Integral Structure Research Articles

Integration of traditional structures and modern green building materials of residential buildings in Guangdong region

Integration of traditional structures and modern green building materials of residential buildings in Guangdong region

Bio-intelligent manufacturing cell for bio-hybrid machines fabrication

Biological Transformation in Manufacturing is a pioneering frontier of Industry 4.0, involving the integration of bio-intelligent structures, processes, organisms or materials into production engineering by systematically applying knowledge from biology. This should lead to a necessary convergence of biology and biotechnology with manufacturing processes, production systems and information technology offering the prospect of dramatic step changes for future innovation in manufacturing in order to enhance circularity and sustainability while advancing efficiency and competitiveness. In 2021, the first call topic on Biological Transformation “Development of technologies and devices for bio-intelligent manufacturing” was published in the Horizon Europe Programme Call HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-27 where the project “A Modular Framework for Designing and Producing Bio-Hybrid Machines (BHM) - BioMeld“ was approved and is introduced here.

DiffFit: Visually-Guided Differentiable Fitting of Molecule Structures to a Cryo-EM Map.

We introduce DiffFit, a differentiable algorithm for fitting protein atomistic structures into an experimental reconstructed Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) volume map. In structural biology, this process is necessary to semi-automatically composite large mesoscale models of complex protein assemblies and complete cellular structures that are based on measured cryo-EM data. The current approaches require manual fitting in three dimensions to start, resulting in approximately aligned structures followed by an automated fine-tuning of the alignment. The DiffFit approach enables domain scientists to fit new structures automatically and visualize the results for inspection and interactive revision. The fitting begins with differentiable three-dimensional (3D) rigid transformations of the protein atom coordinates followed by sampling the density values at the atom coordinates from the target cryo-EM volume. To ensure a meaningful correlation between the sampled densities and the protein structure, we proposed a novel loss function based on a multi-resolution volume-array approach and the exploitation of the negative space. This loss function serves as a critical metric for assessing the fitting quality, ensuring the fitting accuracy and an improved visualization of the results. We assessed the placement quality of DiffFit with several large, realistic datasets and found it to be superior to that of previous methods. We further evaluated our method in two use cases: automating the integration of known composite structures into larger protein complexes and facilitating the fitting of predicted protein domains into volume densities to aid researchers in identifying unknown proteins. We implemented our algorithm as an open-source plugin (github.com/nanovis/DiffFit) in ChimeraX, a leading visualization software in the field. All supplemental materials are available at osf.io/5tx4q.

Pushing the limits of microfluidic droplet production efficiency: engineering microchannels with seamlessly implemented 3D inverse colloidal crystals.

Although droplet microfluidics has been studied for the past two decades, its applications are still limited due to the low productivity of microdroplets resulting from the low integration of planar microchannel structures. In this study, a microfluidic system implementing inverse colloidal crystals (ICCs), a spongious matrix with regularly and densely formed three-dimensional (3D) interconnected micropores, was developed to significantly increase the throughput of microdroplet generation. A new bottom-up microfabrication technique was developed to seamlessly integrate the ICCs into planar microchannels by accumulating non-crosslinked spherical PMMA microparticles as sacrificial porogens in a selective area of a mold and later dissolving them. We have demonstrated that the densely arranged micropores on the spongious ICC of the microchannel function as massively parallel micronozzles, enabling droplet formation on the order of >10 kHz. Droplet size could be adjusted by flow conditions, fluid properties, and micropore size, and biopolymer particles composed of polysaccharides and proteins were produced. By further parallelization of the unit structures, droplet formation on the order of >100 kHz was achieved. The presented approach is an upgrade of the existing droplet microfluidics concept, not only in terms of its high throughput, but also in terms of ease of fabrication and operation.

Розробка і впровадження нових організаційних структур в публічному секторі

Розробка і впровадження нових організаційних структур в публічному секторі

Next-Generation SRAM: Design and Optimization with Carbon Nanotubes

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) serves as a critical component in modern electronic devices, offering high-speed access to stored data. As technologycontinues to advance, there's a growing demand for smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient memory solutions. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as apromising material for pushing the boundaries of conventional silicon-based SRAM designs. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the design andoptimization of next- generation SRAM utilizing carbon nanotubes. The unique properties of CNTs, suchas their exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and nanoscale dimensions, offer a fertile ground for revolutionizing SRAM architecture. The study delves into the integration of CNTs intoSRAM cell structures, discussing variousconfigurations and layouts to harness the advantageous characteristics of carbon nanotubes. Emphasis is placed on addressing the challenges associated with CNT-based SRAM, including manufacturing scalability, reliability, and variability. In conclusion, the integration of carbon nanotubesin SRAM design offers a compelling avenue to overcome the limitations of traditional silicon-based memory technologies. This study not only highlights the promising prospects of CNTs in SRAM but also provides insights into the challenges and opportunitiesin harnessing these nanomaterials for advanced memory applications. Keywords : Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Nanotechnology, Memory Design, Optimization, Electronic Devices, Nanomaterial Integration.

