Innovative Structure Research Articles

Analysis of the influential factors on innovative behaviors among ophthalmic specialty nurses in China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate the current situation of innovative behavior and organizational structure authorization of ophthalmic specialty nurses in China, and analyze the influencing factors of innovative behavior.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out among 301 ophthalmic specialty nurses in China, representing Representing 82 hospitals in 25 provinces, using a general data questionnaire, Innovative Behavior Scale(IBS), and conditions of work effectiveness questionnaire(CWEQ-II).ResultsThe mean total score for innovative behavior among Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses was (4.73 ± 1.14), and the mean total score for organizational structure authorization was (61.65 ± 14.69). The logistic regression analysis revealed that organizational structure authorization, hospital grade, and ophthalmic specialty nurses primarily engaged in clinical care and clinical research had statistically significant impacts on the level of innovative behavior (P < 0.05). The higher the organizational structure authorization score, the higher the innovative behavior level of ophthalmic specialty nurses, the level of innovation behavior of grade-B tertiary hospitals is higher than that of grade-A tertiary hospitals. The main positions are low level of innovative behavior in clinical care and high level of innovative behavior in clinical research.ConclusionsThe innovative behavior and organizational structure authorization of Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses are at a medium level, the innovative behavior of ophthalmic specialty nurses is influenced by factors such as organizational structure empowerment level, hospital grade, and main job position. Nursing managers are advised to develop tailored training programs based on the influencing factors of innovative behavior among Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses, in order to enhance their level of innovation and improve the quality of nursing services provided by Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses.

Numerical study on structured sandwich panels exposed to spherical air explosions

There is a need to develop innovative protective shield structures to withstand extreme loads, such as impact and blast loading. Sandwich structures that absorb significant kinetic energy as strain energy through plastic deformation offer superior protection. This study conducts a numerical analysis of structured sandwich protective structures subjected to airblast loads using finite element modeling. First, an experimental result from the literature was used to validate and verify finite element models of an architected sandwich structure modeled in Abaqus/Explicit software. Second, parametric studies were conducted on sandwich structures with additional layers of insert plates and newly proposed core topologies for viable shield protection against airblast loading. The finite element analysis results indicated that, under the same impulsive load, the control sandwich panel exhibited higher kinetic energy, demanding a proportionally larger internal energy. Conversely, sandwich structures with additional inner core insert plates dissipated the imposed kinetic energy more efficiently, due to the inelastic plastic deformation of the proposed core configurations. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity and back sheet displacement time-history were significantly improved by dense-hierarchical inner core configurations. Additionally, the parametric study analysis showed that increasing the number of insert plates and designing the core topology of cellular walls to be redundant, dense-hierarchical, and braced against buckling significantly reduced core collapse mechanisms such as folding, buckling, and crushing. However, despite these benefits, a reversed effect on the areal specific energy absorption index was observed.

A new paradigm for local infrastructure to enhance the potential of Finiq and its surrounding

The main aim of this report is to promote an innovative approach for Municipalities, engineers and designers showing instruments and methodologies to envision a new paradigm for the future of those areas that area suffering emigration of population and lack of infrastructures. A specific case study has been identify in the village of Finiq, located in the South of Albania - and topic of the 8th International Workshop of Tirana – which, due to the isolation of its population, related to historical and geo-morphological characteristics, is registering a constant shrinking of the inhabitants in search of occupational and educational facilities. Within the development of the investigation Finiq has been first evaluated at local scale – estimating the needs of the inhabitants – and secondly it has been systemised with the sur- rounding villages: Aliko, Mesopotam, Vrion. This approach led to an implementation of the interconnection within the villages as necessary action to overcome the isolation of all the inhabitants. This analysis has been the starting point for the definition of the strategy to adopt as an opportunity to develop an innovative structure for the management of mobility, local resources and energy use, to increase the touristic attractiveness of the site and to provide the inhabit- ant with a strategic and widespread infrastructure. To be truly effective, the mentioned approach includes an active participation of the citizen/ user, who becomes the main actor and prosumer of his own infrastructure and whom, through an adequate information program, becomes able to modify and align his own behaviors to this new one paradigm. The outcome of this report has the characteristics to be implemented and replicated in other context with similar issues, not only by designers but also by public administrations or private stakeholders that have to confront with similar social and demographic issues, putting an end to the systematic abandonment of the areas and to unlock their economic and demographic development.

