Multicomponent Technology Research Articles

WORLD HERITAGE SUSTAINABILITY: OMBILIN COAL MINING HERITAGE OF SAWAHLUNTO

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS) is a World Heritage originating from Indonesia, which was designated by UNESCO at its 42nd session in Baku, Azerbaijan. This World Heritage achievement has made Sawahlunto City known nationally and even internationally. OCMHS has extraordinary universal value that must be protected and preserved, because it represents multi-component technology starting from mines, mining towns, railways and ports that are well designed and integrated. This research uses historical methods, namely 1) Heuristics, namely looking for data that is relevant to the research; 2) Source Criticism, namely testing the truth and accuracy of the data obtained; 3) Interpretation, namely the stage of classifying data and facts, synthesizing facts, so that historical reconstruction can be carried out; 4) Historiography is a stage of writing like an academic work. In the course of 4 (four) years after the establishment of OCMHS, various problems emerged, starting with the resolution of 16 (sixteen) notes from the World Heritage secretariat that had not been fulfilled, a management body that had not yet been formed, the absence of adequate budget support, unclear distribution duties between the West Sumatra Provincial Government and the Central Government, regional governments run their own course in managing OCMHS assets. The management of the OCMHS World Heritage site is about joint efforts to harmonize and equalize frequencies. This is still a challenge and homework for the Central Government, Regional Government and various parties involved in it, with the aim of preserving OCMHS as a World Heritage.

Free disposal hull models of multicomponent technologies

AbstractFree disposal hull (FDH) is a nonparametric model of production technology based on the single assumption of free disposability of all inputs and outputs. In this paper, we consider multicomponent production technologies in which every decision making unit (DMU) consists of several parallel component processes that can in principle operate independently of each other, provided they have sufficient resources. An example is universities viewed as DMUs, with their departments or groups of departments viewed as component processes. Each component process uses its own set of inputs and an unknown part of the shared inputs in order to produce its own set of outputs and an unknown part of the shared outputs. We allow combinations of component processes taken from different DMUs in order to construct new hypothetical DMUs, and refer to the resulting model of technology as the multicomponent FDH (MFDH) model. We further develop a larger, and mathematically nontrivial, variant of MFDH for the case in which we can specify certain bounds on the proportions in which shared inputs and outputs are allocated to component processes. We use an illustrative example in the context of universities to demonstrate the increasing discriminatory power of the new MFDH models over the standard FDH models in the multicomponent setting.

A Highly Integrated AFM-SEM Correlative Analysis Platform

Abstract We describe the first truly correlative atomic force micro­scopy-scanning electron microscopy (AFM-SEM) platform designed from first principles and from the ground up for the study of sample properties under a wide range of magnifications. Combining these two microscopy techniques, “in situ,” into a highly integrated workstation opens unprecedented measurement capabilities at the nanoscale, while simplifying experiment workflows to yield a higher level of data throughput. Unlike SEM, the AFM offers true three-dimensional topo­graphy images, something SEM can only provide indirectly. This allows for the characterization of nano-mechanical properties, as well as for magnetic and electrical characterization of samples, which are increasingly of interest in material science, multi-component technologies (that is, solar cell and battery research), and pharmaceutical investigations. On the other hand, the SEM’s wide field-of-view is critical in identifying regions of interest with feature sizes of less than a micron, which are notoriously difficult to find over large spatial scales in conventional AFM systems. In addition, the SEM’s ability to visualize the AFM tip facilitates its navigation to aid the characterization of samples with challenging three-dimensional topographies. In this paper, we describe the major elements of the system design and demonstrate how correlative microscopy can help the characterization of samples with challenging morphologies such as the edge of a razor blade or the nanomechanical analysis of platinum nanopillars.

Virtual healthcare solutions for cardiac rehabilitation: a literature review.