"On-The-Fly" Synthesis of Self-Supported LDH Hollow Structures Through Controlled Microfluidic Reaction-Diffusion Conditions.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of functional materials that exhibit exceptional properties for diverse applications in areas such as heterogeneous catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and bio-medical applications, among others. Efforts have been devoted to produce millimeter-scale LDH structures for direct integration into functional devices. However, the controlled synthesis of self-supported continuous LDH materials with hierarchical structuring up to the millimeter scale through a straightforward one-pot reaction method remains unaddressed. Herein, it is shown that millimeter-scale self-supported LDH structures can be produced by means of a continuous flow microfluidic device in a rapid and reproducible one-pot process. Additionally, the microfluidic approach not only allows for an "on-the-fly" formation of unprecedented LDH composite structures, but also for the seamless integration of millimeter-scale LDH structures into functional devices. This method holds the potential to unlock the integrability of these materials, maintaining their performance and functionality, while diverging from conventional techniques like pelletization and densification that often compromise these aspects. This strategy will enable exciting advancements in LDH performance and functionality.

Factors of the formation of international business in modern conditions

Problem setting. The globalization of international business relations, as well as the integration and internationalization of international business structures, together with the need for continuous bilateral participation of business and the state in the formation of international economic relations, have given rise to new trends in the structural transformation of the world economy. In modern conditions, international business is one of the most important factors in the formation of GDP. It ensures the redistribution of resources between countries, promotes the growth of labor productivity, the competitiveness of enterprises, and also increases the welfare of the population. Analyses of recent researches and publications. Domestic science paid constant attention to the problems and determination of the role of international business in the modern international economy, its impact on the economic security of the state, starting from the moment Ukraine gained independence. Among the leading scientists who devoted their research to certain aspects of the mentioned problems, it is necessary to single out economists and lawyers, namely: E. M. Bilousov, N. M. Hrushchinska, I. Yu. Guzenko, M. V. Ivashchenko, Yu. M. Petrushenko, Yu. I. Pylypenko, E. V. Prushkivska, S. V. Tarasenko, K. O. Tretyakov, I. V. Yakoviuk and many others. The purpose of research is to clarify the significance of external and internal determinants of influence on the processes of formation and implementation of international business in a special period, as well as to substantiate the determination of priority directions of the economic, political, socio-cultural policy of the state to reduce the negative factors of influence on international business for the sake of post-war economic recovery. Article’s main body. The article reveals the defining aspects affecting the establishment and development of international commercial activity. The key factors shaping international business in the modern conditions of the formation of Industry 4.0, including globalization, economic, geopolitical, socio-cultural and technological aspects, have been determined. The research is conducted taking into account current trends in the global economy and the challenges faced by enterprises expanding their activities beyond their own national market. Conclusions and prospects for the development. In today’s world, international business is a complex and dynamic phenomenon, which is determined by the influence of various factors. The growth of global economic interdependence and the development of integration blocks create new opportunities and challenges for companies, prompting them to actively enter various markets. Changes in economic conditions, such as crises, geopolitical conflicts, currency fluctuations, changes in inflation rates, affect the profitability and strategies of international business. Companies must adapt to changes in the global economic environment. The instability of political conditions in different countries can affect the activities of international enterprises. Risks associated with political change require careful analysis and effective management. Adaptation of products and marketing strategies to local conditions becomes a key success factor. The rapid and constant development of technology affects innovation in international business. Companies that successfully implement technological innovations can have a competitive advantage. Effective logistics and supply chain management is becoming critical to ensure smooth execution of international operations. Improving these processes can lead to reduced costs and increased efficiency.

