Interdisciplinary Engineering Research Articles

Edge AI for Early Detection of Chronic Diseases and the Spread of Infectious Diseases: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Edge AI, an interdisciplinary technology that enables distributed intelligence with edge devices, is quickly becoming a critical component in early health prediction. Edge AI encompasses data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) using machine learning, deep learning, and federated learning models deployed and executed at the edge of the network, far from centralized data centers. AI enables the careful analysis of large datasets derived from multiple sources, including electronic health records, wearable devices, and demographic information, making it possible to identify intricate patterns and predict a person’s future health. Federated learning, a novel approach in AI, further enhances this prediction by enabling collaborative training of AI models on distributed edge devices while maintaining privacy. Using edge computing, data can be processed and analyzed locally, reducing latency and enabling instant decision making. This article reviews the role of Edge AI in early health prediction and highlights its potential to improve public health. Topics covered include the use of AI algorithms for early detection of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer and the use of edge computing in wearable devices to detect the spread of infectious diseases. In addition to discussing the challenges and limitations of Edge AI in early health prediction, this article emphasizes future research directions to address these concerns and the integration with existing healthcare systems and explore the full potential of these technologies in improving public health.

Understanding Lattice Oxygen Redox Behavior in Lithium‐Rich Manganese‐Based Layered Oxides for Lithium‐Ion and Lithium‐Metal Batteries from Reaction Mechanisms to Regulation Strategies

AbstractLithium‐rich manganese‐based layered oxides (LMLOs) are considered to be one type of the most promising materials for next‐generation cathodes of lithium batteries due to their distinctive anionic redox processes contributing ultrahigh capacity and energy density. Unfortunately, their practical applications are still plagued by several challenges such as undesirable interfacial reactions and structural evolution, as well as voltage hysteresis/recession, in which irreversible anionic redox behavior bears the brunt as the primacy factor. Undoubtedly, a deep understanding of anionic redox reaction mechanisms and irreversible behavior of oxygen species is crucial in order to provide essential guidance for modification strategies for LMLOs. In this paper, the fundamental understanding of intricate anionic redox reaction mechanisms from thermodynamics models to kinetic anionic redox reaction pathways is comprehensively reviewed, and the existing challenges of LMLOs related with irreversible oxygen reaction behavior are analyzed. Furthermore, numerous representative modification strategies for overcoming these challenges, coupled with their underlying mechanisms for regulating anionic redox reversibility are summarized. In addition, the aspects of multi‐scale structural modifications, integration of interdisciplinary technologies, and application in quasi‐/all‐solid‐state battery systems are given some emphasis in terms of further improvement of LMLOs‐based cathode materials for advanced lithium batteries‐based energy storage systems.

DFT-Spread Orthogonal Time Frequency Space System With Superimposed Pilots for Terahertz Integrated Sensing and Communication

Terahertz (THz) integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a promising interdisciplinary technology that realizes simultaneously transmitting Terabit-per-second (Tbps) and millimeter-level accurate environment or human activity sensing. However, both communication performance and sensing accuracy are influenced by the Doppler effects, which are especially severe in the THz band. Moreover, peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) degrades the THz power amplifier (PA) efficiency. In this paper, a discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal time frequency space (DFT-s-OTFS) system with superimposed pilots is proposed to improve the robustness to Doppler effects and reduce PAPR for THz ISAC. Then, a two-phase sensing parameter estimation algorithm is developed to integrate sensing functionality into the DFT-s-OTFS waveform. Meanwhile, a low-complexity iterative channel estimation and data detection method with a conjugate gradient based equalizer is proposed to recover the data symbols of DFT-s-OTFS. The proposed DFT-s-OTFS waveform can improve the PA efficiency by 10% on average compared to OTFS. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed two-phase sensing estimation algorithm for THz DFT-s-OTFS systems is able to realize millimeter-level range estimation accuracy and decimeter-per-second-level velocity estimation accuracy. Moreover, the effectiveness of the iterative method for data detection aided by superimposed pilots in DFT-s-OTFS systems is validated by the simulations and the bit error rate performance is not degraded by the Doppler effects.

