Low-cost Applications Research Articles

Piezoelectric PMS activation by ZnO embedded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane for efficient degradation of carbamazepine

The wide-spread micropollutants in water have posed severe risks to human health and eco-environment. However, the current treatment techniques generally suffer from low efficiency, high cost and unpractical application feasibility. In this study, a piezoelectric membrane was fabricated by embedding zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods with several micrometer length into polytetrafluoroethylene nanofiber membrane and applied for the removal of carbamazepine (CBZ) from water. After the sintering, the prepared membrane showed a narrower pore size distribution with the average pore size of ∼1.7 µm. The addition of ZnO nanorods could significantly improve the piezoelectric property of the membrane. During the membrane filtration, the peroxymonosulfate could be effectively activated by the prepared piezoelectric membrane with 2 % ZnO dosage to generate free radicals, achieving about 83.1 % of CBZ from water. According to the radical quenching tests and electron spin-resonance analysis, the hydroxyl radical, sulfate radical, singlet oxygen and superoxide radical greatly participated in the CBZ removal. The CBZ removal efficiency in the US/PMS/PTFE@ZnO-2 system was decreased by 18.2 % after continuous 5-cycle operation, but the performance could be easily renewed by methanol rinsing, demonstrating its attractive reusability and application potential on the efficient removal of micropollutants from water.

Development of DNA aptamers targeting B7H3 by hybrid-SELEX: an alternative to antibodies for immuno-assays

Antibodies have been extensively used in numerous applications within proteomics-based technologies, requiring high sensitivity, specificity, a broad dynamic range for detection, and precise, reproducible quantification. Seeking alternatives to antibodies due to several inherent limitations of antibodies is an area of active research of tremendous importance. Recently, aptamers have been receiving increasing attention, because they not only have all of the advantages of antibodies, but also have unique advantages, such as thermal stability, low cost, and unlimited applications. Aptamers are gaining importance in immunological studies and can potentially replace antibodies in immunoassays. B7H3, an immunoregulatory protein belonging to the B7 family, is an attractive and promising target due to its overexpression in several tumor tissues while exhibiting limited expression in normal tissues. This study employed hybrid-SELEX with next-generation sequencing to select ssDNA aptamers specifically binding to the B7H3 protein. These aptamers demonstrated versatility across various assays, including flow cytometry, dot-blot, and immunohistochemistry. Effective performance in sandwich dot-blot assays and western blot analysis suggests their potential for diagnostic applications and demonstrates their adaptability and cost-effectiveness in diverse protein detection techniques.

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY APPLIED TO THE CATALOGING OF HISTORICAL HERITAGE. A CASE STUDY OF A BUNKER IN LA LÍNEA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, SPAIN

<p>Photogrammetry is an emerging tool in architecture, conservation, cataloging, and maintenance of heritage, offering a precise and efficient methodology for generating three-dimensional digital models. This work presents a comparative study of photogrammetric methods, focused on a lowcost software application, with the aim of evaluating its effectiveness in capturing and faithfully representing architectural and cultural elements, such as the bunkers located in La Línea de la Concepción (Spain), where the seismic hazard is not neglectable. The results reveal that the method choice depends on the object being digitized. Some programs are more suitable for capturing fine details, while others excel in reconstructing more complex structures.</p>

One-step fabrication of P-Co5.47N/Co9S8@NPC heterojunction derived from saccharomycetes cerevisiae as environment-friendly bifunctional high-efficiency electrocatalysts