Innovative Strategies in 3D Bioprinting for Spinal Cord Injury Repair.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic condition that disrupts neurons within the spinal cord, leading to severe motor and sensory deficits. While current treatments can alleviate pain, they do not promote neural regeneration or functional recovery. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers promising solutions for SCI repair by enabling the creation of complex neural tissue constructs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of 3D bioprinting techniques, bioinks, and stem cell applications in SCI repair. Additionally, it highlights recent advancements in 3D bioprinted scaffolds, including the integration of conductive materials, the incorporation of bioactive molecules like neurotrophic factors, drugs, and exosomes, and the design of innovative structures such as multi-channel and axial scaffolds. These innovative strategies in 3D bioprinting can offer a comprehensive approach to optimizing the spinal cord microenvironment, advancing SCI repair. This review highlights a comprehensive understanding of the current state of 3D bioprinting in SCI repair, offering insights into future directions in the field of regenerative medicine.

Optimization of The Influence of Temperature on The Electrical Distribution of Structures with Radial p-n Junction Structures

In recent years, advances in optoelectronics and electronics have prioritized optimizing semiconductor device performance and reducing power consumption by modeling new semiconductor device geometries. One such innovative structure is the radial p-n junction structure. In this work, we present a concept that submicron three-dimensional simulations were conducted on radial p-n junction structures based on GaAs material to investigate the influence of temperature ranging from 250K to 500K with a step of 50K on the electrophysical distribution, such as space charge, electro-potential, and electric field, in radial p-n junction structures, as well as various forward voltages. In particular, we focus on the shell radius within the structure: 0.5 μm and 1 μm for the shell. The modeling results were compared with the results obtained from solving the theoretical Poisson equation in the cylindrical coordinate system.

Summary of the Evaluation of Cities of Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT) at Moroccan Universities

Introduction. Science, technology, and innovation are pivotal for economic policy worldwide. Morocco, aiming to boost its competitiveness, has implemented reforms to enhance economic diversity and foster university-business links since 2000, although the impact on technological advancement remains limited.Problem Statement. Morocco’s Cities of Innovation and Technological Transfer (CITT) lack a defi ned statutory role within university structures, restricting their decision-making infl uence. This study examines these constraints to suggest strategic improvements.Purpose. The goal is a comprehensive evaluation of CITTs across Moroccan universities, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to propose a strategic plan for better integration and eff ectiveness in the national innovation system.Materials and Methods. Employing a mixed methodology, this research analyzes the innovation and technological transfer structures within six Moroccan public universities through SWOT analysis, focusing on innovation capacities and interinstitutional collaborations. Data were collected via validated questionnaires, interviews, and field observations.Results. CITTs align with the universities’ strategic visions, enhancing scientifi c research and socio-economic engagement. Recommendations focus on defining clear mission statements, developing strategic policies, and fostering proactive collaborations to improve CITT operations and visibility.Conclusions. The study highlights CITTs’ potential to drive socio-economic and scientific progress in Morocco. Despite challenges like regulatory impacts and limited university autonomy, enhancing these structures’ roles is crucial for national development. Strategic plans and university autonomy are recommended to integrate innovation more effectively into Morocco’s broader development goals.