Graphical AbstractAdherence to cardiac rehabilitation following a primary event has been demonstrated to improve quality of life, increase functional capacity, and decrease hospitalizations and mortality. Mobile technologies offer an opportunity to improve both the quality and utilization of cardiac rehabilitation, and recent clinical studies investigated this technology. This literature review summarizes the current use of mobile health, wearable activity monitors (WAMs), and other multi-component technologies deployed to support home-based virtual cardiac rehabilitation. The methodology was adapted from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We identified 2094 records, of which 113 were eligible for qualitative analysis. Different virtual cardiac rehabilitation solutions were implemented in the studies: (i) multi-component interventions in 48 studies (42.5%), (ii) WAMs in 27 studies (23.9%), (iii) web-based communications solutions, and (iv) mobile apps, both in 19 studies (16.4%). Functional capacity was the most frequently reported primary outcome (k = 37, 32.7%), followed by user adherence/compliance (k = 35, 31.0%), physical activity (k = 27, 23.9%), and quality of life (k = 14, 12.4%). Studies provided a mixed assessment of the efficacy of virtual cardiac rehabilitation in attaining either significant improvements over baseline or significant improvements in outcomes compared with conventional rehabilitation. Efficacy outcomes with virtual cardiac rehabilitation sometimes improve on the centre-based outcomes; however, superior clinical efficacy may not necessarily be the only outcome of interest. The promise of virtual cardiac rehabilitation includes the potential for increased user adherence and longer-term patient engagement. If these outcomes can be improved, that would be a significant justification for using this technology.

Improving accuracy and efficiency in elastic finite difference modelling

Multicomponent technology has known to have a better imaging quality as compared to P-wave imaging. However, the cost of acquiring and processing the multicomponent data is more costly than P-wave imaging. Although P-wave imaging may have poorer imaging capability as compared to shear wave imaging, a good P-wave imaging can still be obtained if a good seismic modelling technique is used. Thus, this paper aims to enhance seismic modelling technique, in terms of accuracy, suppression of grid dispersion, and reduction in computation time. The finite difference (FD) technique is used as the modelling scheme, and the elastic modelling approach is used in this paper. The new method is applied on homogeneous model and synthetic data, and then compared to conventional FD modelling (4th order), higher order FD modelling (14th order), optimization of staggered grid coefficients such as least squares method and Wang & Liang’s method. The comparison will then be shown and discussed.

Trelleborg works to perfect thermoplastic-to-thermosetting elastomer bonding

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is aiming to further extend the opportunities for multicomponent technology by solving the issues associated with thermoplastic-to-thermosetting elastomer bonding.

Bonding strength calculation in multicomponent plastic processing technologies

ABSTRACT This study focuses on overmolding, a unique injection molding process. It enables a seamless combination of multiple materials into a single part. The bottleneck of overmolding is the interface strength between the paired elements. Interface strength depends on numerous factors, such as the interface topology, the physical and chemical properties of the paired materials, and the processing parameters of overmolding. These factors have a large number of possible combinations. This necessitates a modeling approach to predict the interface properties and find the optimal processing parameters of overmolding at an early design stage. Although injection molding is a well-known field for simulation, adhesion modeling between the substrate and overmolded elements is missing in all available simulation software. Our goal is to develop a simulation methodology that combines analytical models with simulation tools, to predict interface strength during overmolding. The principal novelty of the proposed methodology is that it considers the space-time dependency of the interface temperature – this has a significant influence on interface strength. We proved that the methodology we developed gives the most accurate results; it predicts the bonding strength of overmolded ABS, PC and PS parts with an error of less than 7%.

Health technologies for the prevention and detection of falls in adult hospital inpatients: a scoping review.

