Multifunctional Technologies Research Articles

Microrobotics in endodontics: A perspective.

Microorganisms are the primary aetiological factor of apical periodontitis. The goal of endodontic treatment is to prevent and eliminate the infection by removing the microorganisms. However, microbial biofilms and the complex root canal anatomy impair the disinfection process. Effective and precise endodontic therapy could potentially be achieved using advanced multifunctional technologies that have the ability to access hard-to-reach surfaces and perform simultaneous biofilm killing, removal, and detection of microorganisms. Advances in microrobotics are providing novel therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities with high precision and efficacy to address current biofilm-related challenges in biomedicine. Concurrently, multifunctional magnetic microrobots have been developed to overcome the disinfection challenges of current approaches to disrupt, kill, and retrieve biofilms with the goal of enhancing the efficacy and precision of endodontic therapy. This article reviews the recent advances of microrobotics in healthcare and particularly advances to overcome disinfection challenges in endodontics, and provides perspectives for future research in the field.

Topological and chiral superconductor nanoarchitectures

3D nano-superconductors, with non-trivial geometry-driven topological phenomena, stand as promising systems for the future evolution of efficient and multifunctional technologies. However, the substantial challenges inherent in the experimental work, particularly regarding the fabrication and characterization of 3D nanoscale geometries and unconventional topologies of superconducting states, have confined the majority of investigations in this domain until recently to the realms of computational and theoretical studies. We overview the recent advancements in fabricating superconductor 3D nanoarchitectures and unveiling their fascinating physical properties that occur due to the geometry-induced topology and chirality, which offer a broad spectrum of applications of these nanostructures for the front-line development of various modern technologies.

Techno-economic-environmental analysis and optimization of biomass-based SOFC poly-generation system

This study presents and investigates a biomass-based SOFC assisted carbon capture poly-generation system, which is integrated with the transcritical CO2 cycle, recompression supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle and double-effect LiBr absorption refrigeration cycle. In addition to supplying cooling, heating and power output, the proposed system can also provide the recovered condensate and the captured CO2. The techno-economic-environmental analysis and four-criteria optimization are performed to comprehensively investigate the system performance. The simulation results show that under the design condition, the overall efficiency, exergy efficiency and total cost rate of the system reach 93.00 %, 29.95 %, and 17.75 $/h. Parametric analysis reveals that the net power output reaches a maximum of 99.66 kW at the SOFC inlet temperature of 550 °C and the current density of 3680 A/m2. Besides, the four-criteria (the thermal efficiency, the exergy efficiency, the total cost rate and the life-cycle CO2 emissions) optimization results demonstrate that the exergy efficiency is increased by 3.19 % and the total cost rate is reduced by 21.18 % in the optimal condition compared with the base case. This work can provide references for the development and exploration of high-efficiency, low-emission, low-cost and multi-functional technologies for the biomass-based SOFC hybrid power system.

A Novel Injectable Piezoelectric Hydrogel for Periodontal Disease Treatment.

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial, bacterially induced inflammatory condition characterized by the progressive destruction of periodontal tissues. The successful nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis requires multifunctional technologies offering antibacterial therapies and promotion of bone regeneration simultaneously. For the first time, in this study, an injectable piezoelectric hydrogel (PiezoGEL) was developed after combining gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) with biocompatible piezoelectric fillers of barium titanate (BTO) that produce electrical charges when stimulated by biomechanical vibrations (e.g., mastication, movements). We harnessed the benefits of hydrogels (injectable, light curable, conforms to pocket spaces, biocompatible) with the bioactive effects of piezoelectric charges. A thorough biomaterial characterization confirmed piezoelectric fillers' successful integration with the hydrogel, photopolymerizability, injectability for clinical use, and electrical charge generation to enable bioactive effects (antibacterial and bone tissue regeneration). PiezoGEL showed significant reductions in pathogenic biofilm biomass (∼41%), metabolic activity (∼75%), and the number of viable cells (∼2-3 log) compared to hydrogels without BTO fillers in vitro. Molecular analysis related the antibacterial effects to be associated with reduced cell adhesion (downregulation of porP and fimA) and increased oxidative stress (upregulation of oxyR) genes. Moreover, PiezoGEL significantly enhanced bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) viability and osteogenic differentiation by upregulating RUNX2, COL1A1, and ALP. In vivo, PiezoGEL effectively reduced periodontal inflammation and increased bone tissue regeneration compared to control groups in a mice model. Findings from this study suggest PiezoGEL to be a promising and novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of periodontal disease nonsurgically.

How perceived green benefits influence multifunctional technologies’ usage

AbstractThis paper evaluates how the convergence (integration) of green characteristics in multifunctional technological products/services affects consumers’ decision making, evaluating intention to purchase convergent products in these specific scenarios with green attributes. Three studies were developed. The first two focused on when the inclusion or exclusion of green attributes changes consumers’ perspectives related to (1) utilitarian or hedonic characteristics in the convergence, and (2) selfish or altruistic characteristics of technology usage. The last study incorporated a change in the independent variable from the inclusion or exclusion of green attributes to the inclusion of green attributes as a benefit. Therein, both research scenarios included green characteristics, one related to the periphery and other to the centrality of the product, with a moderating effect of (3) high or low brand trust according to the green convergence design. The results demonstrate that green characteristics are better suited to scenarios in which most of the convergence relates to utilitarian attributes in products, but egoistic characteristics in services, the latter of which reflects a hedonic perspective. Concerning both scenarios of a product with green characteristics, the green benefit is better suited to the utilitarian context, in which the brand is perceived as important, leading to a high level of trust.

