Innovative Engineering Technologies Research Articles

Improved protein splicing through viral passaging.

Intervening proteins (inteins) are translated as subdomains within host proteins and removed through an intein-driven splicing reaction where the flanking sequences (exteins) are joined with a peptide bond. Previously, we developed a self-removing translation reporter for labeling Ebola virus (EBOV). In this reporter, an intein (RadA) containing the fluorescent protein ZsGreen (ZsG) is inserted within the EBOV protein VP30. Upon VP30-RadA-ZsG expression from the viral genome, RadA-ZsG is removed from VP30 through the protein splicing activity of RadA, generating functional, non-tagged VP30 and functional ZsGreen. While incorporation of our VP30-RadA-ZsG fusion reporter into recombinant EBOV (rEBOV-RadA-ZsG) resulted in an infectious virus that expresses ZsG upon infection of cells, this virus displayed a replication defect compared to wild-type EBOV, which might be the result of insufficient RadA splicing. Here, we demonstrate that the serial passaging of rEBOV-RadA-ZsG in human cells led to an increase in replication efficiency compared to unpassaged rEBOV-RadA-ZsG. Sequencing of passaged viruses revealed intein-specific mutations. These mutations improve intein activity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, as well as in multiple extein contexts. Taken together, our findings offer a novel means to select for inteins with enhanced catalytic properties that appear independent of extein context and expression system.IMPORTANCEIntervening proteins (inteins) are self-removing protein elements that have been utilized to develop a variety of innovative protein engineering technologies. Here, we report the isolation of inteins with improved catalytic activity through viral passaging. Specifically, we inserted a highly active intein within an essential protein of Ebola virus and serially passaged this recombinant virus, which led to intein-specific hyper-activity mutations. The identified mutations showed improved intein activity within both bacterial and eukaryotic expression systems and in multiple extein contexts. These results present a new strategy for developing inteins with improved splicing activity.

Urban Geology and Infrastructure Resilience

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore urban geology and infrastructure resilience.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to urban geology and infrastructure resilience. Preliminary empirical review revealed that urban geology and infrastructure resilience is essential in the face of rapid urbanization and increasing geological hazards. It emphasizes the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to geological risks, such as earthquakes and landslides, and highlights the need for improved building codes, construction practices, and infrastructure design. The research has broader implications for urban planning and policy-making, encouraging the integration of geological knowledge into decisions about land use and infrastructure investments. Furthermore, it contributes to innovative engineering techniques and technologies aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience. Overall, understanding the relationship between urban geology and infrastructure resilience is crucial for creating safe, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Resilience Theory, Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Theory and Complexity Theory may be used to anchor future studies on urban geology. The study recommended that to enhance urban geology and infrastructure resilience, it is vital to integrate geological factors into urban planning, invest in resilient infrastructure, promote risk communication and community engagement, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and continually monitor and adapt to changing geological conditions. This comprehensive approach involves early geological assessments in urban development, funding for resilient infrastructure, public education, community involvement, interdisciplinary research, and ongoing monitoring to ensure cities can withstand geological hazards and build sustainable, safe urban environments.

Assessing the Durability and Acoustic Performance of a Novel Two-Layer Pavement System

In the quest for more sustainable pavement solutions, this study demonstrates the successful strengthening of a unique noise-reducing two-layer road surface. While existing noise-reducing pavements reveal high acoustic efficiency, they lack mechanical strength, and earlier research efforts addressed the optimization of the individual components of this system, and a comprehensive perspective on its integrated performance remained elusive. Therefore, this research bridges this knowledge gap through an in-depth laboratory evaluation, in which the requirements for the realization of a full-scale demonstrator were defined, followed by a comprehensive performance assessment in terms of acoustic and mechanical strength. The post-construction assessment reveals the system’s multifaceted strengths, considering noise reduction, resilience under heavy traffic, pavement deflections, and skid resistance, assessed by CPX measurements, accelerated pavement tests using the MLS 30, skid resistance tests employing the pendulum test, as well as the slow-moving longitudinal friction test (MicroGriptester) and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements. Although the optimized system implies lower noise-reduction potential, it exhibits great strength compared to previous noise-reducing pavements. In general, the system offers viable noise mitigation solutions for urban highways, particularly in settings where traditional noise abatement measures are constrained by space. The insights from this study serve as a valuable reference for the development and evaluation of innovative road engineering materials and technologies.