The objective of this scoping review was to examine and map the evidence relating to the reporting and evaluation of technologies for the prevention and detection of falls in adult hospital inpatients. Falls are a common cause of accidental injury, leading to significant safety issues in hospitals globally, and resulting in substantial human and economic costs. Previous research has focused on community settings with less emphasis on hospital settings. Participants included adult inpatients, aged 18 years and over; the concept included the use of fall-prevention or fall-detection technologies; the context included any hospital ward setting. This scoping review was conducted according to JBI methodology for scoping reviews, guided by an a priori protocol. A wide selection of databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PEDro, Epistimonikos, and Science Direct were searched for records from inception to October 2019. Other sources included gray literature, trial registers, government health department websites, and websites of professional bodies. Only studies in the English language were included. A three-step search strategy was employed, with all records exported for subsequent title and abstract screening prior to full-text screening. Screening was performed by two independent reviewers and data extraction by one reviewer following agreement checks. Data are presented in narrative and tabular form. Over 13,000 records were identified with 404 included in the scoping review: 336 reported on fall-prevention technologies, 51 targeted detection, and 17 concerned both. The largest contributions of studies came from the USA (n=185), Australia (n=65), the UK (n=36), and Canada (n=18). There was a variety of study designs including 77 prospective cohort studies, 33 before-after studies, and 35 systematic reviews; however, relatively few randomized controlled trials were conducted (n = 25). The majority of records reported on multifactorial and multicomponent technologies (n = 178), followed by fall detection devices (n = 86). Few studies reported on the following interventions in isolation: fall risk assessment (n = 6), environment design (n = 8), sitters (n = 5), rounding (n = 3), exercise (n = 3), medical/pharmaceutical (n = 2), physiotherapy (n = 1), and nutritional (n = 1). The majority (57%) of studies reported clinical effectiveness outcomes, with smaller numbers (14%) reporting feasibility and/or acceptability outcomes, or cost-effectiveness outcomes (5%). This review has mapped the literature on fall-prevention and fall-detection technology and outcomes for adults in the hospital setting. Despite the volume of available literature, there remains a need for further high-quality research on fall-prevention and fall-detection technologies.

Multiomics Profiling Reveals Protective Function of Schisandra Lignans against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

The action principles of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) feature multiactive components, multitarget sites, and weak combination with action targets. In the present study, we performed an integrated analysis of metabonomics, proteomics, and lipidomics to establish a scientific research system on the underlying mechanism of TCMs, and Schisandra lignan extract (SLE) was selected as a model TCM. In metabonomics, several metabolic pathways were found to mediate the liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP), and SLE could regulate the disorder of lipid metabolism. The proteomic study further proved that the hepatoprotective effect of SLE was closely related to the regulation of lipid metabolism. Indeed, the results of lipidomics demonstrated that SLE dosing has an obvious callback effect on APAP-induced lipidic profile shift. The contents of 25 diglycerides (DAGs) and 21 triglycerides (TAGs) were enhanced significantly by APAP-induced liver injury, which could further induce liver injury and inflammatory response by upregulating protein kinase C (PKCβ, PKCγ, PKCδ, and PKCθ). The upregulated lipids and PKCs could be reversed to the normal level by SLE dosing. More importantly, phosphatidic acid phosphatase, fatty acid transport protein 5, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 were proved to be positively associated with the regulation of DAGs and TAGs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Integrated multiomics was first used to reveal the mechanism of APAP-induced acute liver failure (ALF) and the hepatoprotective role of SLE. The results showed that the ALF caused by APAP was closely related to lipid regulation and that SLE dosing could exert a hepatoprotective role by reducing intrahepatic diglyceride and triglyceride levels. Our research can not only promote the application of multicomponent technology in the study of the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines but also provide an effective approach for the prevention and treatment of ALF.

Direct evidence of Neanderthal fibre technology and its cognitive and behavioral implications

Neanderthals are often considered as less technologically advanced than modern humans. However, we typically only find faunal remains or stone tools at Paleolithic sites. Perishable materials, comprising the vast majority of material culture items, are typically missing. Individual twisted fibres on stone tools from the Abri du Maras led to the hypothesis of Neanderthal string production in the past, but conclusive evidence was lacking. Here we show direct evidence of fibre technology in the form of a 3-ply cord fragment made from inner bark fibres on a stone tool recovered in situ from the same site. Twisted fibres provide the basis for clothing, rope, bags, nets, mats, boats, etc. which, once discovered, would have become an indispensable part of daily life. Understanding and use of twisted fibres implies the use of complex multi-component technology as well as a mathematical understanding of pairs, sets, and numbers. Added to recent evidence of birch bark tar, art, and shell beads, the idea that Neanderthals were cognitively inferior to modern humans is becoming increasingly untenable.

