC) and analyzing possible intraoperative incidents, the attending physician executed an informed voluntary consent for transfusion of donor blood components. The corresponding components were ordered. Having weighted up the potential intraoperative risks specified in the part "Before anesthesia" of SSC, the anesthesiologist installed a catheter into one of the central veins and performed the urine bladder catheterization. Surgical intervention was complicated by bleeding, which required conversion of surgical approach. Upper median laparotomy, cholecystectomy, surgical hemostasis were performed. Total blood loss was 1000 ml, plasma and red blood cell were donated to the patient. The operation was completed by drainage of the subhepatic space and suturing of surgical wounds.Results. The clinical case describes the importance of a team approach at the stage before the operation, as well as the role of all specialists provided life support and medical care for the patient. It results from attentive work with the checklist which shows a clear liability for each member of the operating team at different stages of preparation and treatment of a surgical patient.Conclusions. The development of a culture of surgical safety is an important way to minimize the risks associated with surgical intervention for each individual patient and for the institution by optimizing the work of operating units.

Application of complex preparation based on extracellular matrix as a structure-modifying matrix in dental surgery

The article is devoted to the method of improving bone tissue regeneration after tooth extraction and filling the hole with tissue of an engineering design – scaffold. Biomimetic SFERO (R) in the form of a gel was used as a scaffold. SFERO (R) was used to improve bone regeneration and subsequent implantation and prosthetics. The preparation of Russian production, developed and introduced into practical health care and allowed for transplantation to humans in the Russian Federation (date of state registration June 5, 2004, IN 269774, valid until March 24, 2033). The paper presents clinical examples of application of SFERO(R)gel in patients after extraction of one or more teeth of the chewing group of teeth.

Small-Molecule Regulators for Gene Switches to Program Mammalian Cell Behaviour.

Synthetic or natural small molecules have been extensively employed as trigger signals or inducers to regulate engineered gene circuits introduced into living cells in order to obtain desired outputs in a controlled and predictable manner. Here, we provide an overview of small molecules used to drive synthetic-biology-based gene circuits in mammalian cells, together with examples of applications at different levels of control, including regulation of DNA manipulation, RNA synthesis and editing, and protein synthesis, maturation, and trafficking. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of these small-molecule-responsive gene circuits, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of using small molecules as triggers, the mechanisms involved, and the requirements for selecting suitable molecules, including efficiency, specificity, orthogonality, and safety. Finally, we explore potential future directions for translation of these devices to clinical medicine.

Cryogenic Fiber-coupled Electro-optic Characterization Platform for High-speed Photodiodes

We have developed a cryogenic characterization platform for ultrafast photodiodes, whose time domain responses are extracted by electro-optic sampling using femtosecond laser pulses in a pump-probe configuration. The excitation of the photodiodes with the pump beam and the electro-optic sampling crystals with the probe beam are realized in a fully fiber-coupled manner. This allows us to use the characterization platform at different temperatures, ranging from cryogenic to room temperature. As an application example, we characterize the time-domain response of commercial p-i-n photodiodes with a nominal bandwidth of 20 GHz and 60 GHz at temperatures of 4 K and 300 K and in a large parameter range of photocurrent and reverse bias. For these photodiodes, we detect frequency components up to approximately 250 GHz, while the theoretical bandwidth of our sampling method exceeds 1 THz. Our measurements demonstrate a significant excitation power and temperature dependence of the photodiodes’ ultrafast time responses, reflecting, most likely, changes in carrier mobilities and electric field screening. Since our system is an ideal tool to characterize and optimize the response of fast photodiodes at cryogenic temperatures, it has a direct impact on applications in superconducting quantum technology such as the enhancement of optical links to superconducting qubits and quantum-accurate waveform generators.