Innovations in Forensic Sciences for Human Identification by DNA in the French Gendarmerie during the Last 10 Years

The IRCGN (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) is a forensic science institute built by the French Gendarmerie which has the ability to exploit crime scene evidence. Any piece of evidence, anywhere in the world, in any environment, can be examined by IRCGN teams deployed in just a few hours. During the past 10 years, experts specializing in genetics have developed innovative genetic engineering technologies for application in forensic sciences. In this review, we highlight the main innovations and the creation of new tools for human identification, which are fully suited to the French Gendarmerie’s needs. Devices developed by the IRCGN are specific to the Gendarmerie’s purposes.

Investigation on the thermo-mechanical properties of hot stamped parts by using laser-implanted tool surfaces

In the automotive industry, hot stamping has been established as a key technology for manufacturing safety-related car body components with high strength-to-weight ratio. During the forming operation, however, hot stamping tools are highly stressed by cyclic thermo-mechanical loads, which encourage the formation of severe wear and high friction at the blank-die interface. Against this background, an innovative surface engineering technology named laser implantation has been investigated for improving the formability of the parts and the efficiency of the hot stamping process. The laser implantation process is based on the generation of highly wear resistant microfeatures on tool surfaces by embedding hard ceramic particles via pulsed laser radiation. As a consequence, the contact area of the tool and thus the tribological and thermal interactions at the blank-die interface are locally influenced. In previous studies, the improved tribological performance of the modified tool surfaces has already been proven. However, the thermal interactions between tool and workpiece have not been analyzed, which in turn have a significant impact on the resulting part properties. In this regard, quenching tests have been carried out under hot stamping conditions by using conventional as well as laser-implanted tooling systems. Based on these results, Vickers hardness test and optical measurements have been performed on the quenched blanks, to qualify the mechanical properties and clarify the cause-effect relations.

Research advances on the construction of an ideal scar model in vitro based on innovative tissue engineering technology

The scar brings a huge economic burden and creates a serious psychological shadow for patients. Although the current methods for scar treatment tend to be diversified, the treatment method that can truly achieve the goal of "perfect healing" or "scarless healing" after human skin injury is quite scarce. With the wide application of tissue engineering technologies in medicine research, technologies such as three-dimensional bioprinting, organoid culture, and organ chip technologies are constantly emerging. Disease models in vitro based on these innovative technologies showed more advantages than traditional animal disease models. The article introduces the current hotspot technologies in skin tissue engineering such as organoid culture, three-dimensional bioprinting, and organ chip technologies, focuses on summarizing the three key elements to be mastered for constructing an ideal scar model in vitro, and puts forward the future prospect of constructing an ideal scar model in vitro based on our research team's long-term experience in skin tissue repair and regeneration research.

Agrivoltaic Engineering and Layout Optimization Approaches in the Transition to Renewable Energy Technologies: A Review

As more nations move towards net-zero emission goals by 2050, research into the coupling of photovoltaics (PV) and agriculture has increased into a new sector of agrivoltaics (AV). Measurement of the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) has allowed researchers to develop methods for optimizing the agrivoltaic system. Studies on innovative engineering technologies related to photovoltaic tracking along with new generation PV cells were reviewed to determine the factors that influence optimization. This review also considered AV farm layouts and how different spacing, height, and density impact the shading under the panels. As panels block the light from hitting the plants, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) changes and alters plant growth. The shading, however, also creates micro-climates that have beneficial qualities in terms of water usage and PV efficiency. The overall review investigated the research of the last five years into AV optimization and the implications for future AV developments.

