Industrial Horizon Research Articles

Polysaccharide Hydro-Gel from Arid Plant Seed

There is a limited information on the structure and gelation process in mucilagepolysaccharides because of the complex conformation and non-homogeneity of the constituent polysaccharides that typically show large molecular weights in excess of 1 MDa. Only a few works have been done in this area of characterizing mucilage structure and rheological behaviour for different gel solutions. Exploring this area would surely open the new horizons for drug delivery, soil conditioning and pharmaceutical industry. In this study, we aimed to extract polysaccharides found in P.ovata Seed (Isabgol) via mucilage extraction controlling molecular weight of polymers in hot water extraction stage and tried to formulate gel formation dissolving different conc. of extracted freeze-dried material along with the characterization of gel network through Rheological studies and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) studies in different solvents. The study confirmed the relationship between molecular associations, chain relaxation time and entanglement behaviour of P. ovata hot water extracted (HW) solutions using polydispersity index and shear rheology. Moreover, two power law regions obtained for different concentration solution are of great importance because of their wide applications in the industrial prospective.

Technological innovation horizons in the food industry: synthetic data and quantum computing for the near and long-term future

El artículo describe a modo de opinión la transformación tecnológica en la industria alimentaria, destacando la influencia positiva de la inteligencia artificial y la generación de datos sintéticos para mejorar la calidad de los productos y optimizar procesos. Se abordan los desafíos de la implementación de la IA, junto con la prometedora aplicación de la computación cuántica en la resolución de problemas complejos. Se presentan ejemplos concretos de la generación de datos sintéticos en la detección de enfermedades en plantas y la predicción de temperatura en la cadena de frío. Se subraya la importancia de estas tecnologías para respaldar la toma de decisiones, mejorar la seguridad y calidad de los alimentos, y se reconoce que la computación cuántica, a pesar de sus desafíos actuales, promete ser una herramienta revolucionaria en la industria alimentaria.

Energy-efficient and quality-aware part placement in robotic additive manufacturing

The advancements in autonomous robots for additive manufacturing (AM) are opening new horizons in the manufacturing industry, especially in aerospace and construction applications. The use of multiple robots and collaborative work in AM has rapidly gained attention in the industry and research community. Addressing the process planning challenges for single-robotic AM is foundational in addressing more advanced challenges at the collaborative multi-robotic level for AM. Among these challenges include the part placement problem which explores the optimal positioning of the part within the robot’s reach volume. The majority of the existing part placement algorithms take into account the part accuracy and manufacturing time for decision-making, while neglecting the implications of such decisions on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. To address this gap, this paper presents a methodology for energy-efficient, high-quality part placement (EEHQPP) in robotic additive manufacturing. An energy-quality map is formulated and established to characterize the energy and quality variations across the robot’s workspace to inform the decision-making process. Two case studies (a container and a spur gear) are considered, and the performance of the proposed approach compared to the benchmark (i.e., default part placement by the 3D printing software) are evaluated. The proposed algorithm reduces both the energy consumption and maximum deviation error of the container (6.5% and 19.4%, respectively) and spur gear (1.4% and 32.7%, respectively) geometries manufactured by the robotic additive manufacturing system.

Digital realities of the economic horizons in the construction industry

This article examines the impact of digital technologies on the development of the construction industry. The author examines what opportunities open up through the use of digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual and augmented reality, drones and others. The article provides specific examples of the use of these technologies in construction, as well as describes the advantages and disadvantages of their use. The article shows that digital technologies have great potential to improve productivity and quality in construction, and their use will continue to grow in the coming years. One of the key points highlighted in the article is the role of BIM technologies in modern construction. The author notes that BIM allows you to create accurate digital models of buildings and infrastructure facilities, which simplifies the design, construction and management of facilities. Thanks to BIM technologies, specialists can conduct virtual modelling of objects and check the operability of systems before the start of construction, which reduces the cost of errors and increases the efficiency of the process. The author notes that augmented and virtual reality are also becoming increasingly popular in construction. At the end of the article, the author summarizes the results and gives recommendations so that the construction industry can maximize the potential of digital technologies. The author advises the use of digital technologies not only in design, but also at the stages of construction and management of facilities. The article demonstrates that digital technologies are an important tool for improving productivity, reducing costs and improving the quality of work in construction. Their use will continue to grow in the coming years.