Проектная подготовка будущих инженеров в интересах устойчивого развития

Education as the main driver of sustainable development is recognized as the motto for the forthcoming evolution of civilization. All over the world, there is an intensive search for new models of the 21st century education, engineering education in particular, that could meet the needs of the present and future generations, aimed at preserving the natural environment and resources necessary for sustaining human life. The article outlines the optimal contours for a new concept of sustainable development, which will be introduced into education in the near future. The modern content of the project training for future engineers is considered, the absence of interdisciplinary engineering project training in educational programs of various levels is noted: the case of Volgograd State Technical University (VSTU). According to the author, at the present time there are big changes in the educational programs of engineering training, and the return of engineering project training to academic interdisciplinary is in demand. In addition, interdisciplinary course/final degree projects should provide for a comprehensive socio-humanitarian expert examination of engineering design solutions, initiating students to acquire experience in environmentally and anthropologically oriented engineering and design activities that meet the needs of the time.

Current Status Of Global Engineering Education: Mini Review

This mini review addresses global engineering education, its diversity, its challenges, and its geographical disparities. Engineering education is essential to sustainable development. The review stresses the need for interdisciplinary engineering that considers social, economic, and environmental concerns. Specialised engineering education packages are increasingly emphasising sustainability. This combination gives engineers the knowledge and abilities to create solutions that meet present needs while preserving resources and future generations. Despite its importance, this brief study highlights global engineering education challenges. Access to high-quality education is unequal, favouring pupils with strong math and science backgrounds. The lack of academic and student diversity may limit perspectives and innovation. Curriculum should also adapt to rapid technological change and industry needs. Internationalising engineering education is complicated by varied standards and teaching methods in different nations, making global comparison and collaboration difficult. The review compares educational systems in India, Malaysia, the US, the UK, China, Australia, Germany, and Indonesia. Regional variances are monitored by certification authorities to ensure compliance with local industry standards. The study emphasises the need for a flexible, well-planned curriculum. Optimal curriculum should align educational goals with industry-specific competencies, be flexible to meet technological developments, and be interdisciplinary. This aims not only meet student educational and career goals but also ensure a workforce with the skills and knowledge to address today's important concerns, particularly sustainability.

Технологии ГИС при реконструкции торгово-транспортной системы Золотой Орды

The article discusses the issues concerning historical reconstruction of trade and transport system of the Golden Horde based on the data analysis with the use of geographic information systems, logistics modeling and interdisciplinary technologies.

Cryptos Control of Humanoid Intelligent Digital Twin Based on Spectral and Holographic Approaches

A person perceives his environment through the influence of various complexes of conjugated vibrations on the eyes, ears and other sensitive components of the body. The psyche and neural systems of a person form the impression of vibration impact. The mind creates a language equivalent and connects it with the impression that has formed. Communication links are formed between impressions and language equivalents. Live vibrational information involves a person in a communicative creative process. In the creative communicative process, human intelligence develops. The combination of modern interdisciplinary technologies can contribute to the creation of an intelligent digital twin, similar to humans on spectral and holographic principles, relying on achievements in the field of artificial intelligence. The digital twin fixes the effects of the environment in the form of a spectrogram, and stores the effect result in the form of a hologram. Multilayer neural network systems with additional training work with spectra and holograms and their communications. Language communications are associated with spectra, holograms and their communications. A humanoid digital twin with an ensemble of intellectual agents will be able to form and develop intelligence in interaction with similar digital twins and people.

