Field Of Engineering Research Articles

Inorganic polymers as drug carriers: opportunities and challenges

Innovative methods and significant developments in designing new synthetic inorganic materials have been used to overcome limitations of current drug delivery systems. Inorganic polymers are widely used in the field of biomedicine, imaging, tissue engineering and drug delivery because of their bioactivity, biocompatibility, and stability. A few of the more well-known wholly inorganic polymers are portland cement, silicon dioxide, polyanionic glasses (including titania- and aluminosilicate glasses), poly(sulphur nitride), polycrystalline diamond, graphite, poly(sulphur nitride), and alumi¬num-silicate materials. Inorganic polymers, especially those possessing significant porosity, are good potential candi¬dates for the delivery of several drugs (anticancer, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories), providing advantages such as encapsulation, controlled delivery, and improved targeting of drugs. Choosing a suitable drug carrier with a selec¬tive targeting potential also seems to be a very promising way for improving stability as well as selectivity. Despite all the advances, developing homogeneous inorganic polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions is a multidis¬ciplinary challenge. The current keynote speech provides a review of the opportunities and challenges of using inor¬ganic polymers as drug carriers.

Reconstructing Curves: A Bottom-Up Approach towards adipose tissue regeneration with Recombinant Biomaterials.

The potential of recombinant materials in the field of adipose tissue engineering (ATE) is investigated using a bottom-up tissue engineering (TE) approach. This study explores the synthesis of different photo-crosslinkable gelatin derivatives, including both natural and recombinant materials, with a particular emphasis on chain growth and step growth polymerization. Gelatin type B (Gel-B) and a recombinant collagen peptide (RCPhC1) are used as starting materials. The gel fraction and mass swelling properties of 2D hydrogel films are evaluated, revealing high gel fractions exceeding 94% and high mass swelling ratios > 15. In vitro experiments with encapsulated adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) indicate viable cells (> 85%) throughout the experiment with the RCPhC1-based hydrogels showing a higher number of stretched ASCs. Triglyceride assays show the enhanced differentiation potential of RCPhC1 materials. Moreover, the secretome analysis reveal the production of adipose tissue-specific proteins including adiponectin, adipsin, lipocalin-2/NGAL and PAL-1. RCPhC1-based materials exhibit higher levels of adiponectin and adipsin production, indicating successful differentiation into the adipogenic lineage. Overall, this study highlights the potential of recombinant materials for ATE applications, providing insights into their physico-chemical properties, mechanical strength, and cellular interactions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

On Multiple-Type Wave Solutions for the Nonlinear Coupled Time-Fractional Schrödinger Model

Recently, nonlinear fractional models have become increasingly important for describing phenomena occurring in science and engineering fields, especially those including symmetric kernels. In the current article, we examine two reliable methods for solving fractional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger models. These methods are known as the Sardar-subequation technique (SSET) and the improved generalized tanh-function technique (IGTHFT). Numerous novel soliton solutions are computed using different formats, such as periodic, bell-shaped, dark, and combination single bright along with kink, periodic, and single soliton solutions. Additionally, single solitary wave, multi-wave, and periodic kink combined solutions are evaluated. The behavioral traits of the retrieved solutions are illustrated by certain distinctive two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and contour graphs. The results are encouraging, since they show that the suggested methods are trustworthy, consistent, and efficient in finding accurate solutions to the various challenging nonlinear problems that have recently surfaced in applied sciences, engineering, and nonlinear optics.

Feasibility Insights of the Green-Assisted Calcium-Phosphate Coating on Biodegradable Zinc Alloys for Biomedical Application: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

In the field of bone tissue engineering, recently developed Zn alloy scaffolds are considered potential candidates for biodegradable implants for bone regeneration and defect reconstruction. However, the clinical success of these alloys is limited due to their insufficient surface bioactivities. Further, the higher concentration of Zn2+ produced during degradation promotes antibacterial activity, but deteriorates osteogenic properties. This study fabricated an Azadirachta indica (neem)-assisted brushite-hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating on the recently developed Zn-2Cu-0.5Mg alloy to tackle the above dilemma. The microstructure, degradation behavior, antibacterial activity, and hemocompatibility, along with in vitro and in vivo cytocompatibility of the coated alloys, are systematically investigated. Microstructural analysis reveals flower-like morphology with uniformly grown flakes for neem-assisted deposition. The neem-assisted deposition significantly improves the adhesion strength from 12.7 to 18.8 MPa, enhancing the mechanical integrity. The potentiodynamic polarization study shows that the neem-assisted deposition decreases the degradation rate, with the lowest degradation rate of 0.027 mm/yr for the ZHN2 sample. In addition, the biomineralization process shows the apatite formation on the deposited coating after 21 days of immersion. In vitro cytotoxicity assay exhibits the maximum cell viability of 117% for neem-assisted coated alloy in 30% extract after 5d and the improved cytocompatibility which is due to the controlled release of Zn2+ ions. Meanwhile, neem-assisted coated alloy increases the ZOI by 32 and 24% for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Acceptable hemolysis (<5%) and anticoagulation parameters demonstrate a promising hemocompatibility of the coated alloy. In vivo implantation illustrates a slight inflammatory response and vascularization after 2 weeks of subcutaneous implantation, and neo-bone formation in the defect areas of the rat femur. Micro-CT and histology studies demonstrate better osseointegration with satisfactory biosafety response for the neem-assisted coated alloy as compared to that without neem-assisted deposition. Hence, this neem-assisted brushite-Hap coating strategy elucidates a new perspective on the surface modification of biodegradable implants for the treatment of bone defects.