Salmonella is Present in Multiple Lymph Nodes of Market Hog Carcasses at Slaughter

The presence of Salmonella in lymphoid tissue of market hogs represents a potential risk for the safety of pork products, particularly ground pork. With increased Salmonella testing standards required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the horizon for the pork industry, it is important to improve understanding of Salmonella contamination within a variety of swine tissues, including lymph nodes. This study was designed to provide preliminary information about Salmonella prevalence in multiple lymph nodes within market hog carcasses at slaughter. From each carcass (n = 50), four lymph nodes were aseptically collected at slaughter: mesenteric, tracheobronchial, inguinal, and subiliac. A total of 197 lymph nodes were analyzed, with an overall Salmonella prevalence of 21.8% (n = 43). Salmonella was detected in the lymph nodes of 62% (n = 31) of carcasses, with 21.6% (n = 11) of carcasses harboring Salmonella in two or more lymph node types. Although not statistically significant (P = 0.1167), Salmonella prevalence did vary based upon lymph node type (mesenteric, 34%; inguinal, 18.4%; subiliac, 18.4%; tracheobronchial, 16.3%). This lymph node mapping study provides preliminary evidence that Salmonella can contaminate lymph nodes throughout swine and may serve as the foundation for larger lymph node mapping studies or intervention strategies at the abattoir.

Integrated tactical production planning with multi transportation modes and multi supply sources: the case of a phosphate company

This paper deals with production activities planning on a tactical horizon for the phosphate industry. The studied supply chain is organized depending on the transportation modes used. There exist trains and pipeline that transport phosphate rock and pulp (respectively) to export and local customers. Due to the predetermined allocation of raw materials used currently in producing the final product, planning production activities in this supply chain should be then reorganized in such a way as to consider all the production configurations related to the use of each of the two transportation modes using such a flexible allocation instead. Moreover, customer requirements in terms of product quality represented by quality charters may be changed by the customer over time and from one order book to another for the same final product, which makes satisfying those requirements difficult. Thus, an integer linear programming model is developed and allows a global optimization of allocating raw materials and routings dynamically to satisfy the two types of customers at a lower cost. This work concerns a real industrial context and the numerical results provided prove the efficiency and flexibility ensured by our approach in comparison to the practices adopted currently.

Innovative fermented soya drink with the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and the probiotic strain Levilactobacillus brevis ŁOCK 0944

The aim of this study is to produce a lactose-free product with Chlorella vulgaris, providing a large amount of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The survival rate of Levilactobacillus brevis ŁOCK 0944 in soya drink with Chlorella vulgaris during 30 days of storage at 4 °C was higher than in soya drinks without algae. Moreover, Chlorella vulgaris caused an increase in l-lactic acid production by LAB in the soya drinks. From the high concentration of bacterial cells (8.49 log CFU/mL) in the fermented soya drink with algae after 30 days of storage at 4 °C, we can conclude that this microalga is a promising substrate for the production of fermented beverages. Furthermore, the soya drink with the Chlorella vulgaris and xylitol, due to the number of bacteria, also meets the criteria for a fermented probiotic product. The bacteria introduced into the gastrointestinal tract simulator together with a soya drink after the storage period exhibited a considerably higher survival rate, thus this indicating that the matrix provided protective conditions for them. The combination of Chlorella vulgaris and LAB in a soya drink provides the opportunity to create a functional plant-based product and opens new horizons for the food industry.