The one-step green preparation of heterojunction-structured bifunctional high-efficiency electrocatalysts provides a simple method for the green, low-cost, convenient and efficient application of hydrogen energy, meanwhile it is still challenging to achieve. In the present work, the phosphorus-doped two-phase heterojunction P-Co5.47N/Co9S8@NPC nanorods was synthesized on carbon cloth (CC) as a high-quality bifunctional electrode through simple one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Saccharomycetes cerevisiae were used for the non-toxic phosphorus doping and formation of a carbon nanolayer wrapping Co5.47N/Co9S8 nanorods. Compared with the single-phase electrocatalyst Co9S8@NPC NSs/CC, P-Co5.47N/Co9S8@NPC NSs/CC exhibited more excellent electrocatalytic performance which required overpotentials of 69 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), 182.5 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), 1.45 V for over water splitting (OWS) at 10 mA cm−2 in KOH solution. The designed P-Co5.47N/Co9S8@NPC NSs/CC presented multiple advantages of nanorod structure, doped structure, abundant heterointerfaces, as well as dual-phase synergy, which triggered outstanding electrocatalytic performance.

Development of high superconductor fraction (Ba, K)Fe2As2 wires with improved uniformity by two-axial rolling

Iron-based superconductors are regarded as prospective candidates for high magnetic field applications since they have very high upper critical field and low anisotropy. For practical applications, it is important to develop superconducting wires with strong current carrying capability. In this work, Cu/Ag composite sheathed (Ba, K)Fe2As2 (Ba-122) iron-based superconducting wires were fabricated by a two-axial rolling deformation process and a subsequent hot isostatic pressing (HIP) heat treatment. Compared with the previously reported Cu/Ag/Ba-122 wires prepared by groove rolling, the two-axial rolling allowed to use much thinner Cu/Ag composite sheath for wire fabrication, thus greatly increasing the filling factor of superconducting materials by about 5 times to 24 %, and lowering the volume fraction of silver down to 16 % in wires. By a comparative study on the microstructure and superconducting properties between the wires made by two-axial rolling and groove rolling processes, it is found that besides the significantly increased engineering critical current density, the former also exhibits improved homogeneity of mass distribution and uniformity of Ba-122/Ag interfaces, resulting in significantly enhanced n-values over 40 in magnetic fields up to 14 T. Our work suggests that two-axial rolling, combined with HIP processes, presents a promising approach to prepare iron-based superconducting wires with high filling factor, high uniformity and low cost for practical applications.

The Impact of the Use of e-Partogram on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: A Scoping Review.

To overcome shortcomings of the paper partograph, enhance care during labor and delivery, improve record keeping, and help decision-making, several countries have focused on adopting low-cost digital applications. This scoping review highlights the usability and current status of the digital partogram in obstetric care. We conducted a thorough search involving the databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar for relevant studies from inception till September 2023 by using the keywords "partograph", "electronic", and "obstetric" as well as the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". Based on the selection criteria, 25 studies exploring the application of electronic partographs (e-partographs) in obstetric care were included in the review. The majority of the studies examined the efficiency and reported the effectiveness of e-partographs in comparison to paper partographs. The e-partograph has also demonstrated a clear benefit in that the healthcare providers filled out the data, and a reminder mechanism was placed, which might help determine whether the labor process was normal or needed more care. Moreover, an e-partograph was simple to adopt and use for obstetric caregivers and had the potential to save time. To sum up, digital partograph produces superior results to paper partograph. The use of an e-partograph can keep deliveries on track while lowering the need for cesarean sections and prolonged labor. The e-partograph provides essential benefits to its users and also provides a warning system with audible and visual cues that might be utilized to detect difficulties during delivery.

Disposable electrochemical sensor: Highly sensitive determination of nitrofurazone antibiotic in environmental samples and pharmaceutical formulations

The study presents the successful development of a new electrochemical sensor with low cost and disposability for application in nitrofurazone detection in environmental and pharmaceutical samples. The sensors were fabricated using materials obtained from local storage and conductive carbon ink. The modification of the screen-printed electrodes with the hybrid nanomaterial based on silver nanoparticles, carbon quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes showed synergistic contributions in the nitrofurazone electrooxidation, as observed in the wide linear range (0.008 at 15.051 μM), with a sensitivity of 0.650 μA/μM. The limit of detection obtained was 4.6 nM. Differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the electrochemical and structural characteristics. Studies of possible interferences were considered with nitrofurazone in the presence of the ions and organic molecules. The results were satisfactory, with a variation of 93.3% ± 4.39% at 100% ± 2.40%. The low volume used in the analyses (50 μL), disposability, high sensibility, selectivity, and low limit of detection are advantages that make the proposed sensor an electrochemical tool of high viability for the NFZ detection in environmental matrices and pharmaceutical formulations.