An Anomaly Detection Model for Oil and Gas Pipelines Using Machine Learning

Detection of minor leaks in oil or gas pipelines is a critical and persistent problem in the oil and gas industry. Many organisations have long relied on fixed hardware or manual assessments to monitor leaks. With rapid industrialisation and technological advancements, innovative engineering technologies that are cost-effective, faster, and easier to implement are essential. Herein, machine learning-based anomaly detection models are proposed to solve the problem of oil and gas pipeline leakage. Five machine learning algorithms, namely, random forest, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbour, gradient boosting, and decision tree, were used to develop detection models for pipeline leaks. The support vector machine algorithm, with an accuracy of 97.4%, overperformed the other algorithms in detecting pipeline leakage and thus proved its efficiency as an accurate model for detecting leakage in oil and gas pipelines.

Study of the heat treatment modes of a two-component innovative copper-iron alloy

The development of innovative engineering technologies promotes the development of low-alloy copper-based alloys with good thermal and electrical conductivity combined with high mechanical, technological and operational properties. Low-alloy copper alloys mainly belong to the class of wrought alloys. There is a large group of low-alloy copper alloys with high casting and technological properties, intended for the production of workpieces by methods of foundry technology. These include low-alloy copper-iron alloys, which are of interest both as substitutes for chromium bronzes and for the development of modern machine-building parts obtained by casting technology. These alloys belong to the class of dispersion hardening, the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of which significantly increase their performance after heat treatment (HT). In the work, complex studies of the effect of modes of low-alloyed Cu – 2.65% Fe alloy HT on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were carried out. The analysis of the effect of Cu – 2.65% Fe alloy HT was carried out in two modes based on thermal annealing and hardening with aging in the temperature range from 300 to 1000 oC and with a test step of 50 oC for the first mode and 100 oC for the second one. A metallographic analysis of the microstructure of the alloy was performed in the range of the studied temperature values. The optimal HT mode was established: hardening at a temperature of 1030 oC followed by aging for 1–2 hours at 500 oC. An X-ray spectral analysis of the alloy samples with the optimal HT mode was carried out. A multilayer map of the alloying components distribution of the Cu – 2.65% Fe alloy after HT is presented.

Remote Ultrasound Scan Procedures with Medical Robots: Towards New Perspectives between Medicine and Engineering.

Background This review explores state-of-the-art teleoperated robots for medical ultrasound scan procedures, providing a comprehensive look including the recent trends arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Physicians' experience is included to indicate the importance of their role in the design of improved medical robots. From this perspective, novel classes of equipment for remote diagnostics based on medical robotics are discussed in terms of innovative engineering technologies. Results Relevant literature is reviewed under the system engineering point of view, organizing the discussion on the basis of the main technological focus of each contribution. Conclusions This contribution is aimed at stimulating new research to obtain faster results on teleoperated robotics for ultrasound diagnostics in response to the high demand raised by the ongoing pandemic.

Introduction of Innovative Tissue Engineering Technologies into Medical Practice to Restore Damaged Joints

We analyzed the results of surgical treatment of 10 patients with II and III degree osteoarthritis of the knee joint, men = 3, women = 7. The average age was 49.3 years (±28). An arthroscopic revision of the knee joint was performed to determine the location, size and depth of cartilage defects. The synovial membrane was taken (30-50 mg), autologous mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured. Next, arthroscopy of the knee joint was performed, where a heparin-conjugated fibrin hydrogel was implanted into the defect area, containing mesenchymal stem cells of the synovial membrane and growth factors transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4).None of the patients, heparin-conjugated fibrin hydrogel with mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors caused serious undesirable complications after implantation into articular cartilage defects, which may indicate the safety of the hydrogel.Key words: mesenchymal stem cells, synovia, osteoarthrosis, cell therapy, heparin-conjuged fibrin hydrogel.