Автоматизированные системы в производственных сферах

This article discusses the basics of systems automation in various industries. Thanks to machine code, humanity has managed to open up new horizons in the information industry, thereby ensuring itself a high-quality work in a shorter time frame. Artificial intelligence has the ability to self-learn, thereby allowing it to adapt to different types of tasks.

ЛОГІСТИЧНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ФОРМУВАННЯ «ЗЕЛЕНОГО» АВІАЦІЙНОГО СЕКТОРУ УКРАЇНИ

The article analyses the global indicators of the impact of air transport on the ecosystem, as well as identifies promising areas for reducing their negative effects. The Ukrainian aviation sector faces the difficult task of achieving the established level of environmental impact by 2050, which requires appropriate changes at the legislative level and involves technological modernization of the air transport system as a whole. To implement the concept of "green" aviation, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions and mechanisms that will help reduce the negative impact on the environment and global climate change. It has been found that currently, the activity of Ukrainian airports in the field of environmental protection is characterized by a low level of activity, it is limited to the definition of environmental aspects and the development of plans for the rational use of natural resources. This is caused by the uncertainty of financial mechanisms to stimulate "green" initiatives, lack of experience and own resources for their implementation. The international experience of using energy efficient technologies in the aviation sector is studied and the problems of their introduction in Ukraine are determined. It is established that a significant amount of emissions occurs during energy-consuming logistics aviation processes. Theoretical and practical provisions of application of the logistics approach to solving the problems and tasks of creation of "clean" air transport of Ukraine are offered. It is proven that the logistics approach provides an opportunity to systematically consider the problems of reducing the negative impact of the aviation sector on the ecosystem and to develop effective solutions at all stages of the life cycle of the creation of air transport products. The development of domestic aviation enterprises as key objects of the regional, national transport and logistics system opens new horizons for the aviation industry by expanding their scope and attracting customers; this also allows to concentrate industrial infrastructure in the surrounding area. All this provides an opportunity to achieve an ecological effect in urban agglomerations and systematically solve the problem of reducing the negative impact of air transport on the environment.

QD Display: A Game‐Changing Technology for the Display Industry

AbstractWith its unprecedented picture quality, the QD display is poised to unveil a new horizon for the display industry. Here, Samsung Display Senior Vice President Jong Hyuk Lee explores its key characteristics.

Influence of the Microalga Chlorella vulgaris on the Growth and Metabolic Activity of Lactobacillus spp. Bacteria.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the algae Chlorella vulgaris on the growth, acidifying activity, proportion of lactic acid isomers, and enzymatic profile of Lactobacillus brevis (ŁOCK 0944, ŁOCK 0980, ŁOCK 0992, and MG451814) isolated from vegetable silages. The results indicated that adding algae at concentrations of 0.1% (w/v) and 1.5% (w/v) to the Lactobacillus spp. growth medium accelerated the growth of bacteria and thus shortened their phase of logarithmic growth. The acidifying activity of the tested Lactobacillus brevis increased with an increased concentration of algae. Lactobacillus spp. cultured in the presence of Chlorella vulgaris showed higher production of l-lactic acid and lower d-lactic acid production. Moreover, the addition of algae changed the enzymatic activity of lactic acid bacteria; for instance, Lactobacillus brevis ŁOCK 0980 demonstrated more enzymatic activity of valine arylamidase, α-galactosidase, and α-glucosidase. Combining Lactobacillus brevis with the algae Chlorella vulgaris allows for the creation of innovative, functional products which confer favorable properties to the final product and open new horizons for the food industry.