Optical skyrmion laser using a wedged output coupler

Optical skyrmions are a recently demonstrated topological state of light that promise a rich set of physics and applications, in particular, material manipulation. In this work, we demonstrate a method to generate these states from a laser, which has an intermediate bimeron state, providing a route to compact, high power, and low cost skyrmion research and applications. We use a praseodymium gain medium to make red (640 nm) and orange (607 nm) Bloch-, Néel-, and anti-skyrmions, with a route to the other visible emission bands of the gain medium. This approach uses a wedged optic as the key component, which could be easily adapted to other laser gain media and laser cavity configurations, and other exotic topological states.

Multi-objective optimization of a bistable curved shell with controllable thickness based on machine learning

Bistable curved shells have become a promising low-cost application in energy absorption fields owing to recent advances in material and technology. Significant research has been conducted to improve their energy absorption effect through forward prediction and single-objective optimization. However, these approaches may not fully explore their functional potential. In this study, we propose a multi-objective optimization framework based on the principle of main objective optimization that combines neural networks and genetic algorithms. The energy absorption effect and backward snapping force of the bistable curved shell are improved synchronously. Meanwhile, a reverse design algorithm is developed to generate the preset load-displacement curve, which further expands the application of machine learning methods in the field of multi-objective optimization. The combination of machine learning and multi-objective optimization is highly effective for building meta-structures with specific performance requirements and has potential applications in solving complex optimization tasks in various fields.

Deeply Discharged, Quiescently Stable, and Long-Life Zn Anode by Spontaneous SEI Formation.

Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) are a promising candidate in safe and low-cost large-scale energy storage applications. However, significantly deteriorated cycling stability of Zn anode in high depth of charge or after long-term quiescence impedes the practical application of ZIBs. Aiming at the above issue, a spontaneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation of Zn4(OH)6SO4·xH2O (ZHS) on Zn powder is achieved in pure ZnSO4 electrolyte by facile and rational interface design. The stable and ultrathin ZHS SEI plays a crucial part in insulating water molecules and conducting Zn2+ ions, intrinsically suppressing the severe hydrogen evolution and dendrite formation on the Zn powder anode. The ZHS-Zn anode delivers a stable cycling at a high DOD of 50% for over 500h, as well as a lifespan of over 200h after 40-days of resting at a DOD of 25%. Benefiting from the high utilization of Zn anode, the energy density of the Zn-MnxV2O5 full cell is up to 118WhKg-1. This facile method can fabricate the ZHS-Zn anode as long as 1m, revealing its feasibility in large-scale production and commercialization.

Facile sol–gel synthesis process and electrochemical performance of MgNiO2 act as an electrode for supercapacitor

Abstract In this work, MgNiO2 material is prepared by a facile sol–gel method as an electrode material for supercapacitor application. The prepared MgNiO2 material is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and elemental analysis (EDS). The electronics conductivity is 1.9 × 10−4 S cm−1. The electrochemical performance of the prepared MgNiO2 material was examined in an aqueous electrolyte of 1 M KOH. The electrochemical reaction of the prepared MgNiO2 material shows the EDLC behaviour from the shapes of the CV curves. The prepared MgNiO2 nanomaterial revealed good electrochemical performance with a maximum specific capacitance of 78 F/g at a rate of current density of 0.1 A/g. The above result delivered a simple, low cost and high-performance approach for a supercapacitor application.