Tunable rebound of millimeter-sized rigid balls by magnetic actuation of elastomer-based surface microstructures

A novel method for controlling the rebound behavior of small balls made of Al2O3 with a radius of 2.381 mm is presented. It uses different types of micro-structured surfaces of soft magnetoactive elastomers. These surfaces were fabricated via laser micromachining and include fully ablated surfaces as well as micrometer-sized lamellas with a fixed width of 90 µm, height of 250 µm and three different gap sizes (15, 60 and 105 µm). The lamellas can change their orientation from edge-on to face-on configuration according to the direction of the external magnetic field from a permanent magnet. The orientation of the external magnetic field significantly influences the rebound behavior of the balls, from a coefficient of restitution e of ≈0.5 to < 0.1. The highest relative change in the coefficient of restitution between zero field and face-on configuration of ≈80% is observed for lamellas with a gap of 60 µm. Other characteristics of the ball rebound such as the penetration depth into an Magnetoactive elastomer and the maximum deceleration are investigated as well. The proposed method does not require a constant power supply due to the use of permanent magnets. It may find novel applications in the field of impact engineering.

The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality on Knowledge Acquisition and Adolescent Perceptions in Cultural Education

Understanding local history is fundamental to fostering a comprehensive global viewpoint. As technological advances shape our pedagogical tools, Virtual Reality (VR) stands out for its potential educational impact. Though its promise in educational settings is widely acknowledged, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, there is a noticeable decrease in research exploring VR’s efficacy in arts. The present study examines the effects of VR-mediated interventions on cultural education. In greater detail, secondary school adolescents (N = 52) embarked on a journey into local history through an immersive 360° VR experience. As part of our research approach, we conducted pre- and post-intervention assessments to gauge participants’ grasp of the content and further distributed psychometric instruments to evaluate their reception of VR as an instructional approach. The analysis indicates that VR’s immersive elements enhance knowledge acquisition but the impact is modulated by the complexity of the subject matter. Additionally, the study reveals that a tailored, context-sensitive, instructional design is paramount for optimising learning outcomes and mitigating educational inequities. This work challenges the “one-size-fits-all” approach to educational VR, advocating for a more targeted instructional approach. Consequently, it emphasises the need for educators and VR developers to collaboratively tailor interventions that are both culturally and contextually relevant.

Uncovering the research tapestry: bibliometric insights into BIM and LCA – exploring trends, collaborations and future directions

Uncovering the research tapestry: bibliometric insights into BIM and LCA – exploring trends, collaborations and future directions

Functionally graded hydrogels with opposing biochemical cues for osteochondral tissue engineering.