IPHM: Incremental periodic high-utility mining algorithm in dynamic and evolving data environments

Periodic high-utility itemset (PHUI) mining can extend beyond the conventional approach of high-utility itemset mining by uncovering recurring customer purchase behaviors common in real-life scenarios (e.g., buying apples and oranges every three days or weekly). Such behaviors, particularly in market basket databases, signify stable patterns that ensure long-term profitability. Existing PHUI mining algorithms assume a static database and incur significant costs when handling incremental databases, as each batch of new transactions necessitates reprocessing the entire dataset. To overcome this challenge, we introduce the Incremental Periodic High-Utility Itemset Miner (IPHM), a method for efficiently extracting periodic high-utility itemsets in incremental database environments. We propose an innovative incremental utility-list structure tailored for incremental database scenarios. Effective pruning strategies are employed to expedite the construction and update of incremental utility-lists and to discard unpromising candidates. As demonstrated by the experimental results, the algorithm is efficacious and efficient, highlighting its practical applicability in dynamic data environments. The algorithm shows a remarkable ability to quickly adapt to database changes, making it highly suitable for applications in market basket analysis where frequent updates are common.

Additive manufactured high-performance topology-optimized lattice structure: Compressive behavior and flow heat transfer characteristics

In this study, topological optimization techniques were employed to construct innovative TopS lattice structures, to achieve a lightweight design while simultaneously optimizing their mechanical properties and enhancing flow and heat transfer performance. Through model reconstruction and proportional scaling techniques, lightweight configurations with increased surface areas were achieved, leading to the successful fabrication of Ti-6Al-4V lattice structures via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology. A comprehensive investigation combining numerical simulations and experimental testing revealed that the TopS-L16 lattice structure outperforms TopS-L1 and TopS-L4 in terms of compressive strength, demonstrating values of 386.00 MPa for compressive strength, 352.00 MPa for upper compressive yield strength, and 6938.00 MPa for elastic modulus. Furthermore, multilayer-filled lattice structures were found to effectively improve streamline distribution and vorticity, reducing boundary layers, which indicates a significant enhancement in fluid flow and heat transfer performance, with TopS-L16 exhibiting the best performance. The novelty of this work lies in its exploration of the interplay between lattice structures and their interactions with compressive deformation, energy absorption capabilities, and flow heat transfer.

Research on the impact of manufacturing servitization on environmental pollution: spatial econometric analysis of sulfur dioxide based on 284 prefecture-level cities

Using China’s regional input–output table, the paper constructs indicators of manufacturing servitization, matches manufacturing servitization at the regional level with city data, and uses spatial econometrics to empirically analyze the impact of manufacturing servitization on urban sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions within the classical Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework. The results show that manufacturing servitization can reduce SO2 emissions. Producer servitization and consumptive services can both significantly reduce industrial SO2 emissions. Transportation and warehousing servitization, information servitization, leasing, and commercial servitization, technology research and development servitization significantly reduce SO2emissions; technology research and development servitization, in particular, have the largest influence coefficient, while the reduction effect of servitization in the wholesale and retail and finance sectors is not significant. The study also found that servitization reduced the SO2 emissions through technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading.

A Simultaneous Measurement Sensor for Temperature and Curvature Based on Congruent Quasi-Helical Long-Period Fiber Grating.

This article presents a long-period fiber-grating sensor based on a congruent quasi-helical structure (CQH-LPFG) with the two-parameter measurement of both temperature and curvature. The CQH-LPFG sensor was manufactured using a high-frequency CO2 laser, and an innovative quasi-helical structure was introduced into the two-parameter measurement of the temperature and curvature of the optical fiber sensor with excellent results. The experiment and analysis demonstrate that the curvature sensitivities of the three resonance peaks in the 1440 nm to 1540 nm transmission spectrum were 11.88 nm/m-1, 8.05 nm/m-1, and 11.11 nm/m-1, and the curvature varied ranging from 0.156 m-1 to 0.494 m-1. The three resonance peaks showed temperature responsivities of 29.87 pm/°C, 24.65 pm/°C, and 36.85 pm/°C, respectively, and the linear fit was of excellent quality. In the case of measuring both curvature and temperature changes simultaneously, the resonant peak wavelength of the CQH-LPFG sensor was demodulated through matrix analysis, with dip A and dip C providing superior simultaneous measurements. These features make it a promising candidate for applications such as engineering machinery and the health inspection of buildings.