Bioinspired Oxidation of Methane: From Academic Models of Methane Monooxygenases to Direct Conversion of Methane to Methanol

A study of methane monooxygenase (MMO) mechanisms in enzymology and the problem of selective methane oxidation in chemistry are two parallel related fundamental directions that attract the attention of many scientists all over the world. For a long time, selective methane oxidation is considered as the strongest challenge in catalysis from the standpoint of practical applications. In spite of great efforts, no process acceptable for use in industry has yet been found for the direct conversion of methane to methanol and this problem still remains highly relevant. There are high expectations connected with MMOs, which are capable of transforming methane into methanol with a selectivity of up to 100% under natural environmental conditions. This review discusses the results of long and dramatic studies that have made it possible to elucidate structures of active sites and puzzling mechanisms of the two most studied MMOs: iron-containing soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) and copper-containing membrane-bound particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO). Main attention is paid to various bioinspired models of these MMOs, both homogeneous and heterogeneous ones. The recent improvement of heterogeneous chemical analogues of MMOs, which effectively catalyze the direct selective oxidation of methane to methanol by hydrogen peroxide or O2, undoubtedly opens up new horizons for the chemical industry and has been actively discussed in recent years with regard to adaptation to modern technological requirements.

Shape Control of Lotus Leaf Induced by Surface Submillimeter Texture

AbstractAutomatic slant of lotus leaf achieving self‐motive unidirectional fluid transport is significant for self‐cleaning, decreasing load, enhancing respiration, and receiving more sunlight, which is the consequence of natural evolution. In this study, the mechanism of the automatic gradual slant process in its development is exposed and this function is successfully replicated. The special distribution of submillimeter papillae (SP) on the leaf surface generates anisotropic deflection and induces the leaf edge to warp asymmetrically. These effects shift the center of gravity, slant the leaf, and bend the petiole gradually, thereby guiding the liquid away from the surface with synergy effect. The behaviors of lotus leaf are realized with stimulus of temperature on artificial lotus leaf. This work uncovers a new theory for shape control of soft materials and opens up new horizons for artificial intelligence, flexible robot, flexible sensor, and membrane manufacture industry.

Industry 4.0: a challenge of competition

Introduction: The value creation in industry in developed countries is being driven by the fourth stage of industrialization, denominated by Industry 4.0. The new industrial revolution will be motivated by next-generation information technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, Big Data and data analysis, robotics, mobile computing, simulation and modelling, cyber-physical systems, among others. This opens new horizons for industry, but the challenges are countless creating difficulties for companies in the adoption of these technologies.Objectives: To make a powerful and deep literature revision pursuing a technical analysis of the Industry 4.0 requirements. Further.Methods: We will address the main risks and challenges associated with IoT and define the regional attractiveness measures as growth drivers that leaders must put in place to appeal for companies chasing 4.0.Results: IoT joins the digital world and the physical world being considered the next generation network or the future Internet. It allows to give life and communication capacity either to living beiings or to inanimate objects.IoT's intervention in Industry 4.0 im extreme, with a continuous interconnection of the digital and physical domain.Conclusions: Portugal's growth prospects will increasingly depend on policies that enable the economy to compete successfully and create new income opportunities. At the moment, there are structural bottlenecks that continue to curb growth and exacerbate vulnerabilities. Solving some of these problems will now lay the foundation for solid growth in the coming years, but this calls for a renewal of the impetus for structural reforms. Industry 4.0, can contribute significantly to reducing regional asymmetries. But in the longer term, skills will need to be improved to foster development and reduce the high levels of such inequalities.

A desktop 3D printer with dual extruders to produce customised electronic circuitry

3D printing has opened new horizons for the manufacturing industry in general, and 3D printers have become the tools for technological advancements. There is a huge divide between the pricing of industrial and desktop 3D printers with the former being on the expensive side capable of producing excellent quality products and latter being on the low-cost side with moderate quality results. However, there is a larger room for improvements and enhancements for the desktop systems as compared to the industrial ones. In this paper, a desktop 3D printer called Prusa Mendel i2 has been modified and integrated with an additional extruder so that the system can work with dual extruders and produce bespoke electronic circuits. The communication between the two extruders has been established by making use of the In-Chip Serial Programming port on the Arduino Uno controlling the printer. The biggest challenge is to control the flow of electric paint (to be dispensed by the new extruder) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis has been carried out to ascertain the optimal conditions for proper dispensing. The final product is a customised electronic circuit with the base of plastic (from the 3D printer’s extruder) and electronic paint (from the additional extruder) properly dispensed to create a live circuit on a plastic platform. This low-cost enhancement to a desktop 3D printer can provide a new prospect to produce multiple material parts where the additional extruder can be filled with any material that can be properly dispensed from its nozzle.