Osteochondral tissue (OC) repair remains a significant challenge in the field of musculoskeletal tissue engineering. OC tissue displays a gradient structure characterised by variations in both cell types and extracellular matrix components from cartilage to the subchondral bone. These functional gradients in the native tissue have been replicated to engineer osteochondral tissue in vitro. While diverse fabrication methods have been employed to create these microenvironments, emulating the natural gradients and effective regeneration of the tissue continues to present a significant challenge. In this study, we present the design and development of an interpenetrating (IPN) hydrogel with opposing dual biochemical gradients with the aim of regenerating the complete osteochondral unit. The gradients of biochemical cues were generated using an in-house built extrusion system in CMC-Silk IPN hydrogel having improved mechanical strength. Firstly, we fabricated a hydrogel that exhibits a smooth transition of sCMC and TGF-β1 (SCT gradient hydrogel) from the upper to the lower region of the IPN hydrogel, with the intent of regenerating the cartilage layer. Secondly, a hydrogel with a HAp gradient (HAp gradient hydrogel) from the lower to the upper region was fabricated to facilitate the regeneration of the subchondral bone layer. Subsequently, we developed a dual biochemical gradient hydrogel with the goal of regenerating the entire osteochondral unit. The fabricated hydrogel demonstrated a smooth transition of sCMC + TGF-β1 and HAp gradients in opposing directions, along with a blend of both the biochemical cues at the interface. The results showed that the hydrogels having biochemical cues corresponding to the three zones (i.e., cartilage, interface and bone) of dual biochemical gradient hydrogel led to differentiation of BMSCs towards their respective lineages, thereby demonstrating their efficacy in directing the fate of progenitor cells. The developed dual gradient hydrogel provided biochemical signals that have the potential to facilitate tissue growth and regeneration of the entire osteochondral tissue with a smooth transition from cartilage (soft) to bone (hard) tissues. In summary, our study provides a simple and innovative method for incorporating biochemical cues into hydrogels. This promising approach is translatable and has the potential to be extrapolated to other interface tissues.&#xD.

From Point Cloud to BIM: A New Method Based on Efficient Point Cloud Simplification by Geometric Feature Analysis and Building Parametric Objects in Rhinoceros/Grasshopper Software

The aim of the paper is to identify an efficient method for transforming the point cloud into parametric objects in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction by four main steps: 3D survey of the structure under investigation, generation of a new point cloud based on feature extraction and identification of suitable threshold values, geometry reconstruction by semi-automatic process performed in Rhinoceros/Grasshopper and BIM implementation. The developed method made it possible to quickly obtain geometries that were very realistic to the original ones as shown in the case study described in the paper. In particular, the application of ShrinkWrap algorithm on the simplify point cloud allowed us to obtain a polygonal mesh model without errors such as holes, non-manifold surfaces, compenetrating surfaces, etc.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ МЕТОДУ ФРАКТАЛЬНОГО СТИСНЕННЯ ЗОБРАЖЕНЬ З МЕТОЮ ПОКРАЩЕННЯ ЯКОСТІ СТИСНЕННЯ

The development of the Internet, along with the availability of increasingly powerful computers and other digital devices, cameras, scanners and printers, has led to the wide-spread use of digital images. In this regard, interest in improving data compression algo-rithms, such as images, is growing. Data compression is important for both transfer speed and storage efficiency. In addition to many commercial uses, compression technologies are also of interest in the military industry, such as applications for processing telemetry data from missile inter-ceptors or for archiving terrain image data for defense simulations. Solving the problem of image compression, or, more generally, image coding, has used advances and stimulated the development of many fields of engineering and math-ematics. The article examines fractal image compression — a data compression method based on the use of self-similar patterns in an image. This method allows you to achieve a high degree of compression while preserving image details. Fractal image compression is a unique and efficient approach to data compression based on the mathematical theory of fractals. Nowadays, it has important applications and advantages that make it a valuable tool in image processing. The main advantages include: 1. Preservation of details during compression. One of the key advantages of fractal compression is its ability to preserve a high degree of image detail in a relatively small amount of storage. This is especially important in situations where image quality must be preserved with limited storage and data transfer resources. 2. Efficiency of transmission through the network. Fractal compression allows for compact images, making it suitable for image transmission over a low-bandwidth network. This is especially true for mobile devices, the Internet of Things, and other scenarios where high bandwidth is not always available. 3. Adaptive compression for different resolutions. Fractal compression allows you to adapt the level of compression depending on the resolution and details of the image. This means that it can be used to compress various image sizes without significant loss of quality. 4. Data archiving and storage. Fractal compression can be useful for archiving and long-term storage of images, as it allows you to effectively reduce the amount of data without losing important information. This is especially important for libraries, archives, research databases and other data repositories. Fractal image compression remains a relevant and valuable tool in today's envi-ronment, thanks to its ability to efficiently compress, preserve details, and adapt to dif-ferent usage scenarios. Therefore, the study of its efficiency, the optimization of the soft-ware code to obtain a faster and better compression result, is an urgent task.