The Spatial Analysis of the Role of Green Finance in Carbon Emission Reduction

Under the “dual carbon” goal, the core issue at present is to improve the environment while ensuring economic development. As a result, green finance, that is a tool that integrates finance and environmental protection, has shown increasingly significant carbon reduction effects. With the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021 being the research object, this study employs a spatial Durbin model to examine the impact of green finance on carbon emissions and further discusses its mechanism effects. The empirical results indicate the following: firstly, the development of green finance effectively suppresses carbon emissions; secondly, by decomposing the spatial effect of green finance on carbon emissions, it is found that green finance also reduces carbon emissions in neighboring regions due to the spillover effects; finally, green finance can suppress carbon emissions through technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading. Therefore, it is imperative to actively engage in practical work related to green finance, to establish a sound system for green finance, and simultaneously, to enhance cooperation among regions in terms of green finance, in order to fully leverage its role in suppressing carbon emissions.

Free Vibration of the Magneto-Electro-Elastic Plates Resting on Elastic Foundation Using the Refined Plate Theory with Two Variables

The objective of this article is to investigate the free vibration analyses of the functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic (FG MEE) plates supported by an elastic foundation using the refined plate theory (RPT) with two variables. The elastic foundation is modeled utilizing the Winkler-Pasternak theory. The power-law model is employed to characterize the graded material properties of the FG MEE plates. According to the RPT and Hamilton's principle, the governing equations of the FG MEE plate are derived. The displacement fields and electric and magnetic potentials are approximated using the Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) basic functions of the isogeometric approach (IGA). The proposed model’s advantages and accuracy are demonstrated by comparing the obtained results with those reported in the existing literature. The study comprehensively examines and discusses the impact of several parameters, including the power index, initial external magnetic potential and electric voltage, and the geometry, on the vibration frequency of the FG MEE plates. The numerical findings indicate that an increase in the power index leads to a decrease in the frequency of the FG MEE plates. Besides, the stiffness of FG MEE plates decreases with an increase in the initial external electric voltage, whereas it increases with an increase in the initial external magnetic potential. This article presents valuable perspectives on examining vibration analysis of the FG MEE plates, which can inform the design of innovative materials and structures with customized properties.

Research on the Application of Cushion and Isolation Materials in Protecting the over Shield Tunnel

The portal frame, as an innovative subway protection structure, primarily serves the development of underground spaces above shield tunneling for subways. It comprises foundation piles along both sides of the tunnel and a transition thick plate. When the transfer thick plate sustains loads at its midspan, deformation occurs, interacting with the underlying soil to generate additional stresses, thereby potentially impacting the subway tunnel beneath negatively. This study, anchored in the real-case scenario of Qianhai Exchange Square, employs finite element analysis to investigate the interaction mechanisms between the transfer thick plate under midspan loading and soils of varying properties. Findings revealed a characteristic distribution pattern of additional stresses in the soil—smaller at the edges and larger at the center. Furthermore, under equal loading conditions, there&amp;apos;s a positive correlation between soil stiffness and induced additional stress, while an inverse relationship exists with the vertical deformation of the transfer thick plate. In response to this issue, the paper innovatively proposes embedding a cushioning and isolation layer under the transfer thick plate. Based on the results of full-scale tunnel tests carried out during the early stages of the project, and by employing high-precision finite element simulations, the bearing capacity of the tunnel was determined. This analysis, in turn, informed the formulation of selection principles for the cushioning and isolation materials in a feedback manner. Computational verifications showed that appropriately designing the cushioning and isolation layer can significantly reduce additional stresses in the foundation soil, thereby effectively alleviating the impact of concentrated upper loads on the shield tunnel.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of an Innovative Combined String–Cable Bridge