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PNEUMATIC OPERATED CRANE

Pneumatics is one of the most accustomed systems in these days. moment outfit and system use this type of actuating because it's truly safe, profitable, and easy to apply. Another advantage that recommends this type of actuating is the reduced loss of heat during the actuating process. Material handling systems are characterized by repetitive movements, speed and deportation control, and perfection, conditions that recommend pneumatics driving. Certain characteristics of compressed air have made this medium fairly suitable to be used in modern manufacturing and product industriousness. It's therefore important that technicians and engineers should have a good knowledge of pneumatic system, air operated gates and accessories. Keywords: Crane, Low-cost applications, mechanical advantage, pneumatics, prolusion.

Biologia de nidificação de Euglossa cordata (Apidae: Euglossini) em áreas abertas no Extremo Sul Baiano

The genus Euglossa comprises a group of approximately 110 cataloged bee species found throughout the Neotropical region. Among these species, Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus, 1758) has a wide distribution in different environments. This research aimed to analyze aspects of the nesting biology of E. cordata in open areas near Atlantic Forest fragments in the Extreme South of Bahia, Brazil. Collections were carried out using PET bottle traps, a methodology commonly employed for capturing Meliponini but adapted for the first time in this study, presenting a low cost and good applicability for studies on Euglossa bees. Ten traps were randomly distributed in open environments at the Federal Institute of Bahia. Three nests of E. cordata were found, with a total of thirteen brood cells and six female emergences in traps 2 and 3. In all nests, the cells were constructed in a circular manner and arranged close to each other. The cells were built with resin and had a scalene trapezoid shape with variations in diameter and length. Studies on bees of the Euglossini tribe, popularly known as orchid bees, often focus on males collected using odor baits. Conversely, studies on females and nesting biology are scarce. Thus, methodologies that facilitate the capture of females and Euglossini nests are extremely relevant for enhancing our understanding of the group.

Real Time Brain Signals Viewer

This paper addresses the successful integration of Emotiv EPOC and Unity for real-time visualization of brain signals, representing a significant advance in understanding and interacting with brain activity. Real-time visualization of brain signals offers fundamental opportunities in neuroscience, brain-computer interface, and cognitive therapy. Through this study, a solid methodology was established to acquire, process, and graphically represent brain signals in 2D, allowing for an immersive and research-based experience. The results, products generated and implications in areas such as BCI and cognitive therapy are presented. Additionally, future exploration of integration with virtual reality and clinical validation is proposed to advance the understanding and application of real-time brain activity. This research lays the foundation for low-cost research and applications, promoting a deeper understanding of the human mind and its interaction with technology.

Highly-Selective fluorescent Fe3O4@PPy aptasensor

Label-free nucleic acid fluorescent probes are gaining popularity due to their low cost and ease of application. However, the primary challenges associated with label-free fluorescent probes stem from their tendency to interact with other biomolecules, such as RNA, proteins, and enzymes, which results in low specificity. In this work, we have developed a simple detection platform that utilizes Fe3O4@PPy in combination with a label-free nucleic acid probe, 1,1,2,2-tetrakis[4-(2-bromo-ethoxy)phenyl]ethene (TTAPE) or Malachite Green (MG), for highly selective detection of metal ions, acetamiprid, and thrombin. Fe3O4@PPy not only adsorbs aptamers through electrostatic interactions, π–π bonding, and hydrogen bonding, but also quenches the fluorescence of the TTAPE/MG. Upon the addition of target compounds, the aptasensor separates from Fe3O4@PPy through magnetic separation. Moreover, by changing different aptamers, the aptasensor was applied to detect metal ions, acetamiprid, and thrombin, with the turned-on photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity recorded and showing linearity to the concentrations of targets. The robustness of method was demonstrated by applying it to real samples, which included vegetables (for detecting acetamiprid with LODs of 0.02 and 0.04 ng/L), serum samples (for detecting thrombin with LODs of 5.5 and 4.3 nM), and water samples (for detecting Pb2+ with an LOD of 0.17 nM). Therefore, due to its impressive selectivity and sensitivity, the Fe3O4@PPy aptasensor could be utilized as a universal detection platform for various clinical and environmental applications.