Competence approach to the study of disciplines students of the specialty "Chemical technology & engineering"

The basis of training of chemists-technologists of chemical profile is the formation of their professional competence. It is necessary that future professionals gain knowledge of modern innovative chemical engineering technologies for modern production and be able to apply them in practical conditions when preparing bachelors in the specialty 161 "Chemical Technology and Engineering". The proposed approach is the development and formation of students' theoretical ideas and knowledge about processes, effective use of technological means, process development, training with design and technical documentation, using modern methods of computer design. It was argued that the specifics of classroom and independent work of students in basic and elective disciplines - is the result of a competency-based approach. Specialized-professional competencies include knowledge of technological processes, knowledge of technological documentation, skills to map technological processes; knowledge of technological process design and skills to conduct various types of project analysis; knowledge of research methods and skills of organizing research and analysis of their results; ability to use theoretical knowledge and practical skills to master the basics of entrepreneurship. The prospect of a competent approach to the study of disciplines in students of this specialty is the formation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of calculation and choice. The purpose of this approach is to provide students with knowledge of technical means and systems of automatic control and regulation of basic technological parameters of chemical-technological processes through modern information technologies used to create and manage technological parameters.

Gas Detection and Identification Using Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Based Sensor Fusion

With the rapid industrialization and technological advancements, innovative engineering technologies which are cost effective, faster and easier to implement are essential. One such area of concern is the rising number of accidents happening due to gas leaks at coal mines, chemical industries, home appliances etc. In this paper we propose a novel approach to detect and identify the gaseous emissions using the multimodal AI fusion techniques. Most of the gases and their fumes are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, thereby challenging our normal human senses. Sensing based on a single sensor may not be accurate, and sensor fusion is essential for robust and reliable detection in several real-world applications. We manually collected 6400 gas samples (1600 samples per class for four classes) using two specific sensors: the 7-semiconductor gas sensors array, and a thermal camera. The early fusion method of multimodal AI, is applied The network architecture consists of a feature extraction module for individual modality, which is then fused using a merged layer followed by a dense layer, which provides a single output for identifying the gas. We obtained the testing accuracy of 96% (for fused model) as opposed to individual model accuracies of 82% (based on Gas Sensor data using LSTM) and 93% (based on thermal images data using CNN model). Results demonstrate that the fusion of multiple sensors and modalities outperforms the outcome of a single sensor.

Preface

IX International Scientific Conference “Innovative engineering technologies, equipment and materials - 2019” has been hosted by the exhibition center “Kazan Fair” within the framework of the 19th international specialized exhibition “Mechanical engineering. Metalworking. Kazan” and 13th specialized exhibition “TechnoWelding” on the 4th and 6th of December, 2019The conference program was including 6 sections of work:Section 1 - Innovative materials, technologies and equipment in mechanical engineeringSection 2 - Innovative developments and economics in engineeringSection 3 - Chemical EngineeringSection 4 - Mathematical and physical modeling of information, technical, technological and management systems and processesSection 5 - Innovative Welding Technologies in IndustrySection 6 - Reliability, efficiency and safety of objects of the fuel and energy complexParticipants and guests of the conference discussed the scientific and technical achievements in the field of development, design and manufacture of engineering products. See the results of studies of the country’s leading universities in the field of robotics, new materials (including on the basis of production waste), waste management and recycling, mechanical engineering, energy, fuel cells, manufacturing economy.Presidium of the seсsions headed by Director of the Institute of Engineering Prof. Nail Faikovich Kashapov and Director Engineering center «Energoprogress» Almaz Lyabisovich Garaev. The Presidium also included: Deputy. Director of the Institute for educational activities Ildar Hafizov Ilsurovich, Deputy Director of the Institute for Science Gilmanshin Iskander Rafailevich and director's advisor of Engineering center «Energoprogress» Linar Salihzanovich Sabitov.Research and Innovation have been presented by the staff of the Engineering Institute of KFU, Institute of Naberezhnye Chelny, Institute of Chemistry named after A.M. Butlerov, Kazan State Power Engineering University and Kazan National Research Technical University named after A. N. Tupolev – KAI, Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering. Representatives of Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Russian cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Naberezhnye Chelny, Cheboksary, Lipetsk, Khimki, Tambov, etc., became participants of the IMTOM-2019. breakout sessions and round tables were made more than 200 reports, the total number of participants was 372 people.Active participation in the conference were graduate students and students of the Engineering Institute. The experience of live communication with scientists, practitioners, representatives of the real economy will allow buduyuschim experts to determine its scientific direction for a successful solution of important problems of import substitution and enhancing competitiveness assigned to the engineering industry of our country.

