Engineering Technology Research Articles

Health professionals involved in diabetic foot and their tasks in a country without podiatrists: From a Japanese Nationwide Survey.

Although there are no podiatrists in 85% of countries worldwide, how diabetic foot is managed in those countries is still unknown. We sought to identify the health professionals involved in diabetic foot and their tasks in Japan, where no podiatrists exist. This cross-sectional study used the Japanese Nationwide Survey on Foot Ulcer Management dataset, consisting of 249 medical doctors and 680 allied health professionals. The types of health professionals involved in the diabetic foot were identified, and the tasks performed by each professional were compared within subgroups (medical doctors and allied health professionals). We found that the primary medical doctors involved in diabetic foot care in Japan were plastic surgeons (33.5%), dermatologists (21%), cardiovascular/vascular surgeons (15.2%), and cardiologists (12.1%). Nurses were the main allied health professionals (80%), and the rest consisted of prosthetists/orthotists (7.6%), physical/occupational therapists (5.9%), and clinical engineering technologists (3.6%). Medical doctors performed tasks related to their specialties significantly more than others (p < 0.001); however, they also engaged in tasks outside of their specialty, such as plastic surgeons performing preventive foot care (72%). Among allied health professionals, clinical engineering technologists performed more vascular assessments (p < 0.001), and half were engaged in wound management, preventive foot care, and self-foot care education. In conclusion, the type and proportion of health professionals in our study differed from those in countries with podiatrists, and many performed tasks outside their specialties. This is the first nationwide cross-sectional study of diabetic foot care in a country without podiatrists and is unique in examining multiple specialists/professionals in one study.

Scaffold design considerations for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) represents a serious clinical and public health problem due to its high incurrence and poor spontaneous recovery. Compared to autograft, which is still the best current practice for long-gap peripheral nerve defects in clinics, the use of polymer-based biodegradable nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) has been gaining momentum as an alternative to guide the repair of severe PNI without the need of secondary surgery and donor nerve tissue. However, simple hollow cylindrical tubes can barely outperform autograft in terms of the regenerative efficiency especially in critical sized PNI. With the rapid development of tissue engineering technology and materials science, various functionalized NGCs have emerged to enhance nerve regeneration over the past decades. From the aspect of scaffold design considerations, with a specific focus on biodegradable polymers, this review aims to summarize the recent advances in NGCs by addressing the onerous demands of biomaterial selections, structural designs, and manufacturing techniques that contributes to the biocompatibility, degradation rate, mechanical properties, drug encapsulation and release efficiency, immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and the overall nerve regeneration potential of NGCs. In addition, several commercially available NGCs along with their regulation pathways and clinical applications are compared and discussed. Lastly, we discuss the current challenges and future directions attempting to provide inspiration for the future design of ideal NGCs that can completely cure long-gap peripheral nerve defects.&#xD.

Towards the development of sensation-enabled skin substitutes.

Recent advances in cell and biofabrication technologies have contributed to the development of complex human organs. In particular, several skin substitutes are being generated using tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) technologies. However, recent studies mainly focus on the restoration of the dermis and epidermis layers rather than the regeneration of a fully functional innervated skin organ. Innervation is a critical step in functional tissue repair which has been overlooked in the current TERM studies. In the current study, we highlight the importance of sensation in the skin as the largest sensory organ in the human body. In large non-healing skin wounds, the skin sensation is severely diminished or completely lost and ultimately lead to chronic pain and wound healing process interruption. Current therapeutics for restoring skin sensation after trauma are limited. Recent regenerative medicine-based studies could successfully induce neural networks in skin substitutes, but the effectiveness of these technologies in enhancing sensory capability needs further investigation.