Suspension bridges, such as stress-ribbon, are among the simplest structural bridge systems and have the lowest structural height. The flexibility of these elegant bridges poses great challenges for designers to minimize their deformability under asymmetrical operational loads. Due to the small initial sag, such load-bearing structures also cause significant tensile forces, which requires them to have large cross-sections and massive anchor foundations. This paper analyzes an innovative suspension steel bridge structure combined with a string and a cable. More attention is paid to asymmetric loading as this is more relevant for suspension structures. The new structure is studied numerically and experimentally. It is established that the string stabilizes the displacements of the bridge under asymmetric loading. The stabilization efficiency is proportional to the value of the pre-tension force of the string. The obtained results reveal the behavior of the structure and enable an evaluation of the accuracy of the numerical results, as well as the applied modeling. In addition, the experimentally obtained results allow the evaluation of more aspects of the behavior of the new bridge, which will be useful in further studies of this type of structures.

Lightweight transmission line defect identification method based on OFN network and distillation method

AbstractEdge devices are increasingly utilized for defect detection in power line inspection, necessitating algorithms that optimize model size and accuracy. This study introduces a lightweight detection method using the Optimized Feature Network with MobileOne‐FPN‐NASHead (OFN network) OFN network and distillation technique. The OFN incorporates a lightweight backbone, neural network search, re‐parametrization, and a feature pyramid to create a compact yet effective detection network. To enhance feature learning, a heterogeneous distillation approach is applied, leveraging a modified YOLOv8 as a teacher network. This modification includes an explicit visual centre for improved global and local information extraction, crucial for dense target detection in power line inspections. Additionally, the Minimize the points distance IoU (MPDloU) loss function is used to improve localization accuracy over the the Complete‐Intersection Over Union (CIoU) loss. Experimental results show a 1.1% mean Average Precision (mAP) increase for the enhanced YOLOv8 and a 70.2% mAP for the OFN network with 18.95 GFLOPs and 343 FPS, achieving a commendable balance between model efficiency and detection performance. The research underscores the viability of the OFN for edge computing in power line defect detection, highlighting the potential of innovative algorithmic structures in this application.

Heavy-atom-free π-twisted photosensitizers for fluorescence bioimaging and photodynamic therapy.

As the field of preclinical research on photosensitizers (PSs) for anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) continues to expand, a focused effort is underway to develop agents with innovative molecular structures that offer enhanced targeting, selectivity, activation, and imaging capabilities. In this context, we introduce two new heavy-atom-free PSs, DBXI and DBAI, characterized by a twisted π-conjugation framework. This innovative approach enhances the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) between the singlet excited state (S1) and the triplet state (T1), resulting in improved and efficient intersystem crossing (ISC). Both PSs are highly effective in producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen and/or superoxide species. Additionally, they also demonstrate remarkably strong fluorescence emission. Indeed, in addition to providing exceptional photocytotoxicity, this emissive feature, generally lacking in other reported structures, allows for the precise monitoring of the PSs' distribution within specific cellular organelles even at nanomolar concentrations. These findings underscore the dual functionality of these PSs, serving as both fluorescent imaging probes and light-activated therapeutic agents, emphasizing their potential as versatile and multifunctional tools in the field of PDT.

Can the resource and environmental dilemma due to water-energy-carbon constraints be solved in the process of new urbanization?

The rapid development of basin resource-based cities (BRCs) in developing countries have led to severe resource and environmental problems centered on the “water-energy-carbon” (WEC) nexus. Based on their spatiotemporal evolution, WEC constraints are evaluated via a multidimensional coupling coordination degree (CCD) mode. Resource-environmental efficiency (REE) under these constraints is measured via the superefficiency SBM model. The path of resource and environmental improvement via new urbanization (NU) is discussed based on the spatial econometric model. Water resource consumption in the BRCs decreased by 12.22 %, but energy consumption and carbon emissions increased by 20.1 % and 70.05 %, respectively, and the CCD of the WEC nexus showed a “highly coordinated - seriously imbalanced” change. Therefore, the REE increase of 44.03 % was unsustainable. NU improved REE and reduced water resource consumption but did not reduce energy consumption or carbon emission, and there is significant regional variability. Scientific and technological innovation, economic agglomeration and land structure diversity contributed to the resource-environmental improvement effects of NU, but optimized industrial structures and environmental governance had masking effects. The policy implication is that during NU, efficiency gains must be combined with policies to promote industrial structure optimization and environmental governance and thus achieve sustainable urban development.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery modules optimized based on the design of cold plate with convex pack structure