Aspects of ecological engineering as an innovative technology for architecture and construction sphere development

The article discusses the aspect of environmental engineering as an innovative technology for architecture and construction development of and Russia as a whole, determining directions to optimize the existing “green” standards. Innovation and greening are currently the most important trends in the development of any state economy, which cannot be achieved without the corresponding development of green certification systems aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and environmental protection. It is proved that environmental engineering issues are especially important for Russia in view of the prioritization of the innovative development vector and the actualization of the role of green innovations in architecture and construction as a prerequisite for our country to join the ranks of developed countries. Based on the evolution analysis of Russian “green” standards, factors were identified that determined the “imperfection” of their formation. Comparison of the structure and goals of existing Russian certification systems made it possible to identify their main characteristics and specifics, both contributing and leveling processes of sustainable development. Based on the research data obtained, directions for optimizing “green” standards are proposed, which implementation ensures the effective implementation of innovative environmental engineering technologies, with the latter contributing to the creation of favorable conditions for the development of the state as a whole.

Study of RCD on Industrial Commercial and Residential Electrical Safety – A Hazard Awareness

Every human relies on electricity to power the operation and comfort of their businesses and homes. And they expect their electrical installations to be secure, to protect people from the risk of shock or electrocution, and to protect buildings against the risk of electrical fire. Although the municipal laws on electrical health and defensive equipment continue to improve, many risks still remain today. Hence the paper reflects on the real development in the electrical safety industry through innovative engineering technologies covering all sorts of industrial, business, residential safety. Thus, during the electrical faults, the paper studies the function and importance of highly sensitive residual current device (RCD) and its defensive techniques. RCD is a protective device that detect the electrical faults and switch off the electricity automatically.

Preface

INNOVATIVE INFORMATIONAL AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES IIET-2020 Stavropol, Russia, May 28-29, 2020 The aim of the 1st International Conference on Innovative Informational and Engineering Technologies (IIET-2020) is to share the results and achievements of academics, practitioners and researchers in application of advanced scientific innovative technologies in computer engineering, communication, manufacturing, process automation and other fields.The topics of interest are presented in 3 sections, including Computer and Information Technologies, Engineering, Modelling and Management.On the basis of submitted works at the conference, 41 selected papers have been included in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. CONFERENCE COORDINATORS OLEG MALAFEYEV, St. Petersburg State University, RussiaIRINA SAMOYLENKO, Stavropol State Agrarian University, RussiaIRINA ZAITSEVA, Stavropol State Agrarian University, Russia

Retinal vessel changes in cerebrovascular disease.

The retina is growingly recognized as a window into cerebrovascular and systemic vascular conditions. The utility of noninvasive retinal vessel biomarkers in cerebrovascular risk assessment has expanded due to advances in retinal imaging techniques and machine learning-based digital analysis. The purpose of this review is to underscore the latest evidence linking retinal vascular abnormalities with stroke and vascular-related cognitive disorders; to highlight modern developments in retinal vascular imaging modalities and software-based vasculopathy quantification. Longitudinal studies undertaken for extended periods indicate that retinal vascular changes can predict cerebrovascular disorders (CVD). Cerebrovascular ties to dementia provoked recent explorations of retinal vessel imaging tools for conceivable early cognitive decline detection. Innovative biomedical engineering technologies and advanced dynamic and functional retinal vascular imaging methods have recently been added to the armamentarium, allowing an unbiased and comprehensive analysis of the retinal vasculature. Improved artificial intelligence-based deep learning algorithms have boosted the application of retinal imaging as a clinical and research tool to screen, risk stratify, and monitor with precision CVD and vascular cognitive impairment. Mounting evidence supports the use of quantitative retinal vessel analysis in predicting CVD, from clinical stroke to neuroimaging markers of stroke and neurodegeneration.