Multi-omics analysis of Populus simonii × P. nigra leaves under Hyphantria cunea stress

Poplar is an important greening and timber tree species in China, which has great economic and ecological values. However, the spread of Hyphantria cunea has become increasingly serious in recent years, resulting in huge economic loss of poplar production. Exploring the molecular mechanism of poplar reponse to H. cunea stress has significant implications for future development of new insect-resistant poplar varieties using genetic engineering technology. In this study, a total of 1039 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 106 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 212 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were screened from Populus simonii × P. nigra leaves under H. cunea stress by transcriptome, proteomics and metabolomics analysis, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the DEGs and DEPs are associated with endopeptidase inhibitor activity, stress response, α-linolenic acid metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolic pathways, cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways and MAKP signaling pathway. Metabolomics analysis showed the most of DEMs were lipids and lipid molecules, and the pathways associated with transcriptome mainly include plant hormone signal transduction, α-linolenic acid metabolic pathway, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In particular, multi-omics analysis showed that several pathways such as α-linolenic acid metabolic, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolic pathway and cysteine and methionine metabolic pathway were significantly enriched in the three omics, which may play an important role in the resistance to pests in poplar.

Climate and air quality impact of using ammonia as an alternative shipping fuel

As carbon-free fuel, ammonia has been proposed as an alternative fuel to facilitate maritime decarbonization. Deployment of ammonia-powered ships is proposed as soon as 2024. However, NO x , NH3 and N2O from ammonia combustion could impact air quality and climate. In this study, we assess whether and under what conditions switching to ammonia fuel might affect climate and air quality. We use a bottom–up approach combining ammonia engine experiment results and ship track data to estimate global tailpipe NO x , NH3 and N2O emissions from ammonia-powered ships with two possible engine technologies (NH3–H2 (high NO x , low NH3 emissions) vs pure NH3 (low NO x , very high NH3 emissions) combustion) under three emission regulation scenarios (with corresponding assumptions in emission control technologies), and simulate their air quality impacts using GEOS–Chem high performance global chemical transport model. We find that the tailpipe N2O emissions from ammonia-powered ships have climate impacts equivalent to 5.8% of current shipping CO2 emissions. Globally, switching to NH3–H2 engines avoids 16 900 mortalities from PM2.5 and 16 200 mortalities from O3 annually, while the unburnt NH3 emissions (82.0 Tg NH3 yr−1) from pure NH3 engines could lead to 668 100 additional mortalities from PM2.5 annually under current legislation. Requiring NH3 scrubbing within current emission control areas leads to smaller improvements in PM2.5-related mortalities (22 100 avoided mortalities for NH3–H2 and 623 900 additional mortalities for pure NH3 annually), while extending both Tier III NO x standard and NH3 scrubbing requirements globally leads to larger improvement in PM2.5-related mortalities associated with a switch to ammonia-powered ships (66 500 avoided mortalities for NH3–H2 and 1200 additional mortalities for pure NH3 annually). Our findings suggest that while switching to ammonia fuel would reduce tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, stringent ammonia emission control is required to mitigate the potential adverse effects on air quality.

The denitrification characteristics of Na2S2O8 solution in a falling film reactor

ABSTRACT Wet scrubbing technology is an effective emission control technology for marine diesel engines. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the main component of ship emissions, the sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) can facilitate the NO mass transfer process to a rapid reaction. Falling film reactors are widely used in rapid gas–liquid reactions, however, the reaction characteristics of denitrification using Na2S2O8 solution in a falling film reactor are not clear, which were investigated in this paper. The factors of NO mass transfer flux were tested with the liquid–gas ratio of 15 L/m3. The effects of solution properties and temperatures on the reaction driving force were studied by calculating the chemical reaction equilibrium constants and Gibbs free energy changes. The results showed that the NO mass transfer flux increased with the increase of temperature, Na2S2O8 concentration, O2 concentration and NO concentration. NO mass transfer flux increased by 41.00% and then decreased by 2.12% as the pH value increased from 7 to 10 and then rising to 12. The Gibbs free energy changes of alkaline solutions were 114.22%−130.99% lower than those of acidic solution at 303–343 K, and the chemical reaction equilibrium constants were higher. Na2S2O8/seawater system has great application potential in marine exhaust gas purification.