The basic characteristics of paste backfill materials based on highly active mineral admixtures: Part I. Preliminary study on flow, mechanics, hydration and microscopic properties

The cost performance of backfill materials in coal mines has long limited the widespread use of backfill technology. Therefore, developing backfill materials that are both cost-effective and high-performing is a pressing scientific issue that requires immediate attention. This study proposes replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with highly active mineral admixtures, such as mineral powder and limestone powder, to prepare a green, low-cost, and high-performance coal mine backfill material. The use of mineral admixtures can improve the performance of the backfill material while reducing its environmental impact. The proposed approach is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The study employed experimental tests and microscopic characterization methods, such as the slump test, hydration heat test, uniaxial compressive strength test, and microstructure test, to clarify the synergistic reaction mechanism of highly active mineral admixture-based paste backfill material (HAM-PBM). This clarification is helpful in regulating the macroscopic properties of hardened paste. The results show that: (1) The rheological properties of fresh HAM-PBM slurry are consistent with the Herschel-Bulkley model, and its fluidity meets the technical requirements for coal mine backfilling. The slump of fresh HAM-PBM slurry ranges from 140 to 145 mm, and the yield stress ranges from 3.188 to 12.819 Pa. (2) Highly active mineral admixtures significantly affect the early hydration process of HAM-PBM. The parameters of the hydration characteristics during the initial dissolution stage, acceleration stage, deceleration stage, and stabilization stage gradually decrease, while the duration of the induction stage gradually increases. This confirms that the early hydration activity of mineral powder (MP) and limestone powder (LF) is lower than that of OPC. (3) The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the MP series exhibits an "anti-hook" change pattern, while the UCS of the LF series shows a decreasing change pattern. The microstructure, including the number of hydration products, microscopic density, and other characteristics, follows the same change pattern as the UCS. (4) Based on the synergistic reaction mechanism of hardened slurry, it is recommended that MP replace a maximum of 10 % of OPC and LF replace a maximum of 5 % of OPC. The need for composite replacement of OPC with MP and LF is clarified, resulting in a cost-effective coal mine backfill material. This study has contributed to the national "double carbon" policy and the low-cost backfilling application of coal mines.

Preparation of biomolecular anthocyanin-immobilized plasma-cured nonwoven fibers from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and recycled cotton waste for detection of ammonia

Cotton fibers have been one of the major resources for various modern textile and non-textile industries. They are breathable, soft, and high absorbent natural fibers with a low production cost. Cotton fibers have found uses in a wide range of fields, such as medical field, automobile industry, and furniture design. However, there have been increasing demands to find out other resources for cotton production at high quality and low cost for high technological applications, such as colorimetric sensors. In this work, we provide a novel technique for plasma-induced coloring of nonwoven recycled cotton waste with an anthocyanin natural probe obtained from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to study the anthocyanin extract. Mordant was employed to bind anthocyanin to nonwoven fibers, creating an anthocyanin-mordant coordinative complex. The diameters of the anthocyanin-mordant complex particles were between 5 and 15 nm. A small coating layer of anthocyanin probe was applied to plasma-activated nonwoven cotton. Coloration parameters, absorbance spectra, and colorimetric strength (K/S) data showed that anthocyanin-finished nonwoven cotton had a detection limit of 1–250 ppb of aqueous ammonia, with a corresponding colorimetric change from purple (549 nm) to white (393 nm) due to intramolecular charge transfer. The results demonstrated satisfactory colorfastness of the anthocyanin-dyed nonwoven cotton fibers, UV blocking, and antibacterial efficacy. Promising portable colorimetric technology of anthocyanin-dyed nonwoven cotton fibers was developed for onsite detection of ammonia that can cause severely harmful effects on human organs or even death. Signs of a high surface area in the sensor material include anthocyanin-mordant complex nanoparticles and cotton microfibers.