Dynamic Winding Process of Individualized Fibre Reinforcement Structures for Additive Manufacturing in Construction

The integration of load path compliant fibre reinforcement structures into additive manufactured concrete elements opens up new potential in the field of construction. The new design language made possible by 3D concrete printing requires reinforcement structures to be provided in a highly individual shaped manner. Digital and robot-based production processes make it possible to produce on-site, on demand, fully automated and just-in-time. In this paper, a concept for an on-site ready fibre reinforcement production is presented. Based on previous works a Dynamic Winding Machine (DWM) for the on-demand production of individualizable reinforcement strands is developed. The concept and technical functionalities of the machine are presented in detail. The functionality is validated based on the production of single reinforcement bars as well as the production of entire, additively manufactured and reinforced concrete structures. With an industrial robot and adjusted end effectors, freely shaped reinforcement structures can be produced automatically. Different concepts for the use of the DWM with mobile robots are discussed. Due to the flexibility of the process, both filigree reinforcement structures, e.g. for use in particle bed printing, and large structures, e.g. for combination with Shotcrete 3D Printing, can be produced.

Refugee and Migrant Integration in Urban Spatial Structures and City Development: Case Study of Busan, South Korea

With the increasing protracted displacements and overall worldwide migration in recent decades, local integration has been considered a durable solution. Accordingly, global agendas have recommended the inclusion of migrant populations, especially within urban frameworks, as cities have always been deemed as migrant hubs. This study examines the influence of migrant spatial integration in city development and municipal policy against the historic backdrop of Busan. From liberation (1945) to post-war industrialization (1960s–1980s), Busan experienced population surges with the inflow of refugees and migrants that historically changed government policies and urban development plans. Based on archival research, secondary data, and GIS mapping, this study explores the influence of migrant populations on the city demographics, physical development, and housing initiatives during different periods. The findings of this study highlight the “local turn” in migrant spatial integration and the production of new urban geographies that portray “humanitarian” and “migrant” urbanism, thereby offering insights into sustainable urban futures for migrant and displaced populations.

Health care in future community: innovatively discover and respond to the needs of today's seniors.

In the context of the digital economy, the emergence and application of emerging technologies have accelerated the integration of traditional social structures with new technologies, leading to the inception of the "Future Community" as an innovative urban unit. With an aging population's rapid and sustained rise, integrating health care for older adults with modern information technology is gradually moving towards holistic governance. This approach utilizes the Future Community as a medium and aims for quality enhancement and increased efficiency, which instrumentally addresses the diversified health care needs of China's aging era. In this study, we employed a questionnaire survey method that covered 11 communities in Tianjin City to understand better the current status and characteristics of their health care services. The survey results show that the means of community health care for older adults are gradually being upgraded, and the demands are shifting. Then, we arrive at three conclusions: firstly, technological innovation and smart approaches have the potential to positively influence the quality of health care in these communities. Secondly, allocating health care resources within communities can have a salutary effect on the psychological well-being of seniors. Thirdly, actively involving seniors in community life and governance can elevate their self-worth. At last, in conjunction with current challenges, we think that deepening multi-party collaboration, educating specialized talents, and bridging the "digital gap" would be effective ways to establish a future community for seniors.

Investigation of SAR reduction and gain enhancement using an all-textile antenna with metamaterial structure for wireless body area network applications

This work presents a wideband, low-profile, and flexible antenna that incorporates metamaterial (MTM) structures and textile materials. The antenna design is simulated using CST Microwave Studio, incorporating flexible textile elements such as a felt substrate and conductive fabric. The developed antenna's performance was examined numerically in free space and on a human body. The antenna with MTM technology operates in the ultra-wideband (UWB) with a bandwidth ranging from 3.86 to 13 GHz. It possesses a low profile with a thickness of 5.34 mm, making it suitable for applications in wireless body area networks (WBAN). Through the integration of metamaterial structures, the antenna's gain is enhanced, reaching 8.85 dBi compared to the initial gain of 5.34 dBi. Notably, the gain consistently exceeds 6 dBi across the entire UWB range, indicating focused power in a specific direction. For applications on the human body, specific absorption rate (SAR) values were calculated and found to be well within safety limits defined by European standards. This ensures minimal back radiation when the antenna is worn on the body, enhancing signal transmission range in WBAN applications.

Strategies for Building Morality in the Physical Education Classroom

Public school is viewed as an optimal setting to enhance a student’s personal and social behaviors. Specifically, the school setting has potential to provide a positive influential environment to develop character (i.e., moral values), such as demonstrating respect, responsibility, honesty and integrity. Even though schools provide the framework to reinforce moral values, students at every level of education (i.e., elementary, middle school, high school) are demonstrating signs of moral decline. Quality integration of moral value structures within the school classroom can be accomplished while addressing standards-based curricular goals. Research interventions on the integration of moral value structures in schools, and specifically physical education, suggest improvements in student moral behavior inside and outside of school settings. Within physical education, moral issues naturally arise. Additionally, one of the major goals of physical education is to address the affective learning domain. The affective domain includes many facets of moral development including, but not limited to, demonstrating integrity, honesty, cooperation and respect. However, research suggests that unless moral development strategies are intentionally addressed, students’ moral maturation process will not likely occur. Thus, the purpose of this article is to inspire K–12 physical education teachers to integrate moral development strategies into their classrooms. Included are strategies to help physical education teachers be moral mentors for their students and develop a moral community in the gymnasium.