3D Porous Polymer Scaffold-Conjugated KGF-Mimetic Peptide Promotes Functional Skin Regeneration in Chronic Diabetic Wounds.

The re-epithelialization process gets severely dysregulated in chronic nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers/wounds. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF or FGF-7) is the major modulator of the re-epithelialization process, which regulates the physiological phenotypes of cutaneous keratinocytes. The existing therapeutic strategies of growth factor administration have several limitations. To overcome these, we have designed a KGF-mimetic peptide (KGFp, 13mer) based on the receptor interaction sites in murine KGF. KGFp enhanced migration and transdifferentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs toward keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs). A significant increase in the expression of skin-specific markers Bnc1 (28.5-fold), Ck5 (14.6-fold), Ck14 (26.1-fold), Ck10 (187.7-fold), and epithelial markers EpCam (23.3-fold) and Cdh1 (64.2-fold) was associated with the activation of ERK1/2 and STAT3 molecular signaling in the KLCs. Further, to enhance the stability of KGFp in the wound microenvironment, it was conjugated to biocompatible 3D porous polymer scaffolds without compromising its active binding sites followed by chemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetry. In vitro evaluation of the KGFp-conjugated 3D polymer scaffolds revealed its potential for transdifferentiation of MSCs into KLCs. Transplantation of allogeneic MSCGFP using KGFp-conjugated 3D polymer scaffolds in chronic nonhealing type 2 diabetic wounds (db/db transgenic, 50-52 weeks old male mice) significantly enhanced re-epithelialization-mediated wound closure rate (79.3%) as compared to the control groups (Untransplanted -22.4%, MSCGFP-3D polymer scaffold -38.5%). Thus, KGFp-conjugated 3D porous polymer scaffolds drive the fate of the MSCs toward keratinocytes that may serve as potential stem cell delivery platform technology for tissue engineering and transplantation.

Genetic engineering and genome editing technologies as catalyst for Africa’s food security: the case of plant biotechnology in Nigeria

Many African countries are unable to meet the food demands of their growing population and the situation is worsened by climate change and disease outbreaks. This issue of food insecurity may lead to a crisis of epic proportion if effective measures are not in place to make more food available. Thus, deploying biotechnology towards the improvement of existing crop varieties for tolerance or resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses is crucial to increasing crop production. In order to optimize crop production, several African countries have implemented strategies to make the most of this innovative technology. For example, Nigerian government has implemented the National Biotechnology Policy to facilitate capacity building, research, bioresource development and commercialization of biotechnology products for over two decades. Several government ministries, research centers, universities, and agencies have worked together to implement the policy, resulting in the release of some genetically modified crops to farmers for cultivation and Commercialization, which is a significant accomplishment. However, the transgenic crops were only brought to Nigeria for confined field trials; the manufacturing of the transgenic crops took place outside the country. This may have contributed to the suspicion of pressure groups and embolden proponents of biotechnology as an alien technology. Likewise, this may also be the underlying issue preventing the adoption of biotechnology products in other African countries. It is therefore necessary that African universities develop capacity in various aspects of biotechnology, to continuously train indigenous scientists who can generate innovative ideas tailored towards solving problems that are peculiar to respective country. Therefore, this study intends to establish the role of genetic engineering and genome editing towards the achievement of food security in Africa while using Nigeria as a case study. In our opinion, biotechnology approaches will not only complement conventional breeding methods in the pursuit of crop improvements, but it remains a viable and sustainable means of tackling specific issues hindering optimal crop production. Furthermore, we suggest that financial institutions should offer low-interest loans to new businesses. In order to promote the growth of biotechnology products, especially through the creation of jobs and revenues through molecular farming.