New large-scale production method for C/C-SiC ceramics: Investigating the influence of chopped and nonwoven CF

Carbon fibre reinforced carbon and silicon carbide dual matrix composites are a commercially produced using the liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process. In comparison to the state of the art LSI process, the first production step—the shaping of the carbon fibre reinforced plastic green body—is realised through thermoset injection moulding. Using this method, the complete process can be automated. Simultaneously, the injection moulding technology allows complex geometries with near net shape in short cycle times of about two to five minutes. Thereby, this large-scale process offers a wide range of shot weights from a few mg up to 100 kg, also in multi-component technology. Also, several manufacturing steps can be omitted. This improves the reproducibility, and working in closed environments improves the employees’ health protection. Further process steps, like pyrolysis and silicon infiltration follow the state of the art. Although, this promising approach significantly shortens the fibres, the defined plastic processing is highly reproducible and generates similar mechanical properties like manual processes, due to the better fibre/matrix interaction in the plastic composite. In addition, continuous fibre preforms can be inserted to fulfil higher requirements.

Ambient Sensors for Elderly Care and Independent Living: A Survey.

Elderly care at home is a matter of great concern if the elderly live alone, since unforeseen circumstances might occur that affect their well-being. Technologies that assist the elderly in independent living are essential for enhancing care in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Elderly care applications often demand real-time observation of the environment and the resident’s activities using an event-driven system. As an emerging area of research and development, it is necessary to explore the approaches of the elderly care system in the literature to identify current practices for future research directions. Therefore, this work is aimed at a comprehensive survey of non-wearable (i.e., ambient) sensors for various elderly care systems. This research work is an effort to obtain insight into different types of ambient-sensor-based elderly monitoring technologies in the home. With the aim of adopting these technologies, research works, and their outcomes are reported. Publications have been included in this survey if they reported mostly ambient sensor-based monitoring technologies that detect elderly events (e.g., activities of daily living and falls) with the aim of facilitating independent living. Mostly, different types of non-contact sensor technologies were identified, such as motion, pressure, video, object contact, and sound sensors. Besides, multicomponent technologies (i.e., combinations of ambient sensors with wearable sensors) and smart technologies were identified. In addition to room-mounted ambient sensors, sensors in robot-based elderly care works are also reported. Research that is related to the use of elderly behavior monitoring technologies is widespread, but it is still in its infancy and consists mostly of limited-scale studies. Elderly behavior monitoring technology is a promising field, especially for long-term elderly care. However, monitoring technologies should be taken to the next level with more detailed studies that evaluate and demonstrate their potential to contribute to prolonging the independent living of elderly people.

The Detroit Young Adult Asthma Project: Proposal for a Multicomponent Technology Intervention for African American Emerging Adults With Asthma.