(Invited) micro-Nanoscale Living Lasers for Healthcare Applications

Have you imagined of carrying a laser in your cell or body? Lasers are ubiquitous in our daily lives from industry, communication to medicine. The scale of lasers has also shrunk down to micron and nanoscales. As the scale of laser become smaller, the functions of lasers have also been redefined by transforming living biologicals into micro- and nanoscale lasers, so called living lasers. Such tiny lasers could therefore be used to detect or monitor critical chemical or physical signals in living cells or human body with distinctive sensitivity and intensity. In this talk, I will introduce the recent development of biological lasers and showcase how this interdisciplinary technology bridges laser physics and biology to tackle biomedical problems. In the first part, the talk will be focused on its application in detecting cancer and neurological diseases. In the second part, I will introduce how tiny lasers can be transformed with intelligent functions for information encoding and healthcare. This will cover applications including sensing at multiscales in biology, imaging in tissues, tracking and monitoring, as well as biomedical devices. Finally, discussion and outlook will be made on the strategies to pioneer novel on-chip and wearable laser devices for future medical diagnosis and bio-intelligent technology. Figure 1

Teaching embedded control system design of electromechanical devices using a lab-scale smart farming system

This article presents the design and monitoring of a lab-scale smart farming system through the integration of control and app designs that can be used for teaching embedded control application to electromechanical systems. A combination of sensors and actuators is used to develop an Arduino-based embedded feedback control system that could be implemented in a smart farming environment. Specifically, we look at controlling electromechanical devices to actuate the fan and water pump to provide the optimal temperature and moisture, respectively, to enhance plant growth in a smart farming setting. The effectiveness of the feedback control is tested by conducting a plant growth experiment. Using garden cress ( Lepidium sativum) as a case study, the plant grown in the controlled temperature and moisture settings shows substantially healthier growth compared to the one grown in the non-controlled environment. In addition, an app is designed and developed to transform the Arduino data stream from the sensors into valuable insights that could help the users to monitor and improve the overall crop health. The developed system in this paper enables students to learn integral skills from interdisciplinary engineering fields (e.g. systems, control, mechanical and computer) to solve an agricultural problem.

Data management of process plants as complex systems: systematic literature review and identification of challenges and opportunities

Abstract Led by the manufacturing industry, virtual replicas of production systems also known as digital twins (DTs) are gradually moving into all areas of industry. Their advantages are characterized by the possibility of product optimization, simulations, improved monitoring and prediction of downtimes and optimized maintenance, to name just a few. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of process plants as mechatronic systems is characterized by a high degree of project-specific modifications and interdisciplinary engineering effort with low reusability, in contrast to unit-production-driven areas such as automotive. This results in a high cost-benefit ratio for the creation of DTs over the life cycle of process plants, especially when suppliers are integrated into the value chain. The objective of this paper is to analyze the state of plant lifecycle management, data exchange and the possibilities of optimized supplier integration during the planning and EPC of process plants regarding DT creation and usage. Three research questions (RQs) were used to narrow down a total of 356 identified publications to 54, which were then examined. The papers covered a variety of topics, including combining discipline-specific models, plant management approaches and the combination of both.

Engineering thermochemistry to cope with challenges in carbon neutrality

More than 90% of anthropogenic carbon emissions are from uses of organic carbon resources and carbonate minerals that cannot be abandoned any time soon. In this context, we have realized that the most effective strategy to cope with carbon-neutral challenges is to focus on a few super-emitters, which are all associated with heat-induced or heat-driven thermochemical reactions. To assist in reducing CO2 emissions from these super-emitters, we introduce an emerging interdisciplinary Engineering Thermochemistry (ETC) that focuses on heat-induced/driven thermochemical reactions and their engineering. Combined with some exemplary processes, we demonstrate how and why ETC can play a vital role in innovating CO2 super-emitting processes to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions substantially at the scale of several billion tons. The approaches discussed in this study can help governments and researchers to establish applicable policies and develop practical techniques to meet the challenges of CO2 emission reductions toward a green and carbon-neutral future.