To address the issue of temperature increase in battery modules using liquid cooling plates, a convex pack structure within the flow channel is proposed to enhance flow efficiency. High temperatures can lead to battery performance deterioration, increased safety risks, and reduced service life. The optimal parameters for the convex structure (radius, transverse spacing, and longitudinal spacing) were determined through simulation analysis and orthogonal experiments. The effects of discharge rate, ambient temperature, coolant inlet temperature, and inlet speed on the heat dissipation of the battery module were also studied. The results show that the convex pack structure enhances heat transfer by increasing the contact area and fluid velocity while inducing eddy currents to achieve lateral mixing. The optimal parameters were found to be: radius (r) = 0.75 mm, horizontal spacing (x) = 3.50 mm, and vertical spacing (y) = 4.50 mm. At low discharge rates, the battery performs well, but high discharge rates negatively affect temperature uniformity. An increase in ambient temperature raises the temperature difference and maximum battery temperature. Lower coolant inlet temperatures reduce the maximum temperature but may result in uneven temperature distribution. Achieving a balanced coolant flow rate is essential to minimize temperature variations and control pressure buildup. This research introduces an innovative heat transfer structure, the convex pack, which significantly improves cooling efficiency. Further research on enhanced heat transfer structures is necessary to continue advancing cooling technologies for battery modules.

The Stiffness and Damping Characteristics of a Rubber-Based SMA Composite Shock Absorber with a Hyper-Elastic SMA-Constitutive Model Considering the Loading Rate.

Shock absorbers are essential in enhancing vehicle ride comfort by mitigating vibrations. However, traditional rubber shock absorbers are constrained by their fixed stiffness and damping properties, limiting their adaptability to varying loads and thus affecting the ride comfort, especially under extreme road conditions. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), known for their intelligent material properties, offer a unique solution by adjusting stiffness and damping in response to temperature changes or strain rates, making them ideal for advanced vibration control applications. This study builds upon the Auricchio constitutive model to propose an enhanced SMA hyper-elastic constitutive model that accounts for different loading rates. This new model elucidates the impact of loading rates on the stiffness and damping characteristics of SMAs. Additionally, we introduce an innovative circular rubber-based SMA composite vibration reduction structure. Through a parameterized model and finite element simulation, we comprehensively analyze the stiffness and damping properties of the composite damper under various loading rates and harmonic excitations. Our findings suggest a novel approach to improving the vehicle ride comfort, offering significant potential for engineering applications and practical value.

Experimental study on the effect of tube surface modifications and in-channel baffle plates on falling film evaporator heat transfer properties for sever cabinets

To effectively alleviate the high energy consumption associated with traditional cooling strategies in data centers, this research synoptically designs an innovative and energy-efficient integrated structure combining a falling film evaporator with a cabinet. An experimental setup with a water film tube in a rectangular channel is constructed, and the impacts of liquid film temperature, spray density, and inlet air Reynolds number on heat transfer properties in the cases of the tube's surface structure modifications and baffle plates presence in the channel are explored, respectively. Two significant findings that enable low energy consumption-oriented cooling strategy development are derived. (1) Decreasing the spray density can reduce energy consumption when liquid film integrity is maintained. Upon quadrupling the inlet spray density for the smooth and finned tubes, the heat transfer rate and heat transfer coefficient between the tubes and airflow in the baffled and unbaffled channels only increase by 23.1 to 29.9% and 18.6 to 28.3%, respectively. (2) The tube surface modifications and baffles presence can significantly improve the heat transfer performance. The performance evaluation criterion between the airflow and finned tube in the channel with baffles is 2.5–4.0 times higher than those between the airflow and smooth tube in the baffle-free channel.