Genetic engineering and genome editing technologies as catalyst for Africa’s food security: the case of plant biotechnology in Nigeria

Many African countries are unable to meet the food demands of their growing population and the situation is worsened by climate change and disease outbreaks. This issue of food insecurity may lead to a crisis of epic proportion if effective measures are not in place to make more food available. Thus, deploying biotechnology towards the improvement of existing crop varieties for tolerance or resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses is crucial to increasing crop production. In order to optimize crop production, several African countries have implemented strategies to make the most of this innovative technology. For example, Nigerian government has implemented the National Biotechnology Policy to facilitate capacity building, research, bioresource development and commercialization of biotechnology products for over two decades. Several government ministries, research centers, universities, and agencies have worked together to implement the policy, resulting in the release of some genetically modified crops to farmers for cultivation and Commercialization, which is a significant accomplishment. However, the transgenic crops were only brought to Nigeria for confined field trials; the manufacturing of the transgenic crops took place outside the country. This may have contributed to the suspicion of pressure groups and embolden proponents of biotechnology as an alien technology. Likewise, this may also be the underlying issue preventing the adoption of biotechnology products in other African countries. It is therefore necessary that African universities develop capacity in various aspects of biotechnology, to continuously train indigenous scientists who can generate innovative ideas tailored towards solving problems that are peculiar to respective country. Therefore, this study intends to establish the role of genetic engineering and genome editing towards the achievement of food security in Africa while using Nigeria as a case study. In our opinion, biotechnology approaches will not only complement conventional breeding methods in the pursuit of crop improvements, but it remains a viable and sustainable means of tackling specific issues hindering optimal crop production. Furthermore, we suggest that financial institutions should offer low-interest loans to new businesses. In order to promote the growth of biotechnology products, especially through the creation of jobs and revenues through molecular farming.

A geopolitics of the diaspora of British engineers in South America in the first half of the 20th century: the cases of the Institution of Locomotive Engineers centre in Argentina

A geopolitics of the diaspora of British engineers in South America in the first half of the 20th century: the cases of the Institution of Locomotive Engineers centre in Argentina

Experimental investigation of camless air engine to improve performance by the novel controller and exhaust pressure predicting technique

In the face of the climate crisis, hike in prices of petroleum products, and limited gasoline sources, it is imperative to explore the possible opportunities in the field of energy transformation technology. Non-conventional and non-hazardous green fuel-air engine technology has proven to have a promising future in propulsion technology. In the air engine, the camless mechanism has created scope for research by replacement option of cam-follower with variable valve train (solenoid valve), which can be controlled electronically. In this paper, work is done on the operational parameters (i.e., cycle time, flow rate, and crank position) of camless air engines and proposed a controlling mechanism with experimental results to improve the system's efficiency. Control of intake duration maximizes the utilization of input compressed air power by allowing the optimum amount of air to expand fully. The novel controller was designed, developed, and tested, which controls the engine intake duration by estimating exhaust pressure. A prototype model was built with an electronic control circuit and pneumatic system, which records signals of operational parameters with the help of feedback sensors and controls the engine's intake duration at different operating pressure ranging from 3 to 6.5 bar. Experiments were conducted, and the results of two cycles were compared, case-I, where compressed air is continuously supplied from 0° to 170° of crank angle, and case-II controlled cycle, which controls intake duration by estimating exhaust pressure. Results show the average efficiency improvement of 11.91 % in case-II compared to case-I and also improvement in work done and RPM (Revolution per Minute) of the cycle. Thus, the control system in a camless air engine increases the feasibility of the air engine as one of the propulsion technologies in a city vehicle and even in the Compressed Air Energy Storage System (CAES).