INTERDISCIPLINARY TECHNOLOGIES OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT PSYCHOLOGY

The article examines the presence of interdisciplinary technologies in the theory and practice of marketing and management psychology. It is substantiated that interdisciplinary technologies are used in practical activities using interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge at the intersection of sciences that have points of contact and are aimed at achieving common strategic goals. It is substantiated that the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills within the framework of marketing and management psychology comprehensively reveals the meaning of the same concepts, methods, tools, and allows to create modern interdisciplinary marketing technologies. The presence of interdisciplinary connections, which are based on an interdisciplinary approach and the complexity of knowledge from individual academic disciplines or elements of disciplines, and are actively used by various sciences that have a common interest in several directions, has been proven. This approach allows you to use various integrative theoretical approaches and practical methods in marketing and management psychology. It was found that the interdisciplinary connection between the theory and practice of marketing and management psychology is formed on the basis of management of traditional and modern concepts: strategic marketing, marketing, emotional marketing, management psychology, management of interaction with consumers, branding, marketing - MIX, company promotion and of the product to consumer markets. It is substantiated that in all modern marketing functions there are interdisciplinary connections of marketing and management psychology. It has been proven that modern marketing in practice actively uses technologies based on interdisciplinary connections and interdisciplinary approaches from marketing and management psychology, which is reflected in emotional marketing. The concept of business and marketing technologies is considered. It is proposed to introduce the concept of interdisciplinary technologies and the concept of marketing interdisciplinary technologies, which are based on interdisciplinary technologies, marketing and management psychology.

Toward best practices in embedded ethics: Suggestions for interdisciplinary technology development

With current developments in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) comes an increased focus on the ethical production and use of such novel technologies. Accordingly, a trend toward “embedded ethics” is seen in recent research, reflecting an increase in efforts to integrate social and ethical considerations in computer science education and early in the development phases of AI and robotics. What remains to be established, however, is a more concrete understanding of the best working modalities for such interdisciplinary collaborations. In this brief discussion paper, we provide reflections derived from our interdisciplinary Responsible Robotics project which integrates ethicists and social scientists at early stages of development. We put forward several suggestions on how to integrate ethics and social science within technological development. We believe these suggestions can serve as a working taxonomy of best practices for embedded ethics.

Imageable AuNP-ECM Hydrogel Tissue Implants for Regenerative Medicine.

In myocardial infarction, a blockage in one of the coronary arteries leads to ischemic conditions in the left ventricle of the myocardium and, therefore, to significant death of contractile cardiac cells. This process leads to the formation of scar tissue, which reduces heart functionality. Cardiac tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary technology that treats the injured myocardium and improves its functionality. However, in many cases, mainly when employing injectable hydrogels, the treatment may be partial because it does not fully cover the diseased area and, therefore, may not be effective and even cause conduction disorders. Here, we report a hybrid nanocomposite material composed of gold nanoparticles and an extracellular matrix-based hydrogel. Such a hybrid hydrogel could support cardiac cell growth and promote cardiac tissue assembly. After injection of the hybrid material into the diseased area of the heart, it could be efficiently imaged by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, as the scar tissue could also be detected by MRI, a distinction between the diseased area and the treatment could be made, providing information about the ability of the hydrogel to cover the scar. We envision that such a nanocomposite hydrogel may improve the accuracy of tissue engineering treatment.

Reflections on problems of educational practice in a project course design for professional authenticity, cultural relevance, and sociotechnical integration

ABSTRACT This paper examines specific problems of educational practice that I, an undergraduate engineering educator and education researcher, have encountered in creating an interdisciplinary engineering project course. I reveal my process of theorising about problems of practice to position engineering educators’ pedagogical theorising as worthy of scholarly focus. In a reflective scholarship of teaching and learning paradigm, I take the iterative design of this course as the object of inquiry, across semesters and institutional contexts. I discuss the iteration of five key dimensions of the course: (1) authenticity to engineering professional work, (2) promoting learning of teamwork skills, (3) complexities and equity dimensions of situated project-based learning environments, (4) valuing social sciences and social context reasoning for engineers, and (5) creating a responsive curriculum for students. I distil insights related to each of these dimensions. I conclude with a consideration of the interplay between these dimensions and a reflection on the form of scholarship for engineering education.