Strategy for the Development of Bioenergy Based on Agriculture: Case for Ukraine

The development of biofuel engineering on the basis of agriculture is one of the main strategic directions of the use of alternative power sources. Renewable power engineering on the basis of agriculture serves as the ground for development of agricultural territories, agricultural diversification, technological equipment and innovative development of the branch and securing power independence of the country. The article analyses main trends of biofuel engineering development in Ukraine. We have built a forecast of change development pace of biofuel production in Ukraine up to 2025. We have conducted complex PEST-analysis of long-term benefits of biofuel engineering market in Ukraine. We have substantiated main tendencies of strategic changes in the branch within the limits of the most influential outer impact factors related to the development of renewable power engineering. We have conducted analysis by separating the factors that have positive and negative effect on the process under study. We have offered a complex of strategic activities within the limits of the most influential environmental factors. We have designed a development strategy for biofuel engineering on the basis of agriculture (hosing kanri method). It is based on the implementation of Deming Cycle and presents the concept of cycle management. On the basis of developed strategy we have outlined main strategic targets, processes and results. Among primary strategic targets we have singled out the following: the improvement of economic and law mechanism of state policy of the development of biofuel engineering; the increase of the volumes of attracting domestic and foreign investments; the implementation of innovative biofuel engineering technologies in industry; raising social awareness level for business and population. In order to optimize the implementation of the strategy development we have established correlation connections between the elements of the strategy. We have outlined the margin of biofuel engineering development at agricultural enterprises according to blue ocean strategy. The results obtained serve as the ground for further investigations of biofuel engineering development on the basis of agriculture.

International Scientific-Technical Conference on Innovative Engineering Technologies, Equipment and Materials 2018 (ISTC-IETEM-2018)

IX International Scientific Conference “Innovative engineering technologies, equipment and materials - 2018” has been hosted by the exhibition center “Kazan Fair” within the framework of the 18th international specialized exhibition “Mechanical engineering. Metalworking. Kazan” and 12th specialized exhibition “TechnoWelding” on the 5th and 7th of December, 2018.The conference program was including 6 sections of work:Section 1 - Innovative materials, technologies and equipment in mechanical engineeringSection 2 - Innovative developments and economics in engineeringSection 3 - Chemical EngineeringSection 4 - Mathematical and physical modeling of information, technical, technological and management systems and processesSection 5 - Innovative Welding Technologies in IndustryParticipants and guests of the conference discussed the scientific and technical achievements in the field of development, design and manufacture of engineering products. See the results of studies of the country’s leading universities in the field of robotics, new materials (including on the basis of production waste), waste management and recycling, mechanical engineering, energy, fuel cells, manufacturing economy.Presidium of the session “Innovative development of mechanical engineering and economics” headed by Director of the Institute of Engineering Prof. Nail Faikovich Kashapov. The Presidium also included: Deputy. Director of the Institute for educational activities Ildar Hafizov Ilsurovich, Deputy. Director of the Institute for Science Gilmanshin Iskander Rafailevich and Linar Salihzanovich Sabitov.Research and Innovation have been presented by the staff of the Engineering Institute of KFU, Institute of Naberezhnye Chelny, Institute of Chemistry named after A.M. Butlerov, Kazan State Power Engineering University and Kazan National Research Technical University named after A.N. Tupolev – KAI, Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering.Active participation in the conference were graduate students and students of the Engineering Institute. The experience of live communication with scientists, practitioners, representatives of the real economy will allow buduyuschim experts to determine its scientific direction for a successful solution of important problems of import substitution and enhancing competitiveness assigned to the engineering industry of our country.