Diffusion of Private and Public Institutions: a Global Aspect

Relevance. The article is devoted to the study of global legal and illegal private structures. The relevance of this research is due to the global structural crisis, the need for scientific ways to resolve the accumulated contradictions within the framework of the functioning of the global liberal paradigm, which at the current stage of development is characterized by a general criminalization of the economy, mutual integration of private and public structures, as a result, degradation of the institution of the state with the subsequent formation of a global pyramid of private power. The purpose of the study is to identify trends in the formation of a single private transnational network structure. Objectives. This goal is achieved by performing the following tasks: identifying trends in internationalization and transnationalization of private structures, and the relationship between private and public structures on a global scale by strengthening socio-economic interaction, including through the organization of large-scale financial flows, revealing the synthesis of shadow and legal financial sectors of the global economy, analyzing the impact of legal and illegal activities the impact of private multinational companies on the global economy, studying the specifics of criminalization of the global economy in general and the financial sector in particular in the context of the global structural crisis. Methodology. The implementation of these tasks is carried out using such research methods as system analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation of results. In the course of the study, empirical and statistical data, scientific papers, reports of relevant ministries and departments in the field under consideration were systematized, the interpretation of the analysis of global socio-economic processes in the form of a flowchart was implemented. The results of the conducted research are modeling of the emerging global supranational structure. Conclusions. The tendencies of the formation of a private transnational network structure, which includes both legal (transnational banks) and illegal (transnational criminal associations) private structures, are determined. These trends can be traced at various levels of socio-economic interaction, including financial, of these structures.

Design of Multiband Microstrip Patch Antenna for Satellite Applications

In the fields of satellite communication and aerospace, the multiband microstrip patch antenna has emerged as a game-changing technology that meets crucial needs of the contemporary day. The use of this antenna is essential as the need for faster data transfer rates and wider coverage keeps rising. In this paper, a microstrip patch antenna is designed for operating into Ku band for satellite communication and aerospace communication. The antenna is operating at 15.8 GHz and in the Ku band. The antenna is designed with slot configurations on the patch, forming an 'H' shape, and on the feed, resembling a 'U' shape. The integration of these slot structures enhances the antenna's gain, achieving 7.44 dB with useful bandwidth of 3.2 GHz. Furthermore, the antenna exhibits ultrawide band properties, extending its versatility and potential applications.

A peridynamics approach to flexible multibody dynamics for fracture analysis of mechanical systems

The classical theory of continuum mechanics is formulated using partial differential equations (PDEs) that fail to describe structural discontinuities, such as cracks. This limitation motivated the development of peridynamics, reformulating the classical PDEs into integral-differential equations. In this theory, each material point interacts with its neighbours inside a characteristic length-scale through bond-interaction forces. However, while peridynamics can simulate complex multi-physics phenomena, its integration in the study of mechanical systems is still limited. This work presents a methodology that incorporates a peridynamics formulation into a planar multibody dynamics (MBD) formulation to allow the integration of flexible structures described by peridynamics into mechanical systems. A flexible body is described by a collection of point masses, in analogy with the meshless collocation scheme commonly used for peridynamics discretisations. Each point mass interacts with other point masses through nonlinear forces governed by a bond-based peridynamics (BBPD) formulation. The virtual bodies methodology enables the definition of kinematic joints connecting the flexible body with the neighbouring bodies. The implementation of the methodology proposed is illustrated using various mechanisms with different levels of complexity. Notched plates subjected to different loading conditions are compared with the results presented in the literature of the peridynamics field. The deformations of a flexible slider-crank mechanism compare well with the results obtained using a classical flexible MBD formulation. Additionally, three scenarios involving a rotating pendulum illustrate how the methodology proposed allows simulating impact scenarios. The results demonstrate how this methodology is capable to successfully simulate highly nonlinear phenomena, including crack propagation, in a multibody framework.