Special issue on advanced multifunctional antenna technologies for 5G and beyond

Special issue on advanced multifunctional antenna technologies for 5G and beyond

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ УРОКІВ У ПОЧАТКОВІЙ ШКОЛІ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ МЕТОДУ ВИВЧЕННЯ СИТУАЦІЙ

Case study is one of the active approaches to learning, which is considered a more effective way to develop professional skills and achieve learning outcomes than traditional teaching methods. However interactive teaching methods require more responsibility, innovation of the primary school teacher and involvement of students in the educational process. The article examines the problem of introducing into the practice of primary school teachers the method of studying situations (case study) as a promising method of forming an educated, creative personality. The expediency of using case-based technologies for the formation of vital competence junior student, improving the quality of education in primary schools. Case study is considered by specialists as a method of interactive learning that provides a combination of theory with practice and knowledge with competencies. This method allows to implement the learning process in primary school on fundamentally different methodological approaches. Features, types, forms and other methodical characteristics of cases are considered, the structure of lessons in elementary school with use of a case method is described. The problems of introduction of the method in the educational process of primary school are also described. It is characterized by the means of the teacher's work in the context of the use of case-methods in more educated students. It was found solutions such research tasks as – understanding of the case as a multi-functional technologies; – characterization of educational opportunities Case technology; Studying of its content, the main types of structure in terms of achieving the objectives of formation of vital competence of the younger schoolboy. Тhe basic components of this technology are analyzed. It is noted that the work with cases in the classroom allows applying the theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, helps to develop students' independent thinking, linking theory with practice. The work with cases is creative and is a determiner of the high level of teaching.

PHOTOBIOCONJUGATES OBTAINED BY SYNTHESIS NANOPARTICLES AG0 AND CDS IN PHYCOERITHRIN: PROPERTIES USEFUL FOR MEDICINE

New photosensitive bioconjugates of phycoerythrin (PE) with Ag0 and CdS nanoparticles have been obtained and characterized. Optical, photochemical and electrical properties of Ag0•PE and CdS•PE can be useful for their applications in multifunctional technologies, at creating intellect materials, potentiometric sensors controlled by light, etc.

Transparent flexible thermoelectric material based on non-toxic earth-abundant p-type copper iodide thin film

Thermoelectric devices that are flexible and optically transparent hold unique promise for future electronics. However, development of invisible thermoelectric elements is hindered by the lack of p-type transparent thermoelectric materials. Here we present the superior room-temperature thermoelectric performance of p-type transparent copper iodide (CuI) thin films. Large Seebeck coefficients and power factors of the obtained CuI thin films are analysed based on a single-band model. The low-thermal conductivity of the CuI films is attributed to a combined effect of the heavy element iodine and strong phonon scattering. Accordingly, we achieve a large thermoelectric figure of merit of ZT=0.21 at 300 K for the CuI films, which is three orders of magnitude higher compared with state-of-the-art p-type transparent materials. A transparent and flexible CuI-based thermoelectric element is demonstrated. Our findings open a path for multifunctional technologies combing transparent electronics, flexible electronics and thermoelectricity.

A Novel Integrated Building Energy System for High Performance Façade

Qatar National Development Strategy (QNDS 2011-2016) stated that residential cooling loads count for two-thirds of the energy consumption. The extreme high air-conditioning loads raise the urgent need for novel and multifunctional technologies that reduce the thermal energy demand. The Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) mandated thermal energy benchmarks to reduce the building's need for cooling. The most predominant impact on cooling loads is the solar radiation. Reflecting or reuse of solar radiation has attracted the attention of several researchers. This paper focuses on void space thermal insulation (VSTI) that functions to deliver high performance active and / or passive thermal insulation performance in buildings in tandem with managed fresh air ventilation supply for clean, healthy indoor environments. VSTI can combine the heat losses with the HVAC systems for better building performance. Different embodiments of the VSTI will include brick-block and steel frame constrictions, sandwich panels for pre-cast concrete constructions, internal wall insulation and external wall insulation. Initial modelling results showed that a VSTI panel can potentially deliver the desired level of fabric performance, using only 50% of the insulation thickness irrespective of what insulation material is used. In this paper, a dynamic simulation model was used to estimate the energy and carbon reduction due to the use of VSTI for a residential room. The results showed around 12% reduction in the cooling load and 4% in the overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Multifunctional superparamagnetic nanoshells: combining two-photon luminescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and magnetic separation.