BackgroundRacial and ethnic minority youth have poorer asthma status than white youth, even after controlling for socioeconomic variables. Proper use of asthma controller medications is critical in reducing asthma mortality and morbidity. The clinical consequences of poor asthma management include increased illness complications, excessive functional morbidity, and fatal asthma attacks. There are significant limitations in research on interventions to improve asthma management in racial minority populations, particularly minority adolescents and young adults, although illness management tends to deteriorate after adolescence during emerging adulthood, the unique developmental period beyond adolescence but before adulthood.ObjectiveThe objective of the pilot study was to test the feasibility, acceptability, and signals of efficacy of an intervention targeting adherence to controller medication in African American youth (ages 18-29) with asthma. All elements of the protocol were piloted in a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)–funded pilot study (1R34HL107664 MacDonell). Results suggested feasibility and acceptability of the protocol as well as proof of concept. We are now ready to test the intervention in a larger randomized clinical trial.MethodsThe proposed study will include 192 African American emerging adults with moderate to severe persistent asthma and low controller medication adherence recruited from clinic, emergency department, and community settings. Half of the sample will be randomized to receive a multicomponent technology-based intervention targeting adherence to daily controller medication. The multicomponent technology-based intervention consists of 2 components: (1) 2 sessions of computer-delivered motivational interviewing targeting medication adherence and (2) individualized text messaging focused on medication adherence between the sessions. Text messages will be individualized based on ecological momentary assessment. The remaining participants will complete a series of computer-delivered asthma education modules matched for length, location, and method of delivery of the intervention session. Control participants will also receive text messages between intervention sessions. Message content will be the same for all control participants and contain general facts about asthma (not tailored).ResultsIt is hypothesized that youth randomized to multicomponent technology-based intervention will show improvements in medication adherence (primary outcome) and asthma control (secondary outcome) compared with comparison condition at all postintervention follow-ups (3, 6, 9, and 12 months). The proposed study was funded by NHLBI from September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2021.ConclusionsThis project will test a brief, technology-based intervention specifically targeting adherence to asthma controller medications in an under-researched population, African American emerging adults. If successful, our multicomponent technology-based intervention aimed at improving adherence to asthma medications has the potential to improve quality of life of minority emerging adults with asthma at relatively low cost. It could eventually be integrated into clinical settings and practice to reach a large number of emerging adults with asthma.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03121157; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03121157 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wq4yWHPv)

Green Quantification Strategy Combined with Chemometric Analysis for Triglycerides in Seeds Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Triglycerides are the primary constituents of some seed kernels used in traditional Chinese medicine. Quality control of seed kernels containing multiple components with an environmentally friendly method is indispensable for establishing their quality standards (called monographs) in pharmacopeia. Using coix seeds (Semen Coicis) as an example, a green quantification strategy was proposed by combining C8 core-shell particles with single standard to determine multicomponent technologies to quantify seven triglycerides simultaneously. A core-shell column, namely, Halo C8 (3.0 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm), was used. Methanol was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, enabling UV detection of the elutes. Seven triglycerides were well separated in 20 min, and simultaneously quantified using triolein as a single standard. The conversion factor for each standard was set as 1.0 on ELSD, while for the conversion factors at 203 nm, the values increased with the reduction of linoleate. The recovery values were all in the range of 97 - 107% (RSD < 3.0%). The RSD values of precision, including intraday and intermediate precision, were < 3.0% when the total content of triglycerides was calculated. The linearity reached r ≥ 0.9990, and the limit of quantitation reached 40 - 70 ng. Forty-nine batches of coix seeds from four different places of origins and eight batches of adulterants were evaluated and differentiated using principal component analysis. In addition, the validated method was used successfully to quantity seven triglycerides in Semen Persicae, Semen Armeniacae Amarum, and Semen Pruni.

How Do Farmers Learn From Extension Services?: Evidence From Malawi

Agricultural extension services can play an important role in increasing farmer yields and incomes yet evidence of the effectiveness of extension services in Sub-Saharan Africa has been mixed. We study farmers learning about agricultural technologies using a (quasi) randomized controlled trial in which farmers differ in their exposure to commonly used extension methods that range in their intensity of interaction. We find that farmers who participated in season-long farmer-led demonstration plot cultivation learn about the critical adoption details of production processes and adopt more components of a new, multi-component technology. Farmers invited to attend farmer field day events learn considerably less about production process details. Building on qualitative interviews, we then develop a two-stage learning process in which farmers first form yield expectations and then choose how much to invest in learning the details of the production processes subject to yield beliefs and the learning costs. We test this model using detailed data on beliefs, knowledge, adoption and constraints and find evidence that farmers yield beliefs hinge around observed yield, and these observed yields affect learning efforts.