BIOREALIZATION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES FOR CANCER DIAGNOSIS: IMPACT ON THE HEALTH SYSTEM

This article delves into the analysis of the impact of bio-realization engineering technologies on cancer diagnostic processes within the contemporary healthcare system. The objective of the article is to identify the potential of molecular-genetic testing and other bio-realization methods in enhancing diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic approaches for oncological diseases. To achieve this goal, general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis of existing research in this field are utilized, including a review of scientific literature and a critical analysis of the results of experimental studies. The findings confirm the significant impact of bio-realization engineering technologies on the advancement of cancer diagnostics. Specifically, molecular-genetic testing opens new avenues for early detection and personalized treatment approaches for cancer, based on the genetic characteristics of tumors. These technologies are particularly valuable for countries with limited medical resources, as they offer cost-effective and efficient solutions that provide broader access to quality diagnostic services. They also contribute to improving the overall efficacy of treatment strategies and optimizing medical research, reducing the burden on medical staff. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of their application in the development of new diagnostic tools and techniques aimed at enhancing the accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency of cancer treatment. This, in turn, may contribute to reducing mortality from oncological diseases and improving patients' quality of life. Bio-realization engineering technologies, particularly molecular-genetic testing, play a pivotal role in modern oncological diagnostics, offering promising opportunities for the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for cancer. Their integration into the healthcare system enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment accessibility, and the overall level of medical services, opening new horizons in the fight against oncological diseases.

Impact of Mid-to-Low-Ash, Low-Viscosity Lubricants on Aftertreatment Systems after 210,000-Kilometer Real-World Road Endurance Trials

Engine lubricants globally face the challenge of meeting the demands of new engine technologies while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Lubricants must enhance their performance and sustainability, improve reliability in complex and harsh environments, and minimize environmental impact and health risks. This study explores the influence of two different formulations of low viscosity lubricants, tested through actual road endurance trials, on a hybrid vehicle’s aftertreatment system performance and overall emission levels. The study includes 120,000 km of endurance testing in four different challenging environments in China, as well as 90,000 km of endurance testing in a typical urban and highway driving cycle in a large city. Results indicate that emissions from the test vehicles during the 120,000 km and 210,000 km durable Worldwide harmonized Light vehicle Test Cycles (WLTCs) meet China’s Stage 6 light-duty vehicle emission standards, with the 210,000 km Real Driving Emission test (RDE) results also conforming to these standards. Relative to fresh TWC, the light-off temperature increased by a mere 60 °C, and the oxygen storage capacity declined by around 19% following endurance testing. Additionally, the GPF exhibited satisfactory performance after 210,000 km of endurance testing, showing lower backpressure values compared to the fresh-coated samples, with no notable ash buildup observed in the substrate. Drawing on the outcomes of actual road endurance testing, this study illustrates that employing low-to-mid-ash-content, low-viscosity lubricants is both compatible and reliable for aftertreatment systems in present or advanced hybrid technologies. Premium lubricants facilitate vehicles in sustaining compliant and stable emission performance, even amid harsh environments and complex operating conditions. Furthermore, the tested lubricants effectively inhibit excessive aging of the aftertreatment system over prolonged mileage. Moreover, this study discusses the feasibility of rapid aging evaluation methods for aftertreatment systems based on engine test benches, juxtaposed with actual road endurance testing. These findings and conclusions offer crucial references and guidance for enhancing lubricant performance and sustainability. Subsequent studies can delve deeper into the correlation between lubricant performance and environmental impact, alongside optimization strategies for lubricants across various vehicle models and usage scenarios.

Emerging Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Technologies, and Applications

The closing Editorial of this comprehensive special collection presents the journey from this project’s inception to the publication of around five dozen outstanding studies that have been a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collective wisdom of the global agricultural engineering community [...]