Hydroacoustic optimization with using Noise-GAN

In recent years, noise pollution has a significant impact on marine organisms, hence requiring some restrictions and safety protocols. The primary objective of these restrictions is to minimize the noise generated by human-driven vehicles in aquatic environments. As a result, hydroacoustical studies are becoming increasingly integrated into design studies. The objective of this study is to provide an innovative approach to the design of hydrofoils, are considered a crucial component in the field of hydroacoustic engineering. The objective of this approach is to create a cutting-edge optimization tool through the integration of machine learning and hydroacoustic performance calculations. This article presents the development of a novel method called Noise-GAN, combines Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) algorithms with hydroacoustic optimization capabilities. The GAN algorithm is used as a dimensionality reduction method in the optimization process, allowing for quick exploration of the design space and obtaining unique profile geometries during optimization. This method is used to generate optimal hydrofoil geometry for various conditions. The hydroacoustic and hydrodynamic performances of the generated geometry are analyzed to determine the applicability and performance of the method. The results are compared to two existing dimensionality reduction method to enhance comprehension of the performance. In order to gain insight into the performance of generated geometries compared to traditional geometries, the results are also compared to the performance data of the profiles available in the literature. This article also includes comparing the performance results of the NACA0009 profile, which is typically employed in hydrofoil research, with the optimal geometries to evaluate of the method and the performance of the generated geometries. In order to determine the real-life applicability of the hydrofoil geometries generated by the method, optimization studies were performed at the five different Angle of Attack (AoA) conditions within the range of 0o - 15o. In this way, the feasibility of the method at different AoA values was also examined. The results of all these comparisons demonstrate that the Noise-GAN method, which was developed to generate hydroacoustically optimized hydrofoil geometry, is highly effective in a variety of respects. The optimization tool developed in this study generates hydrodynamically efficient and unique hydrofoil profiles while optimizing for hydroacoustical performance. The results of this study are presented in this paper.

Blast mitigation effects of TPU polymers-based inflated membrane structures under external explosion

TPU polymers-based inflated membrane structures are a potential technology to protect pre-existing lightweight buildings, with the advantages of lightweight and simple building process. In this study, a series of field blast tests were performed for the structural response and blast load parameters to study the blast mitigation effect of the inflated membrane structures. The corresponding numerical models of the tests were then developed and validated to reproduce the fluid-structure interaction. Thin aluminum plates were used as the protected structure. Based on their maximum displacement, average plastic strain, depth of depression, and permanent deformation, damage factor was defined to evaluate their damage level. Both the experimental and numerical results show that inflated membrane structures can effectively mitigate blast loading and significantly reduce the permanent displacement of the aluminum plate by elastic compression deformation. The effects of the initial height and internal pressure of inflated membrane structures on the blast mitigation effectiveness were clarified by the parametric study. The overpressure-impulse equivalent damage curves were established by combining the damage factor and overpressure-impulse loads, which further confirmed the blast mitigation performance of inflated membrane structures. Our study has verified the blast mitigation effects of inflated membrane structures based on TPU polymers, which is potentially valuable in the field of protective engineering for lightweight construction.

Effective virtual laboratory to build constructivist thinking in electrical measurement practicum

Constructivism serves as a basic theory in education, and plays an important role, because this perspective views learning as a dynamic process in which students actively participate in constructing their knowledge. So, this research aims to produce a virtual laboratory that is valid and effective in developing constructivist thinking. This research and development use the Ploom approach which consists of initial investigation, design, construction/realization, testing, evaluation, revision, and implementation. Thirty-two electrical engineering students from Padang State University participated in this research. The instruments used are validity instruments and constructivism assessment tools. The research results show that the Proteus-based virtual laboratory developed is valid and effective in fostering constructivist thinking in electrical measurement practice. This study contributes to the advancement of virtual laboratories in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of constructivist pedagogy for meaningful and engaging learning experiences in the field of electrical engineering. The results of this research open opportunities for further research regarding the exploration of artificial intelligence to improve constructivism through virtual laboratories.

Chitosan-Chitosan Derivative for Cartilage Associated Disorders: Protein Interaction and Biodegradability

Chitosan is a well-known biomaterial in the field of cartilage tissue engineering because of its flexibility. The construction of chitosan-based scaffolds is reviewed in several production methods, including freeze-drying, gelation, salt leaching, and electrospinning. In this review, many benefits of chitosan are discussed, including the interaction of chitosan with other materials and their effects, its adaptability, high reproducibility, biocompatibility, role in cellular differentiation, interactions with TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β), protein interactions, biodegradability, influencing osteoblast expression, and potential for treating bone diseases. The study also provides information on how mathematical models are used to analyze how MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) and chondrocyte distribution in multilayer hydrogels change in response to TGF-β diffusion. Results showed that collagen has weak mechanical properties and easily disintegrates during bone tissue formation, it is difficult to use alone as a biomaterial, and new scaffolds made of whey protein isolate (WPI) and chitosan may help repair osteochondral tissue. However, the thorough analysis reveals chitosan's crucial contribution to the development of cartilage tissue engineering as well as its potential to address issues in the field.