A dynamical adaptation model of visual spatiotemporal processing in cones and horizontal cells

In this work, we introduce a phenomenological model for the cone-horizontal cell assembly, including spatial integration and formation of receptive field-like structures. The model extends our previous dynamical adaptation description with gain control accounting for processes in single cones, valid in severe nonlinear regimes. Here, a spatially extended feedback mechanism is introduced from horizontal cells to cones to account for experimental evidence, contributing thus to the development of a center–surround receptive field in cones and downstream bipolar cells. Feedback gain is defined on different spatial scales by weighting spatial filters: a short scale accounting for cone input to the feedback mechanism and a large scale driven by the syncytium characteristics of horizontal cells. A third spatial scale improves the description, mimicking neighboring cone–cone coupling. This overall spatial integration couples to temporal signal processing, thus obtaining a spatiotemporal model of outer retina responses capable of reproducing nonlinear features in both dimensions (space and time). The model was tested and validated using measurements on horizontal cells from different studies, with excellent performance. By its phenomenological nature, signal processing properties are inferred from model parameters. The model can be used in arrays of processing units with more complex incoming patterns of visual stimuli.

From Theory to Implementation in Practice: A Qualitative Case Study of the Implementation of Virtual Reality in Mental Healthcare

AbstractWhile virtual reality (VR) shows much promise for treatment of psychiatric disorders, it is not widely used in practice. Models as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) can be used to guide implementation, but not much is known about how to translate these models into concrete implementation processes. To identify relevant implementation factors, accompanying objectives and strategies, and points of improvement for the implementation of VR in mental healthcare. This case study took place at two organizations for mental healthcare. In Phase 1, an implementation plan with factors, objectives and strategies was developed based on the CFIR, previous research, and experiences from practice. In Phase 2, therapists’ experiences with the implementation process were identified via interviews. Deductive coding with the previously identified factors was used to investigate if and how the factors were experienced and to identify points of improvement regarding the accompanying objectives and strategies. Implementation factors, objectives, and strategies were identified for five domains: characteristics of therapists, patients, the intervention, inner setting and outer setting. In the interviews, few factors related to patients and the outer setting were identified. Points of improvement were related to available time for using VR, suitable skills training, and integration in treatment protocols and organizational structures. Our study showed that most formulated implementation factors were experienced by participants, but that there was room for improvement. Our findings underline the need for systematic and iterative development of multi-level implementation interventions, inspired by theories and framework from behavioural sciences.

A Planar Dual Notched Band Vivaldi Antenna for Wireless Communication Applications

With the aim of realizing a Vivaldi Antenna (VA) with stop bands for wireless communication applications, this paper introduces a novel, uncomplicated, easily fabricated, and compact planar VA featuring two distinctive rejected frequency bands. The designed VA is engraved onto an FR4-epoxy substrate, measuring 0.4243λ0×0.4296λ0 ×0.01315λ0 at 2.63 GHz. The integration of dual notched band functionality is ingeniously achieved through the implementation of a simple additional strip and a U-formed slit. A physical prototype of the VA was successfully constructed and meticulously measured with the R&S®ZNB Vector Network Analyser. The measured impedance bandwidth demonstrates that the realised VA operates from 2.63 GHz to beyond 12 GHz while effectively excluding two bands: 3.46-4.16 GHz (18.37 %) and 5.32-6.5 GHz (19.97 %). Simulated results indicate that the designed VA can provide stable unidirectional radiation patterns, reasonable realized gain, and acceptable radiation efficiency across its operating ranges, with notable drops observed at the two notched bands. As a result, these findings highlight the practical value of the designed VA for wireless communication applications, particularly in scenarios where the integration of filtering structures in antennas becomes essential to prevent interference with co-existing systems. The presented VA opens new avenues for enhancing wireless communication performance, catering to the increasing demand for reliable and interference-resistant solutions.

An Automated Parametric Surface Patch-Based Construction Method for Smooth Lattice Structures with Irregular Topologies

Additive manufacturing enables the realization of complex component designs that cannot be achieved with conventional processes, such as the integration of cellular structures, such as lattice structures, for weight reduction. To include lattice structures in component designs, an automated algorithm compatible with conventional CAD that is able to handle various lattice topologies as well as variable local shape parameters such as strut radii is required. Smooth node transitions are desired due to their advantages in terms of reduced stress concentrations and improved fatigue performance. The surface patch-based algorithm developed in this work is able to solidify given lattice frames to smooth lattice structures without manual construction steps. The algorithm requires only a few seconds of sketching time for each node and favours parallelisation. Automated special-case workarounds as well as fallback mechanisms are considered for non-standard inputs. The algorithm is demonstrated on irregular lattice topologies and applied for the construction of a lattice infill of an aircraft component that was additively manufactured.