Progress of GaN-Based E-mode HEMTs

Abstract With the continuous improvement of the power density and operating frequency in power conversion systems, it is necessary to develop the new power electronic products with better performances than the conventional semiconductors. As a typical representative of the wide-bandgap semiconductors, gallium nitride (GaN)-based heterostructure has unique high-density two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) and hence can be used to fabricate the fast high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with low power loss. Therefore, they are considered as a promising candidate for the next-generation power devices to improve the switching efficiency and speed. Compared with the depletion mode (D-mode, also known as normally-on) devices, the enhancement-mode (E-mode, also known as normally-off) devices have the advantages of safety, energy-saving, and better circuit topology design, making them more attractive for industry applications. In this paper, the different structure schemes and fabrication technologies of the GaN-based E-mode HEMTs are reviewed and summarized. Their technical characteristics are systematically compared. The influences of material epitaxial structure, ohmic contact, material etching, field plate design, and passivation process on the device performances are discussed in detail wherein the fabrication process of the recessed-gate MIS-HEMTs are emphatically illustrated, focusing on the interface treatment technology and dielectric engineering. In addition, the complicated reliability issues and physical mechanisms in the E-mode HEMTs induced by high temperature, high voltage, and high frequency switching are introduced and discussed. Finally, the potential technical solutions are proposed and the future application fields of GaN-based E-mode HEMTs are prospected.

Hypoimmunogenic human iPSCs expressing HLA-G, PD-L1, and PD-L2 evade innate and adaptive immunity

BackgroundThe human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can generate all the cells composing the human body, theoretically. Therefore, hiPSCs are thought to be a candidate source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. The major challenge of allogeneic hiPSC-derived cell products is their immunogenicity. The hypoimmunogenic cell strategy is allogenic cell therapy without using immune suppressants. Advances in gene engineering technology now permit the generation of hypoimmunogenic cells to avoid allogeneic immune rejection. In this study, we generated a hypoimmunogenic hiPSC (HyPSC) clone that had diminished expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class Ia and class II and expressed immune checkpoint molecules and a safety switch.MethodsFirst, we generated HLA class Ia and class II double knockout (HLA class Ia/II DKO) hiPSCs. Then, a HyPSC clone was generated by introducing exogenous β-2-microglobulin (B2M), HLA-G, PD-L1, and PD-L2 genes, and the Rapamycin-activated Caspase 9 (RapaCasp9)-based suicide gene as a safety switch into the HLA class Ia/II DKO hiPSCs. The characteristics and immunogenicity of the HyPSCs and their derivatives were analyzed.ResultsWe found that the expression of HLA-G on the cell surface can be enhanced by introducing the exogenous HLA-G gene along with B2M gene into HLA class Ia/II DKO hiPSCs. The HyPSCs retained a normal karyotype and had the characteristics of pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, the HyPSCs could differentiate into cells of all three germ layer lineages including CD45+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), functional endothelial cells, and hepatocytes. The HyPSCs-derived HPCs exhibited the ability to evade innate and adaptive immunity. Further, we demonstrated that RapaCasp9 could be used as a safety switch in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionThe HLA class Ia/II DKO hiPSCs armed with HLA-G, PD-L1, PD-L2, and RapaCasp9 molecules are a potential source of stem cells for allogeneic transplantation.

Development of a laboratory complex for measuring the condensation of atmospheric water vapors

This article presents the results of an experimental study of multiphase flows focusing on the influence of convective condensation of atmospheric water vapour on heat and mass transfer. The primary emphasis is on developing a laboratory setup capable of directly measuring the condensation rate of atmospheric water vapour on a water surface. Such an approach provides the opportunity to obtain more precise and reliable data on convective condensation and its impact on the water balance under various conditions. The experimental results revealed a nonlinear relationship between the condensation rate and the moisture excess, which differs from the linear relationship described by Dalton's law. This deviation was thoroughly examined, and a linear relationship between downward molecular flows and the forces induced by differences in relative humidity concentrations in the convective layer was proposed. The estimated average values of the condensation rate obtained in the experiments were 0.017 L/m²·hour, which, according to estimations, accounts for the condensation flux of water from the atmosphere to the ocean, consistent with the precipitation-evaporation balance in the land-ocean water balance. This information helps to more accurately determine the role of convective condensation in the water balance, contributing to refining assessments of water balance components in various watersheds. The results of this study have practical significance for hydrologists, climatologists, and experts in thermohydraulics and energy engineering. The proposed approaches and methods for measuring convective condensation of atmospheric water vapour can be applicable in various engineering systems and technologies to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of water balance calculations and forecasts.