With the increasing need for multi-purpose analysis in the biomedical field, traditional single diagnosis methods cannot meet the requirements. Therefore new multifunctional technologies and materials for the integration of sample collection, sensing and imaging are in great demand. Core-shell nanoparticles offer a unique platform to combine multifunctions in a single particle. In this work, we have constructed a novel type of core-shell superparamagnetic nanoshell (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Au), composed of a Fe₃O₄ cluster core, a thin Au shell and a SiO₂ layer in between. The obtained multifunctional nanoparticles combine the magnetic properties and plasmonic optical properties effectively, which were well investigated by a number of experimental characterization methods and theoretical simulations. We have demonstrated that Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Au nanoparticles can be utilized for two-photon luminescence (TPL) imaging, near-infrared surface-enhanced Raman scattering (NIR SERS) and cell collection by magnetic separation. The TPL intensity could be further greatly enhanced through the plasmon coupling effect in the self-assembled nanoparticle chains, which were triggered by an external magnetic field. In addition, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Au nanoparticles may have great potential applications such as enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photo-thermotherapy. Successful combination of multifunctions including magnetic response, biosensing and bioimaging in single nanoparticles allows further manipulation, real-time tracking, and intracellular molecule analysis of live cells at a single-cell level.

Process intensification: New technologies (SMBR and PermSMBR) for the synthesis of acetals

Acetals, as 1,1-diethoxyethane (DEE) and 1,1-dibutoxyethane (DBE), can be used as green oxygenates for diesel blending due to their capacity to reduce particulate matter emissions and to enhance the diesel cetane number. The use of multifunctional technologies, where reaction and separation occur in the same unit, provides the most feasible engineering solution for their synthesis, which involves equilibrium limited reactions. Motivated by that, two innovative technologies for the production of DEE and DBE acetals were explored: the Simulated Moving Bed Reactor and the recently developed Simulated Moving Bed Membrane Reactor – PermSMBR. In this work, the main results and characteristics of each process are presented and discussed.

The importance of technology integration capabilities: evaluating the impact of 3D technologies on product development performance in Japan and China

New multi-functional technologies often require technology integration capabilities that integrate new technologies into their organizational processes and introduce internal changes to ensure an effective fit with the new technology. This paper endeavours to examine the impact of 3D technologies such as 3D CAD on product development performance by means of a questionnaire survey. The results indicate that Japanese companies improved the performance as a result of the process reformations leveraged by the utilization of 3D technologies; however, no significant relationships were observed among the utilization of 3D technologies, process reformations, and total performance improvements for the Chinese companies surveyed.

Adsorptive removal of arsenic from aqueous solution by a PVDF/zirconia blend flat sheet membrane

The groundwater contaminated with arsenic is often associated with unwanted natural organic matters and microorganisms. It is therefore important to develop multi-functional technologies for the treatment of groundwater. In this study, a PVDF/zirconia blend flat sheet membrane was prepared so that it could adsorb arsenate and remove other contaminants such as microorganisms. The crystal structure, hydrophobicity, porosity, water flux and arsenic adsorption capacity of the membrane were investigated. The PVDF was α-form and the zirconia was amorphous in the membrane. The addition of zirconia increased the hydrophilicity and porosity of the membrane, which led to a significant enhancement in the water flux of membrane. The batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that the membrane effectively removed arsenate in a wide optimal pH ranging from 3 to 8. The adsorption equilibrium could be established in 25 h, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 21.5 mg/g, comparable to most of the available adsorbents. Co-anions such as fluoride did not obviously affect the adsorption. In addition, the membrane was efficient for removal of arsenate and bacteria ( Escherichia coli) under continuous filtration. The membrane saturated by arsenate could be easily regenerated using an alkaline solution and subsequently be reused. Finally, a potential interaction mechanism between the membrane and arsenate was proposed based on the results obtained from FTIR and XPS studies.

Encapsulation of Luminescent Silicon Nanocrystals within Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres: Synthesis and Effect on Photoluminescence

ABSTRACTSilicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) are of significant research interest owing to their quantum confined photoluminescent (PL) properties and biological inertness. A promising application of these NCs is as the luminescent component in multifunctional biomedical technologies. In this report, we demonstrate the encapsulation of alkyl terminated Si-NCs within a mesoporous silica shell as a multifunctional imaging and drug delivery architecture. The Si-NC concentration was found to critically impact the nanoshell morphology. The impact of the encapsulation process on the Si-NC PL was studied, showing a blue-shift and decrease in intensity attributed to the oxidation of Si-NCs under basic conditions.

A Sociotechnological Model for Family Research and Intervention: How Information and Communication Technologies Affect Family Life

The social impact of rapidly evolving information and communication technologies has become the focus of research across many disciplines. Although family scientists recognize the importance of contributing to the discourse, few studies have applied a family theoretical perspective. This article introduces a sociotechnological family conceptual model that organizes existing research and suggests areas for future study and intervention. The model uses an ecological approach and bidirectional conceptualization that acknowledges both the effect of multifunctional technologies, such as cellular phones or personal computers, on and the influence of familial, extrafamilial, and individual characteristics on how those technologies are incorporated within the family context. The Perceived Impact of Home Computer Use on Family Relationships study is used to illustrate how the sociotechnological model advances understanding of the influence information and communication technology has on family life.