Special Focus

The Special Focus in this issue of Industry and Higher Education comprises three papers that address practical approaches to the critical challenge of preparing students adequately for employment and career development in the 21st century workplace. The papers, refereed, extended and revised for publication in the journal originate from presentations at the Ninth International Conference on New Horizons in Industry, Business and Education held on Skiathos Island, Greece, in August 2015. In this introductory article, the author provides a brief overview of the conference and summarizes the three papers that follow.

Y3Fe5O12 nanoparticulate garnet ferrites: Comprehensive study on the synthesis and characterization fabricated by various routes

The effects of synthesis methods such as sol–gel (SG), self combustion (SC) and modified conventional mixed oxide (MCMO) on the structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the (Y3Fe5O12) garnet ferrites have been studied in the present work. The samples of Y3Fe5O12 were sintered at 950°C and 1150°C (by SG and SC methods). For MCMO route the sintering was done at 1350°C for 6h. Synthesized samples prepared by various routes were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Impedance network analyzer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structural analysis reveals that the samples are of single phase structure and shows variations in the particle sizes and cells volumes, prepared by various routes. FESEM and TEM images depict that grain size increases with the increase of sintering temperature from 40nm to 100nm.Magnetic measurements reveal that garnet ferrite synthesized by sol gel method has high initial permeability (60.22) and low magnetic loss (0.0004) as compared to other garnet ferrite samples, which were synthesized by self combustion and MCMO methods. The M–H loops exhibit very low coercivity which enables the use of these materials in relays and switching devices fabrications. Thus, the garnet nanoferrites with low magnetic loss prepared by different methods may open new horizon for electronic industry for their use in high frequency applications.

Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Interdisciplinarity

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers, reviewed and revised for publication, from the Eighth International Conference on ‘New Horizons in Industry, Business and Education’ (NHIBE) held in Chania, Crete, Greece in August 2013. This introductory paper provides an overview of the conference, summarizes the most important presentations and offers some reflections on the conference outcomes.

Special Issue: Producing the Rounded and Innovative Graduate – Case Studies of Effective Programmes

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers on the theme ‘Producing the rounded and innovative graduate – case studies of successful programmes’. The papers, reviewed and revised for publication, were presented at the Seventh International Conference on New Horizons in Industry, Business and Education held on the island of Chios, Greece, in August 2011. This introductory paper provides an overview of the conference, summarizes the most important presentations and offers some reflections on the conference outcomes. The key objective of NHIBE 2011 was to identify the impact of new technologies on education, industry and business. Special attention was given to innovative approaches and experiences developed in education in an effort to adapt teaching methods to the new technological era; and a special session was dedicated to graduate students. There was also a Workshop on PIT (Project/Internship Instruction Type) – ‘Views of the Project/Internship Instruction Type’ – organized by Professor Nuno Escudeiro. The major subject streams at the conference were: Education Strategies, New Educational Methods, Industry and Education, Science and Education, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance and Governance, and Business Strategies. This introductory paper to this issue of Industry and Higher Education focuses on Education Strategies, New Educational Methods, Industry and Education, Science and Education, Entrepreneurship and the PIT Workshop.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2011 – a sampling of panel discussions and lectures

PurposeThis article is a conference report of the Frankfurt Book Fair, compiled so that those not in attendance can read about some of the structured discussions that were programmed.Design/methodology/approachThe author attended lectures and discussions and took notes.FindingsThere are many technological changes on the horizon for the publishing industry, which in turn will affect how readers and researchers will access information.Originality/valueIf you couldn't attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, this conference report will allow you to read about some of the opinions on technology expressed by leaders in the publishing industry.