Researchers Dig Into the ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Device Use by People With SMI

Researchers Dig Into the ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Device Use by People With SMI

The sectoral configuration of technological innovation systems: Patterns of knowledge development and diffusion in the lithium-ion battery technology in Japan

Technological innovation systems (TISs) have found favor for analyzing a technology’s innovation dynamics. Complementary to TISs, the sectoral innovation systems approach focuses on sectoral peculiarities regarding innovation. This paper represents a first step towards integrating the sectoral dimension into TIS analysis. This seems particularly relevant for multi-component technologies, since their underlying innovation dynamics involve multiple sectors. We introduce the “sectoral configuration” of a TIS, which relates to the number and types of sectors linked via a TIS’s value chain, and elaborate how the sectoral configuration plays out for a TIS’s functional dynamics. We apply our theoretical framework to the knowledge development and diffusion function. Based on a quantitative analysis of patent data for lithium-ion batteries in Japan (1985–2005), we find that different sectors vary in importance for knowledge development and diffusion, especially with regard to the technology’s evolution over time. Our findings suggest that the sectoral configuration deserves more attention in future TIS analyses. This would support a better understanding of functional mechanisms, and therefore offer the potential to derive enhanced TIS-based policy recommendations regarding the nature and balance between demand-pull, technology-push and interface improvement policies.

Sandwich Immunoassays of Multicomponent Subtrace Pathogenic DNA Based on Magnetic Fluorescent Encoded Nanoparticles

A novel magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoimmunoassay system for multicomponent detection and separation of the subtrace pathogenic DNA (hepatitis B virus surface gene, HBV; hepatitis A virus poly the protein gene, HAV) was established based on new type of magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoparticles and sandwich immunoassay principle. This method combines multifunctional nanoparticles, immunoassay technique, fluorescence labeling, and magnetic separation of multicomponent technology. It has many advantages such as high sensitivity, low detection limit, easy operation, and great potential for development. The results of this work show that, based on nanoimmunoassay system, it could quantitatively detect the multicomponent trace pathogenic HAV and HBV DNA, as well as detection limit up to 0.1 pM and 0.12 pM. Furthermore, with the improvement of the performances of magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoparticles, the sensitivity will be further improved. In this experiment, a new nanoimmunoassay system based on magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoparticles was established, which will provide a new way for the immunoassay and separation of multicomponent biomolecules.

Advantages of joint interpretation of P-P and P-SV seismic data in geothermal exploration

Conventional P-P seismic images of geothermal reservoirs are often of poor quality because P-P data tend to have a low signal-to-noise ratio across geothermal prospects. Fracture identification, fluid prediction, and imaging inside subsurface areas influenced by superheated fluids are some of the challenges facing the geothermal industry. We showed that multicomponent seismic technology is effective for addressing all of these challenges across geothermal reservoirs, even when P-P data are of low quality. Although multicomponent seismic technology has advantages in geothermal exploration, there are not many published examples of multicomponent seismic data being used to characterize geothermal reservoirs. We evaluated data examples that illustrate advantages of multicomponent seismic technology for imaging within and below zones having superheated fluids, estimating fracture attributes, analyzing reservoir trapping structures, differentiating lithologies, and predicting spatial distributions of pore fluids. All examples we tested are from the Wister geothermal field in Southern California.

Interpretation of fractures and joint inversion using multicomponent seismic data — Marcellus Shale example

Evaluating and exploiting unconventional complex oil and gas reservoirs such as the Marcellus Shale gas reservoirs within the Appalachian Basin in Pennsylvania, USA, have gained considerable interest in recent years. Technologies such as conventional 3D seismic, horizontal drilling, and hydraulic fracturing have been at the forefront of the effort to exploit these resources. Recently, multicomponent seismic technologies have been integrated into some resource evaluation and reservoir characterization activities of low-permeability rock systems. We evaluated how multicomponent seismic technology provides value to reservoir characterization in shale gas exploration. We improved fault interpretations and natural fracture identifications by means of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] integrated interpretation. In addition, using P-P-/P-SV-joint inversion, we extracted key parameters, such as [Formula: see text] ratio and density, that improve stratigraphic interpretation and rock-property descriptions of shale gas reservoirs.