Preparation of nano-silver containing black phosphorus based on quaternized chitosan hydrogel and evaluating its effect on skin wound healing

Hydrogels with favorable biocompatibility and antibacterial properties are essential in postoperative wound hemorrhage care, facilitating rapid wound healing. The present investigation employed electrostatic adsorption of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNPs) and nano‑silver (AgNPs) to cross-link the protonated amino group NH3+ of quaternized chitosan (QCS) with the hydroxyl group of hyaluronic acid (HA). The electrostatic interaction between the two groups resulted in the formation of a three-dimensional gel network structure. Additionally, the hydrogel containing AgNPs deposited onto BPNPs was assessed for its antibacterial properties and effects on wound healing. Hydrogel demonstrated an outstanding drug-loading capacity and could be employed for wound closure. AgNPs loaded on the BPNPs released silver ions and exhibited potent antibacterial properties when exposed to 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The ability of the hydrogel to promote wound healing in an acute wound model was further evaluated. The BPNPs were combined with HA and QCS in the aforementioned hydrogel system to improve adhesion, combine the photothermal and antibacterial properties of the BPNPs, and promote wound healing. Therefore, the reported hydrogels displayed excellent biocompatibility and hold significant potential for application in the field of tissue engineering for skin wound treatment.

Effects of Dietary Microalgae Inclusion on Feed Utilization, Morphological and Chemical Characteristics and Body Health in Fish: Advantages and Disadvantages

Effects of Dietary Microalgae Inclusion on Feed Utilization, Morphological and Chemical Characteristics and Body Health in Fish: Advantages and Disadvantages

Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity

Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity

University Information Application

Abstract: Choosing the right college is a pivotal step for aspiring engineers, as it greatly influences their career trajectory in the field of engineering. Many students face confusion when completing admission forms, often due to insufficient information and a lack of understanding about how to prioritize their preferred colleges on their selection lists. As competition for admission into education increases, it becomes even more important for applicants to find correct college which is suitable for him that fit their requirements and expectation. Selecting appropriate college to apply, however, is a time-consuming process, especially when looking for colleges at graduate level due to the various factors in decision making imposed by the colleges and applicants. In this project, we propose a recommendation system that suggests appropriate colleges to the students based on K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm. As graduate programs make decisions based on applicants’ qualification, our recommender considers user’s personal data and cutoff data of various graduate colleges registered by college admin.

Exploring the Role of TESOL in Enhancing Education for Marine Engineering undergraduate students: A Literature Review

The utilization of English within the domain of marine engineering holds paramount significance, especially as exploration of the oceans continues and the field of marine engineering undergoes globalization. Nevertheless, traditional English education in marine engineering exists certain shortcomings. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), as an educational technology, harbours the potential to overcome these deficiencies. This paper conducts an analysis of the current state of marine engineering English education and related research areas, while scrutinizing the application needs and characteristics of marine engineering English. These analyses are compared with the attributes of TESOL education technology to explore its potential applicability. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the field, pinpointing its inherent limitations. Among these challenges are hurdles in educator training, technical complexities, and a paucity of teaching resources. Additionally, it offers insightful recommendations for advancement and outlines promising prospects for the future. Essentially, this paper serves as a commendable coupling of arts and sciences, offering a valuable reference point for the advancement of English language education within the realm of marine engineering.

Engineering Large-Scale Self-Mineralizing Bone Organoids with Bone Matrix-Inspired Hydroxyapatite Hybrid Bioinks.

Addressing large bone defects remains a significant challenge owing to the inherent limitations in self-healing capabilities, resulting in prolonged recovery and suboptimal regeneration. Although current clinical solutions are available, they have notable shortcomings, necessitating more efficacious approaches to bone regeneration. Organoids derived from stem cells show great potential in this field; however, the development of bone organoids has been hindered by specific demands, including the need for robust mechanical support provided by scaffolds and hybrid extracellular matrices (ECM). In this context, bioprinting technologies have emerged as powerful means of replicating the complex architecture of bone tissue. The research focused on the fabrication of a highly intricate bone ECM analog using a novel bioink composed of gelatin methacrylate/alginate methacrylate/hydroxyapatite (GelMA/AlgMA/HAP). Bioprinted scaffolds facilitate the long-term cultivation and progressive maturation of extensive bioprinted bone organoids, foster multicellular differentiation, and offer valuable insights into the initial stages of bone formation. The intrinsic self-mineralizing quality of the bioink closely emulates the properties of natural bone, empowering organoids with enhanced bone repair for both in vitro and in vivo applications. This trailblazing investigation propels the field of bone tissue engineering and holds significant promise for its translation into practical applications.