Optimizations of structure stiffnesses and sensitivities of Y-type six-axis force/torque sensor

PurposeThe six-axis force/torque sensor based on a Y-type structure has the advantages of simple structure, small space volume, low cost and wide application prospects. To meet the overall structural stiffness requirements and sensor performance requirements in robot engineering applications, this paper aims to propose a Y-type six-axis force/torque sensor.Design/methodology/approachThe performance indicators such as each component sensitivities and stiffnesses of the sensor were selected as optimization objectives. The multiobjective optimization equations were established. A multiple quadratic response surface in ANSYS Workbench was modeled by using the central composite design experimental method. The optimal manufacturing structural parameters were obtained by using multiobjective genetic algorithm.FindingsThe sensor was optimized and the simulation results show that the overload resistance of the sensor is 200%F.S., and the axial stiffness, radial stiffness, bending stiffness and torsional stiffness are 14.981 kN/mm, 16.855 kN/mm, 2.0939 kN m/rad and 6.4432 kN m/rad, respectively, which meet the design requirements, and the sensitivities of each component of the optimized sensor have been well increased to be 2.969, 2.762, 4.010, 2.762, 2.653 and 2.760 times as those of the sensor with initial structural parameters. The sensor prototype with optimized parameters was produced. According to the calibration experiment of the sensor, the maximum Class I and II errors and measurement uncertainty of each force/torque component of the sensor are 1.835%F.S., 1.018%F.S. and 1.606%F.S., respectively. All of them are below the required 2%F.S.Originality/valueHence, the conclusion can be drawn that the sensor has excellent comprehensive performance and meets the expected practical engineering requirements.

Entropy Engineering Constrain Phase Transitions Enable Ultralong-life Prussian Blue Analogs Cathodes.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are considered as one of the most potential electrode materials in capacitive deionization (CDI) due to their unique 3D framework structure. However, their practical applications suffer from low desalination capacity and poor cyclic stability. Here, an entropy engineering strategy is proposed that incorporates high-entropy (HE) concept into PBAs to address the unfavorable multistage phase transitions during CDI desalination. By introducing five or more metals, which share N coordination site, high-entropy hexacyanoferrate (HE-HCF) is constructed, thereby increasing the configurational entropy of the system to above 1.5R and placing it into the high-entropy category. As a result, the developed HE-HCF demonstrates remarkable cycling performance, with a capacity retention rate of over 97% after undergoing 350 ultralong-life cycles of adsorption/desorption. Additionally, it exhibits a high desalination capacity of 77.24mg g-1 at 1.2V. Structural characterization and theoretical calculation reveal that high configurational entropy not only helps to restrain phase transition and strengthen structural stability, but also optimizes Na+ ions diffusion path and energy barrier, accelerates reaction kinetics and thus improves performance. This research introduces a new approach for designing electrodes with high performance, low cost, and long-lasting durability for capacitive deionization applications.

Advances in Organosulfur-Based Polymers for Drug Delivery Systems.

Organosulfur-based polymers have unique properties that make them useful for targeted and managed drug delivery, which can improve therapy while reducing side effects. This work aims to provide a brief review of the synthesis strategies, characterization techniques, and packages of organosulfur-based polymers in drug delivery. More importantly, this work discusses the characterization, biocompatibility, controlled release, nanotechnology, and targeted therapeutic aspects of these important structural units. This review provides not only a good comprehension of organosulfur-based polymers but also an insightful discussion of potential future prospectives in research. The discovery of novel organosulfur polymers and innovations is highly expected to be stimulated in order to synthesize polymer prototypes with increased functional accuracy, efficiency, and low cost for many industrial applications.