Experiencing complex stakeholder dynamics around emerging technologies: a role-play simulation

ABSTRACT This paper presents and evaluates a role-play simulation called ‘Theatrical Technology Assessment’, in which students learn about complex stakeholder dynamics around emerging technologies. This role-play combines insights from Constructive Technology Assessment, improvisational theatre and educational role-play designs. It was implemented in an online setting with bachelor students of an interdisciplinary engineering programme. Based on collected chat conversations and reflection reports in seven different simulations, we qualitatively analysed what students learned about stakeholder dynamics. The study shows that students gained novel and relevant insights regarding stakeholder perspectives on technologies, the effects of uncertainties on decision making, collective stakeholder dynamics, and strategies to steer technology development. Students considered the role-play simulations to be engaging learning experiences. The dual set-up of the role-play, with students as players and co-designers, and the integral use of improvisational theatre are novel elements of educational role-play designs.

Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Development of the Natural World Heritage Site Based on Aesthetic Value Identification: A Case Study of the Libo Karst

The conservation and sustainable tourism development of natural World Heritage has been one of the most challenging topics worldwide. One topic based on the identification of sites’ outstanding universal value is gradually forming a trend. Aesthetic value as a criteria for WH is an important driving force for the tourism development of most natural World Heritage sites and plays a vital role in the sustainable tourism development of heritage sites. However, due to the subjective consciousness involved in the assessment of aesthetic value, it is difficult to quantify. This means that the content of the protection of the aesthetic value of heritage sites is too general, and the exhibition of aesthetic value is inadequate, posing a threat to the sustainable development of heritage sites. This study selected the Libo Karst Heritage Site as the research area, identified and extracted the carriers and characteristics of the aesthetic value of the Karst heritage site through the combination of online text big data, landscape beauty evaluation, and ArcGIS spatial analysis, and analyzed the content and objectives of aesthetic value protection, clarified the scope of the conversation and tourism exhibits, and, finally, puts forward a conservation and sustainable tourism development strategy based on aesthetic value identification. This study was carried out using interdisciplinary technologies and methods, which provide a valuable reference for the construction of a quantitative evaluation system for the aesthetic value of natural World Heritage sites and the protection of outstanding universal value. This study contributes to filling the research gap regarding the comprehensive evaluation of the aesthetic value and protection and tourism development based on the outstanding aesthetic value identification of natural World Heritage sites. The strategy of cooperation between protection and sustainable tourism development based on prominent universal value recognition can be applied to other forms of conservation and development in other World Heritage sites with similar problems.

Analysis of time‐domain response of series‐parallel fractional‐order RCα and RLβ circuits based on Cole distribution function

SummaryFractional‐order circuits, which contain fractance devices ( and ) described by fractional‐order differential equations, are widely used in interdisciplinary engineering research. The application of time‐domain response (TDR) measurement increases rapidly in analyzing the characteristics of fractance devices and fractional‐order circuits. However, the previous methods are mainly focused on deducing TDR expressions of a single fractance device or series fractional‐order circuits in some specific input signals, while overlook the TDR analysis of series‐parallel fractional‐order circuits (SPFOC) that are commonly applied in modeling electrochemical impedance or electrical bioimpedance. This paper proposes a novel method to derive TDR expressions of SPFOC in an arbitrary periodic signal. First, a discretization method to represent the SPFOC as the sum of first‐order circuits is proposed in Cole distribution function, which could approximate the transfer function of fractional‐order impedance/admittance. Second, the TDR expression of SPFOC in sinusoidal input signals is deduced in inverse Laplace transform, which can be applied as the components of a general TDR expression of SPFOC in an arbitrary periodic signal based on the Fourier series theory. Finally, both TDR simulations and experiments on Cole impedance model (a basic SPFOC) are conducted to verify the proposed method, which shows excellent agreement compared to theorical analysis. This paper presents a TDR solution to SPFOC that consist of a or element. In future, the theoretical and application extension of the proposed TDR analysis method is still necessary on analysis of more general fractional‐order circuits.