Construction, Features and Regulatory Aspects of Organ-chip for Drug Delivery Applications: Advances and Prospective

Abstract: Organ-on-chip is an innovative technique that emerged from tissue engineering and microfluidic technologies. Organ-on-chip devices (OoCs) are anticipated to provide efficient explanations for dealing with challenges in pharmaceutical advancement and individualized illness therapies. Organ-on-chip is an advanced method that can replicate human organs' physiological conditions and functions on a small chip. It possesses the capacity to greatly transform the drug development process by enabling the simulation of diseases and the testing of drugs. Effective integration of this advanced technical platform with common pharmaceutical and medical contexts is still a challenge. Microfluidic technology, a micro-level technique, has become a potent tool for biomedical engineering research. As a result, it has revolutionized disciplines, including physiological material interpreting, compound detection, cell-based assay, tissue engineering, biological diagnostics, and pharmaceutical identification. This article aims to offer an overview of newly developed organ-on-a-chip systems. It includes single-organ platforms, emphasizing the most researched organs, including the heart, liver, blood arteries, and lungs. Subsequently, it provides a concise overview of tumor-on-a-chip systems and emphasizes their use in evaluating anti-cancer medications.

Dynamic Interactions: Non-Integer-Order Heat-Mass Transfer in Magnetohydrodynamic Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluid over Inclined Plates

The heat and mass transfer phenomenon in the presence of a moving magnetic field has a wide range of applications, spanning from industrial processes to environmental engineering and energy conversion technologies. Understanding these interactions enables the optimization of various processes and the development of innovative technologies. This manuscript is about a non-integer-order heat-mass transfer model for Maxwell fluid over an inclined plate in a porous medium. The MHD flow of non-Newtonian fluid over the plate due to the natural convection of the symmetric temperature field and general motion of the inclined plate is investigated. A magnetic field is applied with a certain angle to the plate, and it can either be fixed in place or move along with the plate as it moves. Our model equations are linear in time, and Laplace transforms form a powerful tool for analyzing and solving linear DEs and systems, while the Stehfest algorithm enables the recovery of original time domain functions from their Laplace transform. Moreover, it offers a powerful framework for handling fractional differential equations and capturing the intricate dynamics of non-Newtonian fluids under the influence of magnetic fields over inclined plates in porous media. So, the Laplace transform method and Stehfest’s numerical inversion algorithm are employed as the analytical approaches in our study for the solution to the model. Several cases for the general motion of the plate and generalized boundary conditions are discussed. A thorough parametric analysis is performed using graphical analysis, and useful conclusions are recorded that help to optimize various processes and the developments of innovative technologies.

The Future of Environmental Engineering Technology: A Disruptive Innovation Perspective

Scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations have accelerated the rate of innovation in environmental engineering technologies. However, few researchers have evaluated the current status and future trends of technologies. This paper summarizes the current research status in eight major subfields of environmental engineering—water treatment, air pollution control, soil/solid waste management, environmental biotechnology, environmental engineering equipment, emerging contaminants, synergistic reduction in pollution and carbon emissions, environmental risk, and intelligent management—based on bibliometric analysis and future trends in greenization, low carbonization, and intelligentization. Disruptive technologies are further identified based on discontinuous transformation, and ten such technologies are proposed, covering general and specific fields, technical links, and value sources. Additionally, the background and key innovations in disruptive technologies are elucidated in detail. This study not only provides a scientific basis for strategic decision-making, planning, and implementation in the environmental engineering field but also offers methodological guidance for the research and determination of breakthrough technologies in other areas.