Progress of polymer-based strategies in fungal disease management: Designed for different roles.

Fungal diseases have posed a great challenge to global health, but have fewer solutions compared to bacterial and viral infections. Development and application of new treatment modalities for fungi are limited by their inherent essential properties as eukaryotes. The microorganism identification and drug sensitivity analyze are limited by their proliferation rates. Moreover, there are currently no vaccines for prevention. Polymer science and related interdisciplinary technologies have revolutionized the field of fungal disease management. To date, numerous advanced polymer-based systems have been developed for management of fungal diseases, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. In this review, we provide an overview of current needs and advances in polymer-based strategies against fungal diseases. We high light various treatment modalities. Delivery systems of antifungal drugs, systems based on polymers' innate antifungal activities, and photodynamic therapies each follow their own mechanisms and unique design clues. We also discuss various prevention strategies including immunization and antifungal medical devices, and further describe point-of-care testing platforms as futuristic diagnostic and monitoring tools. The broad application of polymer-based strategies for both public and personal health management is prospected and integrated systems have become a promising direction. However, there is a gap between experimental studies and clinical translation. In future, well-designed in vivo trials should be conducted to reveal the underlying mechanisms and explore the efficacy as well as biosafety of polymer-based products.

Міждисциплінарна інтеграція ₋ головний чинник у розвитку клінічного та професійного мислення у студентів медичних закладів вищої освіти України

The purpose of the study was to reveal the essence of an integrated approach to teaching fundamental disciplines as a key factor in the professional training of medical students. Materials and methods. Analysis, generalization and systematization of scientific and methodological literature were used in the study. Results and discussion. Integration significantly changes the content and structure of modern scientific knowledge, intellectual and conceptual capabilities of certain sciences. It is the most important means of achieving the unity of knowledge in the content, structural, scientific, organizational, and pedagogical aspects. Integration in the fundamental fields arose on the background of differentiation of sciences and detailing of specialties, the growing amount of knowledge and requirements for it in each individual field. Integration between academic disciplines is aimed at deepening the interconnections between subjects and is a way to improve it. The interdisciplinary integration of basic disciplines in higher medical institutions provides for a unified approach of the teaching staff of different disciplines to solving common educational problems based on the generalization of knowledge by students. Histology, cytology, embryology and human anatomy as disciplines that study the structure and morphological variations of the human body are perceived from the viewpoint of modern science as the basis of medicine, physiology and pathology, which has been gradually formed since ancient times and up to the current day. Such a close relation between the micro- and macro-structure of the body is consistent and logical in the study of two fundamental disciplines, it becomes possible to transfer theoretical knowledge, practical skills and abilities from one discipline to another. Creating interdisciplinary connections contributes to deeper learning and repetition of previously studied material, and properly organized integration plays both an educational and an upbringing role. The interdisciplinary integration of two fundamental disciplines such as Histology, Cytology and Embryology with Human Anatomy is a necessary component of the training of a future doctor. The use of such interdisciplinary technologies for training a doctor allows to raise him/her to a qualitatively new level of clinical thinking, capable of solving the problems of medical practice in a comprehensive manner based on the wide integration of information from various disciplines. Conclusion. Interdisciplinary integration helps to increase the professional motivation of students in the first and second years of studies in higher medical education, deepens their knowledge in specialized disciplines, activates the cognitive activity of students, promotes the formation of their competencies and improves the quality of knowledge, skills and abilities